Ok then, the second interlude of… some amount. Honestly, given how many different POVs people want, it might take a few chapters. But hey, you guys asked, and you shall receive. And thanks to everyone for the ideas they're bringing in. There are so many I'm almost losing track of them. I should probably start writing them down somewhere.
Now, several of you want an OC based on Lady Maria from Bloodborne. I've never actually played the game (don't have a PS4 and I'm not a fan of those 'Nintendo Hard' games like Dark Souls and stuff) but I've been reading about the game for a while, and I think it's a great idea. Got a few ideas for her, so we'll see her in a future interlude.
Now, Goodpie2 pointed out that on Spacebattles, people have been talking about Shards of Impossibility. Some good, some bad. I gave it a quick look, even though criticisms of any kind tend to have me waste time mulling over my mistakes instead of writing, and I saw there were some genuine points in there. First off, while this started off as trying to treat both sides evenly, I won't pretend that Alex wasn't always going to be a damn badass. I'm a big Prototype fan (really wish we'd get a third game) and so like many fanfic writers, my story is going to support my favourite mass-murdering grumpy machine. I know some people come here for the Worm side of things, but it seems that plenty are enjoying seeing Alex being an uber badass that kicks ass and takes names.
That said, during these interludes, I am planning on focusing more on the Worm world than Alex. He'll be relegated to a background character for the interludes, unless he needs to step forward for some reason. So people can end up talking to him, or fighting him, or just meeting him, but they won't be focused on him. And I will introduce capes and other things that could be a bit more of a challenge for him (or as much as they can when he's functionally immortal. Think Alucard from Hellsing, but even stronger).
Well, can't think of anything else to say without spoiling the interlude. So let's get into it.
Chapter 16: Aftermath – Protectorate
Legend sighed as he finally reached his home. The day had been a draining time, both physically and emotionally. All those families he had to personally meet, to tell them that their children aren't coming home anymore. Sorting out what was left of their forces, trying to figure out how long they could mourn their fallen for. Looking at the reports flooding in from all over America, looking for patterns and seeing which areas needed back-up. Eidolon offered to help, but as the sole 'face' of the Triumvirate, this was mostly something he could only do himself.
Damn you Rebecca. He thought angrily. None of this would've happened if you hadn't thought you knew all the answers. You should've waited for Contessa, Doctor Mother, and The Number Man to have sorted through everything and made a decision. But no, you couldn't. You were so damn sure that only you knew the right course that you just jumped in without thinking. He then felt ashamed for thinking like that. She had only been trying to do the right thing. And he had gone along with it. He knew that their fight would've eventually spread to Mercer. But he had believed that the sheer number of capes on their side would've overwhelmed him.
How naïve of him to think that. Mercer was akin to an Endbringer than a man. It amazed him how science and luck had created such a monster. He sighed again as he walked down the hall, pulling his mask off.
There was the sound of running feet, and then Arthur – gentle, handsome Arthur – came running into the hallway, glasses askew. He took one look at Legend before running to him, wrapping his arms around him. Legend pulled him into a hug, and felt his tears against his suit. They both stood there, holding each other close and crying quietly.
"I… I never thought… Never thought I'd see you again." Arthur sobbed. Legend felt a twinge of guilt. He had been so busy picking up the shattered pieces and trying to put them back together again that he never called Arthur to let him know he was alive. Shame flooded him. Some husband he was.
"I'm sorry." He apologised. "I should've told you that I survived as soon as I could. I've just been…"
"I know." Arthur let go of him, one hand wiping the tears away. He gave him a sad smile. "You've been busy. By god, you've been busier than ever."
"…How much news has been reported?" He asked, feeling worried. Depending on what they said, his job could get even more difficult.
"They're still talking about it. I've been watching it in the living room." Arthur turned around and walked back into the room he came out of. Legend followed him, eager to see what was being said. The TV showed an aerial shot of what had been the Brockton Bay PRT Offices, and the massive craters the worm monster had made. A female news reporter was talking.
"…Concerns about the Protectorate's ability to now police the country." She was saying. "Crime has steadily been rising over the past twenty-four hours as villains and criminals alike realise that there are just not enough heroes to stop them all. Several capes have been reported to have left their offices in anger, reportedly resigning in protest of what happened. The PRT itself is now stretched thin trying to fill out the numbers and make an appearance to try and keep the peace. Of greater concern though…" Arthur muted the TV, turning to look at Legend. Legend took in his appearance, drinking it in so he would always remember him. A shorter, thinner man, with frizzled red hair. Horn-rimmed glasses and a narrow face.
"Is it really as bad as they're saying, John?" He asked quietly.
Legend sighed. "Worse." He flopped down into his favourite chair. "This is just the problems we're facing in the short-term. The long-term effects are going to be even worse. Villains are going to be more daring now. Not just because there's fewer of us, but because they see us as too weak to stop them. Civilians and the government are going to be more critical about us now. People aren't going to remember all the good we've done, all the lives we've saved. They're going to remember that despite our best efforts, we lost and entire city to one villain."
"Blacklight."
"It's Zeus now. Don't really get why he changed it. Don't suppose it really matters. Doesn't change the fact that we keep fighting him and he just. Keeps. Winning."
"I'm not sure if I would call those…"
"They are victories, Arthur." He said heatedly. "Every fight, he ends up in a better position than before. He adapts to what's worked before, he gains new powers, he gains something from his fights. And meanwhile everyone else loses somebody to him." He sighed, pressing both hands against his head. "Sorry. I don't mean to yell at you."
"You're in a bad situation. It's perfectly fine to need to vent." Arthur said soothingly, hand resting on his shoulder. Thank god he was so understanding. "You lost good people; people you've gotten to know for years. Anyone would be upset about that. What's important is that you have some time to mourn them, and then you keep fighting the good fight." Legend stood back up, pulling Arthur into a hug. "It'll be ok. You guys will bounce back from this. You always do."
Legend didn't say anything though. He didn't want to admit a harsh truth. That this might just be something you can't come back from.
That night, Legend woke up to hearing his phone blaring. Three rings, and then stop. Three rings, and then stop.
An emergency signal.
"What does the Protectorate want at this time of night?" Arthur mumbled sleepily, rolling over and wrapping his pillow around his head. John groaned as he fumbled for the phone, fingers trying to press the call button.
"Legend." He said curtly, supressing a yawn. Downside of being the leader of the Protectorate is that you were always on call. No matter the time or place.
"Legend, we have an emergency." Triumph said. After they had been kicked out of Brockton Bay, he and other members of their Protectorate had been shuffled around to help fill out some of the other teams. Even now he wasn't sure who was where. "The Adepts are currently attempting to rob a bank, and Snaptrap is fighting them on his own. He needs support as soon as possible."
"Right. I'll be there soon. How quickly can you join in?"
"I can't. I was just about to head off to help Gully deal with some kind of new Empire Eighty Eight. Seems someone decided to make their own gang here in New York."
Legend resisted the urge to sigh. And now the trouble started piling on. The lack of capes able to fight meant that so many crooks were crawling out into the open to take advantage of the chaos. "Understood. Stay safe out there Triumph. We can't afford to lose anyone else."
"I know sir." And he hung up. Legend sighed again, but managed to get up and head to the wardrobe. By the time he was suited up, Arthur was fully awake.
"It's going to be like this for a while, isn't it?" He said. It wasn't a question, but a fact they both knew. "How long for?"
"I'm not sure. Hopefully, it'll only be a few days before everything starts settling down. But it might actually take weeks, or months to replenish our numbers and regain control again." Legend gave him a tired smile. "We'll pull through, eventually. Just stay safe until then." He moved in and gave Arthur a kiss on his forehead, before heading out onto the balcony to fly away.
Arthur kept watching the streak of light, even when it faded away.
Carlos sat on the steps, eyes grey and dull as he kept staring at the line of pictures before him. A memorial to all the heroes who fell against Blacklight. Against Zeus. So many good people who died because the Protectorate jumped the gun. His eyes lingered on the faces of his former Ward teammates. Dennis. Dean. Browbeat... All gone. Killed in action. Zeus didn't even leave remains to be buried. He just devoured them whole.
And now he's in control of an entire city. Where's the justice in all this?
He heard the sound of shuffling feet, and the sound of someone smaller sitting next to him. He glanced over, and saw Missy sitting by him. Her mask was off, lying in her lap. Her eyes were shimmering, tears threatening to burst.
He heard her take a deep, shuddering breath. "Hey." She said to him. "We just heard that the Teeth have had a schism of some kind, and half of them left New York. Legend wants some of us to go in and round up what's left. Raise morale and show people that we're not down and out. I was hoping you'd come with us." Silence. Carlos might as well have been a statue for all the reaction he gave her. "Carlos; we need you. I need you. Please, don't leave me alone. Say something, please."
He finally stirred. "It should be me on this wall." He said softly. "They should be here right now mourning me. I'm the one with regenerative powers. I'm the one who can survive nearly dying. If I had stayed nearby, maybe I could've saved them."
"You're one of our flyers; it's only natural that you'd be up in the sky fighting that thing instead. And what about the others who died? How could you have saved them too?" She sniffled. "And who's to say that things would've gotten worse if that Endbringer had gotten time to focus on us?"
"Focus? We were barely distracting it. It just kept going while we did barely anything to it." He retorted.
"My point is that you don't know what might've happened. For all we know, I might be here, looking at four pictures." She pulled him into a hug. "Please, stay with me. Don't do something stupid as a way to redeem yourself or something. We need you."
He sighed, pulling her closer to him. "Alright. I won't do anything stupid. And I guess three days is long enough to spend feeling sorry for myself." He let her go, and rubbed at his face. He was starting to look a little scraggly, what with the stubby facial hair. "I'll go with you on this mission. And afterwards… Well, I think I'll finally tidy myself up. I must look pathetic."
Missy wiped one of her cheeks. "A little." Their touching moment was interrupted by the sound of running feet. Chris nearly stumbled as he ran into the memorial.
"Guys, you need to see this." He said hurriedly. "Zeus is having a press conference right now." And he started running back, not checking if they were following or not. They looked at each other for a moment before rushing off after him. Maybe they could get an idea of what his plans are going to be through this. Plenty of people have been fleeing from Brockton Bay, with only the desperate, stupid, or sycophantic staying behind.
Yes, he knew that most of them fund better living conditions under Zeus. But he refused to admit that. Bad enough he was a murderous monster; there was no way he'd admit that Zeus could protect people better than they could.
"…Outside City Hall, where Zeus has called for a press conference after four days of rumours and speculation." A youngish female reporter was saying, her blond hair swaying in the wind. "Here, today, we may finally learn just what exactly planned for the remaining citizens of Brockton Bay." The crowd behind her started gasping, pointing up into the air. The reporter turned to look upwards too. "And here he comes now, with his Pantheon not far behind." The camera was lifted up, catching sight of nearly a dozen flyers heading towards them. Half of which had a passenger on their backs. The beasts landed first, black dragons and griffons and other monsters, depositing their passengers. Athena was first, the bottom of her mask gone to reveal pale skin. Alongside her were the Undersiders, Trickster of The Travellers, and Coil. Evidently, all members who had decided to join Zeus instead of running or fighting. The monsters shifted, their flesh shrinking and altering, until they were people again. The other flyers landed, their wings shrinking away. All were fully covered in black chitinous armour, decorated in lines of gold, jewels, and Greek-styled additions and masks. At the head of the group, standing right in the centre, was Blacklight.
His appearance had changed. Instead of wearing lots of half-formed spikes, his armour had smoothed out so that the spikes were more streamlined. His gauntlets, whilst still adorned with claw-like fingers, appeared to be made of gold, along with his boots. His helmet now also resembled a face, a stern expression and a large molded beard. A golden crown, resembling a laurel wreath, wrapped around his head.
Evidently, Zeus decided to follow the same style as the rest of his team.
He placed both hands on the podium before him, the wood creaking ominously. "People of Brockton Bay." He said, his voice a mixture of deep and raspy. "Athena has been hearing the rumours and ideas that have sprung up over these past few days. About how this is the first step to total world domination, or its destruction, or any other childish plan. I am here to help dispel the more ludicrous ideas and clear up what will happen. I suppose we should start with my plans for the city itself." The crowd, who went silent the moment they had landed, started murmuring to each other. This was it. The moment he would threaten them, or announce his complete domination over their lives, or even perhaps just start killing them. "My plans for Brockton Bay… Are exactly what I said when I evicted the so-called heroes."
"What?" Chris asked in confusion.
"I don't want to have to be in charge of an entire city." Zeus continued. "I'm not interested in obtaining control over a city, or wealth, or anything that the other villains want. All I wanted was a place where my sister and I could live without having to worry about someone attacking us. The crimes I committed were done to get the money needed for necessities, or to remove those I felt were a threat to her. In fact, the only reason I even became a villain was because Athena knew that villainy was the fastest way to make money, and best suited my skill range. If the Protectorate had simple left us alone, if they left me alone, then none of this would've happened. They'd still be trying ineffectually to keep control, while I would be creating a safer environment in their stead. Yet time and again, they kept pissing me off, launching attack after attack. This last fight was the final straw. They tried to kill me and everyone under my protection, and they kidnapped Athena. Consider me merciful for even letting what was left leave alive."
"I'm going to place my own people in charge of the city. But as far as you should be concerned, nothing's changed. You still live your lives, work your jobs, and do whatever it is you do for fun. You won't even pay any extra taxes. But you start up something in my city, and you'll only get three chances before my men kill you. Less if I'm feeling pissed off."
"As for the rest of the world… Learn from what happened here. You don't pick a fight with me, I don't come over to your place and murder the hell out of you. Everybody wins." He stopped leaning forward. "It sounds reasonable to me, so I'll be very angry someone decides that they'd rather test my power."
"And a message for any criminals that enter Brockton Bay. If you come here for anything other than swearing fealty to me, then you've signed your death warrant. No matter what power you have, my Pantheon and I will hunt you down and kill you. There will be no mercy, for anyone." "And he moved to walk away, the conference obviously over in his mind.
"Zeus?" A woman called out from the crowd, pushing to the front. "Darcy Dallas, Brockton Bay News. People are wondering whether you are going to expand your creations to replace the city. And what will you do about the damage you caused assaulting the PRT Offices?"
Athena stepped forward. "We'll have scouts and eyes across the city to ensure public safety, but everyone outside of Mount Olympus will live in their regular homes instead of our creations. As for the damages…" She shrugged. "Anyone looking for work and has some knowledge of construction?" Zeus shifted into his flying form, screeching at Athena. She turned and hopped on board, the rest of the villains joining them in flight.
Darcy pushed her way back to the camera. "Well, there you have it folks. Despite worries, it seems that Zeus is only interested in enforcing his idea of peace, and not having people bother him. Whether or not this will be what actually happens is still up for debate. This is Darcy Dallas, signing off."
The Wards were silent for a moment. "Fucking asshole." Jouster cursed. "I hope everyone's smart enough to leave his shithole."
Legend looked up at the sound of knocking on his door. He called out to them, and the door opened. He smiled as he saw who was on the other side.
"Miss Militia." He said in relief. "I'm glad to see you're back on your feet. A lot of people were worried about you."
Miss Militia nodded, her scarf lowered to reveal a nervous smile. "We lost so many people. Anyone who survived is treated like a hero." She shuffled the papers in her hands. "I just wish I was coming to you with good news."
He sighed, the good mood evaporating. "More reports?"
She nodded. "These are the latest figures for the number of people moving to Brockton Bay." She said as she handed them over.
Of course they were. It had been a week since Zeus had his little press conference. Nearly three days since his men had wiped out or scared off the last of the Chosen, and Brockton Bay had been declared villain-free. Considering that it was the only city out there with such an acclaim, people had started flocking to it. First in a trickle, now in droves. Not as many as the PRT was afraid of, but definitely a noticeable amount.
His eyes scrolled through the report, rushing to the bottom to see the final tally. Six-hundred and eighty-nine people. With a further four-hundred waiting to be processed.
Three days, and his ghost town was becoming a city again.
He sighed again, dropping the report and rubbing his eyes. "Damn. What about the wall he's building? How completed is that?"
"Scouts report that about twenty-seven percent of it has been laid out. But fortunately, he hasn't 'acquired' enough biomass to build it fast enough. Our best guess is that anyone who wants to take a shot at him is probably going to do it soon, while they can still sneak in." She shifted her stance, looking worried. "We're not going to try and take advantage of this, are we?"
"Hell no." He replied instantly. "Even if we hadn't just screwed up in the eyes of the world, we don't have the numbers to take him on. I was just curious as to what's happening there. We might need to sneak scouts inside to keep a better eye on him once that wall gets built." He sighed again. "There's just so much to deal with just with Brockton Bay. I'm having a hard enough time keeping up with all the changes we've had to make to the Protectorate to make ends meet."
"…Coffee break?" Miss Militia offered. "Maybe spend half an hour out of the office, take things a bit easier? You've been working harder than anyone; you deserve to have a quick rest."
He wanted to argue that he couldn't, that he needed to fix Alexandria's mistake, that he needed to help police the country. But a twinge of exhaustion struck him. He hadn't gotten a good night's sleep in over two weeks; hadn't even managed to get home during that time. His life has been takeouts and sleeping on the sofa since Brockton.
"You know what? I think I do deserve to take a break. I'm no good to anyone running myself ragged." He stood up, stretching his muscles after spending so long practically glued to his seat.
Miss Militia smiled again. "Great. I found a wonderful coffee shop near the centre of the city. Shouldn't take too long for us both to get there."
"Allow me." He said opening the large windows in his office. Perfect size for him to fly out of. Miss Militia stepped forward, and let him lift her up before flying outside. She directed him to the shop, gently correcting him when he started listing in the wrong direction. People looked up when they both landed.
Most of the looks were simply surprise from seeing two heroes landing in a perfectly normal environment. But he couldn't help but notice several people glaring at them instead.
"Ahh." Miss Militia gasped after she took a deep sip of her coffee. "That feels much better. I've been surviving on hospital food this whole time. I feels great to get something that actually tastes like food."
"Mmhm." Legend nodded, taking smaller sips as they walked. Sure, he could fly. But it seemed a bit arrogant to fly everywhere when his two perfectly normal legs were still functional. And besides, Miss Militia couldn't fly. It was only fair he didn't.
They walked for a bit in silence, both lost in their own worlds. Militia was probably thinking about all the heroes who weren't so lucky to have survived near death. Meanwhile, he was mulling over how much their reputation had suffered since word got out about how they tried to blow up Mount Olympus with everyone still in it.
Dammit Alexandria. Why did you start this whole mess?
His musing and depression was interrupted as he heard a lot of shouting not that far away. From the sounds of it, it was just one man yelling. Miss Militia noticed him turning away towards the sound, and quickly followed him.
"Brothers and Sisters." A middle-aged man in a black robe was shouting. "The government would tell us that we should fear Him; that He is a monster that destroys all that he touches and corrupts the very heart of our once-proud country. They warn us that He will slaughter all who go near him." Legend could actually hear the capitalisation of the words in his sentences, such was his volume and strength of voice. "But those are lies meant to make us sheep. What do they truly fear?"
"That He is not a dog on their leash." The large crowd before the man replied in unison. "That He has done more to make our world a better place than they ever could. That He will improve us all, and make illness and old age a mere memory."
The man nodded. Now that he wasn't pacing around, Legend could get a better look at him. He had full dark hair and a large moustache, that curved down to meet his mutton chops. His face was lined, but he couldn't have been more than forty. As for his build, the robe suggested that he was a strong and fit man. "Yes, exactly. They fear the loss of control that His presence brings forth; they fear that they will no longer be able to squeeze us for every coin we have for basic human rights, to the rights of good health and recovery. And most of all, they fear that which is better than them. They call us monsters and freaks simply because we do not want to remain as base humans. But base is weak and imperfect, subject to the pains and dangers of aging, of violence, of bad luck. As soon as man is born, his life is one constant struggle to remain alive on this world. But the Evolved… The Evolved are near perfection. Humans with their flaws and weaknesses removed. No longer do they have to fear broken bones; no longer do they fear disease and illness. They are at the peak of human potential and beyond, able to live far longer lives than us mere mortals. The Evolved are not monsters. They are still human, improved and made greater. But they lie about Him and His gifts, to keep us under their thumb. Do we wish to remain weak and fragile, in a world where so many dangers await us?"
"No!" The crowd shouted back.
"What is this?" Legend asked Miss Militia, even as the speaker kept shouting.
"You must've been busy; even I've heard of them. They call themselves The Church of Blacklight. Worshippers of Zeus and his creations."
"Zeus has a cult now?" He never heard anything about people worshipping him like a god. It must've slipped by, some unimportant note in a long list of facts. It would've been easy to miss.
"Pretty much, though according to rumours they're not just a cult anymore. They've been popping up all over the country, saying that the government is trying to stop people from enjoying the bounty of Blacklight. Apparently, someone's been talking about what the Virus is capable of."
"It can turn an ordinary man into a near-unkillable superhuman, able to fight and defeat Parahumans. No wonder they worship him so badly."
Miss Militia shook her head sadly. "I'm still having trouble understanding why they'd want something like that. They want to intentionally infect themselves with a deadly virus. Surely they're insane."
"We haven't exactly given them a reason to think otherwise. Not after how they managed to beat us." Legend said. "My biggest concern is that they could end up becoming secret bio bombs for Zeus." He shrugged. "My best suggestion is that we don't give him a reason to ever unleash them upon the world. We can't exactly arrest them for worshipping Zeus. People would say that we're ignoring their right to worship."
"Nasty business with no clear way out." Militia said sadly. She probably would've said more, but they were interrupted by Legend's phone beeping. He gave it a quick glance, and felt his heart drop.
A simple C was on screen. Cauldron.
"Back to work then?" Miss Militia guessed.
He nodded. "Duty calls. Such is the life of a hero."
"Take care then."
"I will." He flew upwards onto a roof, confident that no one would immediately hear his call. He tapped the phone symbol, his phone already calling the untraceable number.
It answered on the first ring. "Legend." Doctor Mother said instantly. "We have an important task for you."
"I gathered that much." He replied. "You don't make social calls. What do you want me to do?"
"We've been going over the data we recovered from Alexandria's failed assault on Mercer. His skills and powers make him a key part of our plans to save the world. If we could forge an alliance with him, then we could send parahumans with useful abilities to him if they refuse to follow our guidelines. No need to worry about losing them any longer."
"Doctor, you seem to be working under the assumption that he will even consider working with us. He's already banished every hero from Brockton Bay. He'd never agree to an alliance. Assuming he even stopped to listen instead of trying to kill me for being on his territory."
"Despite his actions, Mercer has never been a mindless brute. He's smart, cunning, and devious. He will likely listen simply because he knows he can kill you if he dislikes what he hears. But if we don't manage to forge this union, then he could be yet another threat to the world that we will have difficulty fighting back. Assuming he doesn't simply infect everyone."
Legend sighed. She did have a point. But what if they already lost their chance? What if Mercer won't even bother listening to their proposal? He'd be walking into certain doom, likely risking Arthur's life too once Mercer scours his memories.
But if there was a way to reach a peaceful solution with Mercer…
"Alright. I'll do it." He finally replied.
"Excellent. Head to these coordinates first. There you will find a drone linked to our headquarters. With it, we will be able to speak to Mercer from the comforts of being a sizable distance away." And then she hung up.
Oh sure. I'm the only one at risk of dying here. Not that it matters apparently.
He flew away, moving a great speed. The sooner he did this, the sooner he could live again.
Legend slowed down considerably as he reached the city limits of Brockton Bay. Here it was. The line separating the world from Mount Olympus. If he crossed here, he would be in direct violation of Mercer's orders. His life would very well be forfeit.
He took a deep breath, and then floated over the imaginary line. He kept at a steady speed; not too fast as to appear aggressive. It didn't take long for his arrival to be noticed.
What he had originally taken for mere birds quickly approached, growing in size as they closed the distance. They were winged Infected, obviously designed just in case someone tried to fly in. He took in their details as they approached. Their wings were jagged at the front and tips, obviously designed for cutting. They were dripping with green acid, drops flying with every flap. For a face, they had maws filled with sharp fangs, and they also came with long whipping tails.
He raised one hand, a white cloth hanging from his fingers. "Hold, Mercer. I am not here for a fight. I simply want to talk." The 'birds' hissed, still flying towards him. "Once we are done talking, I'll leave. I'll never come near your territory again." Still they kept coming. He started backing away. "We need your help to deal with a world-destroying threat. One that even you can't beat alone."
At this, the Infected slowed down. Their wings stopped dripping with acid. They stacked on top of each other, a single pair of wings growing in size. In only a few seconds, Zeus flapped before him in all his terrifying glory.
He tilted his head. "Alright. That last part got my attention, if only because I don't think you're stupid enough to think I'll work with what's left of the Protectorate after what you did to us. I'll listen to what you have to say, and then I'll throw it in your face."
Legend breathed a sigh of relief. Well, he wasn't about to die. That was a step in the right direction. Now he had to walk the minefield that was diplomacy. "First off, I want to apologise for what happened. Alexandria attacked you without authorisation. We were originally coming here to clean up the other parts of the city. Beat the Chosen, clear out the Travellers and Undersiders. We would've left you alone, if only because Alexandria, Eidolon and I know that you are far more dangerous than you appear."
"If you all knew, then why did you keep pissing me off?"
"As I said, Alexandria attacked you without our permission. And she's paid for her mistake."
Mercer started cracking his knuckles. "Get to the fucking point already."
Legend took another breath. "I don't just work for the Protectorate." He said quickly. "I'm also part of a secret organisation determined to save the world from extremely dangerous threats. The Endbringers for starters."
"And I'm guessing I'm on that list." Mercer said.
"Not quite." He pulled out the box from under his arm, opening it up. Inside was a small robotic drone with a screen on the front. He pressed the biggest button, and it booted up. It floated out of his hands and hovered before Mercer, the screen lighting up.
He already knew who would be on the other side. Doctor Mother.
"Greetings, Alex Mercer." She said. "As predicted, you are smart enough to listen to what we have to say. I am Doctor Mother, the leader of Cauldron."
Mercer titled his head again. "You know who I am."
"We know quite a bit, Mercer. We've managed to gain access to other worlds. Yours was one of them. We were actually planning on recruiting you at a later date originally, mainly because your Infected would be useful as soldiers. Now we are offering you a deal."
"You're the assholes who brought us here in the first place." He said tightly.
"… I beg your pardon?" She actually sounded surprised.
"Dana and I ended up here in the first place because some creeps grabbed her and dragged her into some white room. I followed, and when I started killing them they kicked us out. We found ourselves here, in Brockton Bay. And when I attacked the Merchants, I found documents that said that a group called Cauldron offered super powers in cans. A quick information trade with Faultline, and I find out that Cauldron kidnap people from other versions of Earth to test their concoctions on. After that, everything fell into place." Legend looked at the drone in shock. That was how Cauldron test their samples? They told him that the Number Man could calculate their effects to the most minute detail, and that Manton had been behind the Case 53s.
They've been lying to him this whole time.
"In that case, I apologise for that incident as well." Doctor Mother replied after a while. "Rest assured, had I known that our men tried to grab your sister I would've demanded her release. As it stands, I assume that few of them survived the experience. But we must put the past behind us. Right now, we have much to discuss."
"So you and your lapdog say. Doesn't mean I have to listen."
"You're a smart man, Mercer. A doctorate degree from Columbia University. A high-ranking job in Gentek. The leading man in taking the Redlight virus and making it even stronger. And that is all before you gained the intelligence of your former colleagues. Surely you must understand that what we have to say is important."
Mercer waved a hand. "Just get to the point."
"I will be brief then. Our goals are simple. To create enough heroes to save the world from self-destruction, and the elimination of powerful threats to our very existence. One way we deal with the latter is through ensuring that those with powerful and dangerous powers are in a position to help. We try to keep them away from danger as much as possible, but sometimes they decide to become threats to the world instead. Before, we would try to find ways of keeping the powers whilst removing the individual. Your abilities make this easier now. So, here are our terms. We will use our influence to make sure you and your city are left alone, along with supplying you with biomass from uninhabited worlds we've discovered and a supply of any parahuman we've decided must be dealt with. In exchange, you will help us deal with our problems, and make no attempt to destroy the Protectorates. Along with keeping the Blacklight virus in check."
Mercer shrugged. "As long as you understand that I can tell you guys to fuck off if I don't like what your orders are. You may need me, but I don't need you."
"It could mean the difference between your sister living till old age, or dying in a fiery demise. In addition, we are willing to send you and Dana back to your original world…"
"Fuck that." Mercer interrupted. "Going back to a world where I'm a terrorist and Blackwatch is hunting us down? I'm a king over here."
"Understood. So, do you agree to our terms."
Mercer shrugged. "Fine then. I'll play. Now if it's all the same, get your pet out of my airspace."
"Of course. Legend, you may leave now." He merely nodded, and took off at speed.
Well, the die has been cast. Now to see if this would be a powerful union… or backfire horribly.
And… scene. I probably could've focused on some other survivors, like Battery. But I felt that this was a good length for this chapter. Also, it's nearly midnight while I write this, and tomorrow I need to be out of the house so it can get sprayed for bugs. Might as well finish this now for you guys instead of finding a place to shoehorn her in.
Now, as a single male that's never been in a relationship, I find romance to be a tad difficult. As a straight single male, I find writing gay romance (hope that's not insulting to anyone gay) to be a bit more so. I just went ahead and wrote what came to mind and hoped I hit more than I missed. Also, there's no description for what Arthur looks like, but I just feel as though a guy with glasses (and probably auburn hair) is definitely an Arthur. Kinda like someone named Brittany is always blond and pretty.
Now, the Church of Blacklight. I felt that this was a natural progression to the world. People would get scared, people would be shocked, and some people would be amazed. There was an interview that explained a bit more about what Blacklight can do, and people latched onto it. Alex may not want a church, but like most influential people he's getting one. I could describe how it was founded and stuff, but since the preacher is going to have an interlude of his own, I figured I'd wait till then. And we could also finally see that interview. You know, the one that also talks about Earth Delta, as I call it.
Well, that's it for now. The next interlude might either be Maria, Fireteam Prometheus, or The Pantheon. The Undersiders might probably be after that.
Enjoy.
Edit: Got a review from a guest named mbwakali, and I really want to address what they said... And that's 'what are you talking about?' Use spell check? I do use spell check in my word documents. It's hardly my fault that the in-built dictionary apparently doesn't consider some real words to be in its database. And half the time it tries to fix my grammar, it turns the whole thing into a big jumbled mess. And aside from you, everyone else considers it to be well written.
Either you're a troll, or your standards are so damn high as to be unobtainable by mere mortals who apparently cannot speak 'proper English'. You know, the language I've been speaking and writing my entire life? And I don't use a beta because I'm too impatient to wait for someone to read through this for the tiniest mistakes when my fans have probably been waiting weeks for my next chapter. You could spend years going over every last detail in a chapter, and someone could still find a flaw.
Besides, I don't recall ever saying I'm trying to make a literature 'masterpiece' instead of writing something fun.
Sorry to everyone else about something that turned into a big rant.
