Keep Calm and Respawn
A Worm Fanfiction
By: Konsaki
17 Feb - Afternoon
Those stacks of cash were burning holes in my pockets. Not literally, obviously, but it was a lot of money! Now that I had the means to, everything I saw looked so tempting to buy!
Take a breath, Taylor. People are starting to look at you funny. Calm down and just window shop.
Ever since Glory Girl gave me those stacks of cash, I've been thinking about what my new costume should be. There were so many options available to me, I guess I couldn't make any decision. Hell, just for the headpiece you had: hats of multiple types, no hat, helmet styles out to wazoo, visorless, face mask, full mask, half mask… the options were endless but there was always one overall limiting factor; how much money I had available to spend.
That limitation realised, I decided to have one simple plan; the most expensive part of the costume had to be bought first. And what piece should be the most expensive? Coats, bodysuits or armor for the body.
Well, considering my powerset, I could write off armor as a whole. I mean, why try to prevent damage when I'm aiming to get killed? Wow, that sounds suicidally morbid…
Anyways, that leaves coats. What happened to bodysuits? I looked in the mirror and said no. Maybe if it had armor pieces attached to enhance what little figure I had but refer back to my thoughts on armor.
So, every day after school since then, I've been window shopping downtown.
That's when I ran into another problem. I had a lot of money that I want to spend but every time I look at the prices of anything I cringe and can't buy it! Dad and I aren't poor by any means but we aren't rich either. So, I guess Dad's frugality rubbed off on me or something.
I don't know… maybe getting something mainstream isn't good either, now that I think about it. I mean, it wouldn't do to have copycats or imposters just able to buy something off a rack or have someone attacked by a villain because of misidentification. Who knows, maybe I'm just overthinking it all.
Come on, Taylor, use your brain and think it out. What are you really looking for?
Well, whatever I buy should be… bright? Hmm… Colorful? Something eye catching. You know, it should have a 'look at me! I'm a hero!' look to it. Something that's completely different than I normally wear.
It should also show I mean business, so no frills or bows or cutesy stuff. Not that I'd wear any of that but still... That being said, I continue walking past the '16 & Me' clothing store, ignoring the colorful display. Considering Madison wears that kind of junk to be 'cute' when she's just a bullying bitch is a major turn off.
I could see Emma wearing some of that style but never going full 'cute'. She always wears more 'sophisticated' attire, in her own words. Yeah, her dad's a lawyer and she's rich compared to the rest of us Winslow plebeians.
Great, now I'm brooding. Quick, Taylor, think of Sophia dressed like Madison!
I snort out a quick laugh at the image. Sophia, the tough girl of Winslow High, wearing a dress with ribbons in her hair was too ridiculous. Sophia was the sporty type of girl when she wasn't a raging bitch.
The next time she bumps into me on 'accident', I swear I'm gonna punch her or something. I'm getting sick and tired off them and their bullshit! I mean, I'm a Cape now! I've taken down a Merchant drug… Hello, what's this?!
Turning my full attention to the distraction, I saw a bright red coat in a small display window across the street. Glancing about, I realised I had walked to the edge of the downtown area, the buildings much smaller and worn. It made it easier to cross the road, though.
Trapps' Leather
It looked to be one of those Mom and Pop stores instead of a retail chain. You know, the kind that would rather 'make due' instead of selling themselves to a corporate overlord. That didn't matter to me as I looked in the window at the leather long coat displayed on the mannequin. It didn't have a price tag visible but it just called to me. So, I went inside.
The air was dark and musty, the strong smell of leather and oils handling like the weight of authority judging you. In the few lights on in the main… well, show room isn't the right words but there were more than a few leather wares and boots on display. Anyways, the spot lamps had flecks of glittery dust floating through them, giving a surreal ethereal vibe. Oddly, all the wares were perfectly clean, unlike the shelves they rested on.
Taking a few steps, and disturbing more dust, I had a closer look at the long red leather coat that had caught my eye. It was a bright crimson, so bright that even with just the dull grey light coming in the window the coat almost glowed. Sewn into it were strategically placed thin black belts, almost imitating ribs along the sides while the shoulders and arms looked padded with more black leather atop the radiant red. The bottom of it looked cut like a swallow tail while up top a hood hid the mannequin's head, only leaving the lower face visible.
This was it. This was the costume. Everything else would play off this coat.
"Good evening, young lady."
Okay, I shrieked a little as I jerked around. Come on! I didn't hear him or anything before that!
In the doorway leading to a back room was an aging man, based off the greys in his otherwise raven hair. Oddly, he was dressed in a casual suit of blacks and reds. If there's one thing I'd remember about him, though, were those piercing red eyes.
"Ah, hi." I responded awkwardly, fidgeting slightly with my hands. "Um… are you Mr Trapps?
"Yes, that is so." His accent was odd, like eastern European. "I see you are interested in my work." As he said this, he moved past me and adjusted the coat.
I blinked at that. "You made this?"
"Indeed." He replied before sighing. "A gift for an aspiring young lady…"
Though his face never left his original blank countenance, I thought I could hear the hint of loss in his monotone voice. "What happened to her?"
"The Teeth."
Even though it was delivered in the same emotionless way, I sucked in a breath.
The Teeth were a big gang in Brockton Bay when I was in grade school. And they were evil scum. They'd kidnap people off the streets or out of their homes and forced them to fight to the death in the Pits. Others, whether unlucky or lucky, would just be murdered at the drop of a hat.
Then, one day, they were almost wiped out by the Slaughterhouse 9. Then the other gangs ran what was left of them out of town.
"I'm sorry." I lamely replied to the leather craftsman.
"What's done is done." He dismissed my words; either for bringing up the lady's fate or my apology, I don't know. Still those eyes of his bored into me, as if he was silently judging me for something. "Maybe it is time to let go of things past. Maybe this is the coat for a new aspiring young lady."
I don't know why, but his words seemed to echo through the room, unlike how mine didn't. I swallowed before licking my dry lips. "I'm interested in it. The coat, that is."
He stared into me for a few moments, his crimson irises continuing to bore into me. I felt a tingling at the base of my spine, as a wave of general unease settled over me. Yeah, I was definitely getting a little creeped out here. Finally, after much too long, he spoke.
The price Mr Trapps stated for the coat was… well, it was a lot. Like, if it was for anything else, I'd have told them they were insane. But I wanted… needed that piece de resistance for my costume!
"I'll take it."
"Indeed."
We made the trade and I stepped back outside into the lightly falling snow, coat safely stored in my backpack.
Thinking back on it, I should have at least tried the damn coat on to make sure it fit but something about it just screamed 'of course it will fit' in my head. At least, that's what I'd say if asked. Really, I was just so nervously giddy that it didn't even occur to me.
o0O0o
17 Feb - Early-Evening
The trip home was one of the longest bike rides I've ever experienced… at least it felt that way as thoughts of me trying on my new costume attire in the solitude of my bedroom filled my mind.
Unlocking the front door and entering the house, the sounds of the television playing a game show rolls into my ears. Apparently one of the contestants did something stupid cause Dad is berating the person's poor judgement. I rolled my eyes at the show host lamenting the loss before the announcer announced a consolation prize.
"Hey, Dad." I called out, relocking the front door and heading towards the stairs. Even though the neighborhood was relatively safe, it was a habit to keep the house locked up whether we were here or not.
"Hey yourself, kiddo." Dad replied, staying seated on the aging couch. "You have a good day?"
"Yeah, I did. I'm just gonna go relax in my room." I said as I walked behind the couch.
"Whoa, there. Hold it."
Dad's commanding words set my nerves alight. If he checks my backpack, he'll see the coat and want to know how I got it. It would blow my hero plans out of the water before I even really get them going! My feet halt me in place, the couch and my father behind me.
"Okay, turn around, Taylor."
Swallowing, I slowly to face him. "What's up?"
I saw him quirked an eyebrow at my forced nonchalance. Guess he saw right through me. "Not wearing your glasses?" My blood turns to ice. I unconsciously touch my temple, realising I'd forgotten something important. "Trying contacts again?"
There's my out! "Ah, yeah, heh. Guess I just forgot." God, I hope Dad doesn't call me on my lie. I feel dirty.
Dad sighed and looked a little defeated. "You look so much like your mother when she wore them. If… if you really want to have contacts, I'll work it into the budget."
And now I feel like utter trash. "No! It's okay, Dad! I'm… I'm just trying something different. You know?"
"If you say so…" Dad sounded unsure but let it lie.
Who's on the ride called 'Guilt Trip'? This girl! I moved towards him and placed my hand on his arm. "Dad, it's fine. I'm fine. Thanks… you know, for everything."
"Hey, you're my baby girl." A sad smile grew on his face before a soft sigh escaped him. "You're just growing up so fast. I wish Annette was still here to see you. She'd be so proud of you."
I'm not so sure, considering I've been lying to the only parent I have left. "Yeah…" I agree, sheepishly rubbing my arm through my jacket. "I'm… I'm gonna go up to my room, okay?"
"Sure."
I left Dad to his thoughts about Mom and somberly went upstairs to my room. I tossed my backpack onto the bed and locked the door behind me before letting out a deep sigh.
Moving over, I opened one of the smaller pockets on the backpack, pulling out a glasses case. Opening it up, I looked upon the copy of my normal glasses. Same frames of the same color but one major difference; the lenses were fake. They did nothing to correct my now perfect vision.
When I got my powers, not needing glasses anymore seemed like such a minor thing that I didn't even think about it. That was until Dad came home that evening and noticed immediately. That's when I first lied about trying out contacts, since my glasses now blinded me instead of clearing my vision.
Thankfully, Dad accepted the lie for a few days until I could get the fakes that I wore since. It's just, now that I don't need glasses, it's hard to remember if I'm wearing them or not. I'll just treat this as another reminder that I have to be careful about 'Respawn'.
Thinking of that, I hang my jacket in the closet before taking my… Respawn's coat out of the backpack.
I may be Taylor and Respawn but they're different identities. It's probably safer to consider anything for hero activities Respawn's things, at least so I don't forget.
Holding the crimson coat up before me, I thought about how much it weighed. It was enough that if I wanted to keep holding it up at arm's length, my arms would start getting tired but not sore. Putting it on, though, I hardly felt the weight at all!
It fit really well! I mean, it was slightly loose but I wasn't swimming in it either. You know, that 'grow into it' size but the sleeves were still a good length and everything. I catch a glimpse of me adjusting a sleeve in the door mirror and freeze.
I don't see Taylor Hebert in the reflection. I see Respawn, new hero of Brockton Bay. She smiles… I smile before frowning. I'm not wearing the full costume yet. I pull on the half mask, covering the bottom half of my face. Now the look is complete.
Black half mask, black long sleeve shirt tucked into some dark blue jeans and hiking boots; all of these supporting my new crimson leather long coat. Flipping the hood of the coat up, it just adds to the Hero look. Dark shadows cover the top half of my face but without blocking my vision.
This is Respawn. I am Respawn.
Moving over to my closet, I felt the long tails of the coat flapping on my legs. I smiled as I opened the door and pulled out the belt holding Respawn's tools; the knife, the extendable baton and can of mace. Wrapping the belt around my waist, I was now fully equipped, my cheap prepaid phone was already in my pocket.
Thinking of the phone, I pull it out and flip it open. I only had two contacts in it; the PRT hotline and the number Glory Girl gave me.
I selected the latter and pressed call. It rings a few times before it connected.
"Who is this?!" Glory Girl's demand shook me for a moment.
"Uh, this is Respawn. From the Merchant bust?" I hesitantly answered.
"Oh! Sorry about that!" Glory Girl's voice changed almost a hundred eighty degrees, now a cheerful friendly tone. "Didn't have you in my phone yet, so your name didn't show."
"Ah, no problem." I tried rubbing the back of my neck but the hood got in the way.
"Oh, and sorry about the whole punching you thing." I could hear the wince in her voice.
"It's in the past." Mistakes happen and she helped me indirectly get my new costume set up.
"Thanks. So, what's up?"
"Well, you said to call when I get my costume set up…" I sort of drifted off at the end. Damn social anxiety.
"Really?! That's awesome!" Glory Girl's enthusiasm made me smile and relax slightly. "We've got to do a debut patrol to show you off to the world!"
"What?"
"You know, just wander around downtown out in the open being seen. We do it every now and then, you know, New Wave does. It's sorta like a public relations thing. We did one when I got my powers and became a hero." She explained… at like a mile a minute.
"Ah… okay?"
"Great! Hmm… how about tomorrow? You know, after school lets out?"
Well, tomorrow was Friday, so I would have probably patrolled or something anyways, so… "Sure. Where should I meet you?" Moving to my desk, I grabbed a pen and paper.
"Eh… You know what, meet me here…" At that, she started rattling off an address, which I wrote down.
o0O0o
18 Feb
It was a clear afternoon, a slight breeze from the sea. I was kind of surprised, it didn't take me any time at all to get used to really wearing Respawn's Coat. I'm actually having more trouble with all the looks I'm getting as I walk down the street. Some people were actually taking pictures with their phones!
I'm glad the black half mask covers my blushing. With that and the hood up, you can barely see my eyes but, for some reason, I can see out just fine. Like, I'd have to force the hood to get in my way.
I love this coat so much!
Finally reaching my destination, blinked in surprise. It was a nice two story house, at least twice the size of mine. This was the address Glory Girl gave me last night over the phone. She wanted me to meet up at her house… New Wave's house!
No, Tay… Respawn! No fangirling out over meeting other heroes!
Coming up to stand on the welcome mat, I ring the doorbell and hear the chimes go off inside. It take a few moments before the door latch clunks and it opens to show a stern looking woman. Ms Dallon, AKA Brandish, mother of Glory Girl. "Who are you and what do you want?"
I blink in surprise at the sudden demand. "Uh… My name's Respawn and Glory Girl told me to meet her here?"
The door jerks wide open a second later, showing the white dress wearing blonde hero. "Oh, wow! Your costume looks amazing!"
"You know her?" The woman asked sternly, quirking an eyebrow.
Glory Girl just rolled sighed in mild annoyance. "Yes, Mom. We busted up a Merchant warehouse together. I invited her to go patrolling with me today."
"What's this about a Merchant warehouse?" Ms Dallon asked with a pointed glare towards her daughter, who looked a little nervous now.
"I asked for her help." I cut in, the mother's glare turning to me now. Might as well go all the way. "A kid died at my school due to them and it was payback for him."
Ms Dallon looked at me for a few moments before jerking a slight nod. "Acceptable. Don't do it again."
"Right, Mom. We're just going around downtown. You know, to debut her new costume!" Glory Girl explained, throwing an arm over my shoulder.
"Remember your curfew." Ms Dallon directed before closing the door to the house, leaving her daughter and me outside.
We stood there for a moment looking between the door and ourselves before Glory Girl broke out into a wide smile, leading me down the walkway by the arm still around my shoulder. "Come on, partner! Let's go show you off to the world!"
If random people looked and took a few photos before, now they were brazenly stopping on the sidewalk to take blatant pics or videos with their phones. Glory Girl was eating the attention up, floating a few inches above the ground or striking poses. It was all I could do to not freeze up and just wave. Well, there was one good looking guy who took a video while Glory Girl egged me on to do a peace sign and pose.
At first it was awkward, getting all the direct attention. Then I got a little used to it as Glory Girl obviously lapped it up. Eventually, I think I was having fun too.
After an hour or so of this, though, I was getting exhausted.
It seemed Glory Girl recognized this as well. She quickly thanked the lingering civilians and smoothly guided me into a nearby alleyway. Out of sight and out of mind, I was able to take a deep breath and relax slightly.
"Not used to the attention, huh?" She sounded empathetic.
"Not really. How do you handle it?"
"New Wave." Glory Girl smiled at me. "Well, you'll get used to it. Just give it time."
"If you say so." I didn't really believe that statement but let it go.
The blonde beauty just laughed before startling slightly at a slight buzz. She pulled out her phone and activated it. "Hey, what's up?" She paused for a moment. "Mind if I bring a friend?" A shorter pause. "Yeah, new hero named Respawn making her debut today." Another pause. "Just a sec."
Glory Girl finally turned to me and smiled. "Want to go meet up with some of the Wards?"
I blinked in surprise. First a 'patrol' with Glory Girl and now meeting some of the Wards? "Sure!"
Glory Girl grinned at my tone as I blushed. So thankful for the half mask. "Alright, where do you want to meet up, Gallant?" She looked like she was committing something to memory. "Alright, see you there!"
The 'there' that we met the Wards was Fugly Bob's.
Last time Dad and I ate there I swear I could feel the grease trying to clog my heart. It's actually locally famous for that, though no one has actually had their hearts stopped yet. There's a reason why I haven't been there in over a year.
But here I was again, walking through the busy diner Glory Girl and I got quite a few awed looks and more phone photos. Thankfully, she led me into a back private room.
The private room had a small circular table for four with chairs around it. Oh, and it had Gallant and Clockblocker, two of the Brockton Bay Wards. The Wards are basically government sponsored 'heroes in training' under the PRT. I've thought about joining them but I'm not sure yet. I still want to stretch my hero legs first.
"Whoa! Is Panacea hitting that darkness emo stage of her life?" Clockblocker called out when Glory Girl and I entered. To match his name, his white spandex suit was covered in black clocks. If I remember right, he has the power to freeze anything or anyone he touches in time for a while.
Gallant just palmed the faceplate to his tinker suit while Glory Girl just rolled her eyes. "Guys, this is Respawn. Respawn, this is Gallant and Clockblocker." She introduced while sitting down next to Gallant.
Belatedly, I took the last empty seat. "Uh... Hi?"
Gallant nodded in greeting, his silver polished tinker suit reflecting the soft light of the room. "Pleased to meet you, Respawn."
"Yeah, nice to meet you too." I automatically responded, still a little shocked.
"So, how you been doing the hero thing?" Clockblocker asked, leaning forward and putting his elbows on the table.
"This is her debut!" Glory Girl chirped for me, looking up from her menu. She smiled and nudged me with an elbow. "She's showing off her snazzy new costume!"
"The coat is rather impressive." Gallant said politely, though I couldn't see his face through the metal helmet. "Did you make it yourself?"
"Ah, no, I didn't." I bashfully replied, scratching my cheek. "I bought it as a lucky find after Glory Girl helped me out."
"Speaking of helping out, thanks for helping out with my mom." Glory Girl sincerely stated in appreciation. "I really owe you one for taking the heat off me."
Clockblocker leaned back in dramatic surprise. "Whoa! You held off Brandish?!" He then leaned towards me, as if seeing me for the first time. "Are you sure you're a girl, cause you have big brass-Gah!" Gallant's gauntlet up side the head stopped the joker cold.
"Be nice, Clock." The armored teen scolded mildly.
I had to ask, pointing to towards the white clad boy. "Is he always like this?"
"Unfortunately." Gallant replied, though I could hear the lilt of humor in his tone.
"You louts just don't get good humor." Clockblocker tried to defend himself, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Once you find some, let me know, okay?" Glory Girl countered, with exaggerated cuteness.
I couldn't help but smile at their antics.
Soon enough, a waiter entered the room and took our orders; I chose some bacon, cheese fries. Of course, the conversation also wandered to how I met Glory Girl and my experience as a hero. I think she was pleased that I downplayed her mistake in punching me but played up her help with getting my coat.
"You know, costume repairs can be a problem for independent heroes." Gallant said, setting down his soda. His facemask had retracted the bottom portion, revealing his chin and mouth. "Joining the Wards can help with those costs."
Glory Girl just rolled her eyes. "Please tell me you're not trying to recruit her right now."
Gallant just shrugged apologetically. "It's part of the job."
"Gallant." The blonde flying brick said the name with a warning tone, narrowing her eyes.
"I think I'll decline for now." I cut in, trying to defuse the situation. The look in Glory Girl's eye towards the silvery clad hero seemed to say she wasn't completely done with him, just delaying it.
"It's all cool." Clockblocker responded after swallowing his bite of greaseball burger. "G's going to give you a card anyways, no matter what GG says, so just give us a call if you want to patrol or hang out."
True to Clockblocker's word, Gallant slid a business card across the table. It had the Ward's official number on it. The rest of the meal was taken up by Clockblocker telling stories of the other Wards, completely transparent about how he was playing himself up. After a while, though, Gallant stated it was time to leave, though he did pay for everything on the PRT's dollar. Apparently this could be considered an official meeting because of me.
We split up not long after but we still had some group photos taken of us, even posing for a minute or two.
I had a lot of fun meeting the three heroes and held out hope that maybe, just maybe, I could make some friends again.
o0O0o
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Topic: Brockton Bay Hero - Respawn
In: Boards Brockton Bay Heroes
Bagrat (Original Poster) (Guy in the Know)
Posted on 18 February 2011:
Okay guys, seems like we have a new hero in Brockton Bay. Yes, I know I'm not the first to post about her on PHO but I'm making a consolidated thread now that we do know she's a hero.
Name: Respawn
Classification: Hero
Affiliation: Independent
Powers: Unknown - It's assumed that she has a power to 'Respawn' but what that exactly means is just speculation
Ratings:
Brute 3 (Unofficial)
Trump 1 (Unofficial)
Pictures: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and Eight
Video: One, Two and Three
She was spotted in the company of Glory Girl for street photos, as reference to linked pics, as well as Gallant and Clockblocker, pics linked as well.
As written above, her powers are unknown (but guessable) and her PRT ratings are unofficial. I have no info on the Trump rating but we can assume the Brute is because of her 'Respawn' powers of some sort.
Finally, our new hero has already completed her first heroic action for Brockton Bay. In fact, she did it five days ago by capturing and turning in a Merchant drug warehouse with Glory Girl.
I personally think is a good thing that Brockton Bay has another hero in it's cadre, Independent or not.
EDIT: At the request of the mods and the PHO forum rules: Don't speculate as to a Cape's civilian identity. Capes keep secret identities for a reason; usually to protect their civilian lives, family and friends. Also, if you guess wrong, you could be sending villains at an innocent person because of your 'guessing'.
Blizzardio (Verified Cape)
Replied on 18 February 2011
I'm up in Boston but it's always good to hear about new heros. Wish her luck in her hero career!
I do hope she's at least told her parents about being an active hero...
RustyTommy
Replied on 18 February 2011
She knocked over a Merchant warehouse?! F- yeah! F- those drug dealing bastards!
HarryNed
Replied on 18 February 2011
As a Brockton Bay native, I think it's great that we've got another hero to deliver justice. Even better to hear she's taking on the Merchants already! They've been a blight on our city for too long. Wish the PRT would actually do something about them…
With her being spotted with the Wards, I wonder if she's considering joining them. Even if I'm happy to have another hero, I'm not sure how I feel about one so young fighting the good fight instead of the adults.
ChildoftheLord
Replied on 18 February 2011
She is a heretic that defiles all that is Holy in this world! The domain of death and life is providence only unto the Lord and Savior!
Cheer not for this abomination of all that is Good! His holy light will cleanse the world of those of her ilk!
MarkyMark
Replied on 18 February 2011
Wishing her luck in her hero career!
DevilsLuck
Replied on 18 February 2011
[Deleted by Moderator]
(While I disagree with ChildoftheLord's statement, your post violates forum rules by threatening physical harm. Calm down on your 1 Week ban. - TinMother)
CatDagger218
Replied on 18 February 2011
Wow, have you seen her face in the few pics where she lowers her hood? Man, she looks cute. Wonder if she has a boyfriend civilian side…
GrandPooBear
Replied on 18 February 2011
ChildoftheLord Leave your bible thumping craziness in whatever dump of a church let you out of your cage. Go jump in a tire fire, you mouth breathing idiot.
As for Respawn, hope she stays safe even with her name alluding to some sort of regeneration power.
Uolkionaf
Replied on 18 February 2011
While I wish this new hero good luck, isn't it too soon for estimations of their ratings? She could rate anywhere from a self-Panacea to Alabaster or even Wolverine levels of healing, if that's how her powers work. For all we know, she literally comes back to life after death, like some villains have used in the past.
o0O0o
22 Feb - Late Evening
After a few days of patrolling with Glory Girl or the Wards, I was getting tired of these 'public relations' patrols. Too much time standing around posing and having pictures taken of me. At first I thought it was just social anxiety but I finally realised it was the fact we weren't actually 'doing' anything.
Oh, I had fun being around the other teen heroes but it was time to do some real good. That's why I was prowling the alleys bordering the ABB and E88 territory.
Not really sure this was the best night to be patrolling though. It was clear when I left home but not twenty minutes after I started walking, a thick snow started falling. That was over half an hour ago. I mean, it's not snowing sideways or anything but I can see the snow building up. I think I've got another thirty minutes to an hour before I have to head back home.
One of the biggest problems with the snow, other than the problems with traction, was the fact that it acted worse than fog. With fog, your visibility drops depending on how thick it is. With snow, you lose visibility and the snow absorbs sounds, so everything is quieter. I guess it works both ways but I'm trying to find the bad guys, not hide from them… at least not right now.
So, here I am, tromping through the darkness, barely able to see five yards ahead of me. Fun times.
Anyways, that explains why I turned a corner and literally ran into a E88 patrol. Of course, that doesn't explain why the guy I bumped into immediately shot me in the face.
I did mention how uncomfortable being shot was, right? At least getting brain blown out is instant pain.
"Motherfucker!"
My shout echoed off the nearby alley walls, a stillness settling over the area. The E88 patrol looking at me and I looking at them. I blinked though, as I recognized the albino man in a coal black SS-like outfit as Alabaster, one of the E88 capes.
Another gunshot.
Alabaster shot me in the face… again.
"God damnit, that stings!"
He shot me a third time.
"Stop that!" I yelled as I unconsciously burned the stored charges and slammed my right fist through his gut.
He tilted his head down idly and we both looked at my arm. It literally went through his gut. I tried pulling it back out but it was stuck. Let me tell you, feeling someone's insides with your gloved hand is… disquieting, but Alabaster didn't even seem like he felt it. One of the goons behind the E88 cape threw up.
Oddly, a couple seconds later Alabaster and I were a few feet apart, like I'd respawned but it wasn't me doing it. Seems like his powers aren't completely like mine, though, as there's now a fist sized hole in his costume showing unblemished pale white skin. I didn't look but I could feel his blood had vanished from my arm as well.
"Interesting." His voice was smooth, cultured… detached, as he holstered his pistol. Slowly, methodically, he pulled out a large switchblade and flipped it into full extension. In response, I slowly pulled out my own bowie knife.
Have you ever seen someone so placid that it looks like nothing can faze them. You know, like if you set off a bomb near them or told them their dog just died, they'd just sit there continuing whatever they were doing without a care in the world. That's the vibe I got from Alabaster… until we both had knives in our hands.
You know, slasher smile is an aptly named description.
"Uh… boss?" Wow, that's a brave goon.
"Leave us."
Huh, all three goons turned tail and ran back into the snowy night. Well, I guess it's not much of a surprise. I wouldn't want to deal with an immortal with a knife if I were them and here were two ready to face off.
I looked back towards the white clad albino man, his finger idly caressing the edge of his blade. "This is going to be a bad time, isn't it."
"Oh, on the contrary, we're about to embark on a grand adventure!" Somehow, this didn't comfort me.
"I think I need an adult."
"My dear, I am an adult."
Pre-fight banter, complete. Round 1... start!
Okay, ever since I looted this knife off that guy who one shot me I've been practicing with it off and on. You know, during a boring patrol I'll stop and practicing thrusts or slashes with it. Really, I was just getting used to actually wielding the damn thing.
Boy, did that show, as Alabaster cut me to pieces… sometimes literally.
I mean, the first exchange was the standard face off stare down until he was suddenly inside my guard, knife already through my throat. It happened so fast that I still don't know exactly how he did it but his knife was jammed so far through my neck it severed my spine. At least, I think that's what happened as I lost all feeling other than the searing pain in my neck.
Then we reset, due to my powers this time.
I'd love to say I gave as good as I got, but that would be a lie. All I can really say is that Alabaster was way out of my league. If it wasn't for my power, I'd be a dead girl… so many times over it'd be hilarious. You know, like that baseball game in that Bugs Bunny cartoon, where it was basically a conga line of points for the other team. That kind of ridiculous.
Of course, I had powers, so with each death I gained some charge. The first couple times I used any, I got Alabaster back good. Like, I shoved my knife right through his neck like he did me! Would have felt amazing if it wasn't for the disinterested look in his eyes, even if he still had that creepy smile on.
Lucky bastard doesn't feel any pain!
I don't know how long this went on for… sort of got lost in the rhythm of death and respawn, all the while snow fell gently around us.
All I know is that after the third or fourth time I used any charges, Alabaster dodged. Oh, he still got cut but instead of jamming my knife through his gut, he came out with only a thin line along his side. I got the slight view of oozing crimson before it reverted to unblemished snow white. Then, he retaliated by stabbing my kidney while I was overextended.
Had he completely read me by then? Was there a tell whenever I used charges? I don't know but the next time he dodged, it was damage free. It was the same every time after that, too.
Hell, like I said, I don't know how long this went on for. What I do know is how it ended; abruptly and with the sound of sirens.
Endbringer Sirens.
Somewhere in the world, one of the three Endbringers were on the move to attack. It was an agreed upon signal to all heroes and villains to cease fire and a call to arms. The general idea was banding together against the greater evil to save the world, survival of the human race trumping personal conflicts.
Alabaster stepped back and sheathed his switchblade with a series of flashy flips. I just stood there in shocked fear. It took me a moment to realise that the albino man had wandered away into the falling snow, leaving me there in solitude, the warbling sirens echoing into the late evening air. Suddenly, I burst into movement, sprinting away into the night as one thought ran through my mind.
Dad was going to kill me!
Had I not been panicking, I would have been more worried about the giant death machine that could be headed towards Brockton Bay at that very instant. Thankfully, the Endbringer, Behemoth this time, wasn't even targeting the western hemisphere. I didn't know that at the time, though.
I did know that Dad thought I was in bed asleep and once he found me missing, shit was going to hit the fucking fan. When I got home and found every light on, I knew I was screwed.
Mind racing a mile a minute, I tried to think of anyway to get out of this predicament. Problem was, I was already caught and no matter what I did, Dad would be asking questions…
Shit.
One thing was certain; standing outside my home in my Respawn costume was just adding unnecessary risk. Letting out a large sigh, I fished out my keys and entered the house.
Seeing Dad leap up from the couch and jerk to face me, I let out another sigh as I closed the front door behind me. "Hey, Dad. I'm home."
I had barely finished speaking when he reached me to envelope me in a tight hug. "Thank God you're alright!"
Hearing the relief in his voice made me feel like an utter heel. As the seconds went by, I waited for the hammer to fall. It didn't take long.
Dad stepped back sharply, gripping my shoulders while his face changed from relief to restrained fury. "Taylor Anne Hebert! Where the hell were you?! What the hell are you wearing?! And do you understand how… hard I'm trying not to yell right now?!" He sternly demanded, his voice tightly constrained to a conversational volume. The veins throbbing on his forehead and sharp eyes made me flinch as he flipped the hood of my coat back off my head.
I couldn't find any words, just staring at my feet.
"Well?!" He shook my shoulders a bit, shocking me out of my thoughts. "Answer me!"
"I'm a Cape... A Hero!" I cried out, eyes hardening with my words, as if daring him to try and take that from me. What can I say, I'm my father's daughter; letting anger hide my fear and worry.
"A Cape?" He asked in disbelief before frowning and giving me another shake. "You think dressing up in… in this fancy coat makes you a cape?!"
I shove his hands off my shoulders and ripped off my face mask to glare at my father. "I'm not 'dressing up'! I have powers and I'm a hero!"
"Oh, you have powers! That makes it all better!" Dad sarcastically replied, waving a hand in the air as he turned and walked back into the living room. He jerked around to face me once more. "You're fifteen! I don't care what powers you think you have, you're not a hero! You just a stupid teenager who's going to get yourself killed!"
"I can't die!" I yelled back.
Dad just shook his head with a growl. "Annette couldn't either until she did!"
He… How dare he use Mom against me! I screamed out and...
I found myself breathing heavily, knife in hand. Dad was sitting on the floor looking up at me, face drained of blood as he looked up at me in shock and… and fear. It took a few moments to realise what had just happened… what I'd just done.
I just sliced open my own throat in front of my father. I… His own daughter just killed herself right in front of him!
My legs collapsed under me, dropping me to my knees. I barely felt them bounce off the hard floor as the knife fell from my hand to clatter on the tile.
All I could do was stare into the wide eyes of my dad staring back at me in shock. My jaw worked itself but my constricted voice just wouldn't work. In the living room, the TV serenaded us with the news anchor explaining the Endbringers.
All that anger and fear that had flooded me before was gone. All that remained was shame; pure unadulterated shame of a child who did the unthinkable to her father.
"I… I…" The dam failed and I broke down with a sob. "I'm sorry!"
I guess after I broke down into a blubbering mess, Dad came over and wrapped me up in his arms, trying his best to comfort me. That just made me feel even worse, the guilt of what I'd just done… it wrecked me. I tried to push away but he kept holding me. Finally, I just gave up trying.
When I eventually cried myself dry, I found myself on the couch wrapped in Dad's arms. I guess he picked me up and carried me here. Was I really still that tiny?
"I'm sorry."
I blinked and looked up towards his face. He was still looking towards the television but I could see his own eyes red and dried tear tracks on his face. I was just shocked that he was apologizing to me!
"Why? I'm the one that…" My haggard voice couldn't complete the sentence, my throat constricting again.
Dad just sighed. "Because I'm the adult and should… need to be responsible." He rubbed the top of my head while letting out another sigh. "If I had kept control of my temper, we could have talked instead of… this."
Silence fell over us while the man on TV finished talking about Behemoth, or at least what was known about it. It then switched to an analyst talking about the Middle East.
"Dad… I'm sorry."
"I know, kiddo." He somehow managed a light chuckle. "You just have the misfortune to have my temper and your mother's defiant determination." This chuckle was a little stronger. "You should have seen her during college. She wouldn't take flack from anyone."
I managed a small smile at hearing about Mom but it didn't last. "I won't stop being Respawn."
Dad sighed, hugging me with one arm as he muted the TV. "I… I wish you wouldn't." I stiffened slightly at that. "But, I understand. I don't like it but I understand."
"Thanks."
Dad took a deep breath, probably to steel his nerves. "So, you're going to be a hero?"
We had a long conversation about my burgeoning hero career and plans for the future. Dad still wasn't happy with the fact I planned on throwing myself into danger, even after telling him about my powers. I'm a little surprised though that all he wanted me to do was keep him in the loop. Considering what happened this time, I don't think that's too much to ask.
All the while, the silent television continued reporting about the seismic activity narrowing down Behemoth's target.
o0O0o
PHO Interlude
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Topic: Behemoth - Cairo, Egypt
In: Boards Endbringer Attacks
YamerJammer (Moderator)
Posted on 23 February 2011:
On 23 February 2011 at 1328 Eastern Standard Time, the Endbringer known as Behemoth attacked Cairo, Egypt.
On 23 February 2011 at 1632 Easter Standard Time the combined efforts of all parahuman volunteers drove Behemoth into retreat.
Official numbers on civilian casualties are still being tallied but are estimated to be between 750k to 2.5m This will be updated once a more accurate census is taken.
Parahuman casualties are listed HERE. Out of 274 parahuman volunteers, 158 are critically injured or deceased.
Economic damage to Egypt or the surrounding countries is unknown.
Current estimations for reconstruction is over $14.2b US Dollars. Initial reports also show radioactive residue in parts of the city, however, which will hinder reconstruction.
If you wish to make a donation for relief efforts of survivors, THIS PAGE contains a list of help organizations.
If you wish to make a donation towards any deceased parahuman volunteer's surviving family, THIS PAGE contains a list of participating organizations.
NOTE: This thread is locked to maintain official releases of updates and notices.
o0O0o
23 February - Evening
I laid on my bed looking at the cell phone in my hand. Respawn's phone. Flipping it open, I pulled up Glory Girl on the contacts list.
Letting out a breath, I pressed the Call button.
"Hello?" Glory Girl answered after a couple rings.
"Hey, it's Respawn."
"Hey…" She sounded pretty tired. "What's up?"
"I… I just wanted to see how you're holding up. You know, after…" After your family went to fight Behemoth.
"I'm okay, just tired." She let out a single tired laugh, but it held little emotion. "Kind of hard to relax when you're stuck here and they're out there, you know?"
"Yeah, I can understand, I guess." After everything with my Dad, I could definitely understand what she might be going through. "How is everyone?"
Glory Girl sighed, her exhaustion coming over the connection. "Amy… Panacea was able to save Uncle Neil… Manpower. Now he's just sleeping off the exhaustion but he's fine. Everyone else is still guarding Amy as she does her thing over in Cairo. If I know her, she's going to try saving every single person she can until she collapses herself."
"And you're worried about her."
"Damn right, I am! They wouldn't let me go, so I'm stuck holding down the fort." I could hear the frustration in her voice.
"Sounds like you're a good sister, Glory Girl."
"Call me Vikki."
I blink in surprise. Yeah, I already knew her real name, Victoria Dallon, it was common knowledge due to her family's fame. I thought it was part of the unwritten rules not to use it though…
"Ah.. call me Taylor, then."
"Okay, Taylor. Thanks."
"No problem." I pause for a moment, trying to think of what to say. "Are you going to be okay?"
Glory Gi… Vikki sighed. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for calling."
"No problem." Thinking about it, I decided to return the favor. "Hey, give me a call when you want to do a patrol, okay? We can go beat up some ABB or something."
"That sounds like fun. I'll give you a call then, thanks. Sorry I'm not much to talk to right now but…"
"You're worried and tired, I understand. Just… give me a call if you need anything, okay?"
I think I heard her smile. "Yeah. Sounds good. Thanks, Taylor." A noise came over from her side. "Hey, I'll talk to you later."
"Okay, bye." I barely got that out before the connection ended.
Dropping the phone beside me, I let out a breath as I thought about the Endbringers. What would I do if I had to fight one? Could I even fight one?
o0O0o
End of Chapter 2
o0O0o
A/N
For some of the name typos... I really hate my auto-correct software sometimes.
GrumpyCat42
The charges she gains each respawn can only be used offensively. The 'invulnerability' aspect of the power is only to allow the offensive maneuver to complete successfully. I.E. She doesn't break her hand/arm if she punches a brick wall while spending a charge.
Sudokori1
Taylor being OOC is two things, this is an AU and powers affect the user's mind with some more than others. Powers want to be used and Taylor has to be more aggressive/reckless to use it.
As for the school not bringing up the door, it's already proven that the school is corrupt. Why would they want to bring more scrutiny on themselves by bringing in the PRT for an investigation?
Guest
Dumb Phones that plug into the phone jack run off of the DC voltage which is independent of the 120V 60Hz AC outlet power.
Helkil
I don't plan on taking Taylor that far, sorry.
Fellowman
Flashbang, Panacea, ClockBlocker, Hookwolf, Skitter… If you look at it, quite a lot of Capes have names relative to their power. The important thing is her name doesn't give away all her powers.
