Omake: Not a Child Soldier

By: Major Session

Tattletale snarled, looking up from the the ground, stuck there with the thread Parian had possessed after Keynote knocked her down, the fibers coiling around her wrists and the desk leg. A few feet away stood Parian, guarding her and the unconscious Regent in a side room while Glory Girl saw to the remaining hostages and her sister. How the hell was she supposed to predict that not only would Panacea be at the bank today but for some reason Keynote and Parian would be too, in costume no less.

Dull roars and snarls along with yelps and yelling filtered through the Window as Keynote and some of the Wards did Battle with Bitches dogs and Grue. It wouldn't last long though, not with a power house like Keynote on the field and unmatched.

Looking up at the fashion cape Lisa desperately tried to think her way out of this, her power strained to its limits. She needed to get out of this, if she was arrested... Well, it didn't bear thinking about. The best she could hope for was that Coil would simply have her killed. Because otherwise... She'd never have a truly rational thought again. So she looked and tried to pry the information she needed lose, but it was difficult when the other girl had nothing exposed, no micro expressions or twitches to read. Gathering the data she had Lisa glared at the other cape and spoke.

"You're sick you know? Using a young girl like that, even if she is really tall. I wonder what your customers would think if they knew Parian was just using Keynote to be her own personal guard dog, to ward the gangs away and prevent the Empire from moving in on an obviously non-white cape working in their territory." Lisa said, and Parian twitched. There was something there. Something she could use, she just needed to force the Rogue to reveal the crack she needed.

"Though I have to admire you're gall and luck, for picking and then using such a powerful cape. I mean, that's all Keynote is right? That's all she is to you..." The blonde girl continued.

Parian stiffened, shifting awkwardly on her feet as one arm moved to cup her elbow.

"Shut up. Just... just be quite until your friends get beaten and we can go home." Parian snapped.

Stiffened. Indignant, angry. Resents allegation of using Keynote. Disagrees with assessment of soldier. Disagrees, but still using... Other use?

Awkward, tone fearful, fears something. Doesn't fear me, afraid for Keynote's safety? Yes, but minimal. Knows she can handle herself against far more powerful capes. Doesn't believe Bitch and Grue pose a threat.

Damn. Well, she hadn't expected Bitch and Grue to win really, not against Keynote. Fucking Trumps. Still there was more in those statements...

Awkward, embarrassed. Shifting posture and dipping head meant to hide blush. Embarrassed and afraid, has improper thoughts. Improper thoughts, using Keynote in a way that isn't a soldier/protection. Using Keynote in an improper manner? No, using the person, not cape. Powers likely uniting factor but personality came into affect. Keynote is depressed, unstable, sick, snapped when fighting Lung, didn't care about own life only Parian's. Snapped because though Parian was dead... Keynote needs Parian to not be depressed and remain functional. Keynote needs Parian so will do what Parian says to retain the contact and associated happiness. Keynote is younger than Parian. Parian has an improper use for a younger girl that she is embarrassed about...

Oh. Well, shit. That was mildly disturbing. Well, as much as she didn't want to do this because this would break Parian and probably invites Keynote's wrath down on her latter, she needed to get away. Keynote could be a problem for future Lisa.

"Ooooh. So you're not just using her as your personal child soldier." Lisa said, her mouth stretching into a predatory grin.

She chuckled, as Parian took a step back, her posture wary and confused. This would be disgusting but also... Well, it was fun revealing things people didn't want to admit to themselves. Especially if it would make Parian get Keynote help before she snapped and killed them all.

"Because wow, wow. I thought Regent was depraved, but you? You take the cake on that one. Keynote's not protection, not really. You're actually grooming her. A young, depressed, socially isolated girl just feel into your lap. I bet the powers were just a bonus... No, something to bond over? Anyway, you're grooming her. You're abusing a troubled girl who is seriously sick herself. You can see just how dependent she is on you and instead of getting her help... You relish it. You enjoy having her wrapped around your fingers like a clothes thread, dancing to your tune like one of your puppets." Lisa said, speaking rapidly as Parian froze at her accusations.

Then Parian shook herself, an audible snarl coming from her lips as she began to protest. Lisa just spoke louder, almost shouting to drown the other girl out.

"Keynote needs help, she's breaking and you know it but you're enjoying it too much. You love having a submissive little girl who'll do anything you say. Keynote's obsessed with you and you're using that to abuse her. You're twisting a suicidal girl's depression into a knot, all so you can play your own fantasy romance with a child. Grooming a girl who trusted you to protect her into your own personal fuck toy. And you call me the villain."

As Parian reeled, clutching her arms together and mutter denials, pleading really. Lisa smiled even as she felt something break inside.

"And if you don't want Keynote to find out about this, if you want to continue your sick little game... You're going to let me go right now."