A/N Pile up.
Alt title: Where do all these people come from?!
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Just so you guys know. The whole 'Caught red handed was both a reference to Vicky and Carnage.'
And because nobody got it. Scarecrows name is a JoJo reference. Because he's Joseph, son of Jonathan.
Oh well.
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And I know Amy's middle name is Claire not Lavender, but that makes no sense.
Her birth name is
Amelia Claire Lavere
Adopted name?
Amy Claire Dallon
It's stupid. The whole point is to hide her.
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T4ndoris: Vicky isn't stupid per se. She's just reckless and prone to emotional outburst. Hell when she was first introduced in canon she broke a guys back and was like, 'Shit, better call Amy and make sure she gets here before the ambulance does.'
The last chapter is just a butterfly effect scenario where Amy wasn't available.
Don't worry, there'll be more Missy x Kitsu
YeTianshi: It might, but keep in mind. Kitsu is not a heroic person. Her priorities are protecting the family she's made.
Draco0905: You wish you were as funny as Fluffy. ;)
DancingLeaf: Mark would be disappointed, Amy would be horrified. Vicky wouldn't care too much because it kept her out of trouble. And Carol? Depends on how it was revealed. She'd be disappointed, and probably blame it on her lack of upbringing and common sense.
As for Carnage? He'd probably welcome the challenge. He's crazy like that. At least until he discovers it's impossible to kill her.
Reynard9234: Thanks! I got a little scared when you said chapters were deleted. Glad it was a temporary glitch.
Casanova5424: She really is just a product of her environment. In canon, despite Amy having a breakdown and telling her to stay away because she couldn't control her powers. She disregarded her warning, and then blamed Amy after what happened.
And yeah, that movie was awesome. And I am using his movie version looks as opposed to his comic book looks because the comic design is ass.
Aren Gisly: I always intended to have Firebreather intercept, way back when Carnage was first hinted at. It was just a matter of setup. And there's no way Neil would win against Carnage one v one. Carnage is essentially a more versatile and mobile Marquis who can heal himself. And Neil needed a team and specific circumstances to win.
On the bright side Neil is probably going to get that promotion sooner.
KayKayKayKayan: She's the emotional support fox!
Gogmazios: You're welcome!
RadChaos897: Yeah, FFN has been real glitchy lately. And I told you I'd give credit where it's due.
It was only a matter of time, as Casanova5424 pointed out. She's a product of her environment. And that environment was one that put her on a pedestal and allowed her to get away with damn near anything.
And no, Vicky isn't a closeted Case 53 racist. She just has a habit of running on her emotions without thinking.
As to how I introduced the new recruits. It's a matter of balancing. If I introduced them all at once then it would be cluttered and honestly? What are the odds of all these new recruits showing up at exactly the same time? With no communication between each other and no knowledge of each other? That'd take some heavy suspension of disbelief. Those are some of the things you just gotta think about.
Also, that's awesome! I can't wait to read it! PM me if ever you need help.
Redburndragon: That was one of my points, that it's his blood not a symbiote. Which is why he doesn't have instinctual control and why the tendrils got small every time he regenerated or made more tendrils. I'm just crap at explaining straight out.
And yeah, there were A LOT of external factors that contributed to Firebreather outspeeding an avalanche. I was just adding that bit of info to show he's capable of such speeds. But you are right and I should've explained better.
Misaka Phenex: Welcome back!
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Damn, you guys normally give reviews over the span of a few days. I posted the chapter right before I went to bed and woke up to nearly eleven reviews!
I love it!
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Disclaimer: I don't own Worm or any other characters in this work, other than my OC. All other characters belong to their respective properties.
-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
[Shard]
(Text)
*Sounds/Actions*
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-Dockworkers Association, Tuesday, April 20th, 1pm-
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Kitsu POV
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"And so, with the ferry docks back up and running, it'll give the workers jobs. And even then. There are jobs available on the ferry for those who need it." I explain.
"That's all well and good. But you'll still need to get the Mayor on board. He's been against reviving the ferry for the last five years. He refuses to put any money into it outside of keeping it clean and buying a new sign every few months." Mr. Hebert explains.
"That's the good part. He will agree. Because I'm buying the ferry from the city. I'm footing the bill for repairs and modifications and I intend to pay property taxes for its use." I explain.
He starts getting red in the face and sets his glasses down. Rubbing his eyes he continues.
"Now I know you're messing with me. That would cost approximately five hundred million just buy and fix the thing. An added twelve thousand a month for upkeep and taxes, not including paying the workers." He explains as he puts his glasses back on. "If you were buying a functional ferry, I could see you pulling this off. The tourism and renting of goods and services on the boat would turn a profit. But making returns on the initial purchase?"
"Mr. Hebert, I assure you. I have the funds. Are you aware there's bounties in place for defeating or destroying S-class threats?" I ask.
"What does that have to do with anything?" He asks in exasperation.
"Google Eagleton real quick." I say.
He gives a small glare before turning to his box computer. After a bit of typing and reading. I can actually see my image on the computer in the reflection of his glasses.
A few seconds of scrolling and his jaw is slowly falling. I can hear dad next to me trying not to laugh.
"I am likely one of the richest children to ever live. I can buy the ferry, pay for it. And keep it held up more than long enough to make a profit." I say seriously. "I just need you on board. Then I can book an appointment with the department of transportation and look into buying the necessary permits and property."
In all honesty? A good seventy percent of this plan is thanks to Wade giving me a breakdown of the data.
"Kid, if you can pull it off. You have my full support. I can write up a few things for a contract, get in touch with the workers, hash things out. Till then I look forward to hearing from you." He says and stands up. Extending his hand.
I take his hand and look in.
Yep, he's an untriggered parahuman too. Corona Pollentia right there.
Coming back I shake his hand firmly.
"You saw everything! You're my witness when mom asks for proof." I say as I point to dad with my remaining hand.
"Sure thing." He says with a smile.
"Oh, and tell Taylor I said hi." I say, turning back to Daniel.
"You know my daughter?" He asks wide eyed.
"She came to the signing a bit ago to get my autograph with her friend Emma. Funnily enough Emma is the daughter of my moms coworker and friend! Small world." I explain.
"Huh, didn't know Alan was friends with Brandish." Daniel says. "Well, I'll let her know you said hi. And it was a pleasure talking with you."
We head back to the car, and go back to the back seat. Apparently I need to be either four foot nine or taller, or weigh over eighty pounds to ride in the front seat. Which is bull!
"You handled that well sweetie." Dad says as he starts the car.
"Thanks!" I say happily. "Quick question, why is it the department of transportation that deals with purchasing city property?" I ask.
"You'd have to ask your mother. Now, let's get home and check to make sure your sisters are there and not off somewhere. Then we can head to town hall." He says as we enter traffic.
I pull out my phone and text Amy to make sure.
(PanPan! Is Vicky at the house with u?)-K
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(Stop calling me that)-A
(And yes)-A
(NEVER! PANPAN 4EVER!)-K
(Do u ever get tired of being extra?)-A
(No)-K
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-Pelham House, 1:13pm-
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Sarah "Lady Photon" Pelham POV
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"So what do you know about New Wave?" I ask the shirtless orange teen.
"I know you accept people like me and that you're good people. That's good enough." He says genuinely.
"That's all well and good. But so are the PRT." Neil says.
"Pfft, those guys? All they ever do is try and capture me with nets or foam. Never even said hi or anything." He says with a role of his eyes.
Honestly? Probably. The PRT's priorities are wildly different depending on the ruling director. Armstrong prefers to research and accumulate knowledge on parahumans. Pigot prefers to focus on image and keeping parahumans integrated with society.
"Still, we need to know you understand our principles and the message we uphold." I say.
"Well, tell me what they are." He says with a shrug. "You're heroes. Can't be anything bad."
I love the faith and optimism. But he's clearly naïve.
"Well for one, our main message that we send with our movement is capes with accountability." I say.
"I know that. Is there anything else?" He asks.
"We do work with the PRT. We make reports and hand over villains. As well as doing joint patrols when possible." I inform him.
"Why? The PRT are a bunch of bullies and glory hounds." He asks with a frown.
"Because, despite any contention we have with them. They're still the government. We can't work against them without breaking the law. And that would make us villains." Neil explains for me.
"Oh, I guess that makes sense." He relents.
"Mom, dad! We're home!" I hear Crystal shout.
"In the kitchen! We have a guest over!" I shout to them. "And be nice!"
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Crystal "Laserdream" Pelham POV
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"Why would she say, be nice?" Eric asks with a raised brow.
"I don't know." I say with a shrug. "Maybe it's someone from the PRT?"
"If that's the case then I'm going straight to my room. Need to study up on my algebra." He says as he heads for the stairs.
"You go do that popsicle stick. I'mma check out who's here." I say and turn for the kitchen.
"Hey! The hair is cool, don't diss the doo just cause you can't pull it off."
"Pfft! Seriously? You look like you got dunked in bucket of Gatorade." I say with a laugh.
"Yeah? Well, you! Damnit!" He says before stomping upstairs.
Laughing a bit at his frustration I go to check on our 'guest', and see what's up.
I walk into the kitchen and immediately stop to look at the broad shouldered, chiseled, sharp features of the shirtless man at the table.
'Helllooo~ Nurse!' I find myself thinking. 'Why isn't he wearing a shirt? Why is he at our table? Why is he orange?'
I take in the sight before I'm snapped out of my thoughts by mom literally snapping her fingers.
"What? Um, hi. Who're you? I'm Crystal." I say as I take a seat across from him and extend a hand.
"S'up! Nice ta meetcha! I'm Firebreather." He says as he shakes my hand. "I'm just talking to your parents about joining New Wave."
Getting a better look at him I see that his skin is scaled as well as. And he has small spikes extruding from his head. Which I guess would make them horns. And I think I see red wings folded against his back.
"You are? Well that means you'll be doing patrols and you'll need someone to show you the ropes of cape life." I throw out there.
What? He's hot! And clearly has the confidence to rock it shirtless.
"I guess." He says with a shrug.
"We haven't got there yet." Dad says. "We're still briefing him on the ins and outs of being a member of New Wave."
"And we need to get ahold of your aunt Carol and see about making him a legal U.S. citizen. And that's if we take him on as a new member." Mom says.
'Can't you see what I'm trying to do?' I think incredulously.
"Well, if you manage to become a member of New Wave. How about I give you my number?" I say sweetly. "In case you have questions or concerns?"
"I don't own a phone." He says with a sad smile.
'Foot, meet mouth.'
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Sarah "Lady Photon" Pelham POV
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'Oh, she isn't.'
"Well, I uh. How about you stop by more often? I'm off school after twelve and this summer I'm mostly free." She continues.
'She is.' I think to myself.'
My daughter is hitting on an orange scaled boy with wings. Not that there's anything wrong with that! But it's surprising. She went all of high school and only dated twice. And neither lasted more than a month. And both times they asked her out.
"Sure! I don't really have much else to do other than introduce myself to the Dallons. And wait for that citizen thing license to go through. But sure!" He says excitedly, clearly not seeing what's going on.
"Well, we got just about everything covered here. You got a place to stay Firebreather? Somewhere we can come get you if need be?" Neil asks.
"I've been camping in the woods just out of town. So I can't really give an address." He says simply.
"You can stay with us." Crystal offers.
"We don't have anywhere to put him." I interject, knowing her intentions for the boy.
"I couldn't ask you to anyways. Besides, roughing it is what I'm used to." He says as he stands up.
He stretches and pops his back before flexing and stretching his wings. Popping the joints in those as well.
Looking over to Crystal I'm treated to the sight of her staring with a small smirk.
"Well, it's been nice talking to you Fire, we'll see you sometime soon." Neil says as he stands up and puts a hand out to shake.
"Looking forward to it, try not to get attacked till then. Can't promise I'll be there to save your ass next time." He says as he takes the hand.
They give a firm shake and Neil walks him out while I look to Crystal.
"So, want to explain that?" I ask with a teasing smirk.
"What? He's new and he's going to need someone to help him out. Besides you and dad both have full time jobs and I'm graduating this year. I can spend the summer showing him the ropes." She says with a calm smile.
"You seemed to really be chomping at the bit to 'show him the ropes'. Sure that's all you're trying to show him?" I ask.
She gets up and starts walking past. "I don't know what you're talking about. If you need me I'll be in my room."
She walks past and I can't help but try to embarrass her further.
"Yeah, just keep it down and remember to turn off your history. You know we can check that through the wifi if you don't." I call to her.
"Don't know what you're talking about!" She says from the hall.
"Why do kids always seem to forget we were once their age." I ask myself.
Neil walks back in and sits down.
"So, when are that Ben's kids coming by?" He asks. "And did Crystal seem odd to you? I thought she was stepping away from New Wave to focus on her career."
"Neil honey, you're lucky you're cute." I tell him. "And they should be by in about half an hour."
He gives confused look before speaking.
"What is that supposed to mean?" He asks.
I give a playful smile and rest my head in my hands before answering.
"It means they will be here in about thirty minutes." I say coyly.
"Before that." He says with a frown.
"Don't worry about it." I say and lean over to plant a kiss on his chin.
"I am very much worrying about it. I feel like you insulted me." He says.
"Well, I can't help how you choose to feel." I tell him.
"Just, you. Nevermind." He says as he gives up.
'Smart man.' I think to myself.
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-Town hall, 3:32pm-
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Kitsu POV
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Five days. That's the waiting period. Five business days.
I DON'T HAVE THAT TIME!
"Sweetie, it'll be alright. We'll talk to Carol and have everything sorted out." Dad says to calm me down.
"Dad, I have until Sunday. The waiting period is five days, not including the weekend. And today is Tuesday!" I stress. "I really want Gully to be a member! And Firebreather! If I can't find a solution, wait." I stop pacing around as I get an idea. "Maybe Lung has a few apartments he can spare."
I pull out my phone and go to dial for Kenta before dad snatches it out of my hands!
"You're not calling Lung. Kitsu, you're overreacting. We'll talk to Carol and get everything sorted. Besides, you still need to get repairmen and hire a market team. Not to mention an HR department, and submit the proper permits to operate the ferry in the first place. It's a good idea kiddo. But it's not getting done in a week."
"Doesn't New Wave have a marketing team? Why can't we use them?" I ask.
"It's because of these neat little pain in butts called contracts. If we want to use them for marketing the ferry we'd have to renegotiate the terms of our already existing contract. I think." He says unsurely.
"You think?" I ask flatly.
"Hey I leave the legal stuff to your mother. Now come on, we need to get home." He says and picks me up.
He hands me back my phone and proceeds to carry me out of the building.
"How about a patrol around the Docks? Would that cheer you up?" He asks. "We can end the day at that Chinese place you go on about."
"Won't Vicky have to come?" I ask.
"Yes. And that shouldn't be a problem." He says. "You two can get some bonding in."
"Dad, in all the time I've been here, she's thrown me out the door, literally. Slammed me into the floor, coerced a guy into dating me when he didn't want to, lied to me. And kept me up on at least two occasions with how often she snuck Dean over." I say to him with a frown. "And that's just the things off the top of my head! And that's not including the recent mess she's caused everyone!"
"She's a good person sweetie. She's just, made some mistakes." He says as we reach the car.
"Some?" I say as he sets me down.
"Nobodies perfect kiddo." He says as he closes the door.
"I'm perfect-ly fine with her not coming with us." I say as he enters.
"Well, you need to be perfectly fine with her coming with." He says. "Because it's either that, or we stay home."
"Hmrm. I choose home. Amy is there and I can experiment some more." I mumble out.
"Alright, seatbelt."
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-Meanwhile, Great Falls, Montana-
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Nightcrawler POV
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*BAMF*
"Shietze! Verdammte holle!" I pant out as reach the top of the building.
I lay down and catch my breath. I don't even know how long I've been going! I've been essentially racing the sun! And I'm running late!
I get back up and get ready to go again.
"Come on Night, almost there. You can do it." I tell myself as I look out over the horizon.
*BAMF*
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-Dallon house, 3:30pm-
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Victoria "Glory Girl" Dallon POV
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This is bullshit! Its not fair!
If Amy was with me or I could have just called her over none of this would've happened! But no. She was too busy watching over Kitsu's date with Missy. And now I'm grounded!
Dad's with the family pet out doing something. I don't know. So I'm stuck here in my room.
"Vicky? Can you come here?" I hear dad call.
"Yeah! I'm coming!" I say and roll off my bed.
I step out and walk through the hall towards the living room. Meeting dad in the living room. No tagalong in site, which is rare. Usually if the two are in the same building they're glued together.
"Where's the midget?" I ask.
"Kitsu, is in her room. She's staying home today with Amy while you and I go on patrol. So come on, go get suited up."
"Wait, seriously?" I ask in surprise.
"Seriously. She chose to stay home and work with her plants." Dad says. "Now hurry up. We got an hour before I have to pick up your mother."
I lift off and glide to my room.
"No flying in the house!"
I get to my room and quickly change out of my day clothes and into my hero outfit. Luckily it's easy to put on seeing as I don't need armor unlike mom or dad.
Once I'm suited up I head out and wait in the living room. A few minutes later dad walks in, padded white suit with green accents.
"Alright, let's go. We'll be doing a patrol around the block neighborhood. After that we've gotta be back before four forty." He says.
"What?! But that's less than an hour!" I protest.
"It's all we get today." He says and steps past me.
I follow him regardless as we make our way out the door and to the car.
"Wait, we're not patrolling in the car, are we?" I ask in disbelief.
"What do you girls have against the car?" He asks back in the same tone.
"Dad, it's a sedan. Doesn't exactly say, run criminal scum! More, on our way to a recital!" I inform him.
He just stares for a bit before opening the passenger door.
"Just get in." He says tiredly.
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Mark "Flashbang" Dallon POV
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As I'm driving down the street, I can't help but think on recent events, and what should be done. Or rather what could be done, what I could do.
Off topic but funnily enough, Kitsu had said damn near the same thing when it came to patrolling in the car. Only she said 'halt criminal scum!' and 'on our way to soccer practice!'.
"So, why did you sneak out yesterday?" I ask, breaking the silence.
"We still on that? Didn't mom grill me hard enough?" She asks with a frown and crosses her arms.
"She did." I relent. "But I want to understand why you did it."
She broods silently as I continue driving. I'm turning a corner when she finally pipes up.
"I just thought that if I could find a crime and stop it. I could show mom I'm not out of control." She says softly.
"We don't think you're out of control. We think you're getting out of control." I tell her.
"What's the fucking difference?!" She asks as she slaps her legs in frustration.
"Hey, language! And the difference is that if you were out of control. You wouldn't be grounded, you'd be arrested."
She goes deathly silent at that. And I can tell she either doesn't believe me, or doesn't want to believe me.
"Vicky, look. We love you, and we want what's best for you. And if that means enforcing consequences so that you don't repeat mistakes." I give a small shrug. "We will. We just don't want you ruining your life."
"The only thing ruining my life is that pint sized pipsqueak." She grumbles.
"Vicky you know that's not true." I tell her.
"If she wasn't here then Amy would've been with me! And all this would've been avoided!" She explains.
"I get that. But you have to realize Amy won't always be there. Sure if Kitsu wasn't there Amy would've gotten to you." I concede. "But can you honestly say Amy will always be there? It only takes one time."
"I would've held back if I knew." She counters.
"Now you see, that implies you can hold back. That you know how to restrain yourself and that you're choosing not to." I point out. "Are you? Be honest, I won't tell your mother."
She says nothing and just folds her arms again. Staring back out the window.
"I get it." I say sympathetically. "That desire to let loose, to use your powers to their fullest at any opportunity. The frustration at holding back."
"Sure you do." She says sarcastically.
"We all feel it. That need to use our abilities. Why do think Amy is always at the hospital? Or why Kitsu literally cannot go a day without doing something with her powers. Hell your mother took almost no convincing to start using her powers on Kitsu to fuel her."
"Then why don't you go out more often? If everyone with powers has this need, why aren't you out there lobbing balls at people left and right?" She demands.
"First of all, tone, I'm your father, not your child. Second of all?" I give a shrug as I turn another stoplight. "There are two reasons. Firstly is because it gets better with age. Secondly, well. Most days I barely have the energy to brush my own teeth, much less get up, get dressed up, and go out."
"Oh, right." She says quietly.
"I'm not going to say I know exactly what it's like. I don't and it'd be a bold faced lie. I'm just saying, you're not alone in how you feel." I try to explain.
"Sure."
And I've lost her.
That's the response I'd give my parents when I was done and just let them ramble. If I keep going she'll be like, okay, I get it, really?
"Alright, let's head home." I say.
"Finally." She rolls her eyes.
'Parenting is a journey Mark, not a destination.' I remind myself of my fathers words.
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Amy "Panacea" Dallon POV
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*Poof*
"Darn it!" Kitsu shouts in frustration at the sunflower's stem popping.
"I told you."
She's been trying to make a bio generator. Only she's given up on electricity and has resorted to combustion.
"Kitsu, stop. I'm sure if we ask Carol she'll get in touch with someone and get you an electric eel. Just be patient." I say and reverse the damage to the modified sunflower.
I'll admit that I've come to enjoy these little sessions. It's always interesting to see what she comes up with and how they work. Even if it is just frankensteining various features. It's still fun to see how she makes them work.
I tried explaining how the organs of the eel work. But she's a kinesthetic learner. She has to learn by doing, not by being told.
"Look, just take a break okay? How about you work on something else? What about those bugs you grabbed?" I ask and jerk a finger towards her plastic bug farm in the corner.
"I need more space for all that. I wanna make trees that can do all sorts of things as an attraction for the ferry!"
The ferry, her big idea for New Wave. She actually spent a bit of rushing around and writing on papers for Carol to look at before working on the sunflower.
"You do realize it'll take at least a decade or two to make returns on that thing?" I ask.
"Amy, I'm immortal. Twenty years means nothing to me in the long run." She states.
It is genuinely easy to forget she'll outlive us all. And that she even made so she can't have kids because she'll outlive those too.
"Right, how do you deal with that?" I ask.
"Deal with what?"
"The knowledge that you'll outlive us." I clarify.
She stops for a second. Her tail losing its normal sway, her eyes and ears gaining a slight droop to them.
"I, try not to think about it. But, eventually. In a few hundred years, when I'm just done with existence, I imagine I'll just. Wipe my own memory, start over. Maybe leave myself a few clues as to who I was." She says sadly.
I need to stop bringing that up. This is the second time I've asked her about her immortality and for the second time I'm depressed because of it.
"Well, I gotta go to the bathroom. I'll be back!" She says.
In a classic gust of wind, she's gone.
I look back to the sunflower she left behind.
'I mean, it's just once.' I think to myself. 'She's clearly better at restraining herself than I am. And I'll just make it one time. It's not like I'm modifying a person. Besides, this can be an apology for bringing up the whole immortal thing. And Carol clearly doesn't think anything of the whole, modification thing.' I reason.
Reaching out to the plant. I let go a little and modify the structure. Normally I have to keep a strong hold on my power. To keep it from just letting loose and rearranging everything. Now it's just a matter of directing the flow of my power as opposed to stopping it.
Adding electrocytes to the stems pathway. Modifying a few things. Making it so that it's more efficient and won't just electrocute anyone who touches it.
Should add an insulative element to it. Have it produce a natural rubber on the outside of the stem. Extend the flower head to receive more light. No, it won't be a seeding plant so I can just discard that. Move a few things around with the extra room. The petals are black now to absorb more light. Make the electric organs one way so they can be controlled.
And done!
It looks like a normal sunflower. If not for the thicker stem and black petals. And the blue center that releases the electricity through a special feeder root when disturbed.
That was, fun. Great really. It felt good to finally let loose on something. And I didn't hurt anyone!
"Okay I'm back and-" Kitsu says, appearing before me in another gust of wind.
Before stopping to notice the newly created plant.
"Huh? Did, did you?" She asks as she reaches for it.
She takes a moment to look in and view it.
"That's awesome! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She says as she hugs my legs tight.
"Yeah just. Don't get used to this. This is a one time thing." I tell her. "I just didn't want you blowing up the house with your methane experiments."
She looks up at me. "Thank you. I love it and it's amazing." She says sincerely as she looks me in the eye.
I'm filled with a fuzzy warmth I normally only get around Vicky. Or when m-Carol is nice to me. And I'm finding I enjoy the appreciation. It feels, genuine, sincere, wholesome.
It feels like the first few times I healed people at the hospital and they thanked me. Before it became routine and their thanks felt hollow.
"Just don't expect this again. Okay? And if anyone asks, you managed to figure it out on your own." I tell her seriously as I return the hug.
"Okay PanPan!" She says excitedly as she nuzzles my stomach. "I promise, I'll take all the credit."
"Don't ruin the moment."
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-Law firm, 5:12pm-
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Carol "Brandish" Dallon POV
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I step out just in time for Mark to pull up.
I go through the routine of stepping in, tossing my bag to the floor, and undoing my hair tie.
"Got good news." I say as I buckle in.
"What's that? Got a high paying case?" He asks.
"I wish." I say with a laugh. "No, the girl Vicky put in a coma woke up. She's decided not to press any charges in exchange for paying her medical bill."
"That's great! But, what bill? Amy healed her and she does it for free." He asks confused.
"The room she took up. It's about twelve hundred altogether."
"That's absurd!" Mark exclaims.
"She didn't have insurance. It would've been higher but she left the hospital the night she woke up. So she was technically only there a day and a half." I explain. "Besides, all things considered it's a small price to pay."
"When you put it like that, it sounds like we're trying to bribe her silence." He says.
"If that's what it takes." I say simply.
It's an ugly truth, but a truth nonetheless. If an NDA and bribe would keep New Wave afloat and Vicky out of the birdcage. Then that's what it would take.
Mark is silent the rest of the way home. We step out of the car and we both just share a look.
"So, who turn is it take the brunt of Kitsu's 'welcome home' greeting?" I ask cheerfully.
"I spent the day with her, I already got it when she came home today and nearly scared Neil and Sarah to death." He offers, resting his arms on the roof of the car.
"I'm not as physically strong as you. And I just spent the whole day at work." I counter.
"I just spent half the day with your sister and her husband, and the other half with Kitsu running all over town, and an hour patrolling with Vicky." He shoots back.
"You already mentioned spending time with her." I point out. "And I make the money."
In response he holds up his keys with that damnable smirk.
"I'm the one with a drivers license." He says.
I stare at him before turning to the sidewalk leading to our door.
"Fine, but next time is your turn." I say as I turn the handle and step in, preparing myself for the munchkin.
I fully step inside and sure enough.
"Mommy!"
I brace myself as she slams into my legs and hugs me tight.
"Alright." I say and crouch down to pick her up.
I plant a quick kiss on her forehead as I place her on my hip and carry her out of Marks way. She holds me tight and gives her signature nuzzle as I walk.
"Did you miss me?" She asks.
"Sure." I say and set her down on the couch. "You can tell me all about your day after I get out of this suit. Okay?"
"Kay! I'll stay back and annoy dad." She says and runs over to him.
She latches onto his leg as I walk away. I walk past her door and look in to see what she'd been up to.
'A black sunflower. Okay then.' I think as I walk away.
I walk through the kitchen and spot Amy at the table. Sipping at a cup of coffee.
"Isn't it a bit late to be drinking coffee?" I ask her.
"Mrm." She grunts out without even turning to look at me. "It's seven in the morning somewhere."
"Nice to know one of my daughters is an addict." I say as I walk past.
Finally getting to my room I plop down on the bed and just lay there as I let my brain shut off for a minute. After a bit I hoist myself up and get undressed. Changing out into my house clothes I walk out and to the living room. Passing Amy again as I do.
"You're going to be up all night." I say as I walk past.
"No I won't." She replies simply.
Standing in the archway to the living room. I watch as Mark is holding a squirming Kitsu out and away from him.
"This is unlawful detainment!"
"Oh yeah? Prove it." Mark says.
"Witness!" She shouts and points to me.
Mark looks over to me.
"Well, crap. I don't suppose your silence could be bought?" He asks.
I lean on the wall with a hand on my hip.
"I don't know, what are you offering?" I ask coyly.
"Betrayal! I doth been stabbith in mine back!" Kitsu cries out and squirms harder.
Mark then holds her to his side like a ball and puts his free hand to his chin.
"Hmm, how about, Ahaha!" He starts before Kitsu reaches up to tickle his armpits.
He drops her and she jumps away.
"Freedom!" She cheers. "Oh! Mom! I need to talk to you."
"Alright, sure. What do you need?" I ask as I step away and towards her.
"Wait here!" She says and runs past me to her room.
"So what's this about?" I ask Mark.
"Her plan to house Gully and Firebreather." He says with a shrug.
"I'm back!" She says as she appears in front of me with a bunch of papers in a folder.
"Okay, let's hear it." I say and sit on the couch and Mark sits next to me.
She spreads the papers out on the coffee table and starts going through them.
"Okay, so I already talked to the head of the Dockworkers Association. But my main plan is to buy the ferry and get it back up and running. I can pay for the repairs and modifications it needs. After that we can either modify part the ferry that'll be inaccessible to the public to be housing for the new recruits. If that's too inconvenient we can modify the ferry stations themselves. I was thinking the southern station since it's closer to us and can be easier accessed in case something happens." She says and takes a breath before continuing. "Overall repairs and outright purchase, as well as legal work and getting the proper permits to operate, and setting aside funds to pay the dockworkers until the ferry starts making returns. All of it may come to an upwards of five hundred million. But shouldn't exceed that, we can rent out spots on the ferry and at the dock stations to various small businesses for a small fee and percent of profit they make from the spots."
'Damn.' I think as I grab a few papers and look through them.
"All things considered, even if we only rent out half the spots and don't make any profit from those. We'll still be able to break even on the purchase in about ten to fifteen years." She continues. "And that's not including any New Wave merchandise we plan to sell on the boat."
Looking through the various pages and documents she has strewn about. I see that she's right.
"How long did it take you to figure this out?"
"I called Wade and had him pull up and compile the data. He came up with a long term plan that pay off the initial purchase while still providing funds for the housing and allowing us to make a profit." She says excitedly. "The only issue is that it can't be done in a week."
"What do you mean? Of course it isn't getting done in a week." I scoff. "This will take till the middle of June at the earliest."
"But you said I had a week." Kitsu says.
"A week to come up with something. Not do something." I tell her.
She stares at unblinking for a good moment before Mark gives a small chuckle.
"I told you it was going to be fine."
"I had this whole speech planned out where I was going to convince you to give me more time. Going through the pros and cons." She says lightly. "But now I'm just going to go and scream into my pillow for the next ten minutes."
Without any delay she slowly walks off to her room.
"She was stressing over that deadline the since about three." Mark says with a laugh. "I told her everything would be fine."
I laugh a bit at that.
"Well, might as well look through all of this." I say grab the ten or so papers.
It's honestly a rather detailed plan to make money from the ferry. And there's a paper where she details possible things she could market with her biokinesis. And there's a note to call a Matt Murdock to discuss PRT approval.
'I don't remember any Matt Murdock from the PRT.' I think in confusion. 'Must be something Kitsu got mixed up.'
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-Dallon house, Wednesday, April 21st, 7:45am-
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Nightcrawler POV
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*BAMF*
"Okay!" I pant out. "Just, einen moment."
I hunch over and nearly heave up my lunch.
"Are, are you okay?" Pinky asks.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. But I can't stay here, and this is where I leave you." I say as I stand up and turn to the young girl.
She's currently dressed in a grey, baggy hoodie with the hood up to cover her face. Black baggy sweats and old sneakers. She's wearing gloves as well, making her attempts at hiding herself have the opposite effect.
"Why not? Don't you work for miss Faultline?" She asks.
"I do, I do. But you can't go to her, she's not right for you." I say sadly.
"W, why not? Aren't you good people? Why would, who are you taking me to?" She asks fearfully.
"We are! We are, we're good people I promise. But, not everyone sees us like that." I try to get out.
"Why not?" She asks confused.
"Because, we often times have to do things others don't want us to do in order to survive and get by. If you go with us, got with Faultline, you'll be stuck with us forever." I explain.
"What's wrong with that? If you're good people, then that's fine with me."
"Because, because better people than us will always be after you! You'll never be allowed outside freely again."
"How is that any different than how I've been living before?!" She shouts. "At least with all of you I'll have people to help me! People who understand me!" She protests.
"You'll get all of that here too!" I tell her. "They welcome our kind. And better yet, they're not shackled down and forced to hide."
I place a hand on her should and crouch to look her in the eyes.
"Look, they'll give you love and support. Just as much as we would. But they can give you more than us. I'm sorry." I tell her.
I look up and notice a few people are looking through their curtains. On their phones and likely calling the PRT.
I pull Pinky in for a hug.
"Look, just give them a chance." I whisper softly into her ear. "If they don't work out, ask Kitsu to take you to the Palanquin. I have to go now."
I separate from her and give a wide smile. Glancing to a building in the distance, I leave.
*BAMF*
'Melanie's going to be pissed.'
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Carol "Brandish" Dallon POV
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'Another day, another dollar. At least I'm off tomorrow.' I think to myself as I tie up my hair.
This week has been stressful. What with Gully, then what happened with Vicky, then with Neil and Firebreather and Vicky. Then with Kitsu's plan for the ferry. I need a break.
I'm walking through the house, followed by Mark. And as I open the door I'm greeted to the site of the most suspicious looking person ever. I'm immediately put on guard by the stalker looking individual. Likely a young teen based on the height.
Then again Kitsu is close to a young teen and barely teaches my waist.
"Oh! Um, hi, I'm, my name is Pinky. Or, at least that's um what I was called, am called. I um, I was, is now a bad time?" She stutters and fidgets. "I'll just go, if you want."
She turns around and goes to walk away before I grab her hood and pull it down. Revealing bright, frizzy pink hair.
And as she turns around in shock, I get a good look at her matching pink skin, wide gold eyes with black sclera. And I can see the nubs of curly yellow horns poking out the front of her hair.
'Another one!' I think in disbelief.
"Come in." I say exasperated and turn around. "Mark, keep an eye on her while I call my work. Again."
I walk back inside. Not hearing any footsteps I turn around to see her not following.
"Well?" I ask.
She tentatively follows. And I realize that I'm not likely to get a break anytime soon.
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-12:21pm-
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Kitsu POV
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I get home, and notice something, off.
For one there's the faint scent of ash that's present at the door. Along with a stronger scent of citrus and mildew that's leading to the door.
I walk up and slowly open the door, stepping in I take a few whiffs of the air. Mom and dad are both still home. Odd. And that scent of citrus and mildew is very present.
I turn invisible and stalk through the house. Creeping around the living room, sneaking past my room and the hall closet. Turning the corner and coming into the kitchen I spot the source of the unfamiliar scent.
'Mina?' I think curiously. 'I mean, All Might exists, so it's not really a stretch to see others here. Just raises the question of who else from that world is here. And what is she doing here!?'
"Alright Pinky, we called a friend and they'll be over shortly with some clothes for you." Dad says as he walks in from the hall on the other side of the kitchen.
"Thank you. Again I'm sorry to put this all on you guys." She says.
"And again, it's no problem. Besides, we're getting used to this." Dad says with a chuckle.
I decide this is where I pop in. She's clearly not here to cause trouble so there's no need to set up a sneak attack.
"Daddy!" I say as I turn visible and jump up into his arms.
"Whoa! Still getting used to that." He says as he catches me.
I squirm around and crawl up him to sit on his shoulders. I close my eyes and nuzzle his head as I take in his scent.
"And I'm sure you already know about my hat, Kitsu." He says gesturing to me.
"Hi!" I say and give a wave without looking.
I hear mom walking up behind and she tugs my skirt down as she walks past.
"Your underwear were showing." She says quietly as she walks past.
I blush a bit at the embarrassment that is me flashing my mom. Rather than say anything I tuck my head down to hide my face in dad's hair.
"Where are Amy and Vicky?" Mom asks.
"Still at school." I answer through dad's hair. "Lunch doesn't get out till twelve thirty."
I hear mom move a chair and sit down.
"Then why are you here?" She asks.
"Because! I don't know anyone in the lunch room aside from the Wards, and Vicky and Amy. And the Wards have Dennis and Vicky's friends are rude and nosey!" I complain. "They always make me uncomfortable any time I sit with them."
Today one of them asked if my pee smells like marijuana. Like an actual fox. That's when I left.
It doesn't! And at this point their intrusive questions should count as sexual harassment. If I didn't know any better I'd say Vicky was putting them up to it.
Dad moves around and sits down adjacent to mom at the corner of the table.
"Well, Kitsu, this is Pinky. She'll be joining New Wave, and until we get the ferry up and running, she'll be staying with Sarah and Neil. They're going to talk to Crystal and see about them sharing a room for now."
Sounds about all we can do. I talked with mom some more last night, we can get the docks up and modified in as little as a week after purchases. After that housing Gully, Firebreather, and now Pinky should be easy.
"Kay, what about that friend bringing over clothes?" I ask.
"How long were you here?" Dad asks.
"I noticed an unusual scent when I walked in and hid myself to make sure nothing dangerous was going on."
"I'm sorry if I smell, I ha-" Pinky goes to say.
"You're fine, Kitsu has an enhanced sense of smell." Mom interjects. "And Alan is bringing over some of Emma's old clothes for her to wear until we can get her some of her own."
"What's wrong with Vicky or Amy's clothes?" I ask.
"They don't fit her." Mom says.
'They're about the same height. So that means, oh.' I realize as I see her purple blush. 'She had her anime's proportions.'
You'd never guess based on the baggy clothes she wears.
I'll leave that alone for now.
*Click*
"Dad, we're home!" Vicky shouts.
"In the kitchen!" Mom shouts back.
"Mom? What are you doi-" Vicky stops as she see's Pinky.
"Another one?!" Vicky asks in disbelief.
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Bonus
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Rebecca Biron POV
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I can't help but feel mildly concerned as I look through my daughters computer.
'What the fuck is up with the search history?' I think to myself. 'I expected her to be looking for pictures of boy bands or naked boys at worst, not, this.'
(Am I bi?)
(What is bisexual?)
(Bisexual test)
(Age to become emancipated)
(Age to become a ward)
(Age to become a ward of the state)
(Online calculator)
(How to do improper fractions)
(Kitsu)
(Kitsu PHO)
(Origins of pineapple pizza)
(Pizza recipes)
(How to talk to your crush)
(How to find out if my crush likes me)
(How to confess to a girl)
(How to ask a girl out)
(What was the volcano that destroyed Pompeii?)
(Are scars ugly?)
(Do girls like scars on other girls?)
(Fashion)
(Parians number)
(How to get measurements)
(When do boobs start growing?)
(Small blondes)
(Fox tails)
(Why doesn't Earth-Aleph have capes?)
(Socratic method)
(How did Socrates die?)
(Who was Diogenes?)
(First date ideas)
(How to kiss)
(How to get a girl to kiss you)
(When is the right time for a first kiss?)
(How to find the area of a triangle)
(What does over the counter mean?)
(How to turn off safe search)
(How to delete search history)
(How to make a girl laugh)
(Why is the youth guard so strict?)
(MainProtagonist Kitsu fanfic)
"Nope! Not dealing with this." I say to myself as I click out, not wanting to see the rest.
She wants to chase skirts she can talk her father. Because she clearly did not get her taste, or her sexuality, from me.
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A/N
Amy modifying a plant is 100% the influence of her shard taking advantage of a moment of weakness where she got depressed.
[Princess Shaper]'s entire goal is centered around finding out how to get Amy to use it in interesting ways. Through any means necessary.
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Questions
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FOR NEWB
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RadChaos897: Out of all the characters from Worm, which are your favorite?
NEWB: Well, Amy is such a tragic character I can't help but love her, I relate to Rachel the most, and my personal favorite has to be, probably Riley.
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RadChaos897: Any ships you prefer?
NEWB: I really like Imp x Regent, and I think Lisa x Greg is hilarious. Other than that? Not many others. I was rooting for Taylor to get together with Brian.
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FOR [CONDUIT]
Are you concerned about parahumans that have Shard seeing capabilities, like Chevalier?
[Conduit]: [Response; Negative] [Elaboration/Iteration; Current Cloaking Masks Individual Unit]
NEWB: To expand on that, Conduit has masked itself to the point that it looks like a half dead Thinker shard, similar to Gallant. Still on the network, but dying all the same. The only shards [Conduit] needs to worry about are those that can forcibly connect. Like [Broadcast] or [Queen Administrator]
RadChaos: Do you know the names of other Host's Shards? If you do then what are Alexandria, Eidolon, Legend, Ashbeast, and Nilbog's Shard names? I'm curious to know what you think they are.
[Conduit]: [Negative]
NEWB: Learning their names designations would require connecting to and communicating.
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FOR KITSU
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YeTianshi: Do you never fear what would happen if all this "Behind the scenes" help comes to light? Wouldn't it ruin everything you've built up?
Kitsu: Course I'm scared. But it's a risk I'm willing to take. I'm immortal, New Wave and the Dallons aren't. If I need to sacrifice my happiness to insure theirs, I will.
That being said I'm not stupid, it's why I made sure Vicky's victim wouldn't be able to ever identify me.
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DancingLeaf: Have you ever considered cyber/biopunk as inspiration?
Kitsu: Oh absolutely. It's why I want to see if a bats immune system can be grafted to a human.
DancingLeaf: What is your stance on transhumanism and the people who desperately want it? would you be willing grant such requests knowing how people treat case 53?
Kitsu: I'm honestly all for it. I'd modify everyone with Amy's help if that was an option. Just think about it. Cat girl Missy. Carlos with the power to create explosions out of his palms. Amy not being fragile. And Rachel as a dog girl.
As for the Case 53 part? I don't care. If they want that attention it's on them. And if there were more around, people would get used to us.
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RadChaos897: How do you plan on dealing with all the new recruits? Housing? Teams? Patrols? Marketing?
Kitsu: Housing, I plan to modify the ferry station south to make a section for the new recruits to live. It'll be sectioned off from the general public to give them privacy.
Teams? I plan on making Gully a team leader. I don't have leadership skills and don't want the responsibility. Though that's honestly more up to mom and aunt Sarah.
RadChaos897: If you could get away with absolutely anything, what would it be?
Kitsu: Modifying people, plants and animals. Make my own little wonderland.
RadChaos897: If you could take anything from anywhere, real or fictional, what would it be?
Kitsu: Boosted gear from Highschool DXD. The ability to double your power every ten seconds, indefinitely? So long as your body can handle the strain? Keep in mind I can't be injured. Scion would die, eventually.
RadChaos897: If you had to choose between Missy, and a Missy with a stuffed crust mushroom pizza, which would it be?
Kitsu: Can I get a Missy wearing the pizza?
Ha ha, nobody reads these right?
Right?
NEWB: No comment.
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Nuclear cat: How is having fox eyes different from human eyes?
Kitsu: I have a better ability to judge distance and I can see in the dark. The downside to that is I can get farsighted if I'm too focused on something in the distance. And I'm more susceptible to blinding by bright lights and dim lighting is just more comfortable for me.
Nuclear cat: Do you plan to make yourself taller? You seem to get upset when people treat you like a child.
Kitsu: Not really. The issue isn't my height, it's my age and my overall looks. Just like how Mark looks like he's early to mid twenties, despite being in his thirties. I look like I'm eight despite being almost thirteen and having a b-cup and slimmer waist. I genuinely don't mind being short.
It's just annoying when I don't get taken seriously.
And I would need to have my entire wardrobe adjusted.
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FOR MISSY?
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RadChaos897: Which would you rather prefer, dinner, bath, or Kitsu in a naughty nightgown?
Missy: Um, what's a naughty nightgown?
*Proceeds to google it*
Oh, I prefer her usual sleepwear on her. Can I combine the options and get dinner with Kitsu?
NEWB: Safe search is on. What did you expect?
As always, leave a comment and tell me what you think! It helps me write and gives me ideas moving forward.
