After we've eaten our ice creams, drunk our soda's, and laughed at the faces Victoria's been making at her own single scoop of chocolate ice cream, with a bowl of fruit salad; the three of us brave the sidewalk outside the ice cream store.
As I hesitate at the door, Victoria says, "Taylor, we all have to go through this to start with. It's why the wards have a PR event. It's also why we go out in costume so often. You'll always have your fans, but after a while most people will just smile and pass by."
When I don't move, Victoria looks at Amy, "Amy, I'm just going to ask everyone to give Taylor some space, as she's new to all this. Once there's space, can you bring her out."
As the door closes behind Victoria, I turn to Amy, "Is this what she's normally like?"
Amy shakes her head, "In public, sure. But a lot of it's an act these days. Come on, let's get this over with."
Reluctantly, I allow Amy to push me out of the shop into the semicircle of clear sidewalk that Victoria has cleared.
As I step out, a man in a brown suit steps forward, holding a smartphone in one hand,"Hi, I'm Stewart from the Brockton Broadsheet."
I snicker at the introduction as, while it's a serious paper, it's common joke that it's now a tabloid sized paper.
Stewart wryly shakes his head, "I know, I've heard all of the jokes. I was here doing a puff piece on tourism and Parian. Anyway, we've all agreed that I can ask the questions that everyone wants to know."
Amy whispers, "Translation, Vicky used her aura to make people listen to her, and then they picked the reporter."
I chuckle again, "Sure, go ahead."
Stewart smiles and steps back to get a better view, "Do you mind if I share this interview with a news station?"
I shake my head, "Not at all, might as well get it over with."
Stewart nods, "Well, lets get the obvious two questions out of the way. What's your name, and are you with New Wave?"
I shake my head, "My name is Berenike, apprentice of Selene, and no I'm not with New Wave. I have chosen not to wear a mask because I can't hide my powers, and too many of the wrong people already know my civilian identity."
I lift up my sewing so that people can see the demented flower that I'm embroidering, "I started sewing because a kind stranger noticed my power acting without meaning it, and told me that their child had a similar problem with their powers when they started out."
Stewart nods, "Even so, surely you could have kept them hidden until you mastered them?"
I take a deep breath, and point to the portal behind the crowd, "My powers aren't limited to small bits of telekinesis. As you can see I made that portal we arrived through. My powers are strong, and varied. I use the sewing to practice deliberate control and being gentle with them. When they go out of control, like they did in the bank the other day, they interfere with electronics."
Stewart chuckles as he glances at Glory Girl, "I think we've all heard plenty about the Bank over the last few days. What about your other encounters?"
I grimace, "The first time I was forced into the cape scene, I was trying to run away from home to protect everyone from my powers. Don't worry, I'm back at home now. But I stumbled into the ABB when they were doing something big and Lung ordered them to kill me. I managed to escape with my life, but that was a large source of fear until I found my teacher. Which I wouldn't have done if Glory Girl hadn't given me a concussion at the bank. It's strange how that happens sometimes."
"Would I be able to interview your teacher?"
I consider the question for several seconds, "I don't know. I can only ask and see what she says. You'll need to be prepared to go to her though, as she can't get to Earth Bet."
"So your powers allow you to travel to other worlds?"
I nod, "They do, I think it was the first thing I ever used my powers for."
"If nobody minds, I think we should come back to that another day. In the mean time. Why put on a cape, figuratively speaking?"
I glance at Victoria, "I met Glory Girl in her civilian identity yesterday, and she pointed out that one of the social rules that capes live by, namely not going after the civilian identities of other capes, only works if you have a civilian identity to start with. It might be a social fig leaf, but it's an important social fig leaf and should protect my family from all but the worst of criminals. The PRT also told me that they treat cape identities like a legal alias. So, just like you could write under a pseudonym, and as long as you pay your taxes the government doesn't care. The same is true of capes."
"You seem to be very knowledgeable about this."
I shake my head, "It's all on the pamphlet that the PRT gave me after they treated at their hospital, until Panacea was able to heal my life threatening injuries."
"Injuries that Glory Girl gave you."
"Look, I've had time to think about it, and I honestly don't think she could have judged the situation any differently with what she could see. Were there things she could have done differently? Of course, not plowing through the roof of the bank to start, and having better control over her strength so she didn't almost kill me. But her actual attack? I had over a dozen sharp objects floating around me and a civilian between me and another villain. Besides, we're equal on the almost killing each other front, so I can hardly hold a grudge if she isn't."
Stewart nods, "Fair, two more questions. How did you get such a good costume if you only spoke to Glory Girl yesterday, and can we see your spear?"
I float my spear out in front of me and turn it horizontally, "Be careful, the blade is razor sharp, and you will cut yourself if you touch the edge or point. My teacher hand made all of these clothes for me between visits. She then made me practice putting them on properly for most of the day, as a chiton is quite hard to put on in a way that won't reveal more than you want."
Stewart moves his phone forward so that he can get a good view of the spear, then pulls the phone backwards a bit, "Wow, you weren't kidding about interfering with electronics. Well, I'm out of questions."
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An hour later, we're sat at a table outside the ice cream parlor as a small crowd of people look at my spear, that now has a makeshift sign hanging from it to warn about the sharp blade. Occasionally someone will come over to ask for my autograph, a trend that started when the shop owner and a couple of staff brought out a table and chairs, and asked me to sign and date a Polaroid of the three of us sitting in the booth.
In the middle seat, Amy is playing with both her kitten, who stowed away in her hood, and the last kitten I found, while she feeds them small bits of cat treats.
As the latest autograph seeker leaves, Victoria looks up from the other side of the table where she's putting together a Lego house, "See, it wasn't so bad was it?"
I give her a mock scowl, "You're only saying that because of the free coffee and because you were able to do your shopping."
Amy smiles, "At least I haven't had to heal anyone today."
I laugh, "That's only because I stopped you from doing so. If they're stupid enough to touch the blade of my spear, then they deserve to carry a reminder for a few days." I point at the ambulance that's set up just down the street, "Beside's it's not like there isn't a first aid station right there."
A moment later, the crowd surges and parts as Vista, Browbeat, and a lagging Shadow Stalker all walk over to our table.
Before anyone else can say anything, Shadow Stalker says, in a way that just gets under my skin, "Who's the dweeb in the dress?"
I smoothly stand up and walk over to stand in front of Shadow Stalker and unconsciously lace compulsion in my voice as I say, "To you Shadow Stalker, I am, and always will be, Berenike, apprentice of Selene. That is the only name I will allow you to use for me."
As I turn around to return to my seat, I spot a PRT van pull up beside my portal, and an officer swiftly climb out and stand in front of it, before the van pulls away again. Shaking my head, I walk back to my seat, and behind me Shadow Stalker calls out, "Says you! What are you going to do if I call you Berenike, apprentice of Selene?"
I take my seat and smile gently to cover my surprise as I can feel my name resonate inside me, "Congratulate you on being able to remember my name. I know it's a bit of a mouthful, so I don't mind most people just calling me Berenike."
Victoria reaches over and grabs my hand comfortingly as Vista looks between us. Then her eyes land on the kittens, and she evidently comes to a decision as she says, "Sorry about Shadow Stalker, she's not usually that abrasive to new capes. Anyway, I'm Vista and the silent one is Browbeat. We usually patrol the Boardwalk on the weekends to deter idiots like Uber and Leet. Anyway, how long have you been a cape?"
Browbeat looks pointedly at Shadow Stalker, "Hey, I'd rather keep my mouth shut and be thought an idiot, rather than open it and remove all possible doubt."
I cock my head, "Abraham Lincoln, or what Mark Twain didn't say?"
Browbeat body language moves to show amusement, "Maurice Switzer actually."
I chuckle, "I've never come across their books, any good?"
"He's written a few good things, yes. How about you, read anything good recently?"
I pull the woodworking book out of my pouch, "I found this while I was looking up house repairs, and it's absolutely fascinating. When I have some time I'm going to try some of these things out."
Vista zeroes in on my pouch, "How did that fit in your bag?"
I laugh and levitate the spare kitten over to her before she gets too close, "It's bigger on the inside. Now have a kitten instead of trying to get into my bag. If we meet when I'm not keeping half an eye on my spear, I'll let you look at it."
Vista looks at me with a soulful expression, "Promise?"
I sigh, "No, no promises. But you can keep the kitten, and I will talk to my teacher about letting you look at my bag. Assuming you haven't worked out how to make your own by then."
Vista cocks her head in a clearly inquisitive manner, "You have a teacher?"
I nod and Victoria says, "You can read about it in the Brockton Broadsheet, or I'm sure the interview is on PHO already."
Vista nods, "I'm sure you know why I'm asking."
Victoria nods, "I do, how's Gallant doing? I haven't seen him since the Bank."
Vista shrugs, "He's still repairing his armor, same as Kid win. That's why we've got Shadow Stalker with us on a PR patrol."
I wince and Victoria says, "That sucks. At least they're both ok though."
Vista nods, "Yep, and it means I don't need to do console duty until they're back on patrol. Oh, hey we sometimes do joint patrols with independents, show them the ropes and get them used to working with the PRT and all that. What do you say, is that something you'd be interested in?"
I think about it while I take a sip of my coffee. "Sure, though you'll need to pass the message through Glory Girl. I don't yet know my own cellphone number, and I'm unlikely to patrol myself."
Vista visibly relaxes after that, and she starts to stroke the kitten while chatting about fans and other safe topics for capes.
Our conversation comes to an end when I call out, "Shadow Stalker, be careful of the blade on my spear. It is razor sharp, and I'm not letting Panacea heal anyone that's stupid enough to cut themselves on it."
Shadow Stalker growls, "I'm not stupid." Though she also takes her hand away from the blade.
Vista laughs, "I guess that's our cue to leave. I hope to see you around."
I give Vista a genuine smile, "It was nice to meet you. Just so you know, I'm not planning on patrolling alone, though you'll probably see me around occasionally."
Victoria nods, "Yeah, while I'm recovering I'll probably ask Berenike to shadow Panacea when she does her rounds at the shelters."
I raise an eyebrow, "Shelters?"
Amy nods, "I usually visit one or two homeless or womens shelters every week. It's not a secret, we just usually keep it quiet, and the schedule isn't posted anywhere."
I nod and pull out my notebook to make a note to check up on that in private, as she doesn't seem all that happy about it. While I'm making a note Vista waves and starts walking off with Browbeat and Shadow Stalker.
Around 10 minutes after they leave I feel the same resonance I did when Shadow Stalker spoke my name, so I focus on it for a second and she's saying, "spear, I bet it's not even sharp and she's just saying that so that people don't find out it's made from sugar or something. I mean, who engraves a weapon like that?"
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A couple of hours later, the Enforcers come along and start dispersing the crowds, so I retrieve my spear and put the sign in my pouch.
When we get to the portal the current guard asks in that weird monotone their masks make, "Berenike, will you remove the portal please?"
I give the guard a wry smile, "As soon as I work out how I will. I didn't mean to make it as I was trying a different form of teleportation when my normal one failed."
The guard nods, "Very good. Please let the PRT know when you're going to attempt to remove it then."
I smile, "Sure, I'll probably need to be by one of the exits anyway."
When the guard doesn't say anything else I quickly walk through the portal to catch up with Victoria and Amy.
Once we reach their front door I ask, "Victoria, would you mind doing me a favor?"
Victoria turns back, "Maybe, it depends on what it is."
"Would you be able to say my full cape name."
"What? Berenike, apprentice of Selene, or just Berenike?"
I feel that resonance again, though this one feels distinct from Shadow Stalker. While I'm focusing on it I say, "The first one was fine."
Victoria nods, "Cool, did you get what you wanted?"
Amy looks between the two of us, "Vicky, Taylor didn't say anything."
Victoria looks at Amy strangely, "Yes she did, she said the first one was fine."
I look between the two of them, "Amy, could you try it please?"
Amy sighs and says in a monotone, "Berenike, apprentice of Selene."
I smile as I feel the same resonance and focus on it, "Great, that one worked too. What are you going to call your cat?"
"Blenda probably."
Victoria looks at Amy with a puzzled expression for a moment, then she gets an aha moment, "Taylor asked you a question didn't she. What did she ask?"
"Uh, what am I going to call Blenda."
Victoria smiles triumphantly, "That is so cool. So what did you do to Shadow Stalker?"
I smile, "Selene taught me this thing I can do when I say my name. It means that people can't not say my name, in full. So no using she, her, nicknames, or euphemisms to refer to me. As a bonus, she also can't use my civilian name."
Victoria frowns, "You know that could out her if she knows you in your civilian identity."
I shrug, "It's not like I have a secret identity, and what are the chances that we already know each other? I mean, everyone knows all the wards go to Arcadia."
Victoria wobbles her hand, "Maybe, maybe not. On a lighter note, at least we now have a way to contact you when you don't have your phone switched on."
I nod, "I'm going to check on my dad and get something to eat. I'll see you around? Oh, and do you mind if we keep the fact I can do this quiet, as the less people that know, the easier it will be for you to ask for help."
Amy opens the front door and Victoria says, "Sure, we can do that. I was going to invite you in, but this will give me a chance to check on PHO."
I pause my teleportation for a moment, "I should probably make an account for Berenike shouldn't I."
Victoria shrugs, "No hurry. Even if you did, the Mods would need some proof that you're who you say you are before you can get tagged."
I hesitate for a second, and then pull Victoria into a hug, "Thank you for doing that with me."
Victoria lifts up her Lego, "You're welcome, and I found what I wanted too."
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Topic: Berenike, apprentice of Selene
In: Boards ► Maine ► Brockton Bay
Acree (Original Poster)
Posted On Apr 16th 2011:
So, a new cape debuted by creating a portal outside Ice Cream Palace on the boardwalk (pic). Guess what, she's not wearing a mask.
Edit: OMG she just gave an interview, mods please change the title of this thread please. I've got the video right here
Edit2: I'm the second person to get her interview.
Edit3: And she's just given Vista a kitten.
Edit4: Video of wards encounter here Panacea has a kitten too, I wonder what their names are.
(Showing page 10 of 12)
►XxVoid_CowboyxX (Banned) (Thread Banned)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Hey, I know her, she's...
Mod: Have a thread ban. We don't allow naming capes, even for open capes
►Deimos (Not a Moderator)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
I just popped into the PRT to check, and they do have pamphlets for capes. I didn't get one, but you can ask at the reception and they'll confirm it. Apparently, each region has their own, and they have useful contact information along with local contact details, any capes willing to share their pamphlets?
►Glory Girl (Verified Cape) (New Wave)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
I can confirm the pamphlets exist. They have a bypass number for 911 that will put you straight through to the PRT. That's why they don't just hand them out to everyone. A couple of years ago someone leaked theirs in Atlanta and every region had to redistribute theirs because of it.
SpecificProtagonist: She's really shy in crowds, but get her alone and she's a really sweet girl who knows a lot about really weird subjects.
Cowboy, thread banned and banned in less than an hour, that's got to be a record
►Bagrat (Veteran Member) (The Guy in the Know)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Sorry guys, I'm usually ahead of the game. That'll teach me to go to a ball game rather than keeping an eye on stuff.
►BadSamurai
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Wait, you have a life outside cape reporting?
►Bagrat (Veteran Member) (The Guy in the Know)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Yeah, shock horror.
►ThreadQueen (Not a Moderator)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Oh wow, I'm sharing this thread to #Period-Clothing. That is a genuine chiton, and I've never seen shoulder clasps in such good condition. Even the sandals and veil are right for the period. Though women would have covered their faces rather than their hair.
►Antigone
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Really? What's a chiton when it's at home?
►ThreadQueen (Not a Moderator)
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
They're a form of clothing worn in Ancient Greece. Check out the thread in #Period-Clothing here
►Antigone
Replied On Apr 16th 2011:
Thanks, I'll have a look.
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