Here I am with a new chapter. A bit more slice of life this time around, wanted to save the info dump from Ana for the next chapter felt it'd be too much and there other things I wanted to get moving. Anyways, to the chapter.

Chapter 22: Days Going By

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

Dean Stansfield, a broad shoulder handsome blond, was confused. He recognized Taylor as the girl attacked by Shadow Stalker. The girl, who by some miracle hadn't had her identity as a parahuman exposed as a result of said attack, had unwittingly been brought into his circle of friends by Ana. She seemed nervous at first but has been slowly warming up to everyone. To most, this would be it. However Dean's powers allowed him to sense the emotions of others. While he had some trouble differentiating emotions he could get a decent enough picture of someone's emotional state. What he was sensing from Taylor was the cause of his confusion.

There are two things that he picked out. First is her nervousness spiked massively once she sat next to Dennis and only seemed to go up. Her face hid it fairly well, though given the confused looks Ana was giving her, not well enough for someone paying close attention. The second was a second set of emotions that seemed separate from Taylor but not. This second set was an emotion of what he'd best describe as 'great amusement'. He might suspect a Master using their power to influence the girl, but it didn't seem like that. If he had to suspect it'd be something related to her power.

The main confusing thing from this was he would sense something very similar from Ana on occasions. It was far more muted than Taylor's to the point where it's hard to discern what emotion it was, but it would be there before fading. He suspected this was from it simply becoming too muted from him to sense. Just what is the connection? It doesn't feel like a Master effect unless it's a very subtle one. The PRT suspected Ana might have triggered from the incident about a month back, but why would she and Taylor have something similar? Assuming it's related to their powers that is. Taylor wasn't there on that day as far as we know. Hell, Ana admitted they only met recently. How would two seemingly random people seem to have such a similar quirk of their power? His musings were interrupted by a sharp pull on his ear.

"GAhhh! Hey…" He muttered.

"Don't 'hey' me while you're ogling the new girl." Vicky reprimanded.

He gave her a flat look, pointedly annoying the amusement he sensed from Amy at his predicament.

"I wasn't ogling, I could SEE she was nervous and it caused me to think." He replied.

Not the whole truth but close enough. Girlfriend or no I can't just reveal something that's private and likely related to her parahuman identity, especially with how she probably sees the PRT and thus us as a whole. Thankfully that was enough to get Vicky to soften her outrage as she realized what he meant by 'SEE'.

"While that's good of you, I think Dennis and Ana have gotten it covered." She pointed out.

True to her words, Dennis was casually conversing with Taylor as was Ana, helping the new girl relax. Ana made sense since they were already friends, but the fact that Dennis and Taylor seemed to get along was a good thing. It wasn't perfect however. She still seemed nervous around Carlos, the hispanic, and Chris, the pale brown haired boy. Not that he blamed her given how awkward Carlos and Chris were in trying to talk with her. Seeing this he thought back to a conversation Director Piggot had with them.

Monday, About One Week Prior…

Dennis, Carlos, Chris, and Dean stood before Director Piggot in their respective hero personas of Clockblocker, Aegis, Kid Win, and Gallant.

"Now, I've called you here to discuss something important. I'm sure you're all aware of one Taylor Hebert." She began.

"Kind of hard to forget a girl with her looks." Clockblocker quipped, earning a light elbow from Aegis.

"Save the boyish banter for later. Now, we've got word she'll be going to Arcadia fairly shortly. I've got orders from the top to try and get her in the Wards or at least keep her on the hero's side." She continued.

"Pft… after Psycho Stalker's attack, we'll be lucky if we can even keep her on the hero side of things." Clockblocker retorted.

"Clock!" Aegis exclaimed.

"Oh come on, you know it's true." Clockblocker returned.

"Be that as it may, you shouldn't interrupt the Director." Aegis chided.

"It is fine, this time." Piggot warned. "Clockblocker speaks the truth, which makes this all the more important. There's a chance you'll all end up interacting with her. If so I want you to try befriending her, or atleast get her to view you all and, hopefully by proxy, us in a positive light. While she won't know your Wards, the hope is that she'll feel comfortable enough with you to be open and thus you be open in return. We believe this to be the best way to achieve our goals of keeping her on the hero side and maybe even getting her into the Wards. That being said, don't go out of your way to reveal your identities let alone interact with her. We believe this will have the opposite effect and push her away. If the opportunity presents itself, take it. If not, don't force it. Especially on revealing your identities as Wards, only if YOU are comfortable should you do it."

Kid Win raised his hand.

"Speak," Piggot ordered.

"Uhmm… Director, what's the point in this? Sure more people are always good, but from what I saw Taylor isn't exactly a heavy hitter. This seems like a bit much for someone of her level."

"Probably because she's more powerful than we realize, or at least has the potential to be." Clockblocker chimed in.

Everyone was looking at him with surprise.

"What? Despite my jokes about the higher ups, I know they aren't stupid. They wouldn't order this without a reason." He pointed out.

"I sometimes forget you can be smart when you want to." Kid Win quipped.

"Hey! " Clockblocker exclaimed.

"To get back on topic. Is Clockblocker's line of reasoning right, Director?" Gallant inquired.

"Yes," Piggot spoke. "I won't go into details. As of now only myself, the Deputy Director, Armsmaster, and Miss Militia are aware of the full details. All I'll say is we do suspect what Clockblocker has said."

The four boys looked at each other, slightly unnerved by these revelations and the secrecy.

"Are there any more questions?" She asked.

No one spoke up.

"Then you are all dismissed. Nothing I said leaves this room unless I permit it. Triumph is already aware of this. If Vista asks you may only say it's on a need to know basis. Be truthful in that it involves the fact that you all go to Arcadia but only that fact. Understood?" She finished.

They nodded.

"Good, you may leave then." She ordered.

Present…

They're trying too hard. Dean mentally noted. He sighed and decided to leave things to Dennis. He may be an unrepentant prankster but he's got a good heart and good head… most of the time. Moving from this thought he turned his attention to his girlfriend, and grew nervous. Not at the look she was giving him, but the glint in her eye as she observed Taylor and Dennis interacting.

"What are you planning?" He demanded.

"Ohhh… nothing much, just thinking about how much those two seem to get along. I think they'd make a cute couple. And I did tell my mom I'd help her out. And what's more helpful than setting her up with the boy she likes?" Vicky noted.

"Many things, many things are more helpful than that." Amy deadpanned.

Vicky just waved her off as Dean grew nervous. He knew what his girlfriend was like.

"Now I won't say don't, but keep it subtle and light. A forceful attempt, especially for Taylor as she is now, would have the opposite effect." He warned.

"Don't worry honey, subtle and light are my middle names." Vicky declared confidently.

"I can personally attest that the opposite is the case." Amy retorted.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAmes… we're in public." Vicky whined.

Dean wanted to add that she didn't deny it, but knew he'd get an earful at best. Also that he didn't need to.

"You didn't deny it." Amy pointed out.

Vicky pouted, but still didn't deny it. Yeah… I'm gonna warn Dennis and maybe Taylor as well. Though I don't know how without… He looked at Amy. Amy looked at him. He motioned his head towards Taylor then Vicky. Amy nodded. He looked at Vicky. Vicky didn't notice. She was already in the process of scheming. Dean breathed out a sigh of relief.

Later…

Lunch came to an end and the group split off to where they needed to go. Vicky kissed Dean goodbye while Dennis went along with Carlos in the opposite direction. Chris was with the other two but split off when he entered the hallway. Taylor and Ana were walking together in a similar direction to Dennis and Carlos but split off earlier. Taylor watched the retreating form of Dennis as he talked with Carlos with a sense of want.

"Oh yeah, you're crushing hard." Ana spoke up.

"EEEP! ANA!" Taylor exclaimed with a bright red face.

"Oh don't deny it. It was obvious." Ana pointed out with a cheeky grin.

"H-h-h-he's just nice to talk to, that's all. Don't look into it too much." Taylor declared.

'What's that I smell.' She heard Kiana speak up.

Kiana dramatically sniffed the air in her head.

'It smells like BS.'

Shut up you!

"Even if that was the case, my sister already has it in her head to hook you two up." Amy spoke up.

"GAH! When did you get here?!" Taylor exclaimed.

"While you were eyeing up Dennis like he was the most delicious thing you've ever seen." Amy explained.

"I-I-I wasn't…" Taylor began.

"Don't care for your excuses. Just wanted to give you a heads up on what my sister's planning." Amy interrupted.

"S-s-s-she doesn't have to try and hook us up." Taylor pointed out. "Just tell her…"

"Yeaaaaaaaaaah… that ship has sailed. Once my sister gets an idea in her head it can be next to impossible to dissuade her." Amy pointed out. "Also, as I'm sure you're aware, she's not known for being subtle so just be aware that it's happening."

"Ahhh… okay?" Taylor replied.

"Welp, message delivered. See ya later." Amy finished before breaking off and heading to her next class.

"Bye Ames!" Ana shouted, waving goodbye.

Amy waved as she walked away. Thus only Ana and Taylor were left. The two chatted along the way to their class until they had to split up with Taylor needing to go up to the third floor while Ana's class was on the second. Once she was alone, Kiana decided to speak up.

'By the way, I'm impressed that you didn't let the fact that you were sitting with the Wards get to you. I know how you feel about the PRT and those connected to it after we found out who Shadow Stalker was.'

I've learned to let it go… a bit. I know what I'm about to say is gonna prove what you say, but it was only really Dennis that I got along with. Carlos and Chris were clearly trying too hard, and Dean was just looking at me lost in thought. Dennis was the only one who felt genuine. Even though I'm certain they received orders from the top to try and play nice with me, it didn't change what I felt coming from him, you know.

'Oh yes, it didn't change much.'

STOP IMPLYING THINGS THAT AREN'T THERE!

Kiana merely laughed at Taylor's denial.

Elsewhere…

Dennis stared down at the helmet in front of him lost in thought, with a sigh, he donned it, completing his costume as Clockblocker and went to meet up with his teammates. They were all gathered in the wards common area, he was the last one out.

"Geez… took you long enough Clock." Vista spoke up.

"Hey now, fine equipment like this takes time to put on." He retorted.

"Yeah… five bucks said you were thinking about that girl." Kid Win pointed out.

If one could see behind her visor, they'd see Vista's eyes light up.

"Oh ho ho… This sounds interesting. Tell me more." She demanded.

"There's not more to tell, cause there's nothing there." Clockblocker stated.

"Tell that to Vcky. She's got it in her head to set you and Taylor up as a thing." Gallant added, earning a groan from Clockblocker.

"Ohhh… her name's Taylor is it?" Vista noted with interest. "Dennis and Taylor, sitting in a tree, 'K' 'I' 'S' 'S' 'I' 'N' 'G'. Let me guess, it's the same girl we met a while back, isn't she?"

Everyone looked at her with surprise.

"How did you know?" Aegis questioned.

"Hmph… women's intuition." Vista declared with pride.

"But you're only twelve." Clockblocker pointed out.

"I'm mature for my age!" She shrieked.

"Really? Could have fooled me." He noted.

She warped space to smack him.

"Point proven." He spoke.

She smacked him again.

"Alright, enough about Clock's potential love life." Aegis spoke up.

"There's no potential love life to talk about." Clockblocker denied.

"Triumphs out for the day so I'm in charge. You all know your patrol routes." Aegis continued. "It's about time to move out. Try and stay safe out there. Well… as safe as you can in this city."

There were some chuckles from Clockblocker and Kid Win. Vista rubbed her chest.

"Let's move out, Wards." Aegis declared.

Meanwhile…

Emily Piggot sat in her office mulling over the information just provided by Gallant. The mystery around the girl grows. First the Chief Director's interest in her then an apparent similarity to a suspected parahuman in Anastasia Romanov. While having two people display strange emotional patterns that are similar isn't conclusive of anything, it does point to something being there. The what, is the question. And what of those two the Chief Director mentioned? It was in passing and under her breath but I heard it. She heard the sound of a buzzer. She pushed a button near her. Armsmaster came on to the screen.

"Ma'am I've gotten the information you requested. May I come in?" He inquired.

"You may." She replied. She pressed a button and the door to her office unlocked.

Armsmaster stepped inside. In his hands were two manilla envelopes. He closed the door behind him.

"That was faster than expected." She noted.

"I believe that was the Chief Director's intention. Two parahumans from the Los Angeles branch were listed for potential transfer. As such when I brought up the database they were the first to show up for me. When I checked I found the information on these files were recently changed from her eyes only to you and myself being given special access." Armsmaster explained. "While she won't tell us herself, she left clues for us to find the information."

Emily's interest was piqued.

"I've gone through them myself. I haven't seen any similarities but we don't know a lot about Miss Hebert's powers so we'll need to gather more intel. But If our hypothesis is correct and there is a connection between the two women in these files. I can understand and stand by the decision to keep her on side at the very least." He added.

He handed the envelopes to the director who took them. She opened the first one and began to read. Next to the image of a beautiful blond was the woman's cape name, Durandal. Her eyes went wide in shock when she got to the main section of the file. A few key details stood out to her.

Brute 8[10]:
Durandal, in terms of raw physical strength, is one of the strongest brutes on the planet. The only reason her rating isn't higher is due to the fact that Alexandria's near invulnerability surpasses Durandal's natural durability.(See Tinker rating for the increase in rating)

Tinker 8(Master 7/Striker 5):
While only capable of working for Durandal and her partner Rossweisse, see file: [HC-PR_001715], costumes, or battlesuits as the two call them, designed by Durandal can take her abilities beyond her base level, earning an increase in virtually every rating she naturally possesses as well as earning her a master and striker rating which is listed under her.

While these two alone would earn a great deal of attention. Especially since Rossweisse's file showed very similar powers with only her brute rating being lower. However, It was the two notes at the bottom that really caught her attention. It was something that had initially been listed as 'Chief Director's Eyes Only' before she was given special permission to view it.

Trump 2:
While seemingly innocuous and something that shouldn't be listed under such heavy classification it is perhaps the most important aspect of Durandal's, as well as Rossweisse's, powers. They are growing constantly. While Durandal and Rossweisse have both expressed there is a cap to this, this undefined limit is unknown. The only reason they are given a rating of two is that such a thing is unlikely to be an immediate threat in the event of having to deal with them, though over a protracted enough battle it could pose a threat. The reason this is held under such tight scrutiny is to prevent leaks so as to prevent the two from being targeted before their full potential is realized.

Addendum:
This note is a reminder to myself and anyone I deem fit to share this with. Alexandria suspects that Durandal and Rossweisse are hiding their full capabilities even disregarding their growing power. To what extent is unknown but let it be known that these two are potentially far more powerful than we realize. Myself and Alexandria believe the next Endbringer battle in which these two will take part in will reveal the full truth.

Emily placed the files down and took a deep breath. After a few seconds she spoke.

"How sure are we that these are the two the Chief Director was referring to?"

"Given she seemed to go out of the way to have us look at them, a high possibility. However we don't know enough about Miss Hebert's powers to say if there are any similarities." Armsmaster explained. "That being said, it is worth looking into."

"Add in the fact that Gallant just informed me of a similarity between Miss Hebert and another student by the name of Anastasia Romanov. We suspected she might have triggered as a result of being a near casualty of a villain fight. We have the possibility, however slim, of two parahumans with the potential of reaching and possibly surpassing the triumvirate in terms of power." Emily explained.

"Yes… We could even argue for three. There's always the possibility of Miss Hebert's friend, Miss Sato, triggering. She was nearby when it would most likely have happened." Armsmaster added with a hint of jealousy at first that he quickly quashed.

Emilly nodded.

"I suppose we can't rule that out." She admitted.

She sighed and turned towards her window to the outside.

"Armsmaster, why do I feel as though this is the beginning of something far bigger?" She inquired.

"I'd normally say paranoia. However, I feel it too." He admitted as his gaze drifted to the outside. "Perhaps it's the great experience we both possess, allowing our unconscious minds to put together clues we've yet to notice. Or maybe it's nothing. But despite all logic, I feel as though it isn't."

Emily didn't respond right away. Eventually she spoke again.

"I hope we're wrong."

And that's a wrap, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. If anyone has a better idea of classifying threat rating please help. I have a general idea but not exactly sure so help would be appreciated. I will say if anyone thinks something is low, remember that the girls who've become Durandal and Rita are still not at the full power of their canon counterparts. That's all I have to say, till next time. If you want me to be able to produce more content, please consider supporting me on subscribe star. (search zmanxv and the link is on my deviantart page).