A/N: Reconciliation
Alt Title: 1 year anniversary.
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One year ago I started writing, and published my first chapter of Worm CYOA, Kitsu. I wrote it in a day. It was less than 2k words, and not really up to my standard as of now. But I kept it that same, crappy quality as a benchmark of my journey. I had no clue what I was doing and honestly? I still don't.
I know this chapter took a while to come out. But I wanted to be able to publish it on the day. And as a result, it got big. So, enjoy a nearly 15k chapter from me!
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Casanova5424: One of my longest standing reviewers. Thank you.
May he forever rest in buggy piece. And hopefully, Kitsu and Missy can reconcile their issues without any misuderstandings.
Also, I think the guy has brain damage. 500k+ plus of words, and 2k of smut. And he calls this PWP.
Crywolf178: Fair enough I suppose. But then technically, her guns would do what she thinks they can do, and not what they actually do. I'll just write it up to a minor inconsistency in Wildbow's story. Wouldn't be the first.
Kaykaykaykayan: Another one of my longest standing reviewers. Thank you as well.
It was said in the discord that someone would die before the end of this act. No one guessed it would be the precious buggy boi.
Dancing Leaf: The only long running reviewer without an account. Thank you.
The thing you may start to notice if you look back at Kitsu and Missy's interactions, is that Missy is almost entirely emotionally dependent on Kitsu. And yes, that was intentional. But, you'll see what I have planned.
I am 100% stealing the treehouse idea.
Loopy-Bubble-Sniffer: I fell into two traps with Kitsu being kidnapped. 1 her kidnapping and how I extended it too long. 2 I tried to do too much.
Sorry the story isn't working for you.
Grimnosh: You've been here a while too. I'm thankful for that. And it's thanks to you that I've become a more accurate writer because you're not afraid to call me out. Thank you.
Most directors would meet over the phone or through video. Edna is not most.
Edna is actually using this as a power move. Most PRT's need their director to function with any stability. Edna is basically flexing the fact that she can leave her station and not have the PRT collapse in on itself.
Who's Glen?
Helen called Dash by his real name because she was in an area where no one would eavesdrop. She basically stepped away to talk to him.
RadChaos897: My most elaborate reviewer. Thank you.
All good things come, to those who wait. The Incredibles were mentioned back when I had no plans for this fic as a way to keep my horizons open, while not pulling bullshit. Basically set up to excuse later shenanigans.
Dash is a true mover.
Violet's powers are gravity based but still limited to forcefields and invisibility.
Helen is still thicc. No it is not her power.
Bob's strength is explained in the bonus.
Jack-Jack is 4 in this fic right now.
I might include others from the franchise, but I have no plans to do so.
Woo! Okay, on to your review.
A neat little funfact about Mechanic, if you look up "The Mechanic Mad Max" on google, you'll get an image of what Mechanic looks like. He's also crippled and uses a pulley system to move around his workshop! So, managed to make it all the way back around to that!
Capes running rampant? Chaos!? FLORIDA!?
Two of those three items will be relevant.
I love Edna. Simple as that. And Kitsu really does need a new wardrobe seeing as she's down to a handful of skirts and shirts. And the three copies of her Irida outfit.
Not even the mini Carol lawyer suit survived.
P.S. Good job! Word of advice, don't crash your first car in three days like my little brother did.
P.P.S. how's your story coming along?
Gogmazios: My longest returning reviewer. Thank you, and you're welcome.
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-Date, Time-
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Parahumans Online
You are currently logged in: Vista
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Topic: Stormfront dead
IN: Boards- Location- America- Brockton Bay
Original poster: RadChaos897
Posted On August 13th 2010
Holy shit the fox is back! And what a return it is folks!
It's no secret that Stormc*nt has been a menace to society, lately more so than ever, but that is NO more!
VideoLink: Stormfront-death
(Showing Page 1 of 192)
Char
Replied on August 13th 2010
Holy everloving shit!
I've seen fatalities in MK less gruesome
Mane Megenta
Replied on August 13th 2010
Shit, with half her hair missing and the lack of that smug shitface of hers, I'd never know it was Stormfront if not for the costume.
KillDestroyKiss
Replied on August 13th 2010
Running, crying, begging.
She went out like a bitch. Good riddance.
Nutty
Replied on August 13th 2010
To be fair, I'd run from Kitsu too.
Valkyr (Wiki Warrior)
Replied on August 13th 2010
Did she freeze her neck? WTF!? Since when does she have ice powers!?
Bagrat(The Guy In The Know)
Replied on August 13th 2010
She's officially rated a self-trump who develops powers as she needs them.
Guess she wanted to kill Stormfront so bad that she developed a new power.
Lucky Luke (Hero)
Replied on August 13th 2010
I've dealt with a self trump before, and they are horrifying to combat.
But the idea that she can pop out a new power, because she was upset?
That scares me.
Fishmon
Replied on August 13th 2010
Bro, that beating was personal. Did you see the end where she blew up her head?
The fuck did she do?
Clockblocker (Ward) (PRT ENE)
Replied on August 13th 2010
Attacked the Dallon house, nearly killed her family, destroyed the Dallon house.
Oh, and tried to kidnap Vista.
Miss Militia (Hero) (PRT ENE)
Replied on August 13th 2010
Clockblocker, Director Piggot wants to speak with you.
Whackograve
Replied on August 13th 2010
Damn.
We need a cape version of Mortal Kombat. Make that a fatality
Sothoth
Replied on August 13th 2010
Dude, Kitsu would be OP
Not only because of how she's as invincible as Alexandria, strong as All Might, but she's popping out more abilities than The Butcher!
And that's not even mentioning how small her hit box would be!
Ne
Replied on August 13th 2010
Remember, Alexandria got an eye exam from the Siberian
Till we see otherwise, Kitsu is more indestructible.
Judge
Replied on August 13th 2010
Dude, put some warnings on that vid!
I'm gonna be sick!
Yipper
Replied on August 13th 2010
Oh yeah, that beating was nothing but personal.
Holy shit. I think I'm gonna have nightmares.
Tumbles
Replied on August 13th 2010
You're having nightmares, meanwhile I'm having sweet dreams.
My four year old niece was rescued from one of Stormfronts warehouses. The documents could find said she was going to be sent to an illegal brothel in Canada to be raised as, well. You get the idea.
We're still looking for my brother, her father.
If anything, Stormfront's death was too quick.
TRJ
Replied on August 13th 2010
Where do I send my fanmail?
Antigone
Replied on August 13th 2010
New Wave has a PO box on their website.
End of page (1 of 192)
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-Saturday, August 14th, The Rig, 7am-
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Mark "Flashbang" Dallon POV
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"Mark, Mark." I hear as I'm shook awake.
Stretching my arms out with a groan. I take a deep breath and sigh as I wake up.
Looking over to Carol, I blink the sleep from my eyes as I lay my head back down.
"Mark, we have too much to do today." Carol says. "If you go back to sleep you will regret it."
'Fuck me I guess.' I think tiredly as I try and sit up.
Only to notice a weight on my chest and stomach.
Looking down, I see a large lump under the covers. And lifting it up, I'm greeted to the softly sleeping form of my adoptive niece. Fuck that's confusing.
"I'm stuck." I say as I remove the covers to reveal the girl.
Carol gives a tired sigh as she lays back down and rubs her face. Staying there for a few seconds before swinging her feet over the edge of the bed and standing up to walk towards the dresser.
"When I get back from the showers, you better be at least out of bed." Carol says as she goes to the door and punches in the code. "Drag her with you if you have to."
I watch her step out to the hall. The door closing and leaving me alone with the little girl. Yes I was referring to her height.
Looking down to the girl in question.
"You can stop pretending." I say, earning a soft blush from her.
"How did you know?" She asks quietly.
"For one, you're not holding me in a death grip." I point out.
She really does cling to you with an inch of your life when she sleeps. And if you try to remove her, she only squeezes harder and harder. Your only options being to wait for her to wake up, or just wake her up.
"Two." I continue. "You always wake up before us." I say, remembering the day we woke up early to get a head start on setting up her surprise party.
Only to find her awake and dressed at the kitchen table.
"Hmm." She sighs, nuzzling my chest and putting forth no further comment.
"You're going to have to get up sweetie." I say as I bring my arms around her, her tail moving up to allow me to do so, before falling back down and covering us again.
"Don't wanna." She mumbles.
She refuses to elaborate further, choosing to just move her arms to better accommodate her head. For all intents and purposes, just getting comfortable.
She looks so small, just laying there. And not just physically.
"Alright, what's bothering you?" I ask as I scoot up, moving the small girl to sit in my lap. "You're normally not so, subdued."
She's quiet a bit longer. Though she does open her eyes. Her ears splay back is a sign that she's upset. Her being upset is nothing new, her being upset and quiet is unusual.
"I miss him." She mumbles.
"Who?" I ask.
"Kratos." She says. "This is normally when I feed him."
Oh right. Her beetle.
"We can always get you another one." I offer.
"No." She says sternly. Her voice containing a surprising edge to it before she relaxes again. "There won't me another like him. I don't even wanna try. What's the point? I can make another, but it won't be Kratos. It won't be my buggy baby boy."
I didn't think she had that much of an attachment to it. I only saw it as another one of her experiments. Like the flowers or the myriad of other plants she's made.
Then again, the amount of time and affection she showed the thing. I guess this is the equivalent of her losing a dog for the first time.
That's never fun.
"It's okay." I say as I hold her tightly. "All things heal with time."
God, even I thought that was hollow.
"I have all the time in the world." She says. "But the one thing time won't heal, is death."
Easy to forget she'll outlive us all. Or, at least she claims.
"You can't live your life fearing death." I say softly. "Even if it's fearing the death of others. If you do, you'll miss out on so much. Sure, it hurts. It's a pain that cuts deep, and a wound that likes to constantly reopen." I say as I recall my father's death. "But, you have to remember, be grateful that they ever were, don't grieve that they are no more."
She sits here in my arms a while longer, and sparing a glance to the clock on the wall tells me we've been here at least twenty minutes.
"Okay kiddo." I say as I pat her back. "Time to get up."
"Nyo!" She says, burying her head into my chest. "You stay!"
Rolling my eyes, I sit up with the girl clinging to my neck.
"Waaagh!" She exclaims as she dangles her feet.
"Nope." I say as I hook my arms under hers and heft her up.
Turning around, I place her on the bed as I head towards the shared dresser. The majority being plain sets of clothes provided by the PRT.
"Don't go!" Kitsu says as she attaches herself to my leg.
"Believe me." I say as I turn around and head for the door. "I'd love nothing more than to sleep for a bit longer."
"Then do it!" Kitsu encourages as I step into the hall with my spare clothes in hand.
"No can do." I sigh as I look down at her. "Now come on, let go."
"Never." She pouts. Puffing out her cheeks adorably.
"Kitsu." I say tiredly. "I have a lot to do today, and I can't have any distractions. Alright? Why don't you hang out with some of the other wards?"
"But I wanna hang with you." She pouts.
"Later kiddo." I says as she slowly releases my leg. "For now, there's too much to do."
"Okay." She says. "I, guess I'll find something."
"Alright." I say as I ruffle her hair. "Don't get into too much trouble."
First thing on the docket is getting ahold of my psychiatrist.
Lost my meds in the fire.
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-The Rig, 7:30am-
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Director Emily Piggot POV
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"So unless anyone comes out to press charges." I explain to Brandish. "I don't see Kitsu ever being tried for the murder of the eight men and Crusader."
That, and I have a team paying off the families. And another insuring they take the hush money. I hate doing this.
"Bullshit." Brandish says with a glare of suspicion. "By every account, Kitsu should be charged with at least second degree murder on six separate accounts, and two accounts of manslaughter."
And even more so unfortunately, Brandish is smart. And much too untrusting to just accept a bullshit explanation. Again.
"I don't understand." I start. "Do you want her tried and prosecuted? I was under the assumption you were close."
The truth is, Kitsu is too valuable. She's getting away with murder. And that's just goes to show the lengths the PRT is willing to go, to keep her in good standing.
"Don't divert." Brandish hisses pointedly. "You're hiding something big about Kitsu, something that warrants her essentially being absolved of murder. And I doubt it's just her power otherwise you'd be doing the same with The Butcher and Lung."
She's right. Kitsu is getting away with murder. Age, circumstance, technicalities. By every law in the state of Massachusetts, Kitsu is guilty. Vista's testimony only confirmed it.
The only thing keeping it from first degree, is how vividly emotional she was. Vista describe her as, glitching in and out of reality at random. Something that was described when Gallant made her angry.
"Look, there is a lot going on that I'm not at liberty to discuss." I tell her. "Just, do what you can to keep Kitsu in the building for now while we handle damage control."
Truth is, not even I'm privy to the whole story. The top brass wants Kitsu to stay out of trouble, and more importantly.
Here at The Rig.
"What are you playing at, Piggot?" Brandish inquires with a glare as she stands up, putting her hands on my desk as she leans forward.
"I assure you, Mrs. Dallon." I force out. "I'm being as serious as ever."
"And that's why I know you're lying." She counters back. "You're covering. The PRT doesn't just do that. And I'll not have you toying, with my family."
"So you are close?" I point out.
"Answer me Piggot!" Carol shouts, her face red as her glare intensifies.
"Mrs. Dallon." I say as I glare at her. "While I can respect a healthy degree of skepticism, I will not tolerate the blatant disrespectful demeanor you are presenting. You are here by the PRT's grace. If you wish that good grace to be renounced, so be it. But do so in a proper manner."
We sit here in a prolonged standoff. Her challenging me, and me incapable of backing down. I can't, for one it's a breach of conduct. Second thing is, I can't allow a cape to intimidate me.
I'm the director. I'm in charge. I can't bend will to another without a significantly good and valid reason. Further more, allowing intimidation to work, sets a bad precedence.
"This isn-" Brandish starts.
*Slam*
"Emily!" But is interrupted by Edna. "How dare you!?"
'Great.' I think bitterly.
"Another time, Mrs. Dallon?" I say to the red faced woman as Edna strides towards my desk.
"This isn't over." She says as she takes her hands off my desk, and takes her leave.
"No, I don't suppose it is." I say as she leaves before addressing the impertinent visitor. "What is it?"
"I come here under good faith." She starts. "I go around, do my inspections and am absolutely horrified by the state affairs you have left your charges in!"
"What are you talking about?" I ask, exhaustion seeping into my voice despite my best efforts.
"Capes! Non tear away articles! A dress, a standard, designer dress, with no reinforced properties?" She lists off. "Complete form over function!"
Staring at her a bit longer, I give a slow blink at her. Collecting my thoughts before vocalizing my request.
"Elaborate."
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-8am-
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Kitsu POV
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Walking up to the door, I knock once. Immediately getting a score of barking in response.
It takes a few seconds, but eventually the door opens to reveal the tall, brown furred Lyra.
She's taken to just a sports bra and loose shorts everywhere. I'm aware there was an issue with her going nude a few times. So, this is likely all they could get her to wear.
"Hrm?" She asks with a tilt of her head.
"Hey, Lyra." I say. "Can I spend some time with you?"
She stares at me for a bit, before stepping back and allowing me in.
Walking into her room, it smells like dog of course. But more than that, I immediately get a Chihuahua biting my ankle.
"No!" Lyra shouts as she pulls him off of me. "Bad Frank!"
"Frank?" I ask.
"I asked for more dogs." She says as she tosses him on the bed where he and Angelica immediately start attacking each other. "They told me if I can get him under control, I'd get more."
Give her one of the most notoriously spiteful and violent, yet relatively harmless breeds as a test? Yeah. That makes sense.
"Kay." I say as I walk over and plant myself on the bed.
Brutus jumps up and lays across my back as I lay down. Angelica and, Frank I think it was, continue to go for each others throat. They're both on their hind legs as they snarl and paw at each other. Sort of like a slap fight.
As I lay here, Lyra grabs my side and shoe. Pulls me from the middle of the bed to the side. And wordlessly walks over to the other side and lays down. With Judas jumping up and nestling between us.
This is nice.
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-30min later
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"And I can't sleep on my back anymore." Lyra lists off as Frank perches himself next to my head.
"Yeah." I say as the Chihuahua lays down and leans against my head. "I don't think I ever really slept on my back. Hey, if you need a good tailor for your, tail. I know a girl." I offer, turning my head to look at her.
"No." She says, Judas in between us and Angelica laying down on top of her.
"Okay." I say as I close my eyes.
"Oh yeah, I haven't had my period in weeks." She says.
"You don't get those." I say as I turn and hug Frank. Who proceeds to try and rip my face off. "You have an estrus cycle."
"Oh." She says. "How bad?"
"Just avoid anyone you would want to sleep with." I say as Frank learns he can't do anything to me.
"I don't want to sleep with anyone." She says.
"Then you'll be fine." I say as I cuddle the pint sized gremlin. "Can I keep Frank."
"No."
Zero hesitation.
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-1 hour later-
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"So he's just, I miss him." I say as I sigh. "I'd do this thing where I put him on my head, and he'd just, latch on and go with the flow."
"What about the other bug?" Lyra asks.
"Bakugo?" I ask with a shrug. "Meh. He was just there. I never really did anything with him."
Lyra doesn't say anything. And instead opts to scratch my ears instead. Pulling me in for a hug as she rests her snout on my head.
*Krsht*
The dogs growl at the door, and Lyra has to grab the Chihuahua's collar to stop him from charging the person entering the room.
It's just Miss Militia.
"Kitsu, Lyra." She says with a nod to us both. "Sorry to barge in."
Lyra is giving Miss Militia a low growl for entering her territory.
"Whatcha need boss lady?" I ask as I roll to my side.
"Just here to tell you that Kid Win has your new hearing aides." She informs me.
Ooh!
I roll off the bed and shoot up. Turning to Lyra before I head out.
"See you later?" I ask.
"Sure." She shrugs. "My teacher is about to show up anyway."
"Kay later!" I say and head out of the room.
Stepping out of the room, I follow MM through the labyrinth like structure of The Rig.
"So, how have you been enjoying your stay?" She asks.
'Small talk then?' I think curiously.
"Eh, it's been alright." I shrug. "I've only been here a day. So, no real opinions yet."
"I suppose that's fair enough." She concedes. "After we get your hearing aides, the researchers wanted to see you in the labs."
"Why?" I asks slowly, suspicion thick in my voice.
"They wanted to test the limits of your Biokinesis." MM says. "They have some ideas they think you could assist with that modern technology can't."
"I don't do nothing for free." I say sternly as we pass a few PRT staff.
"I expect you'll get commemorations on whatever you help make." Miss Militia says helpfully.
"Alright." I say slowly as we approach Chris's workshop. "But I want that in writing!"
Miss Militia types her codes into the keypad, the doors opening with a soft hiss. Inside it's, as messy as you were thinking.
Only thing of any real note, is Jenny sitting on Chris's workbench. Her legs over the side as Chris is tinkering on something in her arm. As in, her arm is open like a panel, and he's messing with wires and stuff inside.
"Hmm?" Jenny hums as she looks up from whatever Chris is doing. "Oh! Hey Kitsu!"
She waves with her other arm, gaining Chris's attention as well. Causing him to look up and lift his goggles.
"Oh, hey Kitsu." He repeats before looking back to Jenny. "One sec, kay?"
"You're good." She says with a casual wave of her non operated hand.
Chris gets up and heads to one of his desks, stepping around scrap and tools as he opens the drawer and pulls out a small red box.
"I know it's not your fault that these things keep breaking." He says as he makes his way over to me. "But please try to make this one last a few months at least."
"I'll try not to get kidnapped or attacked by rogue Wards." I say with a flat expression as I accept the parcel.
"That's not." He says before cutting himself off. "I'm sorry. I'll, just keep some extras around."
"You do dat." I say as I turn my attention to Jenny. "So, what's going on here?"
She perks up at my attention.
"Oh! Well, me and Chris were on a few rounds together, and he noticed I can kinda sorta shift parts of myself. So, he asked about it and offered to see what all I can do! Did you know my eyes can turn into flashlights!?"
"Nope." I say honestly.
I don't know anything about her.
"Her body is almost entirely modular." Chris says as he sits back down in front of her. "Every internal serves multiple functions and has the capacity to rejoin with other systems to-"
"You lost me. Thanks for the hearing aides!" I say and turn for the door, walking past Miss Militia as I do so.
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-Sewer Hideout, 4pm-
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Francis "Trickster" Krouse POV
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"We just-" I'm cut off by the searing pain in my jaw as Luke sends me spiraling to the floor with a haymaker.
"No!" He yells. "I'm done! Done with your plans! Done with your bullshit! Done with Noelle!"
"Luke!" Jen gasps from her chair. "I get that he's not been the best leader-"
"Love you too Jen." I say softly as I get back up, cradling my sore jaw.
"Shut the fuck up." She says quickly. "But we need to stick together!"
"Fuck that!" Luke barks, causing us to flinch in anticipation of his power that never comes as he swipes his arm in front of him.. "I'm, done! I get that we were friends, but lets face it. We've been nothing since Madison."
"Luke!" Jen yells. "Even if that's true! We're safer together."
"Are we?" Luke scoffs as he paces towards the fridge. "How safe are we, really? Because currently, we're constantly on the run, we've pissed the fucking Endstopper, and likely all of New Wave as well, and that's to say nothing! Of the monster in our basement!"
"Hey!" I finally snap. "You will not! Speak of Noelle like that! We may have taken some risks that-"
"Risks?" He scoffs as he opens the fridge. "No, you took risks. I made a mistake in following you."
That, that honestly hurt. I get that I'm not as good of a leader as Noelle, but, it still hurts. And I fight to keep it from showing.
"I'm done." Luke says as he takes a beer and closes the fridge. "I told you, when you asked me to help you kidnap a little girl, that it was as low as I was willing to go. And you pushed further when I let you convince me to torture said little girl. Now? You want to ask her nicely? Like I suggested? Fuck you, Krouse. I'm, done."
"Luke, I get it." I say as I walk towards him. "I'm a piece of shit, I made some bad calls, but if you'll just-"
My world becomes a blur of pain and a cold wetness. And I can vaguely recognize that I'm on the floor.
"Uke!"
"On!"
"Called, or!"
I slowly get back up to my hands and knees. Staring at the brickwork of the floor. Recognizing the shards of glass and the smell of beer on the wet floor beneath me. As well as a few drops of blood.
"Francis!" Jen says as she wheels over to me. "Are you okay!?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine." I groan as I get up. "What, where's Luke?"
"He just left." Jen says softly as I steady myself on my feet. "I, I think he's gone for good."
"Great." I sigh as I run my hand through my hair. "Fuck. Shit, we, damn. Noelle's not gonna be happy."
"Speaking of." Jen says. "She's, she's acting up again. Cody was with her and, she started snapping anytime he said he didn't know when Kitsu would fix her."
"And she doesn't know." I say, more than ask.
"No one wants to be the bearer of bad news." Jen says. "And now, with Luke."
It goes unsaid, that Noelle is nearing another rampage. And afterwards, we'll have to move again. And if we leave Brockton, we leave behind her best chance.
"It all rolls down hill." I say as I pull a cigarette out and light it.
Taking a drag. I start my march out of the room, heading for the exit to the surface.
"Francis? Francis!" Jen calls out as she wheels up to me. "What are you doing!?"
"The only real thing I can do." I puff out as I grab my mask from the table near the makeshift door. "When the ship sinks, the captain goes down with it."
"Krouse, whatever the hell you're thinking of doing it's not smart!" Jen says as I step out the door. "I can tell you that much!"
"Well then." I say as I turn to her. "Guess it's business as usual then. After all, I never was good at campaigns, only skirmishes."
I close the door, and taking one last drag before tossing the cigarette. I put my mask on before stomping out the embers.
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-Sunday, August 15th, The Rig, 9am-
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Missy "Vista" Biron POV
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'Okay. You can do this.' I tell myself as I stand in front of Kitsu's assigned dorm room. 'You've put this off for two days. If watching Mom and Dad has taught you anything, it's that not being direct only leads to fighting.'
Kitsu, she, I know it must've been traumatic for her. But, there is a difference between having the power to decimate someone, and actually doing it. I have the power to make tornados and hurricanes by warping air currents. Doesn't mean I will.
But, she slaughtered those men. Right in front of me! Some of them were actively running away!
Crusader and Stormfront are, forgivable. Stormfront was the orchestrator and had a kill order out on her. And crusader was holding me hostage and threatening my life.
I, don't think I be with someone who would so willingly resort to murder. And the footage of her killing Stormfront? She tortured her before killing her.
A part of me, is scared of her. What if I upset her? What would she do?
I know it's unlikely. She was in a rage. We all do and say things we wouldn't normally do when we're upset.
But, she didn't care.
She murdered a host of people. And just, didn't care!
We, I need to talk to her. But I'm scared of doing so. Not that I think she'll do anything to me. But I'm scared of what I'll find out.
Taking a breath, I knock on the door.
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And again.
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Again.
…
Again.
…
…
Nothing.
"Kitsu!?" I call out. "It's um, it's me!"
…
I go ahead and punch in my emergency access code. Not really supposed to be used unless something major is going down. And the system will immediately flag that I did this. But this counts as an emergency!
She could be hurt! Or, missing! Or, or something!
The door slides open to reveal, an empty room.
Nothing. A bed, a dresser, nothing. None of Kitsu's stuff.
"I'm gonna be in so much trouble for this." I sigh.
*Ring*
And there's my phone. Right on time.
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-Meanwhile, Kitchens-
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Kitsu POV
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So many ingredients! So much stuff to work with! It's awesome!
"Gerald! Mac n Cheese!" I call out as I ring the bell.
A PRT trooper walks up and takes the tray with a nod.
"I undercooked the noodles and added gouda with some thyme." I say excitedly as I leave a piece of paper with the recipe on it. "Tell me what you think!"
*Click*
"Gotta go!" I say and speed off to the mashed potatoes.
I have, eight? Nine? Nine.
Nine different dishes cooking. All to efficiently serve the PRT their own personal meals! As opposed to having a menu of like, four things to choose from that can be pushed out en masse.
"Sasha! Mashed potatoes!" I call out.
Why, you might ask?
"Here you go!" I say cheerfully. "I added mild cheddar cheese, extra butter and garlic!"
Answer: I was bored.
I wake up early, early enough that Mom and Dad were still asleep. And when they did wake up, they immediately had to get to work filing papers and then Mom had to go to work and Dad has to talk to his psychiatrist and go through a whole process for his meds that were lost in the fire.
*Ding*
That's the stew!
Rushing away after giving the recipe, I run over to the four crockpots and drop in the chopped potatoes.
Amy is at the hospital, shocker. And Vicky is playing bodyguard.
"Kitsu." I hear Armsmaster say from the counter. "You are to stop your violations and come with me."
Looks like the kitchen staff tattled on me.
"Hmm, no." I say as I move to the pancakes.
"That was not a request." He says.
Setting the pancakes, chocolate chip, on a plate and setting sliced strawberries on them, I run over to the counter.
"Marcus! Chocolate chip pancakes!" I call out.
My super speed is, kind of busted here. I've served twelve people in five minutes. And I have eight orders still cooking.
*Click*
Seven.
Rushing over to the fryer, I remove the hash browns, move to the stove and toss the eggs with mushrooms on them. And run back to the counter.
"Ferdinand! Your skillet!" I yell.
"This stops now." Armsmaster says before moving to the kitchen door.
I roll my eyes as I hand Ferdinand, or who I assume is Ferdinand, the skillet and paper.
The moment Armsmaster opens the door, I run over to him, pick him up, and place him at the other end of the cafeteria.
Running back to the kitchen just in time for another timer to go off. I go to the other eggs I have boiling in water. Using my illusions, I pull the three eggs out of the water and into a bowl.
"Jerome! Poached eggs!" I shout.
Just a few more to go. Then I'll give the kitchen back. I'm getting bored anyway.
.
.
-9am-
.
.
Missy "Vista" Biron POV
.
My heart stays sunk in my chest as Piggot and Miss Militia stare at me. It's been an hour since I was called, and I still haven't come up with something.
I don't dare look up as I finally hear the door open, and the soft footfalls of Kitsu entering the room. Followed by Armsmaster's heavier, armored ones.
"Missy!" The adorable voice of the golden fox shouts as I feel a familiar weight and warmth in my lap.
I can't say anything as my voice is caught in my throat. Her head nuzzling the underside of my jaw and neck affectionately.
"Eh-hmm." Piggot scoffs. "Armsmaster, what took you so long?"
'Good question.' I think as I notice that I've wrapped my arms around Kitsu.
"She seized control of the kitchen." Armsmaster says.
'Wut?' I think plainly.
"Excuse me?" Piggot asks, stone faced as ever despite the information.
An explanation would be nice.
"She kicked the kitchen staff out of the kitchen, and cooked everyone breakfast." Armsmaster says, as monotonous as ever.
'I missed her making me a meal!?' I whine at myself. 'Wait, no! I'm upset at her!'
"Why?" Piggot asks.
"Bored." Kitsu shrugs.
'Who would stop me?' Her words from yesterday ring in my mind.
Who would? With her power and the influence it gives her, she's nearly untouchable. And I'm suddenly reminded of every time she mentioned hurting people. And how she would say it wasn't a joke.
"Kitsu, please remove yourself from Vista." Piggot says. "We need to have a talk."
And my heart sinks again as I remember why I'm here.
"Hmm, fine." Kitsu concedes as she slides out of my lap, and I find myself feeling disappointed at the lack of her weight. "Alright, what's up?"
"Earlier today, Vista broke into your room." Piggot says. "We believed it prudent you knew."
"Why?" Kitsu asks.
My mind blanks at her words.
"Why, did she do it? Or-" Piggot starts.
"Oh I know why she did it." Kitsu says. "What I mean is why is this, like, a meeting? She wanted to see me, I don't have a phone right now. Hence, going to my room."
"She violated protocol and used emergency access codes to invade your private accommodations." Armsmaster says sternly from behind us.
I expect a whole slurry of things. Not, this. I expected her to be upset, sad, irritated, distrustful, anything. Not, expectant? Nonchalant?
"Oh?" Kitsu says with a devious smirk as she looks to me. "You trying to violate my private spaces?"
"Pfft!" Miss Militia snorts as she struggles to contain herself.
Even Piggot is holding her face in her hands as mine burns in mortification.
"Hnnnnn." I let out an involuntary squeal of embarrassment.
"This is serious." Of course Armsmaster is the only one maintaining his composure.
"Armsmaster is correct." Piggot says after taking a breath. Removing her hands from her face, she regains her composure. "You're clearly unconcerned with how she tried to break into your room. But understand that she did so by abusing authority granted to her by the PRT."
"Okay, well, she has permission to be in my room." Kitsu says simply. "So, we good here?"
"Seeing as you clearly are not upset over this incident." Piggot says with a sigh. "You may go."
"Okay!" She says.
We all wait as she sits still. Unmoving from the chair.
"Well?" Piggot says.
"Well what?" Kitsu asks.
"You can leave." Piggot continues.
"Okay." She says cheerfully.
We all wait a few more moments before I realize what she's doing. Piggot said she can leave. Not that she has to.
"Kitsu, just go." I say with a sigh.
"But I don't wanna." She says.
"Leave." Piggot says.
"Why?" Kitsu asks.
"Kitsu, please." I ask as I look towards her.
She looks back at me, her eyes staring into my visor. And for a few moments I feel my heart leap into my chest.
"Fine." She says as she hops down.
For the first time in the last few days, I get a view of just how small she is. That being, her head, lowered, as she got up.
"If you need me I'll be destroy- testing the new combat droids!" She says.
"Wait!" Piggot calls out. "Once we're done here, I need to talk to you."
"Yeah, yeah." She says as she heads out of the room.
The moment Kitsu leaves, Piggot turns her attention back to me.
.
.
-12 minutes later-
.
.
Kitsu POV
.
Pacing outside the door as I wait, I ponder on why I am even entertaining them. I live here, for now. But I don't need them. One, money. Two, ferry station, three Lung. And four? I'm used to finding my own accommodations. A summer and a half of having my own place isn't going to change that.
I could just leave!
'What would others think?' A small voice in the back of my head whispers.
So? I never cared what others think.
'Mom, Dad, Amy, Missy.' The little voice whispers.
Okay, that's, that's a good point.
The only reason we're in this mess is because I fucked around. And the only reason I fucked around is because I wasn't thinking of anyone but myself. I mean, yeah, I'm not the one who burnt down my house. But if I stuck around, would it have been burnt in the first place?
If I just, thought about the others, would Kratos still be dead? No, he wouldn't.
I miss him. His bulbous little eyes, his unthinking expression, the way he always found new ways to escape his tote. Watching him solve little puzzles I gave him.
As I'm thinking this, Missy walks out of the office escorted by Armsmaster.
Schooling my expression, I rush in and crash into her. Intent on seeing what's wrong with her, as well as distract myself.
"Bragh!" I give a little false roar. "So, what's up?"
"Kitsu, the Director would like to speak with you." Armsmaster says.
"Yeah yeah inna minute." I say as I wave him off as I speak to Missy. "So, whatcha wanna talk about?"
"Kitsu, please listen to the people in charge here." Missy says. "We, we can talk later."
Did I get her in trouble somehow? No, that can't be it. That wouldn't make any sense. If anything I'd get Mom in trouble.
"Um, okay?" I say in confusion. "I'll, meet you in the training room?"
"Sure." She says as she disentangles herself from me.
I watch as she walks away from me. And, it hurts.
'Has, has she been avoiding me?' The thought causes a deep, unfamiliarpain in my chest.
Deciding not to dwell on it, I turn towards the door. Walking back into the office. I walk forth and sit back down in the chair.
"Alright Piggy, whatcha got for me?" I ask.
Is it insulting? Yes. Do I care? Not particularly. She wants me, not the other way around. And, yeah that's it. I just don't care.
"I'll make it quick." She says. "What do I need for you to stay out of trouble while you're here?"
Credit where it's due, she didn't even stutter at the insult.
"Ooh! Am I being bribed?" I ask with a toothy grin.
"Yes." She says.
That wipes the smile off my face.
"Wow, darn." Is all I say. "Didn't think you'd just, come out and say it. Huh, props."
She glowers a bit as she continues.
"If it weren't for modern technology I'd have a pile of paperwork up to my waist that needs to be done by the end of the week." She says irritably. "So I hope you'll be understanding when I say I'm running on low sleep, patience, and tolerance. Name your price, and name it quick or I'll just keep forwarding every complaint to your guardians."
Oh shit. She's serious.
"Video games." I shrug.
"We have that in the commons." She retorts.
"I want an X-box and the newest FPS games. Call of Duty in particular." I specify. "And I want a gaming headset as well."
"Done." She says. "Now go, and stay out my hair."
"Not out of trouble?" I say with another toothy grin.
She glares at me. And let me tell you! She's, actually a little intimidating.
"No." She says lowly. "Leave."
"Yes ma'am." I say as I hurry out of the room.
.
.
-Training room, 10:20am-
.
.
Missy "Vista" Biron POV
.
"So yeah, we got our first patrol tomorrow." FastTrack says as he sits down a seat away from me.
"That's good to hear." I agree with him, making small talk as I wait for Kitsu.
"Yeah, I'm trying to see if I can get patrol with this other Ward I met in the commons room." He says. "Didn't get her name, but total cutie! Hey, you wouldn't happen to know her?"
A female Ward? There's only two others.
"Hmm, the only other girl here would either be Lyra, or Sophia." I say simply.
"She was, oh!" He suddenly sits up. "There she is!"
Looking over to where he nods, I, get a burning feeling settle in my chest.
"So which one is it?" He asks. "Lyra, or Sophia?"
"Missy!" Kitsu shouts from the door as she rushes over to me for a hug.
"Wow!" FastTrack shouts in surprise. "You're a speedster too!? Nice!"
"Oh, hey Dash." Kitsu says, turning to him while still hugging me. "I'm a bit of everything."
"Uh, h-how do you, who's Dash?" He stutters awkwardly.
"Hmm?" She hums as she stops hugging me. "Oh! I don't. Never said anything. You're, Fastrack? Right?"
She just broke the unwritten rules by accident. Again. But seriously? A speedster named Dash? How on the nose could you get? It's like if, I got nothing.
"Fast, Track." He says awkwardly. "But um, yeah. So, um, is that a headband?"
I feel my shoulders quiver in anger at there exchange.
"What headband?" Kitsu asks as she flicks her ears. "Sorry, I'm a bit, unique."
She says with a toothy grin. Flashing her fangs as she moves her tail to cover her front, and her eyes sharpen.
"Oh, um." He tries awkwardly. "That's awesome! So, is that a breaker form, changer power or?"
'Can't she see he's trying to flirt with her? In front of me!?' I think as I get an ugly, bitter feeling fills my gut.
"Nope!" She says as she starts to sway in place. "All natural baby! Case Fifty Three."
'She didn't see it with you.' I remind myself.
"I didn't think Case Fifty Three's were suppose to be so pretty?" He says with a smile.
THAT'S IT!
"Hey FastTrack!" I say as I stand up. "How about a little spar? I'm bored of just standing around."
"Hmm?" He says as he tilts his head towards me. "I thought you were waiting for someone?"
"Yeah well, I'm bored." I say weakly before getting an idea. "Hey Kitsu! You can be ref!"
"Ooh! Ooh! Do I get a whistle!?" She asks excitedly, her eyes lighting up as she hops up and down.
"Use your illusions." I say as I start walking down towards the training area.
"Illusions?" FastTrack asks.
"To the arena!" Kitsu yells. "May bonds of brotherhood be forged in the fiery spirit of blood and chaos!" She says before running off.
God she's cute when she's hyped up.
.
.
-2 minutes later-
.
.
I take my spot on the other end of the empty training room. From what I know, FastTrack is a highspeed mover, similar to velocity. Only he can still hit you.
"Are you ready!" Kitsu screams.
"Ready and set!" FastTrack says as he bounces on his feet, switching from one foot to the other.
"Sure." I say.
"On the count of three!" Kitsu yells. "Onetwothree!"
*RRRRMMM!*
I step aside as FastTrack ragdolls past me and crumbles against the wall behind me. Having tripped on a raised bump in the floor I made.
The wall warps down to encase him, but he gets up quick enough to avoid it trapping him.
Thinking quickly, I lower the floor around me to make a pitfall. And, he falls in.
This time I close it off before he thinks of something to escape.
"Um, Missy wins!" Kitsu yells.
That, felt good. I needed that. A nice, clean takedown. Although it honestly felt, a little underwhelming. If I'll admit. But, that's how I prefer to do it.
No long, drawn out fights. No, dragging things out. Short, sweet, simple. That's how I like things.
…
I just realized the joke.
"Can you make sure he's alright?" I ask the little terror as my warping undoes itself.
"Sure." She shrugs as she walks over to the red armored boy who is slowly emerging out of the ground with an unimpressed look on his face.
"That was cheap." He accuses.
"It was effective." I counter.
"It was boring." Kitsu says as she reaches up and places a hand on his cheek.
'Don't agree with him in front of me!' I scream internally.
"Oh, you some sort of nurse too?" FastTrack asks.
"Meh, kinda." Kitsu shrugs as she lets her hand drop. "You're fine. Not even any bruises."
"You sure?" He asks in a flirty manner, making my blood boil back up. "How about a kiss for my bruised ego?"
'OH FUCK NO!'
I march over quickly. Startling Kitsu and FastTrack as I grab Kitsu.
"Um, Mis-mrph!" She squeaks in surprise as I pull her in for a kiss.
I hold her tightly against me as she eventually relaxes in my arms. At some point she returns my embrace as I glare at FastTrack through my visor. Enjoying his slack jawed look of surprise.
Imagine the windows error sound. Now make it a human expression. Yeah, that's what I'm seeing on him.
'Fuck, off.' I command in my head.
"I uh, okay, yeah. Now it makes sense." FastTrack says awkwardly as he starts to turn around. "I'll uh, talk later? Talk later."
I wait for him to leave through the doors before separating from Kitsu with a gasp.
Looking back down to the flustered girl. Red faced, half lidded eyes and panting. Tail wagging up a storm. I realize I just fucked myself.
"You, really missed me, huh?" She asks shyly.
How am I supposed to segue to her actions at the house, from that?
"Um, yeah." Is all I can find myself saying.
"Hmm." She hums with a smile before resting her head on my chest. "I missed you too." She says softly.
I'm, so screwed. Well, maybe, maybe it was a one time thing? Maybe Kitsu was just so upset that she flipped.
Besides, after the fight I, sort of got my frustration out. Kind of. I guess I was just upset and bottling everything up.
'Why does it feel like I'm trying to convince myself?'
We still need to have that talk. I'll just, have to find another time.
I, I love her. And, and I want her. She's the only one in my life that makes me feel, appreciated. She makes me feel like I'm more than just some mascot for the PRT to wave around because I'm cute. Or some burden that's only useful when fighting for alimony.
And I don't want to lose that.
.
.
-Warehouse Hideout, 11:23am-
.
.
Joseph "Scarecrow" Crane POV
.
Sitting in my swivel chair, legs kicked up on a stool as I read the latest from the news on my phone. Seems Mechanic died in hospice, his injuries too extensive for Panacea to heal in time before he passed.
Nevertheless, I'm not relaxing because I'm not a fool. He may be dead, yes. But the declaration of his passing and his time of death are hours apart. Either the PRT are just massively incompetent, which, they are. But there's another option, and that's that they're covering something up.
I'd be a fool to not assume the worse. That Mechanic was kept alive and interrogated before being allowed to die.
Which is why my office is empty save for the chair, and the stool. Everything has been moved. Every hideout that Mechanic even knew about is being torn down and turned into soup kitchens or shelters. While everything in them is being moved.
There are enough abandoned buildings in the slums to suit our needs. And the new homeless establishments are a popular move. Skidmark was smart in that he understood how he needed the people on his side to maintain territory. He just did so through an astronomical level of hedonism. Gave everyone an escape from this bleak world.
I still do that. Snowflame keeps the drugs coming and Mush has more than a few parties going on. Just not on the level that it was before.
I, I keep the shelters clean and the kitchens stocked. Skidmark gave everyone an escape, but it led to a massively disorganized operation. I needed Carnage and Permafrost to keep people listening. They served their purpose long enough to clean the area up and keep Mechanic around for as long as I could.
Mechanic.
He was my lynchpin. The one I needed to stay around. And now, he's gone. His conscience finally caught up to him.
"Scarecrow!" A loud, boisterous voice echoes through the cold, empty warehouse.
"Hmm, they're early." I muse as I get up.
The little group of wannabe super villains.
I walk to my door as the one known as Charybdis keeps up his incessant yelling. Demanding I come out.
"Well, well, we-" I start as I walk out of my office on the second floor.
"Can it you world war one reject!" The blue camo covered man yells from below. "You promised a cure! Circe is coughing up blood again!"
"I offered, a treatment." I say as I pace along the catwalk, running my hands along the railing. "You assumed it was a cure."
"Boss, there's a sniper in a grey jumpsuit adjacent to the warehouse." One of my men says into the comms built into my mask. "He's aimed at the top right window just past your office."
'My discipline is paying interest it seems.' I think as my mask hides a growing smile.
I stop pacing just before I past the walls of my former office. Looking back down to Charybdis, I decide to goad him a bit.
"Well?" I say as I start to pace back to my office.
"Come down here and fight me!" He demands suddenly. "If you won't give me a cure then I'll beat it out of you!"
He wants me to move in line of the sniper. The only way down is either hopping nine feet to the floor, or walking past the windows and down the stairs.
"Hmm, no." I say as I lean both elbows on the railing. Putting my head in one hand as I stare down at him. "I have nothing to gain by fighting you other than bragging rights."
"How about this?!" He shouts. "You win! I work for you! How's that sound?!"
'Oh, oh that is rich!' I start chuckling at idiot's words. 'Oh, oh it's too good!'
"What's so funny!?" He demands.
Slapping my neck, unleashing an aerosolized steroid. I jump down and land on the concrete floor of the empty warehouse. My reinforced muscles absorbing the shock and making feel as though I'm a child hopping on the sidewalk.
Charybdis visibly reals back in shock as I march forth and pull out another vial of the treatment for Circe's affliction.
"Because you already do." I say as I stand not three feet from him.
Not hearing anything else from him, I continue. Pacing around him as I hold the vial between my fingers.
"You already work for me. You and your friends. You need my help. I want your labor. I don't get what I want? Circe dies." I say as I pace back around to the front of him. "Now, this one works a little bit better. It'll stave off the effects, for seventy hours. I'm going to be busy for the next few days you see. And I can't have you calling me every day."
"You, you're a rotten, horrid man." He says with a shaky voice.
"Yes well, most employees don't like their boss." I say with a shrug. "So I suppose it fits."
"You won't get away with this." He says.
"My god man." I say tiredly. "Can you be any more cliché? If you're going to do this whole big guy hero act, at least come up with your own lines."
He grits his teeth audibly through his bandana. And I feel that familiar rush of elation at how much control I have over him.
"Nothing? That it?" I say tauntingly before holding the vial up. "Well then, I suppose you'll want this? Yes? Say it."
"Yes." He grits out almost painfully.
"Yes, what?" I say with a tilt of my head.
"Yes, sir." He finally says, the visible parts of his face burning red.
"That's what I thought." I say as I pat his cheek, enjoying the flinch as I take his other hand and place the vial in it. "I'll see you in three days."
I walk past him, my boots being the only sound present in the empty building. Calmly making my way towards the exit, I stop just as I put my hand on the door handle.
"Oh, and you can tell your sniper to stand down." I say before opening the door, and leaving, but not before one last word. "You can keep the warehouse! Consider it a signing bonus!"
.
.
-The Rig, Cafeteria, 1:30pm-
.
.
Carol "Brandish" Dallon POV
.
"So I tell Dash, no he can't join track and field." Helen says as she pokes her salad.
"I had a similar talk with Vicky a few years ago." I say as I look through the insurance documents on my phone. "After she got her powers, she was barred from sports. And it was a whole thing."
"Okay." Sarah says as she finally gets here. "I got a list of available houses within your price range, and well." She says as she sets a binder down.
"Let me guess, none are close to my work?" I ask plainly.
"Closest one is a forty minute drive." She says with an apologetic smile. "And it's only three bedrooms."
"Damnit." I curse.
That's more than double the distance, and not enough rooms.
"I remember when we had to look for new houses." Helen says.
Helen is, as far as capes are concerned, a veteran. Operating before the PRT was in full authority and long before the unwritten rules. And as such, her identity isn't much of a secret.
"Houses?" I ask, putting emphasis on the plural.
"When we went to ground after the riots in Seattle, Bob struggled to maintain a job." She confesses. "I won't get too into it, it's in the past. But, a bleeding heart and a temper lost him a lot of jobs and outed us on more than one occasion."
Right. The northwest had a phase where the parahumans were universally feared. Regardless of whether they were hero or villain. At one point in the late nineties, riots broke out and several capes were killed by mobs.
It wasn't until the PRT got a decent foothold in 2004 that things calmed down.
"I get that." Sarah adds. "Neil had to take anger management classes after he snapped at a coworker and put a hole in the side of a forklift."
"How is Neil by the way?" I ask, I know he got that promotion, but not much else.
"He's been good. Great actually." Sarah says. "Now that he's the foreman and his pay is better."
Right. Neil and Sarah had a thing about Sarah making more money.
It wasn't that they were fighting or anything. Just that Neil was raised conservatively and his parents kept giving him shit about making less money than his wife.
I don't know the full details and I don't want to.
"Oh that's right." Helen says. "You're a lawyer as well, and you're an accountant. What's that like? Juggling heroics, jobs, and kids?"
"Tiring." I sigh.
"It's not too bad." Sarah says. "My kids are mostly independent and outside of emergencies I just keep a patrol schedule with Neil. Sometimes Eric or Crystal will join us."
"What about you?" Helen asks.
"Same." I answer. "Only difference is that I have three to keep track of. Though, Vicky is the only one I have any trouble with in that regard."
"Not Kitsu?" Sarah asks.
"Nope." I say with a shrug. "Despite her power and free spirit she." I pause as I think of the words to use. "I don't really think she cares for heroics. Patrol usually leads to a restaurant or the park. And outside of that she stays at home."
"Eric is the same way." Sarah says. "Neil thinks he needs to get out more. But, he's making money off of playing video games so, we don't really push it too much. So long as he's happy and not wasting his life."
"I wish my kids were like that." Helen sighs as she rests her head in her hand. "Dash takes after his father, energetic, brash and impulsive. And Violet is in her rebellious phase."
"Do you not have a job?" Sarah asks. "I assumed with how you had to hide after the riots and."
"No, no I haven't worked a normal nine to five since I was a teenager." Helen says. "Once me and Bob got married and I had Violet, I became a stay at home mom."
"My husband is the same way." I say agreeingly. "Once we had Vicky he became a stay at home husband and took care of her while I finished law school."
Not that he did a good job. And any time I was home I took care of her.
"How is Vicky nowadays?" Sarah asks. "I haven't heard much outside of the incident with Mechanic and Hookwolf."
"I don't know." I say tiredly. "With everything that's happened lately I haven't been able to keep tabs on any of them."
Hell, I need to get Amy to cut back on the hospital hours, again. The amount of hours she's pulling is absurd. And Vicky? If she isn't patrolling, she's with Dean. If she isn't with Dean, she's with Amy at the hospital.
Speaking of, hospital. I should probably check on Kitsu. Mark mentioned she was depressed over Kratos. And bored.
Things happen when she gets bored. And I still need to talk to her about what happened when she was kidnapped.
"At least you don't have a lot of art of you on the internet." Helen says with a hint of disgust. "I've had to lock all the devices in the house from PHO and other sites because I don't want my kids seeing any of it."
'What'd I miss?' I think as I return to the conversation.
"I get called, Photon, Mommy." Sarah says with a glare. "Half the time, in public."
"What the hell are we talking about?" I ask.
Helen looks to me with a tired expression before explaining.
"Just how people like to, nevermind." She says with a shake of her head. "Let's change the subject."
"Gladly." Sarah says as she turns to me. "You know, if you opened your budget up a little bit. You could get a nicer house."
I turn my gaze to her. Wondering what she could be talking about.
"Sarah, I already gave you my range." I explain. "If you're thinking I skimped out because I'm trying to save money, I'm not."
"I know that." She says before almost whispering. "But you do have quite a bit to dig into. Don't you?"
'What is she talking about?' I think questioningly. 'I don't have any savings aside from an emergency fund. And the girl's college fund.'
My confusion must be plain to see. Because Sarah continues to explain.
"Don't you have access to almost half a billion?" Sarah continues.
I feel my temper rise as I finally piece together what she's talking about.
"Three hundred million and it's not mine, it's my d-Kitsu's money that she earned! I'd need her to approve of any use." I hiss back.
"Carol, come on." Sarah gives me a flat look. "I've met the girl. She'd let you buy a spa house for yourself in exchange for a headpat. Much less a house that you and her will be living in."
And I refuse to abuse that trust and love.
"I am not taking her money for something I can do myself." I stand my ground.
"Three hundred million!" Sarah reiterates. "What is she going to do with it when she hits eighteen?"
Not willing to entertain this line of dialogue. I decide to cut it short.
"I'm done here." I say as I stand up and leave my food.
I think it's time I check on Kitsu.
.
.
-Meanwhile, The Rig, Kitsu's room-
.
.
Missy "Vista" Biron POV
.
I'll admit, I missed this.
"Hmmm, you've been getting tips from Lyra, haven't you?" Kitsu asks as I find the divot at the base of her ears, eliciting a whimpering squeal of delight from her. One that sends butterflies throughout my stomach.
And sends a heat throughout me as she wiggles in my lap. Her tail wagging up a storm.
We need to talk. I know that! But, I just can't find the right time. And, I don't want to have a heavy talk so soon after all that she went through.
I stop my massage of her head as she licks my chin.
"Did you just?" I say accusingly.
"Maybe~" She says teasingly as she puts a finger to her bottom lip. "Whatcha gonna do about it?"
And I really don't want to ruin this dynamic.
"Hmm, what do you think I'll do?" I say suggestively as I get an evil idea.
"Hmm, I expect you'd get revenge." She says coyly with a fanged, toothy grin.
"Well, you'd be right." I say as I lean in towards her.
Before suddenly putting my hands at her sides and tickling her.
"Wah! Ah! No!" She squeals. "Ah! Nooo! You're, s-sup-ah! Supposed to kiss me!"
"I can do that later!" I challenge as we tumble around on her bed. Her trying to wiggle and squirm away from me, with me pinning her down and drawing out more delicious giggles from her.
"Aaaaggghh!" She gargles. "Nohohohoho! Mercy!"
"None!" I laugh as we wind up on our sides.
"Aaah!" Kitsu giggles. "Abuse! Animal cruelty! Aaaahhh!"
"Suffer!" I say as I move to tickle her feet, grabbing the edges of her socks to torment her further.
"No! NO!" She shouts at me as I struggle to worm the articles off of her. "Missy Stop!"
She says that last bit with enough force in her voice to startle me.
Taking advantage of my brief pause, she swings her legs out of my grasp. And, looking back behind me. She rolls her socks back up all the way.
"No." She says finally. "This is what you're supposed to do."
She grabs my shoulders and pulls me in for a kiss. Her soft, warm lips on mine as she wraps her arms around my shoulders.
She tries to lean up and push me over. Before I surprise her by pushing back harder and back onto the bed.
"Hey!" She squeaks, separating from our kiss. "I'm on top!"
"Not right now you're not." I say with a teasing grin.
I feel something light up inside me as, rather than refute me or start a wrestling match where she pins me down like the first time I challenged her. She just blushes and doesn't say anything.
Feeling spurred on by her silence, I keep going.
"Well?" I say with a grin as I hook an arm under her back. "Nothing?"
"I-" She squeaks out before I silence her with a kiss.
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Kitsu POV
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'Oh fuck that was hot!' I think as we kiss. 'This is hot!'
My heart is hammering in my chest as she holds me tight against her. And my toes curl as I feel her tongue poke my lips.
I let her in. Allowing her tongue to run along my teeth as I try and push it back. I'm failing miserably as I'm realizing I'm, a bit of a sub.
I always pictured myself as being the dominant personality in a relationship. But there's just something about being able to let go in the moment and let the other take control.
And I do just that. Holding Missy tight as she parts from me for air. Staring into her commanding green eyes and panting face. She develops a smug, mischievous smirk that would feel more in place on me rather than her. And I feel like we've gone far enough.
"You're so cute." She whispers with a smirk. "I could get used to seeing you all flustered like this."
"I, I think-" I try to say as she goes down and licks my neck. Silencing me with a shudder.
"There, my revenge." She says with a giggle.
"I think, that was a bit more than revenge." I counter with a crack in my voice.
She stares at me with a judging gaze. One that looks like a mix between contentment, and appreciation.
"You have no clue what you do to me." She breathes out in a husky tone. "How much I love you, it hurts."
'Holy shit!' I feel something in me snap at her tone. 'Missy going Dommy.'
She pushes back up to stare me in the eye with a smoldering glare that sends my heart thumping.
"How much I missed you, and how you-"
*Krssht*
We both freeze, staring at each other wide-eyed as we hear the door open.
The doors are digitally locked, so there's only a small number of people it could be.
Best case? It's MM and she just walks out. Worst case?
"What was rule three?" I hear worst case scenario call out from the door. "No hanky panky."
"We didn't do anything!" I defend as I try and sit up. Only to fall over Missy as I just succeed in shoulder checking us into each other.
"Uh, huh." I see Mom glare at me. "So, is that why Missy's hair is a mess, and you're currently a tangled pile of limbs?"
"We were just kissing!" I say as I manage to get up. My face burning. "That's it!"
"Sure, uh huh." Mom says as she crosses her arms. "Okay, Missy! Wanna add anything?"
Flicking an ear towards her, I hear her take one of my pillows, and shove her head under it.
"At least she has the decency to not try and lie." Mom dead tones at me.
"It's not a lie." I say weakly. "We, still have our clothes. We were just kissing. And, and, look at us!"
"Mhmm." She nods. "And what would I be looking at had I walked in ten minutes later?"
I, can't bullshit that with a straight face. So, brutal honesty!
"Depends." I say as I use my biokinesis to force myself to be calm. "I'd give it a coin toss between seeing us awkwardly avoiding looking at each other. Or something magical."
The high pitched squeal of panic Missy gives out behind me is almost worth the sense of impending doom!
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-1hr later, Boardwalk, 4pm-
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Vergil "Static Shock" Hawkins POV
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Getting turned around, again, I sigh as I give up and call console.
"Console command, this is Kitsu." I hear a bored, high pitched voice say.
"The hell?" I exclaim into the comms.
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-Monday, August 16th, The Rig, Commons room, 9am-
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Kitsu POV
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Sooo, I get console duty from five to eight now. And Missy and I aren't allowed in my room alone. Which, yeah, I guess we were never allowed. But, fuck off!
For now.
"And I'll show up at your house and kill your mom!" A squeaker rages.
I mean, I'm a squeaker. But at least I'm good.
"Your grandma gets bullied at bingo night because of you." I retort. "Doesn't she?"
"You're a fake girl pervert bitch!" He screams, and I just laugh.
I got my X-box. And my games.
"Holy shit. Did he finally shut up?" PsychoZacper09 says. "Finally."
"Give it a few minutes." G3rm4n sighs. "Kid probably had to get a juice box."
"Hello?" A woman's voice says over the mic.
"Brat got his mom!" Darkria333 laughs.
"Yeah, you all should be ashamed of yourselves." She starts going off. "Adult men bullying a fourteen year old boy!"
"I'mma stop you right there." I cut her off. "I'm a girl, I'm younger than your son, and he called me the B word."
What? Never cuss in an argument, and you have the high ground.
"…"
"Hellooo?" Darkria333 asks.
"Prove it." The mother says suddenly. "Prove you're not some pervert using a voice changer."
"Okay, gimme a sec." I say as I look over to a wide eyed Dean. "Hey, gimme yer phone." I say as I hold my hand out.
"Um, sure?" He says as he hands me his phone.
"Okay, hey lady. You got internet access?"
I just realized how dumb that question was.
"Yes." She says prudently.
"Okay, go to PHO." I say as I log into my account on Dean's phone.
"…"
"Okay? What does this have to do with anything?" She says.
"Look up my tag name." I say as I sit back and wait.
"…"
I then take a pic of the TV and post it saying. (Find it yet?)
"…"
"…"
"Had to take a leak, what'd I miss?" RosyHark05s says.
This is followed by the sounds of screaming and crying sounding out from the squeaker's mic.
It's, hard to make out. But, sounds like someone's getting spanked!
"Holy shit this is awesome." Darkria333 says between chuckles.
He's an observational troll. He won't do anything. But he'll always be the first to provide peanut gallery commentary.
"Are we, gonna queue up the next match?" Rion0ld0 asks.
"In a minute." I say into the mic. "I'm listening to this."
"Shit kid, get some therapy." G3rm4n says.
"My therapist went insane." I say with a grin.
"I don't know if you're joking or not." Dean says from the sidelines. "And that scares me."
"I, I would like to apologize to all of you, for, for my behavior." The squeaker starts saying through sobs. Clearly being forced to say this. "And I would like to like to say sorry for calling you, a b-bitch."
Ooh. Someone got biblical on their child!
"What about me?" Darkria333 asks.
"Um. I uh." The boy stutters.
"What about you?" The mother demands, sounding very unhappy.
"Little shit called me a bitch ass N***er." Darkria333 says.
"The FUCK!?" The mother yells. "JOHNATHAN LORENZO TIDWELL! GONE! YOU HERE ME! YOU WILL NEVER TOUCH A CONTROLLER IN THIS HOUSE AGAIN!"
"He's lying!" The boys voice cracks before his connection is cut and he drops out of the lobby.
…
"So we doing team death match or capture the flag?" I ask. "Also, he never said the N word."
"I know." Darkria333 says.
…
"I'm voting team deathmatch." I say.
"I'm, leaving." Dean says as he gets up. "Can I have my phone back?"
Quickly logging out of my PHO, I toss the phone back to him. He catches it as the game queues up a round of capture the flag in Terminal.
I hate this map!
Oh well, going with my M1014 loadout. Smokescreen and riot shield secondary.
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-5 minutes later-
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*Thunk* *Thunk* *Thunk*
A guy tries to knife me as I keep him blocked in the corner with my riot shield.
I'm cornering him and a care package is set to drop here. My care package.
In
3
2
I step away and let him move.
1
Just in time for the care package to squish him as he tries to charge me.
"I think there should be an achievement for that." I say into the mic.
"You're evil, you know that?" PsychoZacper09 says.
I throw a smoke down and loot a claymore off of the guy. Then, place the claymore down near the care package and dip.
"Hey, don't go near the care package." I warn my team. "It's booby trapped."
"Noted." G3rm4n says.
Not long after I say that, I get the tick and little crosshairs that let me know I just got a kill.
Well that didn't take long.
*Baquick*
The X-box notification goes off as I receive another message.
That makes three for this match.
I love listening and reading those. And then just responding with, your mom.
After the match, I check the message to see it's, Eric?
(Since when do you play?)-TheShield
I go ahead and respond back.
(Since you left your copy at my place.)-ToyFoxy
(THATS WHERE IT WAS!?)-TheShield
(Well, not anymore)-ToyFoxy
…
(Anyway, wanna join my stream sonetime? My viewers enjoyed the way you killed me with a care package.)-TheShield
(That was you! Ha!)-ToyFoxy
(Yes or No?)-TheShield
(I'm not allowed off the Rig)-ToyFoxy
…
(I'll think of something.)-TheShield
Hmm, technically.
(I'll just get my own set up.)-ToyFoxy
(Do you have any clue what goes into making a streaming set up?)-TheShield
(Nope!)-ToyFoxy
…
(I'll get a checklist)-TheShield
(Fun!)-ToyFoxy
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Bonus
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? POV
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"Boss." Compress says. "We got the cars revved up and ready."
'Good.'
'Time to move.'
'You know what to do.'
'Soon.'
The voices all command. All demand. Demanding. Commanding. Guiding Leading.
"Soon." I say. "Mobilize, and move out."
'That's it.'
'Good man.'
'The power to rival the new gods.'
'To BE a new god.'
'Caution is still needed.'
They never stop. They won't let me think. I tried.
So long. Trying, fighting, hindering. Spiraling, losing.
"Let me know when the others are ready." I say, earning a slight reprieve as they reward my compliance with silence.
Sweet, beautiful silence.
"Very well sir." Compress says before he closes the door.
I wish this would last. But it won't. It never does. Never ends.
Stop thinking. Enjoy the silence while it lasts. Before they-
'There is no escape.'
Not again!
'We are always here.'
Make it stop! Make them stop!
Make us all stop!
'You can't.'
I just want an end!
'There is no end.'
'Not even in death.'
'After all.'
"You are us." I say as I laugh, crying at the green eyed reflection in the mirror.
Every day. I lose more of who I was to the torrent of voices.
What was my name?
"The butcher." We answer.
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Bonus
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PRT Dossier
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Mr. Incredible
Civilian Identity: Robert "Bob" Parr
B-class
Age: 43
Sex: Male
Gender Identity: Male
Sexual orientation: Heterosexual
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 350lbs
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Classification:
Trump/Brute: 8
Mr. Incredible posses a unique power that can only be described as an enhanced ability to condition his own body. Able to gain and maintain a physique far beyond what should be considered humanly possible. It is to be noted that similar to normal humans, if his physique is not maintained through regular exercise and exertion, he will gradually lose his accumulated strength and resilience.
Mr. Incredible's feats of strength show that he has no true limit to his strength. And in theory, could continually grow stronger had age not been a factor.
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Personal Profile: Robert Parr first triggered sometime in the late eighties. Due to the nature of his power and its ability to give a gradual increase to his strength, it is impossible to determine exactly when his powers manifested. He started going out in costume at the age of twenty five in 1992 as The Blue Bulldozer. Where he eventually renamed himself in 1993 as Mr. Incredible.
His feats of heroism are too numerous to list down in a brief summary. Just know that at some point, he and Elastigirl married, and went to ground after an anti-parahuman riot broke out in Seattle in the late nineties. It would be ten years before they returned to heroics. Though Mr. Incredible still maintained a streak of vigilantism during this time.
Mr. Incredible is one of the most senior heroes on record. Having nearly twenty years of experience.
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Mrs. Incredible: formerly Elastigirl
Civilian Identity: Helen Parr
C-class
Age: 41
Sex: Female
Gender Identity: Female
Sexual orientation: Heterosexual
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 125lbs
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Classifications:
Changer: 6
Brute: 4
Mrs. Incredible's powers consist of hyper elasticity, able to stretch her body out to a hard limit of 300 ft, and a minimum of 1mm. It is noted that this comes with an increased resistance to blunt trauma as her body contains dilatant properties.
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Personal Profile:
Having triggered in 1995, Mrs. Incredible, (Elastigirl at the time) would go on to be one of the cornerstone heroes before the riots in Seattle forced her to ground. While she does not have as many feats of heroics as her spouse, it is to be noted that she is far more strategic and known to cause minimal property damage.
She entered a decade long period of retirement after the riots in Seattle. Unlike her husband, she did not participate in any vigilantism.
Like her spouse, her experience is invaluable.
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Invisiline
Civilian Identity: Violet "Vi" Parr
A-class
Age: 16
Sex: Female
Gender Identity: Female
Sexual orientation: Heterosexual
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 94lbs
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Classification:
Stranger: 4
Shaker: 5
Invisiline shows an ability manipulate her own gravitational field to produce two effects, one being the warping of light around her in a manner that renders her invisible to the naked eye. The process is, to her, seemingly "instinctual"
The other manner in which this ability manifests itself is high resistant, weightless orbs that are highly versatile in their use. From trapping opponents to shielding allies and civilians and even using them as blunt weaponry.
Personal Profile: [Redacted] at the request of Mr. and Mrs. Incredible.
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FastTrack
Civilian Identity: Dashiell "Dash" Parr
B-class
Age: 13
Sex: Male
Gender Identity: Male
Sexual orientation: Heterosexual
Height: 4"7'
Weight: 90lbs
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Mover: 7
Brute: 2
Speculative Trump
FastTrack has the ability to move at high speeds, his top speed is currently unknown as it is constantly increasing. Whether this is due to his power growing with his physical development or he has a similar power to his father, is as of yet unknown.
FastTrack has a brute rating that allows him to run at high speeds without causing serious injury to himself, but that is it. He can still be hurt be running into something hard enough, though most collisions only seem to cause mild disorientation. This is speculated to be a form of dilatancy inherited from his mother.
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Personal Profile: [Redacted] at the request of Mr. and Mrs. Incredible.
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Bonus
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Transcript of Gods of Neo Wavism: Amy
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(The video opens up to reveal a sandy blonde man in a red tee shirt, sharp green eyes, and green scales running up his neck to stop at his cheeks.)
Hey guys! Harold here, yes, my name is weird we all know. What can I say? My parents were weird and yes, I was bullied. We all know this.
Anyway, as it stands at the time of this video being uploaded, there are twelve million people in the world. All of different ethnicities and with that, beliefs. With the most widely accepted be that of Neo Wavism, and the pantheon of Neos gods.
The gods are widely seen as guiding figures in the Neos mythology. Guiding, leading, and directing us through natural events, signs, or more directly through their teachings.
This can best be seen in the Tired Lady herself. Amy the Supervisor, or as some know her, Panacea the Healer.
One of the three great innovators. It is said that Amy guided the creativity of Kitsu, and restrained the wanton enthusiasm of Riley. In essence, she was the hand that held, Kitsu was the mind that drove, while Riley was the tool that crafted.
Now despite being one of the three great innovators, we know surprisingly little about Panacea. She's always mentioned, always referenced and always revered. For her tireless pursuit of the people's health, and for her near self destructive insistence on helping those around her.
Amy is said to be behind every miraculous recovery. Every sudden case of someone waking up from a cold, healthy as a Rodentia. Is Panacea's blessing made real.
A common saying goes, you pray to Amy to get healthy, you pray to Kitsu to stay healthy, and your doctor prays to Riley.
That last one is a double meaning. Doctors need patients, and so Bonesaw creates them, but doctors are known to ask Riley for guidance when they struggle with patients. Fun little tid bit for ya.
Now Amy, while she is regarded as a central figure in the pantheon, is almost always depicted as being covered up in some form. Whether that be a hood hiding her face, her back being turned, or being placed behind someone else. She is almost never the forefront.
And that's because of her symbolism. She doesn't heal for recognition, she heals because it is right. And keeping in line with this, she is often depicted as constantly being in the shadow of her sister, Vicky. The goddess of battle and glory.
Yes, Panacea is often depicted as always being in glory's shadow. You don't often hear tales of the heroic doctor, or the brave medic, or the selfless nurse. The healer will almost always be behind the fighter.
The healer, is to heal for others. They are never to seek their own fame. In fact, despite being the goddess of healing, there is the tale detailing how she cannot heal, herself. And that none would target her, for she did not discriminate who she tended to.
The very motto of the Order Panacea, is "omnibus, ad aliorum salutem." Or, "All things, for the health of others."
The clergy of the Order Panacea actually look down on doctors and surgeons who seek fame. Believing that excessive pride only courts Kitsu's mischief. And as the saying goes, Fear the lengths Kitsu goes for a laugh. For by drawing attention to yourself and spitting on her sister's tenant of selflessness, Kitsu is all to willing to give you a reality check.
If it seems like I'm mentioning the other Neos gods a lot, it's because that's just how seldom Amy is mentioned or talked about without the others being mentioned as well. In keeping in theme with her ideals of selflessness, there are almost no tales of Amy on her own. They always involve another of the Neos gods, or the Nine Evils.
Or at least not that I could find. If there are, and you have sources, let me know in the comments below. Seriously guys, I do read the comments. Every one. They're like catnip to me. If, I was Feline, or, Vulpine.
You get the point.
Moving on, there is one tale that is well known. That doesn't feature any other Neos god or Evil.
The refuser.
Now, the refuser is told in many ways, across many cultures. He, or she, is a stubborn fool. One who injures themselves, or is injured by another. And they scorn Amy. Refusing her help, to their own detriment. Whether it be pride, irritation, or something else. They refuse Panacea's help, and suffer for it. From this, comes a saying.
Scorn the healer, scar yourself. For there is no helping the fool, the arrogant, or the penitent.
…
I got nothing to really segue, so, here's todays spons-
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Kitsu POV
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Skip.
"Hmm, been a few decades since I talked to Amy." I muse to myself. "Wonder what she's up to."
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A/N it was alluded to before (And I straight up forgot to mention it properly) But Kitsu has paw pads on her feet. Like a dog, or a fox. Toe beans!
She is absurdly self conscious about it. And Mark once noted that he assumes she has sensitive feet, due to how he never sees her without foot coverings.
That's why she got so up in arms over Missy trying to tickle her feet.
Oh, and Missy wasn't about to lose her V card, she was about to vent all her pent up frustrations after feeling like she had something over Kitsu.
Kitsu, on the other hand, misread everything. Missy was unconsciously putting more strength in her movements than she realized. And Kitsu thought she was trying to pin her down.
Missy just also recognized how compromising their situation looked when someone walked in.
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As always, leave a comment and tell me what you think! It helps me write and gives me ideas moving forward. I especially love it when you guys speculate or make guesses as I do use them. And even when I don't, they still give me ideas.
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Find in newb's-grotto at the discord!
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Link to the discord: discord. gg/DarkWolfShiro