Notes: I started writing this the day after 1.3. Even with midterms nearby, I'm enjoying this too much.
-The Light of Brockton Bay-
I quietly walk down the backstreets of District 10. My partner Xander follows close to my left flank. The smell of cheap beer and cigarettes hangs in the air. Distant sounds of J-Corp casinos permeate the Backstreets.
A couple of Rats had ganged up on a guard working for a small gambling den. The guard's guts had been harvested, and his equipment had been stripped. Normally something this small would just be ignored and another guard would be hired, but our client was fond of the guard. The fact that he paid Seven Association to solve the problem makes it obvious.
Nonetheless, the director thought it was low-priority, so only 2 grade-6 fixers would be sent out to investigate. I've worked with Xander twice before, and both times he performed his work adequately.
"Taylor, this is the location," Xander tells me, his voice low and quiet.
Up ahead, I see a low-income apartment complex. The leader of this group of rats was tracked to this building, apartment C21, Floor 2. He was so insignificant that you couldn't even call him the leader of a syndicate.
We had gotten this guy's location from the person he had sold the guard's guts to. The idiot had given out his home address to a shady backstreet dealer. We paid the dealer off for only 70k Ahn, he cracked instantly and gave up what he knew.
(Side note: Ahn's value is the same as Korea's Won.)
Intelligence from previous operations tells us that there are no cameras in the halls; only one is located out front. We arrive at the back entrance and gently open the decayed door.
I step inside first, and Xander follows me, closing the door behind us. We walk down the hall to the flight of stairs; our shoes are specially made to soften our footsteps by 10%.
After climbing up the stairs, we arrive at an empty door frame; block C is in front of us. I stick out a small gadget along the ground; it's a camera made as small as it can be for still being cheap. Nobody is standing guard in the hall; that is expected for an apartment complex this cheap, but it's good to be safe.
Finding C21 I stick the camera under the door. Our target is sitting on a couch asleep. there's a knife on the table next to him. Its blade is dusted with a white powder, probably a drug of some kind.
Xander and I both unsheathe our broadswords. Our current plan is for me to break down the door while he watches guard in case someone next door comes to help. If there are multiple inside the apartment, he will come in to help.
Preparing to swing Xander's hand begins to count down from 3. The instant his index finger curls, I give a large overhead swing delivered right between the door frame and its handle. The small section holding the door closed almost explodes as my blade cleaves through the only thing keeping the door closed.
Bursting into the apartment, I find our target scrambling awake and reaching for the knife. I rush at him, trying to strike before he can get a proper stance. Our target manages to barely grab the knife before I can get close enough.
He slashes with an up and right diagonal swing. I grab his forearm before he can fully swing and kick him with his right leg. This causes him to stumble and fall backwards onto his table. His only protection is a shoddy knife, so I prepare a strike almost exactly like the one I did on his door.
He hopelessly attempts to block with the knife, but my broadsword has too much momentum to be blocked with something that small. I cleave through the knife, my blade barely losing its speed, and chop straight down the middle of his body. His skull breaks as the blade slices through his head.
Turning to my partner, I found that there were no reinforcements. With a quick search of the target's apartment, we find no one else. We do find 600k Won stashed under a bed but nothing left of value. Our client only wanted the target dead, so Association Seven's policy is that fixers split 60% of found goods while 40% is given to our sector's director. A clean 180k extra for me.
Walking out of the complex with Xander, I take out my phone given to me by Seven Association. After a quick call confirming our success and sending pictures of our results, we start to head back. It's time to return to base.
-The Light of Brockton Bay-
- Taylor's POV
Sitting at the breakfast table, I can only think about the dream last night. Except it wasn't a dream, because dreams aren't real, and whatever that was last night was a memory of some kind.
I remember One Sin's dream, and that was a dream; it didn't feel real, and it definitely didn't come with any extra knowledge. I can remember things about associations, fixers, The Head, The City, and so much more.
It feels very awkward waking up to a lot more knowledge than when you fell asleep. There are a lot of bits of information that I have no right knowing with the life I've lived, 'Why do I know interrogation techniques?'
I don't have any specific memories, so I'm lucky in that regard. It would really suck if I had an entire life's worth of memories because that would probably majorly affect my personality permanently.
Dad had already gone out to work; he left just as I started to eat breakfast. That is a good thing for me.
I have decided school is pointless. My grades are low because the trio keeps on either stealing or ruining my homework. The school staff refuses to fix the issue. I'm also a cape now, and capes make lots of money, I think?
No, right now what I need to do is start practicing with my powers. I'm still unsure what they exactly do yet; however, my dad is gone for the next couple of hours so I can test some non-destructive stuff at home.
Going to my bathroom, I stand in front of the mirror and walk backwards until I can see my entire body. Pulling on my power, I first equip One Sin's outfit.
The outfit was how I remembered it last time: black gown, white robe, crown of thorns, and a cross necklace I didn't see the first time. However, I felt like it was incomplete. Pulling on the light again, I materialize a weapon into my hand. It's a long black metal rod with a cross attached to the end. In the center of the cross is a skull with a vine of thorns wrapping around it, affixing it to the cross. It looked like One Sin attached to a metal pole.
I felt different wearing One Sin's equipment. I wasn't religious normally, but now I felt faithful. I thought about the citizens of Brockton Bay and how many good people must walk with the sins of their past on their backs. I could help them. I could listen to their sorrows and grant them the forgiveness they deserve.
Withdrawing the equipment back into me, I shudder. The second the equipment disappeared, the weird thoughts drained out of my mind. It was as if it were whispering into my mind, telling me what I should do.
Deciding to now try out what I would call 'Seven Association' I pull on the light. This one felt different from One Sin on a fundamental level. One Sin was like a whisper in my ear; this one was more of an identity swap, as if I had always been a Seven Association fixer.
I didn't need to summon the weapon this time because it was sitting in its sheath. My dress was standard issue Seven Association District 10 wear. The outer coat was designed with noise and wearer protection in mind while still maintaining its business appearance. Its fibre was made to allow blood stain removal to be easier. My physical appearance had changes as well. My hair was shorter; long hair can be detrimental in fights. My skin had tanned a touch, and most notably of all, I had significantly more muscle. I was not a bean pole anymore, and I looked and felt athletic.
I stood still for a solid minute as I processed my past actions; I should have done things differently. The bus ride was the worst offence, as there was little chance that it would go unnoticed. It would likely not be tied to me as a cape, but it was sloppy.
I still had a few more tests in mind. Taking off my outer coat, I toss it into the bathtub. I attempt to unequip Seven Association. The coat in the bathtub disappeared along with the rest that is still on me. 'Okay so I cant lose the equipment.'
Holding a brush in my hand, I requip Seven Association. Unlike my clothes, the brush does not disappear. Why wouldn't the brush disappear? Maybe anything that isn't obstructive doesn't disappear when swapping. I hope it doesn't, because that would allow me to wear a mask without it disappearing on me.
As a final test, I take off the jacket once more. Grabbing a knife from the kitchen, I attempt to cut the jacket. The keyword here is 'attempt' because I can barely scratch this thing. This jacket is better than Kevlar.
I take the jacket into a secluded part of the backyard and pull out my sword. One overhead swing later, I find a significant tear in the left arm of the jacket.
Unequipping Seven Association I can feel that it's been damaged. My powers are also telling me that it will repair over time, maybe taking an hour to a day depending on the damage done.
The final thing I need to go out is a mask. The ever-useful Seven Association knowledge helps with that too. Sometimes during investigative work you would need a quick disguise. So some Seven Association fixers had a moderate amount of sewing skills.
Back in the house, I take out some needle and thread. I have about 8 hours until dad gets home, and I want to do a patrol before then. Cutting and sewing the mask shouldn't take more than 4 hours. Today I will start being a hero.
-The Light of Brockton Bay-
Slipping on my mask, I head down an empty alleyway. I decided the merchants would be my best place to debut. The Empire 88 has a few to many capes, and I do not want to raid Azn Bad Boys; both Oni Lee and Lung are scary as shit. I left a note to my dad saying I was going to be out late at a friend's house.
Its a little later than I had planned to go out. On the way out, I had stopped to get a cheap burner phone and prepaid plan. Burner phones are surprisingly cheap. Overall, the call-only plan and phone cost $60. I also got zip-ties for detaining people; I had a feeling that I would have forgotten those if it weren't for Seven Association's knowledge reminding me.
The Trainyard is filthy. Tons of garbage and needles lie on the ground. It reminds me of the backstreets. The Backstreets were quite a bit worse, but they did look similar.
The sun is starting to go down, and I've just started my patrol. I'm currently wearing Seven Association, mostly because wearing One Sin out in public is quite noticeable. Seven Association also provides stealth knowledge and clothing. While I have the same stealth knowledge outside of Seven Association, I don't have the muscle memory.
I'm about an hour into my patrol, and nothing has happened. People look at me funny, probably because of the fancy suit, but no one tries to rob me, probably because of the sword. It's not until 2 hours in that I find something.
A blond woman in jeans and a blue t-shirt is running from 2 disgusting-looking men, who were probably merchants, down the alley towards me. I noted that she has a good amount of distance away from the two, enough that she can pass by me before getting caught.
I hide behind the dumpster; she will pass it in about 3 seconds. My broadsword is already unsheathed. I prepare to swing it so that the flat end hits their head. I can't swing to hard, or else it might still give fatal injuries. Seven Association fixers are trained to be able to take people alive; how else would you get someone for interrogation?
The woman passes, and I start my assault. I jump out from behind the dumpster sword mid-swing. The flat end hits Merchant #1 on the right side of his head, right on his cheekbone. His head snaps sideways as he starts to fall forward towards me. This allows me to push him with my hilt into his friend. Pushing teammates into each other is an effective strategy. In a fight, you want both hands to be free as much as possible. However, when a friend falls into you, your brain defaults to trying to hold them up instead of taking the better choice, which is either dodging their body or shoving them aside.
The momentary lapse in judgement gives me an opening too give an elbow with my left arm straight to Merchant #2's face. I drop the sword in favour of a right hook to the jaw of #2; I can feel his bones crack under that hit. #2 stumbles backwards, dropping his unconscious friend. I finish up this fight with a left roundhouse kick to the other side of his jaw. His head snaps to the side just like his friend's as he hits the ground.
My heart is racing after my first fight. I did it! My first fight as a hero! I was pumped. I thought that it would be a lot harder, but a grade 6 fixer sweeping 2 Rats isn't that much of a deal.
I turn to the woman standing behind me, mouth agape. "Are you all right, maam?" I try to keep my tone calm even with my elevated heartbeat.
Regaining her composure, she responds, "Y-yes, thank you for saving me."
"You're welcome; its my job as a hero to protect people. Did they take anything from you?" I ask.
The woman shakes her head. "No."
"Well then, would you mind staying here and waiting for law enforcement to arrive?" I motion my index finger down.
"O-of course"
Taking out my burner, I call the PRT line, which I already made the speed dial. It takes a moment before I hear a voice on the other end
"PRT ENE, how may I help you today?"
"Hello, my name is Da'at. I just stopped 2 merchants while they attempted to mug a woman." I bend down to start ziptying the pair's hands.
"Where did this take place?"
Looking around for a sign, I spot the nearest intersection and give the 2 street names to the PRT phone operator.
"Assault is currently 6 minutes away. Can you stay where you are and give information?"
'I get to see Assault?' I get a grin on my face. "I can stay. I also have the woman of the attempted mugging with me."
"Perfect, just give Assault 6 minutes."
-The Light of Brockton Bay-
Like the operator said, after 6 minutes of waiting, I see Assault round the corner of the alley. He is wearing his signature red body suit and visor. He waves as I give him a look-over.
"Never seen someone wear a business suit for their first outing." He jests. Assault stops in front of me. "I'm going to talk to the witness before talking to you; she seems a little jumpy."
With a nod, he goes to talk with the woman while I keep watch of the 2 merchants. I made sure to lean their heads to the side; a concussion can sometimes cause vomiting, and I would rather them not choke if they do have a concussion.
He takes a few minutes to finish up with the woman before she turns to leave. Heading back to me, Assault glances down at my sheath. "I don't think we have any swordsmen's in the Bay yet."
I'm trying to keep my composure, but talking to a childhood hero is testing me. "No, my fighting style is best suited for a broadsword."
Assault gives me a nod. "Could you give a breakdown of what happened? The woman apparently hadn't seen much; by the time she turned around, she saw you standing above those 2 unconscious." He points at the 2 merchants.
Obliging him, I give a run-down of what happened. How I heard the woman before the fight, my sneak attack, and the fight itself.
Assault looks genuinely impressed. "That kind of planning for your first outing is quite the talent. Double for executing it correctly." He pauses for a moment. "Have you thought about going into the Wards? 90% of parahumans get caught by gangs or die within their first 2 weeks of starting out as heroes; the Wards give you safety from that."
Seeing my hesitation, he quickly added. "If not, the PRT would appreciate you going down to HQ for power-testing and filling out paper work to become an independent."
I ponder that for a moment. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get power-tested, even if I'm not keen on being a Ward. If I assume my powers will grow and get stronger as I reach deeper stars, then there are quite a few benefits to it. I would only have to show off One Sin and Seven Association, meaning they would only know part of what I can do. On the flip side, I can build rapport with the PRT.
I nod my head. "I will most likely be getting power testing."
Assaults smile grows a fraction before dropping down to a more neutral look. "You don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but information on your power is helpful to the PRT before you get power testing so we know what to expect. I'm assuming its a kind of combat thinker power with how well you handled this fight."
I get a smirk. "No, I've already been in a few fights as a grade 6 fi." I stop myself, and Assault gives me a weird look.
Cringing, I unequip Seven Association, and without it, my awkwardness comes back. "Uh no, sorry about that; my power can make me say some funny things." He just raised an eyebrow at that statement.
"I, uh, I turn into other versions of me?" My voice rose at the end as if it were a question.
Assault gives an incredulous look. "Other versions of you?"
It feels awkward because even I'm not really sure if thats how they work. Its the best assumption I have. "Yeah, what you saw was one of them; I also have another one." I equipped One Sin.
Assault gives an interested expression. I sound more credible when I can show two different personas. "So is this one a Nun cape?" Noticing the skull between the cross, he backpedals a step. "Thats not real, right?"
"Oh no no n... uh maybe? I didn't put it there at least."
Still giving a suspicious look, Assault gives a long, "right."
We stood silent for a moment, the air a little tense. "Well, the PRT van is here so I'll be taking these 2 into custody. Give us a call when you want to talk about getting power testing. Do you have a cape name yet? It'll make it a lot faster when you do call."
Giving Assault a smile, I say, "My name is Da'at."
-The Light of Brockton Bay-
I'm exhausted. I got home at 9 p.m.; my dad was getting ready for bed. I ate my dinner, and we chatted a bit before he went to his bedroom and I went to mine.
For my first day of patrols, I think I did good. I'm going to be fighting capes eventually, which means I need something with a little bit of firepower. I tried to feel the light in me; I could feel my current 2 sets I had already obtained. It also felt a little tired, perhaps pulling stars out of the river tires it. Maybe its like Dauntless's power where I need to build up enough charges to take another dive.
Either way, I knew I could go again. Focusing on the light within me, I felt the subtle transition from my bedroom to the abyss take place.
The abyss was different this time around. I'm now 100% sure that the river grew again. There was also a path! The path wasn't anything special, just some old stone bricks leading me to the river, but any change was exciting. I also could have sworn I heard a faint church organ for a second.
The mirror-green, starry river in front of me hadn't changed. So taking a few steps, I dive head first into the depths once again.
I needed to go deeper this time. I need something that will at least allow me to contend against other capes. I continue down further and further; I know I can get deeper than last time because I just passed where I got Seven Association.
Not much further, I find a star. It radiates a smell of fire, ash, and charcoal; it gives off the feeling of dying hope. Fire is always useful in combat, so I grab the star and pull. Its about as heavy as Seven Association, but I feel stronger this time; the river is wider.
Pulling the star out of the water, I peer into its contents. A badly burnt girl sits in the middle of a medieval town square; fire spreads from building to building, but she ignores it. In her hands is a single match slowly burning down, and her eyes look at it with rapt attention. The fires slowly die down one by one, the last fire to go out being the match she held. When the flame died, I could feel the bite of winter wind against my skin, The scorched girl was distraught with this turn of events. She got up and left, looking for her next match to burn.
I let the star sink into my light. My light definitely feels tired; it will need time before I can dive again. With that in mind, I slowly allow myself to relax and let myself go to sleep. I wanted to patrol again tomorrow.