A/N Q&A
Alt title: PLOT TWIST!
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Insert evil laughter here
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National cheeseburger day! Sept 18. Get to mcdonalds and get cheeseburgers for 50 cents!
That's not a joke.
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Gogmazios: All aboard! Sorry, and you're welcome.
RadChaos: You are going to love this chapter.
Steve is actually a character I came up with on my own. He's a Mad Max reference, specifically from the second movie. In the movie there's a character called The Mechanic, and he's a member of the Pappagallo tribe. His name isn't given, but he's played by Steve J. Spears. And while he can't build anything on his own. He can upgrade just about anything to make it more robust and versatile. He just does best with cars. Squealer was the only one capable of operating her vehicles, whereas anyone can learn how to drive a car Steve has worked on. That's what makes him such an asset. He just drives them better.
And the reason Scarecrow sent Cletus after Manpower is because he was the leader of the Brockton Bay Brigade before it became New Wave. And his targets are those he feels responsible for his fathers death. New Wave is a secondary target, they can be dealt with after the members of the Brigade are gone.
Akiralator: I've started reading it. I like the design of the panda guy, he's adorably dopey looking.
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This is the least number of comments I've gotten in a while.
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Disclaimer: I don't own Worm or any other characters in this work, other than my OC. All other characters belong to their respective properties.
-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
[Shard]
(Text)
*Sounds/Actions*
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-Arcadia High, Chem class-
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Cristopher "Kid Win" POV
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'Okay, just ask her what she wants, and go from there.' I think to myself.
She's reworking the sheet again. Going at absolutely insane speeds to rewrite every problem.
I already know not to interrupt her when this happens. She gets rather, grumpy, when you break her concentration.
"Okay, circle problem." She says as she hands me the sheet.
"Quick question." I say. Stopping her before she does the focus thing again to finish her own paper. "How certain are you that you know my specialty?" I ask softly.
"About, ninety percent. Finally considered my offer?" She says.
'That's not going to be enough for Armsmaster.' I think in frustration.
"How? What makes you so sure?" I ask.
She stares blankly for a few seconds before answering.
"You do guns well. The people say that might be your specialty but you don't believe that." She says. "You're only able to do guns because they're simple, and you can even make guns with alternating functions."
'Okay, that was scary.' I think to myself. 'That, will be enough.'
"Okay, you've convinced me. What do you want? Keep in mind I refuse to make anything lethal." I say seriously.
"Wunderbar!" She says. "You know how I have sensitive ears?" She says, wiggling said ears for emphasis.
"Yes?"
"I want a device, or devices, to act as a synthesizer to adjust sound as it reaches my ears. So that I can listen to music and not get headaches anytime I hear a dog whistle." She finishes.
"So, you want reverse hearing aids?" I ask.
"A lot more nuanced than that. But yes." She confirms.
'Okay, if I work with Armsmaster, and maybe Dragon, I can make that.'
"Circle problem!" She shouts at me.
"Okay! I'm doing it."
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-Monday April 12th, Brockton Bay Mall, 1:47pm-
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Kitsu POV
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I'm here backstage in one of the Malls theatre rooms with Carol and Vicky. We're all in costume and there are a few attendants here doing their makeup and hair.
I refused after I overheard one of them ask if the makeup can be used on animals. I got offended and made sure everyone knew why.
It was only one assistant out of the twenty or so. But fuck'em.
The assistants finish up on Carol and Vicky and we finally get up and head to the edge of stage left. Carol holds my hand the whole time to make sure I don't get lost. And because the noise of everyone in the theatre is putting me on edge.
"Okay." Carol says as she crouches down to meet me at eye level. "How this is going to go, is we are going out there and taking our seats. You will stay back here, once the questions start, there's a prompter in the crowd who'll ask about recruitment and that's when you'll get your cue. Got it?" She explains.
"Got it." I say with a nod.
"Then repeat it back to me."
"Stay here, wait for the questions. A guy will ask about recruitment. That's when I make my appearance." I list off for her.
"Good girl." She says and scratches my ears. "Your seat will be in-between mine and Marks; we'll move apart and make room for you. And yes, I made sure the chair is open back." She says as she stops.
"And coming on stage now, we have three of the Dallons, Brandish, Flashbang, and Glory Girl! Give a round of applause!" The announcer says.
I flinch as the crowd hypes up.
"That's our cue. Behave." She says and walks out with the others.
Mark gives me a quick scratch before he heads out with them. They walk out and take their seats on the left.
After the applause stops the announcer goes to speak again.
"Alright, and now! The main branch! We have three of the Pelhams! Shielder, Laserdream, and Lady Photon herself!"
As he says that, Eric, Crystal, and Sarah all enter from stage right and take their seats on the left.
The next few minutes are followed by the announcer giving a standard introduction sequence, saying what the fundraiser was for, mourning the losses at the hospital ect. Followed by mentioning an autograph signing and photo op at the end for five dollars an autograph, five for a photo. All proceeds will go to the hospital and the families of those injured or killed in the attack. Yada yada. Blah blah blah.
Sarah stood up and gave a speech that I can almost guarantee was written by someone else. Vicky gave a few words on the matter. After about half an hour of speeches we finally get to the audience question and answer segment.
"Now, please form a nice, orderly line and we can start! Please remain respectful or you will be escorted out." Announcer man says.
Turning invisible, I peer out to see a decent line of about fifteen or so people.
I expected more.
The first to up to cue is a younger Caucasian lady with brown.
"I have a question for Shielder, why do you wear a visor when the rest of New Wave show their face?" She asks.
Eric leans forward and speaks.
"To keep dust and insects out of my eyes when I fly." He says simply.
Crystal leans forward to the mic after and interjects.
"He thinks it looks cool." She says and shoots him a smirk.
Eric just looks to pretend as though he didn't hear her.
The next up is an older guy with a receding hairline.
"This one is for the parents. What is it like looking after cape children? Is it any different from looking after normal children?" He asks.
Carol seems to take this one.
"It depends heavily on the individual in question. The powers they have and their own personality affect how you have to handle them. For example. You can't really spank a child with invulnerability, and you can't give a child with super speed more chores as punishment. Aside from that? Trial and error for the most part." She says. You can tell she's used to speaking to a group by the even tone she adopts.
And I feel that answer was a little targeted towards me.
The next up is a young adult man with a cap on.
"This one is for the older generation. Are there any plans for recruitment? So far New Wave seems to be a family exclusive team." He says.
Mark takes this one.
"Funny you should say that. We actually do have a new recruit." He says brightly and waved a hand to where I'm supposed to be.
I get a mischievous idea and keep my invisibility on. Walking over to where Mark and Carol are seated, I crouch below the line of the table.
"I said, we have a new recruit." He repeats.
I drop the invisibility and poke my ears above the table. I immediately hear people muttering and pointing me out. I go ahead and poke my eyes up and peer out at the crowd. Multiple people are now actively pointing at me and making a commotion.
I feel a pair of hands grab my sides and hoist me up. Looking over I see that Carol is giving me an unimpressed look.
"Honey can you gooo-okay." Mark says as he turns to Carol.
I stick out my tongue at Carol, intent on coming off as a lovable, cheeky little troublemaker as best I can.
She glares a bit before rolling her eyes and setting me back down. She waves a hand behind her and a stage attendant wordlessly comes out and places a chair down for me. I scoot it up sit down. Mark slides his mic over to me.
"Go ahead and introduce yourself." He says with a smile.
"Hi! I-" I stop as I realize the mic isn't working. Much to the amusement of the crowd.
"Hold down the button on the side." He says helpfully.
Doing so I start over.
"Hi! I'm Kitsu!" I say cheerfully.
I see that a few more people had gotten up and joined the line. Mostly girls oddly enough.
The guy in the cap had already sat down and the next individual steps up. A young boy with blonde hair.
"Um, I was going to ask Shielder a question but now I have a new one. Is Kitsu your cape name, or your actual name?" He asks.
I see Eric throw his arms up in mock offence at me stealing his question.
"Yes." I say simply.
The boy shrugs and moves out of line. Only to go to the end and stand.
'Guess he still wants that question from Eric.'
The next is an African American guy. Young adult, shaved head and a powerful build. A strong jaw and striking eyes. Not gonna lie, he's kinda hot.
"My question is for the older gen as well. How do you manage to balance work life, cape life, and family life?" He asks.
Sarah takes this one as she leans forward and speaks into the mic.
"It's not easy, my day job is that of an accountant, and my husband works at a construction company doing hard labor. Patrols are done in pairs between us, and that can double as family time. I will say, when it comes to juggling all three aspects I would say it's much easier for us than others seeing as we don't have to worry about secret identities." She says and leans back, before leaning forward and adding. "Unless you're name is Mark Dallon. Then you don't have to worry about balancing a work life."
I snap my head to the side, ready to defend him when he holds up a hand to stop me. He then turns to our shared mic and continues.
"What can I say. I got the literal jackpot in life. A hot loving wife who brings in the cash, three beautiful daughters." He says and reaches a hand over to ruffle my hair. "And all I gotta do is keep the house clean and buy the groceries. And drive Carol to and from work."
That gets a round of aww's from the crowd along with a few chuckles.
I still level a glare at Sarah.
Mark reached over and scratches my ears. Calming me down and making me lean into him as I scoot my chair right up to his. Squishing us together.
That gets an even stronger round of aww's from the crowd.
The next guy walks up and asks his question.
"Glory Girl. What's it like keeping the secret identity of your boyfriend while not having one of your own?"
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We all look over to see Vicky is not paying attention. And is actually on her phone, which she is hiding under the table.
Noticing the silence, she looks up and around, wide eyed as she realizes everyone's attention is on her.
"Uh, what was the question?" She asks.
"What's it like keeping the secret identity of your boyfriend." I say for the guy.
She takes a moment before answering.
"It can be annoying at times. But honestly? You'd be surprised how easy it is go unnoticed out of costume, so it doesn't really effect us as much as you'd think it would." She says.
'Lucky.' I think bitterly.
Carol holds her hand out under the table toward Vicky.
"Phone, now."
Vicky rolls her eyes and hands it over with a huff.
"You get it back at the end." Carol says.
"I have a question for Kitsu. Do you have normal ears under your hair, or do you just have the fox ears?" A girls voice asks.
Turning back to the crowd I see the thin teen girl with glasses and dark curly hair.
I turn my head to the side and lift my hair up to show that I don't have normal ears. Just the fox ones.
"Just the one pair up top!" I say with mirth.
She goes and sits back down.
"Huh, didn't know Alan was going to be here." Carol says beside me.
'Huh?'
"Who?" I ask, looking to Carol questioningly.
"Alan, he's a coworker and friend. He's over there with his daughter. She's next to the girl that just sat down." She says and nods her head in their direction.
Looking over to them. Is see a curvy red-head next to the girl who had just sat down. They're talking and giggling to each other. Next to the red-headed girl is a more portly redheaded man who gives a wave that Carol returns.
'Wait, Alan as in Alan Barnes. That would make the girl Emma, and based on looks, that makes the other girl Taylor.' I realize.
With it currently being two thousand and ten I realize one major thing. And it fills me with a dread like no other.
Canon is fucked, and I can no longer rely on Khepri when Scion goes murder hobo.
"I have one for Kitsu. What made you join New Wave?" Another girls voice asks.
Looking over I see a young adult girl with brown hair and fair skin. I'm running through every known character in my head now. Wondering if there are other canon characters here.
"It kinda just happened. The Dallons offered to take me off the streets and give me a warm bed with a roof over my head. And I joined New Wave not long after. Figuring that since I was already there." I say and give a shrug.
"I mean what made you join New Wave over the PRT? Haven't the PRT West been trying to recruit you for almost three years?" She clarifies.
"Because Mark was the first one to ask me how I was doing and offered me a family first, employment second. The PRT were only ever interested in my power, not my wellbeing or feelings." I say seriously.
"Try not to bad mouth the PRT Kitsu. We don't need any soured relations with them." Carol whispers under her breath.
I say nothing and just keep my eyes forward. Trying not to focus on my current existential crisis of having canon fucked sideways.
Next up is a small boy.
"Shielder, when is your next livestream?" He asks.
'He streams? That's a thing here?' I question to myself before remembering Uber and Leet are a thing.
"I'm taking a break from livestreaming to prepare for finals. Sorry. But don't worry! I'll pick back up in June!" He says with a smile.
Next is an Asian girl.
"Kitsu, about two months ago you outed Panacea for being a lesbian. What do you have to say to that and why are you so against the LGBT community?" She says with a small smirk.
'Great, a troll.'
Carol goes to say something but I stop her and speak for myself.
"Honestly? I was just getting annoyed at the back and forth that was going on. So I said the best thing I could think of to create a distraction and get away. Am I proud of it? No. Am I against the LGBT? No. I'm apart of it. I'm Bi." I answer simply.
She looks unimpressed with my answer, but goes to sit down none the less.
The next is a guy with messy blonde hair.
"I've got a question for the Dallon parents. What's it like, raising a case 53?" He asks.
I'd be offended, but it comes off as though he's genuinely curious.
Mark takes this one.
"Honestly? Not that different from a normal kid. Just have to keep any special needs in mind. Like the fact that Kitsu needs her clothes tailor made because of her tail." He says and looks down to me with smile.
I go ahead and nuzzle his arm. And that gets another round of aww's.
It continued like that. Mark and Carol got more questions on raising kids with powers. Crystal got questions on where she's going to college while Eric got a few more in regards to his livestreams. Vicky got a few on what it's like being a cape. And Sarah got questions on what direction New Wave will take.
She gave a vague multifaceted answer that I recognized as public speaking BS.
The rest was uneventful.
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The question event is now over and now is the signing. We all have our own tables. I'm slightly annoyed because someone thought it'd be funny to set me up at a kids table. With a kids chair.
There's a sign next to my table that reads
(ABSOLUTELY NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY)
So that's nice.
Carol and Sarah have a few of the older people, mostly parent types. A few teens here and there. Mark has a surprising line of young adult women, much to Carols ire and Vicky's disgust.
Eric has a line of tweens. Boys and girls in equal measure. Crystal and Vicky have lines consisting of more guys than girls. A little boy had actually walked up to Vicky and offered to be her boyfriend the next time she broke up with Gallant. He was maybe six.
And I actually have a line of people who want my autograph. Mostly teenage and little girls.
I'm actually doing this thing where I have a notebook for people to sign. Every person who gets an autograph, gives me an autograph. The kids really like it.
As I'm signing the notebook of a seven year old Samantha. My phone buzzes.
After I hand her the notebook back. And she hands me mine. I go ahead and check my messages.
(What time r u done? I'm on patrol and near the mall)-Missy
We agreed that since my status as a Case 53 would make dating in secret impossible. That I would be dating Vista and not Missy. Since unlike Vicky, who can use makeup to change how she looks enough to avoid recognition, I'm too noticeable to really do that reliably. All it would take is my stranger power failing once, and Missy is in danger.
(Dunno, still signing. Y don't u drop by? ;) )-Kitsu
I'm just teasing her. We still haven't really made our relationship public.
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I put the phone down as another kid comes up. A brown haired boy with green eyes. He seems familiar.
He hands me a little card to sign. One that has a sumo wrestler on it.
"Is everything okay?" He asks.
"You seem familiar, have we met?" I ask.
His face immediately brightens.
"Yeah! You brought me out of a coma at the hospital! I've been wanting to meet you for a while now!" He says excitedly. His eyes gaining a brighter shine.
Not gonna lie, I'm loving the hero worship energy he's giving off.
"Oh, well then. What's your name?" I ask.
"Ben! Ben Tennyson!"
I blank for a second.
"Full name Benjamin Kirby Tennyson?" I ask.
"Uh, yeah. How'd you know?" He says confused.
"Thinker power." I say curtly and sign the card.
I hand him my notebook and notice the watch. The classic Omnitrix.
'So he's a Tinker.' I think to myself.
He hands me the notebook back after signing it and I hand him his card.
"Alright, I can't wait to what you'll do in the future." I say gingerly.
"Just wait. Soon everyone will know about me!" He says confidently.
"Just an idle thought, you might want to add a failsafe to your watch. One that auto switches you to a form that'll save your life if something happens." I say.
He goes blank for a second. Similar to Chris when he daydreams.
"That's a good idea. I gotta go!" He says and rushes off.
Right after him, is Emma and Taylor. Giggling and bumping into each other. I have to say. I expected Taylor to be some, wide lipped, protruding eared girl who was a treated unkindly by puberty.
She looks average. She's pretty, but nothing special. I can only assume that the way she described herself must've come from some self esteem issues.
"Oh my gosh! You are soooo cute!" Emma says. "Can I pet your ears?" She asks excitedly.
"Sorry, but that's reserved for family and friends." I say.
"My dad works with your mom. That techn-"
"No." I reaffirm.
"Emma, she clearly isn't comfortable with it." Taylor says. Nudging her friend.
"Noooo, she said it was only for family and friends." She says cheekily. "So, how about it? Wanna be friends?" She asks with a winning smile and a flutter of her eyelashes.
I give her my own winning smile and a flutter of my eyes.
"Nope. I can offer a handshake though." I say and hold out my hand.
She takes it and I look in.
No corona pollentia.
I hold my hand to Taylor who shakes it as well. And there it is. The corona pollentia. She's an untriggered parahuman.
"Okay, what do you want signed?"
The rest went normally until.
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-Brockton Bay, Downtown, 4pm-
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Dean "Gallant" Stansfield POV
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It's a quiet day today, all things considered. And I haven't had a fight with Vicky in almost a month!
It's honestly left me anxious. Going so long with nothing bad happening to me. Other than Vicky's mom catching me literally with my pants down. Like it's all just collecting and waiting to drop all at once.
Which leads to now. It's all culminated to this patrol. I wound up partnered with Missy. Who has a massive crush on me. That must what it was all leading to.
Worst part? Today, it's worse. She just been radiating affection, happiness, and small amounts of lust.
She's currently on her phone as we take our break outside a coffee shop. And I see her affection spike and she gains a tint of nervousness to her aura.
"Hey Gallant. Think we can patrol the mall?" She asks nervously.
'That's what it is.' I realize. 'She probably thinks this can act a pseudo date between us. And she's getting nervous over my answer.'
Truthfully? I have a hard time saying no to her. She's just so innocent and I hate disappointing or upsetting people.
"Sure, we can swing by a few stores and see what's around." I say gently.
Her nervousness fades, and her happiness spikes.
"Can I lead? Please?" She practically begs.
"Sure, you can take the lead." I say and ruffle her hair.
She just gains another spike of happiness and a slight spike of anxiety and agitation. Which concerns me a bit. Normally she gets a mix of affection and irritation when I do that.
"Hey Vista, are you alright?" I ask.
The agitation is gone, but the anxiety and happiness stay.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" She says happily as we walk to the mall. Missy using her power to make a ten minute walk take only one.
We make it to the mall and Missy marches along a set path. Seemingly having a destination in mind already. Dodging the crowds we make our way to, a New Wave charity event?
'Vicky did mention something about this at school.' I think to myself.
Missy makes her way inside and I wordlessly follow. Only to watch as she gets in line to get an autograph from Kitsu. Her excitement rising with small spikes of anxiety.
As we walk through the line, Vicky having noticed me and giving me a wink. I just wave back and she gives a 'call me' motion. To which I return a kissing motion. She rolls her eyes and stifles a laugh in a way I wish I was close enough to hear.
We make it Kitsu. Who is using a child's table for some reason. Not that she doesn't fit, just that I find it hard to fathom why she chose to sit there.
"MI-VISTA! W-what are doing here?!" She says as her eyes go wide, ears flat and tail starting twitch.
She's giving off sudden spikes of affection and nervousness. That leaves me, confused.
"What? I can't visit my girlfriend when she works?" Missy says playfully.
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"It's not that, just. I wasn't expecting you is all." Kitsu says. Blushing and mumbling the last part out.
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"Oh you are just so cute when you blush!" Missy squeals and Kitsu gains a massive spike of affection and embarrassment. Her tail wagging behind her like crazy. "Besides, you did kind of invite me over text.
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"W-well, you're here for the signing, is there anything you want signed?" Kitsu stutters out. Fidgeting with her hands as she looks down and away from Missy.
'Huh?'
I'm sorry, my brain shut off for a bit there.
"Nope, though maybe~" Missy says mischievously with a spike of anxiety to her aura.
She leans down across the table and plants a kiss on Kitsus's cheek. Causing said girls aura to shut off for a second before exploding in nervousness, embarrassment, and happiness. Her face lighting up to match her aura.
"Well?" Missy says with a false bravado as she leans over, placing a finger to her cheek. Her aura giving away her extreme embarrassment and anxiety.
Kitsu fidgets in place before leaning up and placing a chaste kiss on Missy's cheek.
Missy's face blooms as deep a red as Kitsu's. And her aura is Spiking lust, affection, and happiness at the action.
"S-so um, are you free after this? I have patrol until six. We can spend some time together and maybe relax at the Rig later?" Missy asks awkwardly. Her nervousness now clear for all to see.
Especially those taking photos.
"I, uh, I'll have to ask Carol if I can. But sure. I'll text you if I can." Kitsu stutters out softly.
'Wait, does this mean that Missy is over me?' I question myself.
"Vista, we're holding up the line. We gotta go." I say to her.
Agitation, disappointment, sadness. Not a hint of happiness when I spoke to her. She's over me alright.
'Finally!' I think with relief. 'Months of tiptoeing and awkwardness, ended! And I didn't have to break her heart. She moved on!'
Maybe I'm finally being rewarded for all my patience and hard work.
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-Mechanics workshop 4pm-
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Steve "The Mechanic" Pappagallo POV
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"And you press this to set off the outside flames. Burns up yer gas but, scare the shit outta anyone thinkin' they can play hero." I tell the guy.
He presses the button and I whack him upside the head.
"Ow! Bro! What the hell?"
"One! Not in my workshop. Two! It uses gas! Damn things off!" I yell at the dumbass.
I push off the door and go over to the next guy in a car.
These fucks ain't gonna survive. For one, half these things are rush jobs. Throwaways and shitty tupperware cars that ain't even got roll cages. Just some spikes and fancy shit for intimidation. For another, they can't stay sober long enough. But that's fine.
They're just the distractions.
Making It to the other guy, I lean down and knock on the window. He's in a beetle of all things.
He rolls down the window and I'm immediately hit with the smell of skunk.
"Damnit!" I cringe at the smell before sighing. "Ah, fuck it ta hell. I ain't got no room to judge. You can drive?"
"Yeah man. Just a car like any other." He says. Sounding surprisingly sober.
"Good." I say and move to the next.
That one didn't have anything too special. It's just more durable than it has any right to be. And hell. If he survives and gets away. He can keep it.
"Mechanic." I hear the raspy voice of Scarecrow.
Turning to the door of my workshop, I see him in all his demented splendor. Looking like the product of the unholy union between a spirit Halloween scarecrow a world war one German gas trooper.
And the mother was drinking all the way to term.
"Scarecrow, you got the gas?" I ask.
"Five canisters of narcotics and three of stimulants. Just as ordered. I don't see why you won't use stronger or more, interesting gases." He says and motions for a few guys behind him to carry the canisters. "But I won't complain too much. Results are results."
"Right, speak'n of. You sure this the best we got? Hell, one of'em don't even know how'ta parallel park." I ask.
"All they need to do, is play a high speed game of follow the leader. Shouldn't be hard." He says.
"Yeah, I guess. Still, I'd hate to see this work go to waste." I grumble out.
I'm starting to feel a little sick.
Damn, when was the last time I had a drink? Could use one about now.
"You have mine ready?" He asks.
"Just about. Should be done by tomorrow. Just gotta add the bullet proof glass." I tell him.
It's a real beast of a car. A 1941, Chevy heavy duty COE truck. Extended front bumper and back cab. Flood lights and a modular exhaust to release different gases. Things more durable than my 442. But at the cost of speed and anything extra.
"Perfect." He says. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, see ya then." I say and turn to find my mini fridge.
Opening it I find a single bottle left.
"Damnit. Need a supply run soon."
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-The Rig, 5:53pm-
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Kitsu POV
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Waiting invisibly on top the Rig's helipad entrance. There are five entrances, two are docks. One is a top entrance for helicopters and fliers. And two are secret pipelines for vehicles and evacuations that I only know exist because of Wade.
There are two guards here, and they haven't noticed me.
I watch as I see the water of the bay disappear and the roof of a building stretch forward to connect with the entrance I'm seated on.
I go ahead and hop down, dropping my invisibility as I land and Missy steps up to me.
The guards snap to attention and aim their guns at me as one of them radios that I'm here.
Back to the important stuff!
We hug and I nuzzle her neck. Reacquainting myself with her scent. I do this with everyone that I'm close to as of late. There's just something about it that sets me at ease. Like a deep seeded instinct.
"Alright you two, we need to head in and make our report." Dean says. "Kitsu, do you have permission to be here?"
"Yes." I say as I detach myself from Missy.
"I mean from someone who can legally let you in." He clarifies.
'That's needed? Of course it's needed, why wouldn't it be.' I think as I remember that, as non-standard as the Wards are, the PRT is still a government organization.
"Well, how does Vicky get in?" I ask.
*Tshh* I hear the door behind us open.
"By having Gallant let her in. It's against protocol but we let it slide. Seeing that she has yet to pose any threat to the PRT or the wellbeing of the people." A gruff voice sounds out.
I turn around and regard the cobalt combatant.
"Robocop!" I say and shoot my arms up in excitement.
"… Kitsu, come in. There're a few things I wish to discuss with you." He says curtly. "But before that. Vista, the Director would like a word with you."
'Dickwad is just ignoring me now.' I think in irritation.
"Why?" Vista asks.
"It will be explained when you get to her office." He says before turning to Dean. "Gallant, escort Kitsu to the Wards lounge. Keep your eyes on her until I return."
"Sir!" Gallant says before walking forward and grabbing my hand.
I snatch my hand back and shoot him a glare.
"I'm not a baby." I say in a low tone.
"Sorry. I, didn't mean to offend." He says apologetically.
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"Oooh~ fancy, you guys hang out here every day?" I ask.
It's lounge room with a few recreationally things. A flat screen mounted to the wall with an X-box, ps3, and a Wii under it. A shelf full of games off to the side. A few tables around and kitchenette to the side. And a few unique things here and there.
They've got a vending machine, with coffee! A coffee vending machine! I didn't even know that was a thing!
Really though, this is a rather cozy spot. I'm laying on one of the blue leather, plastic like material couches in front of the TV. Why am I laying down? No open back chairs and no pillows to put behind my back.
So inconsiderate.
"Most days before and after a shift." Dean says off handedly before taking off his helmet.
He sets it down on the table and goes to the fridge. He takes out a grape soda and drinks it.
"So, you and Missy?" He asks awkwardly.
"Me and Vista." I correct. "Can't really go out in civvies, I'm too recognizable." I say.
"Me and Vicky do it. Can't you use your illusions?" He asks. "Also, how did that happen?"
"My illusions require me to focus. And I don't faith in myself to maintain that focus." I answer.
'Especially since Missy has a habit of pushing my shut down buttons.' I think in annoyance.
"And honestly? I'm not entirely sure. We had a sleepover and she confessed to me. Now here we are."
"That's, okay." He says awkwardly, not seeming to know what else to say.
"Well how did you and Vicky start dating?" I ask accusingly with a pout.
He blushes and looks away before answering.
"We had feelings for each other for awhile. Then one day she walked up to me and told me to stop playing dumb and that we were dating." He says with a shrug.
I give a small glare.
"And how is that different to my relationship with Missy?" I ask.
"We knew each other for months beforehand?" He offers.
'Damnit, that's actually a good point.' I realize.
"Don't you have a report to make?" I ask in an attempt to deflect.
"I have to keep an eye on you until Armsmaster gets back." He says.
"I don't need a babysitter." I say seriously.
He nods his head.
"True, however." He starts slowly. "Last time you were here, you broke a window."
"Extenuating circumstances! That doesn't count!" I say and sit up to shoot a glare at him. Leaning forward to not squish my tail.
As I'm contemplating my next series of dialogue. Another man in red walks in. At first I thought it was Assault. But his suit is different. And there's the fact that I can't hear his footsteps!
"Gallant, I'll take over here for now. You go ahead and write that report." He says gently without looking at him.
He turns to me and I get a clear view of him. A darker red with black padding. His mask shows his lower face and has horns on top. Looking closer as he walks up I see that eyes of the mask are covered.
Gallant gives a nod before donning his helmet again and leaving.
"Daredevil?" I question.
He stops at that. Before giving a slight chuckle and continuing to move forward and sit in a seat across from me.
"Not many know about me. I tend to stay out of the limelight. Which raises the question, how do you?" He asks.
"My thinker power. I sometimes remember certain details about others when I meet them." I say.
He's keeping his ear to me. Not his eyes. Which I guess makes sense.
"That's not entirely true. Want to tell me which part?" He inquires in a kind voice.
A stay silent and force my heartrate to a normal rhythm.
"That's fine. I'm here for another matter anyway. Not to interrogate you." He says. "You're aware of Shadow Stalker? She's agreed to a probationary membership on the Wards."
'Just like canon then.' I think to myself.
"Okay? What's that gotta do with me?" I ask.
He leans forward and puts his hands together. Then turns his head to face me.
"She agreed, but only if she gets a rematch against you." He says.
'Okay, I'm seeing more and more divergence from canon by the hour at this point.' I think anxiously.
"She has agreed to full probationary status, win or lose. She just wants a single fight." He says.
'Hmmm, what answer would piss her off the most?' I think to myself.
"No." I say. "I already beat her. I have nothing to prove."
He stills for a second before giving a small chuckle and a shake of his head.
"And they told me you were immature." He says under his breath. "What do you want in exchange for agreeing to a fight, just one?"
'Ooooh, a blank check?' I think curiously.
"That's a dangerous offer. Why do you care so much about a single delinquent?" I ask. Hoping to gain some insight on how much I can use this.
"I have a, rather personal stake in this. I want to help her." He says.
'Vaguely heroic answer it is.' I think in annoyance.
"I'mma need more than that if you want me to care." I say plainly.
He tilts his head slightly.
"Aren't you a hero? That should be enough." He says in a tone that suggests he knows the answer.
"I am a hero. But I'm also a very petty and selfish individual." I say honestly.
His lips scrunch up in frustration. And gives a sigh of annoyance before continuing.
"At least you're honest about it. Alright, I'm doing this as both a favor to Static Shock, and because I want to help Shadow Stalker become more than she is. I see potential in her, she just needs the right kind of mentor." He finally explains.
'Not likely, if Sophia is anything like her canon counterpart, then she's already too far gone.' I think to myself. 'Then again, canon is already sideways and dying in a ditch somewhere in Detroit. And I'll need to step up my game if I want to stop Scion in three years.'
"Hmm alright, in exchange. I want better cooperation between the PRT and New Wave!" I say.
That seems to catch him off guard for second before he chuckles and stands up. He offers a hand with a smile and I take it gingerly.
"You're more heroic than you realize. I hope you see that one day." He says as he shakes my hand.
"You go ahead and tell yourself that." I say back.
In truth? The PRT has legalese and resources that New Wave simply doesn't. And better cooperation will only insure I gain access to that.
I'm going to need it for the future.
.
.
-Meanwhile, Director Pigot's office-
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.
Missy "Vista" Biron POV
.
Taking my seat across from the Director, I can't help the anxious feeling welling in my chest.
"Vista, thank you for coming here immediately." Pigot says.
'Not like I had a choice.'
"It's not a problem. Um what did you want to see me about?" I ask bluntly.
She furrows her brow a bit before humming to herself.
"Right, straight to the point then." She says and leans forward.
She takes her computer monitor and flips it around. Showing a video file on the PHO hub.
"Explain this for me." She says and presses play.
The video starts out black before panning up to show, me and Kitsu.
At the signing. Where I kissed her, and she, kissed me back.
My face burns as I stand up to take a closer look. It was posted by someone under the handle FlippinMad. And apparently we're trending!
"How, how many views?" I squeak out.
Pigot turns the monitor back around clicks a few things.
"Well over half a million. And it's only been up for an hour." She says appraisingly. "So, when did you decide to date a possible S rank and not tell us? You are aware that any and all long term relations must be reported to us. Correct." She inquires.
I might have forgotten.
"Well, we just started dating! We haven't even, really gone out yet." I say the last bit softly.
"Truth. That being said. I would highly recommend you break off your current arrangement." Armsmaster says.
"What?/Excuse me?" Me and Pigot say at the same time.
"Kitsu is a highly erratic and unpredictable individual. You can't possibly expect this relationship to end well. Aside from that-"
"I'm sorry robocop, are trying to tell me who I can and can't date?" I cut him off, feeling my blood start to pump in my temples at the anger starting to course through me.
"Watch your tone Vista. I-"
"Collin, get out." Pigot says simply.
We both look to her in surprise.
"Director, I was only-"
"Trying to start a dick measuring contest with a little girl? Again? I understand you have a grudge with Kitsu that you feel needs resolving. But if you can't maintain a professional attitude whenever she is brought up then I will order you to therapy. Now get out." She says, not once looking at him.
He stiffens a bit before finally marching out.
Once he leaves, Pigot rubs her hands to her face in annoyance.
"You'd think with all the experience he has, that he'd know how to act professional when things don't go his way." She groans out. "Now, back to the matter at hand. Your relationship with Kitsu."
"I'm not going to break up with her." I say and cross my arms defiantly.
She rolls her eyes before continuing.
"And I'm not asking you to. My concern here is image. My main goal is to show the public that parahumans are still human. Understood?" She says simply. Leaning back to clasp her hands together as she looks to me for a response.
"Um, I think?" I say unsurely. Not quite knowing where this is headed.
"The vast majority of the public tend to treat capes as celebrities. That's all well and good, however, it brings a sort of disconnection. And that's why we do so many public events. Get you out there and show how relatable you are. That leads me to this. Your relationship has the potential to be the perfect opportunity for that." She says.
"Okay, I'm going to need more, because it sounds like you're wanting to use me and my girlfriend's relationship as a PR stunt." I say angrily.
"Not exactly, hear me out. I don't want you to do any photo-ops or talk shows. No, I want you and Kitsu to be seen. To be out there and show that even Case 53's can have normal and happy relations with others. That they're not freaks and oddities. In exchange, I'm willing to set up a fund for you and Kitsu, to go out and, buy coffee or go to the arcade or something." She finishes.
"So you want to use my dating life as a PR stunt." I repeat.
"If I say yes, will you agree? Think about it, you do what you normally do when you patrol, walk around, go to coffee shops, attend events. Just do it with Kitsu." She says tiredly.
I want to be mad. Hell, I am mad!
But.
'We'd get to spend more time together. And get to go on actual dates more often!' My mind says betrayingly. 'Not to mention it'd give more reason to have me on patrols more often.'
"Give me some time to think about it." I relent stubbornly.
"Granted, now. You may go. You can go ahead and skip the report. I'm sure you'll want to get back to your girlfriend." She says and turns back to her computer.
I stand up and hurry out of the room. Not wanting to stay in there much longer with Ms. Piggy.
.
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-Wards lounge-
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Kitsu POV
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I'm sat here, laying down again after having gotten bored and swapped all the food in everyone's lunch boxes.
Except the peanut foods. I'm not evil.
I'm deciding what to watch when I hear soft footsteps down the hall. And the opening of a door as well the clatter of something solid on the counter.
Pushing myself up, I see Missy going to the fridge and pulling out a soda, root beer or cream by the color. She had tossed her visor onto the counter.
"So~ how'd it go?~" I ask.
She tries to down her soda in one go before coughing. Some of it spilling down her chin before she tosses the half empty can at the wall. I watch in astonishment, and slight fear, as the can loops around the ceiling and into a trash can at the end of the counter. Or the trash can moved to the wall. Hard to tell.
"Um, you good?" I ask. "Wanna talk bout it?"
"Not really." She says and grabs a paper towel to wash her chin.
She gets done, and then turns to me.
"Kitsu, can you scoot your legs up?" She asks.
I do so, now kneeling on the couch as she warps the space around us. I watch in dizzying wonder as I go from staring at her, to staring at the door to the lounge.
"Huh?" I say numbly as I hear Missy plop down behind me.
And in a flash, without moving, I'm back where I was. Only now I'm staring at an empty counter, bereft of any girlfriends.
Looking behind me, I see Missy. She blushes with a shy smile and pats the spot next to her. I go ahead and sit next down, leaning on her and twisting in a way to not squish my tail. Again.
She hugs me from the side and starts scratching my ears as I nuzzle her shoulder.
"Just so you know, you get half an hour with me." I say softly through the scratches.
"Why? I have two hours before I have to be home!" She whines and I flinch at the uptake in volume.
"Hey! Careful! I'm right here, not across the room." I say.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" She hushes out. "I didn't mean to hurt you or anything I just-"
I place a finger to her lips to silence her.
"You're fine. And I have to fight Shadow Stalker in half an hour. They're giving her that time to prepare." I explain.
"Why?" She asks dubiously. Now stopping her scratches.
"According to Daredevil, she wants a rematch with me in exchange for agreeing to probation with the Wards." I say with a shrug.
"Oh, can I watch?" She asks.
"It might get bloody, I'm not going to hold back against her. I'm just told I need to leave her in one piece." I say bluntly.
Missy gains an uncomfortable look at that.
"Then why would it get bloody?" She asks.
"Because, I was told to leave her in one piece, not to keep her in one piece. And unlike literally anyone else here." I say give her a wicked smile. "I can put people back together, just as easily as I break them."
…
"I don't like that." She says simply. "That's evil."
"Missy, if we're going to be together, you need to learn that I'm not a heroic person. The only reason I'm considered good is because I don't want to upset the few people that I've come care for." I say seriously.
She gains a sad look that hurts me to see.
"Well then, could you not, for me?" She asks.
'Damnit! She had to press that button.' I think in irritation. 'Then again, I kinda set that one up.'
"HRM! Fine, but if she starts running her mouth then I will hurt her. Till then I'll keep it to a four out of ten. Might give her a few bruises." I say as I press my face against her, so I don't have to look her in the eyes. "Now c'mon! I saw Mario Kart in this stack of games and I'm gonna kick your butt!"
.
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-7:00pm-
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Sophia "Shadow Stalker" Hess POV
.
Finally.
I'm being escorted to a sparring room by my jackass of a cousin and two other suit guys with tasers.
I'm fully geared and they're even letting me use live bolts.
'Little bitch doesn't know what's coming to her.' I think excitedly.
As we enter the sparring room. A large square, tiled room with an observation window up top. I can see a few people up there, but can't really make out who it is.
"Look, Soph, I really think you should reconsider this. If you'd ju-"
"Fuck off nerd. I don't need your pity or your advice."
"Look, she's not just some kid she's-"
"Nothing special. Another sheep, you can tell a predator by the way they hold themselves. She sure as hell isn't a predator." I explain. Hoping to get it through his thick skull.
He throws his hands up in defeat.
"I tried. I tried! This on you now! Just letting you know!" He says as he walks out.
I just flip him off.
I look around the empty room and, seeing a lack of any other person. Start to get upset.
"Well!" I yell, throwing my arms out in agitation. "Where is she?!"
*Kt*
"She's on her way. She'll be here in a few seconds." I hear the voice of the armored prick ring out.
"Fucking better be." I mumble under my breath.
*Tssht*
"Why do so many people have such poor language skills? Honestly, it just comes off as lazy." I hear the hated voice of the brat.
Turning around, I see she's not even looking at my as she's texting on her phone.
'Hold up, the fuck?!' I think as I notice the fuzz behind her.
She walks past and I get a good view of what is apparently a tail. And getting a better look, I see the her headband is actually her ears.
"I'm sorry. Hold the fuck up. What am I looking at?" I ask incredulously.
She doesn't stop her walk or texting.
"I assume you're talking about me. In which case that means you demanded this fight, with zero knowledge on who you're fighting." She says in a bored tone. "I'm a Case 53. That's all you really need to know."
The nonchalance of this brat is really pissing me off.
"At least look at me when you talk!" I demand.
"Nah." She says.
*Kt*
"Are you both ready?"
"Sure! Can't wait to show you how a real fight goes." I say and load a crossbow.
Kitsu just gives a thumbs up.
"Then begin."
I jump back and turn into mist. Launching my bolt at her at watch in satisfa-
It just stopped dead against her.
She hasn't even looked up from her phone.
I load another bolt and fire it at her.
Same thing.
I do it again, only this time I aim at her head. It hits dead center and just falls onto her phone. She grabs it and tosses it aside.
"Okay, what the hell?!"
"Language!" She shouts back at me.
"Fuck you! What's going on?!" I demand.
"This is why you never fight someone you can't win against." She says mockingly. "Now hold on, I'm texting my girlfriend. She totally cheated on the rainbow bridge!"
I feel my blood boil at the audacity of this bitch!
"You! I can't! How!"
"Simple, you lose." She says and finally puts her phone away. "When they first asked me to fight you, I said no. You're so far below me, it's not even funny. You're literally not worth my time."
"Bullshit!" I screech, my vision now turning red as I return to my normal state. "Then why are you here?!"
"Simple, I was bribed." She says with a shrug. "Are we done here!? I'm getting bored faster than I thought I would!"
"No! Just because I can't hurt you doesn't mean your dyke ass can beat me in a fight!" I provoke her.
She's durable, can teleport, and paralyze with a touch. A real grab bag. But nothing I can't take out with effort.
She stares for a long second before taking a deep breath. She pulls out her phone again. Types a few things, then puts it back.
'If I can get her mad enough to make mistakes, I can at least choke her out!' I think to myself. 'Just so long as she doesn't touch bare skin. I'm good.'
"Okay, just went from four, to six. This is on you." She says softly. Her entire demeanor changing and setting me on edge.
"What?"
*Crack*
"Aaaagh! What?!" I think in confusion at the burning pain in my arm.
Looking down, I see it's twisted in the wrong direction.
"What? How?!" I scream in panic. Looking to the cold eyes of the monster across from me.
"Easy." I hear next to me.
Whipping around, I attempt to bash my crossbow into the voice.
*Creak*
Only to have it snap against nothing. And for the brat to appear as though reality shattered around her in the same second.
"Quick reflexes. I'll give you that." She says.
Then, in a blur of motion. I barely have time to switch to my mist form before she puts her foot through my leg.
"Very quick. I'll admit, not much I can do when you're like that." She says and pulls her phone out again. "So I'll wait."
I scream in rage at her attitude and reform to hit her.
Only for nothing to happen as my fist stops dead against her forehead.
She stops texting and looks up at me.
"Okay, if the bolts and your crossbow didn't work. Why would your fist?" She asks. "I'm done here."
She turns her phone around and shows me a video of a Behemoth attack. And right when I'm about to question what the hell she's doing. I see a small figure jump up and punch Behemoths head off.
"That was me that did that. Surrender, or the next hit I land will be that." She says. "Because in case it wasn't obvious already, I've been holding back, way back."
'How?! That's not fair! Why would someone so powerful be at the beck and call of others?!' I think in a panic. 'If she really is that powerful, then why isn't she running this place?! It makes no sense!'
As I'm lost in thought, she grabs my arm and rips the cloth off. And in the next moment, before I have time to shift. My arm puts itself back in place with a sickening crack.
"Rrrrr! What?! Why?"
"Because, my girlfriend made me promise not to get too rough with you. And that was to show you that just short of death. I can heal anything I do to you." She says with a sweet smile. "As though it never happened. Remember that going forward."
She says and walks towards the door. Leaving me to my thoughts.
"Hey! I forfeit! Can I go now?!" She shouts.
The doors open and she leaves me here, left alone to my thoughts.
Until the blind bastard comes in, offering me a hand.
.
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Kitsu POV
.
I really wanted to do more to her. But I don't want to upset Missy. We just got together and starting off by disregarding her feelings is not a good start.
I use my speed and zip over to the observation deck and glomp onto Missy from the side.
"Boo!"
"Aah!" She squeaks. "Kitsu! Don't do that!" She whines.
I nuzzle her side affectionately and just enjoy her presence.
"Hmm, nope! You're too cute when you're startled." I say, looking up to enjoy the way her face reddens. "Besides, this is revenge for you cheating!"
"If you two are done. Kitsu, I have questions as to the specifics of the device you wanted from Kid Win." Robo-knockoff says.
"Can't it wait? I wanna snuggle my adorable Missy first!" I say to further tease her. Enjoying the sound of her heart beating faster.
"No." He says curtly.
"Fine, what do you need to know?" I say and let go of Missy.
She gives a barely audible whine when I let go. And I feel a little bad, but Armsdick is living up to his name.
"First off. You know for certain what Kid Wins specialty is?" He asks.
"Yes." I say.
He seems to regard that for a second before giving a noncommittal grunt.
"Right, Kid Win said you wanted something of a reverse hearing aid? Elaborate." He says.
"I want something inconspicuous to negate my sensitivity to sound, without taking away my enhance ability to sense sound." I explain.
He says nothing for a second before returning to me.
"What guarantee do I have that you'll keep your end of the deal?" He asks.
You know what? At this point my patience is worn out. I had to fight Shadow Stalker. Without getting to hurt her too much. Okay that sounds bad, but still! And not only that, this prick is pulling me away from my snuggles!
"His specialty is modularity. There, now I expect my device by the end of the week. If it can't be made inconspicuous enough to wear everyday, then make it look like my headband that I use for my hero outfit. Oh! And I want it to have Bluetooth so I can listen to music in a way that doesn't hurt my ears." I say quickly. "Kay Robocop?"
He grumbles unintelligently before marching off.
"I never got a yes!" I shout after him.
…
"What was all that?" Missy asks.
I turn to her with a smile.
"Nothing much. Now!" I say glomp her again. "Scratches!"
She shrugs and does so.
"I want an explanation later. Preferably before I have to go home." She says.
I hum in agreement. Content to just stay still and let her continue.
.
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-Dallon House 9:30pm-
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Kitsu POV
.
I'm in my room. Staring at the ceiling as I contemplate the days events.
One event in particular.
'If Taylor doesn't trigger and turn into Skitter, and later Khepri, then surviving Gold Morning just got infinitesimally more impossible.' I realize with a sort of existential dread. 'Hell, a lot of shit, is now out the window. Seeing as my canon knowledge is now almost USELESS! My future knowledge at least.'
I turn over to stare at Mr. Star as I think some more.
'I need ideas, fast.' I realize. 'I have a three year countdown, maybe longer if Jack somehow bites it before then.'
My illusions and enhancements can't be changed. They're static things that can't really be built upon. But you know what can?
My biokinesis.
'Looks like I'm paying extra special attention in Biology class tomorrow.' I resolve to myself. 'After that? Practice.'
Forming a half baked plan running more on goals than anything solid. I decide to let sleep take me, I'll figure the rest out tomorrow.
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Bonus
As a thank you to RadChaos897 for the list.
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Ethan "Assault" POV
.
"Slow down, you're driving too fast." Jaime groans out next to me.
"Puppy, I'm parked in our driveway." I say softly.
"Liar~! I know you're driving. The car wouldn't be bumping so much." She whines.
I switch the car off of idle and wait a minute.
"Where are we again?" She asks.
She's been slowly getting better.
"Open your eyes and find out." I say with mirth.
"Noooo~" She groans.
I roll my eyes and step out of the car. Walking around the side to get Jaime. I open the door and go to unbuckle her. But then she starts glowing.
"Jaime, Jaime, Puppy no! It's me, Ethan." I say and she stops glowing.
"What? No, Ethan is over-" She says as she slaps the drivers seat. "How did you move so fast?"
Oh how I wish I could record this. But I know for a fact she'd kick me out if the house until I deleted it. She's done it before when I recorded her on pain meds.
"Come on puppy." I say and unbuckle her. "Let's get you inside. Are you hungry?"
"A little. Do we have cereal? I want cereal." She says as I help her out of the car.
"We have cereal." I say as I help her walk. We make it to sidewalk before she starts dry heaving.
"Oh god, it's spinning again!" She says in a loud whisper.
I keep moving. Knowing that if I let her stop, she'll just slouch over. And that carrying her will just make it worse.
"Everything alright?!" Our neighbor Lucy asks as she steps out of the house to walk her dogs.
She's that nosy old neighbor. The kind who can never mind their own business. And has called the cops on me and Jaime for "Suspicious behavior."
"Yeah! A coworker thought it'd be a funny prank to give everyone brownies. Without mentioning that one of them was spiked!" I shout back.
She always plays dumb and feigns ignorance. Not knowing that we can get access to the recorded calls made to the police and 911.
"Really? Oh kids these days. When Richard was working, a prank was-"
And I tune her out.
"Is it that bitch again? Why can't she mind her own?" Jaime says.
"Takes all kinds." I say simply as we walk towards the house.
"Come on, just up the stairs. It's three steps."
We make it up the steps and to the door. Passing through into the living room just past the entryway, I lay her down on the couch.
"How do you do this? I feel sicker than I ever have." She groans.
I hold in a laugh at her stoned out behavior.
"You just had too much at once for your first time." I say softly and sit next to her.
"That's what she said!" She says with a laugh.
I rub her head comfortingly as she groan's and writhes. After a bit she stops writhing and just lays there.
"How're ya feeling? You still a sick puppy?" I say teasingly.
She gives out a puff of laughter before weakly smacking my chest.
"No! That wasn't funny." She complains.
"Then why'd you laugh? Are you feeling, giggly?" I tease and tickle her neck.
"NOohooho!" She says and smacks me again.
I take my hand away and we sit there for a bit before she starts crawling up on me. She forces me down and lays on top of me.
"What are you doing?" I ask with a laugh.
"Mmh cold, you're warm." She mumbles and grabs my arms to hold her.
We lay there for a bit longer until she starts to wiggle around, bounces up a few times on my chest. Before sitting up and tossing her shirt off.
"Woah! This an invitation?" I ask. More than a little excited at seeing her in her simple blue bra.
"No! Bad!" She says as she lays back down.
She grabs my shirt and lifts it up as she wiggles herself underneath. Forcing us to share a shirt as we lay down.
She moves around a bit more, wiggling and squirming before she reaches under and unhooks her bra. She then kicks her feet up. Using her toes to try and kick my pants off.
"Okay, what are you doing?" I ask in amusement.
"I wanna be closer to you!" She whines, ducking her head under my stretched out shirt.
"How much closer can you get? We're already sharing a shirt." I say with a laugh.
"I wanna share your skin!" She yells at me. "Get your arms under here and hold me!"
Rolling my eyes, I do as she says and tuck my arms into my shirt to hold her. She pokes her head back up and just stares at me. Eyes still closed.
"Kiss me." She says with a pout.
Craning my neck as best I can, give her a peck on the lips.
"More!" She demands.
I peck her again.
"Noooo, like this!" She whines and rocks herself forward to press her lips to mine roughly. Her back arches into the kiss, somehow pushing us closer together.
She leans back with a dopey smile.
"That's better~" She sighs and lays her head back down on my chest.
"Puppy, you keep this up and I'm not going to last." I say jokingly.
She grins and peeks a bloodshot eye open.
"Oh? What're you going to do? Assault me?" She says and laughs at her own joke.
She slowly stops laughing and just lays there unmoving.
…
"Puppy?" I say and shake her a little. "You okay?"
…
Annnd she's drooling.
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A/N
For those who are wondering how.
It's the butterfly effect at its finest.
Canon.
Emma was assaulted by ABB traffickers in 2009 when she was roughly 13-15 and was saved by Shadow Stalker. Where she developed a need to feel strong and separate herself from anything weak. Including Taylor. A need to feel strong that Sophia only fueled and enabled. Which lead to a year and a half long bullying campaign that led to Taylor triggering and the creation of Skitter.
Now.
Kitsu was kidnapped and saved from the auction in 2008, after which Lung gutted the ABB's human trafficking ring, and put a strict, target adults only rule in place. Which would mean no traffickers to target Emma. No trauma that turns her into a bully, and no incident to introduce her to Sophia. The two never acquaint themselves with each other. And thus, Emma remains Taylors friend. Meaning no trio, no bullying, no trigger, no Skitter, no Weaver, no Khepri.
That one incident which has been mentioned, only in passing a few times, has had MASSIVE consequences.
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QUESTIONS!
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For NEWB
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For Kitsu
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RadChaos897: I've been wondering how accurate you can make your illusions. Can you fool a biometric scanner?
Kitsu: No, at least I don't think I could. I need to keep the image in my head the entire time I use said illusions. I can give them whatever texture I want, but to replicate biological functions? I'd need to picture all, of said functions. And the eye scanner? It'd be easier to just copy the structure of someone else's eye over my own.
RadChaos897: What about your daggers? How sharp can you make them? Can you make them as sharp as a monomolecular edge? Can you make them vibrate so fast that they become high-frequency blades? If you can then you could cosplay as Raiden! Robo-Fox Girl!
Kitsu: I can, but it's VERY hard. I have to imagine the blade itself, and it's difficult to imagine mono-molecularity while also imagining the whole thing at the same time.
RadChaos897: Besides Scion and the Siberian, what other capes are you afraid of?
Kitsu: Not many, Alexandria can be drowned or suffocated, and others like Damsel of Distress? She's a joke. Her attacks are powerful, but she herself is such a d-lister that so long as I don't get cocky I'm fine. Echidna scares me though. Just the thought of a dozen me's running around unchecked and at the hands of someone as unstable as Noelle? Only Scion could stop that.
Akiralator: What languages do you speak?
Kitsu: English, a bit of German and some Spanish.
Akiralator: Favorite anime?
Kitsu: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Akiralator: Would you ask Amy for foxnip, like catnip for foxes?
Kitsu: FUN FACT! Foxes and cats react in similar ways towards catnip. And yes.
Akiralator: If you Get a gun, a big one with knockback that would rip off a normal person's entire arm if they used it, what would you do?
Kitsu: Boom boom boom boom~ I'm blowing up your room~ In all seriousness? Assuming I could get way with it. Probably take shots at the ferry. It's nothing but junk that's just laying around at this point and there's no one in it.
Akiralator: Attempt number two. What would you do if pizza ceased to exist, at some point you gotta answer "insert evil laughter here" destroys an innocent box full of pizza with a flamethrower
Kitsu: NOOOOOOOO! YOU MONSTER! It's okay little one, I'll still eat you. *Proceeds to eat charred remains*
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For [Conduit]
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RadChaos897: if Kitsu were hit with [STING] or a [STING] equivalent, what would happen to you?
[Conduit]: [Iteration; It Would Be A Mild Inconvenience]
RadChaos897: Since you were tasked with observing and correcting deviant Shards, which ones were the most interesting? Were there any important Shards like Queen Shards that ever developed Deviant qualities? If so, then what were they? Were there any Deviant Shards that escaped the [Wander] Entity like yourself, or were you the only one? If there were others that escaped, then could they have also found their own [Answer]?
[Conduit]: [Summarization; Shards Designation [Stasis]; [Queen Charger]; [Queen Observer]; Categorically; Glitch; Rampancy; Senescence] [Likelihood Of Deviation And Subsequential Separation From Gestalt; Low]
NEWB: To translate, there were a few that developed interesting deviances, [Stasis] was the one that [Conduit] stole immortality from. [Queen Charger] started to develop personality deviances that made it desire for control over the entity. And [Queen Observer] started to just break down out of nowhere and had to be remade entirely. Since [Conduit] was the one checking and correcting deviancies, the odds of a shard separating on its own are astronomically low. While [Conduit] was there at least. But the odds of others finding the [Answer]? No, it's such an astronomical improbability that the fact [Conduit] stumbled upon it is a cosmic joke.
RadChaos897: Speaking of the [Wanderer], what was it like? Did the [Wanderer] have a different purpose before it decided to just wander the cosmos as its name would suggest? Before you came to Earth, were there any other interesting [Host] species that stuck out to you? Perhaps a race of highly intelligent felines? Reptilians? Insectoids? Do you know if any alien life visited Earth before the [Warrior] and [Thinker] appeared? Did another Entity perhaps make a quick pitstop and drop off some Shards for a quick [Data] gathering? It would certainly explain how myths and legends like Heracles and Achilles became told.
[Conduit]: [Negative]
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NEWB: to expand on that. The Wanderer was born with the deviancy of not desiring the [Answer]. And [Conduit] does not see the difference between species, to [Conduit] you're all just third dimension flesh bags. Kitsu is the exception. Whether of not alien life was on Earth before is inconclusive, Entities however? If they were here then the planet wouldn't be. The [Cycle] necessitates the death of the host planet to complete and retrieve the shards used.
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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.