A/N Therapy
Alt title: Mental health day
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This is yet another chapter that features Kitsu's perspective less than the others.
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The traffic graph is still down, I got kicked from my account for several days, I'm no longer getting notifications of when you guys leave reviews, and apparently every chapter after 23 keeps getting deleted when I post a new chapter.
There's no conclusion to that I'm just letting you all know what's going on. I still manually check the reviews as well so don't worry.
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JustADaydreamer: I didn't ignore you, I use Word and for some reason it didn't save my response to your review. Thanks though and yeah, Kitsu has a selective morality that basically puts everyone into boxes of "Who she likes" and "Everyone else". She'll do anything to keep those in the first box happy and around even at the expense of the second box.
T4ndoris: hehehehe, FUNFACT~! Firebreather is in the same universe as Invincible. They even teamed up at one point. Google "Firebreather, The Pact."
Aren Gisly: You're welcome!
Kreeft123xx: Thanks, it was going to a bit more risque. But I decided against it and just added "How to delete search history" and let everyone's imagination fill in the blanks on what she'd want to delete.
Casanova5424: Yeah, whoever was behind the design change, I don't care what they were paid but it wasn't enough I know that. They deserve more.
Yeah, and X-Men is kinda, it just doesn't fit. Only Kitsu would get it.
DancingLeaf: Realism is what I strive for. Even the downsides of it.
Spoilers, can't say.
And yeah, I got the message but not a notification of it. Don't worry. I check the reviews page freguently.
You are very much appreciated.
Nurgle: Grand papi Nurgle! I don't intend on writing lewds, Yet.
Gogmazios: You're welcome.
SonicTundra: Two of the people looking to join are non Case 53, but yeah I can see how people would see it.
RadChaos897: Thanks! Like I said before, I just get images in my head and the interactions play out. I start with a premise, what's happening? What do I want to happen? And then ask how will that happen? Then I insert myself into the characters and make sure none of their actions conflict with their personalities.
And a key thing to Kitsu and Dennis's failed relationship is that Dennis had no desire for it to work, to say nothing of their respective ages. That's not a factor here.
And the Ferry stations are strictly in PRT territory. It'd take an extra level of stupid to target them. Ten again people who openly join a Neo-Nazi group aren't known to be very smart.
And you're welcome. For those who read theses Author notes. The Sunflower Generator was Rad's idea. I intended to credit him last chapter, but my document didn't save the changes.
Vicky is just lashing out as a teenager who feels everything is falling apart around her.
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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]
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-Thursday, April 22nd, 10:28am-
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Carol "Brandish" Dallon POV
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"Mrs. Dallon, appointment for ten thirty?" A lady behind the counter asks.
"Yes, that's me." I tell her.
"Alright, Ms. Jones is ready for you now." She says.
The door on the end of the window counter opens and another lady comes out with a smile.
I follow her to the third door on the right and in to see my old therapist. She has some greys to her long brown hair and crows feet now. Though that's expected, it's been eighteen years. She's still wearing the same rectangular glasses at least.
She looks up at me with a kind smile as I close the door behind me.
"Carol, it's been years! How is your daughter doing? She must be nearly eighteen by now." She says as I sit in the black leather chair.
"Two of them are seventeen now. And Victoria's been better I suppose." I say honestly.
"Two of them? So you had twins and more kids?" She asks.
"No, I only gave birth to one kid. I have three daughters, technically. One birth, one adopted, one foster." I tell her.
She starts typing a few things down into her computer.
"I take that to mean you enjoy motherhood?" She asks without looking.
"Pfft, hardly. I could barely stand it." I say with a roll of my eyes.
"Then why take on two more daughters willingly?" She asks.
"The second one, Amy. Sarah convinced me to take her in, she's the daughter of a villain we took down, he only surrendered under the condition that we look after her in his absence." I say, careful not to reveal who Amy's dad is. "The third? She's a more, recent, addition. That's a bit longer of a story."
"We have time." She says. "Why don't you tell me how about your relationships with your daughters, starting with Victoria?"
"I love her, unconditionally. But, I don't know. It feels like she's drifting, further and further. And lately, I've found out she's been hiding the fact that she's been breaking the law for more than a year now." I say as I rest my head on my fist. "It just feels like the little girl I raised is, not there, like she left."
"Hmm, well, kids grow up. She's nearly an adult now. And with that comes a degree of separation." She says simply as keeps typing. "Why don't you tell me about Amy?"
"She's a good kid. Never wanted her, but I can't deny that she's turning out more than alright." I say simply.
"You say you never wanted her? Why's that?"
"Her father, he may be in the birdcage. But he got to her before us. There's no telling what he could've implanted in her." I say before sighing. "At least, that's what I used to think. But ten years and no sign of delinquency are hard to argue. Not only that, she's spent damn near every waking moment healing people at the hospital or keeping Vicky out of trouble."
"Do you perhaps regret how you first viewed her?" She asks after a bit of thought.
It takes me a bit of time before I can answer.
"I do, she was just a child. And even then she was so young and she doesn't even remember who her father was. She didn't deserve how I kept her at arms length." I push out.
"How is your relationship now? Do you still push her away?"
"I don't, and it can be best described as amicable. We don't fight but we don't exactly get along." I say as I turn my head to stare out the window. "We're more like two people who live in the same house."
"It's never too late to try and form a bond, sure it won't be as strong as it would've been. But it'd still be there." She suggests. "Why don't you tell me about the third one? The foster child, how'd she come into the picture?"
"Get ready for this. Are you aware of Kitsu? The S-class?" I ask as I turn to her.
"Vaguely, I'm aware she's one of the few to have contact with Nilbog. But that's it." She says.
Funny, most people know her from her involvement with Behemoth's retreat.
"That's the foster child." I say and watch in amusement as her eyes widen slightly.
"That must be quite the story. How'd she come under your care?"
"Not much to say, she popped up shortly after she destroyed Eagleton. Broke into our house, scared Mark into throwing her through our TV and then strong armed him into playing Candyland. When I got home because Mark had forgot to pick me up and wasn't answering his phone, I tried to chase her out of the house." I say reminiscing on the events of a month and a half ago. "She thought we were playing a game of tag and Mark eventually calmed me down enough to get me to realize there's likely nothing I could do to her. So I sat down and we played Monopoly. Vicky came home with Amy, Vicky picked a fight with Kitsu, lost, then Armsmaster showed up with a PRT squad and picked a fight, lost. And she left after that. Then kept coming back over the next week or two, keeping Mark company, annoying me and Vicky, and just pestering Amy. Eventually there was an argument after she busted into the house looking for supplies to get an autograph and one thing led to another and Mark convinced me to take her in." I finish.
"How'd he manage that? Last I recall it took quite a bit of convincing for you to agree to have Victoria." She says.
"Well, she constantly broke in anyways. She was all but sleeping at the house. And I reasoned that if she really turned out bad, we could always just hand her over to the PRT." I explain.
"And how is your relationship with her?" She asks.
It takes me a minute to come up with an answer to that.
"It was, hostile at first. I was genuinely looking for any reason to kick her out. But, she's remarkably easy to trust. And so desperate for affection that it's hard for me to see her as anything than a little girl who just needs a little guidance." I say honestly. "Sure, she has some questionable contacts and had a rap sheet as long as my arm. But a lot of that was the product of her situation."
"You sound rather fond of her. And how is she easier to trust?" She asks as she returns to typing on her computer.
"She's very animated. And wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a Case 53, and has inhuman features because of it, most notably is she has large fox ears and a large fox tail that gives away her mood."
"So you find her easier to trust because she can't hide her intentions?"
"It's not just that, she is genuinely desperate for approval. One day of spending time and being nice to her and she's running around doing chores around the house. Asking if she did a good job. Few days later she called me mom in her sleep." I explain as I don't do anything to suppress the smile that's forcing its way on my face. "And now she actively calls me mom and mommy while running up to me when I get home. Hugging me and nuzzling me. Trying to cheer me up when I'm upset or generally doing anything I ask."
"You see her as an actual daughter." Ms. Jones says.
"I wouldn't go that far, but she sees me as her mother and is doing everything in her power to get me to see as mine." I say lightly. "Mark's pretty much ready to adopt her. And I can't deny she's a joy to be around."
"You keep mentioning Mark when you bring her up. I assume they're close?" She prods.
"Oh yeah." I say with a chuckle. "They're practically glued to each other. She reminds him to take his meds and is constantly interacting with him."
"In a good way, I presume."
"She's a daddy's girl. When he was having a bad day she essentially coddled him all day and left him alone to get me from work while he slept."
"Hmm, speaking of Mark. How is your relationship with him?"
"We've been great actually, ever since he's been taking his meds regularly it's been like when we first got together." I say happily. "Better even. He's been more attentive, more helpful, he's back to old goofy self."
"That's good, do you still have a fear of the dark? And a hard time trusting people?" She asks.
"Yeah, I still can't stand the dark if I don't have to. And honestly? Outside of Mark, Vicky, Kitsu, and maybe Amy there's not many I can trust at all." I say honestly. "And Amy is very recent addition to that list."
"Well, it sounds to me like you've already started taking steps on your own towards self improvement. That's a great start." She says. "Now, how about we discuss your difficulty with trust. Amy, what keeps you from fully trusting her?"
"She looks damn near exactly like her father." I say. "Like a gender bent version."
"You're aware that disposition isn't inheritable right?"
"I know that, but every time I see her I can't help but be reminded of him and it sets me on edge. I know it's not right and I've been trying to fix that." I explain.
"But?"
"But I just, I don't know. She doesn't even act like him or talk like him. If anything she acts like me." I say.
"How does she act like you?"
"Snarky, sarcastic, tired, dry humor. The list goes on honestly." I say as I list off the similarities in our personalities.
"Does her acting like you make you distrust her more?"
"No, not really." I say.
"Well, tell me some more about her. Things that separate her from her father." She suggests.
"She's a hero for one. She works tirelessly for others. Puts in hours at the hospital for free just to help others. And that's it. I don't know much else about her. Is that bad?" I ask.
"It's not necessarily the best thing. But I wouldn't call it bad. Our time is almost up. What I want you to do is by our next session in two weeks, learn a few more things about Amy. Get to know her and see that she isn't her father. Okay?"
"Already? What time is it?" I ask.
"It's eleven thirty four." She says with a smile. "Time flies doesn't it?"
"I guess it does. Well Ms. Jones, I guess I'll you in two weeks." I tell her.
"I'll see you then Carol." She says as she gets up to open the door.
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-The Rig, 11:43am-
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Sophia "Shadow Stalker" Hess POV
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For the third time in the last ten minutes, I'm staring at the ceiling of the PRT training room.
"That was good, but I said no powers." Daredevil says.
Turns out my defense lawyer is a cape. What are the fucking odds? Better yet he wants to mentor me. Take me under his sightless wing.
"How else am I suppose to take you by surprise?" I say as I sit up.
"Perhaps by thinking out a strategy? Employ some new tactics outside of what is essentially hit and run." He says with his ear to me.
"Any tactics you teach me, you'll just counter. You taught me them." I point out.
"Maybe." He says with a chuckle. "But all the thugs and capes you'll go against won't know how to counter them."
'Shit that's actually a good point.' I realize begrudgingly. 'Course the fucking lawyer would have a counter argument. It's literally his job.'
"Alright, up. Let's try this again. No powers, no weapons, straight martial arts." He says and puts his batons away.
"Square up kid." He says as he get's into a boxer's stance.
No, it's Krav Maga. His hands are open, not closed. We've done this more than a few times. So it's getting easier to see just how he'll beat my ass next.
But he's still human. His power essential gives him a three sixty view of his surroundings with all his sense except for sight. He can be beat with effort. It'll just take some time to get there. He's not some monster who's so far outside the food chain that they don't count.
"We've been at this for hours. Why can't we take a fucking break already?" I ask.
"It's been an hour and a half. We can take a break when the Wards get here for their shifts." He says, relaxing from his stance. "But I suppose we can move on to something less physical."
"The fuck's that suppose to mean?" I ask in confusion.
"Well, I'm training you. But all we've worked on is martial arts and close quarters combat, I'm thinking we move on to utility."
Utility? The fuck's that supposed to help with?
"Like what? Carrying a glow stick with me everywhere?" I ask mockingly.
"Couldn't hurt, though a flashlight might be better." He says jovially.
"Wait, you're fucking serious?!"
"Of course. Smoke bombs, pepper spray, corded wire, utility knives. All useful things to help when the situation calls for it." He says as starts walking towards the door. "Follow me, we'll be stopping by the supply closet to request some things. I'll teach you how to use them."
I stand up and go to follow. Keeping in step as we walk through the base and pass a bunch of no names.
"Real quick, why the red outfit?" I ask curiously.
"Oh? Why do you want to know?" He asks back, turning his ear to face me.
"Been on my mind for awhile. If hiding is your deal, why not just go all black? And if it's to scare the piss outta people, why not make it brighter?" I clarify.
"Well, it's a balancing act. I used to go all black, but people kept mistaking me for a common thug and just kept shooting at me. Then I started adding the red, but I stood out to much and I had to darken it. Besides, straight black is actually very bad for stealth." He says. "I learned that the hard way."
"How is it bad?" I ask.
"Pitch black is actually very rare to find naturally, it's why the military uses camo. And a completely black suit is worse as a solid black mass stands out even in the dark. It's why my suit is pattern with dark grey and maroon. To better match the brickwork of where I normally patrol." He explains. "So long as I don't step out of the shadows I'm hard to make out, and when I do it looks as though I came out of nowhere."
"Okay, why the horns?"
"Pure intimidation." He says with a chuckle.
"Seriously?" I ask in disbelief. "They don't like hide radio transceivers, or help amplify your radar senses in some way?"
He stops and slowly turns to look at me. Well, face me.
"What?"
"If I had a dollar for every time I got asked that, I'd be able to buy a new cane." He says as he turns back around.
"They're not scary you know."
"Well I think they're cool." He says defensively.
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-The Rig, 2:30pm-
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Mathew "Daredevil" Murdock POV
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After a long session of teaching Sophia how to use smoke bombs. And laughing anytime she set one off in her hand because she was "Cooking it". I finally sit down to relax at my desk.
*Brzzt* *Brzzt* *Brzzt*
And there goes my civilian phone. I keep it set to silent.
Taking it out, I flip it open and answer. There's a very limited number of people who know this number. And a benefit of working for the government saw it get protected from spam calls.
"Hello?" I ask.
"Hey Matt, got a bit of a, unique one for ya. There's a little girl on the work phone calling for you." Foggy says from the other line.
"Uh, what?" I ask in confusion.
"Yeah, says a fox wants to dance with the devil. And that you'd know what that meant, also left a number to call."
'Okay, points for creativity. That's good, I'll have to remember that one.' I think as I have to keep myself from laughing.
"Normally I wouldn't have, y'know, relayed the message of little kid who clearly just learned what a prank call is. But this is the third time she called asking when you'll call her. So, please?"
"Okay, give me the number and I'll see what this is about." I say, still trying not to laugh.
I hang up and dial the given number, waiting a bit for it to answer.
"Hello?" I hear on the other end.
She somehow sounds younger over the phone.
"Kitsu, apparently you've been bugging my coworker for the last hour?" I ask as I lean back in my chair.
"Yeah! I've been trying to get ahold of you because of our deal."
"Your deal with the devil I presume?" I say with a laugh.
"Hey! Don't get cute with me! That's my thing." She says seriously. "Anyway, I wanted to talk about possibly getting PRT approval for some of the things I've created!"
All of my earlier amusement halts as alarms blare in my head. The word created being the trigger.
"Created? I'm going to need some elaboration there." I say.
"I've been making some plants with my biokinesis and I want to see about selling them. Don't worry, they're safe and incapable of reproducing so they're not in violation of any hazard or ecology laws."
"Okay, when you say create, how do you mean exactly?"I ask to clarify.
There can be no misunderstandings here.
"I take a plant, and rearrange either its genetics or physical structure to make something new, or mash a bunch of crap together. I've already made a bunch of glowing flowers! I want permission to sell them legally." She says excitedly.
'She's a bio-tinker.' I think in realization as I rub my jaw. 'Fuck.'
"Um, yeah sure I can get with Pigot and see about vetting them." I say absently.
"Thank you! I gotta go now, have a good day!"
*Click*
I let out a sigh as I lean forward, put my elbows on the desk in front of me. I then promptly put my face in my hands and groan.
"Fuck." I say to nothing in particular.
We knew she could heal similar to Panacea. And that unlike her she could mess with brains. But the PRT just assumed it was the lack of a Manton limit on her self biokinesis seeing that she's never been recorded to have done anything else with it. And it's not like we can just ask her and expect a straight answer.
Honestly there's a lot about her that is pure speculation. Even her invincibility and possible immortality. Armsmaster believes it to be an extension of her self biokinesis that works in a similar vein to Aegis's power. Only rather than insuring he keeps working despite the damage, hers rapidly changes her to prevent damage. At least that's what he gathered from the hospital incident.
But full biokinetic control?
I go ahead and dial Pigot to inform her. There are very few biokinetics. And none have good standing.
"Mathew? You're calling on your personal phone. Why?" I hear the no nonsense tone of the director.
"Yeah, sorry but. You'll want to hear this." I say seriously.
"Then speak, I trust it is important for you to use your civilian phone and not your cape phone."
"Yeah, Kitsu just called to cash in cooperation deal."
"What did she want? She's not demanding more tinkertech is she?" She asks.
"No, she wants to get her creations vetted and tested for approval for sale to the general populace." I say.
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"What?"
"She's bio-tinker, like Bonesaw and Nilbog." I say firmly.
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"My office, now."
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-Pelham House, 3:30pm-
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Crystal "Laserdream" POV POV
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"I know it's a bit of a mess, but if you just kick a few things aside you'll be fine." I tell the pink girl.
"It's fine, I'm used to worse." She says with a smile.
"Just don't go through my dresser or closet and we'll be good." I tell her calmly.
"So, where did you live before?" Eric asks from the doorway.
He's been very interested in the 'new recruit' since her first saw her. I don't think she's realized it yet. Then again, I don't blame him. Her proportions have to be a result of her Case 53 mutation.
Because to put it bluntly.
She's fucking stacked! Seriously. According to Amy her genetics say she's roughly fourteen or fifteen. Same age as Eric. But holy shit! She's got bigger tits than me! Not that mine are large, a mid C.
But she's fourteen! And looks to be at least a low D. And don't get me started on her southern proportions.
Is it bad that a fourteen year old is making me insecure about my body?
"Anyway if you need any help with anything just ask Eric. I'll be out for the day so you have the room to yourself." I say as I walk past Eric.
"You owe me." I whisper to him as I walk past.
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Eric "Shielder" Pelham POV
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Owe her? Sure, she's just as guilty. She's leaving to hang out with that Firebreather guy.
"So, ever played any video games?" I ask her.
Gotta say, she's checked off every box so far. Hell you can see that back from the front! And you could probably see that front from the back! But if she doesn't respect the grind then she's not the one.
"If I did I don't know." She says with a shrug.
"Wanna see if you're any good at it?" I ask.
"Sure!"
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-The Docks, Motel, 4pm-
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Gully POV
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No hotels would take me. So I'm stuck in a dingy motel in the docks area.
It's cheap, if nothing else.
"So how's it going?" Tecton asks over the phone.
I may have forgot to call him the moment I got to the bay.
"Well, I'm not sure." I answer.
"How so? Have you talked to them yet?"
"I have. And they refused." I start.
"Oh Gully, I'm sorry." He starts to say.
"Not because of what I am!" I say quickly. "And they agreed!"
"…, Okay you're gonna need to walk me through this." He says simply.
I laugh a little at that. Tecton is always well meaning, but every now and then he jumps to conclusions.
"Well, I showed up and got to meet Kitsu and Panacea. They let me in, talked to me and Kitsu even made sure I could sit by reinforcing a chair."
"Reinforce?" He intones.
"Yeah, she took off and came back with a bundle of sticks and reinforced the chair with her powers. They sort of, merged into it." I explain.
"Interesting, I'll have to look into that." I hear him mutter. "Anyway! You were saying?"
"Well, Kitsu and Panacea kept me company until Brandish got there. Did you know Kitsu calls her mom?" I say idly.
"Well, she is her mother in a sense. If not the legal sense of her being her foster mother."
"Not adopted?" I ask curiously.
"No." He says tentatively. "It's complicated, but it's the closest term that fits."
'Huh, weird. Wonder what the specifics of that are.' I muse to myself.
"Anyway, she said that they couldn't take me because they didn't have somewhere to house me." I continue. "Then Kitsu came running out of her room saying she could find a place. She's apparently a billionaire."
"Oh yeah, Eagleton. Director Xavier has NOT heard the end of that." Tecton says awkwardly.
"What does he have to do with that? He's the director of the West coast." I ask.
"Yeah, but just after Kitsu's involvement with Behemoth a few years back. He became convinced, that she'd join the Wards sooner or later and went ahead and set up a bunch of preliminary stuff for her to be streamlined in. Which included a bank account for her eventual trust fund."
"I didn't know about that." I say.
"Not supposed to, he's facing a full audit because of it and might be forced into retirement as well."
Holy shit that's serious!
"All because he set up a bank account?" I ask.
"Gully, he broke several policies and overstepped a lot of people with what he did. Not only that, it was a, lot, of money." He stresses. "Like, I think the full amount was a solid trillion meant to be split evenly between all participants of its destruction."
"Jeez!" I say.
"Well, it was never intended to go to one person. And I honestly don't think anyone thought one person could do it." He explains lightly. "Don't tell anyone I told you about the audits, I can get in a metric shit ton of trouble for revealing that."
"I won't." I say with a roll of my eyes.
After a bit of silence I speak up again.
"Where was I?"
"I forgot, Brandish was saying you can't join?" He tries.
"Oh! Right, well Kitsu ran in and said she could find me a place. And Brandish gave her a week to come up something."
"Did she?"
"She did, and Brandish reached out to me and said that in about a week or two they'll have a place for me." I say happily. "Don't know what it is, but it's going to be a massive reveal once it's set up."
"I'm glad, I wish you well Gully. I gotta go now but hey, you ever need an ear. I got two."
"Bye Everett. Talk to you latter." I say and hang up.
And now I just wait.
Some more.
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Would it be rude to visit the Pelham's? I haven't met them yet and we'll be working closely together.
I look to my phone and check the time.
"Maybe later, still a lot of people out at this time."
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-Friday April 23rd, Dallon House, 1pm-
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Carol "Brandish" Dallon POV
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"Alright, you girls ready?" I ask as we head out.
I figured a day out would be a good idea. And I thought the zoo would be as good a place as any to spend time as a family. A bit short notice but I have no better ideas other than a game night, and Kitsu already does that with Mark every night and sometimes we join. Maybe the aquarium or botanical gardens? Though the last one would more for Kitsu than anyone else.
"Sure." Amy says
"Still don't understand why I can't invite Dean along. He's patrolling the area." Vicky complains.
"Because this is a family trip." I remind her.
"Don't see Kitsu complaining about not bringing Missy." Amy adds quietly.
"That's because she's too busy bugging dad." Vicky points out
I look over to the car where Mark is closing the trunk. And sure enough, Kitsu is there talking his ear off. She's wearing her back pack and her serene outfit. Black sneakers, black stockings, black shirt, and a red hat and red skirt.
Why she insists on naming her outfits? I'll never know.
'At least she's not bugging me with demands of bringing her date to a family outing.' I think to myself.
"She's happy, leave her be." I say. "Now come on."
We make our way to the car and I plop in the passenger seat. Kitsu follows Mark to the back seat drivers side where he wordlessly opens the door. She crawls in, still talking, and Mark closes the door with a smile.
"Hey! Rude!" Kitsu calls out.
Mark just sticks his tongue out at her and goes to the wheel.
Amy takes the middle and Vicky takes the passenger window seat.
"Zoo! Zoo! Zoo! I wanna see the reptile house!" Kitsu chants excitedly as her tail slaps the seat in between her and Amy repeatedly.
"You don't want to see the foxes?" I ask jokingly.
"If I want to see a fox I'll look in the mirror." She says. "Ooh! They have a gift shop! Can we go to the gift shop?!"
"If you're good we'll stop by and you can grab something." I say. "Vicky, seatbelt."
She puts her belt on and resumes staring out the window.
"Have you ever been to a zoo Kitsu?" Mark asks as he backs out of the driveway.
"A few times I broke into one to check out some of the animals. The sea lions are silly." She says happily.
"I don't have to tell you not to bust into any exhibits?" I say.
"I won't. Ooh! Do they have any ostriches? Or emus?" Kitsu asks. "Do they have any roaming peacocks like some zoos?"
"Yes, I don't know, and the last time we were there they didn't." Mark lists off.
"What about-" She starts again.
"Amy? Would you?" I ask.
Amy rolls her eyes and brings a hand over to scratch Kitsu's ears. Quieting her almost immediately. Kitsu takes Amy's hand off her head and reaches over to grab the hand next to Vicky. She places it on her head and cuddles the arm next to her. Nuzzling it silently.
"Finally." Vicky says under her breath.
"Hey Kitsu, wanna know something cool?" Amy says with a smirk.
"Sure!" Kitsu says.
Amy reaches her hand down from Kitsu's head and places a hand on her cheek. In a few seconds Kitsu has a wide golden blonde tiger stripe on each cheek stretching from the middle of her cheeks, down and over to the bottom of her jaw.
"Hey! I keep those follicles off for a reason!" Kitsu says.
'Those are natural?' I think in astonishment.
"Yeah, but did you know you can do this?" Amy says as she scratches the fur under her jaw.
"Whaooooooooh~" Kitsu moans out as her eyes and ears droop.
She relaxes enough for Amy to pull her other arm free and scratches her other cheek.
"Mmmm!" She squeals as she closes her eyes and slumps against Amy.
I watch fascinated as Kitsu slowly falls asleep.
"You're all welcome." Amy says as she pulls her hands away.
"What the fuck was that?" Vicky asks.
"Language." I say sternly. "But seriously, what was that?"
"She has fur follicles in striped patterns all over her body. They're pretty sensitive when active and the ones on her cheeks are even more so." Amy says with a shrug. "She deactivates them every morning to keep them from growing. I just activated it and massaged her to sleep." She finishes with a smirk.
There's a bit a noticeable silence after the explanation.
"Mind teaching me that trick?" Mark asks.
I watch in further amusement as Kitsu grabs Amy's arm in her sleep. Cuddling it as she naps.
"Damnit." Amy says as she goes from smug to annoyed.
"Pfft. Now you get to know how I felt when she fell asleep on me." I give out with a chuckle.
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"Kitsu, sweetheart. Time to get up." I say as I gently shake her.
"Hmm? What?" She says sleepily.
"Kitsu, come on. You need to let Amy go." I say.
"Please? I can't feel my arm." Amy pleads.
"Huh, oh sure." She says and lets go.
Amy immediately unbuckles and scooches out the other side of the truck to join Vicky and Mark.
"Come on." I say and unbuckle her.
"Carry me?" She says hopefully with a little sleep still in her voice.
"No, if you want someone to carry you ask Mark." I say.
"Okay." She says and gets up to hop out of the car.
"Just so you know you still have fur on your face." I tell her.
"What!? Amy!" Yelps as she turns to her, now fully awake.
"Oh now you call me by my name." Amy calls back.
"Dad! Can you throw me the wet wipes!?" She asks Mark who is digging our stuff out of the trunk.
"Heads up!" He says as he tosses the pack over.
*Bap*
I have to stop myself from laughing as Kitsu fails to catch the pack. It having traveled past her arms and smacking her in the face instead.
"Thank you!" She says as she nonetheless opens it and wipes the fur off her face.
'Wait what?'
"What the hell did you just do?" I ask.
"I shut off the fur follicles and then push the fur out by the root." She says. "Funnily enough, my hair and fur are as indestructible as I am until they leave me."
She disappears in a gust of wind and reappears a second later without the bundle of wet wipes and fur.
Truthfully I don't personally think the stripes of fur looked all that bad. But it's her choice and I can understand why she wouldn't want it. I still remember the entitled twit from the clothes store.
"Mark, you got everything?" I ask.
*Slam*
"Yep!" He says closing the trunk.
"Good, Kitsu come on." I say as I grab her hand.
I start walking away and notice Vicky hasn't been paying attention. Rather she's been texting.
"Vicky please at least try and act like you're apart of this family." I say tiredly.
"Fine." She says as she puts her phone away. "And I'd just like to point out I am part of this family."
'Ignore it, today is a good day. Try and spend time with Amy. Make sure Kitsu doesn't run off and challenge a gorilla to an arm wrestle or something.' I think to myself.
I don't actually think she would. But this is the same girl who broke into someone's house and ate all their pop tarts.
"Alright, let's go."
"Let's go!" Kitsu shouts and immediately tries to run forward, only for me to yank her back.
"Behave." I say as I catch her. "Don't run off."
"I can't help it! There are two dragons roaring inside me! One hoard knowledge and the other hoards trinkets!" She says before going still. "And the zoo has them both calling for blood."
I have no response for that. So I pick her up.
"Weeee!"
And hand her to Mark.
"Your problem." I say and start walking.
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Bonus
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-Biron House, 3pm-
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Missy "Vista" Biron POV
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I drop my bag on my floor next to my bed and plop down onto the covers.
I would've had patrol with Dennis today. And that meant I could've spent time with Kitsu! But no. Stupid Merchant had to go and run me over, and Amy couldn't make the trip from the hospital and because of that I had to be admitted to the hospital. And now I get two weeks of being stuck at home with two of the shittiest people in my life!
I inch worm my way up on the bed. Not really having the energy to move much on my own after having just got back from school. Luckily it's my dads turn to look after me. So he won't be barging in randomly with no concern for my privacy to make sure I'm doing school work.
I reach up on my bed and grab my pillow, holding it close as I roll to my side. Cuddling it and pretending it's my little snuggle bug.
It's not the same. It's not as warm, or as smooth, or as bubbly and bright.
Spending time with her has quickly become the most anticipated parts of my weeks.
She's just so cheerful that it's hard not to be happy around her. And the way she just rambles off at random things in that adorable voice of hers. I'll admit I try to get her talking because I love her voice. She just makes me happy. I want to be with her as much as I can. She makes me feel important and appreciated.
Not to mention the people at the Rig take me more seriously now. Mainly because they don't want to upset Kitsu by upsetting me. It's frustrating, the reason that is,but it's better than the patronizing they've done before.
I'd invite her over, but I really don't want her meeting my parents. That and I don't think Mrs. Dallon likes me for whatever reason.
'Okay it's probably due to how much she catches me staring. But I can't help it! She has such a cute and jiggly little bubble butt! And such a beautiful and soft fluffy tail above it!' I think to myself. 'Oh god and the way it wags when she's excited or happy, causing her butt to do that little wiggle. Aaaahh!'
"I want my snuggle bug!" I whine as I shove my face into the pillow.
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Bonus 2
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New Wave's new wave
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Firebreather
Brute 5
Mover 4
Blaster 5
Has an armored orange scaled hide and red bat like wings protruding from his back. Has pyrokinesis on par with a fully transformed Lung. Having fine control over any flames he produces as well as being fireproof. Is naturally stronger, faster, and more agile than most.
First showing up in the Nevada desert. Spent days wandering alone before encountering people. After a scare they tried shooting him. Where he instinctually blasted fire back at them. Where they called a fire breather. He took the name. He spent the next few years on the run as Director Ross prioritized his containment. Believing him to be a villain in a breaker state, not a Case 53.
He's confident and kind hearted, if a little dumb and goofy. Though his confidence is a mask to hide his insecurities over being different. And when push comes to shove, he gets vicious though he hates going that far.
Is joining New Wave because he wants to belong somewhere.
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Pinky
Brute 2
Mover 2
Striker 6
Blaster 4
Has the ability to produce a liquid of varying Ph balance. Producing anything from soap or lubricant, to sulfuric acid. Is capable of producing said liquid from any part of her body. Her brute and mover ratings are due to her ability to use the lubricant to skate and slip out of holds, and her immunity to acid.
First appeared in an alleyway in Seattle. She was found and taken in by a news reporter by the name of Tracy Burke. Who years ago was a reporter in Brockton Bay and worked with Melanie Fitts as an informant. Had left for Seattle out of fear for her life when the new Scarecrow popped up. She was the reporter who exposed the original Scarecrows identity, leading to his suicide. After her death Pinky was left alone and wandering the streets until she got in contact with Melanie. Nightcrawler came for her and dropped her off at the Dallons rather than the Palanquin. Believing she should at least have a chance at something resembling a normal life not being hunted down by the law.
She is at first shy and withdrawn, but once engaged she becomes more energetic and outgoing.
Is in New Wave due to not really being given a choice and having nowhere to go.
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Jenny Wakeman
Brute 7
Mover 5
Blaster 7
Striker 4
Tinker 2
Her entire body is comprised entirely of circuitry, metal, and silicone. The result being that she weighs 600 pounds and has an absurd natural strength and durability. Her body is modifiable and filled with modular components. She is capable of combustion based flight and temporarily reconfiguring parts of her body to perform various tasks as needed.
Esteemed scientist and researcher Dr. Noreen Wakeman found her in her backyard where she first showed up. Having taken pity on the girl and feeling a maternal sense of duty. She took her in and spent thousands from her retirement fund refitting her house to accommodate the girl. However Jenny got tired of being trapped in what was essentially a gilded cage and ran away.
Typical teenager, moody, insecure, and prone to emotional outbursts. Though still kind hearted and more than a little naïve.
Is joining New Wave to prove herself to her mother.
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Anthony "Iron Man" Stark
Resource Tinker 9
Is capable of building damn near anything so long as he has the available resources. Mostly relying on energy consumption. Though he primarily focuses on combat suits, likely due to the conflict drive of his shard.
Is effectively a trust fund baby who inherited his father's dying weapons company. He made the decision to change it to a military supply company and is the current leader in supplying the PRT and Police with their equipment. He triggered while kidnapped in the middle east. He made his way to civilization and back home. Hiding his parahuman status the whole time. Due to how closely he's worked with the PRT, he knows the games they play and wants no part in it.
Confident to the point that it borders arrogant. He's hyper intelligent and attractive, and knows it. Though he does have an alcohol problem.
Is joining New Wave because he can't resist the urge to tinker much longer, and refuses to play the PRT's games.
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Sveta Karelia
Brute 6
Effectively bulletproof and possessing a strength to match her durability. Her body is comprised of long tendrils and operates of its own accord on a predatory instinct.
Stuck in the Asylum East. She is depressed and suicidal. She feels hopeless about her situation and is reaching out to Kitsu because she saw her on her feed in PHO. After researching New Wave, she got into contact with Kitsu and is hoping to one day meet them and have her body fixed somehow.
Soft spoken and timid, she feels genuine remorse for any and everyone she's ever hurt due to her bodies predatory nature.
Is not looking to join New Wave, but will if it means a "cure" to her condition.
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Gully
Brute 3
Shaker 6
Thinker 1
Has enhanced strength and durability as a result of her mutations. She has instinctive and intuitive control of the earth around her. Even knowing where people are in her immediate vicinity, so long as they are on the ground in some way.
Originally dumped in an unknown location. She eventually joined the San Diego Wards where she strived to be a leader, but was denied time and time again due to her appearance. She views her district cape leader Tecton as something of a role model and big brother.
She is kind hearted and sympathetic, as well as being in strong touch with her emotions. She is in fact a natural born leader, and is a rare instance of a person being good for leadership, and wanting leadership.
Is joining New Wave to hopefully fulfil her dreams of being a leader.
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Benjamin Kirby Tennyson
Tinker 8
Changer 12+
Has an enhanced and intuitive understanding of the genome. Not just human, but all creatures that use four nitrogen bases for their DNA. Which is every living thing on planet earth. He used this knowledge to create a device melded to his wrist that safely alters his DNA to differing forms he integrates.
Is a naturally intelligent kid, just doesn't apply himself because he doesn't find school challenging. He never studies and proudly boast that he never got a grade below a B. Is confident, strong willed, and a tendency to be reckless. He triggered when he was at his friends apartment and it caught fire, he tried to do something with the knowledge he gained but succumbed to smoke inhalation.
Is joining New Wave because he was inspired by the girl who saved him from a coma and wants to work with her.
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Kitsu "The Endstopper"
Brute/Breaker 12+
Mover 9
Blaster 4
Striker 12+
Shaker 8
Master 2
Changer 3
Stranger 4
Thinker 3
While many assume her to be a self trump. The truth is she is a breaker that absorbs energy and uses it to enhance herself and her powers to mimic other powers. Making it seem as though she gains new powers. She has illusions that can be tactile, audible, or visual. She is completely indestructible though still feels pain. Her enhancements make her capable of strength on par with Scion, and her speed just barely reaching the sound barrier, she can also enhance her brain to think faster and process images faster, though doing this too much or too often leads to disorientation. Has biokinesis that lacks any form of a true Manton limit. Though she is not a true bio-tinker, seeing as she doesn't have an enhanced knowledge or understanding of biology. Has a minor master power that works on one person at a time and requires eye contact to work. As well as a minor inconsistent stranger power that causes others not to notice her if their attention is on something else.
Officially she first showed up in Revere Massachusetts. Where, after a poor first impression with the PRT, she fled and started a life of wandering the U.S. it wasn't until a few years later when she got roped into an Endbringer fight by the PRT cape "Popper" who has the power to teleport things he requests to him. The more specific the shorter the range. Kitsu tried to play it safe and hide her abilities, but got pissed when she was electrocuted unconscious and then back to consciousness when she fell in his kill aura and the flames destroyed her clothes. After that she fled to the east and continued her trek around the states. Meeting and befriending, or antagonizing, various individuals of note. Before she destroyed Eagleton while "Testing a new idea" and made her way to Brockton after.
Is hyper intelligent, though impulsive and short sighted. She is immature and likely has untreated ADHD. Has a tendency to ignore personal issues. Especially those that deal with interpersonal relationships.
Is in New Wave because she views it a way to be in the best position to help prevent Gold Morning. And because it is the only family she knows.
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A/N
I know Daredevil uses a smartphone, but screen reader and voiceover application for people with visual impairment only came out in June 2009 with the iPhone 3GS. They'd still be a relatively new thing in April 2010. And Matt really likes playing on the whole blind thing. He'd have a smartphone as his "Work" phone, and a flip phone as his civilian one.
Which is funny because he technically "sees" better than everyone around him. He just can't see.
I remember getting my first phone, it was a flip phone. And I felt so cool whipping it out and answering when someone called.
I didn't get a phone with a touchscreen till 2014.
I feel old.
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I wanted to have Eric and Pinky play Halo Reach, but that game came out in September of 2010. So that wouldn't make sense. Then I thought Borderlands 2.
But that's from 2012!
The hardest part about this is making sure everything is date appropriate. Seriously, I already spoke to Akiralator about it but the reason Kitsu's favorite anime is Fullmetal Alchemist is because Overlord isn't out in 2010.
Again, I feel old.
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QUESTIONS!
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FOR NEWB
Nurgle: Is Spider-Man a thing?
NEWB: Not yet ;)
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FOR KITSU
Casanova5424: Would you ever make a Kurama inspired form?
Kitsu: Maybe the four tailed form, but not the Kaiju sized original form. Again, I don't need that kind of attention.
DancingLeaf: What do you think of Johnny Silverhand?
Kitsu: The name sounds familiar. But I can't place it.
Nurgle: Since Carnage is a thing, have you checked to see if Spider-Man is a thing?
Kitsu: I have not. I've been a bit busy.
RadChaos897: Are you going to get a business suit now that you are going to be owning the Ferry?
Kitsu: If I can convince mom to sign off on it. I still need her signature on the checks until I'm eighteen. But yeh! I could totally pull off sexy librarian! Get myself glasses and everything! Tie my hair in a bun, practice my mom face. Solid!
RadChaos897: Are you going to be experimenting with more complex things like insects and live animals?
Kitsu: If I can get mom to let me!
Now that the C53s are rolling in, are there perhaps any that you are hoping to see? Or maybe some that you hope you don't see?
Kitsu: If Killer croc is a thing here, he can stay in whatever sewer he's in.
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FOR [CONDUIT]
RadChaos897: Do you have any funny/embarrassing stories of Kitsu? Particularly any with her experimenting her powers.
[Conduit] [Affirmation] [Iteration; Host Unit Once Fell From A Power Line And Caused Trauma To Genital Region Upon Landing]
NEWB: Kitsu was trying to absorb energy from a power line cable and fell off the tower, landing right on a parking block similar to Griff at the end of Red Vs. Blue Season 8 episode 10.
RadChaos897: Out of all the Hosts you have witnessed through Kitsu, which ones have the most interesting powers in your opinion?
[Conduit] [Nilbog, Faerie Queen, Myrrdin]
RadChaos897: Why make Kitsu a fox girl? Was it just a random mutation lottery or was it something more specific?
NEWB: I'm taking this one because I'm glad someone finally asked!
Remember the trash can she hid in? Right before her trigger? There was a dead fox in there and some of its blood and fur made its way into Kitsu's wounds. [Conduit] didn't know how to distinguish the DNA, You're all just 3 rd dimension meatbags to them after all, and ended up integrating the DNA and making Kitsu the way she is.
So yeah, in another world Kitsu could've been a dog girl or a rat girl.
FOR MISSY, AGAIN?
RadChaos897: Are you more of a Unicorn of Pegasus girl?
Missy: Neither. I don't concern myself with those childish things.
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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.