A/N Complications and headaches
Alt title: This is definitely all Kitsu's fault
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Extra early chapter! This is coming out early because DND night this last Saturday was canceled. So I just spent the day writing.
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Advice for authors without a beta reader. What I've been doing lately to proof read my work in having Text to Speech read it out for me. Then pausing and editing anywhere that doesn't sound right.
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Gogmazios: You're welcome!
Draco0905: You're fine. I understood what you wrote anyway. You were really just rambling about how you hate Bakugo as a character from MHA.
T4ndoris: Oh! You're not dead!
I'll have to try harder.
Kaykaykaykayan: Spoilers.
Casanova5424: Yeah, that happens sometimes.
I'd recommend googling a heartshaped faced blonde actress. That's how she's described.
It's not cheating if both partners sleep with them. Just makes it a heavily delayed threesome!
Crystal is reaching thirst levels not seen before. Imagine a furry, who can only get off to furry stuff. Has their ideal fantasy teased in front of them for two weeks straight.
It was so bad! And the sequel Sea of Monsters! The trailer made it look like they listened to us! And they were going to make a faithful recreation and save the series! But no!
I'll stop before I rage.
I'm glad you like the idea for cosplay and references. It really just started as a way to plug Legends Arceus, but then evolved from there. Because the way my little brother said it best describes it. "If I could change my hair and eye color at will, I'd be cosplay everyday."
DancingLeaf: You're welcome.
You're question will be answered in this chapter!
SonicTundra: Hard choices will be made.
Aren Gisly: Sorry for not responding to your last comment, it is MCU Stark. And maybe as a bonus in the future I'll have Lung's reaction.
Lord Of Oblivion: I tried. But FFN kept wiping it from the story, citing it as computer programing.
Grimnosh: Thanks for reading!
Kitsu can't perceive into the fog, so she can't conjure illusions in it. And Lisa is in a panic due to her power glitching for the first time ever. Kitsu is in a slight panic and is trying not to escalate things. Being a hero is tough.
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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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-Wednesday, May 5th, 2:09pm, East Edge Commercial District-
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Brian "Grue" Laborn POV
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"What about my dogs?"
"There's nothing we can do about them right now!" I say, using the darkness to distort my voice. "We can figure that out later!"
*WeeeWooo*
'Fuck!' I curse. The cops are close enough that they can be heard.
"Rache we gotta leave! We can get your dogs later!" Lisa calls from behind us.
Rachel looks to the floating Kitsu then to us. She looks me in the eye and I prepare to put my foot down. Knowing she's about to challenge me.
"Bitch this is not the time for your shit!" I say, maintaining eye contact. "Let's, GO!"
"Capes are here! It's Miss Militia!" Alec calls out from atop the hood of an abandoned car and starts running towards the sewer grate near the truck.
"Please! Don't go!" Kitsu calls, seeming to try and move. Anytime she conjures an illusion, Reiko spins her and moves her position. Breaking her concentration.
"Undersiders! Freeze!" I hear from my left, down the road.
"Fuck this." Alec says and takes his scepter to pop the manhole. "Gambit! Little help?"
"Sure ting." He says and jogs past me. "Ya need'ta get hold'a yer girl their sha. We ain't got time."
Rachel grits her teeth with a wild look in her eyes as she starts breathing heavily.
"Reiko move!" Tattletale shouts.
"FUCK!" Rachel shouts, runs over to Reiko and sucker punches her in the back of the head, knocking her to the ground and causing her to drop Kitsu on her butt.
"My tail!" Kitsu cries out as she rolls over and holds her rear.
"Bitch what the fuck!" I shout and let out my darkness.
It coats the area and I rush her. Tackle her to the ground and straddle her to unleash a volley of haymakers to her.
"Why?!" I shout at her as she tries to fight back but can't due to the disorientating fog.
"Brian! We need to leave!" Lisa says from just outside my darkness.
"Fuck!" I curse, reeling in my anger to a simmering calm.
I run over and grab Reiko, who's still trying to get up but can't find her baring's in my darkness. Hoisting her up I run over to the manhole that Gambit has propped up.
"Dude, cut your smoke." Alec says. "I can't see shit."
It's easy to forget that others can't really perceive anything through the smoke. Mainly because I can't really see the smoke. Just sorta, feel where it is.
"Sorry." I say and pull it back.
Alec jumps down first. Followed by Lisa, I set Reiko down and she hobbles down.
I spare one final glance towards Rachel. She's keeping her gaze to the ground. Clenching and unclenching her fists as she scowls at the ground.
Gambit hops down the manhole and I turn around to follow after, just in time to see Miss Militia slide across a car hood and aim a rifle at me. Letting the manhole fall as I cover the area with a final cloud of darkness.
"Go ahead." I say. "I'll stay behind and keep up my darkness to make sure they don't follow."
"Later." Alec says as he starts running, followed by an anxious looking Reiko.
"Stay safe!" Lisa says as she starts running.
"Meet'cha back for the hideout." Gambit says right after.
I watch them run as I feel my darkness cover the area. I walk to the wall of the sewer and sit against it as I calm myself, well I am calm. I just need to be left alone for a minute. Clear my head.
After a few minutes I start running after them. Taking the route we memorized as I follow the turns. Ignoring the smell as I look for the exit. A manhole in an unfrequented part of the city near the hideout.
I crawl up and tap the manhole twice. Not long after it opens to reveal Gambit. He extends a hand down and I take it as he helps me up.
"I gotcha." He says as he pulls me with little effort.
"Appreciated." I say as I crawl up and out of the sewer and see the rest of the crew. Already discarding their disguises and switching to more civilian garb. Stashing their gear in the bags we had hidden nearby.
"The fuck happened back there?" Alec asks. "Was she mastered or some shit?"
"No." Lisa says as she tosses me my backpack. "She chose to stay."
"Why?" Reiko asks. "Isn't she, doesn't she like us?"
'No.' I think to myself, but don't dare say out loud. 'She respected my leadership, tolerated you and Alec. And worked with Lisa. That's it.'
I'm still not sure how to feel about this.
"Regardless." I say. "She's made her choice. Tats, call the boss. We need a new hideout."
"He, already knows. And has a place set up for us." She says. "Called while you were making your way here."
"He's not too upset is he?" I ask.
"Considering Kitsu was involved? No, he understands how much of a wild card she is and knows that this was probably the better outcome." Lisa explains with a dower look. "If anything, he's more upset at the loss of Rachel."
We're all standing here glumly as we contemplate what our next course of action will be.
"So uh." Gambit says, breaking the silence. "I'm still getting paid right?"
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-Meanwhile, Coils Base-
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Thomas "Coil" Calvert POV
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"A most unfortunate turn of events." I say to myself.
In the first timeline. They took too long and Bitch ended up fully fighting back. Activating her power in a panic and causing Kitsu to rage. Having enough canine DNA in her for Bitch to extend a moderate amount of power to. Causing Kitsu to bulk slightly, gaining enough weight to break out of Poltergeist's hold and fight back. Only Tattletale, Grue, and Gambit escaped.
In this one, they all escaped. But Bitch stayed behind.
Losing her will be a deficit. She knows the other's identities. Not that I believe she'll reveal them. But a new hideout will be needed. Far enough from her that her dogs won't be able to track. Not that she'll get out anytime soon. She's looking at the Birdcage. Her sociopathy diagnosis will ensure she doesn't come back to bite us. If you'll forgive the pun.
I'd put a hit out. But any hit at this point would make a trail that could be followed back to me. Or at least Coil. And the entire purpose behind the Undersiders is to make a personal task force that isn't tied to me. At least not yet.
The point is to have them grow in strength before revealing my hand. As it stands, they're still considered small time, but I'm considered smaller. And I'd prefer to keep it that way.
Only time will tell if the Undersiders are still worth the investment. And if a hit will be required. Though I don't believe it to be necessary.
I open another timeline. And go home in the first, while staying here in the second. My standard precautionary measure.
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-Transport Hijack Site-
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Kitsu POV
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I watch as Rachel gets cuffed again and put in a second transport truck to be sent to her trial.
"Can you tell me where your dog shelter is?" I ask as she gets put behind the bars.
"Why?" She growls.
"So that nothing happens to them in your absence." I explain. "You did just turn on your team."
She's quiet for a bit longer. Before growling and in a quick motion. Stands up, screams. And slams her hands into the wall of the truck.
"RAAAAAGH!"
"Arms!" One of the squad, SWAT, PRT guys says.
I rush in front of her containment and throw up an illusionary pink, translucent hexagonal wall to act as a shield. Layering it over itself in a similar way to my daggers and making it more durable.
I stare down the PRT squad. Daring them to act.
"What's going on here?" I hear Miss Militia say from somewhere outside the truck.
"Ma'am! Hellhound started to turn violent and Kitsu is currently blocking access." One of the PRT guys says. Not taking his aim off me.
"False!" I shout. "They're just trigger happy and jittery! They need to switch to decaf!"
Miss Militia pokes her head around the corner. I can't tell her expression from the way my wall is distorting the light.
"Stand down." Miss Militia says, leaning back out of view. "Even if she got violent. She's as strong as a fifteen year old girl, the worst that would happen is she breaks her hand."
The three or so PRT guys lower their guns, and I dispel my wall.
I turn back to Rachel. She's leaning against the wall of the truck. Arms up against the wall to hide her face. Fists clenched as her shoulders shake.
"Are you okay?" I ask.
She doesn't say anything. And just maintains her stance.
"Rachel?"
"Leave." She says, in a barely audible whisper.
I stay still for a few moments. Before turning around and leaving the cab.
"What actually happened?" Miss Militia asks as I hop down to the pavement.
"She's, she turned on her teammates." I say. "She didn't want to throw away her chance at getting the help she needs. But to do that, she betrayed the closest thing she could possibly call family."
Miss Militia is quiet for a long moment. Looking to the truck with a contemplative look.
"Are you alright?" She asks me as she turns her attention to me.
"I am." I say and look back to Rachel. Who hasn't moved.
"I'll take over here." She says. "You and Flashbang go ahead and go."
I spare a final glance to Rachel. Before heading back to Dad, who's on the phone.
"I'm fine, yeah, just got tied up with rope and put in handcuffs." He says, facing away from me.
"To think, I could've been the one to tie you up if I won our bet." I hear MOM say over the phone.
"Euagh!" I gag.
"Oh! Shit!" Dad says as he turns to me. "Um, honey, uh. Kitsu's right here."
"…"
*Click*
Dad just stares at me. I stare at him. His face gaining a small blush.
"I'm going home now." I say and walk away.
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-Meanwhile, Forest outskirts-
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Crystal "Laserdream" Pelham POV
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"So, I was wondering if you were interested in eating at a restaurant." I say as we sit in a tree.
I'm in a cute yellow crop top. Showing off my bust and slim stomach. And a yellow skirt. My good sandals, the laced ones, painted nails. I got my hair feathered and wavy. My eye shadow and liner perfect.
"I couldn't ask you to do that." He says. "You've spent enough on me. And honestly it's starting to feel like I'm taking advantage of you." He says as he looks away from me.
And he still hasn't taken any hints!
'Mother, fuck!' I rage at my growing frustration. 'If anything! I'm trying to take advantage of you!'
I'm at my wits end. I've spent time with him, helped him, technically went on three separate dates. And he still doesn't get it. Hell this is the second time we've been alone out here. And he hasn't even hinted at anything!
Can't even relieve my own frustration seeing as Pinky's been sleeping in my room. No real time for alone time when you can't find time to be alone!
"Fire, are you gay?" I ask, fed up.
"Uh, no?" He says as he looks back to me.
I'm done. I'm, fucking, done.
"Do you think you'd survive a fall from this height?" I ask, looking down the thirty or so feet.
"Yeah, easily." He says tentatively. "Why?"
"No reason." I say. "Do you like me?"
I look to him, with a questioning glare.
"Yeah!" He says. "I like you a lot. You've been nothing but nice, kind, accommodating. Doesn't hurt that you're easy on the eyes."
I'm getting laid today! If not, I just might kill someone.
"If you had a chance with me, would you take it?" I ask.
"Uh, is there a-" He starts with an uncomfortable look.
"Answer the question Firebreather." I cut him off.
"Yes?"
I feel something in me snap. I don't know what. But it snapped.
"Follow me." I say and fly down.
Zipping past trees as he wordlessly follows. I'm not worried about losing him. In the time we've spent together I've found him to be a much better flier than me. Not on Purities level. But damn close. In pure speed they might be even, once he gets amped up to that point.
He's far more agile as well. So long as he's under forty miles per hour. He can make mind boggling turns. Twisting and maneuvering in ways that leave me nauseous just thinking about, let alone seeing.
According to him, most of his time in Nevada was spent just practicing aerial stunts. Not much else to do in the desert when the PRT of the area are after you.
Before long I slow down and as I come up upon his makeshift dwelling. A decent sized sturdy lean to made from logs, sticks, and a tarp. In it are a sleeping bag, a radio with a wind up battery crank, a suitcase he keeps his new clothes in. And a few bags of charcoal. As well as a bag of coal I got him the day after the movie.
I sit down on one end of his makeshift mattress sleeping bag and pat the spot next to me. Bringing my knees up to my chest as I hold my legs.
He slowly walks over and cautiously sits down.
"Everything okay?" He asks.
"You, are an idiot." I say, still looking ahead.
"I'm sorry?" He asks in a mix of confusion and offense.
"You should be." I say. "For almost half a month straight I've been trying to get you to ask me out."
"Wait, seriously?" He asks in disbelief.
"Yes!" I say and turn to him. "I've dropped so many hints I might as well have dropped an anvil on you! At this point I don't even think that would crack through your skull with how dense it is!" I say, having lost all my cool.
"Oh, well. I just, didn't think of it. I guess." He says awkwardly as he scratches the back of his head.
"Didn't think of it?" I say softly, not believing what I just heard.
"Yeah?"
"So, at no point. Did you ever think that maybe just maybe. The girl that's been actively trying to spend every moment she can with you. Might be because she likes you." I ask.
"I mean, it crossed my mind a few times." He says as his orange face gains a deeper hue. "Just, always came off as hopeful or wishful thinking. Didn't really think anyone would be attracted to me of all people. Considering well."
I stare at him for a few long moments. He doesn't meet my eye. And I push him over before using my flight to maneuver around and straddle his waist.
"Whoa, Crystal!" He exclaims with wide eyes.
"Fire, I am attracted to you." I say as I put my hands on his chest. "Emotionally, romantically, physically. I want you, as my boyfriend."
"Um, this feels like an aggressive way to go about this, but okay." He says wide eyed.
"Good." I say simply and lean back. "We're official then."
I grab the hem of my top and slip it off. Revealing the lacy white push up bra I have on underneath.
"Whoa, uh. This is a little fast." He says, staring at my chest.
"Not for me." I say with a smirk and shake my chest a bit.
I feel a lump form under me. Right against my sweet spot.
"And it seems you don't mind all too much~" I tease with a knowing grin and start feeling up his chest.
"Don't you want to go on a date or something first?" He asks, trying to back up a bit.
"Fire. From my perspective. We've been on four." I say as I lean up on my knees to grab his face to stare into his eyes.
"Well, don't you want to, I'unno. Couples things? Date things?" He asks nervously.
"We will, later." I say and sit back down.
Holy shit!
'Perfect.' I think as I bite my lip and go to unzip my skirt. 'No wonder he won't wear skinny jeans.'
"I just don't think our relationship should start out like this." He says worriedly
"Hmm?" I ask as I stop my actions.
"I just, I don't want us to be about sex. I just feel it sets a bad start for our relationship to be physical." He says as he relaxes. "I just, want to do things right. Treat you right, you shouldn't have to throw yourself at me to get me to date you. I'm just not ready for, this."
"I, you." I can't even say anything to that, I'm getting too choked up. There's not really anything I can say to that. "Alright."
I zip my skirt back up and grab my top. I get off him as I spare a glance to his very noticeable bulge before he sits up to hide it slightly.
I slip my top back on and smile back to him.
"So." I say awkwardly. "Pick me up tomorrow at five?" I say, the awkwardness and his sincerity calming me from my earlier, pushiness.
"Um, sure." He says with a blush.
"And Fire?"
"Yeah?" He asks.
"Whenever you are ready." I say and turn to face him. "You better be damn sure you're ready. Because I'm going to fuck you into a coma the moment I get the chance."
I plant a kiss on his lips before he can respond.
"For being such a sweet guy." I say and take off.
I'm never taking dating advice from Vicky again. Then again, the fact she breaks up with Dean more often than she gets a haircut should have clued me in to that.
Kitsu seems to have a healthy relationship, and she's proudly Bi so she at least knows what it's like to be attracted to a guy. Unlike Sabah. Maybe I should ask her for advice?
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-6pm, Dallon House-
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Kitsu POV
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"Kitsu!" I hear Mom call.
"Yeah?!" I shout from my room.
"Come here!"
"Why?!"
"Because I said!" She answers. "I'm not shouting across the house just to talk to you!"
"You know I can hear you when you aren't yelling right?!"
"Just get over here." She says tiredly.
Deciding not to push my luck. I rush over to her in the kitchen. With Vicky and Dad there.
"Whatcha need?" I ask.
"This Sunday we're acting as security for the Stark concert fundraiser. You'll be there." She says.
"Why? And what's it about?" I ask. "I've said it before, but if I don't agree with the subject, I refuse to endorse it."
I turn to the side and cross my arms for emphasis.
"It's to raise money for refugees escaping the Yangban." She says. "And because Stark industries is the leading supplier of equipment for the PRT and police."
'That's actually a good cause.' I think to myself.
Kenta is a survivor of the Yangban. Not something he likes to talk about. Or have talked about to him. But he's certain the Yangban let his mother die from kidney failure as a means to get to him. They couldn't approach him directly, not without risking his wrath. So they targeted the things around him in an attempt to break him down. Hoping they could build him back up in their image.
Take everything wrong with communism, give it superpowers. And that's the Yangban in a nutshell.
"Is Tony Stark the CEO?" I ask.
"Yes." Vicky answers.
She's not wearing make-up. Probably because I swapped all the labels when she wasn't here. Not obviously. I didn't mix Ruby red lipstick to Royal blue.Just enough for her to question what's wrong and maybe force her to rebuy everything.
I'm getting distracted.
"Alright. Can I invite Missy?" I ask the important question.
"No, New Wave only." Mom says in a tone that leaves no room for argument. "Mr. Stark has turned down all PRT presence for a reason. And it'll be revealed at the event."
"Alright." I say. "Real quick, what's the status on the ferry?"
"Purchased." Mom says. "I'm in the process of getting the permits to operate it as a business. And you'll be there for it this Saturday."
"More paperwork?!" I whine. "Why?!"
"Because once you turn eighteen it's yours. And you'll need to know how to do the paperwork." She says.
"Why me?!" I whine as I fall to my knees and then lay face down on the floor.
"Kitsu, knock it off." Mom says.
"Never!"
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-Thursday, May 6th, 4pm, The Rig, Wards Common Room-
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Missy "Vista" Biron POV
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"Hmm, hm, hmm." I hum happily, head in my hands, elbows on the counter as I kick my feet.
"What's got you in such a good mood?" Sophia asks.
'How do you manage to make something as normal as asking "How are you?" sound so offensive?' I wonder in my head.
"I'm alright." I say, not letting her ruin my mood.
"Don't tell me you're still riding the high of your first kiss?" She asks. "Fuck, you are! Oh god that's fucking hilarious!"
She leans back against the counter as she laughs.
"Nope!" I say. "You're not ruining my mood! My girlfriend is coming to spend time with me as we patrol today and you can't ruin that!" I say smugly.
"Oh? So I get to meet the other carpet muncher around here." She says with a roll of her eyes.
'Carpet muncher?' I wonder in confusion.
"PFFFTT!" Vergil coughs as he does a spit take from the couch. "SOPHIA! YOU CAN'T SAY THAT!"
"And why the fuck not? Freedom of speech bitch." She says as she flips him off.
"She's twelve! And that's extremely uncool!" He says.
"I see what you meant now." Chris says as he hangs off the back of the couch.
*Kshht*
The door opens to reveal Carlos as he steps through and takes off his helmet.
"Hey guys! What's up?" He says as he makes his way over to the fridge.
"What's carpet muncher mean?" I ask.
*Pop*
He squeezes the can of soda in his hand so hard it pops and bursts open as Sophia just laughs.
"Who uh, wah, why, context?!" He scrambles out verbally.
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Kitsu POV
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I walk with a bit of a skip in my step as I head to the lounge to meet up with Missy so we can start our patrol together.
I'm in a good mood because the first part of Rachel's trial went rather well. Matt was able to call in enough question to her diagnosis that it required a psych eval for her. And the fact that she was busted out and willingly returned to containment, even fighting the people busting her, only helped her more in the eyes of the court.
"Someone's happy." Battery says.
"You're one to talk." I say, looking up to my escort. "You've been nothing but sunshine and rainbows the last few times I've seen you."
"Life's been good." She says with a smile.
"That's rich coming from a baby." I hear further down the hall.
"What's that?" I question.
"What's what?" Battery asks.
"I'm like, four years younger than you, if that!" I hear Missy.
"Oh, right." I say. "Sounds like a fight."
"Okay, if we can all just calm down." Carlos says.
"Wrong move." I hear Vergil wince.
"I'm running ahead." I say and take off.
"Kitsu wait you need, she's gone."
"Don't tell me to calm down!" Both Missy and, I think Sophia say.
I'm now in front of the door to the lounge. Breaking it will only get me in trouble. And likely get my visiting privileges revoked. And Battery is three halls down.
Idea!
"What is going on in here?" I have Armsmaster's voice say and knock on the door.
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"We know that's not Armsmaster." Carlos says. "He never knocks."
Figures being polite is what gives it away.
"Open the door!" I say.
"Shit!" Carlos curses as I hear him jog over and type something into the keypad.
The door slides open and I'm greeted to the site of Carlos stepping aside, revealing Sophia, casually inspecting her nails as Missy fumes at her.
"Why are you like this?!" Missy asks.
"Fuck you, that's why." She says without looking up.
I walk over to come up behind Missy and jump up to land softly on the counter.
"Fifty bucks says a fight breaks out." Chris says.
"Deal, fifty says one doesn't." Vergil responds.
'Don't worry.' I think to myself. 'I won't be the one to start anything.'
I tap Missy on the shoulder. Causing her to swing around with a frown. Before losing that expression in favor of surprise and a small blush.
"Kitsu!" She says.
"What?!" Sophia says as she snaps her head to me, wide eyed.
"What's got my Missy so angy?" I ask, cupping her cheeks in my hands.
"I-it's, nothing." She stutters as her blush intensifies.
"Hold the fuck up? Did you say my Missy." Sophia asks with a mix of concern and disbelief.
"Well it's gotta be something." I say letting go of her blushing face. "I heard you guys from several halls down."
"Shm mbaym." Missy grumbles.
"Hey! Cat bitch! I was talking to you!" Sophia continues.
I decide to ignore her. I've had enough confrontations to know when someone is about to fight you, and when someone is trying to get you to fight them.
There is a difference. One is attacking you, the other is just trying to start something. Sophia falls into the latter.
"What was that?" I ask and make an ear cupping motion on the side of my head.
Kind of awkward when my ears on top of my head.
"She called me a baby." Missy says in a barely audible mumble.
"So I just don't get acknowledged? Is that it? Okay!" Sophia continues indignantly in the background.
"Fifty bucks." Vergil says smugly.
That and, ignoring someone who's trying to start shit is the easiest way to piss them off. While still coming off as the mature one. So hah!
"It ain't over!" Chris counters
*Kshht*
"Okay, what's going on?!" Battery asks as she enters.
"I don't even know anymore." Carlos says tiredly as he walks to the couch.
"She's kinda right." I tell Missy with a shrug. "You are a baby."
"What?" She says with a pained look.
"Oh shit, this just got good." Sophia says as she gains a malicious smirk.
"Kitsu!" Battery says in shock.
I ignore them all. Focusing instead on Missy.
"Why would you say that?" She says in a questioning and hurt tone.
"Because it's true." I say firmly and grab her face, she tries to pull away but I just hold her there. "You are a baby. Because you're my baby."
I finish with a chaste kiss that lasts about a second before pulling back and letting go of her. Her face, a wide eyed look of surprise as she registers what just happened.
There's a bit of a silence after that. The only sound being Carlos plopping onto the couch as he takes the remote and changes the channel.
"Oh fuck you're for real." Sophia says in a whisper. Her eyes going wide.
"Oh my god!" Battery squeals behind me at the door. "I, I just can't!"
"You, I, w." Missy stutters as her face rapidly goes beet red. "You jerk!" She says as she clenches her eyes and starts play slapping my legs and thighs
"Hahahaha!" I laugh and hop down to hug her. "I'm sorry! But you just looked so cute! All pouty and angy like that!"
"You!" She starts.
"Me!" I say and hop up into her lap sideways. "Come on. You can't be mad at me. I'm cute!"
I plant another kiss on her cheek. Causing her to hide her face under her hands as she squeals into them. Kicking her feet against the counter, causing me to bounce slightly in her lap.
I hug her and nuzzle our cheeks together. Giggling at her reaction and embarrassment.
"I'm out." Sophia says before hopping off her stool and leaving towards the door.
"Fifty, bucks." Vergil reinforces smugly.
"Don't rub it in."
"As team leader, I feel I should enforce the fact that you're not allowed to gamble." Carlos says as he puts Animal Planet on.
"Are you gonna stop us?" Chris asks.
"Said I should, never said I would."
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-5pm, Boardwalk-
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We're strolling down the Boardwalk for our patrol.
When I patrol, it's usually at the docks or the more shady sections of the commercial districts. You know, where the crime is! Almost nothing ever happens on the Boardwalk! For one, it's a wealthier area that attracts tourists. Two, it's where the Wards patrol every day! Why would anyone start shit here?
The only exception to their patrol routes was when they were trying to capture Shadow Stalker. And that's because she was deemed low threat high priority.
"Who wants to get some McDonalds?" Chris asks.
"Sure." Missy says.
"Got nothing better." Vergil adds.
"No thanks." I say with a look of disgust. "Even with my sense of smell, I can't tell what's in those things."
"They can't be that bad." Chris says.
"Google forever burger." I tell him.
He shrugs and holds out his hand, which causes a compartment in his wrist to open and flip out a phone that he holds and types into.
"That's so cool!" I say as I watch it in action.
"Thanks!" He says as he types. "Okay, did not know that. Still gonna eat it." He says after a bit of reading.
"Why?!" I say. "I physically cannot die or become unfit. And I refuse to put those in my body."
"Cheap, taste good." He says with a shrug.
"Pretty much." Vergil confirms.
"I just get their salads." Missy says.
I snap my head to her and grab her face to look her in the eyes.
"Who hurt you?" I ask.
"What?" She asks through squished lips as a blush develops.
"Nobody, who is a happy person, goes to McDonalds for their salads unless they're punishing themselves."
"Well, I'm just trying to watch my weight." She defends.
"The best way to do that is to eat homemade meals cooked from scratch!" I say, before remembering her home life. "If you want healthy meals. Just ask me. I have no issue taking care of my baby."
I finish the declaration with a kiss. Letting go of her as she blushes and stomps her foot. Hiding her face behind her hands.
"Stop it!" She whines. "Stop being perfect! You're killing me!"
"Never." I say simply.
"Is this what being a third wheel feels like?" Vergil asks Chris as people start taking pictures.
"You get used to it." Chris says tiredly.
*Riiiiinngg*
"Whazzat?" I ask, flicking my ear to the noise.
"What's what?" Chris asks.
"That ringing sound." I say.
*Beep* *Beep*
Chris's phone lights up. And he looks to it before putting it away and flipping out his pulse pistols, which really look like red and yellow plasma rifles from halo, and mechashifts them to his hover board.
"We gotta call in. Electronics store, robbery on fourth street two blocks down." He says as he heads off.
Vergil runs after, taking the triangular metal sheet from his belt, normally hidden under his trench coat, and flips it out. Hopping on the saucer mid extension and takes off without losing momentum as it lights up with electricity.
"Idiots." Missy says under her breath, having recovered from her earlier embarrassment.
She turns and steps from the sidewalk to a roof and walks forward. With me following after. After walking across three roofs in two steps we're over the street, watching the robbery as five guys in ski masks, carrying duffle bags into a van.
"No capes?" I ask. "A daylight robbery on the Boardwalk, and no superpowered help?"
"Most criminals, tend to be idiots." Missy says.
I watch as the van folds at the middle. Raising the front and back wheels up, causing the middle to bend down. Missy's power at work. Making the car undriveable and cutting off the robbers means of escape.
"I kinda just wanna see what happens next." I say as I sit down on the ledge of the roof.
"We still need to arrest them."
"How?" I ask as Chris and Vergil finally make it here.
"The cops will be here soon." Missy answers. "It's just a matter of restraining them till they do. Keep them from leaving the area."
"Oh." I say.
A lot of this hero stuff is still new to me. Normally, I'd just knock'em all out and make a call to the cops. Well, normally I wouldn't care about these guys.
Vergil throws out some corded wire that wraps around two of them. Magnetically locking itself around them while Chris flies over and part of the hoverboard extends out to clothesline two of them at the chest. Knocking the wind out of them while barreling them over.
And one just farted while getting knocked over.
"Should we help?" I ask. "Like, this seems anti climatic."
"They've got this." Missy says as she takes a seat beside me.
The fifth guy pulls out a gun and aims it at Vergil. Firing several times.
The bullets hit him in the chest. And I hear the sounds of electricity crackling.
"Man, now I gotta get a new shirt and coat!" Vergil complains.
It likely does hurt. But I imagine he's used to being hurt. Being a cape does that. I'd list the amount of painful things I've been put through, but considering I can't be injured and I actively roam the more dangerous areas. It's not a fair comparison in levels of developed pain tolerance.
*TapTapTapTapTap*
"Huh?"
"What?" Missy asks me.
Before I can answer her. A blue blur passes the remaining robber. His gun disappearing from his hands.
"The fuck?" The robber calls out in surprise.
"What?" Missy asks again. Though now it's directed elsewhere.
I enhance my perception and look towards the sounds of the light and rapid taps. Coming round the corner I see it. Blue and black scales giving a metallic sheen, with a flat blue face on a pointed black head. Thin, digitigrade legs, lean with corded muscle. A thick, whip like tail, scaled and patterned like a coral snake in blue and black. Raptor like hands with three clawed fingers and clawed bare feet. Wearing a baggy white t-shirt and baggy green cargo shorts.
He's moving fast enough that even with my enhanced perception, he still looks to be going at a joggers pace down the street as he bounces and sidesteps to avoid people.
I cut off the enhancement as I stand up.
"Ben!" I call out, waving my hand.
The blue streak skids to a stop just in front of the robber.
"What the fuck?!" The robber calls out in surprise as Ben looks around for me.
"Language!" He says in a fast, light, almost synthetic voice and slaps the guy across the face. "There are kids here!"
"Over here!" I call out again.
"You know, him?" Missy asks.
Vergil and Chris are now looking between Ben, and me in confusion.
"Yeah, I saved him a while back and he decided to become a hero after he triggered."
"Kitsu! Fancy meeting you here!" He waves with a thin lipped smile. Putting one hand on his hip as the other waves at me.
It looks rather awkward, considering his body doesn't really look like it's meant to stand up straight.
"Does she just know every Case 53 around?" Chris asks.
"Don't say that man, it can come off racist." Vergil says as Chris zip ties the other robbers.
With actual zip ties.
"Come on!" I say and grab Missy's hand. "I'll introduce you!"
"Wha-WAIT!"
I jump off the roof with Missy in tow. Creating an iridescent saucer to hold us as I carry us down on it to them. At the same time, the final robber decided to run away from Ben. Only for Ben to grab said robber's ankle with his tail and flip him. Forcing him to do a clumsy flip in the air. Something between a cartwheel and a somersault, landing in a scorpion pose before falling on his back, groaning in either nausea, or pain.
Probably both.
"Kitsu!" He says excitedly. "Been a while!"
I notice that unlike his cartoon counterpart, his Omnitrix symbol is on his wrist with the Omnitrix watch being attached. Rather than the dial being on his chest.
"It has! I haven't seen you since the signing!" I say excitedly. "What've you been up to?"
"Trying to get my parents to let me join New Wave." He says in a fast voice as he slumps. "They finally agreed on two conditions! One, my grades can never drop below a B plus. And two, I have to finish the safety lock feature."
"Did you?" I ask.
"I did actually! Just yesterday in fact!" He says excitedly.
"Ahem." Missy fake coughs.
"Oh!" I say as I perk up. "This is my girlfriend! Vista!"
I grab her arm and pull her next to me. Squishing us together as she hugs me protectively.
"Nice to meet ya!" He says and extends a hand.
*Beep* his watch flashes.
"Shouldn't you get that?" Missy asks.
"Nah!" He says with an unconcerned wave. "That's just the timer letting me know I'm about to switch back."
*Beep*
"Switch back?" Missy asks.
"He's something of an artificial breaker." I say.
"Artificial?"
*Beep* *Beep* *Beep* *Beeeeeep*
I close my eyes in preparation. A flash of light pressing against my eyelids as I hear his bones, skin, muscles, and everything shift, pop, squelch, and whatever else.
"Eugh!" I gag. Very nauseous at the sounds I just had to endure.
"Why does it do that?" He says questioningly to the watch as he pulls his cargo pants up. Them having been pushed down due to the tail he had.
I'm mildly annoyed that he's taller than me. By like, a good three inches.
I'm shorter than a ten year old boy. Life is so unfair.
"Uuuuh." Missy draws out.
"I'm sorry, what?" Vergil asks.
*WeeWoo*
And now the cops are almost here. Finally. No wonder so many robberies and thefts end up being police chases. If we weren't here, the robbers would've been long gone down the road by now.
"Cops are almost here." I say. "Also, how come you aren't with New Wave yet? If you got the safety feature programed then why haven't you been by the house?"
"Uh, about that." He chuckles, rubbing the back of his head. "I, may have not yet told my parents?"
I stare at him unimpressed.
"Ben, go home before you get grounded and can't join."
Tis a dark day when I'm the voice of reason.
"Yeah, that's uh, proba-"
"BENJAMIN KIRBY TENNYSON!" I hear a man yell.
"Kirby?" Chris chuckles.
"Crap!" Ben exclaims as he slowly turns around.
Looking past him I spot a portly, elderly man in a red hawaii shirt and kakis.
"Grampa! Funny, meeting, you here!" Ben says awkwardly.
"Funny?" He says as he crosses his arms. "Sure, let's go with that. In fact, you can tell your mother and father what's so funny when we get home."
"I'm grounded aren't I?" He asks.
"Not my call." He says with a shrug and shake of his head. "Maybe your joke will help lighten their mood when we get there, you can work on your punch line in the van."
"Aw man!"
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-Sunday May 9th, 7pm, Boardwalk Public Entertainment Center-
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Kitsu POV
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This place is actually rather packed. Though considering Tony Stark will be showing up himself, I understand why.
I'm a good ninety percent sure he's a cape. He was kidnapped in the middle east and made his way back to civilization. Almost perfectly mirroring the movie. The only difference is the group that kidnapped him wasn't a terrorist cell. It was a private military company.
The line-up of singers is decent. Though none are any that would be known. Considering I don't have recollection of them. Except Nirvana. Kurt Cobain didn't kill himself in this timeline. And he never married Courtney Love, a quick google search shows she never existed, at least not in the public eye. Whether or not those two facts are related is up in the air.
I'm off to the side of the stage. Standing here with Eric as he's recording himself with some of the singers.
"Aren't you famous?" I ask him. "Why are you so gung-ho about getting pictures?"
"Are you kidding?" He asks. "Big music artists never come to Brockton Bay. This is likely the only time I'll meet some of these people."
I just stare up at him with a blank look.
"Nerd."
"Yeah well this is a nerd who has over ten thousand subscribers!" He boasts proudly.
"An how well does that pay?" I ask. "Not including sponsorships."
"Decent enough actually." He says.
'How?' I think to myself before realizing that it's still 2010. Content sites have yet to get authoritarian with their creators.
"Oh, well. Good for you." I say as I turn my attention back to the stage.
Nothing really happens. I'm so bored that I'm currently in the rafters above the stage. Situated between two spotlights as I listen to the band directly below me.
At about ten o'clock, the man of the hour himself steps on stage. Tony Stark himself. He looks exactly like he did in the movies.
As the crowd quiets down and Tony takes the mic from its stand.
"This thing working? The bands didn't overuse them did they?" He says. "Okay good, thank god this isn't a screamo concert."
A bit cheesy, but it got a few laughs from the crowd.
"That's it? Wow, good thing I never went into comedy." He continues as he walks across the stage. "But enough of my failed stand-up career. Before we continue this whole event, I'd like to make a few announcements! One, I'd like to thank New Wave for assisting in security. I've met with all of them backstage before coming up except one. Seems a little fox has disappeared and Brandish wants Kitsu to know that if she doesn't answer her phone she's grounded."
'Shit!' I think as I check my phone.
(8 missed calls, 7 new messages)
I set my phone to silent instead of vibrate!
As the crowd gives a more wholesome laugh at that I call Mom.
…
*Click*
"Where the hell are you?" Mom says with barely restrained anger.
"Uh, in the railings above the stage?" I say apologetically.
"Why haven't you been answering your phone?"
"I set it to silent instead of vibrate by accident." I answer.
"Get back here now."
*Click*
I hop down and activate my zero knockback mid fall to brace myself as I land next to Tony. The crowd going silent at my appearance.
He stares down at me in surprise and I stare up at him.
"Well, we found her." Tony says.
I reach up to him with a hand and motion for him to give me the mic.
"Get your own." He says.
I just walk off stage as the spotlight trails me leaving.
"Well, mission accomplished!" Tony says. "Where was I? Oh right, many of you may be asking why I would ask all of you to donate money, when I'm practically made of the stuff."
I can't resist. So from the side stage, hidden from view. I make a big 3d dollar sign appear above his head.
The crowd busts out laughing at that.
"Okay, getting somewhere." He says as I make the illusion disappear. "Well, to address that, for every dollar donated here at this fundraiser, I will personally match, and double." He says in a matter of fact tone.
The crowd goes nuts at that. Though anyone who stops to think about it can see it's a publicity stunt and nothing else. A multibillionaire like him? This fundraiser will probably raise a couple hundred thousand at best. That amount of money is nothing but a tax deduction for him.
"Kitsu!" I hear Mom yell behind me.
I jump in surprise. All the noises going on around me causing me to notice her approach.
I swing around to meet her. Dressed in her white and yellow Brandish uniform. Padded at the shoulders, head, thighs, and abdomen. The lining of said padding being outlined in yellow. With stylized yellow blades making an X on her chest and yellow protective goggles that cover her eyes.
"Yes?" I ask gently.
"For the rest of the night you're to stay by my side. Got it?" She says crossing her arms.
"Yes." I concede.
"Good, now. Watch the stage." She says and I turn to do so.
"Now that all the pleasantries are done with. I have a more, personal, announcement." Tony continues. "As many of you might be aware, New Wave has been making a comeback! For those who didn't know, now you do."
"Where's he going with this?" I ask.
"Just watch." Mom says.
"What might that have to do with all of this? Well, it's simple." He says as he comes to a stop at center stage. "I'm here, to announce my full support of the New Wave Movement, and to make my debut as their latest recruit!"
Sparklers and pyrotechnics start going off on the stage as the Iron Man suit rises onto the stage from the compartments underneath. Normally used for magic acts and plays. With Tony walking backwards grandiosely as the suit opens up to collapse around him. The eyes and chest piece lighting up.
The crowd going completely silent in awe.
"What am I supposed to be waiting for?" I ask Mom.
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-Downtown Brockton Bay, Residential Area-
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Director Emily Pigot POV
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*Ring*
I let it ring. It's my damn day off. I'm not dealing with anyone.
I continue folding my laundry as it eventually goes to voicemail and I enjoy the silence once more.
*Ring*
Nope. Not picking it up. Unless I hear the damn Endbringer sirens, I'm off the clock. I get a single day a month as a salaried director to say no. I'm not wasting it.
*Ring*
"What?!" I ask, picking up the phone.
"Director, you're going to want to hear this." I hear Collin's voice say.
"I'd better." I say.
"CEO Anthony Stark is a cape and just joined New Wave." He says bluntly.
I didn't want to hear that. And I hang up before I can say something that'll bite me later.
It's times like this I wish I wasn't on dialysis. So I could just drink myself unconscious.
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Bonus
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Every PRT Director and their prioritizations.
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Emily Pigot, North Northeast
A middle aged woman with a general distrust of capes. Despite her attitude towards capes in general, she takes her job very seriously.
She prioritizes public relations. Breaking down any tension and distrust that might form between the general populace and parahumans. Ironically enough.
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Kamil Armstrong, Eastern seaboard
A man of few words. Kamil is kindhearted yet capable of making the tough calls his job requires.
Kamil believes the best way to benefit the public through capes is to learn as much about them and their abilities. Eliminating the mystery that surrounds them.
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Charles Xavier, Southwest
An elderly man of great experience and greater intellect.
He believes there is good in everyone and is overly optimistic as a result. As such, over the years he has made many questionable decisions and taken dubious actions in this belief.
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Alan Smith, West Midwest
A hard knock man with a flexible mindset. Smith is militant and calculating. With a tendency for micromanaging.
Smith has little care for the bigger picture. Instead focusing on the details. So long as a cape is on the right side of the law. Then they're on the right track. His attitude and approach has put him at odds with the other directors, however, his area of authority is the only one nearly devoid of cape crime as a result of his methods.
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Thaddeus Ross, South Midwest
A retired general of the army. Thaddeus has a hardcore, strict, by the books approach.
His main priority is keeping the piece and enforcing the law. A black and white view that leaves the public to view him in a negative light. Not that he cares. His loyalty is to the countries safety, nothing else.
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Edna Mode- North, Northwest.
An eccentric woman with years of experience in dealing with capes and the public.
Her priority is contrary to that of Emily Pigot, but not wholly unaligned. She seeks to see heroes shine on a pedestal. By making them celebrities, it makes the people adore them. While also putting pressure on the capes themselves. If the public eye is on them all the time, then they can't afford to take any questionable actions.
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Rafael Salazar, South Southeast
The youngest director to date. Got his position through sheer hard work and a sharp mind.
Prioritizes information gathering. Though unlike Director Armstrong, Director Salazar seeks to know about cape happenings. Subterfuge, backroom dealings, alliances and the like. By knowing all he can about everything, he make the calls needed. He seeks to never make an uniformed decision.
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Bonus 2
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First line of Kitsu's official New Wave merchandise.
All approved and signed off for by Kitsu.
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-Three different backpacks-
A pink Backpack with her smiling and striking a pose on the back. $23.59
Five different poses.
A pink backpack with the Pearl Clan Symbol on it. $20.99
A golden blonde backpack with a felt fox tail coming out the bottom and felt fox ears at the top. $25.99
-A pink blanket with her striking a pose etched into it $49.99
-A fox ear headband $5.59
-Replica of Kitsu's hero outfit. Complete with fox ear head band and fox tail belt. Price varying. Smallest size for small child $65.99
-Various t-shirts with either her image or the Pearl Clan Symbol $15.99
-Girls underwear and training bras with her image or the Pearl Clan Symbol 12.49 per pack of 8
-Poster of her with the captions "Be Yourself!" Price varying depending on size.
Note: Kitsu refuses sponsorship deals unless it is a product she actually uses and enjoys.
Sponsorship deals offered: 8
Sponsorship deals accepted: 0
Sponsorships banned and threatened with lawsuit for proposing inappropriate material: 1
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A/N
Poor Crystal. All that and she gets cockblocked by sentimentality.
She's going to break him.
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Ben is back! Kinda. Being a ten year old comes with some major restrictions to independence.
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One of the major reasons crime has plummeted lately is actually something that'll never be directly stated.
Amy.
Her not being at the hospital 24/7 has been noticed by all major groups. And no one knows why.
A shoot out seems a bit more scary when the medical equivalent of a get out of jail free card is suddenly not there. No one knows why she isn't there all the time anymore. And only the heroes have her on call. The villains don't.
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I intended for more to happen in this chapter. But the scenes I planned would've added like, 5k+ words and made this chapter too long for my liking.
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QUESTIONS!
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FOR NEWB!
Grimnosh: Have you ever considered posting this on other sites?
NEWB: If I crosspost anywhere it'll most likely be on QuestionableQuesting or AO3. As for lewds. If I do any for this fic, it'd most likely be Crystal and Firebreather. Or other couples older than fifteen.
If I do them.
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FOR [Conduit]!
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FOR KITSU!
And Missy?
T4ndoris: What's the fluffiest moment you can imagine with your girlfriend?
Missy: What do you mean by fluffiest?
Kitsu: I don't imagine, I do.
Casanova5424: Ever thought of doing special effects with your illusions? Like mosaics or kanji?
Kitsu: I prefer to do bubble letters, I just haven't been in a lot of fights where I can let myself get distracted lately.
Casanova5424: if you could hit another character with a plagiarized move of your choice who and what would it be for maximum Lol's?
Kitsu: Omaewa mo, shinderu.
Hookwolf: What the fu- *Splat*
Grimnosh: Have you ever tried Chicken BBQ pizza?
Kitsu: I have not, just because I'm foxlike doesn't mean I'm all fox.
Grimnosh: have you ever had to fight off a quartet of green shelled ninjas from your pizza when you were in New York?
Kitsu: I've never been to New York City. But I have had to fight a homeless man for my pizza!
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As always, leave a comment and tell me what you think! It helps me write and gives me ideas and motivation moving forward. I especially love it when you guys speculate or make guesses as I do use them and they give me ideas.