A/N Turning the tables

Alt title: Descent

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Mangouschase: Kitsu is crashing from this. She's not taking care of herself, she hasn't shut off her fur follicles in days. Hence the blonde Kitsune stripes on her cheeks and arms. She's wearing a ripped trench coat as a top, using a belt to make it fit her.

Yeah, she ain't doing well.

YeTianshi: I have an ending in mind, and I can confidently say no one (outside of the discord) knows what it is.

Grimnosh: 100% agree every pet is unique and precious (arguably more than some people.) But I'm speaking on Kitsu's behalf. She made Kratos, so there's some level of disconnect between him, and how she feels about the others.

GideonBlackthorn: I sort of added that Jack goes creepy scene as an afterthought. Mostly as a way to tie up the loose end of what happens to Missy. But, as I thought about it. I thought, why wouldn't he fuck around before he left her? It is 100% who he is as a person to try and pull at people's strings in any way he can.

RadChaos897: The difference between Kitsu's invulnerability and The Siberian's, is that Kitsu's is an all of nothing power. While The Siberian's has been explicitly stated to not be.

As for Madison and Emma and Taylor? You have way too much faith in the kind of people they are. Emma is still self righteous and survivor's guilt is a thing.

I didn't have enough time to focus on the effects of Scarecrow's meddling, but next chapter I will. As well as have a bit of a reunion for the characters.

Kitsu has been having 2 things on her mind, family and murder. So when thinking of how to torment Lisa, she went with irony and made an asexual, hypersexual for a brief moment. Was it wrong? Absolutely! But it was meant to display the kind of headspace Kitsu is in right now.

She craycray!

Armsmaster wasn't drugging Missy with the excuse of M/S protocols. It was the other way around. Missy was heavily compromised, and the birdcage breakout just happened. In there were numerous strangers, changers and masters.

Armsmaster was the only one willing to go through with it.

Just know that the first section of this chapter goes out to you! I credit those I get ideas from.

…

I actually know that one. The Yule Lads.

This chapter had less comments than usual. I'll chalk that up to the season.

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-Date, Time-

'Thoughts'

"Speech"

(Text)

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-Dallon House, Tuesday, Sep 28th, 6pm-

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Carol "Brandish" Dallon POV

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Placed in my kitchen. I stare across the table at the man who I've come to associate my hatred and trauma with. Embodying nearly everything I've come to hate about criminals and puppet masters. Staring at me as he rests his hands on the table to glower as he gives a Kubrick stare.

"Now tell me." He says, his smile fading into a frown. "Where's my daughter?"

'How the hell did he get out of the Birdcage?' I can't help but wonder in a slight panic as I think of what to do.

I need to delay. Either this is some sort of hallucination, or he really did escape the Birdcage. And the fact that there's a missing prisoner is a massive concern of international security.

"Your daughter?" I scoff as I take a gulp of my wine before setting it down on the counter behind me. "Funny, she doesn't even know you exist. And you call her your daughter."

I give a sad, sardonic laugh at his expense. Noting the irony for my statement as I glare at the tall, pale and frizzy haired man.

Amy really does take after him in looks. Though, seeing him now. I realize that she has her own features. That she no longer resembles him as much as I thought.

'She's her own person. She's nothing like him.' The thought crashes through my head and nearly brings a tear to my eye. The fact that my daughters are all helpless and alone being brought to the forefront of my thoughts. 'Not now, you have to stay in control.'

"Hmm." He sighs through his nose. Taking a breath and seemingly calming himself. "Just tell me Carol, I'd like to meet her. I promise, nothing more."

'I need to get reactions out of him.' I think to myself as I try to focus on the problem in front of me. 'Figure out if he really is who he appears to be.'

"I'd tell you if I knew." I say as I cross my arms. "What are you doing here John? You weren't supposed to be out for another ten years."

He cocks a brow as he pushes up off of the table. Angling his head to look slightly down at me. A display of arrogance that pisses me off to no end.

"Well that's certainly news to me." He says as he takes the wine glass and brings it up for a sip. "Last I recall, my stay was meant to be… indefinite."

'There goes for hoping he'd make an easy slip up.' I think bitterly.

This can't be the Marquis. He's locked up in the Birdcage, and the PRT would not chance an escapee on the loose. If he broke out, I'd be one of the first to know.

"So how'd you get out?" I ask the smarmy prick as he helps himself to my wine.

"I'll answer, after I see my daughter." He says, his tone becoming strained. "Stop delaying Brandish. Where, is, Amelia?"

"First of all, you come into my house and make demands of me?" I point at the apparition in front of me. "Then make threats? I don't know what makes you think you have any power here but-"

"Didn't stop you from doing the same." He cuts me off. And in the blink of an eye, I find a bone spear at my throat. His hand extended out as a thin white line goes from his pointer finger and stretches across the table. "Now, answer the question Carol. Or do I need to threaten your daughter. Like you did mine."

I can't help it. Something in me broke. It just, it snapped as he threatened my daughters. The idea of them being in danger, even more. The absurdity of him taking the, and jus, how. And I laugh, I laugh as he stares in confusion. Then in concern as the tears start.

He retracts the bone needle as I, just slide down against the counter. The weight of everything suddenly feeling more real and at the same time, not. Covering my face as I just, stop caring.

"What, what happened?" He asks, sounding genuinely concerned. Walking around the table and slowly getting closer. "Brandi-Carol. Did, what happened?" He asks more forcefully.

"I, I have three daughters." I look up to man. "I have three daughters and yet, one is locked away in quarantine because she's become allergic to everything. Even herself! Because my other daughter accidentally gave her lupus while saving her life because the Slaughterhouse fucking Nine came and kidnapped my other, other daughter and my husband as well as my other daughter's girlfriend."

I laugh at the absurdity of it, even as my vision becomes clouded with tears. I can't help but just, I don't even fucking know anymore. Nothing is in my control, and it doesn't matter because there is nothing I can do.

The Marquis looks at me in an irritating mix of pity and confusion. As though I need pity from him. The literal last person I would ever want pity from.

"Three daught- start from the beginning." He asks softly as he takes a knee.

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-West Slums, Wednesday, Sep 29th, 5pm-

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Kitsu POV

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"You doing okay Keets?" Wade asks as I keep him on the phone while I play London Bridge on the roof ledges. One foot in front of the other. Hopping from roof to roof as needed.

"Yeah, just a lot on my plate." I say as I keep my target in sight. The little arsonist who is honestly just a weaker version of Dabi. "Why do you ask?"

Speaking of, met another guy from his crew, Mr. Compress. Who was also oddly nice to me, gave me a Yoo-hoo drink and everything. One I made him drink to make sure it wasn't drugged. Then took it back when he didn't pass out.

"Um, nothing." He says calmly. "Just, making small talk. How's your uh, game going?"

"Pretty well actually." I say as watch Burnscar turn down an alley. "Gonna have to catch up later. Think she found her goal. Just get that message to Jenny for me, kay?"

"You got it, just, don't stretch yourself Keets." Wade answers.

I hang up as I run across a power line. Scaring off a few birds as I make it to the roof of the barber shop on other side of the street. Spotting the unstable arsonist as she makes it to a bald man with mocha skin. Laughing with another man next to him, sickly pale and wearing a black beanie as he lights a crack pipe.

I've tried crack before, pretty meh all things considered. The rush is decent, though short lived. I get better ones just doing the things I do. The crash makes for a good nap though.

I've tried damn near everything. Not much is off the table when nothing causes long term effects on your body. Not even addiction.

Though, I will admit I prefer the rush of adrenaline I get when running through the city. And, even though I don't need it, I'm a sucker for trashy food. Pizza, burgers, dessert sushi. You know what I mean.

But that's besides the point.

I watch as Burnscar nervously approaches the darker man in a puffy orange jacket. Like the one Marty McFly wears in Back to The Future. Actually, he just looks like he's dressed as Marty.

'I mean, if I couldn't smell the drugs then I wouldn't think he was a drug dealer.' I concede as I listen in. 'just an out of date hipster.'

I have a game of Uno I'm setting up. And she's one of my cards. I'm just waiting for Burnscar to go somewhere concealed. So I can yoink her without anyone noticing.

Failing that, her going somewhere concealed will make it easy to off her and yank her dead Corona Gemma where no one can see if I need to.

"Whatcha want bitch?" The dealer asks the hooded redhead.

"J-j-just something to, to make it hurt less." She says in a stuttery, nervous manner. "A-a band aide. Sort of, one that doesn't stick."

Band aide is code of pain reliever. Something that doesn't stick, means she wants a pill or powder. Nothing with needles. No, I don't know this. I'm just using context clues.

I want something illegal, I'll just take it. No need for any code or coyness. Besides, who are they gonna tell? The cops?

'Um, yeah I had two bricks of cocaine stolen from my stash by little blonde fox girl. She also stole my pizza.' I hold in a snort at my inside joke.

"The pharmacy's got some liquid band aide shit." He says, nodding his head to the end of the alley. Telling her to leave.

Makes sense. If he trusted everyone that comes by looking for something. Then an undercover cop would catch him easy.

"I-I-I, I don't have the cash for them." She says and unzips her jacket. Causing the men to whistle as she shows off her front. Her chest covered by an orange crop top.

'Am I about to watch Burnscar sell her body for drugs?' I think as I watch the guy open his jacket while she closes hers. He nods to the drugs strapped to makeshift pockets on the inside. Listing off prices and times for her.

"Um, w-well, I can make a q-quick go right now." She says, rubbing the back of her neck. "I, I don't have anywhere we can."

"I getcha girl." The man says as he closes his own jacket. "How 'bout this? Lemme break a piece and I'll give you a kit-kat?"

'I'm lost.' I think as I just sit on the ledge of the roof, waiting for something to happen. Whether it be them fucking in the alley, or her fucking off.

…

Wut? I'm bored and waiting for an opportunity to brutalize this girl. Least I can do is let her get her rocks off before I do so.

Not like she did anything to me.

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Mimi "Burnscar" POV

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"We can, g-go around the back." I offer the man.

"Hmm, alright." He shrugs, and nods further into the alley. "After you sweetcheeks."

I nod and walk ahead. Not really thinking twice about it, it's just business after all. He gets something he wants, I get something I want. That's it.

The next few minutes are a bit of a blur as the cold September air on my skin. Focusing on everything else as I wait for him to get his fix.

'I need to think of what I need to do for my test. Bakuda is clearly insecure about her intelligence. So, I should set up a test she's bound to fail. That's easy.' I think as I close my eyes and ignore the slimy, crawling feeling on my sides as his hands travel up to my top. 'So cold. Kitsu, seems to be afraid of her family dying. So, find another Dallon and kill them? Force her to choose? That seems right.'

His hands are so cold.

"You got a decent pair on you." He says.

"Thank you." I say back, wanting him to just shut up and get it over with. 'This goes so much easier for me if you just shut up.'

I keep my eyes closed. Not wanting to remember his face after this. I know where he'll be, that's enough. So long as he doesn't change locations then-

Thud.

I open my eyes, blinking a few times as I see him slumped on the ground. Swiveling my head around, I make sure no one is looking before I pull my top back down and zip up my jacket.

Then looking down to the man, I go down and open his jacket. Grabbing the supplies I need and stuffing them in my jacket before standing up and heading off. Making sure not to go the way I came. Keeping a bottle in my hand as I double check and make sure no one is around. Before popping a few pills I think are Ketamine.

I know he has ketamine. He mentioned kit-kats so I imagine that's one of these. I just have to get somewhere safe within about, half an hour. Before it starts hitting. After that I can shove the other drugs off to some people for cash. So that Mimi can use them for, no use the drugs for, wait. Trade the drugs for cash, then, food, water, clothes.

'Oh, must have been stronger than I thought.' I think as I slip. 'Huh, he was selling the hard stuff."

It's, the world isn't fuzzy. It's just like, I stepped back a bit. And everything is like a video game now. The people I'm not immediately talking to, I don't really register their faces. The world outside of where I'm going is, just not important.

Though, the brightness is a welcome change from the usual. The chills and guilt fading without the need for my flames.

But, where am I going? I think I'm supposed to sell the drugs? No that doesn't sound right. Why would I sell them? I need to find somewhere to stash them.

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Kitsu POV

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This is… really killing my vibe.

I mean, it's one thing to have to kill a mass murdering psychopath. It's another when it's a teen girl currently slumping through a back alley as she gets lost in them like they're a maze. Most people are avoiding her as they recognize that she's out of her gourd and unpredictable.

Most people in the slums tend to avoid those on drugs. They're like chimpanzees with flamethrowers, fun to watch. But not so fun to be near.

So yeah, the girl zonked out of her- oh wait. She just got pickpocketed by a man walking past her. And it wasn't even a good pickpocket, he almost tugged her jacket with that sloppy attempt!

Lucky for him, she's too drugged to really notice. Otherwise I imagine he'd be immolated by now. Or maybe not, she seems to be the most inconsistent of the Nine.

'Least you could do is something to make me feel better about what I'm going to do to you.' I think as I watch her sit down next to a dumpster. Vacant eyes and the occasional twitch of a smile.

I hop down, turning visible as I touch down and look her in the eyes. Her lost, emotionless eyes. For a moment, I imagine her with white hair, and a blue coat.

But I shake my head of those thoughts. Maureen was a girl manipulated and drugged into being a tool. She never froze anyone to kill them, only to get the voices to stop. She begged me to kill her, I didn't have a choice.

Though, the similarities are startling. And… and-

I take a deep breath. Closing my eyes and calming the pounding organ in my chest. Opening them again, I watch as the redhead in a tattered grey jacket and dirty jeans giggles. Waving her hands slowly in front of her face.

"You, you're pathetic." I spit out. Though she doesn't react. Only continuing to wave her hand in front of her face as she tracks it. "You're not even a killer. Just another victim looking for an easy way out that doesn't involve a stroll through traffic."

Again, no response as she puts her hand down and slowly looks up to me. A dopey smile on her face as she looks me in the eye, then looks up to the sky with a blissful smile. One that, I recognize Maureen having when she outstretched her hands. And cried as she asked me to end her life.

I let out a shaky breath as I hold in the lump forming in my throat. And reach a hand out, touching her forehead.

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-The Rig, Main Debriefing Room, Thursday, September 30th, 9am-

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Director Emily Piggot POV

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"Autopsy reports confirm the man found dead in the van, had in fact died from blood loss due to several gunshot wounds found primarily in his chest." Armsmaster says as he gives the opening to the room of, very few.

Field Agent Responder Green, Head of Parahuman research and Ability Application, Jamez and Assault, that's it.

Most of our capes are in the field. Our movers are taking place as first responders. Many of our troops are out acting as security detail for members of New Wave after the reveal that Manpower was the one responsible for the Case Fifty Three bomb. Manpower himself is being held in a cell for both his own safety. And for questioning.

"Is it possible Kitsu used her illusions to mimic guns?" Field responder Green asks. "Her love of theatrics is well known after all."

"No." Armsmaster says, turning to face the man. "For one, the time between the Captain's Hill Diner's staff account of her being in the restaurant and the time of death, combined with the location of the bullet wounds,. The man would've been alive by the time Kid Win, FastTrack and Static Shock encountered her. If only barely. What's more is that the bullets as well as the casing's were recovered. And traces of gunpowder were recovered using chemical testing."

"Kitsu's hard light constructions are just that, condensed light." Head Parahuman Researcher Jamez adds for clarification. "While versatile and certainly powerful. They are not capable of replicating chemical or even molecular attributes. And they disappear after, as soon as she loses concentration."

"That, combined with the third set of footprints in the van lead us to conclude that a third party killed the man." Armsmaster says as he finishes up. "With the reports from earlier that day alongside the van we recovered from the front parking lot of Captain's Hill and the merchant we arrested. It's been concluded that The Scarecrow gunned downed the man."

'What they don't know. Is that the man killed. Was Doctor William Manton.' I think bitterly as I remember the thinly veiled threat I received from Chief Director Costa-Brown.

Something fishy is going on there. Something not even I am allowed to know. And it churns my guts to wonder what it could be.

It reeks of plots and schemes. And I'm not so dumb to not see that Alexandria and the Chief Director are involved.

"On the topic, what's the casualty rate so far?" I ask, steering the topic away.

"Estimated?" Armsmaster asks. "We're in the low hundreds, confirmed. Just over a thousand and a half speculated. I, would like to redirect to the man The Scarecrow killed."

I take a moment to give him a tense stare. Letting him know that he's on thin ice. And best be very careful with his next words.

"Very well." I nod softly.

"Well, the autopsy showed the man had a Corona Gemma." He says. "Same as Shatterbird."

Head Researcher Jamez hums as I try to think of what he means. But don't get were this is going.

"So he was a parahuman?" Assault asks with a shrug. "Could he have been the real Siberian? A Changer, or Breaker?"

"What is the connection?" I ask, not willing to play the guessing game and drag out such a serious topic.

"They had Corona Gemmas." Head Reseacher Jamez says with wide eyes as he looks up. "Just like Shatterbird and Permafrost."

"What?" I ask out loud.

"Yes, there is reforming and minor abscesses in place of where one's Corona Gemma would be on each subject." Armsmaster elaborates. "It was a mystery with Permafrost, but Shatterbird's autopsy revealed that she too was missing the crucial piece of her brain. And now this man."

"Kitsu developed a limited ability to absorb heat not long after Permafrost's death." Agent Green points out, bringing me and the other's up to speed. "She, could she be absorbing their powers?"

'That explains The Faery Queen's warning about her when she was captured all those years ago.' A terrifying thought runs through my mind. 'What if the Faery Queen takes Kitsu, or Kitsu takes the Queen?'

"She needs to be brought in." Armsmaster says firmly. "She's a danger even when controlled. The longer she's gone rogue, the more unpredictable she gets. And the more dangerous."

"You think we don't know that?" Assault asks as he leans back and pivots from side to side in the swivel chair. "But she refuses to even stop and hear anyone out. I ran into her, and she threatened to out my name if I didn't turn around and leave her be."

The topic of the runaway Case Fifty Three and walking liability brings my mind to another individual. One who could help.

"How is Vista?" I ask, knowing she was put through M/S protocol.

"Irritable, but understanding for the most part." Armsmaster says, being the one to drug her and lock her up.

We, had no choice. With the Birdcage compromised and more than ninety percent of its prisoners unaccounted for. We couldn't take any chances with her, as traumatic and unfair as it is to the girl. The public's safety is the priority.

"Is she fit for field duty?" I ask.

"You're not thinking of using her relationship as a tool against Kitsu?" Assault asks with a pointed stare as he leans forward. "Because that's-"

"Exactly what I'm proposing." I cut him off. "Understand this, Assault. My number one priority is the peace and safety of the public. With the current stakes, there is little I'm not above at the moment."

Assault stares me down as he huffs angrily. But doesn't offer any further comment.

"On the topic of Wards." Agent Green raises his hand. "What do we do about Static Shock? He's, not exactly thrilled about being kept in the dark about Ebon's escape."

Ebon and Static Shock are part of the same cluster trigger. And are drawn to each other. Through the kiss/kill dynamic, they hate each other. Ebon holding a deep grudge against Static Shock, and the same is true vice versa. Though I'm not privy to all the details.

"Where is he now?" I ask, not exactly thrilled at the idea of two of the most powerful Ward's potentially going AWOL.

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-Ward Commons Room-

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Missy "Vista" Biron POV

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"You have to know something." Vergil presses. "Come on Missy."

"I already told you " I try to stress. "I, don't know. I was waiting on the boardwalk, then woke up on a roof. I don't know! I never had any contact with them."

Vergil looks away as he gets up and turns around. Heading away from the table and to the counter as Chris takes a seat next to me.

"I'm sorry about him." Chris says after a bit of silence. "He's… been like this ever since Ebon showed up."

Apology not accepted.

"Who?" I ask curiously as I look to Chris.

"An, old foe." Chris says. And I can tell he's hiding something.

Though, I don't have to wait much longer. As Vergil screams before letting out a minor shock, frizzing our hair and turning the electronics in the room off or on depending.

"Hey!" Lyra shouts angrily from the couch, growling as she gets up and her dogs start barking.

"Put a muzzle on it bitch girl!" Vergil shouts as he turns around, face red with rage.

"Whoa!" Dennis gets up and puts himself between the two of them as Lyra leaps up and starts snarling. "Chill out, both of you. Vergil, what the hell man?" He asks, his hands out to keep both hot heads separated.

"The hell?" He asks as he steps back and turns around. Causing Lyra to snort and go back to the couch as he dogs all stare Vergil down. "The hell is that the man I spent a year and a half pinning down is now out and about. Worst part is, the big wigs want me to keep my lips shut! Hell kind of bull is that?"

I furrow my brow at that. Knowing how it feels to be frustrated over the upper echelons decisions. Especially in regards to ignoring issues.

"Fuck me, where's Dean when you need him?" Dennis sighs to himself.

"I didn't know you swung that way." I say, hoping to distract from the current issues.

"Pffft!" Chris does a spit take with his soda as he thankfully looks away to do so. "Cauh! Aw! It went in my nose! Ah!"

"This isn't the time for jokes!" Vergil yells as he turns to us. "In case you haven't noticed, the bay is going to hell! The Nine are unchecked, the Endstopper is out playing their games, and Ebon is out on the prowl! He, was in the Birdcage!"

That, brings all of us to a halt as it sinks in.

"Now you get it?" Vergil says with a stressed smile. Running his hands through his dreads while giving a stressed laugh. "Ebon, broke out of the fucking Birdcage! Who's to say he didn't take others with him?"

I don't get to think on that, horrifying idea too much before the door opens. Revealing Miss Militia as she walks in and regards us.

"Static Shock, come with me." She says sternly.

"Why?" He says cautiously as he goes for his mask on the counter.

"I'll tell you when you come with me." She leaves no room for discussion.

That sets Vergil off as he turns into a jolt of lightning and flickers past Miss Militia. Who turns heel and runs out after the teen.

…

"Talk about getting nothing but static." Dennis says to try and, diffuse the tension… I guess?

…

'What's going on?' I wonder as I feel my world is crumbling around me.

…

'What do I do?' I ask to anything that will hear me out.

"What'd I miss?" Carlos asks as he walks in and takes his helmet off.

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-East Railyard, Thursday, Sep 30th, 4pm-

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Kitsu POV

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Hauling several hundred pounds of steel cable around the abandoned sections of the railyard is really draining me. Mentally and physically. I'm still stocked up good on energy, a power spear a day from Mom over the last month or so has kept me over rather well. Though, I need to be strategic with what I have left.

Reaching one of the track rails in the ground, I dig under the gravel. Keeping the steel cable taut in one hand as I set some rebar down.

Tying the cable down around the steel track, I bend some rebar to hold the knot in place. Hoping this will stay in place.

"Should be good enough." I cock my head to the side.

"Y'know, you're rather hard to find for one so." I stand up turn around and see the shadowed man slink out of the pitch of a box car's shade, before crossing his arms and leaning against said car. "Noticeable."

I turn to him, and notice as two others step out of his shadow with him. On the right, an Asian man with spiky hair dyed purple. Dressed in loose jeans and a red jacket. An almost permanent looking grin on his face as he scans the area.

On his left, an orange furred woman with a high pony tail. Hoop earrings and a nose ring. Feathered wings in place of arms that end in sharp, four fingered hands. Wearing a tight purple crop top meant to accentuate her chest, and tight skinny jeans meant to draw attention to her hips. Her legs ending in two clawed feet, each with only two digits.

A black omega symbol on her midriff, below and to the left of her belly button.

"Hmm, expected more y'know?" The purple haired one says with an airy, higher pitched voice. "This yer stomping grounds little fox."

I don't answer him as I keep my eyes on Ebon, and my ear on him. The tangerine harpy looking girl flying up and perching on the boxcar just behind Ebon. Sitting on the ledge as she brings a leg up, resting her head in her hand.

"For now." I finally say.

"Hmm?" He hums from about ten feet away, behind me and to my left. "Yeah I get it, new place every week. Go where it's convenient and chill."

I keep my eyes on Ebon. Hearing nothing from him, and making me very uncomfortable with his presence. Mainly because, I don't like strangers. In any sense.

I did not sense him until he spoke up. And that concerns me. It takes a lot to catch me off guard. And the idea that this teleporting mover can do so, I don't like it.

"Aye, ease up on the mean eyes." He nods his chin at me. "If looks could kill, I swear." He mutters casually.

"Oh they can, trust me." I make a series of invisible needles press against his neck. "Wanna see hoe- how." I feel my face flush at the way my tongue tied itself.

I hate my mouth.

"Not here to harm ya little lady. Just wanna chat." He raises his hands in mock surrender. "Got a bit of a, proposition for ya. If you'll hear me out."

"Not interested." I say as I dispel the needles. "Unless it involves getting rid of the Nine then I don't want to hear it."

I have way too much on my plate for any deals. For now, I'm not even sure if Jack or any of the others are aware of The Siberian's death. So, currently running on more than a few assumptions.

"Aye little chica." The bird lady says in a light mexican accent. Like, she has it barely. "We came here for a chat, no need to be up in arms."

I look to her as I make an invisible bar trip the guy behind me as I hear him get closer. Which it does, trip him that is.

"You don't know me, do you?" I ask with a tilt of my head.

Not many people are willing to take an attitude with me. Least of all capes. Not unless they have something over me, like Vicky. She knows where I sleep. Or Amy… actually I think Amy would do so regardless.

"That's what we were hoping to do here." Ebon says, catching my attention. "See, we been gone for a hot minute. Things have changed a bit since we been gone, so we're out of the loop."

"Ugh, yeah." The man behind me says as he dusts off his jeans. "Lot can change in a year it seems."

'That explains it.' I think to myself.

Outside of Behemoth, most of my most notable appearances in public have been in the last year or so.

"Introductions then! First off. I'm not exactly a villain." I try to explain with my hands behind my back, hoping they'll leave.

"Exactly!" Ebon says as he puts his hands to his chest. "Neither are we, we just got put on the wrong side of the track."

The guy behind me snorts at the pun, seeing as we're in a railyard. And I glare at Ebon as he missed my point.

"Hey now, just hear me out." He asks, maybe sounding a bit more forceful than intended.

"Okay." I say as I cross my arms and lean to one side. "What's the deal? And make it quick."

"Knew you'd see it my way." He nods, speaking to himself before addressing me. "See, me and the hero, Static, we got history. You too from what I seen. not surprising, he has a way of making enemies."

I raise a brow, kind of seeing where this is going. But not entirely.

"I'm listening." I say appraisingly.

"A quick team up, you, me, and my crew." He says, holding a long, darkened hand out. "We can help each other. We drive the hero to the ground, and then we take this city by-"

He doesn't get any further as I cut his arm at the elbow with an illusionary blade.

"Arrgh!" He screams, his shadows receding to reveal the skin of a black man for a split second before the shadows cover it again and stretch out to reattach his stump to his forearm.

"What the shit!?" The man behind me says, before running forward. Charging me with a battle cry straight out of a video game.

I let him hit me as the harpy tries to launch up. Only for me to speed over, leaving an illusion of myself as I briefly go invisible. Appearing next to her. I grab her ankle as she tries to fly up.

She looks away from my illusion just before it dispels as the guy slashes it with a glowing blade similar to Mom's. Making me look as though I teleported.

I turn with her in my grasp, and slam her into the roof of the boxcar. Denting it as I hear a few bones crack.

'Lighter bones.' I think as I look in with my biokinesis. 'Oops.' I think as I quickly fix it.

She wheezes in a daze as I turn from her and look back to the two men. The Asian man sneering as Ebon turns to face me, using his shadows to grow up and meet me eye to eye as I stand atop the boxcar.

"Remember what I said about looks?" I ask with a smile as I cut his legs. Forcing him to fall flat on his face. Before those too get reattached.

"You'll regret this!" He howls out as the shadows start covering his form and stretch out to the others.

'Time to cut this one down at the root.' I think and I make a glowing illusionary noose wrap around his neck to yank him back up. Dangling him in the air before slamming him into the side of the boxcar I'm on.

"The arm was a warning." I say as I hop down and start walking towards him, extending my field of absorption and causing the air to grow chilly. "The legs were to show I'm serious."

I use the noose to bring him closer. The glowing of the noose keeping the shadows from fully covering him and letting him escape.

'He can't cast shadows over a light source.' I confirm.

"You said I'll regret that." I say, forcing him down to be eye level with me. "What did you mean by that?"

"N-nothing!" He gasps as he claws at the noose. "Just, just trying to get you to reconsider! It was empty! I swear!"

"Oh! I see!" I say as I release him. Letting him fall to the ground, gasping as he holds his neck with one hand. "Now, run along. Before I start making threats."

He looks up at me. The creases of his shadowed face turning to a glare, before I reach a hand out and grab his neck.

"And mine, aren't empty." I say as I just smile innocently.

I throw him back onto the ground. Not even bothering to watch as he fades into the shadows and slinks away.

Looking out at the cleared area, I pull out my phone and make a call.

…

"Hello?"

"Kenta! Where's Bakuda?"

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-Boat Graveyard, Saturday, October 2nd, 4pm

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'Alright [Conduit, just keep me posted.' I think to my passenger as I survey the desolate boatyard from atop a rusted crane. The setting sun casting long shadows between the rows of abandoned shipping containers and various smaller boats that are parked in the dry docks. Not so dry due to lack of any maintenance. Being shallow with stale, muddy and algae filled water.

[Affirmation] I get in return.

The plan here is simple really. I just need to find a more containable member. And I have a plan for each, a plan I've been working towards ever since day one.

Shatterbird wasn't viable since her task was first, and I needed to succeed or risk losing Missy, Amy or Dad. So in lieu of my plan, I decided to lower the difficulty rating and eliminated her while taking her shard.

Burnscar was, pathetically easy. Practically doing all the work for me herself. Siberian I had to get rid of, and it was pure coincidence that she was after Scarecrow when I went after her. Jack and Bonesaw, I need to avoid for obvious reasons.

Jack, for his shard's ability to forcefully communicate with others. And Bonesaw, because she cannot be reasoned with.

Manniquin, I'd rather just nuke. He genuinely scares me, the mere thought of him makes my arms burn. So vividly I can see the words.

Tag

Count

Tag, count, tag

Count, tag, count

Tag, count, tag, count, tag

Count, just count, don't talk back just count. Should've just counted, then I wouldn't have count. Count, one, two, three-

!

"Ah." I grimace at the minor headache [Conduit] gives me. Making me look around from my perch. But I don't see anything.

'What is it?' I think towards [Conduit]

[Iteration: Grounding]

It takes me a few seconds to realize what they mean. And on closer inspection, I see the shadows over the Boat Graveyard are longer than I last recall. And realize I zoned out.

'Oh, thank you.' I reply.

[Conduit] doesn't say anything further as I keep my attention on the scenery below. Even as the sun sets, I stay here. Keeping my eyes and ears open.

The only sounds being the creaking of rusted metal coupled with the crashing waves as the brisk autumn air blows. The color fading from my vision as night descends and my eyes adjust.

I see just fine at night, as well as I do during the day. The only difference being that the colors are, muted. Not grayer or lesser. Just, okay lesser is a good description.

'Okay, they're definitely here somewhere.' I think to myself as I notice just how quiet it is here.

The boat graveyard is Merchant territory. Inheritably a crappy and borderline worthless place. But one that is firmly in their control.

The homeless who can't find refuge in the few shelters Brockton has will end up here during the spring and winter. The brisk sea air makes staying here during fall unpleasant as winter approaches and makes it unlivable. But their should still be some people here. Drug dealers, addicts, the mentally unwell, scavengers and the like.

It's literally too quiet for where I am. And the winds coming from the bay are pushing away any scents I might catch.

'This is going to be a while.' I think to myself as I sit here and wait.

It's as I stay here, stock still as a gargoyle. That I hear something from one of the abandoned buildings. Something rough and hard is scraping the concrete. Like chalk against the sidewalk.

I close my eyes and focus. Hearing the sound more clearly as I focus my ears. It's coming from the abandoned dockyard to the north. The area having like, seven dockyards. The sound is coming from the one on the furthest edge of the district. Almost reaching into Topside.

Turning to the sound, I crouch while on the head of the crane and leap. Softly landing on a black illusionary saucer as I reach the apex of my jump. I soundlessly fly through the air, soaring over empty docks, rusted buildings and half sunken ships.

I make it to the end of the dockyard. Floating down onto a rail mounted crane. I dispel the saucer and listen.

Krrr… krrrr… crack

I look to the nearest boat house. The door facing me, and next to it a big set of double warehouse garage doors. Perfect for someone the size of a van to go through.

'[Conduit]?' I ask.

[Affirmation]

Looks like Jack isn't nearby. So no risk of shard hijinks. And listening in, I don't hear any other sounds. Nothing to indicate anyone else is home.

'Just need to get his attention.' I grin as I grab a piece of the crane's railing. Breaking it off with a yank, I aim. And throw it at the garage door.

…

And watch in disappointment as it sails over and into the bay.

…

"This is why I don't do sports." I sigh to myself as I hop down from the crane.

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-West Slums, Merchant Rave Warehouse, Saturday, October 2nd, 9pm-

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Stefan "SnowFlame" Bates-Englehart POV

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Up on stage, in the spotlight. Crates of drugs on either side of me as I get ready to start this show. A crowd of my people ready to tear shit up as I pull out a baggy and open it. Holding it to my face as I snort the euphoric powder. Feeling the pure rush of power and pleasure course through me.

This is my kingdom! Here, I am the king nominated by the divine light of my god.

"Alright you party freaks!" I announce into the mic as I throw a fist into the air, the empty baggy dropping to the ground. "You ready to blow up the night with our righteous spirit!?"

I'm met with a chaotic cacophony of cheers and hollers as I hold my hand to my ear. Nodding, I let iridescent flames burn my shoulders.

"Then let's tear this shit up!" I scream as I kick a crate over. Spilling over bottles of pills and baggies of powder of various kinds.

I turn around and point to the DJ who nods and starts the radio. A sick guitar riff starting up as I toss the mic aside and leap into the crowd. Turning onto my back as I surf the crowd. Throwing my hands behind my head as I enjoy the good vibes.

The rush of the pleasure, the roar of the crowd. The lights and sound all coming together as I stand up, the crowd holding me up as I give a victorious roar. One my people echo as the music from the speakers flow through me.

"Everybody roar!" I demand as I pump my fist.

The wave of roars rattles my bones as they all obey me. Their king of high. Their sovereign of escape. Their prophet on the mountain.

"That's how we do it!" I roar as the base drops. "Woooo!"

The earth shakes under our might as we party. Before the wall crumbles. And the people drop me in a panic, though I land on my feet.

The roars turn to screams as the black beast of the Nine crashes the party. The little fox scampering ahead of him.

My blood boils as I rage at this injustice on my people!

"Oh hell naw!" I yell as I pull out another baggy and snort the gift of speed. "You crashed the wrong party bitch!"

I don't hesitate to run over to the wall. Finding the scaffold ladder and climbing up. Making to the rusted, wired grates above the dueling duo. I run across the wall and make a hard right. Following the path and placing myself above the big black bastard.

"Prepare for the righteous might!" I announce as I hop the rusty railing. "Of Snowflame!"

I land on the rough hide of the green monster, keeping my balance as best I can as I reel a hand back. Throwing a jab forth, I dig my hand into the beast's plated hide, causing its back to shiver as I give it a good fisting of my coke touch.

"Now feel the beauty of the white powder!" I laugh as he bucks and writhes like a bull. The black eyes lining his back looking to me in irritation as the tentacles from his sides whip me. "Yeehaw baby! Gonna take more than that to extinguish this flame!"

I send my white hot flames coursing through my body into his skin. Igniting the area around me in a fwoomf! Taking some of my high, but what really kills my buzz is seeing that it didn't do jack shit.

"Nice try." The beast laughs as it starts charging, busting through another wall as it takes to the street. "But you'll need to do better than that! Come on! Make me feel it!"

I grit my teeth at the taunt. Feeling my eye twitch as I punch another hole in the hide as I make footholds and handles in his meaty flesh. Climbing up his back as he barrels through the streets. Knocking cars left and right.

"Oh I'll show you!" I howl, holding on as he makes a hard right. Skidding on the asphalt road, nearly knocking me off when he slams into a building.

I hear the warehouse I was partying in collapse as he runs. Heading for the abandoned railyard by my guess.

"Got somewhere to be ya big bastard!?" I shout as I get to the frilled scales of his neck.

He doesn't answer me. Preferring to skid and whip to the left as I nearly get thrown. Growling to myself, I bring my legs up and plant them under the scales and kick with all my might. Tearing through his outer shell with a slow squelch as I prepare to do something either really dumb, or really awesome.

I fully rip the scale plate off. And snarl as I watch the plate grow back faster than I can do what I wanted. But not faster than I can stab the scale into him, preventing him from regrowing it in full.

"If I gotta nickel and dime you down I will!" I shout as I move over to another scale plate. "Crash my party will ya! You about to learn the consequences!"

I do this again, digging his severed scale plate into his neck. Rinse and repeat as I rip a third plate out. Only to fly forward as he stops suddenly. Flinging me off his neck as I spin in the air. Seeing just enough to watch as his jaws open up, and snap down on me.

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Kitsu POV

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"Getting slow in your old age!" I shout back as I jump from the head of a lamppost, dodging a swipe of his claws as he leaps at me. His clawed hand coming close to my tail.

"I'm twenty four you runt!" He yells as I flip and kick off the side of his claw.

"That's like, twice as old as me you fossil!" I stick out my tongue as I run backwards down the street.

Just four more blocks, and he'll be in place.

I jump up as he dives at me. Flipping around midair, I launch myself off of an iridescent platform. Sailing clear over the security fence to the railyards as I leave the slums behind, Crawler causing more property damage as he treats the obstacle like a suggestion.

"You'd be endearing if you weren't so annoying!" He shouts as I power slide under an orange rusted boxcar.

"And you'd be… dang it." I hiss as I fail to come up with anything quickly.

I roll forward and craw to my feet as I run and keep my momentum. Stumbling only slightly as Crawler headbuts the boxcar out of his path like an eldritch rhino.

"I preferred when you were a crying mess." Crawler says as I let him get catch up, pretending to fumble on the uneven ground. "Weeping like a baby as you hid in a trashcan! Perhaps you just need a reminder of that day!"

'I remember it plenty.' I think to myself as I resist his taunts. Knowing he wants me to attack him.

I spot the area I was working on earlier. The small clearing between two sets of boxcars on the decommissioned tracks. I can see clearly due to my night vision, so I can see the steel cables just fine.

Grinning, I crouch into a ball as I use my illusions to make a flash. Activating my immovable power at the same time. Blinding Crawler and forcing him to skid forward and into the trap.

A series of screeches and twangs are heard before I open my eyes.

In front of me, lies Crawler. Having fell forward and fully into the trap. Steel corded cables wrapped around his neck as his legs are held behind him by more cables. Each one leading to the rails and boxcars on the parallel tracks to either side.

"Perfect." I say as I calmly start walking towards the manbeast I have trapped and tied down.

"You damned, rrgh!" He writhes as I step over a cable and make my way over to his front. His eyes all on me as I calmly walk to his front. "This is your grand plan? Can't kill me, so you trap me? You can't believe this will hold me forever!"

I reach his front. And turn to face him with a smile. Holding back a grimace at his breath.

"I, don't need to explain anything to you." I say as I pull out my phone and set it to record. "Just know, this. You have my thanks for being dumb enough to follow me here."

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-Boat Graveyard, Boathouse, Sunday, October 3rd, 5pm-

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Jack Slash POV

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"And, that means you owe me fifty." I grin at Bonesaw as she lands on my property.

"Phooey." She pouts as she hands me the play money.

Things have been rather calm for us. Mostly debating who's turn goes next after Siberian comes back.

Scarecrow managed to get her to chase him outside the city limits, so Cherish doesn't know where they are right now. Just knows they were heading straight west.

He'll be back. I know he will. Joseph is too prideful to let Siberian chase him out of town. He has a claim to this city, it's his home. And more than that, there's a grudge holding him here.

A grudge I'm still working out how to turn against him. Like how Manniquin has a hatred, yet odd kinship with tinkers who try to better the world.

"Where's our dear Mimi I wonder." I hum, Thinking out loud as Bonesaw gets sent to jail. Snapping her fingers in irritation as the top hat is placed behind bars.

"She was out getting high so, I have no clue." Cherie says as she lands on Boardwalk and pays Manniquin. "Her emotions get mixed up and melded when she's high. Kinda hard to track anyone with an altered mind."

"You know, I could always go in and fix that." Bonesaw offers as I move pass free parking. Just barely missing it as I land on Manniquin's property, paying the man as he takes his turn.

"I'm, alright." Cherie says uncomfortably as Manniquin lands on the electric company. Owned by Bonesaw, but she's in jail.

"That's a rather-" I'm interrupted by a harsh bang on the rusted metal door of our boathouse home. "Hmm, odd. Is Crawler back perhaps?"

"Not him." Cherie shakes her head. "Actually, no one's there."

'So, a drone?' I wonder curiously as I get up and head to the door. 'Maybe a piece of the roof broke and hit the door?'

I open the door and look around the rusty boatyard. Long since put to pasture since Leviathan made ship travel almost impossible. Rusted shipping containers dot the area as the rusting crane and maintenance equipment up top make this place a hazard and all but abandoned.

We still get the occasional wandering group of kids, homeless or addicts. But it would seem the yard is particularly clear this afternoon. As I don't seem to spot anyone.

Looking down, I spot a small metal lunchbox on the ground. Pink and with little Kitsu's image on the front, winking and giving a peace sign as bubble letters read out. 'Just Try It!' under her.

'Oh the chaos turning such an icon to our side will be.' I give a smile as I lament the failure to get to her five years ago.

With my curiosity piqued, I pick the lunchbox up and head inside. Closing the door with my foot while opening the box.

"What is it Jack?" Little Bonesaw inquires curiously, cocking her head to the side.

I look up to the two members of our family present, and Cherish. Before holding up the small flashdrive contained within the lunchbox.

"Seems we just got a letter." I smile.

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Bonus

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Ivan "Ebon" Evans POV

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"Fuck!" I shout as I punch the wall, my shadow form gone as I regroup with my crew.

We retreated to an alley in the warehouse district on the south side of the city. Booking it here as fast as fucking possible.

"Man, what kind of kid is that?" Shiv asks as he runs his hands through his hair, pacing back and forth as he can't seem to stay still. "I mean, she just went all slasher at the drop of a hat! What if it was me? I can't pull myself together like that."

'This is my fault.' I think to myself as I put a hand over my face. Resting my forehead against the bricks. 'I didn't do enough research before hand. I got cocky and said the wrong things.'

"What the hell was her deal?" Talon asks angrily as she posts up next to me. "You'd think she'd know what it's like. That she'd jump at the chance for some, I'unno." She shrugs as she trails off, looking away as she delves further into her own thoughts.

"Maybe she ain't a Case?" Shiv tries to cheer the bird up as he hunches down, looking up to meet her eyes. "Maybe she's just a changer and we mistook her? She might not know what it's like."

"No." I say as I push off the wall, my shadows covering me once more. "If she were, then there'd be time she wasn't in form. She was like that all day, and when I first met her."

Slitted pupils, fur on her cheeks, extended canines, fox tail, fox ears. She's a Case Fifty Three like Talon.

"Sociopath then?" Shiv shrugs as he stands up straight to address us.

"Maybe." I recall how she left a dead body in a van and was just, going to leave. "Either way, she's gonna pay for that stunt she pulled."

"Ooh!" Shiv slides over to my side, getting on the tips of his toes to put an elbow on my shoulder. "Boss man's got a plan, I like~ what is it? Lay it on us."

"I ain't got one yet." I say as I walk forward, causing Shiv to fall. "Just a goal."

I get right next to Talon and place a hand on her shoulder. Causing the girl to look up with concerned and worried eyes.

"Hey, cheer up alright?" I murmur softly. "We'll get you answers. I promise, even if it takes years."

"You say that." She mumbles and looks away.

"Hey now." I say as I step around in front of her, holding my arms out. "Have some faith Tal, I always make good on my word don't I? I mean, I got us out of the birdcage of all places."

That reminder brings a soft smile to her face, before schooling it to her normal resting bitch face. She looks up to me and pushes off the wall.

"Look at you, getting all sappy and putting on a show." She pokes my chest. "What audience do you think you're performing for aye?"

I smile under my shadowed form as she returns to her sassy, abrasive self. Before it's interrupted by Shiv mimicking munching sounds.

Looking over to the shorter man, I shake my head at his antics. Laying down on the ground, miming the act of lounging on a couch as he pretends to eat popcorn.

"Oh don't mind me." He grins. "Keep going."

Talon shoves me back as Shiv cackles to himself. Rolling to his back as he holds his gut.

"Ah, oh it's good to be out." Shiv calms down, before jumping up to his feet and facing me. "Alright boss, what have we got?"

I hum as I turn from him. Pacing more towards the end of the alley as I think.

"Well, first thing is we'll need to get the rest of the crew over." I conclude as I turn to face my crew. "After that, we'll need to do some digging. Figure out the ins and outs of this city-"

I'm cut off from my monolog as I hear a car drive up to the end of the alley just behind. Turning around, I take in the site of the black SUV with blacked out windows. Stepping back as the side door opens to reveal the interior, and a white man in a suit and sunglasses stepping out and gesturing to the interior.

"Mister Evans?" The man says with a voice deeper than mine. "If you and your companions would kindly, my employer would like a word."

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A/N

Kitsu turned invisible and knocked out the drug dealer after noticing Burnscar was dissociating. Not wanting to see what was basically molestation she knocked the guy out and let Burnscar incapacitate herself.

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FUCK this holiday season was shit for me.

TLDR

Expensive car troubles twice over

Anxiety inducing work troubles twice over

Expensive house troubles once over

Family troubles five times over.

All in one week.

I will not elaborate.

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More comments! I want them all! Every one of them! Especially speculation, I love speculative comments.

Fuel me my NOOBIANS!

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Find me in my channel, newb's-grotto, on the discord.

Link to the discord: discord .gg/DarkWolfShiro