- Location
- Somewhere.
There's an SB thread? Can we get a link? I'd like to give you more likes.
A New Dawn (Ex-Papergeist) - A Worm/Naruto Crossover
Bit late but here.
A New Dawn (Ex-Papergeist) (A Worm/Naruto Xover)
Fanfiction.net; SV Papiergeist (Original Iteration. Now Defunct) Arc 1: Awakening 1-1; 1-2...
forums.spacebattles.com
JefLebowski
[Not Copaceptic]
- Location
- R'lyeh's Partner City
Welcome back!
And congrats on getting out of that job.
And Taylor/Konan/Tenshi striking the right cord with Piggot makes sense.
And congrats on getting out of that job.
And Taylor/Konan/Tenshi striking the right cord with Piggot makes sense.
orchamus
Caffeine King
- Location
- Right beside you :0
Honestly, good job. It's always a struggle to balance Emily's bigotry against her dedication to doing right by her job without making her too much of an Umbridge(even if that can be useful in itself), and I think you managed that spectacularly.
Adjustments 2.03
- Location
- The Lair
Felt like I was falling apart towards the end, but I wanted to push this chapter to be a bit meatier than the usual fare. Things are starting to pick up in some places, and in others they aren't. Nonetheless, I just feel mixed on this chapter, it just felt clunky towards the end, as I'm trying to juggle exactly where I want things to be in regards to the larger plan that I do have, and I find myself in a state of it being wanting. I mean, I finally got the piece I wanted for the next big hit to start being in play, but yeah, like a broken record, I just find myself not jumping for joy with this chapter.
It also doesn't help that I let myself be distracted so easily.
But anyways, here is the chapter, pieces are starting to move, and I don't see the next arc being much more than maybe 3 or 4 chapters away, I already have an operational name for it, but if I shared it, honestly, it would reveal too much on what I was planning.
So just, I guess, enjoy? Feedback welcome, maybe it'll get me off my crippling obsession right now with Destiny 2 and have me church out chapters faster than monthly, like I used to do in my prime.
I'd like to thank once again @bms111 and @Geas for tolerating me and helping me get this one out.
Adjustments 2.03
"Are you sure about this?"
I glanced over to my father, who was sitting in the driver's seat of his truck looking at me worriedly. I had to wonder what I looked like to him right now, with my swollen and bruised eye.
It was honestly somewhat surreal in lieu of the events of the last thirty-six hours. From rolling up the Merchants, killing Shadow Stalker, meeting with Director Piggot, to now going back to school. It was a bit of a ride that in the past she would have likely been overwhelmed.
But now, honestly, it didn't really phase me, which was maybe where the current disconnect between them existed. He wanted to protect me after Sophia's little stunt and the Protectorate's sudden bout of incompetence, not understanding why I would be keen to go back to school and get back to work.
Then again, I was probably being unfair to him, it's not like he knew what I was now or that I really didn't need him anymore.
"I'm fine," I replied, knowing regardless it wouldn't be enough, not with my father's new obsession with actually being a parent, "I have too much to do to get caught up, and keeping me out of school isn't going to help."
"I know Taylor, it's just, aren't you going a bit fast? Not two days ago—"
"And that's why I want to get back to some normalcy," I rebutted, not wanting to drag it out any further, "cooping me up isn't going to deny what's happened and it'll only make things look worse when it does eventually go public."
So far the Protectorate and PRT were keeping quiet on Sophia's demise, but it was only a matter of time before the nature of bureaucracies would rear its ugly head. Not that it bothered me, I would just prefer that if it did become a larger deal that I would be out in public to create the appearance that I had nothing to hide if someone got the idea of there being something more.
Of course, that idea did run the risk of some sort of incident ensuing, which was what my father was worried about, but I was honestly not bothered by the probability of it. The Protectorate was in a difficult position, they would have to admit fault with Shadow Stalker, there was no other option. If they tried to frame her death as heroic, then it would only worsen their legal position with myself. Nor could they hide her death with a 'reassignment' or a 'decommissioning', as it would likely incense Sophia's family in spite of the NDAs.
No, they would probably announce Sophia's death within the next few days, once they reach a legal agreement with both myself and Sophia's family, and then they would make an announcement, keeping the details to a minimum, but would still provide enough to keep people from digging too deep into it.
And if they didn't do it exactly as I projected, well, it would be a complication, but it wasn't exactly fatal, it would just mean I would have to move up my timetable again. Sadly, it seemed to be an increasingly common occurrence lately. What had been plans for months were compacting into weeks now. And while I knew I could probably pull it off, I was growing closer to the razor's edge where I wasn't so sure.
That was why I had chosen to discuss with Piggot what I planned, and what could be done. It had been a calculated risk, but the read I had been able to develop simply by doing the due research had been worth it in the long run.
That still didn't mean I was going to lower my guard and invite weakness. It just meant I had to adapt to the changing circumstances even harder, developing further and further countermeasures and contingencies.
A fast and loose game, for sure, but a necessary one. Brockton Bay simply was just too unpredictable a city in the first place. After all, this was a city that tolerated the existence of a neo-Nazi organization with aspirations of overthrowing the local government and more.
Speaking of adaptations...
Sighing, and not wanting any further debate, I merely opened up the door to our truck and stepped out, ignoring my father calling out my name as I slammed the door shut. Slinging my bag up onto my shoulder, I strode towards Arcadia's front entrance.
I was going to have to expedite my pathway to emancipation. My father was becoming too much of a hindrance with his clinging, especially now after what happened with Sophia. Right now, I had control of the situation, even if it was growing aggravating with how many adjustments I was being forced to make in lieu of my father's involvement.
Taking a deep breath as I reached the door, I then released it. There was no point in dwelling over spilt blood, in a way I should be thankful to Sophia, her elimination had provided me a priceless opportunity. One that I was going to utilize until it was a withered husk.
What I needed to focus on now was the domestic.
Opening the door, I strode in, making it a point to ignore the pointed stares from other students.
It was understandable, really, considering the black eye and bruised cheek I currently sported. It was rather hard to ignore in a cursory glance, especially in an upper crust school like Arcadia.
I could have probably fixed it up a little bit with some healing, but it would raise too many questions. With Panacea having already gone home for the evening that night I was left to merely get an examination and some painkillers for my bruised rib, which I had healed at the first opportunity.
Nonetheless, I knew the school rumor mill would be spinning up quickly at the sight, regardless of my feelings. But it was not really my concern; my concern solely lay in catching up on my academics and continuing my work. The missed day wouldn't amount to too much extra work, but when you were trying to catch up on an entire semester of Arcadia, on top of the failed education offered by Winslow, well, any sort of impediment could be a larger deal in the long run.
So with that in mind, I entered the office, intent on picking up my missed assignments from the previous day. Exchanging a few words with the secretary, identifying myself, and receiving the work, I turned back to the door, already glancing at the notes left for me as I set a course for my locker..
Fast-tracking emancipation would probably be my best choice in the long run, it'd provide me the flexibility and freedom that I needed for the future. The only real hang-up to that plan was my age. There was no chance that the courts would emancipate me at fifteen, regardless of any valid argument I could offer. I would likely have to wait until my birthday in June before I could make a concerted effort. Still, I could at least start the work now.
It was as I reached my locker that I came to a stop, closing my eyes as I refrained from grinding my teeth in annoyance as it came closer.
It being Victoria Dallon, also known as Glory Girl. Ever since my encounter with Amy, the blonde had become an increasingly problematic annoyance. It wasn't just her attitude that rubbed me the wrong way, but her very existence set me on edge.
I could forgive her the fact that she reminded me too much of Emma before her turn, with her preppy bubbly enthusiasm, I understood the scars my former friend had left on me an aversion to ait. personality like that. What I couldn't forgive her was the damn genjutsu that she was constantly casting.
When I first encountered it in its full glory, I had almost attacked the blonde out of ingrained reflex. Only the recognition that it would probably be unwise to drive a kunai through the eye of the poster girl of teenage heroes had stayed my hand. That and the sense that the damn girl was unaware she was even doing it in the first place because it fluctuated with her emotions.
Since then I had made sure to counteract whatever it is she was doing. Yet it still didn't take away the annoyance of having to divide my attention in order to deal with it, nor did it take it away completely, rendering it to something akin to an annoying buzzing sound in my head.
Suffice to say, I did my best to keep my distance from her, which was difficult because of my recent involvement with Amy and a new student.
Hopefully though, she was just passing through the hallway and I could go on my way.
Unfortunately, it seemed that Murphy decided to be against me today.
"Hey Taylor, Amy was wondering where you were yesterday. Are you okay?"
Ame give me strength, I took a deep cleansing breath to turn around to face the fresh source of my irritation, noting that Amy was just behind the blonde. Upon the sight of my face, her expression changed, and I had to resist the urge to snarl when the genjutsu ramped up in intensity, forcing me to again recycle my chakra flow in order to beat it back.
"What happened," she demanded as her face darkened, "who did this to you?"
It once again said something about Arcadia if Glory Girl could get agitated over a black eye as if it was the ultimate effrontery.
"Can't say. It's under investigation," I responded. It was better to just leave it at that, both because it was true but also protected me blowback by lying or revealing Sophia's demise.
Unfortunately, it seemed that Victoria took it the wrong way, as her expression became thunderous, "Was it your dad? I'll-"
"No," I cut her off, "I can't tell you, because it's under investigation. Leave it at that," I then turned back to my locker, grabbing my class books and closing the door, "now, if you'll excuse me, I have class to get to."
I then took the opportunity to slip past her before she could marshall a response, catching a glance from Amy as I continued down the hallway. I knew there was likely going to come back on me, but I had to get away from Glory Girl before whatever it was that she was doing caused me to take a more drastic action.
Of course, I knew that likely wasn't going to hold up. Sitting down outside on a bench, taking the foil off my chicken wrap when Amy sat down beside me.
I didn't say anything as she opened her salad bowl, nor did she choose to say anything herself as she began picking at her meal.
I raised a mental eyebrow at her silence, but said nothing as I went back to nibbling on my wrap.
It was as she finished her salad that she finally spoke.
"Why didn't you ask me to heal you?"
Well, that certainly was not the question I was expecting. But then again, maybe I could still understand it. The ability to heal almost every malady would make her one of the most sought after commodities in North America. I wasn't exactly sure what it said about the system that they allowed Amy Dallon to attempt (rather poorly, in my estimation) the life of a normal teenage girl when she could have been cultivated for so much more.
"Why should I make demands of something that belongs solely to you?"
That was certainly not the response she was expecting. I wasn't surprised though, looking at her I could easily see the demands and expectations were leveled upon her, it made sense that it had almost become automatic for that when someone was injured, they'd request her personal touch.
Finishing my wrap, I balled up the foil and paper and tossed it into the trash, and gathered up my things. It's not that I wanted to leave, well, I did, but the matter was that I had no interest in discussing why I didn't care whether she healed me or not. I mean, I could, but frankly, after dealing with Victoria this morning, I just didn't have the energy to want to discuss philosophy with Panacea of all people.
"Do I have your permission to heal you?"
I stopped, turning to look at her, but not before I took a few moments to take in my surroundings to note if there were any other witnesses or hanger-ons watching us. Luckily there weren't, but that still didn't negate the point of it all.
I could have her heal me, it would actually probably be in my interest, but at the same time, there was a niggling sensation in the back of my head that pushing on the matter may not be in my long-term interest. It wasn't that Panacea was a focus, but after everything that had taken place I had spent a bit more time studying her. It was during my studies that I realized that there was something inherently wrong with Amy Dallon far beyond her sudden interest in me. The problem was I just hadn't had the time to really dig in deeply on the matter with so many other issues to focus upon.
Sighing, I allowed my shoulders to slouch slightly, "Why do you feel it's so important to heal me? It's not as if this is bothering me that much, and it's nothing that it won't heal on its own in a few days or so"
Again, it seemed to be a surprise to the other girl. It was obvious that she wasn't used to being declined because she already had her hand outstretched towards me. It was such an alien experience to her that she had nothing to fall back upon as a response except to sit there frozen..
Quite frankly, it was rather sad. But then again, wasn't I allowing my own abilities to dictate who I was at the moment?
Still, it was obvious that she had allowed herself to become so consumed by her power that it seemed to define almost every facet of her life.
Maybe it was fine with her, but looking at how she conducted herself and her near constant state of exhaustion, I sincerely doubted the veracity of that supposition. Her response, frozen as it was, only cemented that there was something very wrong going on in Amy Dallon's life. It was the words and tonality of someone alone and drowning in life.
Like I had once been.
"It's what's expected of me," she finally said, her hand lowering to her side, not used to being denied. Honestly, I wondered if she was even aware she had said that aloud, or even if she meant to even think it. Yet there it was.
It was now that I realized exactly what Amy Dallon reminded me of. There were several instances in Konan's memory of shinobi and kunoichi who had become so obsessed with their role that it had consumed them to the point they were only functioning in order to fulfill their role. Eventually, the stress and strain, and the inability to function outside of it would cause the person to suffer a psychotic break that required them being put down because they became a threat not only to themselves but to others as well.
And while Amy was not to the point of being too far gone to be unsalvageable, if things were to continue as they were, it was not a question of if, but when she eventually snapped. The tells were already there.
This honestly should not be my problem, but there were too many instances in Konan's memory of how terrifying a medic could be if they put their mind to it. And if my suspicions about Amy were correct, then she could easily eclipse anything the likes of Tsunade of the Sannin or Chiyo of the Sand could do, both in scale of healing and destruction.
Not only that, but I wasn't arrogant enough to believe I would never get injured to the point I was unable to heal myself. After my initial confrontation and involvement with Amy I had moved her into one of my contingency plans. Losing her now, when I had already built a few plans around here would be...suboptimal.
Even worse if she were to become a threat. I wasn't keen on engaging any S-Class threats or even an Endbringer for at least a few more months, preferably a year at least, depending on if I really wanted to ensure that I would be successful.
I had to hold back a sigh as I realized I had yet another complication to now deal with. One that, at least this time, was of my own making.
Letting her heal me would only exacerbate the issue further, as it was made worse by the feeling that Amy was looking for an excuse to get her hands upon me. Whatever it was with my biology, it had become like a drug to her, and she was begging for another hit of it.
I had to put my foot down, but I had to also ensure that it would be done in a way to maybe actually get Amy to go down a path that would avoid self-destruction.
And I wasn't the greatest with people. Neither was Konan for that matter. Sure, she was good at directing people, but the social aspect of her personality had died a sudden death with the demise of Yahiko. All that had been left in her life had been purpose, and that was certainly not going to help me with defusing this little bomb.
I wasn't in a no-win situation, but it was pretty damn close. Stepping away would only complicate things, especially if Amy's interest in me transcended beyond simply healing me. But at the same time, I couldn't just solve everything with a few words here either, it had to be a gradual deconstruction if it had any hope of being successful.
And it had to start here.
"It is what is expected of me," I repeated her words, letting it hang in the air for a few moments as I rose to my feet. Gathering myself up, I merely allowed a sigh to escape my lips, cooling my irritation at the frivolity of her statement, but also my own damnable opinion and position.
"Is it still a cage if you cannot see the bars," I finally mused aloud, causing her to bristle. I had to stop myself from closing my eyes, knowing I would be met with the faces of too many people trapped in that same hellish logic, "everyone is a slave to something. I guess the question you have to ask yourself, Amy, is are you happy with it?"
I then walked away, but not before offering a, "Thank you for the offer, though."
Leaning back in his decadently comfortable chair, Thomas Calvert steepled his hands, the perfect picture of calmness.
This was far from the truth. In actuality, the man who was also known as Coil was seething as he ruminated over the email that Director Piggot had sent Chief Director Costa-Brown. One in which she outlined her plan to coordinate with the unaffiliated cape Tenshi in executing raids against the ABB and E88, using the new cape's intelligence-gathering abilities to spearhead it..
Operations that he knew would be likely to succeed if things were to remain as they were, because they were weak points he planned to take advantage of once he had assumed power in Brockton Bay. Even tipping off the gangs to what was coming would not likely change the outcome as long as Tenshi had remained in play.
And therein lay another problem..
Twice, so far, he had tried to solve the problem through his usual methods of elimination or coercion.
He could still hear the Kohler's screams even now, as Taylor Hebert had tortured the last survivor of the strike team sent to eliminate her at the hotel she had been staying at. The cool detachment as she used needles to inflict pain for information on his base. He had cut the timeline after Kohler had finally broken.
The second time, he had kidnapped Danny Hebert while the man was on his way to work. It had initially gone without any difficulty, but when he called Hebert, demanding compliance or her father would die, she had dismissed his threat. He hadn't had the time to reiterate the threat before his base had come under attack by Hebert.
After that, he had spent the last twelve hours considering what he could do.
Thanks to Tattletale's report he knew where Tenshi had holed up, but after what had happened to his first two attempts to neutralize Tenshi, discretion was the better part of valor, as much as it grated upon his nerves. He didn't get to where he was by running at the problem half-cocked.
No, it would be better to use the villains to do his dirty work for him. They had done a good job so far in moving things the way he wanted them, why change a good thing?
But first, he needed assurances that this would work.
It appeared he would have need of young Miss Alcott's 'services' sooner than he had originally planned.
It also doesn't help that I let myself be distracted so easily.
But anyways, here is the chapter, pieces are starting to move, and I don't see the next arc being much more than maybe 3 or 4 chapters away, I already have an operational name for it, but if I shared it, honestly, it would reveal too much on what I was planning.
So just, I guess, enjoy? Feedback welcome, maybe it'll get me off my crippling obsession right now with Destiny 2 and have me church out chapters faster than monthly, like I used to do in my prime.
I'd like to thank once again @bms111 and @Geas for tolerating me and helping me get this one out.
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Adjustments 2.03
"Are you sure about this?"
I glanced over to my father, who was sitting in the driver's seat of his truck looking at me worriedly. I had to wonder what I looked like to him right now, with my swollen and bruised eye.
It was honestly somewhat surreal in lieu of the events of the last thirty-six hours. From rolling up the Merchants, killing Shadow Stalker, meeting with Director Piggot, to now going back to school. It was a bit of a ride that in the past she would have likely been overwhelmed.
But now, honestly, it didn't really phase me, which was maybe where the current disconnect between them existed. He wanted to protect me after Sophia's little stunt and the Protectorate's sudden bout of incompetence, not understanding why I would be keen to go back to school and get back to work.
Then again, I was probably being unfair to him, it's not like he knew what I was now or that I really didn't need him anymore.
"I'm fine," I replied, knowing regardless it wouldn't be enough, not with my father's new obsession with actually being a parent, "I have too much to do to get caught up, and keeping me out of school isn't going to help."
"I know Taylor, it's just, aren't you going a bit fast? Not two days ago—"
"And that's why I want to get back to some normalcy," I rebutted, not wanting to drag it out any further, "cooping me up isn't going to deny what's happened and it'll only make things look worse when it does eventually go public."
So far the Protectorate and PRT were keeping quiet on Sophia's demise, but it was only a matter of time before the nature of bureaucracies would rear its ugly head. Not that it bothered me, I would just prefer that if it did become a larger deal that I would be out in public to create the appearance that I had nothing to hide if someone got the idea of there being something more.
Of course, that idea did run the risk of some sort of incident ensuing, which was what my father was worried about, but I was honestly not bothered by the probability of it. The Protectorate was in a difficult position, they would have to admit fault with Shadow Stalker, there was no other option. If they tried to frame her death as heroic, then it would only worsen their legal position with myself. Nor could they hide her death with a 'reassignment' or a 'decommissioning', as it would likely incense Sophia's family in spite of the NDAs.
No, they would probably announce Sophia's death within the next few days, once they reach a legal agreement with both myself and Sophia's family, and then they would make an announcement, keeping the details to a minimum, but would still provide enough to keep people from digging too deep into it.
And if they didn't do it exactly as I projected, well, it would be a complication, but it wasn't exactly fatal, it would just mean I would have to move up my timetable again. Sadly, it seemed to be an increasingly common occurrence lately. What had been plans for months were compacting into weeks now. And while I knew I could probably pull it off, I was growing closer to the razor's edge where I wasn't so sure.
That was why I had chosen to discuss with Piggot what I planned, and what could be done. It had been a calculated risk, but the read I had been able to develop simply by doing the due research had been worth it in the long run.
That still didn't mean I was going to lower my guard and invite weakness. It just meant I had to adapt to the changing circumstances even harder, developing further and further countermeasures and contingencies.
A fast and loose game, for sure, but a necessary one. Brockton Bay simply was just too unpredictable a city in the first place. After all, this was a city that tolerated the existence of a neo-Nazi organization with aspirations of overthrowing the local government and more.
Speaking of adaptations...
Sighing, and not wanting any further debate, I merely opened up the door to our truck and stepped out, ignoring my father calling out my name as I slammed the door shut. Slinging my bag up onto my shoulder, I strode towards Arcadia's front entrance.
I was going to have to expedite my pathway to emancipation. My father was becoming too much of a hindrance with his clinging, especially now after what happened with Sophia. Right now, I had control of the situation, even if it was growing aggravating with how many adjustments I was being forced to make in lieu of my father's involvement.
Taking a deep breath as I reached the door, I then released it. There was no point in dwelling over spilt blood, in a way I should be thankful to Sophia, her elimination had provided me a priceless opportunity. One that I was going to utilize until it was a withered husk.
What I needed to focus on now was the domestic.
Opening the door, I strode in, making it a point to ignore the pointed stares from other students.
It was understandable, really, considering the black eye and bruised cheek I currently sported. It was rather hard to ignore in a cursory glance, especially in an upper crust school like Arcadia.
I could have probably fixed it up a little bit with some healing, but it would raise too many questions. With Panacea having already gone home for the evening that night I was left to merely get an examination and some painkillers for my bruised rib, which I had healed at the first opportunity.
Nonetheless, I knew the school rumor mill would be spinning up quickly at the sight, regardless of my feelings. But it was not really my concern; my concern solely lay in catching up on my academics and continuing my work. The missed day wouldn't amount to too much extra work, but when you were trying to catch up on an entire semester of Arcadia, on top of the failed education offered by Winslow, well, any sort of impediment could be a larger deal in the long run.
So with that in mind, I entered the office, intent on picking up my missed assignments from the previous day. Exchanging a few words with the secretary, identifying myself, and receiving the work, I turned back to the door, already glancing at the notes left for me as I set a course for my locker..
Fast-tracking emancipation would probably be my best choice in the long run, it'd provide me the flexibility and freedom that I needed for the future. The only real hang-up to that plan was my age. There was no chance that the courts would emancipate me at fifteen, regardless of any valid argument I could offer. I would likely have to wait until my birthday in June before I could make a concerted effort. Still, I could at least start the work now.
It was as I reached my locker that I came to a stop, closing my eyes as I refrained from grinding my teeth in annoyance as it came closer.
It being Victoria Dallon, also known as Glory Girl. Ever since my encounter with Amy, the blonde had become an increasingly problematic annoyance. It wasn't just her attitude that rubbed me the wrong way, but her very existence set me on edge.
I could forgive her the fact that she reminded me too much of Emma before her turn, with her preppy bubbly enthusiasm, I understood the scars my former friend had left on me an aversion to ait. personality like that. What I couldn't forgive her was the damn genjutsu that she was constantly casting.
When I first encountered it in its full glory, I had almost attacked the blonde out of ingrained reflex. Only the recognition that it would probably be unwise to drive a kunai through the eye of the poster girl of teenage heroes had stayed my hand. That and the sense that the damn girl was unaware she was even doing it in the first place because it fluctuated with her emotions.
Since then I had made sure to counteract whatever it is she was doing. Yet it still didn't take away the annoyance of having to divide my attention in order to deal with it, nor did it take it away completely, rendering it to something akin to an annoying buzzing sound in my head.
Suffice to say, I did my best to keep my distance from her, which was difficult because of my recent involvement with Amy and a new student.
Hopefully though, she was just passing through the hallway and I could go on my way.
Unfortunately, it seemed that Murphy decided to be against me today.
"Hey Taylor, Amy was wondering where you were yesterday. Are you okay?"
Ame give me strength, I took a deep cleansing breath to turn around to face the fresh source of my irritation, noting that Amy was just behind the blonde. Upon the sight of my face, her expression changed, and I had to resist the urge to snarl when the genjutsu ramped up in intensity, forcing me to again recycle my chakra flow in order to beat it back.
"What happened," she demanded as her face darkened, "who did this to you?"
It once again said something about Arcadia if Glory Girl could get agitated over a black eye as if it was the ultimate effrontery.
"Can't say. It's under investigation," I responded. It was better to just leave it at that, both because it was true but also protected me blowback by lying or revealing Sophia's demise.
Unfortunately, it seemed that Victoria took it the wrong way, as her expression became thunderous, "Was it your dad? I'll-"
"No," I cut her off, "I can't tell you, because it's under investigation. Leave it at that," I then turned back to my locker, grabbing my class books and closing the door, "now, if you'll excuse me, I have class to get to."
I then took the opportunity to slip past her before she could marshall a response, catching a glance from Amy as I continued down the hallway. I knew there was likely going to come back on me, but I had to get away from Glory Girl before whatever it was that she was doing caused me to take a more drastic action.
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AND
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The rest of the morning was rather tame, catching up on my classwork, ensuring that I understood what my teachers expected of me from my missed day, on top of all of my other work to catch up. It actually was rather refreshing how mundane it felt.AND
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Of course, I knew that likely wasn't going to hold up. Sitting down outside on a bench, taking the foil off my chicken wrap when Amy sat down beside me.
I didn't say anything as she opened her salad bowl, nor did she choose to say anything herself as she began picking at her meal.
I raised a mental eyebrow at her silence, but said nothing as I went back to nibbling on my wrap.
It was as she finished her salad that she finally spoke.
"Why didn't you ask me to heal you?"
Well, that certainly was not the question I was expecting. But then again, maybe I could still understand it. The ability to heal almost every malady would make her one of the most sought after commodities in North America. I wasn't exactly sure what it said about the system that they allowed Amy Dallon to attempt (rather poorly, in my estimation) the life of a normal teenage girl when she could have been cultivated for so much more.
"Why should I make demands of something that belongs solely to you?"
That was certainly not the response she was expecting. I wasn't surprised though, looking at her I could easily see the demands and expectations were leveled upon her, it made sense that it had almost become automatic for that when someone was injured, they'd request her personal touch.
Finishing my wrap, I balled up the foil and paper and tossed it into the trash, and gathered up my things. It's not that I wanted to leave, well, I did, but the matter was that I had no interest in discussing why I didn't care whether she healed me or not. I mean, I could, but frankly, after dealing with Victoria this morning, I just didn't have the energy to want to discuss philosophy with Panacea of all people.
"Do I have your permission to heal you?"
I stopped, turning to look at her, but not before I took a few moments to take in my surroundings to note if there were any other witnesses or hanger-ons watching us. Luckily there weren't, but that still didn't negate the point of it all.
I could have her heal me, it would actually probably be in my interest, but at the same time, there was a niggling sensation in the back of my head that pushing on the matter may not be in my long-term interest. It wasn't that Panacea was a focus, but after everything that had taken place I had spent a bit more time studying her. It was during my studies that I realized that there was something inherently wrong with Amy Dallon far beyond her sudden interest in me. The problem was I just hadn't had the time to really dig in deeply on the matter with so many other issues to focus upon.
Sighing, I allowed my shoulders to slouch slightly, "Why do you feel it's so important to heal me? It's not as if this is bothering me that much, and it's nothing that it won't heal on its own in a few days or so"
Again, it seemed to be a surprise to the other girl. It was obvious that she wasn't used to being declined because she already had her hand outstretched towards me. It was such an alien experience to her that she had nothing to fall back upon as a response except to sit there frozen..
Quite frankly, it was rather sad. But then again, wasn't I allowing my own abilities to dictate who I was at the moment?
Still, it was obvious that she had allowed herself to become so consumed by her power that it seemed to define almost every facet of her life.
Maybe it was fine with her, but looking at how she conducted herself and her near constant state of exhaustion, I sincerely doubted the veracity of that supposition. Her response, frozen as it was, only cemented that there was something very wrong going on in Amy Dallon's life. It was the words and tonality of someone alone and drowning in life.
Like I had once been.
"It's what's expected of me," she finally said, her hand lowering to her side, not used to being denied. Honestly, I wondered if she was even aware she had said that aloud, or even if she meant to even think it. Yet there it was.
It was now that I realized exactly what Amy Dallon reminded me of. There were several instances in Konan's memory of shinobi and kunoichi who had become so obsessed with their role that it had consumed them to the point they were only functioning in order to fulfill their role. Eventually, the stress and strain, and the inability to function outside of it would cause the person to suffer a psychotic break that required them being put down because they became a threat not only to themselves but to others as well.
And while Amy was not to the point of being too far gone to be unsalvageable, if things were to continue as they were, it was not a question of if, but when she eventually snapped. The tells were already there.
This honestly should not be my problem, but there were too many instances in Konan's memory of how terrifying a medic could be if they put their mind to it. And if my suspicions about Amy were correct, then she could easily eclipse anything the likes of Tsunade of the Sannin or Chiyo of the Sand could do, both in scale of healing and destruction.
Not only that, but I wasn't arrogant enough to believe I would never get injured to the point I was unable to heal myself. After my initial confrontation and involvement with Amy I had moved her into one of my contingency plans. Losing her now, when I had already built a few plans around here would be...suboptimal.
Even worse if she were to become a threat. I wasn't keen on engaging any S-Class threats or even an Endbringer for at least a few more months, preferably a year at least, depending on if I really wanted to ensure that I would be successful.
I had to hold back a sigh as I realized I had yet another complication to now deal with. One that, at least this time, was of my own making.
Letting her heal me would only exacerbate the issue further, as it was made worse by the feeling that Amy was looking for an excuse to get her hands upon me. Whatever it was with my biology, it had become like a drug to her, and she was begging for another hit of it.
I had to put my foot down, but I had to also ensure that it would be done in a way to maybe actually get Amy to go down a path that would avoid self-destruction.
And I wasn't the greatest with people. Neither was Konan for that matter. Sure, she was good at directing people, but the social aspect of her personality had died a sudden death with the demise of Yahiko. All that had been left in her life had been purpose, and that was certainly not going to help me with defusing this little bomb.
I wasn't in a no-win situation, but it was pretty damn close. Stepping away would only complicate things, especially if Amy's interest in me transcended beyond simply healing me. But at the same time, I couldn't just solve everything with a few words here either, it had to be a gradual deconstruction if it had any hope of being successful.
And it had to start here.
"It is what is expected of me," I repeated her words, letting it hang in the air for a few moments as I rose to my feet. Gathering myself up, I merely allowed a sigh to escape my lips, cooling my irritation at the frivolity of her statement, but also my own damnable opinion and position.
"Is it still a cage if you cannot see the bars," I finally mused aloud, causing her to bristle. I had to stop myself from closing my eyes, knowing I would be met with the faces of too many people trapped in that same hellish logic, "everyone is a slave to something. I guess the question you have to ask yourself, Amy, is are you happy with it?"
I then walked away, but not before offering a, "Thank you for the offer, though."
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AND
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Leaning back in his decadently comfortable chair, Thomas Calvert steepled his hands, the perfect picture of calmness.
This was far from the truth. In actuality, the man who was also known as Coil was seething as he ruminated over the email that Director Piggot had sent Chief Director Costa-Brown. One in which she outlined her plan to coordinate with the unaffiliated cape Tenshi in executing raids against the ABB and E88, using the new cape's intelligence-gathering abilities to spearhead it..
Operations that he knew would be likely to succeed if things were to remain as they were, because they were weak points he planned to take advantage of once he had assumed power in Brockton Bay. Even tipping off the gangs to what was coming would not likely change the outcome as long as Tenshi had remained in play.
And therein lay another problem..
Twice, so far, he had tried to solve the problem through his usual methods of elimination or coercion.
He could still hear the Kohler's screams even now, as Taylor Hebert had tortured the last survivor of the strike team sent to eliminate her at the hotel she had been staying at. The cool detachment as she used needles to inflict pain for information on his base. He had cut the timeline after Kohler had finally broken.
The second time, he had kidnapped Danny Hebert while the man was on his way to work. It had initially gone without any difficulty, but when he called Hebert, demanding compliance or her father would die, she had dismissed his threat. He hadn't had the time to reiterate the threat before his base had come under attack by Hebert.
After that, he had spent the last twelve hours considering what he could do.
Thanks to Tattletale's report he knew where Tenshi had holed up, but after what had happened to his first two attempts to neutralize Tenshi, discretion was the better part of valor, as much as it grated upon his nerves. He didn't get to where he was by running at the problem half-cocked.
No, it would be better to use the villains to do his dirty work for him. They had done a good job so far in moving things the way he wanted them, why change a good thing?
But first, he needed assurances that this would work.
It appeared he would have need of young Miss Alcott's 'services' sooner than he had originally planned.
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Chapter felt good, overall. Starting with the interactions with Danny, it's getting clearer just how much of Taylor is Konan now with her near complete disregard for him. Or maybe disregard is the wrong term here? More like ambivalence, oscillating between whatever lingering affections Taylor holds for him, and Konan's frustrations at Danny getting in her way.
Next, the oncoming encounter with the train-with-no-brakes called Victoria, and all the conflicts bundled up into that. Then the Amy stuff, building up to something with her. Not sure what at this point, but it's going somewhere.
The Coil stuff... Honestly, I'd be happy if I never read about him again ever, anywhere, but that's just because I was sick of him by a quarter of the way through canon. I'm looking forward to him doing something here regarding Taylor that he can't take back and things snowballing out of his control spectacularly.
Silly @AlSmash, the grind doesn't end until you've got a god-rolled Messenger with rapid hit and desperado. Then you need a comfy Servant Leader, and then-
SanguisAnima
Σ Series Z10/0 Group A 4A-GELU Mk1
- Location
- nowhere important
Oh Thomas. Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, you've had two timelines already show you the error of thy ways, and yet you still wish to force your issue.
How long, and how many more timelines before you learn that you never try to out-escalate a certain Taylor Hebert? You don't think about it, not even as much as breathe about it. You simply DON'T.
How long, and how many more timelines before you learn that you never try to out-escalate a certain Taylor Hebert? You don't think about it, not even as much as breathe about it. You simply DON'T.
LostArchivist
Sane, unfortunately.
- Location
- The State of Confusion
I liked the chapter. I'm somewhat irked with the Coil interlude, mostly because it means he isn't dead or imprisoned yet, but that's a hopefully solvable issue. 
I also hope that something blows up in Vicky or Dean's face before they break something in an attempt to "halp" more.
But mainly I want to see where that conversation with Amy goes. Even something along the lines of commenting on how, since Amy knows she's a cape, she ought to understand that she has experience with Amy's own expectation issues (maybe even float some of Konan's background, in vague terms), and then perhaps they can have a heart-to-heart. Amy is one of those people that really deserves better, and perhaps putting two horribly work-focused people together for a honest conversation will cause them to lose some of the rough edges. Amy needs to run away from home failing anything else, and Taylor should probably stay in hers (but really needs to talk with Danny, assuming he wouldn't make assumptions too badly).
As is, though, merely explaining some form of downside to her own healing powers or that they only work on her, short of lots of disassembling of cadavers, and I imagine her immediate problem will be solved. Simply explaining that yes, she can heal herself, but couldn't do it because of these things called 'secret identities' that Amy may vaguely recall, and that it was Amy's own insistence on this matter that was the reason she tried. Back that up with the fact that she accepted because of her cover and... there you go.
Also, doesn't Amy constantly complain about her aura, or is that fanon?
Either way, one would think she'd consider that first. Is this her oversight or her powers secretly hiding their downsides from her?
Plus, Taylor's comment of "It's under investigation" means the damn thing is being handled.
I also hope that something blows up in Vicky or Dean's face before they break something in an attempt to "halp" more.
But mainly I want to see where that conversation with Amy goes. Even something along the lines of commenting on how, since Amy knows she's a cape, she ought to understand that she has experience with Amy's own expectation issues (maybe even float some of Konan's background, in vague terms), and then perhaps they can have a heart-to-heart. Amy is one of those people that really deserves better, and perhaps putting two horribly work-focused people together for a honest conversation will cause them to lose some of the rough edges. Amy needs to run away from home failing anything else, and Taylor should probably stay in hers (but really needs to talk with Danny, assuming he wouldn't make assumptions too badly).
As is, though, merely explaining some form of downside to her own healing powers or that they only work on her, short of lots of disassembling of cadavers, and I imagine her immediate problem will be solved. Simply explaining that yes, she can heal herself, but couldn't do it because of these things called 'secret identities' that Amy may vaguely recall, and that it was Amy's own insistence on this matter that was the reason she tried. Back that up with the fact that she accepted because of her cover and... there you go.
That should be "faze"
knew that was likely?
...Vicky, you dense idiot.
Also, doesn't Amy constantly complain about her aura, or is that fanon?
Either way, one would think she'd consider that first. Is this her oversight or her powers secretly hiding their downsides from her?
Let me rephrase that. They're both dense idiots.
Says the pot to the kettle. Admittedly, "civilian" violence is different from cape violence, but it's not like her own is any safer.
Plus, Taylor's comment of "It's under investigation" means the damn thing is being handled.
You're either short a period or have one too many.
Prince Charon
Just zis guy, you know?
"Because this happened to my civilian identity, and has already been documented by the authorities."
- Location
- Sector 2814
Something went wrong in this sentence.
Exactly. Seems like an easy answer. Not every cape has a public identity like New Wave.
I'll be honest, the "Coil sees a new independent Taylor, immediately decides she must be kidnapped/recruited/killed" is generally overdone, even if it can still be fun seeing how he dies (favorites: radiation grenade, and death by magical girl). The general, narrative problem is that Coil can't actually win the attempt, because (except for recruitment), the story will largely be over. So Taylor has to win or escape. I am not saying it will be bad if it goes that route, just that it's well tread ground. Coil getting smart and understanding the sunk cost fallacy, and restarting in a different town, would be a neat change.
Other than that, great update!
that and Amy is apparently forgetting the fact Taylor could have given a shit about her injuries. Amy is the one who had the burning need to heal her. Taylor neither asked nor wished to be healed. Amy brought it up, Amy pushed for it. Amy got what amounts to a don't care do whatever for permission. then Amy throws a fit as if Taylor Begged to get healed.
Tisaku
Head Chief Thinkomancer
- Location
- The Lair
So a lot of the critique of this chapter was where I was uncomfortable in my writing in the chapter. A lot of my discomfit lay with the Amy/Taylor interaction and what to do with it. So I'm probably going to go back over and try and work it out now that I have four days off, it shouldn't be too much of a fix, it'll probably result in some changes, but I'm trying not to delete too much of it. So give me a little bit and I'll have it reworked, probably delate the confrontation, either to where Taylor silences her before she starts exploding, or Amy not getting herself too hit with the idiot ball. Pardon the dust.
I'll respond once I get done with the rework
I'll respond once I get done with the rework
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I'm don't want to get too deep into what's already been said but you seem to agree with the general idea that the Taylor/Amy interaction was off. I'm not saying their interactions are not interesting just the result is weird so I look forward to changes just don't get too hung up on it the story is still great!
On a side note I find her issue with Glory Girls aura interesting. Chakra is complex to really explain but I'm assuming that GG's ability bothers her more than others due to her sensitivity to mental/chakra stimulus? If the effect is similar to genjutsu then she has to constantly disrupt her own chakra to negate the effects or hurt herself.
The only problem that these two scenes share is it at least for me was a long while since we have seen Taylor interact with Amy and Victoria so I was pretty out of the loop on context and wasn't sure so I went back and read the previous Amy interactions. To refresh and I think the idea of Taylor rejecting Amy's request to heal is really really interesting and can lead to good interactions between the two. But I'd didn't make sense for Taylor to agree to let Amy heal her or for Amy to react the way she did so IMO it might be better to just have her still refuse and then put Amy in an obsessive/confused bind where she is resentful of healing but really can't stop herself from being annoyed that she was rejected.
Kind of like a very attractive person being turned down for a date which usually or never happens and they obsess over it.
Victoria's scene was only odd because I felt it cane out of left field and we didn't have any previous context to justify Taylor's frustration over the aura unless it's been so long I forgot there was a initial interaction if so then my bad I'm sorry. If not then it's a simple matter or changing the wording to instead of saying "when she first encountered GG she wanted to attack her" to something more like "the more she was at Arcadia and near glory girl the more the aura bothered her and had to fight it or avoid it"
Also Coil being coil is always fun because you get to see fun little bits of information in what Taylor/Konan would do in reaction to an event like that.
Anyway! Great story I'm happy you are still working on it even if these last few chapters have been a struggle for you it's always fun to read and I hope you enjoy thinking and writing it despite some setbacks
On a side note I find her issue with Glory Girls aura interesting. Chakra is complex to really explain but I'm assuming that GG's ability bothers her more than others due to her sensitivity to mental/chakra stimulus? If the effect is similar to genjutsu then she has to constantly disrupt her own chakra to negate the effects or hurt herself.
The only problem that these two scenes share is it at least for me was a long while since we have seen Taylor interact with Amy and Victoria so I was pretty out of the loop on context and wasn't sure so I went back and read the previous Amy interactions. To refresh and I think the idea of Taylor rejecting Amy's request to heal is really really interesting and can lead to good interactions between the two. But I'd didn't make sense for Taylor to agree to let Amy heal her or for Amy to react the way she did so IMO it might be better to just have her still refuse and then put Amy in an obsessive/confused bind where she is resentful of healing but really can't stop herself from being annoyed that she was rejected.
Kind of like a very attractive person being turned down for a date which usually or never happens and they obsess over it.
Victoria's scene was only odd because I felt it cane out of left field and we didn't have any previous context to justify Taylor's frustration over the aura unless it's been so long I forgot there was a initial interaction if so then my bad I'm sorry. If not then it's a simple matter or changing the wording to instead of saying "when she first encountered GG she wanted to attack her" to something more like "the more she was at Arcadia and near glory girl the more the aura bothered her and had to fight it or avoid it"
Also Coil being coil is always fun because you get to see fun little bits of information in what Taylor/Konan would do in reaction to an event like that.
Anyway! Great story I'm happy you are still working on it even if these last few chapters have been a struggle for you it's always fun to read and I hope you enjoy thinking and writing it despite some setbacks
Ellf
Apprentice Wizard
- Location
- Virginia
Tell me you haven't read Worm without telling me you haven't read Worm. In no instance in Canon would I ever describe Victoria this way.
Victoria isn't an idiot and has very good social awareness. Is she enthusiastic? Yes, but I wouldn't describe her as bubbly or preppy.
Prince Charon
Just zis guy, you know?
There's a reasonably good chance that they're either using different definitions of 'bubbly' and 'preppy' than you are (also, 'preppy' might have been a typo of 'peppy'), or have read Worm in 2013 and or so and not since, and thus have a poor memory of it. These I would say are about equal with the chance that they haven't read Worm (or the parts of Worm that GG is in) at all.
Ellf
Apprentice Wizard
- Location
- Virginia
Honestly, I'm just very tired of fanon Victoria. "Collateral Damage Barbie" is so far from Victoria's actual characterization that it's ridiculous.
serra2
Himouto! Sylvanas-chan
.....Our first introduction to her (from outside the protagonists view) is her throwing a dumpster at a dude running from her, requiring Amy to heal him. Our first view of her from Taylor's vision is her blowing through a wall at a bank with hostages and smashing up the place.
Ellf
Apprentice Wizard
- Location
- Virginia
And then the further bits of her show her as much deeper than this. The reasons she threw the dumpster at the guy are because he was a racist prick who got his jollies off on hurting women of color. And uh... I think you need to reread the bank scene.
serra2
Himouto! Sylvanas-chan
That's so deep the tops of my toes are still dry. What evidence did she have that this guy was the one who did it? And that justifies trying to murder him?
Ellf
Apprentice Wizard
- Location
- Virginia
You mean other than the fact that the guy was literally mid attempt to do it again when Victoria stopped him?
Would it have been more justified if she'd used a gun in defense of others?
Seriously, read the interlude again. Your views have been tainted by fanon. The collateral damage barbie narrative is not supported by Canon at all.
Ridtom
Good. Bad. I'm the man with the Wand.
Tbf, at least this chapter acknowledges that the CDB stuff is trolling in-universe.
I do think this fic has Dean and Vic be dumber than they are in canon though. Like, Dean sees Vic meeting Taylor, Taylor tenses up, Vic and Dean both know Vic has her aura up (and Dean can see emotions; even Vic's)…
This chapter should have ended with Dean going, "Hey she seems a bit agitated when you approach her with aura on, maybe turn it off or lower it?" And Vic going, "You know what, that makes sense, not many people have a reaction to such a low setting but it couldn't hurt to try. It even explains why she's so tense around me."
And then the two of them have lunch and talk about who they punched on patrol.
1.) Kid Win blew up the wall.
2.) GG was helping Aegis fight off Dogs tearing him apart
3.) GG only entered the building when Amy saved the hostages (who were only there because of Taylor)
4.) GG came in through a window and smashed a desk as a warning to Skitter to not to try anything dumb. Skitter then takes another hostage and from there it's just Victoria talking to her and offering some amnesty if she surrenders and just… hanging out and being remarkably calm when there's a knife to her sisters throat.