Along Came a Spider [Worm AU/Case53!Taylor]

[Philosoraptor31]

Along Came a Spider
Worm AU

I felt like crossposting, as I said I eventually would, so, here it is.

Index
1.1
Interlude D/C/E
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6

Omakes
BadStalker and Good Spider by KnightofMor
Christmas Special by me

Spoiler: Reference Pictures

Skull Symbol
Physiology
Eye Colours
Normal Spider Physiology
Spider Mask

Spoiler: Spider Facts

Spiders can see in the UV light spectrum.
Spiders can jump anywhere from 20 to 50 times their body length. This Fic uses 25 times.
Spiders have about 8 times the strength of a human in relation to their weight.
Spiders can get drunk off of caffeine. Hilarity will ensue.
More to come, or you can request them.

Spoiler: Timeline, contains Spoilers

January 2011
3rd Monday (1.1, Interlude D/C/E) Taylor Triggers. Sophia and Emma discover something has gone wrong in their prank. Danny sees Taylor's new form.
4th Tuesday (1.2) Taylor has a fairly laid-back day and does costume design.
7th Friday (1.3) Taylor gets into her first fight, meets two Wards.
9th Sunday (1.4, 1.5) PHO, discussion with New Wave.
12th Wednesday (1.6) School, Taylor fights E88 capes.

Notes
I apologise in advance for swapping from British English to American English, Canadian computers can't seem to agree with themselves.
Crossposted on SB
Updates and replies may not come as often here, as I'm mainly on SB. Announcements will also almost only be on SB.


Currently working on: 1.7, 1.4 of CwyWf

 

[Philosoraptor31]

Along Came a Spider
Worm AU

Walking out the back doors of the school my mind was aflame. At first when I found the letter Emma had sent me saying that she would tell me why she and her new best friend had made it her mission over the last year to ruin my life, I'd thought it was a joke. The only thing that stopped me from simply throwing it away was that she had handwritten and signed it, and even after so long I recognized it as her writing. Not that she'd written it in a way that I could use it as evidence, just that she would explain why we had 'drifted apart', as if that wasn't a gross understatement. Cautiously looking at the area around the back of the gym all I could see was Emma waiting in front of a dumpster. No hangers-on standing around, and most importantly no Sophia. If they were going to physically hurt me, she was the most likely to do it.

Emma may hurt me the most with all the secrets I had confided in her, Emma knew me so well that she had easily managed to socially crucify me within the first week at school. On the other hand, Sophia was almost as bad thanks to the fact that she would physically make it so I couldn't even run away. Sometimes it would entail a trip down the stairs, a shove into some lockers, or just being punched in the locker room in areas that wouldn't be easy to see, not that there were many that would with my preferred style of clothing.

I was worried as I slowly walked toward her. I wanted to be hopeful, and maybe even able to find a way to be left alone, however, I won't delude myself with the idea of being Emma's friend anymore, and I wouldn't want that even if I had the option. In all reality though, I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. I couldn't conceive of any way that this could go over well, but, as they say, curiosity killed the cat. Now I just have to hope satisfaction will bring me back. At least there won't be any widespread humiliation since there's nobody around. Deciding to leave my inner mini-monologue I prepared for the worst. After all, how bad can she hurt me when we're all alone?

"Taylor, I'm glad you came" she had a knowing grin that was not settling my nerves at all.

I scowled at her "Can't we just get on with this?"

With feigned disappointment, she chided me. "Now Taylor, you shouldn't be rude to your old friend after all. Don't you want to know what happened?" I nodded grudgingly and Emma began speaking again.

"This is a long and important story, Taylor, so you'd better listen closely. When you ran away to summer camp, I was a little disappointed. I moped around far more than I should have. Then I met someone who was very annoyed with me once she found out why I was sulking so much. She reminded me I have other friends, and that life gets easier when you look at the world through a more realistic lens."

As Emma spoke she gradually got quieter, not much though still enough that I moved a little closer to hear her better. I needed to know why she had turned on me.

"Can you figure out who I met?" Emma said with a sickly sweet smile.

"Sophia."

"You got it in one. Over the course of the summer, she managed to teach me enough about how the world really is, and I began seeing different parts of my life through a clearer lens. I changed what I wore, how I acted, and how I thought about people. Some people are those with impact, the ability to influence what happens, someone with power. Those people are strong, although if they don't have the will to fight for their power, won't act if they're threatened, those who stay down and let themselves be kicked, those kinds of people are weak." Emma moved back a bit to almost lean on the dumpster, forcing me closer still.

"See the dichotomy? Sometimes I like to think of it as predator and prey, strong and weak, the survivors and the victims. People like Sophia and me, we're the strong, the predators, the survivors." I knew where she was going with this, but by now I needed her to say it, to make it final, to give me some closure, if you will.

"I wasn't always as strong as I am now, thankfully Sophia helped me mold myself to make me the survivor I am today. Then she helped me remove what wasn't worth keeping in my life. At first, it was just simple things such as how I picked my words. Eventually, she began helping me to evaluate those around me. We evaluated my family and then we looked at my friends." Emma was barely above a whisper by now.

"Some people I knew were at least simply part of the herd, not victims willing to be attacked, though they weren't willing to fight either, they just run away from predators… but then we took our time when it came to finding out what you were, trying to see if you would surprise us and be a predator, or simply prey." By now I couldn't have been more than a foot away from her.

"We discovered something that shocked me, Sophia wasn't surprised at all, do you know what we discovered, Taylor?" In spite of her taunting tone, I was almost entranced simply because Emma was finally going to say exactly why she abandoned me.

I shook my head.

Emma pulled me even closer than before, she was literally able to whisper in my ear now. I think I heard something behind me, but all of my focus was on the girl in front of me.

A horrid creaking sound, most likely from the dumpster, was the only warning for the putrid stench that hit me as she whispered in my ear, "You're weak", not that I could pay it much attention with most of my effort going into trying to not throw up.

Something behind me lifted me up and did the exact opposite of what I wanted to do, which was to be as far away from that rancid smell as I could get. It had to be Sophia; she was the only one violent enough for this. The lid clanged deafeningly as it swung closed, engulfing the dumpster in murky shadows. From the inside, their laughs might as well have been cackles with how cruel they sounded, amplified by an ominous click. I couldn't tell what they had done to this dumpster, but I knew for a fact that they had filled it with something vile. The feeling of it made me both physically and metaphorically sick. The vomit further slickened the wet refuse at the bottom of the dumpster.

Slamming into the lid proved what I feared, they had locked it. I was trapped in this filth. The air was almost impossible to breathe. I kept trying to bang on the lid and the sides of it, but it was futile. A horror began to creep into my mind as I realized that this very well could be my tomb. They didn't care if I died in here. In spite of my efforts, I vomited again. It smelled like rotten blood- and oh god the bugs. I can feel them crawling on me.

"Someone! Anyone! Let Me Out!" I continued screaming until I fell into unconsciousness.

<><>​

I awoke briefly before-

Destination.
Creaking, blinding light
Agreement
Something to drink, finally
Trajectory.
IT BURNS, IT BURNS, THE WET GARBAGE DOES NOTHING!
Agreement.
My everything feels like it's on FIRE!
Concern.
I can feel bones grinding and shifting
Confidence.
All-encompassing pain
Renege?
I keep twitching, I'm still sore
Denial. Destination.
Finally... no more pain
...Agreement.

-falling back into blissful unconsciousness.

<><>​

I awoke to the growing familiarity of that same stiflingly horrific smell and heat. Yet something felt… wrong. The dumpster felt too small. I've got to be going crazy by now; I can't make out anything intelligible from my senses. It feels like there's tons of lights, sounds, and smells surrounding me yet not me. Focusing in on myself the reality of my situation hit me again. I've been left to die.

Oh god, the smell is somehow even stronger than before, but... it doesn't seem as bad as it was before. What Is that terrible coppery taste, I can't make sense of it. It seems like I'm tasting it through- WHY do I have so many legs!? What the Hell is going on! I opened my eyes in a vain attempt to figure out what was wrong with me, and shockingly I realized that I could actually see in what should have been pitch blackness, barely, but in the odd not-light I discovered where the stench was coming from, and it horrified me further. A veritable mountain of used tampons and pads, all decayed and covered in the insects that finally seemed to be avoiding me. I needed to get out. Shivering while barely holding in my vomit again, I hammered on the metal side of the dumpster in a near-pointless attempt to be heard and let out.

The shrieking sound emanating from the steel as my fist tore it away paralyzed me with shock. What appeared to be a black chitinous fist was embedded in two layers of my steel coffin, the outer wall and then the handle on its side. The only thing reminding me that it was actually my arm was the refreshing feeling of the outside air on my hand. How did scrawny teenage me tear through freaking steel like tissue paper? I have to be a parahuman, there isn't any other explanation as to why I could even dent metal, much less rip through steel. The brief moment of elation quickly fades as I remember where I am. I ignore how cold I feel as I begin tearing to widen the hole if anything it's a relief from the sickly heat. In my desperate escape, I made an alarming discovery, that everything below my waist has turned into a massive honest to god SPIDER!

Crawling out from the hellish insides of the dumpster I collapsed in exhaustion. Not physical, in fact, I felt unreasonably fine physically minus the feeling of what was in there. No, my exhaustion was of the mental variety. Shivering slightly, I began to collect myself, only to realize that not only did I look like a monster now, but my clothes had been shredded mostly from the transformation. My top was a total write-off, but remnants of my underwear and pants remained. I found them too tight, thanks to the shift in how my lower body was shaped. I certainly don't want anyone to see me like this with my clothes in shambles- Oh crap! What if someone saw me? I don't want that to happen, but where do I go? It's too cold out here and someone could spot me by walking by the back of the gym. I need to get home, maybe with enough time I can figure out a way to deal with this.

Maybe… maybe I can go on the rooftops, that's a thing that capes do, right? Well, then I'll just have to get on top of the school. Great idea me, now how am I going to get up there without being seen? Wait, if I'm some kind of spider-centaur thing then I might be able to do things that a spider could. Wasn't there some Earth Aleph comic or two about someone like that? Getting back on track I looked to the wall with trepidation. At least there won't be a crowd to laugh at me about it if I fail. Tentatively, I began moving my forelegs up onto the wall from the pavement. Finding a remarkable amount of traction I continued transferring myself onto the wall. With no small amount of glee I found that I could safely walk up the wall with no difficulty. For the first time, I was thankful that Bet preferred sturdy construction compared to Aleph, the level of fancy architecture is irrelevant in the face of not needing to fear structural integrity when climbing all over whatever I wanted to.

I reached the roof and, recognizing the absurdity of simply throwing myself off the roof and hoping for the best, I made a few test jumps. Jumping around on the roof felt surprisingly natural, apparently jumping fit into my short list of spider-based powers, or, for all I knew, simply another bonus of my powers without any actual relation to spiders. Each jump was exhilarating; generally, you don't accelerate this fast unless you're in a car or on a roller coaster. Once I felt secure in how jumping felt I began my journey home with a leap across the street.

I made incredibly fast progress without roads or buildings impeding my movement. After a while, I have to admit I got a little tired of leaping around everywhere. Fortunately, I seemed to have not been noticed, or at least I didn't cause a massive scene. As I got home, I found a new challenge waiting for me. Getting through the back door. In spite of the advantages my powers and spider bits had given me they came with some fairly pronounced cons of having said spider bits, such as the revelation that my nearly three-foot-wide spider-butt can't fit through things such as doorways, or sit on couches, and generally the fact that I am a giant spider monster. Sighing, I began the age-old tradition of trying enough things that something stuck, or, in this case, did not get stuck.

After a few botched attempts at going through the back door and even one attempt on my window, I finally found an answer. Crawling on the wall and going through sideways until I got inside, giant spider-butt and all. Needless to say, even though it worked, it felt extremely weird to go through a door sideways. Not that it got much better once I was inside, thanks to hallways in most buildings, my house included, being designed for normal people. Thankfully for me, we have a fairly open planned house with larger doorways between rooms on the main floor, so actually living in a house and not a garage won't be too uncomfortable. Not so luckily was that going from the open planned main floor made going upstairs to my room feel like crawling through a vent with many openings, the one I needed being the bathroom.

Throwing what little remained of my clothing in a corner, I ran into another thing that became far more difficult thanks to my transformation. Trying to have a nice shower. After about an hour and a half of scrubbing, rinsing, and trying to not get water absolutely everywhere thanks to needing to maneuver different parts of me in and out of the shower to remove the filth that I had carried out with me from the dumpster. Feeling much better I debated to myself whether to lay down or actually investigate what had changed in more detail.

Once I found the courage to face the mirror, the surprises continued. To start, my eyes had ceased to be their modest brown and were now a striking hue of violet. Two eyes were also apparently not enough, now there were six. They didn't look human either; there wasn't a white to my eyes anymore, only shades of purple, almost like looking into an amethyst. Where the whites used to be, there was a glistening violet followed by a darker ring of purple around where my irises should have been. Finally, my pupils were no longer black but somehow more of the first shade of violet. It looked quite nice actually if you ignored the inhuman aspects of it. In my literally open mouthed shock, I noticed that my teeth had become pointed and sharp, slightly similar to a shark's in appearance.

Thanks to the destruction of my shirt I'd noticed that my breasts were no longer barely filling a B cup, according to the more generous brands at least, but I hadn't been able to tell exactly how much and I hadn't felt like that really mattered in comparison to being a giant spider. Looking now they were clearly larger than any natural girl's body deserved or needed to have; in fact without my immense strength I imagined they probably would have been well on their way to giving me serious back aches. I wouldn't be surprised if they filled out an E or F cup now. Well at least Emma will never be able to call me a washboard again, instead, she can simply call me an affront to nature. Not that I'm sure she'd be wrong, but no one would be stupid enough to openly insult or bully a cape, that'd basically be asking to be smeared against a wall, something which I realized morbidly I could easily do.

Paying attention to the parts of my body only somewhat changed, I found that what were once my human legs had become armored with a chitin-like material, starting at about halfway down my thighs and ending with each of my feet being replaced by a viciously sharp blade. Were they supposed to actually represent something on a spider, or did the change just screw up 'foot' and 'foot-sized blade'? Looking up a bit, I was glad that my torso hadn't changed in an insectile way. Continuing on my way upwards, I looked at my arms. They were now armoured as I had noticed during my escape, and had a few sharp edges like my legs did. Checking my hands, I noticed that they too ended in clawed points which looked wickedly sharp, kind of like my foot-claw things.

My hair at least hadn't changed at all; and even though it was far from my only feminine feature now, it was still my favourite since it reminded me of my mother. Now that I was looking for it, I had very few characteristics in common with my family anymore, much less my mother. Another little bonus seemed to be that my human body seemed much fitter than it did before, no paunch sitting there smugly, in fact, no body fat other than what would be seen as attractive, and surprising amounts of muscle seemed to be under it. My body simply didn't look realistic. If I didn't know it to be true, I would only believe that the only way this kind of physique was not made in Photoshop was if there was a bio-tinker that tried to make someone look like this.

Deciding to distract myself from that train of thought I decided to finally pay attention to the part of me that no longer even resembled a human. Looking back to the spider half of me I noticed for some odd reason I still had human butt cheeks, why I'll never know, nevertheless there they were where my back met the top of the spider back. For the most part, my lower body below where my legs should have been was simply a very large spider's body missing its face, which was now where my torso was attached to it. The only unique feature was a stylized skull symbol on my abdomen. Looking at me as a whole, instead of the previous upright frog appearance I had before, I kind of gave off a femme-fatale look now, with a terrifying spidery twist.

No matter how I looked, however, I needed to find something I could wear, or maybe I could make it. After all, spiders are supposed to be good at weaving things, right? After another venture into my bedroom, I began thinking of what I would want, and I decided that a shirt was probably a good start. Fortunately, there was an instinct reminding me of some muscles I'd never had before. More worryingly however, I could feel 15 different muscles being 'highlighted' by this instinct. Five in each forearm and another five at the end of my abdomen like how a regular spider spins webs. What is this thing in my forearm? Pressuring the fifth in my right arm and following the instincts I pressed my index finger to a small dimple on my wrist I moved another set of muscles I didn't know I had. A thread was now visible, and I gripped it with what felt like tiny claws on the tip of my finger, small enough that I wasn't able to see them.

Thinking of that, where did my glasses go? Huh, I guess my powers fixed my eyesight, weird. Pulling the thread out, I could somewhat see the area it was coming from, but more importantly was the thread itself. It was a surprisingly thick thread, and not sticky at all. I quickly discovered two things while playing around with it, firstly that it was very good at binding with other threads to form surfaces, and secondly that I seemed to have gained skills in weaving which continued to fit into the giant spider theme I had going on so far. I decided it was time to move onto actually attempting to make clothes for this ridiculous body I had gained.

<><>​

During my attempts at making clothing, I made a discovery. Said discovery was that the colossal strength and other spider-related abilities were in no way even close to the extent of my powers. In addition to that, I could control bugs. Well, insects, arachnids, and various other creepy crawlies. How did I discover this? Well, I subconsciously dragged a small army of spiders into my bedroom while I was weaving. For a moment, I had been terrified. I'm pretty sure that would have been the same response that any of my classmates had seen the same. That tiny thing in the back of my mind made itself known, making me pay attention to the senses I'd been ignoring until now. I felt quite relieved as I realized that they were all under my complete control.

Combining the instincts, my spinnerets, and the spiders I was able to weave extraordinarily fast. I managed to make a decent shirt, skirt, and underwear in what was likely record time for anyone without a sewing machine. I felt relaxed to have proper clothes, if slightly perturbed by the fact that my powers seemed to provide ways to modify clothes to suit my transformed body. Since one set of clothes was enough for now I unceremoniously flopped into my bed, fortunately, to only a slight groaning from the frame. Silently, I thanked my mother's insistence on a steel-framed queen size bed, even if she bought it thinking of Emma and me jumping on it as we grew up, not Emma torturing me into becoming a spider monster and simply needing a larger bed.

Thinking of what to do next to keep away from the tears that would likely come of continuing that train of thought, I wondered about something I should have thought of earlier. Will I even be able to go outside anymore? Well, I guess I could go out and be a hero. But either way, I have no ability to hide being a seven-foot-tall spider lady; even if I wasn't the size of a small car, the new eyes alone ensured that. I knew that there were some other "monstrous" capes out there, I think they called themselves Case 43s or something like that. I'll need to check that later and see how they live their lives. I'm pretty sure that they were more or less left alone if I remembered correctly. Most of them became heroes since they couldn't hide who they were and being a hero didn't conflict with me at all.

How could I forget! New Wave's big thing was not wearing masks and having their identities known. They proved that capes could live in relative safety without secret identities, well, other than the Fleur incident. That was actually kinda bad now that I thought about it. I remember going on their website once and being shocked that they lived normal lives during the day doing things like school or work. Of course then went around the city being heroes and saving people in need in the evenings. If they can do it, then I can at least try to be like that. I mean, I'm pretty sure I've heard of a few others, New Wave just has the hometown advantage. I've always wanted to be a hero and now I have a chance. Even if I'm no Alexandria, I've got some decent powers that seem fairly well rounded. I'll need some practice, but I can actually BE a hero.

My grin was practically splitting my face as I thought of all the adventures I could have and the good I could do for the city when I thought back to the not-so-heroic half of the lives of capes, namely being a normal person; sadly an essential part of being a normal fifteen-year-old girl involved going to school. Yes, my mother being a university professor and hoping for me to get a degree definitely made the school itself at least something I should do; but should I really do that, go back there and keep subjecting myself to what they might do to me? And, as I thought of before, I can't really see them trying to bully a known hero, or even any cape since it'd be practically suicide of at least the social variety if they were heroes and more directly if they weren't.

Maybe being a hero would be enough that I'd actually get to have friends again, and the teachers would have to listen to me because a hero wouldn't lie, and I'd be a decently known figure with the political and social clout which is almost universally common in capes. Well then, I might as well go back to school, but only once I'm ready for it, after all I don't think I'd want to just stay cooped up inside all day and I'd likely spill the beans on where I lived pretty quickly, being a giant spider person and all. Now I just need to find a way to explain all this to Dad.

Maybe being a hero would be enough that I'd actually get to have friends again, and the teachers would have to listen to me because a hero wouldn't lie, and I'd be a decently known figure with the political and social clout which is almost universally common in capes. Well then I might as well go back to school but only once I'm ready for it, after all I don't think I'd want to just stay cooped up inside all day and I'd likely spill the beans on where I lived pretty quickly being a giant spider person and all. Now I just need to find a way to explain all this to dad.

 

[Philosoraptor31]

Along Came a Spider
Worm AU

One thing to mention before I begin, did you notice the Invisi-text last chapter? No? Well, maybe you need to look again. Without further ado, on with the chapter.

<><>​

When I first got this job I'd loved to think of how the day had gone for the first half of the drive home, and then I'd think about what I had to look forward to, like my wife, my daughter, and my friends. Over the years as the Bay declined and my enjoyment of the days declined with it, slowly getting worse and worse. Eventually some of my friends moved away, fortunately, Kurt and Lacey stayed, I don't know what I would have done without them. I don't know what I would have done the day my wife passed away. That day had been the worst day of my life. After that things didn't really get better, they stayed about the same. I didn't get better either, I ran away from all my responsibilities. From Taylor. She looked so much like her mother that I could barely handle it.

I hated looking back on that part of my life, hell I've almost stopped reflecting on what's gone by other than what I need to think of for work the next day. But today is going to be different, I've wanted to reconnect with Taylor, God knows I've waited too long, grieved far more than I should have. Lately, I've been decided that I need to move on. Maybe we'll watch a movie, one of her favorites, or a new one she's been wanting to see. Probably from Aleph now that I think about it, with the way our entertainment industry has been shutting down it wouldn't surprise me. Still shocks me to think of other worlds and people existing on them, is it just as odd of a thought for me as it is for them?

Focusing back on the road I continued the drive with no more contemplation, after all I had a plan, thinking more about it would just distract me. Coming up to the driveway brought more memories back, how the house used to look, how happy the family inside was. Nevertheless, this was my house, the one I wanted to grow old in, and live in until the day I died, broken step, slowly dulling paint and all. Leaving the car and walking up to the house I gained a small grin thinking of how she'd enjoy reconnecting. I wasn't stupid, she clearly was disappointed by me withdrawing from the outside world. I was just terribly awkward and shy, but that didn't excuse my actions.

When I opened the door I could hear what sounded like knives on a cutting board in the kitchen. It's been awhile since Taylor had decided to cook supper, but it might just be a light snack. Taking off my jacket I called out from the entry-way.

"Hey Taylor, how has your day been?" Shaking my shoes off I took a few steps towards the kitchen when she responded timidly.

"Umm… Dad? Could you stay there while we talk? I've got a lot of things to tell you about." I paused, a frown beginning to form on my face, what could be so bad that we would need to be in different rooms? It had seemed like she was far less happy, and it seemed to be like she was being bullied. But she had Emma to look out for her, didn't she? Nevertheless I can't get mad at her, it was one of the things I had promised myself over fifteen years ago and today was not going to be that day. Beginning one of my breathing exercises I answered her.

"Alright, I guess we can, but I'd like to know why we can't talk face-to-face if you don't mind?" I could still hear the sound of sharp implements on hard surfaces, why would she still be playing around with knives in a serious discussion? Hopefully, she'll talk to me about the bullying finally, I'd wanted to help her, but I had no idea how to bring it up to her.

"I'm… well, I'll get to that, but I need to explain the events leading up until now. I've, well… been bullied, since I got into high school." This was a bit bigger than I'd thought, but not unsurmountable to deal with. My frown grew. Why hadn't Allan brought this up with me? Surely Emma would have said something to him.

"What about Emma-" A screech halted my train of thought, the idea of nails on a chalkboard didn't compare to that sound.

"Taylor!" I cried out, moving forward a few steps. Had she hurt herself? What was going on?

"Don't come in here! It's just- Emma's the one bullying me" She was practically grinding out the sentence. The revelation shocked me, they'd been inseparable, almost sisters, what could have driven them apart? I knew that Emma and she hadn't been getting along as well, but I'd never even considered this. I heard few more clicks, shifting slightly away from me closer to the dining room. My blood was practically boiling, how had Alan missed this!

"Continue then" I grudgingly requested, since I'd interrupted her after all. Shifting I leaned on the table we kept by the door.

"Well remember how Emma sent me a letter a little while back?" Yeah, she had received a letter recently. I'd thought it was them rekindling how close they used to be but based on how this was going it seemed to be close to the crux of why she was insisting on staying in separate rooms.

"Uh-huh, I remember handing it to you"

"She said she was going to explain things, to tell me why she decided to make my life a living hell in school. Why she decided that I didn't matter anymore, everything. All I had to do was go meet her before school once the break was over." She sounded so bitter, resentful, nothing like how I remember she used to go on and on about Emma.

"I knew that they had something planned, but... well it was too tempting to finally have closure on why. So I went and met her, behind the gym and… and. I'd… rather not talk about what happened, let's leave it at 'Yes, they most certainly did have something planned' and leave it at that." What did they do to her? My lovely daughter is in the kitchen sounding more scared than a torture victim. But, bringing it up might hurt her more, and I couldn't live with myself if I did that, especially not on the day it happened, whatever it is.

"Alright, I think I can understand the sentiment of wanting to let sleeping dogs lie." I wanted to run into the kitchen and wrap her up in my arms, but for whatever reason she doesn't want to have me see her. It's crushing my heart hearing her pain, but anything to limit how much she has to go through I will take on my shoulders, even if that means I can't comfort her.

"Thank you" I can hear the tears on the edge of her voice. "As I was getting to… well, I'm a parahuman now." What? My mind effectively shut down trying to process that bit of information. My darling little girl had superpowers!? How does this have to do with anything? Shouldn't she know that I wouldn't treat her any differently just because of something like that? So what if she can fly, or shoot lasers or whatever she has she's my little girl, my little Owl, she should know I'd love her all the same. The clicking sounds advanced, almost cautiously, seemingly just around the doorway.

"I didn't want you to see me immediately because my powers have… altered my body. Permanently." On the last word, she stepped around the corner. Taylor, now with a body reminiscent of a centaur, so long as someone had forgotten centaurs were supposed to be half horse and replaced it with a spider. She was wearing odd dark grayish clothes with a slight yellowish tinge. The clicking sound I'd been hearing had been her feet on the ground and her various claws, both on her hands and legs. She seemed to be drawing into herself, almost hugging herself. With steamy eyes I advanced, and wrapped her in the tightest hug I had given her since Annette had passed away.

"You know I wouldn't have been mad, or afraid, or anything else. Neither would your mother have if she were still with us today. I'm glad you didn't startle me, I'd hate to expose you Thank you for finally telling me what was wrong." I let up, leaving one arm around her as I wiped my eyes. Looking up at her she also looked like she was crying, if a bit more awkwardly thanks to her six eyes. She reached down a little and hugged me back.

"Thanks Dad. I really needed to hear that."

"Anytime Kiddo" I replied, grinning while reaching up to ruffle her hair.

"Da-ad" she jokingly glared at me "don't do that!" she said while mixing a pout into the glare.

"Just because you're half spider doesn't change the fact that you're still my daughter, and it's a parent's job to annoy their children." My grin only grew as we spoke, probably the most we had spoken since Annette.

"Now what should we have for supper? I think this is enough earth-shattering discussion for tonight. What do you say we watch a movie and talk about what we'll do about this" I gestured towards her "tomorrow over breakfast?"

"I'd love that Dad. I was thinking maybe burgers, or lasagna, hmm, meatball subs? What do you think?"

"Where did this new appetite come from, hmm?" She normally would have said something like a vegetable casserole, or a less meat-focused meal in general.

"Well it's just what I'm craving, and I don't remember hearing about spiders having little salads, do you?" she fired back while heading towards the kitchen.

"heh, well I guess not." This most certainly was not how I planned to reconnect with my daughter, but this is definitely better than it could have been.

<><>​

A few hours earlier.

In spite of my power's unusual canniness it normally makes some sense. If I want to make a sandwich I can go through all the steps perfectly, and rarely do I have to do something too obscure. Yet now it's been a week since the Path changed, telling me to mix a few of the vials that we had previously worked on, and go through seemingly random procedures to prepare said vial for to somehow help remove casualties after the end of the world. Why I needed to personally pour one vial away into a dumpster made little sense, and I had once prevented a civil war by buying a cupcake and then proceeding to beat a new European parahuman in a dance off. Yes, they seemed to be in a situation where they would otherwise die, which wasn't too unusual. What made this unusual was that the Path explicitly stated that I should not take them back to Cauldron's headquarters and do the normal things to a Case53, which they almost certainly would become thanks to the odd formula. That had made more sense than this, if only because there was a clearer end result.

"Door to Brockton Bay, Winslow High, behind the gymnasium." Walking through the doorway, I continued to lament the Path. Why I needed headphones and a nose clamp simply to throw out the most ridiculously worked on vial by pouring almost every drop at a specific time I had no clue. Yet the Path had never been wrong before so onward I went, following the Path.

Input the combination 4165 on the lock, Lift lid to 45 degrees, Close eyes, Look away, Open vial, Let one droplet fa- Don't waste a single drop, Begi-Ceas-Continue pouring, Stop pouring, Let tw-Pour out last of the vial. Sub-Path Incom-Completed.

What was that? I've never had my power go haywire before. Normally my power was precise, accurate, almost infallible. If the Path wasn't telling me to continue looking away, I would have if only to figure out what could send my power on the fritz like that. If my power was unreliable I needed to warn Dr. Mother immediately, without it I doubt that Cauldron, or humanity for that matter, would have made it this far without me.

"Door." I left through the doorway from which I came here, none the wiser why the Path had been clouded for that short moment.

<><>​

Immediately after Taylor was locked in the dumpster.

This morning's prank had gone flawlessly. Madison had pulled off the 'sad little girl who had her purse thrown in the garbage' act perfectly, getting the lock open early in the morning. The stupid custodian hadn't suspected a thing and simply looked at her with pity. Taylor had reacted exactly how we expected her to, she showed up. She probably had no idea that we had planned a trap for her at all, It was actually sad to see her brainless look of anticipation at hearing why I'd gotten rid of her. I began grinning thinking back on it now, entering my first class and greeting the masses like I did every day. This was my third favourite thing to do, lead everyone as their queen with Sophia and Madison at my side. And of course seeing how they looked up to us with barely restrained awe, interest, or jealousy. It didn't really matter which since they were all for basically the same reasons.

Sitting down for class I kept reminiscing on how smoothly it went. I'd distracted her and drawn her in, her little cow-like eyes so focused on me even as Sophia stalked up behind her. Unaware in a vain attempt to regain my favor perhaps? Either way it was a wasted attempt, all it resulted in was us being able to perfectly launch her into the thing head first by Sophia. The original idea had been to stuff her in her own locker, but Madison had felt that it would be too public and someone might wait around and help her out. This way she'd be out of the way enough that there wouldn't be anyone to hear her pitiful screams for help, yet direct enough to hopefully put her in her place.

Perhaps she won't come to school anymore, and I won't have to see her repulsive face anymore. That though was almost too hopeful. Hmm, should we let her out at lunch so if she wants to go home she'll either have to be stared at or maybe wait until the end of school; the same amount of shame yet more time in the dumpster. Oooh, or maybe we could let her out tomorrow morning, with regular checkups to put her down further? Options, options… aha! We turn it into a game, we make her promise to do terrible things in school or public in return for being let out earlier!

We'll go see her at lunch and then begin asking one act per hour earlier she gets out, and even then she probably won't check to see where our starting point is so we can still let her out either at the end of school or tomorrow morning! I always prided myself on my inventiveness, even if I'm not the smartest person in the room I'm certainly the most creative. All I needed to do now was text Sophia what our plan was and then wait until lunch to execute it. With any luck, it'll go just as flawlessly as this morning had. With great joy, I began to wait for lunch

<><>​

"Hey Sophia, could you come with me for a bit, I wanted to talk with you about our independent biology experiment." That had been our nickname for it, after all there was a lot of biological waste involved in what we were doing, and it had nothing to do with the school. She glanced over to me, grinning viciously.

"Sure Emma, why don't we go out back so that we don't bother anyone?" I responded with a grin of my own.

"That's a great idea." Walking out into the halls without anyone to listen in we began sharing Ideas for what to tempt Taylor into doing for the false hope of getting out earlier.

"We need to make these… punishments, public, otherwise she'll actually be getting a better deal." Sophia warned me.

"Of course, but it's not like we'll actually let her out earlier, we'll just say that we wouldn't have let her out until much later." After all, she's way too stupid to actually pay much attention to anything we'll be saying, and in her position she won't have anything else to use in return for getting out of there. She nodded, I always love when she agrees with my ideas, it really makes me feel like her equal. I know as Shadow Stalker she's way more of a predator but since no one else knows that I appear even more powerful to the school, and even without them it's like getting another feather in my metaphorical cap.

Walking out of the school, I wondered about an incredibly important question. How should I speak to her today, patronizingly, with disdain, or with false kindness? I think patronizing should work for today, after all we're being so kind as to let her out; we're even giving her a way to get out sooner. Hmm, why does something seem off? Maybe it's… ah, there seems to be some of the used hygiene products strewn about.

"Hey, Sophia, I don't remember leaving any of the bloody stuff outside the dumpster, do you?" Her arm shot out, holding my shoulder stopping us in our tracks.

"We didn't" Huh? but it's still closed, and I can clearly see a few pieces of waste or garbage here and there. Quickly double checking confirmed what I though.

"What?"

"We made sure everything was perfectly clean so that Hebert wouldn't catch on too early." She looked around carefully "Are you sure you locked it properly?" We continued our advance if a bit slower than before. I don't think so, but I might as well check.

"I'm pretty sure I can close a lock, and I remember it clicking shut. I even double checked just to make sure." We were finally reaching the dumpster, the smell was way stronger than I remembered it being when it was shut. Grabbing the lock I inspected it, only to find that no, it was in fact locked shut.

Holding it up a bit I began explaining "See, it's fi-" when she cut me off. "No, something's wrong. Very, very wrong." She didn't have to be rude about it. Scowling slightly I went over to the far side of the dumpster where she was looking, hoping to get my answer. No matter what I could have been expecting I wouldn't have been ready for this.

The side of the dumpster was torn away, with claw marks and cuts adorning the ragged edges. Pieces were even strewn around. Further damning were the scraps of cloth spread around both inside and outside the dumpster. I couldn't process what was being presented to me, why would anyone have let her out? I couldn't imagine anyone other than Hookwolf would make marks like this, but Hookwolf being right outside the school would have meant a lockdown would have been called into effect.

"But, but, how? Who? Why?" my barely intelligible sputtering was met with a serious look from Sophia, no she was in full Shadow Stalker mode right now.

"Either she knows someone who can do damage like this, or she Triggered." Her words were almost as confusing as the damage done to the dumpster. Useless little Taylor, becoming a cape? Almost as ridiculous was the idea of her knowing a cape, hero or villain. Wait, definitely not a hero or she would have said something to them about this way sooner. Her being all buddy-buddy with a supervillain was equally preposterous, if they would accept someone like her either they would be in jail last year or she would have fought back. No way would the friend of a supervillain actually take anything lying down, they'd just call their friend and get them to attack us. Sophia clearly hadn't thought of this.

"But who could she know? If she knew a hero you would have been called out on it a long time ago, and there is no way a villain would let anyone they associated with be hurt like this for so long." She had a hard stare, pointed towards the shattered hull of the dumpster, investigating it like the scene of a crime.

"Either she met them very recently, and it would have to be a villain. Or maybe" she paused for a moment in thought "she Triggered. Nothing else could make sense."

"If she knew someone they would have swooped in and stopped us by now, even if it was yesterday she would have brought them to watch over her. Even if she didn't they would have come for us in between the time we locked her in here and now." She's gotta be crazy, Taylor couldn't have powers, that would mean she was stronger than me. That would mean she went into the crucible and didn't just not shatter but came out stronger than she went in. That can't be true. I won't accept it.

"What if she did Trigger?" She looked very pointedly at me.

"Then we've been wrong about her, this would mean that she was like us. A Survivor, not a Victim like we thought she was." But that can't be true, I won't accept it unless I see a clear use of her powers while being certain that it really was her.

"I'll look around after school, see if there's anything obvious that could fit what happened here really well. If she show's up tomorrow acting totally different then that's a clear sign that she probably triggered or now has cape backing. Either way back off if she does, we have no idea who it could be or what she might be able to do, it always pays to be careful."

Heading back in a traitorous thought swam around in my mind.

What do I do if she's Stronger than me, more of a Survivor than me, More of a Predator than me?

 

[Philosoraptor31]

Along Came a Spider
Worm AU

Riiing! Riiing! Riiiiing!
Riiing! Riiing! Riiiiing!

"Ughh, stupid alarm clock." I swatted it like I'd done at least a hundred times before. CRASH! What the hell was that? Finally opening my eyes, I saw with growing horror that an insectile arm had anchored itself into my bedside table, with the clock that once rested there lying shattered around it. Oh god damn it yesterday wasn't a dream, was it!? I just need to get away from this- from me- but how do you run away from Yourself? Rolling over only reminded me of how much I had grown, and feeling the pieces of chitin scrape against each other lightly sent a shiver down my spine. Why do I need so many freaking Legs? My body reminded me of -Oh God the smell, the feeling of tiny bodies crawling all over me.

"Taylor? What happened, are you alright?" Hearing Dad helped draw me out of my mounting panic, but not enough to entirely dispel it. Schooling my voice, collecting my thoughts, I drew a long breath.

"I'm fine Dad, but I think I'll need a new alarm clock… and maybe a new table." A light chuckle could easily be heard through the door. I directed a mild scowl towards the door, it wasn't funny. I'd casually shattered a wooden table while trying to turn off my alarm, that was terrifying. Oh God, what if I accidentally hurt Dad?? Or even just a random person while going about my day?

"Alright kiddo, just try to limit the casualties, alright? The house doesn't fix itself you know." I could tell by his tone he was trying to keep it light-hearted. I heard his door close as he went to finish getting ready for the day. His word choice didn't help me deal with where my thoughts had been moments before. I need to calm down… and maybe try to stop feeling so… unclean. Why don't I try a shower, those always used to relax me, right? I was glad I'd spent some time practicing my weaving yesterday since now it provided me with more clothes, fairly simple, but I'd tried a small skirt this time, which more or less worked. Picking up the bundle of clothes I carefully worked my way into the bathroom.

As I stepped into the shower, or at least as much as I could, I decided to engross myself in thoughts of the future in hopes of ignoring the past, and the changes. I might as well think of cape stuff, being a hero will likely become my go-to option for things to think about for a while. Beginning my usual ritual of cleansing my hair I questioned myself on a pretty important subject, did I want to join a team? I wouldn't be a villain so the gangs were an obvious no-go, but there were two established hero teams in Brockton Bay just waiting for volunteers, or at least one was for sure. The Protectorate, or more accurately the Wards as their junior members were called, were in a constant struggle with the gangs to maintain power.

With there being a rage dragon supposedly able to tackle endbringers leading the ABB and more capes than pretty much all the heroes combined sitting under the banner of the E88 it wasn't that big of a surprise that they'd want new recruits. Of course, that brought into question of the whole Idea teenage drama when the Wards were involved. It would probably be something like a police or law club but with super-powered members. I… guess I could consider it, especially if things started to go south with whatever else I choose, but I don't think I'd like to immediately throw myself in there; what if there were Sophia's or Emma's in there? Not the actual Sophia or Emma of course, I doubt either has a heroic bone in their bodies, I'd sooner suspect that one of them was a villain before that. But either way I don't think it would be the thing for me, I wasn't even into regular clubs when I still had friends and that certainly hadn't changed since.

The other group, New Wave, I could actually consider unlike most new heroes since I won't be needing to worry about having a secret identity which just so happens to be one of their three big things. That and accountability, and in spite of the fact that I probably looked pretty menacing I was all for the idea of actually owning up to my mistakes if I made any. I didn't want to become a hero only in name but actually be someone that people could look up to for reasons other than my height. The thing that worried me was that they were all related, both because that might be a limit on membership for them and because it would make me an outcast in a lot of ways immediately. That half their members were teenagers also didn't help too much, but at least they were offset by the same amount of adults.

Victoria Dallon, however, kind of worried me. She for many intents and purposes seemed exactly like the kind of girl I'd learnt to avoid, popular, pretty, and rich, all things I wasn't. Well, I might be attractive now by some odd standard, and I guess I'll probably gain some popularity by being a known hero. But sadly I didn't exactly fit the look you'd normally want for your prime example of a 'paragon of virtue' thanks to my transformation. I shuddered a little at the thought. Dragging my runaway train of a mind back on track I decided I'd at the very least give her a shot if we ran into each other, she couldn't be that bad since she's a hero, right? Especially since New Wave is all about doing the right thing and being accountable, two immensely foreign concepts to my tormentors.

I guess I'm not going to be aiming to get all buddy-buddy with either group soon, but it'd be a good idea to at least give them a heads-up that I was around so that I wasn't mistaken for a villain my first night out. I think there might be a few other Independents working in the city, but you generally don't hear too much about any single one for too long, wonder why? Oh well, maybe I could see about meeting up with one of them and teaming up once in awhile. It can't hurt to ask, and having someone more experienced to watch my back would definitely be a good thing, and hopefully I'd learn a thing or two along the way.

Another thing that I guess I'm a bit worried about now that I think about it is people treating me differently. Not even necessarily treating me worse just acting differently around me would really be annoying. After all the weirdness in my life, I felt that I needed and definitely deserved something that would help me feel at least a little grounded in reality. If there is some kind of god out there they know I need it. Either way my future interactions can be more thought out when I have time to see who's who in the city's cape scene since planning for made up heroes won't really benefit me. Knowing me I'll just awkwardly stumble through my first few meetings with them regardless of preparation.

Exiting the shower, I decided that once I got downstairs I would have a cup of black tea in hopes of trying to make things feel more normal. Hopefully, it would be more calming than this shower. While it certainly better than yesterday's rush job I still wasn't used to… well being a human-spider hybrid. There really wasn't a better way to put it, at least one I could think of. Yes, it had so far been nice to fantasize about being a hero but nearly every time I saw myself it reminded me at least a little bit of when I was There.

I guess that there were a few other bonuses just from the physical changes, such as my eyesight being better, and for some reason I felt more comfortable wearing shorts and skirts than I had been before, but that was likely thanks to not enjoying having something covering my feet. But the losses in many ways outweighed the gains. I needed more food than before, especially meats, could barely go into a normal building without having to crawl almost as if I was in a vent, and sleeping or sitting down was a pain.

Squeezing myself down the stairs I knew exactly what kind of breakfast I should have, sausages with scrambled eggs on the side. Setting the kettle to boil I gathered the small list of ingredients for breakfast from the fridge, maybe some orange juice would go well with it? Putting on the eggs I remembered the kettle, I almost forgot about the tea entirely. I guess Dad would probably want coffee, so I'll ask just in case. Almost as if my thoughts had beckoned him downstairs I heard his familiar footfalls.

"Morning Dad, do you want coffee or orange juice with breakfast." His smile was both reassuring, as we hadn't talked to each other this casually in a very long while. Yet it was still pained, clearly he didn't like what it took to finally get us to reconnect.

"Coffee, please, as you can probably understand I didn't have the most restful sleep last night," Looking over breakfast quizzically he continued onto the dining room. "and Taylor, are you sure you haven't actually become a carnivore? or at least something really close?" My retort died in my throat, in spite of my memories of liking salads and pasta for as long as I could remember I now had cravings for steaks, hams, and basically anything meat-based. I didn't seem to have any actual issues with eating other foods, they just didn't seem to do it for me anymore. I had noticed yesterday that I could barely taste the cheese or vegetables in last night's lasagna, but I'd thought that they were just old or something. Great, another thing lost to my powers.

"I think you might be onto something there." I grumbled reluctantly. Finishing up breakfast I brought our plates to the table, and then I took a second trip for our drinks. He was already seated while I stood to Dad's left. Even if I needed to stand at the table to actually eat With Dad was worth it after so long of only technically eating together.

"So kiddo, what are we going to do about, well, this?" he asked gesturing vaguely in my direction.

"Well, I want to be a hero." He seemed to consider it for a moment, nodding slowly.

"You do mean the Wards, right?" I knew he'd try to get me to join, now I just need to sell him the idea that I don't want to, not now at least.

"No, I was hoping that I could try to go independent, now just hear me out on it." I just hope he'll see why I don't want to get into something like that.

"I've had enough teenage drama at Winslow, probably more than enough actually. As far as I know the Wards are basically a police training club. If I went to join and there was someone like Sophia or Emma there then I'd be stuck with them and I don't think I can deal with super-powered versions of either of them, not until I've gotten my head on straight at least."

"Sophia?" Dad inquired.

"One of the people who caused… this." I definitely didn't shiver at the memories. Nope, not at all.

"Well, I guess I can understand that, but I'm not sure I'm so happy about that. Isn't there someone else you can join, umm, what were they called again?" Dad had never really been involved in the cape scene but really, not remembering New Wave? Their unmasking was really big and didn't even happen that long ago.

"New Wave, and although I'm not Really against joining them I think they might be a family-only team or at least not recruiting anymore. It'd be kind of awkward asking to join them if I was an absolute nobody. Plus I'm a bit nervous about the idea of working alongside the younger half since they're kinda similar to the people who bullied me, at least the 'popular rich kids' thing they all have going on." He didn't seem very happy at that.

"But they're heroes, they wouldn't Bully you. Their whole thing is helping people Taylor."

"I know, but it's just kind of instinctual to not trust people like that by now, I know on an intellectual level that they wouldn't do that, but I'm still worried." I looked down at my plate in shame, after all who was I to say that a hero would even consider doing something like that? Hearing Dad sigh I knew he was looking for some way to keep his peace of mind, he always wanted to protect me, but that's exactly why I hadn't told him about the Trio because now no matter what he tried my problems would simply be out of his league.

"And you're dead set on becoming a hero, aren't you kiddo?" He had an almost wistful look in his eyes, slightly tainted by sorrow.

"Yes, I want to actually make a difference, to help make this city a better place. I know I'm not going to flip everything upside down or somehow tip the scales of the barely restrained war that Brockton Bay has become but… I'd feel like I was wasting my potential if I didn't at least try." He reached over and ruffled my hair, made possible since I was basically crouching to eat at what would have been sitting height at the table.

"I should have expected you'd say something like that. There's a lot of Annette in you, you know? Whenever she had something to go for there wasn't anything in the world that could stop her, and you're growing up to be just the same." His look had grown happier, and it made me proud. I could feel the smile growing on my face.

"Thanks Dad" He made a playful scowl at me.

"That doesn't endorse you to go out and do something stupid now. So be very careful when you go out there, maybe you should get some pepper spray or something."

"... Seriously Dad? I have steak knives for fingers and that's your safety advice? What'll I do, hit Lung in the eyes with it?" My voice was completely deadpan until the end where I chuckled briefly, breaking the emotively monotone facade. Yet his expression grew more serious.

"Taylor, I'd better not hear you've gone out and started a fight with Lung anytime soon, and preferably I'll Never have to hear that you did that."

"Da-ad, I may not be Einstein, but I'm not completely brain-dead." Seriously, who in their right mind would fight Lung of all people on their first night out? I mean I guess any member of the Triumvirate could have done so, but they're the Triumvirate for crying out loud!

"Alright, but you'd better make sure you have a pretty solid idea of what you can do before you go running out there in ridiculous outfits fighting crime." Well, at least his smile had come back, even if it was from a pretty bad joke, although I guess he did have a point.

"Fine, I'll make sure there aren't any big surprises." Seriously, though, it's like he thinks I don't know my own powers, sure I haven't and am not going to spend a million hours finding every exact numerical limit of what I can do but I've got a pretty good idea of what I can do.

"And Taylor, two more things, firstly you're getting a cellphone, I don't want to be surprised that my daughter is missing suddenly and try to call you so make sure to tell me when you're going out. Secondly if things get too bad in the sense that you think that we're going to be in danger here at home then I will drag you to either New Wave or the Protectorate for protection and signing up. Ah, no buts, if we are actually in danger then you being on a team you aren't super excited about is Far more important to me than you being in danger, just remember that, alright?"

"Alright Dad, I understand." I knew he was right, but he didn't have to be so forceful with it. Though I guess it's just him trying to show he cares, and it does make sense.

<><>​

After we finished our breakfasts I told Dad to have good luck with his thousandth attempt at getting the mayor to agree to reopen the ferry. He'd still been worried about leaving me home alone for the day. But after I reminded him that almost anyone breaking in here would likely be noticed by me before they got inside and that they would probably be the ones in trouble, not me, he hesitantly agreed to go to work. After phoning the school to tell them that he had forgotten to phone yesterday and that I would still be absent today of course. In spite of how much he cares I wasn't sure I liked the mother hen act he was doing, but at least it gave us more to talk about, and that really felt nice, I hadn't realized how much I missed it.

I feel a bit… off I guess is the word. Not sure what it is but I think I'll lay down for a bit before I get into designing my costume. I nearly squealed in excitement at the thought, making an actual superhero costume! Re-focusing myself I went upstairs to my room. I wish I had something better to lie on than a bed, all these legs got terribly uncomfortable after a while when I sat on most things. At least I had the strength now to stand as much as I needed to. Gently relaxing onto my bed, I closed my eyes and opened up my senses to the endless flood of information flowing into my mind through my bugs.

Wow, I hadn't realized it before but I had a pretty big range. I think I can see my bus stop, so I've got at least a block, and that's somewhere about one-third of the total range. What's more impressive were the sights. Sure, from a full sized human perspective Brockton Bay is a pretty dull city, but from the perspective of thousands of bugs, seeing so much of it made it both worse and better. On the downside, there was the shocking number of insects inhabiting houses, cars, and even people's beds! But on the upside the outdoors felt majestic, with towering structures, trees, and hell even a blade of grass looks like a skyscraper to an ant. Well, ant colony, a single one couldn't see that well but enough of them seemed to do the world justice. Chuckling I thought of how I'd need to work hard if I wanted to make ants a part of my plan to enact justice on the world.

Relaxing a bit, I simply let my mind wander, watching a dog, or people leaving for work and generally going about their lives. Sure I needed to evacuate washrooms and such but it was bizarrely enjoyable getting to see my neighborhood on a scale like this. At first I'd worried that my bugs would be close to useless in my journey to be a hero, and thought I'd just have to use them en masse, but seeing now I could tell that with the freedom to watch or command so many of them at the same time I could see how they could actually be pretty useful. Sure I'd need to practice a little but I've got a few days to do that. After about an hour had passed since I got up here I decided that I should probably get to work designing my costume.

<><>​

After a bit of searching online I found that spider silk was, apparently, stupidly tough. Since I had an abundance of my own silk I'd decided that I'd make the undersuit of my costume out of it. Yet a plain silk suit would be kind of disappointing in terms of what a cape outfit could be. Regardless of how it would look I needed some solid armour for my non-spider torso and head. The internet said that there were things like ballistic vests or something called dragon's skin, and even some tinkertech derived armours online, which was pretty cool. But sadly with my extremely limited budget they were well out of my price range and I wasn't sure of what I could do with them to incorporate them into a costume other than wearing them on top of the rest of the costume. On the other hand, I really needed something that would protect me from the blunt trauma of being hit. At least according to things I'd found online even if I wouldn't have a bullet going through me it would still feel like being hit with a train. Why can't things be easy? If I could get enough of my own chitin then there wouldn't be a problem, I'd just use that. All the same I'm kind of worried about the idea of trying to use any of it, and kind of squicked out by the idea of wearing my own skin. I'd hate to try only to permanently scar myself literally and mentally. Well any more mentally. Dangling a spider off my pencil, I got a wonderful idea.

I may not have an infinite supply of my own superior chitin, but I did have a nearly limitless supply of chitin in the form of my insects. All I need to do is take some of the stronger beetle carapaces and build layers them, using silk to bind and glue them together. It wouldn't be nearly as strong as my own carapace, and didn't that though make me shudder. Hmm, perhaps I could look at how they made medieval armour I could improve my own costume, not in metalsmithing techniques, of course, but in designing how to build the armoured sections. After a short search online I found a way to make a reasonably flexible yet sturdy set of armour. Plate mail, one of the best types of armour was so successful, at least according to Wikipedia, was due to its interlocking plates. Although I didn't really want armour like that I did like the idea of using interlocking plates to increase my flexibility while maintaining the rigidity of the armour.

I guess I might as well leave the areas where my natural armour was uncovered, such as my arms and legs. Hmm, I could leave my mouth open so I could eat, or just look more personable. On the other hand I guess I could just take my mask off if I really needed to eat since I won't have a secret identity, and admittedly leaving it open would be almost asking for people to target my face, and I think I'd ruin any rapport I could get with people by showing how socially awkward I was. Yeah, that's not a great idea. Now how to make my mask fit the insect theme I've unwillingly got going on? I could make the six lenses rounded and purple, like my own but rounded like a spider. Is it wrong I'm finding spiders cute now? Yeah, there's probably something wrong with that. Oooh, then I could have some mandible shaped plates to guard my cheekbones. dye the silk suit and armoured plates grey and black, with purple accents around the edges. Now all I have to do is actually make the thing, oh well, I've got time.

 

[Philosoraptor31]

Along Came a Spider
Worm AU

Friday 7th, January 2011

Had you asked me even yesterday what the work of a superhero was like I'd have probably said something about protecting the people, dramatic heroics, and intense battles fought with Villains in the city streets. Today however I realized that most of a Hero's work day involved running and jumping around, trying to find crime. Even with my bugs feeling out the areas and acting as my ears and eyes it took me over two hours to find anything happening. When I did I heard a hoarse voice threatening two teenagers.

"Hey now, don't you worry, we're just bringin' ya back to the party, then we're gonna hook ya up with the good shit. Ya know? The kinda stuff you just can't have only one of. Heh, then you'll be comin back every week at least." Now that I had brought enough of my swarm nearby I could see them clearly. Five men, clearly drugged up and wearing what could generously be called the standard dress of homeless people everywhere. They were dragging two young adults, low 20 somethings, a boy and a girl into an alley in the docks. YES, I've finally found-damnit me, you can't start jumping around like a five-year-old waking up on Christmas because people are going to be forcibly drugged up to the gills by gangsters.

I began leaping towards the thugs, keeping track of where they were and what they were doing as I gathered the rest of my swarm around the alley to catch them off guard. One, appearing to be the leader, didn't have any obvious weapons on him, but he could just be hiding something in his pockets. The one dragging the girl away seemed similarly unar-wait, I think I see some brass knuckles on his right hand. Yep, there's something shining, but I doubt a Merchant would be wearing expensive rings, he'd have likely sold them for drugs by now if he did own them. The other one pulling the guy along had a hockey stick in his left hand which I guess was his weapon. The remaining two clutched a pipe and baseball bat respectively. Seeing as much as I wanted to I let the mass of insects descend into the alley. As they began biting and stinging the head goon pulled a gun out of his jacket, well one of his jackets. The other four began flailing around, screaming kicking, the one carrying the hockey stick began rolling around on the ground, his 'weapon' long forgotten in a futile attempt to rid himself of the multitude of bugs assaulting him.

Bang! Bang! Bang-Bang!

Shit! he's just shooting wildly around! Doesn't he care about what could happen to some random passerby? Or even at least his friends? Wait, he's a druggie, that's self-explanatory then. Even though I've actually made it here I can't just run down into the alley with him shooting recklessly like that, because even if some of the armoured panels on the costume might be bullet proof I'm pretty sure that it'd punch through my more natural armour. Aha! Remembering my practice sessions with Dad, I brought the tips of my fingers to the now familiar indent in each wrist I took aim as I crawled down the side of the fire escape. I hadn't tested this outside, so I hope I'll actually hit him. Flicking my fingers forward, I watched in mild surprise as the webs fanned out and latched onto him. As I was doing that I'd had my cadre of personal weavers, mostly wasps and spiders, form a web behind me using my rear spinneret's silk.

I tugged the gunman up sharply, with a yelp he flew right to me. I proceeded to tie him up, tightly and with-wait, how did I know to do those knots? Why did I use something so needlessly complex to tie him up? wouldn't ordinary binds work just as well? Shaking that thought from my mind, I placed him and his handgun into the web. Hearing a shrill cry from below I looked back to the alley. The girl was being dragged further down the alley in spite of my swarm by the Merchant with the brass knuckles. He wasn't getting very far fast, but I still needed to make sure he didn't get away. Not remembering to use my webs I leapt into action. Literally, so I guess I jumped into the action. Jumping right in front of him I wrenched his arm away from the girl.

Hearing the sound of his arm splintering I froze from dread. What's going to happen when the cops come to pick them up? The girl's scream of terror knocked me out of my reverie. I can't be that scary can- ok, I guess I am kinda scary but really, attacked by gangsters is able to be ignored when someone who looks scary walks by? Very gently patting her arm, I did my awkward best to reassure her.

"Don't worry, you're going to be alright." That's the kind of thing heroes are supposed to say, right? A clunk combined with a tap on my abdomen prompted me to get back into the fight. Looking back, I saw the thug with the knife try to stab me, only for it to bounce off of my carapace. Pipe guy was looking similarly stunned with his weapon of choice mere inches from where he'd struck me. I was royally pissed. Yeah, neither could have actually hurt me but how would they have known that!? The simple answer was that they didn't know and didn't care. I turned around to teach them why that wasn't a good idea.

Firing both my wrist's silk lines I caught the guy with the knife, uprooting him from his position I began tying him up - what's up with these knots anyway? - but was less lucky with the second assailant. He tried to block and my webs caught his pipe instead of actually getting him. Reeling it in regardless I lobbed it behind me in frustration. Sailing backwards it tore into the bricks behind me, leaving a small gouge in the wall. Ok, I seriously need to tone it down if I'm accidentally crushing bones and pulverizing bricks left right and center.

"Fuck this shit I'm outta here!" I need to stop getting distracted dammit, he's already halfway down the alley! Bolting after him I sent a few shots of my silk at the Thug who'd abandoned his hockey stick, just in case he realized I'd moved past him. Continuing on my path towards him I skittered around and over the trash cans he kept knocking down. He glanced back while running and began stumbling, pressing the advantage I leapt at him, this time making sure to avoid breaking him. Landing close enough to clearly smell the uncleanliness that practically hung off of him I pushed him down with my once human legs. He fainted from the sight of my blade-feet on his chest. No one could see it, but I was scowling down at him. Oh well, total mask coverage definitely helps me from even less heroic moments.

The two would-be victims had calmed down now that I'd removed the majority of the cloud of invertebrates that had been covering the area. I walked over to them as I pulled my new phone -well, newly bought, not one of those tinker-tech-derived phones - and dialed the police department's number.

"You two alright?" Might as well try to appear like a hero should while waiting for the cops to pick up.

"Y-yeah, I think we'll be alright… I guess." He said while holding her as she began quietly sobbing into his shirt. Great, is there some guide for heroes dealing with distraught normals? If there is I need to read it back to front a hundred times. A click signaled the call had gone through.

"Hello, Brockton Bay Police Department, what can I do for you?" He sounded tired, but it was late and the Bay wasn't known for its low crime rate.

"I'm calling in about an abduction attempt by a group of Merchants, they were trying to take a couple young adults off to one of their bases of operation. The Merchants are down, and I think the people who were being dragged away might need a little checkup, but not an ambulance." I glanced over to him and he nodded "Yeah, no ambulance needed, but they're fairly out of sorts, you know, abduction-thing and all." Great, real smooth talker there Taylor.

"Is anyone hurt?" He sounded a bit confused now, wonder why. Oh well, why he's confused doesn't matter, I need to answer his question. After all, he's probably got enough work as it is.

"One of the thugs has a broken arm, sorry about that, I was a bit too rough with him, I don't think anyone has any major problems other than a couple dozen bug bites." Hope he's not too mad about that.

"Are you a Cape?" Oops, I guess I forgot to mention that.

"Yeah, first night out."

"Alright, we'll be transferring you over to the PRT, any captures that are done by parahumans are sent through them. Make sure to call them next time, good luck."

After a short busy sound, a surprisingly lively sounding woman began talking.

"Hello, PRT emergency services, what is your issue?"

"Hello, I'm a new cape and I've got five Merchants ready for pickup, on an alley in-between 30th and 31st street, right by the old Atlas manufacturing plant. There's two people who might need a little checkup, but no ambulance, other than maybe one for a broken arm on one of the gangsters."

"Alright, one PRT prisoner transport on the way and the nearest Wards patrol will be coming in to take statements, in... one minute. Be ready to see Kid Win and Shadow Stalker arriving shortly, their patrol was just passing the area. Do you happen to have a name?" Aren't they not supposed to- oh, cape name, right.

"Yeah, um, Arachne, and ah, speaking of that can you mention to the Wards and PRT to not attack the spider lady when they get there? I really don't want my first night out to end like that." While replying, I went up and brought the criminal I put in my web back down, still tied up of course. Going back for the others the woman on the phone continued.

"If you happen to have any firearms or drugs that you've noticed on the Merchants you can hand it off to the PRT agents for a small cash reward."

"Really? Huh, that's convenient, I was just wondering what to do with this." I made a small web next to the edge of the alley to place the handgun on, not like I needed the thing.

"The Wards say they've spotted you and are coming in to talk to you, have a wonderful evening." Jeez, she's injecting so much cheer into it I'd think it was a decade older version of Madison. Looking up, I saw a faintly glowing teen in red and gold power armour flying down to the street from my left as a shadow fell to the ground a little behind him. Said shadow solidified into the darkly clad hero, brandishing her signature crossbows and flowing cloak. In spite of my solid one-foot height advantage, I felt like I was looking up to them. That and my costume felt unprofessional when theirs were probably, at least, tinker-tech fabrics. Even if my armoured plates might be stronger they probably didn't look as well made.

"Hey there, you're the new hero, right?" Kid Win called out, hovering forwards at about eye level. He had the lower half of his face uncovered, showing off a bright smile. Shadow Stalker, on the other hand, was as silent and inexpressive as her mask, but I think she looked a little impressed after looking after the thugs.

"Yeah, Arachne, that's my name. I, well saw them being taken and I stepped in to help them." Kid Win went over to help one of them up while nodding at what I was saying.

"OWOWOWOwowow, geez, you don't need to be so rough, do ya?" Oh great, I guess I didn't knock them out. Now they can complain about being criminals. Oh, wait, that's the one whose arm I broke, isn't it?

"You broke his arm?" I flinched slightly, the grimace I had, however, they couldn't see. Kid Win's body language had shifted, apprehensive maybe. His tone, on the other hand, had become completely deadpan, so I'm guessing he wasn't pleased. He began trying to cut the webs to put them into normal cuffs.

"Well… he was dragging her away and I didn't want that to happen, so I grabbed his arm. It just turns out that I'm a lot stronger than I thought I was." Shadow Stalker began nodding her head, almost as if appraising the injuries done. Then she finally spoke.

"They deserved it, they were going to do way worse to those two," she says pointing to the two who'd gone and sat down by now "and I'm certain that isn't the worst they've done or would do either."

"Regardless of how much they deserved being hit, what did we do to deserve these stupid bindings?" he had been slowly getting through one of the cords and was about one-quarter of the way through his first one by now.

"Oh, sorry about that, my powers came with innate abilities to tie people up, and with the size of my threads, it's probably pretty difficult to undo it" I moved over to help him out "here, let me undo it." I reached down and cut a few strands with swift swipes of my bladed fingers and one of my feet.

"How-but-huh?" Kid Win eloquently sputtered. Shadow Stalker had frozen watching me free the prisoner.

"What's wrong?" Kid Win placed some plasticuffs onto the goon I'd unbound, grumbling under his breath.

"You just cut through that with NO effort at all. I was using a tinker-tech pocket knife and it was taking me forever!" Kid win practically screamed at me. Shadow Stalker continued her believable imitation of a statue.

"Well, I've got a lot more strength behind it. Super strength combined with bladed fingers make a really good combo for cutting things. It basically means I could probably cut through a lot more kinds of things than you could."

"Fine, let's just get regular cuffs on the rest of these guys." Shadow Stalker began taking the civilian's statements while we began undoing my previous bindings.

"So, why don't you go over what happened while we finish re-binding these guys?" Kid Win asked.

"Sure, I might as well," I told the not so long story while I went through the routine of cutting the silk threads while he'd cuff them. Once we finished the PRT van arrived moments later, talk about good timing. After the troopers hopped out I pointed out the goons and confiscated handgun. They then took them into the van after splinting the one guy's broken arm. That stupid mistake was still making me wince.

I noticed while talking to one of the officers that dark-clad Ward standing nearby had been watching me in a way that was slightly unnerving. I'm puzzled as to why she'd be focusing this much, but I guess I can ask her some other time, maybe she's just not used to… well, what should I call myself?I think they had something in Aleph kind of like me, dark spider, elf spider, something like that, but I'm pretty sure that was trademarked. Maybe make some new spider version of the word centaur. Nah, that'll probably confuse most people who haven't read enough fantasy. I'm pretty sure my cape name has also been used, but that would just get confusing. Arachno-sapiens? Maybe, I might go with that. With the PRT troops finishing up Kid Win walked over after a brief talk with Shadow Stalker.

"Hey, Arachne, you think we could team up sometime? I'd like to see that web shooting trick you talked about eventually." Really? I'd have thought they wouldn't have been impressed at all, but he seemed like he might actually want to patrol with me. I guess that makes sense, though, heroes really would need to stick together in a city like ours.

"Sure, yeah, I think I'd like that, maybe I could meet the rest of the Wards some time? Well eventually I mean, you don't all need to go out of your way to see me." I'm batting ten for ten on the game of making a fool out of myself tonight.

"Sure, that seem's like it would be nice, plus with your insect helpers, we could notice incidents from further away."

"Well, I guess I'll see you guys later, have a good night." Waving behind me I leapt away. I guess this was a pretty good night, I actually helped some people out. It might not be much, but I'm going to reward myself and sleep in tomorrow. I travelled the rest of the way home with a smile on my face.

 

[Inverness]

Well this thing with Sophia certainly has the potential to go pear-shaped, to say the least.

 

[Shane_357]

Watching with great interest.

 

[YuffieK]

Other than her (concealed under her helmet) hair, Drider!Taylor is unrecognizable to anyone who knew her. Sophia knows SOMETHING happened with the torn-open dumpster, but the concept of Taylor being a better predator than her is so bizarre she can't see the obvious.

Sophia will likely come to the conclusion that Arachne, newly triggered, found and freed Taylor from the dumpster...

 

[the DragonBard]

Canon Taylor was terrifying.
Taylor who is a Brute/Mover as well, and possibly striker (maybe Blaster)?
She's going to redefine the meaning of the word.

 

[The Stormbringer]

Hah. HAHAHA. Ahh, Taylor getting a thematic power-up is always nice to see. Kinda reminds me of the story where she also gained a bug-only Panacea power and started making super-bugs and a living bio-suit.

 

[rayan]

I'm wondering if the differences in personality between canon Taylor and your Taylor are intentional or not.
Here you have Taylor expressly saying that she doesn't care to explore the exact limits of her power,she just goes out and tries things, in canon what made Taylor such an interesting character to me is the fact that she was basically the complete opposite of that. She would spend time thinking of every different way she could use her powers. she would test her range and accuracy with them and actively try to come up with new and innovative ways to use them.
You could say its because she is more powerful in this story with her current body but even when she became more powerful and versatile in canon with the addition of atlas and the relay bugs she still would try to milk every last ounce of utility out of them. It's what made her so interesting and what differentiated her from the wide majority of other capes that just use their powers almost mindlessly.

 

[Ryune]

I'm wondering if the differences in personality between canon Taylor and your Taylor are intentional or not.
Here you have Taylor expressly saying that she doesn't care to explore the exact limits of her power,she just goes out and tries things, in canon what made Taylor such an interesting character to me is the fact that she was basically the complete opposite of that. She would spend time thinking of every different way she could use her powers. she would test her range and accuracy with them and actively try to come up with new and innovative ways to use them.
You could say its because she is more powerful in this story with her current body but even when she became more powerful and versatile in canon with the addition of atlas and the relay bugs she still would try to milk every last ounce of utility out of them. It's what made her so interesting and what differentiated her from the wide majority of other capes that just use their powers almost mindlessly.

Click to shrink...

Canon Taylor also had some crippling self confidence issues and a power that doesn't look all that amazing on the surface of it. Here she has; A brute package, which means she can go out almost immediately; A mover ability allowing fairly good advantages to ambush; A blaster package she admittedly didn't know about; her canon power enhanced. Just the Brute pack typically gets kids going out on their first night fairly quickly, typically as soon as they scrounge together a costume. She isn't being inventive with her power because the canon pressure that lead to that behavior is considerably lessened.

 

[Philosoraptor31]

I'm wondering if the differences in personality between canon Taylor and your Taylor are intentional or not.
Here you have Taylor expressly saying that she doesn't care to explore the exact limits of her power,she just goes out and tries things, in canon what made Taylor such an interesting character to me is the fact that she was basically the complete opposite of that. She would spend time thinking of every different way she could use her powers. she would test her range and accuracy with them and actively try to come up with new and innovative ways to use them.
You could say its because she is more powerful in this story with her current body but even when she became more powerful and versatile in canon with the addition of atlas and the relay bugs she still would try to milk every last ounce of utility out of them. It's what made her so interesting and what differentiated her from the wide majority of other capes that just use their powers almost mindlessly.

Click to shrink...

Ryune already mentioned the power differences, but there are some intentional differences, firstly the power itself is affecting her mind differently, which I hope I'm portraying what I intend to, hopefully, it will get there if I'm not. Taylor in this story is in a fair amount of denial and shock, making her attempt to go escape into heroism even more than in canon due to the physical changes, therefore in an attempt to get out sooner there were less power testing events, but some did occur in the time skip, which I left like that due to the large number of people who dislike power testing. Taylor didn't really think ahead, she was adaptable. When she couldn't pierce Mannequin's shell she tied him up, when Lung couldn't be hurt through conventional means she threw Newter's fluids fluid into Lung's eyes. The main things she practiced was tracking people, recognizing objects, and attempting to use the other senses of her bugs. In this she's having difficulties because she hasn't done these things, like choosing to only look with her swarm, she nearly missed one weapon and did miss another. As Taylor gets over the whole being a spider-person issue (likely a while, or she'll push it back like she did with her school issues, Dad issues, etc) and fights more enemies who require more complex methods than SMASH she'll need to learn, and she'll use her intelligence to try to work through the situation, not alway working out right either. Think of it kind of like how Glory Girl, while fairly smart (according to others talking about her, but it could be the aura), she didn't do much other than swoop in and punch the nearest enemy until they stopped moving.

 

[FarmerKyle]

Nice. I look forward to more.

 

[pheonix89]

Other than her (concealed under her helmet) hair, Drider!Taylor is unrecognizable to anyone who knew her. Sophia knows SOMETHING happened with the torn-open dumpster, but the concept of Taylor being a better predator than her is so bizarre she can't see the obvious.

Sophia will likely come to the conclusion that Arachne, newly triggered, found and freed Taylor from the dumpster...

Click to shrink...

That's even technically correct, the best kind of correct.

 

[JumperPrime]

That's even technically correct, the best kind of correct.

Click to shrink...

And yet simultaneously completely wrong.

Sophia: "INCONCEIVABLE!"

Taylor: "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

 

[Philosoraptor31]

Along Came a Spider
Worm AU

Sunday 9th, January 2011

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♦ Topic: A new hero in Brockton Bay
In: Boards ► Places ► America ► Brockton Bay ► Capes
Bagrat (Original Poster) (The Guy in the Know) (Veteran Member)
Posted On Jan 8th 2011:
So, my friend in the PRT said he got sent out to pick up some Merchants that were taken down last night by a new cape. She was referred to as 'Arachne'. For those of you who are history buffs, you'll recognize that name from Metamorphoses by Ovid, in which a woman named Arachne has a weaving contest with Athena, who was amongst many things a goddess of crafts. Arachne won while depicting the gods as cruel and misleading to mortals, for the dual slight Athena poisoned her with Hecate's poison, turning her into a spider.

Not so coincidentally Arachne (the non-mythical one) has been described as a half-woman, half-spider, wearing an armored greyish-black suit on her human half, with six (6) bright purple lenses on her mask, which has a clear spider-like appearance.

Now onto powers:
Brute (?): suspected due to the lack of additional armour on her spider-half
Mover (2+): she has been seen leaping away after talking with the PRT, from the street up to second story buildings.
Master (3+): she has been known to use generous amounts of bugs, with clouds of them often nearby her
Changer (5+): Spider body, probably not a Case 53 since they don't call the PRT while out heroing during their first appearance.

Known sightings:
Jan 7, 2011: Arachne vs some Merchant thugs
Jan 8, 2011: Arachne vs ABB breaking into a car, Arachne vs Merchant mugging
Jan 9, 2011: E88 assault stopped by Arachne

Images:
Jan 7 Arachne and webs Links (1) (2) (3) (4)
Jan 8 Arachne vs ABB [Link]
Jan 9 Arachne across the rooftops video [link] Arachne vs E88 Links (1) (2) (3)

So, thoughts, comments, speculation?

(Showing page 1 of 15)

►Brocktonite03 (Veteran Member)
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
I'm glad we've got another hero in the Bay, everyone knows that we've got way too many villains here. Other than that I wonder how long it'll take to get a clear idea of her powers, most independents stay somewhat mysterious for quite a while.

►Indra
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
The arachnophobe in me says run away, the cape geek says squeal in joy for another cool hero. I don't think the cape geek side is winning.

►XxVoid_CowboyxX
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
User received an infraction for this post and content was deleted. Arachne is believed to be under 18, until definitively proven otherwise keep it civil people. - Tin Mother

►Ekul
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
Let's hope this new hero doesn't stretch herself too far. If she continues to harass all the gangs they might all get fed up and try to dogpile her. That or recruit her, we don't need another Vortex incident.
@Brocktonite03: probably at least two weeks before we've got any real idea

►Omegaj (Just remove the j)
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
Maybe she'll make an account and show up here with us and let us know, I mean who doesn't have a computer in this day and age?

►JohnG
Replied On Jan 9th 2011:
So, am I the only one wondering how hard she got hit with the 'JOIN US!' hammer (similar but opposite to the banhammer) from the heroes? Or the followup attempts from every gang to get rid of her since I doubt any of them really would try to recruit her.

►dignitydeficit
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
I can't see how it's going to take two weeks to get an idea of what she does, especially if she keeps making appearances fairly often. Seriously, how hard can it be to see a more-or-less car-sized spider? It can't be that hard, right?

►The Ages (Veteran Member)
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
Anything can be stealthy if it dreams hard enough. Stealth flying fortresses, stealth attack helicopters, stealth tank battalions, even a bolo can stealth if it tries hard enough! Why couldn't Arachne stealth then, hmm?

►Kid Win (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
In spite of her somewhat intimidating stature and appearance she's actually quite mild-mannered. Actually to be more direct she's pretty quiet and reserved. I'd comment on what she can do, but I don't know how much she wants others to know about her yet, sorry, villains come here too.

End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 13, 14, 15

(Showing page 2 of 15)

►Jackal
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
I made this account to post on here, why? I was saved by Arachne, not saying which time she went out, but one of them. In some stories I've seen from Aleph about spider people they're scary and evil. Her? Yeah, she's pretty scary, but she's one of the good guys. That's good enough in my books. Also, -> Link (1), (2), (3), (4)

►Bagrat (Original Poster) (The Guy in the Know) (Veteran Member)
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
@Jackal: Thanks for adding your images, they'll be linked to the starting post.

►Electric_Sentinel (Captain Oblivious)
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
Yay! New heroes, my favourite! More seriously though, if she really does have a brute and mover rating then most gangs will have a hard enough time keeping her where she is, so I doubt that she'll see too many recruitment 'pitches' that she doesn't want to hear

►Mr Shenaniganman (Foul Diplomancer)
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
I'm actually looking forward to Arachne's confrontations, and especially the Arachne E88 confrontations. Am I a bad person for wanting people to meet murderous nazis? However, I hope said 'meetings' are more 'beat downs' because who doesn't love nazis going to jail?
@Electric_Sentinel: True, and that's if most of the gangs would want her, E88 and ABB have no way of knowing what color her skin is.

►ShadeBear (Ambassador of Ass kicking)
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
The new anthem of criminals everywhere: "Oh dear, I think I've soiled myself."

►Djoser117109 (Yandere Empress of the Galaxy!)
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
@ShadeBear: How much for a ticket to Antarctica? I can handle black widows, armies of insects, but spiders the size of people? Nah, I'm out.

►Clawtrapper
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
I may be an arachnophobe, but I still think she's got a ton of potential as a hero. So long as she doesn't have to directly protect me I'm fine.

►Coyote-C
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
@dignitydeficit: What do you mean keeps making appearances, it's fairly common for new capes with brute ratings to go out repeatedly when they first start out but not guaranteed, maybe it's just because it's a weekend.

►Kuckoofollower9
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
Hmm, I wonder, does the spider half of her equivalent to an actual spider species? Also does she have venom? Not that she could use it with the closed mask, but could she?

►ToBe
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
@KuckooFollower9: Last time I checked there isn't a spider with a FREAKING SKULL on its back. As for venom, I've got no clue, possibly since she clearly has webs, but we don't know for sure.

End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4 ... 13, 14, 15

(Showing page 15 of 15)

►Vista (Verified Cape) (Wards ENE)
Replied On Jan 9th 2011:
@ XxVoid_CowboyxX: Why would the PRT treat Arachne like that? Actually, why would you treat Anyone like that?!? The PRT, or at least us Wards, stance on her is really positive. We Like when new capes choose to be heroes. Yeah, I'd really like another girl on the team but at least she's on our side. Sadly I haven't gotten to see her yet in person (she generally seems to patrol further out than the wards do) but from what I've heard she's really nice.

►Mr Shenaniganman (Foul Diplomancer)
Replied On Jan 9th 2011:
@ XxVoid_CowboyxX: Why would you even say that about someone? You're just sick.
Moving on, YES, she's finally confronted the Nazi's! *fist pumps of victory* Glad someone got pics mid-fight, they're a brave soul.

►OuterMenace
Replied On Jan 8th 2011:
*looks at pics, watches video*
Well, I for one will welcome our new Insectile Overlord, in hopes of being overlooked in the future for crying in the corner

►Djoser117109 (Yandere Empress of the Galaxy!)
Replied On Jan 9th 2011:
She's off to a pretty good start, one hit against each major gang, even if fairly small-time fights, which clearly shows that she's not one of those sympathetic 'heroes'

►Reave (Verified PRT Agent)
Replied On Jan 9th 2011:
@XxVoid_CowboyxX: The official PRT stance on Arachne is to treat her well and assist her in combat situations, we have no intention of leaving her to get 'picked off by the gangs' as you said. We also have no intention to 'press gang' her into the Wards, but would happily let her join at any time.

►Electric_Sentinel (Captain Oblivious)
Replied On Jan 9th 2011:
Arachne continues her quest of heroics! I wonder if she'll join any hero team, maybe start her own up?

►YouWillBe (Veteran Member)
Replied On Jan 9th 2011:
Arachne Pics? I like it, Another! Can't wait to see her career continue.

►Mac's Dual Rocket Propelled Grenades
Replied On Jan 9th 2011:
Ooh, new darker themed independent hero, we've needed more of these lately, most of the ones around right now (in BB at least) are the brighter 'paragon of justice' style heroes. Even if she's just keeping with her changer form it's pretty cool.

►Mr. Fabuu
Replied On Jan 9th 2011:
@Djoser117109: True, let's see how long she can keep the pressure on the gangs, I for one hope she does well.

►Valkyr (Wiki Warrior)
Replied On Jan 9th 2011:
I've added her info (what we have anyway) to the PHO wiki section, I'll try to keep it updated.

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I tried to click next page a few times, finally realizing that I was on the last page only after a few embarrassing clicks. Well, at least no one was here to see the redness that certainly wasn't spreading across my face. No, it wasn't, not at all. Refocusing on the page I'd just read my mind was boggled at the fact that there were already a video and set of images uploaded since I'd left about three hours ago. Each uploaded about one hour ago and a half an hour ago respectively.

As with PHO's usual timely responses the discussion thread on my cape persona hadn't been ignored either, with replies being posted even during my altercation with the Empire 88. Having read through I resolved to give Void Cowboy, id I ever found out who he was, a serious warning regarding how to treat people, and simply proper manners. I was a bit worried about the Vortex incident as they were calling it. After reading around a bit, I found a fairly distressing story.

Vortex was apparently a young independent hero who had been rising in popularity down in New Orleans. During a raid on a suspected Basilisk armoury he was overwhelmed by Hunter Rose, the leader of Basilisk. After being captured during the attack he was re-revealed as one of the Basilisk's newest members a few weeks later. The community suspected extreme coercion, likely threatening his friends and family if he didn't join or stop being a hero. He's gone on to become one of the more successful lieutenants in Basilisk under his new name, Cyclone. A shiver went down my spine at the thought of having to work for our local chapter of Neo-Nazi's while they threatened my Dad. I needed to make sure that never happened, I couldn't let dad be jeopardized.

But on that same topic, just how was I going to protect Dad? I've already decided that I want to be able to have a life outside of being a cape, which in my case meant outing myself. I might be able to form a small team with a few of the minor independent heroes in the city but I'm not sure how well any of the minor heroes in Brockton Bay could compare to any of the Empire's heavy hitters, or even dealing with the Merchants if they decided to come out in force. I might have to join one of the larger groups if I can't find a solution soon enough. Hopefully, I'll decide before I get myself into a catch 22 situation.

I may have focused too much on my dislike of pretty and popular girls when I'd last thought about New Wave. Thinking more rationally about it I'd rather join New Wave than join the Wards. The New Wave movement was all about accountability and doing what was right, essentially being as true to the image of a paragon-like hero as they could. The Wards, on the other hand, were glorified mascots according to their website and most footage that I could find online. True they did see a bit more action in Brockton Bay but their information stated that they're at best delegated to support roles wherever possible if they're actually doing something while a Protectorate member does the actual work.

I don't think I'd mind being in the Protectorate too much, yes there would be oversight but it wasn't like I was planning on doing something wrong anyway. Unfortunately, I couldn't join until I was eighteen, meaning that if I wanted to go with that option I'd have to either brave it out until I came of age or try to survive the horrors of teenage melodramatics. I know that I won't have a very long time to decide if I actually went out without my mask and told the world who I was, but god dammit I want to. I want to still have my own freedom without endangering my Dad. If he had powers this would be an entirely different dilemma but without them, I can't guarantee his personal security or wellbeing without a greater power.

I just, I can't stand needing to rely on an establishment when the failure of another was why I needed to make this stupid choice. Yet, I know I can't stay independent, I've seen Dad eyeing all of the scrapes and gouges I've left all over the house over the last week. The food bills have got to be ridiculous at the moment with my new mainly meat diet and voracious appetite. But I still don't like the idea of losing that independence, even if I've only really been an independent hero for a weekend. I think I need to actually face the music so to say, and talk with Dad about this, it'll be just as important for him too. Seeing him in the living room watching the news I began heading down. As I traversed the stairs I cringed at its sight. It had become one of the most damaged parts of the house over the last week.

"Dad, I think we need to talk." He glanced up wearily, it was a little past midnight after all.

"Hmm, do you have another massive revelation you need to share kiddo? Perhaps that you've gotten a boyfriend recently?" His look became far more mischievous as my face reddened.

"Dad! No! But… we do need to talk about, well, I think I want to join New Wave."

"What brought this change of heart? Last time we talked you were pretty set on going solo." He turned off the TV, sitting up to give me his full attention.

"I was thinking after reading some stuff on PHO and, well, I don't want to say it, but I guess I've got to. I was worried about what could happen to you if I wanted to go out and tried to live as normal of a life as I could, you know? Simple things like going grocery shopping, or even going to university in a few years are entirely beyond me right now. That and I'm barely making anything on the small time thugs and goons I can go after at the street level, but I can't go after much higher without support. Yeah, I make one to two hundred for each of the handguns and a bit for the drugs they pick off of the guys I bring in but that can't be enough for even my food bill over the last week. Certainly not the repairs you've been trying to subtly make around the house, hell we'll probably need to renovate the whole thing to prevent further damages." He'd stayed silent, listening to my laundry list of problems, grimacing here and there as I went, especially at the mentions of our budget and the repairs. By now he was nodding slowly as he collected himself.

"I'd been meaning to find a way to bring it up, but you seem to have summed it up pretty well yourself. I don't think we can sustain this for too much longer and neither of us has the pull to fix our situation. I think you should try to see if you could join New Wave if that's your choice. I'd still prefer the Wards since they're backed by the Protectorate, but it's not a bad second best."

"I guess you're probably going to have to call the school tomorrow again saying I'm sick again." He got up, handing me the phone while inputting some numbers in spite of my confusion.

"Why don't you call them tonight? I too looked them up and their open calls should still be going for about," he checked his watch, "twenty minutes. Good luck." Nodding I went over and took his place on the couch, as well as every other place on it as he moved to his chair. Seeing that their number was already dialed, jeez he must have really checked everyone out thoroughly if he memorized their number, I pressed talk and waited with bated breath.

"Hello, this is Brandish of New Wave, what is your reason for calling?" Her voice sounded crisp like she was frustrated with the fact that someone had called, probably was thinking of the time. Remembering she had asked me a question I hurried to respond.

"Um, I was wondering if I could join, uh, New Wave? Well if you're still letting people join that is." She didn't respond immediately, only a small sigh sounded for a moment.

"You are aware that you would have to unmask, correct?" Came her terse reply.

"Of course." Yes! I managed to say something without stumbling over my own tongue.

"We also need to have an interview with you to see if you're really wanting to go through with joining us. This will be somewhat similar to a job interview in the sense that we will be evaluating you as a person and a parahuman in terms of whether or not we want you join our team. When would be the earliest time you could come in?"

"N-now I guess, oh! But it's kind of late so anytime tomorrow if you don't want to do it tonight. 'Cause of well, it being late and all." Great, and right back to screwing up.

"You're definitely going to have to work on you're speaking, and thinking out what you to say. However, I think we could go tonight. We were planning to debrief with the whole team tonight regardless so you might as well come in, do you know the Dallon residence's location? Also how long will it take you to get here?" Oh My God, I was getting to meet New Wave, as in all of them! Ok, I need to calm down, I'm a hero too now.

"Alright, I'll try to do better. And yeah, I know where it is, it's on your website. I guess it'd take me about fifteen minutes."

"Alright, I'll see you then, and please come through the front door, I've seen too many capes try all kinds of ridiculous entries that it won't make a good impression. Goodbye." Click. Putting down the phone and standing up I relayed the information to Dad.

"I'm going for an interview, I'll be back later." He nodded, having paid attention to this half of the conversation.

"Alright, now don't get into trouble, and good luck kiddo." He had a wide, proud smile on his face, likely mirrored by my own.

"Dad, I'm not going out to fight crime, just going to meet some heroes and see if I can join them." Rushing upstairs I threw on my costume, I'd rather get there early than show up late and make them think it was a prank call.

Skittering out my window, I leaped across the street. Reorienting to head south I began leaping from rooftop to rooftop. I mentally went over each of the members and what they could do. Lady Photon, or Sarah Pellham who is one of the older members and acts as the leader of New Wave, she's can fly, shoot hard-light blasts, and make force-fields. Manpower, he's Lady Photon's husband and is called Neil Pelham. He's a pretty simple Brute package, with strength and durability but no regeneration. Brandish who I just talked to on the phone is Lady Photon's sister. Her real name is Carol Dallon, and she can create simple hard-light constructs like weapons or shields. Flashbang, also known as Mark Dallon, has the ability to create concussive hard-light orbs and is married to Brandish. They each make up the older half, now on to the younger half.

Laserdream and Shielder, Crystal and Eric Pelham respectively. Each has a variation on their mother's power, Laserdream having superior flight and blasts with a loss of shield strength while her brother has the opposite. Glory Girl and Panacea, Victoria and Amy Dallon, Glory Girl is an Alexandria package with an emotion inducing aura in the place of Alexandria's super-intelligence. Panacea, on the other hand, is essentially what her title says so long as it isn't directly linked to the brain. I wonder why her power is so vastly different, maybe it's like genetics, with dominant and recessive traits in powers? I guess it doesn't really matter, if specialists don't know by now I won't figure it out in a passing thought.

It took me only a few more minutes to arrive, I think I actually made it in ten minutes since I left the house. I leapt down to the street from the opposite side and began advancing towards the front door. Doing my best to calm myself down I walked up the walkway to the door and gently pressed the bell, I'd hate to break something just before I met them.

Ding-Dong

Now I've just got to be personable, well as much as I can and hope that they'll be willing to let me join because I don't want to think of the alternative. A gorgeous looking blonde, Victoria my mind thankfully supplied, opened the door while floating in mid-air.

"Oh cool! You're that new cape, Arachne, right? Come on in, well if you can since you're kind of well, car sized and all. Ah, sorry if that bothered you, the size comment." She looked a little sheepish, but the comment didn't bother me, in fact, I'm not sure why I was feeling apprehensive earlier, this is already going well. Glory Girl seems to have taken to me really quickly at least.

"Vicky! Aura, turn it down, you're stunning her speechless." Panacea called out from the living room, and suddenly the on top of the world feeling I had gone down to a manageable mild positivity. Glory Girl floated off to the couch, as Panacea called her over.

"Um, yeah, I can go through doors, just, don't be startled since I can't do so normally." Well, at least I managed to stutter out what mattered. I stepped onto the wall as I squeezed my upper body inside and pulled the rest of me through without damaging their doorframe. Panacea looked at me like I was crazy while the rest just seemed puzzled.

"Why didn't you just change back, to your normal form I mean? Wouldn't that have been easier?" Panacea asked with the same confusion. Yet while looking me in the eyes, she dropped her gaze, maybe in embarrassment maybe? Either way, she seemed to be looking me over. Perhaps she just hasn't seen a lot of spider people before, and I wouldn't blame her. On that topic I'm definitely going with Arachno Sapiens from now on, it sounds cooler.

"Well, that's part of the reason I wanted to join New Wave, I don't have a Changer power." I gave it a moment to sink in. The others looked a variation between confused with Shielder to realization between most of the adults and Laserdream. The exception to this being Panacea who looked frustrated.

"I can't fix you, I've tried it before, but Case 53's bodies just go back to the way they were before over time, and that's if I can change them at all." She stated with a mix of annoyance and disappointment.

"Fix what? Oh, no I hadn't thought of that. I guess it's good I didn't then and get my hopes up then. I was meaning that if I want to be able to go outside at all and not fight crime I'm going to have to out myself." Clearing her throat Lady Photon addressed everyone.

"Well, I'd offer you a seat but it would seem we don't have room," she chuckled a bit, "but nevertheless let's get down to the gritty parts and see if you as a person are the right fit, now why don't you take your helmet off. Even if you don't join we won't use your identity against you, but as you've stated it wouldn't be your most identifying feature anyway." Taking a deep breath, I lifted the helmet and let my hair down, looked up and saw their shocked expressions. Smiling and reaching out to shake Lady Photon's hand I introduced myself properly.

"Hello it's nice to meet you, my name is Taylor Hebert."

 

[wylie99998]

Aww poor Amy is probably so used to people approaching her trying to fix their bodies. I'd imagine being unable to help would get frustrating for her fast, especially given how she is getting discouraged with healing in general. : [

Yay! to joining New Wave (presumably the interview will go well). Some support both socially and fighting wise would be very helpful for our arachnid protagonist. Plus being basically stuck in her home during the day would get depressing quickly, so being out and proud would ensure that she can at least try to make friends. Looking forward to seeing how she handles the team dynamic, especially the Vicky-Amy insanity. If there is one person who desperately needs a friend its Amy Dalton, so Taylor has a good chance to change things up.

 

[pheonix89]

Canon Taylor was terrifying.
Taylor who is a Brute/Mover as well, and possibly striker (maybe Blaster)?
She's going to redefine the meaning of the word.

Click to shrink...

Actually she's lost one of her nastier tricks - the pseudostranger thing where she can wipe out your entire force while being completely indistinguishable from any other civvie because there's no tell when she's using her power. With the physical changes she can't hide in plain sight by just acting like a civvie.

 

[Kerashana]

Along Came a Spider
Worm AU

Sunday 9th, January 2011

Click to shrink...

Pissst, psst. You forgot the thread mark.

 

[Philosoraptor31]

Pissst, psst. You forgot the thread mark.

Click to shrink...

Thank you for mentioning this, I've added it now.

 

[armorfiend]

Actually she's lost one of her nastier tricks - the pseudostranger thing where she can wipe out your entire force while being completely indistinguishable from any other civvie because there's no tell when she's using her power. With the physical changes she can't hide in plain sight by just acting like a civvie.

Click to shrink...

Also, no swarm clones.

 

[jwolfe_beta]

Also, no swarm clones.

Click to shrink...

Nah, she just needs more bugs for each clone.

 

[armorfiend]

Nah, she just needs more bugs for each clone.

Click to shrink...

Well, she went from needing enough bugs to mock up a 5'7" or 5'8" girl to enough bugs to mock up apparently a *sedan-sized* drider... She's 7 feet tall, and has a leg span probably 15-20 feet across. Her volume is *huge*... and the distance the individual bugs would have to cross to make up her legs in motion is frankly ridiculous.

On the flip side, it's also a trick she may not have to use, either. She's pretty brute-y now.

 

[Metallix666]

On the one hand... Dryder Taylor? cool.

On the other...... Giant freaking spider! Just trying to picture how she would move gives me the creeps.