This is going to be a rewrite of the original Final Fantasy Worm EXVIUS. We're giving this the full HD Remake treatment complete with quality-of-life improvements. This is a story that asks the question: What if Taylor gained the power of the Visionary and could summon heroes from across time and space?
Final Fantasy Worm EXVIUS: HD Remake
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Prologue
- Location
- PA
AN: The prologue won't change since the concept is the same, but I'm definitely streamlining things a lot. No more tossing stuff in because I think it's cool. It has to be cool and make sense in the story. Feel free to tell me which characters you might like to see return or ones you think shouldn't come back. I have my own ideas. Are you cool with that? Then buckle up cuz here we go!
Prologue
The Multiverse. A place both vast and diverse. All things were possible in the infinite expanse. The darkness of space was lit by the fires of creation. Each star shone brightly and proudly. At the center of each star system was a crystal. Some were Light. Some were Dark. All were special and sacred. For with the destruction of the universe's Crystal, the death of that universe would soon follow. No matter the circumstance, these sacred objects were to be protected. Only fools and madmen saw the death of countless lives as acceptable.
One of these Crystals saw the destruction of far more than just its own universe coming. An entire multiversal cluster had come under assault by beings from outside their reality. The Crystal despaired as these beings seeded the people of Earth Bet with strange powers. Powers that drove them into mindless conflict. It desperately sought out something, anything, that could turn the tide.
There!
A powerful soul had entered the universe from another, bearing with it the souls of many others. People that were in harmony with themselves. This vast soul shepherded them to Earth Bet before casting off the mortal shell. This mortal turned Goddess looked to the silently fearing Crystal and frowned.
"What's wrong?" The transcendent being asked.
"This world...This world will die in just thirty years...The Crystals of Earth Bet are dangerously close to shattering. In the wake of this destruction, all the linked Crystals will shatter." The Crystal of the Universe held onto some hope that this being could help.
"Something powerful enough to shatter all linked Crystals simultaneously?" The Warrior, the Savior, looked grim. This was not the bright future she envisioned for her loved ones. Scattered now amongst the multiversal cluster, they were beyond her reach.
"Now you understand why I am afraid. These people...my children...I can do nothing for them. All those with the potential have been subverted. Even as I reach out, another of those tainted parasites latches onto my chosen. They possess a diabolical will." The feeling of sadness returned.
"We just need to be faster." She spoke with confidence and unshakable will. The Crystal was in shock. How long had it been since it felt hope? This wild surge of exultation could only be that elusive emotion.
"Take this fragment of my power. I cannot do any more for you than this. Thank you so much." The Sacred Entity gifted a Crystal Shard to the woman. She instantly knew what it was for and how to use the gift. A new conduit was opening. A receptive soul awaited. The pain, misery, and despair made the being grit her teeth in anger. She hurtled off at the speed of thought itself. Immediately she saw the link from the tainted starting to form.
The black thread felt like sickness and derived a sick satisfaction from misery. It pretended to be cold and analytical, but it was an alien thing. The tainted did not understand human beings at all and would not even try. The Savior drew her sword and struck threw the thread. There was a miscalculation on her part. In the desperate clash, there was an explosion. The tainted screamed out in anger and hatred, but it was consumed regardless. The transcendent woman realized her error just a fraction too late. She curled her essence around the Shard to protect it. All that she had gained to reach this point was used to shield herself and her precious burden from annihilation.
It wouldn't be enough.
The power to tear dimensional boundaries howled around in a swirling maelstrom of power that threatened to destroy her very soul. She desperately held on, using the memories of her loved ones as a shield against destruction. Hope burned in her very spirit as she refused to submit.
"Take my hand...!" A girl, no, young woman cried out over the devastation. She grasped at the hand offering her salvation and felt another soul join their will with hers. The gentle spirit, hardened by war, had felt the cry of a terrified child. The Universe itself begging for salvation. She knew not what could be done, but still came regardless. Where there was suffering, she would be there to shield from harm. The Savior and the Maiden held tight to the Shard as the chaos danced madly around them. They were buffeted by Eldritch winds and tossed into the very conduit the Shard was meant for. Neither being was powerful enough anymore to resist the pull.
The Shard pulsed once and drew their damaged essences into itself. They who fought so hard to shield it from harm. Memories of other worlds, other times, and other places flashed through its awareness. It knew what to do with these Visions. Warriors from across time and space. Like these brave women, they would heed the call to battle. To battle, not for base glory, but for the Salvation of all.
A new Crystal Legacy was beginning. Their tale will now be told.
Prologue
The Multiverse. A place both vast and diverse. All things were possible in the infinite expanse. The darkness of space was lit by the fires of creation. Each star shone brightly and proudly. At the center of each star system was a crystal. Some were Light. Some were Dark. All were special and sacred. For with the destruction of the universe's Crystal, the death of that universe would soon follow. No matter the circumstance, these sacred objects were to be protected. Only fools and madmen saw the death of countless lives as acceptable.
One of these Crystals saw the destruction of far more than just its own universe coming. An entire multiversal cluster had come under assault by beings from outside their reality. The Crystal despaired as these beings seeded the people of Earth Bet with strange powers. Powers that drove them into mindless conflict. It desperately sought out something, anything, that could turn the tide.
There!
A powerful soul had entered the universe from another, bearing with it the souls of many others. People that were in harmony with themselves. This vast soul shepherded them to Earth Bet before casting off the mortal shell. This mortal turned Goddess looked to the silently fearing Crystal and frowned.
"What's wrong?" The transcendent being asked.
"This world...This world will die in just thirty years...The Crystals of Earth Bet are dangerously close to shattering. In the wake of this destruction, all the linked Crystals will shatter." The Crystal of the Universe held onto some hope that this being could help.
"Something powerful enough to shatter all linked Crystals simultaneously?" The Warrior, the Savior, looked grim. This was not the bright future she envisioned for her loved ones. Scattered now amongst the multiversal cluster, they were beyond her reach.
"Now you understand why I am afraid. These people...my children...I can do nothing for them. All those with the potential have been subverted. Even as I reach out, another of those tainted parasites latches onto my chosen. They possess a diabolical will." The feeling of sadness returned.
"We just need to be faster." She spoke with confidence and unshakable will. The Crystal was in shock. How long had it been since it felt hope? This wild surge of exultation could only be that elusive emotion.
"Take this fragment of my power. I cannot do any more for you than this. Thank you so much." The Sacred Entity gifted a Crystal Shard to the woman. She instantly knew what it was for and how to use the gift. A new conduit was opening. A receptive soul awaited. The pain, misery, and despair made the being grit her teeth in anger. She hurtled off at the speed of thought itself. Immediately she saw the link from the tainted starting to form.
The black thread felt like sickness and derived a sick satisfaction from misery. It pretended to be cold and analytical, but it was an alien thing. The tainted did not understand human beings at all and would not even try. The Savior drew her sword and struck threw the thread. There was a miscalculation on her part. In the desperate clash, there was an explosion. The tainted screamed out in anger and hatred, but it was consumed regardless. The transcendent woman realized her error just a fraction too late. She curled her essence around the Shard to protect it. All that she had gained to reach this point was used to shield herself and her precious burden from annihilation.
It wouldn't be enough.
The power to tear dimensional boundaries howled around in a swirling maelstrom of power that threatened to destroy her very soul. She desperately held on, using the memories of her loved ones as a shield against destruction. Hope burned in her very spirit as she refused to submit.
"Take my hand...!" A girl, no, young woman cried out over the devastation. She grasped at the hand offering her salvation and felt another soul join their will with hers. The gentle spirit, hardened by war, had felt the cry of a terrified child. The Universe itself begging for salvation. She knew not what could be done, but still came regardless. Where there was suffering, she would be there to shield from harm. The Savior and the Maiden held tight to the Shard as the chaos danced madly around them. They were buffeted by Eldritch winds and tossed into the very conduit the Shard was meant for. Neither being was powerful enough anymore to resist the pull.
The Shard pulsed once and drew their damaged essences into itself. They who fought so hard to shield it from harm. Memories of other worlds, other times, and other places flashed through its awareness. It knew what to do with these Visions. Warriors from across time and space. Like these brave women, they would heed the call to battle. To battle, not for base glory, but for the Salvation of all.
A new Crystal Legacy was beginning. Their tale will now be told.
First Crystal 1.1
- Location
- PA
First Crystal 1.1
-Monday January 10, 2011-
-Home-
The house was quiet as usual. It was a weekday so Dad was at work. Did I wish he stayed home with me? Of course, I did, but we couldn't afford it. This was my third day out of the hospital. He tried to call off, but an accident happened that needed his attention. If I wasn't so used to being alone, it would hurt. Let's back up a bit. My name is Taylor Hebert and I'm fifteen years old. Apparently, there's a curse on my name since it makes my life suck. I tried to build up some heat and get angry, but it just fell flat. What was the use? No one was around to hear me vent.
My thoughts are whirling around again. It almost feels like someone or something is sifting through my memories. Fine. I suppose it would do me some good to put my thoughts in order. Almost two years ago I came back from summer camp to find my world in shambles again. The first time was when my mom died in a car accident due to texting and driving. I never did find out if she was the one texting or not. I guessed not since Mom wasn't stupid.
This second time had to do with my best friend, Emma Barnes. The summer camp was one of those therapy retreats. I got some closure and wanted to share my good news. She was at home, but there was a new girl with her. Emma Barnes has red hair and gray-green eyes. The new girl was pretty with dark hair, and dark skin, but also had a dark temperament. My best friend changed before I got home. This new girl, Sophia Hess, was a vicious bully and made my friend just like her. Just like that, I was back at square one. Picking up the pieces again. I wasn't sure how it could get any worse. Then it did.
I couldn't go a single day, let alone a week, without some new torment. The school actually did its best to try and help, but there was no proof. The two of them were good at manipulating evidence. It only got worse when they added Madison "Too Too Cute" Clements. Emma was popular, Sophia was sporty, and Madison had an innocent face. I could admire it, grudgingly, but it didn't mean I liked the situation. The day that went beyond the pall was when I brought my mother's flute for music class. Somehow it vanished from my locker. They taunted me with it all day before finally admitting where it was. It was smashed beyond all repair.
How the hell had they gotten into my locker? It made absolutely no sense. Whatever. Moving on.
The whole week leading up to the Christmas holiday this year was quiet. No one harassed me. No one picked on me. Nothing happened to me at all. This would sound like bliss if I wasn't already paranoid enough to jump at shadows. The sheer, unmitigated torture of not knowing. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. When nothing happened it kept me awake at night. Wondering and worrying about what diabolical plan they had in store for me. I made a terrible mistake over the holiday break.
I decided to be optimistic.
Maybe they were just tired of the game? I stopped responding months ago. Oh sure I still ate in the lavatory and hid in out-of-the-way places, but overt actions? I just let them roll off. I learned my lesson and did all of my nerve-induced vomiting at home. Making light of it didn't make it any better then, and it wasn't doing it now. I knew what was coming next, but going to that memory in particular scared me. It scared me more than the documentary on the Slaughterhouse Nine. I would have gleefully stood in front of the Siberian rather than face this memory again. Oh well. No time for cowardice. I'd come this far, right?
When I came back to school there was a lot of snickering. No. Back up and tell it right. There was a lot of nervous chuckling, but nothing particularly happy. I received more sympathetic, or downright horrified, looks that morning. Knowing what I know now? It was clear they were feeling sorry for me. Not enough to help, but at least they weren't total monsters. Greg Veder was still Greg. Bless him for being an annoying pest with a motormouth and zero social skills. Bizarrely enough I almost appreciated his guileless honesty and lack of tact.
I still wouldn't go out with him.
The smell is what got to me first. Strangely enough, my first thought was relief. This was how the world worked. Now we could get back to our normal, everyday lives. Almost immediately afterward was indignation. Just when I had let my guard down this was happening? I hit the stages of grief and acceptance before even reaching my locker. The Trio were watching with cruel amusement. Nope. That was still accurate. I wasn't demonizing anyone. They did it to themselves. I managed to get my locker opened and there it was. Trash. Rotten, rancid, and disgusting trash. The sudden shock of revulsion forced me to almost double over and vomit, which was when they struck. Before I could even react, hands shoved at my back. I stumbled into the locker and rattled my skull. The door was shut with me inside. My thoughts became a confused jumble between the horror, terror, and pleading for mercy.
When I came to next, it was in the hospital. I was only out cold for two days before all at once waking up. My body was healthier than it had any right to be. The hospital bills were high but manageable. Unfortunately, since I wasn't injured worse, the school was able to deny responsibility. They paid a portion of the bills, but nothing else. I got out of the hospital on the seventh. The weirdness didn't stop there.
When I woke up in the hospital there was an image of two crystals, one green and one red, that shattered. That coupled with my unusual good health made me wonder if I was a cape. What those crystals meant, I had no idea, but at least a power for being healthy was nice. Today was the first day that I had to explore my power. Did the health mean I regenerated? Did I still get hurt? The safest way was to take a sewing needle and just stick myself with it. I wasn't going to use a knife. That was crazy.
I pricked myself with the needle and winced at the twinge of pain. A number flashed across my vision. A zero. I stuck myself again and got another zero. No holes were appearing in my finger and no bleeding. Okay so I still ended up with pain, but no visible injury. The knife wasn't looking quite so crazy anymore. It was probably for the best to test this while I had a medical kit nearby. I headed downstairs and found a paring knife in the drawer. Just a simple cut. Before I could test my theory, a hand grabbed my wrist in an iron grip. The hand was feminine with slender fingers, but there was no denying the power in those deceptively delicate digits.
"Don't play with knives." The woman's no-nonsense voice was firm as she divested me of the blade. I spun around to look at the invader, correction, invaders. The taller of the two was perhaps an inch shorter than my own five foot eight height. She had rose-colored hair and green eyes. The hair was shoulder length and flowed over her right shoulder. Her clothing was a little strange. She wore a tan uniform top with button pockets. I'd only ever seen a shirt like that on a military person. The short red skirt and boots completed the basic ensemble. She had fingerless gloves with metal plates and a red cape hanging from her left shoulder. A wide leather belt had a dangling sheath attached to it with a strange gun. I know it's called a holster, but the draw style gave the impression of a blade.
"Take it easy on her. She's confused." A gentler voice spoke soothingly. The shorter woman had bright green hair and green eyes. She had her hair up in a high fluffy ponytail. Her clothing was strange in its own way. It looked like a red micro minidress but was all one piece. She wore elbow-length red fingerless gloves and brown boots. Her expression was soft and caring. The other, by contrast, was stoic. If I wasn't aware of people's hidden expressions, the gentleness in her eyes would have gone unnoticed. I felt a weird connection between us.
"Who are you and how did you get in my house?" I asked them curiously. The taller woman put the knife back in the drawer while the shorter set about making tea. Somehow she knew her way around the kitchen. I wasn't entirely certain how, but the faint image of a green crystal overlaid the rosette briefly. A red crystal overlaid the green-haired woman.
Okay. I can take a hint.
"Might as well have a seat. We have a lot to discuss." The more assertive of the two took charge. The gentler shot her a quelling look before smiling at me.
"There is much to cover. We're not sure how much time we have." The kind woman said apologetically.
"I'm Taylor. Who are you two?" I figured we should get introductions out of the way. It would be nice to know who the home invaders were.
"My name is Lightning Farron. You can call me Light. We're not invaders either." The rosette, Light, informed me. They can read my mind. That's not awkward at all.
"I'm Terra Branford. Nice to meet you. We'll try to respect your thoughts. This is new to us as well." Terra smiled slightly while serving the tea. The tea was done already? Kind of weird, but nice. It was done exactly how I liked it. That's even weirder.
"Where did you come from?" I asked them. At least they were nice. Light tried for an aloof posture while Terra wore her heart on her sleeve. I wasn't afraid of them. If anything, the warmth inside felt comforting. Like a mighty shield stood guard and a blanket surrounded me.
"You've already guessed that you're a parahuman. We're aspects of your power. At one time we were living people, but an accident occurred. Due to that, we've joined with you. Not so that we can live, but so that you can survive. We're projections. That's not entirely right, but it's not entirely wrong either." Light shrugged. She remembered everything, but keeping their "summoner" from drowning in details was important.
"So I'm a Master? Probably a Brute too...I didn't get hurt by the needle." I mused.
"Closer to a Breaker actually. Your body is your Breaker power. Somehow you've gained a spirit body like we have. These forms can't be killed, but they can be dispersed. We're stronger than normal humans, just as you are now." Terra observed me with a sympathetic gaze. They were both acting like I was fragile. Maybe I was, but not that fragile.
"What if I'm killed? Do I just disperse too?" Let's see how far down the rabbit hole I've gone. They shared a look.
"Your body is like ours in that injuries won't show themselves, and bones can't be broken, but not to that extent. If you're defeated then we have to hurry and revive you or all of us vanish." The rosette explained seriously. That could have sounded better.
"Revival isn't easy. Strengthening our spirits is the best way to avoid such a situation." The gentle woman supplied.
"How do we manage that?" It sounded like a good idea, but there were some things I wouldn't do.
"Training will help. You want to be able to defend yourself, right? This is the fastest way." Light didn't say it would be the easiest though. I did want to be able to defend myself and not get bullied anymore. If I could actually fight back without fear it would mean so much.
"Our power grows through overcoming trials and life's hardships. We'll go slowly so you have time to catch up. There's no rush." Terra assured me. I took a sip of tea to help get my thoughts together.
"So the two of you are part of my power. If that's the case then why are you so animated? I know you said it's because you were real people, but it's so hard to believe." I sighed softly.
"We're full personality impressions of the original Lightning and Terra. Your power allows you to call on other such beings. I just have no idea how it works." Light grudgingly admitted. They weren't even clear on how to advance in power. There was a method to it, but the means escaped them.
"Too bad there isn't a tutorial for this," I muttered. There was a chime and a voice echoed in my mind.
"Greetings, I am the Shard of Visions. When you are in doubt, call upon me. I will always do my best to assist you. You have asked for a Tutorial. What is it you wish to know?" The voice was neither male nor female but gave off a feeling of deep caring for my welfare. I blinked back some tears. Even sentient crystals were more caring of my situation than I was used to.
"Might as well start at the beginning." I looked at the other two. They nodded their heads in agreement. Good. They can hear this too.
"You have gained the power of Visions. Your companions have explained the basics. Visions are spirits of warriors, both Light and Dark, that have gone before. They can be summoned into this world, by you, to fight at your side. They are not simple constructs either. These are the truest impressions of the fallen. There is no falsehood in their manifestation. Their personalities are the same as they were in life. Your current Visions have even greater autonomy." The Shard explained. I was awed. Warriors of Light and Dark. I could hear the capitalization.
"Why do they have more autonomy?" I blurted out. Yeah, that didn't come out right. Light sipped her tea, but smirked faintly. Terra shot a playful glare at me, but the smile ruined the effect. I'm going to have to get used to people who don't immediately think the worst of me. Aside from my dad of course.
"Your powers come from a dimension beyond this one. Lightning was known as the Savior and brought her people into this dimension to settle. My progenitor, the Crystal of Dark for Earth Bet, despaired at the rise of parahumans. We have no problem with mortals attaining power. These powers, however, come from a tainted source. Make no mistake. The source is tainted, not the people. People can choose to be good or evil, but this taint makes it more difficult to choose the moral path." The entity made itself quite clear. The people could choose to do right or wrong, but the tainted source made it easier to be bad. The being continued its tale.
"Lightning spoke to my progenitor. If this tainted source is not dealt with, all Crystals across the various Earth dimensions will shatter. So the Savior agreed to help. She carried me to you. Terra had heard your cry and independently decided to help you. Unfortunately, the tainted were powerful. When Lightning destroyed the taint that sought you, it tried to kill her in retaliation. Terra saved her, but they both were grievously harmed. I took them into myself and went to you." The Shard spoke warmly, but I felt like ice was gripping my chest. They were harmed trying to help me? Who was I? I'm nobody. These two had titles, and power, and could apparently fight off interdimensional threats. What did I bring to the table? Tears stung my eyes. Terra put her arm around my shoulders.
"You are Taylor Hebert. Daughter of Danny and Annette Hebert. That is who you are. You are just as worthy of being saved as anyone. What you bring to the table is compassion. Don't lose your heart." She spoke softly, but firmly.
"Do you really want to make it up to us? Live. Live and learn. We don't blame you for our choices." The rosette stared straight into my eyes. I saw the sincerity and warmth in her gaze. My head nodded slowly, but their frank expressions of caring embarrassed me.
"Sorry," I murmured. To all three of them, to myself, I wasn't sure which.
"Not a problem. You may refer to me as Cryst, by the way. You have attained a body like they possess. By growing stronger in mind and body, you can reshape yourself. Living, working, and even fighting can be used to mold you. As long as you give it your all. You are a determined young woman so I can't see that being a problem. Other Visions can be called to aid you. You have a pool of energy that fully recharges on its own in seven days. These are your Normal Units. They are strong-willed men and women who, that while not performing legendary feats, were still impressive enough to make a lasting impression. By performing special actions, a second gauge is filled. This can be used to summon Special Units. These are beings that have made an indelible mark on the tapestry of time." Cryst explained further. I took a sip of tea to calm my nerves. That was a rather impressive power. I was definitely a Master at the least. Maybe Breaker due to my body being like theirs. Now that the shard mentioned it, I did feel like something inside of me was waiting.
"This feeling...am I already able to summon someone?" I asked for clarification. The entity gave off a pleased feeling.
"That's right. Just reach out to this power and call them forth." Cryst urged. I reached out as instructed. It felt instinctive. Words came forth as if spoken from my heart.
"From my heart, come forth. Let us walk hand in hand together." It felt right. These people were coming to help me. Whether they were impressions or not, they deserved respect. I saw a red crystal in my mind's eye before it shattered.
"Call me Lilia. I accept your invitation. Let's do our best." The pretty dark-haired girl with blue eyes smiled at me. Her Class identified her as Red Mage. The flamboyant red mantle and hat with a white feather gave her an air. She would definitely stand out in a crowd. Her gentle demeanor was focused on me, but the cut of her rapier for foes was anything but gentle. She turned into motes of light and entered my soul.
"Will they all talk to me?" I asked. If they were all going to talk to me, my head might get crowded.
"Only if you specifically ask for them or there is a task they may perform," Cryst assured me. That was a relief. She seems sweet, but I wouldn't be able to handle so many internal dialogues. Judging by what I was hearing, this power would end up giving me a lot of allies.
"We'll be here to help." Terra gave me a squeeze. She was touchy-feely and invaded my personal space, but it also felt good. The green-haired woman asked for nothing but gave of herself freely.
"You might want to finish the explanations. It's getting close to dinnertime and her dad will be home soon." Lightning warned.
"Indeed. We don't want to be rushed later when there is time now. The last thing we will discuss for now is Defeat and Revival. When all of your allies are dispersed, you are defeated. You will be able to run much more swiftly in this state without tiring. It will grant you a greater chance of escape. Dispersal of a unit lowers their trust, however. If you neglect their health it will send the wrong message. When Trust runs out, the unit vanishes. I honestly don't believe that will happen with you." Cryst stated with conviction. They believed in me that strongly? It felt good to hear that. The idea of letting them be harmed and doing nothing didn't sit well with me anyway.
"What about Revival?" Might as well get all of this out of the way now. Strangely enough, it felt like the information was being recorded in my mind directly. That was useful.
"There are special stones that come from dimensional rifts called Lapis. They aren't the same as the gems of your world. A full revival of yourself and your units costs one hundred Lapis. You can also force a Special Unit summon with five hundred. Your current total is five hundred. Consider it a starting gift." The Dark Shard had a smile in its voice. Well, I wasn't planning on summoning more today. There was some curiosity about Special Summons, but I wanted to hold on to the Lapis. What if we actually needed Revival?
"A good leader knows when to put the needs of their followers first. You made a good choice." Lightning said with a smile of approval.
+1 Wisdom!
That just happened. That just happened. Why did that just happen? What the hell was that? My cup of tea was raised to my lips and I calmed down.
"What just happened? I just had a message say I got a point in Wisdom?" I was horribly confused, but at least I wasn't freaking out anymore.
"You can reshape yourself through conscious action. Due to the popularity of RPGs, I took the liberty of configuring the menus to reflect that. It actually makes it much easier to keep track of everything. If you wish to view your Character Sheet all you have to do is will it." Cryst explained. That was helpful, but also very surreal.
"I better get dinner started. We'll talk about this more later. There's still a lot to ask, but right now? My brain is blown." I knew there was a whine in my voice, but I could be forgiven.
"We'll help you." Terra offered as she started hunting around my kitchen. Lightning shrugged laconically before heading over to the recipe cards. She showed me the recipe for mom's meatloaf. We could do that. I almost missed the look the two gave one another, but decided not to ask. Whatever it was could wait for when my brain wasn't bulging at the seams.
At least my life wouldn't be boring.
AN: If this looks familiar that's because it's the original chapter 1.1 but with a number of grammar fixes. I'm not going to do this with all of the chapters of course. Kinda defeats the purpose of a rewrite, right?
-Monday January 10, 2011-
-Home-
The house was quiet as usual. It was a weekday so Dad was at work. Did I wish he stayed home with me? Of course, I did, but we couldn't afford it. This was my third day out of the hospital. He tried to call off, but an accident happened that needed his attention. If I wasn't so used to being alone, it would hurt. Let's back up a bit. My name is Taylor Hebert and I'm fifteen years old. Apparently, there's a curse on my name since it makes my life suck. I tried to build up some heat and get angry, but it just fell flat. What was the use? No one was around to hear me vent.
My thoughts are whirling around again. It almost feels like someone or something is sifting through my memories. Fine. I suppose it would do me some good to put my thoughts in order. Almost two years ago I came back from summer camp to find my world in shambles again. The first time was when my mom died in a car accident due to texting and driving. I never did find out if she was the one texting or not. I guessed not since Mom wasn't stupid.
This second time had to do with my best friend, Emma Barnes. The summer camp was one of those therapy retreats. I got some closure and wanted to share my good news. She was at home, but there was a new girl with her. Emma Barnes has red hair and gray-green eyes. The new girl was pretty with dark hair, and dark skin, but also had a dark temperament. My best friend changed before I got home. This new girl, Sophia Hess, was a vicious bully and made my friend just like her. Just like that, I was back at square one. Picking up the pieces again. I wasn't sure how it could get any worse. Then it did.
I couldn't go a single day, let alone a week, without some new torment. The school actually did its best to try and help, but there was no proof. The two of them were good at manipulating evidence. It only got worse when they added Madison "Too Too Cute" Clements. Emma was popular, Sophia was sporty, and Madison had an innocent face. I could admire it, grudgingly, but it didn't mean I liked the situation. The day that went beyond the pall was when I brought my mother's flute for music class. Somehow it vanished from my locker. They taunted me with it all day before finally admitting where it was. It was smashed beyond all repair.
How the hell had they gotten into my locker? It made absolutely no sense. Whatever. Moving on.
The whole week leading up to the Christmas holiday this year was quiet. No one harassed me. No one picked on me. Nothing happened to me at all. This would sound like bliss if I wasn't already paranoid enough to jump at shadows. The sheer, unmitigated torture of not knowing. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. When nothing happened it kept me awake at night. Wondering and worrying about what diabolical plan they had in store for me. I made a terrible mistake over the holiday break.
I decided to be optimistic.
Maybe they were just tired of the game? I stopped responding months ago. Oh sure I still ate in the lavatory and hid in out-of-the-way places, but overt actions? I just let them roll off. I learned my lesson and did all of my nerve-induced vomiting at home. Making light of it didn't make it any better then, and it wasn't doing it now. I knew what was coming next, but going to that memory in particular scared me. It scared me more than the documentary on the Slaughterhouse Nine. I would have gleefully stood in front of the Siberian rather than face this memory again. Oh well. No time for cowardice. I'd come this far, right?
When I came back to school there was a lot of snickering. No. Back up and tell it right. There was a lot of nervous chuckling, but nothing particularly happy. I received more sympathetic, or downright horrified, looks that morning. Knowing what I know now? It was clear they were feeling sorry for me. Not enough to help, but at least they weren't total monsters. Greg Veder was still Greg. Bless him for being an annoying pest with a motormouth and zero social skills. Bizarrely enough I almost appreciated his guileless honesty and lack of tact.
I still wouldn't go out with him.
The smell is what got to me first. Strangely enough, my first thought was relief. This was how the world worked. Now we could get back to our normal, everyday lives. Almost immediately afterward was indignation. Just when I had let my guard down this was happening? I hit the stages of grief and acceptance before even reaching my locker. The Trio were watching with cruel amusement. Nope. That was still accurate. I wasn't demonizing anyone. They did it to themselves. I managed to get my locker opened and there it was. Trash. Rotten, rancid, and disgusting trash. The sudden shock of revulsion forced me to almost double over and vomit, which was when they struck. Before I could even react, hands shoved at my back. I stumbled into the locker and rattled my skull. The door was shut with me inside. My thoughts became a confused jumble between the horror, terror, and pleading for mercy.
When I came to next, it was in the hospital. I was only out cold for two days before all at once waking up. My body was healthier than it had any right to be. The hospital bills were high but manageable. Unfortunately, since I wasn't injured worse, the school was able to deny responsibility. They paid a portion of the bills, but nothing else. I got out of the hospital on the seventh. The weirdness didn't stop there.
When I woke up in the hospital there was an image of two crystals, one green and one red, that shattered. That coupled with my unusual good health made me wonder if I was a cape. What those crystals meant, I had no idea, but at least a power for being healthy was nice. Today was the first day that I had to explore my power. Did the health mean I regenerated? Did I still get hurt? The safest way was to take a sewing needle and just stick myself with it. I wasn't going to use a knife. That was crazy.
I pricked myself with the needle and winced at the twinge of pain. A number flashed across my vision. A zero. I stuck myself again and got another zero. No holes were appearing in my finger and no bleeding. Okay so I still ended up with pain, but no visible injury. The knife wasn't looking quite so crazy anymore. It was probably for the best to test this while I had a medical kit nearby. I headed downstairs and found a paring knife in the drawer. Just a simple cut. Before I could test my theory, a hand grabbed my wrist in an iron grip. The hand was feminine with slender fingers, but there was no denying the power in those deceptively delicate digits.
"Don't play with knives." The woman's no-nonsense voice was firm as she divested me of the blade. I spun around to look at the invader, correction, invaders. The taller of the two was perhaps an inch shorter than my own five foot eight height. She had rose-colored hair and green eyes. The hair was shoulder length and flowed over her right shoulder. Her clothing was a little strange. She wore a tan uniform top with button pockets. I'd only ever seen a shirt like that on a military person. The short red skirt and boots completed the basic ensemble. She had fingerless gloves with metal plates and a red cape hanging from her left shoulder. A wide leather belt had a dangling sheath attached to it with a strange gun. I know it's called a holster, but the draw style gave the impression of a blade.
"Take it easy on her. She's confused." A gentler voice spoke soothingly. The shorter woman had bright green hair and green eyes. She had her hair up in a high fluffy ponytail. Her clothing was strange in its own way. It looked like a red micro minidress but was all one piece. She wore elbow-length red fingerless gloves and brown boots. Her expression was soft and caring. The other, by contrast, was stoic. If I wasn't aware of people's hidden expressions, the gentleness in her eyes would have gone unnoticed. I felt a weird connection between us.
"Who are you and how did you get in my house?" I asked them curiously. The taller woman put the knife back in the drawer while the shorter set about making tea. Somehow she knew her way around the kitchen. I wasn't entirely certain how, but the faint image of a green crystal overlaid the rosette briefly. A red crystal overlaid the green-haired woman.
Okay. I can take a hint.
"Might as well have a seat. We have a lot to discuss." The more assertive of the two took charge. The gentler shot her a quelling look before smiling at me.
"There is much to cover. We're not sure how much time we have." The kind woman said apologetically.
"I'm Taylor. Who are you two?" I figured we should get introductions out of the way. It would be nice to know who the home invaders were.
"My name is Lightning Farron. You can call me Light. We're not invaders either." The rosette, Light, informed me. They can read my mind. That's not awkward at all.
"I'm Terra Branford. Nice to meet you. We'll try to respect your thoughts. This is new to us as well." Terra smiled slightly while serving the tea. The tea was done already? Kind of weird, but nice. It was done exactly how I liked it. That's even weirder.
"Where did you come from?" I asked them. At least they were nice. Light tried for an aloof posture while Terra wore her heart on her sleeve. I wasn't afraid of them. If anything, the warmth inside felt comforting. Like a mighty shield stood guard and a blanket surrounded me.
"You've already guessed that you're a parahuman. We're aspects of your power. At one time we were living people, but an accident occurred. Due to that, we've joined with you. Not so that we can live, but so that you can survive. We're projections. That's not entirely right, but it's not entirely wrong either." Light shrugged. She remembered everything, but keeping their "summoner" from drowning in details was important.
"So I'm a Master? Probably a Brute too...I didn't get hurt by the needle." I mused.
"Closer to a Breaker actually. Your body is your Breaker power. Somehow you've gained a spirit body like we have. These forms can't be killed, but they can be dispersed. We're stronger than normal humans, just as you are now." Terra observed me with a sympathetic gaze. They were both acting like I was fragile. Maybe I was, but not that fragile.
"What if I'm killed? Do I just disperse too?" Let's see how far down the rabbit hole I've gone. They shared a look.
"Your body is like ours in that injuries won't show themselves, and bones can't be broken, but not to that extent. If you're defeated then we have to hurry and revive you or all of us vanish." The rosette explained seriously. That could have sounded better.
"Revival isn't easy. Strengthening our spirits is the best way to avoid such a situation." The gentle woman supplied.
"How do we manage that?" It sounded like a good idea, but there were some things I wouldn't do.
"Training will help. You want to be able to defend yourself, right? This is the fastest way." Light didn't say it would be the easiest though. I did want to be able to defend myself and not get bullied anymore. If I could actually fight back without fear it would mean so much.
"Our power grows through overcoming trials and life's hardships. We'll go slowly so you have time to catch up. There's no rush." Terra assured me. I took a sip of tea to help get my thoughts together.
"So the two of you are part of my power. If that's the case then why are you so animated? I know you said it's because you were real people, but it's so hard to believe." I sighed softly.
"We're full personality impressions of the original Lightning and Terra. Your power allows you to call on other such beings. I just have no idea how it works." Light grudgingly admitted. They weren't even clear on how to advance in power. There was a method to it, but the means escaped them.
"Too bad there isn't a tutorial for this," I muttered. There was a chime and a voice echoed in my mind.
"Greetings, I am the Shard of Visions. When you are in doubt, call upon me. I will always do my best to assist you. You have asked for a Tutorial. What is it you wish to know?" The voice was neither male nor female but gave off a feeling of deep caring for my welfare. I blinked back some tears. Even sentient crystals were more caring of my situation than I was used to.
"Might as well start at the beginning." I looked at the other two. They nodded their heads in agreement. Good. They can hear this too.
"You have gained the power of Visions. Your companions have explained the basics. Visions are spirits of warriors, both Light and Dark, that have gone before. They can be summoned into this world, by you, to fight at your side. They are not simple constructs either. These are the truest impressions of the fallen. There is no falsehood in their manifestation. Their personalities are the same as they were in life. Your current Visions have even greater autonomy." The Shard explained. I was awed. Warriors of Light and Dark. I could hear the capitalization.
"Why do they have more autonomy?" I blurted out. Yeah, that didn't come out right. Light sipped her tea, but smirked faintly. Terra shot a playful glare at me, but the smile ruined the effect. I'm going to have to get used to people who don't immediately think the worst of me. Aside from my dad of course.
"Your powers come from a dimension beyond this one. Lightning was known as the Savior and brought her people into this dimension to settle. My progenitor, the Crystal of Dark for Earth Bet, despaired at the rise of parahumans. We have no problem with mortals attaining power. These powers, however, come from a tainted source. Make no mistake. The source is tainted, not the people. People can choose to be good or evil, but this taint makes it more difficult to choose the moral path." The entity made itself quite clear. The people could choose to do right or wrong, but the tainted source made it easier to be bad. The being continued its tale.
"Lightning spoke to my progenitor. If this tainted source is not dealt with, all Crystals across the various Earth dimensions will shatter. So the Savior agreed to help. She carried me to you. Terra had heard your cry and independently decided to help you. Unfortunately, the tainted were powerful. When Lightning destroyed the taint that sought you, it tried to kill her in retaliation. Terra saved her, but they both were grievously harmed. I took them into myself and went to you." The Shard spoke warmly, but I felt like ice was gripping my chest. They were harmed trying to help me? Who was I? I'm nobody. These two had titles, and power, and could apparently fight off interdimensional threats. What did I bring to the table? Tears stung my eyes. Terra put her arm around my shoulders.
"You are Taylor Hebert. Daughter of Danny and Annette Hebert. That is who you are. You are just as worthy of being saved as anyone. What you bring to the table is compassion. Don't lose your heart." She spoke softly, but firmly.
"Do you really want to make it up to us? Live. Live and learn. We don't blame you for our choices." The rosette stared straight into my eyes. I saw the sincerity and warmth in her gaze. My head nodded slowly, but their frank expressions of caring embarrassed me.
"Sorry," I murmured. To all three of them, to myself, I wasn't sure which.
"Not a problem. You may refer to me as Cryst, by the way. You have attained a body like they possess. By growing stronger in mind and body, you can reshape yourself. Living, working, and even fighting can be used to mold you. As long as you give it your all. You are a determined young woman so I can't see that being a problem. Other Visions can be called to aid you. You have a pool of energy that fully recharges on its own in seven days. These are your Normal Units. They are strong-willed men and women who, that while not performing legendary feats, were still impressive enough to make a lasting impression. By performing special actions, a second gauge is filled. This can be used to summon Special Units. These are beings that have made an indelible mark on the tapestry of time." Cryst explained further. I took a sip of tea to calm my nerves. That was a rather impressive power. I was definitely a Master at the least. Maybe Breaker due to my body being like theirs. Now that the shard mentioned it, I did feel like something inside of me was waiting.
"This feeling...am I already able to summon someone?" I asked for clarification. The entity gave off a pleased feeling.
"That's right. Just reach out to this power and call them forth." Cryst urged. I reached out as instructed. It felt instinctive. Words came forth as if spoken from my heart.
"From my heart, come forth. Let us walk hand in hand together." It felt right. These people were coming to help me. Whether they were impressions or not, they deserved respect. I saw a red crystal in my mind's eye before it shattered.
"Call me Lilia. I accept your invitation. Let's do our best." The pretty dark-haired girl with blue eyes smiled at me. Her Class identified her as Red Mage. The flamboyant red mantle and hat with a white feather gave her an air. She would definitely stand out in a crowd. Her gentle demeanor was focused on me, but the cut of her rapier for foes was anything but gentle. She turned into motes of light and entered my soul.
"Will they all talk to me?" I asked. If they were all going to talk to me, my head might get crowded.
"Only if you specifically ask for them or there is a task they may perform," Cryst assured me. That was a relief. She seems sweet, but I wouldn't be able to handle so many internal dialogues. Judging by what I was hearing, this power would end up giving me a lot of allies.
"We'll be here to help." Terra gave me a squeeze. She was touchy-feely and invaded my personal space, but it also felt good. The green-haired woman asked for nothing but gave of herself freely.
"You might want to finish the explanations. It's getting close to dinnertime and her dad will be home soon." Lightning warned.
"Indeed. We don't want to be rushed later when there is time now. The last thing we will discuss for now is Defeat and Revival. When all of your allies are dispersed, you are defeated. You will be able to run much more swiftly in this state without tiring. It will grant you a greater chance of escape. Dispersal of a unit lowers their trust, however. If you neglect their health it will send the wrong message. When Trust runs out, the unit vanishes. I honestly don't believe that will happen with you." Cryst stated with conviction. They believed in me that strongly? It felt good to hear that. The idea of letting them be harmed and doing nothing didn't sit well with me anyway.
"What about Revival?" Might as well get all of this out of the way now. Strangely enough, it felt like the information was being recorded in my mind directly. That was useful.
"There are special stones that come from dimensional rifts called Lapis. They aren't the same as the gems of your world. A full revival of yourself and your units costs one hundred Lapis. You can also force a Special Unit summon with five hundred. Your current total is five hundred. Consider it a starting gift." The Dark Shard had a smile in its voice. Well, I wasn't planning on summoning more today. There was some curiosity about Special Summons, but I wanted to hold on to the Lapis. What if we actually needed Revival?
"A good leader knows when to put the needs of their followers first. You made a good choice." Lightning said with a smile of approval.
+1 Wisdom!
That just happened. That just happened. Why did that just happen? What the hell was that? My cup of tea was raised to my lips and I calmed down.
"What just happened? I just had a message say I got a point in Wisdom?" I was horribly confused, but at least I wasn't freaking out anymore.
"You can reshape yourself through conscious action. Due to the popularity of RPGs, I took the liberty of configuring the menus to reflect that. It actually makes it much easier to keep track of everything. If you wish to view your Character Sheet all you have to do is will it." Cryst explained. That was helpful, but also very surreal.
"I better get dinner started. We'll talk about this more later. There's still a lot to ask, but right now? My brain is blown." I knew there was a whine in my voice, but I could be forgiven.
"We'll help you." Terra offered as she started hunting around my kitchen. Lightning shrugged laconically before heading over to the recipe cards. She showed me the recipe for mom's meatloaf. We could do that. I almost missed the look the two gave one another, but decided not to ask. Whatever it was could wait for when my brain wasn't bulging at the seams.
At least my life wouldn't be boring.
AN: If this looks familiar that's because it's the original chapter 1.1 but with a number of grammar fixes. I'm not going to do this with all of the chapters of course. Kinda defeats the purpose of a rewrite, right?
First Crystal 1.2
- Location
- PA
First Crystal 1.3
-Tuesday January 11, 2011-
-Home-
Dad came home right on time last night. We ate dinner in silence, but it wasn't quite as lonely. Lightning and Terra had disappeared before he arrived. That was one less thing I had to explain right away. I had no excuse not to talk to my father. There was a strange clarity to my thoughts. I wasn't the only one unsure of where to go from here. He seemed genuinely happy at the meatloaf. It made me feel warm inside to know I put a smile on his face. When had my father grown so tired? Here I was, worrying about my life, when Dad was doing his best. We were both damaged emotionally. Dinner was eaten in silence, but there was a gnawing hunger. I did something that made us both happy. I stayed to watch television with him. We talked a bit. The words were awkward, but dialogue was started. My thoughts were a jumble, but the primary emotion I felt was gratitude. I was grateful for whatever clarity had let me see that my dad needed me. He needed me just as much as I needed him.
I lay on my bed this morning and reveled in the silence. Dad had gone to work with a slight spring in his step. We were naturally quiet people. Why hadn't I seen that before? Always before it worried me that we didn't talk. Dad was talking, but not in a way I could hear.
"I need to get stronger." I decided. The leap in logic wasn't that huge. Part of his worry was my safety. If I became strong enough to protect myself it would lower his worry. He would be worried all over again when I told him about my being a cape, but for now? Slow and steady. The tainted were out there, but the world wasn't ending immediately.
"I can put together a training program for you. It would be the same one I went through so it would be difficult." Lightning said in my mind. Even when I couldn't see them, they were in my heart. Literally.
"I also know a thing or two about nutrition. We can improve your diet to help go with the training." Terra was just as excited as Light about training. Oh dear. I was able to see some of their story. Last night I dreamed of their lives. It was mostly the early days. Both of these women were soldiers and warriors. Following their advice was an easy decision to make.
+1 Wisdom
That was going to get annoying, but at least it told me I was on the right track. The different parts that made up my character sheet were fairly self-explanatory. Strength was the measure of lifting capacity and exerted force. Dexterity was further broken up into manual dexterity and agility. Manual dexterity was how well I could manipulate small objects with my fingers. Agility was a measure of quickness and flexibility. Constitution was my physical durability and vitality. How much punishment I could take and my overall health.
The mental stats were where I shone. Intelligence was fairly self-explanatory. How well I could process information and how intelligently my power could be used. Wisdom was just basic common sense. Reasoning ability. I kept picking up Wisdom for making common-sense decisions. Being rewarded for not running off half-cocked, or jumping in without a plan, was nice. Charisma was my force of will and presence. The number was so low from the constant bullying and degradation. That one wasn't so easy to improve. It involved getting out there and being social. More assertive.
No sense worrying about it right now. I had enough on my plate with Lightning setting up my training schedule and Terra downstairs doing a meal plan. Wait. They can call themselves out without my input? That was extremely useful. I checked the time and winced. Ten o'clock. Just because I had time, didn't mean it could wasted either. What could I do in the meantime?
"Ah! General fitness is it? Some good old-fashioned calisthenics would get the blood pumping! Shall I lead you through it?" Lilia spoke up. Oh! That counted as asking her a question, huh? If I needed to know something and one of my units knew the answer, they would answer.
"Thanks, Lilia. Sure thing." I got dressed in gym clothes and set off out the door. There was a weird tug that told me exactly where Light and Terra were in relation to me. I was learning a lot of useful things. Experimentation that doesn't result in stabbing yourself is always a good thing. No Wisdom boost, huh? Yeah. That would have been even more insulting. I tried not to think about yesterday.
"What you need to do is..." The Red Mage started explaining the proper method for running and basic exercises. I followed her teaching and found myself enjoying the freedom of running. There was a difference between running from danger and running for health. For one, you weren't supposed to go full sprint in training. You really shouldn't do that when running for safety either. I was depressing myself all over again, as just knowing the difference between the two was disheartening. The fact that I had experience with both was the issue.
Athletics + 1
So apparently I could also earn skills the same way stat points were earned. Interesting to know. It took me almost ten minutes of exercise to pick it up, but it was still useful. Athletics was all about general fitness through running, jumping, and calisthenics. I arrived back at the house and got started on the second part. Unfortunately, that wiped me out utterly. Once I got back, Lightning had taken over from Lilia and had me doing push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and other things designed to tone the body.
General Fitness + 1
Ha ha ha, power. Ha.
"You might want to wash up for lunch." Terra walked out of the kitchen wearing an apron. I collapsed to the floor and groaned.
"Good job. We'll start this earlier tomorrow once you wake up. This will be your new daily routine." Lightning folded her arms and smirked. Joy.
"How much earlier?" I dreaded the answer.
"Five am on the dot. You'll be waking up at four thirty since tomorrow is a school day." Light reminded me of my trip back to hell. She did it fast like taking off a band-aid. I mulled it over while in the shower. At least I wasn't going back there alone. Even if Lightning and Terra couldn't help me directly, it was good to know at least two people were in my corner at school.
We ate lunch together. That's to say I ate lunch and they talked with me. They had an idea of what was going on since they were the ones sorting through my memories. It made things so much easier since I didn't have to retread old ground. The situation with my three tormentors had them both furious. It was clear that at least Emma and Sophia were damaged. Madison just went along with it at first but started to genuinely enjoy it as time progressed.
"You can convince yourself that anything is right. All it takes is continuously repeating to yourself that it's alright. Whether you forgive is up to you. Frankly, they're not worth your time." Lightning shrugged dismissively. As the Savior, she helped save many people. The ones she saved, however, had wanted to be helped. They had already tried helping themselves before turning to her for assistance.
"From what I could see, it looks like Emma is still in a bad place. That does not, in any way, excuse her behavior though." Terra frowned pensively. What were the parents of these girls thinking? How do you miss something so glaringly obvious? She helped raise an orphanage full of children. Paying attention to so many could be difficult, but she managed. The very idea that parents with one or two children could miss the obvious? Madness! I blinked as the thought reading did extend both ways.
"It's not always that simple. There's no telling what the circumstances are. Sometimes things just happen. It's no one's fault." I insisted. They both looked at me with smiles. Oh. It's no one's fault. I knew Winslow was still at fault for turning a blind eye to the problem. The blame I had for myself was groundless.
It wasn't going to be easy. I had a lot of bad habits to unlearn. Just because I had one revelation it wasn't a cure-all. There was still a long road ahead of me. At least I had guides on this strange journey. The rest of the afternoon was spent doing my makeup work for school. It felt nice doing something so normal. Well, it was normal until Lightning offered to teach me science and math. Apparently, the underpinnings of the universe were the same no matter where you went. Terra knew quite a bit as well. They couldn't teach me current events, world history, or anything like that, but the offer was nice. Light's sheath bumped my chair and made me curious all over again.
"What is that anyway?" The weapon was like nothing I had seen before. It looked Tinker made, but I had a feeling it wasn't. Terra was also curious.
"Yes, it looks very interesting." The green-haired woman nodded.
"Let's go into the basement then. We'll have more room down there." The rosette lead us down into the basement. She wrinkled her nose at the sight. The basement wasn't clean at all.
"Before any demonstrations are done, we need to clean this mess." Terra was already wandering off for the cleaning supplies.
"She's awfully...domestic for a warrior..." I wasn't sure how to bring it up any other way. Lightning sighed and nodded.
"Well, we better get to work. For the record? We're going to work on your survival skills. Being able to keep house, balance a budget, and shopping are important too. Especially if you want to have a life outside of fighting." The woman explained to me.
"Yeah. I don't really want my life to be just battles." I admitted. The idea of leading my troops into combat and taking back the streets made me feel good. However, contemplating nothing but fighting filled me with dread. There would be enough battles to last for years. I didn't want my only skills to be geared towards fighting. With three people it didn't take long to clean the basement. Once that was done we could get around to finally seeing Lightning's weapon.
Light reached back and gripped the handle. She slowly pulled the weapon out, and the strange machine unfolded before it cleared the sheath. I had never seen a weapon like it. It was like someone had crossed a gun and a blade. She clicked a switch deftly and it collapsed fully into a long gun. It was half the size of a rifle and futuristic in appearance. I'm not ashamed to admit that it made me want to hold it. She smirked before offering it to me. I took it carefully.
"What is this?" I asked curiously.
"That is a gunblade. Specifically a Blazefire model. The most basic type of gunblade actually. They are tricky to learn." Light admitted. Terra peered at it.
"I saw a gunblade once, but it didn't transform. It was just a revolver with a blade attached. When the trigger was pulled it vibrated the blade for greater damage. The bullets didn't have tips, since nothing was being shot." Terra explained. We stared at her in surprise.
"Fixed frame gunblades existed, but I liked the idea of having melee and ranged together." The rosette commented. "Where is your weapon?" She asked. The green-haired girl sighed and pulled out a long dagger.
"Apparently we defaulted to our original equipment." Terra sheathed her blade but was unhappy with how short it was. She was used to full swords.
"I don't even have a weapon. How would we go about getting me one?" No gear was a bad thing. "Maybe we could make something? Can you build gunblades?" I passed Light back her Blazefire while asking. She thought about the suggestion.
"It couldn't hurt to check. I doubt we'll find what we need, but that doesn't mean nothing can be done." Lightning mused.
"Where would we go to look?" Terra queried.
"I guess we're going to the junkyard," PHO mentioned that most Tinkers were found out by how much they visited the junkyard. We would have to be careful of how often we went. That was assuming there was anything for us. I had a few hours before Dad got home. It wasn't like I wasn't safe. Lightning, Terra, and Lilia were more than enough. Did the Red Mage need a weapon? No. She had a rapier.
The bus ride was a bit awkward. I kept waiting for someone from school to catch me. Maybe we would get caught by one of the gangs that roamed around the docks. Why would anyone pay attention to a teenage girl sitting alone on a bus? I had to keep reminding myself that just because something could, it wouldn't automatically go wrong. We got off the bus a block from the junkyard and made our way towards the gated location. It was open first thing in the morning and closed at dark. I kept expecting random encounters like in video games, but nothing happened. Just because Cryst had changed me, didn't mean it could change reality itself. Maybe. The old caretaker didn't even give me a second glance as I passed. I deployed Lightning, Terra, and Lilia to search the area.
"Hmmm...I am not quite the best choice for this job...I am sorry, Taylor, but machines are quite beyond me." The Red Mage tugged her hat abashedly. Uh oh. This was a thing too, huh?
"It's okay. Why don't you follow Lightning? She can point out what we're looking for. I have to learn about these things myself. I'll be following Terra." The young woman nodded slowly. Not entirely convinced, but willing to follow my lead.
+1 Charisma
"To inspire others will require higher Charisma. It is your destiny to lead. You are a quick study so I'm not worried." Cryst encouraged me. At least now I knew why Lilia was so confused. I was asking her to do something she wasn't sure was possible.
"Come on, Taylor. I'll show you what we need. A good friend of mine was a machinist. He could build the most complex of tools as easy as breathing. I picked up a few things." Terra wasn't anywhere near as good as her friend, but she knew enough.
"Sounds good." I followed her lead.
By the end of two hours, we had amassed several things. Lilia had found what Lightning identified as a miniature power core. Not bad for someone who had never seen these items before. The only one of us that didn't find anything was me.
"I can't build anything with these and there's nowhere to sell any of this." Light was as frustrated as the rest of us. This was good stuff, but not what we needed.
"Whatever. Let's just take it with us. Uh...how do we get it out of here?" I suddenly realized we didn't have anything to carry our loot.
"You possess a subspace pocket that functions as an Inventory. Your max number of item slots is determined by your Strength score." Cryst helpfully supplied. That was useful. I focused on each item and they disappeared into my inventory.
"I guess we better get going. Since there's nothing here..." I trailed off as a strange pulse shot through the area. Terra and Lilia looked about in confusion, but Lightning looked worried.
"No...Everyone! Brace yourselves!" She called out a warning. A strange dark miasma burst out from the center of the junkyard. The colors of the area were washed out in sepia tones. Dark fog drifted through the strange dome in which we found ourselves.
"What is this place?" The thought was on our minds as we took in the strange location. It still looked like the junkyard, but it wasn't as well. There were two places superimposed on one another. The feeling of wrongness only grew stronger.
"Distortion. When too much Chaos coalesces in one place, this happens. In order to escape we'll have to hunt the creature it brought." Lightning informed us in a grim tone.
"Perhaps we can find something here." Lilia joked nervously.
"How dangerous will it be?" Terra's expression was also grim.
"Very dangerous. Chaos imbues the monster with greater power and resilience." Good to know, but hardly reassuring.
"We'll make it through this. After all, we have each other. Right?" I had to believe that. To do less than have absolute faith would defeat us. Lilia's courage solidified and she nodded. Her suggestion of searching the area for items was a good one. We were already hunting whatever was hiding here. The junkyard had become a twisted maze of trash and mountain paths. There was nothing above us but a pea-soup green expanse. We stayed close together with our eyes peeled.
"What is this place? It looks familiar somehow." Terra muttered.
"It reminds me of the Vile Peaks of Cocoon. If you've seen a similar place, then maybe it's using both of our memories for this." Light had her gunblade out. Who knew what we would find here? It was fairly nerve-wracking. Unfortunately, I didn't have to worry any longer as five red and white biomechanical panthers leaped out from the rocks. Two of them leaped straight for Lightning with two heading for Terra. That left just one to face me and Lilia. The beast snarled as it vaulted straight for my throat!
I managed to slip to the side at the last moment. The felinoid twisted fluidly in mid-air and landed on all four feet. Instinctively I grabbed at something inside. It felt like a strong wind. I threw my hand out and a spheroid of wind rushed at my target. The panther dived to the side and snarled.
"Blizzard!" Lilia called out. A blast of ice slammed into the creature, causing its head to snap back. It responded by pouncing at her with all claws extended. The Red Mage skipped back just out of range and stabbed forward with her rapier. The blade jammed through the beast's eye and into its skull. She wrenched the blade out and I took the opening. I brought my fist around wildly and punched it in the head. A blast of focused wind exploded on impact. The beleaguered creature let out a mournful sound before collapsing. I surveyed how Lightning and Terra were doing. Dammit. The creatures were good at attacking their blind spots relentlessly.
"Lilia! Help Terra!" I called out the order. Light was doing better than Terra. She was dodging most of the attacks, but the green-haired girl was suffering from using that dagger. Lilia sent a Blizzard spell downrange into one of the felinoids just as it vaulted for Terra's back. The cat screeched as it was hurtled through the air. It couldn't stop its fall and bounced heavily on the path. Stunned.
"Cure!" I held out my hand and restored Terra's health. She nodded gratefully before throwing her own fire spell at the remaining monster. With both creatures down, it was simple for Lilia to use her rapier and finish them.
"Ugh!" Lightning staggered back from a particularly vicious claw rake. She stumbled out of the way of the second creature but was clearly on her last legs.
"Cure!" Terra and Lilia called out. The green sparkles washed over the rosette and brought her energy back. Light's gunblade sparked with energy as she brought down a Sparkstrike. I thrust my hand forward to discourage the other from attacking. With all four of us free to attack, the remaining two were defeated.
"What...what was that...?" I demanded in surprise.
"Those were pantherons. Psicom mechanized units. At least we made it through." Light exhaled. It had been a long time since she had been tested by pantherons of all things. I felt stronger after the battle. Is that what Cryst meant about transforming? I used the three points it gave me to increase my strength and dexterity. More health might have been nice, but dodging was better.
"Did these things drop money?" I asked in disbelief. Altogether there were three hundred dollars in fresh bills.
"We better keep going. These things weren't what we needed to beat I guess." Terra glanced around warily. We arrived at a wide area similar to a stone arena. On either side were tall stacks of mechanical parts. It was easy to envision that this was some sort of trap. Closer examination revealed that there was an access terminal.
"Huh...it works." Light activated it, but scowled slightly. "It works, but we can't buy anything. I don't have a card. Wait. Receive?" She touched a button on the terminal. A strange collection of sparkling lights manifested a metal crate.
"What do you think it is?" Terra asked. Lilia was watching the area nervously. I could relate. It was just a bit suspicious that something like this was here. The rosette opened the box and stared.
"This is very useful. Very useful indeed." She pulled out a longsword from the box and handed it to Terra. The young woman looked more comfortable with a weapon that had reach in her hand. The next thing out of the box was a second Blazefire saber. Light passed it over to me. Experimentally, I gave it several practice swings and even managed to change it into gun mode. She nodded thoughtfully. We were alerted that something else was wrong when a loud clanging sound echoed in the stillness. Our eyes turned to where we came in and saw the rocks had fallen over the path. When we looked back Lilia and I stumbled back. It was huge. The machine walked on two reverse-jointed legs with large manipulator arms attached to a long body.
"Pulsian War Mech. The good news is that this is the source. Bad news? We have to defeat it." Light stepped forward with her gunblade ready. Terra also took a forward position.
"How do we defeat something so formidable?" Lilia asked in disbelief, but flames still danced over her fingers.
"We don't give up. That's how." I spoke firmly. She nodded and straightened her spine. We couldn't afford to have doubts. I thrust my hand forward and a ball of wind slammed into the mech for no effect. My magic must be too weak to scratch it. When Terra used her Fire, on the other hand, the machine knew it had been struck. Lightning rushed in close and used a Sparkstrike aimed at the leg joint. The mech moved its leg back with surprising swiftness but was unable to dodge the Thunder from Lilia. The machine revved up as a massive iron ball spun around beneath the chassis.
"Move!" I cried out. The wrecking ball fired out and slammed into the ground between us. It hit with so much force that it sent stones and debris in all directions. An electrical shockwave blasted us away. I dragged myself up on shaky feet. Lightning and Terra recovered faster and immediately took its attention. I hurried over to steady Lilia and cast Cure. The spell washed over her. She sighed in relief.
"Get back!" The Red Mage glowed with Eldritch light. In each hand, a Thunder spell formed. She thrust both hands forward. The two spells came together from her Dual Cast and hammered into the machine with a thunderous fury. The War Mech stumbled back as lightning played over its frame.
"Fire!"Thunder!" Terra and Lightning cast their spells together. The two spells joined and lashed out at the mech in a combination of swirling fire and lightning. My eyes widened as the machine started to spin its damn iron ball again. We scattered as quickly as possible. I snapped off a Cure spell for Terra while she sent one at Lightning. The attack hurtled towards the ground once again, but we had got far enough away. It was slow but powerful.
"That took more out of me than I thought." Lilia gasped but gathered herself again.
"Focus on healing us. We'll do what we can to finish this." I assured her. The gunblade came up and I opened fire. The bullets struck the armored machine. Sparks shot out from the damaged machine. It finally collapsed in a smoking heap. The machine turned to black sludge and disappeared. It left behind several vials of some blue liquid. There was a wad of twelve thousand and six hundred dollars.
"Eight vials of Potion and more money. Nothing else seems to be here." Terra reported. The dome of Chaos fell and left us back in the junkyard. Sitting on the ground was a black breastplate with a white cloak. Black armored shoulder guards and black armored gloves were part of the outfit. There was a white skirt with large button pockets. Blue-black armored boots completed the gear.
"What's this?" I asked as we observed the outfit. Lightning nodded slowly.
"This is a garb I used called 'Equilibrium. You need armor, Taylor." She picked it up and handed the outfit to me. I blushed a bit at the gear, but it was better than nothing. Actually from what I could see it was a lot better than nothing.
I was actually looking forward to school tomorrow.
AN: More grammar fixes and making it flow more easily. I'm rewriting parts to be more concise and easier to read.
-Tuesday January 11, 2011-
-Home-
Dad came home right on time last night. We ate dinner in silence, but it wasn't quite as lonely. Lightning and Terra had disappeared before he arrived. That was one less thing I had to explain right away. I had no excuse not to talk to my father. There was a strange clarity to my thoughts. I wasn't the only one unsure of where to go from here. He seemed genuinely happy at the meatloaf. It made me feel warm inside to know I put a smile on his face. When had my father grown so tired? Here I was, worrying about my life, when Dad was doing his best. We were both damaged emotionally. Dinner was eaten in silence, but there was a gnawing hunger. I did something that made us both happy. I stayed to watch television with him. We talked a bit. The words were awkward, but dialogue was started. My thoughts were a jumble, but the primary emotion I felt was gratitude. I was grateful for whatever clarity had let me see that my dad needed me. He needed me just as much as I needed him.
I lay on my bed this morning and reveled in the silence. Dad had gone to work with a slight spring in his step. We were naturally quiet people. Why hadn't I seen that before? Always before it worried me that we didn't talk. Dad was talking, but not in a way I could hear.
"I need to get stronger." I decided. The leap in logic wasn't that huge. Part of his worry was my safety. If I became strong enough to protect myself it would lower his worry. He would be worried all over again when I told him about my being a cape, but for now? Slow and steady. The tainted were out there, but the world wasn't ending immediately.
"I can put together a training program for you. It would be the same one I went through so it would be difficult." Lightning said in my mind. Even when I couldn't see them, they were in my heart. Literally.
"I also know a thing or two about nutrition. We can improve your diet to help go with the training." Terra was just as excited as Light about training. Oh dear. I was able to see some of their story. Last night I dreamed of their lives. It was mostly the early days. Both of these women were soldiers and warriors. Following their advice was an easy decision to make.
+1 Wisdom
That was going to get annoying, but at least it told me I was on the right track. The different parts that made up my character sheet were fairly self-explanatory. Strength was the measure of lifting capacity and exerted force. Dexterity was further broken up into manual dexterity and agility. Manual dexterity was how well I could manipulate small objects with my fingers. Agility was a measure of quickness and flexibility. Constitution was my physical durability and vitality. How much punishment I could take and my overall health.
The mental stats were where I shone. Intelligence was fairly self-explanatory. How well I could process information and how intelligently my power could be used. Wisdom was just basic common sense. Reasoning ability. I kept picking up Wisdom for making common-sense decisions. Being rewarded for not running off half-cocked, or jumping in without a plan, was nice. Charisma was my force of will and presence. The number was so low from the constant bullying and degradation. That one wasn't so easy to improve. It involved getting out there and being social. More assertive.
No sense worrying about it right now. I had enough on my plate with Lightning setting up my training schedule and Terra downstairs doing a meal plan. Wait. They can call themselves out without my input? That was extremely useful. I checked the time and winced. Ten o'clock. Just because I had time, didn't mean it could wasted either. What could I do in the meantime?
"Ah! General fitness is it? Some good old-fashioned calisthenics would get the blood pumping! Shall I lead you through it?" Lilia spoke up. Oh! That counted as asking her a question, huh? If I needed to know something and one of my units knew the answer, they would answer.
"Thanks, Lilia. Sure thing." I got dressed in gym clothes and set off out the door. There was a weird tug that told me exactly where Light and Terra were in relation to me. I was learning a lot of useful things. Experimentation that doesn't result in stabbing yourself is always a good thing. No Wisdom boost, huh? Yeah. That would have been even more insulting. I tried not to think about yesterday.
"What you need to do is..." The Red Mage started explaining the proper method for running and basic exercises. I followed her teaching and found myself enjoying the freedom of running. There was a difference between running from danger and running for health. For one, you weren't supposed to go full sprint in training. You really shouldn't do that when running for safety either. I was depressing myself all over again, as just knowing the difference between the two was disheartening. The fact that I had experience with both was the issue.
Athletics + 1
So apparently I could also earn skills the same way stat points were earned. Interesting to know. It took me almost ten minutes of exercise to pick it up, but it was still useful. Athletics was all about general fitness through running, jumping, and calisthenics. I arrived back at the house and got started on the second part. Unfortunately, that wiped me out utterly. Once I got back, Lightning had taken over from Lilia and had me doing push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and other things designed to tone the body.
General Fitness + 1
Ha ha ha, power. Ha.
"You might want to wash up for lunch." Terra walked out of the kitchen wearing an apron. I collapsed to the floor and groaned.
"Good job. We'll start this earlier tomorrow once you wake up. This will be your new daily routine." Lightning folded her arms and smirked. Joy.
"How much earlier?" I dreaded the answer.
"Five am on the dot. You'll be waking up at four thirty since tomorrow is a school day." Light reminded me of my trip back to hell. She did it fast like taking off a band-aid. I mulled it over while in the shower. At least I wasn't going back there alone. Even if Lightning and Terra couldn't help me directly, it was good to know at least two people were in my corner at school.
We ate lunch together. That's to say I ate lunch and they talked with me. They had an idea of what was going on since they were the ones sorting through my memories. It made things so much easier since I didn't have to retread old ground. The situation with my three tormentors had them both furious. It was clear that at least Emma and Sophia were damaged. Madison just went along with it at first but started to genuinely enjoy it as time progressed.
"You can convince yourself that anything is right. All it takes is continuously repeating to yourself that it's alright. Whether you forgive is up to you. Frankly, they're not worth your time." Lightning shrugged dismissively. As the Savior, she helped save many people. The ones she saved, however, had wanted to be helped. They had already tried helping themselves before turning to her for assistance.
"From what I could see, it looks like Emma is still in a bad place. That does not, in any way, excuse her behavior though." Terra frowned pensively. What were the parents of these girls thinking? How do you miss something so glaringly obvious? She helped raise an orphanage full of children. Paying attention to so many could be difficult, but she managed. The very idea that parents with one or two children could miss the obvious? Madness! I blinked as the thought reading did extend both ways.
"It's not always that simple. There's no telling what the circumstances are. Sometimes things just happen. It's no one's fault." I insisted. They both looked at me with smiles. Oh. It's no one's fault. I knew Winslow was still at fault for turning a blind eye to the problem. The blame I had for myself was groundless.
It wasn't going to be easy. I had a lot of bad habits to unlearn. Just because I had one revelation it wasn't a cure-all. There was still a long road ahead of me. At least I had guides on this strange journey. The rest of the afternoon was spent doing my makeup work for school. It felt nice doing something so normal. Well, it was normal until Lightning offered to teach me science and math. Apparently, the underpinnings of the universe were the same no matter where you went. Terra knew quite a bit as well. They couldn't teach me current events, world history, or anything like that, but the offer was nice. Light's sheath bumped my chair and made me curious all over again.
"What is that anyway?" The weapon was like nothing I had seen before. It looked Tinker made, but I had a feeling it wasn't. Terra was also curious.
"Yes, it looks very interesting." The green-haired woman nodded.
"Let's go into the basement then. We'll have more room down there." The rosette lead us down into the basement. She wrinkled her nose at the sight. The basement wasn't clean at all.
"Before any demonstrations are done, we need to clean this mess." Terra was already wandering off for the cleaning supplies.
"She's awfully...domestic for a warrior..." I wasn't sure how to bring it up any other way. Lightning sighed and nodded.
"Well, we better get to work. For the record? We're going to work on your survival skills. Being able to keep house, balance a budget, and shopping are important too. Especially if you want to have a life outside of fighting." The woman explained to me.
"Yeah. I don't really want my life to be just battles." I admitted. The idea of leading my troops into combat and taking back the streets made me feel good. However, contemplating nothing but fighting filled me with dread. There would be enough battles to last for years. I didn't want my only skills to be geared towards fighting. With three people it didn't take long to clean the basement. Once that was done we could get around to finally seeing Lightning's weapon.
Light reached back and gripped the handle. She slowly pulled the weapon out, and the strange machine unfolded before it cleared the sheath. I had never seen a weapon like it. It was like someone had crossed a gun and a blade. She clicked a switch deftly and it collapsed fully into a long gun. It was half the size of a rifle and futuristic in appearance. I'm not ashamed to admit that it made me want to hold it. She smirked before offering it to me. I took it carefully.
"What is this?" I asked curiously.
"That is a gunblade. Specifically a Blazefire model. The most basic type of gunblade actually. They are tricky to learn." Light admitted. Terra peered at it.
"I saw a gunblade once, but it didn't transform. It was just a revolver with a blade attached. When the trigger was pulled it vibrated the blade for greater damage. The bullets didn't have tips, since nothing was being shot." Terra explained. We stared at her in surprise.
"Fixed frame gunblades existed, but I liked the idea of having melee and ranged together." The rosette commented. "Where is your weapon?" She asked. The green-haired girl sighed and pulled out a long dagger.
"Apparently we defaulted to our original equipment." Terra sheathed her blade but was unhappy with how short it was. She was used to full swords.
"I don't even have a weapon. How would we go about getting me one?" No gear was a bad thing. "Maybe we could make something? Can you build gunblades?" I passed Light back her Blazefire while asking. She thought about the suggestion.
"It couldn't hurt to check. I doubt we'll find what we need, but that doesn't mean nothing can be done." Lightning mused.
"Where would we go to look?" Terra queried.
"I guess we're going to the junkyard," PHO mentioned that most Tinkers were found out by how much they visited the junkyard. We would have to be careful of how often we went. That was assuming there was anything for us. I had a few hours before Dad got home. It wasn't like I wasn't safe. Lightning, Terra, and Lilia were more than enough. Did the Red Mage need a weapon? No. She had a rapier.
The bus ride was a bit awkward. I kept waiting for someone from school to catch me. Maybe we would get caught by one of the gangs that roamed around the docks. Why would anyone pay attention to a teenage girl sitting alone on a bus? I had to keep reminding myself that just because something could, it wouldn't automatically go wrong. We got off the bus a block from the junkyard and made our way towards the gated location. It was open first thing in the morning and closed at dark. I kept expecting random encounters like in video games, but nothing happened. Just because Cryst had changed me, didn't mean it could change reality itself. Maybe. The old caretaker didn't even give me a second glance as I passed. I deployed Lightning, Terra, and Lilia to search the area.
"Hmmm...I am not quite the best choice for this job...I am sorry, Taylor, but machines are quite beyond me." The Red Mage tugged her hat abashedly. Uh oh. This was a thing too, huh?
"It's okay. Why don't you follow Lightning? She can point out what we're looking for. I have to learn about these things myself. I'll be following Terra." The young woman nodded slowly. Not entirely convinced, but willing to follow my lead.
+1 Charisma
"To inspire others will require higher Charisma. It is your destiny to lead. You are a quick study so I'm not worried." Cryst encouraged me. At least now I knew why Lilia was so confused. I was asking her to do something she wasn't sure was possible.
"Come on, Taylor. I'll show you what we need. A good friend of mine was a machinist. He could build the most complex of tools as easy as breathing. I picked up a few things." Terra wasn't anywhere near as good as her friend, but she knew enough.
"Sounds good." I followed her lead.
By the end of two hours, we had amassed several things. Lilia had found what Lightning identified as a miniature power core. Not bad for someone who had never seen these items before. The only one of us that didn't find anything was me.
"I can't build anything with these and there's nowhere to sell any of this." Light was as frustrated as the rest of us. This was good stuff, but not what we needed.
"Whatever. Let's just take it with us. Uh...how do we get it out of here?" I suddenly realized we didn't have anything to carry our loot.
"You possess a subspace pocket that functions as an Inventory. Your max number of item slots is determined by your Strength score." Cryst helpfully supplied. That was useful. I focused on each item and they disappeared into my inventory.
"I guess we better get going. Since there's nothing here..." I trailed off as a strange pulse shot through the area. Terra and Lilia looked about in confusion, but Lightning looked worried.
"No...Everyone! Brace yourselves!" She called out a warning. A strange dark miasma burst out from the center of the junkyard. The colors of the area were washed out in sepia tones. Dark fog drifted through the strange dome in which we found ourselves.
"What is this place?" The thought was on our minds as we took in the strange location. It still looked like the junkyard, but it wasn't as well. There were two places superimposed on one another. The feeling of wrongness only grew stronger.
"Distortion. When too much Chaos coalesces in one place, this happens. In order to escape we'll have to hunt the creature it brought." Lightning informed us in a grim tone.
"Perhaps we can find something here." Lilia joked nervously.
"How dangerous will it be?" Terra's expression was also grim.
"Very dangerous. Chaos imbues the monster with greater power and resilience." Good to know, but hardly reassuring.
"We'll make it through this. After all, we have each other. Right?" I had to believe that. To do less than have absolute faith would defeat us. Lilia's courage solidified and she nodded. Her suggestion of searching the area for items was a good one. We were already hunting whatever was hiding here. The junkyard had become a twisted maze of trash and mountain paths. There was nothing above us but a pea-soup green expanse. We stayed close together with our eyes peeled.
"What is this place? It looks familiar somehow." Terra muttered.
"It reminds me of the Vile Peaks of Cocoon. If you've seen a similar place, then maybe it's using both of our memories for this." Light had her gunblade out. Who knew what we would find here? It was fairly nerve-wracking. Unfortunately, I didn't have to worry any longer as five red and white biomechanical panthers leaped out from the rocks. Two of them leaped straight for Lightning with two heading for Terra. That left just one to face me and Lilia. The beast snarled as it vaulted straight for my throat!
I managed to slip to the side at the last moment. The felinoid twisted fluidly in mid-air and landed on all four feet. Instinctively I grabbed at something inside. It felt like a strong wind. I threw my hand out and a spheroid of wind rushed at my target. The panther dived to the side and snarled.
"Blizzard!" Lilia called out. A blast of ice slammed into the creature, causing its head to snap back. It responded by pouncing at her with all claws extended. The Red Mage skipped back just out of range and stabbed forward with her rapier. The blade jammed through the beast's eye and into its skull. She wrenched the blade out and I took the opening. I brought my fist around wildly and punched it in the head. A blast of focused wind exploded on impact. The beleaguered creature let out a mournful sound before collapsing. I surveyed how Lightning and Terra were doing. Dammit. The creatures were good at attacking their blind spots relentlessly.
"Lilia! Help Terra!" I called out the order. Light was doing better than Terra. She was dodging most of the attacks, but the green-haired girl was suffering from using that dagger. Lilia sent a Blizzard spell downrange into one of the felinoids just as it vaulted for Terra's back. The cat screeched as it was hurtled through the air. It couldn't stop its fall and bounced heavily on the path. Stunned.
"Cure!" I held out my hand and restored Terra's health. She nodded gratefully before throwing her own fire spell at the remaining monster. With both creatures down, it was simple for Lilia to use her rapier and finish them.
"Ugh!" Lightning staggered back from a particularly vicious claw rake. She stumbled out of the way of the second creature but was clearly on her last legs.
"Cure!" Terra and Lilia called out. The green sparkles washed over the rosette and brought her energy back. Light's gunblade sparked with energy as she brought down a Sparkstrike. I thrust my hand forward to discourage the other from attacking. With all four of us free to attack, the remaining two were defeated.
"What...what was that...?" I demanded in surprise.
"Those were pantherons. Psicom mechanized units. At least we made it through." Light exhaled. It had been a long time since she had been tested by pantherons of all things. I felt stronger after the battle. Is that what Cryst meant about transforming? I used the three points it gave me to increase my strength and dexterity. More health might have been nice, but dodging was better.
"Did these things drop money?" I asked in disbelief. Altogether there were three hundred dollars in fresh bills.
"We better keep going. These things weren't what we needed to beat I guess." Terra glanced around warily. We arrived at a wide area similar to a stone arena. On either side were tall stacks of mechanical parts. It was easy to envision that this was some sort of trap. Closer examination revealed that there was an access terminal.
"Huh...it works." Light activated it, but scowled slightly. "It works, but we can't buy anything. I don't have a card. Wait. Receive?" She touched a button on the terminal. A strange collection of sparkling lights manifested a metal crate.
"What do you think it is?" Terra asked. Lilia was watching the area nervously. I could relate. It was just a bit suspicious that something like this was here. The rosette opened the box and stared.
"This is very useful. Very useful indeed." She pulled out a longsword from the box and handed it to Terra. The young woman looked more comfortable with a weapon that had reach in her hand. The next thing out of the box was a second Blazefire saber. Light passed it over to me. Experimentally, I gave it several practice swings and even managed to change it into gun mode. She nodded thoughtfully. We were alerted that something else was wrong when a loud clanging sound echoed in the stillness. Our eyes turned to where we came in and saw the rocks had fallen over the path. When we looked back Lilia and I stumbled back. It was huge. The machine walked on two reverse-jointed legs with large manipulator arms attached to a long body.
"Pulsian War Mech. The good news is that this is the source. Bad news? We have to defeat it." Light stepped forward with her gunblade ready. Terra also took a forward position.
"How do we defeat something so formidable?" Lilia asked in disbelief, but flames still danced over her fingers.
"We don't give up. That's how." I spoke firmly. She nodded and straightened her spine. We couldn't afford to have doubts. I thrust my hand forward and a ball of wind slammed into the mech for no effect. My magic must be too weak to scratch it. When Terra used her Fire, on the other hand, the machine knew it had been struck. Lightning rushed in close and used a Sparkstrike aimed at the leg joint. The mech moved its leg back with surprising swiftness but was unable to dodge the Thunder from Lilia. The machine revved up as a massive iron ball spun around beneath the chassis.
"Move!" I cried out. The wrecking ball fired out and slammed into the ground between us. It hit with so much force that it sent stones and debris in all directions. An electrical shockwave blasted us away. I dragged myself up on shaky feet. Lightning and Terra recovered faster and immediately took its attention. I hurried over to steady Lilia and cast Cure. The spell washed over her. She sighed in relief.
"Get back!" The Red Mage glowed with Eldritch light. In each hand, a Thunder spell formed. She thrust both hands forward. The two spells came together from her Dual Cast and hammered into the machine with a thunderous fury. The War Mech stumbled back as lightning played over its frame.
"Fire!"Thunder!" Terra and Lightning cast their spells together. The two spells joined and lashed out at the mech in a combination of swirling fire and lightning. My eyes widened as the machine started to spin its damn iron ball again. We scattered as quickly as possible. I snapped off a Cure spell for Terra while she sent one at Lightning. The attack hurtled towards the ground once again, but we had got far enough away. It was slow but powerful.
"That took more out of me than I thought." Lilia gasped but gathered herself again.
"Focus on healing us. We'll do what we can to finish this." I assured her. The gunblade came up and I opened fire. The bullets struck the armored machine. Sparks shot out from the damaged machine. It finally collapsed in a smoking heap. The machine turned to black sludge and disappeared. It left behind several vials of some blue liquid. There was a wad of twelve thousand and six hundred dollars.
"Eight vials of Potion and more money. Nothing else seems to be here." Terra reported. The dome of Chaos fell and left us back in the junkyard. Sitting on the ground was a black breastplate with a white cloak. Black armored shoulder guards and black armored gloves were part of the outfit. There was a white skirt with large button pockets. Blue-black armored boots completed the gear.
"What's this?" I asked as we observed the outfit. Lightning nodded slowly.
"This is a garb I used called 'Equilibrium. You need armor, Taylor." She picked it up and handed the outfit to me. I blushed a bit at the gear, but it was better than nothing. Actually from what I could see it was a lot better than nothing.
I was actually looking forward to school tomorrow.
AN: More grammar fixes and making it flow more easily. I'm rewriting parts to be more concise and easier to read.
First Crystal 1.3
- Location
- PA
First Crystal 1.3
-Wednesday January 12, 2011-
-Home-
I managed to get back home before my dad, somehow. He was just walking in the door minutes after I did. He asked me how my day was and I told him about my workout. The vanilla parts of it. If he knew I was fighting in interdimensional rifts he might flip. Dad was happy that I wanted to take care of myself. The only thing he asked was that I stay out of the dangerous parts of town. Since there weren't that many safe areas, we compromised. He called in a favor from a friend and got access to the community college athletic field. The deal was that I had to use the field. If I skipped out at all, the privilege would be revoked. I had no intention of wasting this chance. Terra was thrilled for me. The part that Lightning approved of was the weight room.
Pity me.
My alarm woke me up at four thirty am and I made my way downstairs. I had training clothes in a gym bag and planned on just taking a shower in the locker room. Halfway down the steps, I smelled breakfast cooking. Why was Dad up so early? I entered the kitchen and my father smiled at me.
"Good morning. I figured we could eat breakfast together still." He was up early to spend time with me before school. I had no words. A hug would have to suffice. Dad chuckled as he returned the embrace. I get my height from him. He was slightly balding on top and wore glasses as well. His job was with the Dockworkers Union. He wasn't technically the man in charge, but everyone treated him like he was.
"I've got a busy morning before school starts." I wasn't sure who my words were meant to encourage. Frankly, I was just glad today would be relatively normal. Might be normal. Maybe. He nodded slowly.
"If you need help with anything, Joe will be there." Dad was worried about my first day back after the locker.
"Thanks, Dad. I promise to take it easy." Unleashing Eldritch forces onto an unsuspecting world was giving me a strange definition of taking it easy. I was planning on going to this place, getting trained into the ground, and then going back to a madhouse. We didn't talk about how the Winslow settlement went. The investigation had been called off due to not enough evidence. We knew that was bullshit, but how do you prove it? The people at Winslow must have somehow managed to cover it all up.
"Want me to drive you?" He asked me. I looked at him, and almost refused, but damn. The look in his eyes. He should be going back to bed to get some more sleep, but here he was making breakfast. Taking the time to be up with me. I didn't need a ride, but he needed this.
"Sure thing, Dad. Thanks." I smiled at him. Three presences radiated contentment.
+5 Trust
The drive over was quiet, but not awkward. There was no way Dad would be able to catch a nap before work, but he looked happy. I didn't see the weariness in his eyes. He hugged me after walking me to the side door. I was given a key to get in. Part of the arrangement was that I could use any of the facilities as long as nothing was damaged. Basically, treat it with respect. It was definitely appreciated. I quickly got changed and checked the time. It was almost six o'clock. I had an hour and a half, roughly, to train, shower, and get to school. Thankfully Winslow wasn't that far from the field. Sometimes the track team even used the athletic field before a big meet. I would have to pay attention to the track schedule to avoid running into Sophia.
"Why? This is a college facility, right? Would she risk causing trouble somewhere that isn't her power base?" Light asked me.
"Generally halls of higher learning take a dim view of childish antics." Terra's voice was reassuring. I didn't have to be crazy about this. They were right. Just because it worked for her at Winslow didn't mean it would work here. Though now I had a crazy idea. Why should I suffer alone?
"Come on out. Let's see if you guys can get training benefits too." I manifested Light, Terra, and Lilia. If this worked, I could buy them training clothes. Having over twelve grand would make things much easier. I had to tell my Dad about this and see if maybe this could help our money issues. Thoughts for later.
"Good idea, Taylor. I cannot wait to see if this bears fruit." Lilia beamed happily at me. She wasn't so happy once the training had begun in earnest. Lightning had the soul of a drill sergeant. She probably ripped it out of his chest in mortal combat. The Red Mage had seemed enthused before but was now doggedly trying to keep up. Her lower stamina proved to be a detriment. Lightning was going through it relatively easily, but seemed almost annoyed at her lowered physical ability. Terra seemed more interested in the weather but was keeping up. I have expected to start coughing up a lung with the pace Light set for me.
I couldn't even complain. It was all over if I fell. I didn't want to rely on Lapis to save me. That was just planning for defeat and I wouldn't do that. Ever. They tried to break me, but instead, I got strong. I could do this. No one was going to put me down again. I was not going to be stuffed in a metal coffin and forgotten.
+1 Charisma
I thought Charisma might be hard to increase, but it is about force of will and personality. My shoulders straightened and my head rose with more determination. At least that's what I wish happened. I was still too busy gasping for sweet release to appreciate my epiphany.
+1 Athletics
+1 General Fitness
Nowhere to go but up from here.
We managed to escape from the slave driver by going to school. Lightning was oddly subdued and apologetic. She was so frustrated with her own weakness that it bled over into our training. We weren't meant to go quite that hard in running or working out. That was for down the road when I was more used to training.
"It is frustrating to be able to go toe-to-toe with a Behemoth one minute, only to barely be able to fight the next." Terra empathized.
"It doesn't make it right." Lightning was mollified somewhat. I thought about using Cure to remove my aches and pains only to get shouted down by all three of my units. It was fine to do so if I actually tore a ligament, but otherwise, it was best to let these things heal naturally. Part of the strengthening process was from minute muscle tears, which as they healed, made the muscles stronger. I pointed out my body was a spirit like theirs.
I was allowed to use Cure since their arguments suddenly became invalid.
Winslow High was the very definition of an inner-city school. It was like someone took the 80's representation of a poor school, injected it with eighty to ninety percent more angst, and sprinkled liberally with corruption. Once you got past all that it was like any other school. The students were just as cliquish, fashion-conscious, and sports-obsessed as anywhere else. My own clothes were not exactly fashionable, but they were comfortable. I wore a loose hoodie, a T-shirt, and jeans. My shoes were well broken in. I no longer felt the need to hide my body.
Maybe I should buy new clothes?
"Ewww! I'd know that smell anywhere." Emma's dulcet tones reached my ears.
"Shut your legs and you'll be fine." I fired back without breaking stride. The dead silence I left in my wake would have been music to my ears. Should have been if I hadn't walked right into Sophia. The pretty black girl had an ugly sneer on her face.
"You think you can talk shit like that? Do I need to put you back in your place, Hebert?" She almost spat in my face. Old instincts warred with new determination. My lips curled into a feral grin. This bitch was nothing compared to a snarling pantheron or a Pulsian War Mech. Maybe if I had both arms tied behind my back it might be a fair fight. I wasn't backing down again.
"I know my place. Know yours." With that said, I strode right passed her. She sent a burning gaze at my back that promised fiery retribution. The surge in confidence was nice. I better reign in the smart-ass remarks though. Mouthing off to the Trio was fun, but doing it in front of a teacher would suck. Wait. I hadn't seen Madison yet today. Oh hello, trepidation. I almost forgot what you felt like. My locker loomed up ahead and still no sign of Madison. Strangely enough, Emma and Sophia hadn't come after me either.
"Don't go borrowing trouble. The best way to prove you're beyond all this is to not respond." Light lectured me. She would have just stared at them until they backed down if she deigned to acknowledge them at all.
"Take it easy, Taylor. It's satisfying now, but you've already guessed the consequences." Terra cautioned. I opened the locker and managed to face it. Truly face my locker. The memories flooded past my mind's eye, but they lost their hold. The terror was the worst part, but this? This was just a locker. I wouldn't ever forget it, but it wasn't worth obsessing over.
+1 Iron Will
A skill for resisting fear effects. That would come in handy. I stuck my books in the locker and shut the door. From around me, I could hear whispering.
+1 Listen
"She actually came back to school? Is she crazy?"
"Took some stones saying that to Sophia."
"They'll just grind her down again."
"Too bad."
That was surprising. Judging by the general opinion, the other students were approving of my change. They were disapproving of what happened. Though they were also expecting me to knuckle under again. It gave me some food for thought. How many of them had tried to reach out to me? Probably more than I thought. I'm not the most social creature at the best of times and this campaign of terror didn't help things.
Homeroom was about what I was expecting. Nothing out of the ordinary. I was mentally planning my day. There was one class today that none of the Trio were in and that was the computer lab. I was in the advanced placement while they were in the normal one. Before all of this started, I qualified for all of the advanced placement courses. After being repeatedly browbeaten and sabotaged, my scores plummeted. I was holding steady at a low B average, but this was my chance to improve.
I was curious to see what would happen during class today. My only order was to pay attention. The morning classes were my World Issues, Computer, and Science classes with a study hall. The afternoon was Art, Gym, English, and Algebra. Only one class didn't have a member of the Trio in it. Well, game on then.
I sat down in my first-period class with Mr. Gladly. He tried to be the cool and hip teacher but failed. Hard. He invited the students to call him Mr. G and his creepy enthusiasm was more than a little off-putting. I tried to see him through the more favorable lens of clarity and still saw the same thing. A man who had been popular in school and still hadn't adjusted to adult life.
+1 Appraise
A skill for making observations and appraisals. Well, that was self-explanatory. It was tied to my wisdom as well. I shook off the distracting thoughts and focused on class. Madison was sitting in the corner of the room with her little micro clique. The strange thing was that she wasn't even looking my way. I put it out of my mind. There were more important things to do than worry about her.
+1 Iron Will
Old habits die hard, but I was ready to slay this dragon. A sound alerted me to furtive footsteps. I casually ducked my head as Madison "accidentally" tripped, and tossed pencil shavings where my head had been. The accidental trip turned into a real one as she had overextended. I didn't have to fake the wince as she slammed face-first into the floor. My feet were tucked under my chair and Mr. Gladly had started to turn in our direction. The shorter girl stood up, nose and eyes streaming, and pointed at me angrily.
"Mr. Gladly! Taylor tripped me!" She winced, not at all dramatically, as a sniffle hurt her nose. I felt sorry for her. A smashed nose was disproportionate to the crime.
"Taylor. Did you trip Madison?" He asked in a condescending tone. We both knew who he was going to side with.
"She didn't trip her, Mr. G." A guy sitting behind me spoke up. What was his name? Richard. That was it. He had shaggy blonde hair and a swimmer's build. I looked at him appraisingly.
+1 Appraise
He was exactly as he appeared. A nice guy who finally decided to stand up. His eyes met mine and he nodded. What was this?
"She did so trip me! You saw it!" Madison accused.
"I didn't trip her. My feet were nowhere near hers." I asserted. Mr. Gladly looked around the room for any other opinions. The class held its breath. He sighed and shook his head.
"Go to the infirmary, Miss Clements." The beleaguered teacher handed her a hall pass. The girl stared at him in total surprise before shooting me a look of utter venom. Did he just shut her down? I thought I was ready for any outcome, but that caught me off guard. When my eyes scanned the other students, there were a few nods in my direction. It was small, but the revolution was coming. I made note of each person and resolved to keep it up.
"She'll be a leader yet." Light murmured to Terra.
"She's finally seeing the truth." The green-haired woman agreed.
I made it through the morning classes with no more unexpected developments. Madison was back in class in time for Science. The tape across her nose and black eyes made it look like she lost a fight. Emma was glaring at me so hard I was glad she didn't have laser eyes. I didn't let it get to me. What could she do with all these witnesses around? Study Hall passed without a comment as well. If they were going to try anything it would be at lunch. That would be the perfect time. The cafeteria would be full of people. If I ate in the restroom or the stairwell, they would hunt me down.
"It is best to set off the ambush on your own terms." Terra counseled.
"Just don't forget to watch your back." Light warned.
My lunch bag was surprisingly still in my locker and unmolested. By all logic, they shouldn't be able to get in my locker yet somehow they would. Every single time. I made my way to lunch while keeping my senses sharpened for anything out of the ordinary.
+1 Listen
+1 Spot
Well, at least my vigilance was rewarded. I could hear steps from above heading down the stairs. They were keeping pace with me on the way to the cafeteria. I could almost make out what they were saying, but the echoes of the stairwell made it difficult. If I just kept moving then they wouldn't catch up to me before the end of the stairs. A water balloon hit me in the head and splattered foul-smelling fluid all over. I managed to duck the other two projectiles. They were laughing about having managed to hit me.+1 Iron Will
"What the hell is wrong with you!?" I gagged as some of it got in my mouth. They came around the corner and stared down at me from the landing. Each one of them looked smug.
"Oh, I'm sorry. We didn't see you there." Emma said sweetly.
"We were helping the janitor get rid of some wastewater." Madison giggled nasally.
"Yeah. Someone clogged the toilet. Thought you might like a drink to go with your lunch." Sophia chuckled. My fingers closed slowly. I had to keep a reign of my temper. If I went off on them that would just out me. I could feel a tempest thrashing about inside of me. The deadly wind was begging to be released.
"My God...how stupid are you!?" I shouted at them. They looked taken aback at the sudden surge of spine. "What the hell is wrong with you!? Are you just that fuckin' stupid!? Why won't you leave me the hell alone!? Are you that desperate? Dammit! You people are seriously fucked up!" I was forced to shut up as Sophia's fist struck my face. I weaved around the other two wild swings.
+1 Appraise
Her fighting style showed signs of training, but it was still a joke. She wasn't thinking at all. All that she had was rage. Lots of rage. I heard the sound of someone approaching. This next part was going to hurt, but it would be so worth it. Sophia jumped at me. I fell back and let her weight send us both to the ground. She started to hammer at my face in a fury. Oh damn. Sophia wasn't holding back at all. I had no choice, but to defend myself. My plan called for the person to see what was happening, the fight broke off, and profit. Not for me to get pounded.
When I suddenly slammed my knee into her stomach, it took the vengeful girl off guard. She started to heave as the hard bone made its home in her diaphragm. I slammed another knee into her abused lower torso before pushing the puking girl to the side. Wait. I could almost see a blue crystal...
"Nobody move!" The voice of Principal Blackwell sounded off in the hallway. I groaned. Smelling of offal and vomit, I'm sure it was quite a sight.
"Taylor attacked Sophia and..." Emma started to say only for the principal to cut her off sharply.
"It looked like Miss Hess was trying to kill Miss Hebert. Don't try and spin this, Barnes. It won't help." The woman was furious. I managed a groggy look around. Several students were watching. More than a few of them were in shock. A couple even nodded approvingly. I managed to roll onto my stomach and make it to my knees.
"She's getting up?"
"Damn. After all that?"
"Guess she's not taking this shit anymore."
They might not have meant it as such, but those were words of encouragement. I slowly made it to my feet after a Herculean effort. My health was low and bruises were forming all over my body. There was a limit to just how much damage I could conceal. Good to know.
"Now now...don't stand up...just rest..." A girl from my Art class, Abigail, put her arm behind my back and tried to guide me back down. I gestured with my head to the senior ledge. She sighed but helped me over to the ledge.
"...Thanks..." My voice was slurred. The Principal and several teachers were taking statements. The looks she kept giving me were complicated. Sophia had recovered, but every time she opened her mouth someone told her to shut up. In the end, the police ended up being called as was my father. Yay for seeing Dad and damn it. My first day back and this shit happened? At least my plan worked.
"For a given value of success." Light snarked. Uh oh.
"What were you thinking? You could have kept dodging and let them find you that way." Terra was clearly distressed. Now I felt like a heel. Of course, they would worry. Stuck inside with no way to assist me? That had to be hell.
"That was not sound thinking." Even Lilia spoke up without being called on. At least I couldn't lose wisdom. When no numbers appeared to signify that, I breathed a little easier.
"What the hell kind of school is this? I thought you said that it would be handled. This does not look handled to me!" Dad was in full voice. Principal Blackwell was gripping her desk to avoid lashing out. Eventually, her patience ran out.
"How were we supposed to know this would happen? We can't predict these things. There are far too many students, and not enough teachers, to monitor everything. All we can do is our best." She bit out. I was dressed in my gym clothes after a quick shower. Sophia was seated next to a woman in a sharp suit. Every time the murderous psycho tried to look at me, the suit would chide her. She was supposedly Sophia's caseworker, but she reeked of something higher up.
"I think the rest of this should be conducted down at the station." Detective O'Neil glared pointedly at Hess. He was a grim-faced, humorless, champion of law and order. Something about this whole thing was rubbing him wrong.
+1 Appraise
He looked angry, resigned, and stared at the caseworker sullenly. The woman just smirked back at him. Fuck my life. My dad put his arm around my shoulders and led me out of the office. I was in shock. If what I just saw was accurate then something big just happened. What was their relationship? They seemed to know one another. Come to think about it, Sophia hadn't even looked worried. She was pissed, but not worried. The girl couldn't be that much of a psychopath. Anyone that crazy wouldn't be able to function. Something else was going on.
"Come on, honey. Let's go home and think about what we're going to do." Dad sighed. His worry had increased by several fold. I waited until we got home. The entire way back to the house I thought about how to tell him. This would probably make him worry more, but maybe. Just maybe. It would help him to worry less.
Dinner was a strained affair. I wanted to sit him down as soon as we got home, but he wanted me to rest. The revelation would have a lot more impact if he could see my powers in action. I could practically see him plotting the downfall of the administration. He knew a lot of people in the media and city hall. The thing is that my dad didn't use those contacts to get ahead. More unscrupulous people would kill for the kind of power he has at his fingertips.
"Dad? I have something to say." I couldn't help being a little nervous.
"What is it, sweetheart?" His voice was tender. He looked shaken up. I sighed and cast Cure. Dad stared at me as the bruises vanished without a trace.
"I'm a cape." It felt so good to admit that. The look on his face was wondering.
"You can heal?" He asked in disbelief. I swallowed hard and proceeded to explain how my power worked.
+1 Oratory
He listened to my entire explanation without once losing his cool. Dad took off his glasses and polished the lenses absently. I jokingly called it his Giles Pose.
"I rate the Giles Pose, huh?" I tried to bring a little humor into the situation. He smiled faintly. Nice to know it was a success.
"Summoning otherwordly beings from the spirit realm? Honey, you're a Master. The fact that you have healing and some kind of weird durability makes you unique, but hardly unheard of." Dad wasn't trying to minimize my accomplishments, but it was annoying. A peculiar chime rang from inside my soul. The blue crystal pulsed insistently. Oh damn. In all of the confusion, I forgot there was another Unit to call out. Well, I couldn't do it at school, but here? It was fine.
"Why don't you come downstairs with me and I'll show you?" I gestured for him to follow me. Dad nodded and followed me into the basement. I spoke the words of my Oath and the crystal shattered. Lightning and Terra manifested at my side to greet the newcomer. In the center of the room appeared a man. He was about five foot ten and dressed all in black clothes. A hood covered his head and a mask disguised his identity. He had a straight sword across his back and cold blue eyes. His gaze flickered to Terra with recognition before looking back to me. A second, smaller crystal popped beside him and a huge doberman pincer stepped out.
"Oh my God..." Dad muttered in shock. I was in shock too. This guy was no one to screw with. His cold demeanor made him appear intimidating. Which is why I was totally flatfooted at Terra throwing herself at this stranger and hugging him tightly.
"Shadow! Oh my gosh! It's really you!" She gave him an extra squeeze for emphasis. He awkwardly patted her shoulder. Terra nuzzled his chest while burbling happily. Lightning's response summed it all up. She facepalmed.
-Wednesday January 12, 2011-
-Home-
I managed to get back home before my dad, somehow. He was just walking in the door minutes after I did. He asked me how my day was and I told him about my workout. The vanilla parts of it. If he knew I was fighting in interdimensional rifts he might flip. Dad was happy that I wanted to take care of myself. The only thing he asked was that I stay out of the dangerous parts of town. Since there weren't that many safe areas, we compromised. He called in a favor from a friend and got access to the community college athletic field. The deal was that I had to use the field. If I skipped out at all, the privilege would be revoked. I had no intention of wasting this chance. Terra was thrilled for me. The part that Lightning approved of was the weight room.
Pity me.
My alarm woke me up at four thirty am and I made my way downstairs. I had training clothes in a gym bag and planned on just taking a shower in the locker room. Halfway down the steps, I smelled breakfast cooking. Why was Dad up so early? I entered the kitchen and my father smiled at me.
"Good morning. I figured we could eat breakfast together still." He was up early to spend time with me before school. I had no words. A hug would have to suffice. Dad chuckled as he returned the embrace. I get my height from him. He was slightly balding on top and wore glasses as well. His job was with the Dockworkers Union. He wasn't technically the man in charge, but everyone treated him like he was.
"I've got a busy morning before school starts." I wasn't sure who my words were meant to encourage. Frankly, I was just glad today would be relatively normal. Might be normal. Maybe. He nodded slowly.
"If you need help with anything, Joe will be there." Dad was worried about my first day back after the locker.
"Thanks, Dad. I promise to take it easy." Unleashing Eldritch forces onto an unsuspecting world was giving me a strange definition of taking it easy. I was planning on going to this place, getting trained into the ground, and then going back to a madhouse. We didn't talk about how the Winslow settlement went. The investigation had been called off due to not enough evidence. We knew that was bullshit, but how do you prove it? The people at Winslow must have somehow managed to cover it all up.
"Want me to drive you?" He asked me. I looked at him, and almost refused, but damn. The look in his eyes. He should be going back to bed to get some more sleep, but here he was making breakfast. Taking the time to be up with me. I didn't need a ride, but he needed this.
"Sure thing, Dad. Thanks." I smiled at him. Three presences radiated contentment.
+5 Trust
The drive over was quiet, but not awkward. There was no way Dad would be able to catch a nap before work, but he looked happy. I didn't see the weariness in his eyes. He hugged me after walking me to the side door. I was given a key to get in. Part of the arrangement was that I could use any of the facilities as long as nothing was damaged. Basically, treat it with respect. It was definitely appreciated. I quickly got changed and checked the time. It was almost six o'clock. I had an hour and a half, roughly, to train, shower, and get to school. Thankfully Winslow wasn't that far from the field. Sometimes the track team even used the athletic field before a big meet. I would have to pay attention to the track schedule to avoid running into Sophia.
"Why? This is a college facility, right? Would she risk causing trouble somewhere that isn't her power base?" Light asked me.
"Generally halls of higher learning take a dim view of childish antics." Terra's voice was reassuring. I didn't have to be crazy about this. They were right. Just because it worked for her at Winslow didn't mean it would work here. Though now I had a crazy idea. Why should I suffer alone?
"Come on out. Let's see if you guys can get training benefits too." I manifested Light, Terra, and Lilia. If this worked, I could buy them training clothes. Having over twelve grand would make things much easier. I had to tell my Dad about this and see if maybe this could help our money issues. Thoughts for later.
"Good idea, Taylor. I cannot wait to see if this bears fruit." Lilia beamed happily at me. She wasn't so happy once the training had begun in earnest. Lightning had the soul of a drill sergeant. She probably ripped it out of his chest in mortal combat. The Red Mage had seemed enthused before but was now doggedly trying to keep up. Her lower stamina proved to be a detriment. Lightning was going through it relatively easily, but seemed almost annoyed at her lowered physical ability. Terra seemed more interested in the weather but was keeping up. I have expected to start coughing up a lung with the pace Light set for me.
I couldn't even complain. It was all over if I fell. I didn't want to rely on Lapis to save me. That was just planning for defeat and I wouldn't do that. Ever. They tried to break me, but instead, I got strong. I could do this. No one was going to put me down again. I was not going to be stuffed in a metal coffin and forgotten.
+1 Charisma
I thought Charisma might be hard to increase, but it is about force of will and personality. My shoulders straightened and my head rose with more determination. At least that's what I wish happened. I was still too busy gasping for sweet release to appreciate my epiphany.
+1 Athletics
+1 General Fitness
Nowhere to go but up from here.
We managed to escape from the slave driver by going to school. Lightning was oddly subdued and apologetic. She was so frustrated with her own weakness that it bled over into our training. We weren't meant to go quite that hard in running or working out. That was for down the road when I was more used to training.
"It is frustrating to be able to go toe-to-toe with a Behemoth one minute, only to barely be able to fight the next." Terra empathized.
"It doesn't make it right." Lightning was mollified somewhat. I thought about using Cure to remove my aches and pains only to get shouted down by all three of my units. It was fine to do so if I actually tore a ligament, but otherwise, it was best to let these things heal naturally. Part of the strengthening process was from minute muscle tears, which as they healed, made the muscles stronger. I pointed out my body was a spirit like theirs.
I was allowed to use Cure since their arguments suddenly became invalid.
Winslow High was the very definition of an inner-city school. It was like someone took the 80's representation of a poor school, injected it with eighty to ninety percent more angst, and sprinkled liberally with corruption. Once you got past all that it was like any other school. The students were just as cliquish, fashion-conscious, and sports-obsessed as anywhere else. My own clothes were not exactly fashionable, but they were comfortable. I wore a loose hoodie, a T-shirt, and jeans. My shoes were well broken in. I no longer felt the need to hide my body.
Maybe I should buy new clothes?
"Ewww! I'd know that smell anywhere." Emma's dulcet tones reached my ears.
"Shut your legs and you'll be fine." I fired back without breaking stride. The dead silence I left in my wake would have been music to my ears. Should have been if I hadn't walked right into Sophia. The pretty black girl had an ugly sneer on her face.
"You think you can talk shit like that? Do I need to put you back in your place, Hebert?" She almost spat in my face. Old instincts warred with new determination. My lips curled into a feral grin. This bitch was nothing compared to a snarling pantheron or a Pulsian War Mech. Maybe if I had both arms tied behind my back it might be a fair fight. I wasn't backing down again.
"I know my place. Know yours." With that said, I strode right passed her. She sent a burning gaze at my back that promised fiery retribution. The surge in confidence was nice. I better reign in the smart-ass remarks though. Mouthing off to the Trio was fun, but doing it in front of a teacher would suck. Wait. I hadn't seen Madison yet today. Oh hello, trepidation. I almost forgot what you felt like. My locker loomed up ahead and still no sign of Madison. Strangely enough, Emma and Sophia hadn't come after me either.
"Don't go borrowing trouble. The best way to prove you're beyond all this is to not respond." Light lectured me. She would have just stared at them until they backed down if she deigned to acknowledge them at all.
"Take it easy, Taylor. It's satisfying now, but you've already guessed the consequences." Terra cautioned. I opened the locker and managed to face it. Truly face my locker. The memories flooded past my mind's eye, but they lost their hold. The terror was the worst part, but this? This was just a locker. I wouldn't ever forget it, but it wasn't worth obsessing over.
+1 Iron Will
A skill for resisting fear effects. That would come in handy. I stuck my books in the locker and shut the door. From around me, I could hear whispering.
+1 Listen
"She actually came back to school? Is she crazy?"
"Took some stones saying that to Sophia."
"They'll just grind her down again."
"Too bad."
That was surprising. Judging by the general opinion, the other students were approving of my change. They were disapproving of what happened. Though they were also expecting me to knuckle under again. It gave me some food for thought. How many of them had tried to reach out to me? Probably more than I thought. I'm not the most social creature at the best of times and this campaign of terror didn't help things.
Homeroom was about what I was expecting. Nothing out of the ordinary. I was mentally planning my day. There was one class today that none of the Trio were in and that was the computer lab. I was in the advanced placement while they were in the normal one. Before all of this started, I qualified for all of the advanced placement courses. After being repeatedly browbeaten and sabotaged, my scores plummeted. I was holding steady at a low B average, but this was my chance to improve.
I was curious to see what would happen during class today. My only order was to pay attention. The morning classes were my World Issues, Computer, and Science classes with a study hall. The afternoon was Art, Gym, English, and Algebra. Only one class didn't have a member of the Trio in it. Well, game on then.
I sat down in my first-period class with Mr. Gladly. He tried to be the cool and hip teacher but failed. Hard. He invited the students to call him Mr. G and his creepy enthusiasm was more than a little off-putting. I tried to see him through the more favorable lens of clarity and still saw the same thing. A man who had been popular in school and still hadn't adjusted to adult life.
+1 Appraise
A skill for making observations and appraisals. Well, that was self-explanatory. It was tied to my wisdom as well. I shook off the distracting thoughts and focused on class. Madison was sitting in the corner of the room with her little micro clique. The strange thing was that she wasn't even looking my way. I put it out of my mind. There were more important things to do than worry about her.
+1 Iron Will
Old habits die hard, but I was ready to slay this dragon. A sound alerted me to furtive footsteps. I casually ducked my head as Madison "accidentally" tripped, and tossed pencil shavings where my head had been. The accidental trip turned into a real one as she had overextended. I didn't have to fake the wince as she slammed face-first into the floor. My feet were tucked under my chair and Mr. Gladly had started to turn in our direction. The shorter girl stood up, nose and eyes streaming, and pointed at me angrily.
"Mr. Gladly! Taylor tripped me!" She winced, not at all dramatically, as a sniffle hurt her nose. I felt sorry for her. A smashed nose was disproportionate to the crime.
"Taylor. Did you trip Madison?" He asked in a condescending tone. We both knew who he was going to side with.
"She didn't trip her, Mr. G." A guy sitting behind me spoke up. What was his name? Richard. That was it. He had shaggy blonde hair and a swimmer's build. I looked at him appraisingly.
+1 Appraise
He was exactly as he appeared. A nice guy who finally decided to stand up. His eyes met mine and he nodded. What was this?
"She did so trip me! You saw it!" Madison accused.
"I didn't trip her. My feet were nowhere near hers." I asserted. Mr. Gladly looked around the room for any other opinions. The class held its breath. He sighed and shook his head.
"Go to the infirmary, Miss Clements." The beleaguered teacher handed her a hall pass. The girl stared at him in total surprise before shooting me a look of utter venom. Did he just shut her down? I thought I was ready for any outcome, but that caught me off guard. When my eyes scanned the other students, there were a few nods in my direction. It was small, but the revolution was coming. I made note of each person and resolved to keep it up.
"She'll be a leader yet." Light murmured to Terra.
"She's finally seeing the truth." The green-haired woman agreed.
I made it through the morning classes with no more unexpected developments. Madison was back in class in time for Science. The tape across her nose and black eyes made it look like she lost a fight. Emma was glaring at me so hard I was glad she didn't have laser eyes. I didn't let it get to me. What could she do with all these witnesses around? Study Hall passed without a comment as well. If they were going to try anything it would be at lunch. That would be the perfect time. The cafeteria would be full of people. If I ate in the restroom or the stairwell, they would hunt me down.
"It is best to set off the ambush on your own terms." Terra counseled.
"Just don't forget to watch your back." Light warned.
My lunch bag was surprisingly still in my locker and unmolested. By all logic, they shouldn't be able to get in my locker yet somehow they would. Every single time. I made my way to lunch while keeping my senses sharpened for anything out of the ordinary.
+1 Listen
+1 Spot
Well, at least my vigilance was rewarded. I could hear steps from above heading down the stairs. They were keeping pace with me on the way to the cafeteria. I could almost make out what they were saying, but the echoes of the stairwell made it difficult. If I just kept moving then they wouldn't catch up to me before the end of the stairs. A water balloon hit me in the head and splattered foul-smelling fluid all over. I managed to duck the other two projectiles. They were laughing about having managed to hit me.+1 Iron Will
"What the hell is wrong with you!?" I gagged as some of it got in my mouth. They came around the corner and stared down at me from the landing. Each one of them looked smug.
"Oh, I'm sorry. We didn't see you there." Emma said sweetly.
"We were helping the janitor get rid of some wastewater." Madison giggled nasally.
"Yeah. Someone clogged the toilet. Thought you might like a drink to go with your lunch." Sophia chuckled. My fingers closed slowly. I had to keep a reign of my temper. If I went off on them that would just out me. I could feel a tempest thrashing about inside of me. The deadly wind was begging to be released.
"My God...how stupid are you!?" I shouted at them. They looked taken aback at the sudden surge of spine. "What the hell is wrong with you!? Are you just that fuckin' stupid!? Why won't you leave me the hell alone!? Are you that desperate? Dammit! You people are seriously fucked up!" I was forced to shut up as Sophia's fist struck my face. I weaved around the other two wild swings.
+1 Appraise
Her fighting style showed signs of training, but it was still a joke. She wasn't thinking at all. All that she had was rage. Lots of rage. I heard the sound of someone approaching. This next part was going to hurt, but it would be so worth it. Sophia jumped at me. I fell back and let her weight send us both to the ground. She started to hammer at my face in a fury. Oh damn. Sophia wasn't holding back at all. I had no choice, but to defend myself. My plan called for the person to see what was happening, the fight broke off, and profit. Not for me to get pounded.
When I suddenly slammed my knee into her stomach, it took the vengeful girl off guard. She started to heave as the hard bone made its home in her diaphragm. I slammed another knee into her abused lower torso before pushing the puking girl to the side. Wait. I could almost see a blue crystal...
"Nobody move!" The voice of Principal Blackwell sounded off in the hallway. I groaned. Smelling of offal and vomit, I'm sure it was quite a sight.
"Taylor attacked Sophia and..." Emma started to say only for the principal to cut her off sharply.
"It looked like Miss Hess was trying to kill Miss Hebert. Don't try and spin this, Barnes. It won't help." The woman was furious. I managed a groggy look around. Several students were watching. More than a few of them were in shock. A couple even nodded approvingly. I managed to roll onto my stomach and make it to my knees.
"She's getting up?"
"Damn. After all that?"
"Guess she's not taking this shit anymore."
They might not have meant it as such, but those were words of encouragement. I slowly made it to my feet after a Herculean effort. My health was low and bruises were forming all over my body. There was a limit to just how much damage I could conceal. Good to know.
"Now now...don't stand up...just rest..." A girl from my Art class, Abigail, put her arm behind my back and tried to guide me back down. I gestured with my head to the senior ledge. She sighed but helped me over to the ledge.
"...Thanks..." My voice was slurred. The Principal and several teachers were taking statements. The looks she kept giving me were complicated. Sophia had recovered, but every time she opened her mouth someone told her to shut up. In the end, the police ended up being called as was my father. Yay for seeing Dad and damn it. My first day back and this shit happened? At least my plan worked.
"For a given value of success." Light snarked. Uh oh.
"What were you thinking? You could have kept dodging and let them find you that way." Terra was clearly distressed. Now I felt like a heel. Of course, they would worry. Stuck inside with no way to assist me? That had to be hell.
"That was not sound thinking." Even Lilia spoke up without being called on. At least I couldn't lose wisdom. When no numbers appeared to signify that, I breathed a little easier.
"What the hell kind of school is this? I thought you said that it would be handled. This does not look handled to me!" Dad was in full voice. Principal Blackwell was gripping her desk to avoid lashing out. Eventually, her patience ran out.
"How were we supposed to know this would happen? We can't predict these things. There are far too many students, and not enough teachers, to monitor everything. All we can do is our best." She bit out. I was dressed in my gym clothes after a quick shower. Sophia was seated next to a woman in a sharp suit. Every time the murderous psycho tried to look at me, the suit would chide her. She was supposedly Sophia's caseworker, but she reeked of something higher up.
"I think the rest of this should be conducted down at the station." Detective O'Neil glared pointedly at Hess. He was a grim-faced, humorless, champion of law and order. Something about this whole thing was rubbing him wrong.
+1 Appraise
He looked angry, resigned, and stared at the caseworker sullenly. The woman just smirked back at him. Fuck my life. My dad put his arm around my shoulders and led me out of the office. I was in shock. If what I just saw was accurate then something big just happened. What was their relationship? They seemed to know one another. Come to think about it, Sophia hadn't even looked worried. She was pissed, but not worried. The girl couldn't be that much of a psychopath. Anyone that crazy wouldn't be able to function. Something else was going on.
"Come on, honey. Let's go home and think about what we're going to do." Dad sighed. His worry had increased by several fold. I waited until we got home. The entire way back to the house I thought about how to tell him. This would probably make him worry more, but maybe. Just maybe. It would help him to worry less.
Dinner was a strained affair. I wanted to sit him down as soon as we got home, but he wanted me to rest. The revelation would have a lot more impact if he could see my powers in action. I could practically see him plotting the downfall of the administration. He knew a lot of people in the media and city hall. The thing is that my dad didn't use those contacts to get ahead. More unscrupulous people would kill for the kind of power he has at his fingertips.
"Dad? I have something to say." I couldn't help being a little nervous.
"What is it, sweetheart?" His voice was tender. He looked shaken up. I sighed and cast Cure. Dad stared at me as the bruises vanished without a trace.
"I'm a cape." It felt so good to admit that. The look on his face was wondering.
"You can heal?" He asked in disbelief. I swallowed hard and proceeded to explain how my power worked.
+1 Oratory
He listened to my entire explanation without once losing his cool. Dad took off his glasses and polished the lenses absently. I jokingly called it his Giles Pose.
"I rate the Giles Pose, huh?" I tried to bring a little humor into the situation. He smiled faintly. Nice to know it was a success.
"Summoning otherwordly beings from the spirit realm? Honey, you're a Master. The fact that you have healing and some kind of weird durability makes you unique, but hardly unheard of." Dad wasn't trying to minimize my accomplishments, but it was annoying. A peculiar chime rang from inside my soul. The blue crystal pulsed insistently. Oh damn. In all of the confusion, I forgot there was another Unit to call out. Well, I couldn't do it at school, but here? It was fine.
"Why don't you come downstairs with me and I'll show you?" I gestured for him to follow me. Dad nodded and followed me into the basement. I spoke the words of my Oath and the crystal shattered. Lightning and Terra manifested at my side to greet the newcomer. In the center of the room appeared a man. He was about five foot ten and dressed all in black clothes. A hood covered his head and a mask disguised his identity. He had a straight sword across his back and cold blue eyes. His gaze flickered to Terra with recognition before looking back to me. A second, smaller crystal popped beside him and a huge doberman pincer stepped out.
"Oh my God..." Dad muttered in shock. I was in shock too. This guy was no one to screw with. His cold demeanor made him appear intimidating. Which is why I was totally flatfooted at Terra throwing herself at this stranger and hugging him tightly.
"Shadow! Oh my gosh! It's really you!" She gave him an extra squeeze for emphasis. He awkwardly patted her shoulder. Terra nuzzled his chest while burbling happily. Lightning's response summed it all up. She facepalmed.