Yeah, this chapter is the longest one so far. And I don't plan to write ones as long as this one. But I felt one additional event was needed to be placed here, so yeah. Here it is. I hope you'll enjoy.
I spended the evening mostly listening to Missy, and her talking about how things work in Wards, and Protectorate. It was frankly… boring.
One word could describe the rules she described, and I could call them by one word - regulations. Regulations repeated like 20 times, just to spite me. Although I guess everyone suffered here, so at least I shared that? Sigh, it was clear that they first, and foremost tried to reinforce discipline. Even if 'capes', and military people were two very different groups of people. First, with a snark, needed to mostly look good, and while still doing their jobs, it was secondary. Second one needed mostly to follow orders, but also perform their duties and missions, while if necessary also remove some problems permanently.
But Vista was reasonably skilled in presenting those rules.
Like that Wards needed to wait for adult capes, in case engagement was too dangerous. How to present themselves to the public, which was pretty much keep your back straight, smile a lot, and never sign more than 3 autographs at once, because from their experiences fans literally overwhelmed some capes, and most of the time ended up wasted on signing those autographs.
And of course keep to your role, and don't swear. Oh boy, don't you dare! Because as we all know, swearing is bad, children. Actually I wonder who said it first? Also I remembered some people arguing, including psychologists, and scientists, that swearing isn't so bad for them.
But personally I wasn't convinced. I think that showing more human, normal side, would make potential capes that much more approachable. Honestly I had no idea why Protectorate insisted on this so much. Ok, I suspected somewhat. Cauldron wanted to present capes as those unbeatable, and amazing juggernauts. We can't have those 'normals' shoot our meatshields, it would be bad, you know. Although in some cases it would help. It's not like some of those people help with protecting humanity, by participating in Endbringer fights for example.
Or at least don't make things worse. This one was my long term plan, and I preferred to not think what may be necessary to do. Maybe with some luck, I would end up with a tree that allows me to escape dimensionally?
"Some of those rules are pretty simple. Some… are."
"Restricting? Annoying? Insulting?" Missy snarked back, and it made me smile. This girl was so serious. It was both amusing, and adorable. No wonder people babied her, which I obviously didn't say loud. I've needed to be more in control. Some of my recent outbursts were… bad.
"Kind of all three? Although they mostly focus on our conduct, and they way we act. Like these are obviously useful pieces of advice, but I can see how it's mostly about acting. Showing your image." I knew Protectorate was obsessed with PR, but it was kind of over the top.
"Yes, the way we need to be flawless is tiring. And I wish we patrolled more, instead of organizing those PR events, like photo shoots, or how we assisted on tourist tours around The Rig. It takes… so much time! And I'm sorry, but I'm so tired of it."
I nodded. But it was more like to simply agree with her. It's not like I particularly cared. At that moment my most important ambitions so far, was to simply tinker and wait for my chance to get the hell out.
"Well… I can see why some of those are important."
"Yes, yes, I know. But seriously, way too much time. And about those regulations… you could learn them from this book."
She suddenly kneeled, and picked up a very fat folder. I raised my eyebrows in disbelief, and turned my look towards her. I think she tried pretty hard to not smile. She tried too hard to act professional.
"Don't tell me you memorized it all?"
"No, not a chance. But they wish we would do it."
"How many pages is this?"
"358 pages."
Yeah, no, too much. Those people were insane. Did parahuman insanity infected people working for PRT as well? It would kind of make sense. Being normal people, and dealing with people like Hookwolf or Long certainly wasn't great for your potential sanity. Even if sometimes doing some insane or stupid shit was fun, but well, everything has limits.
Suddenly she focused on the console, and received a message.
"Vista, the people we engaged, three of them are Empire capes! Othala, Victor, and Krieg." Aegis' surprised voice was clear.
I stiffened on the last one. My feelings on that subject were mixed at best. Even if this life wasn't the one, I had too many feelings attached too, learning your father was a first rate Nazi was obviously horrible. Thankfully Vista was too focused on the situation to notice my nervous reaction.
"Retreat. Eta 20 minutes." Gosh, why so long? Was it because other heroes were literally occupied? If those were standard response times, no wonder it looked this way.
"We can't. They engaged us. Once we can, we will move away."
I didn't see them winning this. I doubted Nazis were reckless and foolish enough to seriously hurt Wards of all people. Fighting continued, with Nazi side being clear winners. They didn't even fight, but delayed instead. Once mooks picked up, and moved some things, Kriegs' voice answered.
"No offense boys, but we are simple here to check out one of our leads. We look for a specific person. And once we are done, we will move away."
I gritted my teeth. I suspected who they looked for. What should I do about it? I needed to prepare. Check my options, but make them more effective. If my suspicions were right, I could hopefully do something. But my logical side also knew that he wanted to confirm something, and he could answer some questions.
And even if he learned my identity, he wouldn't kidnap or force a Ward. Plus I suspected it would buy me some time. Because if he gathered proper information, checked my profile, and knew that I was forced into Wards, he could simply wait.
Yeah, they wanted Tinker badly, but in their current situation it wasn't necessary, and they still wanted some PR. Forcing a child sounds like a bad way to show that you are more 'civilized'. Also unlike PRT/Protectorate propaganda, forcing a Tinker may end up badly for you. Because who can fuck you over? The most versatile of parahumans, outside of extreme outliers like Eidolon, Tinkers! Ding, ding, we have a winner!
But my specialty right now was so valuable as a force multiplier, that I needed to buy time at least till the end of the week. If hurted me inside to do it, because Asterix provided good options, but I couldn't risk it, and forcing Nazis to pick me up, even if it would risk potential conflict with Protectorate, for an army of Brutes may be worth it, even if temporary.
Would they 'Gesellschaft' me? I shuddered. I would rather die.
"And yet more villains escape." Frustration, and annoyance in Missys' voice was clear.
"I would say something, but I doubt it would help." Like why even care about Brockton Bay, but I doubt she would appreciate it. Just a gut feeling.
"So do you know what will happen to you, Bangee? When will your Wards inauguration happen? Meeting with a PR specialist? Watch out on this one, as this one is a nightmare with how they will want to make you more 'approachable' or 'adorable'."
Her shudder gave me goosebumps, because the way she sounded, was like she was haunted.
"Also I wonder how they will organize patrols with you in? Or when is your power testing?"
Yeah, no. I wasn't interested in the first one. I wasn't prepared for it, and honestly tinkering is a more useful ability when you spend most of your time on it. I doubted they would force me to patrol. At least I friggin hoped so. I noticed a lack of Youth Guard representatives, so it could be one of 'those' universes.
"No idea. Tomorrow I still have some free day, so they can organize some paperwork. Bureaucracy at its finest." I snarked, and she nodded. "Although I don't think I will patrol."
"Why?"
"I'm a tinker. I'm more useful 'working' and doing my job. And well, I suspect they may decide that I'm a child, so they shouldn't risk me or something?"
Ah, that grimace and anger was clear. She clearly thought that it was disgusting to 'hold me back' like that. But you know what? Surprise, fuck them. But she also observed me, and noticed how neutral I sounded.
"You really don't care? Why?" Did she doubt me earlier? Like I wasn't completely serious about it? I guess they trained her well to be uncritical of them and Brockton Bay. Sigh, this was fucked for me. To see someone so young, and so used to that violence and organization like Protectorate. Although here they obviously didn't reveal to her how corrupt and incompetent they can truly be.
I raised my eyebrow. "I think you know why." I answered in a deadpan.
"I know how it was for you. At least you can not take it out on us?"
"Fair enough. This I can promise. I will at least be professional."
"Also you may learn to trust us. We aren't bad people."
"And yet you don't want to unmask to me. Any particular reason why?"
I felt a bit bad about her flinch, but honestly it was tiring. And also they talked about trust, and yet when I first entered that room with Wards, that mistrust was clear. I didn't really care, but I also disliked hypocrisy by principle. Honestly this actually annoyed me more, than lack of trust. As a paranoid by nature person I even understood lack of trust.
My approach towards new people was pretty mean, but in my book 'acceptable 'If you see a new person, assume they are an asshole or an idiot. If they aren't, enjoy being pleasantly surprised'.
Vista was still a child, and kind of throwing it in her face was bad, but I think this may be something she may remember later.
"I…"
"Because you don't trust me. A guy on probation. Ok, I get it. I'm a mistrustful, and paranoid person myself. But please don't talk about trust, when you don't want to present it yourself."
I could tell she was thinking about it, so I decided to add.
"Sometimes if you expect help, or you want to change something, you need to be the one to make the first step sometimes." Yeah, that sounded too preachy for my tastes. Although in many scenarios it, in my opinion, worked.
"You're right. The way we refused to unmask to you, we isolated you, didn't we?" She felt ashamed at this realization. She was young, but she also wasn't stupid.
"In a way it's true."
Suddenly she took her visor, and smiled towards me, while she presented her hand to me. "Hi, I'm Missy Biron."
I decided to do the same. She decided to be polite about it, so I followed. I didn't need to be completely prickly.
"I'm Kamil Horowski. But I know Kamil sounds like Camille, so call me Carmelo. Polish thing. Whichever you prefer."
"Carmelo than?"
"Sure, sounds fine by me."
Aegis and Kid Win returned from the patrol. We greeted each other, and at this point I decided to return home. I greeted the Heberts, we ate a meal, and talked a bit. It was very stiff, but I could tell Danny tried harder. He asked about Taylors' day, her shopping trip, and what she picked. It was still really awkward, but it was less
Next day started with being very early (6 AM), with Piggot mentioning why I argued and exploded like I did. I simply stated that Gallant provoked me, and it was true. She mentioned that she will reprimand him, and I shrugged. Also unmasking wasn't required, but preferred. I said that trust goes both ways.
Piggot ignored this point, and she quickly mentioned that my power testing will happen on 3rd March, and meeting with a PR specialist on the 4th with a chosen costume on the 4th. Piggot mentioned that one of the designs I must accept, with a potential list of chosen heroic names, and that I would pick one of them. Probation status and all, and the way my probationary contract was set up.
And with some luck, the costume would be ready between 8-10th March, and that next day my Wards inauguration would happen. I raised an eyebrow on it, and asked if they can even organize it so fast. Piggot simply answered that they worked extremely fast in the past if needed, and that they needed to cover up the lack of Shadow Stalker. Of course the way she said it was like it was my fault. Ok, it was, but of course she needed to be annoying about it. But I suspected some capes in the past committed some crimes, so they quickly needed to rebrand them, before people realized they were responsible for their crimes.
Afterwards school happened. People were themselves, some annoyance about being a 'weirdo' and 'boring', and some other nonsense. Although I was surprised Missy approached me, and some two other girls. One called herself Na Li, and the other Afro American Veronica. It was a nice gesture from Missy, and I accepted it for what it was. We talked a bit, and school ended.
I picked a bus, because my school was in a reasonably nice place near Boardwalk, so I considered it reasonably safe by my standard.
I quickly moved to the attic, where I had my own place for tinkering. I needed to think. Was it possible to create what I wanted, and make it permanent?
In theory it should be possible. I KNEW Obelix in the story ended up permanently powered up by Gaulish Magic Potion. But the thing was that he was a baby. Did it matter? Was I already too old? I looked at my recipes, and my chemical set. I concentrated. I walked around the home, and gathered what I could. Spider webs, detergents, some dead insects, some products from the fridge, and more. It was like I wanted to collect everything.
Suddenly I entered tinker fugue, and this time something was off. My headache started to get worse. When I almost wanted to scream in pain, I stopped. In front of me were 3 Gaulish Magic Potions. But instead of sick yellow, those were red. And more red substance was left. Just about enough substance to cover two/third of the pot.
Everything around me was a mess. I was out for about an hour. I had no time, and I started cleaning everything. I gathered some glass to put some of it in for three flasks of it. I opened the door of the Heberts' house and noticed a second stair step with that hole in it.
I noticed no one around, and I pushed them inside, and slightly to the left two bottles. It was a strange way to hide something, but I knew Heberts never checked it, so it was ironically a pretty good spot.
I quickly returned inside, and closed the door. I managed to do it. This was it. There was a trepidation in me, because I had zero control over it. Also I simply didn't remember the recipe. Was it my shard creating artificial limitations on this project? Was this even safe? Deep down, I was scared, because I felt this Nazi pressure was closing on me. Like a vice. Only thing I was certain of was that I wouldn't be able to drink any recipes, so this was it. And honestly it was a fair trade off.
In the Asterix comics, there are two contradicting versions. In one of the comic books Obelix drank magic potion, but nothing happened to him. In other ones… he turned into a stone. Yeah, I wasn't risking it. And deep down I knew it was a bad idea.
I prepared myself. I was close enough to the toilet, and I held some rug. I expected anything - extreme diarrhea, vomiting, hallucinations, or pain. I inhaled, and drank it in one goal.
Agony. I shoved a rug in my mouth, and screamed, screamed, and
screamed even more. I was convulsing. I never thought pain could be this
bad. That was easily 10/10 on the scale, if not more. The feeling inside my gut, and on my skin, felt like I bathed in lava. And my muscles, organs, and bones went through a metaphorical grinder, with no anesthesia. Did my potion literally shapeshifted my organs, just to prepare the body better for potential Brute upgrade. Gosh, that was stupid, I realized with dread. Fuck that tinker fugue! Fuck that fear! I had yet to receive a medical checkup. I wanted to keep this a secret! Fucking dammit! Suddenly, I blacked out.
I woke up. I heard the door opening. I think it was Taylor. Or Danny. Fuck, I still trembled. I quickly threw the bottle through the window and I dear fucking hoped I didn't kill someone with that throw, although I wasn't sure if she didn't already know about what was happening.
Yeah, I needed to stop thinking about it. Yeah, I think she ran up the stairs. Yeah, I think she planted some bugs on me, and realized that my body was still trembling. And I heard some agitated buzzing.
"Carmelo, what's going on?!" She tried to check up on me, but I instantly backed off. The hurt look on her face was obvious, but I quickly explained.
"Bad idea." I gritted through my teeth. I hope this wasn't permanent, because I could barely say it. "Some good painkillers. Now." She quickly moved out of the bathroom. Even tears slowly dripping on my face hurt.
She quickly returned, and presented me with a few tablets and some water, and very gently with my fingers managed to pick it, and somehow drink, without completely shattering the glass. I gently presented it to her, and with lots of difficulty I managed to move to my normal room, and placed myself on the bed. She observed me with both worry, and anger. Oh, she suspected something was off, and that I was responsible for it. Man, that glare was scary. Although very cuddly in comparison to that pain. Gosh, I wasn't sure if it was worth it, it was that bad. I inhaled, and exhaled. She started to get more, and more worried. Fuck, this isn't going to be a nice talk.
"What happened?" She asked me. It was both gentle and firm. I think in that moment I understood why she turned into a big name in canon. Emma almost destroyed her, but right now she felt she needed to be strong.
"Tinker fugue." With realization, her eyes widened. Pain started to lessen. I think she wanted to go down, and call for help. With gritted teeth, I told her to stop.
"You're in literal agony! Why would I?"
"It's getting better? See? I slowly stop trembling."
"Again, answer me."
"That new recipe is permanent."
Oh, what a way to present it. At her even more agitated look, I think she suspected that whatever I did to myself was permanent. Yes, it was permanent, but it's not like I would stay like this. Hopefully. Because without Panacea, there was no one who could possibly help me. Ok, there was Othala, but fuck her, I'm not asking for that assistance. At least I could talk better after a while.
"No! Goddamit, don't call an ambulance! It will out me." That stopped her, but I could tell she wanted to do it anyway. "I... can't. I don't trust them. And I know you don't as well." I meant Protectorate, and she knew it. And using that argument was disgustingly manipulative. And she knew as well, as subtle I wasn't for sure. And I could barely think.
"It better be a good explanation. I'm serious." Oh she meant business, alright with that serious look in her eyes.
"I created a recipe, the same one, like the Gaulish Magic Potion. Ok, slightly stronger." I inhaled and continued. "But this one is permanent. I can't drink anything else. I'm a Brute/Mover package. Combination of strong and fast. And this is also why I told you to back off, as I could do something to you, and I need to check how it works now."
There was some understanding in her eyes, but she was also clearly NOT happy.
"I have yet to hear why I shouldn't call an ambulance."
"Oh come on, don't be like that. See, I stood up." On a bit shaky legs, but I could actually talk with some comfort, without sheer agony.
"Nicely done." Ouch, that sarcasm. I would be impressed with that sass, but not this time. "Also why exactly that recipe affected you so badly?"
"Well…" She crossed her arms, and continued to glare at me in my pathetic attempt to prolong the explanation. "My body needed 'tune up' so to speak. Harder bones, far more efficient muscles and organs. I just had no idea that such drastic changes would cause so much agony."
"Agony? Are you really alright?" Her voice slightly softened, but I could tell she was angry as well.
"Yes. I still breathe fine. My heart still beats the same, although I think it beats harder, then it did before to make up for the changes. My limbs function the same. I'm just… superhuman pretty much. And yes, I will grow the same." This I was certain. My tinker knowledge agreed here, and in the series Obelix grew up just fine. Although I had no idea if I wouldn't end up in some drastic growth spurts.
I slowly moved around, and I made some basic moments. Arms and legs up, crouching, and walking. I sure as hell didn't want to risk running or jumping yet. Yes, I felt fine, and she realized it as well.
"You aren't lying at least from what I see. But it was reckless!" She shouted at me, and it was a fair call.
"Ok. Also I kind of realized something, and you may not like it."
"What now?"
"Taylor… do you have powers?"
Her eyes widened. I knew she could lash out, but in a way it was also a good moment, because she knew I was hurt very recently. But I feel we needed this conversation. And in the end, she could help me, and I could help her.
"How do you know?" There was an edge in her eyes, and suddenly she turned defensive.
"Taylor, I'm sorry, but subtle you weren't." At her questioning, and somewhat panicked look, I answered. "At first I wasn't sure, but I think I realized it at first when I revealed Sophia. That buzzing… was there. And I damn hope they didn't hear as well."
"I was angry. And you are the one who provoked me."
"Taylor, no offense, but you need to keep this in check, because you may out yourself by accident sooner or later." I stated firmly, and she with a small nod acknowledged it. But yeah, she wasn't someone who liked to be on the defensive, with the whole control freak tendencies.
"And it wasn't the only moment. Like literally several minutes ago your insects also started to buzz, and you literally started to run in my direction. You placed some of them on me, didn't you?" She nodded, although she started to get used to me being more insightful, than I should be.
"You aren't really creeped out?" She asked with some confusion, because I pretty casually mentioned her bugs on me.
"Not really. Like… pretty much everyone ends up with insects on them. Mosquitoes, fleas, and some others. It doesn't really disgust me." And it was true, in the past life, I had a pet tarantula for a pet. I liked dangerous animals like that. Snakes still fascinate me for example, but I never had a chance to have those.
"So… what do you want to do with this?"
It kind of stung, that mistrust. But I think it was her expecting betrayal, and backstabbing in pretty much every single situation. It really was nasty what those girls did to Taylor.
"Me? Nothing. Ok, no, I may need your help." I think she slightly brightened at that admission, but she also radiated scepticism, because she didn't believe she could do it. Sigh, I hoped my logical approach would work here.
"Can I really? My power is disappointing. Like bug control? How can I really be a cape?"
"Ok, let's do some basic brainstorming. Few basic questions at first. How many bugs can you control at once? How good is your control? Can you use bug senses and see through them? How fast do they move? How much can they lift? What is your range?"
She answered pretty fast. "I have yet to reach a limit. I managed to use spider silk to start creating my costume, so I would say pretty precise. I think I can see or sense through them, but touch is far more reliable. I don't think they move faster or that they can lift more than normal bugs can. Something between 2-3 blocks?"
I nodded to her. It was a pretty good summary of what I expected. Also I knew some of the things she did in canon weren't really possible for normal bugs, so I know some people argued that something like a Breaker rating could be there.
"So pretty much infinite multitasking. Your control is very precise. You can possibly see something, but bug sense by our standards may be weak, but from what I remember there are exceptions. On lifting and speed - test it in detail. And the range is pretty big. Did I miss anything?"
She shook her head in a 'no' gesture, but she clearly waited for my punchline. And I had one.
"Congratulations. You are a biblical plague." She sputtered, and it made me laugh. At her glare, I quickly clarified. "No, I'm serious. You could pick up bugs and literally eat cereals from farm fields, and do it pretty quickly. You could, with time and effort, gather enough bugs to literally flood everything in 2-3 blocks with your insects. Although I guess it's not limited to just insects, right?"
"I may also pick up some strange things like worms, and arachnids."
"Like black widows?"
"Yes?"
"Sorry, but you are friggin scary. You may literally pick some, and use them to kill someone out of nowhere. Black Widows are pretty scary."
"I would never do it!" Oh you would, I know it pretty well. But I ignored this, and continued.
"I never said you need to. I just mentioned it as a possibility. And I think you need to admit that I have a point." She turned contemplative, and spooked out. I think she realized that she may at least be a really good killer. Honestly I was glad I wasn't an enemy of this girl. Even now, I doubt I would enjoy being choked to death, or poisoned so hard, that my brute rating wouldn't really help.
Issue with it was that I was strong, and fast, but I wasn't THAT durable. I was bullet resistant, but I wasn't sure if bulletproof applied. It's a phenomenal recipe for taking blunt damage, but far worse at tanking piercing one. So things like arrows, bullets or blades may hurt me. I feel like I'm fast enough and my senses are much sharper now, so I may avoid those. But if I'm caught by surprise - I would be in trouble.
I suspected I wouldn't sleep that day too much. I needed to at least learn how to control myself. But it wasn't so bad.
"So you mentioned some sort of plan." She stopped me from thinking, and it was simply time to move on to the main event.
"It's still early enough. Do you know where your dad shopped?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I need more materials." The way she observed me the way 'I sucked a very bitter lemon' style made grimace, because I knew what she thought.
"If you think I will let you…"
"No, no, not the same recipe. I learned my lesson. But a different one. I can see it clearly, but it's like my power doesn't like me doing too drastic changes."
"You make it sound like it's alive." Taylor was an observant girl, and I was clearly out of it, as this slip of a tongue was a dangerous one.
"Argh, I think I'm still tired. I mean like I can't see this project fully." But yes, it was like that 'behind the curtain' feeling. And with that limitation that once permanently enchanted, it felt like it would be limiting new options. And when I thought about it - it made sense. They want to experiment, to create new things. This limits them, but still allows it in some limited fashion? Why? To increase my survival odds? But it's not like shards really care about their hosts, with some notable exceptions?
"Let me explain. And you will say yes or no. Alright?" She stiffly nodded, and I continued. "This recipe would pretty much allow me to create a mixture about the size of a big pot, that instantly allows your bugs to grow up in size." And it was true. It was possible to change the 'turn adults into young children formula' and made it work the other way around. It was as dangerous as the previous one, but insects have far less developed nervous systems. And they do work on animals as well. So yes, it was about to become scary.
"It's kind of random, but it will work on animals just fine. And bugs do have far less developed nervous systems, so pain doesn't register to them nowhere near as much." If my memory was right. "Thing is that chosen bugs will become somewhere between 2, and up to even 8 times as big as their natural looks. It's random, and it depends on each bug pretty much. But yeah, suddenly you may end up with a european hornet, that suddenly AT WORST reaches Asian Giant HornetSize. At best, you end up with something twice as big as Asian massive representative of the species."
I shuddered. From all insects hornets always have bringed out in me that worry. It wasn't fear per se, but I automatically have wanted to avoid them. Maybe it wasn't the best pick to present this example now when I thought about it.
"That's… insane." Yes, it was. And it was just the beginning. "I'm not sure if I feel comfortable with it."
"Taylor." She looked at me, and I continued. "While it's true that it is spooky, you always prefer to have more options, than less. When I said I wanted to help you, I meant it." And I meant it. I started to be worried, and making already good cape that much stronger would help me in the long run. I ignored that voice, that could make her that much harder to deal with if she decided to chase me, once I had a chance to run away.
"I can see it. I don't really like it, and I know you also do it for yourself." I nodded. "But it's also fair. You are scared about that whole Nazi thing, aren't you Carmelo?" I nodded more eagerly, and I could see that she accepted it. "Even it meant a risk to yourself." I cringed, but after some hesitation I also confirmed it.
"I'm still not happy about it, but… I can see you are more or less fine now. But if ANYTHING happens, you know what this will mean." Ugh, I couldn't really argue it. Just making me think about that pain makes me shudder.
"That's fair. I also have half of the pot left of that potion I used for myself." I could tell she wanted to protest, but I simply suggested very simple use of those. "Use it for your other bugs."
"So they will become that much stronger?"
"Oh yes. Like an insect version of Brute/Mover combo. They will grow stronger, faster and far more damage resistant. Things like fire or cold are still obviously a problem, but they will be better at taking damage. Much more. And they may also lift more, much, much more." I just imagined how it would go. It's still nerfed, I felt it by instinct, but I was strong.
Obelix as a normal human could lift an adult elephant with no issues for example, and I know he has more impressive feats on his list. I don't think those bugs would be THAT strong, but even if they could lift around 100-200 times their body mass, it would be an amazing bonus, and if grouped up they should be able to lift Taylor for example. And it's not that unheard of in nature. I didn't remember the name of that one beetle that could lift over 1000 of its base mass. Now feeding THAT magic potion would be phenomenal. But unfortunately we work with what we have.
"It's phenomenal. But I'm not sure if I want to do it. No, I appreciate what you did, just... I want to be a hero." Sigh, while villain Taylor could be a very, VERY scary cape, being a hero with this power was hard, but doable."
"Well… to be fair being a hero with this power may be hard." I raised my hands, before she would go down her depressed spiral. "But it's mostly an issue of image."
"PR issue?"
"Oh yes. Imagine you walk in hiding inside your biblical plague, and your insects buzz everywhere around. You use them to bite people, and shove them in people faces, skin, and other places on their bodies. This is like a horror movie scenario. Insects are a pretty popular target of those movies." She cringed with realization, but I had a solution.
"Simply focus on being a vigilante type. Although it may be possible to keep it far more PR friendly. But I don't think you are the type, to be that inspiring hero type, no offense."
"It's about how I look, and…"
"No, stop. Being pretty, and all obviously helps, but it's not completely required. Average, and ugly people can be charismatic. Let's talk about both examples."
I inhaled, and continued. "Vigilante type would be far easier. Your power is aimed for being scary, to 'punish' criminals. And it may also mean you mean 'business'. That you 'don't fuck around', excuse my language." She clearly listened to me. I could tell she didn't really like it, but she may do it. "Alexandria is a good example. Yes, teenagers love her, and all that." If only you knew how she can act. But she was almost giddy hearing this one.
"She is?" I think she idolized her too much, because if you sat on it, it was obvious.
"Yes. Compare her to Eidolon, and Legend. How different is she?" I may as well let her come to her own conclusions. To make her see things on her own.
"Costumes. Legend wears very bright colors, and he is the most charismatic of them all. Eidolon wears darker green, which presents him as more serious, but green is a pretty positive color, so it's a mix between two. And Alexandria… pretty dark one."
"Yes, well done." I smiled with pride, and told her to continue.
"Also reputation. She barely does any interviews, and if she does, they are far more to the point, and clipped. Like she's there to simply do her job, and move on." I nodded to her. I didn't know this exactly, but I knew her character just enough to see it. "Yes, she's the one who shows up the most when something needs rougher approach. Her absurdly strong brute power makes this image that much stronger."
"See? Not bad at all. One of the other examples was Shadow Stalk…"
"Other option." Ah, yeah, that was the strong move on my part. She clamped up on this one.
"I'm sorry, but it was true. But I won't bring it up and let's move on." She stiffly nodded.
"For this one, butterflies, and other cute bugs like ladybugs. There aren't a lot of those, but there are some of them." She summoned more butterflies and some ladybugs. Not bad.
"When it goes to all your bugs, make them drink my elixirs. Also if you don't mind shopping?"
"Yes, I will be back, reasonably soon."
It took a while, but she returned. I quickly focused and created the 'Growth Formula'. Thankfully this time it wasn't so bad. She patiently waited for me to finish. Once we did, we ate some basic meals, and continued.
"Focus on females. Especially those with eggs. Like let's go with a 10-1 ratio. 10 female, 1 male. If needed, lower it." She did this, and she realized what I wanted to test
"You think it will pass to their children." I grinned at her, and it was a bit of a feral smile.
"Don't smile like that. It really is not a good look for you."
"Oh, don't be like that. Sometimes fun can be like that." I chuckled a bit at this.
"It will take a few days, but it should work. Breed them, and never stop. Now, focus on the adults you can, go with fliers as priority."
"Because fliers are more mobile?"
"This is obvious, true. But remember the lift part? Would you like to fly?" I grinned at her, and in realization she beamed as well.
"So they will pretty much keep me in the air, and let me fly." That shocked realization was pretty amusing to me.
"You should be on the lighter side, so it should work. I think a shape of a throne would do."
At first it was awkward. She struggled to visualize it and some pretty much bugs worked as 'chains' to keep up this shape, while flying insects boosted by Magic Potion did the heavy lifting. It was amazing to see. She casually sat on her 'bug throne' and floated unsure at first, but she quickly learned. She started to literally fly on her throne, although carefully obviously in a room. But she couldn't stop making the circle rounds in her excitement. It wasn't really that fast, but it was enough. I would say something between Mover 1-3? Also each generation may become that much stronger, faster and durable then the next one. Because in the end this is how evolution works. And insects breed new generations absurdly fast. It was mind boggling to watch.
Yep, I created a monster. And looking at the sheer size of some of those insects make me tremble. Holy shit, this is both terrifying and amazing to observe.
Her very silent giggling was amusing, even if it looked like she tried to hide it. Like she wasn't used to being happy anymore. Oh, I wasn't a really good person, but this made me angry at what happened to her. I ignored this thought, don't get attached. You know your goals, focus on them.
"I see that you have some fun."
"Oh yes! I always wanted to fly like Alexandria when I was a child. I never dreamed for it to be this way, but it works very well." I think it was the first genuine smile I noticed on her face since I knew her. It was a nice thing to see. "Thank you. I mean it. This is amazing." Ah, she was crying, but it was a happy way of smiling.
"It's good that you enjoy yourself. Last one thing before we move on, Danny should show up soon." She nodded at that, and gently stepped on the floor. "And don't tire them out, but I think you can feel it." She nodded, and everything dispersed, while also hiding them around.
"My idea on PR approach. I propose to create 2 separate identities. Heck, it may even work as 3."
"Really? How do you want to make this work?"
"Pass me the pen." She did, and it broke in my finger. "Ahh… maybe you write for now. I will need some sticks to practice. Sorry?"
"Here is the list of suggestions you may go for."
1. Use insects to pollinate flowers for example. It would help florists, and farmers alot. Doing it manually is absurdly expensive.
2. Work as an exterminator. Pretty much pest control. You can eliminate all insects in places like kitchens. Also you may literally use bugs to eat rats and mice for example. No one can do it better than you.
3. Pick up some basic range weapon, like sling-shot. And test how good your aim is, when you plant bugs on someone, and find and shoot at them. Also test if you can see if it works in melee, like someone wants to punch you, but bugs help you predict attackers' moves.
4. Not sure if your power works with things like crabs, but it may work. If it does, find someone to sell sea food for you. It's expensive, and will be even more expensive when caught by a cape.
5. Test bug senses. Smell, sight, hearing, etc. Now they should fare far better with superbugs, as it also improves their all senses.
6. Experiment with creating 'bug clones'. This one is very important for identity solutions. Buzzing may work as a voice. Or a hidden microphone.
7. Train with your bugs on how to lift things. Like imagine you may suddenly use bugs to carry baseball bats and harass people this way. They should be strong enough for it.
"Some… of those ideas are good. But I also don't plan to make money with those?"
"I will think on more points later. Or you do, research. And why not? You may be both a business rogue, and independent hero on the side. And before you say heroes don't take money, all Protectorate heroes have salaries. And Wards also get some money. It's fine, trust me. But for now it's not that important."
"Also those bug clones. And how does it connect to my identities?"
"I think it's pretty obvious."
"So you say that I may create bug clones, and use them as my identities? Like monster capes?"
"Case53's, but yes."
"Ok, I can see it, but 3?"
"Yes. Test if you can, if bugs help you predict attacks or make you aim better." She nodded at this, strangely excited. "As they can also act as your 'bodyguards' and mobile 'brutes'." I noticed that she already started some practice.
"You are one person, and only a human member of your team. You pretty much sense everything in your area, in that 2-3 blocks range?" She confirmed. "Congratulations, you are a Thinker. Now if you can use those in combat, you are Combat Thinker. And you can easily hide that you control bugs in the first place, the surprise factor is important. Your power should work best when NO ONE expects it, so automatically make you a better hero." She was intrigued by this line of thought.
"And use your bugs, and if you make voice things work, through buzzing or some other way like microphone, create two monster cape identities." Yep, she was completely focused. It was fun to make things like this reality, when in previous life I could only speculate.
"Use one with creepy bugs. Call it Skitter or something else. It's that 'vigilante' creepy teammate that I mentioned before. Another one uses butterflies and more pretty moths. Everyone loves butterflies, so she will be 'representative' of your team, not the scary one. Train in front of the mirror, and smile. Speak softly, gently in this form. And it's also easier to accept that one scary teammate, when two others are far more approachable."
"Do you really think people will believe it?"
"Honestly? Maybe? But you may explain that they gained their power at the same time, or that it is a split personality thing, yin and yang. And we have one example of something like this in Brockton Bay."
"Fenja and Menja." I smiled, as she remembered when I mentioned Brockton Bay capes.
"Yep, we have a winner here." I announced in amusement, and she actually played along, and bowed! Progress!
"Also one more thing - do you have a costume?"
"Ahhh, work in progress. Do you want me to show you?"
I nodded. She returned with some part of it. Yeah, it needed more work, but with upgraded bugs it should also work much better. And spider silk should be far stronger thanks to my upgrade.
"Looks good. But too dark. And that mask may look like something a villain would pick. Sorry."
"Ah yes, I see it."
"Unless you want to go vigilante?"
"No, I will try a different color."
"Something like Dark Red or Dark Green I would say? I'm not an expert. There is Parian, a clothes power rogue in Brockton Bay. She may help. Avoid white, as it may get too dirty too quickly"
"I'm not sure if I can afford this one?"
"Set up an agreement. Your spider silk for some of her work. She may be good with fashion or something."
"Fair enough. Is that all?"
"I think so? I hope I helped?"
She nodded, and I slowly hugged her. She was shocked, but she returned it. I also gifted her my potions I didn't drink, so she had a few more of them just in case. I think it was a very constructive evening for both of us.. We almost finished, when suddenly we heard Dannys' car driving in. We split up, and hid what we did. We spent some time watching TV together, and we left to our rooms. It was frustrating, but I managed to train enough control with my body to not break everything around.
Afterwards the next day started calmly. It was boring as expected. Missy left a bit earlier. Me, Na Li, and Veronica left the classroom together a few minutes later. I pretty much listened only, and said something when asked. What surprised me, was a young blonde teenage girl. She kind of reminded me of that old live show Sabrina, very identical look. Ah… Rune. I stiffened. And confrontation that I was worried about. I had a pretty good Brute/Mover package, but worry was still there obviously.
I also noticed her scowl, when she noticed both Na Li and Veronica. Yep, that pretty much sealed the deal. I was almost certain it was her.
"Sigh, I'm here to simply pick you up. Fuck this. Just follow me up. And think about people you talk with."
In answer I eyerolled, which she scowled at.
"Will you be alright? She's kind of mean." More reserved Veronica said, which I also agreed with.
"I think you may consider going with her?" With a glare answered far more confident Na Li. When Rune wanted to react, I raised my hands.
"It's fine. Thanks. Cya around." They turned around, but in the end they moved away. I raised my eyebrows, and showed her to move on.
"Nigger, and a chink? Really?"
"Wow, you don't even pretend, do you? So I may say 'A Nazi bitch? Really'?
She glared at me, and I think she tried to swing at me. I simply moved my head, and grinned. She was about to swing again, but she realized that I was called, and growled instead.
"Wow, you are one lucky punk. Seriously, stop pissing me off."
If I wanted, I could absolutely destroy you. But I wanted to keep my parahuman status hidden obviously. I shrugged my arms. We walked towards the parking lot, and I noticed a pretty fancy small scooter. We sat on it.
"Not bad. Also who I'm about to see?" I knew who, but I hoped that maybe I was wrong.
"James Fleischer. Big business man. I don't give a fuck, but he also paid me, so whatever."
"You're such sunshine. True lady type."
"Shut your mouth, you little shit."
"Yep, milady. Queen Elizabeth would be proud."
"Are you always a smartass like this?"
"For annoying cunts like you? Sure I am".
She growled, and barely held herself in check. Ah, being an annoying shit was kind of fun sometimes.
We moved slowly. Also before that I called from my phone. Not PRT one obviously, but other ones. I purchased it earlier, but I didn't inform Heberts for obvious reasons. Although this is yet another thing I should talk with them about.
She almost pushed me into a pretty basic building. White walls and all. Fuming, she left, while I entered in. Inside though, it was a different story. Wow, luxurious. Mahogany wood, victorian style decorations, and marble top quality floor. Yeah, he loved luxury. Or maybe it was some sort of power play? To show that joining them is a worthy goal?
Yep, it failed. Money ruined my previous family, and I really wasn't impressed. But I suspect cameras were everywhere here, so I observed around with fake wonder. How should I approach this? Act like a child? No, I wouldn't be able to fake it. And if he did basic research, I doubt this would fool him anyway.
I decided that I was already bored, sitting in one of the chairs. Man, I almost melted sitting in one of those. Maybe all of this I considered pointless, but I needed to admit that this piece of luxury felt nice. Although with how I needed to wait, I guess this was yet another power play. Making someone wait, you may show them how unimportant you are, and make them start to think of the worst kind of scenarios. In this case it kind of worked, because Nazis are Nazis.
Suddenly I was called in. I noticed the guy in the end of the room. He observed me calmly. He looked kind of unimpressive to be honest. Bald, with beady small green eyes, and a more slim figure then I expected. It was like I met one of those older accountants, that were completely ordinary in the way they wore their clothes, and how they looked and acted. Only things that changed that impression in a way was a very luxurious watch, and a suit with mixed white, red, and black colors. Wow, he wasn't even hiding it. I guess red and white were a very small part of it, but for me it stood like a sore thumb.
So this was Krieg, huh? He looked unimpressive, but I could say the same about Taylor, and especially Ciara, and they could be really damn deadly. And there were many other examples of this type.
And in direct power confrontation, I wouldn't like my odds. It was one of those bad matchups for me. His control over kinetic energy meant that even if I jumped directly into his face with a fist, he would simply reduce this energy to nothing or close to it. And his power was at its strongest in very direct close combat, which I was best at. Although maybe it could go better, if I lifted that desk in front of him, and used it to bat him through the window? No, bad thoughts.
"Hello Kamil. I'm not sure if you know me, but it's nice to meet you. They call James Fleischeir, but just call me James."
"Nice to meet you, sir." He nodded pleased. I almost wanted to roll my eyes, because he reacted the most at 'sir' part. Do you like boot lickers so much?
"You probably wonder why you were called here?"
"Honestly? Yes. I'm just a kid after all. And I heard that you are a pretty good businessman."
"I am indeed. I worked hard for my success, as you see around." I nodded, but I think he was prodding for something. Checking my reactions. He quickly stopped, and continued. Yeah, I think he realized that wealth doesn't impress me. Well, most of it. Searching for different angles on how to approach me.
"Yes, congratulations, indeed. I assume you started in Germany?"
"Indeed. Why do you ask?"
"Because choosing this city for business opportunities sounds like a risky deal? I'm not an expert, but with so many criminals like ABB, Merchants, and Nazis, potential issues like collateral damage may be a problem? Is there any particular reason why this pick?"
He calmly started writing something on the paper, but I think I stumped him. He didn't expect this kind of observation. But with the information I suspect, he at least heard rumours about me at this point.
"You're an intelligent boy, aren't you?"
"I try. Although I would like to make a complaint."
"Oh? Something not to your liking?"
"Not sure and it's not about here. It's about that girl that picked me up. Rude and obnoxious."
"Ahhh, I apologize. She's a niece of one person that works for me. If she offended you, I will reprimand her."
"Ah yes, the way she looked at my friends at school. And how she called them a 'nigger' and 'chink'. Pretty offensive, isn't it?" I asked innocently, but I could tell he didn't believe it for a second. Yeah, I was probing at him in return. To see his reaction.
"In the past she was attacked by people of different skin color. And she decided that she feels the safest in this place."
That wasn't a bad counter. In a way he said people of different skin color, like it simply happened. Without any direct racism. And that Brockton Bay was actually pretty safe. Both to slowly 'implant' an idea in my head that people of different skin color may be bad, and that Brockton Bay isn't so bad. Maybe if I really was a twelve year old it would work. But yeah, it was obvious otherwise.
"But it's full of criminals?"
"It happens. There are lots of villains in all North America to be fair."
Which was fair, and in a way also good deflection. Just to show that North America isn't so much better then Brockton Bay. Also I think he heard about my dislike of Brockton Bay. Which… was bad. He possibly learned it from a source I REALLY didn't want him to learn from.
"Like that criminal called Lung? The most powerful one in Brockton Bay?" Ah, his lips subtly tightened. Ah, that jab felt good.
"Everyone has a weakness. Sooner or later someone or some group of people will take him down."
"I guess it's true. Also about that girl… is she like this to everyone?"
"Yes, unfortunately. She isn't bad per se, but her experiences kind of shape her up. Also she can't call people 'chinks' or 'niggers' in public. This girl, I swear."
I subtly flinched, Fuck, he played me. He did pick her up on purpose, because people around knew what kind of interests she has. And that she never hid her Nazism. And if he knew or suspected me of being a parahuman, or that I suspected them, I wouldn't refuse them. And he picked her up, because he preferred parahuman for this job just in case I would violently refuse. And with him being German, that impression may be even stronger. And I think I also revealed that I suspect them of something.
And if I try to deny, they will think that I lie. So it means some people may start to look oddly at me. And in this case he may present more 'polite' people, to show that Nazis are in fact very trustworthy people, while Rune is just that 'bad apple', to create that contrast.
Oh gosh, and my reputation is already kind of shaky pretty much everywhere. And while I said I want to leave Brockton Bay, they may in their paranoia believe it's me simply lying. Fucking hell dammit. Fuck you bastard.
"Something wrong?" Yep, he knows. "No worries young man, that girl may be a menace. And she is in some moments. But there are always other people to befriend."
Yep. Ah, it was so grating, that he trapped me. And rubs it in my face.
"I'm doing fine on this front, thank you. I'm not a person who likes lots of people around him. I'm kind of… introverted." Oh, that sounded weak, but I was still pissed off.
"No worries, take your time." It's not like they couldn't wait in theory. I was very young, so they could wait.
"I also enjoy my current family so far."
"Ahh Herberts, right?"
"Yes, they are nice people. They care about the city. Also from what they told me they are French, Hebert sounds like it." I clearly presented it, that I knew they weren't Jewish or anything. And Hebert is a pretty known name, so they simply couldn't remove him. I just made it clear that they are 'white' enough to make sure some idiots don't go for them. Although with Taylor right now, it may be a very bad idea for whoever tries.
"Head of hiring in DWU, and his daughter. It's horrible what happened to her, coming from that girl. She quickly disappeared, strange indeed." It took all my willpower to not react to this one. I was almost certain he knew about Shadow Stalker, and he suspected that Locker Event was something serious. And we know how those kinds of events end up for some people.
They wouldn't break Unwritten Rules, hopefully. But it was bad. I needed to warn them. Gosh, this conversation isn't really going in the directions I want to. Or maybe he is probing, and I leave some clues behind? I hated to admit it, but he was good at this. And it takes one idiot, like in the case of Fleur, for something to go to shit.
"Yes. But they do fine, and try to do their best."
"It's hard to do a proper job in his situation. Although with time the situation should improve. People like ABB or Merchants can't run around all the time. And once it happens, some investors may show up, and offer some lucrative offer."
In other words, Nazis sooner, or later will get an opening. And that financially people in DWU struggle financially, so they will accept it sooner or later. And when you sit on an empty stomach, it's true. Or they may resent Heberts, as right now financially we are far better than people around us. Just one bad rumour about let's say bribes…
"Is there also any other reason you called me in?"
"Yes, I wanted to tell you that I knew your father."
"Really?" He nodded.
"Yes, we worked together in the past. He sold cars, while I mostly tried my luck in household good trade. We teamed up, and we worked together well."
"I see. What kind of a person he was?"
"He had a temper, and he had a tendency to gamble too much, but his instincts were always good. He died unfortunately, but he supported me, and people close to me. I don't want to bore you with my stories, so I prepared an album and some of the things he typed in his diary. This isn't an original, as the true one disappeared."
Bullshit. Pretty sure you present me an edited version, to present him in as positive light as possible. But so far he was pretty subtle. But I guess I may do something, although it may be crossing some line.
"About those criminals. ABB, Nazis and Merchants. But there is also that guy Coil, right?"
"Ah yes, I heard about him. A small timer."
"Is he really? Like him being so small sounds suspicious by itself. Also I heard about his mercenaries. Like… those tinkertech rifles. I heard those must be absurdly expensive."
"Yes, when I think about it, it's true."
"So I'm pretty sure as a businessman, where does he get this money? And where he is hiding all the time?"
He blinked. He realized something, and he didn't like the result. What I did wasn't subtle, but I wanted to bring more trouble to Coil, and give them something to be occupied about. Whatever happens, it should work to my advantage. And at this point pretending was pointless. To at least buy time.
"Strange indeed?" Krieg asked.
"Criminals. I don't like this city, but oh well, it's part of my home now."
He finished his drink, which I suspected was coffee, and politely thanked me.
"If there is something you need, don't hesitate to call me." He passed me a phone number, and I picked it up. "And feel free to visit me anytime."
It was yet another trap. If I refused to show up again, it would literally scream that I know something about him. But if I started to show up more often, rumours would get worse.
I really hated this fucking feeling. Being surrounded and trapped. Will I really need to escalate, and do something permanent? Long term I didn't think I could win this. Empire was both financial, and combat wise a juggernaut. Literally they didn't need to do anything, but wait. And if something more drastic started to be happening, they could decide that me and Taylor need to be permanently recruited. Although me being a Ward does help here a lot, which ironically I friggin despise. Or maybe I'm too paranoid, and it works against me?
I thanked him, and asked him where the nearest bus station was. He smiled, and said that I shouldn't bother, and that he will ask someone to drive me to my home. I saw no reason to disagree, so I accepted. Once I entered the house, and this time I noticed that Taylor was already in, I walked towards her, and told her my suspicions. That really didn't go well. Like at all...
.
