Lost on a Death World (Worm, Celestial Forge, pseudo-SI)

[Trek]

1. In a healthy 'world' proposition meets demand (at least somewhat). But on Bet there should be an extreme shortage of quite a few resources, like rare metals and oil products. Something that substitutes that (by getting results with different resources or by using less resources) is welcome and increases chances of civilization's survival even if economy crashes.
2. Existing government, thinkers and companies won't go anywhere, and Bet's economists should have lots of experience navigating in the field of crashing economy. They will see the problem and will regulate it for a better outcome.
3. At the moment MC doesn't release tech for general public, doesn't upload it to internet for an uncontrollable spread. As it is the tech will be checked, pattented and people that need to know will know through normal channels, so the 'problem' will be controllable.


And how is that a problem?

It's going to happen either way without supertech. Spreading supertech around raises chances of civilization rebuilding after that event, even if it speeds up disaster (which I somewhat doubt). And 'disastering' earlier is actually beneficial - more population and workforce for a recovery in comparison to after endbringers wiping out a dozen more major cities.

Click to shrink...

I completely disagree and don't think he should release any tech until he has killed both entities and taken over the remaining shards but there is no point in taking about this topic any longer as it's irrelevant to the story.

 

[Eibon_Alain]

No, he cried AFTER ordering his servant to kneel because he was really afraid she was a slave to his will. He's crying in relief.

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Oh, that makes more sense.

 

[LollipoPReapeR]

If I may suggest, please put the chosen perks in spoilers at the end to cut down on word bloat. Also I don't think explanations of fandoms/settings are that don't apply to him exactly are necessary, like the Ar Tonelico description we got. At least not until it's going to be actually used. And finally, I think you might need a better in story reason to not learn shadow clones as they are massive speed multiplier for learning, so the current reasoning looks rather weak.

On the other hand, very much enjoying this fic. Tired of constantly angsty MCs in tinker/CF fics.

 

[Baran3]

If I may suggest, please put the chosen perks in spoilers at the end to cut down on word bloat.

Click to shrink...

Good idea.

Also I don't think explanations of fandoms/settings are that don't apply to him exactly are necessary

Click to shrink...

Bad idea, not everyone is a fan.

the current reasoning looks rather weak

Click to shrink...

Weak...? Learning the standard shadow clone jutsu means at least 4 days doing nothing else.
Too much time for now.

Tired of constantly angsty MCs in tinker/CF fics.

Click to shrink...

Well, between us, I can't write angsty to save my life. My other fics are proof enough.

 

[LollipoPReapeR]

Good idea.

Bad idea, not everyone is a fan.

Weak...? Learning the standard shadow clone jutsu means at least 4 days doing nothing else.
Too much time for now.

Well, between us, I can't write angsty to save my life. My other fics are proof enough.

Click to shrink...

I do understand not everyone is fan (I, myself know nothing about Tonelico), but a large explanation feels like it's focus not being spent on the story or just word padding if said tech is not being used immediately, but it's up to you.

About the SCs, you said it would take 'more than a day' in chapter 7 so I wasn't aware it would be 4 as you're saying here. But even then, it's an investment. Four days now to save a lot more down the line, perhaps if the learning can be spread out a bit more?

 

[Baran3]

Four days now to save a lot more down the line, perhaps if the learning can be spread out a bit more?

Click to shrink...

I'm undecided for now.
It's true it'll be a tremendous force multiplier.
I think I'm reluctant because the character himself feels reluctant to use that technique...
Perhaps he preferred to maintain his own rhythm of work.
I'll see. Besides, I have an assistant now, G7.

 

[Mgunh1]

the five different Lunar caste marks

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... five?

You're a No Moon, the version that came from only had three Lunar caste marks; Full Moon, Changing Moon and No Moon.

Spoiler: Rough Guide to Caste Marks

 

[Baran3]

You're a No Moon, the version that came from only had three Lunar caste marks; Full Moon, Changing Moon and No Moon.

Click to shrink...

But in the beginning, there were five:
Full Moon, Waxing Moon, Half Moon, Waning Moon, and No Moon.
During the Usurpation, they were forced into the Wyld and were forced to regroup the 3 cates into one, the Changing Moon.

 

[Mgunh1]

But in the beginning, there were five:
Full Moon, Waxing Moon, Half Moon, Waning Moon, and No Moon.
During the Usurpation, they were forced into the Wyld and were forced to regroup the 3 cates into one, the Changing Moon.

Click to shrink...

Full, Gibbous, Half, Crescent and New Moon.
And New Moon =/= No Moon. Gibbous were the old system's priestesses.

It is actually more accurate to say that all five castes were destroyed and rearranged into the current three caste system.

Eh, not a big deal, I guess. It just struck out to me that you were using the old five castes in your altar, despite being a member of the newer three caste system.

 

[Baran3]

LOST ON A DEATH WORLD​

Disclaimer: I own nothing in this story.

Notes: I've gone back to work. Chapters should be once a week or once every 2 weeks. At worst once a month.

Rejoice, for now, my muse is still with me.

A warning: The story is somewhat changing from its previous path.

Beta: Pietersielie.

Chapter 9: Lost in a song.​

Tuesday, January 2011, the eleventh.

I didn't sleep well that night.

The emotional roller-coaster coupled with the "Full Reality Vision Plus" experience were a little too much.

Of course, Fate and Destiny, probably angry with me for a few early remarks, intervened in the early morning.

"Gale, if you dare bite me, I'll be very cross with you. Why don't you go and bother Danzou?" The male weasel had climbed over me and was looking at me, a maw full of needle-like-fangs far too close from my nose.

And of course, he bit me. "Why, you little rodent!" I proceeded to chase it but was stopped just outside my bedroom door.

The little vermin was perched on Danzou's shoulder and using her hair to partially hide itself and peeked at me. Danzou was looking at me in my boxers with an amused smile.

I blushed and looked at Danzou's smile and wandering eyes then pointed my finger at the weasel. "You will rue the day you dared to bite me. My vengeance will be terrible, evil weasel." I then promptly went back into my room to shower and change.

Breakfast found me with a little problem: Naming my new PDA personality. I wouldn't forget about Vida… I didn't want to forget about Vida, but thinking about the PDA always referring to itself as "this PDA"… Nope. Asking Danzou, who was feeding Gale, or R2G7 recharging nearby seemed too easy and felt like pushing the problem to them.

Well, I could either choose a name myself or let the PDA choose it according to the so-called "PDA naming convention"… I shrugged. The emotional wound was still a little tender, so I hit the touchscreen to let the PDA do it.

"Generating a new name. This PDA is now designated as ADDY: Another Debilitating Device to You."​

I let the PDA clatter on the table as Danzou winced, G7 blooped in a hiccup, and my eyes widened. I then executed a perfect double-facepalm while groaning. This was karma, I was sure of that. Even the comforting hand of Danzou on my back and the encouraging droidspeak of G7 didn't manage to cheer me up. And, of course, I couldn't risk generating another name. I was sure it would be worse.

"Alright, enough of being a morning emo. Well, Danzou? I need a summary about our situation in Brockton Bay."

She nodded and whipped out her own PDA. "Of course, Master Baran."

I made myself comfortable and opened up my… Well, okay, I opened up Addy to follow her report. I blinked, remembering that G7 wasn't aware of many things regarding our goals. "Ah… Alright, G7? This report is about the progression of our efforts towards saving this world. While I, as StarKnight, am the public face of our group, Danzou is the shadow in the night. She's the one I ask for advice or point to threats I can't or shouldn't engage by myself."

G7 emitted some droidspeak while I could somewhat sense its enthusiasm.

"Translating. G7 is happy that you're treating the situation seriously. It's waiting with impatience for the occasion to prove its worthiness. Even if it's only for mechanical things."​

I chuckled. "Don't worry too much, G7. Your mere presence is irreplaceable to us."

Danzou nodded and smirked a little. "Danzou agrees. Especially since we need to keep an eye on our glorious Master. He proved multiple times that he needs it, especially with animals." I cleared my throat in irritation and she giggled before beginning her report.

"Right, for now, we have completely assimilated the network that Coil put into place. This gave us access to the whole of Brockton Bay, including the gangs and the law enforcement side. The amount of blackmail accumulated also gives us many potential contacts with the state and the cities within. Most notably, we have an existing and exploitable contact with Accord in Boston."

I hummed. "We'll study our possibilities later. For now, just give us a summary of our resources, the opinions of the various groups interested in us, and what has been accomplished so far."

"As you wish, Master. Coil is done for. Both his network and resources. The only issue remaining is the Undersiders… who should change the name since Calvert chose it to mark his dominance over them."

She activated a screen on the wall, showing her results. "Our intelligence sources are the open public ones, many people of various importance across the US that form our human sources, and the powerful computer platform behind our Subnautica PDAs. Navi is arranging all the open sources into something we can easily exploit." She shrugged. "Despite the boon of Shadow Clones, we're still limited on the other fronts such as Imagery, Measurements and Signatures, Communication Interception, and Signals Intelligence."

I nodded. Something to take care of soon. Lack of proper information and manpower would be lethal in some future circumstances.

"Now, about the groups interested in us overall… Let's finish the Undersiders first." She cleared her throat and began. "The Undersiders are… undecided." I almost facefaulted at the unintended pun.

Danzou held a bittersweet smile. "Sarah Livsey is still trying to gain something from her ex-boss's possessions and trying to find any clues about us."

Of course, Miss I-must-know was playing with fire instead of getting the fuck out of this city. I shook my head and listened to my kunoichi. Fucking conflict drive and fucking shards. "Brian Laborn is juggling between his family and his team and is more wait-and-see for now. He fears whoever offed Coil could go after them."

Also normal for the big brother. I knew what I was talking about as I was the eldest of four in my family. "Jean-Paul Vasil is also waiting with a getaway pack near him… and still playing video games."

He was always the more pragmatic of the lot. "Rachel Lindt is the only one who is really preparing for the long term and storing amenities for her and her dogs. She still hasn't hit Hookwolf's dog fighting ring operations. Danzou noted that she is currently the one maintaining the cohesion in the team as Sarah is focusing on her research."

Such a delicious irony here. Although Rachel had always been the one acting towards a pack unity mentality. "Spitfire aka Emily Longs just went runaway from her abusive parents and is discovering the limits of Brockton Bay public services."

I facepalmed. I forgot about that one. Hmm… I could put her with Faultline's crew as canon but… That kind of manipulation was a little sick. I raised a finger. "Nothing but surveillance for now. Just warn me should she encounter too much difficulty or if she's going full criminal."

"Noted, my Lord. The ABB isn't taking any decision for now. Lung is considering us as insignificant and too heroic to be recruited. Of course, this will change once we hit his brothels. Good news on that, Danzou has located them and there's a police operation in its final planning stages to bust them with PRT/Protectorate help." She smiled savagely. "I've manipulated the various moles so that the ABB can't counteract this operation and anonymously passed a few details here and there."

I nodded. "We'll be ready on the sides once the police act."

"The Merchants are also ignoring us, but this is mainly due to a new batch of tinker-made drugs circulating, and Squealer going through a tinker fugue. Danzou estimates she'll be done with her current project within 2 weeks."

I chuckled and made a note about the new drug. There was a probable drug-based or chemical tinker to search for. "Perfect time to deal a telling blow to them. Too bad we can't afford the resulting gang war."

"No, we can't. But, Danzou is using this opportunity to place a few shapeshifted clones of mine and scan anything of Squealer's for our archives."

I nodded. New potential techs. "Try to scan for the overall health status of the Merchants. Especially Skidmark and Squealer. This is a little from fanon, but healing one or both could break the Merchants without a war."

"It'll be done. Now, the Empire Eighty-Eight… Well, they want you dead."

I raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that a little extreme? Don't they want to snatch the new Tinker in town?"

"Normally yes, but you made a rather strong impression on them through Hookwolf. Kaiser needs to make you an example to reinforce the gang's image and is making plans for an ambush or two. They also consider you as rather significantly inferior to even Kid Win."

I blinked. "How…?"

"They think you have nothing new compared to what the Wards currently sport and mistakenly identified your Beam Saber as a plasma-torch due to how Armsmaster described it. They're also using Armsmaster as an example and judged his specialty as the superior one."

I chuckled. "Okay, okay. The ambush will open their eyes. I'll need to be prudent and make it count."

"And now, the ENE PRT/Protectorate… Oh boy, what a mess." She sighed. "Due to their nature and protocols, they changed their minds rather rapidly. Currently, your situation is precarious."

I straightened up on my chair. "Ah…? In what way? I didn't make any errors, did I?"

She tilted her head. "Yes and no. You made a good impression on them and that makes them suspicious of you. You offered technology too freely. However, Watchdog judged you as heroic and willing to help."

I raised an eyebrow and she blushed. "Well, more exactly, that's how Piggot interpreted their evaluation." She pointed at the screen. "You have been noted as '8/10', 'rainbow-colored', 'genuine', 'cloudy with the moon shining', and 'ask me again later as he didn't finish his wish list'."

I shook my head. I knew I was covered by the Veil, but nonetheless… "The reports from the capes you encountered put down as fact a military past, but they also identified your paramedical experience and European accent. They correctly guessed you're a part of a supporting large family that emigrated recently and are now thinking that all of this, including your warnings about the political shenanigans within PRT Central, is masking a need for money."

She smirked at me. "The finished and polished aspect of your power armor and overall technology made them think you're no newbie to tinkering, only with fighting as a parahuman. This is why Piggot asked you for the price of your scooters. ENE PRT/Protectorate is currently thinking that you're testing them financially and so are leaning towards exploitation of your gifts while maintaining you within their sphere of influence. Your proposed base is an opportunity for them to see if they can lightly leash you. Piggot is still wary of leaving you unsupervised."

I frowned and clasped my hands under my shin. "So, everything is still hanging. Following any future actions, they can easily go with me as an ally or a threat." I sighed. "Nothing to do but to proceed prudently… and cross our fingers." They weren't paranoid. After all, they had plenty of people against them. And speaking of people against them…

"And Cauldron?"

"Most of what I have are guesses enhanced by your metaknowledge. Cauldron is aware of you through the ENE PRT/Protectorate and your exploits in the media. Contessa already tested a potential path to eliminate you and was satisfied by the Veil-obscured answer. We're outside the interest of the Number Man because Coil chose to avoid his money network. Only Legend and Costa-Brown know your cape name through the official channels. Doctor Mother and the others are purely ignorant of your existence so far."

She smirked. "It should be noted that no one in Cauldron is currently aware of the demise of Coil so far because of the noninterference in the Brockton Bay social experiment."

I grinned. "And the Veil will ensure that Contessa has a proper path to disregard it and look at the African situation for more social experiments."

She nodded. "We'll talk now about the city of Brockton Bay which is cautiously hopeful about you. You're a breath of fresh air for the various public services, but capes like you did appear in the past and were killed or went away. In fact, the mayor is still waiting for the other shoe to drop. The people…" She hesitated and licked her lips. "Well, they are people with multiple opinions. Let's say, on average, they're undecided about you."

I blinked. "Oh? Are you hiding something, Danzou?" She blushed and looked elsewhere. I sighed. "PHO?" She nodded. "Okay, what is their latest theory?"

"Theories. You're either a cyborg, an android, and even an alien cyborg coming from the future to prevent the end of the world or kidnap all the nubile girls… Some are even thinking about a genderbent magical girl crossed with a Japanese Metal Hero like Gavan…" She was red as a tomato. "And… there are drawings and photoshopped pictures…"

I facepalmed while raising my other hand in negation. Oh, Luna… There must be drawings and pictures about my imaginary transformation and romantic fiction... "I don't want to know. Next, please."

She breathed deeply. "Next are the Heberts." She smiled. "You did it, Master. Danzou observed them discreetly and they're okay and healing. Taylor chose to go to Arcadia and an anonymous person retrieved and repaired her stolen and ditched mother's flute before sending it by untraceable mail. She should receive it in a few days." She winked.

I smiled. "An anonymous person, uh? That's perfect. Hmm, I don't really care about Emma and Madison, but did you find what happened with Sophia?"

She smirked and transferred a file to my PDA. I read it, then read and read it again… I burst into laughter and helplessly fell from my chair. I tried to master myself but lost it again when I glimpsed at the pictures on the file. "BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! How can…?! How did Chambers manage to convince MGM to go with THAT?!"

I simply couldn't stop laughing and rolled on the floor as I tried to read the file again. Gale came sniffing me, not able to understand what was happening to its master.

Sophia Hess had been secretly transferred to PRT/Protectorate Los Angeles, under the command of Alexandria and director Knox, and completely rebranded… as the Pink Panther.

Yes, THE Pink Panther! Reading between the lines, I found that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer agreed to lend the name and appearance if Sophia served as their new PR mascot a few times. That gave plenty of money to both the PRT and the movie industry.

It also put tremendous pressure on the probationary Ward as she had to take lessons in how to conduct herself properly in her new role. Danzou found that if she put even one toe out of line, Alexandria would publicly drag her sorry hide to prison.

But, the worst, or the best, was her costume, directly inspired by the cartoonish Pink Panther. Complete with a plush-like mask leaving her lower jaw visible, fake pink fur and tail, and a few armored inserts. They even managed to have a probably tinkertech device changing Sophia's smoky appearance from black to pink and replaced her crossbows with two throwable tinkertech rings looking like bladeless Chinese Wind-and-Fire wheels with a boomerang effect.

The press conference where she fake-smiled and expressed her "true" happiness to be with the LA Wards was just the cherry on the top. Alexandria looming over her in the background and the lemons I could feel behind her smile proved the many repetitions she must have endured… Also, the visibly practiced nonchalant Pink Panther-like walk on the stage.

The utter badass dark and edgy hero Shadow Stalker was now reduced to the suave and classy cartoon Pink Panther… I almost feared and pitied Sophia second-triggering in the future… Almost.

I managed to climb back into my chair. "Ah ah ah… HA! She wanted so much to be a hero and a predator. Well, she is now… She just needs a Clouseau next. Thanks, Danzou, I really needed that." I chuckled. "Too bad I can't tell Taylor."

"You're welcome, Baran. And that's all for the local situation." G7 bleeped gleefully and went into the Cosmic Warehouse to continue whatever it was doing before.

"ADDY reminds you that laughter is good for morale and lowering your stress.

ADDY advises you to observe Sophia Hess's career to have a continuous supply of comedy-like news for the future."​

I blinked. Was my new snarky PDA emulating dark humor now? "Okay. Now training and then the Celestial Forge."

"No."

I blinked and turned hopeful to Danzou. "No training today? I wanted to sound you out about learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu early to have a better approach to my power use."

Danzou smiled gently as she put on her glasses. My hope plummeted. "Learning this Jutsu earlier is a good idea. It shouldn't lengthen your Ninjutsu lessons by more than two days and you should be able to use it in only four days. But, Danzou meant no Celestial Forge roll today."

I did a Spock. "Aaah…?"

She sighed and grasped my shoulders, gazing into my eyes. "You're deeply stressed, Master. You need a break so today will be just your morning training and then playing."

"Playing?"

"Or reading, writing, sleeping, swimming, anything but calling on the Forge or building things. Danzou won't prevent you from drawing plans but, please, no power use for the rest of the day." Her hand squeezed my shoulder a little. "You really need it, trust your Servant on that, my Lord."

I sighed. I was a real noodle. I simply couldn't disobey her when she presented things that way.

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I didn't do anything for the rest of the day… Apart from training, of course.

Yes, a real miracle, especially with the number of angst episodes I had over doing nothing.

Then, I looked at a calendar and called myself stupid… among many other harsh things.

I had my solid foundation already. Plain and simple. I could produce most of what I wanted or needed without any external help. I had a hidden base with all the facilities. And, more importantly, I was shielded from all potential peepers.

I even had two powerful and helpful allies for Luna's sake.

I couldn't kill Scion or any Endbringers, yet. Yes, yet, especially with the years-long window for Scion and the months-long window for the Endbringers.

I. Had. Time.

The night coming pushed me to ask Danzou if we could have a little jumping between the roofs together. She beamed and accepted under the condition I would be in my dog's spirit shape.

I smirked and understood the training I would accomplish like that for my Essence and learning other Lunar charms… There was also the nagging feeling that Danzou was trolling me by… walking the dog.

I exhaled pure joy as I jumped in the night. My fur was protecting me from the cold, I could feel my heart pumping in my chest and a beautiful kunoichi was dancing around me… Yeah, despite the Silver Fire burning in my core, Danzou was still way ahead physically compared to a new Lunar Exalted.

Bah, I was indulging myself and loving each second of it. Two muggers ran away from a big growling dog and one burly thief screamed like a girl as I bit his calf. I took the precaution to hide my Moonsilver tattoos of course. Eh, beware Brockton Bay, Rin Tin Tin was here.

It was her memorized smell that brought back my attention around me. Rachel and her dogs were nearby. That was a little like bearding the dragon in its lair, but I couldn't resist. I signaled Danzou to follow me and we stealthily approached their location.

Well, what do you know? The whole Undersider team was out and in costume. Even Bitch had empowered her dogs. But, what were they doing here? There were only dilapidated or abandoned buildings around us.

Danzou weaved an illusion of sight and sound around us. "They're here for Black Market items. Grue is still worried about Coil's disappearance and decided to buy a few defensive tools." She smirked. "Of course, the one they're going to meet is one of my shadows."

I chuckled and focused on them. With my enhanced senses, it was as if I was among them. Regent, leaning on a wall with crossed arms, was bitching of course.

"You couldn't have gone without me? This is just buying and I had a raid planned for tonight."

Grue sighed. "Shut up, Regent. We must appear as our full group. We can't afford to look weak, especially now." He turned to Tattletale who was doing something on her cellphone. "And especially not with our thinker firing all her cannons and missing with all of them."

Tattletale frowned and deigned to put away her phone. "I know what I'm doing, Grue. And my power IS functioning properly. I just need to find one thread to unravel it all."

Grue seemed to roll his eyes. Difficult to see that under his bike helmet. "It's been four days since our "secret boss" disappeared along with everything he owned. We burned most of our favors and you found nothing." He turned and loomed over her. "Nothing at all. That's a message by itself, Tattletale. Do not fuck with us and thank god we're leaving you alone."

They proceeded to bicker like the teenagers they were with Regent snickering at them in the background. Only Bitch remained professional and kept looking around for any threats with her dogs. I frowned as I sensed one threat that Tattletale should have perceived.

I blamed a Harry Potter syndrome on my actions as I found myself leaving the roof, crossing the street under Bitch's motionless dogs' noses, and grabbed Tattletale by her belt, pulling back her surprised and squeaking self just as a rotten piece of building crashed where she was.

Most of the Undersiders looked up at the abandoned building and down at the debris and then at me walking nonchalantly on the other side of the street and calmly sitting down to observe them. What could I do since I stupidly revealed myself to them? And I had been so adamant to never show myself to them, especially Tattletale. Fucking saving-people syndrome.

Grue seemed nonplussed. "Did that dog just save your life?"

Tattletale was blinking and looking at me with a laser focus. "Well… Yes?"

Regent was keenly observing me with his taser-scepter in hand. "Well, it has a nervous system. Case 53 or changer?"

Tattletale shook her head. "No…? It's a dog. German Shepherd, European-born no less with a collar and tattoos… Rin Tin Tin? Seriously? No, Silver Flame, in honor of Flame Jr, the dog that played Rin Tin Tin IV's role on screen."

Yeah… I did decide on a name for my dog-self on the spot. The Veil was working marvelously, thank Luna… A rather lame name, but it was too late.

Grue turned to Bitch. "Why aren't you reacting to it? Why are your dogs so… passive with it?"

Bitch blinked to Grue. "Why should I? This is neither our nor his territory. My dogs already acknowledged him as an Alpha a few days ago." She tilted her head. "And why isn't Tattletale thanking him for saving her life? You always nag about debts."

Regent laughed while Tattletale blushed. "Thanking a dog!?"

Grue facepalmed. "Tattletale. I did tell you to see if there were any threats around here." He pointed at the crashed masonry. "THAT is a threat."

Tattletale winced. "I interpreted it as "threatening people" and traps. Not possible accidents."

A male voice made them all start in surprise. "Er… I've been here since before you arrived and I'm not threatening anyone."

The man was rather plain and holding bags in his hands. His clothes and overall appearance made him… insignificant. And he was Danzou's disguised shadow clone according to my senses.

Grue seemed mad. "Our seller was here and you didn't see him?!"

Bitch cleared her throat. "You all didn't see him." She tilted her head and frowned at Grue. "And you asked me and my dogs to just look around and "do nothing else"."

Regent burst out laughing while Tattletale was facepalming and Grue raised his arms to the sky in supplication.

The clone sold them some sleep-gas grenades, bullet-resistant vests, smoke grenades, and telescopic batons at low cost.

When Grue asked why, the clone revealed that the street gossip pointed out that everything that Coil touched was a little hot now, so he was almost giving away his last stock before leaving town fast and encouraging them to do the same.

Grue appeared worried once the seller was gone but Tattletale was still confident. "Don't worry, Grue. This is just a precaution. Nothing, so far, is pointing at changes in the town's status quo. Once I found Coil's lair I should have all the answers and…" She looked at me. "Why is this dog looking at me… like I'm stupid?"

"Because you are." All the Undersiders stared at Bitch. "What? You are! You can't be left alone without a watcher. You make too many fucking mistakes."

Tattletale was puffing and huffing, outraged. "I'm the Thinker! It's me who directed you safely while making all those grab-and-runs and trying to prevent you and your dogs from acting like bulls in a china shop!"

Bitch rolled up her eyes. "I never said you weren't fucking intelligent, but…" She thought for a moment. "You're not wise, like an elder." She pointed at me. "Like him." She smirked. "Good thing he wasn't hungry when he rescued you. He could have taken a little bite from you."

As Tattletale was howling in protest, Grue raised a hand. "Wait a minute." He pointed at me. "This is the 'hungry, tattooed dog' from before? The one you said made your dogs submit in recognition?" He waved at the giant armored dogs near Bitch. "Why aren't they taking it back? They could chew it like a toy as they are."

Bitch shook her head. "Fucking idiots. Look, Grue, right now my dogs could rip you into pieces, 'kay? Being an Alpha isn't only a question of strength, it's all about respect and wisdom. I know I can't properly lead the group so I'm not even fucking thinking about it." She pointed at me. "He's a strong and wise Alpha. I don't know why but he seemed to consider us as an allied pack so he IS taking responsibility and protecting us." She gazed at Tattletale. "Especially those who need it."

Grue groaned and facepalmed before coaxing the group to leave. As the three dogs leaped away from roof to roof, Tattletale could still be heard protesting that she wasn't any "so-called wise dog's responsibility, thank you" while Regent was laughing so much he had trouble maintaining his grip on his dog.

Once they were gone, I lay down on the ground, covered my muzzle with my paws, and whined in dismay. I did it again.

Why, Luna? Why was I such a glutton for punishment? Oh, granted, the Undersiders still all considered me a normal dog… But for how long?

Danzou giggled as she approached me and petted me. I looked at her and tried to express that it wasn't funny. "Oh, come on, Master! It was funny! Especially since you were so against making any contact with them." She put her hand on her chin in reflection. "That said… I may have a utility for this 'Silver Flame' identity in the future."

My eyes widened and I sat up, alarmed. She just smiled at me with smugness and I gulped.

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Wednesday, January 2011, the twelfth.

This morning found me in rare form. I felt great. Just having a full day for myself did wonders for my stress level. In fact, I should institute a day of rest after each stressful situation… The PRT/Protectorate was onto something when they assigned mandatory break days to people after a stressful incident.

Danzou was still smirking at me whenever I asked her what she was preparing for Silver Flame. The little minx. Bah, I was ready to call on the Celestial Forge after our morning training. Also, the little night romp in my dog shape did wonders for my understanding of Essence and the limits of my Lunar Exaltation so I decided to make it a habit.

Do you wish to make a roll on the Celestial Forge?

Current charge: 14.084. Perk range: 700 CP.​

Wow, that was promising. I focused and triggered the double-click of my mental mouse.

Current charge: 8.112. Perk range: 400 CP.​

"Ouch…" I received a box the size of my head… on my head. Yeah, very funny Celestial Forge.

I examined it and blinked. It was radiating a familiar blue light. "Ragnite… A Ragnite container." And then the knowledge of the Valkyrur tribe about Ragnite and its uses flowed into my brain.

Knowledge from an alternate version of Europe named Europa where this substance replaced almost everything in the petrochemical, medical, and nuclear fields. It was a mundane science, understandable by modern science but about a raw material impossible to find or synthesize elsewhere. A Tinkertech material, plain and simple.

And the key to access the awesome power of the Valkyria. The way for a biological organism to produce a form of energy that manifested as a radiant blue light and powered mighty weapons and defenses.

By using my modern knowledge and the Valkyrur understanding, I quickly discovered that Ragnite formation began in warm, shallow oceans that were present on the alternate Earth millions of years ago. In these oceans, extremely small dead organic matter classified as plankton fell to the floor of the ocean. This plankton consisting of animals or plants used a precursor of Ragnite to store much, much more of the sun's energy than any organic material could. This material then landed on the ocean floor and mixed with inorganic materials that entered the ocean by rivers. It was this sediment on the ocean floor that then formed Ragnite deposits over many years.

The Valkyrur tribe was initially living over a rich deposit of Ragnite and over the years, their physiology absorbed and metabolized the substance coming from the saturated local plants and animals to the point where their bodies could channel, manipulate and unleash the raw energy present in highly-refined Ragnite.

Males and females could access that power, but estrogen was the key hormone to the level of power you could reach. So, young, nubile females were more powerful among the Valkyrur and the later dilution of the Valkyrur genes in the European population made that all awakened Valkyria were female since males couldn't reach a proper estrogen level when attempting to awaken the power.

Their innate fighting prowess was explained by the Ragnite being able to store data like a magnetic band. With time, the warrior tribe of the Valkyrur unconsciously recorded their warfare knowledge inside their ragnite-enhanced genes. Knowledge that could only be completely accessed when their subconscious took the lead and thus enabled them to instinctively learn how to be a badass.

Fortunately, thanks to my Bottomless Bucket and Toaru resource generator, I could already refine an unlimited quantity of Ragnite into potent forms, also forging it into replicas of the mighty Valkyrian weapons, and even graft Ragnite machinery to humans. But I couldn't yet recreate the Valkyrur themselves. It would take years of study or an appropriate perk from the Celestial Forge.

An appropriate perk…? But, by Luna, I already had such a perk. Even more than one in fact.

I could already use Ragnite as a raw material for my Subnautica nuclear reactor and any electrical or oil-based engines. Ragnite wasn't radioactive or a pollutant, a clean source of energy. There was even the capability to broadcast power at distance without line of sight which would make things interesting if I lent or sold items powered by it, or decided to build a giant generator to power my armor. Unlimited Energy for the win!

I could use a mix of my Divine cooking and Cosmic Tailoring to implant the Valkyrur power within someone. Hell, I could use this method to promote magical circuits, growing chakra networks, and enabling Essence-enlightening in mortals. The very healing aspect of Ragnite should smooth out any integration problems.

Eh, I was drooling about the possibility of an alloy made of Ragnite, chakra metal, and Moonsilver crafted into a Mystic Code. It should make completely overpowered Valkyrian-type weapons. An Ar Tonelico artifact powered by Ragnite… The possibilities. The Ragnaid device for an area or directed healing effect without the pesky trouble of nanites. Danzou becoming a Valkyria and using it with all her martial knowledge and an appropriate artifact-based Valkyrur weapon set… And one hell of a backup energy source for my Infinite Stratos power armor. I could even become a Valkyrur myself and directly manipulate the raw material.

Danzou cleared her throat while G7 twittered a worried tune and I suddenly realized that I was chuckling like an evil mad scientist while rubbing my hands.

"Ah… Er… Hmm… Just a little anticipation. Ragnite is very useful."

Danzou shook her head. "I don't doubt it, Master. But who are you trying to convince here?" She tilted her head. "Can it be used against the Endbringers and Scion?"

I rubbed my chin. "Perhaps… It's essentially a matter annihilator in the right circumstances. Especially if I can upgrade the weapons to reach the Final Flame stage without killing or endangering the wielder." I sighed. "But there's still the problem of the Endbringer exploding once we pierce its core." My eyes narrowed. "No… Wait a minute… If all the layers are destroyed before reaching the core, the energy behind the dimensional shenanigans is no longer required and thus nonexistent." I nodded. "It's… possible but we need to disintegrate the entire body before tackling the core."

G7 spoke in droidspeak.

"Translating. So, what is the first step?"​

I smiled and reached for my Bottomless Bucket while walking toward the Toaru generator. "Refining Ragnite and storing it. And since we're going to receive a small quantity each day, I'm going to make it an automated process. Can you help me, G7?"

He beeped affirmatively and followed me in the Cosmic Warehouse. Danzou shook her head and after an instant of reflection, went to Luna's altar. "Please, goddess of Mischief. Laugh at him all you want, but protect my Lord from himself."

"Traitor."

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I was making my afternoon patrol in the air when my Ace Combat Comm Chatter perk activated.

'Boston control. This is Flight 547. Mayday! Mayday!'​

I immediately brought my own comm suite to full power and focused my hypersensor on my aerial environment.

'Flight 547, this is Boston. Are you declaring an emergency?'

'Boston, I say again, mayday, mayday, mayday. Explosion on board. My systems are beginning to fail.'

'Roger that 547. Which systems?'

'All of them. Requesting immediate help.'​

No time to lose. "Brockton Bay Airport. This is independent hero StarKnight. I just received a mayday from flight 547 in the vicinity of Boston. Confirm?"

"Ah… that's affirmative, StarKnight. What are your intentions?"

"BB airport. Loading rescue flight path now. Please confirm I'm not endangering any planes." Sail, the ship AI from Starbound, helped me to generate a flight plan outside the main aerial lines and make a circle around Flight 547 to approach it from the rear.

"Ah, one moment, StarKnight… That's affirmative, StarKnight, but you'll never reach the plane in a meaningful time."

"Don't worry, BB airport. I'm going supersonic in 30 seconds." I throttled my secondary thrusters, gaining altitude rapidly to spare the town from a sonic boom. Thirty seconds later I lit the main thrusters of my wings for the first time.

I groaned under the G-forces as I reached Mach 1 then Mach 2 and slowly crept up to Mach 3. At those speeds, you couldn't maneuver as you liked but the kinetic compensator of the IS enabled me to fly like a hummingbird.

It didn't take long to reach the Boston aerial control zone and I felt better when Flight 547 was identified by my hypersensor. Especially since according to the radio, Boston PRT/Protectorate could intervene on the ground but didn't have any fliers able to reach them in time. "Flight 547, this is independent hero StarKnight. Do you receive me, over?"

'Hero StarKnight? Gosh, it's a relief to hear your voice. Where are you? Boston control is talking about a Mach 3 object squawking your IFF, over.'​

"I am that Mach 3 object. Coming up to your starboard… now, over!" I throttled back and opened my wings in their airbrake position putting me right in the line of sight of the 2 pilots.

'Ah, StarKnight? I can see you… even if I don't believe it. Alright, listen. We had an explosion aboard somewhere on the underside of the plane. All fire warnings are lit and most of our readings are showing contradictory information. I have my engines still online, no engine fires, visual confirmation by a steward. I also retain minimal flight controls but I don't know for how long. Can you help, over?'​

"Hang on, 547. I'm going to see what happened, StarKnight out." I put on a little show with "Blossoming Sun" by flying dramatically in sight of the passengers before doing a barrel roll and coming under the plane.

I winced seeing the damage. Flight 547 was a twin-engine Boeing 737 which still retained a hydraulic-based flight control system. Worse, it also didn't have a fuel-dump system.

There were three visible explosion sites: one near the main landing gear, one in front at the nose gear, and one near the back. They were lined up to create an air funnel that was fueling the internal fire which was tearing through the precious underside controls and fluid lines. It was a miracle that no fuel lines had been touched by the fire… Or a deliberate act.

I contacted Boston. "Boston control, StarKnight. I confirm the explosion. Seeing three sites, I repeat, three explosion sites. The controls are being destroyed by a fire fueled by the rushing air, over."

"Roger that StarKnight. Can you extinguish the fire, over?"

"Affirmative, Boston. I have a whole firefighting suite. I should also be able to make emergency repairs… in flight. Going to synchronize with the pilots, over."

"Understood. PRT is saying there's a risk for other explosives being onboard. Good luck, StarKnight, Boston out."

I began a work of Swiss precision in tandem with the two pilots still fighting their progressively less controllable plane. I ejected my drones to have an overall view of the plane and focused my hypersensors on the internal structure. "547, there are indeed three more explosives on your plane. One in your port engine and one in each of your landing gear compartments, over." I heard them swearing.

'Roger, StarKnight. Can you do something or should we try to reach them from the floor hatches in the passenger area, over?'​

"Negative for reaching them from the inside. I'm going to be forced to cut your hull without damaging your controls or depressurizing the hull, over."

'Can you deal with the fire first, over?'​

"That's also negative. The damned bombs are synchronized to your instruments while corrupting their readings. If I put out the fire, they're programmed to explode. The same if you try to lower the landing gear. Wait… That's it! I should be able to neutralize them if you play with the port throttle, over."

'Say again, over?'​

"Throttle your port engine up and down. My computers will follow the links between the bombs and the spy circuit in your cockpit and I'll hack their internal programs, over."

And we did so. The program able to resist me hadn't been invented yet. Security Worm perk from Hive Queen Quest for the win. Using their own signals I hacked the bombs, verified there weren't any hidden traps or Trojan horses, and shut down the threats. Taking them out of the plane would have to wait for us to be on the ground.

Once the bombs were out of the way, I drowned the fire with fire-retardant foam, injected constraining foam to solidify the structure, and electrically isolate the exposed components. Then, it was just a question of directing my drones to use lasers for piercing little holes without reducing the hull integrity and plugging everything I could save of the hydraulic system.

With relief, I accompanied Flight 547 toward Boston Logan International Airport and a landing strip full of emergency vehicles and the forces of the Protectorate led by Bastion. But when the pilots triggered the landing gear, another problem surfaced.

'Flight 547, StarKnight, nose gear lamp isn't lit. Please verify visually, over.'​

I immediately flew under the plane. With horror, I could only note that the tires were completely melted. "547 and Logan airport. The nose tires have been completely destroyed. My sensor is detecting a lingering acidic composition that seemed to have been sprayed on it before the takeoff, over."

"This is Bastion. That confirms the work of the Trapster, a villain tinker specialized in traps." Very useful, Bastion. And your comm protocols are barely on par with my rusted military training.

'Logan airport. I don't have enough control over the plane to make a holding pattern, please advise as I must land within 10 minutes at best, over.'​

"Bastion, StarKnight. Can you prepare a truck-like vehicle with a very good driver to be used as a landing platform within 10 minutes, over?" It was something that had been done on my Earth… with a lighter plane.

"Er… No. All our equipment is geared toward explosives and firefighting."

"Understood Bastion, StarKnight out. 547, hang on! I'm taking the place of your nose gear. Please let it down, it'll serve as a support pillar for my maneuver, over."

Bastion protested the "reckless stunt", but we didn't have the time to argue. Even neutralized, the bombs remained dangerous. The one in the nose could explode at the landing and create a chain reaction if the pilots tried to land without the nose gear.

Worse, the Boeing 737 was going to land with most of its fuel still on board so we weren't even sure if the main landing gear would sustain the weight at the impact.

I flew near the downed nose gear and, carefully avoiding the bomb, used my beam saber to weld it solidly before placing myself on it and cutting my propulsion. The pilots were very good and could compensate for my presence in the profile of the plane.

I breathed deeply as the plane began its approach and final dive toward the landing strip. The silver fire burned within my muscles as I directed mana from my magical circuits to reinforce the strength-amplifier myomers of my power armor. A 737 weighed a maximum between 60 to 68 tons at the takeoff, so I needed the supplemental power, especially with a landing speed of 240 to 260 km/h.

As the ground became closer and closer, I directed my force fields to encompass the front of the plane and extended them beneath my armored feet. A force field could be selectively smooth to counter friction or non-skid to prevent accidents on treacherous surfaces. I was replacing the nose tires with a semi-frictionless surface.

Contact! Miraculously, the main landing gear tanked the ground impact with screaming wheels and I'm sure I heard some metal breaking inside the structure. Then the plane's nose rotated down and it was my turn.

"URGH!" It was like being Atlas and holding the full weight of the universe. My knees bent but with a scream of rage, I managed to push up before losing my balance. Having put my back against the gear enabled me to tank the landing and resist the terrifying kinetic energy of a whole plane using me as landing gear and running along the strip.

Sail warned me of the excessive speed and I focused on the frictionless setting of my force-field, gradually making it rougher and rougher to reduce the speed and finally stop the plane.

I gently put the nose down on the tarmac and collapsed on the ground like a lifeless doll. Emergency services were rushing to the plane along with the Protectorate. Passengers first of course.

I was still motionless on the ground and letting my medical suite deal with my protesting muscles when people approached me.

"Is this him, Bastion?"

"Please, be careful Senator. We still don't know his exact role in this incident."

"Ridiculous. This was a domestic terrorist attack, probably by the Elite. I can't see Accord doing or even permitting such an act."

Senator? I turned my awareness back to my surroundings and my computer identified the man in an expensive suit and surrounded by bodyguards as Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts. The other was the infamous Bastion.

Able to generate various force fields, he was clad in silvery-gray plated armor with a helm and eye protectors. I also knew he had a temper and enjoyed his authority and fame.

The senator waved away the concerns of his guards and the PRT and fearlessly approached me. "Are you alright, young man? Should we call the medics here?"

I shook my head and courageously got up on my painful legs. "Senator. No, thank you. Just some muscles reduced to noodles. My armor is powerful but the flesh anchor is still human."

He smiled and reached for my hand. "No, on this day, it's up to me and all the passengers of Flight 547 to thank you for saving our lives, StarKnight."

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I moaned in pleasure as I indulged myself in the hot water of my giant bath in White Base. Yeah, I finally decided on a name. Not a great name as I shamelessly stole the name of the first Pegasus-class spaceship from the Gundam franchise, but a name nonetheless.

Ah, yes! Nothing beats hot water to deal with cramping muscles… That and medical nanites of course.

Well, I made the national news as a hero. Not only did I save the senator of Massachusetts, but also a great number of industrial and financial bigwigs. Flight 547 was a plane reserved by Scott Brown to gather many VIPs to discuss various projects concerning his state. Danzou confirmed that it was a secret attempt by the Elite to generate enough chaos so that they could have a bigger presence in the region.

I snorted. I just made another enemy. But, my potential fame and public reach were bigger now. I also took care to thank the PRT/Protectorate, Logan Airport, and the emergency services for their invaluable cooperation before the media… At least until Bastion blew it up by throwing a fit worthy of a child about my "reckless stunt". I sighed. I really hoped to soon be able to deal with this damned shard-induced conflict drive… Chambers must be climbing the curtains right now. Oh well, they had my record of the incident so they could put their personal spin on it without implicating me because of the senator.

This evening, I tried to use my Divine Cooking to create dishes that could help with the Ragnite infusion, growing Magical Circuits and Chakra networks, and cultivating Essence. It wasn't that bad, but it would need several meals regularly before having a significant impact. Bah, both Danzou and I were satisfied by the current state of our beings. It should be interesting to see what a Karakuri Doll like Danzou could do with Valkyrur powers.

"Alright, and now for the dessert."

G7 bleeped with enthusiasm.

"Translating. I hope the Celestial Forge will give us a useful gift."​

I chuckled. "We never know in advance, G7. That's why we do this in the warehouse and possibly with all of us nearby."

Do you wish to make a roll on the Celestial Forge?

Current charge: 12.416. Perk range: 600 CP.​

"I wonder what sort of flavor we will receive now."

Danzou giggled. "Don't be such a glutton, Master. You might gain weight."

Current charge: 6.436. Perk range: 300 CP.​

Huh? Either the Cosmic Warehouse grew bigger or I just became smaller. "I wonder what happens…?" I froze as I stared at my hand. My non-existent hand. My missing hand was replaced by a marine blue limb that looked like… No… Oh, please, Luna, NO!

I screamed in dismay as I examined myself. I was… a fucking Pegasus! A cute and small pegasus with a marine blue coat and black mane and tail. And I didn't look like a normal pony with a blue coat and wings, but like… a fucking "My Little Pony Friendship is Magic" pegasus of 4 feet tall. With dread, I looked at a certain part of my anatomy and sighed in relief. I was still male at least.

I turned to Danzou and panicked at her gaze. "Er… no, please Danzou, control yourse…"

"KAWAI!" I groaned as my kunoichi grabbed and squeezed my pony-self like a big, plushy doll. Well, there was no doubt that Danzou really was a girl now.

After a full fifteen minutes, G7 bleeped interrogatively which rebooted Danzou's brain. She blushed heavily, looked slightly mortified, and put me down gently. "Sorry, Baran. You were so cute that Danzou couldn't resist."

I sighed and tried to change back. Fortunately, my Lunar shapeshifting still worked perfectly and I found myself back in my human shape. "Don't worry too much, Danzou." I had a bitter-sweet smile. "When young girls see me like that, it'll be worse. Much, much worse with ribbons and petting and shrills…" I shuddered and she winced in anticipation.

"ADDY reminds you that an Equestrian Pegasus can fly and even directly control the local weather. This shape is also built to withstand collisions and as such is an advantage for your survival.

ADDY also reminds you that being "cute" or "adorable" are ways to more easily get help from people."​

Frowning and rolling up my eyes at my PDA, I remembered something about the setting and retook my pony shape. Hmm… I had a Cutie Mark in the form of a mortar and pestle. I also found a saddlebag with my cutie mark containing a complete herbalist kit… with a magic function to gather nearby herbs and spices and store them in stasis. There was even an introductory booklet to herbalism that doubled as an index for the collected plants.

In fact, I was almost sure that my "special talent" was related to herbalism, holistic medicine, or even maybe alchemy.

I sighed deeply and downed my head before singing as an invisible Disney orchestra accompanied me.

"Be brave, avatar

Make a wish to the Celestial Forge

Hold your head up as someone is near

Someone's waiting for you

You're not lost, avatar

There'll be a smile where a frown use to be

You'll be part of the world that you see

Someone's waiting for you

Always keep the smile of a child in your heart

And you're sure to see the light

Soon there'll be joy and happiness

And the world you're building will be bright

Have faith, avatar

'Til your hopes and your dreams come true

You're not lost, avatar

Someone's waiting to love you."

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Notes: Yes… That was a Heartsong. Directly inspired by "Someone's waiting for you" from "The Rescuers". Damn, but this song always makes me cry.

Hmm… I still didn't choose a name for my ponysona. If you have any ideas, don't hesitate.

Ragnite and the power of a Valkyria. The idea of using Cosmic Tailoring and Divine Cooking seems a good one as I should more easily access plenty of powers through that combo.

Likewise, if you have any ideas about applications or combo with my perks, please don't hesitate to post them.

I put down the date to facilitate the following of the story. It also simplifies my life as I'm using a calendar to put down whenever I receive new supplies and when I finished learning an art or a technique.

And so, we have a probable interaction with the Undersiders in the future… With me as a dog named Silver Flame… Still find it lame… Eh, it rhymes.

Oh, and now you know the fate of Sophia Hess. I hope you enjoyed it.

Thank you for reading and commenting.

Current charge: 6.436. Perk range: 300 CP.

Spoiler: Perks gained in this chapter

Perks gained in this chapter:

Valkyrian Science (Valkyria Chronicles) (300CP)

Somehow, you've gained some of the knowledge that the Valkyrur used to possess, giving you the skill and ability to graft Ragnite machinery on a level far above any modern human. At first, you'd only be able to create replicas of the Valkyrian weapons, but with many years of study, it might be possible to recreate the Valkyrur themselves.

Variable: Ragnite Container (The first level is free for all jumpers)
Ragnite is a valuable resource in Europa, and it is unlikely to appear in any other world. By spending cp, you receive a container that replenishes once per day. The free level gets you a box the size of a human head. Spending 100cp gets you one the size of a dumpster. Spending a whole 200cp will net you a shipping container's worth of Ragnite.

Herbalists Kit (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic) (300)
Magically collects nearby herbs and spices and stores them in a magical freshness ensuring stasis inside itself while sorting and naming them. It also includes a small instruction booklet that teaches basic herbalism. The names of the herbs and spices it collects are stored in the book.

Pegasus (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic) (Free)
Winged Ponies that live in the clouds and are known for their weather control, their flight, and their old military tradition. They are generally fast, agile, and have no fear of heights let alone sudden depths. They have an instinctive understanding of wind currents which comes to great use in their usual duty as Weather Control ponies.

Flash Mob (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic) (Free)
If you have a problem, or just feel like singing, you can start a song. Not only will you be able to create lyrics on the spot, but everyone around you will too and will act as backup singers and dancers. They won't do anything that would put them in obvious danger, however, and don't expect your enemies to drop what they're doing to join in on a song and dance number unless their part of the dance is about how they're trying to kick your ass.

Special Talent (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic) (Free)
You are particularly good at one relatively mundane skill, if you are a Villain or a Noble then you may choose a less common skill such as infiltration or airship design. Of course, you can only have one Special Talent, otherwise, it isn't very special.

 

[Trek]

Oof poor mc that last perk.... well at least its still a useful power even if it comes at the cost of his dignity. That song was very cringy.

Some magic networks can be spread and given to a select few but keep in mind some can transmit, for example, some like chakra can be formed in another person with skill, others may be able to be passed down through genes, either way mc will need strict control over who he gives this stuff to as once it spreads outside there is no controlling it. Unless he can bake non-transmissibility into those meals as well.

He will have to figure out a way to delink valkyrie powers from estrogen if he wants to use it himself or he may need to actively get rid of estrogens effects with his shapeshifting.

Maybe he can use his current leverage to send the underside to a pre set up location filled with sensors and have them use their powers, maybe pretending its a task from coil, that way mc has some data he can use to replicate or study them. Specially tats power which works on endrbingers and entities.

 

[Earl_Silver]

Ignore previous, the song was cute.

Though that is an 'oof' grab for a perk.

 

[Baran3]

Unless he can bake non-transmissibility into those meals as well.

Click to shrink...

Not non-transmissibility but he can make exclusive food effects like what he did with Taylor and her father.
... Although NOTHING prevents me to put non-transmissibility in my food in the future.

He will have to figure out a way to delink valkyrie powers from estrogen if he wants to use it himself or he may need to actively get rid of estrogens effects with his shapeshifting.

Click to shrink...

Correct. That said, males DO have estrogen, just at a low level. Like females have low levels of testosterone.
Technically, once he had awakened his Valkyrur powers, he won't need high levels of estrogen.
Hell, once he acquires a female form he could produce and reduce estrogen at will.
Ah ah... It's so funny. Oh well.

Maybe he can use his current leverage to send the underside to a pre set up location

Click to shrink...

Not quite. It's Danzou who has an idea with the Undersiders. She'll use his dog persona for that.
What do you think, the Undersiders working under Danzou in her network and doing good things?

 

[Trek]

Not non-transmissibility but he can make exclusive food effects like what he did with Taylor and her father.
... Although NOTHING prevents me to put non-transmissibility in my food in the future.

Click to shrink...

I mean for foods that grant the magic systems like chakra network, magic circuits etc. Not the other meals. For example say he gives chakra network to some random person he picks, that person's children may now have that as well, or the system itself may be transmissible with skill like chakra. Villans and other outside forces can also attempt to steal it though this way.

basically such a system is a system, not a one time poweup and should be treated as such as it comes with more ramifications than just a one time powerup that cant be shared outside your control.

Not quite. It's Danzou who has an idea with the Undersiders. She'll use his dog persona for that.
What do you think, the Undersiders working under Danzou in her network and doing good things?

Click to shrink...

Well I dont see them working under Danzou or even Danzou or mc wanting such after all lets not forget these are still teenagers and sending them to do 'good' parahuman things is essentially putting children in danger, same a taylor.

The method itself is not too important I am just saying mc may be able to leverage his position to get scans of all their powers for future replication or study.

 

[Rhyasial]

I love "Bitch" right now. It's hilarious how she plays the straight man. The best part is how she interacts with the undersiders. The whole Tattletale is stupid part is so true and hilarious. 10/10 would read again.

 

[Eibon_Alain]

This chapter left me with a very strange and unusual feeling, positive satisfaction.

In Worm, good things usually start with killing this or that, taking revenge for one or the other, humiliation and a lot of poison is what usually leaves me at ease.

Lots of funny stuff, but it was the airplane event that I enjoyed the most in the whole story.
Here we have a villainous onslaught, resolved without sacrifices or choosing the lesser evil, with the protagonist improvising with his technological Swiss Army Knife instead of pulling out of his ass an exact power to fix the problem.

And with everything else, I really enjoyed the chapter, thanks.

 

[Baran3]

chakra network

Click to shrink...

For the chakra network, the perk is written as being transmissible ONLY from the perk owner to another. There is an interdiction of it being transmissible to others and it is fiat-backed.
For the rest, true, descendants should have the same power. Especially since magical circuits and valkyrur genes cannot be given out otherwise.

The method itself is not too important I am just saying mc may be able to leverage his position to get scans of all their powers for future replication or study.

Click to shrink...

*facepalm*
They are the ones continuing on a criminal career. Danzou is pragmatic so she'll induce them and reform them little by little.
And yes, I do intend to have scans of them but not that fast.

 

[Flutters Is Shy]

"ask me again later as he didn't finish his wishlist."
Holy shit. THAT is bad. Regardless of how shattered or/and obfuscated the observation was, one of Watchdogs thinkers saw the Forge.
At least no one seems to be able to cotton on to it in universe due to not having our outside meta knowledge.

 

[Andorxor]

I think one of the thinker thinks he is Santa

 

[Chaosglory626]

I'm going to need Gus Sorola to analyze your airplane incident lol.

 

[Mastersgtjames]

Tattletale shook her head. "No…? It's a dog. German Shepherd, European-born no less with a collar and tattoos… Rin Tin Tin? Seriously? No, Silver Flame, in honor of Flame Jr, the dog that played Rin Tin Tin IV's role on screen."

I think you meant Tags, not Tatoos.

I can, sorta, understand some of the paranoia of the Protectorate with their Conflict Drives. Though it is really feeling over-done. But the PRT should not be having the same issue. Some of them, maybe. Like Tagg, or Piggot. But not all of them.

Really looking forward to the MC going out as another Hero who is a Pony(is he an Alicorn?), especially looking forward to him meeting Vicky and Vista.

 

[Baran3]

I think you meant Tags, not Tatoos.

Click to shrink...

No, no. It is tattoos. It's foreshadowing.

But not all of them.

Click to shrink...

It's been less than 2 weeks since his debut. Baran still needs more time to prove he's better than a vigilante.

is he an Alicorn?

Click to shrink...

No alicorn, not possible. There is another My Litlle Pony perk so he could gain another pony species, but not the 3 races.
Besides, he would need a powerful Harmony-based magical artifact and a situation where he goes beyond his cutie mark.

him meeting Vicky and Vista.

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Shrills and squeezes. Poor future Baran.

 

[Araurlis]

I can, sorta, understand some of the paranoia of the Protectorate with their Conflict Drives. Though it is really feeling over-done. But the PRT should not be having the same issue. Some of them, maybe. Like Tagg, or Piggot. But not all of them.

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The PRT will have professional paranoia against all parahumans as they understand that they all have that conflict drive.

And they won't understand that the MC isn't a parahuman as such people are outside of their experience.

 

[Baran3]

And they won't understand that the MC isn't a parahuman as such people are outside of their experience.

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There are also almost NO parahumans without a personal agenda.
Due to 3 decades of capes, they cannot truly understand someone exterior to all this and simply wanted to help.
No need for rewards since his own power is reward enough.
They're pigeonholing Baran because, for them, he's a parahuman, and so someone with trauma and dangerous powers.

 

[Frescko]

Can't help but think that it would be funny if the protagonist in dog form plays a key role against Levi, like imagine this random tattooed dog saves the life of Legend and then gets buffed by Rune and Bitch and just solos Levi before fucking off. Every time some group tries to capture the protagonist in Their dog form they get their shot beat pit of them, and it gets to the point that even seriously dangerous capes are afraid of what appears to be a normal dog.

Like imagine the PRT trying to coverup Lung being bested by this dog, or the dog kills the Butcher and starts beating the shit out of other parahumans but due to being a dog can't understand what the other butchers are saying.