Pandora [Worm AU/Destiny/40k]
- Thread starter Kerashana
- Start date
Dr. Mercurious
Strangest Person You Know
- Location
- New England
Oh by, is this version of Madison 
. I love this version! And from the look of things, this Lisa is a troll of which I cannot help but approve of.
. I love this version! And from the look of things, this Lisa is a troll of which I cannot help but approve of.
Kerashana
Warden
- Location
- The Outer Gate
Still working on chap 3. I mark whole chaps not snips.
Kerashana
Warden
- Location
- The Outer Gate
She is public, can't be helped. But it's an educate thing. Yes, you could easily find the full name out, but the Character that is RogueState does it this way. (It an OC I've pulled together for the story. Not a cape, but important for PHO things.)
Spectrum
Tell me a secret~
- Location
- Behind you~
I still imagine it's the kind of thing Dragon would censor to limit people outside BB trivially getting her info.
Kerashana
Warden
- Location
- The Outer Gate
May haps. I'll give it some consideration and make changes as is appropriate. Either way, thank you for the in put, it helps me work through these things.
My read on Taylor's power is that she has as many as ten powers with select themes, a few of which are known, durability/strength, tinker like, possible thinker (because of that game), teleportation and regeneration, what she needs most are a blaster power and a changer power as of now, her power then (for lack of a better term) pings all nearby shards and uses their data to enhance her base powers.
Somebody like Lung would give her blaster and/or shaker via pyrokenisis (meeting more 'elemental' basters/shakers would allow her to control those as well), changer, d/s and regen because of his other powers.
But if you make it so that it takes time (like say a day or two) to fully assimilate a new powers effects into her own and she can only hold 10 at once then Taylor won't become OP the next time an Endbringer come around.
Somebody like Lung would give her blaster and/or shaker via pyrokenisis (meeting more 'elemental' basters/shakers would allow her to control those as well), changer, d/s and regen because of his other powers.
But if you make it so that it takes time (like say a day or two) to fully assimilate a new powers effects into her own and she can only hold 10 at once then Taylor won't become OP the next time an Endbringer come around.
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- Location
- Canada
To terribly misquote "You are become Ryuugi, creator of unfinished stories."
Other than that your stories are well written, so good job.
Other than that your stories are well written, so good job.
Kerashana
Warden
- Location
- The Outer Gate
Sadly true, my muse is good at setting stuff up... not finishing it. /sigh
- Location
- Over the hill and far away
The more you write, the better you get. No shame in that
And we enjoy the unfinished bits as well.
Your mileage may vary, but you can try doing things like writing outlines, or coming up with an ending or scene and then working backwards saying "now why would that happen...?"
Sometimes you can start at the end, go back to the beginning, and meet in the middle with an outline, then write the story and find it goes somewhere completely different, but better for it.
sometimes you must type where the muse takes you, and sometimes you must simply wander along. I sense much potential in this one, but it is small yet and needs time to grow and bloom.
one question i have is can Lawgiver still use the Traveler's Light? and as a possible hang up about his Tinker power is a inability to revive his Ghost? I really hope you flesh this out. also, are those the only two non Para-human hero's or are there more? and just so you know...you gave me a bit of an idea, The Traveler is a Space Worm like Scion and Eden but instead of destroying planets it goes around saving them...
one question i have is can Lawgiver still use the Traveler's Light? and as a possible hang up about his Tinker power is a inability to revive his Ghost? I really hope you flesh this out. also, are those the only two non Para-human hero's or are there more? and just so you know...you gave me a bit of an idea, The Traveler is a Space Worm like Scion and Eden but instead of destroying planets it goes around saving them...
Kerashana
Warden
- Location
- The Outer Gate
Ja?
Lawgiver/Armsy, and Skidmark are the only ones who's power is non Parahuman. Though Law has that Tinker thing, no he can not revive his ghost (though this may happen). Skidmark on the other hand, is purely Chaos tainted/imbued human. Now on to Magos, Chris. He is very much a parahuman. His power is Trans-dimensional resonance, now locked to a Tech-Priest giving him a sudo Tinker power. Sorry, but I will have to leave it here for know, or risk spoilers.
On another note, chapter 3 is done. I just don't want to post it without some input from someone thus my asking for a Beta. Sense I can't seem to find one, I will probably post it tomorrow after a final read through. (Sooner if I get a Beta who can read through it and give good comments.)
Edit: Right! I forgot to address that. I am running on that exact headcanon (Traveler) right now. It fits after all.
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Ask on the worm fic thread.
Kerashana
Warden
- Location
- The Outer Gate
Mayhaps but I'm past worrying about it. Only worried the pacing will be off a bit, too fast. Even then I can shuffle some events around and rewrite the chap. I do hope everyone likes it. It had Madison, feels, Amy, and a confused Taylor. And that's not counting the 4 or so days skimmed over. Nothing really is happening in the bay yet, but when she starts patrolling more they will. They will indeed.
FUCKIT!!! Incoming Chapter!
Chapter 3
Kerashana
Warden
- Location
- The Outer Gate
Stepping onto campus, was an interesting feeling. For the first time I could remember, it did not feel awkward. Somehow, I felt like I belonged here. Of course, I made it all of two steps towards the office before I was assailed by Victoria. "Taylor!"
I turned to find Vicky making a B line towards me with a mousey girl with frizzy brown hair and freckles; and a black haired boy who seemed to be at peace with the world and his place in it… I honestly can't explain it. But that was the vibe I got off of him. Now that I think about it the mousy one seemed [wary/unsure]. Even Victoria became easier to read, [happy/smug].
Once they were a comfortable distance away from me, Vicky started bombarding me with words. "This is my sister Ames, and my boyfriend Dean. The four of us are going to be going to the mall after school. I will not take no for an answer."
The shit eating grin she had on her face left me momentarily confused. It was the type of thing you get when you trap someone into doing something that they can't actually get out of. Hmm… that isn't the best way to put it. More like she had finally managed to trap someone into something they had been constantly dodging.
With how Dean reacted, I don't think it was aimed at him. He was more indulgent, and I hadn't known her long enough to merit that… Ah, Amy.
Who promptly frowned and replied, "But… I really should help out at the hospital."
"Oh, pish. They can go a day without you. They have certified Doctors for a reason." Even as Vicky spoke, I took in Amy. She was slouched as if tired and under stress, the condition of her hair further gave proof to this. Frizzy in that way hair gets when you're under way too much stress… and she just felt… [listless/DeTermined/despondent] almost broken as she spoke of the hospital. Almost, but not yet. I could feel the strength of her resolve, fraying and brittle as it was.
She… she was like me. Like I had been, back when I was at Winslow. As strong as tempered steel, but ever the surety of steel if tested to long and too harshly will break.
Before anyone could say anything else, I stepped up to Amy and pulled her into a hug. Personal space and any other taboo's be damned. She needed it.
"It's ok. I know what it's like to push so hard you want to just let yourself break." For some reason, my words seemed to have an impact on her, because right there in front of god and everyone she broke down crying in my arms.
As she cried, she stammered out. "It's… it's just so hard. Everyone expects so much from me… but-"
Hugging her tighter, I sighed. This really wasn't my area of expertise. I had no idea what to say, or how to react… maybe that's why I just said, "Come on, let's go find a nice place to talk in private? Maybe do something with your hair, all this stress is bad for it without the proper care."
Her fear she would one day do something terrible just so people didn't expect so much from her. Or that she really would botch something and be imprisoned for it. But… I felt there was more to it. Other things she didn't speak of, out of fear or simply embarrassment I couldn't say. Maybe both, but then. Everyone had their secrets.
Humming in thought, I rinsed off her hair, then shut off the water. "I can't really help you in the long run. It has to be you who does it, but I can give you some advice…"
As we dried off I continued. "Life never truly gets easier. Oh, sometimes it seems to, but that's just us learning to deal with it. Adapting. If it really is so bad… maybe it would be best to get away from everything for a time."
Pausing, she gave me a light frown, "What do you mean?"
All I could do was shrug, "If you're having problems with constantly healing people. Simply stop for a time, or only heal those who can't be treated any other way. I remember my… my mother once saying. 'Doctors and Soldiers have the hardest jobs. They see death on a regular bases. It's why so many Doctors and Soldiers retire so young. They simply burn out."
It hurt to bring up that memory, it was of a time when Emma was still my friend… when mom was still alive.
We were both silent for a long time as we dressed… I really have no idea why, or even how we had ended up in this particular situation. But after we were dressed, Amy sighed. "Maybe… maybe… but it doesn't feel right."
She was on the edge of a knife. One side was a breakthrough that would save her from herself… the other was… not a good place. I should know, I walked that edge for a time before I got my powers. Before I met Jeff and Mark…
"Then maybe…" She stopped tying her shoe as I began to speak again, a sense of [anticipation/expectation/hope] flowing off of her. As if I had the answer? No, but the hope that I would have an answer. "Then maybe, you need to just not take on such a burden. Still go heal, but maybe only three days a week. Also, find something you enjoy. Something that makes you feel good."
Finishing with my shoe's, I nodded and continued. "I've started running. It's good exercise and gives me an outlet."
Picking up the brush, I grinned. "Now, let's do something with your hair."
The 'eep' she gave in reply was adorable.
The looks of wonder and surprise on the teens faces was somehow balanced by the smug, knowing smirk on the Principal's own.
"Ames! Wow… just…" Vicky turned to me and asked, "You did this? I mean, I know you're a tinker, but I didn't think it also included hair."
Dean just had a slightly awestruck gape, and distant look in his eyes… kind of like he was seeing something no one else could and was boggled by it… strange.
Then again, their reactions were easy to understand. Amy no longer had frizzy hair. No, now her brown hair was silky smooth and done up in a loose bun with a few slight ringlets, let to hang down as bangs.
It wasn't so hard… or maybe it was just me? I had always put a lot of effort into my hair, my one truly feminine feature. So, this much wasn't really all that hard right? Or… maybe this was like with the tests? Some bonus based on whatever my power was?
"Be that as it may, I will ask you not to do this again." Ms. Tyr addressed us. "You were lucky no one had gym this period."
She held out a packet of papers towards me. "This is your schedule, as well as school rules and special allowances for Capes. Do not abuse them or they will not be applied to you."
As I took the papers, she gave me a soft smile. "That said, Welcome to Arcadia. Now off with you, so long as you make it to your first class you will be not be marked tardy, this time."
The whole of the class froze as we walked in, a few eyeing me, but far more in some kind of [shock/awe/surprise] after seeing Amy. And, I could understand why. She was simply, very pretty with a shy air about her that just made you want to wrap your arms around her and tell her it would be alright.
I will admit, this was a bit odd of a feeling for me, but then, what would I know? This was a social thing and I was horribly out of practice.
After a few moments of this silence, the teacher cleared his throat. "Right, thank you for finally arriving. Amy please take your seat." He then turned to everyone and continued. "Now, class. As you have no doubt surmised. We have a new student."
As he gestured towards me, I stepped up and, fighting back the impulse to run and hide, I began to speak. "I… my name is Taylor Hebert. I um… I'm called Pandora when I'm out as a Cape… It's nice to meet you all?"
As lunch came around, myself and a significant portion of the student body left for the day. Most of them left for internships and jobs of one flavor or another. It was only really myself, Victoria, and Amy who didn't have to run off to a job.
Being a public Cape had its upsides it seemed, and that's how I found myself at the Brockton Central Mall shopping with an excited Vicky, a bemused Dean, and a unsure Amy.
I would try something on and everyone would give their opinion. The odd thing was, more than once I got a flash of a strange… tangy feeling? Emotion, a strange tangy emotion from Amy I couldn't quite place.
It was nice, and my wardrobe quickly replenished, then grew as we strolled from store to store. While we walked I couldn't help but ponder, was this what it was like to have friends?
Even still, soon enough the comfortable distance we had came to an end. I had to get everything home, and Dean apparently had to get to work.
Yes, I had needed new clothes, yes I had blown most of it on this shopping trip, but I was expecting to get more. All I needed to do was start putting it into a savings account or something… right?
With those thoughts bouncing around, I went about organizing my room. Oh, it had been just fine, for a normal teenager. But I was anything but normal now. Nicknacks and other such things made their way into boxes bound for the basement while I moved things around and made a place to store my Cape gear.
Once that was done, I went about modifying my armor. It served me well, but it was always good to plan ahead. I built in a bio-feed link, in theory this would make it count as part of me for manton limited powers, as well as give it better reaction time. Ok, mostly just better reaction time, I hoped it would count as part of the Manton Limit.
I also put in the taser gloves and what would one day be the underlying infrastructure of an optical camouflage system. Not that it would be finished anytime soon.
As the day wound on, I looked over at the book I had for assigned reading and sighed. Might as well get it over with.
Madison's message on PHO had been… odd, terrifying, and something else I couldn't place. The fact she was SpecificProtagonist, someone who had been… not a friend, but understanding and even supportive of me was… sickly fascinating. Had she been playing me? Or Emma?
I had to know, but at the same time, I was worried it would be a trap… so, I did the only thing I could. I asked Vicky to meet her with me after school.
That's what led us to the boardwalk, it was a nice clear day. A rarity, and we just arrived at Fugly Bob's to get lunch.
Entering the restaurant, a sinful paradise of very American food, I was surprised to spot her in a booth in the far back typing away on a laptop.
Blinking a couple times to make sure I had the right person I nudged Vicky and headed over.
As we approached, I got a better look at her, and she… looked horrible. There were dark rings under her eyes, her usually well cared for brown hair… her face… her body… She was a mess. Her clothes crumpled, and she sat in a hunched over way I knew all too well. She expected to be attacked, if not physically then in some other way; and was simply doing her best to be ignored.
Only a few feet away from the booth; she looked up as if sensing us and I saw [shock/surprise/fear] flash in her eyes before she gave me a small self depraving smile. The kind of thing you would give your executioner.
"Madison." I acknowledged warily before hesitantly, I moved forward and took a seat.
"I… sorry Taylor… and thank you for coming."
Frowning over my shoulder, Vicky shook her head, then took a seat next to me. "So, you're one of the ones who tormented her? Well, you've got guts…"
Waving Vicky off, I spoke in a surprisingly frosty voice. "So, it makes it better that you knew it was wrong? I should forgive you because you were to much of a coward to stand up to them?"
"I… no." Madison let out a heavy sigh and put her face in her hands for a long moment, then she looked up and continued. "I… let me tell you a story…"
And she did, a heart breaking story of a little girl who was ignored by her parents, tormented by her classmates, until one day she decided to do whatever it took to fit in. But it wasn't what she wanted, somehow she had become that which she hated… feared, but then it was too late and she couldn't back out. Not without going back to that life she just… couldn't.
So, the little girl, now a teenager tried to end it. She drew the knife across her wrist and just sat there as her blood drained away. But it wasn't to be, for as she blacked out she saw something… something immeasurable.
Then she woke, and found she had gotten what she had always wanted, and never wanted. She could fit in now, she could change herself to fit.
Madison was a Parahuman. She was a Parahuman!
This was mine! How… how could this happen? No, no it had to be- I ruthlessly suppressed the waves of [hate/sorrow/self loathing] that tried to drown me.
Looking over at Vicky, I found she was starting to look green around the edges. But… "Madison, I…" I didn't want to forgive her, I wanted to hate her, to leave her to rot… but I simply couldn't… "I can't say it wasn't your fault… but, I think we can start fresh… as friends?"
Madison seemed somehow [stunned/uncomprehending/overjoyed] by what I said, and with a sofing hiccuping sob. "I… I… Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou…"
I honestly didn't know what to say. It hurt to see, to hear. And yet, a part of me was still calling for her death for her missury.
Could I really be her friend? Could I ? Could I live with myself if I walked away was a better question.
One easily answered. No, no I could not.
"Whelp… that was… heavy. I'm going to go get Amy, then we can eat." Victoria proclaimed before getting up and leaving.
We sat there for a long time in silence, awkward, evil silence. But after a few minutes? Seconds? Years? Madison finally spoke. "Hi? I'm Madison Clements, also known as Browbeat."
Dah Hell??? "Um… Taylor Hebert, also known as Pandora."
I watched as the tension seemed to bleed from Madison. Then she got a playful smirk that did not fill me with confidence, and asked. "Soo, you and Panacea?"
"Bluh?" The hells was she talking about? I liked guys… right? I took a moment to envision a nice piece of beefcake, Mmm. Ok, that answers that.
She just tilted her head, "Oh, come on. There's obviously chemistry between you two."
Huh? "What are you talking about; I like guys?" Wait, why was there doubt in my voice?
"Wha- Amy, wait!" I whipped around to find Vicky standing a few feet away and Amy running out the door…
Well, shit. Did she actually have a thing for me? I… How did that make me feel? I like guys, I know that… but… No, she was a friend, nothing more right?
Reluctantly, I brought her to mind. How I felt around her… my memories of her in the shower with me. [HAPPINESS/COnTEntMent/pleasure] I… was I so blind? How did I miss this?
Turning to Madison, I gave her a semi baleful glare. "I blame you." Then I was gone, outside of Fuglies turning to try and spot Amy.
She was just bolting around a corner, so I stepped again, to the mouth of the alley. "Amy, wait!"
Of course she didn't, instead speeding up. How was I going to apologize? Did I actually love her?
No, I didn't love her… not yet. But maybe I would learn to? Maybe I already did and just didn't know what love was? I had fallen victim to several pranks along that line before… mean cruel things that left me feeling numb… hollow.
Amy actually make that emptiness go away, if that wasn't some kind of indication… I don't know what was.
I couldn't think of anything to say, I couldn't think of anything to do… So, after a deep inhale then exhale, I took another deep breath and prayed this would work.
One moment, I was jogging down the alley after Amy. The next I was appearing in front of her, holding her at arm's length and bringing her to a gentle stop.
She had such beautiful green eyes, deep and watering, lips so supple… I found myself pulling her against me, my lips meeting her's and parting them with no resistance. Her lips tasted of cherry.
The kiss lasted… I don't know. Minutes? But she never struggled against it, no she pushed into it with a burning hunger, a needy intensity.
When we finally, regrettably, broke the kiss we were both gasping desperately for breath. It had been unlike anything I had… It had been amazing, and I wanted more, so desperately.
I spoke before I even thought about it, the words just flowing from my mouth. But I could feel they came from deep within me, a broken shattered part of me I thought had died. "I… I think I'm in l-love with you."
She damn near fainted, her body going limp in my arms, eyes fluttering. But she managed to stay conscious, and stuttered out. "But… you said…"
"Yeah… but I don't know." I really didn't, how was I supposed to explain this? "I…"
I let go of her and stepped back, plopping down on an oddly convenient cardboard box. Wait, did it just grunt? No, I must be going crazy.
"I was bullied at Winslow. You know this… but, one of the things they did was have some guy start to stick up for me… to woo me. Then when I was in love? Well, then he just turned away and sneered at me, mocked me. I… I don't even know what it's like to fallen in love anymore. I just… all I know is that you make me feel good. I like being around you."
I let my head fall to stare at my feet and just shrugged. What more could I say?
Amy sat on the box next to me, it wasn't quite big enough, but that didn't matter… and I swear, it let out another grunt. But it's a cardboard box, and that would be silly.
Leaning into me, she spoke, in a soft almost scared voice. "I… I thought a was in love with my sister for… for the longest time. Being around her made me feel… better? But then I met you… and… I don't know. It was so… so real. I felt a fluttering in my heart… I felt so good just to be around you. To talk, to say nothing at all, to just hang out. Then… I think Vicky notice. No, I know she did. She's been badgering me to… to ask you out… so… um… Would you like to go to the movies with me? Tonight?"
This was all moving so fast, but… but. "I think I would like that…"
The smile she gave me left me without doubt. This was what I wanted, and I simply leaned in and kissed her again. It would be another ten minutes before we returned to Fugly Bob's hands linked.
I turned to find Vicky making a B line towards me with a mousey girl with frizzy brown hair and freckles; and a black haired boy who seemed to be at peace with the world and his place in it… I honestly can't explain it. But that was the vibe I got off of him. Now that I think about it the mousy one seemed [wary/unsure]. Even Victoria became easier to read, [happy/smug].
Once they were a comfortable distance away from me, Vicky started bombarding me with words. "This is my sister Ames, and my boyfriend Dean. The four of us are going to be going to the mall after school. I will not take no for an answer."
The shit eating grin she had on her face left me momentarily confused. It was the type of thing you get when you trap someone into doing something that they can't actually get out of. Hmm… that isn't the best way to put it. More like she had finally managed to trap someone into something they had been constantly dodging.
With how Dean reacted, I don't think it was aimed at him. He was more indulgent, and I hadn't known her long enough to merit that… Ah, Amy.
Who promptly frowned and replied, "But… I really should help out at the hospital."
"Oh, pish. They can go a day without you. They have certified Doctors for a reason." Even as Vicky spoke, I took in Amy. She was slouched as if tired and under stress, the condition of her hair further gave proof to this. Frizzy in that way hair gets when you're under way too much stress… and she just felt… [listless/DeTermined/despondent] almost broken as she spoke of the hospital. Almost, but not yet. I could feel the strength of her resolve, fraying and brittle as it was.
She… she was like me. Like I had been, back when I was at Winslow. As strong as tempered steel, but ever the surety of steel if tested to long and too harshly will break.
Before anyone could say anything else, I stepped up to Amy and pulled her into a hug. Personal space and any other taboo's be damned. She needed it.
"It's ok. I know what it's like to push so hard you want to just let yourself break." For some reason, my words seemed to have an impact on her, because right there in front of god and everyone she broke down crying in my arms.
As she cried, she stammered out. "It's… it's just so hard. Everyone expects so much from me… but-"
Hugging her tighter, I sighed. This really wasn't my area of expertise. I had no idea what to say, or how to react… maybe that's why I just said, "Come on, let's go find a nice place to talk in private? Maybe do something with your hair, all this stress is bad for it without the proper care."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The gym locker room was quiet as we sat there among the pitter pat of the showers. As I washed her hair, Amy just seemed to unload all her [fears/terrors/lamentations] and sorrow on me.Her fear she would one day do something terrible just so people didn't expect so much from her. Or that she really would botch something and be imprisoned for it. But… I felt there was more to it. Other things she didn't speak of, out of fear or simply embarrassment I couldn't say. Maybe both, but then. Everyone had their secrets.
Humming in thought, I rinsed off her hair, then shut off the water. "I can't really help you in the long run. It has to be you who does it, but I can give you some advice…"
As we dried off I continued. "Life never truly gets easier. Oh, sometimes it seems to, but that's just us learning to deal with it. Adapting. If it really is so bad… maybe it would be best to get away from everything for a time."
Pausing, she gave me a light frown, "What do you mean?"
All I could do was shrug, "If you're having problems with constantly healing people. Simply stop for a time, or only heal those who can't be treated any other way. I remember my… my mother once saying. 'Doctors and Soldiers have the hardest jobs. They see death on a regular bases. It's why so many Doctors and Soldiers retire so young. They simply burn out."
It hurt to bring up that memory, it was of a time when Emma was still my friend… when mom was still alive.
We were both silent for a long time as we dressed… I really have no idea why, or even how we had ended up in this particular situation. But after we were dressed, Amy sighed. "Maybe… maybe… but it doesn't feel right."
She was on the edge of a knife. One side was a breakthrough that would save her from herself… the other was… not a good place. I should know, I walked that edge for a time before I got my powers. Before I met Jeff and Mark…
"Then maybe…" She stopped tying her shoe as I began to speak again, a sense of [anticipation/expectation/hope] flowing off of her. As if I had the answer? No, but the hope that I would have an answer. "Then maybe, you need to just not take on such a burden. Still go heal, but maybe only three days a week. Also, find something you enjoy. Something that makes you feel good."
Finishing with my shoe's, I nodded and continued. "I've started running. It's good exercise and gives me an outlet."
Picking up the brush, I grinned. "Now, let's do something with your hair."
The 'eep' she gave in reply was adorable.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We left the locker room to find Vicky, Dean, and Principal Tyr waiting for us in the hall. The conspicuously empty hall… Oh, crap. Classes had already started hadn't they?The looks of wonder and surprise on the teens faces was somehow balanced by the smug, knowing smirk on the Principal's own.
"Ames! Wow… just…" Vicky turned to me and asked, "You did this? I mean, I know you're a tinker, but I didn't think it also included hair."
Dean just had a slightly awestruck gape, and distant look in his eyes… kind of like he was seeing something no one else could and was boggled by it… strange.
Then again, their reactions were easy to understand. Amy no longer had frizzy hair. No, now her brown hair was silky smooth and done up in a loose bun with a few slight ringlets, let to hang down as bangs.
It wasn't so hard… or maybe it was just me? I had always put a lot of effort into my hair, my one truly feminine feature. So, this much wasn't really all that hard right? Or… maybe this was like with the tests? Some bonus based on whatever my power was?
"Be that as it may, I will ask you not to do this again." Ms. Tyr addressed us. "You were lucky no one had gym this period."
She held out a packet of papers towards me. "This is your schedule, as well as school rules and special allowances for Capes. Do not abuse them or they will not be applied to you."
As I took the papers, she gave me a soft smile. "That said, Welcome to Arcadia. Now off with you, so long as you make it to your first class you will be not be marked tardy, this time."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Victoria didn't say anything as we all made our way to class. She and Dean had different classes, but somehow I had ended up in the same Lit. class as Amy.The whole of the class froze as we walked in, a few eyeing me, but far more in some kind of [shock/awe/surprise] after seeing Amy. And, I could understand why. She was simply, very pretty with a shy air about her that just made you want to wrap your arms around her and tell her it would be alright.
I will admit, this was a bit odd of a feeling for me, but then, what would I know? This was a social thing and I was horribly out of practice.
After a few moments of this silence, the teacher cleared his throat. "Right, thank you for finally arriving. Amy please take your seat." He then turned to everyone and continued. "Now, class. As you have no doubt surmised. We have a new student."
As he gestured towards me, I stepped up and, fighting back the impulse to run and hide, I began to speak. "I… my name is Taylor Hebert. I um… I'm called Pandora when I'm out as a Cape… It's nice to meet you all?"
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Classes went by surprisingly well, no one singled me out, or even mocked me. The classes were… depressingly easy, but surprisingly fun.As lunch came around, myself and a significant portion of the student body left for the day. Most of them left for internships and jobs of one flavor or another. It was only really myself, Victoria, and Amy who didn't have to run off to a job.
Being a public Cape had its upsides it seemed, and that's how I found myself at the Brockton Central Mall shopping with an excited Vicky, a bemused Dean, and a unsure Amy.
I would try something on and everyone would give their opinion. The odd thing was, more than once I got a flash of a strange… tangy feeling? Emotion, a strange tangy emotion from Amy I couldn't quite place.
It was nice, and my wardrobe quickly replenished, then grew as we strolled from store to store. While we walked I couldn't help but ponder, was this what it was like to have friends?
Even still, soon enough the comfortable distance we had came to an end. I had to get everything home, and Dean apparently had to get to work.
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Dad was still at work as I arrived home, and that didn't really bother me. Though… I would need to start doing something with my money.Yes, I had needed new clothes, yes I had blown most of it on this shopping trip, but I was expecting to get more. All I needed to do was start putting it into a savings account or something… right?
With those thoughts bouncing around, I went about organizing my room. Oh, it had been just fine, for a normal teenager. But I was anything but normal now. Nicknacks and other such things made their way into boxes bound for the basement while I moved things around and made a place to store my Cape gear.
Once that was done, I went about modifying my armor. It served me well, but it was always good to plan ahead. I built in a bio-feed link, in theory this would make it count as part of me for manton limited powers, as well as give it better reaction time. Ok, mostly just better reaction time, I hoped it would count as part of the Manton Limit.
I also put in the taser gloves and what would one day be the underlying infrastructure of an optical camouflage system. Not that it would be finished anytime soon.
As the day wound on, I looked over at the book I had for assigned reading and sighed. Might as well get it over with.
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I didn't go out that night or that weekend. The reason was because I actually feared hurting someone too much. Instead, I trained myself, doing what I could to learn to gauge my strength. I also put in time learning what I could about fighting from the internet. HA! The internet is for more than just porn! …right? I could probably get Jeff to show me a few moves, but I wasn't sure how I felt about that. If I had to fight him, it would be problematic… then again, what were the odds?Madison's message on PHO had been… odd, terrifying, and something else I couldn't place. The fact she was SpecificProtagonist, someone who had been… not a friend, but understanding and even supportive of me was… sickly fascinating. Had she been playing me? Or Emma?
I had to know, but at the same time, I was worried it would be a trap… so, I did the only thing I could. I asked Vicky to meet her with me after school.
That's what led us to the boardwalk, it was a nice clear day. A rarity, and we just arrived at Fugly Bob's to get lunch.
Entering the restaurant, a sinful paradise of very American food, I was surprised to spot her in a booth in the far back typing away on a laptop.
Blinking a couple times to make sure I had the right person I nudged Vicky and headed over.
As we approached, I got a better look at her, and she… looked horrible. There were dark rings under her eyes, her usually well cared for brown hair… her face… her body… She was a mess. Her clothes crumpled, and she sat in a hunched over way I knew all too well. She expected to be attacked, if not physically then in some other way; and was simply doing her best to be ignored.
Only a few feet away from the booth; she looked up as if sensing us and I saw [shock/surprise/fear] flash in her eyes before she gave me a small self depraving smile. The kind of thing you would give your executioner.
"Madison." I acknowledged warily before hesitantly, I moved forward and took a seat.
"I… sorry Taylor… and thank you for coming."
Frowning over my shoulder, Vicky shook her head, then took a seat next to me. "So, you're one of the ones who tormented her? Well, you've got guts…"
Waving Vicky off, I spoke in a surprisingly frosty voice. "So, it makes it better that you knew it was wrong? I should forgive you because you were to much of a coward to stand up to them?"
"I… no." Madison let out a heavy sigh and put her face in her hands for a long moment, then she looked up and continued. "I… let me tell you a story…"
And she did, a heart breaking story of a little girl who was ignored by her parents, tormented by her classmates, until one day she decided to do whatever it took to fit in. But it wasn't what she wanted, somehow she had become that which she hated… feared, but then it was too late and she couldn't back out. Not without going back to that life she just… couldn't.
So, the little girl, now a teenager tried to end it. She drew the knife across her wrist and just sat there as her blood drained away. But it wasn't to be, for as she blacked out she saw something… something immeasurable.
Then she woke, and found she had gotten what she had always wanted, and never wanted. She could fit in now, she could change herself to fit.
Madison was a Parahuman. She was a Parahuman!
This was mine! How… how could this happen? No, no it had to be- I ruthlessly suppressed the waves of [hate/sorrow/self loathing] that tried to drown me.
Looking over at Vicky, I found she was starting to look green around the edges. But… "Madison, I…" I didn't want to forgive her, I wanted to hate her, to leave her to rot… but I simply couldn't… "I can't say it wasn't your fault… but, I think we can start fresh… as friends?"
Madison seemed somehow [stunned/uncomprehending/overjoyed] by what I said, and with a sofing hiccuping sob. "I… I… Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou…"
I honestly didn't know what to say. It hurt to see, to hear. And yet, a part of me was still calling for her death for her missury.
Could I really be her friend? Could I ? Could I live with myself if I walked away was a better question.
One easily answered. No, no I could not.
"Whelp… that was… heavy. I'm going to go get Amy, then we can eat." Victoria proclaimed before getting up and leaving.
We sat there for a long time in silence, awkward, evil silence. But after a few minutes? Seconds? Years? Madison finally spoke. "Hi? I'm Madison Clements, also known as Browbeat."
Dah Hell??? "Um… Taylor Hebert, also known as Pandora."
I watched as the tension seemed to bleed from Madison. Then she got a playful smirk that did not fill me with confidence, and asked. "Soo, you and Panacea?"
"Bluh?" The hells was she talking about? I liked guys… right? I took a moment to envision a nice piece of beefcake, Mmm. Ok, that answers that.
She just tilted her head, "Oh, come on. There's obviously chemistry between you two."
Huh? "What are you talking about; I like guys?" Wait, why was there doubt in my voice?
"Wha- Amy, wait!" I whipped around to find Vicky standing a few feet away and Amy running out the door…
Well, shit. Did she actually have a thing for me? I… How did that make me feel? I like guys, I know that… but… No, she was a friend, nothing more right?
Reluctantly, I brought her to mind. How I felt around her… my memories of her in the shower with me. [HAPPINESS/COnTEntMent/pleasure] I… was I so blind? How did I miss this?
Turning to Madison, I gave her a semi baleful glare. "I blame you." Then I was gone, outside of Fuglies turning to try and spot Amy.
She was just bolting around a corner, so I stepped again, to the mouth of the alley. "Amy, wait!"
Of course she didn't, instead speeding up. How was I going to apologize? Did I actually love her?
No, I didn't love her… not yet. But maybe I would learn to? Maybe I already did and just didn't know what love was? I had fallen victim to several pranks along that line before… mean cruel things that left me feeling numb… hollow.
Amy actually make that emptiness go away, if that wasn't some kind of indication… I don't know what was.
I couldn't think of anything to say, I couldn't think of anything to do… So, after a deep inhale then exhale, I took another deep breath and prayed this would work.
One moment, I was jogging down the alley after Amy. The next I was appearing in front of her, holding her at arm's length and bringing her to a gentle stop.
She had such beautiful green eyes, deep and watering, lips so supple… I found myself pulling her against me, my lips meeting her's and parting them with no resistance. Her lips tasted of cherry.
The kiss lasted… I don't know. Minutes? But she never struggled against it, no she pushed into it with a burning hunger, a needy intensity.
When we finally, regrettably, broke the kiss we were both gasping desperately for breath. It had been unlike anything I had… It had been amazing, and I wanted more, so desperately.
I spoke before I even thought about it, the words just flowing from my mouth. But I could feel they came from deep within me, a broken shattered part of me I thought had died. "I… I think I'm in l-love with you."
She damn near fainted, her body going limp in my arms, eyes fluttering. But she managed to stay conscious, and stuttered out. "But… you said…"
"Yeah… but I don't know." I really didn't, how was I supposed to explain this? "I…"
I let go of her and stepped back, plopping down on an oddly convenient cardboard box. Wait, did it just grunt? No, I must be going crazy.
"I was bullied at Winslow. You know this… but, one of the things they did was have some guy start to stick up for me… to woo me. Then when I was in love? Well, then he just turned away and sneered at me, mocked me. I… I don't even know what it's like to fallen in love anymore. I just… all I know is that you make me feel good. I like being around you."
I let my head fall to stare at my feet and just shrugged. What more could I say?
Amy sat on the box next to me, it wasn't quite big enough, but that didn't matter… and I swear, it let out another grunt. But it's a cardboard box, and that would be silly.
Leaning into me, she spoke, in a soft almost scared voice. "I… I thought a was in love with my sister for… for the longest time. Being around her made me feel… better? But then I met you… and… I don't know. It was so… so real. I felt a fluttering in my heart… I felt so good just to be around you. To talk, to say nothing at all, to just hang out. Then… I think Vicky notice. No, I know she did. She's been badgering me to… to ask you out… so… um… Would you like to go to the movies with me? Tonight?"
This was all moving so fast, but… but. "I think I would like that…"
The smile she gave me left me without doubt. This was what I wanted, and I simply leaned in and kissed her again. It would be another ten minutes before we returned to Fugly Bob's hands linked.
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It felt so good to be around you.
- Location
- San Diego
... yay stupid teen romance! Wait... that took place in less than a chapter, maybe 5 lines of hugging and doing hair and now they're talking LOVE. This seems quick even for stupid teen romance. Amy who has been obsessing over her sister for years drops her for the new girl over one bonding session in a bathroom and a 'date/group outing' to buy clothes? Taylor thinks this could be love? I'm very confused.
To fast on the romance...but just right on the ribbing. I would suggest rewriting it so that instead of saying "i think i love you" she says its to soon to tell and would she mind dating...
also a power scorecard for taylor would help lots. so far it seems as if she has: Mover 2 (Shadow Port)(Sophia), Tinker 1 (Upgrading present tech) (L33T), Thinker 1 (enhanced learning)(Uber), Thinker 2 (Empath)(Gallant), Brute 3 (Glory hol*GIRL, Panacea, Possibly Browbeat)
it will be interesting to see what she gets from whom...like Lung giving her a blaster or shaker power instead of more brute. Since Tinker powers are basically the same thing(enhanced engineering) i would most would only add to the one power but with the other classifications you have many sub types.
also a power scorecard for taylor would help lots. so far it seems as if she has: Mover 2 (Shadow Port)(Sophia), Tinker 1 (Upgrading present tech) (L33T), Thinker 1 (enhanced learning)(Uber), Thinker 2 (Empath)(Gallant), Brute 3 (Glory hol*GIRL, Panacea, Possibly Browbeat)
it will be interesting to see what she gets from whom...like Lung giving her a blaster or shaker power instead of more brute. Since Tinker powers are basically the same thing(enhanced engineering) i would most would only add to the one power but with the other classifications you have many sub types.
Xryuran
I'm very hard right now... Hard boiled that is.
- Location
- I a sea egg now.
It kind of seems like Taylor's emotion power is both a sensing and an effecting power. It basically makes her sensitive to people's moods and also makes people want to share with her. That's why the thing with Amy is going so fast. She was basically handed the perfect relationship/therapy power.
They are teens. Everything happens so fast and seems so intense. I like it.
The box reminds me of that game where Snake is in the box and nobody notices it. U&L?
I'm liking this Amy, living with Victoria making personal remarks with no filter on her mouth has to be hell.
Every time I see Madison with pitiful story of how she made Taylor's life miserable so she can fit in, I always hope Taylor will drop kick her in the face.
But then Taylor is a better person than me in this respect.
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Taylor Power Card
Kerashana
Warden
- Location
- The Outer Gate
Taylor's Powers:
Has ten slots for powers, existing powers will evolve based on shards encountered.
Changer: This does not take a power slot
Shadow Step; Short range teleportation through darkness. [Sophia] [Mover 3]
Shadow Control; control of darkness and shadows within half a foot of her. [Sophia] [Shaker 0.5] A non power connected to her teleport
Accelerated Learning, If you can learn it, Taylor can learn it faster. It takes a week for each level of proficiency, but works retroactively based on what is already known. [Uber] [Thinker 3]
Intuitive Empathy; Can sense the emotions coming off of people, especially those with shards. [Gallant] [Thinker 2]
Ability to make 'futuristic' things with modern technology, they can be duplicated by any normal engineer with a firm grasp on the basics. [Leet] [Tinker 4]
+1 Brute Rating [Glory Girl] [Aegis] [Brute 2]
Regeneration light [Panacea] [Brute 1] - Not known yet
Immunity to Time effects [Clockblocker] - Not known yet
Nerve Sight; Can see peoples nervous system through walls and any other vision impeding substance. [Regent] [Thinker 2]
Immunity to Thinker powers [Tattletale] [Thinker 5]
Escalation; Brute ratings will scale with potential threats present. [Lung]
[Pseudo-Power] Hair Tinker, Can do the impossible with hair care and styling. [Accelerated Learning]
[Pseudo-Power] Sage of Heart; Intuitively knows what to say to help people. [Synergy: Accelerated Learning-Intuitive Empathy]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Lungs shard effectively breaks Taylor's trump power, she retains all the powers she has gotten, but will gain no more.
Has ten slots for powers, existing powers will evolve based on shards encountered.
Changer: This does not take a power slot
Turned into a demon, it's permanent and has not upsides. [Madison]
Shadow Step; Short range teleportation through darkness. [Sophia] [Mover 3]
Turns into Long range Teleport to anywhere she has been. [Oni-Lee] [Mover +2]
Can take people with her. [Trickster] [Mover +2]
Can take people with her. [Trickster] [Mover +2]
Shadow Control; control of darkness and shadows within half a foot of her. [Sophia] [Shaker 0.5] A non power connected to her teleport
Ability to spread shadows into long range, they are still just darkness. [Grue] becomes separate power [Shaker 1]
Shadows now have a entropic effect based on the level of threat being faced, this effect does not harm allies. [Lung] [Shaker +5]
Shadows now have a entropic effect based on the level of threat being faced, this effect does not harm allies. [Lung] [Shaker +5]
Accelerated Learning, If you can learn it, Taylor can learn it faster. It takes a week for each level of proficiency, but works retroactively based on what is already known. [Uber] [Thinker 3]
Intuitive Empathy; Can sense the emotions coming off of people, especially those with shards. [Gallant] [Thinker 2]
Ability to make 'futuristic' things with modern technology, they can be duplicated by any normal engineer with a firm grasp on the basics. [Leet] [Tinker 4]
+1 Brute Rating [Glory Girl] [Aegis] [Brute 2]
Regeneration light [Panacea] [Brute 1] - Not known yet
Immunity to Time effects [Clockblocker] - Not known yet
Nerve Sight; Can see peoples nervous system through walls and any other vision impeding substance. [Regent] [Thinker 2]
Immunity to Thinker powers [Tattletale] [Thinker 5]
Escalation; Brute ratings will scale with potential threats present. [Lung]
[Pseudo-Power] Hair Tinker, Can do the impossible with hair care and styling. [Accelerated Learning]
[Pseudo-Power] Sage of Heart; Intuitively knows what to say to help people. [Synergy: Accelerated Learning-Intuitive Empathy]
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