- Location
- Currently in the local dimension.
To be fair, while Eidolon has a power that gives him great experience in versatility and control... We also picked the guy that accidently the world with Endbringers.
Shining Example (WORM ORIGIN QUEST)
- Thread starter IKnowNothing
- Start date
- Location
- Germany
Isn't his control automatic(as in he instantly knows how to use that), while our guy kinda needs training, as has been shown in the update?
- Location
- Currently in the local dimension.
His control being completely automatic is a bad thing, see Endbringers.
However, even if you can easily control a plasma beam hotter then the sun, that doesn't mean you don't still have the be careful with it.
Just like our guy can easily control gravity... Too easily.
- Location
- Virginia
[X] Head out, and try to find Matthew. He was willing to sit down and talk before, and right now, that sounds like something you need.
- Location
- Leeds
I think you misunderstand me. That wasn't a complaint, neither explanation needs justification. I made a mistake and wanted to know how other people had treated that vote.
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
Just as a reminder, I'll be closing the vote at the end of the day today. I have the entire weekend to write, so the next chapter should be here by Sunday or early Monday.
- Location
- Leeds
I think Matthew wins then.
He's got a lead of 3,
[X] Head out, and try to find Matthew. He was willing to sit down and talk before, and right now, that sounds like something you need.
make that 4 votes.
He's got a lead of 3,
[X] Head out, and try to find Matthew. He was willing to sit down and talk before, and right now, that sounds like something you need.
make that 4 votes.
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IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
- Location
- Leeds
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
Last edited:
- Location
- Leeds
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
Also! Final announcement before I finish the chapter and get on with the next project.
The poll for who is going to be featured in the next interlude is finished!
And the winner is: Fortuna/Contessa!
Thanks everyone who voted, and this interlude will be out and ready for your enjoyment soon enough!
The poll for who is going to be featured in the next interlude is finished!
And the winner is: Fortuna/Contessa!
Thanks everyone who voted, and this interlude will be out and ready for your enjoyment soon enough!
- Location
- Currently in the local dimension.
Path To Victory let's you win, even on a poll outside the fourth wall.
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
Path to Not Posting the chapter when you said you would:
Step 1: Rewrite half the thing because your good friend read it first and pointed a few things out.
Step 2: Forget that you have a double shift two days in a row.
Step 3: Come back home and realize that you're literally two days behind schedule.
Yeah, sorry guys. I'm working as quick as I can, but after some thought I need to change a few things about the chapter. I'll get it out ASAP, sorry for the delay.
Step 1: Rewrite half the thing because your good friend read it first and pointed a few things out.
Step 2: Forget that you have a double shift two days in a row.
Step 3: Come back home and realize that you're literally two days behind schedule.
Yeah, sorry guys. I'm working as quick as I can, but after some thought I need to change a few things about the chapter. I'll get it out ASAP, sorry for the delay.
- Location
- Currently in the local dimension.
Fixed that for you.
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
Yep, Contessa was so pissed off about her lack of screen time that she just couldn't wait for her interlude and undermined my work just because she could.
PtV is a cruel mistress!
Fantabulous
You know it.
- Location
- My house, more likely than not.
But wouldn't her lack of screen time have been part of her plan from the beginning?
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
2.7: At the End of the Tunnel
IKnowNothing
....What?
- Location
- I got lost so.....Where are we?
It's strange and new to sit in a room without something in the background ticking away. At home, it was your clock. In the hospital, your heart monitor. In here? Nothing, not even a light breeze. You can remember the days where you would dream of silence in your room. Now that you've got it, you miss having something to keep you awake.
Every time you close your eyes you see him. The smile behind the mask, only to be replaced by horror. The ball… what happened afterwards. What you did...
You rest your head in your hands.
What the hell do you do now?
Honestly, you don't know anymore. Cancer seemed unbeatable and this... this was your fault. Your mistake, and your responsibility to deal with. You bark a laugh. What the hell are you thinking? You wouldn't have lasted two weeks in the hospital if it weren't for Danah in your corner. Your dad smiling bravely for you, and Rebecca.
That's what got you through those days. You survived because they were there, and here you are thinking you need to do this alone. They promised to help, and if you can walk on broken legs to get through the hospital everyday, you can find some part of you that has the strength to let them.
Throwing the covers off and changing into the first thing in your wardrobe, you head out. You push against the door and it feels lighter than you remember. Actually, everything feels lighter. Glancing down, you slowly peel the waves off your hands and feet. Trying the door again, it's just as heavy as you remember. Walking however, feels just as effortless as it always does nowadays.You head out, and immediately stop as something catches your eye. Slapped on the side of your neighbor's door, is a note.
In training hall T-3, venting.
Rebecca.
That's… probably not healthy. Then again, given how the last few days have been going for you, you're not exactly one to talk. But if Rebecca was venting, and she was still as strong as she was when you walked in…. You cover your right hand with your left. She knows you would never hurt her, but... you don't want to risk it. Even if you wouldn't mind talking to her, laughing, or doing… literally anything together.
But if you go now, it'll only hurt. You'll smile to make her feel better, and then you'll be just like the doctors. You'll talk to her, that's a promise, but not until you can smile at her genuinely. Anything less would hurt and insult her, and you don't want to do that, not again. So you'll wait, and get better for both your sakes. That would be the best apology that you can give for what happened. It's what she deserves.
With that in mind you head down the hallway, passing the other empty rooms on your way. One of these days you're going to be the first one to wake up. It won't be today, but soon, you hope. The elevator door slides open as you approach. As you step inside, your eyes dart towards the seemingly endless number of buttons. Labs, training grounds, offices, and cafeterias. It occurs to you that if you've already seen everyone, the amount of wasted space in this place is enormous.
Reaching out a hand, you hover over the buttons leading to the training rooms. If everyone was waiting for you, then they're probably keeping themselves occupied. You'd get bored waiting for someone, might as well get some practice in while you wait. Or you could just work to keep your mind off things, which sounds healthier than hitting something. Going down the list, David is probably in his room and Charles is probably in the lab with Manton. Contessa and Doctor Mother are probably in some office and Rebecca is…
Your hand slowly starts making it's way away from the T-3 button.
No.
Not yet. You need to wait. It'll be time soon enough.
With that in mind, the only person left is Matthew. You haven't talked to him properly since your first day. But out of everyone here, he was the first to help you without even a thought. He's a nice guy, and he's got a good head on his shoulders. He'll help you out, it's just how he is. And he did say he had a few things to tell you yesterday, it's probably best to hear what they are. But where is he? You've got no idea.
Maybe he's back in the training room you went to on your first day?
Which is… you forget.
"Looking for something?"
A screech fills the air, and much to your shame, it didn't come from the elevator's new occupant. The room fills with waves, surrounding the newcomer. Doctor Mother stands by in the open doorway, clipboard and pen in hand, holding the same neutral expression she always does. You blink, and quickly peel away the layers of waves before something happens. They fade away, and Doctor Mother watches your fidgeting without any reaction. You wait, and nothing happens. You sigh in relief, and that relief turns to awkwardness as Doctor Mother continues to stare at you questioningly.
"I was just looking for Matthew," you say.
"You could have done that perfectly well enough without reaching a high c octave," she states.
The good doctor steps inside and clicks a button seemingly at random. The doors close and you feel the waves push the elevator towards the sky. Silence fills the elevator as Doctor Mother doesn't even give you a passing glance. You sneak a peek at her, and she hasn't even flinched since she got in the elevator. You gingerly rub your hands together. She's the leader of Cauldron, but she's a busy woman and this is a rare chance. Never let it be said that you didn't go to a doctor for help.
"Doctor Mother-,"
"If you intend to ask me how to deal with your current personal trauma, I must inform you that I'm not that kind of doctor. Nothing I can say will lead to a positive interaction."
You blink, and the doors slide open. Doctor Mother steps out, and presses a button. Before you even have the chance to glance inside the room, the doors slide shut, cutting you off from the doctor as the waves propel you downward. That was… blunt. The thought occurs to you that someone got something wrong.
Everyone's willing to help?
Either David and Matthew have a very skewed perception of the word everyone... or did they not expect you to go to her at all? That's stupid! Why wouldn't you go to the head of Cauldron for advice? She's the leader and an emotionally repressed woman that doesn't get sarcasm...
Ok.
Yeah, you guess you can understand why they didn't expect you to go to her for help.
Another thought strikes you, where the heck are you going? The elevator button that Doctor Mother pressed was room T-15. Has that room ever been mentioned? You don't remember. You reach out, and you click another button. Nothing, no flash or even a click.
Looks like you're going wherever Doctor Mother wants you to go. Great. The waves above you slowly dissipate, and the door slides open a second later. You glance inside, and the training room you see is not what you expected.
The room is smaller than the other training rooms you've been in, because this was the first to actually use the available space. The walls are covered by dozens of posters for movies, companies, and are those college diplomas signed in crayon? A metalized pool table sits ready in the far corner. In the other, the biggest TV you've ever seen outside of a movie theater with speakers to match. The largest space is covered with a hardwood floor, surrounded by speakers.
...Is that a dance floor?
You see couches surrounding all three entertainment options, and one of them is occupied.
Matthew lounges on the couch closest to the TV, a blocky cell phone resting on his shoulder as he grins from ear to ear.
"I don't care. I'm going to help," he says. There's a pause. "You don't know him, he just wants to help. If everything had gone well, nothing bad would have happened."
Another pause.
"I've saved people I don't know before." Once more, a pause, then a sigh. "I'm not arguing with you. It'll-"
He glances back, and sees you standing in the elevator door. There's no hesitation, he breaks out into a wide, grateful smile. Just the sight of it is enough for you to smile and wave back. It's so effortless, it's like nothing's wrong. Matthew points to the phone in his hand and you nod.
"I've got to call you back," Matthew says. "Yeah, it's work. I'll be home soon, love you."
He clicks the receiver and shuts the phone right before waving over the couch. You waste no time taking the offer. Matthew moves over as you drop down onto the opposite side of the couch. It feels like you're dropping into a foam mattress.
"Nice, isn't it?"
You glance around the room before replying.
"Yeah, I didn't know we had a game room."
"We didn't," Matthew says, stretching out and crossing his legs for comfort. "But Charles could only go so long without his TV and video games, so he took a bunch of supplies and built this place in an hour just to give himself some time away from Manton. He told me about this place after I helped him make a power snow cone."
You blink "Snow cone?"
Matthew raises a finger, and it begins to glow a light blue "Freeze ray...Charles was really craving a snow cone. So he took apart the computer in his room and made an ice machine."
What?
"What?"
Matthew's eyes dart towards you, "Oh right, you don't know. Charles' power lets him build… basically anything he wants."
"...Anything?" You ask.
"Probably not anything," Matthew admits. "But I haven't seen any limitations if he has the time and materials on hand." He pats the couch. "This building is basically his pet project, we're just borrowing it."
He what?
"He built the entire building?"
Matthew nods "Yep. Contessa had him working like a madman to finish before you woke up. Charles said he wanted at least one guy to see the finished project. He likes making good first impressions."
You run a hand through your hair.
"He didn't have to do that for me," you say, sheepishly. "I'm not worth setting up the red carpet for."
Matthew shrugs. "He likes working, so I didn't stop him."
You smile at that, but it turns sour when you remember last night. "Do you know where he is?" You ask.
Matthew quirks up an eyebrow "Why? Wanna apologize?
You nod, albit it very slowly "Don't worry about it, knowing Charlie, he probably forgot about it already." Matthew says, waving his hand and your concern away.
Despite the intent of the gesture, it makes you clench the couch railing a little tighter. What you did… it wasn't nothing. You can't just ignore it. Matthew holds up his hands in surrender. "Hey man, don't get too worked up."
"Too worked up?" You say "Matthew, I-!"
"Made a mistake," he finishes "it happens."
You can't believe it. He sounds so… so casual!
"But-."
"Alex!" Matthew shouts, the intensity making waves of it's own "We got powers from our vials, we didn't change that much. Last I checked, everyone messes up."
You pant, the energy of the moment leaving just as fast as it comes. Matthew's kind enough to let you sink back into the cushions and sigh.
"I said we were special, I didn't say that we were perfect. You got too caught up in the thought of running out and saving people, didn't you?"
You don't nod, you don't say anything, but the answer's obvious enough. Matthew laughs good naturedly, but it still stings a little "I think that's the biggest problem with this place. We get powers and Doctor Mother just lets us run wild because it's all part of the plan. They forget to mention that we need to keep being ourselves or we're going to burn out. Or that we don't know what we're getting into."
You glance at him, his smile slowly moving towards a small scowl. Is he angry at Cauldron? "Do you want to know what happened when I first tried to help someone with my power?"
You watch as he looks down at his hands, "I… set a home on fire."
Your jaw drops and you wait for the take back, the sentence saying it was all a joke. It doesn't come, and as the seconds tick on, it probably won't ever come.
"I was in New York, outside of the big city flying around, enjoying the feeling of the wind in my face, when a car nearly crashed into a house. I flew closer and heard shouting, then a gunshot, and…" The confidence and smile that you know Matthew for slowly drains as the memory comes back to him. For a second, he looks almost ashamed.
A second later, his smile is back.
"You get the idea."
You watch his fingers wrestle with one another, but his face stays the same. His smile's for you, and for himself. Just like the doctors. You feel the waves gather around your fist. You cover it and take a deep breath. He doesn't know, he doesn't know, don't blame him for it. You don't want to, but the look hurts. For you at least, hopefully he really does feel better. He deserves that at least. But even so, you still have to ask.
"...Do you regret it?" you ask.
Matthew nods "Yeah, but I know that I couldn't have done any better."
You look at him in disbelief as he solemnly shakes his head "Every time I remember it, I don't try to remember the heat, or the sounds of the sirens. I remember that I can't just blast everything away. And that despite being able to fly, I'm me. I… we both don't like what happened, neither do cops when they can't stop something, but you don't see them quitting. I'll tell you something that Contessa told me. You're sad because you didn't want it to happen, so what you want to happen should be obvious."
He looks away from his hands and back to you "I wanted to help people, and I failed. You wanted to save him, not hurt him. I know it's hard but... please don't stop trying because of one mistake. Next time, we'll both do better, I know it."
You sit there, silence reging for the moment before Matthew breaks it with a question
"Did that help?"
"A little," you admit, and it's true.
It doesn't change what happened, the memory is still fresh and you still haven't let go of your hand. But the situation feels winnable again. Hopeful.
GRATITUDE
"Thanks," you say.
The comment earns you a grateful smile and casual shrug "What are friends for?"
To help you with the greatest things you could ever ask for.
A laugh sneaks its way out your mouth.
"If you ask Rebecca, it's teasing me until I start laughing."
"Seriously?" Matthew asks, his disbelief obvious.
You nod "My sister was a bit of a blabbermouth when Rebecca and I were… sick. She," You pause and smile nervously "might have given Rebecca a list of things that I'm scared of to nag me with."
Matthew stares at you for a second, then he throws his head back in laughter. Part of you wants to laugh with him, but the other half is scared. "What's so funny?"
Matthew covers his sides and looks ready to cry "You know she can't forget anything right?!"
…What?
"What?"
Matthew taps his head "Part of her power is eidetic memory. She remembers everything that's ever happened to her! So that list is probably on speed dial. HAHAHAHA!!!"
He starts laughing again.
…
Oh god no.
"Can we talk about literally anything else?" You ask in desperation.
It takes a few moments for Matthew to calm down long enough for him to stop laughing.
"Ok, I'm done, what did you want to talk about?"
You put a hand to your chin and in the corner of your eye, you see the cell phone sitting idly next to Matthew. "Who were you talking to when I came in? Family?"
In that moment, you would testify that your question was innocent and held no malicious intent. That didn't stop you from smiling as Matthew's face went red and he tried his hardest to move as far away from you as possible. He breaks the facade with a quiet laugh. "That was...my ah… that was… my girlfriend? Yeah my girlfriend!"
You give him a flat stare "Did you get a date with her by being that smooth?"
"Hey, give me a break! How many dates have you been on in the past year?"
"Zero," you admit. "You?"
Matthew purses his lips, "Two."
You raise an eyebrow and he shuffles in his seat "None," he says quietly.
You shake your head in disbelief.
"Ok, I was sick most of my dating time, what's your excuse?"
Matthew waves his hands frantically "Wait wait wait, back up a second. Are we seriously arguing who has better game right now?" he asks "Because that's what it sounds like."
"Hey, you're the one who said that we can talk about anything at anytime," you point out.
"I..." He pauses for a second and his eyes widen. "Crap. I did promise that, didn't I?"
He glances over at you warily.
"I'm going to be spending the rest of our friendship paying for that sentence in subtle ways, aren't I?"
You shrug "I could just ask you for a beer when we're old enough."
Matthew takes a second to look at you before he lets his head fall back into the couch "If we do this hero thing so well that we've got time for a drink… I'll buy out the bar."
You stifle a laugh. "I'm going to have to get that in writing. I owe you one bar," you say, twirling your hand through the air.
"And just like that my retirement plans go up in smoke." Matthew jokes.
The two of you share a laugh at that, one so loud that it honestly hurts your sides. You wouldn't mind laughing like that forever, but it's cut short by the sound of a ringing phone. Matthew glances over and smiles in embarrassment. He picks it up and clicks the receiver "Hello, this is Matthew."
You manage to catch the faint mumbles from the end before the call clicks to an abrupt end. Matthew stares at the phone in confusion before setting it aside. He rubs his head and sends you a wary glance. It barely lasts a second, and a smile replaces it "Sorry, friend called, needs some help."
He get to his feet and stretches his arms.
"Sorry to cut everything short, but I've got to get going."
"Need help?" You ask on reflex.
Matthew gives you a surprised once over and shakes his head "Thanks, but I'm just going to be talking with some friends, nothing too interesting or dangerous. But everyone else is still in base last I checked, so you've got plenty of company."
That's great, but you don't know where anyone is other than Rebecca. Maybe Matthew does.
[] Ask if you can go with anyway. Nothing dangerous or risky seems like a good way to settle down.
[] Ask where David is. You've had time, not much, but some things can't wait.
[] Ask where Charles is. Even if he's forgotten it, you haven't, and you're not going to just let this lie.
[] Ask where Manton is. It's been a bit, maybe he's gotten those machines ready for you? If he does, it wouldn't hurt talking to him.
[] Ask where Contessa is. If she can help Matthew, then it should be simple to help you... right?
[] Head to Rebecca. It might not be the time, but this can't wait any longer.
Every time you close your eyes you see him. The smile behind the mask, only to be replaced by horror. The ball… what happened afterwards. What you did...
You rest your head in your hands.
What the hell do you do now?
Honestly, you don't know anymore. Cancer seemed unbeatable and this... this was your fault. Your mistake, and your responsibility to deal with. You bark a laugh. What the hell are you thinking? You wouldn't have lasted two weeks in the hospital if it weren't for Danah in your corner. Your dad smiling bravely for you, and Rebecca.
That's what got you through those days. You survived because they were there, and here you are thinking you need to do this alone. They promised to help, and if you can walk on broken legs to get through the hospital everyday, you can find some part of you that has the strength to let them.
Throwing the covers off and changing into the first thing in your wardrobe, you head out. You push against the door and it feels lighter than you remember. Actually, everything feels lighter. Glancing down, you slowly peel the waves off your hands and feet. Trying the door again, it's just as heavy as you remember. Walking however, feels just as effortless as it always does nowadays.You head out, and immediately stop as something catches your eye. Slapped on the side of your neighbor's door, is a note.
In training hall T-3, venting.
Rebecca.
That's… probably not healthy. Then again, given how the last few days have been going for you, you're not exactly one to talk. But if Rebecca was venting, and she was still as strong as she was when you walked in…. You cover your right hand with your left. She knows you would never hurt her, but... you don't want to risk it. Even if you wouldn't mind talking to her, laughing, or doing… literally anything together.
But if you go now, it'll only hurt. You'll smile to make her feel better, and then you'll be just like the doctors. You'll talk to her, that's a promise, but not until you can smile at her genuinely. Anything less would hurt and insult her, and you don't want to do that, not again. So you'll wait, and get better for both your sakes. That would be the best apology that you can give for what happened. It's what she deserves.
With that in mind you head down the hallway, passing the other empty rooms on your way. One of these days you're going to be the first one to wake up. It won't be today, but soon, you hope. The elevator door slides open as you approach. As you step inside, your eyes dart towards the seemingly endless number of buttons. Labs, training grounds, offices, and cafeterias. It occurs to you that if you've already seen everyone, the amount of wasted space in this place is enormous.
Reaching out a hand, you hover over the buttons leading to the training rooms. If everyone was waiting for you, then they're probably keeping themselves occupied. You'd get bored waiting for someone, might as well get some practice in while you wait. Or you could just work to keep your mind off things, which sounds healthier than hitting something. Going down the list, David is probably in his room and Charles is probably in the lab with Manton. Contessa and Doctor Mother are probably in some office and Rebecca is…
Your hand slowly starts making it's way away from the T-3 button.
No.
Not yet. You need to wait. It'll be time soon enough.
With that in mind, the only person left is Matthew. You haven't talked to him properly since your first day. But out of everyone here, he was the first to help you without even a thought. He's a nice guy, and he's got a good head on his shoulders. He'll help you out, it's just how he is. And he did say he had a few things to tell you yesterday, it's probably best to hear what they are. But where is he? You've got no idea.
Maybe he's back in the training room you went to on your first day?
Which is… you forget.
"Looking for something?"
A screech fills the air, and much to your shame, it didn't come from the elevator's new occupant. The room fills with waves, surrounding the newcomer. Doctor Mother stands by in the open doorway, clipboard and pen in hand, holding the same neutral expression she always does. You blink, and quickly peel away the layers of waves before something happens. They fade away, and Doctor Mother watches your fidgeting without any reaction. You wait, and nothing happens. You sigh in relief, and that relief turns to awkwardness as Doctor Mother continues to stare at you questioningly.
"I was just looking for Matthew," you say.
"You could have done that perfectly well enough without reaching a high c octave," she states.
The good doctor steps inside and clicks a button seemingly at random. The doors close and you feel the waves push the elevator towards the sky. Silence fills the elevator as Doctor Mother doesn't even give you a passing glance. You sneak a peek at her, and she hasn't even flinched since she got in the elevator. You gingerly rub your hands together. She's the leader of Cauldron, but she's a busy woman and this is a rare chance. Never let it be said that you didn't go to a doctor for help.
"Doctor Mother-,"
"If you intend to ask me how to deal with your current personal trauma, I must inform you that I'm not that kind of doctor. Nothing I can say will lead to a positive interaction."
You blink, and the doors slide open. Doctor Mother steps out, and presses a button. Before you even have the chance to glance inside the room, the doors slide shut, cutting you off from the doctor as the waves propel you downward. That was… blunt. The thought occurs to you that someone got something wrong.
Everyone's willing to help?
Either David and Matthew have a very skewed perception of the word everyone... or did they not expect you to go to her at all? That's stupid! Why wouldn't you go to the head of Cauldron for advice? She's the leader and an emotionally repressed woman that doesn't get sarcasm...
Ok.
Yeah, you guess you can understand why they didn't expect you to go to her for help.
Another thought strikes you, where the heck are you going? The elevator button that Doctor Mother pressed was room T-15. Has that room ever been mentioned? You don't remember. You reach out, and you click another button. Nothing, no flash or even a click.
Looks like you're going wherever Doctor Mother wants you to go. Great. The waves above you slowly dissipate, and the door slides open a second later. You glance inside, and the training room you see is not what you expected.
The room is smaller than the other training rooms you've been in, because this was the first to actually use the available space. The walls are covered by dozens of posters for movies, companies, and are those college diplomas signed in crayon? A metalized pool table sits ready in the far corner. In the other, the biggest TV you've ever seen outside of a movie theater with speakers to match. The largest space is covered with a hardwood floor, surrounded by speakers.
...Is that a dance floor?
You see couches surrounding all three entertainment options, and one of them is occupied.
Matthew lounges on the couch closest to the TV, a blocky cell phone resting on his shoulder as he grins from ear to ear.
"I don't care. I'm going to help," he says. There's a pause. "You don't know him, he just wants to help. If everything had gone well, nothing bad would have happened."
Another pause.
"I've saved people I don't know before." Once more, a pause, then a sigh. "I'm not arguing with you. It'll-"
He glances back, and sees you standing in the elevator door. There's no hesitation, he breaks out into a wide, grateful smile. Just the sight of it is enough for you to smile and wave back. It's so effortless, it's like nothing's wrong. Matthew points to the phone in his hand and you nod.
"I've got to call you back," Matthew says. "Yeah, it's work. I'll be home soon, love you."
He clicks the receiver and shuts the phone right before waving over the couch. You waste no time taking the offer. Matthew moves over as you drop down onto the opposite side of the couch. It feels like you're dropping into a foam mattress.
"Nice, isn't it?"
You glance around the room before replying.
"Yeah, I didn't know we had a game room."
"We didn't," Matthew says, stretching out and crossing his legs for comfort. "But Charles could only go so long without his TV and video games, so he took a bunch of supplies and built this place in an hour just to give himself some time away from Manton. He told me about this place after I helped him make a power snow cone."
You blink "Snow cone?"
Matthew raises a finger, and it begins to glow a light blue "Freeze ray...Charles was really craving a snow cone. So he took apart the computer in his room and made an ice machine."
What?
"What?"
Matthew's eyes dart towards you, "Oh right, you don't know. Charles' power lets him build… basically anything he wants."
"...Anything?" You ask.
"Probably not anything," Matthew admits. "But I haven't seen any limitations if he has the time and materials on hand." He pats the couch. "This building is basically his pet project, we're just borrowing it."
He what?
"He built the entire building?"
Matthew nods "Yep. Contessa had him working like a madman to finish before you woke up. Charles said he wanted at least one guy to see the finished project. He likes making good first impressions."
You run a hand through your hair.
"He didn't have to do that for me," you say, sheepishly. "I'm not worth setting up the red carpet for."
Matthew shrugs. "He likes working, so I didn't stop him."
You smile at that, but it turns sour when you remember last night. "Do you know where he is?" You ask.
Matthew quirks up an eyebrow "Why? Wanna apologize?
You nod, albit it very slowly "Don't worry about it, knowing Charlie, he probably forgot about it already." Matthew says, waving his hand and your concern away.
Despite the intent of the gesture, it makes you clench the couch railing a little tighter. What you did… it wasn't nothing. You can't just ignore it. Matthew holds up his hands in surrender. "Hey man, don't get too worked up."
"Too worked up?" You say "Matthew, I-!"
"Made a mistake," he finishes "it happens."
You can't believe it. He sounds so… so casual!
"But-."
"Alex!" Matthew shouts, the intensity making waves of it's own "We got powers from our vials, we didn't change that much. Last I checked, everyone messes up."
You pant, the energy of the moment leaving just as fast as it comes. Matthew's kind enough to let you sink back into the cushions and sigh.
"I said we were special, I didn't say that we were perfect. You got too caught up in the thought of running out and saving people, didn't you?"
You don't nod, you don't say anything, but the answer's obvious enough. Matthew laughs good naturedly, but it still stings a little "I think that's the biggest problem with this place. We get powers and Doctor Mother just lets us run wild because it's all part of the plan. They forget to mention that we need to keep being ourselves or we're going to burn out. Or that we don't know what we're getting into."
You glance at him, his smile slowly moving towards a small scowl. Is he angry at Cauldron? "Do you want to know what happened when I first tried to help someone with my power?"
You watch as he looks down at his hands, "I… set a home on fire."
Your jaw drops and you wait for the take back, the sentence saying it was all a joke. It doesn't come, and as the seconds tick on, it probably won't ever come.
"I was in New York, outside of the big city flying around, enjoying the feeling of the wind in my face, when a car nearly crashed into a house. I flew closer and heard shouting, then a gunshot, and…" The confidence and smile that you know Matthew for slowly drains as the memory comes back to him. For a second, he looks almost ashamed.
A second later, his smile is back.
"You get the idea."
You watch his fingers wrestle with one another, but his face stays the same. His smile's for you, and for himself. Just like the doctors. You feel the waves gather around your fist. You cover it and take a deep breath. He doesn't know, he doesn't know, don't blame him for it. You don't want to, but the look hurts. For you at least, hopefully he really does feel better. He deserves that at least. But even so, you still have to ask.
"...Do you regret it?" you ask.
Matthew nods "Yeah, but I know that I couldn't have done any better."
You look at him in disbelief as he solemnly shakes his head "Every time I remember it, I don't try to remember the heat, or the sounds of the sirens. I remember that I can't just blast everything away. And that despite being able to fly, I'm me. I… we both don't like what happened, neither do cops when they can't stop something, but you don't see them quitting. I'll tell you something that Contessa told me. You're sad because you didn't want it to happen, so what you want to happen should be obvious."
He looks away from his hands and back to you "I wanted to help people, and I failed. You wanted to save him, not hurt him. I know it's hard but... please don't stop trying because of one mistake. Next time, we'll both do better, I know it."
You sit there, silence reging for the moment before Matthew breaks it with a question
"Did that help?"
"A little," you admit, and it's true.
It doesn't change what happened, the memory is still fresh and you still haven't let go of your hand. But the situation feels winnable again. Hopeful.
GRATITUDE
"Thanks," you say.
The comment earns you a grateful smile and casual shrug "What are friends for?"
To help you with the greatest things you could ever ask for.
A laugh sneaks its way out your mouth.
"If you ask Rebecca, it's teasing me until I start laughing."
"Seriously?" Matthew asks, his disbelief obvious.
You nod "My sister was a bit of a blabbermouth when Rebecca and I were… sick. She," You pause and smile nervously "might have given Rebecca a list of things that I'm scared of to nag me with."
Matthew stares at you for a second, then he throws his head back in laughter. Part of you wants to laugh with him, but the other half is scared. "What's so funny?"
Matthew covers his sides and looks ready to cry "You know she can't forget anything right?!"
…What?
"What?"
Matthew taps his head "Part of her power is eidetic memory. She remembers everything that's ever happened to her! So that list is probably on speed dial. HAHAHAHA!!!"
He starts laughing again.
…
Oh god no.
"Can we talk about literally anything else?" You ask in desperation.
It takes a few moments for Matthew to calm down long enough for him to stop laughing.
"Ok, I'm done, what did you want to talk about?"
You put a hand to your chin and in the corner of your eye, you see the cell phone sitting idly next to Matthew. "Who were you talking to when I came in? Family?"
In that moment, you would testify that your question was innocent and held no malicious intent. That didn't stop you from smiling as Matthew's face went red and he tried his hardest to move as far away from you as possible. He breaks the facade with a quiet laugh. "That was...my ah… that was… my girlfriend? Yeah my girlfriend!"
You give him a flat stare "Did you get a date with her by being that smooth?"
"Hey, give me a break! How many dates have you been on in the past year?"
"Zero," you admit. "You?"
Matthew purses his lips, "Two."
You raise an eyebrow and he shuffles in his seat "None," he says quietly.
You shake your head in disbelief.
"Ok, I was sick most of my dating time, what's your excuse?"
Matthew waves his hands frantically "Wait wait wait, back up a second. Are we seriously arguing who has better game right now?" he asks "Because that's what it sounds like."
"Hey, you're the one who said that we can talk about anything at anytime," you point out.
"I..." He pauses for a second and his eyes widen. "Crap. I did promise that, didn't I?"
He glances over at you warily.
"I'm going to be spending the rest of our friendship paying for that sentence in subtle ways, aren't I?"
You shrug "I could just ask you for a beer when we're old enough."
Matthew takes a second to look at you before he lets his head fall back into the couch "If we do this hero thing so well that we've got time for a drink… I'll buy out the bar."
You stifle a laugh. "I'm going to have to get that in writing. I owe you one bar," you say, twirling your hand through the air.
"And just like that my retirement plans go up in smoke." Matthew jokes.
The two of you share a laugh at that, one so loud that it honestly hurts your sides. You wouldn't mind laughing like that forever, but it's cut short by the sound of a ringing phone. Matthew glances over and smiles in embarrassment. He picks it up and clicks the receiver "Hello, this is Matthew."
You manage to catch the faint mumbles from the end before the call clicks to an abrupt end. Matthew stares at the phone in confusion before setting it aside. He rubs his head and sends you a wary glance. It barely lasts a second, and a smile replaces it "Sorry, friend called, needs some help."
He get to his feet and stretches his arms.
"Sorry to cut everything short, but I've got to get going."
"Need help?" You ask on reflex.
Matthew gives you a surprised once over and shakes his head "Thanks, but I'm just going to be talking with some friends, nothing too interesting or dangerous. But everyone else is still in base last I checked, so you've got plenty of company."
That's great, but you don't know where anyone is other than Rebecca. Maybe Matthew does.
[] Ask if you can go with anyway. Nothing dangerous or risky seems like a good way to settle down.
[] Ask where David is. You've had time, not much, but some things can't wait.
[] Ask where Charles is. Even if he's forgotten it, you haven't, and you're not going to just let this lie.
[] Ask where Manton is. It's been a bit, maybe he's gotten those machines ready for you? If he does, it wouldn't hurt talking to him.
[] Ask where Contessa is. If she can help Matthew, then it should be simple to help you... right?
[] Head to Rebecca. It might not be the time, but this can't wait any longer.
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- Location
- Reno Nv
[X] Ask where Charles is. Even if he's forgotten it, you haven't, and you're not going to just let this lie.
Wifu needs to wait a bit longer, need to reconcile first.
Wifu needs to wait a bit longer, need to reconcile first.