Yeah, Tattletale just knowing would be whatever. It just that I'm pretty sure the others knew. Because the armbands told them.
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Thozmp
Gets my kicks above the waistline, Sunshine.
Well, Tattletale might not have been part of S&R, but Regent and Grue were, so like with Skitter getting all the Deceased and Downs, they'd get it too.
Okay, just checked. Laserdream was not on search and rescue. She also gets death reports even though that's not useful for her throwing lasers at the kaiju or later carrying Taylor around. The reports are for everyone for some reason.
- Location
- Washington D.C.
Lookism- Ultra Instinct/ui and copy
15: Dojo & Recruitment
Nimodes
Weary Worldwalker
- Location
- Arizona
* September 29, 2009 *
Twice since leaving Brockton Bay to fight Behemoth she'd heard the noise of a roulette wheel spin.
Twice she'd gotten the message "Insufficient Points" when everything had finished.
She was very very curious as to what 'Summons - Nasuverse Summon' or 'Clarketech Gizmo - Ten-Dimensional Shears' would have gotten her. She didn't know what the first meant, but she did have an idea what the second meant. And she was sure it would have been fairly awesome.
Twice since she'd gotten back to Brockton Bay, she'd gotten the same noise. Again she'd gotten some intriguing things that had been out of reach due to points or some sort of ongoing situation that deferred the roll.
What was a "Q" anyway other than something not entirely human but apparently a possibility for "Altered Ancestry"?
It was somewhat confusing, not that she had a lot of time to consider that at the moment.
"Damn it, you're going to make me late!"
"I'm going to make you the late Zenko!" declared Hookwolf as he charged in.
"Hard pass," said Zenko, making a hand-sign before going "poof" into smoke.
"COWARD!" yelled Hookwolf, waiting a few moments before making a signal of his own.
Cricket and Stormtiger came out of the shadows a heartbeat later.
"Think she made us?" asked Stormtiger.
Hookwolf frowned, noticed something, then facepalmed and made a "turn around" gesture to Cricket. Then he pulled the sign that had been taped to her back off.
"Signs point to yes," said Stormtiger, a little impressed that someone could sneak around his enhanced senses to that extent.
"Gimmee," said Hookwolf, looking over the paper. "Huh. That's weird."
Cricket put a device up against her throat. "I have echolocation. How the hell did she sneak up on me?"
Hookwolf and Stormtiger looked at her, looked at each other, looked back at her. "Ninja," they said at the same time.
Cricket rolled her eyes. She very firmly felt that that shouldn't have mattered.
* Roof nearby *
After that performance in Arizona, someplace entirely too hot for her tastes, she'd wanted to see what this Zenko was like. Especially after learning that Zenko was teaching a ninja school.
What secrets could she pry out of a ninja school? Lots of them, she was betting. Ninjas loved secrets. If ninja actually existed, which she was already having a hard time believing.
Learning that Zenko was going to be seen at the PRT building following that little demonstration was easy for someone with her skills.
Now she just had to leave a message that the meeting was about going after Empire drop houses, and setting up a time and place where certain individuals would meet? Easy peasy.
All of which was just so she could get a good look at Zenko and see what she could figure out. Just in case leverage later would be useful. Unfortunately, Zenko had been pretty evasive and very fast which didn't allow her power to go to work on the ninja.
Fox tail and ears are constructs via power.
Tattletale blinked. Seriously, those were just part of a costume? Though, now that she was thinking about it, people tended to get distracted by those and that might help with maintaining a secret identity.
Doesn't want to fight. Knew within microseconds of the three-pronged ambush.
Kind of obvious, Tattletale thought to herself. Just things like the fox swarm meant that awareness of her immediate environment was a high priority for the faux fox.
Knew you were there at the same time.
That was a little more concerning but it wouldn't be like the other cape would know anything more about her involvement.
Bio-energy field designated 'chakra' exhibits qualities not in keeping with other observed bio-fields. Anomalous nature is anomalous. More data needed.
Sometimes her power seemed to be a real troll.
Zenko was not present. Zenko utilizing a bio-energy construct to drop into trap in order to do something else.
Tattletale blinked. Yes, stealth and misdirection were all sort of ninja-ey but why go to that much trouble?
Piece of A7 letter paper stuck to Tattletale's back.
"SON OF A-" Tattletale reached back, felt the edge, then pulled the offending piece of paper off.
Picture is of a type referred to as a 'Chibi' or 'Super Deformed' and is of a fox. Message and picture scrawled in a hurry. Threat of using 'ancient ninja restraint techniques' to gift-wrap Tattletale to PRT 'if necessary' is most likely referring to the offer of restraint devices to Zenko from Bondage Girl after the Behemoth fight.
Tattletale felt the paleness replaced by a darn near full-body blush as her power nudged her imagination to be able to picture just such an event. Shibari and a ball gag were involved.
It looked like coming to Brockton Bay had been a good decision, if nothing else finding out more about Zenko and the other players in this game would indicate whether she'd stay. Though if she heard Zenko was taking up that offer from Bondage Girl she might just have to leave town anyway.
Tattletale smirked as she adjusted her jacket (spandex having no insulation value at all) when she caught a glimpse of movement and turned her attention more fully to it.
Not human.
Tattletale blinked as she saw the silhouette in the shadows of another building.
Watching you. Not human. Never has been human. Wearing a human disguise. Familiar enough with humans to look and act the part but only to a degree that a casual observer would miss it.
The figure in the shadows just stood there, unmoving.
Not currently hostile. Dangerous. Very dangerous. S-Class Threat level dangerous.
Tattletale began backing away slowly. Okay, maybe Brockton Bay wasn't a good choice of location for her.
There was a sound behind her that made her come to a complete stop.
Someone behind you. Possible ally to S-Class Threat.
Despite the late afternoon chill, Tattletale felt a little trickle of sweat going down her back.
S-Class threat was in Endbringer fight, codename: Kurama.
Slowly and as non-threateningly as she could, she turned to get a look at what was behind her.
Wggawlajreljr! Just a cute little white fox.
Tattletale deliberately turned back towards the mysterious shadow apparently named Kurama and couldn't help the little jump when she noticed it wasn't there anymore. "You're behind me now, aren't you?"
"No, Kurama isn't. I am. Go to your meeting little fox. I'll take care of this."
Again she turned slowly and carefully, noting the 'cute little white fox' vanished into a puff of smoke while she watched.
Obvious cape. Thin build. 6'2". Costume consists of black business attire, expensively made. Wearing more traditional costume over parts that the suit doesn't conceal. Dangerous. Confident. Thinks he's the smartest person in any room. Very dangerous. Non-threatening posture. Did I mention 'dangerous'?
"What powers do you have, child?" asked the figure, sounding very casual.
"Uhm, I'm a Blaster," tried Tattletale.
"Hmmm. No, in the quaint little system you have, I'm thinking Thinker or something similar. Clearly not a Mover. Ah, it IS Thinker."
Someone was pulling a Her on herself. It didn't feel very good.
"Oh don't be so nervous, child. The days when you would awaken on a table while I did exploratory surgery on your brain to determine your secrets are long gone. Well, mostly."
Former villain. Former archvillain. Ascribes to a non-standard morality scheme. Very very dangerous.
"You're a Thinker yourself," realized Tattletale aloud.
"Oh, that's just the start, child. I'm quite talented, you might say. Lucky for you, I'm hiring."
"Let me guess, work for you - or else?" tried Tattletale.
"Or else go your own way? True. On the other hand I offer a decent 401K, Dental and Health benefits, and a decent working wage. Being a villain means ignoring those ridiculous NEPEA laws that are so onerous."
"Seriously?" asked Tattletale.
Extremely dangerous subject is serious. Completely confident in his abilities. Could kill you with a gesture. Joining means more data available.
Tattletale licked her lips nervously. "How much are we talking about?"
* PRT ENE Building *
"She's late," said Director Piggot.
"She's currently downstairs going through screening," pointed out Armsmaster.
"Nonetheless, for someone with a Mover rating - she's late," countered Director Piggot. She settled back into her chair.
"I am a little surprised that the Chief Director is not pressing for Zenko's recruitment," noted Armsmaster.
"And do what? Put her in the Wards where she can sit on console duty?" asked Director Piggot. "We've had this conversation before. She doesn't want to join and as long as she doesn't do something that puts her on the wrong side of the law - our options are limited."
"Plus you don't want her going Beast Mode in the city," pointed out Assault.
"Data indicates that the 'fusion-ha' requires two to perform," said Armsmaster. "I will admit curiosity whether others can do this and get different results."
"I can't believe she figured out how to do Dragonball stuff," said Assault. "You suppose she could teach me to do a Kamehameha?"
"While we wait, did the Thinktank review of the footage reveal anything new about Coil and Kurama?" asked Miss Militia, deciding the common practice of ignoring Assault was the most sane option.
"Kurama was unknown prior to the Endbringer attack," noted Armsmaster. "Coil was only known for hiring mercenaries. What was seen at the Endbringer battle was a snake-manifestation ability."
"Hence the name then," said Director Piggot. "Coil as in a serpent coiled to strike."
"True, and then there's 'Crimson Lady'," brought up Miss Militia.
"Shadow Stalker's sidekick?" asked Director Piggot.
Miss Militia cued up a video.
"What am I watching?" asked Director Piggot after a moment. "She's running away from an Endbringer. That's entirely sensible."
"She's wearing skintight leather with six inch stilleto heels running very quickly in Southern Arizona heat and is managing to stay ahead of Behemoth's lightning," pointed out Miss Militia. "I certainly couldn't do that."
"I certainly wouldn't expect you to," replied Director Piggot. "Any word back from the Thinktank on her?"
"Just one from Pogo in Pungo. 'Crazy' - so her power may actually be mental-state related."
Director Piggot watched the end of the video clip where Crimson Lady tripped and fell down a ditch just in time to avoid being barbecued. "Well, if we catch her breaking the law she may end up in the Wards. And hopefully someone will convince her to change the costume."
There was a beep on the intercom before PRT Captain Nick Winter's distinctive voice announced: "Zenko is in the elevator, Director."
"Very well, Captain," answered Director Piggot.
* Taylor *
The roulette wheel had started when she entered the elevator.
(12)[Altered Ancestry]
"Share, father," thought Zenko as hard as she could.
(1) [Greek pantheon]
"Eh?" asked Zenko, who then realized she was probably being monitored seven ways to Sunday.
(8) [Ares]
There was a sudden feeling that she was being observed from somewhere entirely different. Followed by a headpat from afar.
Which was really damn strange, even for her life since becoming a ninja.
[Ares accepts alteration of timeline. Locked.]
A memory of her 10th birthday where a strange burly man had bustling in, nudging her buff and hairy father, then departing. Shortly followed by her mother confiscating the sword and shield and spear that Great-Grandfather had gifted her.
That had not happened though. So why...
Then everything around her started moving again, which made her wonder how and why everything had stopped for a split-instance.
The short distance to the indicated room was quickly dealt with, she didn't even bother with a ninja technique to show off to the obvious cameras.
"You're late," grumpily declared Director Piggot as she entered the conference room.
"Empire attempted ambush," said Zenko with a shrug.
"Who?" asked Armsmaster.
"Hookwolf, Crikey, and Stormtinker," said Zenko, who then paused and considered. "Something like that?"
"Cricket and Stormtiger?" asked Armsmaster.
"That's them," agreed Zenko.
Director Piggot sounded most unamused. "Your sense of humor needs work."
Zenko shrugged. "So, what's this meeting about?"
The Director and two Protectorate members (Assault having been given a chore to do) just stared at her.
"This isn't about me joining the Wards again, is it?"
"How long before any of your people can start pulling off these 'ninjutsu'?" asked Miss Militia.
"Do you mean the complicated stuff or the basics. Because Erwin is already climbing walls. Zephron's got the hang of reinforcing things if he's touching it - hasn't broken anything in days. Just saying," said Zenko.
"Throwing fireballs, water-bending, healing people," stated Director Piggot, putting fingers up in the air as she started counting.
"Oh. That stuff's a lot more chakra-intensive, it's really difficult to develop the chakra coils and reservoir. In an actual ninja village they have to start as kids and it still takes five or six years to get to even doing the simple stuff. Not everyone can do the healing even then, you've got to have really good chakra control and some knowledge of anatomy." Zenko waved it off. "The way Erwin's going? Be another couple of years if he pursues it that long."
"Coil was using techniques that seemed to be the same sort of thing you do," stated Armsmaster.
"Yeah. What's up with that? Where did Coil learn Konohagakure-style ninjutsu?" asked Zenko.
"You claim you don't know?" asked Director Piggot.
"Kind of. I don't know. Maybe D... Sub-Zero knows," offered Zenko.
* Orochimaru *
When he'd been a child he'd never celebrated any particular holiday. Konohagakure had been at war for part of the time and dealing with other battles the rest of that time.
Nonetheless, the whole "kid at Christmas" concept resonated with his current mood.
Walking through a forest of flesh where a creature composed of interconnected semi-organic crystals that existed in multiple dimensions simultaneously? It was like everything in his life had prepared him for this.
The towers and shelves of flesh where this 'Cauldron' had scraped off chunks to puree them into "powers in a vial" were extensive but how did you expect actual results from a haphazard (at best) experimentation?
Though they had gotten better in that various textures and colors were determined to have less than desirable outcomes.
Honestly though, he was wondering how this organization had managed to last as long as they had.
They still had him down as some kind of Thinker and a "Case 53-Variant: Possessive Intelligence" which might be technically correct if you squinted. Not that he was interested in correcting them.
Meanwhile he had a hidden organization to run, resources to allocate, and a ninja community to support from the shadows.
Which was kind of familiar in all sorts of ways.
Oh, and a new minion. She was a bit mouthier than Kabuto had been, but her talents made up for the occasional annoyance.
Also, for him at least, fun.
* Daniel Hebert/Sub-Zero *
He'd known immediately when Taylor had included him in this roll. It made sense when he'd heard the category of "Altered Ancestry" as to WHY Taylor went into this 'power sharing' mode with him.
That he now had memories that he knew were new and involved a grandparent he obviously had NOT had was a bit confusing nonetheless.
Ares, aka Mars, alias a few hundred other names across multiple cultures and myriad realities. One of the few among the Greek pantheon's males that didn't indulge in shenanigans involving women. Mainly because he had a daughter. Affairs - yes. He'd had a few of those including with Aphrodite to incur the wrath of Hephaestus. He didn't sneak into anyone's bed and any trysts he had were with knowing consent being involved.
The results of this ancestry change were obvious as soon as he got to a bathroom and stripped off his clothing enough to check. Built like a Greek god (demigod at two removals) indeed.
He'd gotten in a lot better shape after going through years of ninja training but this just added to it. What was the term again? Sin energy? Synergy, that was it.
He remembered (though he knew it hadn't actually happened unless it had retconned things and that had implications he didn't want to consider at the moment) Annette meeting Grandfather Ares and the two of them arguing/laughing/comparing stories that the Ancient Greeks had either embellished or completely fabricated and how things had changed in the millenia since those stories were laid down.
When the two had started passing the wine bottle back and forth, he'd decided he had to be the designated sober person.
Apparently Athena (according to Ares) was a bit stuck-up and all about letter-of-the-law. She'd been extremely prideful and a bit of a prima donna but had relaxed a few degrees since then. Ares had remarked on more than one occasion that he thought she needed to get together with a man or a woman of either mortal or divine heritage and remove the perpetual stick up her buttocks - but admitted that might never happen.
Ares and Athena didn't get along that well, but it was more in the manner of two siblings who bickered at each other over the dining room table than some authors insisted on.
Ares was not likely to show up at family reunions though. As someone who lived "sixteen to the ninth power realities away" and had lived over millenia, he wouldn't get too involved in day-to-day things.
That didn't mean the occasional coming-of-age visit for a descendant was off his day planner. Century-planner?
As soon as he could get home, he'd need to check and see if that spear and shield were there in the attic. Trust a Greek god of war to think those were appropriate gifts for a teenage girl even if coming-of-age for them was younger than was currently considered acceptable.
Sometimes, just sometimes, he wished that if Taylor had to trigger at all - she'd just gone Alexandria package. Sounded a lot less complicated.
* PRT ENE HQ *
Chief Director Rebecca Costa-Brown's picture on the screen jittered every so often. The cause was quickly determined to be a major cape battle in Baltimore as the Protectorate forces there did battle with a Case 53 named Crypt.
The Chief Director of the PRT was looking particularly sour today as she looked out at the Brockton Bay office from that drop-down conference room screen.
"No, she has not joined the Wards. Yes, we pitched that softball anyway," stated Director Piggot. "Yes, we know the 'fusion-ha' thing was from some Japanese TV show. Yes, we've seen the memes. Good lord, have we seen the memes. And a new discussion board based on who else could do it with Zenko or with some other parahuman."
"There's fanart," said the Chief Director in a particularly droll tone. "I am not amused. Do we know the limitations or capabilities of this power expression?"
"It has to be two people with chakra, it is inherently unstable," said Armsmaster. "That jibes with sensor readings. It is doubtful that they could have maintained it for more than a few minutes at most. Also that Kurama was the one to suggest using it as apparently that one has a preference for certain noodle dishes and this was something playing on the screen at Killer Noodles just off the Boardwalk."
"'Killer Noodles'?" asked Rebecca Costa-Brown.
"Apparently it is a pun in Japanese," said Armsmaster.
"The manifestation of a giant nine-tailed fox that slapped Behemoth around like it owed them money has generated... quite a wide range of responses," said Deputy Director Renick from his position near Director Piggot. "Some panic, mainly from the Chinese and Korean communities. Mostly positive though due to the whole 'slapping Behemoth around' thing, plus the footage released clearly shows both Zenko and Kurama apparently exhausted when the technique ended."
"That does drop the overall threat level down, if not by much considering what they could do within five minutes at that size and strength," noted the Chief Director. "Anything else?"
Armsmaster hesitated before speaking up. "Despite previous misdirections, we're now 85% certain that we know Sub-Zero's secret identity and that Zenko is actually his daughter."
The screen went to distorted and static briefly.
"Do we know what this 'Crypt' has for a powerset?" asked Director Piggot. "Unusual that a fight has been going on this long."
"Zombies," said the Chief Director. "Crypt is able to imbue corpses with a semblance of life and animate the dead to do his bidding. Unknown what the upper limit is, but at least a dozen at a time."
"That would do it," agreed Armsmaster.
"Back to Zenko," said the Chief Director. "What is keeping her from joining the Wards?"
"Other than a distrust of the government, a loathing of teenage drama, and that she's apparently associated with the Dockworker's Union?" asked Armsmaster.
"Yes," said the Chief Director.
"Because she feels she's already part of a team, that she's developing greater power almost daily, and that she's doing more good where she's at," said Armsmaster. "We have certainly brought the subject up enough times, at this point we risk further alienation by attempting further pressure."
"Our agents within the 'ninja school' are already reporting some results. Using their own 'chakra' once awakened to its presence by Zenko or Sub-Zero. Accelerated healing when they focus on injuries, slight increases in reaction times, minor but noticeable improvements in physical test scores." Director Piggot flicked a screen on her tablet to bring the exam results up on the monitor. "Nobody is wall walking yet, but increases in running speed have been noticeable."
"I see," said the Chief Director.
"My next plan to try and get her into the Wards involves less stick and more carrot," said Director Piggot. "Since we are mostly certain of her secret identity, we have uncovered that she is being bullied at her current school and by a surprising coincidence - there's an opening at the school attended by the Wards."
"And by associating with the Wards in their civilian identities, and in a less confrontational environment, you're hoping she'll feel some gratitude towards the PRT?" asked the Chief Director. "Risky in that she might simply take the carrot without feeling any obligation."
"Even if it does nothing else, it gets a powerful cape out of a situation where they might snap and destroy a good portion of a school," stated Director Piggot. "Yes, if she did that - even if provoked beyond all reasonable restraint - we might be able to force a recruitment. It would still potentially leave a body count I'm not comfortable with."
"She wouldn't know you knew about it in advance," pointed out the Chief Director.
Armsmaster stirred from where he'd mostly been a silent observer. "Zenko is always gathering information with her fox swarm. That indicates that she's constantly keeping an eye out on her environs. There's a very good chance that any attempt to manipulate circumstances to entrap her will be found and will certainly sour her on eventual recruitment."
"I'm personally more concerned with Coil myself," said Director Piggot. "We didn't even know he was a parahuman before the Behemoth fight. Now we find out he has similar abilities to Zenko except snake-themed."
"Footage of the individuals named Coil and Kurama are currently being studied by our Thinkers. There are some... concerning results," admitted the Chief Director.
Twice since leaving Brockton Bay to fight Behemoth she'd heard the noise of a roulette wheel spin.
Twice she'd gotten the message "Insufficient Points" when everything had finished.
She was very very curious as to what 'Summons - Nasuverse Summon' or 'Clarketech Gizmo - Ten-Dimensional Shears' would have gotten her. She didn't know what the first meant, but she did have an idea what the second meant. And she was sure it would have been fairly awesome.
Twice since she'd gotten back to Brockton Bay, she'd gotten the same noise. Again she'd gotten some intriguing things that had been out of reach due to points or some sort of ongoing situation that deferred the roll.
What was a "Q" anyway other than something not entirely human but apparently a possibility for "Altered Ancestry"?
It was somewhat confusing, not that she had a lot of time to consider that at the moment.
"Damn it, you're going to make me late!"
"I'm going to make you the late Zenko!" declared Hookwolf as he charged in.
"Hard pass," said Zenko, making a hand-sign before going "poof" into smoke.
"COWARD!" yelled Hookwolf, waiting a few moments before making a signal of his own.
Cricket and Stormtiger came out of the shadows a heartbeat later.
"Think she made us?" asked Stormtiger.
Hookwolf frowned, noticed something, then facepalmed and made a "turn around" gesture to Cricket. Then he pulled the sign that had been taped to her back off.
"Signs point to yes," said Stormtiger, a little impressed that someone could sneak around his enhanced senses to that extent.
"Gimmee," said Hookwolf, looking over the paper. "Huh. That's weird."
Cricket put a device up against her throat. "I have echolocation. How the hell did she sneak up on me?"
Hookwolf and Stormtiger looked at her, looked at each other, looked back at her. "Ninja," they said at the same time.
Cricket rolled her eyes. She very firmly felt that that shouldn't have mattered.
* Roof nearby *
After that performance in Arizona, someplace entirely too hot for her tastes, she'd wanted to see what this Zenko was like. Especially after learning that Zenko was teaching a ninja school.
What secrets could she pry out of a ninja school? Lots of them, she was betting. Ninjas loved secrets. If ninja actually existed, which she was already having a hard time believing.
Learning that Zenko was going to be seen at the PRT building following that little demonstration was easy for someone with her skills.
Now she just had to leave a message that the meeting was about going after Empire drop houses, and setting up a time and place where certain individuals would meet? Easy peasy.
All of which was just so she could get a good look at Zenko and see what she could figure out. Just in case leverage later would be useful. Unfortunately, Zenko had been pretty evasive and very fast which didn't allow her power to go to work on the ninja.
Fox tail and ears are constructs via power.
Tattletale blinked. Seriously, those were just part of a costume? Though, now that she was thinking about it, people tended to get distracted by those and that might help with maintaining a secret identity.
Doesn't want to fight. Knew within microseconds of the three-pronged ambush.
Kind of obvious, Tattletale thought to herself. Just things like the fox swarm meant that awareness of her immediate environment was a high priority for the faux fox.
Knew you were there at the same time.
That was a little more concerning but it wouldn't be like the other cape would know anything more about her involvement.
Bio-energy field designated 'chakra' exhibits qualities not in keeping with other observed bio-fields. Anomalous nature is anomalous. More data needed.
Sometimes her power seemed to be a real troll.
Zenko was not present. Zenko utilizing a bio-energy construct to drop into trap in order to do something else.
Tattletale blinked. Yes, stealth and misdirection were all sort of ninja-ey but why go to that much trouble?
Piece of A7 letter paper stuck to Tattletale's back.
"SON OF A-" Tattletale reached back, felt the edge, then pulled the offending piece of paper off.
Picture is of a type referred to as a 'Chibi' or 'Super Deformed' and is of a fox. Message and picture scrawled in a hurry. Threat of using 'ancient ninja restraint techniques' to gift-wrap Tattletale to PRT 'if necessary' is most likely referring to the offer of restraint devices to Zenko from Bondage Girl after the Behemoth fight.
Tattletale felt the paleness replaced by a darn near full-body blush as her power nudged her imagination to be able to picture just such an event. Shibari and a ball gag were involved.
It looked like coming to Brockton Bay had been a good decision, if nothing else finding out more about Zenko and the other players in this game would indicate whether she'd stay. Though if she heard Zenko was taking up that offer from Bondage Girl she might just have to leave town anyway.
Tattletale smirked as she adjusted her jacket (spandex having no insulation value at all) when she caught a glimpse of movement and turned her attention more fully to it.
Not human.
Tattletale blinked as she saw the silhouette in the shadows of another building.
Watching you. Not human. Never has been human. Wearing a human disguise. Familiar enough with humans to look and act the part but only to a degree that a casual observer would miss it.
The figure in the shadows just stood there, unmoving.
Not currently hostile. Dangerous. Very dangerous. S-Class Threat level dangerous.
Tattletale began backing away slowly. Okay, maybe Brockton Bay wasn't a good choice of location for her.
There was a sound behind her that made her come to a complete stop.
Someone behind you. Possible ally to S-Class Threat.
Despite the late afternoon chill, Tattletale felt a little trickle of sweat going down her back.
S-Class threat was in Endbringer fight, codename: Kurama.
Slowly and as non-threateningly as she could, she turned to get a look at what was behind her.
Wggawlajreljr! Just a cute little white fox.
Tattletale deliberately turned back towards the mysterious shadow apparently named Kurama and couldn't help the little jump when she noticed it wasn't there anymore. "You're behind me now, aren't you?"
"No, Kurama isn't. I am. Go to your meeting little fox. I'll take care of this."
Again she turned slowly and carefully, noting the 'cute little white fox' vanished into a puff of smoke while she watched.
Obvious cape. Thin build. 6'2". Costume consists of black business attire, expensively made. Wearing more traditional costume over parts that the suit doesn't conceal. Dangerous. Confident. Thinks he's the smartest person in any room. Very dangerous. Non-threatening posture. Did I mention 'dangerous'?
"What powers do you have, child?" asked the figure, sounding very casual.
"Uhm, I'm a Blaster," tried Tattletale.
"Hmmm. No, in the quaint little system you have, I'm thinking Thinker or something similar. Clearly not a Mover. Ah, it IS Thinker."
Someone was pulling a Her on herself. It didn't feel very good.
"Oh don't be so nervous, child. The days when you would awaken on a table while I did exploratory surgery on your brain to determine your secrets are long gone. Well, mostly."
Former villain. Former archvillain. Ascribes to a non-standard morality scheme. Very very dangerous.
"You're a Thinker yourself," realized Tattletale aloud.
"Oh, that's just the start, child. I'm quite talented, you might say. Lucky for you, I'm hiring."
"Let me guess, work for you - or else?" tried Tattletale.
"Or else go your own way? True. On the other hand I offer a decent 401K, Dental and Health benefits, and a decent working wage. Being a villain means ignoring those ridiculous NEPEA laws that are so onerous."
"Seriously?" asked Tattletale.
Extremely dangerous subject is serious. Completely confident in his abilities. Could kill you with a gesture. Joining means more data available.
Tattletale licked her lips nervously. "How much are we talking about?"
* PRT ENE Building *
"She's late," said Director Piggot.
"She's currently downstairs going through screening," pointed out Armsmaster.
"Nonetheless, for someone with a Mover rating - she's late," countered Director Piggot. She settled back into her chair.
"I am a little surprised that the Chief Director is not pressing for Zenko's recruitment," noted Armsmaster.
"And do what? Put her in the Wards where she can sit on console duty?" asked Director Piggot. "We've had this conversation before. She doesn't want to join and as long as she doesn't do something that puts her on the wrong side of the law - our options are limited."
"Plus you don't want her going Beast Mode in the city," pointed out Assault.
"Data indicates that the 'fusion-ha' requires two to perform," said Armsmaster. "I will admit curiosity whether others can do this and get different results."
"I can't believe she figured out how to do Dragonball stuff," said Assault. "You suppose she could teach me to do a Kamehameha?"
"While we wait, did the Thinktank review of the footage reveal anything new about Coil and Kurama?" asked Miss Militia, deciding the common practice of ignoring Assault was the most sane option.
"Kurama was unknown prior to the Endbringer attack," noted Armsmaster. "Coil was only known for hiring mercenaries. What was seen at the Endbringer battle was a snake-manifestation ability."
"Hence the name then," said Director Piggot. "Coil as in a serpent coiled to strike."
"True, and then there's 'Crimson Lady'," brought up Miss Militia.
"Shadow Stalker's sidekick?" asked Director Piggot.
Miss Militia cued up a video.
"What am I watching?" asked Director Piggot after a moment. "She's running away from an Endbringer. That's entirely sensible."
"She's wearing skintight leather with six inch stilleto heels running very quickly in Southern Arizona heat and is managing to stay ahead of Behemoth's lightning," pointed out Miss Militia. "I certainly couldn't do that."
"I certainly wouldn't expect you to," replied Director Piggot. "Any word back from the Thinktank on her?"
"Just one from Pogo in Pungo. 'Crazy' - so her power may actually be mental-state related."
Director Piggot watched the end of the video clip where Crimson Lady tripped and fell down a ditch just in time to avoid being barbecued. "Well, if we catch her breaking the law she may end up in the Wards. And hopefully someone will convince her to change the costume."
There was a beep on the intercom before PRT Captain Nick Winter's distinctive voice announced: "Zenko is in the elevator, Director."
"Very well, Captain," answered Director Piggot.
* Taylor *
The roulette wheel had started when she entered the elevator.
(12)[Altered Ancestry]
"Share, father," thought Zenko as hard as she could.
(1) [Greek pantheon]
"Eh?" asked Zenko, who then realized she was probably being monitored seven ways to Sunday.
(8) [Ares]
There was a sudden feeling that she was being observed from somewhere entirely different. Followed by a headpat from afar.
Which was really damn strange, even for her life since becoming a ninja.
[Ares accepts alteration of timeline. Locked.]
A memory of her 10th birthday where a strange burly man had bustling in, nudging her buff and hairy father, then departing. Shortly followed by her mother confiscating the sword and shield and spear that Great-Grandfather had gifted her.
That had not happened though. So why...
Then everything around her started moving again, which made her wonder how and why everything had stopped for a split-instance.
The short distance to the indicated room was quickly dealt with, she didn't even bother with a ninja technique to show off to the obvious cameras.
"You're late," grumpily declared Director Piggot as she entered the conference room.
"Empire attempted ambush," said Zenko with a shrug.
"Who?" asked Armsmaster.
"Hookwolf, Crikey, and Stormtinker," said Zenko, who then paused and considered. "Something like that?"
"Cricket and Stormtiger?" asked Armsmaster.
"That's them," agreed Zenko.
Director Piggot sounded most unamused. "Your sense of humor needs work."
Zenko shrugged. "So, what's this meeting about?"
The Director and two Protectorate members (Assault having been given a chore to do) just stared at her.
"This isn't about me joining the Wards again, is it?"
"How long before any of your people can start pulling off these 'ninjutsu'?" asked Miss Militia.
"Do you mean the complicated stuff or the basics. Because Erwin is already climbing walls. Zephron's got the hang of reinforcing things if he's touching it - hasn't broken anything in days. Just saying," said Zenko.
"Throwing fireballs, water-bending, healing people," stated Director Piggot, putting fingers up in the air as she started counting.
"Oh. That stuff's a lot more chakra-intensive, it's really difficult to develop the chakra coils and reservoir. In an actual ninja village they have to start as kids and it still takes five or six years to get to even doing the simple stuff. Not everyone can do the healing even then, you've got to have really good chakra control and some knowledge of anatomy." Zenko waved it off. "The way Erwin's going? Be another couple of years if he pursues it that long."
"Coil was using techniques that seemed to be the same sort of thing you do," stated Armsmaster.
"Yeah. What's up with that? Where did Coil learn Konohagakure-style ninjutsu?" asked Zenko.
"You claim you don't know?" asked Director Piggot.
"Kind of. I don't know. Maybe D... Sub-Zero knows," offered Zenko.
* Orochimaru *
When he'd been a child he'd never celebrated any particular holiday. Konohagakure had been at war for part of the time and dealing with other battles the rest of that time.
Nonetheless, the whole "kid at Christmas" concept resonated with his current mood.
Walking through a forest of flesh where a creature composed of interconnected semi-organic crystals that existed in multiple dimensions simultaneously? It was like everything in his life had prepared him for this.
The towers and shelves of flesh where this 'Cauldron' had scraped off chunks to puree them into "powers in a vial" were extensive but how did you expect actual results from a haphazard (at best) experimentation?
Though they had gotten better in that various textures and colors were determined to have less than desirable outcomes.
Honestly though, he was wondering how this organization had managed to last as long as they had.
They still had him down as some kind of Thinker and a "Case 53-Variant: Possessive Intelligence" which might be technically correct if you squinted. Not that he was interested in correcting them.
Meanwhile he had a hidden organization to run, resources to allocate, and a ninja community to support from the shadows.
Which was kind of familiar in all sorts of ways.
Oh, and a new minion. She was a bit mouthier than Kabuto had been, but her talents made up for the occasional annoyance.
Also, for him at least, fun.
* Daniel Hebert/Sub-Zero *
He'd known immediately when Taylor had included him in this roll. It made sense when he'd heard the category of "Altered Ancestry" as to WHY Taylor went into this 'power sharing' mode with him.
That he now had memories that he knew were new and involved a grandparent he obviously had NOT had was a bit confusing nonetheless.
Ares, aka Mars, alias a few hundred other names across multiple cultures and myriad realities. One of the few among the Greek pantheon's males that didn't indulge in shenanigans involving women. Mainly because he had a daughter. Affairs - yes. He'd had a few of those including with Aphrodite to incur the wrath of Hephaestus. He didn't sneak into anyone's bed and any trysts he had were with knowing consent being involved.
The results of this ancestry change were obvious as soon as he got to a bathroom and stripped off his clothing enough to check. Built like a Greek god (demigod at two removals) indeed.
He'd gotten in a lot better shape after going through years of ninja training but this just added to it. What was the term again? Sin energy? Synergy, that was it.
He remembered (though he knew it hadn't actually happened unless it had retconned things and that had implications he didn't want to consider at the moment) Annette meeting Grandfather Ares and the two of them arguing/laughing/comparing stories that the Ancient Greeks had either embellished or completely fabricated and how things had changed in the millenia since those stories were laid down.
When the two had started passing the wine bottle back and forth, he'd decided he had to be the designated sober person.
Apparently Athena (according to Ares) was a bit stuck-up and all about letter-of-the-law. She'd been extremely prideful and a bit of a prima donna but had relaxed a few degrees since then. Ares had remarked on more than one occasion that he thought she needed to get together with a man or a woman of either mortal or divine heritage and remove the perpetual stick up her buttocks - but admitted that might never happen.
Ares and Athena didn't get along that well, but it was more in the manner of two siblings who bickered at each other over the dining room table than some authors insisted on.
Ares was not likely to show up at family reunions though. As someone who lived "sixteen to the ninth power realities away" and had lived over millenia, he wouldn't get too involved in day-to-day things.
That didn't mean the occasional coming-of-age visit for a descendant was off his day planner. Century-planner?
As soon as he could get home, he'd need to check and see if that spear and shield were there in the attic. Trust a Greek god of war to think those were appropriate gifts for a teenage girl even if coming-of-age for them was younger than was currently considered acceptable.
Sometimes, just sometimes, he wished that if Taylor had to trigger at all - she'd just gone Alexandria package. Sounded a lot less complicated.
* PRT ENE HQ *
Chief Director Rebecca Costa-Brown's picture on the screen jittered every so often. The cause was quickly determined to be a major cape battle in Baltimore as the Protectorate forces there did battle with a Case 53 named Crypt.
The Chief Director of the PRT was looking particularly sour today as she looked out at the Brockton Bay office from that drop-down conference room screen.
"No, she has not joined the Wards. Yes, we pitched that softball anyway," stated Director Piggot. "Yes, we know the 'fusion-ha' thing was from some Japanese TV show. Yes, we've seen the memes. Good lord, have we seen the memes. And a new discussion board based on who else could do it with Zenko or with some other parahuman."
"There's fanart," said the Chief Director in a particularly droll tone. "I am not amused. Do we know the limitations or capabilities of this power expression?"
"It has to be two people with chakra, it is inherently unstable," said Armsmaster. "That jibes with sensor readings. It is doubtful that they could have maintained it for more than a few minutes at most. Also that Kurama was the one to suggest using it as apparently that one has a preference for certain noodle dishes and this was something playing on the screen at Killer Noodles just off the Boardwalk."
"'Killer Noodles'?" asked Rebecca Costa-Brown.
"Apparently it is a pun in Japanese," said Armsmaster.
"The manifestation of a giant nine-tailed fox that slapped Behemoth around like it owed them money has generated... quite a wide range of responses," said Deputy Director Renick from his position near Director Piggot. "Some panic, mainly from the Chinese and Korean communities. Mostly positive though due to the whole 'slapping Behemoth around' thing, plus the footage released clearly shows both Zenko and Kurama apparently exhausted when the technique ended."
"That does drop the overall threat level down, if not by much considering what they could do within five minutes at that size and strength," noted the Chief Director. "Anything else?"
Armsmaster hesitated before speaking up. "Despite previous misdirections, we're now 85% certain that we know Sub-Zero's secret identity and that Zenko is actually his daughter."
The screen went to distorted and static briefly.
"Do we know what this 'Crypt' has for a powerset?" asked Director Piggot. "Unusual that a fight has been going on this long."
"Zombies," said the Chief Director. "Crypt is able to imbue corpses with a semblance of life and animate the dead to do his bidding. Unknown what the upper limit is, but at least a dozen at a time."
"That would do it," agreed Armsmaster.
"Back to Zenko," said the Chief Director. "What is keeping her from joining the Wards?"
"Other than a distrust of the government, a loathing of teenage drama, and that she's apparently associated with the Dockworker's Union?" asked Armsmaster.
"Yes," said the Chief Director.
"Because she feels she's already part of a team, that she's developing greater power almost daily, and that she's doing more good where she's at," said Armsmaster. "We have certainly brought the subject up enough times, at this point we risk further alienation by attempting further pressure."
"Our agents within the 'ninja school' are already reporting some results. Using their own 'chakra' once awakened to its presence by Zenko or Sub-Zero. Accelerated healing when they focus on injuries, slight increases in reaction times, minor but noticeable improvements in physical test scores." Director Piggot flicked a screen on her tablet to bring the exam results up on the monitor. "Nobody is wall walking yet, but increases in running speed have been noticeable."
"I see," said the Chief Director.
"My next plan to try and get her into the Wards involves less stick and more carrot," said Director Piggot. "Since we are mostly certain of her secret identity, we have uncovered that she is being bullied at her current school and by a surprising coincidence - there's an opening at the school attended by the Wards."
"And by associating with the Wards in their civilian identities, and in a less confrontational environment, you're hoping she'll feel some gratitude towards the PRT?" asked the Chief Director. "Risky in that she might simply take the carrot without feeling any obligation."
"Even if it does nothing else, it gets a powerful cape out of a situation where they might snap and destroy a good portion of a school," stated Director Piggot. "Yes, if she did that - even if provoked beyond all reasonable restraint - we might be able to force a recruitment. It would still potentially leave a body count I'm not comfortable with."
"She wouldn't know you knew about it in advance," pointed out the Chief Director.
Armsmaster stirred from where he'd mostly been a silent observer. "Zenko is always gathering information with her fox swarm. That indicates that she's constantly keeping an eye out on her environs. There's a very good chance that any attempt to manipulate circumstances to entrap her will be found and will certainly sour her on eventual recruitment."
"I'm personally more concerned with Coil myself," said Director Piggot. "We didn't even know he was a parahuman before the Behemoth fight. Now we find out he has similar abilities to Zenko except snake-themed."
"Footage of the individuals named Coil and Kurama are currently being studied by our Thinkers. There are some... concerning results," admitted the Chief Director.
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verycoolname
Not actually cool
Emily Piggot: "I'm worried about Coil. He hid his powers for a long time and we don't know his goals."
Rebecca Costa-Brown: "Yeah, he's really creepy to talk to as well."
Piggot: "What?"
Rebecca Costa-Brown: "Nothing!"
Rebecca Costa-Brown: "Yeah, he's really creepy to talk to as well."
Piggot: "What?"
Rebecca Costa-Brown: "Nothing!"
- Location
- Texas
What?!?!?! She lost the roll to get Nasuverse Servants!!! 😭 That would have been awesome!!! Hope it comes around again and she can get it. But the RNG gods are fickle so who knows.
Danny is now 2nd gen demigod, which means Taylor is 3rd gen. What abilities does she get from Ares, even 3rd hand?
Anyone have the feeling that being related to Ares is gonna somehow come back to bite one or both in the ass, hard. It's a great boon, once they figure out what it brings to the table. Really, Taylor being related to the God of War, with the way she escalates? I sense trouble, or at least a lot more mischief, coming from her.
Anyone have the feeling that being related to Ares is gonna somehow come back to bite one or both in the ass, hard. It's a great boon, once they figure out what it brings to the table. Really, Taylor being related to the God of War, with the way she escalates? I sense trouble, or at least a lot more mischief, coming from her.
xbox432
Lover of Editing
There's a continuity error here. Hookwolf already had the paper, so he wouldn't need to take it. Plus, the whole Hookwolf taking it from Hookwolf bit. Then there's the fact that you showed Stormtiger being joking, and he would NOT growl at Hookwolf. Followed by you then describing Cricket using the voice modulator to speak, so this couldn't be her either. As such, I'm not sure who would be speaking or taking in this instance.
To be fair, as Danny noted, Ares IS one of the better Olympians. Besides the stuff listed, he also had a tendency to smite anyone who *attacked* his female children/grandchildren. Plus, just from listening to stories about him on Overly Sarcastic Productions, he comes off as being a bit of a himbo.
Also, now I'm kinda wondering if the Heberts will set up a family shrine for Ares?
Nimodes
Weary Worldwalker
- Location
- Arizona
The first, thanks. I'll go ahead and fix. According to the Worm Wiki - Cricket does use an artificial larynx to speak since her throat was cut at some point in her narrative. If this is fanon and not canon, someone needs to edit that page.
As to the family shrine, I'm going with a small altar in the attic next to where the gifts were locked away for when Taylor was a lot older. Not magical equipment, just well made.
As for Ares' here, I'm definitely going this route more than his portrayal in DC or some of the other sources.
SanguisAnima
Σ Series Z10/0 Group A 4A-GELU Mk1
- Location
- nowhere important
I'd be surprised if there was already one (retconned into existence) in one corner of the attic, roughly at the same place the shield and spear are kept.
... Aaaaand thus God has spoken, so shall it be.
verycoolname
Not actually cool
I like this Ares a lot. He gives off the vibe of a rough and tumble uncle who keeps trying to take his way-too-young nephews and nieces out to the shooting range and likes to watch MMA fights while drinking beer. Meanwhile, Athena is a successful and straightlaced businesswoman, and the two disagree over everything but the important stuff.
xbox432
Lover of Editing
Happy to help! But for Cricket, I wasn't meaning she wouldn't have a voice modulator, but that she (narratively) was shown using the voice modulator AFTER this. Thus, it wouldn't have been her saying those lines either.
And I'm glad to hear about there actually being a small shrine. Even more so that you're going with a more historically/mythologically accurate Ares. He and Hades have been done dirty in modern fiction.
Probably. It would probably boost their chakra capacity as well, there's no way demigods or legacies in their case don't have stronger bodies and souls. So more physical and spiritual energy for chakra.
"Piece of A7 letter paper stuck to Tattletale's back." lol XD
It's weird seeing a Tattletale that hasn't been "recruited" by Coil. I wonder if/how that will alter her personality.
"How much are we talking about?" Well, if nothing else, it appears to mean that her sense of self-preservation is underdeveloped
"Just one from Pogo in Pungo. 'Crazy' - so her power may actually be mental-state related." Pogo should have been more specific...
I wonder if she was taught how to use her new great grandfather's gifts.
"we have uncovered that she is being bullied at her current school" That'll be news to her
"She wouldn't know you knew about it in advance" I'm surprised she was willing to advocate for mass child fatalities to someone outside of Cauldron. Has she lost touch with normal people morality completely?
=================
"S-Class threat was in Endbringer fight, codename: Kurama." This isn't in italics.
It's weird seeing a Tattletale that hasn't been "recruited" by Coil. I wonder if/how that will alter her personality.
"How much are we talking about?" Well, if nothing else, it appears to mean that her sense of self-preservation is underdeveloped
"Just one from Pogo in Pungo. 'Crazy' - so her power may actually be mental-state related." Pogo should have been more specific...
I wonder if she was taught how to use her new great grandfather's gifts.
"we have uncovered that she is being bullied at her current school" That'll be news to her
"She wouldn't know you knew about it in advance" I'm surprised she was willing to advocate for mass child fatalities to someone outside of Cauldron. Has she lost touch with normal people morality completely?
=================
"S-Class threat was in Endbringer fight, codename: Kurama." This isn't in italics.
Hexcalibur
Not So Ordinary Sword
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- It
RCB and the rest of Cauldron should be going WTF right now regarding Coil. They know his power and what was shown wasn't it.
Ace Dreamer
Verified Reality User
- Location
- Between The Unknown & The Known
Nicely done episode!
PRT (ENE) might be starting to realise just how deep they are in it?
Really, they need to get Assault fully into the ninja training? It's unclear how it could make him any worse...
Yeah, RCB seems to rather be in the Egyptian river, de Nile...
Poor Emma. At least to be a (sorta) nemesis she's got to stay alive, until she meets Taylor. Happy? No.
Lisa? There's being annoyed with your Power, and there's ignoring its warnings, and walking straight down the serpents throat, while admiring the architecture. OTOH, if you can see there's no escape, making sure you're at least comfortable in your terror isn't stupid?
Coil? Looking at doing a systematic study of the Flesh Garden. Maybe some network analysis, careful examination of chakra-related flows? Multi-dimensional modelling? Data analysis, possibly using a team with only access to anonymised data? Strikes me as the sort of person who'd look at super-computers and figure-out how to get good use out of them...
The Ares stuff is fun. Whether he comes with his family, sons and daughter? Other descendants? Does Ares being involved mean Eris might feel justified in spreading a bit of Disorder? Or, are things messed-up enough, already? No need for declaring Mouse Protector her great-grand-daughter?
Cauldron continues to be desperately looking at the ticking clock...
And, being Hard People, doing Hard Things, for the Right Reasons (poorly).
EDIT:
BTW, were those Clarketech shears the scissors from Kill la Kill???
PRT (ENE) might be starting to realise just how deep they are in it?
Really, they need to get Assault fully into the ninja training? It's unclear how it could make him any worse...
Yeah, RCB seems to rather be in the Egyptian river, de Nile...
Poor Emma. At least to be a (sorta) nemesis she's got to stay alive, until she meets Taylor. Happy? No.
Lisa? There's being annoyed with your Power, and there's ignoring its warnings, and walking straight down the serpents throat, while admiring the architecture. OTOH, if you can see there's no escape, making sure you're at least comfortable in your terror isn't stupid?
Coil? Looking at doing a systematic study of the Flesh Garden. Maybe some network analysis, careful examination of chakra-related flows? Multi-dimensional modelling? Data analysis, possibly using a team with only access to anonymised data? Strikes me as the sort of person who'd look at super-computers and figure-out how to get good use out of them...
The Ares stuff is fun. Whether he comes with his family, sons and daughter? Other descendants? Does Ares being involved mean Eris might feel justified in spreading a bit of Disorder? Or, are things messed-up enough, already? No need for declaring Mouse Protector her great-grand-daughter?
I think they know that the original Coil is just a suit-of-clothes for a different flavour of Thinker. One they think is a natural Warrior trigger, who is a Case 53 due to how their power works. And, might be useful.
Cauldron continues to be desperately looking at the ticking clock...
And, being Hard People, doing Hard Things, for the Right Reasons (poorly).
EDIT:
BTW, were those Clarketech shears the scissors from Kill la Kill???
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FaerieKnight79
Verified Pixie
- Location
- The Internet
No, they are being "Hard People, doing Hard Things, for Hard Reasons". They lost sight of "the right reasons" almost instantly.
I'm kinda happier about that. We have enough of a mashup with Orochimaru involved, and even the weaker Nasu Servants tend to be spotlight hogs. I prefer the spotlight be on Zenko.
LOVE this story as well as its spinoff! I would literally die happy knowing that you ain't finna write nothing but these two stories! 😍🤌🏾
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