The first thing I noticed, once I''d stopped shivering from the dangerous quantities of adrenaline swimming through my veins, was the heat.
I pushed myself off Amy, giving her a brief once-over to make sure she was okay. No obvious burns, cuts, or anything besides her missing fingers. She stared up at me, eyes wide, lips slightly parted like she was going to say something. She didn''t though, so I rose and turned, striding out of the door I''d broken to see what the damage was.
I raised my arm to shield against the sudden wash of heat as I exited the small building. When I lowered it, I couldn''t help but gasp in shock at the sight. Two buildings down, the street was nothing but fire in every direction. Thick, black and white smoke covered the horizon as far as I could see, lit orange by the firestorm below. Above, I could see large cones of sparks lazily drifting down, brilliant white against the orange glow from the fires. The realization sent a shiver of revulsion up my spine: phosphorus.
It was dangerous here, with the fires so close, so I went back inside the building and helped Amy to her feet. She didn''t say a word, didn''t make a sound beyond the gasp of shock as I led her out of our shelter. Glancing back, I shivered again. We''d been too close to getting cooked. I was confident I could survive just about any type of conventional bomb the world over. I was sure, if I had been caught in that raging firestorm, I''d be dead.
Taking things slowly, I led Amy further up the road, away from the sea of fire behind us. Glancing back...it didn''t feel right we''d survived that, didn''t feel right I wasn''t waking up in my room right now. And yet, here we were. Alive, certainly not unhurt but that all could be dealt with later; if, of course, I was allowed to have a later.
We passed the building where the Undersiders were taking shelter as quick as we could. I really didn''t want to get stuck in with them, not in the middle of this shitshow. Things were, quite literally, heating up and I knew if we were caught up in it we''d be cooked. Just because they got to survive didn''t mean I would.
¡°Hey!¡± I ignored the shout from behind us, even as Amy turned her head. ¡°Hey hold on, we''ve got wounded!¡± I jerked to a halt as Amy paused. I looked back and saw her staring at Tattletale.
¡°Lia...¡± Amy said plaintively, and I sighed.
¡°Let''s go,¡± I replied, turning around and heading towards the building.
It was some kind of rec center, the Undersiders and Travelers gathered together in the lobby. Tattletale stood up front, her arms cross as we walked in. Grue was behind her and he looked...had he lost weight? I remembered him being twice as wide as I was, now he looked...diminished. Oh, oh hell. I averted my eyes and flinched when I saw Regent and Imp standing beside Shatterbird.
¡°I''m going to assume,¡± I said, my eyes locked on the Nine member in our midst. ¡°She''s either on the level, or Regent''s doing shit that makes my skin crawl.¡± Tattletale snorted. ¡°Don''t, I can already hear what you wanna say.¡± She glowered at me for a moment, then an easy smile grew on her face.
¡°Someone''s protective.¡±
¡°I did literally try and fight the Siberian,¡± I replied. ¡°What do you want, you said you had wounded?¡±
¡°We will soon,¡± Tattletale said, glancing back at her gathered team. ¡°Nothing that needs attention from your girlfriend right now.¡±
¡°She''s not my girlfriend,¡± Amy and I snapped. Tattletale''s smile only grew.
¡°Come on,¡± she said. ¡°Outside everyone, lets make some elbow room.¡±
We filed out after the villains and fanned out on the street. Amy stood next to me, I''d been directed to make sure one of the flanking roads to us was covered. Behind us, Sundancer was working to extinguish the fires the PRT''s bombing had ignited, clearing a path into the blaze it seemed. Grue was doing...something with his power. He could steal others'' powers, could he feel them too? Or maybe it was just to keep the heat down from the inferno raging not a block away.
A sound like a drumbeat echoed overhead, and looking up I saw Skitter mounted on the back of Amy''s beetle. It was a bizarre sight, but somehow completely fit with the Skitter I knew both here and in what I''d remembered. She circled the street once before coming down awkwardly a dozen feet away from us, near Tattletale.
¡°What?¡± I heard her exclaim as we approached. ¡°Is he okay?¡±
¡°It''s a he?¡± I couldn''t help but hear a sarcastic edge in Tattletale''s voice. Hilarious.
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¡°It''s legs work sort of like hydraulics,¡± Amy explained as she stepped forward. ¡°When it''s flying, it diverts those fluids to the flight system. Do you know how hard it was to make that thing able to fly? I don''t usually go around creating monster bugs.¡±
¡°It''s fantastic,¡± Skitter said flatly. ¡°Really. Thank you. Do you think you could work on making him a little bit bigger while I get prepared? I''ll give you more bugs.¡±
¡°No,¡± Amy snapped, making Skitter freeze in the middle of turning around.
¡°No?¡± Skitter''s voice was cold. ¡°If it''s the physical limits of something that big, then--¡±
¡°No Skitter,¡± Amy cut her off. ¡°I can, but I won''t.¡± Skitter turned on her, but she just shook her head. ¡°This isn''t a present, it isn''t a toy. You said you needed mobility, help escaping? You got it.¡±
¡°Did you forget that your sister is with them?¡± Skitter asked, making Amy flinch.
¡°I''ve never seen someone so unhappy about a freebie,¡± I said, drawing her gaze. ¡°Did you forget that, once the Nine are gone, we''re enemies again?¡± She seemed to glare at me.
¡°I didn''t want that,¡± Skitter said a moment later.
¡°Should have thought about that before becoming a twenty-first century warlord,¡± I retorted, crossing my arms.
¡°I''m not--¡±
¡°You hold territory that is claimed by an extant nation, and you''re using the instability and violence here to hold onto it.¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°If you''d prefer I could call you a ''conflict princess'' instead.¡± Skitter bristled.
¡°And what about your use of the instability and violence?¡± Tattletale asked, coming to Skitter''s rescue. ¡°Face it, the only reason you don''t like us is because we''re using your tactics against you.¡±
¡°Also the pain and suffering you cause to maintain your grip,¡± I countered. ¡°And because I just don''t like you personally, Tattletale.¡± I sighed and shook my head. ¡°Fuck sake, forget it.¡± I turned on my heel before the Undersider''s queen bitch decided this was her new crusade.
¡°Hey,¡± Amy quietly stopped me as I stepped past her. ¡°Um...what should I...¡± She trailed off, staring at the ground. I looked back at Skitter, gathering grenades and guns to take off back into the fighting.
¡°God dammit,¡± I swore under my breath. ¡°I don''t know, she''ll probably need to carry people out of there. Can you make it easier to fly, maybe with better wings for more lift but less speed?¡± She stared at me for a moment.
¡°You know a lot about bugs.¡± I wasn''t sure how to take that.
¡°I''m just spitballing,¡± I replied with a shrug. ¡°I don''t actually know how to do any of that, they''re just ideas that won''t make Skitter more of a nightmare than she already is.¡± Amy glanced past me at the villains, then sighed and put her hands on the beetle''s carapace.
¡°Skitter,¡± she snapped, drawing the villain''s gaze. ¡°Gimme some bugs.¡±
The beetle bulked up just slightly, but its back seemed to grow compared to its head. Before long, the shape had changed; longer, like a really fat dragonfly but with horns. When it flexed its wings, I saw they''d become wider, fatter. My suggestion? Amy stepped back and took a shuddering breath, running her fingers through her hair.
¡°There,¡± she said flatly as Skitter put her hand on its carapace. ¡°Should be able to carry two, if it''s tight. I don''t know if flying will be easier, but I tried.¡±
¡°Thanks,¡± Skitter said simply.
¡°Make sure my-- make sure Glory Girl makes it out.¡± Skitter stiffened, but gave a brief nod. Like that, she was airborne again.
¡°Come on you two,¡± Grue barked. ¡°Back to it.¡±
I sighed and returned to guarding the flank with Amy. I had my doubts we''d actually be ambushed, the Nine were probably...preoccupied, considering the state of things. Maybe the Nazis would intervene and I could crack some deserving skulls, but I doubted it. So I just kept steadily moving with the group, keeping an eye out for anything.
Amy was practically glued to my side, not quiet touching but close enough that I could feel her. I wasn''t sure why she was suddenly so comfortable with me, but maybe it was just more comfortable than being nearer to any of the Undersiders. That made a lot of sense, and besides I''d spent most of the past two days trying to help her; maybe it finally sunk in that I was on her side.
Maybe it was the utter shitshow around us, but that didn''t make me feel any better. Skitter was about as useful as a particularly angry dachshund when it came to morality and emotion, and Tattletale was Tattletale. Grue had second-triggered and was as stable as a neglected nuclear core, and I trusted Imp and Regent about as far as I trusted his thrall. There was no one else around who Amy would actually talk to, listen to.
No pressure.
The progress up the road was slow, and I shivered as the asphalt became sticky underfoot. Not too hot, but it meant we were moving into the area that had been bombed. Bitch was bringing up the rear, the others covering other flanks. Grue and Sundancer were still ahead of us, extinguishing fires or shielding us from them as we crept forward.
Beyond them, walls of flame and curtains of smoke towered over the buildings. Hell was real and it was here to say hello. How the fuck had Piggot got authorization to hit a civilian area this size with incendiaries? Evacuation or not, and I had to assume there had been one, there were certainly casualties. Maybe thinking about it was worse for me, because I knew it didn''t work...
I kept my eyes peeled, now for any survivors as much as enemies. I had basically zero supplies and a healer too unstable to be trusted right now, so I wasn''t sure what help I could give. But if anyone survived this nightmare, they deserved every ounce of help I could give. The more I looked though, the less I found. All that was left were charred buildings, facades blasted apart. Ruins.
¡°The heroes did this?¡± Amy''s voice was brittle.
¡°The air force, I think.¡± I shook my head. ¡°It''s fucked.¡±
¡°It''s insane.¡±
¡°Got to be ready,¡± I replied. ¡°Don''t know when--¡±
I was interrupted by the drumming of Skitter''s wings, or at least the beetle''s she was riding. I glanced up and saw her coming in fast, along with a bundle of white tossed over the back. Casualties? I caught a glimpse of golden hair as she landed and my heart sunk.
Victoria.
Febrile 8.6
¡°Holy shit!¡± Regent swore as we ran over.
¡°Heal her!¡± Skitter demanded, staring at Amy. ¡°Just don''t touch the spots where the acid hit her!¡±
¡°I don''t¡ª¡± Amy sounded shaken. ¡°What happened?¡±
¡°Crawler spit acid on her then knocked out her force field.¡± I shuddered. What hell that must have been. ¡°Move! Fix your sister!¡±
Amy stumbled forward, hand outstretched, then stopped when Victoria mumbled what could have been ''no'' but her melted lips weren''t doing any favours. Tattletale told Amy to ignore her, and she swung out with a blow strong enough to crater the sidewalk where she hit it. The ground shuddered, and when she coughed ''no'' again, there was enough strength to give everyone pause.
¡°If she hits me,¡± Amy said, voice shaking. ¡°She''ll kill me.¡±
¡°Okay.¡± Tattletale didn''t sound bothered. ¡°If she doesn''t want help, don''t give it.¡±
¡°She''s always been emotional, passionate, unrestrained,¡± Amy babbled, ignoring Tattletale. ¡°She''s channeling all this new emotion into hate, because it''s the closest equivalent.
¡°New emotion?¡± Regent asked. ¡°You mean you mindraped her.¡± Oh, so that was where the term came from.
¡°Seriously?¡± Imp asked. Amy looked like she''d been slapped.
¡°It was an accident,¡± she said, practically pleading.
¡°How do you--¡±
¡°Enough,¡± Tattletale cut in, apparently done with her shit too. ¡°Victoria, listen, I''m going to pour some sterile water on you, and hopefully it''ll flush some of the acid away. I don''t know what else we can do for you. I know you can''t see, so don''t be surprised when it happens.¡± Victoria turned her head away slightly, not saying a word. Surely she didn''t buy it. ¡°Okay.¡±
She grabbed Amy''s sleeve and shoved her towards her sister. Amy looked horrified, but Tattletale just pointed. The healer knelt next to her sister, putting a hand on her back. Glory Girl''s entire body seemed to react, stiffening like she''d been shocked, then went limp. That finally shook off whatever stupor I''d been plunged into by her sudden appearance.
¡°I''m sorry,¡± Amy whispered, ¡°So, so sorry. Oh god this is bad.¡±
¡°Amy,¡± I croaked, wincing at how dry my throat was. ¡°Amy stop.¡±
¡°I can''t figure out what this venom is,¡± she babbled, eyes glazed over. ¡°I can''t touch it to see if it''s organic, can only see what it''s doing. Um, at least part is enzymes, denaturing her proteins, breaking down lipids as a side effect. Oh god there''s more, it''s swimming in...some kind of acid.¡±
¡°Can you fix her?¡± Tattletale asked, apparently willing to let Amy keep going.
¡°So much to do,¡± she muttered. ¡°Have to counter the acid, stop the enzymes from eating her alive, repair the damage. A firebreak, got to make a firebreak to stop the venom spreading, withdraw the proteins it''s using a fuel. Fuck...there isn''t enough tissue in her body for everything to fix her.¡±
¡°Fixing her body and healing all the damage can come later,¡± Tattletale said in the warmest, gentlest tone I''d heard her use...ever. ¡°For now, keep her alive and fix what you did to her head.¡±
¡°I have enough to manage without worrying about that,¡± Amy said desperately. A chill went up my spine. No, no.
¡°It''s as much a priority as anything else. If you don''t do it now--¡±
¡°Shut up,¡± Amy snapped. ¡°I need to focus.¡±
I watched her as she worked, not exactly repairing the damage, but the ugly rotting flesh seemed to change. It looked...more healthy, though still totally fucked. I glanced back at Tattletale, quietly talking with Skitter. I took a step back from Amy and gestured for them to join me a little ways away. When Tattletale ignored me at first, I walked up to her, jabbed a finger in her arm, pointed at Amy, then pointed a short distance away. This time, she seemed to get it. She wandered over, leaving Skitter with the rest of the gang.
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¡°What?¡± she demanded when we were out of earshot. ¡°Want me to stop being mean to your girlfriend?¡± I ignored the jab, despite it irritating me to no end.
¡°You need to go,¡± I said, keeping my voice low. ¡°All of you.¡±
¡°And why, pray tell?¡± Tattletale asked, rolling her eyes. Skitter was offering bugs to Amy, Regent was offering byplay that wasn''t fucking helping.
¡°Because she hates you,¡± I said simply. ¡°You personally, sure, but all of you. You''re the villains that ruined her life.¡±
¡°She was plenty capable of that on her own,¡± Tattletale retorted.
¡°That doesn''t change how she sees you.¡± I narrowed my eyes. ¡°Tattletale, I may fucking hate you, but I know you''re not an idiot. Look at her, really look at her and tell me that she''ll listen to you if you''re nice and say the right things.¡± The Undersiders were still arguing about bugs, until Amy asked for them to use.
¡°Got a better idea?¡±
¡°I''ll handle it,¡± I said, turning back to her.
¡°You''ll pardon me if I don''t exactly believe the girl crushing on a psychotic healer.¡± I swallowed the vicious response that wanted to escape my throat.
¡°Then I''ll be more persuasive.¡± I took a deep breath. ¡°If you and yours handle this, neither of them make it out intact.¡± She stared at me and I saw her eyes widen as she realized the truth.
¡°What does she--¡±
¡°That info isn''t for sale,¡± I snapped. ¡°Give me a gun and get out of here; I''ll take care of everything.¡± I glanced back at Amy, still healing her sister. ¡°One way or another, I''ll take care of it.¡±
¡°You know how I said you two were fucked?¡± Tattletale said quietly. ¡°I don''t take it back, but I''ll just add you''re perfect for each other. A little murder-suicide if you don''t get your way?¡±
¡°Exactly,¡± I replied, meeting her eyes. My heart thumped painfully, I didn''t want that outcome but...
¡°Fuck,¡± Tattletale swore, then turned her head. ¡°Skitter, get over here.¡±
¡°What is it?¡± she asked when she approached.
¡°Give this idiot your gun,¡± she replied, gesturing to me. ¡°She''s graciously volunteered to be our bomb squad.¡± Skitter turned her head to stare at me.
¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked flatly.
¡°You guys aren''t helping with Amy,¡± I explained as quickly as I could. ¡°You''re trying, but you''re villains and she was raised to hate you. Being here, you''ll only do more harm than good.¡±
¡°She''s listening,¡± Skitter countered. ¡°Using my bugs to--¡±
¡°She''s desperate,¡± I cut her off. ¡°But being desperate makes people stupid, we''ve all seen that over the last month.¡± I''d lived it plenty... ¡°She''s clinging to whatever life raft she can, even if it''s full of holes and rabid dogs.¡± Skitter bristled but Tattletale shook her head.
¡°For the record,¡± she said. ¡°You''re a fucking idiot.¡±
¡°Sticks and stones won''t break my bones,¡± I replied with a shrug, drawing a sigh.
¡°Give it to her,¡± Tattletale said, gesturing flippantly. ¡°I''m about done with this shitshow anyway.¡± Skitter hesitated, but drew her pistol and passed it to me.
¡°Thumb safety,¡± she explained, pointing to it. ¡°Grip safety. Eight rounds left, I fired at Mannequin twice.¡±
¡°Did you at least hit him?¡± I asked, slipping it into my belt, around my back.
¡°Twice,¡± she answered, a note of pride.
¡°Good,¡± was all I managed. ¡°Now go, you guys are probably the best equipped to deal with the Nine.¡±
¡°What?¡± Tattletale let out a snigger of laughter. ¡°You think we''re the best equipped for this?¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± I nodded. ¡°Because you hit below the belt.¡± That got a cockeyed half-smirk from her.
¡°Let''s go,¡± Skitter said, returning to her team and starting to gather them. Amy was still working.
¡°It''s not going to work,¡± Tattletale said under her breath when we were alone again. ¡°I get that you think you know her, but the way she is right now? You''re going to fail, and I don''t think you have the guts to see it through.¡±
¡°I don''t really care what you think, Tattletale,¡± I replied flatly, too tired to even be pissed at her. ¡°Leave this to me, you can be shitty at us another day.¡± Her grin vanished and she shook her head.
¡°Why do I bother...¡± she said to no one in particular as she joined the rest of her team.
While the Undersiders and Travelers coordinated and began to leave, I looked at Amy. She was muttering to herself about what she was doing, fighting the acid that was still destroying her sister''s body. It was horrifying to watch the two warring against each other, flesh necrotizing then rejuvenating before my eyes. Bugs were being used to fill in the gaps and rents that Crawler had left on her.
What the fuck was I going to do? I told Tattletale I''d handle it, and that had been the truth. I wasn''t going to let this be seen through to what I remembered happening. I really didn''t want it to come to that, to lose...so much. I wasn''t sure I could handle going through this again. Do or die and do it again, just like every fucking thing else in my life.
I walked over to Amy, kneeling on the asphalt beside her. She glanced at me, then at her sister, then back at me. Slowly, she pulled her hands back and rested them on her knees. We sat there silently for a while, the only noise coming from the distant crackle of flame and booms of battle. I flinched at a ragged inhale from Glory Girl, but she was still limp, paralyzed by her sister. I glanced at Amy and found her chewing her lip bloody as she stared down at Victoria. I sighed and pulled down my mask and hood, running my fingers through my hair.
¡°Amy,¡± I said shakily. ¡°We need to talk.¡±
Febrile 8.7
¡°There''s nothing to talk about,¡± Amy muttered, shoulders hunching.
¡°No?¡± I asked, looking at Glory Girl. ¡°I think there''s plenty.¡±
¡°I''m not done,¡± she hedged, gazing at the ugly sight. No, she clearly wasn''t. ¡°She needs to eat, so do I. I don''t have enough material to fix her completely, not with how bad she was when they got her to me. It''s...it''s a fucking mess.¡±
¡°Par for the course these days,¡± I replied with a sigh. ¡°Okay, so you can''t fix her body because you don''t have materials? That right?¡± She nodded. ¡°And what about her head?¡± Amy flinched.
¡°I...¡±
¡°It should be easy, theoretically,¡± I continued, keeping my voice level. ¡°I don''t totally get your power, admittedly, but if it''s just a matter of removing something that shouldn''t be there...¡±
¡°It''s not that simple,¡± Amy countered, her voice brittle. ¡°She''s...all of this stuff is just temporary measures. The stuff I made from-- from the bugs, that''s not going to last more than a few days. It''s got to be replaced with real flesh and I can''t do that without stuff. I can speed up her digestion though, it won''t even be a day and she''ll be normal.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± I said simply, not even bothering to process. Too much energy. ¡°But you can start where...where all this started.¡± She flinched.
¡°That''s not...¡± Amy took a deep breath. ¡°If she resists then I won''t be able to fix anything else, she''ll be like this and-- and I don''t know¡ª¡± She cut herself off with a full-body shiver.
¡°Fuck,¡± I swore, tugging at a loose strand of hair. ¡°Fucking hell.¡±
¡°Just one night,¡± she whispered, eyes fixed on Victoria. ¡°That''s all I need, one night and then it''ll be done. She''ll be fixed, and I''ll leave. My last thing, something to try and make it up to everyone. Sorry Amaranth I--¡±
¡°Lia,¡± I corrected her, making her finally look at me.
¡°What?¡±
¡°You don''t need a lecture from a cape,¡± I explained. ¡°Didn''t need one from a bunch of villains, don''t need one from a week-old Ward. I''m not doing this because I''m a cape, Amy, I''m doing it because I care about you.¡± My cheeks flushed but I held her gaze. ¡°You, and Victoria. I don''t...I don''t know if we''re friends, or whatever, but at least you can trust me not to fuck you over.¡± She looked back at Victoria.
¡°I don''t deserve that,¡± she whispered. ¡°Especially not now, not with what I did, what I have to do to fix it.¡±
¡°Unfortunately,¡± I said, with a sigh. ¡°We don''t get to choose who cares about us.¡±
¡°No, but you can choose to leave well enough alone,¡± Amy replied bitterly. ¡°This isn''t your problem, this is family. What would you--¡±
¡°If you finish that sentence,¡± I growled. ¡°I''m going to slap you.¡± I took a deep breath as she snapped her mouth shut. ¡°What would I know about family, that''s what you wanted to ask?¡± She hesitated, then gave a jerky nod. ¡°Let me tell you about...about my dad.¡±
It took me a minute to get myself together, put the shattered bits of the memories I''d killed in order. Eventually I began, slowly and hesitantly. I told her about Mark before, about...what I did, but she didn''t get it. Not yet.
I started small, about him taking me to see a boxing match once, against Mom''s better judgment. Ringside seats, in retrospect probably an Empire sponsored match, and the best gift I''d gotten til that point. It hadn''t even been an occasion, he just had two tickets and had told me Mom thought it was too ''barbaric'' for her. I wasn''t even sure how he knew I''d enjoy it.
I sniffed as I talked about him coming to the parent-teacher night in ninth grade. My grades had slipped and I didn''t have the courage to show Mom my report card. He offered to come to ''give Mom a night off'', then covered for me until I got my shit together enough to actually pass and get into high school.
God, then there was high school and... I barely got through telling her about coming out without breaking down. I had been so sure he''d be like Mom, that I''d get a look of disgust and be told to leave. Of course I hadn''t actually told Mom, because I knew she''d react like that, like she did with...others. Not him though, not him. For all my hedging...he was my dad. Fuck I''d called him ''Dad'' that day.
¡°And then,¡± I said, my voice cracking. ¡°Uhh, well, I already told you so...¡± I sniffed. ¡°So if you tell me I don''t know Amy, I don''t know what I''ll do.¡± There was a long, heavy silence.
¡°It''s not the same.¡± It took every ounce of willpower I had left not to strangle her. ¡°You get it, kind of. I...I fixed my dad after not helping him for almost half a decade, years of suffering because of me. I don''t know how he felt when I finally fixed him but...¡± She trailed off.
¡°Maybe it isn''t the same,¡± I admitted. ¡°But I sure as hell know what it''s like to be what destroys my family.¡±
¡°I can fix it,¡± Amy whispered. ¡°I just have to put her back to normal, then she can go have a family. Carol and Mark love her, they''ll be fine together. I''ll leave them be, make sure they never hear from me again.¡±
¡°Where''s the end of that road?¡± Her hand snapped towards me as I continued. ¡°You have to put her back together, but you don''t have the material, so she needs to eat, but needs help to digest it fast enough, but you need a day...¡± I sighed. ¡°I asked you a while ago Amy, how would you make your sister let you fix her?¡± She seemed to shrink.
¡°It''s not that bad,¡± she squeaked. ¡°Just...I''d need to put her under for a while, keep her complacent. Once she''s healthy, the last thing I''ll do is fix her, then I don''t know.¡±
¡°To be completely honest,¡± I said flatly. ¡°That''s pretty fucking bad.¡± She flinched.
¡°I know,¡± Amy said, hands gripping her pants tightly. ¡°I''m a fucking monster.¡±
¡°No you aren''t.¡±
¡°I am.¡± She said more firmly.
¡°Not yet,¡± I said, shaking my head. ¡°But Amy, fuck...I...¡± My hair snapped as I yanked it. ¡°Amy if you do this, if you do...this, then you will be.¡± A beat.
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¡°What do you mean?¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°Oh god Lia what do you mean? What did I do?¡± I stared at Victoria''s still body.
¡°Nothing yet,¡± I barely managed to whisper. Her hands seized my shoulders and twisted me around to face her.
¡°Please,¡± Amy begged, tears in her eyes. ¡°Please, this is the only way Lia, the only way I can do this, the only way I can feel even kind of right about this.¡± I just shook my head.
¡°You told me a while ago you didn''t know the difference between right and wrong,¡± I said, fingers plucking at my locks. ¡°This isn''t something you should feel right about Amy, and ''kind of'' means it doesn''t, does it?¡±
¡°It feels worse to leave her like...like this.¡±
¡°You wouldn''t be,¡± I countered. ¡°You''d be fixing her brain.¡±
¡°But that doesn''t matter if she''ll just die as soon as this shit decays!¡± Amy wrapped her arms around herself. ¡°I won''t have fixed anything, I''ll have made things worse. I can''t just...¡±
¡°It''s hard to do,¡± I agreed. ¡°Probably the hardest. Makes me think it''s the right thing.¡± Her fingers dug into her arm hard enough I saw red around the nails and she buried her head in her arms. ¡°Amy, you fucked up. I can''t pull punches on that, but right now you have a choice. You can do something that you can ''kind of'' feel right about, something that I''ll tell you outright is wrong. You said it''s the only way, but maybe you''re discarding the other choice too fast. I''m not saying it''s good,¡± I said before she could stop me. ¡°I don''t think there''s any good choice you can make here, but there are right ones...and wrong.¡± We were silent for a while.
¡°Why do you care?¡± Amy asked hoarsely.
¡°Because you care,¡± I answered. ¡°You, and Vicky, and Gallant and...all of you tried from day one. I was just some weird girl intruding on you, and you hatched some scheme to help me fit in. Or Victoria did and you went along with it to help. You told me about your problems, gave me advice about mine. So I care when you''re making a choice that I know is going to hurt all of you; especially you and Victoria.¡±
The crackle of distant flames filled the air. I looked up and sighed. It was getting dark, though fire still lit the streets better than the sparse . The moon was blocked anyway by pillars of smoke rising from the burning buildings. What a perfect backdrop to the horror playing out here...
What...¡± Amy began shakily. ¡°How...Lia, what do I have to do?¡± I grimaced.
¡°I don''t know,¡± I answered honestly. ¡°Fixing her brain should be first, she''s not going anywhere right now and if you fixed it that wouldn''t change, unless you made it right?¡±
¡°I...I guess?¡±
¡°So keep her...sedated, like you just did while healing her.¡±
¡°What then?¡± I stared at Victoria.
¡°How long will the bug grafts last?¡± I asked. The dirt was still squirming with insects and worms.
¡°I don''t know,¡± Amy said, sounding almost desperate. ¡°They won''t integrate like flesh will, they''re shitty bandaids.¡±
¡°Make them as long lasting as you can then,¡± I replied, running my fingers through my hair, wincing at the pain from my absent tips. ¡°That way, even if she still doesn''t want you to fix her, she''ll have time to find an alternative.¡±
¡°Who--¡±
¡°Scapegoat, for one,¡± I cut her off. ¡°Since he can literally replace injured body parts, it shouldn''t be too hard. You''re not the only healer on the planet, Amy.¡±
¡°Then they--¡±
¡°Would know what you did,¡± I finished. ¡°Only your...emergency measures. They''d only know the rest if Victoria told them and, well, that''s not really something you can help either way.¡± She pursed her lips.
¡°Would...would it work?¡± Amy asked hesitantly, her lip trembling. ¡°Would it stop...whatever?¡± I looked up, looked her in the eye.
¡°It will,¡± I lied as easily as I breathed. ¡°Trust me.¡± She took a deep breath and nodded, her lips stilling, then put her hand on Victoria''s back. ¡°Walk me through it, maybe it''ll help you concentrate.¡± Amy''s entire body tensed. ¡°Amy I already know what you did, telling me the mechanics of how you''re undoing it won''t change that.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± she sighed, closing her eyes. ¡°It''s...a bunch of artificial neurons spread through her basal ganglia, uh, part of the brain that deals with a lot of stuff but here...p- partners. I...I put it there and it, um, changed how she feels about...me. It''s...it''s easy to fix, just take the neural pathways and put them back how they were before...before me.¡± A beat. ¡°There.¡± I let out a breath I didn''t realize I''d been holding.
¡°Amy?¡± She looked at me, firelight reflecting in the tracks that tears had left through the dirt of the past few days. ¡°You made the right choice.¡± She sniffed, then nodded once and turned her attention back to Victoria.
¡°I''m going to use some more bugs to reinforce the grafts, parts that were too damaged for me to totally fix, that stuff.¡± I saw her reach into the writhing dirt and scoop up a handful of goo, which went right onto Victoria. ¡°It''s going to be ugly but, with enough, it should last long enough for her to see...someone else. It''ll be a few minutes.¡±
I watched her work like a hawk. It wasn''t that I didn''t trust her, but I knew I couldn''t, not yet. Amy seemed to be in the zone, reaching down, getting a handful of bug goo, replace vital organs, repeat. She was careful in her touches, never doing more than brushing Victoria''s skin with her hand, beside the one firmly on her back. She''d told the truth though. A few minutes later, she sat back on her haunches, a haunted look on her face.
¡°It''s...done,¡± Amy said after a minute of silence. ¡°Once I bring her out of it...that''s it.¡±
¡°And?¡±
¡°I don''t know if I can be here for that.¡± Her voice was almost too soft to hear. ¡°Don''t know if I can hear how she feels...¡±
¡°That''s fair.¡± I sighed and rubbed my sandy-feeling eyes. ¡°I can talk to her then, I guess.¡± I''d already disarmed one nuclear bomb today, why not another? ¡°She''ll need to know what to do so...what does she have to do?¡± Amy took a deep breath.
¡°The grafts are temporary, sort of fragile, she''s going to need to avoid fighting until they''re replaced with...real stuff. She needs to eat badly, I can tell she hasn''t in a while, and that''s going to fuck with her recovery. Mo-- Carol has a bunch of nutrient shake stuff, that would be a good supplement.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± I replied, nodding. ¡°I''ll tell her. Maybe...bring her out of it on a delay so you can, um, not be here?¡± Amy sighed and put her hand on her sister''s back. I almost missed the breathless ''I love you'' before she rose, turned, and fled.
I sat there for a minute, just staring at Victoria. She was going to hate me, not that I didn''t deserve it. I''d spent the last three days protecting her rapist, then encouraged her to do...this. I knew she was better off, and I was the only one. That was alright, I''d...never liked Vicky anyway. She stirred and I flinched, then cleared my throat.
¡°Just me,¡± I said quickly as she whirled, fists raised. ¡°You''re...you again.¡± Mostly.
¡°What the fuck did you do to me?¡± she spat.
¡°I sat here and watched you get healed, and only healed,¡± I reassured her.
¡°You let her touch me?¡± Yeah, she was going to hate me.
¡°I did.¡± I didn''t stop it, after all. ¡°Though I didn''t tell her to, not that that matters too much.¡±
¡°Fuck you Lia.¡± Fuck me is right.
¡°Okay, cool.¡± I sighed and plucked at my hair. ¡°Your brain is yours again, no Amy in there besides your memories. Your body isn''t fixed though.¡±
¡°What?¡± Her voice was brittle.
¡°Temporary measures,¡± I explained, pointing to the ugly meshes of bug goo covering the awful wounds Crawler left her with. ¡°It''s not the same as flesh, according to Amy.¡± She growled at her name. ¡°So, you''re going to need a patch up in the future to get it replaced. In the mean time, no fighting, doctor''s orders.¡±
¡°And I bet she''ll want to handle that.¡±
¡°Not unless you okay it,¡± I countered. ¡°There are other healers, like Scapegoat, you can look for. Oh, also, you need to eat. Apparently your mom has nutrient shakes and that would be good for that.¡± She stared at me quietly for a minute.
¡°How the fuck are you like this?¡± Victoria asked at last. ¡°She fucking assaults me and you''re sitting here telling me to go home and...and what, just forget about it?¡± I groaned.
¡°You two are fucking impossible,¡± I snapped. ¡°I''m telling you exactly what I''m telling you: your brain is fixed, your body needs more work, and you need to eat. What you forget or remember isn''t my business, telling you who to talk to or not to isn''t my business. Go home and fucking recover, Victoria, go tell Dean...¡± I sighed. ¡°Tell him I''m sorry I never stopped this. And Victoria?¡± I looked up and met her furious gaze. ¡°For what little it''s worth, I am sorry I didn''t stop it.¡± The look on her face darkened, and then she was gone, rocketing into the smoke-filled sky. I rose on shaky legs and began walking up the melted asphalt of the street.
Winning had never felt worse.
Convalescence 9.1
I slowly limped up the road, doing my best to ignore the broken buildings looming around me, and the sounds of battle that seemed to only be getting louder. Amy trailed just behind me, silent since she''d fixed her fuck up and left me to make sure her sister didn''t paste her the second she woke up. When I''d come to collect her, she had just fallen in behind me. What a fucking mess. A mess that I had to handle because no one else could, or would.
A series of tremendous explosion shook the ground, and looking up I saw the bomber had returned. Well, I could barely see the thing. Black as night, with the scant moon and firelight seeming to slide off of it. Maybe it was because I really couldn''t catch a full silhouette, but the plane didn''t seem to be...normal looking, whatever the fuck that meant. Lumpy and smooth shapes, sort of like the bugs Amy had been making.
Two bombing runs, and I didn''t even know what they''d dropped this time. For all I knew, Piggot was a maniac and had decided a low-yield nuke was the most viable way to kill the Nine. Not that I disagreed necessarily, but deploying something like that inside a city... The world had fucking gone more insane than me when I wasn''t looking.
A squeak behind me made me turn my head. Amy''s mouth was partly open and she was staring at me silently. I cocked my head, had she wanted to talk and couldn''t? Had she just felt the need to make a weird, vaguely cute noise? Was the Siberian behind me? I whirled and looked and-- no, okay, no naked woman coming for my few remaining fingertips.
¡°Where are we going?¡± I turned back to look at Amy.
¡°Good question,¡± I replied, my eyes roaming the fires gradually guttering themselves out, to the bizarre glacier that had sprung up in the wake of the second bombing. All downhill from us. ¡°As far away from that as we can get.¡± Amy shivered and nodded.
We kept going, heading uphill. There were a few reasons I wanted to go this way, first was what I told Amy, to get the fuck away from the hellscape below. Second, it was away from the fighting that I could see, flashes of lasers, random detonations, all of it. Finally, I actually knew these neighbourhoods; it was near my house.
My house...that wasn''t a bad idea actually. The Protectorate would be the only people even thinking to look there, and judging by the mother-laser-fucking-lightshow out there they were a little busy to look for us at all. I knew its layout, I knew it was intact, and importantly I knew where it was. With a sigh, I took a sharp left, wincing at the pain from my ankle.
Really I should have got that checked out when we had the chance, but what the fuck was I supposed to do about it? The Undersiders wouldn''t be carrying braces and crutches that I could use, and Amy...nah. God, hopefully Scapegoat would get his ass here soon, I wasn''t going to be happy if I got benched for being injured because I couldn''t trust the best healer on the planet to not turn me into Lia soup.
Maybe I could soon, at least. I had to focus on the fact that, despite everything, this had been a total victory. Well, ''total'' was a bit generous, but I could afford to be generous dammit! Victoria had been fixed, Amy wasn''t on her way to the Birdcage, and I...had seven intact fingers. Sevens were supposed to be lucky, right?
Well, they had been back when I was getting pummeled by Leviathan every few days. I had given up and that had been my success, back then. A weird, shitty start to a life of trying to be a hero, in retrospect, but it had worked. Hell, I''d arguably been more successful on that attempt than any other...bar that time I teamed up with Ballistic and Flechette. Damn, what could have been with a slightly better shot...
No use worrying about that now, no matter how cool it would have been to take out an Endbringer. I''d settle for the good I did manage there, and saving Gallant was probably one of the unequivocally good things I''d done. He didn''t deserve the grief I gave him, but at least he was alive to experience it. He was probably going to hate me too, once this was done.
As for the Wards...I didn''t have a sweet clue what they''d think. It didn''t matter that much, beyond making my life difficult if they decided I was a lost cause or something. Oh fuck I could never wear short sleeves again, not there. Made a speech and everything asking them to look past the Nazi shit, then showing up with an armful of hate-filled ink, that would be a great look.
I couldn''t ask Amy to heal them, not just because of the obvious issues she had, but because I didn''t deserve it. I told her, sometimes you just have to make the least shitty decision and eat the consequences. The worst part of it was that Mannequin never came back to collect on his bullshit; it was a wasted choice. I hoped the bastard cooked in that fucking inferno.
Who was left of the Nine, actually? Jack, Bonesaw, the Siberian, one-hundred percent they lived. Well, at least two of the three but it made sense she was protecting them, and herself probably. Burnscar was a maybe, she was fireproof after all so the bombing would just make her stronger. The Protectorate had to know that, did that mean she had died before they planned this?
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Crawler and Mannequin could be alive too. The former had definitely survived the first bombing, and probably the second considering he was basically invincible. Skitter said she hadn''t found Mannequin, which didn''t mean much in the grand scheme. I just had to hope that he was busy with the heroes, if he''d survived at all.
Shatterbird had been accounted for by the Undersiders. Next time I saw her, I was putting a bullet in her head. Partly as a mercy, partly because it was fucking Shatterbird, and partly to deny the enemy. That left Cherish, and I had zero clues on that one. She was either with the Nine or at the bottom of the bay, a problem or never one again. I didn''t get a say in it either way, much to my chagrin.
So between three and five left, pretty significant casualties for a group like them. I had to hope that they could finish off a couple more, maybe weaken them enough to totally collapse. A pipe dream, if Jack and Bonesaw lived, then we were fucked. Yet another thing I simply couldn''t do a thing about, not in the state I was in.
A sigh escaped my lips as my familiar home came into view. I walked around the back and retrieved the spare key from under the edelweiss plant and...fuck you Mom. I tossed the planter to the side, smirking as it shattered. Amy muttered something under her breath, but I ignored it as I unlocked the door and pushed my way inside.
It smelled...off. That made sense, there was a bunch of water in the basement and it had been cooking for a month. Still, it wasn''t choking me with mold spores, so I figured it was safe enough and gestured for Amy to come inside. I drew my pistol, ignoring the sharp gasp behind me, and quietly crept through the house.
The back door had been locked, but that didn''t mean much considering several of the windows had been shattered. I swept through quickly, kitchen, bathroom, living room, Mom''s room. Then it was downstairs, living room, furnace room, bathroom...my room. It actually wasn''t that bad, somehow we''d managed to avoid looters. I left it behind quickly though, too many memories...
¡°Okay,¡± I said as I returned upstairs, sticking the gun in my belt again. ¡°We''re clear. Uh, welcome to my place, make yourself at home?¡± Amy glanced around the kitchen, where we''d come in.
¡°This is...your house?¡± She asked, a weird tone in her voice. Judgy? I was too tired to tell.
¡°Was, I guess,¡± I replied. ¡°Dunno what''s going to happen to it now, but I guess I''ll ask the PRT when I get back. Who knows, maybe it''ll actually be mine one day.¡± She gave me an odd look.
¡°Why do you--¡±
¡°My mom died,¡± I replied with a shrug. ¡°Didn''t I tell you that? Whatever, it''s fine, not a problem for today.¡± Or ever, ideally. ¡°Anyway, food''s probably all rotten now, but feel free to look through the cupboards for something. I know you said you needed to eat, I probably do too.¡± I still didn''t feel hungry.
¡°Uh, sure.¡± Amy looked around, seemingly lost. ¡°Are you...okay?¡±
¡°No,¡± I breathed. ¡°I''m gonna go sit down.¡±
I left her in the kitchen and headed into the living room, flopping down on the big couch in front of the TV. Huh, I''d watched Star Wars on this a while ago, hadn''t I? I snorted as Jar-Jar''s evil laughter echoed through my head as I remembered. Good times...better times anyway. I sighed and shut my eyes, resting my head on a throw pillow.
God, it felt like heaven after days on the run. There wasn''t a single part of my body that wasn''t in agony. My fingers burned, my ankle throbbed, and every muscle stung me in some way. Besides my fingers and ankle, I''d managed to avoid a single wound, and still wound up in shit-shape. I''d live though, and for the first time in a while I desperately wanted to. The worst was over now, all I had to do now was wait for the heroes to chase off the bad guys. I took a deep breath and slowly let it out, a smile creeping onto my face.
¡°Lia?¡± A worried voice called to me. ¡°Lia, are you okay?¡± I frowned and opened my eyes, seeing red.
I bolted upright and scrambled off the couch, falling and yelping as my ankle bounced off the coffee table. I got to my feet and looked around, gripping my pistol but not drawing it. The living room was tinged in red, a thick fog that obscured most of the room. I crept forward slowly, heart pounding, towards the person in my kitchen.
¡°Oh thank god.¡± A girl, maybe my age, lots of freckles. She was dirty, like she hadn''t washed in a week, and it was obvious she''d been crying. ¡°Lia what the fuck is going on?¡±
¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± I demanded. I didn''t draw my pistol, she was just a kid...but the Nine had a kid too, didn''t they? ¡°Why are you in my house?¡±
¡°What?¡± She sounded shocked. ¡°Lia it''s me, Amy Dallon, Panacea.¡± Amy Dallon, I knew that name, knew her. She was important, I''d run from the Siberian with her. But...what did she look like.
¡°No you''re not,¡± I snapped. Why the fuck couldn''t I remember her? ¡°Get out of my house.¡±
¡°Lia--¡±
¡°Get out!¡± I screamed, panting for breath. My heart was racing, my gun in hand, not aimed...not quite. The intruder raised her hands, then took a deep breath.
¡°Lia, it''s just me,¡± the stranger said softly, taking a step forward. ¡°Amy Dallon, Panacea. You...you helped me, remember?¡± I had helped Amy Dallon, but this wasn''t her. ¡°I think this mist is getting to you, can you give me your hand? Let me check it out?¡± She reached out her hand and I raised my pistol. My hand was shaking violently, but I couldn''t miss this close.
¡°Stay back.¡± My voice shook more than my hand, and I nearly dropped my gun as a sharp pain lanced through my chest. The Nine had a kid with them, a kid that worked on people. This...this could be her, couldn''t it? ¡°Don''t fucking touch me!¡± The girl flinched.
¡°It''s okay,¡± she said after a moment, taking another step forward. ¡°It''s okay Lia, really, I''m not going to hurt you, I won''t even do anything but look unless you give the okay. Just...please, Lia.¡±
I couldn''t breath, my throat was closing on me. I retched, feeling sick to my stomach. Had to be this girl, had to be some kind of cape fucking with me. Had this happened before? I couldn''t remember. My gun fell from my hand and I turned to run, twisting my ankle and falling with a shriek of pain. I scrambled back as the girl approached, bile rising in my throat, chest singing in agony. I gasped desperately for breath. I couldn''t breathe, I couldn
Resuscitation 10.1
Gasping breath filled my lungs, warm, humid. My eyes flew open and I saw red. I panicked, eyes widening, trying to thrash and get away. I couldn''t move though, my heart beat along steadily, and my breathing was slow and even. I could move my eyes though, and I rolled them around to take everything in. They fixed on a tearful Amy Dallon, a little redder than normal.
¡°...¡± I squeaked, making her flinch. She looked at me and I couldn''t tell if her eyes were red from the fog or from crying.
¡°Lia,¡± she croaked, her gaze flicking down towards my side. ¡°Sorry.¡±
I followed her gaze and would have gasped if I could control my breathing. A long, skin-coloured tube extended a few inches from my forearm, pinched between Amy''s fingers. I felt a tickling on my skin where it passed through my projection, but it did pass through. I could still hear my alarm ringing and tried to shake my head to clear it, but still couldn''t move.
¡°Sorry,¡± Amy repeated. ¡°Just blocking the signals, you''re not hurt...well, okay, so, there''s a problem. Do you know what a prion is? Okay stupid question, basically a misfolded protein that forces other proteins to fuck up around it; that''s an idiot''s explanation, but it''s what we have time for. I...there are parasites in your body producing them, I''ve been working on stopping them but I was a little busy.¡±
¡°You went into cardiac arrest,¡± she continued after a moment. ¡°It was a pretty close thing, your projection meant I couldn''t just heal you like that, I had to get...creative. Um, this is just skin, don''t worry, nothing important. And your heart''s fixed, I made sure it''s healthy this time so that shouldn''t happen again anytime soon. Now...there are some complications. I didn''t give it much chance to get bad, but you have lesions on your brain and I can''t heal that.¡± I tried to argue that point, but my vocal cords wouldn''t respond. ¡°Oh, sorry Lia. Try again?¡±
¡°Can''t you?¡± I managed to murmur out. My throat felt raw and I coughed. ¡°Brains, I mean.¡± She flinched.
¡°No,¡± Amy replied firmly, shaking her head. ¡°I can affect brains, yes, but I can''t let myself do that Lia. I...I already know what happens if I do.¡±
¡°I...¡± I sighed. ¡°So what, I just have brain damage?¡±
¡°It will heal,¡± she countered. ¡°I just...I''m working on the best way to do it. This mist is everywhere outside, I think the whole city is covered. Need to work on something for that but I need to stop it working in you and figure out a way to get your brain to connect to old pathways on its own, encourage plasticity; a counter-agent, virulent but not dangerous, make the parasite produce it...¡± She trailed off, eyes glazing over.
¡°That''s a lot,¡± was all I could manage. Amy nodded.
¡°A hell of a lot, too much really.¡± She sighed, staring at the umbilical of skin connecting us. ¡°And then you have to go spread it. Sweat, spit, urine, it''ll get into the water and override the other parasites. It''s gonna take a minute sorry, I haven''t worked on a problem this scale before.¡± I just nodded and let her work.
I felt exhausted, despite apparently being healed. I could still hear my alarm like I was waking up for the first time again and it made me want to throw up. Paralyzed as I was, all I could do was stare at Amy while she stared at my arm. I knew inside of me a war was raging on a scale I couldn''t imagine, and she was readying me to be the patient zero of a counter-epidemic. From the outside though, it just looked like a girl staring intently at my arm.
¡°Okay,¡± Amy sighed and ran her bandaged fingers through her hair. ¡°That should be good, I''m going to unblock your nerves, let you up. Sorry.¡± The umbilical thinned then disintegrated, and suddenly I found my legs and arms responding to my whims once again.
¡°Don''t do that again,¡± I said once I''d gathered myself and sat up.
¡°Wha--¡±
¡°Paralyze me when you''re healing, I mean,¡± I explained quickly. ¡°That was...if you hadn''t been managing me, I think I''d have had a heart attack.¡±
¡°I mean, you did have one,¡± she said with a grimace. ¡°A bad one. I told you to stop drinking caffeine for a reason.¡± My eye twitched.
¡°Are you still on about that?¡± I asked, exasperated. ¡°Coffee isn''t going to give me a heart attack, Amy, not having one cup a day.¡±
¡°No it won''t,¡± Amy agreed far too easily. ¡°But your heart was already pretty badly strained. Not sure why, but I''d guess you have a history of panic attacks?¡± I grimaced and nodded. ¡°Yeah, that checks out. Strain was too much this time, probably.¡±
¡°You said my heart is healthy now though, right?¡± She nodded. ¡°So that means--¡±
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¡°I didn''t fix whatever''s giving you panic attacks, dumbass,¡± Amy cut me off. ¡°And considering caffeine raises the odds of that, and that''s what''s messing with your heart...lay off the coffee.¡±
¡°This is bullshit,¡± I grumbled, crossing my arms as I leaned against the back of the couch we were sitting behind. ¡°My one joy in life and you go and take it away. Whatever, I''ll just switch to cigarettes.¡±
¡°Are you an idiot?¡±
¡°I''ve never claimed otherwise,¡± I retorted, a tired grin growing on my face. A moment later, Amy smiled too. With a grunt, I pushed myself to my feet, frowning and testing my ankle. ¡°Hey did you...¡±
¡°Oh, yeah, sorry.¡± Amy flushed red enough that I could see it through the mist. ¡°Uh, I figured since I was already healing you I''d just...heal you?¡± I stretched and found there wasn''t even the littlest twinge.
¡°Being honest,¡± I said with a sigh. ¡°I can''t really complain. Thanks.¡±
¡°It''s fine.¡±
"No, thank you Amy. You...you saved my life." Saved a hell of a lot more than that.
"You''re...welcome."
I left her and walked to the front door, opening it and gazing out at the city drowning in what looked like a fog of blood. I could hardly see the houses across the street, just silhouettes illuminated by scant light. How the fuck had I managed to forget this, the Nine''s coup-de-grace? Only now, with it slapping me in the face, could I recall the agnosia plague Bonesaw whipped up. Being at least a little fair to me, I''d been...focused.
Skitter was going to be out there somewhere, fighting through to find Amy, to fix all this. Well, maybe this was a good thing. After all, Skitter was nowhere to be seen, but I was here and apparently full of virulent, counter-agent producing parasites. I just had to go sweat, spit, and piss all over Brockton Bay until everyone was cured.
¡°Hey,¡± I called over my shoulder. ¡°Should I like...go spread this?¡± Amy looked back at me, a barely-featured shadow.
¡°I...I don''t know, it isn''t safe right now if other people are being affected.¡± She shuffled from foot to foot. ¡°Can we just...stay here for a bit?¡± I frowned.
¡°Amy, there are a lot of sick people out there and you just gave me the cure.¡± I turned and looked out the door. ¡°I don''t think we have a choice.¡± She let out a noise halfway between a squeak and a groan. ¡°Believe me, I wish we didn''t have to either.¡±
With a deep breath, I took a step out onto the street. Nothing happened, not that I expected it to of course but the outdoors looked like a horror movie; I wouldn''t have been surprised if something had. I glanced back and found Amy sticking close behind me, eyes wide, head whipping back and forth. Well, at least she''d come along. Out here I had a feeling I''d need all the help I could get.
We headed down, towards the still-flooded streets at the bottom of the hill. I took it slow, trying not to let the near-zero vis conditions get to me too badly. I could still see, still recognize Amy, so it was fine. Everyone else was in the same boat, it wasn''t like I was playing at a disadvantage. Once I got to work, it should clear up fairly quick at least. At least these streets were quiet.
¡°Sorry,¡± Amy spoke up quietly as we walked. ¡°Um, I should have asked about healing you.¡±
¡°I told you it was fine,¡± I replied, shrugging. ¡°Like really, ''oh no the great and powerful Amy salved my wounds''. It''s kinda stupid to be ungrateful.¡±
¡°I uh...¡± She huffed. ¡°Well, I take back some of the idiot comment earlier. Still, I need to stick to my rules and I didn''t, so I''m sorry.¡±
¡°I wasn''t exactly in a place to respond either, right?¡± I asked. ¡°I get it, sort of, but I''m pretty sure I died back there.¡±
¡°You...¡± There was a beat of silence. ¡°...did. Only for a couple seconds but...¡± But I could still hear my alarm somewhere in the back of my head.
¡°Fuck,¡± I swore. At least I hadn''t woken up...somewhen else. ¡°Then I''m all the more thankful you didn''t wait, Amy.¡±
¡°I should have asked when you woke up,¡± Amy muttered, almost to herself. ¡°Just resuscitated you and left it at that, but those lesions were growing by the second, if I''d delayed, I don''t know how long I''d have delayed your recovery.¡±
¡°Sounds like a shit sandwich all around,¡± I said with a sigh. ¡°Anyway, apology accepted and I forgive you. What you said sounds like a good idea though, the waking me up to ask first. That said, I don''t think anyone would fault you saving their life first.¡± She nodded and I though I saw a faint smile through the mist.
Finally, we got to the bottom of the hill. I slogged into the ankle deep water, pulled down my mask, and gave and almighty ''pitooie''. My loogie flew a good few feet before plopping down in the midst of the water that looked more like blood. Well, at least until my spit began to work. I did it again at another spot, and another bloom of clearness appeared and grew rapidly. It raced away from us, faster than I could run on a good day. Well...that was done.
My stomach groaned and cramped, making me wince. Ah, well, that was fair. Beckoning to Amy, I turned around and headed back towards home. Sure I''d said all the food would be rotten, but surely there was something non-perishable. Mom hadn''t been a doomsday prepper or anything, but we lived on the coast in a world where a monster frequently annihilated port towns; she''d have something.
We made good time and soon turned onto my street again. The air was starting to clear, but the mist seemed to enjoy clinging to the streets and making everything more difficult. Figures something designed by Bonesaw would make life shitty, who could have seen that coming? I squinted as we approached my house, trying to focus. I could see silhouettes out front and paused.
The Protectorate? Could be, but they should be under the effects of the miasma still, at least until the cure could take effect. I was hoping the fog clearing was a sign that the counter-agent was getting spread through that. But if it wasn''t the Protectorate... I drew my gun and ignored Amy''s frightened squeak, then carefully walked forward to find out who the fuck was waiting for me.
¡°Hello Lia,¡± an awful, smug, confident voice boomed as I stepped onto my front lawn. ¡°Welcome home.¡± I grimaced and raised my pistol, clicking the safety off.
¡°Hi Jack,¡± I replied. The mist had cleared enough that I could see him grin.
Resuscitation 10.2
¡°Now now, that''s no way to greet a guest,¡± Jack Slash chided me, tutting. ¡°Bonesaw, you''re going to need to teach her some manners.¡± The shorter girl next to him giggled.
¡°She could do with learning some herself,¡± I countered, keeping the pistol aimed at his eye. ¡°Typically guests don''t torture their hosts.¡±
¡°Torture?¡± Jack sounded offended. ¡°These little games? No Lia, if we wanted to torture you, you would know.¡±
¡°Then why are you here?¡± I demanded, taking up the slack on the pistol''s trigger. ¡°Last I heard you were getting firebombed, I think you have bigger problems than visiting your least viable candidates.¡±
¡°I would tend to disagree.¡± He shifted and I saw a thin trail of black smoke rising from his side. What was that, some kind of smoke screen? ¡°Out of those that remain, I would say you two are the closest to being ''viable''.¡± My hand shook. ¡°Speaking of, how are you, Amelia Claire Lavere? I take it you''re responsible for ruining our chance at a do-over.¡±
¡°It was really rude!¡± Bonesaw exclaimed, crossing her arms. ¡°I worked so hard to make a plague that Jack liked, and you went and cured everyone before it could even get fun!¡±
¡°That''s-- that''s not my name,¡± Amy squeaked, shakily.
¡°Isn''t it?¡± Jack asked, smile growing. ¡°I was quite surprised to learn you were Marquis'' daughter as well, but the obsession with ''rules'' fits him to a T. I met him when I was here last, you know?¡± Amy didn''t reply. ¡°I see the resemblance, and frankly having the daughter of the man I couldn''t break on my side is...enticing.¡±
¡°Didn''t break her either,¡± I snapped, fighting to steady my hand. ¡°In fact I think your whole visit here has been a failure.¡±
¡°Oh?¡± He asked, turning on me. ¡°I''m surprised our most successful candidate would think so. Really Lia, three trials and you think we failed? I don''t believe Mannequin would have like you aping Cherish so much, but I think it''s rather entertaining in light of what you know. It really wasn''t clever, to tell Cherish the whole story, by the way.¡± My eyes widened.
¡°I don''t kn--¡±
¡°She tried to barter the piece I know you told her to leave out not long ago,¡± Jack continued, cutting me off. ¡°I''m a little annoyed, conspiring like that over something so fun, but really it doesn''t matter all that much. After all, I found out in the end.¡± I bit my cheek and tasted blood. That fucking dipshit.
¡°We both know Cherish would spin any story to save her dumb ass,¡± I spat. Viciousness would cover my fear. ¡°You''re talking about what I told her about Skitter stopping you? Yeah that was here, and obviously she failed.¡± Maybe it was just me, but I thought I heard a high-pitched whining in my ear. ¡°Fucking little bug-covered bitch. Not like we didn''t try and help her mind you, she''s just that useful.¡±
¡°You shouldn''t swear so much,¡± Bonesaw chided me.
¡°She deserves it,¡± I countered.
¡°She certainly is difficult to deal with,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°But you''re blustering, flailing, I saw it the moment I brought it up. But I''m going to make you the deal of a lifetime, Lia.¡± I held the gun steady.
¡°A deal,¡± I replied dryly. ¡°You''ll pardon me if I don''t hold my breath.¡±
¡°I suppose I can, I''m feeling generous after all.¡± He chuckled. ¡°It''s simple. Kill yourself, and we''ll surrender.¡±
¡°Sorry am I supposed to take that seriously?¡± I asked, rolling my eyes. ¡°How about I kill you instead, then you surrender? I like that idea a lot better.¡± Jack chuckled, guffawed, then cackled.
¡°Yes I suppose you''ve become quite adept at killing,¡± he said once he''d composed himself. ¡°Well you have me dead to rights, little Lia. Want to prove you''re a hero, prove that the ink on your skin really is just skin deep? Here I am.¡± I grit my teeth.
¡°We both know you''re bulletproof,¡± I growled. ¡°Thanks to Riley Mengele over there.¡±
¡°How dare,¡± Bonesaw snapped, sounding offended. ¡°Mengele was a hack compared to me!¡±
¡°You still have the opportunity,¡± he countered, taking a step closer. I backed up, trying to ignore my pounding heart and my ringing alarm. ¡°Who knows how many more good hits the sheathe will stand up to?¡±
¡°Enough for you to kill me,¡± I said bitterly, getting another chuckle.
¡°True enough,¡± Jack agreed. ¡°But hey, listen, it''s not all hopeless. Whether I kill you, or you take my deal and kill yourself, I''m giving you an out. When you get back, you find me and tell me the whole story; it''s interesting enough that I won''t cut your throat the moment you start talking. You do that, and we''ll leave Brockton Bay the second you finish.¡±
¡°Mmm,¡± I hummed thoughtfully. ¡°You got a bridge to sell me too?¡± That got a dry chuckle.
¡°I''m being entirely truthful,¡± he countered. ¡°The end of the world is a far more enticing offer than an already broken city.¡±
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¡°The what?¡±
¡°Except you''ll want to have your cake and eat it too,¡± I retorted, ignoring Amy. ¡°You wouldn''t have a reason to not go after the bay once I tell you.¡±
¡°With the promise of something more interesting, I would.¡± God I wanted to shoot him, but he''d probably kill Amy if I did. ¡°I''ll tell you what, you promise me you do this, and I''ll make sure you two Amelia''s are left alone. I''ll tell you, Lia, something only I could know; I wouldn''t be able to ignore it.¡±
¡°Not the same as leaving Brockton Bay alone, is it?¡± He shrugged, smiling. ¡°Come on Jack, sell me. Why the fuck would I give up what''s already a win for me, for us?¡±
¡°Simple,¡± Jack said, pointing his knife. ¡°Because if you don''t, every last drop of blood we''ve spilled in Brockton Bay is on your hands, because you were satisfied with a personal victory. Sure it may have cost a few thousand or more, but wasn''t it worth it to save young Amelia this time around?¡±
¡°That''s not--¡± Amy paused. ¡°What''s he talking about?¡± The rubber grip of my borrowed pistol creaked.
¡°You mean you haven''t told her yet?¡± He cackled. ¡°Well that''s a verifiable surprise, considering how eager you were to share with Cherish.¡±
¡°If I was eager, it wouldn''t have killed eight people,¡± I spat, nearly pulling the trigger. ¡°Amy, later.¡±
¡°Why not now?¡± Jack asked. ¡°Tell you what, you give her the full story right here, the full story, and I''ll take you at your word you''ll kill yourself later. An hour, tomorrow, a week, it doesn''t matter.¡± I took a deep breath.
¡°You''re a fucking idiot,¡± I snapped. ¡°Not only for thinking I''d believe you, which by the way really bad read, but this whole setup? You fucked up Jack, you decided to pick on the only person in the world who gets from now until eternity to waste you. I didn''t give a shit about you and your merry band of fucksticks beyond surviving, until you decided to make my life hell.
¡°I''ve got blood on my hands, sure,¡± I continued. ¡°Cherish''s hostages, M-- my dad, I''ll take the blame for that. Everyone else though, the ones all of you decided to kill for fun? Even if I agreed and you held up your end, you''d just move your bloodshed elsewhere. And since you clearly don''t have Cherish around, or you''d know this wouldn''t work, let me give you an update.
¡°I''m done. I''m done with this, I''m done with your shit, Jack. I''m sick of people making fucking problems for me, and I''m not fucking taking on any more. Tell you what, how about you try killing yourself? Who knows, maybe it''s fucking contagious. But to be direct about your offer: take it and sink it with Cherish at the bottom of the fucking bay.¡± There was a pause before Jack let out a dark, sonorous laugh.
¡°I can''t fault your speechmaking,¡± he said sarcastically. ¡°But your brain...well, I suppose we can leave that for Bonesaw to examine!¡± He swung his knife and I pulled the trigger as my alarm shrieked in my ears.
His blow scraped over my projection, with no effect, but my bullet struck him, a glancing blow on his temple. Without warning, the battlefield was plunged into buzzing darkness. I heard a shriek of fright from behind me and swore viciously. Oh now Skitter showed up, late as all hell. I ran through the bugs towards where I''d seen Jack standing.
I skidded to a halt as his arm appeared from the swarm and swung, knife pointed towards Amy. Fucker. I threw myself in the way, wincing at the unpleasant sensation it made. The bugs were dying around him, leaving him clear to attack as he pleased. I aimed and fired, cursing as he ducked out of sight behind a wall of bugs.
¡°Skitter!¡± I screamed, unsure if she was in earshot. ¡°Drop the fucking bugs!¡±
She must have heard me, since the swarm cleared to my left, letting me see Jack trying to get around us. I fired twice, striking his shoulder once and missing the other. I flinched as a weight struck my back, then cried in pain as a metal spider''s scalpel-legs cut into me. I blindly aimed the pistol back and fired at where it was heaviest. Lucky for me, the weight slid off of me, giving me a split-second to shove Amy aside as Jack swung another blow at her.
I fired back and there was a brief burst of black smoke from his hip. He frowned and dodged back as a swarm of wasps and spiders descended on him. I caught sight of Bonesaw mixing vials and handing him one, which bellowed more of the smoke. The bugs began dying around him in droves and it finally clicked home. I raised my pistol, aimed carefully, and fired.
For once, it was a perfect shot. My bullet hit the two vials Bonesaw was holding and mixing up, and apparently one on her chest too judging by the burst of smoke. The bugs around them died and the smoke hid them from my sight. I held my ground, pistol raised, eyes flicking this way and that. I wasn''t going to let them ambush me again. A scrape of a footstep behind me, I whirled and took aim--
¡°Don''t shoot,¡± Skitter said flatly. ¡°Just me.¡± I let out a sigh.
¡°Fuck,¡± I swore, checking on Amy. She was huddled on the ground, shivering but safe. ¡°You know I need to use my eyes to aim, right? Obscuring the bad guys was kind of dumb.¡±
¡°Jack is bulletproof,¡± she replied simply. ¡°Your shots weren''t effective anyway. I gave you cover so you didn''t die.¡± I opened my mouth, then shut it, swallowing the retort. We were still sort of on the same side.
¡°Whatever, thanks for the save.¡± I knelt and helped Amy to her feet. ¡°I guess I do appreciate the help.¡± What little she''d given.
¡°You''re welcome.¡± Well, at least she''d taken it at face value. ¡°Amy already made a cure?¡±
¡°I did,¡± she said shakily. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±
¡°Same as the Nine, coming after you,¡± Skitter said, cocking her head. ¡°What was Jack talking about, giving up if you kill yourself?¡±
¡°Exactly what he said,¡± I replied, leaving out the actual reason behind the deal. Definitely didn''t need Skitter thinking about a reset button. ¡°Which obviously fuck that, we''ve already won.¡±
¡°Why would he want you to do that?¡± She sounded slightly horrified, at least. ¡°That doesn''t sound like something Jack would offer.¡± I rolled my eyes.
¡°You''re an expert on the guy now?¡± I said dryly. ¡°Look, thanks for the help Skitter, but I don''t really want to hash out this bullshit with you. The Nine are on the run and you''re the one with the range to make sure everyone knows where to hit them.¡±
¡°Come with me?¡± Skitter asked. ¡°Atlas can carry two, and you of all people have a damn good reason to want Jack dead.¡± I sighed and shook my head.
¡°Go,¡± I said. ¡°And good luck.¡±
Skitter stared at me silently but after a moment she called her beetle, Atlas I remembered now that she''d reminded me. She got on and took off with a drumbeat of wings, charging after wherever Jack and Bonesaw had gone. I unloaded the magazine and grimaced, empty. I racked the slide and snapped my hand out to catch the round that ejected. When I caught sight of it, my eye twitched; one round left. If that fight had gone on any longer...
¡°Hey,¡± Amy''s voice dragged me out of my thoughts. I stuffed the round in the magazine, reloaded, then stuck the pistol in my belt after flicking on the safety.
¡°What?¡± I asked, crossing my arms. She took a deep breath, drawing herself up, and looked me in the eyes.
¡°We need to talk.¡±
Resuscitation 10.3
¡°Yeah, fuck, come on.¡±
Amy seemed surprised, and it took her a moment to catch up as I shoved my way back into the house. She''d probably expected a fight, but I''d resigned myself to this conversation sooner or later. I had been hoping for a day or two to get my shit together, then explain myself, at least mostly; she deserved that much. Unfortunately, Jack fucked with my plans because he was an asshole.
I sat down heavily on the couch, pulling off my mask and hood. A moment later, Amy sat at the opposite end, looking anywhere but at me. I shut my eyes and tried to gather my scattered thoughts. This wasn''t something I could just blather on about at length. Well, maybe first I should figure out what exactly she wanted to know.
¡°So,¡± I began. I saw her flinch as I looked over, and she wouldn''t meet my gaze. ¡°What''s up?¡± Well now she was looking at me. And glaring.
¡°What was Jack talking about?¡± Amy asked. ¡°The end of the world? Sorry am I crazy or did I hear that right?¡±
¡°Ah, yeah.¡± That would be the most pressing issue. ¡°Coil''s pet precog--¡±
¡°His what?¡± I sighed.
I started with Dinah''s prediction, it had been outed at the meeting between the heroes and villains so it was safe at least. When she asked who Dinah was, I had to go out on a limb with half-remembered crap about her being kidnapped by Coil a few months ago.
¡°Oh shit,¡± I swore.
¡°What?¡±
¡°Forgot,¡± I explained. ¡°Undersiders'' first job, at the bank, that was cover for kidnapping her.¡±
¡°Are you fucking serious?¡± Amy''s face was crimson. ¡°They''re working for Coil?¡±
¡°Yes, well, not for long, it''s complicated.¡± Coil wasn''t long for this world, but just how long he hung around... ¡°Anyway, Jack''s taking it seriously, that means I''m taking it seriously. I think it can be averted, or at least Skitter does.¡± She pursed her lips.
¡°When you say the end of the world,¡± she began shakily.
¡°I mean a significant portion of humankind dying out and the planet becoming pretty fucking hostile to life.¡± Her lower lip began to tremble. I offered a hand. ¡°But, like I said, some people think it can be stopped so...¡±
¡°How can you be optimistic about something like that?¡±
¡°Because I can''t afford not to be,¡± I snapped, then sighed. ¡°Ask your other question, it''ll explain why.¡±
¡°You sound like Tattletale,¡± Amy grumbled. ¡°That''s not a compliment,¡± we groused together.
¡°Sorry,¡± I continued, shaking my head. ¡°But I just...I don''t know what''s going on in your head, what''s like...the important part of it to you.¡±
¡°Whatever.¡± She paused and frowned. ¡°I just...he told you to kill yourself like you''d...like you''d come back.¡±
¡°I would have.¡± My alarm rang in my ears and when I spoke again my voice shook. ¡°I don''t know when though.¡±
¡°So you...¡±
I started from the very beginning, at least of coming back, three days before Leviathan. Told her about my times skipping school, testing my powers, going to the heroes...not about the Undersiders. I shrugged off questions of warning people about Leviathan, who the hell was going to believe a sixteen-year-old with no powers on record? The Protectorate, but only if she submitted to getting kidnapped by Coil.
¡°We met on my seventh try,¡± I said, clenching my hands. ¡°I...survived. Best I ever did.¡±
¡°Jesus.¡± Amy''s eyes narrowed. ¡°Wait, how do I know you''re not bullshitting me?¡± I glared and stuck out my hand.
¡°Well?¡± I challenged, staring her down. ¡°You can see my body right? See any and all tells? Go ahead if you really think, after all this shit, that I''m bullshitting.¡± She took my challenge, the bitch. ¡°I died six times to Leviathan, then a fucking bunch to the Nine, half of them trying to stop all this fucking shit from unraveling. Jack wanted me to give up everything on the off chance he was telling the truth, and I don''t think either of us are that fucking stupid.¡±
¡°But...¡± Amy began, then shook her head. ¡°No, you said...you said back there...¡±
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¡°I''m not giving that up,¡± I said when she didn''t finish. ¡°You and your sister are alive and...well, after a fashion. Hell of a lot better than yesterday.¡±
¡°I...yeah.¡± Amy sighed and shook her head, her hand gripping mine tighter. ¡°You''re not kidding.¡±
¡°I''m not,¡± I confirmed.
¡°What if...¡± She began after a moment, then paused. ¡°I...what if I hadn''t listened to--¡±
¡°Let''s not,¡± I cut her off. ¡°I don''t want to think about it, and you don''t want to know about it.¡±
¡°I have to,¡± she said after a minute of silent staring at the carpet.
¡°You really don''t,¡± I countered. ¡°Knowing what you didn''t do won''t help you with anything but beating yourself up. Better to focus on making up for what you actually did.¡± She let me go and wrapped her arms around herself.
¡°But if I don''t know...¡± Amy swallowed hard. ¡°If I don''t know, I can''t make sure I don''t do it. You have to tell me Lia.¡±
¡°Amy...¡± I sighed. ¡°That doesn''t make sense. If you know, all you''re going to do is dread it happening, like what happened already. Being afraid of doing something doesn''t mean you can''t do it, we''ve all got the capacity to be fucking monsters.¡± I took a deep breath and shut my eyes, blocking out Amy''s plaintive look. ¡°Maybe later, when we''re not starving and on edge, when I didn''t die ten minutes ago. Sometime when we''re thinking straight, deal?¡± I held out my hand to shake. She stared quietly.
¡°Say that again,¡± Amy said, grasping me. ¡°When...you''ll tell me, you will.¡±
¡°I will,¡± I promised. I wasn''t looking forward to that in the slightest. ¡°And if you give me shit about lying then, I''ll slap you.¡±
¡°That''s not fair,¡± she pouted. ¡°I need to know¡ª¡±
¡°You could try trusting me,¡± I snapped, taking my hand back. ¡°Would be a nice change of pace.¡±
¡°I do trust you,¡± she retorted. ¡°But...you know how the saying goes: ''trust but verify''.¡± I held up my skinned over, still missing fingertips.
¡°There''s your verification,¡± I said bitterly. I closed my hand and took a deep breath. ¡°Fuck this. Amy, we need to stop talking about this shit because if we keep going one of us is going to say some unforgivable shit. Probably me, admittedly, but all the more reason to stop. We''re on edge, tired, and starving. Let''s just...let''s look for something to eat, then figure out our next move, okay?¡±
¡°Okay,¡± she agreed after a moment. ¡°I...yeah, I think that''s okay.¡±
¡°Thank you.¡± God...for once someone compromised and it was Amy Dallon. The world was fucking insane. I sat up on the couch, then stood. ¡°You find anything before uhh, the mist hit?¡± She grimaced.
¡°Didn''t have much chance to look around,¡± Amy replied. ¡°Found where your dishes are.¡±
¡°I guess I could have shown you the pantry,¡± I said, shrugging. ¡°Sorry.¡±
¡°It''s...fine, you were tired.¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± I said, nodding. ¡°I...yeah.¡±
The conversation died as we began rooting through the kitchen for something to fill the ache in my stomach that she probably shared. How long since my last meal? Before Siberian, that was all I knew, before...all that shit. Maybe that was why Amy was being so reasonable, the hunger had completely eradicated the bitchiness from her body. I snorted and shook my head, getting a weird look from Amy, but I just kept looking for food.
Month old, gross cereal with flies coming out of the box, cans of unappetizing beans, a look in the fridge made me gag and I quickly ruled out anything from in there. If I ever got the place I''d have to burn that thing ... I had to get a chair to check the upper cupboards, something that had Amy hiding a grin. Whatever, it let me dig around and find a couple cans of Alphagetti that weren''t past their best before. I tossed one down to Amy, then hopped off the chair and retrieved a can opener.
¡°We''re gonna eat this cold?¡± I rolled my eyes at the complaint.
¡°Doubt we have power here,¡± I replied. ¡°Anyway, this is just to take the edge off. I figured, once we''re good and sure the Nine are gone, we go back to the Protectorate.¡±
¡°I don''t want to join--¡±
¡°I''m not asking you too,¡± I said quickly. ¡°But I don''t have a choice, I have to go back. You don''t, sure, but what other options do you have?¡±
¡°Leave,¡± Amy replied simply. ¡°Go...somewhere else, make up for what I did by healing people til I bite it.¡±
¡°Fucking grim.¡± I sighed. ¡°Makes sense but, I have to ask, why somewhere else?¡±
¡°I can''t be here anymore,¡± she said after a moment of thought. ¡°Can''t be around my-- around Glory Girl, it''s not safe and I don''t deserve it anyway.¡±
¡°Deserve what?¡± I asked, cocking my head. ¡°To be in the same city as her? Amy, being honest, I''m saying this because I didn''t think going home was an option for you. This way you get a roof over your head and are in a place to help people who need it. God knows Brockton Bay is somewhere people need your help more than most. And frankly, I don''t think Glory Girl''s going to be hanging around either of us anytime soon.¡± Amy stared at the floor, lip trembling.
¡°I-- I can''t--¡± She stopped, sniffing.
¡°I''ll vouch for you,¡± I continued when she didn''t. ¡°Tell them to lay off you for a bit, give you a break. Pretty sure they''ll listen, and I bet Gallant at least would go for it, maybe Miss Militia too.¡± I frowned. They probably would have helped if I''d bothered to ask, or felt I deserved it... ¡°I know you feel like you don''t deserve help Amy, but...but you need it. I guess I do too.¡±
¡°Fuck,¡± Amy swore, her hands balled tightly.
¡°Come on, let''s deal with this later,¡± I said, grabbing the can opener from the drawers by the sink. ¡°Food will do us good.¡±
She nodded glumly and took the can of pasta and a spoon when I offered them. After I''d gotten mine, we headed back into the living room and sat down. I poked and prodded at my food for a while, stomach churning at the thought of eating. It was stupid, I was hungry, hadn''t eaten in more than a day, but the idea of even a mouthful was--
¡°Snrk.¡± My head snapped over and made Amy flinch. ¡°Just...¡± She held out her can of noodles, spoon pointing to a trio of them grouped together.
''G-A-Y''
I stared at the word for a while, then slowly looked up at Amy. The dam broke and both of us burst out laughing. It really wasn''t that funny, considering it, but we giggled about the stupid, immature shit until our sides were sore and tears were streaming down our faces. We slowly calmed down, though our meal was occasionally punctuated by a quiet giggle. I sighed as I prodded at my lukewarm pasta.
It finally felt like things might be okay.
Resuscitation 10.4
¡°Do we really have to go back?¡± Amy grumbled as I locked the front door.
¡°Unless you want to subsist off shitty Alphagetti and beans until we run out and starve,¡± I replied with a shrug. ¡°Come on, it''s not going to be that bad...at least for you. I''m probably going to be in for a world of crap though.¡±
¡°Then why do you want to go back?¡± I grimaced.
¡°Got to,¡± I said simply. ¡°What are my other options; join the Undersiders, whatever''s left of the Nazis, or go out on my own? I''m going to get flak, but it''s just going to be a bunch of complaints about what I did, which I don''t care about, or restrictions which are annoying but survivable. Plus, I know at least I''m not actively making shit worse here.¡±
¡°I guess that makes sense,¡± Amy said, sighing. ¡°Not really selling me on it.¡±
¡°Amy, you''re a healer, and I''m a C-tier Master with a D-tier brain. They''re going to make you their golden calf,¡± I countered as we started walking.
¡°We''ll see I guess.¡±
We had wound up spending the night at my house, snoozing intermittently on the couch upstairs. Neither of us got a full night of sleep, and more than once I''d woken up to Amy''s cries; she''d probably been woken up by me more. When the sun finally rose, I''d started getting ready to leave...to go home.
Definitely wasn''t looking forward to it. Well...I was looking forward to sleeping on a real bed, and even a shower. Of course, that came with a dressing down, debriefing, probation, and probably some pretty intense M-S checks. All worth it...I hoped. No, it was definitely worth it. Hurt as she was, Victoria was her own woman, two years of her life given back. Same with Amy, she''d dodged the Birdcage, dodged...what she did. A few months probation and getting bitched at by heroes for a few hours would be cheap at twice the price.
I sighed as we entered the downtown, ignoring the looks from the few people out on the streets this early. I''d resigned myself to stares when I went out in costume. I...probably could have grabbed something from home, but too late now. The PRT building loomed ahead and, with my stomach churning, I led Amy up the steps and inside. I made a beeline for the door that led towards my little apartment, then swore under my breath as the elevator doors opened before I could take three steps.
¡°Amaranth,¡± Weld said gravely as he stepped out, flanked by Clockblocker. I paused as they angled towards us, eyes flicking to my side as Amy grabbed my hand. ¡°You''re back. And you brought a...guest.¡±
¡°Yeah, hey, tadaima or whatever.¡± I jerked my chin to the side. ¡°Come on Amy.¡±
¡°Where do you think you''re going?¡± I caught the glare he shot me, but quickly smothered.
¡°My quarters,¡± I replied flatly. ¡°Come on A-- what?¡± I jerked to a halt as he stepped in front of me.
¡°Director wanted you for a debriefing once you''re back,¡± Weld rumbled. ¡°And you''re back.¡± My teeth creaked as I clenched my jaw.
¡°Weld, I''ve spent the last few days being tormented by the cruelest fucks on the planet. I lost three god damn fingertips, slept maybe thirty minutes out of the last thirty-six hours, and am running on one can of Alphagetti. I''ll deal with the director, take my licks, but first I need a fucking nap. Amy, come on.¡±
I shoved past him, dragging Amy along behind me. She let out a noise that may have been an apology, but followed easily enough. Weld, for his part, didn''t try and stop me at least. I guess that was at least worth a couple points. The halls had been swept since Shatterbird blew everything up, it seemed almost everything had been fixed really, besides the scars in the cement walls.
We came to my door and I pulled off my glove and pressed my hand to a new-looking scanner. The locks clicked and I pushed my way inside, grimacing. It seemed my room hadn''t been high on the PRT''s priority to clean. That was fair enough, I was AWOL, but it was irritating that I couldn''t just lay down and relax for once.. I told Amy to sit at the kitchen table and got to work.
¡°Hey,¡± Amy spoke up quietly as I was rolling up the glass-covered rug in the living room. ¡°Um, do you need help?¡±
¡°Nah,¡± I replied, grunting as I dragged the carpet to the door. ¡°You...it''s fine, take a break.¡±
¡°You need one too,¡± she complained. ¡°Healing isn''t exactly easy on your body, you know?¡±
¡°Yeah, I know,¡± I said as I retrieved the broom. I wasted no time in tackling the carpet of fine glass on the floor. ¡°But at the same time, I got healed and you didn''t, I''m probably in better shape overall. So, leave it to me; I owe you anyway.¡±
¡°Owe me?¡± She sounded almost offended.
¡°You saved my life,¡± I explained. ¡°And...and now you know exactly what that means, Amy. You didn''t just save my life, you saved...¡± Your sister, yourself. ¡°Just, I owe you, okay?¡±
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¡°Was it...¡± Amy swallowed hard.
¡°Later, Amy, later.¡±
Mercifully, she listened, and I was allowed to finish cleaning up the floors. I dumped the piles of dusted glass into an empty trash bin. I could take it out later, when I didn''t feel like my eyes were full of the stuff. I moved into the bathroom and swept the mirror up, then did the same. Once I was done, I let Amy know and she made a beeline for the shower. Fair, I guess I''d go in after.
I took the sheets off the bed and shook them hard. Fine glass shards fell out and tinkled as they hit the floor. Probably not all of them, so I bundled the sheets up and stuffed them in the hamper to deal with later. I retrieved the spare set from the closet, where mercifully there hadn''t been any glass to ruin them, and set it back up. I sighed and stared at it, then shook my head. Later.
Well, that was cleaning basically done. Checking the kitchen, I found everything intact besides the electrics of the fridge. Fortunately, the half-loaf of bread I had left in there was pretty much intact and I brought it out. The peanut butter I''d managed to snag a couple weeks back was good too, so that was food sorted.
I went to the closet and opened it, then fumbled with the zipper on the side of my costume. Once I''d got it, I peeled the top of my costume off, wincing as the scabs on my arm were torn off. I unclipped my belt and let it fall to the floor with a dull ''thud'', pointedly ignoring the pistol that fell with it. I froze, half-dressed, as I caught sight of myself in the mirror on the door.
I couldn''t help but flinch as I saw my right arm. A lot of the ink had run, not surprising since I hadn''t exactly been practicing aftercare and sure as fuck wasn''t starting, but every symbol was recognizable. I was lucky there hadn''t been time to fill it all in, between the manual needles and Victor''s interruption. Hopefully that Nazi fuck was still nursing his pulped hands.
Even if I ignored the ink, I looked like shit. I seemed even shorter than normal, my shoulders hunched and rounded. I''d lost weight, enough that my cheeks had sunken slightly, enough that my ribs were showing when they hadn''t before. How much of that was from fighting for my life on an empty stomach and how much from Amy''s healing? I stepped closer and narrowed my eyes, staring at my face.
God I looked like crap. I poked at a painful patch of acne that Amy had apparently decided didn''t need healing, wincing. My freckles were coming in, where they weren''t covered by zits, and it made everything look patchy and shit. When did I start hating my freckles, I thought they were cute didn''t I? No, no I''d always hated my face, at least since puberty blessed me by cratering it. Fucking bullshit that I''d remember otherwise, but I remembered a lot otherwise. What did that mean for--
¡°Fuck.¡± I whirled and winced as I saw Amy staring at me. ¡°H-holy--¡±
¡°Sorry,¡± I apologized quickly, grabbing a hoodie from the closet and covering my ugly body up more than my stained sports bra did. ¡°I, uh, M- Mannequin''s trial, had to ''change'' for the worst so I...I changed back. Sorry.¡± I swallowed and wrapped my arms around my waist. ¡°Um, you can take whatever if you need a change. I''m gonna go shower.¡±
I snatched a pair of sweatpants from the closet and brushed past Amy before she could say anything. I slammed the bathroom door behind me and let out a shuddering breath. I stripped and got into the shower before I could see anymore of myself, a yelp escaping my throat as water blasted over my skin.
My heart was pounding, but I made sure to scrub myself thoroughly. Really I needed a proper decontamination, fighting Bonesaw like I had, but this was fine for now. My arm smarted when I began cleaning it, and I dug my nails in to scrub it. Didn''t care about how the tattoos turned out, hell maybe if I scrubbed hard enough I could tear it out of my fucking skin.
I shut down the water, breathing heavily. My heart was racing, and I gripped my chest over top of it. It didn''t hurt, but after yesterday the feeling made my knees weak and my ears ring. I got out and toweled myself off before throwing the sweats I''d retrieved on. I bundled up my costume and left the bathroom, throwing it back into the closet on the floor. It would probably have to be burned, at this point. I caught Amy glancing away from me quickly, huddled up on the couch. I sighed and walked over, taking the other end and leaning back.
¡°Do...¡± Amy began quietly after a few minutes of silence. ¡°Do you want me to...fix it?¡±
¡°Fix...oh.¡± I grimaced. ¡°No, it''s fine, you''ve done more than enough for me as it is. Do any more and I won''t be able to pay my debt, then you''ll have to kneecap me.¡±
¡°I''m serious Lia,¡± she snapped. ¡°I...you...I saw those when I healed you. Not directly, but I could see the scarring. I made sure it wouldn''t get infected or anything, but I thought it was something personal, something you wouldn''t want me to touch. But seeing it...I don''t think I cleared up the infection, not totally.¡±
¡°That''s grim,¡± I said sarcastically. ¡°Look, it''s fine, just a scar like any other but...uglier. And it''s a good reminder about how bad things can get, how bad people can make them.¡±
¡°You don''t need a fucking swastika on your elbow to do that,¡± Amy said bitterly.
¡°It''s not a swastika, it''s a black sun,¡± I corrected her. ¡°Schwarze Sonne, some esoteric Nazi bullshit. Not a single swastika on me, actually; not that it''s much better.¡±
¡°And I thought you weren''t a Nazi.¡±
¡°I''m not,¡± I bit out through clenched teeth, pulling up my sleeve and showing the deep scratches I''d made on my arm. They were oozing a little...I may have gone overboard. ¡°You think I wanted any of this? I didn''t have a choice, I was born to be one, and then I¡ª¡± I bit my tongue. And then I started remembering being a real Nazi. ¡°So leave it, Amy. It''s better that people know what they''re getting into with me than me trying to hide it all.¡±
¡°That''s...¡± She paused, staring at my arm with a look of disgust that mellowed when she met my eyes. ¡°That''s fucked up, but I get it. A reminder so you don''t do it again.¡±
¡°That too, I guess.¡± I shrugged and hid my throbbing arm from sight. ¡°Not like I don''t appreciate it though, you offering to heal it I mean. If it was anything else...maybe, you know?¡±
¡°What do you think the Wards will say?¡±
¡°I think they''re going to hate me,¡± I replied simply. ¡°Not that they''re wrong to.¡±
¡°But you helped--¡±
¡°I did one good thing, Amy,¡± I cut her off, shaking my head. ¡°You said it a while ago, that doesn''t make me a good person. I wish I could argue that, but, yeah.¡±
¡°Sorry,¡± she said quietly.
¡°Is what it is,¡± I replied, reaching out and giving her shoulder a brief squeeze. ¡°At least I''m around to live it, so thanks again.¡±
¡°You''re welcome, I guess.¡±
¡°So.¡± I slapped my hands on my thighs, done with moping at least for a second. ¡°Lunch?¡± Amy nodded and I sighed with relief. At last, a break.
Resuscitation 10.5
¡°After the bombings, Amy healed Glory Girl and we went back to my house.¡± I shifted in placed as sweat soaked my back. I wasn''t sure why they brought Legend to my debriefing, but here he was, staring me down with the weight of every hero in the Protectorate behind him. ¡°Amy ended up curing me of Bonesaw''s plague, then we spread it. After that, Jack found and confronted us, tried to kill us, but we survived thanks to some assistance from a local.¡±
¡°Which local?¡± Piggot demanded instantly.
¡°Skitter,¡± I replied hesitantly. ¡°The Undersiders and Travelers saved us from the Siberian, as I mentioned. Considering the circumstances, I felt working with them was better than losing more fingers, or my life.¡±
¡°She''s been reported with a new bug, a giant one,¡± Assault said, voice tense. Most of his red costume had been replaced by spares. ¡°What do you know about that?¡±
¡°Field emergency defensive measures, to couch it in PRT terms,¡± I explained. ¡°It won''t be around long and, if you''re really worried, it isn''t bulletproof.¡±
¡°The concern is where it came from,¡± he bit back. I sighed.
¡°Panacea.¡± I tried my best not to wince at the collective reaction from the room. ¡°Under my instructions, I asked her to help. That bug plus some that are able to extend Skitter''s range, made to find and kill the Siberian''s master, are it. I doubt any of them will last out the week, but if you''re really worried you can ask Panacea and she''ll tell you a real expiry date.¡±
¡°So you decided to use this emergency to empower a villainous warlord?¡± I shot Legend a glare. The look he gave me made my alarm ring loudly in my ears.
¡°No,¡± I spat, a pulse of anger overriding the fear. ¡°I did what I had to to survive, and what I thought was the best way to stop the Slaughterhouse Nine. If it means Skitter''s more of a bitch to deal with, then fine, I''ll take the blame for that. Considering only four or five of the Nine made it out of Brockton Bay, I''d say it was worth it.¡±
¡°Only three,¡± Piggot corrected me, clearing her throat. ¡°Jack Slash, Bonesaw, and the Siberian with her master are the only ones unaccounted for; the rest are dead or...accounted for.¡± I felt myself relax fractionally.
¡°Then it was worth it,¡± I replied. ¡°Unless you think screwing with the team responsible for at least half of them was a good idea, I didn''t, I don''t.¡±
¡°Please continue,¡± Legend said a moment later.
¡°Well after Jack escaped,¡± I said. ¡°We stayed the night at my house, then yesterday we came back here. Brings us to today, which I don''t think you need a debrief on.¡± I swallowed against my dry throat and sat down, slowly so my shaking knees didn''t give out.
¡°How much contact did you have with the villain Regent?¡± Assault demanded. Gallant looked sideways at him.
¡°Almost zero and-- shit, sorry,¡± I apologized at the immediate glare from every adult at the table. ¡°Sorry I just remembered that he''s controlling Shatterbird. We should do something about that sooner than later.¡±
¡°We''re aware of this and are taking measures,¡± Legend replied evenly. ¡°Gallant?¡±
¡°She''s telling the truth.¡± He sounded exhausted, voice quiet and hoarse. I couldn''t imagine what he looked like behind the helmet. ¡°No sign of influence.¡± I felt a spike of annoyance; this had just been a test?
¡°Thank you Amaranth,¡± Piggot said, nodding to an officer dressed in a suit who was seated next to her.
The man got up and walked out the door, followed by Assault, then Legend. A pinch-faced woman, vaguely familiar, came in and sat next to me, offering a brief nod before staring down Piggot. Gallant shifted from his seat to one next to the director, his head barely raised. Just the four of us now.
¡°Okay let''s get this over with,¡± I said with a sigh as the door clicked shut.
¡°What do you mean, Amaranth?¡± Piggot asked, like she didn''t know.
¡°I mean the part where you punish me for saving people,¡± I retorted, getting a look from the woman sitting beside me. ¡°Come on, Gallant said you wanted my head, so here it is director, on a platter even. I won''t fight, just make it quick so I can take a nap.¡± I hadn''t been sleeping well, barely at all really.
¡°I feel like I''m missing something important,¡± the pinch-faced woman said dryly. ¡°Amaranth, how are you?¡±
¡°Bad,¡± I snapped, making her lips quirk down.
¡°Director, would you like to bring me up to speed?¡±
¡°This meeting is exactly what I told you Stanford,¡± Piggot replied with a frown. ¡°Amaranth abandoned her duties and actively worked with local villain groups, some of the worst ones in the city.¡±
¡°Yeah besides the Nazis you''re ignoring,¡± I interjected.
¡°And we need to determine the terms of her probation going forward,¡± she finished, ignoring me just like the fucking Nazis. ¡°That''s all.¡±
¡°Wait, you''re with the Youth Guard, right?¡± I asked, the name Piggot said finally ringing a bell.
¡°I''m your Youth Guard advocate, yes. We met just last week, remember?¡± No.
¡°Oh right, I remember,¡± I lied through my teeth. ¡°Sorry, it''s been a long week.¡± Her look softened and she slowly nodded, then turned back to Piggot.
¡°Want to give me the full story?¡± she asked, casting a sidelong glance at me. ¡°You''ll pardon me if I don''t believe a young woman went out on her own in this city without a good reason.¡± I bit my lip and looked over at the director, and Gallant next to her.
¡°I...¡± I sighed. ¡°I don''t know how much I can say, sorry. I knew something bad would happen to someone I cared about, knew it, and I went out there to help them.¡±
¡°Did you succeed?¡± I gave Gallant a plaintive look. After a moment, he slowly nodded.
¡°Yeah, she did,¡± he said, voice only just carrying across the table. Stanford''s brow creased.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
¡°Are you alright Gallant?¡± she asked. ¡°I''m sorry Holly hasn''t been around to check in, her husband is still--¡±
¡°I''m okay,¡± he cut her off. ¡°Just a little tired, haven''t had a chance to catch up on missing sleep yet.¡± Stanford sigh and nodded once.
¡°Alright, the matter at hand then.¡± She tucked a stray hair behind her ear. ¡°What Amaranth has told me is she did her job as a hero; dangerously, foolishly, but still. Gallant agreed with her assessment. I certainly hope you''ll keep that in mind while we hash out her probation terms.¡±
¡°We know her side of things,¡± Piggot retorted, sliding a piece of paper across the table. ¡°Here, itemized and in simple terms.¡± I grabbed the list and took a look.
Well, it wasn''t quite as bad as I expected. No solo patrols, obviously, a hefty fine for being AWOL, annoying but what the fuck could I buy in the ruins of Brockton Bay? Aaand they''d finally had enough of housing me in separate quarters, now I was getting mandated to bunk with the rest of the Wards. That was going to suck out loud, but all of it was...well I could cope.
¡°Looks fine,¡± I said with a shrug, holding out my hand. ¡°Pen? ...What?¡±
¡°You''re alright with these terms, Amaranth?¡± Stanford asked.
¡°Sure, they''re whatever,¡± I replied, still holding my hand out. ¡°I knew all this was coming, not my power but I knew what I was doing, that there would be consequences. So give me a pen so I can go pack my shh¡ªtuff, move in, and take a nap.¡± There was a beat of silence.
¡°You''re sure Amaranth?¡± Gallant asked, making me narrow my eyes. The man could see it and didn''t believe me.
¡°Yes. Pen. Please.¡±
Reducing it that much finally got a writing implement in my hand and I quickly signed the sheet, then pushed it over to Stanford. Piggot was eyeing me for some reason, but accepted the paper quietly when it was returned to her. After they made sure I understood it was all to take effect immediately, which like...obviously, I was dismissed to go move; under Gallant''s supervision of course, they weren''t taking chances anymore.
The walk back to my quarters was quiet. I didn''t want to talk to Dean, and he clearly didn''t have the energy to do anything with me. That was alright, both of us had had enough of trouble caused by me, we were pretty sick of dealing with it. Well, it wasn''t like I had any more good reasons to, so we''d both be getting a break now. When we finally arrived, I opened my door and let him in.
¡°Hey Amaranth, how-- Gallant?¡± Amy looked and sounded confused. ¡°What''s going--¡±
¡°I''m moving,¡± I said quickly. ¡°Probation terms, I''m bunking with the Wards now. Uhh, I guess I can come and visit, if you want to hang out or anything.¡± She grimaced.
¡°And can I...stay?¡± Amy glanced between us.
¡°Director''s given you a temporary billet,¡± Gallant explained. ¡°Two weeks no questions asked, after that...we''ll have to talk.¡±
¡°I assume she could negotiate terms for her stay, right?¡± He shot me a look, but nodded. ¡°Well, there you go Amy. Told you; golden calf.¡±
¡°Doesn''t feel like it when I''m getting told there''ll be conditions,¡± she countered. ¡°Are...are you going to be okay?¡± I shrugged.
¡°It''s just dorming,¡± I replied. No point in making a mountain out of it now. ¡°Sure the bed probably sucks and my roommates may be annoying sometimes, but that''s how it is. Hell of a lot better than the alternative.¡±
¡°Which is...?¡±
¡°Leaving the Wards and trying to make it on my own, or joining a gang.¡± I held up a hand when Gallant''s head snapped towards me. ¡°Relax, those are pretty dogshit options Dean. If I was taking either of them I wouldn''t be here, would I?¡± He sighed.
¡°You need to stop saying stuff like that,¡± he groused. ¡°You know Piggot considered putting out a warrant for you right? Legend had to be the one to nix that idea. People are looking at you like they looked at Shadow Stalker and you haven''t even been here a week.¡±
¡°Hey Lia actually did some good!¡± Amy snapped, drawing my eye. She looked genuinely pissed, why?
¡°Amy, chill, seriously,¡± I said over my shoulder as I went over to the closet and grabbed a duffel. ¡°I knew what would happen when I went out.¡±
¡°It''s still bullshit,¡± she complained. ¡°Like, you know don''t you Dean? Why didn''t you say some--¡±
¡°Amy,¡± Gallant snapped. ¡°I''ve been a little busy dealing with the consequences of both your actions to try and play devil''s advocate. Do you want me to tell the PRT what you did to Victoria? Because that''s probably the only excuse Piggot will accept: saving two capes for the cause.¡± She flinched and turned away. ¡°I thought so.¡±
"Don''t be an asshole,¡± I said as I stuffed the few clothes I had into my bag. ¡°I don''t think any of us want that shit airing, right?¡± I took their collective silence as a resounding yes. ¡°Great. So Amy, shut up and let me take my licks, deserved or not. Dean, get off Amy''s back, she''s good enough at beating herself up.¡±
¡°I''m not ''on her back'',¡± Dean countered. ¡°You guys caused a lot of problems, you know?¡±
¡°We''re plenty aware,¡± I bit back, bending down and retrieving the pistol from the pile of costume it landed in yesterday. I made sure the safety was on, then turned and held it out to him, grip first. ¡°How about not giving us shit for trying to stop?¡± He eyed the gun, then took it and slipped it into his belt. ¡°Check it,¡± I snapped. He seemed to glare at me behind his helmet, but did.
¡°Whose pistol this time?¡±
¡°Skitter''s,¡± I replied, crossing my arms. ¡°You''re welcome, by the way.¡±
¡°You brought this into the PRT building?¡± I rolled my eyes.
¡°I was exhausted yesterday,¡± I said. ¡°Didn''t remember I had it til I was taking my costume off. You''ll notice I''m giving it to you, Dean; could you maybe accept that I''m trying to follow the rules and not give you grief?¡±
¡°I''ll believe that when Behemoth dies.¡± Oh fucking get ready dude.
¡°Whatever,¡± I spat, returning to packing. It didn''t take me long to finish, and soon I was standing by the door. I cast a brief look over my shoulder. ¡°Hey Amy?¡±
¡°Yeah?¡± She asked, glancing up.
¡°I meant it, about hanging out I mean.¡± I tugged at a piece of hair that had escaped my hood. ¡°Don''t know how much time I''ll have, but I''m just down the way, you know? If you want to just have some alone time though, that''s cool too.¡± I felt like an idiot and turned away.
¡°Sure, maybe,¡± Amy replied quietly. ¡°I''ll uhh, think about it?¡±
¡°Cool,¡± I said, slinging my bag. ¡°See you.¡±
Gallant led the way out and down the hall, and I trudged along behind him, slowing us down. It wasn''t really my fault that I hadn''t been sleeping, given the last week or so. Gallant was probably in the same boat, part of why I wasn''t being as shitty as he sort of deserved. That, and I meant what I said about not causing problems. I could deal with the Protectorate and their crap, because I knew what my other options were.
¡°I don''t get you,¡± Gallant said quietly as we got in the elevator.
¡°Gallant please don--¡±
¡°You know what she did,¡± he cut me off. ¡°Knew it before anyone, and you''re offering to hang out? I''ve got some problems with that, Amaranth.¡±
¡°She fucked up.¡± I sighed. ¡°Not going to argue that point. But hey, so have I, so has everyone. I''m not saying turn a blind eye or anything, but she did unfuck her fuck up.¡±
¡°That doesn''t change what she did.¡± I frowned.
¡°Gallant, imagine you have a secret,¡± I started slowly. ¡°A secret that''s so deep and dire that you know it wouldn''t just hurt you if it came out, it would hurt the people you love. Now imagine it comes out in the worst way possible, your secret harms the person you care about the most.¡±
¡°What do you kn--¡±
¡°We''re on opposite sides of this disaster,¡± I cut him off. ¡°You love Vicky, I...feel some way about Amy; I don''t want her to be alone and miserable anyway, because I know what it''s like. And, I guess, she''s my friend. So you help your girlfriend, she really, really needs it Gallant. I''ll...I''ll do what I can.¡±
¡°Fuck,¡± he swore as we stepped out into the Wards quarters. ¡°I don''t know if I can look past this...this.¡±
¡°Then don''t,¡± I said simply. ¡°Just promise you''re not going to stab me in the back or give me shit duty because you don''t like who I hang out with.¡±
¡°I wouldn''t do that,¡± Gallant retorted as we stopped by one of the doors. I stretched up and looked into the retinal scanner and glanced inside as the door opened.
¡°Great,¡± I said, stepping in and throwing my bag on the bed. It was clean, at least, but a bit cramped. ¡°Anything else, or can I try and fail to get some sleep?¡±
¡°You have a meeting with Dr. Yamada in three hours,¡± he said. ¡°Nothing until then though. I...hope you can get some sleep.¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± I said as I shut the door and laid down on my new, lumpy mattress. ¡°Me too.¡±
Resuscitation 10.6
¡°Hello again, Amaranth,¡± Yamada greeted me as I sat down. She looked tired. ¡°I apologize for the abruptness of this meeting, I asked them to reschedule til tomorrow but, well.¡± She shrugged.
¡°Yeah it''s the Protectorate,¡± I said. ¡°At least they gave me some time to rest before.¡±
¡°I''m glad to hear.¡± She offered a smile and scratched something on her notepad. ¡°Have you been getting adequate rest?¡± I snorted.
¡°Yeah sure,¡± I said sarcastically. ¡°Between the Slaughterhouse Nine and the nightmares I''m doing great.¡± I sighed. ¡°Sorry. No, I''m not sleeping well.¡± She nodded.
¡°I''m sorry to hear,¡± she said sympathetically. ¡°Have you talked to Gallant, or another hero about it?¡±
¡°They''re all screwed too,¡± I replied. ¡°Like, compared to Gallant or Miss Militia I''m probably doing fine, you know? We''re all making do.¡±
¡°That doesn''t make it easier for you, Amaranth,¡± Yamada admonished me gently. ¡°How are you feeling today?¡± I shrugged.
¡°Like crap, but that''s normal,¡± I answered honestly. That was what was supposed to make therapy work right? ¡°I guess better than I have been. Less stressed.¡±
¡°Things have certainly been stressful lately,¡± she said, cocking her head. ¡°May I ask what has been helping you feel less stressed?¡±
¡°Uh, I guess I prevented one of my...predictions.¡± Sort of, halfway, but good enough. ¡°So that''s something, and I don''t remember anything happening for...the foreseeable future?¡±
¡°Both sound like very good things indeed.¡± Yamada offered what looked like a genuine smile. ¡°What did you pr--¡±
¡°Nope.¡± She blinked.
¡°Alright,¡± she said simply. ¡°May I ask why you don''t want to speak about it?¡±
¡°Not my place,¡± I said shortly. ¡°Can we talk about something else?¡±
¡°Certainly,¡± she nodded. ¡°Was there anything in particular you wanted to discuss today?¡± I considered that for a minute that dragged into a silent ten.
¡°I...¡± I licked my lips. ¡°If...if you had the chance to do something over, better, would you? I guess that''s kind of a clich¨¦, but would you?¡±
¡°Is this about your power?¡± she asked, making me narrow my eyes.
¡°It''s just a question,¡± I countered. Had Dean talked to her? Bastard. Yamada took a deep breath.
¡°I wouldn''t,¡± she said firmly. ¡°The choices I''ve made and experiences I''ve had have led me to be the person I am today.¡±
¡°Well that''s nice,¡± I said. ¡°And what if that meant that a lot of people died where you could have saved them?¡±
¡°I...think that''s a very difficult question to answer,¡± she hedged. ¡°I suppose it would depend on whether I felt I had an active hand in personally taking their lives. What brought this up?¡±
¡°Jack Slash told me if I killed myself, he''d leave the bay.¡± I took a shaky breath and plucked at the fabric of my hood. ¡°I mean, he was almost definitely lying, but if he wasn''t...¡± I hadn''t let myself give it much though. That didn''t mean it wasn''t on my mind.
¡°If he wasn''t you wonder if you''re responsible?¡± I nodded and got a sigh. ¡°I''m sorry Amaranth, that''s a very difficult thing to think about. I think in this case, I should remind you that Jack Slash chose you specifically as someone to victimize. You said it yourself, it''s certain he''s lying.¡±
¡°Almost certain,¡± I corrected her and shook my head. ¡°I didn''t even consider it though, not for a second. Does...I think that makes me a bad person, right? Not even thinking about giving my life for thousands?¡±
¡°I think that assessment is unfair,¡± Yamada deflected. ¡°Especially when, as you said yourself, you saved someone you care about.¡±
¡°That shouldn''t matter compared to so many,¡± I said, crossing my arms. ¡°It''s selfish.¡±
¡°It may feel that way,¡± she agreed. ¡°But knowing you saved someone personally, versus abstract people you never affected...would you like my opinion?¡± I shrugged and nodded. Couldn''t hurt. ¡°Concrete help is better than abstract good, I do not think you''re selfish for not wanting to give up on what you feel you made better.¡± I sighed.
¡°Thanks, I guess that makes me feel better.¡± At least some people might not see me as a monster for it. That was a damn short list though.
¡°You''re welcome and I''m glad.¡± Yamada smiled again and jotted something on her notepad. ¡°How are you settling into your new quarters?¡±
¡°The bed sucks,¡± I complained. ¡°Doesn''t matter since I haven''t been sleeping, but it doesn''t help. I only just moved in though, ask me in a week when everyone''s had the chance to chew me out for what I did and we''ll see.¡±
¡°Have they spoken to you about what happened?¡± I shook my head.
¡°Haven''t seen anyone besides Weld, Clockblocker, and Gallant.¡± I grimaced. ¡°Didn''t make a good impression on the first two, and like I''ve said before Gallant hates me. And I know it sounds like I''m just minimizing things, but it''s fine. I don''t expect them to be friends with me and I''ll tell them that, I just don''t want them ffff--, oh whatever. I don''t want them fucking me over okay? I don''t think I deserve that.¡±
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¡°I don''t think any of them would even consider that,¡± Yamada said with a confidence I wish I could feel. ¡°I can imagine one or two of them being offended at the idea.¡± I winced.
¡°Sorry.¡±
¡°No, I apologize,¡± she said quickly, tucking a strand of hair. ¡°I didn''t mean to suggest your feeling was wrong. I just mean that the Wards care deeply about each other, and you are one of them.¡±
¡°Barely,¡± I retorted. ¡°I was a Ward for what, a week before I bailed? I''ve spent more time in the field with the Undersiders than my teammates, which is just...yeah, great start for a ''hero'' huh?¡±
¡°You''ve had a much more difficult first week than most,¡± Yamada offered. ¡°But I believe your team will come to see, with time, that you did what you did for the same reasons they go out every day.¡±
¡°Wish I felt I deserved it,¡± I muttered.
¡°Deserved what, Amaranth?¡±
¡°Their understanding, acceptance, whatever,¡± I said, eyes shifting. ¡°I...what do you think of me, doctor? An honest assessment, don''t pull punches or anything.¡± I licked my lips as she took a breath.
¡°I think you''re a young woman who''s gone through more than her share of life''s troubles,¡± Yamada spoke gently. ¡°I think that you''re struggling with how you feel your past shapes you and with trying to live up to unrealistic standards. But I also see that you''re trying, Amaranth.¡± I nodded and swallowed dust as I gripped the cuff of my sleeve, pulling it up. Yamada couldn''t suppress a gasp and it made me wince.
¡°And now?¡±
¡°I...¡± She didn''t have a very good poker face. I pulled my sleeve back down as she took a shaky breath. ¡°May I ask about...those?¡±
¡°You don''t have to hide it,¡± I said glumly. ¡°I know how people will see me, doctor. Doesn''t matter how much of a hero I am, it''s not gonna make up for...all this shit.¡±
¡°I will admit I am...shocked,¡± Yamada said tentatively. ¡°More by the fact that, I believe, you didn''t have those the first time we met.¡± I nodded.
¡°Had to get them,¡± I explained. ¡°Mannequin''s trial. I guess...I guess I didn''t really, since he fucking bit it, but when he jams a knife in your friend''s hand you take him seriously. Told me to ''change'', and since it''s the Nine...I did it for the worse.¡± I stared at the floor, bouncing my leg rapidly. ¡°Not the most fucked up part though, why I''m keeping them around. I don''t...you probably don''t want to hear about this, it''s really bad and...and you''ll probably have to report it.¡±
¡°If you would like to discuss it,¡± she said slowly, her voice back under control at least. ¡°Then I am willing to hear you out.¡±
¡°Yeah?¡± I licked my lips. I couldn''t talk to anyone about this, not really, but maybe... ¡°Victor called my mom ''the best crusader in the war on drugs'', not because she was anti-drug, but because she made sure minorities were the ones getting fucked by it. Don''t know all the gory details but...but if the Nazis are idolizing her, you know it was worse than whatever either of us are thinking. She--¡± My voice cracked and I stopped, throat tight.
¡°I''m so sorry Amelia,¡± Yamada said, her voice far too gentle for what I''d just told her. ¡°That is...an extremely horrible thing to learn, especially about a parent.¡±
¡°Yeah, well, at least she''s dead.¡± Yamada''s eyes widened slightly.
¡°I...see, I''m sorry to hear.¡±
¡°I''m not.¡± I swallowed and sniffed. ¡°Not anymore.¡± There was a long silence after that.
¡°I think I understand why you fear what your peers will think of you,¡± Yamada said at last. ¡°I believe that, in time, they will come to see that your past does not define you. And Amelia, please do remember that you are not responsible for what your parents did.¡± I sighed.
¡°Thanks for the vote of confidence,¡± I replied, rising from my chair. ¡°I...want to go lay down. Sorry, I know we still have some time but..."
¡°It''s perfectly alright Amelia.¡± She offered me a smile that didn''t quite reach her eyes. ¡°Go ahead, I''ll see you in a few days.¡± I nodded and turned away.
The PRT officer assigned to make sure I didn''t cut and run again fell in behind me as I began walking. I''d been told it was for my safety, with Jack Slash still at large and me being his candidate and all, but I wasn''t quite so gullible. It didn''t bother me that much anyway, I was a flight risk in their eyes and couldn''t really blame them for seeing things like that.
I wanted to scream. I''d been really stupid in there, showing off my tattoos like that, but like...really, who else could I talk to about that? Obviously not Yamada again, since that had been a mistake in the first place. Dean was sick of my shit, and Amy had her own to deal with so...fuck me I guess. I sighed as I entered the elevator and started descending, mentally adding ''get chewed out by everyone for my mom being a genocidaire'' to my calendar of events. No way she''d keep her mouth shut on that, unfortunately.
Well, it would have come out no matter what, probably. Either a captured Nazi would spill the beans or I''d open my fat mouth later rather than sooner. I left the trooper in the elevator as I strode into the Ward quarters, my quarters now, angling straight for my room. I grunted in response to a greeting from Lily, lounging in the common area, and shut the door to my room behind me.
For a moment I stood utterly still, then practically tore my costume off, cursing loudly and violently as I stumbled around the cramped space. It was too much, everything was too much. I slapped the lightswitch so I didn''t have to see my body in the mirror across from the door, then nearly fell as my knees struck the low bed. I swore, screamed, and lashed out with a blind punch, projection drawn back. My knuckles cracked against the headboard and I screamed again, struck again.
A knock on the door made me flinch and shut my mouth. Fuck. I''d thrown a tantrum and now I was causing problems for my new roommates. I sighed and rose, running my fingers through my messy hair. I wiped my eyes and went to my closet, grabbing a hoodie and pulling it over my head. Once I was decent and...covered, I took a deep breath and opened my door.
¡°Sorry,¡± I croaked, before I even registered Lily standing in front of me wearing a worried look. ¡°I''ll keep it down.¡±
¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked, cocking her head. ¡°I...you sounded upset, I wanted to check on you.¡±
¡°I''m fine,¡± I answered flatly. ¡°Just a shitty therapy session.¡± She huffed.
¡°Yeah I know the ones,¡± Lily said lightly. ¡°Sorry it happened in the middle of...everything.¡± I shrugged.
¡°Happens, sorry to bother you.¡±
¡°Hey.¡± I paused, hand on the door control. ¡°I uh, I''m glad you''re safe.¡± I frowned.
¡°Thanks.¡± I wasn''t sure why she was bothering...but I probably should too. ¡°How...are you?¡±
¡°Tired,¡± she said. ¡°But a little better, now that the worst is over.¡± I sighed and nodded.
¡°Yeah, I know the feeling.¡±
¡°You know I heard about you and Amy getting nominated,¡± Lily said after a moment of quiet. ¡°You went out there to help her, right?¡± I grimaced.
¡°I did,¡± I answered honestly. ¡°Sorry to leave you guys behind.¡± She shook her head.
¡°No no, I get it,¡± she said quickly. ¡°Really I...I do. And hey, you came back and even brought her with you. That''s a big deal, Amaranth.¡±
¡°I...guess.¡± I glanced up and saw her smiling warmly, then looked away. ¡°Thanks Lily I...thanks.¡± I blinked at the sandy feeling in my eyes. ¡°I''m gonna try and get some sleep before the director calls me up for another ''debriefing''.¡±
¡°G''night Amaranth,¡± Lily said, taking a step back. ¡°Hope you rest well.¡±
I shut the door after saying goodnight and stripped my hoodie, dumping it on the floor. My knuckles and wrist throbbed, painful but not enough to be broken. Stupid of me, but I just had to eat it now, like every other stupid choice. I yawned and laid down on my bed, eyes heavy. Despite the tension wracking my body, I found myself drifting off quickly. I guess Lily''s visit had made me feel a little better, her telling me that basically she didn''t hate me was...nice.
I just had to hope my luck wouldn''t run out.
Resuscitation 10.7
¡°Good morning Amaranth,¡± Miss Militia greeted me as I walking into the gym. ¡°Did you rest well?¡±
¡°No,¡± I replied, shrugging as I stepped into the sparring ring with her. ¡°It''s fine.¡±
They''d given me yesterday off at least, a day where I wasn''t being picked at by Piggot, or Gallant, or Yamada. I spent the entire day in my room, trying to sleep, picking at scabs, mostly just passing the time that my eyes were open. Against my wishes, they were open more often than they weren''t.
Of course now, two days after getting back, I was being put to work again. It made sense, they couldn''t afford to not use every pair of hands they had. Gallant still wouldn''t put me on the patrol roster, and I had a feeling Piggot and Miss Militia were okay with it given my...history. They weren''t actually giving me time off though, hence being in the gym at seven.
¡°How are you feeling today?¡± Miss Militia asked, hands on her hips.
¡°Tired,¡± I said simply. ¡°Nothing else to it.¡±
¡°Alright.¡± A beat. ¡°I thought we would work on some holds today, ways to manipulate opponents and make them submit. How does that sound to you?¡±
¡°Fine,¡± I said. ¡°What do I do?¡±
Miss Militia got started without delay, something I was glad for. Tired as I was, my brain wouldn''t stop buzzing. Not with actual, coherent thoughts of course, that might be useful. No it was just a wash of fear and paranoia like a rusty bundle of steel wool dragging itself through my head. Every knock on the door made me flinch, every greeting in the hall made me cringe away. Here though, I had something else to worry about; namely figuring out how to take down assholes three times my size.
It was a little surprising. It was clear to everyone how fucked up I was, but at least Miss Militia didn''t treat me too different than normal. Her corrections were short and precise, never cruel like a drill sergeant but sharper than it had been before. I guess my grace period had run out. I had shown them that I could handle myself, in a manner of speaking. After all, I did ultimately make it back alive despite being nominated by the Slaughterhouse Nine. No more kid gloves.
¡°Let''s take a break,¡± Miss Militia said after she''d thrown me to the mat, demonstrating another hold.
¡°Sure,¡± I replied, pushing myself up and leaving the ring.
¡°I''m glad you returned,¡± she said as I sipped from the straw of my water bottle, stuck under the fabric of my mask, only way to drink with it. ¡°There was a great deal of concern when you ran away.¡±
¡°Sorry.¡± I wasn''t sure when I''d be allowed to stop apologizing. Not yet, apparently. ¡°Won''t happen again.¡±
¡°Apology accepted,¡± Miss Militia said. ¡°I''ve heard rumours about why you went out there, but I''d like to hear it from you. I know you''ve said you were concerned for your fellow heroes, but now that you''re back...¡±
¡°You want a real answer,¡± I finished for her. She shook her head but I continued. ¡°It''s fine, really. The other reason I went out was to help Panacea, she''d been nominated too and I didn''t manage to stop that so, yeah. Sorry for the trouble.¡±
¡°And you brought her back,¡± she added after. ¡°Brandish and Flashbang have offered their thanks.¡±
¡°I...I''m glad they''re thankful,¡± I said hesitantly. ¡°Hope they''re all okay.¡±
¡°New Wave mostly remained uninjured,¡± Miss Militia said. ¡°What about you?¡±
¡°Besides the fingers?¡± She flinched and I sighed. ¡°It''s fine. I was pretty messed up for a while but Amy healed me. She needs help through, her hand is messed up.¡±
¡°Panacea saw a doctor yesterday afternoon,¡± Miss Militia reassured me. ¡°I can''t offer details, of course, but she is being taken care of the same as any Ward. She did express a reluctance to heal any of our peoples'' injuries though, do you know anything about that?¡± I grimaced, glad I was wearing a mask.
¡°She...we had to make some stuff in the field, with her power. I think she''s maybe worried that because she used her power differently, she won''t be able to heal effectively right now.¡± Maybe there was some truth to that, but I definitely couldn''t give them the real reason.
¡°I suppose that makes sense.¡± She sighed. ¡°It''s a shame, we could use her help right now. Still, I was briefed on her creations yesterday, or the information we have at least. I can understand her...reluctance.¡±
¡°They''re just normal bugs,¡± I defended. ¡°Like sure, maybe they''re not natural bugs, but they still go squish. Or, well, maybe you''ll need something heavier for Atlas but--¡±
¡°Atlas?¡±
¡°Skitter named her bug,¡± I explained. ¡°The big one, obviously. Anyway like I was saying, you may need something heavier but Amy didn''t make them invincible, or even dangerous. Well, not dangerous outside Skitter having them. And they''ll all die soon so--¡±
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¡°I understand, Amaranth,¡± Miss Militia cut me off. ¡°Panacea has filled us in, I assure you.¡±
¡°Oh.¡± I blinked. She was cooperating? Well, fuck, that would have been nice a week ago but...whatever. ¡°Okay.¡±
¡°Is something the matter?¡± I took a deep breath.
¡°When''s the other shoe gonna drop?¡± I blurted, staring at the ground.
¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°I mean this doesn''t make any sense,¡± I snapped. ¡°I...everyone''s being too nice, too reasonable. My probation is basically nothing--¡±
¡°You were fined fifteen-thousand dollars.¡±
¡°Money I can''t use,¡± I countered. ¡°And the rest is basically being a Ward. What gives? Like, I''m not confined to quarters, being charged as AWOL, nothing.¡±
¡°The PRT isn''t in the habit of confining its charges.¡± Miss Militia sounded offended. ¡°Amaranth, you were fined the maximum amount possible for a non-violent breach like yours. That was a long discussion, as well as changing your quarters since you expressed concerns about living communally.¡±
¡°It''s not that bad,¡± I said. ¡°Just the mattress sucks.¡±
¡°Mmm, a shame that hasn''t changed.¡± She shook her head, chuckling. ¡°Please be honest though, we can''t make things better if we do not know they''re happening.¡±
¡°Thanks, I...I appreciate it.¡± I sighed and got back into the ring. ¡°Keep going?¡±
¡°Certainly.¡±
The next hour I spent being twisted into various positions, then replicating the effects on Miss Militia. By the end I was sore, sweaty, and exhausted, but felt better than I had in days. Miss Militia helped me from the mat one more time, then put her hands on her hips and nodded.
¡°Excellent work,¡± she huffed. ¡°You''re a quick learner when you put your mind to it.¡±
¡°Appreciate it.¡± Too bad I couldn''t put my mind to it more often. ¡°It was nice to think about something else.¡±
¡°I often find time at the gym helps to clear my head, the range too.¡± She crossed her arms. ¡°I heard you brought a firearm back from the field. You use it?¡± I swallowed and drew myself up.
¡°I did,¡± I replied with confidence I didn''t feel .¡±Against Jack. Even hit him a couple times.¡±
¡°Good,¡± she said. ¡°But remember, you''re not authorized to use firearms on duty. If you do, you''d be severely punished.¡±
¡°Lucky I wasn''t on duty then,¡± I said dryly.
¡°Lucky indeed,¡± Miss Militia said with a nod. ¡°I know you have your issues with working for the Protectorate, but I hope you''ll come to see it isn''t all bad.¡±
¡°Better than the alternatives,¡± I said with a shrug. ¡°I''m gonna head out, thanks for the work out.¡±
¡°Of course,¡± she said with a smile that narrowed her eyes. ¡°Go rest, you have some time before your training continues this afternoon.¡±
I left the gym, flanked as usual by my PRT shadow. Even though I was sore and tired, I wasn''t heading back to my quarters quite yet. No, I wanted to see how Amy was actually holding up. Cooperating she may be, but I figured she was having a worse time of it than I was. Better than in the story, maybe, but that was a hell of a low bar.
¡°Where are you headed?¡± my shadow asked after I passed the elevator. ¡°Miss Militia said to go back to your quarters.¡±
¡°No, she told me to go rest,¡± I retorted, taking a turn. ¡°Going to see Panacea.¡±
¡°That''s not--¡±
¡°You gonna tell me I can''t see my friends?¡± I cut him off. ¡°I won''t be long, if you''re worried about me keeping you from something pressing.¡±
He didn''t reply, so we continued in silence. Jesus, worse than suicide watch these guys. How was I possibly going to escape from a room that had one way out, a way he would be guarding? Well, it wasn''t like he was stopping me so it didn''t matter, had to just let it go. I couldn''t let stupid shit get to me anymore, compromise everything I''d managed to do. I paused outside the door to my-- to Amy''s apartment and took a deep breath, then knocked loudly.
¡°I thought we were done for tod-- oh, Amaranth, hey.¡± Amy stared bashfully at the ground. ¡°Sorry about that.¡±
¡°It''s fine,¡± I replied with a shrug. ¡°Mind if I come in a sec?¡±
¡°Uh, sure.¡± She glanced over my shoulder. ¡°Are we going to have...company?¡±
¡°He''ll wait outside.¡± I shot him a look and he gave a brief nod. I stepped in and took a look around, nodding; they''d done some repairs. ¡°How are they treating you?¡±
¡°What? Fine.¡± She cocked her head. ¡°Are you okay? You look exhausted.¡±
¡°Having trouble sleeping.¡±
¡°I know the feeling,¡± Amy muttered. ¡°Anyway, that doesn''t answer the question.¡±
¡°I''m...fine,¡± I said. ¡°Don''t need to worry about me, it''s just the Wards.¡±
¡°Yeah and obviously it''s getting to you.¡± She sighed and shook her head. ¡°Would you at least come sit down for a minute?¡±
¡°I...I don''t want to be a pain,¡± I replied. ¡°I really just wanted to make sure they weren''t messing with you, and they''re not I guess.¡±
¡°No they''ve been...fine.¡± She hunched her shoulders. ¡°I...I saw Glory Girl yesterday, just from down the hall. She looked...okay.¡±
¡°Well that''s good,¡± I said honestly. ¡°You didn''t talk to her?¡± Amy let out an empty huff.
¡°She would have thrown me through a window if I tried,¡± she said without a hint of irony. ¡°I''m not that stupid.¡±
¡°Sorry.¡±
¡°It''s not your fault it''s...mine. Just gotta deal with the consequences right?¡±
¡°Yeah, doesn''t make it easier.¡± There was a moment of awkward silence.
¡°Thanks, Lia,¡± she practically whispered. ¡°Just...thank you.¡±
¡°It''s fine,¡± I said quickly. ¡°I appreciate it but really, don''t...don''t sweat it.¡± I failed you four times, after all.
¡°Can...is it okay if we...¡± I cocked my head as she briefly opened her arms, then quickly dropped then. ¡°No, sorry, it''s fine. I don''t want to bother--¡±
¡°A hug?¡± I asked, and she nodded, embarrassed I supposed. ¡°Sure.¡±
¡°Are you su--¡±
¡°Amy.¡± I lifted my arms slightly.
She accepted the invitation, though not right away. I realized, as her arms wrapped around me, Amy was tall. Well, not tall tall, but compared to a shrimp like me... Her head could nearly rest on top of mine, and her arms were well over my shoulders. I...didn''t actually mind it, weirdly. I still pulled away after a moment, shuffling back.
¡°I''m going to head out,¡± I said, more than a little awkward. ¡°Uh, hope they keep treating you good. See you.¡±
¡°I um, hope the same.¡± Amy gave a little wave and like that I left.
I ignored the pointed questions from my shadow and headed back to the elevator. Tired, as usual, probably try and fail to take a nap like usual. That had been...nice, I guess. I hadn''t really had a hug since getting into all this shit. It was nice, though I wished I didn''t reek of sweat. Alas. I said a terse goodbye to my minder, then after a brief shower where I managed just not to have a panic attack, went back to my room and collapsed on the bed.
I stared at the far wall, waiting for sleep that may never come.
Resuscitation 10.8
¡°Go left!¡±
I sprinted to the side, heading in the direction Clockblocker noted. Not a moment too soon, as a bolt whipped through the air my head had just vacated. God dammit. I narrowed my eyes at the source and began to charge, ignoring Clockblocker''s shout to stop. The shooter was reloading, we had a chance to end it now. I was suddenly taken off my feet and slammed to the mat with a loud ''whoof'' of breath.
¡°Amaranth you--¡± Clockblocker''s voice was cut off by a strangled noise of pain. ¡°Fuck, time!¡±
The weight holding me down vanished and a silvery hand entered my vision. I grasped it and grunted as Weld helped me to my feet, a disapproving look on his face. I wasn''t sure why he looked so sour when his team had just won, but maybe he was just a sore winner. I sighed and crossed my arms as Clockblocker pulled a blunted quarrel from his costume.
¡°Okay,¡± he said, handing the projectile to Flechette as she joined us. ¡°So that sucked.¡±
¡°I had a clear path to Flechette,¡± I complained. ¡°If you''d had my back I--¡±
¡°I had no idea what you were doing,¡± he countered. ¡°I told you to go left so you could handle the big guy, you know, the thing your force-field makes you good at.¡± A strangled growl rose in my throat.
¡°Clock you can freeze people with a touch,¡± I said. ¡°Meanwhile I get thrown around like a dog toy. Sending me against ''the big guy'' is stupid when I could get through to the shooter without being hit.¡±
¡°Oh I''d hit you,¡± Flechette chirped. ¡°Not sure it would go through your field but, well, I wouldn''t put money on it not, you know?¡± I groaned.
¡°Still, could have frozen Weld and then tackled you together,¡± I replied, crossing my arms.
¡°Maybe if you''d told me what the plan was,¡± Clockblocker retorted. ¡°I see why Miss Militia said your communication needs work because damn. Didn''t you play soccer or something when you were a kid?¡±
¡°No,¡± I said, rolling my eyes.
¡°Well, whatever, we''ll put you on the basketball team when school starts again,¡± he grumbled. ¡°Take five, get some water, we''ll try again.¡±
I turned on my heel and headed into the locker room, cheeks burning. This team exercise crap was a bunch of work for nothing but frustration. It was worse because someone in their infinite wisdom looked at the roster and said ''yes, put her with the boy scout who doesn''t like her and the asshole''. I went to the sink and ran the water cold, splashing it on my face.
Cooled down, just a little, I raised my head and met my eyes. Despite being back in relative comfort for days, I looked worse than I had after just getting back. My eyes were ringed with ugly bags, dark enough they almost looked bruised. My lips were chapped, cracked, and chewed ragged, and I''d broken out on my chin again. I pulled my mask back up as the sound of footsteps echoed in the changing room.
¡°Amaranth?¡± Flechette''s head popped around the corner. ¡°You okay?¡±
¡°Fine,¡± I replied. ¡°Just cooling off. Be right there.¡±
¡°You were doing okay, you know?¡± she said, leaning against the wall. I turned back to the mirror, poking at a nasty zit coming in right between my brows. ¡°A lot better than some Wards I''ve seen¡±
¡°I''ll do better,¡± I promised. ¡°I will.¡±
¡°I believe it,¡± she said, sighing. ¡°Don''t push yourself too hard though, you''re still not sleeping well are you?¡± I shot Flechette a look that made her roll her eyes. ¡°No, you''re not waking us up, the rooms are better soundproofed than that. You''re just always up at odd hours.¡±
¡°Maybe I''m a Noctis cape,¡± I said sarcastically. God I fucking wish.
¡°A what?¡±
¡°Don''t need to sleep, like Miss Militia doesn''t,¡± I explained.
¡°That why you look like a raccoon?¡±
¡°Thanks.¡±
¡°Amaranth...¡± Flechette sighed and crossed her arms. ¡°Sorry. I''ll get off your back.¡±
¡°No Lily I...¡± I groaned and bumped my forehead against the mirror, bloodshot eyes staring back at me. ¡°I''m sorry, I''m being shitty, you guys don''t deserve it for just trying to help. Tell the guys I''ll be back in a minute?¡±
¡°Alright,¡± she said, turning on her heel. ¡°See you out there.¡±
I washed my face again after she left, running the water as cold as it would go. It helped me to feel slightly more awake, more like a person, more like me...or Lia.
I wasn''t sure how much I liked that.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
¡°Okay, put it down!¡± the fireman called to me. I nodded and took a deep breath, then stepped back.
The concrete slab I''d been holding up crashed to the ground, breaking in a few places. I held still as a cloud of concrete and glass dust billowed up and over me, none of it making it through my projection of course. Once the dust settled, sped up by the torrential rain, I returned to the trucks to keep helping.
A building, damaged during the fighting with the Nine, had partially collapsed. The crane they''d tried to get on site had broken down on the way, so I''d offered my services to the PRT. It took them a few hours to debate it, a piss off, but eventually let me go and help. Good thing too, since there had been a lot of people squatting here.
¡°Good work,¡± Battery said tersely, holding her half-arm close to her side. I wasn''t sure how she''d lost it...but I wasn''t stupid enough to ask either. ¡°The chief has his men doing a final sweep, once they''re sure the building is empty, we''ll go.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± I replied, glancing back at the many, many casualties. ¡°Should we help with them?¡±
¡°Paramedics and firefighters have it in hand,¡± she said with a shake of her head. ¡°We''ll just get underfoot if we try.¡±
¡°Story of my life,¡± I muttered, leaning against the back of the PRT van. ¡°Um, thanks for coming out here. I know you should be recovering but I--¡±
¡°These people needed help,¡± she cut me off. ¡°And you offered it, the right way. Besides, supervising is hardly a strain on my recovery.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± I said hesitantly. ¡°Um, sorry.¡±
¡°For what?¡± She sounded confused.
¡°The trouble,¡± I answered. ¡°Like...for everything. Sorry.¡±
¡°I...apology accepted.¡± Battery still didn''t sound like she got it, but didn''t sound pissed either. ¡°I''m sorry you got hurt.¡± I shrugged, flexing my shortened fingers.
¡°My fault, I was the one that ran away.¡± My eyes flicked to her arm, then away. She sighed.
¡°You can ask,¡± she said, though she didn''t sound happy about it. ¡°Jack Slash, if you''re wondering. At least I assume it was him, since he didn''t get close and I still lost the arm.¡±
¡°Sorry.¡±
¡°Nothing to apologize for,¡± Battery assured me, setting her good hand on my shoulder. ¡°Heard you and Panacea were the ones responsible for curing everyone. It could have gone a lot worse if...if someone found me like that, still affected.¡±
¡°Still, sorry,¡± I said, shaking my head. ¡°Jack was the one that nominated me, remember? He...he stuck around for me.¡±
¡°He would have stuck around even without you,¡± she countered. ¡°He''s the one leading that pack of psychos, he wouldn''t have taken them away from their fun.¡±
¡°Well...that''s true.¡± I knew it was, in fact. ¡°Thanks.¡±
¡°You''re welcome.¡±
We continued watching the first responders work, keeping an eye out for trouble. Sure, the worst may be over, but there were still gangs all over the city. I glanced at Battery and saw her gazing off to the side. I followed her eyes and grimaced. A number of bodies covered in white sheets, some surrounded by people who probably cared about them. Too many.
The worst was over, but there was a long way to go before things would be okay.
The TV blared, some movie that I''d stopped paying attention to long ago. My eyes were shut, I was breathing steadily, my heart was slowly beating along. I wasn''t asleep, not really, but I didn''t mind that right now. Amy leaned her shoulder against mine, rocking slightly as she quietly snored, a warm, settling weight.
Apparently Amy had nothing to do and asked me to hang out. Since I had another day off, I agreed. It had been pretty nice, all things considered. I''d helped her bake a loaf of bread, since she''d enjoyed my recipe, then we''d just watched crappy comedy for a while. It was a bizarre contrast to last week, where we''d spent half of it running for our lives.
Amy snorted and shifted slightly, then sighed and kept snoozing. I wasn''t sure when she''d fallen asleep, whether it was before or after she decided to use me as a throw pillow. I had been a little annoyed, but found the weight helped me...relax. My projection had quickly settled on my shoulders, and soon I''d shut my eyes to try and join Amy in a little bit of sleep.
It hadn''t worked, I wasn''t so lucky. Still, it was a hell of a lot better than laying down on the lumpy mattress in my quarters and staring at a blank wall for hours. I knew it was getting late, I probably needed to get back to my quarters and try sleeping for real...but I was in no rush. I shifted slightly as pins and needles pricked at my shoulder, and the weight on my arm suddenly vanished.
¡°Sorry,¡± Amy whispered. ¡°I fell asleep, I didn''t mean--¡±
¡°It''s okay,¡± I cut her off gently, not bothering to open my eyes. It was nicer with them closed. ¡°Really, it was alright.¡± A few heartbeats of silence later, there was a gentle touch against my shoulder.
¡°Thanks,¡± she said quietly after a few minutes. ¡°It was nice to hang out.¡±
¡°Agreed, thanks for letting me come over,¡± I said, a smile briefly touching my lips then vanishing as fast. ¡°I should go.¡± I felt her take a deep breath.
¡°Okay,¡± Amy said, her voice small. The minute contact of our shoulders broke again. ¡°I''ll...hopefully see you around?¡± I rose from the couch and gave her a nod.
¡°Sure,¡± I replied, an easy promise to make. ¡°See you soon, Amy.¡± I caught her small grin just before I turned to head out.
The PRT headquarters was quiet. That wasn''t much of a surprise, it was getting late and the city had apparently been quieting down. Well, relatively of course, but it certainly wasn''t the fever pitch it had been. It let my shoulder relax a hair more than usual, my heart didn''t beat quite as quick while rushing through the halls to my quarters, the little noises of the elevator didn''t make me flinch. I''d have rather spent the night at Amy''s but that would be...weird. No, better I use my slightly better mood to try and sleep in the place I''d be living until they kicked me out.
¡°Move!¡± I started and leaped out of the elevator as Gallant, Vista, and Clockblocker rushed in.
¡°What''s going on?¡± I asked bewildered, tiredness forgotten.
¡°Skitter''s assaulting the mayor''s house,¡± Gallant snapped, then the doors shut and they were gone.
I walked numbly back to my quarters, stripped, and laid down on my bed. I stared at the wall I couldn''t see in the darkness, eyes wide and heart thumping rapidly. It was too soon, way too soon. It hadn''t even been a week since the Nine were driven out of town and they were already on the offensive? God damn them. If I''d just remembered that every last one of them was clinically insane, I could have seen this coming, or at least with more warning than I did. I dove out of bed and grabbed my phone from my discarded costume, dialing Gallant as quick as I could.
¡°What?¡± He demanded when he answered.
¡°Bring epipens for Triumph,¡± I said, then hung up and sat back down on my bed.
I couldn''t do anything to help them, but I could at least warn them about the problems Skitter would cause. I pressed my palms against my eyes and laid back down with an exhausted groan. There it finally fucking was, the other shoe plummeting from the heavens and landing squarely on top of me. Soon, I wasn''t sure how soon, Coil would be dead. After that, Echidna would be unleashed on the city, and I''d be forced back into the fight.
I shut my eyes and tried to ignore the alarm ringing loudly in my ears.
Interlude 10.g
The TV blared, some show she''d stopped paying attention to long ago. Amy hadn''t bothered to turn it off since Lia left. It was something of a distraction, though sort of a shitty one since it didn''t actually distract her. She sighed and lowered her head until it rested on her raised knees. Her arms wrapped around her legs and she took a deep breath.
She shouldn''t feel like this, she had nothing to feel shitty about god dammit! Amy had asked Lia to come by and hang out, and she''d accepted. And it had been good or...at least okay. Now Amy had a loaf of bread and a decent day behind her. Yeah they hadn''t done anything else, besides watching shitty TV, but they probably deserved a day off. At least, Lia did. Amy hadn''t done anything to really earn one.
Of course she wanted a break, and the PRT was so far keeping their hands off; besides making sure that the monster bugs she created weren''t about to make Skitter a worse threat than the Slaughterhouse Nine. Not helping felt awful, but she couldn''t bring herself to risk fucking up again but somehow worse.
Amy nearly had a second time, not that long ago. Watching Lia''s brain rapidly disintegrating under her touch, Bonesaw''s disease. Amy had said she couldn''t do brains, and god she hadn''t, but she''d been a split-second from burning every rule she''d been clinging to so she didn''t lose the last person that gave a shit about her.
She hadn''t, she hadn''t. Afterwards, Lia had been open to touch, if nervous. Probably why she had made such a hasty escape earlier; she knew the danger she was in. Still, what contact they had was enough to determine Amy hadn''t...infected Lia when she''d broken her rule about getting consent. That was good, great even. There was the slimmest chance that she could be normal again.
Not likely, not with...everything. But, with Lia''s help, maybe she could come to some kind of balance in the pit she''d toppled headfirst into. She''d been insistent on Amy doing more than healing, giving Skitter those fucking bugs, but argued for limits against the villains. Lia had managed to bring Amy back from the brink of the most monstrous thing she had ever done, then dragged her back to the heroes where her sister was never far away.
Good deeds and shit choices, some kind of balance indeed. Still, Lia was a hero. She was sticking with the Wards, getting trained up to go back out, and it was killing her. She knew it, but was determined to burn herself out to burn out the rot inside. Amy knew that feeling plenty well...
She shut off the TV and rose from the couch, heading into the kitchen. Her stomach felt queasy and eating sounded awful, but how long since she the last time she did? Lunch with Lia; fresh, warm bread with shitty canned meat on top that was surprisingly palatable in a sandwich. Amy retrieved the loaf from the fridge, because Lia was insistent for some reason, and cut herself a couple slices, then popped them into the toaster.
What the hell was she going to do? An obvious question, a necessary one, one Amy had been pointedly ignoring as long as she could. She still wanted to cut and run, leave Brockton Bay and her...family behind. Everything here was just too much for her, too close to stick by. But Lia had been pretty adamant that Amy should stay, and she wasn''t wrong.
The bay was fucked, beyond fucked. Amy hadn''t heard anything personally, but it wouldn''t be too surprising if Brockton Bay got condemned, like Ellisburg, or Gary. In the mean time though, there were a ton of people that needed her help. And here she was, sitting in her room waiting to stuff her fat face.
With a sigh, Amy took the toast out of the toaster, quickly buttering it before sitting at the table. She grimaced as she bit into it. Plain, a little dry, but she still choked it down. Amy only managed to finish half of it before it was just too much. She tossed the rest in the trash, guts squirming with a hint of guilt at the waste. Lia had helped her make that, and here she was throwing it away.
Lia...what the hell did she want? ''A hot meal, decent coffee, and a cigarette.'' Amy snorted and shook her head. That fucking girl... She couldn''t even call Lia a liar. It was probably all she''d had since getting back to the Protectorate, well, minus the cigarette of course. Seemed weird that a sixteen-year-old would want to start smoking, but people were stupid and Lia was people.
She didn''t seem to want Amy to be a monster, at least, so was sort-of trustworthy. Or at least, Lia was more trustworthy than anyone else around right now, when it came to Amy''s power. She knew exactly what Amy was capable of, the depths she could sink to. Despite that, Lia still thought that she could help people, could be good.
It was almost enough to convince Amy. If the person who plumbed a near-literal Hell to drag her back believed she could be a decent person, who was she to disagree? Well, Amy knew herself better than Lia did, for one. They''d known each other a month and had been friends for what, a week? Less?
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Friends...well, there wasn''t exactly a more accurate word. What else to call the girl that risked her neck to save Amy? A dumbass, obviously, but as stupid as Lia was Amy could hardly be ungrateful. And now she was even humouring Amy, hanging out with her and treating her like...like fucking normal.
It was so weird, and yet...god it was nice. She didn''t deserve it of course, and Lia didn''t deserve to be burdened with having to deal with Amy''s shit all the time. She had a feeling Lia wouldn''t listen if she told her to fuck off though. Sometimes she listened, but Amy had a feeling this would be one of those times she just ignored what Amy was saying and stuck around.. It was so fucking frustrating and she couldn''t even be angry because it felt nice.
A loud pounding at the door made her yelp and nearly fall over. Amy swore under her breath and quickly collected herself. She grabbed her hoodie from the back of the couch and pulled it over her shitty tank-top. She strode over and pulled open the door, ready to give whoever the fu--
¡°Panacea.¡± It was Vista, panting hard. ¡°Triumph, he-- he''s hurt. Skitter, she--¡± The Ward paused, taking a deep breath. ¡°Skitter hit him with so many bee stings that he nearly died and he''s down in the infirmary and they just put a tube in his throat and I know they said you''re not healing but please.¡± Amy stared at her silently.
She couldn''t she wasn''t ready. It had barely been a week since Amy...mindraped her sister. The word hurt, like it fucking should. She was dangerous to anyone that got close, including Lia. Of course she would probably tell Amy to go down and heal Triumph regardless, damn the danger. Probably hover the whole time too, encouraging her with stupid nonsense about her making ''the right choice''. The right choice...
¡°Lead the way.¡±
Amy regretted saying it the moment Vista sprinted down the hall. She followed as fast as she could, tired despite not really doing anything for a few days. God dammit. If this cost Triumph, the next place Lia had better drag her was the fucking gym. Amy slid into the elevator, pausing to catch her breath, ignoring the tapping of Vista''s foot. A moment later, they were off again, through the halls of the infirmary. Vista shouldered her way through a door, and Amy followed cautiously after.
¡°Panacea?¡± Miss Militia sounded surprised. ¡°What are--¡±
¡°Here for Triumph,¡± Amy wheezed tersely. ¡°Can I--¡±
¡°Go.¡±
She pushed past the privacy curtain, getting an odd look from a teary-eyed girl who was holding the hero''s hand. Amy briefly explained who she was, then got a quick nod from Triumph. Good enough with him being intubated. She winced when she grabbed his hand and took a look. Vista hadn''t been exaggerating, Triumph had come close. The amount of venom, and its byproducts, swimming in his blood would have killed a pony. If he hadn''t been a Brute...
Amy stopped wasting time and went straight to the problems. Dealing with inflammation was first, clearing the airway, breaking down the pound of mucous before it could be ingested, lungs, more inflammation... It took a minute, but soon Triumph was breathing regularly, though wheezing through the tube.
At the same time she was finishing on his lungs, she started tackling the remnants of the venom in his veins. It was a simple process to get his blood processing faster, making his kidneys secrete antivenom that would break down on contact with that of the bees into simple water. ''Be creative.'' No, this was enough for now. Amy stopped that after a few seconds, leaving the rest to basic human biology...just better directed.
It didn''t take much longer to fix the surface level bites and stings, though the sheer number made her skin crawl. She''d helped Skitter do this, no question in that. God, Amy couldn''t believe that she''d almost turned down Vista, told her that she couldn''t. But no, she''d made the right choice, and she''d managed to save Triumph, to fix something that was her fault.
¡°Thank you,¡± he coughed after a nurse removed the tube. ¡°You...I thought you weren''t healing.¡± She shrugged.
¡°Emergency,¡± Amy replied simply. ¡°I...sorry.¡±
¡°Thank you, Panacea,¡± the girl said, gripping Triumph''s hand. ¡°I...I owe you.¡±
¡°Definitely not,¡± she retorted. ¡°Sorry, I''ve...I''m gonna go.¡±
She ignored them asking her to stay, and Miss Militia asking what was wrong. They didn''t try and stop her anyway, so Amy made good time back to her room. She couldn''t be around people thinking she was a good person when she''d almost not gone. She took a shuddering breath and sank to her haunches, back against the door.
Lia would tell her that she''d fixed Triumph, so there was no problem but Amy almost hadn''t. No one got that, not even her. Amy sighed and rose, walking to her bed and collapsing bonelessly in it. She pulled the covers over her head and shut her eyes. It did make a difference but...she thought back to the healing, taking careful account of everything she did. Recalling it was shockingly easy with even the slightest effort.
A sigh escaped Amy''s lips. No, she hadn''t even looked at his brain. Maybe foolish in retrospect, since asphyxia could easily cause brain damage. Still, it was something. She could heal people when it came down to the wire, when she was forced to focus on what was in front of her and nothing else. Whether she forced herself or...or she had help.
She couldn''t ask that of Lia...right? No, she was done with Amy, beyond occasionally hanging out. That was fine, Amy had managed to police herself tonight anyway. Caution, that had to be the name of the game now. Every time she healed someone, Amy would look back and double, triple, quadruple check that she hadn''t made some inexcusable error. She never had before but...but now she had.
Amy couldn''t afford to do that again, or she''d lose everything she had left.
Sequela 11.1
I tapped my foot impatiently, staring across the floor of the common area at the small cluster of heroes opposite. Miss Militia stood beside me, arguing with Assault on the other side. Gallant, Clockblocker, and Vista, all stood beside him. It was just Kid Win and Weld with us, Flechette was off to one side watching.
¡°That would be vigilantism!¡± Miss Militia said tersely as the elevator doors slid open, admitting the reason for the conversation; he looked pretty good for someone who nearly died to bees.
¡°There has to be an authority to ignore for us to be vigilantes,¡± Assault countered, making me roll my eyes and glance at Triumph.
That was about the quality of the arguments at this point. Talk of escalation and retaliation had gone out the window about a minute into it. Assault was pissed off enough to want to ignore the entire legal backing heroes had to go beat the shit out of Skitter. Not that I disagreed, I wanted her to be stopped as much as anyone here.
Still, she had maybe another month in the bay now. I knew, one way or another, she wouldn''t be around to cause trouble for long. Frankly none of the Undersiders, besides Regent with his pet serial killer, were a big enough issue for this kind of shit. Just because they wanted to try and make things worse didn''t mean we should stoop to that. Then again, I knew just how low the PRT could go...
¡°I''m talking a quick, hard hitting strike against one of their Master-classifications,¡± Assault continued as the argument wound on. ¡°I''d suggest Regent, but Shatterbird is too big a complication. Better to take out either Hellhound or Skitter.¡± I perked up as an idea occurred.
¡°No, don''t go after either,¡± I said, raising my voice to be heard. ¡°Not the Masters anyway, too much risk of retaliation. Take out their tools, though...Shatterbird has a kill order anyway right? And god knows the Undersiders don''t need the firepower. If we did a lightning strike, killed her, and booked it, this might actually be viable.¡± Both Assault and Miss Militia stared at me. ¡°What? I don''t want this city to turn into more of a warzone than it is, which will happen if we attack the Undersiders. But if we just take out their big gun, they wouldn''t have a good enough reason to strike back. At least, not one that wouldn''t crush them under the PR of ''fighting the heroes as revenge for Shatterbird''.¡±
¡°That''s not a bad idea,¡± Assault admitted. ¡°But you''re thinking too small. We take out the Masters and the threat of Shatterbird goes away.¡±
¡°Goes away?¡± I asked incredulously. ¡°Gets unleashed, unless you think she isn''t in there biding her time.¡±
¡°They would retaliate regardless,¡± Miss Militia interjected. ¡°And we''d almost certainly lose. We outnumber them slightly, but are still outmatched in raw firepower and tactical knowledge, thanks to Tattletale.¡±
¡°I think Miss Militia is right,¡± Triumph agreed. ¡°We shouldn''t take this laying down, but I don''t think it''s a good idea to attack either.¡±
¡°Thank you,¡± Miss Militia said as Assault looked at the younger hero in shock. ¡°I understand some of you are upset. We''re all upset. We''re all concerned about our loved ones, about the current state of the city, and about possibly being captured and controlled by Regent. But we''re only going to succeed with the support of the Protectorate as a whole, and we''ll only have that if we stick to the rules.¡± I didn''t miss the sidelong glance she gave me.
¡°Well said.¡± I looked up and saw Piggot stepping out from the door to the stairs. ¡°I hope you''ll hear me out before committing to a plan of action, Assault?¡±
¡°Of course,¡± Assault said, leaning back, seemingly uncaring that he was just talking about open rebellion against the PRT.
¡°Then let me introduce our visitors.¡±
From behind her, stepped a pair of Tinkers. Obviously they were Tinkers, judging by the suits of power armour, deep green in colour, and the gigantic polearms each carried. The woman, wow they really did make a ''his and hers'' power armour set, had a jet pack on her back that looked like it weighed as much as me. She pulled off her helmet and the Director introduced her as Dragon. My eyes widened and I stared at the man behind her, his arms crossed, spear in hand.
¡°Armsmaster?¡± All conversation stopped, and in a heartbeat every eye in the room was fixed on me. Oh shit that wasn''t supposed to be him. ¡°Sorry, sorry, I just...you reminded me of someone.¡±
¡°...I have been told I resemble certain heroes,¡± he rumbled. ¡°My name is Defiant, I''ll be working with Dragon to hunt down the remnants of the Slaughterhouse Nine.¡± I swallowed hard, lowing my gaze to the ground and resisting the urge to cover my ears.
The heroes continued talking, discussing Dragon and Arm-- Defiant''s plan to go after the Nine. Everyone seemed to be ignoring me trying to stuff both feet in my mouth, thankfully. Fuck, dumbass, you should have remembered that was supposed to be secret! I silently shifted away from the group, angling towards the rooms to one side. Defiant''s head snapped towards me and I froze. Okay...guess I was staying.
¡°Hey,¡± Flechette spoke up quietly, sidling over to me. I glanced up and saw her still watching the discussion. ¡°You really think that''s...¡±
¡°No,¡± I said quickly. ¡°Just mistaken; this guy has two arms, after all.¡± She shot me a look.
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¡°Okay.¡± She tapped her foot on the floor. ¡°You...can I talk to you?¡± I looked up, confused.
¡°Why?¡± She crossed her arms and I shook my head. ¡°Not saying no, just...I''m me, you know? Not exactly someone you can get anything reliable out of.¡± A pensive silence dragged on for a moment.
¡°Because no one else will get it,¡± Flechette hissed at last. ¡°It''s...yeah.¡± I frowned, tensing as I saw Defiant, and Piggot angling towards us.
¡°Later,¡± I said, rolling my shoulders and standing up straight. She glanced up, then nodded briefly and backed off as they approached. ¡°Hey, sorry I was--¡±
¡°Mistakes happen,¡± Defiant said flatly. ¡°Best not to rehash it.¡± I swallowed and nodded.
¡°I''m more interested in what you know generally,¡± Piggot spoke quietly, but her tone was hard as surviving. ¡°If you remember anything Amaranth--¡±
¡°I fucking wish,¡± I snapped, then lowered my voice to barely above a whisper. ¡°I have a feeling the powers in the city are going to be shaken up, but...I don''t know.¡± I shook my head, taking a shuddering breath. ¡°Just impressions, nothing concrete. Sorry.¡± I didn''t know how bugged this place was, or how closely Coil was listening.
¡°You can tell the truth,¡± Defiant rumbled under his breath. ¡°I assure you, us three are the only ones listening.¡± I stared at him for a moment, then sighed.
¡°I...no, sorry, I really don''t know.¡± I looked up, staring into Defiant''s visor. ¡°I can''t know.¡± Piggot frowned and opened her mouth, but Defiant spoke first.
¡°Very well,¡± he said, glancing over his shoulder. ¡°I''m...sorry you can''t.¡±
¡°Thanks for understanding,¡± I said with a sigh. ¡°I''m sorry, I really am.¡±
¡°Sorry, unfortunately, doesn''t improve the situation,¡± Piggot said gravely. ¡°Amaranth, I''m stumped; what the hell would make you feel comfortable enough to tell us what you know?¡±
¡°Wait.¡± I shrugged. ¡°Just...yeah, no cure but time.¡± That got a glare.
¡°And how long will that be?¡± I didn''t miss the acerbic tone.
¡°Dunno, and yes that is the truth, thank you Defiant.¡± He grunted but otherwise stayed quiet. ¡°I get that I''m shitty to deal with, director, and I''m genuinely sorry I make your job harder. Trying to be easier but...¡± I sighed and shook my head. ¡°Please, just humour me a little longer, okay?¡± She glanced at Defiant.
¡°You''re on damned thin ice,¡± she replied after a moment. ¡°I can''t ignore that you have helped, but there is a limit to how much rope the PRT will give you.¡±
¡°Only enough to hang myself, right?¡± That made the director snort. ¡°Sorry director.¡±
¡°Don''t be sorry,¡± Piggot replied, turning on her heel. ¡°Just stop making things difficult.¡±
Defiant followed her as she returned to the group of heroes. I felt tense but...but they''d actually listened. Maybe it helped that I meant what I said, I''d warn them about Echidna as soon as Coil was dead and buried. A week a most, not long at all really. Not long enough... Well, at least they could get warning of Echidna''s attack before it happened. I wasn''t sure when exactly, but I was certain Coil''s death would be obvious. I hoped...
The planning session seemed to be over, or at least the group was slowly dispersing. I sighed and looked around, then headed over to Lily. She shook her head and led me further into the room, then into the tunnel that connected the headquarters to the neighbouring building. She stopped when we were halfway through, then pulled off her mask. I frowned and pulled down my own, cocking my head.
¡°What do--¡±
¡°You can''t tell anyone what I''m about to tell you,¡± Lily demanded, cutting me off. ¡°Swear it.¡± I narrowed my eyes.
¡°I know how to keep a god damn secret, Lily,¡± I snapped, then sighed and pulled down my hood. ¡°What?¡±
¡°You...¡± She paused, biting at her nail. ¡°You''ve heard about Dolltown, right?¡±
¡°Parian''s territory.¡± I nodded. I knew Lily had gone on plenty of ''patrols'' near there. ¡°She okay?¡±
¡°She survived the Nine,¡± she hedged. ¡°Her...her family got hurt, by Bonesaw. Dolltown got attacked by Ballistic, Skitter tried to use that to pressure Parian into joining her, working with the Undersiders. Offered to pay to fix them.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± I replied. ¡°And?¡± Lily scowled.
¡°''And'' what?¡± she snapped. ¡°She can''t become a villain, Lia!¡±
¡°So tell her not to take the deal,¡± I retorted. ¡°Or take the money and then go to the heroes. Nice that Skitter offered to pay, but where''d that cash come from? We all know the answer.¡±
¡°I...¡± She sighed. ¡°I need to talk to her still I...it wasn''t a good time.¡±
¡°I know the feeling,¡± I said. ¡°But why me? I don''t exactly make great choices, not a good example.¡±
¡°Because you know what it''s like to leave everything for someone.¡± My hands balled into fists and my teeth creaked.
¡°Lily,¡± I said, voice brittle. ¡°Pick your next words very carefully.¡± I felt cold. That night had been bitterly cold.
¡°You went after Amy, even though it meant losing so much,¡± she continued, sounding nervous. ¡°I...and then you came back. I don''t...¡± She trailed off and I let out a breath I didn''t realize I''d been holding.
¡°Sorry,¡± I managed at last. ¡°I thought you meant something else, forget it.¡± Like I wanted to. ¡°So...what are you asking? Why I did it?¡± She nodded. ¡°Had to. Saw a disaster actively unfolding, knew it would get worse. No one else could so...¡± I shrugged. That was as honest as I could be without compromising everything. Fucking secrets. ¡°Wouldn''t say any amount is worth it to join those maniacs, having worked with them.¡±
¡°Could you help?¡±
¡°With what?¡± I asked. ¡°Talking to Parian? I don''t know her, she doesn''t know me. Anything I tell her is about as good as anything Skitter says, except not backed up by cash.¡±
¡°But you could get Amy to heal her people,¡± Lily continued, eyes wide. ¡°Then she doesn''t even need the money, she can just--¡±
¡°I can ask,¡± I cut her off. ¡°I can''t make Amy do anything. And right now...it''s not exactly the best time for her to be working on people a ton.¡±
¡°Did something happen?¡±
¡°We spent several days running for our lives against the Nine, working with some of the shittiest people in the city to survive.¡± She flinched at the edge in my tone. ¡°I will ask, but you need to understand it may be a ''no'', and you can''t give Amy shit for it. Got it?¡± She pursed her lips.
¡°Okay.¡± Lily stared down at her mask for a moment. ¡°And if she says no?¡±
¡°You''ll have to help Parian,¡± I replied. ¡°And Lily?¡±
¡°Yeah?¡±
¡°Sometimes, a girl isn''t worth everything.¡±
I left her in the tunnel and went straight back to my room. It was hard to tell myself it wasn''t Lily''s fault, that she just didn''t know, because fuck her for wording it like that. I peeled my sweaty costume off, tossing it into my closet before clambering under my covers, pulling them over my head. It was fine, Flechette meant nothing by it, couldn''t let myself be pissed at her when she was something resembling a friend. No, she wasn''t to blame.
I closed my eyes and tried to forget the girl who was.
Sequela 11.2
¡°I''m sorry to ask,¡± I said, staring at the table. ¡°I know how stuff is right now, and I don''t want to pressure you. I promised I''d ask, and I told her that no was a possible answer. No pressure if you don''t feel comfortable doing it.¡± I glanced and saw Amy''s hands ball into fists.
¡°Bonesaw did it?¡± Her voice shook and I nodded. ¡°Fuck...fuck I...will you come if I...¡±
¡°I guess,¡± I replied with a sigh. ¡°Not sure they''d let me out though.¡±
¡°Could they come here?¡±
¡°No sweet clue,¡± I answered, rubbing my eyes. It was barely the afternoon and I already felt wiped. ¡°Can I bring Flechette by sometime to talk about it? She knows more than I do.¡±
¡°Yeah, I guess.¡± Amy sighed and rubbed her arm. ¡°Sorry.¡±
¡°For what, offering to heal people?¡± I asked, making her frown. ¡°Setting conditions doesn''t make you a bad person, that''s basically what rules are.¡±
¡°It''s not the same,¡± she complained.
¡°Rules protect other people,¡± I said. ¡°And conditions protect you. Rules too, laws and shit, but you get what I mean.¡±
¡°I...guess.¡± She shifted in place. ¡°Doesn''t feel right.¡±
¡°Maybe not, but it isn''t wrong.¡± I rose from the couch with a grunt, pulling up my hood and mask. ¡°I know that''s confusing but...yeah, it''s not wrong to look out for yourself too.¡±
¡°So why don''t you?¡±
¡°Room temperature IQ,¡± I said simply, getting a snort of laughter. ¡°And because I''m shit at it. I''m...trying.¡± Not hard, but I was.
¡°Okay.¡± I stopped by the door when I heard her get up and quietly pad over. I turned and found her...not quite looming, but everyone seemed to these days. ¡°Can I?¡±
I wrapped my arms around her and gave a brief hug before saying goodbye and heading out. Well, it was nice that she was okay with maybe healing those people. Flechette had gone to Parian, told her about the offer. Apparently it was good enough for a delay in her taking Skitter''s, so great, fantastic. So nice that Flechette may get to have a girlfriend and remain a hero. Better that the Undersiders didn''t get another pair of heavy-hitters...
A sigh escaped my lips as I slumped against the wall of the elevator. And while all that shit was going on, the Protectorate had made good on Assault''s desire for a strike. With Dragon''s help, they''d hit every villain under Coil''s command, had even cornered some of them. It was weird, I remembered this failed but...here it was working. That was honestly great, for me at least being on this side of things. What it meant for the future god only knew, but if the Undersiders got effectively annihilated now...
Well for one I wouldn''t have to deal with Tattletale anymore. More worrying was what would happen to the girl who eventually killed Scion. Skitter could be turned, had been in the story, but was that viable if things ended here? Not with Coil still in charge of shit. I sighed and strode through the quarters, heading into my room and sitting on the bed.
Nothing I could do but let it play out, unfortunately. I was still grounded, so I wouldn''t even get to cuff one of the villains myself. Then again, I felt a little weird about fighting someone like Skitter. We had been on the same side, even if just an for an emergency. But they were the ones tightening their grip on the city while it was still bleeding. The Nine were gone, the Truce was over, turnabout was fair play. They squeezed, we squeezed harder.
A slight rumble started, then quickly stopped, leaving me in silence. Silence...total silence, no humming of lights or whirring of ventilation fans. I stood up and left my room, stumbling into the near-blacked out quarters. The power had gone out, a pair of lonely emergency lamps lit near the staircase. I felt my heart thumping, my alarm rang faintly, and my mouth was a desert.
It couldn''t be Echidna, surely; no way Skitter and company worked that fast. I felt a tickling on my neck and scratched at it, grimacing as I felt something squish. I slapped at another tickle on my shoulder. The bugs had been pretty bad around lately, with the warm weather and stagnant water everywhere. Usually they didn''t bother me though, a side-effect of my projection was my guess but I wasn''t looking too hard at the gift horse of no mosquito bites. So why were they...
I dove back into my room and grabbed my belt from my closet. Once it was on, I pulled up my mask and hood, then sprinted to the staircase. When I opened the door, I could hear the sounds of a fight far above. Fuck! When the fuck had the Undersiders decided to attack us? Why?! They had lost some of theirs, and we had more than ever. Stupid.
Emerging into the lobby, I saw a number of officers laying on the ground, most covered in bugs, some not. I ran over and pressed my fingers to each of their necks, flinching at a loud, electric crackling from outside. I shook my head and focused on making sure these idiots hadn''t killed someone. A sigh escaped my lips as I checked the last casualty. All alive, though probably in pretty bad shape.
I rose and rolled my shoulders, looking around. There was nobody here I could really help, but I knew where I could. I ran out the front doors, pausing at the sight. The building was surrounded by a ring of Grue''s darkness, the PRT officers and cops out front nervously shifting and staring at it. Beyond it, I heard fighting, saw the glow of Sundancer''s star reflecting on the steel of neighbouring skyscrapers. Once of Dragon''s mechs was fighting on the ground, I saw a spiked wheel sticking over the clouds of pitch black.
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I charged, a straight line towards the last place I saw Dragon''s mech. I shoved troopers and cops alike out of my way and plunged head first into Grue''s darkness. I slowed down, taking steady paces forward and making sure my projection was wrapped tightly around me. The silence around made the rumbling of battle an eerie sensation, but I was able to navigate it.
A moment later, I emerged and shielded my eyes against the sudden light. They adjusted quickly, and I scrambled out of the way as Dragon dodged the slowly rotating star moving towards her mech. If I got hit by that...no, fuck that. I saw Grue back off from the mech, and beside him was Regent''s pet murderer.
They were focused, hadn''t noticed me yet it seemed. I felt my heart thumping as I stared at Shatterbird, the monster, the monster puppeteering her. I reached to my belt, then paused. No, knife wouldn''t work, Bonesaw had made sure of that. What then? Hands, had to be, the only thing that couldn''t be stopped. A shiver ran up my spine, but I out the tension in a long sigh. It wouldn''t be hard, I''d done it to people who hadn''t deserved it after all.
I sprinted as Shatterbird''s cloud of glass battered Dragon''s mech. Distracted as they were by the gigantic, fuck-off robot currently trying to electrocute them or something, they didn''t notice me til it was far too late. Grue shouted a warning to Regent just before vanishing and being replaced by a PRT officer. It gave him enough time to turn Shatterbird''s head and raise her a few inches off the ground. Not enough time to get away.
My fingers closed around her throat as I leaped towards her. She took off, but barely cleared twenty feet before I felt a visceral ''crunch'' under my fingers. We plummeted to earth, hitting the ground hard enough to jostle my teeth. Darkness covered me, and through it I could hear the ringing of my alarm. I held absolutely still, barely daring to breathe, praying to a god I knew wasn''t there I wouldn''t wake up at home.
After a brief eternity, I could see again and immediately shut my eyes. The grisly image of the ruin I''d made Shatterbird''s throat still stuck in my head, made me queasy. I pushed myself up onto my elbows, then slowly to my feet. Dragon''s mech, or mechs as reinforcements had arrived, were still. The fight was over, it seemed.
I jogged over to a pile of confoam where I saw Miss Militia, half-buried and slumped over. I checked that she was breathing, then swore under my breath as I caught sight of Kid Win almost entirely covered. He was okay too, or at least wasn''t actively dying. I waved an officer over and demanded solvent, which she ran off to presumably get.
Medics came over with the anti-foam solution and got straight to work. I let them be, walking the perimeter of the battlefield and looking around. An intersection was gone, Sundancer''s work judging by the spherical hole and melted asphalt. More than a dozen officers and cops were down, being tended to by their fellows. I didn''t go far before I spotted a gleam of metal on someone lying on the ground. Jogging over, I found Gallant, unconscious but alive at least.
¡°Amaranth?¡± he groaned as I rolled him over. ¡°What''s--¡±
¡°Easy, you got hurt,¡± I said quietly, carefully looking him over. ¡°Can''t see any blood, but you''re not exactly easy to examine. What hurts?¡±
¡°Everything,¡± he replied with a groan.
¡°Well we''ll get you an everything transplant STAT,¡± I said, rolling my eyes. ¡°Seriously Gallant, I don''t want to try and help you inside only to accidentally collapse your lungs. What hurts?¡± He sighed.
¡°Fell bad, broke my ankle I think,¡± Gallant said after a moment. ¡°Ribs hurt, but not when I inhale so probably no breaks there.¡±
¡°Thank god Amy''s on hand,¡± I commented, slipping my arm around his back. ¡°On three?¡±:
¡°You''re not taking me to her.¡±
¡°Hey that''s cool,¡± I said. ¡°You''re welcome to a six-week vacation, Gallant, but maybe we get you inside first?¡±
Fortunately, he cooperated despite my bitchiness. I helped him back to the main line where PRT medics were still treating the other heroes. I left him in their care before returning to my impromptu patrol. It was...weird, being the only one of the heroes left standing. At least, of the people that had been out here during the fight. Not something I was used to. I shook my head to clear it and saw Clockblocker, still frozen in time and covered in spider-silk lines. Seemed my work wasn''t done...
It was slow going, with the shitty push-dagger I had, but I managed to free him a minute before he was unfrozen. He gave me a terse ''thank you'' before limping into the PRT building. I sighed and kept going, my eyes flicking all across the streets, looking for anything. The Undersiders retreated and we let them go, I wasn''t sure why but I didn''t know if they''d be coming back for round two soon.
The key issue was, I didn''t remember this at all. I remembered Dragon coming to the city to help, perching her mechs outside the Undersiders'' and Travelers'' individual lairs for days on end to kettle them. I remembered it hadn''t worked. Was that not going to happen now, with this attack? Surely the Protectorate would escalate this further, especially with the villains taking casualties. And what the hell would that look like?
All I could do was wait and see, bide my time and warn them of the real threat when I could be sure I wouldn''t get stuck in the basement with her. I finished my loop of the building and saw Assault out front, speaking quietly with a PRT trooper. I walked over to them, trying to look like I wasn''t scared of the future I''d possibly fucked up.
¡°Amaranth,¡± Assault said as I approached. ¡°Are you okay?¡±
¡°Peachy,¡± I said with a shrug. ¡°Got here late, I''d ask what happened but I assume the Undersiders didn''t like Dragon''s no-knock?¡±
¡°Apparently not,¡± he replied grimly. ¡°We''re still trying to figure out what they wanted. Leading theory is a smash and grab, like a couple weeks back, but no clues as to the target.¡±
¡°Maybe just trying to weaken us?¡± I asked.
¡°Could be, but if that was the case then it was a massive failure.¡± He turned his head slightly. I followed his gaze and flinched.
¡°She had a kill order,¡± I explained, my cheeks warming. ¡°Regent was mind-controlling her, she was a prisoner inside her own body. I...¡±
¡°You killed her.¡± I nodded and lowered my head.
¡°I had to,¡± I said. ¡°She was dangerous to everyone, whether under Regent''s control or not. What else was I supposed to do? I couldn''t stop her from flying away, couldn''t disable Regent, Grue would have blinded me if I went after him, Dragon was dealing with Sundancer and I--¡±
¡°Easy, Amaranth,¡± Assault said gently. ¡°Slow down, you''re not in trouble. Just trying to understand what happened.¡±
¡°I...¡± I felt sick, but squashed the feeling down. I took a long, slow breath in through my nose. I''d done nothing wrong, Shatterbird was a monster, and if anything her death was a mercy. ¡°I only had a few seconds to go after either Grue or Shatterbird. She was closer, and the more dangerous one. I''m not sorry about it.¡± I couldn''t afford to be.
¡°Well, alright,¡± Assault said after a quiet minute. ¡°Are you injured?¡±
¡°No I''m okay,¡± I replied. ¡°Hey uhh...does this mean I get to collect her bounty?¡± The glare I got told me my joke wasn''t appreciated. ¡°Sorry, forget it, I''ll...head back to my quarters.¡±
¡°We''ll debrief shortly,¡± he said. ¡°Don''t go too far.¡± I nodded and began walking away, then paused as I heard cursing and charging footsteps behind me. ¡°Come with me!¡± Assault snapped as he passed me. ¡°Director''s been kidnapped.¡± I felt the blood drain from my face.
What the fuck was happening in this city?
Sequela 11.3
Within a few hours, the kidnapping had become the least of our worries. In part, because Director Piggot was returned alive and relatively well. The bigger component was what happened to Dragon''s mechs. I wasn''t sure where the idea of them perched like big, lazy cats outside Skitter''s lair came from, but either my memory was worse than I though (plausible) or I''d fucked something somewhere along the timeline and now things were way off track (likely).
One damaged enough to be useless, two melted down beyond recovery by Sundancer. The other four were gone, apparently in pursuit of the Slaughterhouse Nine. Our reinforcements gone within twenty-four hours. The atmosphere in the briefing room was dour, not a single smile to be seen. At least I''d been allowed to wash my hands before coming...
¡°We''re stepping back from offensive operations, for the foreseeable future.¡± Deputy Director Renick, a man I hadn''t met yet, led the meeting from the head of the table. Piggot was down in the infirmary still. ¡°With the election in the near future, we need to make sure the areas we control are a fortress. Reinforcements are on the way, once they do we can consider doing more.¡±
¡°A line of contact?¡± Miss Militia asked, getting a nod.
¡°Exactly.¡± Renick gestured to a map of the city, a mash of blue and red blocks roughly showing where we could actually do anything. ¡°We''ll continue getting people out of the villains'' territories, fixing up where we can. By the time we go back in, it''s likely you''ll be able to take the gloves off.¡±
¡°How''s that work?¡± I asked. ¡°They''re going to be doing the same, plus recruiting and training. Who knows how many new parahumans are out there for them to snap up? Sir, one of their biggest guns is gone; now''s the time to bite and hold.¡±
¡°Interesting choice of words, Amaranth,¡± he said evenly. ¡°But this isn''t 1917 and I''m not General Haig. Attrition is a way for the PRT to win, not one I''m willing to employ.¡±
¡°We should at least secure the downtown,¡± Miss Militia interjected. ¡°Flechette, has Parian shown any willingness to work with us?¡±
¡°Not exactly,¡± Flechette hedged, shifting uncomfortably. ¡°Um, right now ma''am she''s taking care of some...people who got messed up by Bonesaw. She''s willing to bring them here for healing though, and I think she''d be willing to negotiate too.¡±
¡°Amy said she can help,¡± I offered. Hadn''t had the chance to update Lily yet, and I figured it was good for the rest of them to know this was viable. ¡°Getting Dolltown would--¡±
¡°Royale Street,¡± Renick snapped.
¡°Yes sir, sorry.¡± I mentally rolled my eyes. ¡°Anyway, that would be a foothold in Ballistic''s territory. If Parian is affiliated with us, he won''t want to pick a fight with the threat of the Protectorate that close.¡±
¡°We''re not going on the offensive, Wards,¡± the deputy director said gravely.
¡°Defending our allies is objectively defensive, sir.¡± I grinned. At least Miss Militia was on-side. ¡°Flechette, I''ll go with you as soon as we''re done here. I assume sir, you''re not against us trying to recruit heroes to assist?¡± He sighed.
¡°Much as I worry about escalation, no.¡± He pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Take a van and a squad, just in case.¡±
¡°Amaranth--¡±
¡°I''ll talk to her.¡± I crossed my arms and leaned back. ¡°Not a fan of being used as a go-between though.¡±
¡°I''d rather not,¡± Miss Militia admitted. ¡°But I can''t change circumstances. Clockblocker, you''ll be acting captain until Gallant can be healed or recovers.¡±
¡°Why is he--¡±
¡°Personal reasons,¡± she cut him off. ¡°Scapegoat will be part of the reinforcements coming, this is just a temporary measure.¡±
¡°Fine,¡± Clockblocker sighed. ¡°Do I get a raise?¡± I tried and failed to suppress a snort of laughter.
¡°Everyone else, forget your patrol schedules,¡± she continued, ignoring the jibe. ¡°We''ll rework them shortly to account for the change in strategy. Anything else, deputy director?¡±
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¡°No,¡± Renick said, standing. ¡°Except to wish all of you good luck. I wish I didn''t feel I had to.¡±
Everyone rose and made their way out. I parted from the group, taking the stairs down to the infirmary. If Amy was healing again, and she was I''d seen Triumph, then she''d be here. We had plenty of casualties and...a nearly empty infirmary, actually. The only people I saw, besides the nurses, were Gallant and Glory Girl. I avoided the pair, they definitely didn''t need me around. I sighed and turned around; god damn fucking Stranger 16 as usual.
I headed back upstairs, taking the elevator this time; I wasn''t keen on running back up four flights to get to the right level. It was nice Amy was healing again, but god if she would just stop running away from where I figured she''d be. At least this time, if I was lucky, she''d still be in the building. And when I knocked on her door, it turned out I was...for once.
¡°Amaranth?¡± Amy cocked her head, sounding a little drained. ¡°What''s going on?¡±
¡°Can I come in?¡± I asked, tugging at my mask. ¡°It''s not bad, just sick of wearing this thing.¡± She grinned and stepped back, out of the way.
¡°Are you okay?¡± she said as I came in, looking me over. ¡°I fixed everyone down in the infirmary except...¡± I bumped my shoulder against hers as she stared at the floor.
¡°I''m fine,¡± I replied simply, pulling down my mask. ¡°Not a scratch. Um, sit down?¡± We headed over to the couch, I really didn''t feel like having her tower over me while we talked.
¡°Okay, what''s wrong?¡± Amy asked, frowning.
¡°What? Nothing.¡± I sighed. ¡°But I did come here to ask you for something, if that''s okay.¡±
¡°What?¡± I couldn''t read her tone.
¡°Um.¡± I swallowed. ¡°Parian''s folks are maybe coming here. They''ll probably ask you to heal them.¡±
¡°Oh, is that it?¡± I blinked.
¡°Yes?¡±
¡°Okay, sure,¡± Amy replied flatly. ¡°When are they coming?¡±
¡°Don''t know, probably soon.¡± She looked at me, then away, then back. "What?"
¡°Dinner?¡± I grinned.
My stomach churned at the thought of food, but I was just happy Amy wasn''t pissed at me for dragging her out to heal again when she''d just finished. Apparently she wasn''t hungry either, since she just popped down a couple slices of toast and took out the butter. Neither of us were much for small talk, so the kitchen stayed quiet as our meal cooked. Once they popped up, we took a slice each and buttered them, then sat at the table and ate silently.
¡°So,¡± Amy said, once she was done. I hadn''t taken a bite yet. ¡°What happened? I heard the Undersiders attacked. I sort of figured it out with the bugs acting weird, couldn''t do anything though.¡±
¡°Yeah, that''s right.¡± I nodded. ¡°Remember Dragon sent us her mechs? The Protectorate used them to attack the Undersiders, tried to cut all the heads off the hydra at once you know? Didn''t work, and they managed to total three of the suits.¡±
¡°Jesus.¡± She ran her fingers through her hair. ¡°Did we at least capture some of them?¡±
¡°No,¡± I replied with a shake of my head. ¡°Um, well, they lost Shatterbird. She''s...dead.¡±
¡°Dead?!¡± Amy exclaimed, eyes wide. ¡°Who? How? I thought those fucks were too tough.¡± I swallowed my rising bile.
¡°M-me.¡± I could still feel the crunch under my hand. I took a deep breath and tried again. ¡°I did it. Not much of a choice, and it was probably a mercy anyway and she was under Regent''s control so she--¡±
¡°That''s insane,¡± she breathed. Her eyes were wide, scared.
¡°Sorry.¡± I shrank back. ¡°I...I shouldn''t have. I could have just broken her limbs, made her useless that way. The Undersiders don''t have a healer, that would have worked, but instead I just go for the fucking throat because I''m a--¡±
¡°Lia, Lia, easy.¡± I flinched as her hand touched mine, pulling away. ¡°It''s...okay. Fucked up as that is, it''s true. She was a monster, right? Slaughterhouse Nine, and under Regent''s control. That''s a pretty fucking terrifying combo, if you ask me. And...and she had a kill order anyway, right? Like...I don''t know Lia, it''s fucked up sure, but I don''t know if it''s wrong.¡± I swallowed hard.
¡°Fuck,¡± I swore shakily. I felt like throwing up; thank god I''d skipped breakfast...and lunch. ¡°Fuck Amy I can still feel it.¡± She reached out and grabbed my hand. This time I let her be. ¡°A-and it''s not the first time. You know that. I...I did it again, didn''t hesitate, didn''t even fucking think. I...Jack was right, I''m perfect for them.¡± I felt her squeeze my hand.
¡°We both know that isn''t true,¡± Amy said quietly. ¡°You''re...maybe you''re not a good person, same way I''m not, but I don''t think killing Shatterbird was bad.¡± She huffed and shook her head. ¡°Maybe says more about me than you, but whatever, it''s the truth. If the PRT charges you for it, I think they''re fucking stupid.¡±
¡°Thanks,¡± I croaked, wiping at my eyes with my free hand. Dry, fortunately. ¡°I...thank you. Sorry to be a pain.¡±
¡°You''re not a pain,¡± she replied, narrowing her eyes. ¡°Like, maybe you''re annoying when you moralize at me, but hanging out is usually okay. And it''s not like I have any other friends around here so...yeah, not a pain, just...you, Lia.¡±
¡°Sorry about that too.¡± She rolled her eyes and a hollow huff of laughter escaped my lips. ¡°I appreciate it, really I do. Just wish I felt I deserved it, you know?¡±
¡°Like you wouldn''t believe,¡± Amy muttered, then shook her head. ¡°Anyway, should we get down to the infirmary if Flechette is bringing...friends?¡±
¡°Oh, probably.¡± I hadn''t considered that, or thought to ask. ¡°Let me give them a call, get an update?¡± Amy nodded and I rose from the couch, stepping away and pulling out my phone to give them a call. Despite the churning in my stomach, a smile touched my face.
I had a friend.
Sequela 11.4
The van''s engine roared as it tore through the waterlogged streets of the downtown core. I sat in the back, alongside Weld, Clockblocker, Vista, and Kid Win. We were a little ragged, a little worse for wear. A call had gone out about fires across the city, presumably another attack by the villains. With our reinforcements still not forthcoming, and running low on heroes, they''d given me the okay for search and rescue once more.
But things changed, as they had so often lately. While I was waiting for the ''go'' order to head into the building, an apartment complex that had become an inferno, I''d been dragged away. Apparently, despite the state of the city, they were still really going ahead with a mayoral election. Insane, fucking bonkers. And now the final debate had been attacked.
Clockblocker was still chattering back and forth with the officer on the console, trying to figure out who, what, and more. It had to be the Undersiders and Travelers again. First the mayor''s house, then the PRT headquarters yesterday. They were waging war against the city, making sure everyone knew it was theirs.
Kid Win slowly adjusted his new suit, checking again that everything was working. Vista poked at a bright red welt sticking through her face of makeup, a bug-bite that hadn''t gone down yet. Weld was staring at his hands, flexing the alloy, subtly changing its shape. My foot bounced rapidly off the van''s floor, my heart racing faster than we were driving.
Everyone was on edge, had been for weeks now. I could see it in how lethargic Win was, in Weld''s distraction, and Vista''s focus anywhere else. I knew I wasn''t any better, but felt I had to at least try. I knew things were different now, but I also remembered something about the debate. Probably just this attack by the Undersiders; I didn''t remember the last one after all.
¡°How much longer?¡± Clockblocker asked, looking at Kid Win.
¡°Two minutes,¡± he snapped, staring at the roof of the van. Or more likely, something on his visor. ¡°Only has a range of a couple blocks. Teleporting living matter is...weird, and I don--¡±
¡°Spare me the gory details,¡± he said, shaking his head. ¡°Just yell at the driver when you''re good.¡±
¡°Hey wait, is this like...safe?¡± I could hear my alarm ringing faintly in my ears.
¡°Yeah, it''s fine,¡± Kid Win said, not even looking. ¡°PRT cleared it last week, just...stand still.¡±
With that terrifying warning in mind, I settled back and tried not to panic. It was just the Undersiders, I''d fought them before, all of us had. Nothing to worry about besides the usual. I took a shuddering breath and let it out slowly, flinching as a hand clapped on my shoulder. I looked over and saw Weld giving me a confident nod. I nodded back as Kid Win yelled and the van screeched to a halt.
¡°Weld, stand here, Vista...¡± Clockblocker arranged us with a hand from Kid Win. Once we were in position, Win threw a device on the ground that crackled with yellow energy. ¡°Once we''re in we need to move! Coil''s inside,¡± Wait Coil? No, no time. ¡°With Circus, Uber, and Leet. Probably a dozen soldiers too, and they have hostages. Kid Win, Amaranth, you hit the soldiers in the room. Vista, keep the rest out. Weld, close protection with me. Ready?¡±
We shared a collective nod and I took a deep breath as the device glowed brighter. There was a blinding flash of light and then we were in the midst of chaos. I barely processed the shouts of surprise and fear as I whipped my head around, fixing on the soldier nearest to me. Kid Win took to the air as I ran towards the merc, grabbing the barrel of his gun and crushing it before he could react. Gunfire echoed around me and I felt rounds patter off my projection as I pulped the soldier''s hands before whirling on the next.
Kid Win was focusing on the far side of the room from me, compensating for my lack of reach. For once, my height was an advantage. I slipped under the guard of one soldier and destroyed his rifle and knee, then shoved him on top of the soldier behind. Both got a boot to the head as another unloaded a machine gun into my face, doing nothing but pissing me off and making my tinnitus that much worse. He screamed as I crushed the barrel, the rounds cooking in the chamber; his gun, and hands, became an ugly shrapnel.
I cuffed the last member of the squad, a woman not much taller than me who decided to drop her gun and raise her hands; apparently someone wanted to keep their extremities intact. Weld began directing the evacuation as I cuffed the soldiers who hadn''t passed out from their injuries. Almost as an afterthought, I cuffed the others too the shouted an ''all clear'' to Weld.
We regrouped near the stage, Weld and I up front; the ones who could take a punch. Without warning, the doors burst open and the villains flooded in. Uber blocked Kid Win''s immediate fusillade with a pair of massive metal arms, and Coil said...something I couldn''t hear over the gunfire. A sense of deja vu pressed on the back of my head as I saw him take a remote from Leet. I wasn''t sure why, this was some timeline I''d fucked up but--
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No, shit. I remembered Coil''s plain as soon as I heard a high-pitched whine from Kid Win''s rig. Bomb. Weld worked on tearing apart Win''s armour as the villains advanced. I stepped to the side, blocking a shot aimed at Vista. The crowd screamed as they realized what was happening, stampeding to escape the room. The villains began to run, and I turned just in time to watch whatever the bomb was fail to teleport away.
The device was in my hand and I dropped, curled tightly around it, shut my eyes and prayed.
It wasn''t enough. I could feel the heat through my projection, prickling my skin. Even though my eyes were shut, I saw white. The concussion rattled my bones badly enough that I thought I was being physically shaken apart. I screamed as white-hot agony seared my arm and I threw it up and away, falling on my side and breathing heavily.
A something jostled my shoulder. I cracked my eyes and saw...someone standing over me. I couldn''t really see too well, everything was blurry. It looked like whoever it was was saying something, but between my alarm and fresh tinnitus all I heard was a bassy rumble. Everything hurt, not that surprising since I''d been stupid enough to jump on a bomb. Whoever it was, Weld probably since his skin was hard, helped me sit up and lean against something. He spoke again and I shook my head, wincing. I pointed at my ears, then my eyes, then crossed my index fingers in front of me.
Fucking dumbass. How the fuck had I forgotten the event that shocked me more than Leviathan? I suppressed a groan of pain as my arm throbbed. God, I didn''t even want to look, not that I could see much right now. I watched indistinct figures milling around, gradually becoming less blurry. Well, at least I wasn''t blind. Had to count the small blessings where I could, especially when they were so few and far between.
My eyes tracked a lanky figure that approached the stage. They had a messy mane of dark hair, and a strangely stilted gait. As they passed me, I caught a pair of wide lips and bit the inside of my cheek. Skitter was here, right. Well, wouldn''t out her in front of the heroes; that''d be insanely fucked when we just got bombed. As subtly as I could, I tracked her up the stage until she knelt over one of the people up there. A sigh escaped my lips. Right, wannabe hero.
¡°Hey¡ªhurt?¡± I turned my head and saw a paramedic standing there, waiting for an answer to a half-heard question. I blinked and rubbed my eyes, though it did nothing to clear my blurry vision.
¡°Ears, eyes, arm.¡± I pointed at my aching arm and winced as they did. It was bad then. ¡°Eyes and ears are getting better.¡± They nodded and I moved my projection as they got to work.
What a fucking mess. Even though I couldn''t see great, the gigantic hole that had been blasted in the building was pretty obvious. I figured I''d got most of it, but whatever the thing was I''d underestimated it. The villains were gone, dead or escaped, and I saw the crowd of civilians slowly getting smaller as they were taken outside.
¡°Amaranth.¡± I looked up and saw Clockblocker. ¡°You okay?¡±
¡°Third-degree burns on her arm,¡± the paramedic explained in my place. ¡°She''s going to need surgery, probably.¡±
¡°Oh, that''s why I doesn''t hurt so bad.¡± Wait, that was a bad thing. ¡°Eyes aren''t doing great, you''re kinda hazy right now. Everything sounds like it''s underwater too, probably should get my ears checked.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°Fuck off,¡± I snapped, then sighed. ¡°Sorry, just...what the fuck were they thinking?¡±
¡°Villains aren''t usually the brightest bunch.¡± I saw Taylor react to the comment as she passed by, a slight turn of her head. Then she was gone, joining the crowd of civilians. ¡°Whatever they planned, it went wrong. Bright side is there are a few less villains in town.¡±
¡°Jesus.¡± I shook my head as the medic stood. I joined them, knees shaky. ¡°Everyone else?¡±
¡°Fine,¡± he said. ¡°You gave me enough time to freeze them, put a blanket between me and the blast. Don''t think many people died though, or were even hurt. You...¡± He sighed. ¡°You gave me a fucking heart attack.¡±
¡°Sorry,¡± I said automatically. ¡°Just...what other option was there?¡±
¡°I don''t know,¡± Clockblocker admitted. ¡°Not going to give you shit, you probably saved a lot of people.¡±
¡°Not everyone.¡±
¡°Not everyone.¡± He took a deep breath. ¡°But a hell of a lot more than I could have. Come on, let''s get out of here; regulars have this handled.¡±
We passed a number of officers on our way out, joining the other Wards in the back of a van. I ignored the reporters pointing cameras and microphones until the doors mercifully shut. Then we were off, heading back to headquarters for the dressing down of a lifetime no doubt. We''d arrived too late, done too little. The only thing I had to look forward to was getting my arm fixed.
The ride was silent, no one wanted to talk about it, it seemed. That was fair, I sure as hell didn''t. I''d been blindsided by something that actually happened in canon, and I didn''t know how to feel about that. Recalling stuff was getting harder and harder, more distance between me and reading, more bullshit.
By the time we arrived, I could mostly see again. Some details were still fuzzy, and I couldn''t read the screen when I checked my phone, but it was good enough to see what people looked like. I could hear too, at least better than before. My ears were still ringing, now just tinnitus; another little blessing.
We were ushered upstairs by a harried-looking Battery. I wasn''t too happy about that, but when I complained she just shook her head. Important, apparently more important than a barely-bandaged burn. The fact that it wasn''t aching anymore didn''t make me feel better. We were led into a conference room, where most of the other heroes were gathered around a table with Deputy Director Renick and a tall, black man I didn''t recognize.
¡°Wards,¡± Renick greeted us, frowning when he looked at me. ¡°Amaranth, you''re injured.¡±
¡°Yes sir,¡± I replied flatly.
¡°We''ll make this brief then.¡± He sighed and gestured to the man beside him. ¡°This is Thomas Calvert, former tactical officer and consultant for the PRT. As of right now, he''s assuming command of the detachment here. Commander?¡±
I missed the rest of the meeting. My alarm was ringing too loudly.
Sequela 11.5
Coil was now in control of the PRT. It was a nightmare scenario, though one I had at least been somewhat ready for. Not this fucking soon of course, but apparently the timeline of Worm was more compressed than a three-byte jpeg. That or all my meddling had made him eager to win even at the risk of going too fast.
I took a deep breath, staring at whorls on the conference room table. I could deal with this, survive this. He wasn''t ''Coil'' right now, I wasn''t in immediate danger of being kidnapped, drugged, and imprisoned; ''Coil'', in fact, was dead according to the after action report. Calvert didn''t need to kidnap or drug me anyway, I was already under his command. Unfortunately for him, I had an awful memory and a bone to pick.
All I had to do was keep my mouth shut. That was a simple enough feat, considering I''d already been shocked into silence. Now there was purpose, and I was sure if he was working two timelines then my alternate half would feel the same. I''d stick it out, do my job, and when Skitter blew his head off I''d pin a fucking medal on her chest.
¡°You''ll pardon me if I don''t stand up and applaud, sir,¡± Assault said with a hint of venom. ¡°Doing the same thing we were led to a terror attack where six civilians died and fifteen more were injured.¡±
¡°Along with several villains,¡± Calvert replied, his voice chilly. ¡°While I understand your desire to hit back, we simply don''t have the resources. They''re coming, but they haven''t arrived quite yet. Once they do and we''ve secured our backline, then we attack.¡±
¡°The remaining members of the Triumvirate should be here this evening,¡± Miss Militia added. ¡°Scapegoat as well as Chevalier are on the way, we won''t lack for firepower or support.¡±
¡°Excellent,¡± Calvert said with a smile, then looked at me. ¡°And I must offer a hearty congratulations to you, Amaranth; if it weren''t for your efforts the Undersiders would be a far greater threat.¡± The comment made my alarm ring loudly.
¡°Thank you sir,¡± I said simply. I didn''t want to give anything away.
¡°Also, uh, good work at the debate,¡± Clockblocker added. ¡°For everyone who isn''t aware, she jumped on the power cell that malfunctioned. Gave me enough time to keep all of us alive, saved a lot of people. Just...seriously, you''re gonna make the rest of us look bad if you keep it up. So keep it up.¡±
¡°It wasn''t anything big,¡± I said with a shrug. ¡°I could take the hit, no one else could...I had to.¡±
¡°That doesn''t diminish your heroism,¡± Miss Militia admonished gently. ¡°You still had to overcome your fear to do it.¡±
¡°Stopped me from getting shot too,¡± Vista said, bumping her elbow against me.
¡°You can rest assured that your feats will be recognized, Amaranth,¡± Calvert said with a nod. ¡°The rest of you are dismissed, we''ll reconvene once our reinforcements arrive and discuss changing tactics. Amaranth please stay, I''d like to speak with you for a moment.¡± My stomach sank, but I nodded quietly as the others filed out. Miss Militia gave me a look as she passed, but I shrugged; no point getting anyone else involved.
¡°Now then,¡± he continued, sitting next to me after the room had emptied. ¡°I''ve been informed of your...secondary ability. I know you have felt unsure about sharing your ''memories'' in the past, but please do try. I will take any and all of them a seriously as the grave.¡± I looked up and met his eyes. They were cold like that night.
¡°Thank you sir,¡± I said flatly, fighting to keep my pounding heart from giving me away. ¡°I...I''ll tell you what I told Director Piggot: just wait. As soon as I''m sure it''s safe, I''ll share everything I know.¡±
¡°Why the wait?¡± he asked. ¡°Intelligence needs to be fresh to be actionable. How long will it be?¡±
¡°Safety sir. If this gets to the wrong ears...it won''t be long at all sir, I''m absolutely certain.¡± That got his smile to actually touch his eyes.
¡°I''m glad to hear,¡± Calvert said, an odd fondness in his tone. ¡°Now go get your arm fixed, I dislike seeing my Wards injured.¡± I suppressed a shiver.
¡°Yes sir.¡± I rose and turned, then paused at the door. ¡°Uh, sir, about Shatterbird...¡±
¡°The PRT and Youth Guard need to coordinate on how to distribute the bounty,¡± he said, apparently assuming that an apology wasn''t forthcoming. ¡°Rest assured, you will receive it in full, minus applicable taxes of course.¡±
¡°Of course sir,¡± I said with a nod. ¡°Thank you.¡±
I turned and headed out, a full-body shiver rocking me as soon as I was in the elevator and out of sight. Fuck...maybe he was in a good mood because he won, but it felt like he''d done...something in the other timeline. Like he''d figured out how I worked, for lack of a better way to say it. If that was the case...well, no, it wouldn''t matter. I just had to trust that he''d still be keen on offing Skitter and that she''d take exception to that.
That helped me relax, at least a little. Once more I wasn''t sure how long it would be, but I remembered it being pretty quick. I mean, I clearly didn''t fucking remember much these days but that...it just fit. Waiting like that made me feel antsy, but I didn''t have a better solution right now so...hail Taylor, full of bugs, Tattletale is with thee.
I rapped my knuckles against the door to Amy''s apartment, holding my injured arm away from my body. The burns around the major one still stung, but it was easy enough to ignore as long as I kept it still. I knocked again, frowning. Was she asleep? That wouldn''t make sense, there were plenty of injured...oh, dumbass. I turned around and headed back to the elevator.
Of course she''d be in the infirmary, where everyone else was. I wasn''t sure if anyone had been hurt too bad, but if they were, well... But I found, to my surprise and irritation, she wasn''t there either. Muttering curses, I got back in the elevator and punched the button for my quarters. Maybe Amy was down at the hospital again, or I guess for the first time since...everything. Well whatever, maybe I could take a nap or something while I waited for the Stranger 17 to--
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¡°Oh, there you are,¡± Amy said, looking up from Dennis. ¡°The hell took you so long?¡± I took a deep breath and walked over, sitting next to her at the common room table.
¡°You weren''t in your room or the infirmary,¡± I explained.
¡°Duh,¡± she said, narrowing her eyes. ¡°My patients are down here, including you.¡±
¡°Well I am now but--¡±
¡°Hand,¡± she cut me off, extending hers. I shut my mouth, took my glove an dbandage of, then grabbed it, biting back a sarcastic retort. ¡°Third and second-degree burns, bruising everywhere, your corneas are burned too...you really did jump on that bomb.¡±
¡°Yeah, sorry.¡± I sighed. ¡°Hopefully it won''t happen again.¡±
¡°No kidding,¡± Dennis said dryly, kicking his feet up. ¡°I''m about done with terrorists bombing us.¡±
¡°It''s okay,¡± Amy said, ignoring the peanut gallery. ¡°You got hurt being a hero, I can''t really bitch about that. Can I heal you?¡± I gave her a nod and sighed as the aches throughout my body eased.
¡°Hey remember that time Aegis threw himself on a grenade?¡± Kid Win piped up from the far end of the table. He was fiddling with the ruins of his armour. ¡°Uhhh, about a year ago? The thing between Coil and the Empire?¡±
¡°Oh god don''t remind me.¡± Dennis'' cheeks turned slightly green. ¡°I didn''t get out of the splash zone.¡±
¡°Right sorry.¡± He shook his head and glanced up at me. ¡°Reminded me of it, is all. I...miss him a lot, so it was sort of nice.¡±
¡°Thanks.¡± I felt my cheeks warm and stared at my arm as it knit together. ¡°Don''t make a big thing about it, you guys would have been fine.¡± Like, probably, if my foreign memories could be trusted.
¡°Except I''d have been shot,¡± Vista snipped, taking off her helmet and shaking her head. ¡°Plus what if Dennis couldn''t freeze us in time? And the civilians? Stupid as you were being a week ago...take some credit.¡±
¡°I appreciate it,¡± I replied, offering her a small smile as I pulled off my mask and hood. I looked over at Kid Win, cocking my head. ¡°Any idea what happened?¡±
¡°Nearest I can tell?¡± He sighed and put down the screwdriver he was working with. ¡°My cell got a surge of feedback power, disrupted the harmonics so it couldn''t dump it into the suit, then...boom.¡±
¡°So...what, just malfunctioned?¡± I asked. ¡°Does Tinkertech even do that? I mean, when it isn''t Leet''s.¡±
¡°Not usually,¡± he offered. ¡°But this stuff is still all new, there''s a chance I missed something, hence the autopsy. Sorry to take up the table.¡±
¡°Could it have been sabotage?¡± He stiffened.
¡°I...considered that,¡± Kid Win said after a moment. ¡°I don''t think so though, no one was logged accessing my workshop besides me; and I definitely didn''t give someone else my pass.¡± I hummed thoughtfully.
¡°You''ll figure it out, Chris,¡± Dennis said, reaching out and patting his shoulder. ¡°Always have before.¡±
¡°Not always,¡± he muttered.
¡°But usually,¡± Dennis said with an odd confidence. ¡°Seriously dude, you''ve got this. Why not take a break, then come back to it later? Usually works with math homework.¡±
¡°This isn''t math,¡± Chris sighed. ¡°But...maybe you''re right.¡±
¡°You''re done, Lia,¡± Amy said, pulling her hand back. ¡°Next time you land on a bomb, try and stay still?¡±
We shared a collective laugh, then scrambled to cover our faces as the visitor alarm rang out. Amy paled as the doors opened and mumbled an apology before beating a hasty retreat. A look gave me the answer I needed: Gallant and Glory Girl, only Gallant in costume though. Victoria didn''t look like she was doing good; the lumpy grafts had started to flake, though still seemed to be mostly intact. Gallant was limping, and I realized he was actually missing a leg of his armour, in its place a bulky cast. They joined us at the table as the laughter died.
¡°Amaranth, good work,¡± Dean said, taking off his helmet. He looked utterly haggard, thinner and paler than I''d seen him last. ¡°Win, any clues?¡±
¡°Nothing yet Gallant,¡± he replied. ¡°You''ll be the third or forth to know.¡± Dean nodded.
¡°Dennis, settling in okay?¡±
¡°I''m just keeping your seat warm, boss,¡± Clockblocker replied flippantly. ¡°As soon as you''re not broken, I''m going back to being the funny guy.¡±
¡°Scapegoat''s coming,¡± I added. ¡°Won''t be too long now for...either of you.¡± Victoria shot me a glare, and if I didn''t know better had switched on her aura.
¡°That''s good to hear,¡± Dean said, tone a little stiff. ¡°How are you?¡±
¡°Fine, thanks to Amy.¡± Okay that was definitely her aura, right? It made my alarm ring just a little louder. ¡°How''s your vacation?¡± He shrugged.
¡°Wouldn''t exactly call it a ''vacation'' when I''m still living here,¡± he said. ¡°Doing okay, just relaxing at home usually. Wish I could enjoy the view anymore...¡±
¡°Oh right, you''ve got that richie-rich place in the Towers, don''t you?¡± Dennis said, sitting up a little straighter. ¡°So what, party at yours when its all over?¡±
¡°Sure, why not?¡± He rolled his eyes and stood back up. ¡°Bring your own beer and I''ll put you on toilet duty though.¡±
¡°Gin it is,¡± I replied without a hint of humour. ¡°Glad you''re okay though. And Glory Girl--¡±
¡°I''m fine,¡± she snapped, turning her head and glaring at the stairwell Amy had fled through. ¡°Just a little antsy that I can''t do anything with a bunch of monsters running around the city.¡± I fought back the urge to bite back for that one.
¡°Won''t be too long, if Scapegoat is as good as I hear,¡± I said as evenly as I could. ¡°I''m really sorry you got hurt.¡±
¡°Not your fault.¡± Well, it sure didn''t sound like she believed that. ¡°I''m gonna go. Dean, walk me home?¡± I saw him smile for the first time since I got back.
¡°Sounds good,¡± he replied, tucking his helmet under his arm. ¡°See you guys.¡±
¡°Jesus,¡± Dennis said when they were gone. ¡°The hell did you do to make her hate you?¡±
¡°Dunno,¡± I replied. Another lie to the pile. ¡°Maybe she''s just in a mood, or thought I was looking at her boyfriend weird?¡±
¡°No, something happened,¡± he said, shaking his head. ¡°What the hell were you doing after you split?¡±
¡°Surviving,¡± I said. ¡°Helping Amy, trying not to prove the Nine right.¡± Failing at that.
¡°Helping Panacea...she was nominated too, right?¡± Kid Win asked, cocking his head. ¡°That''s...fucked up, the Nine are fucked up. What did they make you do?¡±
¡°Did something happen between her and Glory Girl?¡± Vista said. ¡°Is that why Panacea is--¡±
¡°Guys,¡± I snapped, interrupting them. ¡°If they''re not talking about it with you, why the hell would I? The Nine tortured us and tried to make us snap, turn out like them. Back off.¡± Vista raised her hands.
¡°Okay, okay, sorry.¡± She sighed. ¡°Just trying to...I don''t know, help?¡±
¡°The thought''s nice, really,¡± I assured her, not wanting to tank her opinion of me anymore. ¡°Just...it''s personal, okay?¡± Vista made a face, but nodded firmly. ¡°Cool. I''m going to shower, then maybe crash for the next ten or so hours. Getting bombed really takes it out of me.¡±
¡°Hey put in your AAR first,¡± Dennis called after me. ¡°I don''t want the new boss breathing down my neck anymore than I have to.¡± I gave him a thumbs up over my shoulder and headed towards the showers.
I wish I could have told him he wouldn''t have to worry about the new boss for long.
Sequela 11.6
¡°God these versions are weird,¡± Amy said, crossing her arms.
¡°Better than home''s.¡± She only grunted at that.
With the rest of the day off, and the threat of my new boss (far, far worse than the old boss) hanging over my head, I went over to Amy''s. She seemed taken aback when I asked, but just shook her head and said she figured I wanted to rest. And I did really, it was just hanging out here was a million times more relaxing than being cooped up in my little cell of a room.
We''d agreed on the Aleph versions of Star Wars, since I wanted ones I might be slightly more familiar with. Amy apparently hadn''t seen them, so here we were, late in the evening watching Revenge of the Sith. At some point during Attack of the Clones, she leaned against me and had stayed there. It was nice, though had me almost nodding off during the slower parts.
Amy''s biggest complaint was she was taking the movies too seriously. It wasn''t the cast I remembered when I tried to think about it, but they were pretty good. The lines didn''t feel quite as overwrought as the one I''d watched...god had it only been a month ago?
¡°Time''s so fucking fake,¡± I complained as Anakin began choking Padme. Amy looked at me, then the screen, then back at me.
¡°What?¡±
¡°Oh, sorry, unrelated.¡± I met her eyes, then glanced down to the cushions. ¡°Just, it''s only been a month since everything...got worse.¡±
¡°It''s what?¡± Amy looked at her watch, sounding half panicked. ¡°How is it only the nineteenth?!¡±
¡°What''s that old saying about decades happening in weeks?¡± I sighed and rubbed my eyes with the backs of my hands. ¡°Made it though, both of us.¡±
¡°I don''t know that I did,¡± she said glumly.
¡°I''m looking at one Amy Dallon who''s been healing me and other heroes,¡± I countered. ¡°Amy Dallon who fixed her mistake, who came back.¡± There was a beat of silence.
¡°That''s not my name,¡± she said with a sigh. ¡°Lavere, Amelia Clair Lavere.¡±
¡°Was that--¡±
¡°My dad''s,¡± Amy said, staring at the floor. ¡°A villain named Marquis. He...New Wave adopted me. So now you know.¡±
¡°I think you already told me your dad was a bad guy.¡± I tried to recall, I was fairly sure we''d had this talk before. Whether in this life or another though... ¡°Sorry, not to be shitty or anything, but it doesn''t really change things, knowing who he was. Amelia...I''m going to keep calling you ''Amy''
¡°Because calling me ''Lia'' would get confusing,¡± she finished with a quiet giggle.
¡°Exactly.¡± I smiled. ¡°Thanks for telling me though, for...trusting me.¡± I felt her tense, but she leaned a little more on me.
¡°I''m...trying,¡± Amy offered after a moment. ¡°Trying to think that...maybe you''re right. I''m fucked up, don''t think I can''t be but...but maybe I can avoid being a monster. You know Marquis was bad enough for the Birdcage?¡±
¡°I''d argue, if my mom had been a parahuman, she''d have had a kill order,¡± I replied simply. ¡°But I think I get it. You don''t wanna be like him, I don''t wanna be like her. Good to have a negative example sometimes.¡±
¡°I think...¡± She swallowed hard. ¡°I don''t want you to tell me everything right now but, if I''d...gone further would--¡±
¡°You''d have met him, probably,¡± I said, taking her hand as she started to pull away. ¡°But you didn''t, and you won''t.¡±
¡°I didn''t,¡± she repeated, taking a deep breath. ¡°And I won''t.¡± She exhaled slowly and squeezed my hand.
¡°Thanks again for healing me yesterday,¡± I said, flexing my left hand. ¡°Would really have sucked to be waiting with a burn that bad.¡±
¡°It''s fine, you...deserved it, honestly.¡± Amy looked back at the TV. We''d missed the end of the movie. ¡°Wish I could do more.¡±
¡°I''m pretty healthy, really.¡± I drummed my shorter fingertips against the back of her hand. ¡°Could maybe go for some longer fingers, but I don''t think I have the body mass to spare, right?¡± She just shook her head. ¡°So yeah, I dunno, keep watching stupid movies with me I guess? And try to be a good guy.¡±
¡°You''re such a weirdo,¡± she commented after a minute. ¡°Sorry.¡±
¡°You''re not wrong,¡± I agreed, cocking my head. ¡°I''m sorry, really. I didn''t ask to be like...this.¡±
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¡°It''s not bad it''s just, like, I don''t know.¡± Amy sighed and took her hand back. ¡°I don''t exactly have a lot of friends, mostly I hung around with Vicky''s. You''re nothing like them, I don''t know what to do.¡±
¡°Do you have to do anything?¡± I asked.
¡°I feel like I should.¡±
¡°Then...what?¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Should we talk about the boys neither of us are into? I can complain about how I have no boobs compared to you, or we can be catty about Vista or something.¡± I shrugged. ¡°I''m cool with how we''ve spent our time, Amy; isn''t that enough?¡±
¡°I''m sorry,¡± she said, drawing her knees up to her chest. ¡°I wish it was.¡±
¡°Well.¡± I slapped my knees and stood, wobbling slightly as the blood rushed from my head. ¡°Then I guess when this shitshow is finally over, really over Amy, we''ll have to find something else to do.¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡± I shrugged.
¡°Like...go throw rocks through Tattletale''s window or something?¡± She let out a snort of laughter. ¡°I don''t know, but we can figure that out when the city isn''t in danger of being wiped.¡± That made her flinch.
¡°What''s--¡± I clicked my tongue and cut her off.
¡°Later, okay?¡± I glanced up at the corners of the room. ¡°Not safe yet.¡± Amy stood and nodded, then followed me as I headed to the door.
¡°I don''t think I''ve seen you out of costume since...god, before Siberian?¡± She shook her head.
¡°Well, I can''t really not be around here,¡± I replied, turning and leaning against the door. ¡°Especially with the last few days? I''m...not too keen on being a maskless hero, no offense.¡±
¡°None taken,¡± she said. ¡°Wasn''t exactly my choice.¡±
¡°That sucks.¡± I wasn''t sure what else I could say. ¡°I''m gonna go. Try and get some rest, okay Amy?¡± She smiled down at me.
¡°You too, I know you haven''t been.¡± I winced, but gave her a quick hug. ¡°See you around.¡±
The hallways were dark, darker than normal between Shatterbird being part of the Undersiders'' attack and the moonless night outside. It made the concrete walls, stretching up to windows high above, an eerie sight. It was like a dark cathedral, or a tomb; great comparisons Lia you melodramatic wet cat. Well whatever, my life was a god damn melodrama ever since I''d been unlucky enough to get this fucking safety bubble. Rotten bitch of a passenger. And then there was everything else going on in my hea--
No, not the time. I got in the elevator and headed straight down to my quarters. The common room was dark, no surprise. With reinforcements due in the early morning, everyone with a home to go to had been allowed the night off. My stomach squirmed, knowing they wouldn''t get to enjoy it. At least they''d get some warning before things kicked off. Well, unless Calvert was still alive. I headed into my quarters and checked the clock.
Midnight...I sighed; either it was safe and I needed to talk or... I pulled out the business card Miss Militia had given me...god, so many lifetimes ago now. It had been sitting in my desk since I moved in here, my dresser drawer before that. This was only the second time I was using it, and I could only hope it would go as well as the last. I grabbed my phone and quickly dialed her number, then sat on my bed, staring into the darkness.
¡°Miss Militia,¡± she answered on the second ring.
¡°It''s Amaranth,¡± I replied. ¡°Is Commander Calvert around? I can''t get in touch.¡±
¡°What do you need the commander for?¡±
¡°It''s urgent.¡± There was a beat of silence.
¡°Please wait a moment.¡±
The line ''beep-beeped'' as she put me on hold. I tried to ignore my alarm, humming tunelessly to try and drown it out. There were a few ways it could go, at least that I could think of. Worst case scenario was he answered and I had to think of something quick. I could probably go with the truth, at least of what I knew; Noelle would break out and wreak havoc on the city. Dangerous yes, since it put me in his crosshairs as a valuable precog, but there was a good chance it just wouldn''t happen with him still alive.
If he answered, but was...''occupied'', then I could assume he was actively fighting Skitter and was going to lose. In that case, my choice was the same as the last option of him never answering at all. We could maybe coordinate a better defence that the story, with some extra warning. Like, surely it wasn''t right after Coil bit it that Noelle did her thing, there had to be time for word to travel.
In a perfect world, I could call Tattletale and warn her so she could handle things but...well, she hadn''t done that in the story. The Undersiders would have been the ones to find Noelle missing, them or the Travelers, so that was probably a bust. And of course, I''d been a little busy to warn her about that potential disaster last week so...fuck me.
¡°I''m unable to get in contact with Calvert,¡± Miss Militia came back suddenly, sounding tense. ¡°What''s going on, Amaranth?¡± I couldn''t hold back the sigh of relief.
¡°Calvert was Coil and he''s dead,¡± I explained, bowling on as she shouted in surprise. ¡°Couldn''t say a word in case he pulled some shit. I''m sorry, but right now we have a bigger problem. He had a...someone, a Case 53 you could say, in his basement. She''s loose and pissed and a fucking problem.¡±
¡°How can you be certain?¡± I rolled my eyes.
¡°I''ll make a sworn statement if I have to, ma''am.¡± I could actually offer that now without the promise of a basement full of bad trips. ¡°Run it up with whoever, but we need to start assembling people now.¡±
¡°Today''s Maste¡ª¡±
¡°We don''t have time!¡± I shouted. ¡°Fuck, I...christ it''s fucking midnight so it''s not Comanche two-whatever it''s like Dene three-nine? God fucking put me in isolation just please listen.¡± I knew I was panicking, knew that tightness in my chest. It didn''t matter, I could finally do something with what little knowledge I had left.
¡°Meet in Debrief Two,¡± she snapped, then hung up.
The only thing I bothered to grab was my knife, hurriedly stuffing it in the pouch usually reserved for my phone. Taser, pepper spray? What a joke, I was going into a fight that realistically needed to be fought with an atom bomb. Since I was lacking anything more lethal, it would have to do. If Skitter could fight with bugs...
I sprinted up the stairs, almost eating shit as I tried to take them two at a time. I slowed down, but only so I didn''t trip and die or something equally stupid. I ran out into the hallway, almost bowling over an exhausted looking Deputy Director Renick. I didn''t bother apologizing, continuing my headlong spring and nearly hitting Miss Militia as I came around the last corner a bit too fast.
¡°Inside.¡± She pointed to a door and we went in. The moment it shut, she whirled on me. ¡°Talk.¡±
For once, I was happy to oblige.
Sequela 11.7
Mercifully, Miss Militia took my panicked, barely coherent explanation at face value. Did I know exactly what was coming? Not in the slightest, beyond there was a big fight and boy did it go poorly. I knew the heroes and villains put on a truce to deal with her and I vaguely remembered the idea that I had tried against Leviathan a couple times. Not useful, but I could at least tell her to tell everyone to not get eaten.
It took a little over an hour for everyone to arrive at the headquarters, everyone local anyway. A number of calls had come in while we were waiting, reports of awful howls and quake-like rumbling. She wasn''t far, somewhere in the downtown still. Well, so we hoped. I''d been told to sit tight in the back of a van, and Miss Militia sat across from me, staring.
¡°I told you everything,¡± I spoke into the silence. ¡°I did.¡±
¡°You did,¡± she agreed.
¡°I''m sorry I didn''t tell you about Coil it...¡± I took a deep breath. ¡°You remember he kidnapped Dinah Alcott right? A precog, like me.¡±
¡°He wouldn''t have dared.¡±
¡°Wouldn''t he?¡± I countered. ¡°Man faked his own death and took over the PRT, he dared plenty. Too much, this time.¡±
¡°Still he--¡±
¡°I''m sorry,¡± I snapped. ¡°I don''t know how many more times I have to say it. Can we just...focus on the problem at hand?¡±
¡°Problem?¡± Clockblocker asked as he opened the door. ¡°Another one?¡±
¡°What''s the matter?¡± Miss Militia demanded.
¡°Vista isn''t here,¡± he replied tensely. ¡°Not answering her cell either, but it''s ringing. Not answering her home phone either.¡± A chill went up my spine.
¡°Where were the Undersiders last reported?¡± she asked, pulling out her phone and tapping the screen.
¡°It''s not them, it''s Noelle,¡± I cut in. ¡°Remember when I told you to not get eaten? She spits out evil clones, it''s fucked up. There''s...a pretty good chance she got found.¡±
¡°Evil clones?¡± Clockblocker looked between me and Miss Militia. ¡°Okay I must have missed that part of the briefing, but ma''am, what do we do now?¡± She took a deep breath, in through her nose, then sighed.
¡°Wait for a call,¡± Miss Militia replied. ¡°New Wave said they would only join if absolutely necessary, given their casualties. We''ve sent out the call for further reinforcements, but there aren''t enough teleporters for them to assemble quickly. We don''t have the flyers needed to scout so...unfortunately, we must be reactive, unless Amaranth remembers something else.¡± I just shook my head.
As it turned out, we didn''t wait long for a call to come in. A frantic woman, babbling about a monster that took out the side of her fourth floor apartment. The others piled in the van and we took off with a roar from the engine. Within minutes, we''d arrived and began securing the area. The entire facade of the building had been taken off, exposing a number of run-down apartments to the night air. More vans pulled up and the other heroes joined us.
Jesus god...I could not be stupid about this. Frankly I''d rather have sat it out entirely, let the heroes and villains work like they had in the story. That wasn''t viable for a bunch of reasons. The PRT wouldn''t let me sit this out, no way in hell. Besides that...could I really just stand by and let a bunch of people get hurt? Easily, I''d literally just have to sit on my hands. Would I do it though?
¡°Undersiders,¡± I heard Miss Militia bark, then the metallic racking of a bolt. ¡°Coming to inspect the mess you made?¡±
¡°We had nothing to do with this.¡± I turned and saw...well it had to be Skitter, but she looked more bug than human. ¡°Not directly.¡±
¡°Not directly,¡± Miss Militia repeated.
I looked over the Undersiders and frowned. They looked...different. Rachel and Tattletale were both wearing cloth masks over the bottom of their faces, and Tattletale''s costume had a number of conspicuous holes. It might have just been the swarm, but Skitter seemed to be hunched over, like she was in serious pain. Imp and Regent were leaning on each other, and I saw stains on the latter''s white shirt. Grue was entirely absent.
¡°You guys took out Calvert?¡± I asked, ignoring the way everyone turned to look at me. ¡°It''s fine, Miss Militia knows, I know.¡±
¡°Calvert was Coil,¡± Skitter explained, though her c''s needed some work. Speaking through bugs must have been a bitch. ¡°Tried to kill us. Didn''t work.¡±
¡°You''ll get the Order of Lenin for this,¡± I quipped, then sighed. ¡°Seriously, thank you.¡±
¡°You''re thanking them for killing our director?¡± Clockblocker asked. He sounded pissed.
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¡°I''m thanking them for letting me avoid what happened to Dinah Alcott,¡± I retorted, making him flinch. ¡°And for letting me get a warning out before they decided to reach out. You would have reached out, right?¡±
¡°Of course,¡± Skitter said.
¡°You called in backup, right?¡± Tattletale spoke up, her voice sounding...off. Slurred, like she was having trouble with her lips. ¡°You''re going to need more, every cape you can get, the Endbringer list, everyone.¡±
¡°They''re coming,¡± Miss Militia replied tersely. ¡°The situation has already been verified by our Thinker teams; Chevalier is on his way with a strike team as we speak, and more capes are volunteering every moment.¡±
¡°Not the Triumvirate though?¡± I asked, getting a look. ¡°Sorry just...dunno, thought they would come for this.¡±
¡°They need to,¡± Tattletale said, letting out a rattling cough. ¡°This is big big, S-class, or damn close.¡± There was a sharp, collective gasp behind me.
¡°Bullshit,¡± Triumph snapped.
¡°There are six S-class threats,¡± Miss Militia said slowly as she lowered her rifle. ¡°The Endbringers are three, the Nine together are another. You''re saying she''s on par with them?¡±
¡°She''s a nascent Endbringer,¡± Skitter explained.
¡°She''s not,¡± I corrected. ¡°But that doesn''t matter. Much as I hate to say it ma''am, Tattletale''s right.¡±
¡°Fuck me,¡± I heard Weld whisper. ¡°This isn''t just a mindgame, is it?¡±
¡°Nope,¡± Tattletale replied, her eyes locked on me. ¡°And she already has someone, but you know that don''t you? Doesn''t matter, Coil''s precog says she won''t be causing any major damage til dawn, so we have a couple hours at least.¡±
¡°Couple hours to find her and stop her before she does,¡± I said, popping my knuckles. ¡°We should get moving as soon as the first of our backup arrives. The longer we wait, the better chance she finds someone worse to eat.¡±
¡°The Protectorate and Wards teams are accounted for,¡± Miss Militia countered. ¡°The Undersiders are here, though I wonder about Grue...¡±
¡°Grue''s dealing with something else.¡± Skitter''s swarm managed to sound pissed despite the lack of inflection. ¡°We''re accounted for.¡±
¡°You''re missing someone else,¡± Tattletale said, sing-song. ¡°Where''re your little lovebirds Parian and Flechette?¡±
¡°Flechette is escorting Parian to our headquarters,¡± Miss Militia said evenly.
¡°Then great, all accounted for.¡± I clapped my hands together. ¡°Now can we go deal with the baby not-Endbringer or are we going to stand around all night bitching?¡±
¡°Back off, Amaranth,¡± Clockblocker said in a low voice. ¡°Pushing it.¡±
¡°We wait for our reinforcements,¡± Miss Militia said, casting a sidelong glare at me. ¡°And given the situation and the...verification, I believe a tentative truce could be agreed to. Considering your past behaviour under them though, we''ll need something else: a hostage.¡± I rolled my eyes.
While they negotiated, I looked again at the Undersiders. What the hell happened to them? I couldn''t just ask, not with everyone right here. It was hard to see in the dark, but Rachel''s coat looked like it had a few darker spots like burns, along with holes like Tattletale''s costume. That didn''t make sense to me. I didn''t quite remember how things went of course, but I was fairly sure Skitter was the only one that got set on fire. Had Coil tried to do a clean sweep, wipe them all out?
Tattletale caught me staring and, even though her face was covered, I knew she was grinning. Her hair was a mess, braid half-down. All of them, really, looked like they''d been through hell. It was a little worrying, but ultimately not my problem. If they were too injured to get away from Noelle...no, it really was my problem.
¡°Weld, Clockblocker, Kid Win, with me,¡± Miss Militia snapped, drawing my attention. It seemed negotiations were finished. They clambered into the back of a van after Skitter, our chosen hostage apparently. The doors shut, and with the roar of the van''s engine, they were gone.
¡°Alright, everyone else, we''ll divide you between the remaining vans,¡± Assault called out once they were gone. ¡°Hellhound, shrink your dogs so we can transport them.¡±
¡°Doesn''t work like that,¡± she growled, sounding pained. ¡°Give ''em a fucking minute.¡± He grunted in reply.
¡°Perimeter, ten meters!¡± he barked. I headed a ways up the road to keep watch.
This was kind of a shitshow, between the hostage-taking and the way we were retreating instead of trying to catch Echidna out before she got too dangerous. We had everyone we needed, at least if we could find Sundancer and convince her that there really wasn''t such a thing as overkill and also Echidna doesn''t count.
I forced myself to take a deep breath. It was fine, the PRT was being cautious after having so many disasters stringing them out. They wanted more bodies, which was maybe a mistake against Noelle specifically but made sense considering their experience with the Endbringers. And hey, maybe with the extra warning they could get someone else who''d totally annihilate her. And if wishes were fishes...
A shimmer just up the street caught my eye. I peered through the darkness at the mouth of the alley, taking a step closer. The streets here still had a low level of water, but even the sidewalk was tall enough to be out of it. It was a puddle, but as I watched I saw it slowly expanding. It caught a flicker of light and my eyes widened.
¡°Blood in an alley, three meters, gonna check it out,¡± I said, pressing my finger against my radio earbud.
¡°Weld, back her up,¡± Assualt came back a second later.
I heard an affirmative and saw him trailing behind me as I cautiously approached the alley. I didn''t call out, didn''t want to give myself away to whoever was bleeding...just in case. I poked my head around the alley, squinting into the near-pitch black gloom. It was a dead end, making it even harder to see anything, but there was a little bundle of rags that seemed to be shivering. I frowned and knelt next to them, reaching out a hand.
¡°Hey, are you hu--¡± My voice caught in my throat as they turned their head to face me.
A hideous, twisted version of Vista stared back.
¡°Weld get back, it''s--¡±
My shout was cut off by a scream, torn from my throat as something further in the alley grabbed me and yanked me deeper. It was like a thousand hot, disgustingly wet hands pulling me in, surrounding me in heat and humidity. I head a dull rumbling, overwhelmed by a tremendous, bone-shaking heartbeat that made my teeth ache. A touch made me flinch, and I screamed as something burned against my arm. My breath came quick and panicked, but I couldn''t get enough oxygen into my lungs. My vision flickered and I let out a low moan, the most I could manage as the thundering ''lub-lub'' of Echidna''s heart dragged me under.
Interlude 11.h
Amy drummed her fingers on the conference room table, waiting for the heroes to get back. Well, waiting for the local heroes to get back. She cast a furtive look up the table and tensed at the sight of Eidolon, speaking quietly with the deputy director...Renfield? That sounded right. There were others here, she recognized Chevalier at the very least. The locals had been called out not long ago though, should have been back by now.
Hopefully Lia was okay, she had a habit of getting herself into situations where her invincibility didn''t count. Well, at least she was with the other heroes. Miss Militia seemed able to keep her in check well enough, and hopefully that would be enough. The door to the room opened and Amy turned, worry clutching at her heart.
The heroes were back...and the villains. The members of the Undersiders were led into the room by the locals. All of them looked freshly battered, holding themselves lightly, limping...and Lia wasn''t with them. Amy bit her tongue so she didn''t blurt out something stupid like ''did you fucking leave her behind'' or ''why the fuck are the villains here and she isn''t''. The seats were quickly filled and Eidolon began talking tactics.
Nothing Amy could help with, of course. She was here to make sure everyone had a clean bill of health before jumping into the jaws of whatever the fuck was waiting. Obviously she had her work cut out for her. It didn''t look like the heroes had been injured by the Undersiders, or at least not by Skitter going by the lack of bites. When Miss Militia was called on to talk about what happened, Amy''s heart sank.
¡°Amaranth was kidnapped by Noelle, the threat we are currently facing.¡± Her tone was grim. ¡°Noelle is still at large, we were forced into a fighting retreat.¡±
¡°What are her abilities?¡± Eidolon asked without a hint he cared that Lia might be...
No, she couldn''t be dead or Amy wouldn''t remember it. That didn''t make her feel any better of course, Lia was still held hostage by a monster. No one seemed to be asking how they were going to save her either. Oh god, she said when she died she went back, but how far? Would it be different this time because she was in the clutches of a major threat like that? Fear squirmed in her guts. Would Amy''s fix be undone? Guilt gnawed at her stomach; Lia could be dying and Amy was worried about how she''d be affected.
She had to help, any way she could. If no one cared about Lia but her then...then fuck it, at least Amy cared. If it meant she had to work with the Undersiders, so be it. If she had to break her rules...fuck, Amy prayed to any god listening it wouldn''t come to that. If it did though...she tuned back into the meeting.
¡°We''re not fit to fight,¡± Tattletale was saying, slurring really. Her tongue? ¡°Noelle did a number on us, as you can see. So unless we get patched up, you''re on your own.¡±
¡°Panacea?¡± Eidolon quested, staring at her.
¡°Not my name,¡± she said, then sighed. ¡°Whatever, I''ll fix them, but after I fix up the Protectorate and Wards; perks of not fucking up my life.¡±
¡°Not our fault,¡± Tattletale retorted. ¡°We need help.¡±
¡°I said I''d fix you,¡± Amy snapped. ¡°Take it or leave it.¡±
¡°Take it,¡± Skitter buzzed quietly. Buzzed, like she was a swarm herself. ¡°Can you start?¡± Her c''s needed work.
¡°Fine.¡±
She rose and joined the group of local heroes. Triumph gave her a triage list, and she headed over to Assault to get started. Some nasty burns and a bad case of radiation poisoning. Amy cursed under her breath and, after getting permission and fixing the burns, went around to every hero in the group. Sure enough, each one had a high enough dose that they''d be dead within a week, plus a similar pattern of burns over their exposed skin.
¡°Who were you fighting?¡± Amy demanded, interrupting some stupid question about Tinker bombs.
¡°A clone of Vista,¡± Triumph replied. ¡°She was able to break things down into dust, radioactive dust according to Tattletale. Everyone was decontaminated but--¡±
¡°Shut up,¡± she snapped. ¡°I...someone go get some iodine capsules, now. Anyone who was exposed, and I''m assuming that''s everyone local--¡±
¡°Miss Militia and the Wards left before the fight,¡± Assault interjected.
¡°Okay everyone except them,¡± Amy said, rolling her eyes. ¡°I''ll start working, but get that iodine.¡±
For once, Amy was happy to be treated like a doctor. She didn''t get hero work, couldn''t really be a good person, but a medic? It grated, but at least she didn''t feel listless like she had been lately. She grabbed a hair tie from her pocked and pulled her hair back into a messy ponytail before getting to work.
The dust in their lungs was a problem, still bombarding them with radiation internally. She could set up their lungs to pump it out eventually, but in the mean time needed something for the radiation. What though, she couldn''t just make their bodies eat radiation...could she? ''Be creative''. Amy recalled, maybe from some late-night documentary, fungi that used special cells with melanin to absorb radiation around the nuclear missile silos Scion blew up. It didn''t take her long to create similar cells in their lungs, set to die off once there was no more radiation to feed on.
All in all, it only took twenty minutes for the heroes to be back to good health. At least, as good as they could be with their immune system partially compromised and their DNA still healing. She''d set up their guts to promote flora too, for the next few days, and had done her best to protect the marrow but that was as much as she could do right now.
¡°Undersiders,¡± Amy said, heading to the other side of the table. She looked each of them over. There wasn''t one person here she didn''t have a reason to personally hate. Well, except...who was the girl in the demon mask? ¡°You.¡± She pointed.
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¡°Oh little old me?¡± Demon-mask said, putting a hand to her chest. ¡°You shoul--¡± A rattling rough wracked her frame. ¡°Fuck, okay.¡± She held out a hand and let Amy take it.
She had similar burns to the heroes, along with a string of nasty bruises around her neck, and of course radiation damage. Amy healed her without questioning before moving onto the...boy? Girl? Boy, she realized, pressing her fingers to his neck. Dislocated arm, bruised ribs, radiation damage. The arm was old damage too, at least older than the burns judging by how stiff the muscles were. She had him take a breath, then slipped his shoulder back in his socket. A moment later he was done and she moved on.
Dog girl, Hellhound, Bitch, whoever the fuck was next. She was wary at first, but took Amy''s hand after a sharp buzz from Skitter. God the Undersiders were weird. She frowned as she did her usual triage. Bruised ribs, radiation poisoning, and...well, it was technically foreign body intrusion; a complicated way of saying she had shrapnel dug deep into her flesh.
¡°What the fuck were you doing before this?¡± Amy asked, not really expecting an answer.
¡°Sorting out our deal with Coil,¡± Skitter hummed, not turning her head. ¡°We had a disagreement.¡±
¡°What kind of disagreement ends with you getting shelled?¡± she muttered, working on coaxing the shrapnel out of Bitch''s skin. She squirmed and Amy numbed her nerves around the area totally.
¡°The kind you shouldn''t be asking about,¡± Tattletale retorted, holding out her hand as Amy finished healing Bitch. She looked at the hand briefly, then turned her head.
¡°Skitter,¡± she said.
¡°Fix Tattletale first,¡± Skitter replied. ¡°I''m fine for now.¡±
¡°Lowest priority for me,¡± Amy retorted. ¡°I can heal you now and her after, or heal you later and her after. Take your pick.¡±
While Skitter was silently mulling it over, a frazzled looking PRT officer burst into the room. He shared a few, hissed words with Miss Militia and Eidolon, then pressed a phone into their hands and beat a hasty retreat. Miss Militia pressed a button on the wall and the wood panelling slid aside to reveal a widescreen TV.
Amy had seen a lot of ugly sights since being cursed with power. The dishevelled girl, her clothes soaked with gore, would have been somewhere around middling on the list. Then she noticed the hideous growth stretching out behind her. Amy barely managed not to gasp as the girl spoke, a voice too weak for the monster that she was.
¡°I''m here, I''m sorry,¡± she was saying, after apparently missing a question from Miss Militia. ¡°I only called because...I killed her. The space-warper.¡± Amy hated the fact that she felt relieved. ¡°I''m so bad with the names.¡±
¡°You killed Vista.¡± Miss Militia sounded shocked. ¡°Why?¡±
¡°Because I could. Because I was hungry, and I''d already used her up.¡± She shifted and Amy couldn''t stifle her gasp.
Four Vistas, or at least creatures resembling her. Their faces were bony, rigid, twisted into hateful expressions. Their bodies were covered in all sorts of clothes, many practically rags. It did nothing to hide their distorted bodies, the wrong-way limbs, stretched out like taffy. One seemed to be clinging to the monster that made it.
¡°Why Vista?¡± Miss Militia asked.
¡°She was alone.¡± The girl said simply. ¡°Could smell how strong she was, read up online too; the internet was all I had for a long time. Now I have them, or most of them since you murdered one. They''re pretty obedient, like giving hugs...I haven''t had a lot of physical contact with anyone for a while. It''s nice having them around...except the sixth.¡±
¡°Sixth?¡±
¡°Not so obedient, ran off gibbering about killing her family or something.¡± Miss Militia pointed to the door and the Wards sprinted out. ¡°The other one too, the force-field girl...¡±
¡°Amaranth,¡± Miss Militia offered. ¡°What about her, is she still alive?¡±
¡°For now,¡± the girl replied. ¡°She didn''t want to be around either, screaming about how it isn''t real. I...I didn''t make anymore, so I haven''t used her up...yet.¡±
¡°Can we negotiate her release?¡± Miss Militia asked, far too calmly for a monster saying she was going to kill Lia.
¡°No...but I can offer you a deal.¡±
¡°And it is?¡±
¡°Kill the Undersiders,¡± she said simply. ¡°Or hand them to me so I can torture them before I kill them. I don''t really care which, but if it''s a choice between hurting you and hurting one of them, it''s pretty easy to make. I''ll trade any hostage for any Undersider, anytime. Once they''re dead, I''ll take care of every clone I''ve made then...I don''t know, you can just kill me. I don''t really care...¡±
The girl kept rambling and Amy slowly turned her head towards Skitter. It would be easy, just heal her, then make her compliant. First chance she got, Amy could take her out of the building, find Echidna, and trade one for one. It didn''t even take her a second to come up with the plan, just sprang fully formed into her mind.
¡°Skitter,¡± Amy said, shaking her head to clear the monstrous idea before it could take root. ¡°Hand.¡±
After a moment, the bug-girl took it. Her glove was perforated enough that Amy didn''t even need it taken off. No, not perforated, burned. It wasn''t just radiation burns, like everyone else had, these were thermal. She reeked of smoke too, and her lungs had a ton of soot. Belatedly, Amy notice she''d had an emergency tracheotomy, and her throat was nearly swollen shut. No wonder she''d been speaking through her bugs.
Once she had permission, Amy got to work. Throat, lungs, burns, radiation damage...bug bites? The others had them too, but she''d just figured that was the hazards of being around Skitter. But why would they bite their controller? Well, it didn''t really matter right now, though she was definitely curious. A minute later she was done and that left...
¡°Tattletale,¡± Amy said.
¡°Finally,¡± the bitch drawled, reaching out a hand. ¡°Don''t do to me what you do to other blondes, okay?¡± Amy pushed down the pulse of anger and took her hand.
¡°Jesus,¡± she said, narrowing her eyes. ¡°Not that I blame them, but who cut your tongue?¡±
¡°Business disagreement.¡± It sounded more like ''bithneths dithagreement'' but she couldn''t really judge. ¡°Fix me?¡±
¡°You''re lucky I have rules,¡± Amy muttered.
A few minutes later, she was done. Like the others, Tattletale had bug bites, shrapnel wounds, and of course the cut tongue. After fixing the same problem so many times, Amy was almost getting bored with the solutions. She could probably come up with alternatives, if she considered it for a moment, but she really didn''t want to.
The meeting wrapped up not long after the girl''s ''deal'', which of course the Protectorate wouldn''t take. Amy wouldn''t either...no matter how much she wanted to. The heroes began filing out, leaving the Undersiders and a group of out-of-town Wards with Amy. They quietly discussed tactics before rising and making their way out.
¡°Hey.¡± Amy caught Skitter''s arm on her way past. ¡°I''ve helped you guys a ton, made you bugs I really shouldn''t have, now I''m fixing you up from...whatever fucking criminal shit got you this hurt. You owe me.¡± Skitter stared at her for a moment.
¡°What do you want?¡± Even with her throat fixed, bugs still augmented her voice.
¡°Bring Amaranth back,¡± she said. ¡°You do that and...and we''re square.¡±
¡°Might not be possible,¡± Tattletale chimed in. ¡°Noelle isn''t going to let her go without a fight, or without an exchange. You can guess which one we''d take.¡±
¡°I''m not stupid enough to think you''re selfless,¡± Amy spat. ¡°But you fucking bring her back or...fuck, I don''t know, I''ll make every god damn bug in Brockton Bay give you a headache.¡± She could do so much more but...she wouldn''t.
¡°I''ll try,¡± Skitter offered, pulling away. ¡°That''s all I can do.¡± With that she was gone, leaving Amy alone in the conference room. After a moment, she rose and headed down to the lobby.
She had to try too.
Interlude 11.i
Amy wasn''t the kind of cape that went into the field. Unless someone was injured badly enough they couldn''t be moved, she waited til they were brought to her. Tonight though...she just couldn''t. The entire briefing, no one said a word about trying to rescue Lia, or even Vista when Tattletale revealed she was still alive.
Now she was in the back of a van with a bunch of PRT officers, all armed with actual guns, and Battery. The hero was worrying at the base of her prosthetic, where it met her skin. It was covered by her costume, but Amy could see the seam through it. She''d offered to help, but Battery said nothing was wrong. She was right of course, Amy had fixed her arm up as best she could once she''d started healing again. Still...
No, she couldn''t worry about it because there were bigger problems. They weren''t near the fighting, Miss Militia had been very clear about the nightmare that would unfold if Amy got...eaten. Despite the distance, she could hear feel the ground rumbling as the capes fought Noelle, or Echidna as they were calling her now. It made her antsy.
It was almost too bad she''d never paid attention when Uncle Neil tried to teach her the basics of fighting. Not that Amy could actually do anything in this fight, but some kind of knowledge she could cling to would be nice. Hopefully the heroes would be fine and--
¡°Medic!¡± A cape in tight, cornflower-blue spandex with a blaze of yellow lightning across the chest tore the door open. ¡°Got wounded.¡± Amy glanced at Battery, who gave a quick nod.
She was out of her seat and the van in seconds, grimacing at the sight of half a dozen wounded capes laid out on white sheets. After tersely getting permission, Amy began healing right away. The injuries were ugly: chemical burns, shattered bones, bacterial infections that she''d never seen in a textbook or her hundreds of hours in hospitals. What the fuck were they fighting out there?
She recognized one of the costumes, black with red suns. She was one of the Travelers, Sundancer, made a sun that she controlled. If these kinds of villains were working with the Protectorate, they were really going all out. Amy quickly patched her up, then moved onto a cape soaked in digestive juices. He was incoherent, babbling something about someone being ''taken from him''. Poor guy, must have snapped.
She did a little extra for him, slowing his heart and relaxing his overly tense muscles. Thirty seconds later he was breathing normally, if staring a little weird. Amy ignored it and finished the last cape, who only had a broken wrist, then hopped back in the van. She strapped back into her seat, and a minute later they were moving again.
¡°Think they''ll get her, cap?¡± one of the officers asked as the ground shivered, rocking the van.
¡°No doubt,¡± the man replied with confidence. ¡°Word from on high is the Triumvirate is here now. You ever seen them fight before?¡± The other officer just shook his head. ¡°Well you probably won''t get to today, but it''s the stuff of wonders.¡±
¡°Stuff of nightmares more like,¡± another groused. ¡°You didn''t see when they were fighting the Nine, sir.¡±
¡°I didn''t,¡± he admitted. ¡°Doesn''t matter. They''re the best heroes we have, strongest too. Situation like this we need all the artillery we can get.¡±
¡°I''m not a fan of scorched earth, captain.¡±
¡°Enough of that,¡± Battery snapped.
The van rolled on as the shaking got worse. In the distance, Amy could hear the sounds of battle picking up again. Whatever the heroes were doing to stop Noelle, or Echidna, or whatever the fuck they were calling her, it wasn''t enough. The van halted and a moment later there was banging on the door. When it opened, there was another cape, bleeding from a long gash along his jaw.
Amy sighed and got to her feet, then hopped down to the ground. More capes needed healing, a woman with a tie-dyed bulletproof vest, a trio of exotic looking pistols and a hole in her liver; a man dressed in pastel blue who''d lost two legs above the knee; a monstrous creature that Amy realized couldn''t be older than ten if her power wasn''t messing with her.
They were all fucked up. Not just the wounded, but capes in general. Amy knew it was common for most parahumans, hero or villain, to be more difficult to deal with. That was the nature of getting powers you didn''t want as a consolation for living through your personal worst nightmare. And despite that, as soon as they were healed every single one got back up and charged towards the fray.
Looking up the road, Amy finally caught sight of it and paled. The monster had looked far smaller on the other side of the camera. Now it, or she, towered nearly as tall as some of the buildings around her. Ice had formed all around her, slowly being chipped away by tremendous blasts of light coming down from the sky. Amy glanced up and saw a tiny figure that could only be Legend pouring them down.
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However the fight had been going before, it seemed to be coming to an end here. Echidna was trapped, heaving up piles of bodies that were being laid into by fire, ice, and multi-coloured explosions. It was hideous, the screams from the dying, the scent of gore and smoke carried on the wind. Amy couldn''t help but agree, this was the stuff of nightmares.
A flicker overhead drew her gaze, and her eyes widened; Sundancer had decided enough was enough. The sun grew rapidly and even from here Amy could hear Echidna''s bloodcurdling shriek. It was cut off by a loud crackle as the sun crashed down, plowing into the monster and the street below. As it hung there, annihilating everything inside of it, Amy began to walk towards it.
Not the sun exactly, but the heroes she knew would be gathered around it. There would be injured, probably too many to count, many more who couldn''t be moved. Lia hadn''t been among the capes brought back yet, but it was obvious some of them had been inside Echidna, soaked in digestive juices. That was okay, she had to just be too injured to move or something. Had to be.
The sun flickered out as Amy got to the battlefield, barely a minute later. There was nothing left of the monster but ashes and a crater. As the soot cleared, she saw Alexandria step out, naked as the day she was born. Looking around, Amy couldn''t find Lia in the sea of capes. She started walking, then jogging, then sprinting between groups, ignoring the wounded asking for help. Lia had to be here, she had to be here.
Her breath was coming quicker, heart pounding rapidly. Amy knew the signs of a panic attack and swore under her breath, sitting on a piece of rubble well away from the other heroes as they gathered around Alexandria. Lia wasn''t here, which meant she was still inside that thing when Sundancer vaporized it. Amy couldn''t find the cape, but knew it was her fault that--
An ugly cough echoed out, and her head snapped up. At the edge of the crater, there was a slowly moving silhouette getting to its knees, then slowly standing. It looked around for a moment, then began limping towards the other heroes. Amy squinted. The costume was familiar, but it was covered in hideous greens and blacks of bile. As soon as she realized though, she gasped and leaped to her feet, sprinting across the cracked asphalt.
¡°Amaranth!¡± she cried, making the girl turn towards her. ¡°Amaranth oh my god!¡±
She wrapped the smaller hero in a hug, her breath coming in deep, shuddering heaves. Amaranth was stiff in her grip, and Amy could feel her shivering despite the heat. She shuffled and pulled away from Amy, her face downcast. Lia raised her head and slowly craned it across the battlefield before she finally met Amy''s eyes.
¡°What happened?¡± Her voice was a dry rattle.
¡°You...you got eaten by Echidna and--¡±
¡°No shit,¡± Lia coughed. ¡°Clone''s, where''d they go?¡±
¡°Um, I think the heroes got them.¡± Amy glanced over her shoulder and grimaced at the piles of bodies. ¡°Echidna said yours ran away.¡± She was suddenly pulled and Lia''s bloodshot, grey eyes stared at her, wild and violent.
¡°Where?¡± It was a demand.
¡°I don''t know,¡± she blurted. ¡°I''m not a fighter, I wasn''t fighting them! Echidna said it ran off after saying something about how things weren''t real. Vista''s apparently went after her family, but...¡± Amy managed to stop herself before saying something stupid and insensitive like ''yours is already dead''. Amaranth stared at her for a moment, then let her go and began scanning the horizon.
¡°Fucker,¡± she swore. ¡°I already did your fucking job, what more could you--¡± Lia froze, staring at the distant apartment blocks known as the Towers. ¡°You bitch.¡±
Without another word, Lia ran. A limping, pathetic pace, barely more than a jog, but Amy had just watched her survive a sun dropped on her head. She took a few, feeble steps, but stopped herself before long. She wanted to help Lia, wanted to save her from...well not herself, but an eviler version of it.
She couldn''t. Amy wasn''t a fighter, she''d just get in the way. But at least here, she might be able to do some good, even if it wasn''t for Lia. With a deep breath, she turned around and joined the heroes again, walking between injured cape after injured cape, healing each in turn. The injuries were awful, career-ending in most cases, but nobody died under her hands. No one ever had before...
The heroes were arguing with the Undersiders, something ugly she wanted no part of. She strode to the edge of the scorched crater, staring down into the pit below. The asphalt was still glowing in places and the heat was unbearable. Amy took a step back, filling her lungs with slightly cooler air. A scraping footstep made her turn around, and she saw Skitter standing there, slightly hunched.
¡°What?¡± Amy asked.
¡°Need your help,¡± she replied, bugs buzzing. ¡°Still have wounded.¡±
¡°Heal thyself,¡± Amy spat. ¡°I did enough for you as it is.¡±
¡°You did help us before,¡± Skitter agreed. ¡°We still need your help now. If it''s a question of money--¡±
¡°It''s not,¡± she cut the villain off, hands balling into fists. ¡°And you still fucking owe me, because you sure as shit didn''t try and pull L-- Amaranth out of that.¡± She pointed sharply at the smouldering crater.
¡°I didn''t. I told Sundancer to do it, was our only chance to end it.¡± There was a beat of silence.
¡°You''re a fucking monster, Skitter.¡± The villain jolted like she''d been struck. ¡°Get the fuck away from me. If you ask for healing again I''ll...¡± Amy grit her teeth and shook her head. ¡°Go.¡± Mercifully she did.
Amy turned back to the crater, wondering how Lia had survived. There was an ugly feeling squirming in her guts saying, in a way, she hadn''t.
Borrowed Eyes VI
¡°Yeah, you''re okay though?¡± Dean asked, staring out at the distant flashes of laser blasts.
¡°I''m fucking pissed, Dean.¡± He held back a sigh and rested his forehead against the glass of the window. ¡°I should be out there helping fight off whatever monstrosity is wrecking the city. But I''m stuck at home like a fucking cripple because of her, waiting for a medevac call that isn''t coming.¡±
¡°You''ve got an appointment with Scapegoat in a few hours,¡± he replied as calmly as he could, gaze rising to the red horizon. ¡°Then you''ll be okay, you''ll be able to fight again, and I''ll be right behind you.¡±
¡°It''ll be over by then,¡± Vicky retorted, the speaker adding a buzz to her harsh tone. ¡°She''s still fucking with me even now, it''s not fair!¡±
¡°I''m sorry Vicky,¡± Dean said. He didn''t have anything else left. ¡°I''m gonna go, see if I can get some sleep before heading in. You know they''ll put me straight back on duty.¡±
¡°Fine,¡± she snapped. There was a beat of silence, then she came back, quieter. ¡°Sorry. Thanks for listening Dean I...you''re the only one I can talk to about this.¡±
¡°You could talk to Dr. Yamada or--¡±
¡°We''ve been over this,¡± she cut him off. ¡°I''m not telling her about...that.¡±
¡°Okay.¡± He knew better than to fight this. ¡°I''m happy to listen any time Vicky, I love you.¡±
¡°I love you too Dean.¡± She sighed. ¡°See you soon.¡±
The line clicked and he stuffed the phone into his pocket as a mushroom cloud bloomed over several highrises. The window rattled against his forehead and he pushed himself off it. He meant it, being happy to listen to the woman he loved. It was why he''d taken a call this early, when he couldn''t sleep from stress and she couldn''t being on standby. He was just...so fucking tired.
These days everyone seemed to be taking their pound of flesh, all at once. His Wards were demoralized and exhausted, but there was no end in sight to the chaos of the city. His girlfriend had been mentally raped by her sister, and said sister was still around and still at work, making things that much harder. And then there was his newest Ward.
Lia was a fucking conundrum. Her behaviour made no sense to Dean, and he had the power to see why she felt like doing things. Well, it started to add up when she''d told him about the apparent source of her precognition. Even that didn''t make her frankly insane decisions make sense. Going from not wanting to join, to joining and wanting to make a difference, to fucking leaving in the middle of a disaster, to coming back and just...falling back in line.
And why? Dean couldn''t fault her motivation, really. According to Victoria, she''d been there when she woke up mostly healed, her head fixed. Lia had explained what needed to be done, but hadn''t helped any more. Vicky hadn''t said anything about it, but Dean had his doubts Amy would have been able to do as much as she did alone.
A blue column of light, wider than and laser blast he''d seen, speared down from the sky. A red glow lit the room behind him, but he took a deep breath and closed his fist, snuffing it out. That had been an outlet he really didn''t want to get into. Dean had been neglecting his therapy, cutting visits short or finding excuses to be busy. It wasn''t healthy, wasn''t sustainable but...he just needed space.
And of course he couldn''t even find it at home. Turning away from the window didn''t help, Dean just watched the flickering lights on the wall. He sighed and rubbed his eyes, walking over and laying down on his couch. He grunted and sat up, adjusting a pillow so he could prop up his cast, then laid back down and shut his eyes.
He really ought to see a doctor. He''d been getting nasty headaches lately, and awful night terrors that had him up early almost every morning. He hated waking Vicky up too, part of why he hadn''t wanted her over when he was trying to rest. The one time she''d been over, she''d spent the whole next day fussing over him. It had been...nice, sure, but Vicky had too much to deal with herself. Dean couldn''t let her burn herself out on him.
A sharp pounding came from the door and his eyes snapped open. The fuck? No one had buzzed up, was it one of his neighbours looking for help? He sighed and rose, hoping Irene''s cat wasn''t dangling from the balcony again. He grabbed his hoodie from the back of the couch and threw it on, then a pair of shorts over his boxers before heading to the door. Dean twisted the handle and pulled--
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The door flew back and he was thrown into the wall, then lifted off his feet by a pair of invisible hands. A lanky, hunched person walked through, an oversized bathrobe wrapped around them, a broad-brimmed hat hiding their face. They turned their head slightly, raising it just enough that he could see a predatory grin grow.
¡°Hello Dean.¡± They sounded like Lia but...their voice was deeper, with a heavy rasp. ¡°Thanks for telling me where you lived earlier.¡±
¡°Who are y--¡±
¡°Three guesses,¡± they snapped, tearing off their hat. ¡°The first two don''t count, loverboy.¡±
It was...well, it looked like Lia. Her face was longer though, drawn to a sharp point at her nose. Her lips were puckered, her smile was too small for her face, and her teeth too large for her mouth. She stood at least a foot taller too, despite being hunched and clearly bow-legged judging by her gait. In the flickering light of distant battle, he saw a slight shimmer in front of him, roughly outlining a shape like the twisted girl in front of him.
¡°You''re not Amaranth,¡± Dean choked out.
¡°You''re right, after a fashion,¡± she chuckled dryly and started walking. Dean was dragged along the wall with her. ¡°Let''s get you comfortable before we have a nice little talk. That''s what you always fucking wanted, right? The whole story, no punches pulled.¡±
He felt a chill up his back, then stifled a yell as he was flung onto the couch. Dean only just managed to sit up before the force, the not-Lia''s projection he assumed, pressed him hard against the cushions. She paced anxiously in front of the couch, face twisted with a mix of anger and fear. Her aura was awash in it, undercut by the ugly shade of absolute hatred.
¡°Who are you?¡± Dean asked, taking a deep breath to try and settle himself, at least get in the zone.
¡°Amelia,¡± she spat. ¡°Call me Amy or it''ll get fucking confusing.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°Enough questions.¡± He felt fingers he couldn''t see tighten around his throat. ¡°At least, about boring shit like that. You know Lia was right to not tell you. If you knew what I knew...¡± Her voice shook, then she turned and grinned. ¡°Well, you will soon enough. Where do you think we should start, Dean?¡±
¡°At...the start?¡± He choked out.
¡°Good answer.¡± The thing calling herself Amy chuckled. ¡°Well, I guess I started like every fucking one of us, getting screwed by life until I snapped. Well, not all of us, right Dean?¡± He flinched. ¡°Oh I know, the heroes will too since Lia''s a little fuckup, can''t fix anything that actually matters. Vicky''s gonna know. But that won''t matter for long. Anyway, I''m getting sidetracked.¡±
¡°So since you don''t know what it feels like, imagine having your soul scraped out and replaced with an alien parasite that wants nothing more than for you to fight, and fight, and fight. And then because God decided that wasn''t enough, he added a fucking bonus on top.¡±
¡°Lia comes back when she dies,¡± Dean managed to gasp.
¡°Oh you think that''s everything, right.¡± She cackled. ¡°Yeah she''s got a little retard helmet that means she keeps coming back. Not that she can use it right. You know how fucking close she was to killing Leviathan, then gave up because Amy, Vicky, and you made doe-eyes at her? Stupid, selfish little dumbass. Anyway, sidetracked.¡±
¡°You know the PRT calls me a precog, because I haven''t told them what I am because it''s insane. But hey, the fucking world''s going insane, going to end soon anyway. You heard about that right? World ends in two years, they call it ''Gold Morning'', but I''m getting way fucking ahead of myself. Spoilers and all that.¡±
¡°Spoilers?¡±
¡°Spoilers,¡± she repeated, grinning. ¡°So, what do I get besides shitty superpowers? Memories. Not mine, or...mine, or not or fuck this stupid fucking dipshit.¡± The clone shouted and kicked the coffee table, toppling it. ¡°Mine or fucking not, I remember shit now. All this? What we''re going through Dean? It''s all a lie, a fiction, made up by some Canadian prick.¡±
¡°Pardon if I don''t believe tha--¡± The projection cut off Dean''s retort.
¡°How do you think I fucking knew everything?¡± she asked, whirling on him. ¡°I knew from day fucking one after triggering that Amy would rape her sister. Wasn''t even able to stop it, just pick up the fucking pieces like always. But who fucking cares because it isn''t real. Just a little pit of hell some asshole made up because he was bored. And Lia''s gone and fucked it all up.¡±
¡°You should have died, back at Leviathan.¡± She leaned down, grey eyes too large for her face glaring hatefully. ¡°That was how it happened when I read it. Died at Leviathan and left poor Victoria heartbroken and alone, with her sister breaking down. And you never even told her did you? Probably what led to this whole shitshow to begin with, so I guess you''ll have that to sit with you. At least til I''m done.¡±
¡°Done?¡± Dean hated how his voice shook.
¡°Technically til you''re done.¡± The grip around his neck tightened. ¡°All this fucking bullshit I''ve suffered because of her? I''m going to make it all worthless. Undo every fucking change she made, put this fiction back on track. You know I, she, we remember being a writer, writing about this world. Always making changes, but I''m a fan of the original. After I''m done here, I''ll grab Vicky and Amy, and show her what breaking her rules really fucking looks like. Can''t kill Lia since it won''t stick, so I''ll remind her what makes this world a fucking nightmare. Wish I could make you watch, but I''ll just--¡±
¡°SHUT UP!¡±
Borrowed Eyes VII
¡°Shutupshutupshutupshutupshutup!¡±
A litany, over and over and over, accompanied by screams of pain and the meaty sound of a body being stabbed repeatedly. The intensity of the auras made it hard to see the blood, but when it spattered on Dean''s face everything came crashing in. Lia was on top of the twisted doppelganger, a hand around its mouth, a short knife in her hand flashing as she jammed it into the thing''s stomach. With a final shriek, she jammed the dagger in its throat and pulled it out the side with a spray of blood.
The pressure on his neck vanished and he took a deep, heaving gasp. The room reeked of gore, and the air was filled with the sound of agonized sobbing. Dean sat up and saw Lia had rolled to the side, aura all oily black and carmine betrayal. Betrayal? He shook his head, lack of sleep was getting to him. He stood and took the two steps over to Lia, reaching a hand out.
She recoiled with a wordless scream, scrambling back and slipping in the pool of blood behind her. Lia fell and didn''t rise, instead bringing her knees to her chest and hugging herself tightly. Dean sat where he was, looking at the thing Lia had killed. Jesus... He ran a shaking hand through his hair, getting too long now, needed a trim.
¡°Lia?¡± It came out as a croak, and he winced as she flinched. ¡°Sorry, I...thank you. You saved me.¡± Another flinch. ¡°Are you...wounded?¡±
¡°Fuck,¡± Lia swore. She pushed herself up, and vomit poured into the blood below.
Dean gingerly grabbed the hair that had come loose of her hood and pulled it back. It was an awkward position, trying not to touch her but keeping it out of the way as she heaved. After a minute, Lia shook her head and sat back, breathing heavily. She peeled off her hood and turned her head, staring out the window at the rising sun.
She looked like shit. A nasty observation, but accurate. Her hair was singed, and he could see blisters on her exposed skin, where it wasn''t covered with blood. Falling in the puddle had left her soaked in the stuff down half of her body, with spatter decorating the rest. She was shivering, rocking slightly back and forth as she stared quietly out the window.
¡°Fuck,¡± Lia swore again. ¡°I...I''m fucked.¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡± Dean asked hesitantly.
¡°You heard what she said,¡± she continued flatly. ¡°Didn''t catch all of it but...I heard enough. The whole fucking story, I bet.¡± He couldn''t suppress his flinch. ¡°Yeah I fucking thought so.¡±
¡°I understand it was probably lying,¡± he hedged. ¡°Blowing things out of proportion to make you look bad. It...that seemed to be its goal, besides killing me.¡± Lia snorted and spat on its corpse.
¡°It''s me, and it wasn''t.¡± She sighed and ran a bloodstained hand through her hair. ¡°Just...will you let me explain before you arrest me?¡±
¡°Arrest you?¡±
¡°Sworn prediction made under false pretenses, punishable with a life sentence in the Birdcage, depending on how much damage results.¡± Lia stared out the window, eyes wide. ¡°Caused a lot of damage...¡±
¡°It''s not...¡±
He paused. Could he really say it wasn''t her fault? Dean hadn''t quite understood what the clone was getting at, talking about memories. But Lia talked about her predictions the same way, as ''remembering'' it. He thought that had to do with her dying and coming back but... He stood and offered her a hand.
¡°Come on,¡± Dean said. ¡°Let''s sit somewhere you aren''t getting dirtier.¡± She looked down, shivered, then nodded.
He gave her a hand up and slowly led her to the couch. She practically collapsed onto her side, staring sightlessly out the window. He draped a blanket over her, then limped into his bedroom and grabbed his phone. Dean made a brief call to the PRT, requesting a containment team. He didn''t need backup, but neither he or Lia was in a state to sort out the body.
Once finished, he returned to the living room and sat on the couch, giving Lia ample space. She still curled up tightly when he took a seat, scooching as far as she could. He let her be, taking a moment to snag a footrest and prop up his broken ankle. He held himself back from reaching out, barely. Lia had been responsible Gradually, the ugly storm of colour in her palette muted, greying out. It didn''t right itself, Lia was still utterly despondent, but she sat up and managed to look at him.
¡°So,¡± she said shakily. ¡°You know.¡±
¡°Know what?¡± he asked. ¡°That you apparently read about all this in...in a book?¡± She sighed and shook her head.
¡°It''s...complicated.¡± Lia grimaced and plucked at a singed-short strand of hair. ¡°You...I...what exactly did she say?¡±
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¡°When you triggered, in addition to your powers, you gained knowledge of the future,¡± Dean said slowly. ¡°And...you think you read it somewhere.¡±
¡°No, I did, or not me exactly or...¡± She let out a groan. ¡°I''m not Lia. My name''s Amy, Amy...something, not Amelia D''souza. I''m a...I don''t fucking know, time and space traveler? I showed up here May 13th and...¡± She trailed off, her voice shaking.
¡°O...kay.¡± Dean was intensely confused. Was this a psychotic break? His empathic sight didn''t give much insight into mental illness, beyond the feelings it caused. ¡°So...Amy was it? That was two days before Leviathan, a day before you triggered right?¡±
¡°Day after,¡± Lia corrected. ¡°I...lied about that. Figured it out day two, but since I go back, well, yeah.¡±
¡°And you read about all this?¡± He was doing his best to hide his disbelief.
¡°And this is why I never told anyone, because it''s insane.¡± Lia chewed her lower lip, and he saw a bead of blood glisten in the early morning light. ¡°I''m insane, or I feel like it because like...all of this is impossible Dean. The fact that I''m talking to you is impossible, because you''re fictional and you died. Or you didn''t because I saved you but I shouldn''t have been able to because--¡± She cut herself off with a barely stifled sob.
¡°That''s...a lot.¡± He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to ignore the oily stain at the edges of her goldenrod-terror palette. ¡°But you did save me Lia, I''m here.¡±
¡°You shouldn''t be,¡± she snapped. ¡°We shouldn''t be. Dean I know I''m not Lia because I didn''t read about her.¡±
¡°Okay.¡± He cocked his head. ¡°Can I ask about...Amy then?¡± She turned her head and stared.
¡°Why the fuck would you want to know about he-- me?¡± His lips twitched down at the stutter. ¡°Ruined my fucking life.¡±
¡°Your life?¡±
¡°Or Lia''s life,¡± she corrected herself. ¡°I...the only reason I can think that I didn''t read about m-- her is I wasn''t in it. I...I think I was supposed to die to Leviathan, like you.¡±
¡°But here you are.¡±
¡°I shouldn''t be Dean, I shouldn''t be.¡± Her aura flared with a burst of vicious fury and she threw herself off the couch, aiming a brutal kick that made the clone''s neck twist with a wet ''snap''. ¡°Fucking bitch, ruined my fucking life! Fuck you!¡± She screamed and kicked the corpse again, panting heavily. Dean felt a bead of sweat slowly slide down his back.
¡°Lia.¡± She flinched. ¡°I hear you, okay? It sounds...awful, but I want to help.¡± Despite everything, he found he meant it. ¡°Come sit down. If you want to talk, I''ll listen, if not, I''ll leave you alone.¡±
Her return to the couch was agonizingly slow, but she did come back. Her aura was...a mess, he couldn''t even begin to make sense of all the feelings she was feeling, beyond they were all bad. Despite that, he found the faintest shade of something resembling hope under it all. Lia slowly turned her head and looked at him with a gaze that weighed a thousand pounds.
She told him, not all at once, certainly not coherently, but Dean could finally piece together some kind of picture of Lia. Thirty years of memories jammed into her head at her trigger event. He''d never heard of anything like it, and Lia wasn''t wrong that it sounded insane. But Dean worked with a guy made of living metal and had heard of twins being fused; just because he hadn''t heard of it didn''t make it less of a parahuman phenomenon. Victoria would be better at handling that.
Her constant switching between first and third-person made things difficult to follow. Sometimes her ''Amy'' memories were Lia''s and sometimes they were ''hers''. And she wasn''t lying, but he could see how she was even confusing herself.
¡°Do you remember the day before you...came here?¡± Dean asked during a long pause.
¡°No.¡± There was a certainty that hadn''t been there before. ¡°I don''t and that terrifies me. I just...I remember the night before and going...getting powers. I wish I didn''t.¡± He nodded.
¡°Okay.¡± His phone buzzed in his pocked and he checked it, then pressed a few keys to buzz the team in. ¡°The PRT is here.¡± She sighed.
¡°Alright.¡± Lia held out her arms, wrists pressed together. ¡°Get it over with.¡±
¡°I''m not arresting you, Lia,¡± Dean said, too tired to keep the exasperation from his voice. ¡°They''ll handle cleanup and take us back to headquarters. You need to rest.¡±
¡°I...¡± She trailed off, staring at the floor. He saw tears dripping. ¡°Why?¡±
¡°Why am I not arresting you? I haven''t heard that you committed any crimes.¡± Dean held up a hand as she opened her mouth. ¡°Just because you weren''t forthcoming about how you experience your power doesn''t mean you did wrong; and that''s not my job to determine. Right now, all that''s going to happen is you''re going back to your quarters, cleaning up, and resting. Everything else...it can be decided later.¡± She hung her head as bootsteps echoed down the halls.
¡°Okay,¡± Lia whispered, total defeat colouring her palette. ¡°I''m sorry Dean I''m...I''m sorry.¡±
¡°Apology accepted,¡± Dean replied, rising and offering a hand. She took it and stood. ¡°And this time, I think I can forgive you. Second time you saved my life and everything.¡± He began walking towards the door.
¡°Doesn''t count,¡± she retorted glumly as she trailed behind him. ¡°Since it was me putting you in danger.¡±
¡°All the more reason to call it square,¡± he replied, flagging down the first two officers that entered. ¡°Go with them, I won''t be long.¡± She glanced at each man then back at him.
¡°Fine,¡± she sighed. ¡°I...goodbye Dean.¡±
¡°Goodbye Lia.¡± He turned to the squad''s sergeant as his men led her away. ¡°One body, a mutant I think from the recent threat.¡±
¡°Echidna, sir,¡± the man replied, holding out a paper mask. ¡°We''re burning them.¡±
¡°Make sure the face is covered,¡± he said, covering his own. ¡°Situation''s bad enough as is.¡±
¡°Understood. Percy?¡± An officer with a red-cross armband came over. ¡°We''ll take you back with us; she''ll make sure you''re alright in the meantime.¡±
¡°I''m fine,¡± Dean replied, frowning as Officer Percy pulled out a penlight and clicked it on.
¡°Those bruises don''t look ''fine'', if you don''t mind me saying,¡± she said. ¡°Just take a seat, relax; the cavalry''s here.¡± He snorted and looked out the window at the rising plumes of smoke.
¡°Charge of the Light Brigade.¡± The sergeant raised an eyebrow.
¡°A bit grim,¡± he said.
¡°I just watched a kid kill an evil clone of herself, I''m not feeling optimistic.¡±
¡°We did win, sir.¡±
¡°I hope it was worth it, sergeant.¡± A beat.
¡°So do I, sir.¡±
Borrowed Eyes VIII
¡°Gallant, I''m glad to have you back,¡± Deputy Director Renick greeted him with a smile. ¡°How are you feeling? Scapegoat get you all fixed up?¡±
¡°Clean bill of health,¡± he replied simply. Gallant took a seat, wincing as the chair groaned under his armoured bulk. ¡°How bad was it?¡± The man grimaced.
¡°Bad,¡± Renick replied. ¡°Twenty-four capes dead or permanently disabled, then all this shit coming out about the PRT.¡± He sighed and shook his head. ¡°Apologies Gallant, it''s been a long day.¡±
¡°Yes sir,¡± Gallant said, setting two stacks of paper of the desk. ¡°I''m sorry to add to it.¡± Renick eyed him, then took the papers.
¡°God dammit,¡± he swore. ¡°I suppose I can''t persuade you to stay for at least a week, can I?¡±
¡°I''m sorry,¡± he repeated. ¡°I...I can''t be a hero in good faith anymore. I purchased my powers, or had them purchased for me so...¡± He shrugged.
¡°You''re not the only one,¡± Renick said. ¡°More than a fifth of the active duty roster did, according to what I''ve heard. Of course that could easily be an exaggeration, but I just mean that you''re not going to be screwed for it.¡±
¡°I appreciate that sir but...¡± Gallant sighed. ¡°I''ve been lying about my powers for years, lied to my teammates, my girlfriend. Even if I stayed around, there''s no way any of them could trust me again.¡±
¡°You''re going to be damned difficult to replace.¡± Renick flipped through the sheaf of papers. ¡°Will you at least stay on in a limited capacity for a while? Just while we''re reorganizing things, get your replacement trained up.¡± Gallant shook his head.
¡°I''m done sir, sorry.¡± Renick nodded his head slowly.
¡°Then I sincerely hope you at least keep being a hero.¡± He pulled out a pen and spent a few minutes signing and initialing the paperwork. ¡°God knows we need as many as we can get.¡±
¡°I''m not retiring, just leaving the Wards.¡±
¡°I''m not sure how much difference that will make, unfortunately.¡± Renick pushed the papers back towards him, then began examining the second stack. ¡°Whatever the case, I wish you all the best. Been a pleasure working with you, Gallant.¡±
¡°Likewise, sir.¡±
¡°Now this...¡± He paused, reading over the papers. ¡°A therapy request? The Wards are already on weekly sessions.¡±
¡°Yes sir,¡± he replied. ¡°If you''ll please finish.¡±
Renick stared at him for a moment, then nodded. Gallant, or Dean now, glanced out the window. Smoke was still rising from where the fighting had been heaviest, firestorms ignited by the star that ended the battle. He''d read the reports an hour ago, while waiting for Scapegoat to recover enough to fix his leg.
''Nightmare'' was putting things lightly. He''d avoided the casualty lists, just in case, but the AARs were enough. Alexandria. Not just her, but the entire Triumvirate had apparently bought their powers, like him. Worse, Alexandria also worked as head of the PRT. Every report had been redacted heavily, but the implications were there; at least, they were when he had an inside look already.
¡°You''re going to need to explain this one,¡± Renick said at last, pushing the papers back. ¡°Counselling is one thing, intensive therapy?¡±
¡°It''s necessary, sir,¡± Dean said firmly. ¡°I understand it''s not...typical, but if you want Amaranth to be a functional part of your team.¡±
¡°This is related to why you took her off the patrol roster?¡± Dean nodded. ¡°Brief me.¡±
¡°I''m not sure, but I think it''s her power expression sir; I really don''t know.¡± He sighed. ¡°At least clear her for an assessment? If you won''t take my word for it, Doctor Yamada is--¡±
¡°It''s fine, Gallant,¡± Renick interrupted him, taking the papers and signing. ¡°Pending Yamada''s approval, I can give her two weeks at least. Anything else will be up to whoever''s next on the chopping block here.¡±
¡°You''re not taking the position?¡±
¡°Hell no,¡± Renick grunted, stacking the paperwork on one side of his desk. ¡°I''ve been doing this for ten years, been with the PRT for twenty. I''m sure with your New Wave connections, you''ve heard them gripe about the bad old days, right? Used to be the directorship was a hotseat, changed at least once a year if not more. When I made deputy director, I swore I''d never drop ''deputy'' from the title; I''m quite happy not being kidnapped or shot by a warlord.¡±
¡°I...that''s fair.¡± Dean stood and offered a hand. ¡°I appreciate it sir, really.¡±
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¡°Least I can do,¡± Renick said, taking his hand and giving it a brief shake. ¡°You''ve come a long way from the brat that was annoyed he wasn''t going on a solo patrol night one.¡± Dean chuckled and shook his head.
¡°Can''t believe you remember that,¡± he replied.
¡°I try and keep track of the Wards who stick around,¡± Renick said with a shrug. ¡°Take care of yourself Gallant, or...whoever you''ll be in the future.¡±
¡°Same to you, sir.¡±
Dean left the deputy director''s office and headed towards the elevator. He did his best to ignore the looks some staff gave him, full of suspicion and barely restrained anger. Worse was their palettes, something he couldn''t ignore. Dean knew the moment he stepped foot inside the PRT headquarters that he was done. He hadn''t seen his team yet, but knew it would be much of the same.
He punched a button, maybe a little harder than necessary, and the elevator began slowly traveling down. He glanced in the mirror on the side, at his battered armour. Not his anymore, it was property of the PRT. Dean was going to need to sort out a new costume, new identity, figure out what exactly he was going to do after all this. He still wanted to be a hero, but he knew how dangerous being a solo act was.
Maybe a team? There were going to be a lot of independent capes now, though he''d have similar issues working with them as with the Wards; trust. Maybe New Wave but... A sigh escaped Dean''s lips as his head thumped against the wall. He had to tell Vicky. Even thinking about it made him sick, but he couldn''t hide it anymore. Never should have in the first place, but that was his mistake to live with.
He left the elevator and headed down the quiet halls of the infirmary. It was quiet, despite the intensity of the recent battle. Dean knew that was at least partly because Amy had joined the fight, or at least had been close enough to keep most people alive. He forced back the flicker of anger, it was a bad impulse. Amy had helped, objectively he knew things would be worse if she hadn''t. Still... He shook his head and rapped his knuckles on one of the doors.
¡°Gallant,¡± Dr. Yamada greeted him with a smile. ¡°It''s good to see you. Come in?¡± He nodded and stepped inside, taking a seat when she offered. ¡°You''ve caught me between appointments, good timing. I hope I''ll still see you tomorrow afternoon?¡±
¡°Not...exactly doctor.¡± Dean grimaced and wrung his hands. ¡°I''m leaving the Wards. I...have you heard what happened?¡±
¡°I know there was a battle and it went...worse than it could have.¡± She cocked her head. ¡°Beyond that, only rumours; I know better than to put my stake in those.¡±
¡°Sometimes they have a grain of truth,¡± he muttered, then took a deep breath. ¡°My parents bought my powers for me and I''ve lied about it for years. So...yeah, I''m done.¡± She blinked.
¡°Well,¡± Yamada said after a moment of silence. ¡°That''s...quite something. Thank you for telling me.¡±
¡°You''re not angry?¡±
¡°I...may I be honest Gallant?¡± He nodded. ¡°I''m more confused than I am angry. I''ve worked with parahumans for my entire career, and frankly I cannot see the appeal. I understand not everyone has that sort of perspective but...still.¡±
¡°Yeah it''s...it''s not what I expected.¡± Dean sighed. ¡°Anyway, that''s not the whole reason I''m here. You remember Amaranth?¡±
¡°Of course,¡± she replied. ¡°I take it you''re not here to tell me she''s made a miraculous turn around?¡± He hung his head.
¡°It''s...bad,¡± Dean said. ¡°I don''t...in this last battle, our enemy was able to make clones, twisted versions of capes that were evil or...hostile at least. Hers attacked me, told me...some pretty unbelievable things. And then she confirmed them and...¡± He took a shuddering breath. ¡°Sorry, this isn''t an appointment and--¡±
¡°Dean,¡± she cut him off. ¡°It''s alright.¡±
¡°Okay.¡± He took a deep breath and shook his head. ¡°I shouldn''t share what she told me it''s...it''s not my place. I''ve requested she get some intensive therapy and I was hoping you could take her on. The deputy director gave his approval for two weeks, with your say so.¡± She pursed her lips, eyes drifting towards her bookshelf.
¡°I admire you taking confidentiality seriously,¡± Yamada replied with a hint of sarcasm. She turned to her computer and struck a few keys. ¡°It won''t be the ideal structure, but two weeks of alternating days would be possible. I''m assuming by intensive you meant short of institutionalization.¡±
¡°I think that would be a bad choice, ma''am,¡± Dean said. ¡°I think she just needs help working through her power expression or...something. I''m not an expert on how that stuff works, or how it affects parahumans mentally. You are.¡±
¡°You''re right about that at least.¡± She removed her glasses and rubbed them with a cloth. ¡°If she isn''t a danger to herself or others, then there''s no reason to put her in the asylum. And is she?¡±
¡°Not in my opinion,¡± he said. ¡°Maybe she has some issues with impulses, but it''s never been directed towards violence.¡± Not against anyone on their side, at least.
¡°And she''ll remain off-duty until her therapy is over?¡± A beat of silence. ¡°I see. Is tomorrow fine to start?¡±
¡°I''ll talk to Amaranth, but it should be alright.¡±
¡°I''ll talk to Amaranth,¡± Yamada countered, arching a brow as she replaced her glasses. ¡°I think you have enough on your plate as it is.¡± He hung his head.
¡°You''re not wrong,¡± Dean admitted. ¡°After this I''ve got to give the armour back to Kid Win, then go do paperwork until sundown probably.¡±
¡°As I said, quite enough. How is Victoria?¡± He tensed.
¡°Better now that she''s been healed,¡± he said. ¡°I...I don''t think she''s going to take it well.¡±
¡°Your secret?¡± Another nod. ¡°She may not. It''s still better that you''re truthful.¡±
¡°I know I just...¡± Dean sighed and pulled his helmet off, staring down at the visor. ¡°If I lose her on top of everything else...¡±
¡°Then you''ll need to reach out to others for support.¡± A business card appeared in front of him. ¡°Just because you won''t be my patient doesn''t mean we can''t talk.¡±
¡°I...thank you Doctor Yamada.¡± He took a deep breath and pocketed the card, then replaced his helmet and stood. ¡°For everything.¡±
¡°Take care of yourself, Dean,¡± she replied with a warm smile. ¡°I''ll look forward to hearing about your future heroics.¡±
He smiled and headed out, returning to the elevator and descending further. Armour return, exit paperwork, kit return which was separate from armour since nothing else was Tinker-made. His smile quickly vanished and he sighed. So much to do still, despite being on his way out of the Wards; it was exhausting, and when he went solo it would be worse. He still wanted to be a hero, no matter what.
First...maybe a break.
Exhumation 12.1
¡°Amaranth has been reluctant to share before,¡± Jessica spoke into her recorder. ¡°Hopefully these more frequent sessions will allow her to feel she can speak more freely with me. If not...well, hopefully I don''t need to worry about that.¡± There was a knock at the door and she set the recorder down on the table next to her. ¡°Please come in.¡±
Amaranth pushed her way into the room and took the seat across from Jessica as quickly as she could, pulling off her hood. The Ward''s head was lowered, but she could see Amaranth''s eyes flicking around the room rapidly, looking anywhere but at her. She suppressed a frown, that was a step back from last time, no doubt. It looked like she hadn''t received medical attention for her injuries, if the blisters around her eyes were any indication.
¡°Hello Amaranth,¡± she greeted the girl. ¡°I''m glad to see you today. Would you mind if I record our session? I''d prefer making notes myself but lately things--¡±
¡°It''s fine,¡± she said tersely, not looking at her.
¡°How are you feeling?¡± Jessica asked after five long minutes of silence.
¡°Like shit,¡± Amaranth answered another minute on. ¡°Hurting all over, crazy, you know?¡±
¡°Have you had the chance to be healed by Panacea?¡± she asked, pointedly ignoring the ''crazy'' comment. It wouldn''t do to entertain thoughts like that.
¡°Amy.¡±
¡°I''m sorry?¡±
¡°She prefers Amy,¡± Amaranth explained. ¡°And it''s fine, just a sunburn and sore. She doesn''t need to worry about me.¡±
¡°Thank you for letting me know.¡± Jessica leaned back in her chair. ¡°Would you like some cream for the sunburn, if you''re not going to be healed? I believe I have some aloe vera in my desk.¡±
¡°It''s fine,¡± she repeated, more firmly. ¡°You shouldn''t worry about me either.¡±
¡°Why is that?¡± Jessica asked.
¡°Dangerous,¡± she said with a full body shiver. ¡°For a lot of reasons. Mostly that I''m crazy.¡±
¡°I don''t feel in danger around you, Amaranth,¡± she said. ¡°Can you explain what you mean when you say ''crazy''? I don''t find that term helpful.¡±
¡°Gallant was the one who set this up, right?¡± Amaranth said, finally raising her head. ¡°It''s fine, who else would be trying to help even after he found out I''d been lying to him all this time? Didn''t he fill you in?¡±
¡°He respects confidentiality as I do.¡± She sat up straighter. ¡°I was told you may be experiencing trouble relating to your power, that''s all. Were you worried about him telling people?¡±
¡°No, just-- why didn''t he?¡± Amaranth knit her brows. ¡°Like this is crazy crazy, padded room, white coated doctors shit; um, no offense.¡±
¡°None taken,¡± Jessica lied, putting on a warm smile. ¡°Though I would ask you to be more considerate of patients who cannot take care of themselves.¡±
¡°Sorry,¡± she apologized, staring at the ground. ¡°Like...but this is. I...you can''t remember being someone else, can you?¡± Jessica blinked twice rapidly, the only sign of her surprise.
¡°Can you?¡± she asked, cocking her head slightly.
¡°I...¡± Amaranth bit her lip. ¡°I told you about my powers, kind of, about remembering things?¡±
¡°I recall,¡± she said, nodding. ¡°You mentioned them feeling, I believe you described them as ''dysphoric''?¡±
¡°Yeah because...¡± She paused, taking a series of deep breaths. ¡°I''m not Amelia D''souza I''m someone named Amy. I think I come from a different Earth, kind of like Aleph, but not. I don''t--¡± She sniffed and rubbed her eyes. ¡°Why am I like this?¡±
¡°Well...¡± Jessica took a breath and forced a smile. ¡°Alright. Would you prefer I call you Amy, rather than Amaranth?¡±
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¡°Fuck no,¡± she snarled with surprising viciousness. ¡°That bitch ruined my life. Didn''t fucking kill her fast enough to salvage the rest either.¡± Dissociation.
¡°Amaranth then,¡± she said simply. ¡°So do you feel that''s the source of your precognition?¡±
¡°It is,¡± she answered. ¡°I...I read it in a story, and yeah it''s just as crazy as it sounds. But...that''s how it happened.¡±
¡°Can you tell me more about this story?¡±
¡°What, Worm?¡± Amaranth pulled down her mask and chewed on her thumbnail. ¡°It''s...like all this, everything here was in it. You, Amy, Victoria, Gallant, everyone. Except me but, well I shouldn''t be here anyway. I didn''t read about...me.¡±
¡°When did you start remembering this story? Remembering Amy?¡± She made a face.
¡°Day fucking one,¡± Amaranth spat.
Day one, her trigger event. It clicked into place all at once. Jessica was no stranger to the bizarre and obscure, hidden away in the case files of the PRT. The transplanting of an entire person''s worth of memories wasn''t quite unheard of, the twin cases came to mind, but this was something quite else. Something new. She couldn''t help that her heart beat a little quicker.
¡°I''m very sorry Amaranth,¡± Jessica offered. ¡°That sounds difficult to deal with, especially on your own. I appreciate you telling me though.¡±
¡°Not like I had a choice,¡± she grumbled. ¡°Everything''s fucking falling apart, why not me too?¡±
¡°Do you feel like you''re falling apart?¡± She pursed her lips and stared at the ground. The silence dragged on for a minute, then two.
¡°I don''t know what I''m feeling like,¡± Amaranth said shakily. ¡°I mean I''m all over the place. I just...fucking cry sometimes out of nowhere, or punch my headboard or whatever. I have forty-six years of memories in my head and I don''t know whose is whose half the fucking time.¡± She lowered her face and cupped it in her hands. ¡°And I think I hate both of them, me, whatever.¡±
¡°I''m sorry it feels that way, Amaranth.¡± Jessica leaned forward in her seat. ¡°You said you don''t know whose memories are whose, may I ask how it feels to try and remember?¡±
¡°What the fuck does that even mean?¡±
¡°When you think about events in this story,¡± she explained; using the structure her patients presented their powers in was important. ¡°How does it feel? Are some things easier to recall than others?¡±
¡°I...I guess?¡± Amaranth brought her knees to her chest. ¡°Everything recent. Well, relatively. I...can you switch off the recording for this next part? I''m only telling you so you can have a...a complete picture of like, how crazy I am.¡±
¡°I can stop recording.¡± She was a little disappointed, but was too professional to show it. She pressed the button and turned the recorder around. ¡°Please, continue.¡±
¡°You cannot tell anyone about this, please.¡±
¡°Of course, Amaranth.¡±
¡°I...come back when I die.¡± Jessica blinked. ¡°Not metaphorically, I mean...I mean I''ve died ten times til now, eleven if you count one that didn''t stick. Every time, I woke up in my bed a few days before and had to do it all again. Usually including dying. I...I can tell you what it feels like to get drowned like a rat, or bleeding out from Hatchet Face''s axe an--¡± Amaranth stopped with a choking noise, a hand gripping her side. She took a shuddering breath that ended in a half-sob. ¡°Sorry.¡±
¡°That...¡± Jessica shook her head and sighed. ¡°I believe you Amaranth, please don''t feel you need to relive those experiences just to make me. Is it your power that does it?¡± She shrugged.
¡°Don''t think so,¡± she mumbled. ¡°Never heard of a precog that actually dies, they just stop predicting. Power or not...¡± She shook her head. ¡°Whatever, there you go, the whole fucking picture. I guess you can record again, just don''t talk about...that.¡±
¡°Would you like to talk about it before I turn the recording on?¡± Amaranth chewed on the nail of her index finger.
¡°No,¡± she replied, voice small. ¡°I''d rather never think about it again.¡± She could hardly fault the girl.
¡°Then we''ll move on, if you aren''t comfortable.¡± Jessica took a moment to gather her thoughts before flicking the machine on again. ¡°So, more recent events are easier to recall. What about events that took place before you got your powers?¡± She grimaced.
¡°Like, vaguely?¡± Amaranth shook her head. ¡°The main character was...a villain, so it''s not stuff I lived through, you know? Well, I guess I remember Bakuda''s terrorist shit, and not going to school, but I think she fought her? I don''t know, sorry.¡±
¡°Apology accepted, though I don''t believe it''s necessary.¡± Jessica offered a gentle smile. ¡°You''ve been through a lot recently, and that can have an effect on long-term memory. If you would be willing, I would like to help you...sort out these memories, for lack of a better term. Do you think that could be helpful?¡± Amaranth stared at her for a while, face full of suspicion.
¡°You''re too fucking nice,¡± she snapped. ¡°Why are you taking this at face value? This is I-N-S-A-N-E insane. I''m telling you I have a batch of interdimensional memories in my head and you just...just say ''okay'' and move on?¡±
¡°I have worked with many parahumans, Amaranth,¡± Jessica explained patiently. ¡°Each one is unique, in power, in trauma, and in how they feel about it. I cannot be inside your head, I can only trust that you''re telling me the truth as best as you can, and work with you from there. And I want to help, so I''ll do what I can with the information you give me.¡± Amaranth stared at the ground, lower lip trembling.
¡°Why is this happening to me?¡± she asked, sniffling. ¡°I''m not a good person, my mom was a bad person, but I don''t think I deserved something like this.¡±
¡°That is a question I don''t think I can answer,¡± she replied. ¡°I''m sorry for that Amaranth, but I do agree; you don''t deserve anything that''s happened to you.¡±
When the Ward began to sob, Jessica turned off the recorder. The girl deserved at least some dignity.
Exhumation 12.2
¡°Finally, we have reports that the Fallen clans are on the move in Brockton Bay,¡± Director Tagg said from behind his desk. ¡°I think it goes without saying that we can''t let them get a foothold here.¡±
¡°A truce?¡± Miss Militia asked, cocking her head. There had been enough threats lately to warrant them, what was one more? ¡°We can contact the Undersiders and--¡±
¡°No,¡± Tagg snapped, shooting her a glare. ¡°Every time the PRT has entered a ceasefire with the local gangs, they''ve made gains and we''ve lost badly. I haven''t forgotten about how quickly you got over them killing the last man in this chair.¡±
¡°We had reliable intelligence that Thomas Calvert and Coil were the same person,¡± she countered, knitting her brows. ¡°Based on that, I felt their killing of another dangerous villain wasn''t a good enough reason to refuse their help. Despite their...unruly behaviour during the fight, I stand by that decision.¡±
¡°Of course,¡± he replied in the least civil tone, falling short of disrespectful. ¡°I trust you don''t have any issue with that?¡±
¡°I believe it''s foolish to turn down aid in tackling more dangerous threats,¡± she said evenly. ¡°I don''t want to see the Undersiders prosper anymore than you do, and I am quite aware of the threat they pose. But tackling the Teeth, the Fallen, what''s left of the Empire, on top of the Undersiders and their allies... We don''t have the people, and we won''t for some time. Every branch is suffering from the fallout of this last incident.¡±
¡°An incident sparked by the Protectorate having clandestine control over the PRT.¡± The brief silence was thick with tension. Tagg sighed and shook his head. ¡°We both stuck around because we know this is the only way to make things work. I understand you''re limited on personnel, but the PRT''s been hemorrhaging men too. I''m not saying we do more than hit one threat at a time, but I''m not giving those warlords another inch in this god damned city.¡±
¡°Understood sir. Anything else?¡±
¡°The Ward, Amaranth was it?¡± He scratched at days worth of stubble on his cheek. ¡°Any idea when she''ll be back to duty status? I don''t want to revoke a therapy order, but as you said: we don''t have the people.¡± Miss Militia sighed.
¡°I''ll speak with Doctor Yamada,¡± she replied. ¡°But sir, if you were to revoke that order, I don''t believe the Youth Guard would stay quiet.¡± He stared at her for a moment, narrowing his eyes.
¡°I agree, but do speak to Yamada and get a progress reports?¡± Miss Militia nodded, then left the director''s office.
She was going to need a long time at the range when she had time to spare. Even without the need to sleep, there was simply too much for one women to do. She had help, but it was limited. Assault was gone, Battery had told him that she got her powers from Cauldron and he just...left. Before that, Gallant had resigned, Weld had gone and formed his Irregulars; at least the latter was still willing to cooperate in some ways.
And then there was the damned city. More damage, more casualties, more ground lost. It was a good thing Miss Militia didn''t need to sleep, because she couldn''t afford it anymore. Things had been relatively quiet in the three days since Echidna. Even today''s briefing, though dire, was an improvement over last week. The Fallen were only a problem because their capes were difficult to track down, otherwise they were relatively disorganized, at least compared to the gangs she''d dealt with for a decade.
The Teeth were a more pressing issue, at least for Miss Militia. They''d been decimated their last visit to the city, but almost certainly had time to regroup. She hadn''t heard anything about Butcher entering the city, but the moment they did she''d drop all pretense of cooperating with Tagg and do what it took to drive them off.
She hated that it had come to this, going outside the system, double-talk, plots and schemes. She hated that she was taking part that much more. Desperate times...and they didn''t seem to be ending soon. Miss Militia hit the button for the infirmary, her power morphing into a set of brass knuckles, a hatchet, then finally settled on a push-dagger; not too different from the one Gallant confiscated from Amaranth. Fitting...
The doors slid open and she walked quickly through the infirmary, nodding at the nurses on duty. They didn''t have much to do, with Pan-- Amy healing again. Miss Militia sighed and shook her head as she knocked on Jessica''s door. So many changes these days, it was growing difficult to keep track of them all.
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¡°Ah, Miss Militia, it''s good to see you,¡± Jessica greeted her with a smile. ¡°Please, come in. Pardon the mess, some...new research.¡± She nodded and stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. Once they were alone, she pulled down her mask.
¡°Thank you Jessica, I won''t be long.¡± Her eyes roamed the space, eyeing the file boxes stacked all over. ¡°Research into what?¡±
¡°Parahuman phenomonology.¡± Hannah blinked.
¡°I see.¡± A beat. ¡°I''m sorry, I just stopped by to ask about Amaranth. How is she?¡± The doctor''s smile twitched.
¡°Have a seat,¡± Jessica replied, taking her own in at her desk. She was a little confused, but took a seat on an armchair. ¡°Now you understand, or rather your boss who''s asking understands, that I cannot discuss what we speak about in here?¡±
¡°Nothing so specific, Jessica,¡± Hannah replied, shaking her head. ¡°And though the director wants an update...I would like to know how she''s doing as well.¡±
¡°If you''re asking ''will she return to duty soon'', I can only offer hopes,¡± she said with a sigh. ¡°But she has been willing to work with me, and I am optimistic.¡±
¡°I''m glad to hear,¡± she said, her shoulders relaxing a little. ¡°There''s a lot of work to be done, and not enough hands to do it.¡±
¡°Believe me, Amaranth is doing a great deal of work,¡± Jessica said, her eyes narrowing a fraction. ¡°Two-hour sessions, every other day, for two weeks; my patients in the asylum don''t get that much attention. I''d rather give her at least three days between sessions, but I haven''t been given the time, and neither has she.¡± She took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. ¡°Hannah, you spoke with me once a long time ago, about your trigger event.¡±
¡°I did,¡± Hannah said, suppressing a shiver. ¡°Why bring that up?¡±
¡°Because as you said then, the only way to come to terms with it is time.¡± Jessica met her eyes, her gaze steely. ¡°Give her that time, it''s something she desperately needs right now.¡±
¡°I see.¡± She crossed her arms, eyes roaming the boxes. ¡°I''ll pass that on. I...thank you Jessica, I know it''s just your job, but I appreciate you helping the Wards.¡±
¡°Of course Hannah,¡± she replied, smiling. ¡°I appreciate your trust.¡±
¡°You''ve more than earned it,¡± Hannah said, standing and donning her mask again. ¡°The next time you meet, would you tell her I hope she gets better?¡±
¡°I''ll tell her,¡± she promised. ¡°Take care of yourself.¡±
With a nod, Miss Militia headed out. More to do, more meetings, more people. She may not need to sleep, but she could certainly feel tired, and she had been feeling that more and more these days. Still, she had a duty to fulfill, rest could wait. She hit the elevator button and made her way down to the Ward''s quarters.
¡°Ma''am,¡± Flechette greeted her as she came down. ¡°Something the matter?¡±
¡°Not at all,¡± she replied easily, it was true enough for now. ¡°Just need to speak to Clockblocker, if he''s still here.¡±
¡°Miss Militia?¡± Dennis stumbled out of his room in a set of pyjamas. ¡°What''s up?¡±
¡°A briefing, I''ll make it short though.¡± She beckoned and he followed her out of the common area to a quiet corner of the room. ¡°You''re sleeping here now?¡±
¡°The city the way it is?¡± He shook his head. ¡°Rather be here when I''m needed instead of across town, even if the bed sucks.¡±
¡°I understand,¡± she replied. ¡°Is your family alright?¡±
¡°Scared,¡± he said, shrugging. ¡°But we all are, no surprises there. Don''t think they want me in the Wards anymore but...¡± He sighed. ¡°I can''t abandon the team, you know? Not when we''ve lost two good captains for bad reasons.¡±
¡°That''s brave of you,¡± Miss Militia said, putting a hand on his shoulder. ¡°You''ll be an excellent leader Dennis.¡±
¡°Hope they think so.¡± He sighed. ¡°You said a briefing?¡±
¡°A short one,¡± she said. ¡°The Fallen and the Teeth are moving into the city. We won''t be agreeing to a truce with the locals, this time.¡±
¡°Good,¡± Dennis snapped. ¡°Getting tired of them messing with us when we''re trying to help people.¡±
¡°Defensive deployments though,¡± she continued. ¡°We''ll meet later, when you''re back on duty, and determine a new patrol schedule. Maybe look and see if there are any Wards from the teams still here, any who would be willing to join?¡±
¡°Yeah I''ll ask them,¡± he replied, sounding subdued. ¡°Dunno how many of them will want to move here though.¡± He looked up, at the murals overhead. ¡°How''s Amaranth?¡±
¡°She may be off duty for the whole of her allotted two weeks,¡± she said.
¡°Dammit,¡± Dennis swore, running his fingers through his hair. ¡°Miss Militia...are we going to win this?¡±
¡°What do you mean?¡± Miss Militia asked, cocking her head.
¡°I mean...¡± His shoulders slumped. ¡°Gallant, Assault, Weld...not to mention every not from Brockton Bay who''s leaving. We''re losing people while we''re losing ground. We talked about the First World War in history this year, you know? Attritional warfare, ten-thousand men for a yard of land. It''s...maybe that''s dramatic, but it sure doesn''t feel like it.¡± She sighed.
¡°I''m sorry Dennis,¡± she said softly. ¡°You''ve been put in a difficult position. I know it may not seem like it, but I do believe the worst is over.¡±
¡°Thanks ma''am,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I just wish I felt like it wasn''t still coming.¡±
She patted his shoulder and let him go back to his room. She couldn''t help recalling her conversation with Jessica not long before Echidna attacked. It was hard for Hannah to fault the Wards for losing faith, when hers was being tested every waking second. She believed in the Protectorate, the PRT, the Wards and their collective mission...but what costs could she stomach to continue upholding it? She wouldn''t know that line until she came across it.
Hannah''s phone buzzed in her pocket as she entered the elevator and she sighed; it was a very good thing indeed she didn''t need to sleep.
Exhumation 12.3
Taylor''s phone woke her with the sharp bzzt-bzzt of a text, felt more than heard through her bugs. She pushed herself up with a muffled groan, wincing as her muscles twinged. Lisa had managed to get them all patched up after Echidna, a while after Echidna, with the help of a corrupt hero named Scapegoat. Still, she hadn''t exactly had time to rest in the five days since, and her body was making its complaints known.
Of course things hadn''t died down since then, between the Undersiders securing their new portal which Lisa swore by, or the new gangs moving into town. The heroes, at least, seemed to be focused on licking their wounds instead of coming after them. Taylor was almost hopeful the truce from Echidna was still holding, but she knew better. They hadn''t stopped consolidating their territory, after all; it was just a matter of time before a showdown. She reached out and snapped up her phone.
A text from Lisa saying she was on her way. Right, she wanted Taylor''s help pinning down where the Fallen were hiding. She sighed and rose, heading straight into the shower. She didn''t take her time, only rinsing last night''s sweat off her body and slipping in her contacts. After that she took her time assembling everything she''d need, packing it in a small backpack along with a good number of extra bugs. Once she was ready, Skitter grabbed her phone and headed down.
¡°Morning Skitter,¡± Sierra greeted her as she reached the first floor. ¡°Forrest said he''d be by later, about that Teeth attack?¡± She suppressed a sigh.
¡°Right,¡± she replied, bugs in her pack humming with her. ¡°Might be late for that, going with Tattletale this morning, scouting the Fallen.¡± Sierra winced.
¡°Ah, good luck.¡± She didn''t sound confident.
¡°Appreciated.¡± A sharp pair of knocks came at the door, then two more. ¡°See you.¡± Sierra gave her a nod and went back to making breakfast for the kids, oatmeal today.
¡°Hey Skitter,¡± Tattletale greeted her with a smile. ¡°All set?¡± She nodded.
¡°Let''s go,¡± Skitter said, walking out into the warm morning.
As they walked out of her territory, Skitter took account of everything within sight; relatively speaking. Trash was starting to pile up on a number of the streets towards the edges of her territory; an issue she''d have to figure out sooner than later. Figuring out the logistics of her territory without Coil''s organization was a headache she hadn''t expected. All worth it since Dinah was free.
In an apartment, a man was yelling two other people, smaller. Skitter frowned and had a pair of mason bees land on his cheeks, then bite twice. He quieted down after that. She sighed, wondering when the world had fallen apart enough that she was policing stuff like that. Right around the time she had committed to being a villain full time...
¡°Things are looking good around here,¡± Tattletale said as they left the south edge of Skitter''s territory. ¡°Quietest territory in the city.¡±
¡°Been lucky,¡± she replied with a shrug, gazing out at the bay between a pair of buildings. ¡°Helps that most people don''t want to chance being near the water anymore.¡±
¡°You''ve explained she''s not dangerous if you don''t get close to the graveyard?¡± She shrugged.
¡°Doesn''t mean people believe me,¡± Skitter said. ¡°Doesn''t mean they listen either. Caught a few teenagers trying to push a rubber boat out on a dare. Sank them before they got twenty feet.¡±
¡°People are stupid,¡± Tattletale said with a sigh.
¡°Speaking of, how''s the portal?¡±
¡°Low blow,¡± she muttered.
¡°You decided to make a portal to another world, and you did it without talking to anyone else,¡± Skitter countered. ¡°If we had known what you wanted, we could have backed you up. Instead, they''re going to look at me and wonder if I''m really the leader of the Undersiders or not.¡±
¡°You''re exaggerating.¡±
¡°Am I?¡± she retorted, pausing and looking Tattletale in the eyes. ¡°Tell me that you going around my back doesn''t undermine me, tell me hatching these little schemes that bring the hammer down harder doesn''t hurt all of us, tell me that going after the heroes wasn''t a mistake.¡± Her swarm hummed along with her for a moment and she sighed. ¡°Sorry I...it''s been a rough week.¡±
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¡°It has,¡± she agreed. There was a long silence as we walked through the ankle-deep water still standing in the streets. ¡°I already apologized, I don''t know what else you want from me.¡±
¡°A promise you won''t do something like that again, not without talking to us.¡±
¡°Done,¡± she said far too quickly. ¡°Seriously Skitter, we''re golden. Even all this, with the Teeth and the Fallen? We can handle it. The Protectorate getting up our asses about our territory? We can handle it. No Coil behind the scene, tying our hands anymore; we''re a proper team again.¡±
¡°No Coil feeding us funds either,¡± Skitter replied. ¡°And his contacts are gone, and--¡±
¡°Not gone,¡± Tattletale countered. ¡°Just scared off to the sidelines, for now. And a few are already making contact, like the Ambassadors. Once we secure the portal, secure our seats here, they''ll come crawling back.¡±
¡°I really hope you''re right Tattletale,¡± she said, reaching out to her swarm, getting a feeling for the area they were heading towards. ¡°I don''t think we can afford anything else.¡±
¡°Trust me,¡± she said smugly, turning down an alley. ¡°I''m on the mark, you''ll see ''boss''.¡±
¡°Don''t,¡± Skitter buzzed.
¡°Easy.¡± Tattletale sighed. ¡°Sorry, I''ll quit snipping; just a little...antsy.¡± Skitter cocked her head as they headed up a fire escape.
¡°What about?¡± If Tattletale was on edge, it could mean trouble; trouble her swarm couldn''t detect. ¡°The Fallen?¡± She shook her head.
¡°No, not yet.¡± She sighed again. ¡°The PRT isn''t going to take this laying down. They''ve got a hawk in charge, Tagg. I don''t think we''re going to be getting along with the heroes any time soon.¡±
¡°We already knew that going in,¡± Skitter replied with a shrug. ¡°We''ll just have to make do. Like you said, we can handle it.¡±
¡°Yeah...¡± Tattletale took a deep breath and grinned at her. ¡°Besides, with the shitshow they''ve got going on internally? We''ll have a little breathing room, more than enough to clean up the freaks moving in.¡± Skitter couldn''t help the smile that touched her lips.
¡°So,¡± she said, staring out at the city as her bugs swept across her range. ¡°Who are we looking for?¡±
It turned out, there were a lot of people they were looking for. The Fallen clans may have been disorganized, but they were relatively numerous. Their capes were an issue, but Tattletale said they weren''t what she was looking for this time. That was fine by Skitter, she''d had enough cape fights to last for the foreseeable future. Ideally forever but, well, she wasn''t that lucky.
Today though, it really was just scouting. Tattletale led her to a few more locations, taking notes as Skitter reported the comings and goings of myriads of people throughout the south end of Brockton Bay. It was...an interesting exercise in multi-tasking, one where she wasn''t in constant danger of enemy action. No one knew Skitter and Tattletale were on one roof or another, and no one was really looking for them. It would have been relaxing, if it wasn''t work.
Finally, they finished. The sun was hanging low; it had taken all day, just like Tattletale had promised. The results were, according to her, excellent. She''d managed to track several hideouts of the cultists with the information Skitter fed her. They would need to find more, and check if they were moving bases, but it was a good start. Now they were headed back to Skitter''s territory.
¡°I wish we could strike now,¡± Skitter said with a sigh. ¡°They''re only going to get stronger, more entrenched. If we had Shatterbird--¡±
¡°Then we''d be a bigger target,¡± Tattletale cut her off. ¡°Look much as I dislike the little shit who wrung her neck, it''s better that we don''t have a Slaughterhouse Nine member hanging out in Regent''s living room. Besides, I know how you felt about it.¡±
¡°I was fine,¡± she protested. ¡°Shatterbird was a monster, one of the worst.¡±
¡°And you still weren''t comfortable with it.¡± She held up a hand. ¡°I don''t really care about it Skitter, I knew how you felt about that stuff a long time ago.¡±
¡°I''m worried about her killer,¡± Skitter said after a moment. ¡°Amaranth, right?¡± Tattletale nodded.
¡°Jack''s nominee, starting to see why.¡± Tattletale shook her head. ¡°She''s got a mile-long grudge against us and I can''t figure out why.¡±
¡°Does she?¡± she asked, cocking her head. ¡°She worked with us well enough during the Nine, even though she didn''t really fight. And she vouched for us when Miss Militia came for us after Echidna.¡±
¡°Bigger threats,¡± she explained. ¡°She''s...not much like you, but she''ll throw aside old grudges if there''s something more dangerous on the horizon.¡±
¡°Better than some of the heroes, I guess.¡± Skitter frowned. ¡°Not sure I like the comparison.¡±
¡°Rather have you on my team,¡± Tattletale replied with a shrug. ¡°Anyway, she''ll probably be out of commission for a while. You got eaten by Echidna right?¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± she bit out sharply, trying not to think about it.
¡°Yeah just going by your reaction, she''s probably in a padded cell; not made of the same stuff you are you know?¡±
¡°Alright.¡± Skitter sighed as they entered the range of her territory. Almost right away, she found someone seemingly robbing someone else. A dozen hornets drove him off, and she alerted Forrest in her headquarters. ¡°Never a god damn break,¡± she muttered.
¡°Go,¡± Tattletale said, patting her shoulder. ¡°I''m a big girl, I can handle walking home alone.¡±
¡°Be careful,¡± she said. ¡°Just because Coil''s gone--¡±
¡°I know, I know, just kidding.¡± She pulled out her cell and pressed a few buttons. ¡°I''ll get a lift. Go, seriously, I''m fine.¡±
Skitter nodded and took off, veering to intercept the fleeing mugger. She had plenty to worry about without thinking of some Ward that was probably too broken to go back on patrol. Like Tattletale said: bigger threats.
Exhumation 12.4
¡°Back off Parian,¡± she snapped, raising her crossbow. ¡°And you get out of here, before I pull the trigger.¡±
¡°Doubt you have the guts, little girl,¡± the gangster in spiked armour with a dry chuckle. He was flanked by two more, dressed similarly though less over the top. ¡°What''s the matter, don''t want your little whore girlfriend watching you get gutted?¡±
¡°Not leaving you, Flechette,¡± Parian muttered.
¡°Come on cutie don''t be like that,¡± one of the thugs behind the lead one drawled.
¡°Five seconds to turn around and walk away,¡± Flechette ordered. ¡°Then I get to see if I can take down all three of you without hitting anything vital.¡± She really didn''t want a fight, let alone to hurt someone so seriously. But if she was right, these were members of the Teeth, the Butcher''s crew; she knew they wouldn''t back down easily.
¡°I''ll give you three to drop your pants and give us a show,¡± the lead gangster countered, pointing his knife.
Three seconds, in the end, was all it took. None of the gangsters had powers, and they were fighting two parahumans. Flechette kicked out the leader''s knee and pinned him to the ground through one of his pauldrons. She fired her crossbow at another, pinning him through his hand to the wall. Parian dealt with the last, tying her up with dozens of threads. Once they were finished, and Flechette had cuffed them all, she made a call to the PRT for pickup.
¡°You shouldn''t stay here,¡± Flechette said while they waited, keeping an eye on the Teeth members across the room. ¡°These guys are just the first, more are going to come and they''ll come with capes. It''s not safe anymore.¡± Parian stared at the gangsters pensively.
¡°I don''t want to join the Protectorate,¡± she said quietly. ¡°I...I know that must sound selfish, considering everything you''ve done for me, for my family, but I''m still not a fighter. I don''t want to become a fighter either.¡±
¡°The world isn''t going to give you a choice, Ri,¡± she sighed. ¡°I don''t want you to have to fight either, but if you want to stay here...¡± Parian''s hands balled into fists.
¡°I hate this,¡± she hissed.
¡°Me too,¡± Flechette agreed. ¡°But...we can protect you, your family. It doesn''t have to be forever but...I''d feel a lot better if I knew you were safe.¡±
¡°Are we safe with them?¡± Parian asked. ¡°The Undersiders...Skitter came by last week, after the big fight.¡±
¡°You didn''t mention that,¡± she replied icily.
¡°She didn''t do anything and we just talked,¡± Parian countered. ¡°She told me about the Triumvirate, about...Cauldron. Some pretty awful things, Flechette.¡± She glowered and the Ward winced. ¡°I don''t want to take her word outright, but I won''t join the Protectorate, I think. So, what do you have to say about it?¡± She swallowed.
¡°I''m...I''m not a fake cape,¡± Flechette said, her voice small. ¡°You know that, right? I...I told you about March and--¡±
¡°I know,¡± Parian cut her off, softening her tone. ¡°I know, that''s why I want to know why you''re still with them.¡±
¡°I...¡± She considered it carefully for a minute. ¡°I don''t know, not exactly. I know Skitter''s offer was genuine and...and she has done some good, I can''t deny that. And the Protectorate isn''t perfect, god knows, but I think it''s still the best option despite its flaws. Alexandria said she''s stepping down, there are a lot of investigations being opened, they''re trying to fix things. The villains, they aren''t; they just want to squeeze people more and more when they''re barely hanging on.¡±
¡°And what if I don''t want either?¡± She shifted in place and swallowed hard. ¡°What if...I wanted out?¡±
¡°You''re leaving?¡±
¡°It''s...¡± Parian paused. ¡°We''ve been talking about it, about maybe going to Boston. Brockton Bay is my home, but...there isn''t much left for me here. My shop''s been destroyed, so has my home, my family was mutilated by Bonesaw.¡± She paused, taking a shaky breath. ¡°I want...would you come?¡±
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¡°What?¡± Flechette rocked back slightly on her heels.
¡°If I...go.¡± She swallowed again. ¡°Would you go with me, with my family to Boston? It would be a difficult start, but...I think being with you would make it easier.¡±
Flechette stared at the ground, clenching her fists. Truth be told, she''d seriously considered leaving the Wards and...well, she hadn''t gotten far before dropping the line of thought when the Teeth started moving in. Despite all her misgivings about the Protectorate, people still needed heroes and they were heroes. Flechette could go independent, but going back to having no support system, no team, would be a hell of a time.
But Parian wanted her to be there, and she wanted to be with Parian. The fact that she was asking Flechette made her blush, but she fought the feeling down. Yes, she wanted to be with Parian, but was that where she could do the most good? Brockton Bay was suffering badly, it needed all the help it could get when heroes were abandoning it left, right, and center. Could she?
¡°You don''t have to answer now,¡± Parian said as the PRT van''s headlights swept across the windows. ¡°Just...promise you will answer?¡±
¡°I just need to think about it,¡± Flechette murmured. ¡°I don''t...please just give me some time?¡±
¡°Of course,¡± she said softly, reaching out and taking Flechette''s hand. ¡°I was going to ask you anyway. We''re leaving next week so...you have time.¡±
¡°Not much.¡± Parian squeezed her hand, but Flechette pulled away as the door opened.
¡°Flechette,¡± the lead officer said. ¡°Wounded?¡±
¡°No, besides that idiot,¡± she replied, gesturing to the guy pinned by his hand. ¡°I''ll give you a hand.¡±
It took a few minutes, but she helped the officers wrestle the three gangsters into the back of the van. Parian declined to come with them and make a statement, giving the officers a brief one at the scene. Even when Flechette asked her to, for safety, she just shook her head and said it was safer here. The fact Parian felt that way made Flechette''s guts twist.
The ride back to headquarters was quiet. The gangsters apparently took enough licks to not want to mouth off anymore. Unfortunately, that left Flechette alone with her thoughts, thoughts filled with ideas of leaving everything behind for the girl she...cared about. Her head thumped against the side of the van, her vision shaking as it bumped and rattled over the broken roads.
What the hell was she supposed to do? Her career, her life in some ways, had been the Wards; and a hell of a lot better than her home life, even now. Could she leave it all for a chance at happiness? There was certainly part of her that wanted nothing more. Flechette had put in her hours, fighting Leviathan, the Nine, she had earned it. And it didn''t mean not helping people, just...it would be different without the Protectorate.
She hadn''t figured it out by the time they arrived at the headquarters, or by the time the gangsters were in cells. Flechette numbly went through processing, after action reports, everything with that cloud hanging over her head. An hour later, when she finally made it down to the quarters, showered, and changed, she was no closer to an answer.
When the elevator doors hissed open, Lily flinched. She hadn''t even noticed the announcement that someone was coming down. Fortunately she was around the corner in the ''chill zone'', reclining on a bean-bag chair; out of immediate sight. When the person shuffled by, Lily sighed with relief. Just Amaranth.
She looked...awful. Not like, in an ugly way, but she looked like she hadn''t slept in a week. The bags under her eyes made it look like she''d had her nose broken. When she pulled off her mask, Lily could see that the skin around her eyes was bright red, compared to the rest of her face. Little blisters rose above patches of greasy acne, and Lia''s hair hung limp and tangled. She shuffled along towards her room, not even looking Lily''s way.
¡°Lia?¡± she called, making the girl pause. ¡°Hey, uh...it''s been a while. Are...how are you doing?¡± Lia''s head shifted slightly, the only sign she''d heard.
¡°I''m...not doing good,¡± she said after a moment. ¡°It''s...Echidna hit me hard. Trying to figure things out.¡±
¡°Um.¡± Lily glanced at the floor. ¡°Can I...ask what kind of things?¡± There was a longer pause.
¡°Me.¡± The answer was almost too quiet to hear. ¡°You need anything? I''m...tired.¡±
¡°Sorry,¡± she apologized quickly, then licked her lips and looked up. She was startled when she met Lia''s red-rimmed, bloodshot eyes. ¡°I...can I ask you for some advice again?¡± Lia sighed and leaned against a half-wall.
¡°You shouldn''t listen to it, but whatever.¡± She shut her eyes and hung her head. ¡°What is it?¡±
¡°Well, Parian''s leaving town.¡± Lily swallowed. ¡°She and her family can''t deal with it anymore, and I can''t really blame them but...she asked me to go with her.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± Lia said flatly. ¡°You going?¡±
¡°No,¡± she replied instantly. ¡°I mean...I don''t...I shouldn''t go, right? I''m a hero, I swore to protect the people who needed it and god does Brockton Bay need heroes. But Parian needs me too and...and I don''t know what to do.¡± Lia took a deep breath.
¡°You''re a hero,¡± she replied. ¡°You already know the right choice.¡±
¡°But if she leaves...¡±
¡°She leaves. She''s already made her choice, you can only make yours.¡± Lia hung her head and added under her breath. ¡°Like I did.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± Lily whispered. ¡°I hope you figure out...you.¡±
¡°Me too.¡± Without another word Lia shuffled away, leaving Lily alone.
She sighed and rolled over in the chair. Lily needed to figure herself out too...
Exhumation 12.5
23rd June, 2011
¡°Hello again Amaranth, it''s good to see you,¡± Jessica greeted Amaranth as she came in and sat down. Right away she took off her mask and hood, a change. ¡°Like before, are you alright with me recording our session?¡± She shrugged. ¡°I''m sorry, I do need clear consent or refusal.¡±
¡°Go ahead,¡± Amaranth replied. ¡°And...and can you call me Lia?¡±
¡°Of course,¡± Jessica said gently. ¡°May I ask why the preference?¡± She pursed her lips and stared at the ground.
¡°I just feel like--¡± She cut herself off, biting her lip hard.
¡°It''s alright,¡± Jessica reassured her. ¡°How do you feel?¡±
¡°It...fits.¡± Lia shook her head. ¡°It''s like, I know I''m not Lia but it feels... I dunno.¡± She shrugged.
¡°I think that makes sense,¡± she agreed. ¡°Perhaps we should start there today, if you''re open to it. You said you ''know'' you aren''t Lia, how?¡±
¡°I don''t know,¡± she replied. ¡°Sorry.¡±
¡°Apology accepted, but I don''t think you''ve done anything wrong.¡± Jessica smiled. ¡°Well if you''re willing, perhaps we can find out.¡±
¡°Sure,¡± she said, sighing. ¡°Not like it''ll fuck me up any worse.¡± Her smile faltered, but she pushed on.
¡°I''d like you to try remembering two separate events and relating them to me,¡± she explained. ¡°One from your life, and one from Amy''s.¡±
¡°So one from Lia''s and one from mine,¡± Lia said evenly. ¡°Why? I don''t want to think about her life at all.¡± Switching her mode of reference again, perhaps those memories were affecting her more than either of them thought.
¡°While that may be the case, those memories are still part of you,¡± she continued. ¡°You mentioned that remembering certain things feels different though, and I would like to work with you to find out what that means. If this is part of your power expression--¡±
¡°I told you, it''s not,¡± Lia snapped. ¡°It''s just...god I don''t know, but powers don''t come like this, with crap like this.¡±
¡°Powers are unique to each parahuman,¡± Jessica said. ¡°That your specific case hasn''t appeared in the literature only means it hasn''t been studied.¡±
¡°Or that I''m crazy and making it all up.¡±
¡°Is that how you feel about it?¡±
¡°No!¡± The shout made Jessica start. ¡°Sorry sorry sorry I didn''t mean to...fuck god dammit.¡± Lia drew her legs to her chest, pressing her eyes against her knees. Jessica saw her shoulders shake and felt a pang in her heart. After a minute, Lia continued hoarsely. ¡°I''m not making it up, I promise, I promise, I... I don''t want to be like this, doctor.¡±
¡°I''m sorry it feels that way, Lia,¡± she said gently.
¡°It''s...you said you could help sort this out.¡± She swallowed hard. ¡°I...I can''t, I don''t know what the fuck is going on but maybe...maybe...¡± She knit her fingers and squeezed til her knuckles were white.
¡°Let''s try,¡± Jessica said warmly. ¡°I''d like you to describe how you feel while remembering something; I mean feelings whether emotional or not, a headache would count for example. Let''s start with one of your ''Lia'' memories, would that be alright?¡± A moment later, Lia nodded.
She related a lovely story about eating lunch in a local park with a friend, a picnic. The way Lia said ''friend'' made Jessica think there may have been more to that relationship, but she wasn''t about to pick at what Lia was relating; that wasn''t what they were working on with this exercise. She spoke haltingly, with long pauses, interrupting herself often enough that it was a little difficult to follow. She didn''t cry, though Jessica could see tears building in Lia''s eyes. When she was finished, she stared at the ground, her face pinched and body tense.
¡°Thank you for sharing,¡± Jessica said. ¡°So, how did you feel remembering that?¡±
¡°Awful,¡± Lia said glumly, rubbing her eyes. ¡°I um, sorry, yeah...¡±
¡°Can you be more precise?¡± she asked. ¡°Is it uncomfortable, thinking about your ''Lia'' memories?¡±
¡°It''s...¡± She swallowed. ¡°I don''t want to talk about her anymore.¡±
¡°About Lia?¡±
¡°About Trixie.¡± The friend she had mentioned, interesting.
¡°Certainly, Lia,¡± Jessica said with a nod, mentally filing that for later discussion. ¡°May I ask how remembering felt though?¡±
¡°Sad,¡± she said quietly. ¡°Um, grief. Whatever.¡±
¡°I see, I''m sorry this exercise has you feeling like that.¡± She shifted in her seat. ¡°Alright, I''d like you to try remembering one of your ''Amy'' memories. Do you need a break first?¡± She just shook her head.
She did end up taking one, staying silent for a few minutes before she started again. This time, Lia talked about sitting by the fire at the home of her girlfriend''s grandparents. Girlfriend, she didn''t shy away from the term, maybe Jessica had simply been reading too much into things. Like before, she paused regularly, though seemed to be having trouble remembering rather than being emotionally overwhelmed. Of course Jessica wasn''t in Lia''s head, so she let the girl finish before offering a smile.
¡°Thank you again, Lia,¡± she offered. ¡°Was there a reason you chose two memories that seem...similar?¡± She shrugged and stayed quiet. ¡°Alright. May I ask how that made you feel?¡± Another pause.
¡°I...fine?¡± Lia pursed her lips. ¡°Yeah, it was whatever.¡±
¡°I see.¡± A beat. ¡°Are you on good terms with your girlfriend?¡± She let out a sharp bark of laughter.
¡°No, fucked that up royally.¡± She scoffed. ¡°Fucking dumbass, why would she leave that note on a box on condoms? Like, wow, you know? Deserved that one.¡±
¡°She did?¡±
¡°Amy, me, who else?¡± Lia snapped. ¡°What''s the point of this? You just want me to remember stuff that makes me feel bad, or reminds me I''m just a shitty person?¡±
¡°Only to see how you feel about your memories.¡± An idea was percolating in Jessica''s head, but she needed Lia''s cooperation. ¡°I''m hopeful it may offer some insights.
¡°Whatever...¡± She tapped her foot rapidly. ¡°So...what is it?¡±
¡°Shall we continue trying to find out?¡± Lia paused, then nodded, and Jessica smiled.
25th June, 2011
¡°Good morning,¡± Jessica smiled as Lia entered her office. ¡°It''s good to see you again, Lia.¡±
¡°Morning,¡± she replied quietly not meeting her eyes.
¡°How are you feeling today?¡± Jessica asked gently, though she could hazard a guess.
¡°Tired,¡± she said with a sigh. ¡°Had a bad dream.¡±
¡°I see.¡± Jessica leaned forward slightly. This was more than she''d volunteered last time. ¡°May I ask what about?¡±
¡°I''m...¡± Lia swallowed. ¡°I''m in a foxhole. Well, I''m not but...you get it? No it''s...she''s in a foxhole in the middle of the night.¡±
¡°She being Amy.¡±
¡°Yeah.¡±
¡°A foxhole is a military term for some kind of cover, correct?¡± Lia nodded quickly. ¡°Was Amy a soldier?¡±
¡°Yeah I...¡± She swallowed. ¡°I joined the army at seventeen, really stupid. Cadet before that.¡±
¡°Ah, I believe you mentioned cadets before,¡± Jessica replied. ¡°Amy was a Canadian, wasn''t she?¡± Lia nodded.
¡°But, um, anyway, you wanted me to tell you about how this stuff makes me feel when I remember it?¡±
¡°That''s right,¡± she said. ¡°Would you like to share?¡±
¡°I...¡± Lia bit her lip. ¡°Okay this is going to sound weird but, it...it didn''t really make me feel? Like, I woke up with a racing heart but it didn''t really stick. Not...not like when I wake up remembering Leviathan or...whoever.¡±
¡°You find those dreams more intense?¡±
¡°Not intense more... Yeah, I guess intense, but it''s more like they leave an emotional hangover and...and these ones don''t.¡±
¡°How did you feel in the dream?¡±
¡°I didn''t,¡± she said simply. ¡°It was like I was watching a movie, sort of. I mean I, or Amy, was shit scared to the point she could barely aim her gun, but like... Okay it was scary sure, but so are war movies. It didn''t feel like I was...there or in danger or anything. Does that make sense?¡±
¡°I think so.¡± It certainly did if Jessica''s hypothesis was correct. ¡°So you were a little scared, but not greatly so. Can you think of a time in your life where you personally felt fear like you described Amy feeling?¡± She stared at the ground.
¡°Do I have to?¡± Lia asked, voice small.
¡°No,¡± she quickly assured her patient. ¡°If you feel at all uncomfortable with these exercises, we can stop them. However I believe that by comparing memories with similar feelings, like the picnic and fireside dates, we may find some insight into things.¡± She took a deep breath.
¡°I don''t think I''ve told you much about...Mark.¡± Lia''s voice shook as she spoke. ¡°Or not much. He...he was the closest person to a father I had. I know he was Empire, but I don''t think he wanted to be there. When I... I couldn''t tell my mom I was dating...girls, you know? I thought I could tell him, but I was so nervous I threw up twice before we talked. I...I barely managed to tell him at all, and only because she was there holding my hand.¡± Tears trickled down her cheeks as she met Jessica''s eyes.. ¡°S-so...scared, right?¡±
¡°I''m...sorry that was difficult, Lia.¡± Jessica tucked a strand of hair and took a breath. ¡°Fear is what you feel, is that right?¡± She nodded and sniffled.
Stolen novel; please report.
¡°I--¡± Lia took a sharp breath. ¡°I thought he''d tell my mom and she''d, she''d kick me out and I''d have to deal with that and...yeah, I was pretty sure my life was over. Seems stupid now, considering.¡±
¡°Comparing past experiences to recent events may make it seem that way,¡± she replied. ¡°But I can see how deeply it affected you, and it is important to recognize that.¡±
¡°I guess.¡± She sniffled and curled up on the couch, laying on her side as tears fell. ¡°I miss my dad...¡±
Jessica still wasn''t certain what was going on here, in terms of parahuman phenomenon. This at least, she reflected as she grabbed a box of tissues, was something she could handle.
27th June, 2011
¡°And how do you fe--¡±
¡°Fucking pissed,¡± Lia spat, her cheeks burning. ¡°She just fucking brings that up at a dinner party? Like what the fuck was wrong with her?! Mothers don''t fucking do that shit, except my psycho one apparently.¡±
¡°Could you use a different term?¡± Jessica asked, getting a frustrated groan.
¡°Mothers don''t fucking do that shit except mine, okay?¡± She crossed her arms and muttered: ¡°Amy''s was crazy too, it''s probably genetic or something.¡±
¡°Lia.¡±
¡°I know, I know.¡± She gnawed on a thumbnail that had been chewed to pieces already. ¡°Just...what other word is there? I''ve told you what she did, and even though Amy''s mom never did something that bad she was still ins-- she was shitty.¡± She huffed and shook her head. ¡°Mothers.¡± She spat the word like it was poison.
¡°You''re right, it wasn''t fair of her to do that.¡± Jessica could at least agree with that bit of sentiment. ¡°Breaking your confidence is a cruel thing, and it''s something I take rather personally.¡±
¡°Well...good.¡± Jessica tapped her chin, thinking.
¡°May I offer some observations, Lia?¡± she asked after a brief silence. ¡°About these exercises, just thoughts I have had while listening to you speak about your memories.¡±
¡°Sure, why not?¡± Lia shrugged.
¡°It seems to me,¡± Jessica began. ¡°You''re significantly more detached from your ''Amy'' memories than your ''Lia'' memories. Do you feel that way?¡± She shifted in her seat.
¡°I dunno.¡± Lia licked her lips and looked away. ¡°What do you mean ''detached''? I remember them fine...when I can.¡±
¡°That is partially what I mean, the ''when you can''. You have difficulty recalling those memories, or more than you ''Lia'' memories?¡± She gave a hesitant nod. ¡°I also mean emotionally. Would you say that''s true?¡±
¡°I...yeah.¡± Lia sighed and tugged at her hair, a nervous habit. ¡°I never thought about it, it''s just...it''s not harder to remember my-- Lia''s memories. I don''t like it though.¡±
¡°Because you...feel more with them?¡± She swallowed hard. A minute later, she gave a slight nod.
¡°I don''t¡ª¡± Lia grit her teeth. ¡°I know what you''re going to say.¡±
¡°That you sh--¡±
¡°That it''s because I''m Lia right?¡± Jessica shut her mouth. That wasn''t what she was going to say, but it was an interesting assumption. Lia''s voice shook as she continued. ¡°W-well I''m not, I''m Amy... Fuck I fucking hate my memory! I''m not Lia, she''s just some kid who couldn''t handle a fucking bad breakup let alone everything that''s coming and--¡± She cut herself off with a hitched breath. ¡°And I don''t want to be me.¡±
Jessica reached for the tissues as Lia broke down. The results of copying a thirty-year-old''s memories into a sixteen-year-old''s brain, if it was what she suspected, were horrifying. How it had been done Jessica was unsure, but the detail made it seem it wasn''t artificial in nature. What did it mean, if trigger events could copy entire people from gods only knew where into parahumans here?
One case file may not be enough...
29th June, 2011
¡°Yes we''re doing breathing exercises, trying to give her the tools to handle being...herself, for lack of a better term.¡± Jessica sighed and took off her glasses, rubbing the sore spots on her nose. ¡°But that''s not why I called. Doctor Fleischmann, you''ve written two papers on the effects powers can have on memories. I believe we can help each other here.¡±
¡°My research is public,¡± he replied over a crackling phone line. ¡°You''re welcome to peruse.¡±
¡°I don''t need your research, though I''ll admit it did inspire me.¡± He let out what sounded like a proud ''harumph''. ¡°I need your insight. Do you think this hypothesis has merit?¡±
¡°I''ve only known powers to alter, block, or remove memories,¡± Fleischmann sighed. ¡°Besides twin cases, where another person is present, I don''t know them to add anything beyond the power itself.¡±
¡°And what about precognitives?¡±
¡°What about them?¡± He asked. ¡°You mentioned something about your patient remembering future events, certainly, but why would whatever is providing powers at the moment of a trigger event add an entire personality engram to wrap it up in? I won''t say it''s impossible, god knows our field was impossible forty years ago, but I wouldn''t come up with that hypothesis. I''m sorry Doctor Yamada.¡± She sighed.
¡°Well I appreciate the critique if nothing else.¡± Jessica shook her head. ¡°I still think it''s the most likely option. What else is there, Thinker or Master manipulation? No signs of it. No history of an encounter with the Simurgh, and no family history of dissociative or schizophrenic disorders. She''s not making it up, give me that much credit at least.¡±
¡°And what if she is, or at least misrepresenting things?¡±
Jessica hung up. She didn''t have an answer for him, because the same thought had occurred to her more than once. She''d tried to not let it affect Lia''s therapy, but doubt was an ugly poison. Jessica always hoped her patients would be truthful, it was the only way she could help. If they weren''t though... She picked up her phone and dialed.
¡°Dean Stansfield,¡± he answered a moment later.
¡°Hello Dean, it''s Jessica Yamada, how are you this evening?¡± She asked, putting a smile into her voice.
¡°Oh, hey doctor, I''m doing okay,¡± Dean replied, his own voice brightening. ¡°Just taking a break, or as much of one as anyone can these days. And you?¡±
¡°That''s actually why I called, I had a question about Amaranth.¡±
¡°Oh?¡± He sounded confused. ¡°I...haven''t seen her in a while. Is she okay?¡±
¡°She''s doing some hard work,¡± Jessica replied. ¡°I...Dean I hate to ask this, but did she relate what is affecting her to you?¡± There was a long pause.
¡°About...Amy?¡± Dean asked at last, hesitant.
¡°The other Amy.¡± He made an affirmative noise. ¡°And was she telling the truth?¡±
¡°Truth isn''t an emotion,¡± he hedged. ¡°I''ll tell you what I tell the PRT when they want to put it on statements: I can tell when people believe what they''re saying.¡±
¡°And?¡±
¡°She did,¡± Dean said. ¡°And...for what it''s worth, I believe her too.¡±
¡°Thank you Dean,¡± Jessica sighed. ¡°That was all, I hope you have a good evening.¡±
¡°You too,¡± he replied. ¡°Hope I helped.¡± After she hung up, she realized he had.
Sometimes, it seemed, amateur insight was better than professional.
1st July, 2011
¡°That sounds like it was a lovely time,¡± Jessica said when Lia had finished. ¡°Thank you for sharing.¡±
¡°It''s whatever,¡± Lia grumbled. ¡°I felt good during it sure but...I don''t know, seems sour looking back at things.¡±
¡°I can understand why that would be,¡± she said with an understanding smile. ¡°But how did you feel about it?¡±
¡°Nostalgic, I guess.¡± She sighed. ¡°I kinda miss the Boardwalk.¡±
¡°It will be rebuilt.¡±
¡°Not if Skitter has anything to say about it,¡± she scoffed. ¡°Anyway, you want another Amy memory that matches? I think she went to a place called the PNE a couple times...¡±
¡°I''m glad you feel comfortable enough to offer,¡± Jessica replied honestly. ¡°But no, I don''t think comparing your two sets of memories is going to be very constructive. But I would like to hear more about, well, what you feel comfortable sharing about yourself.¡± She shifted in her seat.
¡°Why?¡± Lia asked quietly, staring at the ground. ¡°I...I can talk about m-- Lia, but I don''t like to.¡±
¡°I know,¡± Jessica replied gently. ¡°Because you don''t enjoy thinking of yourself as Lia, that''s what you''ve expressed to me before.¡± She nodded. ¡°Can you explain why that is?¡±
¡°Just I-- she''s useless,¡± Lia said glumly. ¡°Freaks out at the littlest thing, can''t change anything, I...¡± She chewed on her lower lip.
¡°I, personally, would not describe recent events as ''little'' in the slightest,¡± Jessica countered. ¡°And I believe you expressed that you have managed to change events, have you not?¡±
¡°I...guess.¡± She swallowed and shook her head. ¡°Still like, yeah, I don''t know. Why does it matter?¡±
¡°Emotions are a deeply important part of who we are, Lia,¡± Jessica explained. ¡°Learning to process them in a healthy way all the more. I understand it may be more comfortable to fall back on your alternate set of memories that lack that connection, but it isn''t a long term solution. I suspect the recent encounter with Echidna was a trigger for this?¡± Lia flinched hard at the word ''trigger''. Oh.
¡°I d-don''t want to--¡± Her breath hitched. ¡°I want to be someone people care about...¡±
¡°I know a lot of people that care about you, about Amelia D''souza.¡± Lia''s eyes filled with tears and Jessica sat on the couch next to her, holding out a box of tissues. ¡°I''m only one of them.¡± Her lower lip trembled.
¡°C-can I...¡± She leaned over slightly and Jessica wrapped an arm around her shaking shoulders.
¡°We care, Lia,¡± Jessica said gently as Lia curled up at her side. ¡°However you choose to present yourself, we care. All I want personally is for you to live a whole, healthy life. It may seem difficult now, but I promise it''s better to be true to yourself and your feelings than to push them all down and pretend they aren''t real.¡±
¡°I wish they weren''t...¡± Lia moaned and Jessica rubbed her shoulder.
¡°I hope, with time, you can come to embrace them.¡±
Jessica really did hope, because she wasn''t sure there was a sustainable alternative.
5th July, 2011
¡°Well Lia,¡± Jessica said, shutting off the recorder. ¡°That brings us to the end of this session. How are you feeling?¡±
¡°Like all my insides have been scraped out and rejiggered,¡± Lia replied, sounding annoyed; a far cry from the hate she expressed not long ago. ¡°It''s...I don''t like it, but you said it''ll get better right?¡±
¡°As long as you continue what we''ve started here,¡± she said. ¡°Our frequent visits are coming to an end, but you''ll still see me regularly. Or if not me, one of my colleagues. I can assure you that they feel the same as I do.¡± Broadly at least.
¡°O-okay.¡± She took a shaking breath. ¡°It''s still...weird.¡±
Jessica silently agreed with that sentiment. Trying to help a teenager process an entire adult''s worth of memories had been challenging, probably far worse for Lia herself. That she had made enough progress to even accept her personal memories and feelings as hers, that she wasn''t denying them anymore, was a triumph for Jessica. There was still a long road ahead though...
¡°And more generally, how are you feeling?¡± Jessica asked. ¡°Regarding both your therapy, and potentially returning to work. If you aren''t able, I can submit a request for further treatment to the director, though he--¡±
¡°It''s fine,¡± Lia blurted, taking a deep breath. ¡°Um, I actually mean that. I feel like, I don''t know, more intact? It''s...I still think Amy''s memories are like, useful and stuff, you know?¡±
¡°I would agree, so long as they don''t cause to too much distress.¡± She said.
¡°They...I think it''s fine,¡± she said with a shrug. ¡°As long as I''m not like, trying to be her?¡±
¡°That sounds reasonable,¡± Jessica agreed. ¡°I''m proud of you, Lia. Making such progress in a short period, especially after all you''ve been through, is a great thing.¡±
¡°I wish it was easier,¡± Lia groused.
¡°If it were, I''d be out of a job,¡± she joked, getting a small smile from the Ward. ¡°Just give it time Lia, I promise that as long as you try, things will get easier.¡±
¡°Thanks,¡± she said, glancing up and meeting Jessica''s eyes. ¡°Really um, thank you Doctor Yamada. I...I don''t know what else to say.¡±
¡°You''re very welcome, I''m happy I was able to help.¡± She opened her arms and Lia wrapped her up in a tight hug. Not for the first time, Jessica was struck by how small Lia was. ¡°Remember, if you ever need to talk...¡±
¡°I have your number.¡± She pulled away, wiping her eyes. ¡°I''ll use it, I promise I will.¡±
¡°I believe you.¡±
¡°I um.¡± Lia swallowed hard. ¡°I should talk to Amy.¡±
¡°Amy as in--¡±
¡°Da-- Lavere,¡± she corrected herself. ¡°She um, yeah.¡±
¡°May I ask why?¡± Jessica said, cocking her head. ¡°I don''t ask to discourage you, but I want to understand your decision.¡±
¡°Well, see, all my precog stuff comes from the other Amy, and she uh, she knew a lot about m-- our Amy. I guess, I just want her to know the whole story. I know she might be upset, but it''s better that she knows the whole truth. It...it would be weird if I tried being friends with her otherwise.¡±
¡°You''ve been thinking about this.¡± Lia nodded sharply.
¡°I know it''s important to keep secrets, and...and I don''t know if I''ll tell anyone else.¡± She nibbled at a fingernail. ¡°But...but I feel like if I don''t tell her now, then if it comes out in the future she''ll be really hurt.¡±
¡°That''s very mature of you.¡± She scoffed.
¡°Better be fucking mature with thirty extra years on everyone,¡± Lia muttered.
¡°Lia.¡± She sighed.
¡°Sorry, I know it''s...simulated, or like not mine, but it still feels like it should mean something.¡± She rubbed her eyes. ¡°Sorry, stuff doesn''t have to mean something to happen but...it would be nice if this did.¡±
¡°May I offer my opinion?¡± Lia narrowed her eyes, but nodded after a moment. ¡°I think you have already made it mean something. You saved Dean''s life, you saved Amy Lavere from your prediction, and you did all that at great personal cost. Either of them would agree, I think, that means a great deal.¡±
¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered a minute later. ¡°For everything I...thank you doctor.¡±
With one last hug, Lia pulled up her mask and left Jessica''s office. She sighed as the door shut and began picking up the used tissues, throwing them in the trash before retrieving her recorder and sitting down at her desk. After plugging it in, Jessica transferred the audio files and fed them into a program to transcribe it all for her. Once that was done, she leaned back in her chair and stared at the progress bar.
God, what a case. It would have to be properly redacted given that it involved a minor, but it was one for the books. Jessica still wasn''t sure how it related to Lia''s power, beyond the precognitive aspect, but that would be for follow up researchers who specialized in such things. They could hypothesize to their hearts'' content, and once Lia was an adult she could choose to work with them or not. A grin touched her lips, imagining that future conversation.
With a sigh, Jessica began typing up a report to the director; he had another soldier for the cause...
Exhumation 12.6
A knock at the door pulled Amy out of the dazed stupor she''d fallen into. A fight between the Teeth and some Nazi gang had gone badly and a lot of people got caught in the crossfire. She''d spent the afternoon on-site with red hands. Still, better than having nearly thirty people die because a bunch of gangsters wanted to kill each other. She rose from the couch and shuffled to the door, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
¡°Hey,¡± Lia greeted her as Amy opened the door. She looked...bad. Her eyes were bloodshot, lips chewed ragged, and...she wasn''t wearing a mask.
¡°Get in here,¡± she huffed, pulling the idiot inside before she outed herself. ¡°You''re unmasked.¡± Lia touched her face and sighed.
¡°God fucking dammit,¡± she swore. ¡°I''ll need to borrow a cloth. Anyway, um, okay this is off to a bad start. Can we sit down? I...we need to talk.¡±
¡°Uh, okay, sure.¡± Amy felt her heart beat a little faster.
Was this...it? Was Lia finally going to tell her what a monster Amy was, or at least could have been without her intervention? Amy wasn''t sure she was ready for that, not after a day of actually using her powers to do objective good. Sure she had to do a little finagling to make sure everyone remained stable while she worked, but it was fine, and she''d removed the slight modifications she''d made afterward.
¡°Um, so,¡± Lia began hesitantly when they''d sat on the couch. She wouldn''t meet Amy''s eyes. ¡°I need to tell you something about me. It''s maybe about my power, maybe not but...but it doesn''t matter because it''s still part of me. And I''m sorry in advance if this makes things...weird, or like, weirder.¡± Amy blinked.
¡°Oh,¡± she said flatly. ¡°I uh, I thought you were here to tell me about...whatever I didn''t do.¡±
¡°Sorry,¡± she said with a grimace. ¡°Um, another time maybe? You might not even want to hear about it after...you know.¡±
¡°Sure,¡± Amy breathed. ¡°So, are you better?¡± She raised her hand and waggled it.
¡°Better than I''ve been in a while,¡± Lia replied. ¡°But I''m still sort of putting it all back together putting...me back together. Sorry, that''s cryptic shit. Um, when I got powers, I also got thirty years of memories from someone called Amy, from another world.¡± Amy stared at her for a moment, then stuck out her hand. ¡°What do you-- oh, you don''t believe me.¡±
¡°I just...¡± Amy paused, glancing at the floor. ¡°Sorry.¡± Lia took her hand anyway, and when she continued, Amy knew she wasn''t lying.
¡°All of this,¡± she gestured with her free hand. ¡°She read about it in a story, and I got her memories of that. It''s not exactly precognition but...well, it works sometimes. That''s how I knew about everything, about you and...and everything. She knew a lot about you and now I do too. Didn''t ask for it, and I''m sorry that I sort of violated your privacy knowing. So...now you know.¡± Lia shrank in on herself as Amy stared.
Lia was telling the truth, at least as far as she could tell. It just... She let out a long, slow breath. Couldn''t jump to conclusions here, it could just be her power screwing with her head, making her think she had memories that she really didn''t, or only had in the context of being a precog. God, Vicky would have a field day asking questions, but Amy just wanted to know if it was real or not.
¡°I can try to remember something from Amy, sorry the other Amy,¡± Lia offered. ¡°I...I could tell you about her life or something, like she was a soldier, Canadian and--¡±
¡°Okay,¡± Amy cut her off. ¡°It''s fine I...I can see.¡±
It was an ugly sight. When her synapses lit up, Amy could see Lia sure as hell wasn''t lying; that didn''t fill her with confidence though. Memories were physically encoded on the brain, yet another reason for her to avoid touching them. That meant here though, Amy could see how packed her hippocampus was. True to Lia''s word, it looked like she had at least the memories of more than forty years.
Two things puzzled her about the fugly arrangement. First was that, even though Lia said it was a power thing, there didn''t seem to be a connection between her coronas and hippocampus; at least nothing that suggested their hand in the memories. She wasn''t a specialist, but that didn''t make much sense with what she knew about powers. Weirder was the physical overlap of some engrams, like they''d been stamped over something that was already there. Lia complained about memory issues and Amy could see a physical cause. Not that she could do anything to fix it...
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
¡°S-so you''re...¡±
¡°Lia,¡± she said shakily. ¡°Amelia Carina D''souza born in Brockton Bay, USA. I''m not Amy whatever from Canada, I just remember her. So...there, now you know everything. Sorry.¡±
¡°Apology accepted,¡± Amy replied quickly. ¡°So til now...what?¡±
¡°I was trying to convince myself I was her,¡± Lia said, squeezing Amy''s hand. ¡°I...she was someone who could handle it, and I was just some fuck-up kid who absolutely couldn''t. I''m sorry I didn''t tell you before.¡±
¡°Don''t know I''d have believed you,¡± she said honestly. ¡°I probably wouldn''t give you the benefit of a doubt if you hadn''t...you know.¡±
¡°Yeah.¡± She bit her lip. ¡°I tried.¡±
¡°You succeeded, right?¡± Amy asked, her heart thumping. ¡°Like, me and Glory Girl are better off now, aren''t we?¡±
¡°You are.¡± Amy almost sagged with relief.
¡°Then...it''s fine,¡± she said, shrugging. ¡°It''s weird, I guess, but not weirder than dealing with other precogs.¡± She hadn''t worked with other precogs, but that was probably true. ¡°So if you remember reading about this then is it...¡± She couldn''t bring herself to finish that sentence.
¡°It''s real,¡± Lia said quickly. ¡°At least as real as I am and, well.¡± She squeezed Amy''s hand twice. ¡°That''s what I think anyway. Who knows, my memories could all be fake anyway.¡± Amy fought to keep her face neutral.
¡°Yeah, I guess you''re right.¡± Amy sighed and let go of Lia''s hand, shuffling a little closer. She didn''t need to know about what she potentially lost because of them. ¡°So you knew all about me, what, since you triggered?¡±
¡°Basically,¡± she replied. ¡°A little over a month now I''ve known about you, about your dad, about...Glory Girl. I don''t know everything about you, you weren''t the main character, but yeah...sorry.¡±
¡°Stop apologizing,¡± Amy snapped. ¡°Did you ask for powers?¡±
¡°Fuck no.¡±
¡°Then it''s fine,¡± she said. ¡°It''s...it feels weird, but that''s because I''ve never heard of anything like this before. But...well, it''s not like parahumans are exactly normal; yes, I''m including me here, don''t snark. You''re not the only one your power,¡± probably, ¡°messed with. The PRT keeps a lot of case files for abnormal parahumans, like Case 53s?¡±
¡°I know,¡± she said. ¡°I don''t...¡±
¡°It''s weird, sure,¡± Amy continued. ¡°But no weirder than twins literally sharing a body, as in physically switching spaces when one wants to...I think the term Victoria used was ''front''? No weirder than any of the anatomical or memory changes experienced by 53s so...yeah. You''re weird, Amelia D''souza, but I don''t mind.¡± Not that much anyway. Lia sniffled and Amy shuffled closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they began to shake.
She apologized breathlessly through choked sobs, leaning against Amy. She wrapped her arms around Lia as the girl''s body rocked with pained cries. It was obvious this was killing her, a secret like Amy''s own had been. It wasn''t nearly as ugly, but Lia had been just as afraid of it coming out.
And it was weird. Amy knew about the case files because of her nerd of a sister, not personal interest. She definitely didn''t intend to become friends with someone who''d been that messed up by her powers. Now that she was though...she wasn''t just going to dump Lia like a dirty rag. The girl had been through enough as it was and, power weirdness or not, she wasn''t trying to make things weird. Probably.
¡°Thank you,¡± Lia whispered once she was done. She didn''t hug Amy back, but turned so she was resting on her chest. ¡°I don''t deserve it.¡±
¡°Oh don''t give me that,¡± Amy groused gently. ¡°I think this at least is fine, not exactly breaking my back or anything.¡± She stiffened, but nodded slightly.
¡°Okay.¡± The silence dragged on for a few minutes. ¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°You''re welcome,¡± she replied. ¡°You um, you still going to be a hero?¡±
¡°Duh,¡± Lia said, and Amy could practically hear her eyes rolling. ¡°Between the Undersiders still being a problem, the gangs moving in, what''s coming...¡± She shivered. ¡°Too much to do, can''t stop helping in good conscience. You?¡±
¡°I''m not a hero,¡± Amy hedged. ¡°I...I''ll help, heal people, stuff like that but...I''m not Panacea anymore. Just...Amelia Lavere.¡±
¡°That''s fair.¡± There was a beat of silence. ¡°You could try rebranding maybe?¡±
¡°How many capes on the planet heal people with a touch?¡± she asked sarcastically.
¡°At least two,¡± Lia replied, apparently taking the question seriously. ¡°Probably more, but I''m not really a cape geek. But like...I don''t know, you said you didn''t choose to be a maskless cape before. Now I guess you can, is all.¡±
¡°I...it''s not a bad idea.¡± It may be a little dumb, but it wasn''t bad. ¡°Maybe I''ll think about it sometime, but for now it doesn''t really matter.¡±
¡°I guess.¡± After another minute, Lia pulled away from the embrace and sat back on the couch. ¡°Thanks again Amy for...for hearing me out. And for not like, hating me.¡± Amy reached out and gently cuffed Lia''s shoulder.
¡°Dumbass,¡± she muttered. ¡°You''re my friend so, yeah, least I could do I guess.¡±
¡°Cool,¡± she replied, a little breathy. ¡°I''m gonna go crash I...yeah, I''m pretty tired I guess. Trying to sort out everything took uh, a lot out of me.¡±
¡°Makes sense, go sleep then.¡± Amy offered a weak grin. ¡°It''s cool.¡± Lia rose and nodded.
¡°Cool, you got a towel or something I can borrow?¡±
Minutes later, and less one hand towel, Amy was left alone again in her little apartment. She went to her bed and sat down heavily, staring at the wall. That was all...jesus. Lia, a PRT case file and friend. It was still her, the same girl Amy had gotten to know, the same one who stopped her from falling far enough to deserve the Birdcage. Weird no doubt but, well, forgivably so. And she''d gone through hell and still wanted to be a hero. So Amy would stick around, because frankly she needed a good example to follow after.
Besides, with everything going on, Lia probably needed her as much as Amy needed Lia.
PRT Case File No. 78, pending
///PRT-IPS 30072011///
///PERSREF: 100233-112003///
Parahuman Phenomenology and Foreign Memory Transference
PRT Case File No. 78, pending
Doctor Jessica Yamada, PhD, ABPP, NBCCH-PS
While we understand to some degree how a parahuman''s ability affects their emotions, personality, and even brain structure, we still lack an understanding as to why. Specifically, why powers manifest in ways that manipulate a hosts perception of their being or reality. This case study of Patient M does not offer and answer, but gives clues and evidence that is of paramount value to the field.
M is a member of the Wards. They triggered in May of 2011 and joined the Wards shortly after. M''s primary parahuman ability takes the form of a selectively-permeable, skin-tight projection that is capable of withstanding almost all punishment (addendum: M''s projection failed when encountering Case File No. 01). They also have a minor precognitive aspect discussed further below.
M was referred for intensive therapy by their Ward captain on 21st June, 2011 based on his observations, both power-based and conventional, of M''s mental state. During this therapy it came to light that the precognitive aspect of M''s power was tied into the memories of another person. The presence of the Foreign Engram (FE), present at the moment of M''s trigger event, caused M to temporarily believe they were the FE itself, or the personality contained within. M described the feeling of these memories as ¡°dysphoric¡±, which is telling language in itself.
The FE claimed (or M claimed on its behalf) that it originated extradimensionally, from another Earth not unlike Earth Aleph. Earth Ammonis (hypothetical) allegedly contained a story that the FE remembered regarding certain events that M would subsequently attempt to prevent, with some success. Though initially M claimed the memories came shortly before events occurred, they revealed during therapy the memories were fully present from the time of their trigger event.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
It should be noted here, M is a natural trigger rather than one of the recently revealed artificial triggers; it is highly unlikely their memories were tampered with as with the Case File No. 53 now known to be tied to artificial triggers. The FE was confirmed to be physically present in M''s hippocampus by a PRT-verified medical Thinker as well, so a falsehood can also be ruled out. This is likely to be a novel case, though not necessarily unprecedented.
Memory transference in parahumans was recognized with Case File No. 70, the Twin Cases. It was theorized that the bodies and minds of each are being held extradimensionally when they are not fronting (Fleischmann 2007, 42). Despite this, the twins are capable of intracommunication without too much issue. Wilkens (2008, 3) hypothesized the communication is facilitated by by the coronas pollentia and gemma, though no EKG or medical Thinker followups were carried out to determine this.
In this case, the extradimensional aspect is present in the apparent origin of the FE. This alone is not enough to directly tie it to the parahuman ability. Similar detachment is present in M''s recollection of FE memories as in precognitive predictions and, like with Twin Cases, such recollection occurs as easily as regular thought; though subject to memory impairment, at least with M.
The FE itself, if artificial in nature, was remarkably detailed. M was able to recall events spanning from an apparent age of four through to age twenty-nine, when the memories ceased. The FE also recalled the year of its final memories as 2024, thirteen years from the present day. Time manipulation is also a well-known parahuman ability, present in many parahumans; though a span of this length, if true, would be unprecedented.
The unique nature of this case makes study difficult, hence the use of the term in the title "phenomenology". In this case, it refers to Patient M''s lived experience with their memories, the sole source of information. M was also reluctant to share any of the FE''s memories before therapy, as they felt it was unbelievable. In that regard, the author recommends the description of this case file be circulated with allied agencies to encourage others that may feel the same to come forward.
Addendum, Dr. Alan Vines:
Currently, this case file needs more study. Patient M, the prototype, has declined so far to work with researchers; their only communication regarding this file being through Doctor Jessica Yamada. Currently, foreign parahuman studies institutes have been forwarded the file for review, as well as to see if there is non-English literature on the subject that may have been missed. Follow on review scheduled for 1st October, 2011.
///PRT-IPS 30072011///
///PERSREF: 100233, 112003///
¨C PROTECTED L ¨C
Reflex 13.1
For the first time in a long time, I didn''t feel like a stranger when I looked in the mirror. My face was still my face, pockmarked, freckled, 4/10 on a good day and I hadn''t had many of those lately; at least I didn''t feel weird about it anymore. I shivered as I rinsed my hands, then headed back to my room to change.
I wasn''t back on full-time duties yet, but I still got into my costume. Today was going to be about catch-up, filling out paperwork, briefings on the city. Boring, probably, but vital since I literally had no idea what was going on outside the stretch of hall between the elevator and Dr. Yamada''s office. I wasn''t looking forward to finding out but...well, that was my job.
¡°Amaranth, hey,¡± Kid Win greeted me as I left my room.
¡°What''s up?¡± I asked, cocking my head. ¡°Just heading up to a meeting room for a check in.¡±
¡°Cool, cool, I won''t keep you.¡± He shuffled his feet for a second. ¡°Uh, how are you doing?¡±
¡°I''m...feeling a lot better,¡± I replied honestly, scratching the back of my head. ¡°Yeah, just doing okayish. You?¡±
¡°Tired,¡± he said with a shrug. ¡°Busy. Never a dull moment in Brockton Bay, right?¡±
¡°Too right,¡± I scoffed. ¡°Anyway, I''m gonna get up there before I cause any more trouble. See you around, Win.¡±
¡°See you Amaranth.¡±
I got in the elevator and headed up, sighing as I rested my head against the back wall. I still wasn''t sleeping well, but I was pretty sure none of us were; not after the Nine, sure as hell not after Echidna. I was trying to follow Dean''s recommendation of not using the other Amy''s memories for a while, even though Dr. Yamada wanted me working through them. I would but...I just had to be me.
For now, that meant keeping my head down and being a good little trooper. Fine by me, now that I didn''t have to try and adhere to her weird aversion to working for the good guys. I let out a long sigh and forced myself to move as the doors opened. Dr. Yamada said there would probably be some confusion for...well, she didn''t actually give me a time frame. Something about not wanting to pressure my progress or whatever. Hopefully it wouldn''t last too long, but it was my fault anyway.
I knocked on the door of the room I''d been ordered to, double-checking that my mask and hood were in place. I still couldn''t believe I''d been so stupid yesterday, going to Amy''s quarters without covering up. Sure I''d been exhausted from therapy and distracted thinking of the awkward conversation coming, but that was no excuse.
¡°Come in,¡± Miss Militia said when she opened the door. ¡°Have a seat.¡± All business, great.
¡°Where''s Miss Stanford?¡± I asked, barely recalling my YGA''s name. Not like she''d been around...
¡°She''ll be joining us shortly,¡± she replied. ¡°I thought we might have a discussion before.¡± Oh, duh.
¡°Okay,¡± I said with a shrug. ¡°So, what am I allowed to actually tell her?¡± Miss Militia blinked twice.
¡°She''ll want to know how you have been,¡± she said evenly. ¡°There are recent events that have been classified and unfortunately--¡±
¡°Nothing about my nomination, Amy, or Echidna, cool.¡± I cut her off. ¡°Can we just cut the crap? I''ll tell her that I''ve been having a hard time but I''ve recently done mandated therapy and am fit for duty. Anything else?¡±
¡°Amaranth are you feeling alright?¡±
¡°Better than any day ending in ''y'' this last month,¡± I snapped, then sighed. ¡°Sorry I''m...touchy. I am okay though, or at least better.¡±
¡°I''m glad to hear,¡± Miss Militia said with a nod. ¡°You''re right about Echidna being classified, so please do not discuss those events. That the Nine were here is public knowledge, and you may speak about how you were affected, though please avoid specifics.¡±
¡°Sure, whatever.¡± I sighed and leaned back in my chair. ¡°Like, I don''t really know what''s going to happen, she''ll come in here and--¡±
¡°Apologies for being late,¡± Miss Stanford said, entering the room and hastily sitting next to me. ¡°Would you believe there''s traffic in this city somehow?¡±
¡°Well yeah,¡± I said. ¡°Evacuees.¡± There was a moment of awkward silence.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
¡°Right, well.¡± Stanford cleared her throat and tried her best to ignore me. ¡°Miss Militia, you''re here for the PRT?¡±
¡°I am,¡± she replied, pushing a stack of papers towards the Youth Guard woman. ¡°These are wellness reports from her mandated therapy clearing her for duty, signed by Amaranth, her doctor, and the director. I can assure you we''re caring for her as best as circumstances allow.¡± Stanford hummed thoughtfully as she took a look through the files.
¡°For what it''s worth, she''s right,¡± I added. ¡°Like...I caused a lot of trouble, you know? Well, I guess you do since you were there for the probation stuff.¡±
¡°And that is going well?¡± she asked, still scanning the documents.
¡°It''s fine,¡± I answered. ¡°Like, I think everyone''s just happy to have me around at all, no matter what bullshit I gave them. And the old captain got me off-duty for a couple weeks of intense therapy so like, I can''t really say they''re treating me bad or anything.¡± A beat.
¡°Intense therapy?¡± Stanford asked coldly, glaring at Miss Militia. ¡°And why--¡±
¡°My fault,¡± I said quickly, getting a wide-eyed look of surprise from both women. ¡°Well, not exactly but...I snapped, okay? I...I relived my trigger event and--¡± I took a shuddering breath and shook my head to clear it. ¡°I needed help, they gave it to me, okay?¡± I wanted this topic dropped ASAP.
¡°And how--¡±
¡°Don''t,¡± I snapped. ¡°Look I''m doing okay, really. I''m making friends, going to therapy, behaving, it''s all good.¡± She looked between me and Miss Militia, then sighed.
¡°Miss Militia I''m afraid I need to invoke privilege,¡± Stanford said, her tone flat.
¡°Come now Viola, you heard--¡±
¡°I did,¡± she cut Miss Militia off. ¡°And I need to hear it without her commander in the room.¡± The staring contest continued for a moment, then Miss Militia silently rose and left the room.
¡°You didn''t need to do that,¡± I said when the door clicked shut. ¡°She''s telling you the truth, and so am I.¡± She sighed again.
¡°I''m concerned the Wards may not be a good environment for you,¡± Stanford said after a moment. ¡°If it''s causing you to need that much help with your mental health...¡±
¡°It''s not,¡± I countered. ¡°I told you it was me, not them. They helped me put the pieces back together.¡±
¡°Would it have happened if you weren''t a Ward?¡±
¡°With the way the city is? I think I could have done a lot worse.¡±
¡°That''s not what I asked.¡±
¡°Look, I...¡± I took a deep breath and shut my eyes. ¡°Yeah, yeah it would have happened anyway. It was something from before I joined so just like, forget it. I did my therapy, talked enough, so can you just trust that for once in my career I''m actually telling the truth?¡± My cheeks burned as I stared down at the table.
¡°It''s not that I don''t trust you, Amaranth,¡± Stanford said gently. ¡°My duty is to look out for your well-being, and when I hear that the Wards made you relive your trigger I get concerned.¡±
¡°It wasn''t the Wards it was just a bad guy,¡± I countered. ¡°Even if I hadn''t joined, I''d have still fought so...yeah, I''d probably be a lot worse off with the support.¡± She shut her eyes and nodded.
¡°I understand the need for some secrecy, given certain rumours.¡± I winced. ¡°But please try to consider your wording. The Protectorate isn''t the only group suffering from what''s going on.¡± I cocked my head.
¡°What do you mean?¡± I asked. ¡°Like, I know what got said, sort of, but why would you guys get blamed for it?¡±
¡°Whose purview did Weld''s well-being fall under?¡± she asked in reply. ¡°Or any of the other vulnerable Case 53s? To say nothing of how the Wards themselves feel, finding out their peers and mentors are--¡± She cut herself off with a huff. ¡°Things are...complicated, Amaranth. We cannot afford to be jumping at shadows right now.¡±
¡°I...okay.¡± It wasn''t worth the fight, had to let it go. ¡°But it''s fine, really. Can we just...stop talking about it?¡±
¡°Alright.¡± Stanford turned and knocked on the door. A moment later, Miss Militia came back and sat down. ¡°I''ll sign off and get out of your hair. Next time a Ward gets referred for therapy, try and remember to submit the right reports.¡±
¡°Is that all?¡± I couldn''t help but hear the note of sarcasm in her reply. ¡°Very well. As always, we appreciate you checking in on the Wards.¡±
¡°It''s my job,¡± Stanford replied simply, rising and putting the reports in her briefcase. ¡°Oh, she''ll be attending make-up classes correct?¡±
¡°All the Wards will,¡± Miss Militia confirmed. ¡°Just like before, though emergencies...¡±
¡°I understand,¡± she said, rolling her eyes. ¡°Try to minimize those, would you?¡±
After she left, Miss Militia had me sign a few forms for school. Apparently, despite the desperate state of the city, they decided classes were just fine to go forward. Screwed up maybe, but I guess it was nice I wouldn''t have to repeat eleventh grade. I was sick of high school as it was. Maybe it would be better now that I had at least one friend I could hang out with, without things being weird.
¡°What next?¡± I asked once I''d finished. ¡°Briefing? Training?¡±
¡°Lunch,¡± Miss Militia replied, rising from her seat. ¡°After that you''ll have a briefing regarding the state of current threats and new rules of engagement.¡±
¡°I''m assuming Skitter and her little fffriends.¡± I narrowly avoided saying something much worse. ¡°Plus whatever''s left of the Empire.¡± She just shook her head.
¡°Go eat,¡± she said. ¡°Take a break, you''re on light duties.¡±
¡°Miss Militia I''m fi--¡±
¡°Amaranth, slow down.¡± Her tone was firm, but not unkind. ¡°I know things have been...hectic, but please rest while you can. I''d rather you be as fit as you can before you''re back in the field.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± I said, feeling small. I got out of my seat and stood by the door. ¡°Anything else, ma''am?¡±
¡°I''ll see you later,¡± she said, waving a hand.
I headed out and back to the elevator, back to my quarters. Something was wrong, but I couldn''t put my finger on it. Or maybe it was just the lack of a crises. Miss Militia was right, things had been insane lately. Barely a day went by without one disaster or another, so feeling like the other shoe was going to drop, yeah it made sense. Dr. Yamada would tell me to let it go so...I would.
At least, I''d give it a try.
Reflex 13.2
¡°Hrk!¡± Clockblocker choked as I caught his throat. There was a sound like shattering glass and I pulled away before I lost another five to ten minutes.
¡°Fuck!¡± I swore, massaging my temple. ¡°I hate it when you do that.¡±
¡°Still sparring,¡± he grunted.
I huffed and raised my fists, feeling the slight pressure on my skin that told me my projection was back already. If this had been a real fight, I''d just hit him with pepper spray or a stun gun, maybe club him with a baton. Hand-to-hand I was basically screwed. Like the Siberian, his power could kill mine; I guess I was on the ''nothing'' side of that equation. I had maybe one advantage here... I went low, ducking to avoid his swipe, and grabbed his calf. I squeezed fairly hard, til I felt the muscle twitch, then let go and backpedaled as he fell with a muffled curse.
¡°Time,¡± Clock called, his voice pained. ¡°God dammit Amaranth.¡±
¡°It''s just a charlie horse,¡± I promised. ¡°Trust me to have that much control at least.¡±
¡°It still hurts,¡± he complained, sticking out his hand. I helped him to his feet with a grunt. ¡°Hell of a grip.¡±
¡°It''s literally the only thing I can do,¡± I countered.
¡°And tank a hit or twenty from Leviathan.¡±
¡°That''s different,¡± I retorted. ¡°I can''t exactly use that against someone like you, can I? You just touch me and poof, lights out.¡±
¡°You''re not practicing against me, you''re practicing against the bad guys,¡± Clockblocker said, shaking his head. ¡°Pretty sure none of them can break your field.¡±
¡°Or they haven''t figured out a way,¡± I groused. ¡°Anyway, if you were a bad guy I''d have probably just broken your wrist or something.¡±
¡°That''s why we''re practicing,¡± he sighed. ¡°You rely too much on injuring people. It works but it''s not really great, for PR or for the guys getting hurt.¡±
¡°You''re really telling me to worry about image right now?¡±
¡°Yeah, I am,¡± he replied firmly. ¡°And that should tell you how important it really is.¡± I leaned on the ropes of the ring.
¡°Are things actually that bad?¡± I kept my voice down. ¡°Like, so some capes bought their powers, so what? Why are people up in arms about that if they''re mostly heroes?¡±
¡°Is that really how you feel?¡± I winced at the accusation in his tone.
¡°If things had been different, maybe I''d feel differently.¡± If I hadn''t known about it since getting my own powers. ¡°But the way things are, yeah if they want to spend their money on helping people, I can''t really bitch too much. Gallant was one, you know?¡±
¡°He told me,¡± Clockblocker said, a note of bitterness in his voice. ¡°Only right before I took over for him though.¡±
¡°You think he wasn''t a hero though?¡± I asked. ¡°That he didn''t want to help people? Does it matter that his powers came from a tube instead of a trigger? Fuck I wish mine did, don''t you?¡± He stared at me quietly for a minute.
¡°You''re different,¡± he said at last.
¡°Don''t give me that,¡± I snapped, rolling my eyes. ¡°If I''m different it''s because all this shit''s worn me down to be pragmatic. We team up with actual villains, how are these guys somehow worse?¡±
¡°How is it different?¡± He asked incredulously. ¡°These guys were supposed to be the good guys, not corrupt. Like, Alexandria?¡±
¡°I guess that was kind of fucked up,¡± I admitted, wincing. Yeah her heading the branch that was supposed to keep heroes in line was...yeah. ¡°But she''s stepping down right? Doing the right thing, that has to count for something.¡±
¡°Never should have happened to start with,¡± Clockblocker said.
¡°Maybe not,¡± I agreed. ¡°But with everything going on, are you really going to say we don''t need them?¡± He stared silently for a minute, then got out of the ring. I followed a moment later.
¡°We''re done,¡± he said flatly. ¡°Hit the showers, good work today.¡±
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
¡°Clock, hey, sorry I--¡±
¡°It''s fine,¡± Clockblocker cut me off. ¡°We don''t have to agree on stuff to work together. Better we don''t keep fighting til we''re at each others throats right?¡± I stared at him for a moment.
¡°You''re different.¡± He snorted and I sighed. ¡°Maybe you''re right. I...no hard feelings?¡±
¡°No hard feelings,¡± he said, nodding. ¡°See you in a couple hours.¡± I sighed.
¡°Right, school scheduling.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Isn''t it like...kind of crazy they''re reopening already? The Nine left town what, two weeks ago?¡±
¡°Three,¡± Clockblocker corrected. ¡°But you''re not wrong, it''s...something. Try not to mess up our schedules too bad by not showing up for your patrols, huh?¡±
¡°Come on,¡± I groaned as we got in the elevator and headed down. ¡°You know I left to--¡±
¡°I know,¡± he cut me off as the doors opened. ¡°Just try and remember we''re already down a lot of good people, and I really don''t want to lose anymore.¡±
¡°Who else?¡± I asked as he stepped out. He paused and turned his head, holding the door.
¡°Flechette resigned a couple days ago, said she''s going independent again.¡±
¡°She what?¡±
¡°I know,¡± Clockblocker said flatly. ¡°So...yeah, please stick around?¡±
I gave him a nod and he let the doors slip shut. I let out a long sigh as the elevator continued down towards the quarters. Why the hell had Lily decided to leave? I thought I''d been pretty clear when she asked my advice, even if I told her to ignore it... Still, she should have known better dammit. At least ''independent'' didn''t necessarily mean villain, so just maybe I''d avoided giving the Undersiders more firepower.
Small victories, had to count them for something or I''d go insane...again. We were getting pretty thin on the ground now, how many Wards left who I actually knew relatively? Clockblocker, Kid Win, Vista...no, that couldn''t be it, surely. But counting it up in my head, that was all. Weld and Gallant were gone, Shadow Stalker shipped off somewhere on the West Coast, and Glory Girl was probably never coming near here again. Not that she''d been a Ward to begin with, but still. Damn.
I headed to the washrooms to rinse off the sweat from sparring. It had gone fairly well, though I still had a bit of a headache from Clockblocker breaking my projection half a dozen times. I was getting better at controlling my grip in a fight though, instead of just clamping down until whatever was in my hand crumbled. I was sure he appreciated it.
One near-panic attack in the shower later, I was relatively clean. I changed into a set of sweats, determined to relax while I had a minute. I headed into the common room to see if there was anything good on, but found the TV already occupied by Chris. I sighed and started to head towards the kitchenette to make a snack instead, but he beckoned for me to join him.
¡°Hey Amaranth, or do you prefer Lia out of costume?¡± I shrugged and leaned on the back of the couch.
¡°Lia, I guess,¡± I replied. ¡°Don''t want to get the two confused, you know?¡± Better to have a nice, firm line to know who you were.
¡°Fair enough, I feel kind of the same.¡± He held up a bowl of popcorn. ¡°Wanna join me? Just started Per Ardua, it''s about someone that triggers on a colony ship heading to Antares. Weld told me it was good before...¡± I grimaced as he trailed off, then hopped over the couch and bounced on the cushion beside him.
¡°Yeah okay,¡± I said, grabbing a handful of popcorn. ¡°It''ll be done before the planning meeting?¡±
¡°Oh for sure,¡± Chris said as I stuffed my face. ¡°Ready?¡±
I nodded and he unpaused it. The ship on screen was pretty cool, an elongated cigar shape with large, rotating rings around the outside. It plied through a backdrop of silent stars, light tinkling music playing that was suddenly interrupted by a bassy rumble. The image distorted, then returned to normal, the ship continuing to fly.
That was the trigger event for Marnie, an engineer aboard the ship and apparently now a Master who could split into three smaller versions of herself. A useful power when most of the crew was in cryostasis. Chris was pretty excited about some of the tech they showed, and I could see why. It wasn''t dissimilar to his new setup, with utility drones that helped the Marnies out.
When I asked, he was pretty eager to talk about it. He was working through some Tinker''s block now, figuring out what he could actually do. I thought he already had with the whole jetpack, or hover harness as he corrected, and laser drones combo but that was only the start. I wasn''t able to follow along, but I was pretty sure he''d figured out what he was best at. That was pretty cool.
I ducked out part of the way through the film, feigning a yawn. I wasn''t that tired, I just needed a bit of space and didn''t want to hurt Chris'' feelings. He was pretty cool, treating me so...normal after everything I''d done. Plus, he was someone that the other Amy knew nothing about; I actually stood a chance of being friends or something with him without it being too weird. Still, I was feeling off and wanted to get a chance to relax before figuring out school on top of being a hero.
School...it still felt weird to think about going back. A low-level of anxiety made my stomach ache, but I did my best to ignore it as I sat at my desk, drumming my fingers. I just wanted to take my mind off things for a little while. My gaze fell on a neglected notebook I''d been given with the room and I grabbed it. Flipping through, I found it totally blank. I smiled.
It had been a while since I''d picked up a pencil and started drawing, but found the feeling to be just as familiar as I''d hoped. My hands were a little shaky and my lines were crap, but that was fair enough considering the last two months, plus whatever time had been...lost. I was still able to recognize the shapes of the boats in the bay, and the Protectorate headquarters further out, from that park near my house. I sighed and set my pencil down. Should take Amy there sometime, she''d probably like the view.
I twirled my pencil idly, then started adding details. The downtown skyline to one side, the Docks on the other. All intact, all before everything. I sighed and kept drawing, trying to recreate the image stuck in my mind from when this had all started.
The scratching of lead on paper filled my room as I tried to get it out.
Reflex 13.3
¡°Hey Lia, you good?¡±
The pencil dropped from my fingers as I startled, the knock on the door setting my heart pounding. I blinked and stared at the pages of my notebook, covered in all sorts of doodles. I''d...gotten a little carried away. Still, it had been nice entertaining a hobby I''d practically forgotten about with everything happening.
¡°Yeah, fine, what''s up?¡± I called through the door, putting the notebook and pencil away.
¡°Meeting in five.¡± Shit.
¡°Be right there!¡±
I scrambled into my closet and hastily changed into my costume. I knew I''d be a bit late but it''d be worse if I showed up in civvies. I set out at a jog up the stairs, not trusting the elevator to be ready fast enough. It was fine, I definitely needed the exercise. Even with the big, S-class threats out of the way, I needed to get more fit. A gangster could toss me around as much as a Brute, and they could outrun me if I didn''t get better.
¡°Sorry,¡± I blurted as I burst into the room, drawing the eyes of my fellow Wards. ¡°Uhh, got distracted.¡±
¡°Well come on,¡± Clockblocker said, gesture to the seat next to Vista. I offered her a smile she couldn''t see, but she at least grinned back. ¡°I want to get this sorted, parents are taking me out tonight.¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Kid Win perked up. ¡°What''s going on?¡± Clock scratched the back of his head.
¡°It''s uh, a celebration thing,¡± he answered, sounding bashful. ¡°With everything going on we haven''t got a chance to really be happy about Dad''s recovery, and now I got a promotion so...yeah.¡±
¡°Sounds nice,¡± he replied.
¡°I don''t think any of us are going to complain about less time in meetings,¡± I said dryly. ¡°Anyway, how''s this all work? We go to school part time or...?¡±
¡°Sort of,¡± Vista, of all people, answered. ¡°Usually we''d be in a co-op program, or you guys would, but with this stuff it''s obviously suspended.¡±
¡°We have a few out-of-towners coming soon,¡± Clockblocker added. ¡°Crucible''s joining full-time, and I''ve been told more are on the way. We''re cutting back patrol hours, obviously, but I still want us doing our fair share. That cool with everyone?¡±
¡°So what, weekends, half-evenings?¡± Kid Win asked.
¡°Plus two of us on call at night,¡± he replied. ¡°Which sucks but at least the Protectorate is handling it too. We''ll only have to do two nights a week each, absolute max. And they''re going to make sure we''re on day shifts for the weekend.¡±
¡°Awful considerate,¡± I said.
¡°New director''s orders,¡± Clock said with a shrug. ¡°Says we''ve been run ragged, wants us rested up for when we have enough heroes to take the fight to the villains. Still got to keep our grades up though.¡± Groans all around the table.
¡°So we''re what, here to see who draws the short straw with Monday night patrols?¡± I said with a sigh, resting my chin on my palm in front of me.
¡°Something like that,¡± he replied, passing out a few sheets of paper and some pens. ¡°Put in the nights you want patrols, number them one to five; we''ll compare notes, see who wants what off, come to an agreement like that. Amaranth, you''re only doing one night a week so we''ll have you as a filler, if that''s alright.¡± I narrowed my eyes.
¡°Why?¡± I asked. ¡°I''m better.¡±
¡°You have other stuff to handle,¡± Clockblocker replied, shaking his head. ¡°Trust me, you''re probably gonna feel stretched anyway.¡±
¡°The hell are they going to do to me?¡± I said, my voice shaking. ¡°I didn''t do anything wrong, I''ve been trying to stick to the rules and--¡±
¡°Hey, chill,¡± he snapped, cutting off my spiral. ¡°Just...legal stuff, I''d rather not bring it up in front of everyone. Not trouble though, as long as you''re sticking to your probation.¡±
¡°Well...¡± I cleared my throat and tried to shake off the sudden panic. ¡°I think I''m getting back problems from the mattress, so yeah, I am.¡±
¡°Hey, so Clock, they''ve got us going to Craptain''s Hill Junior,¡± Vista chimed in. ¡°We''re accounting for the extra travel time?¡±
¡°Wait, Captain''s Hill?¡± I perked up. ¡°I went there.¡±
¡°For real?¡± she asked, grimacing. ¡°Please tell me that rumour about the second floor bathroom isn''t--¡±
¡°Nope,¡± I said, shaking my head. ¡°Sorry that one''s genuine. It uh...I didn''t know the girl personally but I saw the aftermath. It''s about as bad as they say, probably.¡±
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¡°Oh god,¡± she groaned. ¡°I''m never gonna use the bathroom there.¡±
¡°Wait, what happened?¡± Kid Win asked. ¡°I haven''t heard about this.¡±
¡°Because you went to B.J. Graham with me,¡± Clockblocker said. ¡°I mean, I don''t know what you''re talking about either so I assume--¡±
¡°It''s girl stuff,¡± I cut them off. ¡°Trust me when I say you don''t wanna know.¡±
¡°Girl tried to cast a spell by smearing the wall with her--¡± I clapped my hand over Vista''s mouth.
¡°And that''s enough of that,¡± I said, giving her a look. ¡°I really don''t want to see Win throw up, Vista.¡± She mumbled something into my palm that might have been ''I do''.
¡°Okay, let''s focus on getting this over with,¡± Clockblocker said with a note of finality.
It turned out when Clockblocker acted like a captain, people actually treated him like one. The other three filled out their sheets while I sat quietly, waiting for them to finish. Being the filler meant I''d be drawing the short stick on whatever days weren''t getting enough cover, but it also meant I didn''t need to jockey for the nights I actually wanted off.
Things still felt a little...tense, between me and the others. Fair enough, considering everything, but the last thing I wanted to do was alienate them by being selfish about my schedule. And they were nice enough that I was only doing half the nights I normally would be, so there wasn''t much to complain about.
Jesus, it had been nearly a month since I''d last gone on a real patrol. I guess my three-day outing with Amy counted, if you stretched the definition of ''patrol'' until it was unrecognizable at least. Or maybe if you just changed it from the Protectorate''s definition to a military definition; it wasn''t exactly SR shit but I kind of liked thinking about it like that.
It had been monumentally stupid, going out like I did. But I had done it and survived, hell I''d won against all odds. A smile wormed its way onto my face. It had been three days from hell, three days that I didn''t think I could survive again, but I''d fought through it all and come out on top. A hero, after a fashion.
The kerfuffle over who would be on-call which night didn''t last too long, fortunately. As expected, I was doing Monday night raw while the others covered the rest of the week. Poor Crucible, stuck on call Monday and Friday. Oh well, he should have been here if he didn''t want to get shafted on the schedule. I had zero idea who he even was, but hopefully he was cool.
¡°Okay,¡± Clockblocker said once we were finished. ¡°Well that was easier than back to school stuff usually is. Thanks guys, you''re dismissed. Amaranth, stick around for a sec? I just want to bring you up to speed on what I mentioned earlier. The legal stuff?¡± I winced.
¡°Yeah sure, that''s fine.¡± I waved to Kid Win and Vista as they left, then sighed and leaned back in my chair. I spoke again once me and Clockblocker were alone. ¡°Whatever it was this time, I''m sorry.¡±
¡°Okay,¡± he replied simply. ¡°You can make it up to me by giving me a mil.¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°Before his uh...retirement, Calvert put through the request.¡± Clock pushed another stack of papers towards me. ¡°Congratulations, little miss teenage millionaire.¡±
I stared numbly at the sheets in front of me. When I''d asked Assault about it, I thought that was the end. When Coil had made his offer, I figured it was a fake to keep me from spilling the beans on his little op. And yet, if I was reading the legalese right, I was now the recipient of two and a half million dollars.
It wasn''t all mine, according to the oh so helpful table breaking down where the money was going. I was getting twenty percent right away, put into my bank account. I hadn''t seen that since before Leviathan, but between my Ward pay and this...I probably wouldn''t need to worry about fifteen dollar coffees on the Boardwalk anymore.
A bunch was going into my trust fund, which was fair enough but intensely annoying if only because I wouldn''t get it for years. Oh well, at least it would grow while sitting in the account, so it wasn''t sitting idle. About a third was going to the Brockton Bay Relief Fund, something I definitely hadn''t agreed to but couldn''t really tell them off about. Those people needed that money a hell of a lot more than me.
¡°Is this real?¡± I couldn''t help asking.
¡°As far as I know,¡± Clockblocker replied with a shrug. ¡°Never heard of a Ward taking down an S9 member, or anyone with a kill order really. I''m...I still can''t really believe it.¡±
¡°Neither can I.¡± I looked down at my hands and shivered. ¡°I...at least a lot is getting donated.¡±
¡°Fair,¡± he said. ¡°You gonna sign it?¡± I nodded and did, then pushed the papers back to him. ¡°Okay perfect, now let me just change ''Brockton Bay'' to ''Clockblocker'' so I get that little donation and...¡±
¡°Clock.¡±
¡°Relax, it''s a joke,¡± he said dryly. ¡°Wouldn''t take money from a charity.¡±
¡°Sure hope not or I''ll have you arrested for embezzlement.¡±
¡°I''d like to avoid you ever arresting me, thanks,¡± he retorted, then sighed. ¡°One more thing: foster services are getting back up. It won''t be for a little while yet probably, but they''re probably going to start looking for guardians.¡±
¡°Shit,¡± I swore. ¡°Do they have to? I''m seventeen in a couple months, surely it''s fine.¡±
¡°It''s the rules,¡± he sighed. ¡°Like I said, it''ll be a while still; lots of kids have a more pressing need than you.¡±
¡°I guess.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Crazy they''re still treating us like kids considering...everything.¡±
¡°No kidding,¡± Clockblocker grumbled. ¡°Still, this is how things work around here. It''s probably going to suck, but you''re tough. Won''t have to put up with it for long either. Like you said, you''re seventeen soon and eighteen not long after that.¡±
¡°True.¡± I shifted in my seat. ¡°Anything else, Clockblocker?¡±
¡°Nah, it''s good. See you in class tomorrow.¡±
¡°You and everyone else in town,¡± I retorted as I rose.
¡°Come on it won''t be everyone.¡± I could hear the grin in his tone. ¡°I mean, it''s not like our local warlords are going to come and get stuck in calculus like the rest of us.¡± I snorted.
¡°But can you imagine?¡± I asked.
¡°What, Skitter showing up at school covered in bugs?¡± He shuddered. ¡°Yeah nah, but hey thanks for reminding me to pack bug spray.¡± I giggled, then felt the blood drain from my face as one of the other Amy''s memories came to mind unbidden.
¡°Uh, okay I''m heading out,¡± I said quickly, trying to keep my voice from shaking. ¡°Thanks again Clock, I''ll...buy you something I guess.¡±
¡°Don''t sweat it,¡± he replied easily. ¡°Now go relax, captain''s orders.¡±
I wasn''t sure I was going to be able, with the Protectorate''s massive future failure now looming large in my mind.
Reflex 13.4
I sat in my bed, staring at the dark ceiling above. It was quiet, everyone else had gone home to get ready for class tomorrow. I had the place to myself, and god I wished to hell I didn''t. I was stuck here alone with the knowledge that, tomorrow afternoon, Taylor Hebert''s life was going to be utterly destroyed. Skitter would survive, or Weaver eventually, but there was no going back. Tagg''s gambit cost her everything that wasn''t cape life. She deserved to be arrested, she deserved prison, arguably the Birdcage.
She didn''t deserve this.
What was I supposed to do? I was a Ward, hell I''d probably be on the team taking her down. I could, and would, tell them to call it off tomorrow. I would lay it out, how badly it would go. I didn''t exactly remember it well, but I knew the students would take Taylor''s side. That alone should be enough to put a stop to whatever idiot ideas Tagg had about taking a warlord down in a single stroke.
But what if they wouldn''t listen? It was a real concern, since they probably didn''t listen to the capes who''d objected in the story. Of course this wasn''t that, not anymore, but I couldn''t shake the fear. My interventions hadn''t prevented much so far, and even with a warning about Echidna everything had still gone to hell while I''d been in her belly. Would this be another time like that? Could I afford to risk it?
I rose and paced the short length of my room, back and forth. I fucking despised her, that fucking bitch. I didn''t want to know about this, didn''t want to be forced to choose in a situation where whatever I did, I was going to be in the wrong. If I helped the Protectorate, I''d be unmasking a sixteen-year-old, and if that happened to me... My stomach churned.
But if I helped her, helped the worst warlord of the bay? The heroes would hang me out to dry, shun me, any friendship I had with Amy would be ground to dust. Thinking about it made me sick. And the worst part was, I couldn''t even say joining the crowd of students would be wrong. But I couldn''t lose everyone to help Taylor, I wasn''t that much of a hero...
Did I have to lose everything though? Did I have to lose anything? Warning the heroes ahead of time may not work, and siding with Taylor to stop the arrest in the middle of school was an idiot''s plan. What if I tried to prevent it entirely though? My heart beat a little quicker as I considered it. Dangerous, stupid, with no guarantee of success.
That wasn''t too different to how I''d thought about going after Amy. That plan had worked, and even though it had been ill-informed by a certain bitch''s memories it was my sole shining moment of success. This would be different, not a headlong charge into a city infested with serial killers but a peaceful walk by the beach. Right into the jaws of a warlord...
I groaned and bonked my head against the door. I pulled back, moved my projection, and did it again, wincing at the sharp pain from my forehead. What the fuck was I thinking, going and warning a villain about her just deserts? Well, I wasn''t really. This wasn''t justice, it was humiliation. And sure I wanted the Undersiders gone as much as anyone else in this building, but this was just the wrong way.
I pulled off my mask and hood, stuffing them in the cabinet next to me. I took out the light-blue tracksuit the Wards issued me and slipped it over my costume; sure as hell wasn''t going into villain territory without it. I grabbed a bandana from the cabinet instead and stuck it in my pocket. After that it was my stun gun and pepper spray, both concealed at my belt under my jacket. As ready as anyone could be to try and change the future, I left my room and made my way out of the PRT headquarters. It wasn''t like that was the hard part. I took the connector between the HQ and neighbouring building, nearly having an heart attack when I met Vista on her way back.
¡°Hey you didn''t head home?¡± I asked when she stopped in front of me. I stuffed my hands in my pockets to hide their shaking.
¡°Was on my way but forgot something,¡± she said with a shrug. ¡°Mom wasn''t happy about turning around but...well, wasn''t like we got far.¡±
¡°Ah, sucks,¡± I said, nodding.
¡°You going out for a run?¡± she asked, eyeing my tracksuit.
¡°Yeah I was thinking about it,¡± I answered vaguely. I was sure I''d need to do some running tonight... ¡°Maybe just getting dinner somewhere other than the mess though, you know? Got to spend that bounty money.¡±
¡°Wait, is that what Dennis kept you back for?¡± Vista''s eyes brightened. ¡°They actually paid out for Shatterbird?¡±
¡°Yeah I was surprised too,¡± I replied. ¡°Like, I don''t get all of it, but I guess I can buy us a team dinner now?¡±
¡°Hell yeah,¡± she said with a grin. ¡°Congratulations, by the way. I didn''t say it back then because...you know, but taking down Shatterbird is crazy.¡±
¡°Thanks,¡± I said flatly. ¡°I''m uh, gonna head out. See you.¡±
We passed by and I walked on, wiping my hands on my pants and cursing under my breath. It really hadn''t been that close a call, no way Vista knew what was going on in my head. Still, it felt like a bad omen to walk out under. Oh well, I had a mission. I shielded my eyes against the early-evening sun as I left the building and took a deep breath. Then I turned towards the water and started walking on shaky legs.
My stride grew easier the further I got from the PRT building. At least out here, there was almost no chance of being recognized. I slipped past the police checkpoint that had been set up at the edge of the Protectorate''s control, no one cared about a little kid with her head down. Good thing too, since I was pretty sure the hero with them was one I''d seen fighting Leviathan. Unlikely he''d recognize me, but I wasn''t going to take chances.
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And then I was free, relatively speaking. Overhead, I could see distant dots of flyers on patrol. That would be New Wave, unless we''d gotten more reinforcements I hadn''t been informed of. I considered waving, then instantly thought better of it and lowered my traitorous arm before it had extended all the way.
It was a surprise, how quiet the city was outside the Blue Zone, as people were calling the fortified city center. There were other pockets of control outside, but most space was either contested or firmly under the villains'' boots. I''d expected that to mean active fighting, or at least a lot of crime away from the downtown. And yet things seemed...peaceful.
It wasn''t all sunshine of course, some streets were still flooded, and dozens of buildings had been destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Demolition crews would be working here, if not for the warlords. They probably had their own contractors, but there sure weren''t here. A lot of this stuff was recent too, from the Nine or Echidna. God...I really hoped things would get better soon.
When I crossed into the Red Zone, the places the Protectorate called ''contested'' and where the National Guard didn''t patrol, it was obvious. Skitter was a criminal, a warlord, but she''d obviously been trying to do at least some of what we were. Even with the sun going down, construction crews were hard at work putting together places for people to stay. Plenty of streets were still flooded, but that was a city-wide problem.
The people surprised me too. There were more on the streets than the no-man''s-land I''d just walked through, or even the relatively safe downtown. They seemed to be in relatively good spirits too, chatting quietly in small groups as they rested or wandered. I supposed, with a warlord making sure any and all threats came from her alone, it was safe enough if you weren''t in Skitter''s bad books. Like me.
I turned down an alley and found an alcove out of sight. After a few minutes, making sure I hadn''t been tailed and anyone who''d seen me go here was long gone, I wrapped my bandana around my face and tied back my hair. Couldn''t cover it up, so I just pulled it into a low bun and tied the ends of my makeshift mask around to keep it in place. Not perfect, but good enough to be taken for a new cape instead of an existing Ward.
People gave me a wide berth when I returned to the streets and continued towards the old boardwalk. Fair enough, I''d avoid an obvious cape and/or gangster too. I shifted my right sleeves down, just in case anything was peeking; really didn''t need to get jumped because of that fuckup. But I was well hidden, or at least the stuff that would make all this risk worthless was.
Lower Water, the last street before the beach, was surprisingly the best off. Even though everything here had been swept away, it was already back to some semblance of a normal neighbourhood. Well, at least not counting the brace of big, armed dudes approaching led by a guy who was three of me wide, with a bushy, black beard and thick-rimmed glasses. I paused and crossed my arms, waiting for them to come to me. Didn''t want them thinking I was making a move.
¡°Hello there,¡± the big guy said when he stopped, about six feet away. The others stopped behind him, wielding chains, baseball bats, even an honest to god flintlock pistol. ¡°Welcome to the neighbourhood. I''d ask you to identify yourself, but I don''t think you''d be wearing that mask if you were willing.¡± I grinned even as my heart beat a little faster.
¡°Call me ''Innominate'',¡± I replied. ¡°I''m here to see Skitter, got a message for her.¡±
¡°From who?¡±
¡°It''s ''whom'', boss,¡± one of the grunts hissed, earning a glare from the leader and a cuff on the ear from another gangster.
¡°A message from whom?¡± he boomed, crossing his arms.
¡°From me, to her,¡± I replied evenly.
¡°The answer is no.¡±
¡°It''s not a fucking question,¡± I snapped, narrowing my eyes. ¡°I have information for Skitter that she needs to hear. Give her a call and let''s get a meeting going. This is kind of time sensitive.¡± I eyed the sun, already beginning to set.
¡°You can tell me,¡± he said. ¡°I''ll make sure Skitter hears what you have to say tonight.¡±
¡°Won''t happen, Mr. Teach,¡± I retorted. ¡°I need to talk to her now. Can''t play a game of telephone with some flunky who''ll probably forget half of it.¡± Bad enough that I''d forgotten until now.
¡°That''s not gonna happen either,¡± he countered. I sighed.
¡°Then I guess I''m going to start knocking on doors until she answers, hmm?¡± I started walking again. When one of the gangsters reached out his bat to block me, I just bumped it aside with my hip as I passed.
¡°Hey, stop!¡± one of them yelled as I walked towards a squat maisonette with bars over the windows.
¡°I''m just knocking,¡± I said, and did just that. The goons bristled, and I turned my head when the door opened,
¡°Yes?¡± An older woman with curly, greying hair.
¡°Sorry to bother you,¡± I apologized. ¡°Is Skitter home? We need to talk.¡± I didn''t remember her hiring an old woman. I didn''t remember a lot.
¡°I''m...sorry she isn''t here?¡± The woman sounded confused, looking from me, to the men behind me, and back. ¡°I-- I don''t want any trouble.¡±
¡°No trouble,¡± I said, keeping my voice even. ¡°I just want to know where she is. And since these guys aren''t helpful, I figured I''d do some...community outreach.¡±
¡°No, I''m sorry, I can''t help.¡± The door shut in my face and I shrugged, turning to head to the next door.
¡°You need to stop that,¡± Blackbeard said gravely as I approached the next house.
¡°And you need to call Skitter,¡± I said, knocking on the door. ¡°I literally do not have time for this, and neither does she. I wouldn''t want to be in your shoes when she finds out you stopped her from getting this info.¡± This time a kid who couldn''t be older than Vista. ¡°Hey buddy, you know where Ski--¡± The door slammed. ¡°Fuck.¡±
¡°I don''t know if you''re with the Fallen, or Haven or--¡±
¡°I told you, I''m here with a message from me.¡± I whirled and strode up to him, glaring. It didn''t matter he had ten or so feet on me, I could break his knees in a heartbeat. ¡°Not from the Teeth, the Fallen, or any other dime a dozen trash you keep company with. Now fucking call her or--.¡± There was a loud humming and the light around us seemed to dim.
¡°Forrest,¡± a buzzing, awful voice from all around. ¡°Is this the trouble you mentioned?¡± I sighed.
¡°Hey Skitter,¡± I said, turning to the swarm clone that had formed behind me. ¡°I''ll assume Eddy there already told you I have information for you.¡±
¡°He didn''t.¡± It turned its ''head'' to Forrest. ¡°Bring her in ten minutes.¡± Without another word, the clone vanished and her lackey put a hand on my shoulder. I shrugged it off.
¡°Follow me,¡± he said, sounding a little tired. ¡°It seems the boss wants to meet you.¡±
Reflex 13.5
Skitter''s throne room had been built with intimidation in mind. The dim lighting, lamps in the terrariums barely fighting the gloom. The shadows of bugs danced around the walls where those lights cast them. It occupied the entire floor, spreading wide to make anyone who came in feel small by comparison. At the end of a long carpet was the sole chair in the room, and its sole occupant.
It had been a while since I''d seen Skitter in any kind of friendly way. Whatever warm feelings had been transferred via the other''s memories were burned away by betrayals, fights, even just interacting with her on truce terms. Looking at her on a dark throne, one leg crossed over the other, totally at ease, I sure didn''t find any more.
But I was here for a reason. Whether I liked her or not, whether she was a warlord or not, I had to prevent the future disaster from unfolding. It was probably going to cost my career, which sucked. Though technically I wasn''t breaching any secrecy shit by doing this, since as far as I and the PRT knew I had no idea about any ops tomorrow, but that wouldn''t matter to a review panel. Still, in for a penny... I took a deep breath and walked up the carpet towards Skitter.
¡°Stop,¡± she barked. I took a step more, then did. ¡°You said you had information.¡±
¡°I do,¡± I replied, trying to steady my voice. ¡°And it''s vital you believe it, your life sort of hinges on it.¡± The bugs in the room hummed and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
¡°Is that a threat?¡± Skitter droned.
¡°Is it a threat when the smoke alarm goes off for a fire?¡± I countered. ¡°You''ve done a lot of stupid shit Skitter, but you''re not an idiot. This is a warning to prevent something from happening, not tell you to pay your protection money.¡±
¡°So talk,¡± she snapped. ¡°I don''t have time for a bunch of cryptic bullshit.¡±
¡°Okay. The Protectorate is going arrest you at school tomorrow, as Taylor Hebert.¡±
The room went black, and I stood as still as I could while her swarm poured over me. I could feel bites and stings fail to get through my projection, and made damn sure to keep my mouth shut. I probably could have worded that better, in hindsight. Maybe come up with a way to say it that wouldn''t make her freak out. I rapidly vibrated my projection around my body, shaking off some of the bugs clinging to me.
¡°Let me talk,¡± I said, before clamping my mouth shut and standing still again. The bugs around my mouth and eyes cleared, and I flinched back as I saw Skitter''s knife an inch from my eye.
¡°Thirty seconds before I see how well my bugs can keep you quiet, permanently.¡± I swallowed.
¡°This is gonna take more than thirty seconds,¡± I snapped. ¡°Fuck, listen, I didn''t ask to have your identity jammed into my prefrontal cortex like an awl. Can you at least take the knife away? You can''t hurt me but it makes me nervous.¡± After a few seconds, she did. ¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°Talk.¡± Skitter growled.
¡°I don''t have a perfect picture,¡± I explained quickly. ¡°Call me a precog, or something like it. But Greg Veder ties you, Skitter, and his classmate, Taylor Hebert, together. Then you go to school to stop him from blabbing about whatever and the heroes try to arrest you. I''d rather not have a confrontation between the heroes and the worst warlord in the bay happening on the first day of class.¡± She stared at me silently for a minute.
¡°Greg Veder?¡± I groaned.
¡°Look I don''t know him either, I just know it''s him.¡± I swallowed against my dry throat. ¡°But you can''t go to school tomorrow, okay?¡±
¡°How does the Protectorate know my identity?¡± Skitter demanded. ¡°And how do you know...all of this?¡±
¡°I don''t know and...¡± I sighed. ¡°I don''t know, not exactly. But I remember some things that haven''t happened yet and I don''t want to happen. I''m sorry Skitter, I won''t say a word about your identity but I can''t really help knowing.¡±
¡°You''d better not,¡± she said, raising the knife again. ¡°I don''t know who you are, but my people will find you, and we''ll make damn sure you don''t talk.¡± I stared at her quietly for a moment, then shook off her swarm with my projection.
¡°You''re right, you don''t know who I am. That''s...¡± I bit the inside of my cheek. Why was I even considering this? Because she had to take this as seriously as I was. ¡°That''s not fair, so.¡± I pulled down my mask, heart pounding in my chest. I shook off her swarm again, then unzipped the jacket of my track suit and dumped it on the ground. ¡°Now, you know me.¡±
¡°Amaranth,¡± Skitter snapped, knife and baton both in hand now. ¡°I thought it might have been you, since my bugs couldn''t bite.¡±
¡°Call me Lia,¡± I said with a cottony tongue. ¡°And now we''re on a level playing field. Don''t go to school tomorrow Skitter. I''m sticking my neck out for you because I think their plan is absolutely fucked, and if I was me...I don''t know what I''d do and-- put your fucking weapons away dipshit I''m not here to fight.¡±
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¡°How do I know I can trust you?¡± I felt my eye twitch.
¡°Sorry, a Ward comes into your lair, tells you you''re going to be arrested and unmasked tomorrow, then unmasks to you, and you want to know if she can be trusted.¡± I shook my head. ¡°Jesus fuck, you''re going to make me regret this, aren''t you? You can trust me because now you know who I am. And don''t tell Tattletale, would you? God only knows what she''d do with it.¡±
¡°How do I know you didn''t inform the Protectorate?¡± Skitter barked. ¡°You said you already knew, you could have passed the information along before coming here.¡±
¡°If that''s what you want to believe, I don''t give a shit. Just don''t show up for school tomorrow.¡± I snapped my fingers. ¡°Oh, and tell me what Greg looks like. Don''t know the guy personally, but I''ll make sure he doesn''t get too chatty either.¡±
¡°I can handle that.¡±
¡°You can handle staying the fuck home,¡± I growled. ¡°Because they''re looking for you, he''s looking for you. No one will even notice me, until I make them. Skitter I get it, I''m your enemy and can''t be trusted. But we''ve worked together before, when we''ve had to; if you''re worried about me, at least trust that I stick to truces.¡± She studied me silently for a moment.
¡°You''re different,¡± Skitter said at last.
¡°People keep telling me that,¡± I replied, a little irritated, then sighed. ¡°I don''t know, I guess they''re right in a way.¡±
¡°I mean from the other heroes,¡± she clarified. ¡°When we were fighting the Nine, you convinced Panacea--¡±
¡°Amy.¡±
¡°You convinced Amy to help. You gave us information we needed to take on the Siberian. You argued for us against the Protectorate.¡± She cocked her head. ¡°Tattletale said she couldn''t make heads or tails of your motivation, beyond you liking Amy. Frankly, I can''t either.¡±
¡°Well, now you know how the heroes feel about you,¡± I retorted. ¡°I''m not here to join you, in fact when we finally counter attack I really hope I get to take you down myself. But there''s a right way and a wrong way to do things, and what I know they''re going to do...it''s wrong.¡±
¡°A lot of the things heroes do are wrong,¡± Skitter said flatly. ¡°You think the way they dealt with the Nine was right? Turning part of the city into a uninhabitable, radioactive wasteland? You said you know what they''re doing is wrong, why not make the right choice?¡± I snorted.
¡°That''s why I''m here,¡± I countered. ¡°Joining you though? Yeah, the heroes might be bad Skitter, but they''re nowhere near you and your Undersiders.¡±
¡°We''re helping rebuild the city.¡±
¡°Only the parts you control.¡± I stared at one of the terrariums. ¡°Had to walk through no man''s land to get here you know? Lots of people just outside your territory are suffering, and because it''s so close the crews won''t come. And yeah, I saw you''ve got your own, but like I said: outside your territory.¡± I sighed. ¡°I asked you a while ago where this road ends. Now that Coil''s dead and Dinah''s rescued, do you have an answer?¡±
¡°We still need to beat the new gangs coming into town,¡± she said tersely. ¡°The Fallen, the Teeth, and more after them. The Protectorate can''t do it, they''re falling apart right now, so we need to step in and--¡±
¡°And what, Skitter?¡± I demanded. ¡°Then you''ll need to cement your hold on power to provide for ''your'' people, since we still can''t send aid here. You''re going to need money, since your boss is dead, and it''s not like you can flip burgers at Fugly Bob''s can you? And god only knows where that''ll come from, probably not stock and bonds, hm?¡±
¡°And what would you suggest?¡± she bristled. ¡°Sit by and do nothing while people get hurt by villains worse than us? Would you rather we not help people where we can?¡±
¡°I''d rather you turns yourself in,¡± I snapped. ¡°We''ve fought enough that I know I don''t enjoy being piled by bugs.¡±
¡°So you want me to abandon the good work I''ve done here?¡±
¡°I want my fucking home back!¡± She started. ¡°All this fucking bullshit needs to end, and it fucking won''t until you stop.¡± I shook my head viciously. ¡°Whatever. You have your warning Skitter, now tell me what Greg looks like so I can fuck off and get back to trying to keep the peace.¡±
¡°You know,¡± Skitter said thoughtfully. ¡°We''re not that different.¡± I felt my eye twitch.
¡°Don''t bullshit to try and get me on your side,¡± I bit out through clenched teeth. ¡°You''re a villain, Skitter, and I don''t want to be. This isn''t a favour to you, I''m doing this for everyone.¡±
¡°Fine,¡± she said, shaking her head. ¡°Don''t blame me when they throw you out and you have nowhere to go. Greg''s a little shorter than I am, blonde. Last time I saw him he had a bowl cut.¡±
¡°What, like a five-year-old?¡± I scoffed. ¡°Okay, well, shouldn''t be too hard to find him. What year?¡±
¡°Freshman,¡± she replied. ¡°Don''t hurt him.¡±
¡°What?¡± I glared. ¡°Why the fuck would I do that? I''m not a villain, I''m just going to make sure he understands why you shouldn''t pry into a warlord''s identity and definitely shouldn''t talk about it.¡±
¡°Okay.¡± A beat. ¡°Thank you.¡±
¡°Yeah, whatever,¡± I grumbled, pulling my mask back on and retrieving my jacket. A moment later, I was disguised again. ¡°Try and remember, if you don''t know that what you''re doing is the right thing, you can just stop.¡±
¡°I''ll keep that in mind.¡± Yeah, sure. ¡°I...won''t out you to my team.¡±
¡°That''s the least you can do,¡± I said, turning around. ¡°Goodbye Skitter.¡±
I left her headquarters and headed back up the roads towards home. The sun had set while I''d been talking, leaving the streets dark and uninviting. Despite my near-perfect shield, it made my heart beat a little faster. I removed my mask once I''d left Skitter''s territory and changed direction, heading west first; didn''t want to be caught coming back from her place.
With a small detour to get around a checkpoint, I was back inside the Blue Zone. Again I was struck by the contrast with the city just outside. I knew Skitter and her gang were partly responsible, but I couldn''t help a note of resentment growing in my chest. Standing down while the villains dug in, even if it was for a monumentally stupid operation like arresting Taylor, helped nobody.
I slipped back through the connector and into the Ward quarters, returned like I''d never left. I sighed and sat heavily on my bed, stomach churning. Talking to Skitter got to me, she seemed so fucking earnest. I knew what she did, what she would do, and what it cost. Despite that, seeing her territory and people, I couldn''t help thinking she might actually be doing some good. The heroes were too, of course, and I was part of it. But I knew we weren''t doing everything we could either. I hated that, despite everything, I couldn''t totally disagree with Skitter.
I hated that I could see myself in her.
Reflex 13.6
Getting ready for school after months of living in a post-apocalyptic wasteland was just...weird. Yet here I was, backpack on, lunch packed, waiting at the bus stop with Amy. She seemed...antsy. She hadn''t planned on coming to school today, but when I''d come by to see if she was, she''d changed her mind. I wasn''t sure why, but it was kind of nice to not be alone at the stop.
It was practically empty when we boarded, which was a little odd, but it quickly began to fill up as the bus drove on. I kept my gaze roaming, seeing if I recognized anyone coming on board. I wasn''t sure I believed Skitter when she said she wouldn''t out me. God knew her and her shitty girlfriend didn''t keep secrets from each other.
I forced myself to breathe slow and deep. It was going to be fine. Skitter and I had come to an understanding and she wasn''t that much of an asshole. Probably. Amy huddled closer as the bus filled up, apparently as nervous as I was. Oh, yeah, her sister would probably be at school too. Well, that wasn''t really a problem I could help with; if Victoria saw me, she''d probably react as badly.
Besides, I had a bigger issue to deal with. Finding Greg was going to be like hunting for a particularly annoying needle in a haystack. I had a bare-bones description, and while I was confident I could find him with enough time I wasn¡¯t sure I had time. I still had to show up for class and stuff, and if I just disappeared people would ask questions. That was the last thing I needed when I was technically helping a villain.
The bus finally arrived and, fortunately, it looked like we were fairly early. That was by design, I wanted to just hang out by the entrance and keep an eye out. Unfortunately I couldn¡¯t do that from the start, the first destination once we¡¯d arrived was the front office. Even though it wasn¡¯t quite eight, the place was packed with students trying to register for classes. Amy and I shared a look, then joined the line.
¡°Didn¡¯t think it would be so busy,¡± Amy muttered as we waited.
¡°Right?¡± I replied. ¡°Looks like half of them weren¡¯t even here for the last couple months.¡±
¡°Can you blame them?¡±
I couldn¡¯t really, but it didn¡¯t stop the feeling of resentment. Sure if I¡¯d been smarter if...if I hadn¡¯t been on my own, I probably would have left too. I wasn¡¯t the only one feeling that way. Most of those people who¡¯d obviously stayed, judging by their scars and haunted looks, weren¡¯t looking at them kindly. A fairly slight girl, head half shaved, knocked a comparatively burly guy in a nice polo shirt out of line and took his spot. The guy meekly went to the back.
This was going to be the next two months of my life, really the next year and a bit. Balancing school, hero work, finding a new family¡ It was almost enough to make me miss the relative simplicity of running around the city trying not to die. At least I didn¡¯t have to worry about anyone else, besides the person I¡¯d been trying to save.
After almost half an hour, we made it to the front of the line. They didn¡¯t take our IDs or anything, just jotted down the classes we needed and printed off a tentative schedule. We were due to start soon, so I told Amy to head on without me, complaining about having to use the washroom. She bought the excuse and carried on while I found a place near the entrance and settled in.
I wasn¡¯t going to wait long. If I hadn¡¯t seen Greg by the time first period started, he was probably in a classroom. At that point I had to start hunting which sucked but at least I was on familiar ground. Arcadia was big, the biggest high school in the city, but there were only so many places he could be hiding.
My eyes roamed the throng of students pressing in through the front. I recognized a couple, people I¡¯d gone to class with, and I was pretty sure I saw Dean too. He didn¡¯t notice me at least, if it was him. There were a hell of a lot of people though. Arcadia wasn¡¯t the only high school opened in the city now, but it was definitely the main one these days.
There was a foreign familiarity too, the other¡¯s memories creeping in. Arcadia was sort of similar to the one it remembered, though even larger. I took a moment during a lull in the crowd to glance at my schedule. It was pretty much the same as my old one had been, though Global History had been pushed back to the end of the day and Textiles wasn¡¯t even on there. I guess it wasn¡¯t vital, but I¡¯d been looking forward to finishing the little skirt I¡¯d been working on.
The first bell rang, signaling the start of class. I stayed put as the crowd of students swelled, people who were hanging outside coming in. Hundreds of bodies pressed and jockeyed for space, and I saw more than one random punch thrown. No real fights though, just the reactions of a crowd of badly traumatized teens. No blood either, so at least security was doing their job.
Unfortunately, no Greg, at least not that I could see; though I was too fucking short to actually see over most people. The crowd began to thin as the second bell rang and I swore under my breath. No way he wouldn¡¯t have come, not with the promise of meeting a real live warlord. Insane sentiment, but I guess he was fifteen and kind of a loser. If he thought his classmate was cool and had a shot with her, no way he¡¯d avoid it.
Guys were fucking weird.
Had to find him before this got ugly. I pushed off the wall and started moving through the halls. I¡¯d do a sweep, one end of the school to the other. It was arranged like a big H, sort of, so it wouldn¡¯t be too hard to make sure I covered the whole place. I quietly walked through the halls, pausing and looking in the windows of every classroom I passed.
At least, I did until I realized they were all labeled and I could just figure it out that way. Greg was a freshman, tenth grade, so I was able to make better time once I figured that out. Not that it seemed to help, the little blonde shit was nowhere to be found. How hard could it be to find a guy with a bowl-cut in high school?! Apparently quite.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
I headed up to the second floor once I made one fruitless sweep of the first, cursing the little dumbass making me do this. Who the fuck stalked and tried to out a supervillain? Was he suicidal? Maybe what Greg really needed was some therapy, instead of a stern talking to about the Schmidt Pain Index. The last part was the only thing keeping me going on this stupid quest¡
The bell rang while I was part-way through the second floor, and I cursed viciously as the hallways filled up again. My projection let me avoid the worst of the crush and I managed to get to the side of the hall. Once there, I paused and crowd-watched again, searching for any sign of Greg. I was about to give up when I caught a flash of round, blonde hair bobbing past my view.
I joined the crowd, tailing the bowl-cut several people ahead of me. He looked a little shorter than Taylor, and broadly matched the description she¡¯d given, so I¡¯d have to assume it was. Otherwise...well, I guess I¡¯d just have to keep looking. We headed down to the first floor and I gained a little on him. We were heading towards the gym, maybe not the best place for a chat but I could probably find a little corner.
When we got there and he finally grabbed a desk, I realized it had to be him. My heart beat a little faster and I paused, considering how to do this. I didn¡¯t want him knowing I was a cape, obviously, so I couldn¡¯t approach him as a concerned hero. That probably wouldn¡¯t help anyway, if he was already on Skitter¡¯s side.
Persuasion was a wash; I was about as sociable as a diseased hedgehog with half the patience. What was left then? Intimidation. The thought almost made me snort with laughter. Yes, the terrifying Amelia D¡¯souza, five-two and maybe a hundred pounds, nightmare of villains everywhere. If Greg wasn¡¯t quaking in his boots with fear after I talked to him, he probably would be with laughter.
Still, he was a nerd, a pussy. If I even suggested there was violence in his future, he¡¯d crumble. It was fucked up, maybe, but I was trying to avoid something worse. Threatening a fifteen-year-old on behalf of a supervillain, all to avoid a worse outcome. I took a deep breath and tried not to consider that Taylor would probably pick the same path¡
¡°Hey,¡± I said quietly, poking his arm. ¡°Are you Greg Veder?¡± He turned to me, blue eyes wide.
¡°Um, yeah I am,¡± he replied quietly. ¡°Who uh, are you?¡± I forced a smile on my face.
¡°I need to talk to you,¡± I said, ignoring his question. ¡°C¡¯mon, follow me.¡±
To my shock, he rose and did. Must be attention starved or something, but that just made things easier for me. I led him out of the gym and down the hall, ducking into a small alcove that led to the storage room. Greg stood across from me, cheeks flushed and eyes like saucers. His gaze flicked around, and I spared a glance over my shoulder to make sure we were alone.
¡°Um,¡± he began, shuffling in place. ¡°So who are you?¡±
¡°Not important,¡± I replied, lowering my voice. ¡°What is important is who sent me, and why they did. You¡¯ve been doing some snooping, Greg.¡±
¡°What do you¡ª¡±
¡°Stop.¡± His mouth snapped shut with the click of teeth. ¡°We noticed you looking into our boss¡¯ background. She¡¯s quite concerned about her privacy, I¡¯m sure you understand, so asked me to pass along a message: forget Skitter, and forget whatever you¡¯re thinking about her.¡±
¡°S-Skitter?¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Why would I want anything to do with her.¡±
¡°Playing dumb is only going to piss me off,¡± I growled, letting my irritation show. ¡°We¡¯ve been looking into people speculating about her online, and you happen to be the worst offender. Hence why I¡¯m here, and why you should be very glad she isn¡¯t. Have you heard of the Schmidt Pain Index? Smart guy like you I¡¯m sure you have.¡±
¡°T-Taylor wouldn¡¯t¡ª¡±
¡°Taylor?¡± I snorted. ¡°Who the fuck is Taylor?¡±
¡°Taylor Hebert, s-she¡¯s a classmate of mine, we went to Winslow together.¡± His shoulders were shaking and somehow his eyes got wider. ¡°Sh-she¡¯s like...it fit¡¡±
¡°Describe her,¡± I snapped.
¡°U-um, she¡¯s tall and uhh.¡± Oh my god was he starting to cry? ¡°K-kinda skinny, and she likes computers, and books, and¡ª¡±
¡°So she¡¯s a loser, like you,¡± I cut him off. ¡°Sorry Greg, people like you don¡¯t become capes.¡± That was a whopper of a lie, but he reacted like he¡¯d been struck. ¡°Dunno who the fuck this Hebert is, but you¡¯re barking up the wrong tree; at least, for now. I¡¯m here to make sure you stop before you get any closer. If you don¡¯t, well, Skitter always has time to teach people a lesson. Am I clear?¡± He whimpered and nodded. ¡°Out loud. I need to know you understand, Greg.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll stop looking,¡± he said shakily, hissing under his breath. ¡°I-I won¡¯t say a word, j-just don¡¯t hurt me.¡± I smiled and reached up, gently patting his cheek.
¡°Of course not,¡± I replied easily. ¡°I¡¯d never deprive Skitter of some future fun. See you Greg, and you¡¯d better hope you don¡¯t see me.¡±
I turned on my heel and left him, trying to slow my hammering heart. That hadn¡¯t been fun. Whatever I thought about Greg, he was a civilian, an innocent. He was also the catalyst for Taylor''s life falling apart, though hopefully now that could be avoided. I shook off the dregs of guilt dogging my heels and checked my schedule, then groaned. Fucking math, really?
Whatever, better than having to deal with capeshit all day long. Truly the most disgusting thing about recruiting superpowered teenagers to fight world-ending threats was that it made class look comfortable and easy by comparison. I slipped into the classroom, quietly apologizing to the teacher before I made my way to the back and sat down next to Amy. She gave me a questioning look, but I just waved her off. Didn¡¯t really want to talk about it. The earlier excitement made class pass fairly quick, and before long the bell rang and we were free once again.
¡°Where the fuck were you?¡± Amy hissed as we joined the press of bodies in the hallway again. ¡°Are you sick? Do I need to heal some food poisoning or something?¡±
¡°I¡¯m fine Amy,¡± I said with a sigh. ¡°Just...wasn¡¯t feeling good this morning, about coming back.¡± She grimaced and nodded.
¡°I¡¯m still hoping to avoid Dean and...and Victoria,¡± she said after a moment. ¡°It¡¯s uhh, yeah.¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± I agreed. ¡°Hey what¡¯s next for you?¡±
¡°Um, I think...PE, ugh.¡±
¡°Same,¡± I said, checking my sheet. ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s¡ª¡±
My voice caught in my throat as a lanky girl with a head full of thick, black curls passed by. She wore a shirt that clung to her frame, exposing a little bit of belly, and a pair of denim shorts. Her wide lips were fixed in a slight scowl, large eyes focused on the crowd ahead of her. Taylor Hebert passed by quickly, leaving my heart pounding and throat dry.
¡°Lia, you okay?¡± Amy sounded concerned. I turned and offered a smile.
¡°Yeah just...thought I saw a friend.¡± I swallowed and took a step back. ¡°Actually I¡¯m gonna go say hi. Catch up?¡± She sighed and nodded, then vanished into the crowd.
I turned on my heel and dove in, determined to figure out just what kind of stupid pills Skitter was taking today.
Reflex 13.7
With my projection, it wasn¡¯t that hard to slip through the crowd and tail Taylor. It helped that she stuck out from the crowd, standing a head over most of the student body. Of course that meant the people actually looking for her would have an easy time actually spotting and finding her. Fortunately, I was the first, and I wanted to avoid a shitshow.
I managed to get alongside her and jammed an elbow into her ribs. Taylor¡¯s head snapped down, her eyebrows knit, then her eyes widened and I saw her tense. I shook my head, then jerked my chin to the stairs, nudging her towards them. Lucky for me, her stupid pills apparently made her compliant, and she followed my lead. I headed up, past the second floor, then stopped once we reached the door to the roof. Alone.
¡°Cameras,¡± I snapped.
¡°Covered now,¡± Taylor said flatly. ¡°Why the h¡ª¡±
¡°The fuck are you doing here, dipshit?¡± I cut her off, glaring. ¡°I was pretty clear about what the plan was and you decide to just waltz in the front door alone?¡± She glared right back.
¡°I got contacted,¡± she said. ¡°Told Greg was asking around about me, loudly. You didn¡¯t hold up your end of the bargain.¡±
¡°I just talked to the little bastard last class,¡± I hissed. ¡°He¡¯s not going to say a word. You need to fucking leave, Taylor.¡±
¡°You¡¯re sure?¡±
¡°I made him think Skitter had caught on to his snooping,¡± I explained. ¡°When he mentioned you you, I played it off. He thinks Taylor Hebert is just some loser again, and that Skitter is about to shove cockroaches up his...you know.¡±
¡°Gross.¡±
¡°You need to go now,¡± I said gravely. ¡°God dammit, I told you this was how it goes badly.¡±
¡°How badly?¡±
¡°No, we¡¯re not playing twenty fucking questions, Taylor. Come on and¡ª¡± My phone rang and I froze.
¡°Are you going to get that?¡± Taylor asked, cocking her head.
¡°It¡¯s my work phone,¡± I replied numbly, taking it from my pocket and pressing the ¡®answer¡¯ button on the screen. ¡°Amaranth.¡±
¡°It¡¯s Clockblocker,¡± he said breathlessly. I could hear the rustle of cloth in the background. ¡°Skitter¡¯s at the school, we need your help.¡±
¡°She¡¯s what?¡± I affected surprise, glaring at Taylor. ¡°Don¡¯t fuck with me on the first day of school Clock.¡±
¡°Did you bring your costume?¡±
¡°Of course not.¡± I hadn¡¯t expected to be ignored.
¡°Come down to the gym storage,¡± he said. ¡°Got a spare generic-o, might fit. It¡¯ll at least cover your face.¡±
¡°What are you trying to pull, captain?¡± I asked, glancing up at Taylor. ¡°Even if she¡¯s here, there¡¯s no way we can take her without some sort of civilian casualties. This is a bad move.¡±
¡°Reinforcements are coming,¡± Clockblocker barked, running out of patience. ¡°Get down here now, Amaranth.¡± The line clicked and I stuffed my phone into my pocket, swearing violently.
¡°You needed to leave ten minutes ago,¡± I muttered. ¡°Now the god damn¡ª¡±
¡°May I have your attention please? The school is now being locked down.¡± I groaned and smacked my hand against my face as the announcement rang out. ¡°For your own safety, please remain in your classrooms.¡± The speaker continued, letting students know where to gather if they weren¡¯t in class.
¡°Now that.¡±
¡°Can you help me escape?¡± Taylor asked innocently.
¡°I should fucking arrest you and let you rot because you decided to be a dumbass today.¡± I took a deep breath, shutting my eyes. ¡°If you don¡¯t have a plan, I¡¯m going to punch you.¡±
¡°I have backup,¡± she explained. ¡°Bitch isn¡¯t far. I need to get off the school grounds, then she can pick me up. I just need your help getting out of here.¡±
¡°Oh is that all?¡± I asked sarcastically. ¡°Well let me just let the heroes know first then I¡¯ll be right¡ª¡± My phone rang again and I swore as I grabbed it. ¡°Clock my teacher¡¯s gonna be real pissed about me walking out of class so much, so what¡ª¡±
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
¡°This is Dragon.¡± A voice I hadn¡¯t heard since trying to save Armsmaster from Mannequin. ¡°Come down to the gym store, I¡¯ll brief you on your way.¡± I bit my lower lip and glanced at Taylor, then at the ground.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked like I didn¡¯t know.
¡°We¡¯re currently looking for a person of interest, Taylor Hebert, also known as Skitter. Six feet tall, black hair, a thin build. She may or may not be wearing glasses.¡± Wow, classy of you to out her just like that.
¡°And here?¡±
¡°She forced our hand. Hurry Amaranth, this may be our only opportunity to take her down without violence.¡± I hung up the phone and put it in my pocket again.
¡°Dragon¡¯s here,¡± I explained, watching Taylor¡¯s eyes widen slightly. ¡°Yeah, just in case you weren¡¯t aware of what a stupid idea this was. Plan?¡±
¡°Entrances are locked now,¡± she said flatly. ¡°Your friends are at the doors. Adamant and Sere are on the first floor doing a sweep, haven¡¯t found Dragon yet.¡± There was a loud rumble and a dull ¡®thud¡¯ that reverberated through the school.
¡°Found her,¡± I said bitterly. ¡°Well fuck, sounds like you shouldn¡¯t have fucking come.¡± She glared.
¡°Either help me or arrest me,¡± Taylor snapped. ¡°Don¡¯t make me guess whose side you¡¯re on.¡± I met her gaze and opened my mouth to retort, then shut it and shook my head. No point. Instead I reached out a hand and crushed the lock on the door to the roof, pulling out the remains. ¡°I can¡¯t fly.¡±
¡°You can fall,¡± I retorted, stepping out and looking around. Clear. ¡°Come on, this way.¡± I noticed bugs were beginning to gather and it made me shiver.
We crept across the roof quietly, staying as low as possible. There was plenty of machinery to block us from sight, but the roof was lined with a tall fence. I wasn¡¯t sure how we were getting through that, but led Taylor towards the back of the school. I heard the PA system go off again, too muffled to hear properly.
¡°Putting decoys by the front,¡± Skitter explained, definitely Skitter considering her tone. ¡°Trying to disable the heroes, keep their attention away from us.¡±
¡°Could you maybe not narrate your crimes to a fucking Ward?¡± I grumbled. ¡°Here.¡±
I stopped by a section in the fence that had started to come loose. With some deft work from my projection, I began widening the gap until I could squeeze through. I frowned, then made it a little larger; it wasn¡¯t for me. Once I¡¯d finished, I rose and dusted my hands off, then gestured to it. With a moment¡¯s hesitation, Taylor went through and I followed.
We were walking out on one of the wings when a flicker of motion caught my eye. I turned my head and stifled a shout of surprise as the wings of Dragon¡¯s mech flexed slightly. I dropped to my belly and gestured for Taylor to do the same, and thank god she had her listening ears on. We crawled slowly to the edge of the roof, shuffling to the of the courtyard where Dragon wasn¡¯t at.
¡°Now?¡± she hissed when we came to the lip of the roof.
¡°Remember that first fight with Mannequin? I¡¯ll break your fall.¡± I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry. ¡°After that you¡¯ll have to run, can¡¯t help you with that.¡± She frowned.
¡°Doesn¡¯t seem the best option,¡± Taylor said dryly.
¡°Then call Atlas for a pickup,¡± I retorted. ¡°Or summon a bunch of bumblebees to carry you away. You wanted a way out? I got you one.¡±
¡°You¡¯ve given me a good way to get hurt so the heroes can capture me,¡± she countered. ¡°One wrong move and¡ª¡± She froze, then swore. ¡°They know we¡¯re here, we need to go now.¡±
¡°What do you mean they know?¡±
¡°I mean we have four heroes running up the stairs towards us right now.¡± There was a whine of engines from the opposite side of the roof. ¡°And that.¡±
¡°Fuck me,¡± I swore, rising to my feet as I heard the roof door bang open. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan?¡±
¡°Jump.¡±
I didn¡¯t have time to react. One second I watched as Dragon and Defiant rounded the corner, flanked by Clockblocker and someone who could only be Adamant judging by the armour. The next, I flinched and let out a shriek as I toppled over the edge of the roof, or rather was dragged. I forced my eyes shut and tensed my body, just in time for impact. I heard a number of cries of fear and surprise as we landed and forced myself up when the weight on top of me vanished.
¡°Stop!¡± A shout from the rooftop. I looked up, then flinched as an arm snaked around my neck and tightened.
¡°Follow,¡± Skitter murmured, then started dragging me towards the fence. I heard a quiet ring from her phone, then a slight click. ¡°A, blood. Pickup.¡±
¡°Skitter!¡± Defiant bellowed, spear in hand as he walked out of the back door, spear in hand. ¡°Hold it!¡±
¡°No thanks!¡± She retorted.
Her arm left my neck, then I nearly stumbled as she suddenly clambered onto my shoulders and leaped over the fence. I fell forward as the thunder of galloping paws grew louder in the distance. When I rose, I turned my head in time to see Skitter vanish down a side street. I dusted myself off and sighed, turning back to the heroes.
Defiant and Dragon gave me a look, but didn¡¯t say a word since I was in civvies. I saw Clockblocker gesturing from the door and headed inside, following him through the empty halls and into the storage room he¡¯d ordered me to earlier. Once the door shut behind us, he turned and crossed his arms.
¡°The fuck was that, Amaranth?¡± he demanded.
¡°What was what?¡± I spat. ¡°Getting taken hostage by a fucking warlord and used as a god damn cushion?¡±
¡°Why the hell didn¡¯t you come when I called you?¡±
¡°I was...up here,¡± I said, not exactly lying. ¡°Needed some space from everything.¡±
¡°That doesn¡¯t make it cool to ignore an emergency,¡± Clockblocker growled. ¡°That was Skitter if you didn¡¯t notice.¡±
¡°Wow fucking astute observation boss,¡± I said sarcastically. ¡°Didn¡¯t realize it was her til it was too late,¡± when she was already at school. ¡°Then she grabbed me and threw me off the roof. Which hey, thanks for that by the way because I¡¯m pretty sure she was trying to get away from you.¡±
¡°Hey, you okay?¡± Kid Win asked as he burst into the room, breathing hard. ¡°I heard you fell off the roof.¡±
¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± I grumbled. ¡°Just getting the third-degree for being blindsided. Hey who the fuck okayed a cape fight at school?¡± They shared a look.
¡°Let¡¯s get back to headquarters,¡± Clockblocker said, tossing me a grey jumpsuit and paper mask. ¡°Got a lot to catch up on.¡±