Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I dream, where flashes of images and screams permeate the thin cover of sleep that envelops me. I dream of houses that have succumbed to time, appearing decrepit and worn down. As I gaze upon them, they blur and lose focus. I attempt to sharpen my focus, trying to discern what my mind is conjuring. Yet, just as I concentrate on a clearer picture, it begins to disintegrate, leaving a deafening void in its place.

"G… aw…" The thought enters my mind, and hysteria seeps in as I start to panic. I try to thrash, to move my arms, to struggle against the-

I wake with a jerk, the panic subsiding as I take in my surroundings. Panic turns into confusion and bewilderment. My vision is hazy and bleary, and I can barely make out great gray walls with rocks fused into them. The ground having the texture of sand?

I can't really tell; my eyes are so blurry from sleep that the fine details of the dirt are lost on me. I move my hand to wipe away the gunk in my eyes, and I can't help but feel a certain... wrongness to the texture of my hand.

With my vision no longer impaired, I take a moment to look at my hand, and the feeling of something being wrong intensifies. Six fingers, with the one on the bottom feeling out of place, and claws protruding from my fingers. "Those aren't fingernails? Or at least… I'm pretty sure they aren't?" The disquiet grows as I observe the color of my skin – what color it should be, I can't say, but I doubt it's supposed to be green, nor should it have scales.

All of that pales in comparison to the… teeth going down my forearm.

Teeth run across my forearm, creating the appearance of a stitched-together wound. I can feel something from it, almost like it has fallen asleep and I'm trying to awaken it. Pushing on the sensation, I will whatever it is to do something. It unfurls, not unlike an eye, revealing an almost gash-like mouth filled with rows of razor-shark-like teeth, spiraling down into… a pulsing red thing.

It's hard to describe whatever it is that I'm looking at, but whatever it is, it's making my eyes hurt just by looking at it. I clamp down on the weird sensation, causing it to shut back up again.

"What's wrong with my arm?" Panic seeps in again, and ice-cold dread starts to fill me as my eyes take in the rest of my body.

There are more of them, the weird mouths, covering my body. They run down my limbs, down my stomach and legs. Some of them are opening and closing… and... I can taste the air through them. "What the hells is this?" A whisper forces its way through my mouth, and with it, I can feel something wrong even there. The words are clipped, starting and ending with a click. I can feel the air hit my teeth as I whisper the words, my tongue feeling far too long and coarse as it moves in my mouth. I can't feel my li-

Focus

I look away from what must be my hand, instead taking in the environment. The ground is covered in dirt with patches of green. I notice a thin layer of frost on some of these patches; the air is freezing. The mouths lining my body react. Without really thinking of it, I can feel them opening at random intervals, snapping at the air with their tongueless maws. Air tasting like cold and dirt. As I slowly rise I hear the ground start to groan, and my muscles ache as I stand up on my... toes. The taste of gravel and dust fills me, one of the mouths on my legs nibbling at the ground.

Now standing, I realize I am in some sort of pen or hole in the ground. The walls barely edge over me in size—close enough to grip but not close enough to peer over. Pushing aside my newfound discovery of what I think are my hands… and mouths, I begin to move closer to the edge so I can better heave myself up from this pit. The edge of the hole feels like it's sinking down as I pull myself up, gravel and dirt giving in under my hands. In fact, now that I'm up from the hole, I see that the ground did break from where I put my hands. It looks like I accidentally crushed some sort of miniature fence or railing, leaving a comical depression on the metal rods where my fingers had pressed down on it.

Shaking my head as I take in my surroundings, I note the odd light illuminating the area around me. The light emanates from the middle of an unusual and small metal staircase. At least, I think it's a staircase; its proportions make it seem more like a very spartan approach for children to play on. I can see quite a few of these weird structures lined up around me, with odd ropes hanging from them and the lights—all leading to one of three rumbling yellow boxes. Dust and rocks line the ground, and I can make out that I'm in some sort of ruin, judging by the stone pillars with metal rods sticking out here and there.

There is no ceiling to the ruin, allowing me to see the clear night sky hanging above me… devoid of stars?

"Huh," I breathe out into the cold air, my voice rumbling through the ruin as I look for an exit. Maneuvering around the staircases and rods, I make my way outside and...

…

I think I'm in a city; it would explain the smooth-walled houses lining up in front of me. However, their windows are quite peculiar—tiny, as if sized for animals to walk through. Yet, they line the entire damned house from top to bottom. Each one has clear glass in front of it, with most having lights shining through them, allowing me to see tiny rooms. The rest having some cloth blocking the view.

I run my hand down my face, feeling my exposed teeth when I drag it downwards, as I try to look for an exit. It damn near looks like I'm in a maze, with the paths leading to more houses. The lamps lining the street are a few inches above me as I step out into the walkways.

"Where the hells am I?" My steps and my voice echo down the street as I begin to walk, hopefully in the direction of someone who could explain where the hell I am.

There are a few signs or walls with names on them, but they don't help. Most signs simply say some sort of name and number, with the words on some of the buildings making no sense. What the hell is a MedHall anyways, and why does it look like it's made out of glass? At one point, I see what I think is a rat, though it seems to walk on two legs. When it spots me, it quickly turns tail and runs behind one of the buildings. The further I walk, the more I think that I'm in some sort of storage area. Not a single door in sight, the buildings vary so much in appearance that it's starting to look out of place. Some look brand new, with walls in red or yellow, while others look old and weathered. Quite a few seem a few steps away from falling into themselves, with parts of their walls broken, revealing ruined doll-sized rooms. Small sacks of garbage stack up inside green metal boxes, and again, I can't shake the feeling that there is something very wrong in the situation. It's as if everything that is not a lamp or a building is made for the size of… dolls?

I come to a stop when the thought enters my mind, trying to remember where I've heard of that word and what it has to do with dolls. A doll… it feels like I should know what that is. I'm using it to describe something, yet it's as if someone has put a bag over my mind.

...

"Excuse me?" I jump at the voice, sounding like it came from my right. When I turn to face it, I'm met with air, the streets just as empty as when I walked through it.

"Holy shit, it's big," the same voice but far lower this time, like it's talking under its breath.

"Crystal, please. Sorry for startling you, we're up here!" A new voice this time. Turning my head a bit more to the right and up, I... alright, I must be delirious because there are two doll-sized girls just... flying... in place.

"We heard that you've been wandering around for a while now. Are you lost?" The one to the right says, her long flowing golden hair complemented by a crown resting on top of an unblemished face. Her clothing looks even weirder than anything I've seen so far – a cape billowing in the wind, some sort of tight tunic, and high boots, all in varying shades of gold and white.

Her companion, by contrast, simply has some sort of all-encompassing pajamas accented with red. She looks older, more mature than the one with the crown – they must be sisters. She also looks far more uneasy than her sister, a nervous smile contrasting with the other one who looks like she's looking at something shiny.

"... Yes?" My voice makes the red one jump, her smile vanishing and eyes looking like they are about to leave her skull, while the one with the crown just looks ecstatic.

It is a little unnerving how much she's smiling, actually. Can't be good.

"Well it sure is a good thing we found you then!" Crown girl says, her smile having turned down to a more gentle one "My name is Glory Girl, and this is my cousin Laserdream" she says motioning towards the red one.

Laserdream and Glory Girl.

Who the hell names their child Glory and Laserdream? Then again, who am I to argue, considering my own name...

My... name...

I can't remember my name.

It's the same type of haze I felt when I thought of the name 'doll,' as if I'm trying to push through something with my head, a throbbing sensation starting at the forefront of my head.

I take a few steps back before catching my balance, my left hand clutching my head.

Focus

I don't know where the thought came from, but I listen to it, steeling myself and counting the white lines in the middle of the road, breathing in and out.

"Are you alright?" Judging by the voice, it's the crown girl asking.

"Yes... I, uh... don't really remember my name. But it's good to meet you, Glory Girl." Might as well be polite, even if I'm probably losing my mind. From the corner of my eye, I can see her cousin, Laserdream, a bit further back, whispering something into... a large coin?

"Laserdream is just talking to some people that are wondering what's happening here." Glory Girl says, floating so she's on an eye level with me, her posture very meek, still with the slight smile.

I catch some movement to my right and see even more tiny people emerge from one of the houses, looking in their direction causes some to gasp, some simply stare and one is pointing something that looks like what Laserdream is using to 'call' as it were.

In fact there are quite a few of these tiny people all over the streets now, moving around like rats, most of them talking with each other or just staring at me.

Glory Girl catches my gaze, turning left and right with a frown on her face before facing me. "Listen, there is a place not far from here where people won't stand around and stare at you, is it okay if we go there?."

"... You want me to follow you after ten seconds of talking?" My voice dripping with sarcasm as I regard her with my four eyes, all the while making sure to have a view of her cousin. Call me paranoid but people who can fly, showing up out of nowhere in a place you have never been before isn't exactly something that screams 'follow'. 

She seems to mull the words over, clearly thinking of her response as she looks from me, to something in the distance and the people that are feeling more and more brave, deciding that they can come a little bit closer to look at me.

"Hey so," she says, flying even closer, her eyes warily roaming over my body. "I'm gonna say a few things and I'm gonna guess that most of them fit what you have experienced so far" She holds up her hand, fingers splayed out and she starts to count them down.

"You woke up somewhere, somewhere that you have no idea how you got to. From there you realized that your body had changed but you can't really say as to how it should've been. And when you try to remember anything important, anything that might explain the two other questions, anything that could relate to-"

She seems to scramble for words before pointing her finger directly at me, I go cross eyed when I follow it and she starts to speak again. "Who you are? Then you can't remember any of it, it feels like there is some haze or your head starts hurting or maybe you just plain don't remember. Do any of these things ring any bells?"

"...Yes. I take it you know why that rings a bell?" My frustration at being talked down to comes through my voice; my mouth is starting to wake up and snap at the air.

She must be made of some stern stuff because she doesn't even look fazed. Instead, she sighs and shakes her head. "I don't know why, but I do know what others like you have gone through. And those things I just mentioned? Every single one of them has had the same experience as you, and I think you had that experience quite recently," she says, her smile slowly coming back again. "The people I talked about? They could help you, even if it is just something small like explaining the situation you are in right now."

She seems... earnest, like she genuinely believes what she is saying, and the things she listed? All true.

I genuinely have no idea where I am, and the number of people out in the streets is not inspiring any confidence in exploring for myself. Though I doubt they would hurt me, a crowd of that size could maybe do damage.

Grumbling, I nod and say, "Yes... Yes, those things have happened to me, and recently at that. I woke up in a hole inside of some ruin not far from here. Tried to figure out where I was, started wandering, and I got here." I gesture with my head towards her, noticing how Laserdream has put her circular object away. "I'll talk to these people then, lead the way."

She gives me another smile before turning to her cousin. "Hey Crystal, we're heading over to the PRT HQ; figure it's for the best." Laserdream looks up and holds a thumb up. I suppose that means okay. Thought her name was Laserdream as well.

Glory Girl motions for me to follow her, flying around my left shoulder while she glances at the mouths that line my body.

Good to know that I'm not alone in getting creeped out by these things.

Glory Girl evidently knew more of this maze of a city than I did, she and her cousin leading the way to something called the 'PRT HQ.'

Laserdream kept talking about something happening across town, mentioning a group called the 'Protectorate' dealing with another group called 'The Empire.' Neither name said much of anything to me. Although, I did find it weird how a group called themselves an Empire; it felt like the name wasn't really fitting for a group of bandits, if I understood the situation correctly.

I was also starting to consider that maybe it was less that people were tiny and more that I was just big. As we were walking towards this 'HeightQue,' or flying as was the case, I noticed that there were quite a few people walking around even though it was night, and... everything around me was sized for them. The holes in the buildings, for example?

Windows, somewhat obvious now that I think about it.

On the way I saw 'cars', small iron chariots with no horses that the people used to get around, or at least that was what Glory Girl said. She looked very interested when I mentioned that I've never seen something like them before.

Laserdream left shortly after that, saying something about an 'exam' she had to be well rested for.

"Hey" I say, gesturing towards the night sky. "Where are" stepping to the left so I don't crush a bench "the stars?"

Glory Girl turns to me, slight confusion written on her face from where she is flying above me. "Oh uh... no that's just light pollution, if you go far enough to, I don't know Captain's Hill? You should be able to see them then." She replies, flipping over on her back while flying to point behind us. "It's to the west of us that way, hard to miss really" She puts both hands behind her head, inclining her body so she is seemingly flying in a lay down position.

Impressive.

The buildings lining the street are more spaced out, most of them looking like they are close to new with hardly any wear and tear showing on them. There are hardly any people walking around, probably due to it being in the middle of the night.

"Is that normal?" My voice echoed down the street as I stopped, gesturing lazily to her flying through the air. "The whole... flying thing?"

From the looks of things, she isn't surprised by my question, carrying on her flying while shifting her position to look like she's lying on her side, resting her head in the palm of her left hand—all while still flying. "Was wondering when you were going to ask about powers," she says.

"Powers? You can fly because you have... powers?" It would make sense. I can't see any type of gear keeping her afloat.

"To answer your questions, flying is not something that the average person can do. The same thing goes for being bigger than the street lights," she says, jerking her head to the light poles illuminating the way forward. "You and I are what's called Parahumans. In other words, it means that we have powers, abilities other people do not have."

She stops her lying-down-flying trick and floats down to my eye level causing me to stop, crossing her arms over her chest. "I have super strength, might not look like it but I can deadlift 14 tons no problem." She accentuates this by flexing her biceps, smug grin and all. "On top of that I'm also invulnerable, capable of sending bursts of emotions around me and flight, although I think that one is obvious by now

"And that's just me. There's a parahuman that can stop time for anything they touch, and another that can twist literal space. My sister can heal just about anything," she says. The last comment, the one about her sister, carries a lot of fondness.

"You, however, you are special. And that's saying something when you are talking about parahumans," she continues, floating so she's now on my right side, matching me in speed as we trudge through the still street. There seems to be a light breeze in the air, judging by her clothes rustling sideways with the wind. I can barely tell that there is a breeze going.

"You're a Case fifty three. The proof of that can be found on your neck, here." She tilts her head up and scratches at the right side of her jugular, close to her collarbone. "'Course, you can't actually see it unless you have eyes to match your mouths. Here, let me." She takes out a black rectangular box, made out of metal from the looks of it. She lines it up towards my face before a shichick sound reverberates from it. She does it two more times before she looks satisfied with whatever it is she's doing and turns the device towards me, showing...

I can't help but get distracted by what must be my body, the mirror letting me see far more clearly now, teeth lining my.. scales, the mouths closed. It's… disturbing, I know that's my body she is currently showing, or at the very least the upper torso of it, yet I know that that's not my body.

But it also lets me clearly see a… tattoo? It doesn't look like any ink I have ever seen before, looking more like a brand in the shape of an omega on the edge of my collarbone.

"But if you want any further questions answered, I'd say you should just ask the PRT," she says, nudging her head to the end of the street. "We're close now!"

Following her gesture, I can see a large building to the far left. Its texture is hard to make out, but it doesn't look that different from any of the other buildings seen so far. Still, this odd fixation to have a great many glass windows lacing its exterior. The only part making it stand apart is how big it is compared to its surroundings, as well as the shield logo bearing the letters P.R.T, making it stand out among all the other buildings.

I was expecting something else.

"Crystal gave them a call earlier, they should be expecting us." Glory Girl hovering by my shoulder, not really looking at me, seemingly more interested in something down to the right. Following her eye's I see one of those metal carriages to the right of the road . The rider looked to be a young man who had a near bug eyed expression, leaning forwards and gawking at me.

"Light's green!" Glory Girls yelling startles both me and him, him a bit more so, jumping in his seat before driving off, passing a weird looking lamp. It has three different light bulbs on it that flash green into yellow then red.

"Sorry about that… people have a tendency to forget that capes are people too." She sighs, a disgruntled look crossing her face. Prior experiences most likely.

Not that I have any of that to speak of, all I can clearly remember is that odd ruin I woke up in. That and wandering the streets lost and confused.

Putting the thoughts aside I started following Glory Girl to the structure.

I get slowed down, accidentally stepping on what I think is a trash can, and having to pry it off my lizard like foot.

When I finally catch up to Glory Girl she's talking animatedly to a boy who looks like he has a dead skunk on his head. Both sides of his head shaved with the remaining blond hair ending in a ponytail that draped along his right shoulder. The hairstyle certainly didn't mesh with his suit, all black with a tie giving me the air of some sort of noble trying to be rebellious.

Whatever it is they are talking about seemed to have soured Glory Girls mood something fierce, judging by how heated she was talking. Skunk boy seemed… tired.

"They got him out? Again? You can't be serious, please tell me this is some fucked up joke." She's talking like she wants to scream but is restraining herself from it. "That's what? The third fucking time now?"

"No, it would be the second time now." The boy's voice is as dry as sandpaper with how he talks, the light from the entrance casting a shadow across one half of his face, enough light to show a hard face and sharp jaw. He turns to me, looking like he's gonna ask something but Glory Girl interrupts him with a groan, burying her head in her hands.

"... I'm just gonna… ignore that for now, sorry about that."

The boy doesn't really react to her apology, choosing instead to look back at me "You know, when they called in and told us how big you were I thought they were exaggerating!" He says, craning his neck to look me in the eye's, giving me a wide smile showing off his extremely white teeth. "My name is Jeff Harris, a pleasure to meet you!" He takes a step forward, moving as if he wants to shake my hand but decides not to halfway through the gesture, leading to an awkward gesture towards my feet.

I can't help but huff at him, partly from the display and partly because I can see that his hair is cut unevenly on the top. "Right."

"My apologies, normally we would have a meeting set up by now. Thing is you showed up at." He pulls his right arm up showing off an expensive looking wrist watch and gives it a quick glance before quickly putting it away again. "Three in the morning so there aren't that many lawyers awake right now. Despite that we have one that should be here any minute though, hopefully we can get to fixing your legal situation as fast as possible. Less headaches that way"

Legal situation?

"... Fuck this day." Glory Girl looks up at me, the light from the building giving me a good view of how tired she is, probably past her bedtime. "I need to head home, it's Wednesday and I have school in like" She stops to yawn into her hand. "five or so hours, laters you two, take care big guy." She shoots up into the sky, waving as she disappears past the buildings to the left.

I idly scratch at my jaw as I turn towards Jerry. "Was that some teenage drama you were talking about earlier? She seemed mighty upset about it." Judging by Jerrys face I either said something monumentally stupid or he's slow on the uptake, his eyes wide and repeatedly blinking at me.

"... Teenage drama?" Whispering under his breath as he shakes off whatever daze my words put him in. "My man I'm twenty eight years old. No… no Glory Girl was upset because the Empire managed to break Hookwolf out… again." He sounds conflicted saying it, though the name does ring a bell. The girl mentioned earlier that something with the Empire was happening across town, something about them fighting another group.

"Who?" The o rolling on my tongue, makes me think of water and green for some reason.

"... Right, no memories. I uh-" Realisation hits him before he says something dumb and he freezes up momentarily before looking back, then at me and then back again "Moving on, we should head inside. It's freezing out here" Is it?

A quick look at what has to be the door has me doubting it's possible to even head inside, my lower leg is bigger than that entrance.

I look back down at Jeff to tell him but he's already speaking.

"We will be using the garage for the meeting and have prepared it as much as possible for the sake of your privacy. We also got a few locations for where you could reside, for a limited time at least." While I was looking at the door he had moved on to the side of the building, motioning for me to follow him.

Following him alongside the building I glance into one of the windows, catching a woman sipping something from a cup. Tired eyes meet my own before she recoils and almost falls, catching herself on the counter of the table she was leaning against.

Starting to get a little annoying and worrying with how much people seem to be scared of my appearance, either cringing away or just gawking at me. I still have no idea what my face looks like, but the little I can tell and with how people are reacting it can't be good. Are the other's like me? These 'case fifty three', Glory Girl made them sound like each was 'unique' but what cou-

I feel something bounce off my chest followed by a horrible tearing noise, looking down I catch one of those street lights bouncing off the ground. Its lamp head wrenched off as I feel an odd sensation in my left chest, as if the muscles are cramping into a suction like movement.

The angle of my head makes it impossible to see what's really happening.

Reaching up to grab at the object has me tugging it a few times before I get it off my chest, revealing what looks like the lamp head. The front end of it having been chewed off judging by the teeth marks.

Right, the goddamned body mouths.

A burning feeling of shame and embarrassment courses through me, from my gut to my head. I got distracted and walked into a goddamned pole. my eyes quickly darting between the knocked over post to the head in my hand trying to find the words to apologize to Jerry, who must have been as surprised by the blunder as I was since he just looks at the scene in disbelief.

"Uh."

I'm not very good at it.

It does atleast make him react, head shaking slightly before waving his hand towards me. "Don't worry, accidents happen. Just try to not walk into anything else alright? Or anyone else." he walks towards the pole, giving it a few kicks before turning his gaze up at me. "Mind moving it out of the road?"

It wasn't hard, picking it up one handed and placing it alongside the 'sidewalk' as Jeff calls it, we moved on towards the entrance of the garage. Jeff not being too bothered by the property damage and me really wanting not to think of it.

The 'garage' turns out to be too small for me to actually walk in. I have to crouch down on all four in order to properly move around inside of it, the act feeling natural but the amount of pillars and cars making me nervous, too bunched together to not feel like I might crush or smash something.

I do see some more of the personale of this PRT, Jeff explaining they are just coming back from some operation that was related to this 'Hookwolf' and 'Empire eighty eight'. Their faceless heads follow me as they unload out of a large cart looking car, all dark and metal with the words P.R.T in white on its side.

Jeff does diffuse the tension by waving towards them, his presence putting them visibly at ease as they start talking with each other or walk towards what must be an exit out of the garage.

Quite a few still stare. I try to ignore them.

Thankfully we finally appear to be at the right place, although the 'preparations' seems to just be a table close to one of the corners.

"Could you please step inside of the lines?" Jeff gestured to a depression in the ground that went straight out from the walls. "Raisable walls, let's us make makeshift rooms in emergencies or barricades if the situation calls for it." He walks towards the wall to the right and presses on some glowing… window… thing? A buzzing noise starts sounding before walls start raising themselves from the depressions. In just a few seconds the walls have boxed me in, making me a fair bit nervous because I can't see an exit. Sure Jeff is in here with me but I doubt he's as limited as I am when it comes to moving around. The bright gray wall's coupled with the white roof and floor doesn't help either

I try to sit down, feeling uneasy about leaning against the raised walls. I instead opt to cross my legs, resting my elbows on my knees and observe Jeff as he sits down at the table. Looking at it I can see papers strewn on the table, words written on them but too small for me to actually make out what is written on them.

"Your lawyer should be here in about an hour, until then I'll try to answer any question you have. Within reason of course." He leans back, crossing his arms and looks up at me. He looks far more awake than he did at the entrance of the building, guess that pole incident was good for something.

"Within reason?" My voice booming in the room, making me aware of how much bass is in it.

"I'm not answering personal questions." His voice made it clear that he was not going to argue on that point, not that I wanted to..

I shift, the metal groaning underneath me. How much do I weigh? "Well… do you have a mirror? I'm wondering… how I look."

"Wait" He raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms "you haven't looked at yourself yet? I mean… When did you wake up? Miss Dallon mentioned that it was recent but I didn't think it was that recent."

"A few hours ago? I woke up in some sort of hole inside a ruin. After that I just wandered around looking for someone or find out where I was."

My tongue snakes out between my teeth instinctually, Jeff not reacting in the slightest to the gesture, instead starting to fish something out from his pant pocket. "I can take a picture of you and project it from the camera over there" He gestures to some box that is hanging from the left corner, above the weird window he used to raise the walls.

He holds out a rectangle shaped metal box, and then sits and fiddles with it for a few seconds. Then the wall behind him lights up showing… me?

Four reptilian eyes stare back at me, a snout-like mouth with no lips or cheeks showcasing the rows of massive shark-like teeth.

That dark green scaly hide becomes more pronounced with the lighting. Thick veiny muscles that cling to my body, no fat to hide the bones showing between the gaps.

My alien-like hand's, with the extra thumb on the bottom of each, as if there was a mirror image in the middle of my hand.

I am now fully aware of the mouths, how they line themselves across my body. Slitted, with several rows of teeth coming up from each. And how many there are. Two on my chest, two on my shoulder, pronounced due to my hunched position. The ones on my arms, the ones on my legs and my stomach and more.

I reach up with my hand, the figure in the mirror doing the same. I can't fight the sense of nausea and fear I feel spreading through me as I notice the line running from my lower jaw to the base of my neck.

I prod at it, noting how pointy the tip of my claws feel towards it, and I push. I see how my jaw starts separating, stopping when I see that my fingers have penetrated my neck.

And then my jaw unfurls.

I just sit there, staring as I feel how far apart my jaw is from the other one. How they end up looking like mandibles with rows of teeth.

...

Slowly… I slowly push on each side of my jaw. At first it doesn't… close properly, but I keep at it until they do. Pushing each mandible so they point inwards, closing my jaw.

I don't know how long I just sit and stare at myself, at some point noticing that I'm wearing some gray shorts to cover myself.

"... What the hell am I?"

"You're a person. And don't let anyone tell you different." Jeff's voice brings me back, the image gone from the wall and it takes everything I have not to scream.

"I… Do all… " Words fail me as I reach up to feel my teeth.

"Do all case fifty-three look like you? No, there's one in Boston made entirely out of metal, one who can be mistaken for a boy with a hunchback. There's one up in Texas who will probably be upset about you upstaging his name. There are others who are even worse off than you."

He regards me with a degree of pity and wariness, uncrossing his arms to lean forward with his elbows on the table. "We have a system set up to help, be it in helping finding a job or in accommodating living conditions, no amtter what we will be there to help…

You are pretty ugly though I'll give you that."

The last bit catches me off guard and I can't help but chuckle, a chortling sound making its way through the room as I shake my head.

"Same can be said for your haircut you little shit." He lets out a bark of a laugh before picking up one of the papers, inspecting it for a moment.

"Yeah yeah I deserve that one, now... how much did Miss Dallon tell you about Parahumans?"

AN

Updates should be coming weekly or biweekly, give or take.

Chapter Text

It starts out humorous, the mood light from our earlier interaction.

He tells me of the first Parahuman. Scion they call him.

Found floating somewhere in the middle of the ocean naked. Powers? Anything you could think of, at least from what he would tell me. There were goddamned religions of him. Sounding less like a man and more like some deity.

He was also naked for the first years he was active and mainly rescues cats from trees.

Had it not been for Jeff telling me all this with a straight face, I’d think he was trying to sell me a dog. It genuinely sounded like a joke, a golden man appears out of nowhere naked and starts saving people without saying a word, but then again Glory girl could goddamn fly and I’m the size of a house so what do I know. Nothing.

He then talks, briefly, about some chump called Vikare. How he heralded The Golden Age of parahumans. Becoming an example for all, showing that the rest of the parahumans shouldn’t be ashamed of who they were, or what had happened to them? Jeff was unclear on that point.

He also describes them at different points as ‘capes’, apparently because quite a lot of the first ones the public became aware of had, well, capes.

And then Vikare died. Bat to the head during a ‘sports event’, they weren't even sure what his powers were.

The mood of the conversation swiftly goes downhill. Jeff tells me of how powered crimes starts skyrocketing, riots, entire countries starting to collapse. The monopoly of power going out the window because now people can crush heads with their minds.

It’s somewhere here that these… superheroes? start banding together, forming proper organizations. Turns out that the Protectorate that I heard about was one of them, working for the government alongside the PRT.

A lot of names are being thrown around, Triumvirate and The Guild, England and Kingsmen, Protectorate and the United States. Countries and groups that don't say much to me beside them holding some sort of importance.

Then there are these… Endbringers.

If Scion had me wondering if Jeff was selling me a dog, then the Endbringers had me wondering if Jeff was trying to scare me.

Massive… things that came out of nowhere, sowing destruction and death in ways that humanity has never seen before. Entire countries single handedly brought to ruin.

It felt jarring that it was described so quickly, like I just saw an animal die painfully and then had to discuss the weather right after. Laws were passed in response to parahumans, prisons rebuilt to contain them, The Birdcage. Throughout it all Jeff asks me if any of it sounds familiar.

He isn’t that surprised when I tell him no everytime, explaining that he’s trying to see if there might be something that I might pick up. Finally he talks about case fifty threes.

“The first recorded case of a fifty three appeared in ninety eighty five, Seattle, August, don’t remember the day. Having bird-like features as well as another pair of limbs reminiscent of a bird's wings, locals started calling her Pigeon.” A picture appears showing a… well a bird woman. Feathers appear blue and dark skin pokes out here and there ending in a pretty face. She’s remarkably thin, wearing some sort of mail man's outfit. Cocky smile on her face, posing for the ‘picture’ as Jeff called it.

“She suffered from the same problems as you do. Loss of memory, altered appearance as well as a tattoo in the shape of an Omega. Hers was found on the left inner thigh” He sucks in a breath as if to continue before looking up from his paper, “... You know where yours is located?”

I tilt my head up and point to the right side of my neck. He nods so it must have been the right place.

“After that we started getting reported sightings of mo- of persons with altered appearances, most of them reported in major cities, but we could never conclude if they were false reports akin to UFO sightings.”

UFO?

“By nineteen eighty five we had fifteen confirmed cases here in the States, and in present day we think there are a total of seventy cases worldwide-”

I hold up my right hand, halting his speech. “What year is it actually? We never went over that.”

He freezes at that, red embarrassment creeping up on his face as his eyes go all over the place. “Right, yes, no memories. The year is two thousand eleven and the day is the twenty eight of February. Which would make it… twenty five years, eight months and three days? no ten days since the first case fifty three was recorded. As I was saying, you are the first one in a few years now so if-”

“There are only seventy of us in the world? That seems a little low?” That would mean that there has only been fifty or so more in twenty five years… or maybe “The rest died I'm guessing?”

He doesn't do more than nod at the question “Quite a few of the early cases were hunted down by the parahuman known as Nyx, a member of The Slaughterhouse Nine. She turned out to be one herself after we managed to eliminate her back in eighty nine. From what we gathered she thought that she could piece together her original memories if she killed enough other cases.”

“What?” A name like the Slaughterhouse Nine felt almost comically on the nose, but the way he spoke of them made them sound anything but. And this Nyx sounded… insane would be the term? “Were they some sort of Villain group as well?”

“Try serial killer club instead, one of the few S class threats in the world. They roam the countryside, picking off isolated towns or anyone who comes in contact with them. Sometimes they enter cities, usually after some major catastrophe.”

“So… they’re cowards? Striking at anything that can’t fight back?” I understand that parahumans were dangerous but wiping out entire towns? And he was talking about them as if they were still around.

“... While I agree that the Slaughterhouse are cowards, they don’t exclusively go for those that can’t ‘fight back’” he says the words fight back while having both hands in the air, first two fingers on each hand going up and down. “One of their more permanent members killed Hero, ripped him in two live on camera before maiming Alexandria and then just fucking off, pardon my language language. She was then seen with the Slaughterhouse just weeks after it all. They call her The Siberian” He spits out the ‘her’ as if it’s something in his mouth, disgust evident on his face “Real piece of work. Cannibal, same as Nyx was”

“...same as Nyx was?”

“One of the lesser known facts about Nyx. Exclusively case fifty three’s. She was convinced it would return her memories to her, blaming the cases she killed for her own loss. We estimate that she killed, and ate, seventeen case fifty three’s in the states in the span of two years. Amongst them was Pigeon.”

…

It’s genuinely bone chilling to hear him describe superpowered cannibals. Any idea of asking about who Hero or Alexandria were goes away. Other questions bubbling up in their place as I process the new information.

“How has… how has no one dealt with them yet? Or are they like these Endbringers you talked about earlier?”

He shakes his head, not really surprised at the question. “No they are just… in order to deal with them we’d first have to circumvent several things, it would require a push from most branches of the government as well as the full might of the guild and Triumvirate. Even then we would be expecting heavy losses with a non confirmed kill on all members.”

He rests the back of his head on his hands, scratching at the neck as he leans back. “And if we were to pool all our resources into that, the Fallen and the Elite together with god knows who else would just be clamoring to expand their operations. Don’t get me wrong, everyone is screaming for their heads, it's just that we literally can’t do that unless we want every villain org to start fighting for what they can get their hands on during it all.” He shrugs. “We are outnumbered plain and simple.”

Well that is…

Depressing.

My newfound sense of melancholy is interrupted by the door swinging open, revealing a woman who looks to be in her thirties. Brown hair tied in a bun, a death grip on a satchel and some sort of mug. Her pale skin does great favors to the general look of death she has going on.

Her heels clacking against the floor as she marches forward to Jeff who scrambles out of his chair. She all but slams the satchel on the ground, taking Jeff’s right hand in her own while simultaneously  sipping from the mug, there are words on it but far too small to make out.

“You must be Agent Jeff correct?” Her voice sounds like she has been inhaling smoke for the past thirty years of her life. She drops her eye contact with him, and judging by the shape of her head she is inspecting the papers now neatly organized on the table.

“Yes, would you perhaps be the barmaid sent from the moon?”

…

Huh?

The woman seems to echo my confusion for a brief moment, before heaving a sigh and turning back to Jeff. “No he was busy, I’m from louisiana and have come for the sauce. Can we start now?”

What the hell are they talking about?

“Sorry ma’am, can never be too careful when it comes to strangers or masters.” The carefree tone he used with me is gone now, sounding more like he did earlier with Glory Girl.

“Oh I’m sure” her tone hinting at sarcasm “now where is my client? They wouldn't say much beyond it being urgent.” She turns her head, scanning the room for something before stopping in my direction. Gaze slowly lift’s and from the widening gaze I see that her eye color is green. And that she's shocked.

God, I hate this face.

In her defense, she recomposes fast. Running a hand through her hair and clearing her throat “It might have been important to mention that it’s a John Doe situation no?  And a case fifty three at that? There are quite a few laws specific to this situation.” Voice raw with irritation while her eyes trace all over my face, as if it’s hard to find eye contact with me. “I’m sorry, Jessica Nelson. I’ll be your public defender.” She sticks out her hand to shake, but unlike Jeff she commits to it. Doing a quick eyeballing of her hand I reach my finger out. She catches on without skipping a beat and grabs my claw, shaking it firmly.

At the very least it appeared as much, she visibly moved her body but my finger barely budged.

She started talking and it took all my concentration to keep up, such as when she went over why I needed to pick a name for the meeting and how important it was that I hadn’t signed anything.

Then she and Jeff started talking and I was well and truly lost. Every few minutes she would ask me a question or Jeff would and for the most part the answer was ‘I don’t know’. Jessica was nice enough to explain what was being discussed, and I understood that they were creating a legal identity for me as well as filling out the forms necessary due to me being an ‘unmasked’ parahuman. Whatever that meant.

Eventually it ends and my name, for the moment, is Maw. The name chosen by going through the alphabet for anything that felt right. By the time we had hit M. A and W it felt like everyone wanted to move on.

The sleeping situation had been handled as well during the meeting, albeit a bit late since it was now five in the morning. They had some car that was meant to carry prisoners, a massive beast from the looks of its holding area but it was… decommissioned? It wasn't available anyhow and they had brought some sort of mattress for me to sleep on. Or rest as I didnt feel tired whatsoever. They would be coming by later to discuss what alternatives I had moving forward as well as a ‘power testing’.

The last part was by no means mandatory, but Jeff explained that it would be on the safe side to ‘explore your powers in a safe environment’.

This just felt… Weird.

I had gone from waking up in a ruin, or ‘construction site’ as they called it, with no memory of… anything really. Wandered around a city I could not recognize and with a name that sounded wrong to say. Followed by finding out that powers are real.

And no one had a clue of how and where the case fifty threes came from. Twenty five years and the best they'd gotten was that maybe we were man made.

… Yeah.

It was also obvious what angle Jeff was going for in that meeting. He made his group, the ‘PRT’ and by extension the ‘Protectorate’, sound like the peacekeepers as it were. And that they were up against awful odds. He all but said that they wanted me, even before knowing what I could do.

They were desperate, if it were for bodies in general or powered individuals I did not know, but they were desperate. A part of me almost asked him what I could do to help right there at the meeting, another part told me there is more to it. I barely knew anything, and the little I had come to know came from two aligned sources. I needed to think over the few options I had at the current moment.

I was sitting down on the ‘massive sand bag’ they had brought in, surveying the room. Barebones with tiny tools here and there, a poster with some orange furred animal looking cute and text that said ‘Mess with the Best, Scratch like the Rest.’ There’s even a mirror in one of the corners.

I avoid looking at it.

The light from the ceiling was akin to… something, and the throbbing pain in my head makes me drop the effort to remember whatever it is. I opt instead to lean back into the sand bag, close my eyes and mutter “Light.”.

Voice activation. Might as well have been magic for how much I understood it.

And magic really was the word at play, although Jeff kept correcting me whenever I used that word. Not that he could explain how Glory Girl or anyone else could do what they did, nor what I could do.

Because that was something I did have, mag- powers, I have powers. I had no clue what kind of powers I had, and Jeff had muttered something about ‘If you aren't a brute of some kind then I don’t even know anymore’ and that I would find out in the power testing.

And the power testing would be in a few hours.

…

I can't wait that long.

I open my eyes to the dim light of the room, bringing my right hand up. How does it work I wonder? Do I just think really hard or am I supposed to say something?

Throwing my arm forward as if to push some unseen force away from me does nothing, neither did staring at it in silence. Didn’t expect it to work, but with nothing to frame it against except for the events hours earlier it didn’t hurt to try. Flight felt wrong, and the only way I could test that would ruin the ceiling.

Maybe it was like… a body part? Glory Girl made it sound like it was more a part of her than a tool. So if we were to look at it like a bodypart… My mouths!

Whenever they started to act up I just… flexed wouldn’t be the word but it did make me feel restricted. If I were to focus more on that, maybe something would happen?

My focus is now fully on my hand. Pushing on the sensation, I feel how the mouths start to wake up. At first they’re closed, albeit looking less at ease and more like they are biting down hard, in concentration even. I keep pushing at it and I can feel… It’s like something is crawling under all my scales, ticklish gnats running haywire . It is then that I finally see a change.

It starts slow, my muscles bloating in size almost instantaneous, a small hue of red peaking through my skin. It looks a bit off with the green scales, as if a child was trying to slam two different types of colors together, or some exotic fruit. The mouths are active now, snapping and gnawing, a sickening sound all around me as I hear them reverberate from my chest, shoulders and back. It’s becoming increasingly harder to think, a dull thumping in my mind as the itching keeps burning throughout my body.

Despite all of that I can’t help but feel… ecstatic, giddy even. It instantly evaporates as I realize that I can’t move.

It’s like somebody has tied ropes all along me, forcing me in place. It’s like the previous feeling of restriction was amplified tenfold… But if it’s my power then I should be able to control it.

I start small, still keeping the sensation going, trying to wiggle my fingers. I can feel my body trying to respond, but it’s like the ropes go through my bones, lacing itself alongside my entirety. Eventually, after using more force than I thought necessary for just moving my fingers, I make progress slowly, my hand glacially closing itself. Finally I have enough, pushing a bit mor-

It closes hard enough for there to be a resounding pop throughout the room, to the point that my claws have sunken into the palm of my hand. I can see a small trickle of blood dripping out from it, but despite it all… it doesn’t hurt.

I very much feel it, a discomfort of course, but pain? No. Almost disturbs me more than just mutilating myself with my own power.

Pushing with equal effort but this time to open, has the opposite effect. Hand flying open, the blood flying into my face. Blinking away the little that got in my eyes, and see that my hand doesn't even look damaged, the damage must have been mild then.

Both times I forced my hand, I swear there was a white pain throughout my forearm. But it's so fast that I can’t be sure if it was a phantom feeling or not.

‘Amazing’ is a word that comes to mind. I have the power to lock my muscle into place and hurt myself, obviously there is more to it but I can’t help but make the joke. Resolving to kill time in preparation for the power testing, I keep at my power. Opening and closing my hand, slowly finding a middle ground in effort, all the while there are these small spikes of white pain through my forearm.

AN

Shorter chapter this time, I also edited ch 1 flow, mainly the first part of it.

Also I took liberties with Nyx's backstory. We don't really know alot about her beyond having a twin in the Protectorate.

Next chapter, Power Testing!

Chapter Text

It’s after a few hours of this trial and error that I finally got a sense of the amount of effort needed to not hurt myself just from opening my hand. When I’ve moved on to try it with my arm a new agent comes to get me for the ‘power testing’.

Chloe something, thirty-ish years old, dark skin and a heart shaped face with her dark hair pulled back into a tight ponytail of sorts. She was very much straight to the point as evident when our introduction was done entirely by herself. Her saying hello, her name and then stating my name and then promptly telling me to follow her.

Crawling under the door, it was capable of extracting itself up into the ceiling, into a far more crowded garage. Mechanics, from the looks of their outfits, were working on a car similar to the ones the troopers had stepped out of earlier. It was hoisted up, with a hole underneath it, allowing them to work standing. They seemed to have been discussing something, the echo of the garage allowing me to pick up their words before they were in view.

“- ya hear from Jessica?”

“No and I try not to. Pass me a five will you.”

“Turn’s out that fucking endbringer lookin ass thing was a case fifty three, gotta be extreme even by their standards right?”

“David how many times do I have to tell you not to-”

It makes it more apparent when they quiet down before I’m even there, staring at me as we pass them by.

“Since the only entrances you can use are rated for pregnant semi-trucks and above, we will be using the external door to the PT, which means I will have to escort you around the building.” She walks up to a wall mounted glass thing, similar to the one Jeff used to raise the walls, sliding a… card? against it causing the gates to start moving. The sound is similar to the raisable wall’s now that I listen to it for the second time.

“We have blocked the pavement for any civilians, so you won’t have to worry about stepping on someone on the way there.” The metal retracting, allowing me to see that the sun has risen, casting long shadows on the surrounding. The light allowed me to see a store of sorts across the street, several cars driving to the right and to the left and the amount of people milling around the walkways. Their reactions are like a ripple in a pond, a man near the store dropping his phone, a teenage girl stopping dead in her tracks as she notices me, a tiny girl shrieking as she dart’s behind her mother.

It only gets worse as I crawl up to my full height, the people across the street now almost running away from my appearance, the ones further away not daring to move any closer. ‘Guess not everyone thinks like Jeff’.

“Is that a fucking T-rex or something!” The gruff voice comes from my left, and when I follow the source I’m met by a group of workers from the looks of things, orange overalls with gray stripes. Next to them there is the… street light I ruined.

The actual speaker is an older man, well into his fifties with a bald spot on the top of his head, clean shaven and weak chinned.

“Joseph, how the hell is that a T-rex?” A man of similar age, expensive glasses resting on a broken nose framed by a rough face. He was kneeling beside the pole, glaring up against this ‘Joseph’.

“What the fuck you mean? Of course it’s a rex, fucking look at it. It’s a big lizard”

“One, dinosaurs died out millenia ag-”

I can’t help but exhale in frustration, the rumble that comes out from my throat is in no way helping the situation but I couldn’t really care too much for it. “My name… is Maw.” My raised voice catches them off guard, be it from me being able to talk or the tone of my voice. One of the younger ones almost drops his tool, a saw, while the older one just stares with his mouth ready to catch flies.

We stand there for what must be twenty odd seconds, them too scared to really do anything and me too awkward feeling to do anything. Eventually my eyes traveled to the post on the ground, seems like they were in the process of cutting it down to size so it could fit into their car. “Would you like some help with that?” Gesturing forwards to the post, it barely weighed anything yesterday so might as well help in cleaning up my own mistake. The old man looks directly to his right, before looking back at me again.

“... sure?”

With his go ahead I step forward, slowly so as to not step on anyone. The men scampering back as I reach for the pole, hefting it up and bending it, once then twice before dumping the cube into the car's backside. Flashing a thumb’s up to the workers, I turn back to Chloe. She looks up at me turning, motioning for me to follow her, face not really saying much of anything. Looking over the street I can see people having returned to their walk to work, some aiming their phones at me. Might as well ignore them then, probably for the best.

My step’s don’t really echo as they did earlier today, and the staggering amount of activity in the streets made an already narrow feeling path feel even smaller. I don’t think I could’ve actually moved through here had they not vacated it. The cars rumble down the road, often slowing down beside me before they start picking up speed again, birds resting on windows get spooked more than the people in them as I lumber by. With every step I have to look down before and after moving my foot, each agonizingly slow as to match Chloe’s pace.

She is jogging, but it’s almost comical with how slow it feels to follow her compared to Glory Girl. Suppose that goes to show how a parahuman would compare to a normal human. Same thing with the workers, they needed tools where I needed hands. More stores, clothes and technological doodads in each of them, salespersons setting up signs or dolls to display various items, some of the buildings had art on them. Art depicting either some sort of plant sprouting up into the roofs of the building and some showing an armored man, blue and white steel in a stalwart pose.

“We’re here.”

Here being an opening in the headquarters walls, the opposite street being some sort of… resting place? for cars. The bottom of the opening being around the top of my knees, above the reach for anyone normal while giving whoever was inside a decent view of the sky, and me. Looking inside I can see far more technology than I have seen so far, most of them having people wearing white… coats…

Blaring light… burnt flesh tearing… It’s inside-

…

“-aw?” I blink, a pounding headache snaking its way into the forefront of my mind, I place my hand on the wall, steadying myself, both me and the foundation groaning at the sudden feeling.

“You alright there big man?” Chloe is staring up at me, concerned but tinged with exhaustion. And then there is where I planted my hand… it almost went through the building, the tips of my claws having penetrated the window above while my palm has caused massive spiderwebs to form. Taking my hand away causes debris to loosen and fall to the ground, the window cracking as my claw is dislodged from it. Some of it catches on my forearm and the mouth opens to eat what it can get, entirely on its own.

“... well that’s…” Chloe again, sounding like she just commented on the weather instead of me ruining a room of theirs. “Goddamn… you get your freight ass inside the testing area and I find out if we have to empty a few floors.” She starts moving, walking between my legs while looking up at my mark on the building. Hand pressed to the side of her head while speaking. Her tone demanded no argument, and since I had no real way to help out with the damage I just caused, all that could be done was to lumber inside.

The inside of this ‘test’ room is spacious, to the point that I can barely stand at full height. If I were to raise my arms above my head they wouldn’t go very far… or they would go through the ceiling. I was not testing which one was true. White panels on both ground and ceiling, metal walls all around.

The men and women wearing the white coats were hesitant to approach me, allowing me to survey the room. There was some sort of presser in the far right corner, a glass cylinder… no, no that’s some sort of glass chamber, a multitude of screens and other machines line the walls on the left with a tinier booth that looks to have more people inside it. Can’t get a clear look of the people in it but I know they are there. I let the maws wake, letting me sme- no, taste the air around me, chemicals hang in the air, feeling almost acidic just from the sensation of my maws snatching at the air. While the room echoes from the opening and clasping of my maws I start moving forward to the people in white.

This finally prompts someone to react, a man, shorter than the rest and with a visible bald spot, comes jogging out of the booth. Stopping so I don’t walk past him, or on him, a bushy mustache framing a middle aged face. “My apologies, I just got done speaking with the director. Now how about some power testing, yes?” He punctuates the ‘yes’ by clapping his hands together “To start with we are going to have to take your measurements, or to be more specific your weight. Reason for that is that we have some equipment that can maybe be used here but… well if you weigh as much as I think you do we will be a bit more limited” He gestures for me to follow him which I do, all while making sure the rest of the whitecoats don’t stray to close. They seem to go back to talking with one another, discussing something on the wall mounted screen near them. Lots of flashing from it, pausing at times so someone can point at it and they then mumble about it together.

“Oh, I almost forgot, the name’s Omer.” I give a grunt to the information. “Would you please step up on the platform.” The platform in question being a very small orange square, or well, small for me.

“... Think that will hold me?”

“Well if it doesn’t we know you weigh more than ten tons… that or we found out something new and exciting about your power” He almost bops with his words, more giddy than I am at finding out how my power works. Or how much I weigh for that matter.

Stepping on the platform was a little awkward, I hadn’t really thought about it but I naturally stood with my feet fairly far apart. Turn’s out I weigh around six tons, or thirteen thousand four hundred and eight ‘pounds’. Big number. Next was taking my dimensions, twenty one feet tall when I straightened myself as much as I could, the motion feeling wrong with how my head and neck worked. And then finally we could move on with the actual Power testing.

‘Doctor’ Omer wanted to start the testing on my maw’s, stating that ‘the obvious should be started with’. Couldn’t really argue with his logic. I did feel like I could argue with what he was doing right now though.

He has so far ‘dropped’ five different kinds of reading instruments into my forearm maw, the one facing upwards, he would then look at his screen, ‘type’ something into a tablet and then look back at the screen.

“... So are we gonna try anythi-”

“They disappear!”

What? “What?”

“The cameras! The second they enter the inner part of your mouth they disappear. It’s remarkably similar to Shadow Stalker’s transition really. The difference being that they don’t fully disappear of course but the initial part is there, showing a lot of similarities with the Offscreen effect.”

…

The what’s its name? Shadow Stalker? “Could you maybe explain it again? And a little slower?” He just looks up at me, ecstatic and filled with energy, almost like a child who was just given a bag full of shiny stuff.

“Going by the readings and initial findings, the mouths lining your body might be portals. To where? No clue, but it sure is dope! Here let me show you.”

He turns the screen towards me, the pedestal on the blocky table allowing him to turn it a full 180 degrees, showcasing… something. It looks like it’s partly a moving picture while simultaneously having multiple different numbers appearing on the right. “Focus on the video feed.” He grabs yet another of those blocky cameras before dropping it into my forearm. The video shows a perspective of freefalling through a canopy of teeth before it flashes bright and then complete darkness.

Very cool… I guess.

“And this means…?”

“Right now? Not much. I would like to test if” He brings out a stick from under the table, and sticks the camera on it. “the objects that pass through these mouth portals of yours can be extracted. If that's alright with you?” I shrug in response and he takes it as a yes, lowering the stick slowly, his head going between the stick itself to the screen constantly. As it gets lowered further down, I can see… smoke coming from the stick, and when he pulls it out of the maw it looks like it's been burned off in the middle.

“Interesting.”

“... That a good interesting or a bad interesting?”

“Interesting interesting. See this?” He points to the tip. “This is stainless steel, and the fact that whatever I just dipped it in didn’t really care for the ‘stainless’ part of it? That’s interesting. Would love to have a sample of whatever it is” He keeps looking at the stick, turning it around to look at it from different angles. Then he jerks his head up at me, looking me directly in the eyes. “I would like to test with your primary mouth, see if it shares the same properties as your other mouths do!”

“My… primary mouth?”

“It’s to test out a theory, could help when we move on to this ‘state’ that you can enter, by your own words at least.” I guess he can, I am here to test my power anyways.

“Sure?”

“Excellent, would you lean down and open wide then?” He’s procured a yellow rope looking thing this time, a blinking light on the edge of it. It runs all the way to my left, Omer no doubt got it while I was thinking. I lean down, opening my mouth as much as I cou-

My jaw unfurls again.

I reel back, closing my mouth in a panic causing it to furl back in, giving me my lower jaw back. Omer continues to just stand there, waiting. I try again, my jaw unfurls. I close it, my jaw furls back.

… So I can control it, that’s… still horrifying but at least I know that.

“Is there something wrong there Maw?” Right, almost got lost again.

“No, I just forgot I could do that, sorry” I go back down again, opening my mouth, jaw unfurling until I can see my… jaw pincers on either side of my head, letting Omer see down my throat.

he lets out a little ‘hmm’, sounding like he’s in thought, though I couldn’t exactly see him. The position of my head made it impossible to actually see him, staring instead into the wall. Letting me see a screen with big red numbers on it, displaying the number 0 9 : 3 4, framed by a black background.

“Could you repeat the words ‘Seven sea sick seamen’ to me?” What the? Again, I go ahead with it but it’s certainly weird.

“Seven sea sick seamen”

…

“Dope!” He says, his voice echoing inside my open mouth.

So he found something else that’s horrible. I would cheer if it wasn't for the fact that I'm starting to get sick of it. “Explain.”

“Maw, you just spoke fluently with your mouth fully open!”

That… is a bit weird now that he mentions it?

“And the reason for that is that you have something in the back of your neck, would you like to guess what that is? You only get three guesses”

I can’t help but heave a sigh. Omer sounded like he was caught off guard by the force of the air flowing out of my mouth. “Is it a mouth?”

“Why yes, good job. You have a second mouth roughly at the Oropharynx area in your throat. It is a lot more human-like than the rest of your mouths so there is that, nor did it have the glow of your body mouths. You should actually be able to see it on the screen.” Tilting my head to the right so I could actually see the screen again I’m able to see… Yeah that’s another mouth in the back of my mouth. Am I some sort of matryoshka doll or something? Just mouths all the way down. It’s far more disturbing as well, what with it seemingly having lips.

“That revelation out of the way, let’s move on with the rest of the testing, shall we!”

Turns out I didn’t have a stomach, not really, instead I had yet another one of those portals down there.

But I didn’t really care for that, because we could finally move on to what I actually was excited about. The red state that I could enter at will, I don't really know what to call it, and when I said that to Omer he just started laughing. We were now standing in the middle of the room, the other coats having left a while ago for lunch, leaving me and Omer to be the only ones still left in the room.

“Well then, you mentioned that it changes your appearance when you use your power, yes?” His voice came out a little weird, on account of the protective glass between us. Can’t be too careful is what he said, why did you almost put your own fist in the portals is what I almost said. “Could you try and activate it now?”

I try to do the same thing as I did earlier, pushing harder on my maws until I feel them grow rabid, my muscles ballooning in size as the scales shift color. I raise my head towards the doctor, the action somewhat jerky but at least stable, the earlier practice paid off. The action sends more of those white ripple feelings around my neck area, as for Omer, well he reacts as one would expect from everything earlier.

“Well now, it is a rather radical change in appearance, not exactly a Changer but more of a… Battery? similar looking glow at the very least. Would you please describe what you are feeling?”

Battery? That a name or an object? “There is an itch under my skin and my eyes feel like there is a pressure on them. Ropes pulling against anything I try to do. It’s like I’m wrestling to control my own body. And when I finally make my body do something it’s… explosive, I had to try for a few hours to get a feel for it.”

He takes a thinking position, resting his head on his knuckle, and the knuckle arm on his left arm.

“Elaborate on the explosive part?”

“Too much force would be the best description, if I were to use a little more than needed… How about I just show you?”

He gestures for me to continue and I bring my hand forward, slow and deliberate, before starting to push a little more than necessary. My hand once again closes, a resounding pop throughout the room that is then followed by my bones popping when I open my hand again. I look back at Omer, noting his furrowed brows as he ponders my hand.

“Do it again please.”

I do so, at his behest I move my arm and then do a sort of swinging back and forth motion with both my arms until he tells me to stop, throughout it all there continues to be even bigger stabs of ripples through my body. The bigger the movement the bigger the ripple. I’m surprisingly hungry after it all.

“Did you feel any strange sensation doing those movements Maw? Any back pains or pains in your arms?” He sounds like he already knows the answer, looking far less cheerful than before.

“... No? I felt ripples here and there but no… pain?” That was not the answer he was expecting, tilting his head to the side while taking a step forward to the protective glass.

“None at all? Did you atleast feel something in your upper body?”

I shrug, more of a forward motion than upwards due to my posture. “I felt a lot of… snapping. Why?”

“... The reason I’m asking is because I could very clearly see your body break under the stress. I’ve seen enough injuries to see when a muscle is torn off the body. The skin, as an example, broke quite a few times during your stretching. Gave me the chance to see some of the fastest regeneration I have ever seen.”

He steps around the glass, walking towards me as he continues talking, me listening attentively. “I think what you were displaying was a sort of super strength, it just lacked the manton effect on yourself.”

Stretching, Manton effect. New terms that I’ve never heard about as I turn to follow him with my eyes, taking care to not move my legs until I'm sure he has put a little bit of distance between us. And what does he mean by me ripping my body apart? There was no damage that I could see.

“Before I say anything else, do you feel any different at the current moment? Hungry perhaps?”

How the hell? “Yes, I do feel hungry. Guess you have an idea as to why?”

He nods, the sparse amount of black hair he has bobbing with the motion. “I think that the mouths lining your body ties in with the regeneration that you displayed. It’s what we call ‘resource regeneration’ but it is something we generally see with grab bags and not” he looks up at me “actual brutes.”

It looks like we are walking towards some sort of generator. A big blocky object with a hum that I could hear from here. No particular color on it save for some sort of emblem on it’s side

“As for your super strength, well that ties into your regeneration. I think this is the first time I have ever seen super strength that outmatches one's durability, so well done there. You use the strength, the strength damages you, your regeneration patches the damage and the regeneration uses the material you have eaten as building blocks. Rather gruesome power all in all.” He stops, activating the generator from the sounds of it, the hum intensifying until a glowing blue sheen envelopes it.

“Armsmaster built this, a smaller scale version of the generator found at the Protectorate base. We have been using it to measure different levels of kinetic force, mainly because the damn thing can barely be moved.” He turns to me, revealing that he currently has some sort of rectangle shaped rod, pointing it towards the ground in front of the generator, causing it to depress into the ground. “I would like you to punch it with your power activated.”

I stare at the generator, then him, then the ground and then back at him again. My mind swarming with questions, what the fuck is a manton effect, what’s a kinetic? who’s Armsmaster? I look back at my hand, were those rippling effects my body telling me it was tearing itself apart due to strain?

“Maw, I understand that I just threw a lot of new names at you, but let’s just get this final test out of the way and we can get something to eat, I’ll explain everything in detail, alright?”

I give him a nod, might as well test the strength. Gonna have him explain what a Brute was as well. Both he and Jeff have talked about it now. Putting it aside, I eye the depression, catching on why he made it. Stepping down into it has a clunking sound reverberating through the room.

“The platform is meant to help you get a better punch in, as well as testing if the Goalpost effect applies to you.” He’s walking to my left as he says this, putting himself a fair bit away from the generator. “The Goalpost effect being a phenomenon that can be found on some brutes or even blasters, essentially the ground underneath your feet are protected to some degree. It’s how someone like Grumman is capable of lifting several thousands of pounds without sinking into the ground.”

Another name, another question. I position myself, ready to punch the generator as I look over my shoulder at Omer. He gives me a sort of ‘get on with it’ motion, mischievous smile at his lips. “Might want to put a little bit more force this time, might even beat Battery’s score if you do!”

I push on the feeling, feeling the itching and the ballooning happening cross my body.

I rear my right hand back, and then I punch.

Chapter Text

Sorry for the delay

Pacing back and forth, the hum of the microwave being the only thing keeping me from freaking the fuck out. Armsmaster had sent an entire file on what they were going to go over today, and it was gonna involve the analysis team as well.

So of course I forgot about reading it, instead I slept in and spent hours playing games instead. And now it was only, throwing a quick glance at the clock, half an hour left until Armsmaster escorted me to the meeting, where there were only going to be the analysis team and two tinkers and one of them was me. Well me and Dean but he was only there because the papers said he was a tinker and if he wasn’t there but I was it would look really weird and the pizzas done.

Taking the pizza out the micro I debated where to sit, could sit at the TV but I’m pretty sure I would just get distracted by it, I needed to actually read the rapport. Else I wouldn’t just be the tinker with no real clue on how to actually tinker properly but I would just stand at the side and go ‘yeah that sounds plausible’, and I should probably just read the file Armsmaster sent me. Eat the pizza.

… Armsmaster probably just wanted me to be there to learn.

I grab the plate and move towards my room, passing by Dean’s open door. He’s chilling on the bed, headphones in while reading a book by that Aleph author. He looks up  and I can already tell he’s gonna ask me how I’m feeling, and like the idiot I am I wave at him.

Taking his expensive headphones, he takes the wave “Hey Chris, how’s it going?”

Why am I like this. “Oh you know it’s… going?”

He sits up, the poster behind him making it look like Legend was stepping on his head. “Relax, I don’t think Armsmaster is gonna get mad at you for not knowing every tinker jargon, guy’s a total teddy bear, trust me.”

… I know Dean meant well but it still felt… patronizing.

“Gonna head into my room and try prepare a bit more, d’ya wanna read-”

The room shakes, the floor feeling like someone is pulling it out from underneath my feet. A muffled boom and me screaming being the only things I can hear as I dive for the doorway. ‘Are we getting bombed?’ no further shaking, but Dean's room is in complete disarray, most things having fallen over including his table. Dean himself looks to have fallen back down, a ceiling panel having fallen close to him on the bed, bits of gravel ruining his haircut.

I feel my phone buzz in my pocket, and from the sounds of things so does Dean’s. Fishing it out I see that it has a priority message sent. ‘Power testing gone haywire, sit tight. Will update as soon as I can. Renick’.

“What the heck are they testing?” Dean coughs a few times, it seems some got in his mouth.

“Bombs?” As I unlatch from the doorframe I see that the pizza is dead and gone, and that I would need to clean it up before I leave for today. This is gonna suck.

Whatever had happened had done more than mess up the wards area, there were cracks alongside the right side of some of the walls next to the power testing area. Carlos would probably tell us soon, he and Rory were still close enough for him to get info. Sending a quick text to dad that I was done for the day I step out of the merch store, cover as a part timer sometimes comes in handy.

Walking out with my board in hand, I head to the right. Making a mental note to pick up some noodles to eat on the way home. I also note that the light to the right of the entrance has been knocked down, not removed, knocked down. It’s very clearly been ripped off, it’s a bit sad that I’m debating if it was just cut down to fuck with the Protectorate. A little ‘fuck you’ so they could feel like they were the ones springing another nutjob on their way to prison. If only I still had my headphones, some tinkertech I forgot to put away had fallen on them, snapping them in half. Dean had said I could borrow his but… I didn’t want to feel even more like a burden. Worse enough that the best I currently brought to the team was being a scuffed repairman.

Can’t even focus on my own thoughts as I walk down the street, at least there were no cars passing by. And as I walk a bit further I understand why. Rubble litter the ground, the area next to the PT looking almost like it has been caved… out… or exploded. Was that what shook the building earlier? Firefighters seem to have been called, a fire truck parked on the other side of the rubble. What kind of fucking power were they testing? Purity 2.0? Taking my phone out to snap a picture for the group chat, pausing as I look at a handprint in the middle of the building. A hand print bigger than the caved in window near it.

What the fuck.

I snap the picture and start making a detour, the road having been closed off due to all the rubble. Nobody has reacted yet to the pic, which does make sense. Still school for them, unlike me who can go home and hate my life. I hope mom isn’t home when I get there, bad enough when she worries about me during ‘patrols’, if she found out about the HQ getting wrecked she’d freak… she probably already knows. The news channels are already talking about ‘the failure of the Protectorate’ with Hookwolf yesterday, there is not a chance in hell that they aren't on their way to report on this.

A pinging sound from my phone shakes me away from thinking about it. Missy and Dennis having seen the pictures, with Sophia having done something she hasn’t done since she joined, actually sending a message. ‘wht did yo do’ and of course she’s being an asshole first thing she does.

‘jack shit, we were suposed to go over footage with Armsy some new trigger blew up the PT room.'' Looking over my text I try to correct it as much as possible, text being sent just as Missy start’s typing, I hope I didn’t make her use the phone in class again.

The sound of someone with a sore throat laughing snaps my eyes up and I avoid walking into a light pole, the jeering laughter of the local skinhead group being useful for once. Assholes raising their beer bottles like some sort of greeting, and since I don’t want to get my ass kicked I just wave back, a feeling of shame accompanying me as I do.

The recurring daydream springs to mind, to be the big hero and send them away from the neighborhood but then I would have to find an excuse for why Kid Win decided to go on an unsanctioned patrol in Empire territory, or rather two, one for Miss Piggot and one for mom. I should probably call her, let her know I’m close to the store.

I still don’t understand why Mom and Dad decided to stick around  in the bay. What other city had a problem with super powered nazis? Look at Boston, they had neat freak and weed man… and sometimes The Butcher. New York was even better off but no, the bay is where they decided to stick around.

Another ping and my phone is out again, seems like Missy finally got done with her text. ‘Apparently there was some sort of new cape that appeared in Downtown while the Empire was breaking Hookwolf out, could it be related to that?’ That's Missy alright, trying to emulate Miss Militia and failing at it. Switching the phone to grandpa mode again I start typing, ‘duno’ but Dean has already texted

‘word from Rory is that its a C53. just woke up in the bay and everything’

… C53? case 53… Was that the one where twins fused together... or was it the one where the trigger exploded.

Another ping, Dean again ‘also huge, wont send pictures but I just walked past him, ddnt even come up to his knee’ and now people were typing like crazy. Of course they start reacting when Dean texts. Huffing out into the cold air I put the ward phone away, it always feels weird when I type on it in public. Bringing my other phone up instead I fish out Mom’s number to call her about groceries.

With the groceries inside the fridge, I can finally start with my ‘homework’, or at least that’s what I told Julia.

I had gotten a text from Armsmaster that I could review the footage at home and send my notes to him, which surprised me. Mainly because I didn't think he would care about my opinion that much and partly because he was giving me footage to view from home. I wouldn’t bring it up with the director but that most definitely was against protocol. Or at least so I thought… I never read the protocols.

After having done the steps needed to sign in to the PRT website I play the footage,  there is no audio as I see a guy in ninja mall gear, swastika on the shoulder in case I forgot why he was there, slide into frame and tear off his backpack, a swastika on that one as well.

The tinker tech he fishes out of the dora the explorers defiled backpack grabs my attention, it’s bigger than a lunch box, long square shaped with no discernable buttons except for a big blinking red light in the middle. Mall nazi fumbles with it for a few seconds, letting me see its backside and what looks to be… sand? no not sand, it's too dark to be sand and it's not spilling out… nanomachines maybe? Looks familiar, I can make out individual pieces of gear in between the swirling mass of dark, did the Empire contract Leet somehow? Leet was dumb enough to take a deal like that and it did look somewhat video gameish to me.

Hitting the play button again I can immediately tell that Leet did not make this. Mall nazi turns around, appearing to call for help or instruction only for the tech to pop open, the nano tech fusing into an almost spider like shape, eight different tendrils each the size of the man's arm, who was scampering back, latch onto the van’s side and… starts disassembling it.

It looked like it was growing rapidly in size at that, the red glow on its back almost looking like a baleful eye staring into the camera… actually no, the way the light swings back and forth between the camera, its back and then everything in between would mean it is an eye or optic. Writing down another note on that I hit play again. It continues to break down the blast proof van’s side, almost like it’s reverse 3d printing it, all the while it swells in size. It has almost devoured the ceiling and the wall before it lurches inside, out of view for me. Took it ten seconds to breach all that armor? It wasn't heat based, so maybe it actually disassembled it?

Five seconds later it comes barreling through its hole, hookwolfs restrained form being carried by its back tendrils. It knocks mall nazi aside, his form bouncing like a ball against the pavement before going still. Looking back to make sure Julia hasn't entered my room I make a review of what I had gotten out of it.

I pause the video, the lights of the fighting right now showing itself, the Protectorate trying to handle the Empire having come out in force.

 I’m about to rewind the video but… Carl, I think, messages me. I dread actually clicking on whatever he sent this time. Most people in special ed were chill but Carl was… a bit intense at times, which was saying something considering how people tended to act in class.

‘hve u sen+’

 ‘seen what?’

…

‘Peekaboo latest strem’ Who in the fuck is Peekaboo?

‘who’

‘parkour cape, hes relly funny. saw sdome sort opf new cape in Strtham sending link’

Closing my computer I turn to my bed to watch the video without worrying that Julia sees anything weird, cringing a bit at the Hero poster. I really should take that down at some point. I’ve outgrown that obsession by years at this point. Leaning back I quickly mute the audio of my phone and click the link Carl sent. Whoever Peekaboo is probably unimportant judging by the quality of the stream Carl sent me, as well as the rogue's costume.

He looks like a weird combo between a hobo and a janitor. He’s currently holding a pigeon towards the camera, stroking its back and seemingly talking to the audience. It goes on for a few seconds only for him to jerk around, letting the bird go and picking up the camera. He spins it around, showing that he was in some parking lot opposite of a construction site, quickly checking on one of the banners confirms it to be that Medhall extension they are building down in Stratham. Dad had been talking about how good it's going to be for the economy for weeks now. Turning the volume on a bit to make out what it is Peekaboo is saying as he slowly walks towards the site.

“Fellas if we’re lucky we might have a cape fight on the stream tonight… Yeah I swear I heard something explode in there…” He sounds out of breath despite only walking. “Listen here I got that enhanced sense ait? I just know we got somethi-” He abruptly shuts up, the camera angle letting me see something move in the middle of the site, where they are building the main building. I can’t really tell what it is except for it looking to be green. “chat you seeing this shit? I told y-” 

He abruptly shuts up, thankfully, as something heaves itself up, it’s bulk pretty much taking up the entire entrance. Spots of red peaking out in the dark as Peekaboo looks to be backing away fast, taking shelter behind a stop sign.

“... chat I think it’s Lun-” He’s cut off again as a hand reaches out from the top of the entrance, the cape? inside steadying itself as it tries to leave through the entrance, allowing me to look at its face.

The first word that comes to mind is alien and the second one is huge, four sets of dark reptilian eyes roam around, situated on a fucked up amalgamation of a skull crossed with a crocodile face. Teeth that look to be about as big as my arm, the lack of any lips almost giving it a grinning look. The head turns to the left and then to the right, allowing me to catch a symbol on its neck…

Oh... That's a Case 53. Monster capes…

Now I feel even dumber than earlier. Peekaboo’s voice brings me back to the video, letting me see It stand up… and up… holy shit it’s big.

It fucking dwarfs the van parked near the site,  its face not showing any emotions as it looks around, not even paying attention to Peekaboo rambling just across the street. Strange vertical marks run along its entirety, looking almost like stapled together wounds. This thing would make Hunch look normal in comparison. Wouldn’t look out of place in that board game dad plays.

Also how had it not noticed Peekaboo by now, he’s been rambling for almost a minute now right in front of it. “- swear I didn’t rig this shit, I don’t make nearly enough to hire another person for this shit chat, mods can you look up if this thing has been seen anywhere else in Brockton? I don’t recognize it from anywh-” Stranger effect maybe? Would make sense with the name.

He shuts up again as it turns and walks down the street, the camera wobbling every time it takes a step. Was that thing what Dean was talking about? There aren't that many of them if I remember correctly, and I only know about it because of that assignment a year ago.

Peekaboo follow’s it for a while, and from the looks of things it doesn't know where it is. It keeps stopping and taking random directions, once even going in a circle. Skipping ahead shows this going on for a while right up until Glory Girl and Laserdream show’s up.

There isn’t much more after that, Peekaboo mainly messes with an old man, which does leave a bad taste in my mouth since it would be something Carl would find funny, and I go back to my notes. Making another note to bring up Peekaboo with Renick. If he’s harassing people for views his stream should just be shut down.

I also can’t help but think about the case 53, like I know the whole point of them is that they look like monsters but that thing has got to be an extreme case even for them. And Dean did say he met it… Considering the hand print…

I bring my phone up again, looking at the picture I took earlier and comparing it to its hand when it squeezed its way out of the building… Goddamn…

He… might’ve caused the tremor then.

Back in the PRT HQ

“Are you sure no one got hurt?”

Jeff lets out a sigh that sounds like he’s blowing out his entire being, looking up at me again. “Maw, for the last time. Chloe already had that area cleared out way before you put a natural AC unit in it, so yes as I said the other twelve times, nobody got hurt.” I huff at the statement before showing another handful of food into my mouth. The hum of the light above my head drowning out the snapping of my maws.

After I cracked the wall and put their metal box in the other room  the testing area had been flooded by men wearing black armor accompanied by a blaring red light, Jeff leading them.

It had taken a lot of shouting from Omer to get them to leave, all while I looked on in silence, Omer evidently had not liked them coming in the way they did, stating that these kinds of things shouldn't be a surprise to them by this point. After that whole shouting match Omer had to leave to talk with some other people while Jeff had directed me to a dining hall of a kind.

I say ‘of a kind’ because I couldn’t get inside it, instead I sat by it’s outer doors, a pair of agents bringing out food in a cart, I would pick the food up, circular frozen things, eat them and they would ask me if I wanted more from where they would go and get more. We had been doing that for a few minutes now. Jeff babysitting me while drinking something called coffee. It smelled awful.

“How the fuck did you even manage that? Damn thing was rated for Inter-city missiles.” He takes another swig of the dark liquid, his eyes telling me he should have gone to sleep as soon as the ‘interview’ was done.

I shovel another handful of these ‘patties’ into my main mouth before looking back to answer him. “I punched it.” giving another nod to the food crew that I was still hungry, them looking between each other warily before heading back again.

“You punched it?”

“Yeah.”

“... That’s it?”

Looking back down at him again I find him leaning against the opposite wall that I'm sitting by, wondering briefly if I messed up by a lot in destroying this ‘generator’

“Was it important? Sorry if it was but... I was under the impression that Omer knew what he was doing?”

I must have said something wrong since the statement causing Jeff to snort, some of the liquid dribbling down on his shirt as he covers his mouth with his hand. He stands still for a few seconds before looking up, almost looking teary eyed. “It has," he stops to cough, hitting his chest a few times "more to do with it being rated for inter-city missiles and you just smashing through it.”

What's an intercity? “What do you mean by that?”

“It means” he takes another sip of his coffee. “that you just scared the shit out of the director. Inter-city is a term used by the PRT but essentially, in this context... I mean its a big missile that will level a building. I’m certain that the Director shat actual bricks when she heard what you just did.” I frown at the words, does he have to curse so much?

We sat there in silence for a while, disturbed only by the two agents coming by again. I'm still hungry but apparently there’s nothing left to eat, I had emptied the food they had stored, so Jeff told them to ‘go to Wacdonalds and buy for the company but not really you know what I mean’.

…

I take a quick peek at Jeff, almost looks like he’s sleeping now, and then down to my right arm. I bring my hand up, making a fist as I do. From the sounds of things I’m really strong, strong enough for them to be alright with me almost taking out their building… Strong enough to matter…

It’s a big decision, but… It feels right. The speech that Jeff gave in the morning did not leave my head, almost feeling like his words are bouncing around in my head… I suppose I could just try it out? They probably had a learning period anyhow.

“Jeff, how does one go about joining this Protectorate?”

Chapter Text

The words had rejuvenated Jeff something fierce. Immediately asking me repeatedly if I was serious, as if I would sell a dog about that. Laughing as he told me he’d ‘set it all up’. I’d spent the rest of the day inside the garage, the process of getting there was as arduous as getting from it, and just like the last journey this one involved all manner of people just… staring at me… pointing. I almost wished I could just have some sort of veil to shield them out, a barrier of a kind.

Best I could do for now was to ignore them.

Chloe had shown up the day after, saying that she was my ‘handler’ and making sure I had whatever I needed to be comfortable. She also told me that the meeting would take place the day after. Food was provided and they even set up one of those projectors to entertain me.

Some theater about animals was being shown, penguins they were called, the animal, not the play itself. It wasn’t until a few hours had gone, and Chloe had been replaced with someone else, that I felt the need to stretch my legs. It was night now, roughly the same time as I had arrived the day before and nowhere near as crowded.

Staggering out of the garage alongside the boy that had taken Chloe’s place had led me to explore the surrounding area, taking in the amount of light that shined from each building.

It was bizarre how many people supposedly lived in this ‘city’. Hundreds of thousands of people, a number so high that it couldnt convey the size of the population, but the amount of light’s did. Each light had to be maintained, electricity as coal, cared for lest it grew out of control, and there was so much light.

I didn't move, content instead to just stand in the park that was close to the PRT building, the boy clearly debating if he should try to rein me in yet lacking the courage to tell me so.

As I squatted down on the sparse amount of grass that they allowed to grow, one hand on my knee while the other kneaded some of the dirt I picked up, listening to the noise the city generated, all blending into one another. Machine, dogs, humans, buildings and… ocean. Some of it sounded familiar, I just wished I knew which ones.

“I uh… I heard you’re new to the Bay?” The boy, he had told me his name when he first came into the room I was in, yet I hadn’t  bothered to remember it. Chloe hadn't been much of a talker so it stood to reason that he wouldn’t either.

I turn my head to him, the bones in my neck almost sounding like rocks as they crack. Taking in the dark hair that was cut short, the eyes that roamed all around in growing anxiety and the dark suit to compliment him. Almost making him look older than he looked to be.

“I am new to most things.”

I hold his gaze for a while, the little courage he had mustered up in order to talk looking to evaporate as he makes eye contact with me. He nods jerkingly, looking away, wringing his wrist as he does. Huffing at the display, I go back to taking in the sounds of the city.

Just a boy then.

I stay for a while longer, until I decide that the nervous air the boy is giving out is too distracting, and make my way back.

The day after had started off slow, trudging into another makeshift room in the garage, Jessica waiting for me there. We had then spent two entire hours just reading different paperwork, ‘legaslations’, and other… things. Some things flew by my head, and some things made sense.

Eventually we got through it, or rather, Jessica got through all of the papers. All that was needed now was the actual interview.

It didn’t take as long, the door at the far end of the room opening to reveal a fat woman, important then. Followed by two guards, not the same garb as the others but their stance says as much, her heels echoing in the enclosed space as she makes for the table, not breaking so much as a sweat as she looks at me and pulls out the chair opposite of me. Blond hair pulled into a bun and with fingers that looked like sausages.

“My name is Emily Piggot, Director of the PRT ENE. I am here for the interview and vetting of the parahuman known as Maw” she sounds slightly miffed by stating my name. “Normally the Protectorate leader would be present for the interview as well, however Armsmaster is currently busy and will join us later.” She brings up her hand, clasping them in front of her and makes direct eye contact with me. There is no change in her demeanor, no sign that she’s uneasy by looking at me.

I like her.

”Normally I’m supposed to ask what previous experiences you've had that could be related to law enforcement, but I doubt you’d be here if you could actually answer that question.”

I can’t help but huff at the statement, the bellowing chortle reverberating inside the room, the guards behind her tensing up as the sound starts echoing within the room. Of course, I’m scary and they are afraid.

It takes quite a lot of willpower not to roll my eyes at the gesture, instead choosing to look back down at the director again, she didn’t seem bothered at the outburst, simply looking at me with the same expression as before.

She clears her throat before continuing “What I am wondering is instead why.” She leans back in the chair, her hands going to rest at her lap. “You show up, make contact with the first person you see which leads you directly to us, you show us what you can do and then decide to join up? Did I miss anything?” She’s suspicious? “Now I am hoping that I am not as cynical as my secretary says I am… but I can’t help but wonder, what with everything else that has happened this week.”

… I suppose I signed up a bit fast

“... I… it felt like the right thing to do?” If I was still capable of it I would be blushing right about now. “ Jeff made it sound like things were in a very rough state… and if I’m able to do something about it then I should.” I could ot sound any more childish if I tried. “moreover… I doubt that there would be much work for me besides this, I mean” I gesture with my right hand towards me. “look at me, I could maybe find work moving things or farming but… yeah.”

She raises her left eyebrow miniscully at some parts of my speech, but lets me finish without interruption, taking her time to respond.  “One of the better reasons I've heard so far, but considering the people I have had to work with It’s not saying much. Now, I hope you have understood what it means to be a member of the Protectorate.” I go to talk but she continues on, cutting off my chance. “You will see things that will stay with you for life, situations that are hopeless, interact with people that might seem like they want to cause as much misery as possible for no other reason than that they can.” Her tone sounds a lot older than her looks. “These people are smarter, faster, stro-”  She narrows her eyes minutely.. “well… maybe not stronger, but you will be fighting an uphill battle for most of this job, and when you do that you will be putting yourself, and others, at risk. Do you understand?” It’s hard to place her tone, almost like a mixture of concern and reprimanding.

“Yes madam.”

She goes to acknowledge my answer, judging by how she sucks in a breath, only to stop and glare at me in confusion. “Did you just call me madam?”

…

“Yes?”

There’s a pregnant silence in the air, her two bodyguards looking at one another, the angle I'm forced in makes it hard to see their expressions, but I can guess that they agree that I've said something wrong.

“... You will refer to me as ma’am or Director… Am I clear?”

“Yes ma’am.” She gives me a nod, her expression letting me know that she didn’t think much of it beyond being caught off guard. The guard to the left seemed like he was trying not to giggle judging by his shaking.

“Well then, since you seem to at least acknowledge what this work entails, I’d like to discuss with you about your living arrangement as well as your cost of living. The PRT will make sure to have lodging for you at base and, if requested, one in the suburbs. We will be covering most of your expenses through some of the different parahuman benefits programs, it’s mainly the concern over how much you eat.”

“How much I eat?”

“Yes, how much you eat. Thankfully most of that will be covered by the Altered benefits act, but some of it will have to come from your pay, I assume that has already been discussed?”

“We’ve discussed it, yes.” Jessica pipes up from my side, startling me when she does though I thankfully does not jump. Although now that she mentions it… Yeah I remember her bringing it up but not much more than that. I hadn’t really thought about it, just assumed that I was getting a static deal when I signed up.

”I was wondering about the bonuses that will be wasted due to Maw’s specific condition and how they could instead be used for his general day benefit, clothes and food specifically.” What the hell is Jessica talking about?

The Director's gaze turns glacial when she looks over at Jessica “The PRT are flexible, Maw isn't the first Regen Brute nor will he be the last. Will there be anything else?”

There was something else, quite a few things in fact. But they were using terms that I had never heard before and since I didn’t want to slow their conversation down anymore then was needed I mainly nodded along, trusting Jessica’s wisdom.

It wasn't until quite a bit late that the Director brought up something that I had heard before.

“Have you two read over the documents regarding S and A class?”

“Yes ma’am.”

She looks slightly annoyed at the answer, though as to why I can’t say.

“...  I was thinking that we would postpone that decision until later. It would be for the best if we could see how you perform in the field before you sign yourself up for something like that, yes?” Her tone almost makes it less of a question and more of a statement.

I don’t get a chance to think it over anymore as the door opens, the sound of metal on metal heralding a man assembled in some sort of blue plate armor.

Individual plates interlock with one another, a sigil of some kind on both his faceguard and his chest, both silver. He has something on his back, whatever it is it’s clashing against the almost water-like smoothness of the rest of his armor.

“Armsmaster, you’re half an hour late.” The Director having turnt towards the man as he strides into the room, cutting off the potential to gauge her expression, but the general air of it all gives me the impression that it’s not a big deal.

“Sorry about that, the tinker tech turned out to be… worrying, there will be a meeting later with-” He looks up briefly at me before turning back to the Director. “multiple parties, i’d read up on the file we compiled of it.” The Director simply sighs, and then grunts as she leverages herself out of the chair. All that weight can’t be good if you don’t have the muscle to carry it, and she very much does not train from the looks of things.

“That up in arms over some footage?”

“Not just some footage, the tinker tech was found earlier today.”

She was halfway to the door at this point, her eyes turning around to look up at this ‘Armsmaster’, I've heard that name before, some sort of silent conversation going on between them. It ends with the Director nodding and walking out, the guards following suite, leaving Armsmaster behind. He looks up at me, his expression hard to gauge what with the metal faceguard he has but he does grin at me, a well groomed beard with some of the whitest teeth I've seen peeking out under the facemask.

“Maw was it?” He holds out his arm to shake hands, and I obliges by offering my claw. Without missing a beat he grabs the claw and gives it a squeeze from the looks of things, letting it go after a second or so has passed.

“The name’s Armsmaster, great to see you joining the Protectorate!”

… I passed the interview? When the hell did I…?

I look down at Jessica but she seems to be collecting the papers. I almost feel like asking, the fear of looking like I wasn’t paying attention instead winning and I decide to keep quiet, instead turning back to look down at Armsmaster.

“I will be your team leader during your time here in the ENE, hopefully it will be a long one.” He turns around, striding towards the panels that control the walls. ”We will be heading over to the Rig on foot, I’m certain you can keep up with me on my bike but uh.” He looks over his shoulder at me. “I don’t want to risk you trampling any cars on the way there, you don’t know any traffic rules after all.”

Traffic?

The process to get out of the garage was a bit more cumbersome this time, more people working during the day and all. I also got the opportunity to see Armsmaster send his ‘bike’ off without anyone on it, he called it a self driving program, I call it weird as hell.

Walking through the city proved to be both tedious and challenging, Armsmaster tried to inform me what we were going to be doing at this ‘Rig’ but with all the noise of the city being fully awake and there being several feet between us I couldn’t make out a word, which left me to just follow him as we walked. The challenging part was not stepping on the people that would suddenly run up to Armsmaster to get his signature, or autograph as they called it.

There was an equal amount of people that would just… walk under me, leading to me having to lift my leg as high up as I could in fear of knocking them over if I just walked normally. And then there were all the signs on the way, food, clothing, technology and other things to invite people into a shop or something else. I accidentally ate five signs with my chest and shoulders, leading to Armsmaster telling the signs owners that they would be compensated before moving on.

All in all it was tedious as hell. There was one upside to the whole process and that was the colors. There was so much… color. The buildings, the common person on the street, their ‘cars’, every single one displaying so many colors. Some of the buildings even had screens on them almost as big as me, displaying… I suppose products or wares but I couldn’t really gawk at them for long. Couldn't risk hurting someone while I walked through the streets, there was a part of me that was wondering why we didn’t do this at night and there was another part of me that assumed that Armsmaster knew what he was doing.

The crowd finally lessens, and my maws pick up that particular taste that only seawater has, there is a taste of rust and oil in there as well. Walking in silence with Armsmaster, painfully slow now that I can walk normally, is pleasant enough. Probably wasn’t that good for my back to hunch over all day, then again I heal.

A little while later and I can see the sea, still and surprisingly blue. The city comes around it, half moon style and then opens up on the… right…

sounds of chains against rock… 

voices… young and old… 

fog… branching out from the shoreline… how did it… through the w-

And then it’s gone again, just like earlier. For a brief second there’s something until there isn’t. The haze I had felt earlier permuting at the edge of my vision while I collect myself and by the time I’ve shaken off the wariness that the memories? had brought forth I can n longer recall what they were. Goddamned haze.

I look back down at Armsmaster, he’s a few meters away at this point but hasn’t noticed me stopping, instead striding towards some sort of building that lines the harbor. It stands out amongst the other buildings I can see around me, while they were not in a state of disrepair they weren’t gleaming like the structure we were heading towards. Armsmaster finally turns around to address me, and as he does I’m able to make out some sort of docking mechanism on the other side of the building, a guard post then.

“Maw!” Turning my eyes down at my boss I see him mounting the bicycle that had ridden off on its own earlier…

I’ll just roll with things from now on. As I get closer he looks up with a smile on his face “Ever heard of riding the rainbow?”

The mechanism flickers briefly, a steady hum starting up as light suddenly flares up, a myriad of different colors taking the shape of a bridge, following its trail I see it ending at some sort of raised structure in the middle of the sea. Guessing that that's where we're heading. “It’s made out of hard-light, you’ll be able to walk on it without any issues.”

Armsmaster rolls up to the bridge, his feet not having to move as the bicycle moves by itself.

Not questioning it.

And then starts driving up alongside the bridge made of light… not going to question it. I move to keep pace with him, placing my right foot as gently as I can on to the ‘hard’ light.

It’s almost like… glass. Solid yet fragile at the same time, at the very least in how it feels to walk on, echoes reverberate on it as I start walking on the ‘rainbow’ bridge.

I can see the waves under me as I walk, murky blue water and foam wrestling in unison as I trudge onwards.

“And this is going to be your quarters on the rig, a little barebones for the moment but that can be fixed.” Armsmaster finishes, left arm gesturing around the room. “There will be another minor power testing later, so for now you can simply rest here until they’re ready.” Great another one. “Tomorrow you will be looking at a crash course with the basics involving Protectorate duties as well as a meeting with the PR team.” Hells a pe ar?

“For the coming two weeks you will be mainly looking at basic training, or as basic as it can get in your case.” He rubs at his jawline. “As well as crash courses in the different situations you will encounter during your time as a Protectorate member, the laws primarily.”

I look around the room for a bit, the fact that I can actually stand at my full height makes me wonder what was originally supposed to be in here.  The all metal interior only being broken up by the multitude of rags and cloths that they have assembled as a makeshift bed for me. That and the screen that they have set up for, wonder if it also showed penguins.

“Tell me.” My voice causes Armsmaster to finally look up, if he was inspecting the room or my feet I couldn’t tell. “Are two weeks of studying your laws enough?”

The question makes him smile, good, a leader that’s fine with people not knowing things. “You will enter the force as a trainee, and will spend one and a half year in practice alongside your studies, studies that we expect you to be able to keep up with, they aren't intensive. During this time you will primarily be patrolling with one of our more senior members, though there will be some cases where you might patrol with a junior member. We don’t expect you to be able to handle yourself after only two weeks of training, those weeks are mainly to help you prepare for the public.”

“Makes sense.” I think. My eyes roaming to inspect the lights, briefly musing if I’m supposed to call them ‘rainbow’ lamps, Armsmaster had let me know that they were capable of changing colors.

“Truth be told.” I look down at him again, seeing him resting against the wall to my left, the open garage door next to him letting me see the setting sun. “I would prefer if you spent those years just learning the laws in theory and then did practical work, and not together.” He heaves a sigh. “But… I- We can’t afford to hold back manpower so this is the compromise.” He pushes himself off the wall, giving me a wave and starts to move out of the… metal shed.

I haven’t even taken a step before he calls out one final time. “There will be a morning meeting tomorrow, I’ll guide you there and you can meet the rest of the group.”

I turn around, taking care not to let my shoulder take a bite out of the hanging lights, and give him a thumbs up, he takes the sign for what it is and moves into the main building, leaving me with my thoughts and the sunlight.

Actually… the same rules as the previous place should probably apply here as well…

Each step carried its way around the platform, big enough for me to actually walk around it to a degree, varying shades of orange marking the metal exterior of the base.

When we had arrived I hadn’t had the chance to look around much, Armsmaster having clearly been in a hurry for something, prioritizing showing me to my quarters.

The building that could be seen when I had made my way over the bridge had turned out to be built like a horseshoe, enclosing it on the tower that Armsmaster had entered with my quarters being on the left side's end.

It takes me about a few minutes to walk around the pier, finding a crane looking device, a raised platform with a massive H on the ground and boats that were nowhere near the water itself. Some parts of it were obviously older than the rest, fading color and different architecture being found in some places. Guessing that the whole thing used to be some sort of working station and then got turned into a fortress when it was needed. And it certainly was a fortress, around me that same glow that the generator I destroyed emitted, indicating that there was a wall of protection around the whole rig, with the only means of accessing it was with the light bridge. Magical, yet all the components of a fortress, walls and bridges of light situated in the middle of the sea…

I wonder how it was built initially, was it floating or did the legs go into the bottom of the sea?

I was peering over the edge of the platform, inspecting the bearings from the front when I hear something behind me, building’s in front of the entrance being opened. Ignoring it I keep looking at the bearings, noting where the waves crashed into, how the original colors seems to have been simply the steel itself and how the tower was a lot longer than one would think. Wonder how many people were inside of it.

“How’s the weather up there big man?”

The voice, coming from where I have my right knee planted, reveals itself to be a brown haired man clad in red, plates of armor around his shoulder and front that looks like they wouldn't even help against knives, his face veiled by a bug-like  visor. The full body suit itself looks to have a leathery texture to it.

“... Windy.”

He breaks eye contact, placing his hands on his hips, puffing his chest up, trying to make himself bigger? “Not” He pauses, leaning forward. “Justicy?”

Who the hell is he supposed to be?

“That’s not a word.”

“Well when you're ready to dispense justice anything will seem just!” he thrusts his fist up in the air, the attempt to sound serious being ruined by sounding like he’s having a few screws loose, movement from the corner of my rightmost eye indicating that someone else is joining, yet I can’t really tear my eyes off the man next to me, a part of me being worried that he’s so close to the edge of the platform.

“For are we not sworn to defend the weak from the WICKED?” What am I watching? “IN THE DARKE-” 

“Are you quoting triumvirate and friends?” A woman wearing lightning pajamas appears in my vision, having been hidden by my right arm.

Red man seems to deflate like a balloon. “What? No, that was Green Lantern. C’mon man you're supposed to know this.”

“Green Lantern?”

“The comic book!”

“Oh wow you actually read comics? Lame.” She turns away from him, the man throwing an arm over her shoulders.

“My name is Battery and this nerd.” She stops briefly, looking over at the man who is currently nodding along while looking at her. “is Assault. We are both looking forward to working with you.” She finishes with a smile while the man grins and salutes me, only to immediately turn to the woman.

“Looking forward to it then.” I go back to looking down into waves, briefly being distracted by the strange white birds that are resting on some of the railings. Their prattling continuing for some reason.

“You actually haven't read Green Lantern?”

“Why would I, It would be like if Piggot read books about directors in her spare time, I’m already a ‘superhero’”

“Battery I’m actually going to cry, why did you borrow my Aleph imported issue if you don’t read them!”

“Oh that? I use it to swat flies in my office.”

“You what?”

A sound akin to thunder is all the warning I get before they streak across the bridge, the man almost bouncing with each step and the woman looking more like a blue and white blur.

Not magic my ass.

Eventually I move back to my quarters, just in time for a young man to fetch me for the session. It wasn’t as noteworthy, mainly just moving some boxes and then sitting down as they tested various devices on me. They seemed impressed enough at the end of it all but I was mainly wondering about the upcoming ‘PR’ meeting.

At the end of it all I finally feel tired, trudging my way back up to my quarters has me actually using the bed, sleep claiming me for the first time since I woke up in that hole.

I wasn’t ready for the dreams that came.

Chapter Text

a/n so like, I had a clear outline for the timeline and all yet still messed up there. changed chapter 2 so that the date given was 28th of February, which would put us at the start of march story wise.

“- Glerbärn here, and they never will!”

I turn to the voice, coming face to face with a score of those barbarians. Sweat and the smell of fish having already heralded their way here but folk get unnerved when we know they are coming.

The spokesman, tall even for the damn northerners, meeting me at eye level. His blond hair swaying with the seabreeze as he looks at me and the others. 

“ -SUPPOSED TO BE YOUR IDEA OF SAFEGUARDING?” It’s taking every inch of my being not to beat the idiot to a pulp, the blood in the air not helping in trying to keep my adrenaline down.

The Machinalis’s eyes darted back and forth, most likely trying to find excuses in our brethren but they were wisely staying out of this.

Wise of them, for once, I didn’t task them with overseeing while I was gone.

    …arm…  

The sky was burning

The sound of chewing and tearing cloth wakes me up, having to get my bearing of it all as I sit up. The telltale sign of ripping cloth letting me know what was happening, and looking down at the bed confirmed it.

Looking at it, it’s not as bad as I thought it would be but… there were still noticeable bite marks here and there in the bedding, at least I found that out on an inanimate object instead of a person. As for the dream… it’s still there, fuzzy and unclear but there. Names and phantom pains really, and even then I can feel them growing murky as I focus on them.

What had Armsmaster said again? There was going to be a meeting with the pe-ar, basic laws introduction and a… morning meeting with the other members of the group.

Hopefully they were more Armsmaster than… Assault.

I can’t say whether or not the man meant to come across as he did, maybe it was to make me feel welcomed. Showing that he was willing to fool around me, to trust a stranger like that. A kind gesture I suppose, provided that was what he meant for it to be.

That or the man could just be an idiot.

Putting those thoughts out of my head I make to open the door of my quarters, stepping outside as light as I can, not that that does much of anything. The clock next to the door displaying the time, 00:50 AM.

Slowly, I make my way over to the edge of the platform, the one that would be on the right side of my quarters. I hadn’t paid attention to what laid out there in the waters, at first just assuming that it was some sort of rock formation. It was on my way back from the power testing that I realized that it was a bunch of ships.

Massive ships.

I squat there for a while, the moonlight allowing for some details to be made of the ships, such as the all metal stairs. When the restlessness gets the better of me I make for the left side, the one situated towards the city itself. Then the front, where the light bridge would form, followed by the side that faced the open sea.

I don’t know why, I just repeat this process. One position, restless, move, repeat.

It’s by the time the sun has risen that something breaks this improper routine up, the sound of the light bridge coming to life. Tearing my eyes away from the seagulls that have gathered on the keeled ships doesnt show me much, the front buildings acting as a wall, blocking out whoever it was that would be coming in on it.

By the time I have moved my way over to the front they've already made it halfway up the bridge, stopping when they see me walk around the corner of the buildings.

A man in ceremonial armor, riding atop one of those bicycles. Not as sleek as Armsmaster and instead of a dark blue it's a gaudy yellow. The design of the armor felt familiar, at the very least compared to whatever it was that Armsmaster was wearing.

The man continues to do nothing, simply choosing to sit there and stare. Almost making me wonder if he is supposed to be here as I squat down and maintain eye contact with him.

We stay like that, him staring with a hand to the side of his lion helmet and me… squatting and staring, it was hard to tell how long it went on since I kept getting distracted by the seagulls. Wait.

Hand to head…

Is it some sort of greeting? Sign?

…

Wait… Chloe had done something similar when I broke the… ah.

He was talking to someone, by phone.

“Good Morning Maw.” Armsmaster says just as he appears at my side, the humming of the light bridge having masked his footsteps and it takes a monumental effort to not swat him away in fright. He waves for the man on the bridge to come forward, turning back to me as he puts his arm down. “Well rested I hope?”

“Yes.”

He hums, the bridge man directing his bicycle on foot as he moves forward, the angle allowing me to make out his lower face. Young, hard jawed, somewhat scared from the taste as well. “Morning chief and uh… Maw… was it?” His voice cracking in the middle, and at this distance I can see that the armor is similar in material to what Assault wore, the lion’s displayed on his shoulders and his helmet benign the only things that look somewhat metal.

“Correct.”

He laughs a bit, sounding forced while simultaneously making me wonder what he found funny. “Name’s Triumph, looking forward to working with you!” He jerks awkwardly with his right arm, before putting it down.

Guessing at what he wanted to do I gave him my claw, the gesture being understood with no communication needed. There is a bit more force in his grip than all the others, mainly because I can tell that something has wrapped around the claw as opposed to not feeling anything at all.

“We will be having the morning meeting in the training area, for obvious reasons. Show Maw the way there will you? Let the rest know that I’ll be a bit late.”

Triumph gives him the saddest excuse for a salute I've seen, gesturing for me to follow him. The bicycle being rolled into one of the buildings that faced the bridge, followed by Triumph making for the left of the buildings.

“Soooo… big day today huh?”

“Perhaps.”

The machinery of the elevator churns as we are carried lower and lower, passing by the testing area.

“Well… I know I was really nervous the first time I had to have a meeting with the full team, kinda silly what with me having been a ward for years before that, is there anything you’re wondering about?”

“No.”

The elevator was situated outside of the tower, allowing for movement of large shipments of supplies. The lack of walls allowing me to see the cables and counterweight at work, as well as the sea water smashing against the pillars bearing the platform. There was some sort of tiny… metal… boxes situated at different points, made me think they were some sort of animal when I first saw them, what with the movement and all.

“... You uh… can control how big you are?”

“No.”

“... Man it’s like talking to a fucking wall.”

I huff, doubt that a wall can talk.

The elevator finally stops, pushing itself forward to lock itself into place with what must be the training area, the walls parting as far as they were able. Which wasn’t very much, the whole idea was for the vehicle or supplies to be lowered down here followed by some other vehicle to take the goods further in.

Simply put I had to perform some gymnastics to fit into the room, the shape of my legs meant that I couldn’t just enter it sideways. It’s more of a sideways crawl in, followed by awkwardly trying to get my

lower legs to fit inside without denting the metal.

After that whole ordeal I can finally stand up, thankful of the height of the room being enough to at least walk on two legs.

“I honestly didn’t expect that to work.” Triumph appearing to my left, having simply walked through a door or having simply fitted through the gap.

Must feel nice.

I can’t help but sigh, the annoyance of just entering an area requiring such effort turning it into a growl as the exhale of air tapers out, the sound seemingly making Triumph bring his hands up in a sort of push stance while taking a few steps back. “Chill big guy, wasn’t trying to ruin your groove.”

My what.

“My… what?”

“Groove?”

“That would be the thing I asked about, yes.”

He puts his hand’s down and starts towards the middle of the room, a table looking to be the destination with a sort of white wall on wheels close to it. The room itself has a similar style to the testing areas.

“I mean… groove is like… it’s slang for mood, I meant that I wasn’t trying to piss you off or anything.

"And why would I be mad at you?”

He looks back at me for a few seconds before shrugging, going around the table to be on the leftmost side of it. He props himself back on one of the chairs, hands behind his head to look at me as I trundle to squat near the table.

We both sit there for a few seconds, silence reigning before he speaks up again.

“You know, you really scared the shit out of both New Wave and us.”

“Meaning?”

“I mean… The Empire was out in force, unpowered and powered. New Wave was containing Downtown while we were trying to handle every single cape the Empire had on top of the ones they called in.”

“The raid, I heard.”

“Yes yes, but can you imagine how much of a heart attack it is when the PRT hotline lights up like a christmas tree because a, and I quote, fucking kaiju appears from nowhere in Stratham? That’s like you are trying to stop a house from burning down only to remember you left a candle alive and the stove on.

But it kinda worked out anyway. You scared off the unpowered presence that the Empire had going on there.”

“I… did not see anyone until Glory Girl introduced herself? I suppose I might’ve missed some people… but if it was some kind of raiding party I should’ve at least heard something correct?”

“You speak really formal, you know that? Anyways… It wasn't a unified mob or anything, just a bunch of losers who were blocking roads and shit. Kaiser wouldn’t allow for ‘white trash’ to do anything serious at the Empires own turf.”

He starts rummaging to the side of pants, head tilted as he does. “Basically people didn’t want to stick around to find out you were friendly or anything, or sapient.” He pulls his hand out, a black rectangular object now grasped, a phone most likely. “And so when they started hearing your footsteps they decided to bail. You can expect Photon Lady to send you a ‘thank you’ letter at some point with how happy she was.”

His ramblings are cut short as a ‘ding’ is heard from one doors, its silvery sheen being pulled to the side to reveal a woman in green clothes, form fitted but compared to what I’ve seen so far she’s dressed normally, sans the shash and shawl that sticks out like sore thumbs.

She strides out of the enclosed room she was in, an elevator? and makes her way over to us, or more specifically me.

“Good Morning Maw! I hope Triumph’s has been behaving well?” She gives a tiny side glance to Triumph, mirth coloring her voice as she talk’s.

“Yes he’s been-” pausing as she gets spooked by my voice. “keeping up the groove.”

“THERE IT IS!” Triumph’s voice carries itself with far more gusto than you would expect, all the while the woman looks like she’s trying to decipher what I just said. “Knew there was some humor beneath all that stoicism!”

She shakes her head for a bit before speaking, eyes confused yet amused. “Well… It’s good to have a sense of humor, I’m Miss Militia. It’s good to meet you!” The sash over her mouth pulling itself upwards, likely smiling at me.

Wish I could do that.

She settles in at the table, opposite side of Triumph, light conversation being had with one another. I didn’t really pick up what they said, choosing instead to close my eyes and try to remember the dreams.

The names themselves were harder to grasp now, but… the feeling is there.

Tranquil…

Save for Militia and Triumph discussing… something, or someone. Tinker tech gets thrown around a lot, tuning them to focus on the feeling in its entirety proves challenging yet…

…

“Did the big guy fall asleep? I thought you were interesting, Rory.”

“I taught him the proper word for mood, he’s just recharging after that information overload.”

I ignore their chatter to the best of my ability. Tiny pieces here and there piquing my interest but for the most part it seems like they are just conversing about random topics.

…

“Did we get any coffee down here?”

A new voice, followed by footsteps coming to sit at the table.

“Any news on Florida?”

“Shit’s on fire.”

“-aking me wonder if the Triumvirate are going to intervene at this point, that’s what, the third week in a row? did they even wait after Canberra?”

I heave a sigh, any attempt to focus being lost at the banter around me, abandoning the attempt to remember as I open my eyes to take in the new members who have joined. Assault and Battery having joined us, alongside another man next to Triumph. He sticks out compared to the other’s, dressed more like the people that I saw on the streets when I walked here. A red masquerade mask in front of him.

Assault has taken off his helmet/face guard, revealing a young looking man with brown hair, sun kissed skin framing a rather ordinary face, hair looking noticeably more awful this time around. Battery on the other hand has peeled the top off her pajama looking outfit, wearing instead a very small shirt.

“Hey you're finally awake!” Triumph’s voice pipes up from the left, same as the other’s helmets off. Surprisingly boyish with a mop of blonde hair.

“I was never asleep.”

He simply hums, tilting his head back slightly as a smirk start’s tugging at his lips.

“You were discussing Florida and if the intervention of the Triumvirate would be needed to stop the conflict, prior to that was the one called ‘Robin’ complaining of there being no coffee.”

“So you were napping?”

“No.”

“You so were!”

“I don’t ‘nap’.”

“Riii-”

“You really gonna tease the twelve thousand pound dinosaur?” Battery cuts in, and now that I'm focusing on her I see that she’s eating some sort of… bread.

“Vanessa, please don’t refer to Maw as a dinosaur.” Miss Militia’s voice, no longer muffled by her bandana judging by the sound.

“Sorry, are you really gonna tease the guy that weighs twelve thousand pounds?” She nods her head at me with the sorry, followed by directing the rest of the conversation to Triumph. Assault stealing a piece of her food as she speaks.

“Man was clearly nappi-”

“If you two could stop acting like children, maybe we could introduce ourselves to the newest member of the team? Or do we need to time out you two?” The only person not dressed like an idiot calls out, he looks to be older than the rest of them, sans Miss Militia. His hair cut painfully short, shaved almost down to the skin at the sides and his scalp hair somehow not falling in front of his face.

Surprisingly blue eyes.

He gives me a small nod and leans forward to rest on his left elbow. “Robin Swoyer, better known as Velocity. Great to have you on the team.”

A creaking sound to my right heralds Miss Militia entering my vision, showing that my earlier assessment was correct. She seems older than the rest, if that was because of her demeanor or if she’s actually older I can’t say. Eastern from the looks of things, dark hair looking to have been recently let down from a bun and some of the whitest looking teeth I have ever seen, reminding me of Jeff.

“Hannah Barlow, a pleasure.” It’s starting to feel a little awkward with everyone staring and smiling at me.

“Ethan Bray.” Assault says from his side of the table, with Battery on his side, seemingly taking the time to swallow a fistfull of those sticks before stating her name.

“Vanessa Bray.” Siblings then, would explain the childish banter they had earlier.

“And the best for last. Rory Christner, at your service!” He tries to bow his head, halting mid way as he realizes that he’s sitting at a table.

“Excluding Armsmaster… are you… all there is?” This seems painfully little considering the size of the city.

“Well we’ve got Dauntless as well, should be coming in with Armsmaster soon.”

“... There’s only seven members?” That seemed off.

Mili- Hannah sits down again, this time next to Vannesa, laying her bandana next to her. “Eight if you were to only count the members of the protectorate, but there are independent heroes all over the city that work with us, and we with them. A good example would be New Wave, you’ve already met Glory Girl and Laserdream, both members. It’s a family organization about eight members strong. Then there’s all the independent heroes around the city-”

“Like the Downtown Rats.” Ethan cut’s in, Hannah only looking somewhat miffed by being interrupted. “Sorry Hannah.”

“Right, the Downtown Rats, a neighborhood watch of capes located in the Kittery. Mainly kids but they do good work with informing us if there is help needed.  And this is just the parahuman side of things, there’s the PRT themselves and the police as we-.”

“And the wards!” Hannah looks a bit more annoyed this time, Rory not quite noticing as his focus seems to alternate between my face and his phone.

“We’ve gone past south if we have to call in the wards.” Robin quips in, drumming his fingers on the table to fill in the silence that follows.

A silence that lasts only for a few seconds, the ding of the elevator heralding Armsmaster’s entrance, alongside a man in more traditional armor, far less ceremonial than Rory’s yet still stylized.

Armsmaster continues on, while the other man seems to walk slower intentionally.

Judging by the chorus of ‘mornings’ that rings out of the group, the other man would be Dauntless.

The conversation earlier about ‘cape names’ is the only reason my eyes aren't spinning continuously to all of these titles. Not to say that my name isn’t stupid, but it’s stupid in the same way that naming your horse ‘horse’ would be stupid, compared to naming yourself ‘Destroyer’ and expecting people to take you seriously.

And it looks like Armsmaster has started speaking to the group, thank the gods he can’t tell I wasn’t paying attention.

“- bad news and good news, which one sounds better to hear first?” The helmet had come off at some point, plopped down at the end of the table, opposite of me. Hannah’s age, maybe older, dark hair cut almost to the scalp and a very groomed beard.

“Always good to start the day with a kick in the balls so I say the bad news first.” Assault, sounding like he’s trying to put on a show while desperately fighting off exhaustion.

There’s a few nods to that, Dauntless being the only other one to say ‘bad news’. He’s chosen to sit himself down next to Rory and by proxy, near me.

“Well then.” Armsmaster fiddles with the table for a few seconds, grumbling as he searches for something underneath the table. It doesn’t take him long to find it, with the middle section of the table lighting up. Squares and other shapes of varying size in a transparent blue make out the whole, forming some sort of map.

“As expected, the ABB went on the offensive when we were busy with transporting Hookwolf and the following chaos.

Oni Lee was spotted near Archer’s Court followed by Lung. The following morning the cremated heads of the Jackals were deposited at the nearest Police station.”

An example or a warning then.

“Coil did not do much of anything during it all, as is to be expected.” He takes another breath, rubbing his beard as he fiddles with what must be the control for the light display. The shapes on the table grow smaller before focusing on another part… ah… it’s a map.

“Additionally, during the convoy attack Victor was reportedly seen by Dovetail near town hall which… well I hope I don’t have to explain to you why that is worrying.”

“Spotted near meaning he was seen at town hall or was he in the general vicinity?” Dauntless speaks up, leaning forward to rest on his elbows and his chin on his knuckles.

“General vicinity, but since that was on the other side of town alongside him being the only member not participating in the breakout… well.” Armsmaster tilts his head alongside the ‘well’, the meaning lost on me but not the rest of the members, glances being thrown to each other.

“...We also have orders from the Chief Director to put pressure on the Empire, preferably bringing in their leadership for questioning.” He’s silent after the last statement, looking at each member one by one, stopping a tad to look me in the eye with a nod.

Vanessa is the one to fill in the silence. “... Does she think we’ve just been pillow fighting with them or something? I mean fucks sake we had Hookwolf and would’ve still had him if we had gotten the support we requested! You know? Kaiser’s right hand man?”

Triumph weighs in on the conversation mid way. “Wasn’t the second in command Krieg? or was it Purity?” sounding more like he was asking Dauntless.

Armsmaster turns to her, most likely expecting the response. “It’s related to the Tinker tech that was used during the breakout. Watchdog are very curious about that one. As am I.”

Hannah decides to speak up at that. “The Tinker tech? Why?”

Armsmaster heaves a sigh, out of frustration or something else. “When I first looked at it I could immediately tell that it was not made in the city, barring myself there’s no Tinker in the city that could produce something like it. I inquired with Toybox if they had been in contact with the Empire, filing a request with the WEDGDG alongside it. Toybox denied any interacting with the Empire, of course”

There’s a tiny bit of chatter at the information revealed to the end, but it dies down as he takes another breath to speak. “In what must be record speed, Watchdog verified that they were telling the truth, to which I immediately contacted Dragon to analyze it… and… well she has never seen anything like it before.”

Dragon? Is she another member then? Judging by the reactions around me she’s evidently something of a big deal.

“More than that I’m not allowed to discuss. WEDGDG contacted me to tell me that they were launching an investigation into its origin and it was promptly taken out of my hands with the order from the Chief-Director taking its place instead.”

There’s no chatter or questions after the information, most of them looking like they are processing the information that was just thrown their way. I was lost the moment he talked about Watchdogs.

A minute must have passed by the time Ethan has raised his hand, still looking a bit overwhelmed. “Okay… uh… Did the Empire get their hands on fucking Machine Army tech or somethi-”

“If that were the case the Triumvirate would’ve already been in the city.” Armsmaster cuts in.

“... Then why is Watchdog shitting its pants?”

“I am not at liberty to discuss that information.”

Ethan and Armsmaster stare at each other for a moment, with Armsmaster’s eyes very much making it clear that the conversation is over. Thankfully Hannah diffuses the situation before Ethan can put himself in any more trouble.

“So what are the good news then?”

The stare off continues for a little while longer, Ethan leaning back in his chair with a nod. Armsmaster takes it for what it is and goes back to addressing the whole of the group. “We have a new member!”

We do?

“I hope that you have already introduced yourself to Maw?”

Oh he means me.

There’s a resounding yes from most of the occupants of the room, from an ‘of course’ made by Robin to Rory exclaiming ‘Hell yeah’.

“Well then.” He looks up at me, standing a bit straighter as he does. “While a bit late, I would still like to formally welcome you to the team Maw. You could not have chosen a better time to join up.”

Dauntless clears his throat, making a waving spinning motion with his hand as he looks at Armsmaster. Realization dawning on his face as they look at each other. “Colin Wallis, it’s great to meet you face to face!”

Which leaves. “Shawn King, better known as Dauntless. Here’s hoping you make a big impact on the-”

“Oh my god” “Really?” “Dad jokes? This early? On a Friday?”

Dauntless gives off a shit eating grin as he looks around the room. “Listen, I had to, okay?”

“Could you maybe make them funny next time?” Ethan says as he’s visible trying not to giggle. Which seems a bit at odds with his statement.

“Oh like you’re one to talk.”

“The gall of this ma-”

Armsmaster clears his throat, the universal sign of telling someone to shut up without telling them to shut up. Ethan takes a few seconds to take the hint while Shawn understands instantly.

“Right… That would be the good news.”

Vanessa looks like someone just spat in her face.

“Now, there’s not much else to discuss…”

Vanessa holds up her hand, not even waiting until Colin has given her the clear to talk. “Permission to tell the Chief-Director to eat a bag of dicks.”

“... you don’t need permission to do that… but I would advise against it.”

“I'm going to tell the Chief-Director to eat a bag of dicks.”

Ethan puts his hand on hers, hopefully to calm her down. “Please don’t.”

“Right... Unless someone else has something to say…” Colin waits for a few seconds, an opening no one takes. “Then the morning meeting is over. Shawn, Rory, you’re both up for the morning patrol. Hannah, Maw, a word please?”

Everyone sans Hannah stands up, Vanessa taking the lead to the elevators with Ethan falling behind to pick up her food. Robin seemingly talking to her as the doors close.

Colin and Hannah meanwhile seem to be discussing something next to me, a little bit too close to my thigh for my liking, a bit of mental focus having to go to the mouths there not to open.

“- won't be a problem, right Maw?” Hannah, looking at me to answer a question I didn’t hear. Should I ask her to repeat or would she take offense to that? If she doesn’t and I still answer I would make a very bad first impression.

A leap of faith then. “You’re a bit hard to hear, what was the question?”

“Oh I’m sorry! Easy to forget that you are a bit far away." A bit of forced laughter. “After your PR meeting I will be helping you with setting up the online courses. That won’t be a problem right?”

“No?” Why would it?

For some reason she seems relieved at that, with Colin holding up his hand slightly to get my attention. “I waited to mention this but… well with the added pressure for this whole situation your trial period will be a bit faster than normal. We are looking at about one week to get you up to speed instead of two, which means… there will be a lot more reading for you to do, and training.”

“Understood.”

The answer looks to have caught him off guard, but judging by the smile that follows after that he obviously liked to hear it.

“Great to hear, Juliet will be here shortly with whatever it is the PR has cooked up.”

And with a nod he heads off to the elevator, Hannah following behind. Leaving me alone in the middle of the room, the steady hum of the elevator moving up and my breathing being the only thing that fills the room, soon to be the only thing to fill the silence.

…

How long is ‘soon’ then?

…

As it turns out, ‘soon’ is roughly half an hour, give or take.

The girl, Juliet, had shown up, gotten freaked out by my appearance followed by me having to calm her down from a panic attack. After that disastrous first impression she revealed that the purpose of the meeting was for picking a theme and potentially a costume.

I had just nodded along to the various thing’s she brought up, a few of the thing’s she mentioned did almost ring a bell but I didn’t want to spend more time than was necessary on clothing of all things.

Thankfully Hannah showed up when I was going to make my way up again, the controls would’ve been impossible for me to handle by myself on account of the buttons being smaller than the tip of my claws.

“Juliet didn’t run you into the ground with the PR talk did she?” Hannah’s voice is light with a smile going alongside the tone of her voice, or rather, Miss Militia. She’s put the veil back on.

“No, she was… nervous.”

“Really? Juliet? Nervous? Doesn’t sound like her at all.”

“That’s what I said yes.” A tinge of annoyance almost making its way out as I answer, as if the answer would change if she asked multiple times. The machinery ceases it’s whirring as we reach the top.

“... any thoughts on the morning meeting then?”

Quite a few come to think of it.

“There were… a multitude of names brought up. The ABB and Coil were spoken off as holding territory, are they similar to the Empire?”

The seagulls are currently flying about, giving some background noise to my steps as I follow Hannah off the elevator thing.

“Not quite… The ABB are more… standard organized parahuman crime compared to the Empire, while still being similar in the crimes. They both deal in drugs and prostitution, although Kaiser dresses it up as a ‘necessary evil in the hands of the right man’. Shallow but you can convince most as long as you put enough big words in your statement. The ABB doesn't dress it up because they don’t care about their public image, in fact Lung goes out of his way to seem as scary as possible, so no one tries anything against them.”

… Lung? as in… the organ?

“Lung?”

“Their leader, he showed up a few years back and killed off the other gang leaders in that area before taking control of what was left.” She pauses briefly, taking out her phone to check something before she resumes her walk, taking us around to the right off the platform. It’s awkward to match her steps, having to stop at odd intervals so as to not outpace her, or step on her.

“The stunt he performed with the Jackals is pretty much their modus operative, brute force to make an example out of someone and then hope the rest are too scared to act. As for Coil… he’s… We barely know anything about him, hell I don’t even know if he’s a he. Leading theories are that he’s some sort of Tinker, but Armsmaster is convinced he’s some sort of Mastermind, though he’s got nothing to really back it up besides speculation.”

She seems to have a hard time remembering that I haven't the faintest clue of what the terms she uses means.

We stop at the front of the platform, Miss Militia looking around for a bit before turning back to me, raising her hand to block out the sunlight glaring into her eyes, something I don’t really need to do now that I think about it.

“Right… where do you… sleep?”

I point behind me, where we just came from. “The quarters to the left as you get off the elevator.”

She blinks a few times, looking like she can’t decide if she should be upset or embarrassed. “Why didn’t you… because I didn’t ask right, sorry. I’m supposed to help you get set up for the online classes.” She motions for me to follow, same path but in reverse this time.

“Those would be the ‘big three’ anyways, there are a multitude of small-time villains and other gangs scattered around the city. Few hold territory like those three.” Suppose I will have to look a few of those points up on my own, they most likely have reports on them that I can read.

As we round the corner, again, I can hear Militia say something under her breath, almost drowned out by the birds and my footsteps. “-Challengers old workshop huh.”

There isn’t much else said after that, both of us making our way inside, Militia looking around the room with nostalgia in her eyes.

She explains, as best she can anyways, on how the aforementioned ‘crash courses’ will go and the questions that will follow. A lot of reading, mind numbing amounts, but I understood the purpose of it. Beat it into your head so you could use it later like a toolbox.

She left soon after, work that needed to be done from the sounds of things, leaving me with the weird bookshow on the screen to occupy myself with.

It takes hours to get through most of it, laws and laws upon laws, rules of engagement and… de-escalation.

A term in the event should force not be necessary… or… not enough. Good to see that they can swallow their pride when needed. Food arrived, a skinned cow, followed by even more of the reading, through the night and well into the next day and the day after that. Rory occasionally stopping by to check on me.

Even managed to make me leave the quarters to eat with him, which was… nice I suppose.

Had it not been for him and the morning meetings I probably would have lost my grasp on time. The gang situation itself seemed to be on the low side for now, the ABB and the Empire not wanting to push too much in fear of overextending or something, while Coil was acting as usual. Which was to barely do anything at all.

It didn’t take long until I was to be introduced to the public, a week passing in the blink of an eye through sheer boredom. Praise was given for performing the courses in time, which honestly confused me.

Why would you praise someone for doing what was expected of them?

Chapter Text

“Again, the journalists have been briefed on the questions they are allowed to ask, and should anyone ask anything that we haven't rehearsed you’ll just ignore them, okay?”

I hummed in response, taking care not to move lest I crush one of the workers running around inside the cramped roofless tent. That and making sure that I don’t spook one of those pigeons on my shoulders, having perched itself at some point while Juliet was repeating herself.

Her questioning did help to take my mind off of how silly I looked. An outfit based around mesoamericans , or was it Aztecs? Hadn’t really paid attention, but the sheer gaudiness of the outfit made me reconsider that decision.

The main piece of it was a sort of oversized collar that covered the upper section off my chest, shoulders and back, all in gold colored metal. Topped off with green emerald looking glass at the spine section as well as the rims of the collar. The rest was not quite as striking, a belt connected with some heavy cloth in dark blue, the cloth made so it hung down both front and back. Armor similar to the collar on the sides of my thighs as well as greaves for my lower legs.

They had also wanted me to wear some sort of headpiece, even more awful than the rest of the ensemble put together but that had been shot down thanks to the one request I had made.

A hood, in the same color as the cloth on the belt. They didn’t fight me too much on that point, changing track before I had even needed to talk.

The belt and the collar were the only things I could put on without any help, unlike the rest of it. It had been an awkward process to just stand still as people the size of my forearm ran around on platforms around me to help fasten the ensemble, baubles and all.

“-aster will be next to you on the stage. Remember the order for the reporters?”  And this woman is seemingly unwilling to calm down.

Restraining the urge to sigh, I responded with the same answer for the third time today. “Three one followed by seven five. After that the director will hold a speech that will lead into Armsmaster speaking up about the Empire raid. After that five one will be asked followed by the director asking for any questio-”

“Alright alright, good.” She seems satisfied with the same answer I gave yesterday, is the stress maybe affecting her memory? Might want to bring that up to Armsmaster. And it would also appear that me suddenly talking has scared the pigeon off.

Shame.

I go back to looking at the scurrying workers, the sight just reinforcing that I still hadn’t fully understood this part of the Protectorate. The constant need to make themselves out to be just in the eyes of the public, to make the average parahuman out to be… average?

“Maw, in ten.” Being stared at by strangers, my favorite.

Standing up from the squat has my knees crack like the ice over a lake, the glaring sun shining on my back as the adult pigeons that had been resting take flight with gusto, gracefully dodging the branches of the park's trees that surround us. Trees that almost block out the sight of the surrounding area.

“Bro what the fuck is that?”

But only almost.

As I start towards the stage I reach for my hood, making an effort to ease into the steps so as to not shake the ground. Five steps is all it takes to reach the blue curtains sheltering the stage and the people currently on it, the top part of it barely coming above my head.

The voice of the Director somewhat muffled despite the speakers and judging by the wording she’s nearing the end of her speech.

I honestly do not understand this part, the need to always appear virtuous or just or what have you. Shouldn’t their actions speak enough?

I’m not giving much time to contemplate on the thought as the curtains pull to the sides, light’s going off like ripples from rain on a puddle of water. Stepping up on the reinforced part of the stage, looking up briefly to make sure that there was no roof on to the stage to crash into and stand up to my full height.

They had warned me that the camera would be near blinding yet there hadn't been any light’s yet, the front row of men and women in different outfits just staring at me instead.

“Ask your questions.” That jolts them into motions, alongside with the blue shape of Armsmaster to my right. There’s a few hands being tentatively raised alongside the telltale snap of cameras, but as had been previously discussed I ignore them. Instead taking a few seconds to find the agreed-upon journalist, eventually spotting the stick of a man in the third row. He hasn’t raised his hand yet, me locking eyes with him reminds him to do so.

“The one in the third row to the left.”

He blinks a few times, as if he didn’t hear me before choosing to speak. “John Addams from Bays News, there have been a few rumors circulating that you are a parahuman capable of changing your appearance and thus masquerading as a case 53, how do you respond to these accusations?”

“...The accusations are idiotic and are founded in fiction. Next.” He doesn’t seem surprised at the answer, though some of the people around him share glances at the statement.

The next one would be a more general question, why I had chosen the protectorate.

The woman found in the middle of row five has already raised her hand when I see her, had it not been for the fact that she’s already been selected for the question I would not have even glanced at her, fitting almost perfectly into the crowd.

“What was the reason you chose the Protectorate of all things?”

Right, the question they wanted a long answer for…

… I didn’t memorize anything for it…

“I… realized that I could do things others could not, and chose the path that would allow me to use that ability as best as it could be used. Furthermore… I doubt that any other organization could house me. The Protectorate was the best choice that could be made, both for me and the people of this city.”

She doesn’t react to the statement, merely nodding and leaning back, looking to write something down as she does.

I shuffle back after that, letting the Director take the stage instead while I observe the crowd. They are braver now, be it from realizing that I am not going to eat them or realizing that I couldn’t care less about what they do. Pictures flashing, questions that border from insulting to inquisitive being thrown at the Director as she responds with a sense of ease that speaks to her experience and practice.

Thankfully I don’t need to say anything more during the event, most people choosing instead to directly ask the Director, things like why they have expanded their presence downtown, when ‘my’ clothing line was going to be unveiled and so on. I zoned out for most of it, more concerned with figuring out what the species of pigeon was called that had come to rest on my shoulders again.

I believe the documentary called them ‘rock doves’, fitting name considering their coloring. Judging by the head it’s a male.

Tuning back in reveals that I have not missed much, sans a few more pictures being directed at me, and that from the sound of thing’s the event is finally coming to an end. Good.

Let’s be done with this theater already.

The rain raged over me, masking the buildings that walled in the road I was squatting on. Tiny little lights letting me know where the windows would be, and more than likely the people watching. That was usually how it went on patrols anyways, the people would be too wary to come close. Preferring to stay far away and stare.

Occasionally someone would come up for a picture or some type of autograph, the ones who requested an autograph would then be sad when I had to use a sigil stamp, as if they had expected me to be able to wield a pen.

“Maw, move your right foot backwards please.”

As of right now I was acting as a sort of wind and rain cover for Armsmaster, our patrol having been lengthened by him having to do… something. Gathering more evidence or similar at the scene of the jailbreak, whatever it was that he was doing being lost to me as so many other things were.

I had done my best to remedy that problem, Hannah and Rory helping me when they could, but thinker tech? few people understood that, and even if they did they couldn’t agree what it was they understood.

What I could tell was how the damage on the road came to be. Where the twin giants, bigger than me if the profiles were to be believed, had clashed with Dauntless and Triumph. The scorch marks and holes left from whatever weaponry Miss Militia had used to try and apprehend the device that had freed the Hookwolf, as well as the subsequent hole it had forced open to avoid her fire.

That very same hole I was currently ‘helping’ Armsmaster investigate.

So far little had been said during the patrol, but that was par for the course with him as I had come to understand it, he even preferred to split up to cover more ground. Not that that could be done with me, what with having only been on three patrols so far.

The two I had with Dauntless had been uneventful, essentially just walking back and forth between the docks and the one after having been around the airport and college of the city. In contrast the one I had with Miss Militia had been obnoxious, an entire afternoon spent wandering parts of downtown to ‘say hello to the public’. It had mainly been the odd child and teenager that had actually walked up to me, and I can safely say after that that I don’t like children.

Honestly making me dread the fact that I was going to have to interact regularly with those ‘Wards’. And judging from the spark-like sound in my ear I was about to do just that.

“GOOOOD morning heroes and others. This is Clockblocker bringing you the latest and greatest. Today is a beautiful day with a shining su-”

I reached for the ‘hockey puck’ shaped thing that Armsmaster had made from an old command table, bringing it up to the side of my snout.

“Stop playing with the radio.”

I can hear one of them start laughing in the background, further cementing my belief that it's a terrible idea to have the children partly in charge of communication.

“Holy fucking… I mean sir yes sir, there’s a… uh… breakin currently happening between Midtown and Downtown, close to one of the bridges. There’s police on the scene but they are requesting the Protectorate since the guys robbing the place have y’know… powers.”

Armsmasters has already finished packing his tools up on his bike by the time Clockblocker is finished, motioning for me to follow as he starts revving it up.

“Armsmaster and Maw en route. Are the parahumans known or is it a suspected first appearance?”

“So far it seems to be two unidentified capes, but apparently they were arguing with someone else when the cops showed up. The first one is probably some kind of Changer while the other one seems to be some kind of… Shaker? Iunno they were spinning sh- stuff in the air. The third party being unknown… obviously.”

“Acknowledged, we’ll be there in seven. Armsmaster out.”

“Out.”

The display on the inner section of my collar is already lighting up with the coordinates as I fasten the device back to my side, dropping down to all four to follow Armsmaster, and in doing so getting a glimpse of some graffiti in one of the alleys, a thin red dogs head that has been marked over with the emblem of the ABB.

As Armsmaster speeds off to the main road I start, an awkward crawl into a jog and finally, I start to run.

The streets turn blurry as the rain crashes against my face, the steady rhythm of my feet and hands crashing into the road and growing water as I follow Armsamster. The light’s from my collar occasionally marking out the cars that pass me by.

It’s such a far cry from the ordinary that I can’t help but feel excited, to finally be able to let loose even if it’s just a little. Taking into consideration when I need to slow down, how hard I can put my limbs down, how much focus I can place on reading the map all while running at this speed.

Block after block passes me by, screens displaying different products illuminating the people who have chosen to walk during this weather, for some godforsaken reason. The sudden change in district only further displaying the difference between Downtown and the Docks, no gang emblems, most buildings looking new or renovated and the smell… well I couldn’t smell the garbage nor taste the rust in the air here.

The map blinks, indicating that I am getting close now, the blinking light of the police confirming it.

Armsmaster having already made contact with one of them. One of the perks of being able to regulate one's speed on the fly was that you did not have to worry about when and where you needed to slow down, then again Armsmaster couldn’t throw a multiton rock into the horizon.

That had been a fun training session, more so than when they had me pick dolls up to get accustomed to how fragile normal humans are. Surprisingly hard to do, the limbs shattered easier than I expected.

Now that I was moving closer I could see that it was one of the art exhibits belonging to the painting college, an odd thing to break into, or smash into now that I get a closer look at the entrance.

It barely edges over me in height from this distance, a big square of a building with a glass dome on the top. A dome that shatters as I move closer, something having thrown a small blue object through it. As I watch it sail through the air I hear Armsmaster yelling to the officer to get down, just in time for the object to strike me square in the face. It’s content flowing out revealing itself to have been a plastic garbage bin.

Well… there’s the stench, just like the Docks, wiping the contents off the brow of my snout as I moved closer to Armsmaster to hear him.

“She mentioned that the other party engaged the first one, the reason why is still unknown but take caution, things could get ugly here.”

“Noted.”

Probably not ABB or Empire, and since they were unknowns they were not one of the lesser gangs. Doubt anything done by students could be expensive so they were either desperate or stupid, maybe a combination.

Food wrappings and empty beverage containers clatter against the ground as I get the majority of my face, the rain helping with getting some of it off. Armsmaster having already made his way to the front of the exhibit.

“This is the Protectorate, come out with your hands in the air! If you do not comply we are authorized to use force!” Armsmasters voice carries itself with almost no resistance, enhanced by whatever the hell kind of tech he’s made. Not that the parahumans seem to care, the only answer being the sound of crashes and wind coming from inside the exhibit.

“I doubt that they heard you.”

All I'm met with is silence, the hand movement to stay put being given as he starts scaling the stairs. About to be expected, even with the doors smashed open as they are I doubt that I could fit my upper body through it.

He enters cautiously at first, halberd at the ready and surveying the area around him before breaking into a more confident stride further in to the left leaving me squatting outside in the rain. It was something that was talked about a lot prior to me going out on patrols, the fact that I could not enter most buildings. Makes the whole ‘come out or we’re coming in’ get a bit hard for me.

The ‘solution’ would be for me to wait outside, catch anyone that left the building and try to… provide assistance?

What that would mean here… I suppose knocking down a wall so I could actually enter. But then that would defeat the purpose of stopping them before they tore the exhibit down.

The fighting seems to have picked up again judging by the sounds. Far more crashing this time as well… almost like-.

My train of thoughts are interrupted as something barrels its way through the stonework of the entrance, wood and rocks splashing against me and past as the thing staggers on its two feet.

It's barely up to my eyes from where I'm squatting, a height difference that only gets exasperated as I stand. Its head following the ascent of my own, letting me see the dark patches and uneven marks all over it. Rusted pipes and ropes seemingly making its fingers with its left foot ending in a metal barrel. Underneath all of this refuse and filth I can see a wriggling mass, sludge like in its sheen from the street signs and police-lights.

The head itself looks like the garbage bin thrown at me earlier, a hole having been punched through revealing a man with a scarf to cover his face. His eyes looking distinctly like those of a deer when you spot it early in the morning.

“You are under arrest.

Do not resist.”

That seems to jolt him to act. His right hand lashes out to send a car tire against my face while he makes for the left, fighting his own weight as he does.

It's a shit throw and a tire is not even worth dodging, a sound much like those basketballs that Rory liked to play with is made as it bounces against me.

The fact that my legs are twice the length of his just makes this ‘chase’ feel like I’m trying to stop a babe.

Two steps and I am already on him, my hand shooting out to encircle his whole midsection, hefting him into the air as I do. ‘Surprisingly light’ is the only thing I can think of as he starts to writhe around like a rat.

“FUCKING.” More struggling. “LET ME GO FREAKFUCK!”

Ignoring the barrage of insults he has decided to throw at me I make my way back to the entrance, all while trying to fish out the ‘foam pen’. It was a foam thrower meant for a van, Armsmaster having refurbished it to fit my hands.

And he’s started to throw glass bottles at me, lovely.

Looking back at my hand reveals that the garbage gnome has turned into more of a garbage spider, the sludge starting to flow over my lower arm as his arms seem to meld into one another, a gleaming shine at the top of it.

So that’s how he wants to do it.

I lob him into the air, his arms and legs reforming to the best of their ability as he flails around, bits and pieces of him coming loose as he does. If he could smash apart brickwork like that he can survive the impact with the ground, and as I track him up into the air I notice that the rain has finally started to abate.

The sun is even peaking out.

He eventually crashes back down to earth, spraying bits and pieces of himself all over the place as he does. The pouring rain no longer masking the sounds around me, letting me pick out mewling as I lumber towards him.

A quick spray with the foam pen and he is secured.

I reach for my com device while scanning the area, making sure that no debris has gotten on the roads. “Are you in need of assistance sir?”

No answer, the new hole that has been made through the exhibit letting me see the torn up interior of the building, as well as Armsmaster making his way out of the building. He makes the sign for broken coms, three taps to the side of his head followed by a downwards slash to the right.

“Chariot either set off an EMP or jammed our comms, the reason for why he was here can wait. You need to get the last villain out of the rubble. She was bleeding from the head last I could see, so hurry!”

Don’t really know what an EMP is but I don’t need to know that, as I follow Armsmaster I can't help but feel grateful that the garbage gnome had made the hole bigger. I still need to force my way through but since everything in the front is destroyed it doesn’t make much of a difference, now inside I’m able to make out that the upper floor would appear to have collapsed, no doubt trapping the other parahuman underneath it all. There also appears to be footmarks along the walls and roof, with random objects having been lodged into the walls and floor.

It’s no effort to just move the block to the side , Armsmaster diving in to administer aid, leaving me to take in the rest of the building.

It's not too damaged but… well I hope most of these paintings are not important. Nor the building itself.

As it turned out, the woman, Whirlygig, had been a student of the collage that owned the exhibit and had wanted to retrieve something, hadn’t heard the rest but the garbage gnome, Mush, had been someone she had met after she had gotten her powers and decided to help her. Chariot, the third party, was currently unknown as to why he had even shown up, but he had decided to leave before Armsmaster had even entered the building.

I didn’t really understand why Whirlygig couldn’t just have gone in normally and grab whatever it was that she had made, if it even was hers to begin with. The rest of the patrol had been put to the side, statements to be taken and made, footage to be reviewed.

In my case I was to escort the prison van back to the PRT HQ, an immensely boring task. Just lightly jogging after a moving van all the while I made sure no one got close to it, as if anybody was going to try and free them. We had already concluded that they weren’t part of any gang, Mush was barely even considered yellow threat level and Whirlygig had done nothing but cry when Armsmaster had told her her rights.

The only thing that made this whole ordeal somewhat interesting was the weird orange lizard that had been resting on one of the buildings. That and the fact that the Director had been somewhat happy with us at least catching two out of the three parahumans in the whole ordeal.

Watching the prisoners being loaded into the HQ I can’t help but wonder if tomorrow's patrol will prove to be as interesting, or if it will just be more of the same. If my memory isn’t faulty I would be patrolling with… Velocity?

Wait.

Wasn’t that the one… the one with the wards?

Well… that’s going to be annoying.

Chapter Text

I may be looks at date a lil late but exams do b bussin frfr

Next chapter is gonna be delayed as well do to those bussin exams

Parahumans came in all ages, but tended to default to the younger side of things. So it made sense for the PRT to have something dedicated to these younger members; the Wards was what they called it.

What did not make sense was why I had to have a twelve year old follow me around as I patrolled Downtown.

Yesterday had apparently ‘proved’ that I could handle things on my own, which led to the splitting of patrol routes, Shadow Stalker having joined Velocity to patrol further on. It was something that clearly bothered Vista; the frown she had worn for a few blocks hinted at it, at the very least.

She tried to hide her expression whenever she thought I was looking, but a benefit, or downside, of having a bird’s-eye view is that you notice quite a lot of things others don’t think you do.

Like bald spots, see quite a few of them from time to time.

At the very least she hasn’t tried to talk to me, sparing me from having to figure out how to communicate directly with a child.

“Aren’t we going the wrong way… sir?”

Spoke too soon.

“This is the path that we were assigned, you may check your device to confirm it.”

“Look’s more like we are just taking a detour, if we take the normal route we’ll be there fa-”

“We are not to take… ‘shortcuts’ during a patrol, that would defeat the point of it, no?”

I don’t bother to see how she reacts, instead turning back to the path of the patrol. Not that I was expecting to find anything. The bandits of the city seldomly stuck around where I walked, Mush and Whirlygig having been the closest thing to a confrontation that I had faced so far.

Speaking of, I wonder if she is going to accept the offer she was given. Tentative membership was not something I expected to be given out so quickly, but then again she hadn’t done anything unlawful up until the gallery. The sudden shrieking of the radio echoes down the street, breaking me out of my musing.

“Maw he-”

“This is Velocity, backup is urgently requested at the warehouses close to the airport. Engaging Stormtiger and Cricket, out.”

I process what he says for a moment, hand awkwardly holding my radio close to my snout as I turn around towards Vista, who seems to be looking at me in confusion. Not the general channel then.

“Velocity is requesting us at…” The map shows… that’s nowhere near the airport? The edge of the Beach, Heathfield Avenue 15.

Empire territory.

What the hell is he doing there with a Ward?

“Maw here, I’ll be there in seven minutes, Coming in from the north through Hawk’s lane.” I put the radio back on my hip, fully turning to face Vista.

“Make your way back to the HQ.”

“What?” Suppose I am a bit far away for her to hear me.

“Make your way back to the HQ.”

“Yes but… didn’t Velocity need backup? Shouldn’t I come along as well?”

“No.”

I can’t see the exposed part of her face, the distance and lack of light on her level making it hard to discern, but her posture gives me a sense that she might be about to throw a tantrum.

“I can help!” Of course she can.

“That is not what I asked, make your way back. Now.” I turn, lurching forward to get on all fours, only for the right side of the street to bend and fold into itself. My eyes hurt as they try to make sense of the dimensions now in front of me, even as Vista stepped out in front of me.

“A ward on patrol is not supposed to leave the side of the assigned Protectorate member so if I head back then you would be forcing me to break the rules!”

Ward regulation section three. The one which also said that Wards are to be kept out of the red level situations and as such waives that part.

“I am also more experienced than Shadow Stalker!” I make for her right, “And I can help you get there faster!”

Could also be done by not arguing with me.

“If you think I’m going to allow you to do anything other than what you’re told to do then you are sorely mistaken, now return to the HQ or be ready to face consequences.”

She stares at me for a few seconds, but she relents as her body language shifts to one of shame.

“Sir…”

I huff. Too much time has been lost arguing with the child, a failure that will go out on Velocity.

The street lights turn into blurs, occasionally broken up by traffic lights or cars as I sidestep or just leap over the various obstacles that spring up before me. Had it not been for the map informing me of the incoming objects I would have flattened at least a few of them at this point.

It takes no more than minutes for skyscrapers to be replaced with run down buildings, sports cars with broken regular ones and the odd ‘clean’ taste in the air with one of alcohol and piss and the almost washed out mural of a giantess stepping on an ape.

Rye, the ‘white trash’ district as Hannah had called it.

I return my focus to the road ahead to make a swift turn, jumping over a pair of cars parked in the middle of the road and generally keeping an eye on the odd walker. Fear makes people do dumb things and all that.

Eventually I make my way out of Rye, shifting to running on two legs as I pass the last house. Running upright did go faster than all four, my body simply built better for it, but there was a cost to it. Several tons of force concentrated on a single point meant destruction, the road starting to crack underneath me. With the added speed the warehouses alongside the beach start to appear. Not as important as the docks themselves, more for the individual rather than the corporation.

350 meters

I plow through the thin metal fence to my left, now running in between the different warehouses and their contents. A light post is shorn in half as my left arm brushes against it.

150 meters

Around me I can see clear signs of a struggle; in a brief glance I see scratch marks on the ground, debris having been thrown around, the lone street sign here having already been knocked over. It’s at the end of this road that I see Hookwolf, his presence immediately taking the center of my attention. To its left I can see Shadow Stalker alongside two… bunnies? and behind them I can see another one of the bunnies hovering over Velocity's red form. I look to the right of the beast, a man and woman are dressed as if they were tempting fate itself, Stormtiger and Cricket, and there’s a dwarf clad in green floating on a piece of concrete even further to the right. All of them are turned towards me, but none are fast enough to act.

My left foot hits the ground, the distance between me and Hookwolf now null as I grab his chest in my right hand. With a snarl I slam him down into the ground, plowing the concrete road open as I use him as an anchor. Rock and stone are flung to the sides as I brace, both Stormtiger and Cricket having used the abrupt chaos to retreat backwards to the green one.

I finally come to a rest, effectively having slid the entire way to the other side of the area. Some of the ropes that carry electricity having found their way onto me, the occasional spark obscuring my vision of the enemy. I am thankfully able to make out Shadow Stalker and the bunnies with my right eyes; they had retreated back towards Velocity.

I can also see that I have effectively dug up the entire road, Armsmaster or the Director are bound to have me whipped for that.

“Fuck yeah! We’ve got backup too! Up your Nazi butt faces,” one of the bunnies, the one who was hovering over Velocity says. Shadow Stalker seems to trust them; the two that had been close to her earlier are now cowering behind her. Now as for the enemy, there is a man wearing what looks like a striped lioness mask, alongside a woman with an elongated cage on her head, a white bandana clear to see through the slits. The dwarf… no… child does not seem to have the same attitude as her companions; even from here I can see that she’s shaking like a leaf.

I pull myself from the depression in the road, each step sending a jolt through their bodies. It isn’t until I’ve put myself in front of Shadow Stalker that I choose to speak.

“I take it the two of you are Stormtiger and Cricket, yes?” Hookwolf sits still in my grasp, probably knocked him out with the charge.

…

A painful silence, only broken up by the sound of metal giving out and the odd hovering sound from the various objects that the green robed child had in the air.

“Uh… that’s them… and the Nazi version of Sabrina is Rune… Mister, you’re holding Hookwolf in you-”

“Bro shut the-”

“Maw.” Shadow Stalker steps out to my left, having clambered up on a piece of rock putting her at around stomach height. “Armsmaster and Dauntless will be here in twenty, I’m going to focus on keeping Rune off your back while you do your thing.”

I don’t even get the opportunity to tell her not to. Rune, taking the distraction for the opening that it was, promptly lobbing a steel bar as a spear towards me.

I drop Hookwolf, tilting my body as I do. Where it would have pierced my head I move to grab it, twirling it around in my hand and taking a stance before lobbing it straight back at the runt, aiming for the piece of land she floats on.

The negotiations died before they could begin, shame.

The land explodes as the spear strikes true, scattering even more rocks and stone onto the battlefield as Cricket moves to my left as she brandishes… farmers tools.

Stormtiger seems to have chosen the coward's way out, dashing for the way I just came through. I’ll catch him eventually, the area stretches far and his legs are small. As for the woman… A single step is all I need to cross the plowed street and be within arm's distance of her, a lazy arc to my arm as I go to scoop her up.

Just before my hand connects, the wind howling, she drops prone, hooking on to the back of the hand with a sound of scraping iron and uses the sudden stop of my arm to do a twirling mount onto it. As she lands I meet her eyes, not a trace of fear in them. No… she’s excited.

Bitch got guts, I’ll give her that.

She dashes up my arm, dodging the various maws before throwing herself off as I try to grab her with my other hand. She rolls, landing just out of my eyesight in between my legs. I don’t get the option to try to apprehend her again, a fhwoom being the only thing I can register before the vision to my right goes dark and a feeling of searing white replaces it.

I throw my arm up, covering my face from the source of it just as my head starts to throb. Stormtiger most likely, seems like the little shit didn’t run after all. I can feel my eyes reform with a sickening slurping, maggots crawling in the wound.

Cricket is backing up now while Stormtiger continues to rain his air rods at me, the sound of them impacting my scales being more evident than the feel. Would have preferred if they hadn’t worked out that my eyes were nowhere as durable as the rest of me, but things rarely go as you want.

“Cheap… Fucking-” A voice like cold iron sounds from behind me, followed by the same scraping sound I had heard earlier. “Cunt… you really go for the throat right out of the gate dont'cha? I respect it…”

I turn, making sure to have my back to Stormtiger as I do. Sure enough, the man has stood up, now on his hind legs.

He looks less like a wolf and more like an amalgamation of a bear and a rat with the chest of a man. A pair of eyes the color of summer gazes back, new blades poking out at random intervals across his body as they glitter in the moonlight. A visible indention on his chest in the shape of my hand seems to be slowly mending itself.

He's barely reaching my midsection.

“Making the two freaks who follow ol’ Spiderwebs seem like supermodels dont'cha, got mouths on your dick too?”

I can hear the light shuffling from Cricket, seemingly in Stormtigers line of fire who has stopped firing at me. Thankfully they are all three focused squarely on me and not the bunnies, who look to have moved further away with Velocity. The open water behind them robs them of the option to leave inconspicuous.

“I’m wondering, can you talk more than three words? or did they pull you out of the fucking retard bin up in Boston-”

I haven’t heard anything else from Shadow Stalker since the steel beam, the possibility that Stormtiger attacked her while I was focused on catching Cricket comes to mind. Yet another thing I should’ve thought of.

“-whipped dog came running when the human condom realized that he really should stay out of-“

“Silence.”

My voice catches him off guard enough to take a few steps back, just the same as I hear the shuffling of Cricket stop.

“You and your companions are under arrest, resisting further will have consequences both from me and the law. A prisoner transport will be arriving-”

I’m interrupted by the sound of laughter, the rat seemingly having found something absolutely riveting with what I said. He seems to be alone in that, his pathetic laughter being the only thing I can hear in the area.

Just as soon as he has begun he’s stopped, instead looking me dead in the eyes or at least trying, no doubt confused about where to look.

“You serious?”

“Yes.”

“... Y’know I was kinda joking about retards and all earlier but you really are one aren’t you?”

“I care not for the words of a criminal. Surrender.”

“... Aight… I’ll play along-” He takes a few steps forward, poised to speak but I interrupt him before he continues to fill the night air with more drivel.

“You are marked for the Birdcage twice over, resisting means that I will respond with lethal force. Unless you wish to further paint this area in your body parts I would suggest that you surrender. Do you understand or do I have to use smaller words?”

He stops approximately two steps away from me. He doesn't speak a word; instead, he twitches his finger in some sort of pattern, perhaps a signal, before bringing both his hands up, inviting me with the universal sign for me to come at him.

Good.

I surge forward, making a feint to grab his arm, all the while moving so that I can instead catch him with my maw. Hookwolf dodges into it, his hand clamping around my chest to hoist himself on to my back, almost making me land on my stomach.

I surge back onto my feet as I try to shake him off, in doing so opening myself up to another volley from Stormtiger. In an instant my leftmost eyes are shot to shit, a surge of white pain blossoming across my face as Hookwolf starts digging into the exposed parts of my neck.

Just as I let my maws loose, the taste of metal and rocks filling my senses, I see Cricket fly out in front of me. The cuts and gashes lining her body is all I can make out before she-

Darkness

"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!"

I roar, the pain only growing further as I try to swipe the sickles out of my eyes. I can feel Hookwolf wrench himself free from my back maws, but the pain makes thinking rationally hard. I swipe forward, right, left, right leftrightleft

I must’ve hit something, a pained shriek following as my left eyes start to finally regrow, Stormtiger unable to hit them as I trash about.

That is until I see Hookwolf's paw enclose on the left side of my face.

Before I can even make for his arm he pushes his claws into my eyes, a scratching noise from inside, followed by a pained scream as I grab what must be his face. I clamp down hard just as I feel him start to dig around inside my skull. Wrenching him off my back, the sound of tearing metal as he is forcibly dislodged from my back maws, and throw him forward.

“FUCK IT UP RUNE!”

What?

I don’t get the chance to think further on it as I feel something slam into me from above. In an instant I’m brought low to the ground, trapped.

Darkness

...

“Do you think it’s dead?”

“Maybe, how you doing boss?”

My regrowing eyes echo in the enclosed space, and trying to push myself up proves difficult. I feel with both arms splayed upwards, making any attempt at pushing myself up nigh impossible.

“It ripped my fucking arm off and I’m pretty sure every rib is broken, Cricket even alive?”

“Here, boss!”

“Crazy bitch power right there! Where the fuck did the pigs dig this thing up from anyways?”

Can’t be helped, I did warn them.

“Doesn’t matter, fucker plowed through concrete like it was sand. Gut the fucking Rats and fuck off before the rest of them show up. Don’t want to be here when it gets loose. Oh and Rune? Good job.”

I can feel it, it’s slow. The maws starting to tear apart the rubble around me and with my eyes fully regrown I can see how I’m lighting up the inside of the rubble.

“Uh.”

I start to push myself with my forearm, sand and stone flowing freely in front of me.

“Is it glow-”

I explode upwards, the entire motion stiff and unnatural as I feel my back give out and my arms collapse under the strain. The savages are already cowering, Hookwolf the only one to still stand his ground.

There is a pounding in my head, beneath my eyes, under my skin. It travels from my head to my gut, nesting, bursting, roaring for release. My mouth fully unravels as I breathe in the air. I keep breathing it in, more and more as I survey where they all are.

Stormtiger and Cricket are both standing poised and ready near the leftmost warehouse, two maybe three steps away. Rune is hovering even further back while Hookwolf… Right in front of me.

“... Nice light-”

In one moment I’m looking at the rat-bear-man, the next I’ve impaled his corpse upon my right arm, his bottom having exploded in the motion, shooting bits and pieces of him across the path I had carved open. I flick my arm to the left, the tangled mess that once was Hookwolf landing in between Rune and the two, a comically small blotch of blood being smeared across the ground the entire way.

For their own good they should get the message.

And it would seem that they do, Stormtiger shakily raises his hands up while… Cricket charges me…

A raised foot and a life ends.

My pen had been destroyed at some point, forcing me to ask the bunnies, or Downtown Rats as it were, to use zip ties instead.

Shadow Stalker finally showed herself; Rune had apparently thrown parts of a radio mast at her - perhaps something that interfered with her powers? Shadow Stalker had subsequently made her way back here.

She sees to Velocity while I check on the fallout of the other fight. I could already guess the fallout of my own stunt. As I wipe Cricket off my foot on the fence that had been obliterated I let my eyes roam. The marks from my feet don't seem to have done too much damage to the road so that was good. The bad part would be the overturned truck to the left.

Likely driven into the post and then lost control, walking over to it only confirms it, the post stuck in what would be called grill of the vehicle.

It was also stuck inside the man, most of his lower section no longer being inside of him. The words “Fedex'' are written in yellow alongside its sides. As I reach the end of it I start to hear it, a tiny little wail coming from the woods of all things, the van was not the only casualty.

A car, black, smashed straight into a tree. The wail growing in pitch as I move closer to it, a wounded animal? It’s hard to look inside but I can see that the two in the front are dead. Crouching down further does nothing to help looking around the car, its interior murky and blood splattered.

I put two fingers through the front top of the car, pelling it open like a patch on a wound revealing…

A pair of small eyes situated on a dusky face smattered with bloodstains.

That's not an animal.

…

“Hello-”

Seas consumed

Earth swallowed

Suns drown in a god's countless maws, a banquet of its own siblings is ripped open.

A limb extends as mountains die and skies break.

The world is dying beneath its crystal hides, no plan, no sustainability, no choice but to consume everything and anything.

My words die in my mouth, the shock forcing me to grab onto one of the trees for support.

What… what the… what the hell was that?

A glow from underneath snaps me back to reality, a growing pyre of light, body parts and metal gathering in front of the child.

Another parahuman, the child is in the crossfire. I reach for her, my hand between her and the pyre as-

“-unfair.” She’s curled up, her knees to her lips as the waves flow next to her as her feet dig into the sand. The sun is about to set, a merchant ship in its great flaming eye as I gaze into it.

“He’s older than Father!” A hiccup, hopefully not a sign of another tantrum.

“Is this how Mother felt? Having to marry a man thrice her age without even a say in it?” She nurses her cheek as she talks to noone, or maybe the ocean, she’s done dumber things.

It feels a little silly honestly, just standing by as a little girl cries and plays in the water but orders are orders. The magistrate needs to know his place.

I can see one of the villa guards from the corner of my vision, the young man looking conflicted as he stares at her. Hopefully he does something stupid, I could use a diversion.

Just as I take in the boy's appearance the girl stands, her dress caked in wet sand with the upper part having snot on it. Her cheek is already swelling from earlier, but there is no fear there, not anymore.

I know those eyes, never on a child though.

“Machinalis!”

She’s marching up to me, for half a second I think to draw my sword but she barely reaches my waist. Couldn’t do anything to begin with.

“Why are you even here, dog? All you do is stare, stare and stare. As if you think you are any better than me?” Not really, no. “Is that all your kind does? Stand around with your beady eyes as everyone treads around you? Do you think I’m afraid of you?”

She inhales, eyes burning with rage. “YOU ARE NOTHING, YOUR ONLY PURPOSE IS TO DO WHAT YOU’RE TOLD!” 

Her tiny arms hammer on my breastplate, an act she will come to regret when the rage leaves her body. The boy meanwhile seems scared, his eyes looking more at me than her, hand on his sword.

“I HATE YOU!”

Does he actually think he can win? Then again, most people in the empire haven't seen us in battle.

“I HATE YOU!”

Some parts of the plate gives a hollow sound as she hits it, should get that looked at.

“I HA-te you!” Her voice gives.

She has begun to kick me now, her hands to her chest as the effect of striking raw metal has set in. 

“I HA-” She misses, the kick knocking her on her feet with her chest smacking into my leg guard.

The action finally causes the boy to take action and my spear is in my hand before he can take a second step. I’ve slightly turned my body against him, allowing me to see more of his face. Freckled with green eyes, skin that has seen the work of a farmer framed by curly hair that reaches his ears.

He doesn’t try any further, instead crouching down.

“Marcella?”

She continues to weep underneath me, unheeded of his calls.

“... Marcella, it's me. Is… is everything alright?”

The squelcing of grass is sounded as she props herself up on her arms.

“NOTHING! NOTHING IS ALRIGHT!”

He didn’t expect that reaction.

“DID YOU JUST COME HERE TO ASK?”

I believe this is the part you are supposed to woo her, boy.

“I… I was worried about you.”

It’s quiet, for far longer than I expected. That can’t have worked?

“Leave.”

“Marce-”

“You will leave or I will have the Machinalis cut you down.”

…

“Marcella please I-”

“DON’T… don’t you dare call me that.”

Looks like he’s about to cry.

“What did you think was going to happen Nicabar? That you were going to sweep me off my feet? Convince my Father that we were to marry?”

She gets up, using me as a ladder.

"You? The son of a whore and a common legionnaire?”

He’s trying to hold it in.

“Leave!”

“... You don’t mean that.”

Quiet again.

“Machinalis!”

Why am I getting dragged into this?

“Hurt!”

…

I technically don’t have to listen to her but… It would end this gods damned charade.

Faster than the boy can stand I let my spear loose, my aim thankfully not rusty as the tip slices his left arm.

Just a flesh wound, I actually clean the damn thing.

Not that the boy knows that, falling backwards with a shriek as he clutches at his arm.

“Leave Nicabar.”

And that seems to be the end of it all. He runs off, throwing a few glances back as he does. The girl however… she seems to have meant it. 

She stands there, staring at the ground even as I go to retrieve my spear, embedded in between the rocks of the land.

The sun has set, time to head back then. A part of me is already dreading having to drag her back.

She’s still staring at the ground when I make it back-

Stop

My entire being freezes, the howling wind rustling the leaves of the trees being the only sound I can hear.

Take me to the Tribunal

I turn towards the horse, Marcella softly stepping behind me.

I wake to the sound of my eyes regrowing, the moon hanging to my left as I feel my arms putting themselves back together ever so slowly.

It feels as if I’ve been kicked by a horse, my entire being hurting as I fall over again, stumps for arms making the act of getting up difficult.

The girl, she must've done something to me. Looking up to see if the horse is still…

There is no horse.

Why... why would there be a horse?

There is however a tree that is on fire. A shrieking sound coming from the carriage in front of me… the boy!

Right the boy, no girl, is still there.

I shuffle up, balance shot to shit as I try to balance myself, eventually finding a compromise with tilting my body in a swaying rhythm to steady myself.

My arms still haven't regenerated, and looking around proves that Armsmaster has yet to arrive.

Well… time to eat trees.

I unhinge my lower jaw, stepping forward and knocking the entire tree over. The flaming leaves quickly spread but are soon quenched, or at least so I hope, as I start to press my entire face into the ground, forcing the whole burning mess into my main maw.

Lifting it up has my entire back cracking and snapping but I fight through it, carrying it over into the main of the road before spitting it back out. Just as it hits ground pain rackets through my back, hunger ebbing through my entire being. A deep pit inside of me clutching at everything.

I can smell it, cooked flesh. just in front of me. There… in the van…

I bite it open… dead fish eyes stare back… It's already dead… 

Saliva runs down my mouth as I realize what I'm doing.

The man's dead face stares back. this… this is wrong. 

“Maw!”

I look up, fear gripping me as Armsmaster dismounts his bike, Dauntless and a PRT van driving through the hole I made.

He looks between me and the wreckage beneath me before moving to speak.

“He’s dead.”

…

Yes...  there's...

“There’s a… there is a child in the car over there… might be a… crisis point.” I harkle up a bundle of branches as I talk, his face scrunching up in disgust as they hit the ground.

“... I’ll see to it, sit down over there and someone will come to check on you?”

The command comes naturally, trundling over to fall over near the fence. A pounding headache alongside the hunger as I slump down.

I don’t catch a lot of what happens after I sit down. More vans show up as others leave, Armsmaster comes out of the wreckage with the child cradled in his arms. Someone comes up to me and tries to flash lights into my eyes and I can see the flesh move and bob in front of me. 

They back off as I start to salivate.

Armsmaster gives me a run down on why Velocity was in the area, the Rats having called in help from Shadow Stalker? to which she had decided that the best course of action was to run off. Velocity had reportedly not been adverse to the idea.

There wasn’t much that could be gotten out of him, a swelling in the brain.

And the reason for why the rats were here had something to do with a shipment that they had been tracking.

I stop listening after that point, instead choosing to scarf down on the food that they finally provided, my regeneration finally kicking in, allowing me to get up and head back for the debrief.

Hopefully they go easy on me, though I doubt it.

Chapter Text

Jeff Harris,  06:23

The sterile halls of the HQ are a gut punch when you’re three steps away from falling asleep, but work is work and work needs doing, or whatever the fuck Renick says during his ‘pep’ talks.

Gustaf flashes a quick grin with a dose of Finnish, to which I just say ‘Good Morning’ as I balance the coffee on my hip while trying to pick out the keycards. Eventually, I just put it down on the ground to feel around in my other pocket, pausing just as Janet passes by.

This is one of the Junior rooms.

…

I really don’t need something like this first thing of the day.

Take a breath. Hold it. Release.

I pick the coffee up, opening the door with my back to see Chloe leaning against the desk, the dark room illuminated by the one way mirror making her seem almost spectral, her resting bitch face not helping with that analogue.

"Morning, sir."

Just as smug as last time.

“Please don’t sir me, we’re the same age remember?”

“Shouldn’t have taken the job then, sir.” She grins for a moment, walking stiffly to grab her cup before going back to the desk all the while I go to the smaller table directly to the left, taking care to not look into the one way mirror.

Not yet.

“So how have you been? Last I heard you had been transferred over to the Protectorate base. Something to do with Maw?”

She sips, her eyes lingering into the next room as she turns her head slightly towards me. “Yep, got assigned as his ‘assistant’,” drawing out the s’es as she says it, “not that I have done anything beyond keeping the fat croc fed. Speaking of, did you hear? Croc killed Hookwolf.”

I've almost fished out the papers from their folder when I register what she just said. The computer in the room the only sound as I try to figure out if she’s fucking with me.

“Really?”

“Really.”

“wha-... Just… just like that?”

“Oh I wouldn’t say ‘just like that’, he made a mess over in Rye in the form of a few hundred thousand dollars. Oh, and he also messed up the mayor's car!”

“The mayor's car?”

“Parts of his skull landed somewhere there, I’d pay to see the look on the face of whoever found it..”

“... and that thing with Hookwolf?”

“Shadow Stalker did something dumb, went off protocol and got Velocity sent to the hospital. One thing led to another and Hookwolf got kebabed.”

“Damn.”

“Got Stormtiger and hitler youth in custody too.”

Huh, ain’t that something. And there’s the files. “So what are we dealing with? Trigger event?”

Chloe nods. “Jessica Moore, age five,” Oh for fuck’s sake “was on her way home from a birthday party? Car crash, was stuck inside for at least three minutes before Maw found her.”

I look up from confirming what she’s currently saying. “Maw found her? Doesn’t strike me as the type of guy to be good with kids.”

“You’d be right, he might have been a part of said trigger.”

I take another swig of the coffee, mentally dreading the fallout. Parahumans this young… It rarely ended well.

“Shrink here yet?”

“Nah.”

I push myself off the table, finally looking inside the blue walled room. Padded floor, some baskets with toys and a couch. On the right side there’s a wheel in TV with a few stickers on it, that film with the lions playing, memories of when Vista was first brought in, a room folding into itself.

Dauntless in a t-shirt sprawled out on the couch has me double take a few times. His helmet and armored skirt being the most striking things, his arclance resting on the floor while his shield was propped up next to the door on the left. The sight almost made me miss the small figure resting on his stomach, his hand rubbing circles on her back.

“...Is that-”

“He volunteered, or insisted, when she was brought in. I didn’t complain, wouldn’t catch me nannying someone who could turn a brute nine into a flesh flower.” She takes another swig going by the slurping sound. “No immediate family, save for some people up in Frisco, but we’ll try not to go with that. Her daddy pissed off a lot of people by selling some Elite members out, went into witness protection and landed here.”

Great.

…

“So how you doing Jeff?”

“Oh you know… surviving… also making a mental note to buy some caffeine tablets. This is going to be a long week, again.”

Only positive thing about this would be Kaiser losing his attack dog. The ABB are for sure going to make a move with this, which means that most of the lesser gangs in the Docks would be forced to retaliate in some form, either by trying to take on Lung or by taking what they can from the leaderless parts of the Empire. Not to mention what Kaiser would spin about this.

Least it ain’t Florida.

“Powers?”

“No idea yet, Maw reported that she made a ‘pyre of light and flesh’ that then blew up, visible all the way to Bellamy. Pyre might’ve also had hallucinating effects, he saw some weird fucking shit according to the report. It’s in the file under Jessica’s if you want to read it for yourself.”

I do just that, glossing over the picture of a little girl smiling at the camera, poised up to a blue-gray wall. Taken from Little Bee Preschool…

…

There’s the report… shipment from overseas taken, the Rats being lifesavers as always. Possible lead from Stormtigers interrogation… there’s Maw’s report.

To the point even in writing, Joseph was probably right when he guessed that he had some sort of military background.

… crystalline creatures eating suns?

Weird.

“...How is the recovery going?”

There is an awkward silence in the room, somewhat interrupted by the Ward’s therapist entering the opposite room, alongside Mrs Griffin.

“Have you ever tried to regain the ability to move your toes?”

“...I've had some nasty hangovers but I don’t think that’s the same thing.”

“I don’t recommend it,” She turns around with a smirk on her face, “thanks for the coffee Jeff.”

I give her a little salute as she gives me the middle finger, the door closing as I get a better look at the kid, now that she isn’t buried in Dauntless t-shirt.

The resemblance is there, hair is shorter than the photo obviously. That and her eyes, the face says sad but the eyes… that kid is going to have nightmares for months.

Hopefully only months.

Five years old and enough power to level city blocks.

Fucked situation no matter how you look at it.

Dauntless,  09:45

The coming month was going to be ugly.

We finally had something to send to the thinkers in San Fran. Not that it was particularly much to begin with, Stormtiger knew about as much of the tinker tech as could be expected, which was nothing. He seemed eager to talk about other things, like the locations of the drug labs that are under Hookwolf’s protection.

Were.

Were under Hookwolf’s protection.

I take another sip of the lukewarm coffee as I check the time again, a part of me wishing that I had my helmet with me so that I can make this go faster and get home already. Didn’t have to worry about Jessica for the time being either. Probably for the best as well, if it wasn’t for the coffee and the walking lumber mill I would’ve dozed off at some point.

Maw didn’t seem to be bothered about the briefing being delayed by nine hours or getting his entire top section blown off, or that he had crushed a human being. Then again Hannah was rarely bothered by most things so it might just be a Noctis thing. Maybe Assault was right about him. Or maybe his height messed with his ability to empathize with people. Can’t imagine what it would be like trying to talk with people that couldn’t even reach my knees.

Not that I could actually ask him about it, easier to squeeze blood from a stone than trying to strike up a conversation with Maw.

Rory seems to have gotten a few things from him, but Rory tries to befriend most people-

The ding of the elevator is almost euphoric, for once feeling glad to see Colin’s face.

“Morning Coli-”

“Sir.”

I was never going to get used to that rumble Maw calls a voice.

“Sorry about the delay,” You are gonna have to do better than sorry for this one, Colin.”but the tinker tech information took precedence as you both know.”

I just nodded along, not feeling like dragging this out any longer than it has to be. The slight ripple in the floor let me know that Maw nodded.

“Can’t say much beyond the fact that we might get relevant information. Now, Maw, could you start from the beginning?” I reach for my earplugs as I hear Maw draw in a breath to talk.

“I was hailed by Velocity at,” I hastily pressed them in mid sentence, “-and requested for Vista to return to HQ, she initially refused stating that she could be of use but eventually relented. I made the decision-” Colin hold’s his hand up and Maw thankfully shuts up.

“The beginning of you engaging Hookwolf.”

Colin being terse as always, not that Maw seemed to take any offense. Not that I could read Maw's feelings. You would probably know when he was mad but anything else would be impossible to read.

“Yes, apologies. I entered the scene to find-” A rumble from my pocket has me briefly check on my phone, Addison having sent me a text asking for permission about something. I’m half tempted to respond but considering how Colin seems to be on the warpath that might earn me a higher position on his shitlist.

“- which I read out what would happen if they did not submit.”

Maw continues on, describing how he underestimates Hookwolf’s skills and forgets about Cricket and Rune. Must be nice being a walking tank, if anyone else had just ignored two capes in a fight would nine times out of ten be walking out of it missing a limb or similar. Cricket’s death boiled down to ‘she didn’t listen to the warnings’ which I didn’t buy, but it wasn’t up to me.

Instead I listened on, only filling in when necessary so that we could be done with the M/S protocols as fast as possible. So that I could go home and sleep.

Jesus I miss my bed right now.

“- And that’s when you think you were affected by some sort of hallucination?”

“Yes, though… I think it might have just been some sort of after effect caused by me having to regenerate my head. I think that it happened prior to that but again… I can’t really tell.”

Colin looked like he wanted to say something more about it but was interrupted by a yawn forcing itself out. Something I couldn’t help but mimic.

“Shawn you were with the team that was power testing… was it Jessica? did they test for any master effects?”

Finally.

“No, we decided that just checking the blaster capabilities was enough. During which we were able to confirm the,” I can’t stop myself from yawning mid sentence, “potential Trump rating, trump type seven if I remember correctly.”

“If you remember?”

“It’s in the report Colin. Read it if you want to know about the details, are we done?”

Judging by his glare I’m going to be eating those words in some form in the future but right now I can’t be bothered to give a shit.

“Yes… you’re dismissed. Maw, you and I have some more things to talk about.”

I excuse myself almost as soon as Colin has finished talking, muttering a quick bye to him and Maw as I enter the elevator, removing my earplugs as I do.

Leaning back and letting the steady hum of it take up most of my focus instead.

…

Yeah I shouldn't have snapped at Colin back there. He’s having a shittier day than me no doubt.

Or week.

Going to have to figure out how to apologize to him later and I don’t think a gift basket is going to work this time, not that it really worked last time.

The ding of the elevator jolts me back and I stride to the locker rooms, fishing up my phone as I do.

FIeld trip to the zoo? Isn’t grade ten a little too old for that?

I send him a reminder to take the parental paper home this time just as I reach for my boots, stopping when I notice the brown red smudge coating it along the side.

Oh god don’t tell me I stepped in her? It had been so dark that it was hard to see properly and I had been so focused on calming Snap that I hadn’t looked when I touched the ground.

Her and the other member’s of the downtown rats were going to need help talking about that later.

I thought that she had been scared by Hookwolf and his posse, but when I finally managed to get them to talk it had turned out that they had been… caught off guard by Maw stepping on Cricket. Couldn’t blame them, almost lost my dinner when I checked the dent in the ground.

Not that it does me any good to think on that right now, better to get home and sleep.

Then I’d try to figure out how to get the blood out of my boots.

Chapter Text

It was nice to be able to see the stars again, the city having almost made me forget what they looked like. Or well… I did forget but that was unrelated. One could argue that it was related but I didn’t feel like arguing with myself.

Still, there was a touch of familiarity to look at them, small things twinkling in the great expanse of the universe, or something. The feeling of tranquility is undeniable as well, the city was far too… busy. Too many things that tried to take one's attention just the same as one would try to focus on the task at hand. Cars blaring, electronic billboards screaming out some slogan meant to encourage one to purchase a product or some political agenda and the people who alternated between being far too calm around me to being far too afraid to approach me.

The two Protectorates that had met me at the border of Boston had been friendly enough and had talked very little. Rune and the prison transport had been on the way too… watchdog? WEDGD? Don’t remember, Ethan had referred to it as the Think Tank but an unofficial name felt wrong to use.

So for now I had roughly four hours or so to kill before it was time for me to help with a police raid, an ABB cookhouse had been located and they had requested for parahuman support. And since I was probably capable of handling Lung it was decided that I was too help, that and the fact that I was the only one free for it.

But until then I was going to take my time back to the city, mainly because I had no idea what to do until the raid.

Current line of thinking was finding a secluded spot and listening to the ‘audio book’ about the ostriches. A piece of technology I hadn’t fully understood yet.

…

It’s rather quiet.

…

A little too quiet in fact. Not even… It’s not that late is it?

…

A quick glance at the time tells me that it is just past nine…

…

Nonexistent hair starts to stand up, an uneasy feeling taking root at the back of my mind as I slow my gait. Eyes starting to sweep around me while I trudge forward, the broken up light meant for drivers interfering with my vision when I try to look between the trees. I don’t know why but I swear that there is something there.

My vision goes left and right for a time, how long I cannot say, until I spot something.

It’s in the dead zone of two road lights, only a silhouette, shrouded in the dark of night yet… I see horns.

I have no weapon at hand, nothing to throw at it; an urge to look around, be it to see if I’m surrounded yet at the same time I can’t take my eyes off it lest it takes that opportunity to flee.

If I’m surrounded I need to signal the attack, but if it’s just one I need to deal with it now; decisions that run into one another as my vision starts to blur.

My heart hammers against my chest, the roar in my ears and the water in my lungs as I hear thunder come from behind it, a noise that builds and builds and builds until…

“-aw! I repeat. Come in Maw!”

Just like that I’m shaken out of it, a voice from my left as I finally notice the blinking lights of a parked truck on the other side of the road.

…

“Come in Maw!”

I reach for the comms, still not taking my eyes off the shape, a shape that is now revealed to be nothing but a rock with an overturned tree behind it.

“Maw here.”

“You have been unresponsive and stationary for fifteen minutes now. You good man?”

...

“I was… simply spooked,” I motion for the truck to keep moving, which it does, albeit at a far slower rate than it should be going, “I will be making my way back to the city-”

“You got spooked?”

I swallow, cold sweat leaving my body as frustration starts to build.

“... That is what I said yes.”

“You… are you? You got spooked?”

The wards further proving that they are subpar when it comes to handling communications.

“Yes.”

“Alright, uh… Kid Win out?”

It takes genuine effort for me not to sigh into the com-device, instead holding it up to my head and mentally counting to ten.

“Kid Win.”

…

“Was there something else?”

He can’t possibly be this dense?

“If you think that a Protectorate member has been acting abnormally enough for a hail then you need to confirm that said member is not under any parahuman effects.”

“Right, uh you wanna do that now or do I wait?”

Don’t yell at the boy.

“Since I was hailed due to abnormal behavior it would be best to do it now, yes?”

“Okay, can you give me a minute? I need to find the notes.”

I stand there dumbfounded for a few seconds, the sheer amount of incompetence taking me out of the moment. I could be in very real danger and he needs a godsdamned notebook?

Why has he not memorized them? It’s three phrases per day, four words each where each word is answered depending on when it is said.

I’m so caught up in waiting for him to return that I forget to look around me. It isn’t until I see the sign that marks the beginning of Brockton Bay that I realize that I have returned, a faint feeling of being watched returning as I snap back to reality.

I turn back to the forest, the all enclosing darkness of it-

“Sorry sir but I can’t find the notes.”

My hand goes up to rub my eyebrows, having to stop for a moment so I don’t smack myself in the snout.

“It is fine… I’ll do a manual check during the coming dead hour.”

“The coming what?”

“Maw out.”

I am going to have words with Renick and Armsmaster later, for two very different reasons.

The amount of interference I am having with my fragmented memory is going to be a liability at some point, and Renick’s goddamned handling of the wards is already a liability.

‘The giant horse conch weighs over eleven pounds-’

This isn't about ostriches.

Squatted down in between two buildings and with a small wall at my back has me once again wrestling with the controls for the ‘audio book’. It’s something I’ve had to learn mainly by myself, Rory had proven to be a horrible teacher whereas Hannah and Colin simply had too much on their hands to help me with something this mundane.

There were the rest but both Robin and Shawn were hard to talk to and…

I just don’t like the Bray’s.

‘-as the con-’

I spend an embarrassing amount of time trying to make it work, two times even turning on the audio from the speakers. Eventually I just give up, looking briefly at the time as I do. four hours left… should’ve headed back, but then I probably would’ve just waited until the time was up either way.

Hell, this is making me worried about tomorrow.

Due to the amount of hours I've spent patrolling in these first few days… I will have to take three days off.

Three entire days of time where I was allowed to do whatever I want…

I haven't the faintest idea on what to do with that much free time. Do I just train? Or is that related to the job itself? Am I allowed to ask?

Should that time be spent in private or am I supposed to be outside during it all?

It felt daunting to even think about.

I’m shaken out of my grumbling by the sound of shouting and running, coming from the other side of the wall if I’m hearing correctly. Muffled at first only for it to become clearer just as the sound of shoes on stone passes me by.

It’s the gunshot that truly grabs my attention

“-nt shoot the fucking freak shi-”

Can’t make much beyond that as I try to turn to see what it’s about, almost biting a chunk off the stairs that are connected to the buildings as I move.

“What the fuck was that?”

I maneuver back and forth a few times, the space between the buildings large enough for me to sit in but too small to actually turn in. It takes a lot of acrobatics but I eventually step over the wall, some of the cars starting their alarms as my foot plants itself on the sidewalk with three figures in the distance stopping and turning to me.

The first two are rather unimportant. Young, plain clothes, trendy haircuts. Can’t say much for the oddly coloured figure further on.

It’s the final one I zero in on, the black shape he’s got half raised in my direction having my entire attention.

“You’re all under arrest.”

The two to his right start to panic as I start walking, the fact that they are on a bridge coming to bite them, what with the only way away from me being further ahead. Negligible as I am almost on them by the time they have decided what to do. The one with the gun decides to open fire out of fright or stupidity, the sound of metal hitting scale being the only way to tell that he’s actually hitting me.

One step turns into two and I pick him up, his left arm crunching due to the angle.

The other two have in a fit of panic chosen to simply run straight ahead, it takes me one step to reach the first one and another to be upon the last.

I find myself in a tad bit of dilemma as I continue to loom over the last fleeing member. Each of my hands are occupied. It isn’t until we’ve reached a crossroad that I simply put the gunman in my mouth, my fake tongue wrapping around him as I do.

“WHAT THE FUCK.”

Finally having a free hand lets me catch him just as he tries to scale a wall, window light’s flaring up as the commotion starts to wake the people in the neighborhood. Provided that they weren’t woken by the gunshot, the area was one of the rougher ones after all.

I take them a bit further back, plopping the two in my hand while I spit the gunman up, the man now drenched in my saliva. They thankfully don’t try to move, the only real movement being the gunman cradling his bent arm. Fear and rage making their way known through their eyes.

I squat, making sure that I was on the sidewalk as well, no reason to block the road.

“Names.”

…

“Names.”

“F-”

The one who is cradling his arm seems to have found some courage alongside the mewling, looking up at me briefly before looking back down.

“... My arm….”

…

This is embarrassing.

“Names.”

“Why the fuck are you arresting us bitch?”

The one to his left, better dressed than the other two, clothes looks to have been washed recently and ironed at that. No empire tattoos that I can see but it’s too far for that, could be one of the splinter gangs.

“Please state your names.”

“Fuck no, because I’m not under arrest you fat fuck.”

…

He seems downright emboldened by my gaze, a smug grin forming on his face as he tries to stand only for me to nudge him back down with my index finger.

“I was trying to get away from this bitch,” nudging his head towards the gunman just as said person turns to look at the idiot. “so when I heard you yelling for him to stop I kept running and you wanna know why I did that?”

“No.”

“Because I haven’t done shit bitch!”

…

I turn my eyes to the quiet member of the bunch, who seems to have finally realized that there are in fact going to be consequences to chasing someone with a gun… and then firing said gun in a neighborhood… and then firing it at me.

“You.”

He snaps up to me, the eyes of a coward shaking.

“Speak.”

"Wuh?"

Too nasally, a quiver that indicates that he’s not quite into manhood yet.

I return to looking at Idiot, the smug grin wiped away for a confused one.

“You’re lying.”

“Fuck you me-”

“Shut up.”

He, thankfully, shuts up. Gunman and Coward choosing to glare at Idiot as I type in the crimes in my pad. More like a block of metal with some glowy bits but Armsmaster had called it a pad so that’s what it was called.

They were lightly bickering now, leaving me just standing around with the occasional glance at them as I awaited the police transport.

It’s calm for the most part, occasionally raising my hand as if I would swat a fly when they move too much. I even try to fiddle with the audio device during the wait, only to be interrupted by the police transport finally rounding the corner.

Can’t wait to sign the papers for this arrest…

…

Is it really sarcasm if I’m talking to myself?

There’s not much else to it, the necessary information is given and they are then taken into the police car. The fact that the officers that are handling them are… people of colors? I think that’s the term meant to be used, means that I don't have to worry about the three skinheads being let free.

But now I need to figure out what to do with the… two and a half hours I have left.

Should I try to help the police with the fallout? Could I even help with tha-

“Phoew, any longer and I was going to have to worry about getting cramps up here.”

I immediately turn, finding nothing save for an empty street with some distant road sign.

“Bro you could probably fit Gentle in your hand that’s so fucking wack.”

I check to my right, the alley opposite where I held the skinheads. Nothing.

“Up top!”

I glance upward, searching the roofs before my eyes land on an orange silhouette atop one of the street lights.

Orange skin, a tail, some of the most vomit inducing choice of clothes that I have seen so far.

One of the mercenaries of Faultline’s crew.

“Newter.”

“Ho-ly shit,” He laughs with gusto as he swings his legs back and forth, the top of the street light somehow holding him up. “Walks like a tank and talks like one too! You’re a hard man to find, which is kinda funny when you think about it y’know.”

“You’ve been looking for me?”

Faultline and her mercenaries have had an arrest warrant for a while now, the reason as to why I’m not sure but it’s been considered a non priority. Threat level being that of orange, compared to the more common red that the other villains of the city had.

“I mean yeah? A new fifty pops up, and one so eye-catching at that, I mean that shit turns some heads. And I am really good at heads.”

His smile drops after that, looking as to be in deep thought as he mutters ‘That came out wrong’ to himself. A statement I choose to not comment on.

“Let’s ignore that, how you been? I know you woke up real recent”

Considering what the skinheads were talking about earlier…

“Were the gang members chasing you earlier?”

“Oh that?,” He blows a raspberry mid sentence, “yeah I was bored and it seemed fun to mess with’em, didn’t know they had a gun so I dipped before things got too hairy feel me?

But let’s ignore that for something more fun, talking about each other! You know me, how could you not, but I know like… your name” he throws his hands up briefly before gesturing back to me “what you do for fun, what you like to eat and uh…” He scratches at the back of his head, suddenly looking a bit sheepish mid sentence. “do you like… remember anything?”

…

“I mean not that I’m demanding or anything but you can’t really fault me for being curious about it, I’m pretty sure you remember fuck all like most of us but there’s a first for everything you feel me?”

I look behind me, acting as if I’m actively trying to find something before turning back, putting myself a bit closer to him this time. Just a bit, I don't want him to run yet.

“Some.”

“Shit, strong silent type? Fits but a little boring if you ask me, now me? I’m more a play by play type of guy,” Don’t know what that means. “go with the flow and all that, and that in- wait did you say some?”

He’s a bit of an airhead then. Looking around to discern if I can see any of the others proves fruitless, they could easily be hiding somewhere that I can’t even look at. One of the biggest issues with my size really. Trying to wrangle rats is not as easy as one would think.

“Yes.”

…

He looks at me in anticipation, slowly starting to motion with his hand for me to continue. Now that he isn’t moving around as much I can see the baby fat still clinging to him, a trait standing at odds with his lankines. It’s an odd thing, having to regard someone so young with so much seriousness.

The power of Parahumans.

…

“Well? You gonna tell me or nah?”

“Why would I?”

I turn to leave only for him to start filling the night air with an ‘up up’ noise. Turning back I once again put myself closer to him, almost within reach of my arm.

“I get it, a big world with lots of things in it that doesn’t make sense but like… I know what that was like… and I’m not gonna like… listen I just want to know alright? I just want to know if I got any folks, and the more info I got of it helps. Every bit helps.”

“And what does that help mean exactly?”

“Listen.” He brings his tiny shirt up, showing the all too familiar C symbol engraved on his chest. “I just want to know who did this, and who I am man. Same as you, same as most of us.”

I suppose I could humour him, see if he will tell me anything I couldn’t find within the PRT.

“I remember some yes.” I’ve got his full focus now, allowing me to edge a bit closer. “most of it is muddled, obscured just to think about but… there are some things… fights… senses.”

“Uh huh."

“The one I remember most would be a latin adjective, Machinalis. Couldn’t find much about it, save for two different tinkers located in europe. Both have been dead for at least five years.” I shrug as I get into position. “Beyond that? Snow, woods, eagles, the gleaming sun shining upon my skin.”

…

“Sheeeit dude. That's… more than every single case fifty put together.”

“I’m aware.”

“I mean it doesn’t say much beyond you touching grass with your feet and shit but like, that’s great man! You read any philosophy?”

“No.”

“Aw that’s a shame, I think you'd like Gregor. You’re kinda-”

Just as I am about to go for a grab there is crackle from the comms, thankfully interrupting the chatterbox from any further rambling.

I raise my finger to make sure he doesn’t say anything more and reach for the com device.

“Maw here.”

“There has been a lot of noise over at the old trainyard with reports of fire being thrown around by an individual. Assault and Armsmaster are busy over in Kittery, and you are pretty close to it so yeah… head over there?”

Kid Win continues to prove that the PRT operatives are far better for this type of things

“Copy, heading over.”

I clip the device back to my hip, turning back towards Newter. “Don’t make me come back here.”

“Even if that meant that I helped you with your jumbo sized walkman?”

I don’t bother responding, his kind thrives on attention. A currency they were starved of, and now that they can finally get it they glutton.

I say my piece to the officers before galloping off to the Trainyard, the warning lights on my shoulders signaling when I turned or slowed down for the benefits of the drivers of the roads.

It doesn’t take long to reach it, the hour late enough for me to make my way there with minimal interrupts. Gravel being ground to dust as I slow myself, the tell tale sign of the carriages showing themselves at last.

“I’ve arrived, entering the area.”

“See anything?”

“Trains.”

As I duck underneath the southwest gate I’m assaulted by the taste of burnt rock and grass, as well as the taste of wet dog.

The taste of the burnt is further into the rust maze whereas the wet dog taste is all surrounding, and as I continue on I find paw prints imprinted into the damp soil and grass. Far too big to be a regular hound, briefly making me wonder if it’s a lion.

A few more anomalies along the way, but the trainyard being what it is makes it hard to determine how recent it is. Dented doors, scratch marks and a few trains that have been knocked over.

There’s not much in the yard beyond that, just the lingering taste of what must have been a fight of sorts.

“Maw here, didn’t find anything beyond signs of a parahuman conflict, send in PRT officers for cleanup. I’m heading over to Roborough lane for the-”

Blood.

I turn to my left as the taste of blood hits me, the distinct coppery taste seemingly coming from a wreck of a school bus that’s been knocked over on its side.

“Please wait.”

My feet thunder in the enclosed area, devices still hand as I stalk around it. The stench simply leads to thin air, only for it to flare up on the other side of it. It takes me a full turn before I realize how much of an idiot I am, clipping my coms device to my hip with a sigh. Hefting the bus up leaves a scattering of bugs and rodents, as well as a figure in a ratty hoodie and jeans, hand clutching at their left arm.

…

“Would you care to answer a few-.”

I am, once again, denied an answer as the figure bolts to the trains. The metal of the bus gives as I toss it to the side and start walking, taking care to not knock anything more over.

“I doubt that you can outrun me so could you please just stop.”

There is no answer as the figure dashes between the carriages, still within my line of vision but outside of where I can go… unless?

Rails that have not seen use in years scream as I force carriage after carriage to the sides, my pace on par with them in spite of all the roadblocks. They try for the left, dodging and weaving through the vines of debris that has accumulated over the years, the people who own these carriages do not know how to reuse metal. I have to take odd path’s constantly, the only way I know where to go is the fact that I blot out everything in this yard.

“You’re not in any type of trouble, I just want to talk.”

I keep at it until there is no more, the path now littered by grass and gravel and at the end of it all the gate out of the yard. Now at more of a jog I quickly begin to gain on them, hand outstretched to block their path only for them to turn around and expel something from underneath their hood. I briefly consider using my power to dodge but at this distance that might harm them, so all I can do is watch as the glob of liquid splashes against my chest and engulf it in flames.

In seconds I lose sight of them as the flames spread to my hood, reaching up to wrench it off proves to do little as the feathers on my shoulders also catch fire.

It takes what must be minutes to slap the fire dead, as by the time I’m done they have fled the scene leaving me with a smoking upper body and bare head.

I huff and check that I can still use the technology on my person, a fact that shows itself to be true after a little poking.

Another thing that I’m relieved by is the fact that Kid Win has stepped away from the console, an officer by the name of Janet having taken his place. An officer who thankfully knows what to do.

After providing the details necessary and doing two security sweeps for the incoming officers I can finally make my way to the predetermined point. Just one final thing for the night and then… free time?

Maybe I could go to sleep? It's been about a week and a half since last time, feeling a bit tired.

The operation had gone off without much issue, my presence having done little beyond deterring a possible counterattack from lung or Oni Lee.

The thing that had been held in that building had been a learning experience. A surprising amount of method and care being taken by the gang members concerning the drugs.

Suppose all that was left now was to write the full reports regarding the two encounters prior to that, as well as the report for that joint operation. Might want to check that those three are still in custody as well. A serious issue with the law enforcement in Brockton bay was how much of a connection it had to white supremacist, and as such it wasn’t out of the question for… lesser gang members to just wind up outside of custody.

Compared to the incarceration of those that weren’t caucasian, well…

…

Trudging back alongside the shoreline has me encounter a few ‘joggers’, most of the population was sedentary in their work and so had to resort to honing their bodies in their spare time.

Some ran in run down clothes, some in high end spandex like material. Even a teenager, shy for one, tried to hide when I walked past her.

Might check in with the… ‘therapist’ during my downtime, that encounter in the woods still knocks around in my head.  Going to be a pain to figure out how to get over it but possibly being paralyzed by a mere shape in the dark cannot stand, far too big of a weakness.

Any type of weakness was unacceptable really.

Chapter Text

The reports detailing last night's events took most of the night and morning to complete, the details surrounding the skinheads requiring most of the effort to complete. The information regarding Newter had meant that the case was now under PRT jurisdiction, the process to do so would take almost three days to come through.

But for now… I didn’t have anything to do, I did know that I didn’t need to be anywhere specific for that. The mail that Hannah had sent was informing enough in that regard. She hadn’t outright said it, but since she requested I remain on base for a chat it could only mean that I was allowed to come and go as I pleased.

I couldn’t think of anything.

Certainly not when I had to wait on Hannah but I evidently had to do something or else they wouldn’t have said so. So I tried the television, spending a few minutes pursuing what was on but nothing caught my interest… and after that I tried exercise, which was a null routine, my body being too different for most movements to even work and the few that I could do did nothing for me besides making the ground groan. And that’s why I, with great reluctance, leave my quarters only to be greeted by the empty platform again. There were no members on base save for Hannah and the personnel, the former busy for now and the latter would never come out to meet me.

It takes me far more time than I want to admit to remember my curiosity regarding the platform's legs. The morning sun rises as I descend with the elevator, the calm waves lapping at the bottom of the base. Stepping onto the bottom platform has me regarding the four great legs that support it all, great orange cages all.

How did they even manage to build such a thing on water? How much time did it take? What was the cost?

How many had died for it?

Answers that could be answered later, for now I just wanted to find out where they went. And the fastest way…

I had been told of sorts by Rory, the answer amounting to ‘down I guess?’, somewhat explanatory but I couldn’t help but feel curious about it and I was supposed to do something, at least for now. My eyes row the waves as I open my pad to send a message to Chloe, asking about the amount of weight that can be placed on the legs bones before they break. She answers quickly, asking me instead to wait.

And so I do, gazing out into the great flaming eye of the sun. Observing it as it raises itself from out of the water.

Eventually she responds, two tons at maximum… the beach then.

I unclasp my collar as I walk towards the edge, sending a quick ‘Will be exploring the ocean floor. I am Curious.’ to Chloe before putting the pad down with the collar.

A quick leap and a deafening splash has me sinking into the murky depths of the ocean, the only thing that I can currently make out being the sun and the two pillars on either side. I fall for what must be minutes, my landing kicking up so much dust that I can hardly see, forcing me to stand still until it dies down. I took the moment to marvel at my breathing instead. We’d figured out that I could breathe underwater at the fourth testing, a feat that my biology was responsible for.

As far as I’d understood it, my lungs were able to filter the water, taking the air in it and dumping the remains somewhere else. I didn't know where, but I did know it didn't come out.

With the remaining dust finally gone I’m able to see again, such as the composition of the great legs, as well as the lack of sunlight. If it wasn't for my eyes I doubt I could’ve seen anything at all.

Putting it all out of my mind I go for what I was actually interested in, the legs. Carving an X into the ground near the pillar to my left before I inspect them, a reminder to where the path to shore would be.

They almost look like fences, all of them connected to one another with each leg functioning as the anchor points… which of course they would. It’s fairly interesting really, the engineering on full display without me having to wonder on the how but instead on the why. I understood that it had been something else before it was our base but what could it possibly be that required something like this? And what else could they build?

It’s somewhere in my marveling that I realize… how calm it is. There is very little sound save for the slight rumble in the distance, a far cry from the city itself. It’s broken by me having to jump out of the fenced in area, a muted thud being the only thing I hear in the dark wasteland.

Circling the towers quickly turns uninteresting, the only thing that marks them as different from the constructs found in the city would be their size and the fact that they’re built underwater. There isn’t much to be said about my surroundings either, mainly due to my limited vision. Just the rocks and sands…

Well now that I’ve seen the foundation I suppose it’s time to make my way back, finding the X again has me making my way to the beach. A long trek back in the cold waters broken up by the appearance of ships lining the floor, some wooden and small and others almost as large as me and metal.

It’s one of those that do catch my interest, where the others showed next to no signs of damage save for the weathering of time and water, this one clearly did. Shorn damn near in half by some overwhelming force, likely fire considering the scorch marks. The name of the boat is impossible to find but it’s clearly been attacked by some parahuman.

A quick jump to scale a cliff and I see the skeleton of a car, a stop sign, a tiresome amount of plastic and a few fish. My walk just keeps revealing more and more waste to me, garbage that people hoped that the ocean would swallow or simply didn't want to look at. A decent allegory for most problems in this city really. It almost makes me want to turn around and explore the depths instead but that would require time that I simply didn’t have… or did I?

Hannah had asked to talk, not ordered… so I could theoretically deny her and explore but… that felt… odd.

Not wrong… just odd to think about.

I push the idea out of my mind as the sunlight starts to pick up, no doubt drawing closer to shore then. A rather decent walk considering it all.

The change of sound after breaching hits me like a landslide, where before it had been a comforting droning now it was just cars, construction and those godsdamned campaign ads.

"Empowering Tomorrow with Max Anders: Leading, Uniting, Thriving Today!"

The vote to govern was approaching, and with it a few rich filths were shoving their spiel right into my face whenever I neared one of those high end billboards, the ones that moved… I suppose they were really big screens but they were referred to as billboards… so… Moving on.

The billboard did have one use and that was telling me that I’d somehow lost my way returning to shore, Jenness Beaches beach was in a way the more pristine beach in the city, It wasn’t pristine mind you. But if one was to compare it to the rest of the bay it would be.

It would also explain the rats to my left, music blaring from one of their radios as they regard me. And to my right…

“I certainly hope that you don’t intend to fish here.”

A portly man of middling age in one of those fishermen getups was staring me dead in the eyes, the pier allowing him to perform a feat few had done so far. A slight shake sent ripples throughout his neck and relief through my body. I really didn’t want to argue with someone about where they were allowed to fish.

Well then, back to the base then.

It was a tad bit awkward to get the bridge to work without my equipment, thankfully Chloe came through. She seemed like she had a few things on her mind, but chose not to air them.

I was also surprised to find that I’d only been gone for an hour, felt far longer than that.

Chloe herself did not stick around, citing that she had to get something done. I hadn’t thought much of it while I was making my way back on the bridge. It wasn’t until I was standing near the elevator that I realized the issue of it all.

Without my gear I couldn’t interact with much of anything on base, which meant that the elevator was inaccessible for me, and since Chloe wasn’t around anymore…

I’ve been waiting next to it for seven minutes and thirty four seconds.

I should have thought this through more.

I don't even know if it’s possible to ask the personnel for help, the fact that I’m currently not in service should mean that my authority is null until I'm done… or is it?

If it was null then I probably wouldn’t have been allowed to reenter the base… but then that might just be a result of me living here. Maybe I can try to climb down? But then the legs can’t support my weight s-

“You’re a T-Rex!”

I start slightly, looking around to find whoever said it, not finding anything save for the odd seagull here and there.

“Do you live here?”

Looking down in between my legs I find…

Why is there a child wearing an Eidolon onesie here?

“Why do you have four eyes?”

…

“Is that so you can see better? Are you a plant cause you look green. Is that why you’re standing in the sun? My mom told me that plants like the sun because that’s how they eat and they like water because they eat that too an-”

“No.”

She throws her arms out to either side making the hood fall over her head, obscuring most of her face as it does.

“You talk like a car!”

I…

Nevermind all of that, why is she here? Is she one of the personnels?

“Who are you?”

“Who are you?”

…

The little shit seems to find the parroting fun.

“Answer my question.”

“You first!”

… I’m not going to have a verbal spat with a child.

“Stay.”

Dismissing her as I start walking towards the tower in the middle, intent to get one of the workers out here to handle the situation, shouldn't be overstepping my boundaries with that.

The highest floor that I can see doesn't seem to have any people, same goes for the one below that and the one after it. The only one I can see seems to be some sort of custodian, polishing the floors and oblivious to me staring at him from the windows. I glance back to make sure she hasn’t moved… which she has… and I can’t even see her anymore…

I’m an idiot.

It doesn’t take that much searching to find her again, a strange hum from the side of my quarters being rather telling for where she went off too. Rounding the corner with the intention to pick her up has me witnessing… a small dark hole in my wall, the child next to it.

She looks up at me briefly, face still hidden, before waving at the swirling hole in the wall, an odd schlurp sounding through the platform as it dissipates.

“You were told not to move.”

“You told me to stay, not… not moving!”

“They mean the same thing.”

“Nuhu.”

Her voice betrays her, the mirth very much audible in it. I can’t help but exhale as I squat down to better talk, the child very likely being the same one in the car now that I can look at her closer.

“Your name is Jessica is it not?”

“Ye- I mean… I don’t know who that is.”

She sort of… over exaggerates her movements, swinging her arms out when she intends to say yes only to physically step back, cross her arms and take a wide stance. Very reminiscent of that cartoon that Assault had shown me my first days here.

She might be one of those that has to observe to fit in.

Entertain her regardless, Hannah should be coming by to talk soon either way.

“What… is your name then?” I feel like an idiot.

She stands there for a little while, allowing me to use my back left eye to glance at the tower. Not that it does much of anything.

“I don’t… really have,”

She trails off, just looking at the ground now. Half a mind to just pick her up and walk over to the tower but I doubt anyone wants a repeat of what she had done when we first met.

It’s funny, in a way at least, that I was able to dispatch four Empire affiliated parahumans with ease, three of which were experienced fighters yet a little girl could bring me down in the blink of an eye.

Powers were nonsense.

-and that’s why I’m going to be the Djinn!”

Seems she got her confidence back while I was in thought.

“Djinn?”

“YEAH!”

“And that means?”

“I just told you!”

Ah.

“Is your power being big? Or are you like plant and get stronger in the sun? Like Captain Planet? Or are you like Spider Man but instead of a spider it was a radioactive Co… Crhoco? Clok-”

“Crocodile.”

“OH YOU WERE BITTEN?”

“No.”

“Then why did you say my word?”

…

“I was helping you say it.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

…

I…

“Which part of the sentence did you not understand?”

She seems to mull my words over before speaking, sticking her finger as she does… no… now she's back to thinking again. I throw a glance with my leftmost eye towards the tower, still no Hannah.

“Do you know where my mom is?”

I’m a bit stumped by her question, wondering how she switched from talking about lizards and powers to asking about her deceased parents.

“I assume she’s being handled by the PRT coroner.”

“Conorel?”

“Coroner.”

Quiet again, although she has elected to remove the hood from her face, now looking me in the eyes. The very same eyes that heralded that vision. A vision that had been brushed off by most, the only exception being Hannah.

“What’s a coroner?”

“It’s someone who handles dead bodies, finds out how they died. They do other things as well but those are the most important aspects of their work.”

“So… is he taking care of mom instead of a doctor?”

“Yes, a doctor wouldn’t be of much use to handle a corpse.”

“Oh.”

She looks a little confused, it could be possible that I introduced too many new words in between it all.

“Tell me Jes- Djinn, why are you out here?” I doubt that she’s allowed to roam free as is. Especially considering the damage she can cause.

She doesn’t respond at first, her face still scrunched up in confusion but it eventually morphs to looking a little annoyed with eyes that still look like they search for something in my words.

“Mrs Griffin is boring, she keeps saying I can’t use my wind.”

“Wind?”

“Uh… I can… interact with other people’s winds and do stuff,” She puts her hand on the floor and the all too familiar scene of a swirling pyre starts to grow on said ground. Though where it had been wild and red before it was now more… subdued, a slight ash like texture to the swirls. Just as she removes her hand the ground seems to almost absorb the very ash, the familiar shadow circle appearing. The gentle waves of the ocean are visible through it, in an almost glass like view.

“I used So- Shadow Stalkers wind for this, let’s me walk through things.”

“I see.” I ready my arm, intent on catching her if she gets the idea to lurch forward.

Just as I do the circle dissipates, Jessica’s frown only intensing as it does. “I don’t have that much Stalker wind left to use so… I can’t get back to Mrs Griffin without her realizing that I’m gone.”

I am fairly certain that this Griffin person already knows that you’re missing.

“Uhm… mister Rex could you keep this a secret?”

“That is not my name.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Uhm… well… Mister giant, can you keep this as a secret?”

“Why?”

“Well… mom doesn’t like it when I sneak off.”

I just told you she’s dead, but then it might be a matter of respect to the dead.

“Very well.” I will be having words with the personnel on base either way, a five year old should not be able to sneak around, powers be damned.

I then have a bit of an epiphany, I could make use of her to retrieve my gear and then use said gear to hail Hannah. Killing a bird with two stones as Rory had said.

“Tell me Djinn, would you be willing to help me with a task?”

She looks surprised at that, the over exaggerated movements back in full as she stares bug eyed up at me.

“Help you?”

“Yes.”

“What do you need help with?” Her mouth looks ready to catch flies after that question.

“As you yourself pointed out, I am a very large pers-”

“You're huge!”

I stare blankly at her for a few seconds, waiting to see if she has any other outburst to get out before continuing.

“And this means that I have problems with interacting with things around here.”

“OH!”

Seems that she had indeed another outburst to get out.

“This is just like Cosmo and Luna! Like when they have to help Globo fix his gate!” She’s even started to spin around as she says this.

Who the hell is Cosmo, Luna and Globo?

“YES!”

Well that was easy. I bring my right hand forward, noting the size difference in between us. My fingers are about the same size as her.

“Jump on the-”

I haven’t even finished my sentence as she jumps up on my hand and uses my fingers as support.

“Let’s go let’s go let’s go!”

I can’t help but chuckle a little at it all, having to restrain myself a little bit as she starts squealing just the same as I start walking. Seems that she’s finding the experience fun at the very least.

It’s a bit of a headache to figure out the controls of the console for the elevator but eventually I recall the combination that Rory has used a few times now. It takes a little bit of time for the elevator to reach us, and almost as much of that time. Not that Jessica seems to mind, me just moving my hand around seems to be a fun activity in itself.

Now finally down I can get to taking everything on, after telling Jessica not not to move again and standing so that she could not walk out on the lower platform by herself.

“Excuse me mister Giant but-”

“Maw.”

“Whua?”

“My name. It’s Maw.”

I return to clipping everything on, the odd process to make it align with my back being somewhat of a process in itself.

“Uhm… mister Maw.”

“Yes.” Arm threading through the left.

“When you said my mom was with the colonger.”

“Coroner.”

“Yeah that… does that mean she’s hurt really bad?”

“No, it means that she’s dead.” Godsdamnit I put it on backwards.

“So… uhm… is that bad?”

“Depends on the person.”

It’s quiet for a while after that, letting me focus on the right side of the collar.

“What does that mean?” She’s a little bit quieter now, making it a little hard to hear her.

“It means that some people react differently to the death of others.”

“But… what about mom?”

“What about her?”

“Is it bad for her?”

There is a shard of annoyance that rises up after her question, something that I have to actively force down when I look down at her.

“Djinn.”

She stands up straighter at that, our eyes holding for now.”

“People don’t hurt when they are dead, they don’t feel anything.”

“That sounds bad.”

…

“Yes.”

“When does it get better?”

Is she…

No.

Considering everything. Just having turned the fifth winter, a general peace in the land, parents that were at least somewhat well off and little contact with grandparents…

I put down my remaining equipment save for my pad, which I clip to my side as I try to hold down the sinking dread. I might have messed up even worse than I thought.

“Jessica.”

She keeps looking at me, even as I squat down.

“Do you know what death is?”

…

She starts looking around, no real change to her face as she gets lost in thought again.

“Well… it’s like how being sick doesn't mean that you're hurt… so it's different?”

I have in fact messed up.

I breathe out as I start rubbing the tip of my snout. “It’s different, yes… It’s…”

I don’t really know how to explain this.

“You don’t… get better from death.”

She nods.

“It’s permanent…. which means that she’s not coming back.”

She doesn’t really say much, standing still as I fasten the rest of my outfit on.

She’s quiet even as I send a brief text to Hannah to come meet me and trigger the elevator to rise. Only moving to start hugging herself halfway up.

“Jessica.” No reaction.

…

Hopefully Hannah can untangle this better than me.

And it seems that I don’t have to wait that much longer to find her, as she seems to be at the top of the platform, in my direct line of sight even. Accompanied by a very thin woman of middling age in a dress of all things, said woman looking rather pale when she sees me though she seems to snap out of it rather quickly when her eyes lands on Jessica.

There’s a bit of a rush of things after that, both Hannah and what must be Griffin talking in quiet voices to the girl, all the while I stare at the picture unfolding in front of me. I reach for my hood in the meanwhile, bringing it up to shield the top of my head.

Hannah throws a glance at me between it all, the expression unreadable. Finally it clears up, Jessica’s hand finding Griffins after giving Hannah a hug of all things. When she turns to wave at me she simply recoils behind Griffin's back for reasons I can’t even think of.

There’s a bit of back and forth until they seem to give up, taking her back into the tower all while she uses Griffin’s to obscure herself from my sight.

Fair enough.

I put it out of my mind as I turned back to Hannah, noting the expression of confusion on her face as she looked at the retreating duo. She looks to me for an answer but all I can offer is a half hearted shrug.

“I’ll have to check on a few things extra and when I’m done with those you are going to have to explain to me whatever you told her. Understood?”

“Yes.”

As she makes her way to where the other two disappeared I’m left with a slight feeling of shame. Yet at the same time… What else could have been said? She deserved to know the truth of what had happened.

Chapter Text

Hannah hadn’t been upset, surprisingly enough.

She did get upset when I explained myself.

“-sorry but what was going through your head? She’s five Maw!”

“Should I have lied?”

She looks ready to burst at that, stepping back and inhaling with eyes that are more in place on a bull. I take a bite from my cow as she does, the crunch of its bones filling the meeting room, taking care not to spill anything on the floor.

They’d managed to rearrange the meeting area enough for me to finally fit into it, the act of getting in being a tad bit awkward. It was the first floor down, just below the platform, meaning that I had to make sure that I didn’t cause any damage to the platform itself as I crawled in.

The room itself-

“Maw for the love of god stop zoning out.”

"Apologies."

“That doesn’t mean much when you keep doing it.”

I choose not to respond, instead bringing the other half of the cow to my mandibles, feeling them starting to shove it further down my throat. The multiple rows of muscle in my neck turning it into mulch as I feel it disappear into the portal that rests inside of me.

Hannah herself had gone through a great many amount of emotions in that time, probably not wanting to try and talk over the whole process. She also seems to have calmed down, her having chosen not to wear her mask helping with gauging her reactions and feelings.

“I… sorry. No, you shouldn’t have lied and in a way it might have been better to just rip the band aid off. That said… you really should have contacted me as soon as you found her running around on the platform.”

“I tried to hail one of the personnel to no avail and I did not have the luxury to try again, Jessica proved… unwilling to listen.”

She sighs slightly, scratching at the side of her head as she sits down at the main chair behind the desk. It's normally occupied by Colin but since she’s the second in command I’m guessing she’s allowed to sit in it.

She’d quiet for quite a while, the only sound reverberating throughout the meeting room being my breathing. The mats of the room absorbing some of the echo.

“She chose Djinn huh.”

“Yes.”

She smiles a little at that, flashing me a ‘very funny’ look, quite similar to the way Rory sometimes looks at me whenever he pesters me. Not that I ever understand what it is he finds funny.

…

“I’m terrible with kids, might be shocking to hear-”

“No.”

She giggles under her breath before continuing. “Okay maybe not then but…”

She exhales, the action briefly making her look like a frog due to pushing against the chair.

“I wanted to talk to you about the… vision… you experienced saving Djinn.”

…

“I doubt that Djinn hasn’t already been taken as a na-”

“We’ll think about that later Maw.”

…

I shift, getting into a more dog-like position to rest my spine. The room creaked as I did.

“It was assumed to have been caused by me having to regrow my brain and eyes, either some sort of dream or visual hallucination when I was waking up.”

She nods, motioning for me to continue.

“I am unsure if what I experienced could really be called a dream, it was more like a…”

“Reenacted memory?”

“... I suppose you could call it that, either way it very much felt real.”

She looks like she’s in thought as she continues looking me in the eyes. Only broken off as she stands to head off to the odd machine located at the rightmost side of the room. She pokes at it briefly before leaning against the counter it rests on.

“I’ve experienced something similar, not quite what you described seeing, great crystallized beings that took up everything, twinned together. It was almost…

godlike…”

She looks a little lost in thought before the beep of the machine brings her back to the present.

Godlike was a fair description, what with how the world was dying. Entire landscapes crumbling into the great schisms it created when it moved. How it devoured those great globes of fire and rock. The other… crystallized things it pulled from tears in reality.

If that thing was a god then it was not one meant for worship.

“Pray then that we simply imagined them.”

She looks taken aback by my statement but I continue.

“Nothing good has ever come from gods and their kind.”

“... I see.” She sounds, and looks, disappointed by what I said. Probably thought the vision made her special, not having realized the hubris of it.

“Are you religious Maw?”

“No.”

…

“Was there anything else you wish to speak of?”

“No… that would be all.”

I nod, accidentally slamming into the ground as I do. A tiny dent in the floor revealing itself as I step back to check. Suppose I got too heated.

“Maw.” I look up to Hannah giving me a sort of… I don’t even know how to describe it. It’s like she’s trying to smile but is also dead set on making her lips look like a line.

“I’m sorry for yelling at you earlier.”

I don’t really know what to say to that, choosing instead to simply give her a thumbs up and to start making my way out of the room. As I crawl out on the elevator I’m left to ponder on why I damn near snapped at her.

I step into my room and I start to remove my equipment again, the ‘hangar’ like area where I hang the ‘clothes’ being set up in the left corner opposite of my door. From there I can only think of watching television, slightly annoyed at the commercials that play in between the actual shows. Eventually I just change to the news, the ads not appearing there, or at least I don’t think they do.

“-responders scrambled to contain the collateral damage as the protectorate rushed-”

I suppose this will do for now.

There’s a blurry image of me running past the photographer, arm’s splayed out to catch the ground like some sort of galloping lion.

“- with more debates sparking if the new member of the Protectorate is even human. Critics have claimed that the recent addition into Legends finest might simply be a tinkertech creation-”

…

Expected, whenever a case fifty-three showed up there would be a handful of people claiming that they are simply tinkertech creations meant to prop up whatever organization they joined.

Hurtful, but I could understand why people would think that.

I had briefly thought about exploring the ocean floor, longing for the peace that was given to me in the depths. But as I voiced these thoughts to Chloe, it was made clear that I couldn't really do that.

I was not able to bring my communication down into the depths due to the crushing force of the water, so if I were to actually start walking along the ocean floor, they would have no way to contact me. Which meant that exploring further was out of the question. This meant that I only had one thing to truly explore today.

The City itself.

While I had 'explored' it during patrol, that had always been in the same areas, always where my presence was needed. To dissuade people from doing anything they knew would have consequences.

I'd never seen their markets, the boardwalk in its entirety.

I must admit, I was curious.

Chloe had begrudgingly followed me, stating that I was too 'fresh' to be left out of sight.

Making my way to the market had proven uneventful, although it had been my fault for why it was so. With how wondrous most things were, I had expected something dubbed 'The Market' to be similar.

But it was just a market. People bought and sold things here.

I don't know what I had expected, really.

There wasn't that much to see even if it was a big market either. Most people swiftly got nervous as I looked around, most choosing to leave at a brisk pace instead of finishing whatever it was they came here for.

I left for the boardwalk after Chloe bought some sort of 'dollar-store ass camera,' the walk there being much like the visit to the market, which meant that most people started taking other paths if they saw me walking on the ones they were on. It's odd that they are doing it now compared to earlier, but then a Protectorate had been with me. Suppose my appearance is always going to unnerve them, even if they've already seen me in action before.

Or maybe it was seeing me in action that unnerved them. Large animals can be cute right up until you're reminded that they can crush you. And animals were unfortunately the term to use here. My face was unable to emote like a normal person, the lack of facial muscles meant that most people thought I was about to eat them.

A tad bit odd then that Jessica had no issues approaching me.

It doesn't take long to find myself at one of the entrances to the boardwalk, my 'freaking giraffe legs' letting me keep jogging levels of speed even when I'm simply walking. At least I think it was jogging levels of speed, I don't really know what Chloe was doing, but it looked like she was jogging.

Walking alongside the Boardwalk itself was a tad bit more interesting than the Market, with it having street performances at some points on its path. The people were unfortunately still skittish of me, most of them turning away when I drew too close.

I looked into a few stores, interested in seeing whatever it is they sold or bartered in. They, much the same as the people on the street, got scared when they noticed me.

All in all, I got to a certain point, looked around, and then left for something else when most people had vacated the area.

There were some interactions with the enforcers, one thinking that I was called there for Protectorate business and one that later asked me to leave. I simply stared the latter one into submission and the other I told to leave me alone.

I did also find a rogue, Parian according to Chloe, entertaining some children. She left a few minutes after she spotted me, having most likely left when I was making my way back from inspecting a pier.

I don't really know what to feel about that.

"There's a park nearby."

I glance down at Chloe, the woman having used the vacated stores to buy some sort of yogurt-like sweet.

"Since you're interested in birds and shit."

…

I glance back over to where I'd walked, nary a soul in sight.

…

"Lead."

The park was...

Well, it was.

It stood out compared to the rest of the concrete forest. Trees stood tall, a stream of water was running in the middle, and there was grass with small patches of flowers here and there.

There weren't as many people here, at the very least, less noticeable when they left, and it did make finding a spot to sit less cumbersome than I had expected. A patch of grass beneath a tree with hanging arms, the river flowing in front of me. There were some benches near me, but they were thankfully not in use.

...

There isn't that much to see, really...

Cars... a duck or two...

There's a part of me that wants to leave, but I can't help but feel heavy all of a sudden, like rocks have been tied to my arms...

I stare blankly forward, the flowing water being the only thing on my mind for a time I can't help but lose track of.

It's the sound of paper crinkling that brings me out of the fog that formed in front of my mind.

The waft of alcohol tells me it's not Chloe.

Glancing over to my left shows a very old man, dark skin wrinkled and baked until it appears almost leather-like. His lack of hair only makes him look even more elderly than his face would say on its own.

He meets my eyes as I turn towards him, his face making it clear that he's annoyed by something.

We stay like that for a few seconds, broken up by him bringing a brown paper bag up to his face, the telltale sound of liquor pouring out of a bottle sounding from it.

"You got something to say?"

"No."

"Then stop staring, would you."

He goes back to staring in front of himself, his left hand idly tapping at a cane leaning on his leg. Most of his attire is drab and well-worn, with a style to itself that's very... unique.

I go back to staring into the ground, the gentle sound of running water and wind being the only background sound I hear. Only broken up by the old man rustling the bag or the odd car passing by.

...

It's tranquil... I guess.

"You one of those Protectorate fellows?"

I glance down at the man, the annoyance having left his face for indifference. He's put the bottle down, at the very least.

"Yes."

He nods, once, and then rests his hands on the cane. A pose I can't help but feel familiar with, albeit it's at odds with him sitting down.

"You made one heck of a ruckus in Rye, I hear."

"Yes."

"Can you say anything other than yes? A-and don't you say yes now!"

"I can."

He chuckles a little, the left side of his face not quite following the motions as well as the right. Must've sustained some kind of injury at some point in his life.

"Not that big of a talker, are you? Must be a first for you spandex-wearing ginks."

"Ginks?"

He just smiles, looking rather pleased with himself for some reason. Not that I can be bothered to care.

"You did good."

I glance back at him, not that it does much of anything. Still the same face, still looking the same way.

"Taking out Hookwolf."

"You're welcome?"

"Now if the police could get rid of the rest of those traitors instead of sitting on their asses," He stomps with his cane mid-sentence. "Saw enough of that flag in the forties, don't need to see it now."

Traitors? "I see."

"Bled for this country! And then these American rats come in and think that they are better than me just because they happen to be white trash."

Old soldier then.

I return to staring in front of me, gently letting him muse to himself of the times when he felt invincible. Instead, focusing on the now-setting sun.

It's not until Chloe tells me she needs to head home that I, in turn, head back, only stopping to help the old man talk to what must be his grandchild. Hard of hearing wasn't that much of a surprise. Wear and tear alongside the passage of time having eroded whatever had survived the fighting. I do tell him that I'll see if I can return at some time, what with him being the only person that does not turn tail to leave when they see me.

Not that I can blame them, I can't even look at my own face. Rage and disgust all welling to the forefront whenever I try.

Making my way back through the city at night is, at least, somewhat interesting. The night walkers and party-goers prove somewhat interesting to observe. I have nothing to say about those 'night clubs,' and I have no interest in seeing public foreplay or people seeking thrills with mushrooms.

Though I doubt I would've been let in; most of them were inside buildings.

It's when I've made half of the path back that I hear the radio crackle to life.

"Console to Maw, come in, Maw."

One of the agents seems to be manning the station. Good.

"Maw here."

"We've got reports of some sort of ABB gathering near your location. Do a few rounds in the area to scare them off."

"Affirmative."

It's better that they were stomped out for the future, but as always, it's not my call to make. The politics of the city are confusing at best and nonsensical at worst, at times, at the very least.

I understand the concept of not focusing too much on one group, lest the other stabs you in the back when you're not ready. But withholding the death penalty as much as they do? Mainly focusing on the incarceration of the parahuman?

Hells, they could have simply used the cover of a prison to execute the inmates. But no, they just put them in a mountain, praying that eternal imprisonment is a reality.

Eventually, I'm called off; the bandits left faster than expected, leaving me to trundle my way back to base, half-dreading what to do tomorrow. Suppose I can go see the old man again, but the idea that he would be at the same location two days in a row is low.

Maybe I can help speed up the Newter case? Or maybe focus on the hooded figure from the trainyard?

I'm honestly starting to long for the patrols again.

Chapter Text

“Go on Hermann, drink!”

Hagen shoves another mug into my hand, the aroma almost making me hurl on the spot as the trees around us start to spin. 

“I’m pretty sure your dear little brother is going to hurl.”

“N-o I’m fine I s-swear!”

Valamer looks like he’s trying not to laugh as he tears his bread into pieces, looking me briefly in the eyes has him trying a bit harder but the damage is already done. 

“I’m a failure,” I murmur weakly. This night is ruined.

“Come now, Hermann! You managed to down an entire mug before imitating a calf. That’s better than your brother's first time.”

The music picks up, and I cradle my head with a depressed sigh. I can’t really see how Hagen reacts but I don’t really need to because only a moment later, he starts laughing alongside Sigeric. 

“So, how long do you think we’ll have?” Sigeric’s asks… I think. Thanks to the alcohol, the world starts to blur, and I find myself struggling to focus.

“Dunno,” Hagen replied. “Not much? The Rumais are too proud to be driven off by us ‘sava’-”

“How are we even savages?” Another voice – Valamer – interrupts. “They’re the ones putting people on wooden poles to die.”

"Valamer, please don’t interrupt me.”

Someone sits down next to me, followed by a warm hand on the back of my head, and when I glance to the side, I am greeted by Hagen’s worried face. I guess me being sick ain’t that funny anymore, huh? I think sarcastically. 

“Maybe we forced too much in you,” he says.

I can’t even respond. Besides, opening my mouth right now feels like a dumb idea, if not one of the stupider ones this night… not that it would even work to begin with. My body felt as numb as my thoughts, to the point it was a chore to even lift my arm, and that didn’t quite help the situation either. 

“Well you’ll have plenty to sleep it off, cousin,” Hagen laughs, and pats me on the head again. “We still have two days until we’ve reached the canyon. Should be plenty for Inthgars to meet us, lazy cunts.”

“They’ll probably be riding in on their precious cattle.”

“Think they’ll ever figure out that you can ride women too?”

Laughter erupts around the campfire as I roll over on my back. The stars are glaring down at me, reminding me of Grandma's glare whenever Father did something stupid.

“-do they have kids if they don’t know how to fuck?”

…

“It’s a joke Sigeric,” Hagen groans into the awkward silence that suddenly lays over the campfire.

“Oh.”

Jeering laughter follows. I would’ve joined if I wasn’t so unsure about opening my mouth.

“That why Gisela stopped seeing you, Sigeric? Don’t know how to use a sword, do you?”

“Piss off! I just didn't get the stupid joke, Hagen. Besides, of all of us you’re the one who can’t hit anything with an arrow.”

“Can hit a cunt.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Just like your ugly mug of a face.”

Sigeric staggers to his feet, wobbling a few steps forward before stopping just before the fire. His red hair looks odd, illuminated by the flames like that.

He glares at Hagen long enough for me to worry that blood will be shed, and a quick glance at Valamer shows me that I’m not alone in thinking that.

“A’m gonna take a shit.”

And just like that the spell is broken. Sigeric staggers into the forest as the music fills in for our newfound silence.

“Seems you boys are open for some company.”

It’s a struggle but I’m able to see Ealdred’s bald head step over me, another cask held in his arms.

Please no .

Thankfully he doesn’t share, instead being content with talking to the rest as I try to make everything stop spinning. I don’t understand what they are saying. The lines are meltinginto each other, giving me a feel for the…

…Bile creeping up in my throat.

I push myself up. The world is wobbling as much as I do as I stumble away. I don’t even know where I’m going, just trying to dodge any of the other campfires on my way to I don’t know where. Eventually, I make it out of it all, falling in a heap against one of the dead trees the Rumais left behind, and started hurling my guts out.

At some point Hagen shows up, telling me to breathe in to feel better. Not that it really helps. If anything it makes everything feel even worse.

By the time I am done, the moon has started shining through the clouds I collapse on the ground, looking up at Hagen who looks like he’s trying not to smile too much. 

“You’ll probably feel the best of us all come morning, little brother.”

I force myself to respond. “I doubt that.”

He just smirks again, picking some dried nuts out of a pouch before shoveling them in his mouth. I notice the music coming from the other campfires around us slowly dying, letting me know that the others are finally heading to sleep soon. 

I glance over at Hagen, and suddenly I realize that the next time we gather, it won’t be so happy again. We are about to fight, and the possibility that we won’t make it back? It’s given, and when I look closer, there is a worried glint in my brother’s eyes. He tries to hide it from me. It’s kinda funny. He looks so different from me, with the pale moonlight clashing against his oak-like hair.

“How are you so calm?”

He looks surprised by my question, scratching at the back of his head before responding. “Probably because it won’t be much of a fight? The messenger from the Altwaldars said they were around a hundred or so, so with everyone working together? We outnumber them five to one.”

He hands me the pouch. The world is still spinning a little, but the act of grabbing it is not as hard as I thought it would be.

“The way I see it? Reckon they want to talk to us.”

“The Altwaldars?”

He extends his hand even further and flicks my forehead, hard. “The Rumais, they have far more men than a hundred to send up here-”

“No they don’t!”

He glances down at me, right eye quirked.

“We threw them out, and we can do it again. Just bec-”

“You haven't seen what I’ve seen, little brother.”

He cuts me off, his face looking disturbingly like Father’s for a few seconds.

“Trust me, if they truly wanted to fight us? They would wipe us out. They need us, need ‘savages’ to dig their precious rocks and dirt. So we will show up, show them that we won’t bend, and then…

… hopefully we can talk it out.”

“... sounds a lot to me like it will be like before when we bent.”

“It can sound however you want it to sound because you won’t have a say in it.”

I look back down at the ground, a childish part of me wanting to say he’s wrong on sheer principle but what will that do besides causing strife for the sake of strife?

…

“Well… At least Father will be disappointed. So I can’t really complain.”

"Hmm?"

“Bet you he hoped I wouldn’t make it back.”

“I-”

“You know it’s true.”

I glance back up at him, finding him staring concerned back.

“You know it’s true Hagen.”

“Hermann listen. He’s… stubborn okay?”

“He told me to not come back when I went to join you guys.”

“And I can promise you that he’ll welcome you back. He won’t say it, probably won’t say anything really but he’ll welcome you back.”’

“Uh-huh."

“He is proud of you Hermann. He’s never going to say it but I know he is. And that thing with ‘never come back’? Scared.”

Huh?

“Huh?”

“Come now Hermann. Your youngest son, who’s a bit slow-”

“Hey.”

“-marches off to fight the Rumais. Of course, he’s scared, and you know that he’s never been good at handling fear. Say things he doesn’t mean. Does things he’ll regret.”

I don’t even bother looking, knowing already that Hagenn is wringing his hands together.

“He even begged the chief to not give you up when the Rumais were rounding boys up. Went down on his hands and knees and cried for your life.”

“... really?”

“In front of Ealdred, Gamlan, and the rest. He’s never going to say it. He’s never told me if he’s proud of me, or if he approves of me. No, he tells Mother, who then tells me. And the same is with you.”

“...Can’t be that hard to tell that to my face.”

He doesn’t say anything, instead choosing to stand up.

“I guess for him it is.”

He reaches his hand down for me to grab, which I do. My head still pounds like crazy but this time, my legs are not quite as wobbly as before. 

“Come on, let's head back. We’ve got an entire day of walking tomorrow.”

Ugh .

“Can I sleep in one of the tents this time?” I ask.

“I don’t know, can y-”

He’s cut off by a blaring warhorn from the left side of the camp, and before I can even manage to catch up on what he had just said, my thoughts get drowned by the shouting all around us.

“Hermann, stay here,” Hagen commands, rushing off before I can even get a word out. I am left even more confused when the right side of out camp also starts blaring their horn, only for it to sound like whoever used it stops using it mid-breath.

Are we under attack? Can’t be the Rumais. They’re days away. People from over the mountain? Why would they come down here? Should I follow? 

I stop thinking as I see two men I don’t recognize, followed by-

A statue?

I don’t even have time to think about what it looked like – its gleam under the moon disappearing as the man to the left is suddenly skewered on the thing's spear. His corpse gets hauled around in the air as if it was a bloody torch ! 

Roots, what is that?

I stumble backwards, falling onto my ass as I see it leap into the air and slam its shield into the other man, bisecting him with its round shape. I start scrambling away in panic. There was only one thing going through my foggy mind, drowning out any coherent thought; I had to get away!

I can see its faceless features turn towards me as I finally get on my feet and dash towards the trees. A whistling sound is  the only thing I hear before a tree to my left explodes. It creaks and groans as it falls forward, blocking my path and making me scramble to the right-most path, all the while I hear more and more screams in the night.

Keep moving , I tell myself. One leg in front of the other. Just keep moving.

I see a shape heading towards me in the distance, causing me to swerve around it. Just as I finally make out Sigerics' confused face from the shape it's gone, my back turns towards him as I keep running. Roots and rocks are plenty in the forest and in the dead of night I can only rely on the moon to guide me.

I can hear Sigeric cry out, first in rage and then pain. Both of them are as sudden as they are bloodcurdling.

I keep running as I try to remember the area, the great rocks lining the river telling me that I will soon run into open ground. Good since I won’t have to worry about where I put my feet, but that thing had descended on the men like a starved wolf on rabbits. I can’t outrun it.

What the pox is chasing me?  

Wait.

Something that big must have issues swimming, and there is a bridge not far from here. If I can get across it and cut the ropes I should be fine!

I jerk to the right, jumping out into the open field as the moon illuminates my path further ahead. 

Right, there’s the rocks, just a little further and I’ll be safe!

I look back, at first not finding the thing, briefly hoping that I somehow managed to shake it off or even outrun it. The feeling dies as I see something breach through the trees, instead being replaced with a deep sense of horror as I see it lock onto me. At first my mind goes to a Rumais but it’s thrown aside as the moon further illuminates it.

It's the skirt-like attire it wears for pants that makes me think of a Rumai. I see no gaps in its armor, and I can’t afford to find any.

I throw everything into my dash, the appearance of that rickety old bridge the woodsmen always used being sheer bliss for a few moments, the thing’s footsteps on soil bringing me back to the real world.

The bridge creaks and groans as I sprint across it, all my focus on making sure I step right as I hope that the gods aren’t fickle tonight.

My knife is in my hand as I start frantically cutting.

I don’t look up as one rope goes.

And another.

And another 

And another.

And- Where’s the other one, where is…

The slam of wood against rock brings me out of my panic. Making me look up to find that I was just in the nick of time.

It stands at the edge, the tilt of the helmet letting me know that it was looking down, chest armor made out of dark iron styled to look like a man's chest, arm, greaves and shoulder guards coated in elaborate design with ribbons of white and gold criss crossing across its shoulders, all stained in gore. The helmet seems lifeless in comparison to the rest of its attire, cheek and nasal guards that run down towards its mouth, the only thing breaking it up being the golden horse like mane thing running down the top of the helmet and the slits that run down from the eyes to its neck.

Now that I can properly look at it, him? I can’t help but be taken back by his size. Sigeric was one of the biggest men I know but even he would be dwarfed by this thing.

It’s then that I’m reminded of my limits. Hacking coughs start to wring out of me as I fall to my hands and knees. Bile starts to form in the back of my throat as my lungs promise a night of pain. But at least I’ll live the night. Unlike Sigeric.

And Valamer.

And…

No. If I can survive this so can he, I swallow and look up, noting that it has started to regard me now instead of the chasm. I gesture for it to fuck itself as I start to climb my way back up to my feet. As I do it starts walking backwards, most likely going to head back to whatever pox it came from.

“Outrun,” I inhale to clear my voice. “ by Hermann the Swift! You remember that monster!”

It doesn't respond, why would it, instead bowing forward and then breaking into a sprint forward. My mind is not quite catching up to whatever it is that its thinking as it leaps forward. Fumbling in the air as it… It's gonna clear the chasm.

My smile falls off my face.

It's going to clear the chasm!

I… I can’t run.

There’s nothing left.

Instead I’m left staring as it grasps the edge of the cliff, heaving itself up as easily as I would get up from a rest and starts stalking towards me.

My knife clatters to the ground as I can finally make something out of its face.

Pale skin.

And the eyes of a wolf.

It grasps me by my neck, lifting me up like a sack of nuts with one arm. I try to struggle but it's futile, whatever strength I have is gone and this thing could easily rip me in two. Instead I’m left to grasp its forearm as it uses its thumb to inspect my face, eyes filled with irritation appraising me, making me dread what it’s thinking of doing. It looks like a Rumai so it wouldn't be too much of a leap to assume it acted like one too.

It finally drops me, the drop leaving me to fall like a corpse to the ground as it starts to retrieve some sort of rope from its side.

It forces my arms behind me and I feel it tie them together, same with my legs.

When all is said and done it picks me up underneath its arm and leaps back. The motion makes me hurl again, not that I have anything left to expel. The rushing of the water underneath me not helping as I wobble underneath its arm through the path back.

Where I see nothing it clearly can, navigating through paths that I couldn’t even have found during the day. 

Eventually I start to be able to see again, the moon coming out of the cloud to illuminate the path I remember running through. And Sigerics bisected corpse. His entrails even now sagging down the tree he was cut down on, the sound reminding me of whenever mother made stew. Smelled even worse.

I don’t need to imagine who did it, the things small, for its size, sword clanging against its backside throughout the dead silent forest being all I need.

As it walks out of the woods I see the tree I had vomited at, making me dread if there were more. And as it starts calling out in the tongue of the Rumais I’m unfortunately proven right. 

All around me I can see more and more of these things, all similar in style but some stick out, wearing fur on their shoulders and some having feathers in their helmets. All conversing with one another without sparing me a glance, piles of dead being stacked up at the edges of the camp. The waft of guts and shit making me gag and tear up, and looking down doesn’t help one bit. Body parts, guts and parts of what could have once been called faces litter the grounds, the things stepping on them as one would a branch in a marsh, crack and a squelch.

I feel myself tilt downwards, letting me know it's scaling the hill where the chiefs had set up. I’m not allowed to think on it as it just drops me, the wind being forced out of me again as I hit the ground.

“Centurion.”

“Salve.”

I wiggle around to look around me, finding the blood splattered tents of the chiefs having been occupied by… Someone who is most likely in charge.

It wears similar armor to the rest of them, but where others had simply had bits of cloths and color on their armor this one had an entire bear's hide adorning its shoulders, the head of it on the right with a stylized eye being the focus of its left shoulder. It also seemed to have a full on mohawk going on with its helmet.

“Inveni qui aptat. Paene evasit.” 

“Bonum.”

And then it looked down at me, where the other one had been frustrated, this one just seemed… indifferent.

I don’t know which one I preferred.

“Vos postulo aliquid?”

“Discede Vatia.”

And then the other one leaves, leaving me alone with the leader. He seems to have laid something out on a table that was very much not one of the chiefs.

It then… just looks at whatever it is on the table, long enough for me to wonder if I should try to escape but then… I couldn’t escape one, how could I escape a horde of them.

So I laid there, observing the giant man-thing. The way it moved, the way it looked around. 

I couldn’t help but think it… old. Where the other ones had moved like they weighed nothing this one… was sluggish in comparison. Wasn’t about to try it anyways but I couldn’t help but feel I could try.

Just as I start to shift around it starts moving towards me, taking out a massive knife and turning me over.

This is it, it's going to eat me. They’re ogres. This is what I amounted to in li-

I feel it cut the ropes that bind me, first my legs and then my hands.

And then it just yanks me up to my feet.

"Apologies." 

Huh?

“Hungry you?”

Huh?

I’m left paralyzed as I try to think what it means. Only to yelp as it steps into my vision and snaps its fingers at me.

“Answer.”

"N-no?"

It continues staring, reminding me of grandfather with its tired eyes.

“Well.”

It then gestures to one of the chairs near the tables, standing next to me as I try to decide if I should sit or not. Ultimately I decide to sit, I don’t know how deep its patience runs, better to be safe than dead, or eaten.

It sits down in front of me, gathering up what looks to be some sort of map before stashing it in a bag near the end of the table and turning fully to me, crossing its arms as it does.

“You call self what?”

…

I hesitantly raise my finger to point at myself, feeling stupid as it slowly nods.

“I’m… Hermann?”

It quirks an eyebrow before pointing at itself.

“Mavron.”

It then extends its hand and points far to the left.

“ Lacedaemon.”

And then it points to me.

“Are- are you asking where I’m from?”

It narrows its eyes, dread creeping up as I think I overstepped my bounds but another part of me thinks it instead seems to be in thought.

“Yes.”

Should I answer? Is it trying to figure out where to go next? Is it lost? But then… the map would indicate that it has a destination… wait.

The Rumai that were spotted…

“Are you from Rumai then?”

It goes back to looking like it’s in thought, its eyes creasing slightly as it loses focus on me and my eyes go to the entrance of the tent, the flames of the small fire inside making it look all the more appetizing. 

“Roman yes, you are?”

Well there it is, it’s true. The Rumais command monsters then. Hagens words echoing in my head, things I couldn’t believe until I saw them.

“Already know village where.”

Huh?

“Want know you from, know where village are.”

“...S-so,” Why is he asking me where I’m from? “, what do you want with me?”

“Mistress wants toy, certain tribe.”

Oh.

“A-and if I’m not the right type?”

“Guess.”

Death or slavery then. Or worse.

…

“Sylthjorn, Hermann son of-”

“Not care. Only tribe. Good.”

We’re not a tribe you pox monster.

I don’t really get the chance to talk about anything else, nothing about what they are planning to do, nor if there are any more survivors.

Though the last one was answered without me needing to ask, after I was taken out of the tent I was thrown into a metal cart with four others, all of the same clan, and all close in age. I asked if they’d seen Hagen but no one spoke, all looking down as the night kept on. The monsters have used our camp to rest before moving on. 

I couldn’t really see what the monster Rumais were using to push the cart but by the sound they were not oxes.

And as for the Rumai, they had chosen to head towards the village from what I could see, not that it was much to begin with. The cart being impossible to see out of save for some tiny little holes here and there.

All I can hope is that Hagen made it out alive and warned the others. 

Chapter Text

Being out on patrol again was liberating.

Or it had been for all of half a morning patrol, ruined by the police requesting backup. Not because there was anything urgent, no that would mean that I could expect something out of them. 

No, they simply had to enter Empire territory in order to take down a corpse from an alley. Apparently there had been a lynching sometime during the night.

The empire trying their best to appear threatening, as if the act of ganging up on a child was to be impressed by. Anyone could kill a child, it's not hard to do… I think.

“Sir.”

The officer, or detective? in charge steps into my line of sight. Caucasian, middle aged, woman, gave me a name but I couldn't hear it over the commotion.

“We’ll be finishing up here, do you think there’s a chance that this was parahuman related? I need to mark it down-”

“No.”

She nods, looking like she’s swallowed a lemon as she steps back towards the alley where the teenage boy had been found. Shame really, as I understood it the boy showed promise in math and was gearing up for a… ‘scholarship’? Something meant for helping him through higher academics of college. A thing noteworthy enough to be brought up anyways, in stark contrast to the white trash living in this area.

They are an odd thing really, at least the men. In their… irrelevance it's as if they have tried to find worth in acting like animals. They spout of upholding traditions, of upholding justice yet all they do is cloak themselves in the brutality cast by a gang of hypocrites.

Men so entrenched in fear, they’ve deluded themselves into thinking they themselves are the ones to be feared.

Even now, as I squat in the parking lot, I can see them try to bolster themselves. Young men appear around corners or in windows, looking down at the commotion that I can imagine they know quite a lot about. Shying away as I meet their gazes, they think of themselves wolf’s, yet all I can think of when I see them scurry around is that of a rat.

Really, strip away the powers of parahumans and quite a lot of them are worthless. The only worth Hookwolf could offer anyone was his fighting prowess and the lives he could end. But then, what could he have accomplished had he not been set on the path that would become his life. Could he have become like Armsmaster? surely with such a power he could’ve been useful somewhere. The public relation department can talk until the world end, but there is always some use for violent shitheads

“...”

No matter. 

I rise from my squat as the last of the police clear out, my pad already mapping out the path to return to the patrol. With Battery and Assault out of town for some… event? I didn’t pay attention as to why they were gone, but I did pay attention as to why Hannah had to leave in the span of a day. Apparently her mother had suffered a… ‘stroke’, she’d left fairly soon after the news was delivered to her. Dauntless simply had to attend to his son for some reason, and Armsmaster was… indisposed?

Wasn’t my place to ask what he did.

All in all, I was essentially doing a full day and night patrol across most of the city. Triumph focusing on some sort of ‘prep’ work for both Clockblocker and Gallant.

Speaking of, I can see that they are trying to hail me just as I start thinking of them.

“Yo Maw!”

“Triumph.”

“How are you doing on your end? Are the police done there yet?”

“Yes, I’m already en route towards Newfields, estimate… twelve minutes.”

“Amazing. Listen, I’m gonna take the guys to Nored, should be chill but just so you know.”

“...”

What the hell is Nored?

“Where is Nored located?”

“Ah shoot my bad-” I can hear wind coming through the radio, most likely meaning he’s started moving. “- North End, we’re heading to North End.”

“Understood.”

“Amazeballs, Triumph out.”

“Maw out.”

I won’t have to worry about stumbling into Clockblocker then.

So far it had been rather quiet, the closest thing to something being out of the ordinary it was the fact that the Fire user from the trainyard had been reportedly seen at a fast food diner. I didn’t really bother to walk over there because she, and it was apparently a she, wasn’t doing anything illegal. Or at the very least for now.

That and I was on a break, meaning that I couldn’t violate the mandated hours set for me.

I had seated myself near the edge of the cliffside that was connected to the University, it was situated well enough for one to just gaze out to the ocean. The sight somehow steadying me whenever I felt like it was possible to push through the… fog. 

Not that many other ways to describe it really beyond… fog, like it was heavy to force myself to remember. But I had been making some sort of progress; the word machinalis, who had come to me while sleeping, now gave way to another word.

Mavron.

I wasn’t sure what it meant, the possibility that it was completely useless as far as names went was there but still; another piece to a puzzle. One that I could only hope was possible to solve.

“...”

Serene view, the sun high in the sky as it bakes my skin-

I’m being hailed.

“Maw here.”

“Holla mi amigos, Clockblocker here!”

“...”

“Hello?”

“...”

“Triumph this thing on?”

“I hear you.”

“Nice! So I was thinking-” Someone needs to warn him not to do that. “- you got any dating advice?”

“...”

“Maw?”

I click off of the radio, fastening it to my hip again as I go back to gazing out at the ocean; letting my breath pass between my teeth as I feel my body sag.

“...”

Suppose I can close my eyes for a bit.

I wake to the sound of sirens, eyes searching frantically for the source as I leap to my feet again.

Too far away to be near me, I’m still in the park, the sun has started to set… Wait…

I wrench my pad up only to find it inactive, cold dread seeping through my core as I realize that in my annoyance of Clockblocker I have silenced it and its features. Triumph's repeated attempts at calls being slowly listed on its screen, as well as that of Armsmaster.

Shit.

It’s then I hear a distant explosion, following the source having me gaze out against the Docks, a pillar of smoke blooming out from its north side.

SHIT.

I turn the communications back on, only to be instantly hailed by the console.

“This is console to Maw, repeat, this is console to-”

Not one of the Wards, nor do I recognize the voice.

“Maw here.”

“Oh thank god-” Panic is rather evident in their voice. “- This is agent Kumar speaking, we have an A tier threat situation near Japantown, I repeat, an A tier situation. Purity has engaged Lung with an unconfirmed third and fourth party present. Triumph and members of New Wave are on the scene but they are requesting-”

“I am en route, I will be approaching from the ocean, Maw out.”

“Sir.”-

I surge forward, one step taking me all the way to the other side of the cliff, as I ready the other I let my power bloom. The next step sends me flying across water surface, briefly letting me see a lightning bolt? surge out from the smoke before I impact the water, shifting into a full sprint on two legs. 

Breaking through the water I am pleased to see no civilian in sight, probably thanks to the fighting up ahead. Another bang letting me know that it’s most likely gone far too long. Dashing to the left I crush a few bikes in the process of leaping over the buildings lining the shore. The size of them is already known from previous patrols.

As I sail through the air I can see what looks like a collapsed parking lot, cars strewn out alongside the empty street, burn marks, fire and scorch marks strewn around in the chaos.

And most importantly was the glowing filth that was Purity, currently hovering in opposition to that of the New Waves members. Further ahead I can see Lung, the man’s scales glistening green as I rapidly descend upon him; Triumph seemingly being stepped on by what looks like Victor from a cursory glance.

Grabbing onto Lung as I turn, going into a three pointed pose in an attempt to bleed off the momentum of the charge. Rearing back my arm to send Lung careening into Purity in the same attempt.

I can only hope that I connect, my focus instead going towards the Victor looking parahuman currently keeping Triumph down on his face; the comparison falling apart when I can glance at him fully. The form fitting long sleeved shirt looked to be similar in quality to that of Assault and Battery, ending in a mouth guard that didn’t conceal the unsettlingly gray eyes staring back at me in wonder. 

Sweeping my arm out to swat him away from Triumph has him sent careening into a store further down the road, its glass entrance already ruined beyond repair; the fire having done no more favors to it.

“...”

There is a quiet in the air, broken up as I start to rise from a crouched position to that of a standing. The planting of my right foot shattered the light silence that had settled on the area, as long as one ignored the fires that were raging.

“Fucking-” Triumph doesn’t get any more words out, coughs that were telling of how long he was in that position.

“Can you stand?”

Triumph doesn’t respond, merely trying to get to his feet. Reaching out to help him steady himself has me looking up briefly to check on Purity, finding that neither she nor the New Wave member to be there.

“Where the fuck have you been?” Triumph’s usual cheer gone, choking must’ve really taken the wind out of…

This is Assaults doing, I’m sure of it.

“I was asleep. Where are the Wards?”

“Clockblocker and-” Another wave of coughs racks him, had it not been for me already holding him I doubt he’d remain standing. “They’re safe.” He presses against his chest, blood starting to appear underneath his outfit as he does. “I think Nazi Thor shattered my ribs.”

“The third party-” Wet coughs. “- think he’s some European by his accent… he took out Manpower when he appeared, Glory Girl got the same treatment.”

The Empire has already pulled in new blood to fill their ranks. Annoying.

“Are you capable of moving on your own?”

Crackles of lightning start to seep out from the store where I had knocked the unnamed Empire member. 

From the corner of my eyes I see Triumph start to wobble around me. “He’s some sort of high level Blaster and Brute, brought the whole building down.” Most likely talking about the parking house. “Treat him like an eight in both categories, think you can handle that and Lung at the same time?”

“Yes.”

He gives me a nod before wobble-jogging away, just the same as the lightning parahuman walks out of the building. Said lightning physically pushing apart the entrance as it tears up the street. Taking in his appearance and what Triumph just told me I try to wrack my head if I’ve read about him. Form fitting Turtleneck into mouth guard, no apparent designs on them; platinum blonde hair reaching his ears. Nothing indicative, safe for his undergarments, some sort of half skirt covered in runes and trinkets; flared pants peeking out from underneath said skirt.

“Well now, I wasn’t expecting you to truly be off that size!” Non american accent, Italian? French? I’m not the best at pinpointing one's nationality from an accent but he very much is European. “They call you Maw, yes?”

I don’t answer, lurching forward instead to knock him into the ground; hopefully allowing me to just foam the bastard. The man responds by wreathing himself in lightning, surging forward with the sound of thunder at speeds that Velocity would be impressed by. He impacts my knee, shredding through it just as I plant it down on the ground, forcing me to the ground; claws once more digging into concrete to halt my charge.

Searching the streets behind me as I slow down, I see that he’s now resting on a car. A metal staff having appeared in his arms at some point during his rush, almost as sudden as the regrowth of my right lower leg; the appendages helping me to stop before I careen into a building.

“A man of action then, not words. Good!”

He moves to stand, jumping off the car with a flip as he lands on the glass and rubble lined road; not a speck of gore on him from the charge through my leg.

“I know the name of you, but you do not know mine I’m guessing?”

European high level Brute and Blaster, gesellschaft affiliated most likely. No name comes to mind save for…

“Taranus, wanted in large parts of Europe for terrorism and mass murder.” Born in France if I remember correctly, in his mid thirties. A parahuman capable enough to engage Alexandria and live. He was last seen in South Africa from what I read.

Leading theory was that he was some sort of all encompassing energy absorber, capable of augmenting himself or creating lightning from said energy.

What in the hells was someone like that doing here?  

An explosion echoes in the distance, suppose I wasn’t able to hit Purity with Lung.

“You’re surprisingly well read aren’t-”

“You are under arrest, anything that you say can and will be used-

“Would you please not interrupt-”

“- AGAINST YOU IN A COURT-”

He throws out the staff, narrowly missing me as it embeds itself somewhere behind me from the sound; the man shrugging in response to me glaring back at him.

“...”

This goddamn…

“I take it you-”

Before I can even finish my sentence Taranus claps his hands together, a sound like crashing thunder ringing in my ears as I suddenly feel myself start to tilt. Grasping onto the nearby roof for stability has it collapse under my weight, only to fully collapse as I fall into it. Offices and other rooms flashing past my eyes as I fall through each floor on the way down until I finally reach the ground, the resulting quake folding the entry building on me.

The stinging of my lower body growing out of me gives me a rough idea of what happened. Suppose Triumph wasn’t lying about the Blaster statement.

“Please don’t tell me you died from that.”

Just outside, to the right; he walked close to where I had been standing.

“Merde-”

I let go of my restraints, right hand spearing through the building to grab onto Taranus, forcing the bastard into the ground as I rise. Using my hand to steady myself on my regrown legs, forcing tens of tons of force right onto him; something that looks like he’s having problems dealing with.

Saliva runs down my mouths as I feel my power wake up, the little shit sending arc after arc through my body but my regeneration lets me ignore it. A snarl rising from my mouths as I have him up into the air before I throw him hard enough into the ground to cause him to bounce; rearing back into a stance I’ve become familiar with.

Loading up every fiber of my being I let my fist fly loose, hitting him hard enough for the earth underneath me to crack and the building's windows to explode. Sending him flying into the direction of the growing explosion as well as the sea.

Grabbing my former legs and shoving them into my belly mouth I lurch forward, jumping across the buildings I sent the cunt flying over. And in so doing getting a birds eye view of Purity and Lung throwing fire and white against one another; the backdrop of the boat graveyard having been altered by where Taranus have landed. A comet-like impact zone through several of the boats, the two New Wave members moving out of the way as I rapidly approach the now growing Lung and fading Purity.

I land just a few steps away from the unofficial entrance of the boat graveyard, my legs sinking into the sand as I start my charge. Smashing through boat after boat as I locked my eyes on Lung, the one that very much needed to be dealt with first least the situation escalated further.

He’s up to my chest now, something I use to the fullest capacity as I hit him with my knee, making use of the force of my charge, sending him careening into one of the larger ships; the massive hulk of metal falling onto its side as he impacts it.

Going down onto all four again I briefly let my power loose, feeling how my body damn near tears itself apart when I turn on the spot, blood and muscles flying around me like a cloak. And through the gore I’m able to see the white glowing figure of Purity, the woman already flying upwards to let another one of her beams loose. I respond by ripping a chunk of mass out of my former legs, letting it loose against her just the same as the beam travels forward.

Just as it is about to hit me a transparent wall erupts in front of me, purple and shimmering; shielding me from the impact yet allowing me to see that I missed Purity. Thankfully it seemed that the force of the throw left a vacuum in the air, making the woman spiral out of control as she tries to flee.

“Maw!” Looking up I’m greeted by the sight of Lady Photon, hovering to my side; a blue colored boy flying close to her. “We’ll deal with Purity, you handle Lung and the Lightning cape.”

"Understood."

I turn back to where I had sent Lung flying, stalking forward as I hear Photon Lady telling the boy something. Words that I cannot hear, the distraction coming from my stomach, the radio on my old legs sparking life.

Fishing the parts still salvageable out of the gaping maw has me holding parts of my old legs in my left hand, my right hand trying to accept the call that was coming in. Eventually I’m able to click it on, static electricity and heat wafting around me.

“Maw-.”

“Maw have you arrived at the scene yet?”

Armsmaster.

“Yes.”

“Good, good. I am only fifteen minutes away how  is the situation looking.”

Glancing further ahead, fire and lighting bellowing out of the ship Lung had been sent flying into.

“Workable.”

“Think you are able to subdue Lung until I arrive?”

“Yes. Taranus might be a problem but I might be able to use the ocean to my advantage.”

“Taranus?”

“A-lister from Europe, Empire affiliated.”

“I have him up on screen right now…”

“...”

More fire, more lightning; my legs sagging in my hand as I wait.

“Lethal action is not permitted-” Very well. “-but I’m waving that, take him out and subdue Lung.” 

“Sir.”

“Armsmaster out.”

I hear the telltale sound of the call ending, shoving my legs back into my belly as I stalk forward once again.

Chapter Text

Rushing straight into the hull I'm treated to the sight of Taranus posing against Lung. Swirls of lightning carving up the interior of the metal hulk just the same as Lung's fire melts the parts not getting destroyed by the lightning.

I focus on Lung first, throwing my shoulder into his midsection as I grapple onto his legs. Feeling him fall forward onto my back I let my mouths loose, blood and flesh filling my senses as he is ripped apart.

The instabilities that their powers had caused on the ship is made clear as I run through the other side, the sound of the metal hulk falling into itself matched by Lung's roar as I feel my scales starting to melt.

Now out in the open I make for a protruding cliff standing tall in the shallow water. Body checking Lung into it I take a step backwards, seeing him bounce forward from the impact I just forced on him, before sinking downwards. Just in time for my knee to take off his snout and upper skull.

I don't get any more time to focus my assault on the man, a second explosion ringing out behind me as I feel something impact my side; carrying me further towards the ocean before it leaves me.

Taranus.

I try to work off the momentum, forcing my power into my left hand and punching downwards; water exploding around me just as the earth rumbles. The arm now nothing more than strips of flesh and bone.

I turn backwards, working up my steam towards the ascending figure of Lung, who is breathing a stream of fire around him. The flickering figure of lightning is the only thing I can catch before Lung is abruptly forced even higher into the air.

I don't know what's worse, Taranus being able to turn both mine and Lung's strength against us, or the fact that Lung was visibly growing larger.

Taranus does have one weakness that I can use however; he still gets moved by my blows, I just do no real damage to him.

Drawing closer I try my best to follow his rhythm, the wild erratic pattern starting to show itself as I draw closer and closer, finally getting it when I move to jump.

He's using his power to ping off thin air, looking to prefer hitting Lung from above or below. Grasping onto Lung's head as I use the momentum of the jump to turn us both, hopefully lining up Taranus to charge straight into the mouth that runs along my upper back. I hear an explosion but no impact, my leftmost eyes catching a dark figure skidding across the water

With that dealt with I move to pull Lung into the crook of my arm, aiming to make his head take the brunt of the incoming fall. Only for Lung's form to explode, new wings embracing me as he uses his fires to force himself forward. The fall turned into a tackle fuelled by flames. I don't even get the chance to counterattack, Lung rocketing me into the ground hard enough to tear it open; Lung's flames hot enough to turn the water into steam.

Lung, now freed from my grapple, moves his tattered wings to pierce into the palms of my hands. His arms being used to force me further into the ground, his face looking like a serpentlike version of my own.

I close my hands, seizing the tips of his wings and pulling hime close so that I can remind him of what I'm covered in. Every single maw starts tearing at what they can; his hands, his legs and his waist. Just the same as I feel my scales turn liquid from his flames.

I buck up, realizing how light he is as he is catapulted over my head. Rolling to the side to close the new distance, seizing his right arm and pulling it into an arm lock; a familiarity of the move coming to me as I leverage my size against him.

With my left arm used as a lock to force him down I rear my right hand back, intending to crack his head open and hopefully knock him out.

I fail to take into consideration that a serpent like neck is very mobile.

He dodges out of the way as the fist sinks into the ground, precious seconds wasted to pull it out as I feel the heat in his mouth gather. A stream of white flame being all that I can see before I lose the flesh of my head. The activation of my power throughout my body being the only thing that stops him from melting my skull off.

I take a step backwards, heaving Lung up in the process only to slam him down. The only way to tell that Lung is still in my hands is the feeling I get whenever one of my mouths tears into his flesh.

I slam him down again.

And again and again and-

The whole of my body being laid into each slam, my upper body briefly turning unresponsive with each slam. My power hurting me as much as it's hurting him.

I finish by forcing him up to my level again, before hitting him with a wild haymaker; my nerves being so burned that I can barely tell if I even hit him.

With the bastard finally away from me I feel my regeneration kick in at full power. Just the same as my body recovers from the damage of the punch my eyes are back; the earth around me looking like it has been bombarded.

I can see the bastard trying to stand in the distance, wings ripped apart as well as lacking an arm; still he stands. And from what I can tell he's a bit taller than me now, more slender than me though. As his jaw finishes nitting itself together he moves to speak.

"OOHAEHAAHUUL"

Seems he doesn't have the luxury of a working tongue when he grows that big.

Lung is not one above from running away… With the state he's in now he might use his flight to simply leave. Have to subdue him, but how do I keep him in the fight… A wannabe warrior, running from any real opposition. He has pride, but no spine.

"YOU CLAIM STRENGTH, LUNG?"

I let my power run through my body, the red almost bursting out of my body as I spread my arms out.

"PROVE IT."

His wings finally finish knitting themselves back together as a new arm protrudes out from his stump. Even through that meager display I can see the annoyance in his eyes.

I expected rage.

I don't wait for a reply, a single step infused with my power being enough to find myself in front of him; a shockwave rippling through the air I had just passed through.

Wrapping both of my arms around him I rush forward, aiming to take the fight underwater. The one place I won't have to worry about going all out.

Who's going to reprimand me for ruining the ocean floor?

In the blink of an eye I find myself back in the depths, the sound of our fight echoing as the water starts to boil around us. The environment is blurring as I run through the depths at speeds I didn't know I could achieve. The only thing on my mind, to take him somewhere where I would not have to worry about holding back as much.

I end the dash by heaving him down and cracking the ocean floor, the impact causing rocks the size of cars to be ripped up. Without giving him a chance to breathe I throw down two jabs, the force of each of them enough to cause pockets in the water around Lung. Pocket's that are swiftly filled with fire as he responds by forcing fire out his left side, carrying himself away from me.

I cannonball myself after him, the vermin not hard to track against the blurred dark of the ocean. Water almost ripping off my scales as I use my power to force myself forward at speeds Velocity would be intimidated by.

As soon as I'm in grabbing distance Lung reacts. Throwing out a kick enveloped in white-bluish flames that I take head on, biting down as it connects with my face. The leg being ripped to bits by my mandibles as I grapple onto Lung's lower body and slam him once more into the ground; tearing his leg off in the process as we tumble across the ocean floor.

He answers to the act by using the tips of wings again, their strikes slowed by the waters; something that I have no issues in ignoring thanks to my body. Weaving under and out of his reach I try to close the distance by fainting a charge only to jump above him; kicking out my legs under me to push his arms almost clean off his body. Barely managing to twist my body out of the way of the breath he had charged, the fires taking out the left side of my face.

The act forces him to the ground, my leftmost eye regenerating just as I feel him pierce my chest with his tail most likely, a move I respond to by trying to stomp his chest in with my foot. The water providing no resistance as I strengthen it with my power briefly.

Lung dodges out of the strike by way of fire, forcing me off of him as he twirls around in the water before bringing his fist out against my head-

"Can't we just swim across the river?"

"You think you can outswim the currents?"

The boys seem to be dead set on their new idea, what with their resounding 'yes'. Looking over at the girls in hope of sounder minds-

"Can't you just carry us across, Mavron?"

I'm starting to miss the shackles of the Empire.

I catch myself in the fall, planting my foot down as I swipe towards Lung only to see the bastard having put quite the distance between us.

Must've knocked me out with that hit.

I exploded forward, dodging under a swipe from his wings, the move made to mask the fire he was charging up. I respond by slugging him across the face first with my right followed by my left; the blows powerful enough to send him flying backwards at dizzying speeds. Moving further on with the offense I start to pummel his sides, his chest and whatever else I can hit as I try my best to keep him in the air.

Eventually he retaliates, his tail wrapping around my neck as I briefly see the thumb of his wing closing in on my right eyes. I let him pierce them.

Using his tail as leverage I pull him under me, letting my mouths rip and tear where they can as I palm his face and heave down; the earth around us giving in before he does. Moving to then grasp his wing, still embedded in my eye sockets.

I rip it off his body and slap it across my back, letting the maw's lining my spine feast. In the same motion I take to attack his head with my other hand, hoping to inflict enough blunt force trauma to make him go unconscious. The idea built on Armsmasters theory regarding his power.

Somewhere in between the slams I come to the realization that my regeneration is outpacing the damage caused by myself and Lung. A fact that I ignore as Lung catches my fist, his hand big enough to dwarf the appendage as he glares up at me; his flames now having fully turned blue.

I don't get a chance to counteract, Lung pulling me forward and using his legs to catapult me away from him; the flames once again gathering is his mouth to incinerate me.

I throw my arm out to my side, activating my power to test the theory that the power testing team had. The narrow dodge out of the way of the stream of plasma told me that it had indeed worked.

My power was less super strength and more akin to sending out bursts of force from a chosen limb, the force of the burst either ripping the muscles from the bones or just disintegrating them.

I just hadn't had the chance to test the theory out, the force required to move me enough to level buildings; the missing ocean floor a testament to the destruction I just unleashed.

I don't get the chance to marvel more at my new discovery as I weave under yet another beam of plasma, Lung already back on the offense. This time it's streaming out from his right hand, the other one drawn back as it swells with the almost liquid looking flames.

Take their heads!

I kick my right leg back, my vision blurring as I find myself next to him.

Just as Lung turn's I roll around to brace my head and arms to kick out towards the bastard; my left leg exploding in his stomach, letting me see his lower half and upper half separate. Lung wasted no time to send a jet of plasma from his wings as he flies backwards. Kicking out with my right leg I rocket to the side, neatly dodging the blast only to kick out with my regenerated left, sending me rocketing into the opposite direction.

I let it carry me, biting down onto Lung's former legs with my main mouth as I breach back into the darkness of the ocean, the man not hard to keep track of with his flames being as they are.

The same cannot be said for me. Lung, now twice my size, scrambling to keep me in his vision as I rocket around him. It's when I'm fully above him that I let my body rest, taking the time to aim downwards.

Kill the enemy in mind-

I kick back with both of my legs, my vision somehow staying clear as Lung goes from a blueish blip to being in my vision again; cratering us both through the floorboard as I impact.

Through the melted rocks I straddle him, raising both of my arms and bringing them down; embedding Lung even further into the floor of the ocean just the same as my forearms feast.

I smash through limbs and wings, each and every time my fists or arms strike flesh they bounce back over my head. The flesh fully healed by that point.

I keep going, the only sound reverberating through the area being that of my fists meeting Lung's upper body.

Again and again, until it is done.

Meanwhile

"Charles, could you come take a look at this?"

The man kicks away from his desk, the sound of his far too small office chair letting me know that he was coming up to my right.

"We've got seismic activity at uh-" pointing at the coordinates "there?"

"That's normal."

"At that magnitude?"

The sound of a chair creaking fills the room as he leans forward.

"..."

"Charles?"

"That's pretty weird."

"Calling it in?"

"... Eh, I doubt the waves will go anywhere. Nothing to hit in Bermuda anyway."

"..."

Somewhere

With a final roar I slam my fist down, the pulped mess that is now Lung's upper body squelching around it. The fire that had burned in my lungs had finally died down, allowing me to breathe for the first time in… I don't even know.

Exhaustion is creeping in, a numbness spreading to the center of my head as I gasp for air, only to be left sputtering when water slams into me; almost forcing me into the puddle of gore now at my knees.

Wait.

I double take, finally comprehending what I'd done.

"..."

The chances are… slim that he's alive.

"..."

Shit.

Why did I escalate as I did? There were multiple opportunities during this fight for me to disengage and then re engage after he had lessened in strength.

I heave him up, blood pooling out of the carcass as I do; the movement made floaty by the returned water. It's then that I see it.

It is no more than the size of a man rolled up, tiny in comparison to the titanic corpse surrounding it; a dark pearl like thing that just… grabs my attention. I can't help but reach for it, my many fingered hand reaching closer and closer as I realize how hungry I am.

Eat

I'm going to have to eat to… recoup… my…

Eat

"..."

So close now!

Eat

There's a small electric shock when my claw touches it, almost making me shudder as-

Lung's hand palms my head, the only reason I don't die is due to never having let my power go; instead I feel all my senses be cut short as his heat flares up like a sun. In response I snap my hand forward, letting loose another blast. The small amount of flesh still clinging to that arm evaporating just as I feel my body start to knit itself back together.

I snap with my jaws, tasting blood throughout my body as I cling to what I can only assume is Lung; my arms sinking into something until my regeneration finally reknits my eyes, letting me see that we were no longer in the waters.

I don't think about it, choosing instead to kick off from Lung. The monster now more than thrice my size, scales now darkened and having started to sprout a pair of new wings to accompany his already building size ones. His body looked more suited to walk on all four than to stand like a man.

Infinite growth of power, eventually able to match an Endbringer in single combat.

Should've backed off when I had the chance.

Kicking out with both my legs I rocket towards him once again, exploding my left arm to dodge out of the way of one of his plasma breaths.

The blurred background of the ocean is all I see for the few seconds that I sail throughout the skies only to be jostled out of my musings by my back striking rock.

I swiftly ball up, rolling until I can throw my hands out to anchor myself to the ground; feet digging into the ground as I see the sky darken with Lung's descent. Day turning into night through sheer heat.

"▂▂▃▃▄▄▅▅!"

I can feel his roar reverberate through my bones as he descends, plasma cloaking him like a mantle as the very ground we stand on starts to melt.

I can't continue this fight aiming for a non-lethal outcome, I either flee or kill him with no inbetween…

The lethal option would be to go for that… orb that I had been captivated by. Parahumans with size changing properties had a tendency to have some sort of… core, the durability of which varied but the most important part is that destroying said core led to the termination of the parahuman.

As I watch him slam into the ground, ripping up building sized rocks in said motion, I can't help but lament about the most important part of said phenomenon.

Core's had a tendency to move around the parahumans body.

Meaning that-

The staredown is interrupted by a rumble coming from the left, a golden light blinding my left eyes as I move my hand up to block it. Lung not having that issue, looking transfixed by whatever it was; his pyrokinesis dying down as he looks to tense up.

I try to look at the light while keeping Lung in my vision, only to abandon that idea when I see the source of the light.

Far above the chaotic waves I see the silhouette of a man, golden in all of his entirety save for the white outfit that clung to him as he stared down into the roaring sea.

Scion.

"..."

Why is he here? The waves that had been kicked up? Looking around I see no landmass in sight save for the island we currently find ourselves on so the chances of them affecting coastlines are minimal at worst…

Wait.

Where am I, for that matter?

"..."

In a moment that rivals my own healing I see the sea calm itself, waves that had been the size of myself and Lung reduced to mere movements with the winds.

"..."

I sneak a look back at Lung, only to find that the man is starting to take flight again. Disappointment filling me as I can merely watch him ascend, for what can I really do here?

Prolong the fight and potentially anger the single most powerful… thing alive?

I huff out, looking down to see that I had sung a fair distance into the molten rocks. Something that I would have to wait with, the chances are too great to risk. A single rock, a pebble really, flying through the air from me freeing myself and striking Scion would most likely end me.

It had been… enlightening, reading the few reports where someone had tried to attack the golden man.

He eventually stops staring into the sea, his eyes briefly locking with mine. His face shifts to one of disgust as stares at me before he starts to fly away. His form was different from any other flier I had seen so far.

I wait until he turns into a speck in the distant skies before raising my legs, molten rock pooling out as I stomp out of my makeshift shackles, now free to look around my surroundings.

Free to see how the fires of Lung have turned an entire island into charred rock.

Taking the fight into the waters was the right call. The loss of life would've been… staggering had I not…

Now…

Which direction is Brockton Bay?

I amble up to the cliff from where Scion had been hovering, looking around for a bit until I decided to dive in again. The process of sinking felt surreal as I recall the fight with Lung that had been just a few minutes ago.

It's a feeling that only increases as I continue to sink, further and further into the depths. Finally hitting the floor of the ocean after what had felt like an eternity. The destruction now visible to me makes the Island look like a tidy room.

Spiky mountains litter the area, massive gouges throughout the ground after we had thrown each other around. The… abyssal hole that had been marked into the ground from where I had tried to knock Lung unconscious.

I keep walking, feeling overwhelmed by the fact that we had reshaped the very oceanic land around us into wasteland.

I'm starting to understand why Scion appeared.

I keep walking throughout the abyss, more and more of the ocean floor looking like it had been split open by the fighting of titans.

At times I have to backtrack, some of the… scars of the land simply leading out into massive holes or mere nothing.

Had I tried to fight him like this on land… the city would've been destroyed as well as… more…

"..."

Eventually even the fighting is no longer trackable, standing on a cliff that simply led further down, the darkness so thick that I could hardly see into it.

Had we simply flown across this abyss in our fight?

"..."

I suppose I can just… use my power to fly over it? Or would the correct term be to glide?

"..."

I jump off the cliff, letting myself travel a fair distance from it before I kick out with my power; a stinging pain creeping out as I feel the flesh come off from my legs as I rocket forward across the abyss, only repeating the motion when I feel myself start to sink.

Again, and again.

I eventually cross the chasm, having had to angle myself upward a few times so that I don't slam into the cliff on the other side.

I had decided against using any more of the gliding, opting instead to gallop across the ocean floor; claws digging into the dirt so that I could maintain momentum and simply not glide forward in the water.-

It's after what feels like an eternity that I start to see the water break into the surface again. Continuing forward I feel the ocean floor turn more and more into a ramp, letting me see that the day had turned into night.

I slow down until I start walking on my two feet again, finally breaking through the water with the top part of my head as I see…

That I am not in Brockton Bay.

"..."

The beach area in the Bay was minimal in comparison to where I now found myself, a pier almost as long as the boardwalk stretching out into the ocean to my right. Further ahead, strewn across the beach, music being played across the beach as I see people of all types revealing in… alcohol I'm guessing.

I'm broken out of my thoughts as I feel something hit my head, a yelp sounding from whatever hit me.

I slowly turn around to the sound of two people cursing, a man and a woman from the tone, until I see what I think is a smaller wooden boat.

"Did you hit a rock?"

"I doubt-" hands grip the railing off the small boat, a caucasian man in his early twenties peeking out from over said railing. He looks intoxicated and like he's in shock, the latter most likely due to me.

"Paul? You good?"

We keep staring at each other, letting me grab hold of the underside of the boat. When I feel like I have a good grip on its underside I move from a crouched position into a standing one. The boat follows me at chest height as the two young adults in it start to scream.

I let them wear themselves down asI take stock of their appearances, both dressed in swimwear and looking relatively fit for their ages; the woman looking to be African american. They both hide into each other until they realize that I am not going to eat them.

"Greetings," The man seems to want to sink into the boat as I start to speak, the woman looking to at least listen to a degree. ", My name is Maw. Would you perhaps be so kind as to explain to me where I am?"

"..."

"We-"

She chokes for a bit until she moves to sit up, looking down at the covering man in the same motion.

"This- We're- Daytona Beach? America? Earth!"

Daytona? That's...

"..."

Fuck.