The next day was a quiet day.
Well, what you might consider calm, having the tornado that well may be the resident goddess who decided to stay with me for her season in this world.
On Tuesday I was a little sore from the fight that we have last Monday, but definitely less sore than I should have been considering the beating I ended up taking at the hands of Cricket.
Those gems of her are definitely something else. At this point, I'm wondering if there's anything she can't make with enough gems and the right combinations. The worst thing is, she can make all the gems she wants, for free.
It's ridiculous.
However, it is also convenient for me, because it helps me with training.
On Tuesday, since I was fit enough, we officially started using the new training script. Absolutely ridiculous breakfast, a brutal run, basically two hours of combat training, and then it was time to eat one of their ridiculous ISHTARs.
We used the downtime to exchange notes and knowledge about villains, powers, and ways to counteract them.
Ishtar has a ridiculous amount of information about the powers of the Bay people, along with some weaknesses.
Where does she get that information? I have no idea.
Any questions about her modern knowledge are answered with "counterforce."
I didn't believe it one bit. However, I didn't question her or express my doubts.
I didn't want to, I shouldn't have to either.
…
That day's patrol was far from as exciting as Monday's. We decided to patrol the Broadwalk and then continue to the Market. I put my new search skills to good use to find a few holdups here and there.
Using my skills to track the massive amount of people in both locations was good practice.
My mind map had improved a lot compared to when I started. I still had trouble acting and passively searching for people at the same time, but Ishtar assured me that it's something I'll do eventually. She advised me to use it all the time and not just during our patrol times. I feel like a stalker, but if it's to improve myself as a hero, then I'll bear the small embarrassment.
That advice felt like her knowledge of powers. Something that is not some kind of speculation about my power, no, it was an absolute certainty that I will do it. I could interpret it as a sign of Ishtar's faith in my capabilities, but even I cannot fool myself in that way.
I didn't bother asking, of course. Her almost certain answer would be "counterforce." I also know she feels a little uncomfortable when that happens. I won't put her through that.
I don't really care, either; I just want…
It doesn't matter.
With the patrol over, it was a quiet rest of the day. I was planning on spending the rest of the day with Ishtar, but she said she had some things to do, and went off to do God knows what. Ishtar may be childish, but I trust she won't do anything to ruin our hero time…
At least not intentionally.
I spent the afternoon reading quietly for the first time in a long time. Not as a desperate escape from thinking about my upcoming school day or how lonely time at home was. No, just me and a book I actually wanted to read.
Ancient mythology in this case.
I wanted to find out more about my roommate. This is the easiest way to do it, in my opinion.
I could probably just ask her directly, but I'm curious to know what history has to say about Ishtar. Ishtar had already warned me about how some Heroic Spirits are fundamentally different from their historical counterparts, mainly very old ones. Maybe she knew I would eventually try to find out more about her and was warning me in advance? It's kind of hard to tell with her, she goes from serious to ridiculous so quickly that she might as well have some sort of bipolar disorder.
…
…So Inana is just another name for her? She might as well not hide at all.
…
…Isn't she basically a huge bitch? Although it didn't seem that way to me. Was she faking it? Is this a case of inaccurate history? Is it something more?
…
The things I was reading were absolutely ridiculous, and I should probably take it with a grain of salt, but considering Ishtar basically made me dinner yesterday, I have to think of this as the truth to some extent.
Did she have a lover?...
I don't know why this bothers me, but I had an overwhelming desire to just throw the book at the nearest wall.
No, no, no, I shouldn't worry about something like that. The guy has been dead for about four thousand years, and I'm sure not even his mother knew him when he was born with his very likely ugly face. I'll bet he never went to the throne of heroes or something.
Yeah, Ishtar must not even remember that idiot's name.
As I had been accustomed to until now, I focused my attention on the bond I shared with Ishtar. That bond is what assured me that it was okay for me to trust her, that the connection we share is better than that of any idiot I've met in the past.
Feeling the absolute connection between the two of us, I felt myself relaxing in my bed, when I noticed something.
Shit Ishtar is coming!
I had lost track of time, but it was already eight o'clock at night.
I feel bad for dad, I forgot to make him some dinner, I hope he's not too mad.
I jumped up and grabbed the book and hid it in my bookcase, grabbed another book at random, and pretended to keep reading it while waiting for her as if nothing was wrong.
A few moments later, Ishtar in all her glory materialized in the middle of my room.
She looked as beautiful as ever. Her body didn't seem to need any kind of grooming or makeup. Her clothes were always wrinkle-free and perfectly placed. Her hair was always properly combed and in the ideal position to look its best. Her face had zero wrinkles or blemishes. All of her skin looked softer than a baby's, but firm and healthy.
Ishtar didn't have any particularly impressive curves, but there was an elegance and softness to her figure that made you think she didn't need any.
Seeing her so confident, with her body basically wearing a bikini everywhere, is even a little daunting, and at the same time makes me want to be able to emulate even a quarter of that confidence of hers.
She was a radiant being…
"Master, I'm back! I got you a present and everything!"
Until she opened her mouth.
It's not that she doesn't have a nice voice. However, there's a kind of disconnect between her body and the energy in her tone that you'd hardly expect. You expect a graceful, gentle, encouraging sound, like a mother pushing her child to be better. Ishtar can sound like that, but most of the time, she's more like what you'd expect from a very rich extrovert who's happy to make some friends.
Normally, that doesn't bother me, but considering what I just read...
I can think about that later.
With her usual extravagant gestures, Ishtar brought her hands behind her back, as if that were necessary to take out whatever was in her inventory at this point. And with another exaggerated gesture she lifted it into the air.
"Ta dah!"
…
A girl? Oh, no.
I could feel a headache slowly coming on from the implications of what Ishtar had just brought into my home.
Ishtar didn't seem to notice anything or decided to double down, because with the girl, still in the air, as if she were presenting a little lion king, she continued talking.
"This is Dinah Alcott! ("Hi, I'm Dinah") She's a parahuman like you, she was about to be kidnapped by an awful guy! I hope you two are best friends now, we're going to be staying with her for a while!"
My headache fully asserted itself. I massaged my brow as I tried to process what was going on here.
"Did you somehow know she was going to be kidnapped, and your first thought was to kidnap her first?"
Ishtar nodded again and again. The girl still hanging like a shirt in her arms with a bored look.
"Exactly! You can't kidnap something that's already been kidnapped!" She said proudly.
I know there's something wrong with that sentence, but I couldn't even refute it.
"What about the heroes?"
The girl who had only just introduced herself answered me.
"77.56% chance I'll be kidnapped in the next week if I'm handed over to the Protectorate."
I turned my gaze to the girl who was now grimacing as if she had a headache.
I turned my gaze to Ishtar.
"Explain, now."
"Of course, Master."
About 10 minutes of explanation later, and I already had an idea of what was going on. I turned to the girl who was checking something using Ishtar's cell phone. I felt sorry for what she must have been going through, knowing all this time about her impending kidnapping and not being able to do anything about it.
Even so…
"Coil again." I said.
His name keeps coming up. You'd think a guy who isn't even known to have powers would be more removed from my cape life. However, between what supposedly happened with Lung (I still don't quite believe it, something tells me Ishtar is hiding something there) and now this...
"Yes. He has his hands in more pies than people think."
"And of course, you would know all about it, wouldn't you, Ishtar?" I couldn't help but let a bit of resentment creep into my voice.
She just shrugged.
I always knew she knows more than she lets on, but this is a bit beyond what I expected. How much does she really know? Should I ask her? Would she even tell me?
"I suppose you have your next task, Master." Ishtar said.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, you're a hero now, aren't you? You've caught villains, you've patrolled, you've got a name, and a costume. Now you just need a nemesis." She said as if she was explaining something obvious.
A nemesis? Does she think this is a comic or something? Besides, if she's talking about a nemesis, I guess I know who she's talking about.
"… You want me to confront Coil? Even when we already have bad blood with the other gangs?"
Ishtar gave me one of those dangerous smiles of hers, with all her teeth out and her eyes closed.
As I said, she can be particularly threatening when she wants to be.
"I trust you can do it, Master," she said.
That's unfair.
How could I not try to live up to whatever crazy expectations you have for me if you look at me like that?
How could I not try my best so that you never lose that absolute faith you have in me, that I can be better?
How could I not be terrified that you'd leave me for someone else the moment I failed?
I didn't voice any of those thoughts. I simply nodded and turned my attention to the girl, who had barely said anything. She didn't seem particularly stressed either, it felt like the girl had gone to her grandparents' house for the weekend or something.
"And you, Dinah? Does this arrangement not bother you?"
She started as if she hadn't expected to participate in the whole discussion.
"Umm, no. Miss Ishtar will keep me safe, my parents are not in danger either. I will almost certainly return home with them in a month."
I guess that makes sense. For someone with power like hers, feeling safe in a place can't be too difficult. Though the reverse is also true.
"Speaking of your parents… Do they know you're here?"
"Who do you take me for, Master? I left them a note explaining the situation. Of course, I didn't tell them where we were or anything to prevent information from leaking out; however, you can rest assured that there won't be any problems."
I somehow doubt it, but I didn't press the issue further.
"Umm … Aren't you guys hungry?" Dinah asked, sounding slightly embarrassed.
Not really, but I guess that's Dinah's way of saying she's hungry.
I grimaced. Now would have been a good time to have made that dinner.
"Don't worry, little one, I've got you covered!" Ishtar said.
She raised her right arm with her palm pointing skyward, as if she was waiting for something to fall. No beanbag or anything like that, just a usual burger wrapper with the Fugly Bob's logo on it fell into her hand after appearing slightly above.
The smell of burgers filled the place as if they were freshly made, and I think I could see Dinah's wide eyes from here.
As if she were Jesus bringing bread, Ishtar summoned more burgers, fries, and even sodas from her inventory.
I'm sorry, Dad.
It was the next day.
After burgers and discussing what Dinah's living arrangements would be like, we settled on her living in my room and at GYM whenever she could. I asked how we would carry Dinah during our run to GYM, and Ishtar simply touched her before putting her away in her pocket dimension. Apparently, as long as she has permission, she can do this with any living being. Pretty cool.
I asked her why she didn't just leave Dinah in her inventory until we dealt with Coil. Her response was
"If I died, Dinah would die with me then. Besides, you need friends."
I couldn't argue with the first point (although I didn't even want to think about it), the second one was rather silly instead.
I have Ishtar, after all.
On top of that, she also gifted Dinah her own phone, as well as some gems to keep her safe. Including a choker that, according to Ishtar, Dinah should not take off under any circumstances.
Now we were in the GYM having a spar with superpowers. This time Ishtar was imitating a Stranger and was being quite a pain.
Dinah was with us too. At first, she seemed interested in what we were doing, but now she was totally focused on some weird teen vampire show. I don't blame her, I used to read that stuff when I was her age, but I don't think it's the right time.
"Where are you looking?" Ishtar's words came from behind me.
In an act of reflex, I immediately turned my body, ready to face her, but it was a mistake. A blow to my knee when I was distracted from the warnings of my bugs was enough to knock me to the ground. Without thinking, I rolled to get some distance. When I looked back at her, she was gone.
Ishtar could be annoyingly good at hiding if she wanted to. One of the conditions for this fight was not to use our bond to find her. Her simulated "power" allows her to become intangible and invisible, while also projecting her body and even individual parts elsewhere within a certain range.
She can project her voice, her movements, her hands, even her shadow.
So far, she's used this ability constantly to keep me on my toes. Her idea is to force me to turn to my bugs as my warning and defense system first, my body second. It's a work in progress and will take some getting used to.
I can't hit her while she's intangible, but she can't really hit me while she's in that state. The idea is that I can identify her feints and hit her the moment she reveals herself to attack.
My bugs sensed footsteps in my blind spot, but I pretended not to notice. In the subtlest way, I sent other bugs to check the place out, but when I only found one foot and nothing else, I realized it was a feint.
Slowly, I prepared my bugs, ready to attack my back, and turned "falling" into the foot trap.
As I expected, as quickly as I turned, I could feel an arm about to hit my side.
I got you.
The insects hiding behind my back shot out towards Ishtar behind me, and at the same time I lunged forward to dodge her blow. I quickly turned around to look at the result of Ishtar covered in insects and…
Nothing. There was no one, the arm was another feint.
Shit!
By the time I realized it, I knew it was too late. A kick to the back threw me face downwards, more or less to the same spot I was in before.
A small snort came from the other corner.
Great, now the little pre-cog is making fun of me getting my ass kicked.
Without lifting my face from the ground, Ishtar's voice spoke in front of me.
"Well done, pretending not to have identified the first feint; however, you were too hasty in taking advantage of the first opportunity you saw. You need to be more patient, Master. Especially with people with such stealthy powers. They tend to have nasty tricks."
Let's see it.
Without lifting my face from the ground, I tossed Ishtar a scarab I had picked up earlier. It was particularly large and heavy, so I hoped it would work as a decent distraction.
Without waiting to check if the beetle hit the target, I hit the place where Ishtar would be, where there was…
Nothing.
That woman!-
I couldn't finish the thought before another kick sent me back to the ground.
"Ohohoho! You don't understand, Master. When you were buying flour, I already had a bakery. You still have a lot to learn."
She will pay for this.
…
She didn't.
An hour later, I was getting out of the shower, after finishing my exercises and consuming today's ISHTAR.
I look at Ishtar and Dinah argue over some nonsense or another about the pros and cons of being or not being in a coven.
Truth be told, I haven't really talked to the pre-teen at all. Not only does it feel kind of awkward talking to someone who's about three years younger. I also feel like our "relationship" is something that only exists because we both know Ishtar. Definitely awkward. I hope I can improve that, though.
I looked away from the two of them and began to reflect on my progress during training. Somehow, I knew I was considerably better than during my fight with Cricket yesterday. I knew I couldn't beat the woman in question in any way without my powers, but I still knew I would hold my own properly this time.
That doesn't make any sense. Ishtar explained to me how conflict helped increase control over powers. I've experienced that firsthand, considering how much I improved with my radar between before and after my fight with Cricket, but wielding a staff? Self-defense? Those are things that take years.
Something tells me she also has some sort of power that improves learning speed. I don't think I'd be capable of learning how to use a cane in two days.
What else is she hiding that she is not telling me?
How much of the real Ishtar do I really know?
"We did it, Taylor, we did it! You are officially recognized as a hero!" Ishtar shouted.
Ishtar's words pulled me from my thoughts.
What?
Ishtar was doing some sort of… flying victory dance (?). She seemed completely pleased with herself, for whatever had just happened. Dinah seemed even more confused than I was about what was going on, and turned to look at me as if asking why the local goddess had gone mad and if she should be worried about it.
I had a good idea why. And I didn't want to know.
"Mission completed, baby!"
I felt as if I was white as a sheet as my fear was confirmed… Ishtar had completed her mission of making me a heroine. That meant she had no reason to be here. Ishtar was about to leave, about to leave me.
"So… That's it." Someone's voice stopped Ishtar's celebration.
The voice sounded hollow, sad and disappointed at the same time. I recognized it from the many times it spoke to me in the mirror during many of my worst moments.
It was my own voice.
I hated the way it sounded, but I couldn't stop myself.
"Now that you've finished your mission, are you leaving?"
Before I could blink back the tears that were about to fall, I found myself buried in Ishtar's embrace.
I didn't want to hug her back. Not if I was going to lose her right after.
My lack of reaction didn't seem to bother Ishtar, and she simply began to pet my head in that way that makes it feel so special.
"Taylor, honey… Look at me." She said.
Her voice was soft and bell-like, exactly the kind of voice you'd expect from a person like her.
I didn't want to look at her, I didn't want her to see my pathetic self. However, I didn't want to be a brat either, so I looked up.
Her face greeted me, reflecting a love I had not seen directed toward me since that tragic car accident. Her ruby eyes were half-lidded with a gentle, patient affection. Her beautiful lips held a friendly, welcoming smile.
I felt like she accepted me. That she had seen everything Taylor Hebert had to offer and that she wanted it for herself.
My panic was completely gone, but the accelerated rhythm of my heart did not stop for a second. I felt my tears finish falling, on my hot face, but no more fell.
Ishtar placed a hand on one of my cheeks and I couldn't help but lean against it. To a certain extent, I just wished I had my mask back, so Ishtar wouldn't witness my usual ugliness. My big eyes, my swollen mouth, my sharp nose, my pimply skin.
However, her loving gaze did not change for a moment.
My heart also kept beating as her other hand wiped the remains of tears from my eyes.
I could feel both of her hands caressing my face. She would trace my jaw with her finger, touch my lips, brush my ears. I felt like I was melting as her expert hands marked my entire face as if it were her to touch. I felt wanted.
Slowly, she brought her face closer to mine, our eyes lost in each other's and with a soft voice she whispered.
"You won't get away from me that easily, Master."
My legs felt weak. I could feel the heat of her breath. There were only a few more inches before we do something that will change our relationship forever. I felt like I wouldn't care.
The sound of a rusty door opening ruined the whole moment.
I came back to reality as Ishtar turned to see what had caused the noise.
Dinah was standing awkwardly with her hand still on the door she had just opened. She looked a bit embarrassed at interrupting everything and was unable to look us in the eye. Me neither if I'm honest.
Though Ishtar just seemed to be pouting, a little angry about the whole thing.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt a private moment," Dinah said.
"It's okay, thanks for the consideration," Ishtar said.
Ishtar seemed completely fine. Even amused to a certain extent.
I couldn't say the same for myself. I had this mini-breakdown because I thought my friend, who I've only known for less than a week, was going to leave. I was then comforted by said friend, only to have a close moment, right next to the twelve-year-old girl I met yesterday, and who I had completely forgotten about.
I just wanted the earth to swallow me up.
I coughed into my hand to hide my embarrassment a little.
"So… Ishtar. What were you celebrating earlier?" I said.
"You have been officially recognized by Brokton Bay as a whole as a heroine!"
Ishtar seemed to have picked up on my discomfort a bit because she immediately played along with her usual quirkiness.
"As per my mission to help you at least." Ishtar said in my mind.
"Wasn't that the reason you were here in the first place?" I asked what had been plaguing me before.
"Not exactly. I'm here to make you the greatest heroine. Being a heroine is just the first step, but the counterforce rewards me for it anyway." Ishtar replied.
I see… So we still have a long way to go.
I feel relieved.
My relief must have been pretty obvious, as Ishtar sent me a knowing smile for a second, before returning to her usual jokingly smug expression.
"How do you know?" Dinah, who was unaware of the whole Servant thing, asked.
I don't blame her.
"Goddess stuff, of course!" Ishtar cried.
Dinah just stared blankly at her for a few seconds, before nodding. She clearly didn't agree, but played along anyway. Ishtar seemed content with that.
"Now, let's see, let's see!"
"How, exactly?"
"To the most viral source of information about capes! Parahumans Online!"
Is she serious?
She looked pretty serious as she flew over to Dinah and pulled her into her lap. She then sat down next to me and pulled a laptop out of her inventory. It was hard to concentrate with all the physical contact between us.
I felt myself blushing, but I concentrated as hard as I could on the content on the screen.
The PHO page was already open, letting me know that she had been looking for things there for a while.
A quick search and there it was.
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♦ Topic: A new hero team in Brokton Bay?
In: Boards ► Places ► America ► Brockton Bay ► News
Brocktonite03 (Original Poster) (Veteran Member)
Posted On Apr 11th 2011:
Two new heroines just had an explosive introduction. It's their first day and they've already captured five villains. The resident clowns of Brokton Bay Uber and Leet. A rumored drug smuggling boss who calls himself Skidmark. Lastly and most importantly two members of Empire 88, Cricket and Crusader.
Here are the pictures.
The girl in the full body costume can control insects. She calls herself Elythra and seems to be the most talkative of the two, although she is very serious and can be a bit scary, according to witnesses.
More pictures.
The flying girl in the...unique costume. She calls herself Inana. Yes, like the goddess. According to witnesses she can fly and shoot lasers like Legend.
Here are even more pictures.
Yes, she looks more beautiful, in real life than in the pictures.
They have taken the entire bay by surprise. They have also been seen wandering around and somehow stopping robberies wherever they go.
What do you think? Will these two new promises be the end of villainy in Brokton Bay? Is Elythra scarier than Lung? Is Inana single?
Edit: Apparently Skidmark has a pseudo-gang, Merchants.
Edit2: Uber and Leet had a car crash accident, but they are ok now.
(Showing page 1 of 22)
►Aloha
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
First!
Do we know anything more about them?
►Answer Key
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
Damn, they really went for a speedrun on their first day. Uber and Leet are like easy mode, but taking down two E88 capes? That's actually impressive.
Anyone got footage of them in action? The pics are cool, but I wanna see some punches
►Antigone
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
Inana is single? x2 It's for a friend
Jokes aside this is actually huge Bug girl looks intense and Inana? a budget Legend sounds is still terrifying.
I'll hold off on the hype train until we see them against big names but nice start.
►ArchmageEin
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
lets be real I dont know how to feel about a hero using bugs. Looks those pictures, that's nightmare fuel. Inana is nice tho
Also, anyone else find it weird how they re "somehow" stopping robberies? thats suspisius as hell
►Aloha
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
@ArchmageEin Maybe a third member? a thinker? cameras? luck? dunno
►EmpireForever (Banned)
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
Crusader and Cricket will back these girls wont last
►Whitecollar (Cape Wife)
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
@EmpireForever Lol
I'm just here to say that I love the aesthetic. Elythra's full-body suit is practical and creepy in the best way, and Inana? If you're gonna name yourself after a goddess, might as well go all-in.
►bothad
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
@EmpireForever STFU
Also we need a power ranking what the PRT has said about it?
►Brilliger (Moderator: Protectorate Main)
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
So far, the PRT has no official response to the appearance of Elythra and Inana. However, we advise you to be cautious with any parahumans not affiliated with the PRT.
End of Page. 1, 2, 3 ... 20, 21, 22
(Showing page 4 of 22)
►Miraclemic
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
@ArchmageEin I met her at the Downtown she does a beautiful butterflies show
►ArchmageEin
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
@Miraclemic that's not relaxing at all
butterflies are scary up close
►Miraclemic
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
@ArchmageEin
fair
►Kriketz
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
bro, you scared of butterflies??? lmao
►Good Ship Morpheus
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
Elythra sounds cool as hell, but her power could get really nasty. Like, does she only control bugs or can she use spiders too? Imagine just walking around and suddenly getting a face full of spiders. Nope, nope, nope.
►HappyMaskSeller
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
Oh shit Uber and Leet lost in round one??? Bruh. They gotta step up.
But for real, these girls are kinda scary. Hope they don't go full vigilante like some of the other "heroes" we've had in BB.
►Vista_Enthusiast
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
Really hoping the PRT picks them up. Another flyer with lasers would be huge, and the bug girl… let's just say I'd rather have her on our side than against us.
►F33D
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
lmao skid got wrecked merchants ain't gonna be happy bout this
►Divide
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
@F33D
you know the guy?
►F33D
Replied On Apr 11th 2011:
@Divide
kinda
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, 4 ... 20, 21, 22
(Showing page 18 of 22)
►Aloha
Replied On Apr 13th 2011:
Bro, why are we still talking about Elythra's bugs?? This thread is 18 pages long, we get it, she's scary. Move on.
►Good Ship Morpheus
Replied On Apr 13th 2011:
@DinoCrisis420 Because people keep bringing it up! And for good reason. It's not just what she can control, but how. If she has fine enough control, she could do crazy stuff like carry messages, spy on people, or even—hypothetically—pull off assassinations.
►K4is3r-Rul3 (Banned)
Replied On Apr 13th 2011:
[This user has been banned for violating community guidelines.]
►Chilldrizzle
Replied On Apr 13th 2011:
Ok but for real, why is no one discussing how Inana took down Crusader mid-air? That's way more impressive than the bug girl creeping people out.
►Mane Magenta
Replied On Apr 13th 2011:
@TheRealThanos Because everyone's too busy simping over her lmao. Every time someone mentions Inana, half the replies are just people asking if she's single.
►Menora'sFace
Replied On Apr 13th 2011:
Listen, I respect the hustle, but Uber and Leet are getting clowned over this. Every time I check PHO, there's another meme about them getting bodied. Don't we just find out that they almost died?
►Noveltry
Replied On Apr 13th 2011:
Speaking of memes, someone just uploaded this.
[Attachment: Uber_Leet_shellcrash.gif]
I can't stop laughing.
►Menora'sFace
Replied On Apr 13th 2011:
@Noveltry
Bruh
►Answer Key
Replied On Apr 13th 2011:
@Menora'sFace LMAO, they didn't even last a minute.
Also, anyone else noticed that the ABB has been weirdly quiet the last couple of days?
End of Page. 1, 2, 3, ... 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
"Hmm… the opinions seem very varied. Also quite horny. Although it's not a surprise considering it's the internet." The girl muttered under her breath.
A blonde, green-eyed girl was in her "apartment" shared with her "friends from work." Her room was almost completely dark and very bare compared to what you would expect. Beyond the essentials for her way of making a living, the entire place was devoid of any hint of decoration.
What stood out the most was the single-person bed in the place, the desk holding the girl's modern three-screen computer, the clearly high-quality office chair she was sitting in, and a mural on the wall with photos, notes, post-its, pins, and threads interconnected in a way completely incomprehensible to anyone other than the person who made it.
Yes, it was Lisa Wilbourn. Tattletale for the not so friendly.
It had been three days since she was forced to take a vacation thanks to a minor illness, definitely not natural.
However, the illness didn't last much more than a day, and she had work to do. Her horrible boss wanted a big job done by Thursday. Something in his tone of voice and how precise he wanted this job to happen, told her that there's something more behind it. What he's interested in isn't the job or the reputation, no. She, and her team, are just bait, for something bigger.
What for? She hated to think about it, but she didn't know.
She creates some theories here and there, but without the correct information, even with her power trying to guess was a waste of time.
Then she focused on a new problem. The new resident heroes, Elythra and Inana. Although Lisa knew they were less new than they let on. She knew, for a fact, that they were hiding something shady. After all, it was obvious that only they could be responsible for Lung's disappearance that night.
And from what she'd been able to gather from some exclusive videos of her boss, Lisa was almost certain it was Inana's fault, though she hadn't yet been able to determine why.
So, like any good mystery worth its salt, Detective Lisa has taken up the case and gathered whatever information she can find. With her direct connection to the PRT and exclusive videos of her boss? Quite a bit more than one might expect her to gather in a couple of days.
The boss also seemed to have an interest in the identities of both layers, so he lent his help even more than usual to Lisa's endeavor.
Between the two of them they put together a few things:
Elythra's identity is Taylor Hebert. A high school sophomore. She attends Winslow Highschool. A school prank gone wrong ended up giving her powers in January.
It is not known exactly what she did from January to April, but making her costume using spider silk seems most likely.
There is no record of Taylor meeting Inana before April 10th. So they met relatively recently.
For Inana's "identity" we used some security camera videos from some shopping malls she visited with Taylor last Sunday. There's not much to say considering how little her "costume" actually covers, except that her face is just as beautiful as the rest of her.
Nothing is actually known about Inana besides her appearance. Some witnesses at the mall say her real name is Ishtar, but that sounds like an alias, and we don't have anyone of her appearance and name in any database. Almost as if she appeared out of nowhere.
Lisa suspected it might be a Case 53, but her boss immediately denied it for some reason.
Next and most importantly, Ishtar's power. While in PHO according to witnesses, she is some sort of flying Blaster, thanks to some recordings that didn't make it to the internet and to Uber and Leet's Snitch, Tattletale managed to reach what she and many believe is the true conclusion.
Ishtar is a Tinker/Trump.
If she had to compare her power to anyone, it would be Dauntless. Her power allows her to infuse certain energy into objects, limited to precious gems. What the energy does depends on how much energy she puts in, her intent, and the type of gem.
Tattletale hasn't been able to figure out what each gem does, but apparently, like many powers, it has some sort of cultural pattern.
Its only limitation seems to be the time it takes to recharge gems, carry gems, and get the gems in the first place. Unlike Dauntless its charge time seems to be much shorter, but the trade-off is that what it can improve is limited and temporary.
These limitations are tougher than they seem considering how difficult it can be to get so many gems, mainly because of how expensive they can be. That means she must have some sort of supplier.
However, we have checked the main exporters of gemstones and also Parahumans capable of generating gems and so far it is a dead end.
If the Brute upgrade she gave herself is any indication, she can apparently get some major upgrades in exchange for destroying the gem in question.
Her Blaster power could very well be a gem hidden in her glove or in any article of clothing. Although her ability to fly seems to be due to her powers and not to any gem. It's not a big deal either, many capes can fly for no apparent reason too.
The blue thing that follows her everywhere, on the other hand, appears to be a creation using an incredible amount of gems. Its power tells her that it is a bow, and although Lisa has not seen it in action, she knows that it will almost certainly be incredibly destructive.
She is a very versatile cape and her true capabilities are a mystery.
Much to Lisa and her boss's dismay, it seemed the PRT had also come to the same conclusion about her powers, so it's only a matter of time before everyone finds out. Though I doubt they'll realize how truly versatile she can be.
Lisa only knew one thing was certain, things are going to change with her here.
Lisa doesn't normally have the habit of giving all the information she gets about someone to her boss, but she'll make an exception this time.
Lisa can also be very petty.
A ringing phone brought Lisa out of her investigation.
"And speaking of the devil," Lisa whispered softly.
With a movement he picked up the phone whose number only one person knew.
"Hey, boss, how are you? It's rare that you call before a big job."
"Tattletale. Forget about it, you have more important work to do."
This confused Lisa. They had been planning this bank robbery for two days. They had even hired some muscle and everything just in case. This must be serious.
Tattletale opened the floodgates of her power a little.
Calm, angry, composed, wants to kill something, looking for solutions.
Calling because he has no other option.
He doesn't want to tell you what's going on.
A weakness.
Related to tomorrow's work.
Reason for work.
Disappearance of reason.
No reason, no work.
The reason is a person, a parahuman.
Tattletale's power came to that conclusion. That was a surprise to her. Normally, using her power to try to discern her boss's thoughts and actions is like rolling a dice. His intentions always seem divided, and it's hard to understand which of the two are real, or if either is real in the first place.
That confusing data tends to throw Tattletale's power into weird tangents. The same thing just happened here, but it seems Coil is sufficiently shaken that it didn't work well enough.
This basically confirms Tattletale's suspicions about what her power is, causing her to smile her signature vulpine grin.
All that thought happened in less than a second and Tattletale continued with the conversation.
"Of course. What do you need?"
"I need to find Dinah Alcott's whereabouts. She's been missing for a few hours, the only clue to her disappearance being a letter that was left in her room. I'm going to send it to you, along with any conclusions the police investigation has reached. This is your top priority from today onwards. Understood?"
Tattletale could barely hold back her laughter. She knew he was definitely desperate.
"No problem!"
His boss didn't respond any further before hanging up.
Tattletale didn't wait a second before bursting into laughter. Simply listening to her boss lose his temper was a top-notch experience for her. Now she has a clearly exploitable weakness as well? It might as well be her birthday.
Without hesitation, she takes a step away from Elythra and Inana's investigation for now.
Reviewing Coil's information one thing was immediately apparent.
The kidnapping, if you can call it that, was not done by mundane means, in any way. There are no fingerprints, no cameras, no evidence, nothing that anyone other than Dinah was even in that house or her room.
Even her power couldn't find anything of the sort; however, she was sure that Dinah didn't fight at all to avoid being kidnapped. Either because whatever took her did so immediately, or because Dinah wanted to be kidnapped.
Some unofficial sources of information from Tattletale revealed something else. Dinah was constantly suffering from headaches.
She didn't have to have powers to put two and two together. Coil wanted to kidnap her tomorrow for her Thinker powers. However, someone got there first, and now all his plans with the girl are gone.
The only real clue? A letter.
Nothing in the letter proves the sender except the message.
"I have taken your daughter. She will be fine. I don't want any compensation. Behave properly, and you will see her in a month."
It was a digital letter, so she couldn't even use handwriting as a way to determine the writer's personality. There wasn't much to it, except for one thing.
Whoever kidnapped Dinah, they did it for a personal reason. They really don't want to hurt her. They may have even done it to save her from Coil. The important thing here is that her parents don't seem to have felt the same way. I guess "I don't want any compensation" and "Behave properly" doesn't give off good vibes by any means…
At that moment, Tattletale came to a strange conclusion, one that she herself couldn't believe.
"Is it possible that whoever kidnapped her… is an idiot?"
And... it's over. I was originally planning on doing a bunch of PoVs (well not that many, but at least Coil and the Protectorate were going to be included). However, Taylor's part dragged on so long and I hated doing the PHO part so much that I ended up leaving it with Tattletale.
The Tattletale part was also done in third person, or at least I tried. It was my first time writing that way and I think it will be the format for interludes from now on.
I won't be doing another PHO interlude again, not only did I not like it, I don't think I was particularly good at it either. It feels so lacking in substance that I was seriously thinking of deleting it, however I defer to the judges, you guys tell me how it goes.