Unfortunately, as motivating as the concept of rewards for doing exactly what I wanted to do are, they can't overcome the distance that's grown between us in a single meal. Or much at all really. I tried! I asked him about his day, and he did seem genuinely delighted but… he didn't have the energy to go into much detail, and I certainly had no intention of going into detail about my own day.
So now I'm laying in bed, accomplishing nothing while I consider the fact I just spent the last half hour also accomplishing nothing. I know I should be doing something, maybe looking for materials for tinkering, or at least planning out changes to my costume to maximize benefits from my new powers, but I just can't. It's honestly depressing that taking down a pair of supervillains was genuinely easier than talking to my own father.
When the quest first popped up I was mildly offended that it seemed to put them on the same level. Now I think it might be underselling how bad our relationship has gotten. Then again, maybe the rest of the payment is part of the Quest Chain reward.
Ultimately I do manage to drag myself out of bed and down into the basement, taking stock of what's available before I actually get to work. Looking at it like this there's actually quite a lot of it, and a part of me wonders if there's some DWU warehouse somewhere in the docks full of all their old junk as well. Then again, they probably actually have people to make use of the parts. I suppose now we do too.
I end up going to bed not too much later, a vague list of what's in the basement and a general outline of what I'll need to make tucked away in a notebook in my desk. Not the safest option, but if my dad was inclined to snoop through my desk he'd definitely have given himself away by now. No way he'd keep his cool if he read my bullying journals.
Let's Play
Thursday ends up mostly being a day of incremental progress. I spend lunch with the trio again, reluctantly trying to nudge that quest along, then head home and incorporate some old headphones and a broken MP3 player into my costume with some salvage from a broken microwave to get things working. By that time dad's home and I also try to nudge that quest along with perhaps even worse results than my other one.
The conversation isn't bad exactly, it's just… flat. I can't tell him about my day so I encourage him to tell me about his, which just ends up depressing us both as he talks about another contract falling through. This time because the company went bankrupt. At least it happened before they started working.
I do end up going out, and Dead as Disco turns out to be as powerful as expected, but I still only manage to catch a couple drug dealers. If I had to guess, someone posted where I was to PHO and anyone operating in that area cleared out. I manage to get a decent night's sleep at least.
Friday is much more interesting at least. I run into Challenger and Velocity and end up trading a round of Tag with each of them. You'd think Challenger's Mover power would be less effective without her motorcycle given how much she seems to love the thing, but honestly I think the motorcycle is actually holding her back.
Sure when on the motorcycle she has a much higher base speed for her power to multiply, but she's limited to launching herself forward. On foot she's both willing and able to fling herself in any and every direction, including up! There aren't a lot of videos of her fighting online, and what's there absolutely doesn't do her justice. She's actually kind of terrifying, and she isn't even using her weapons!
I do still manage to tag her, but it's way closer than I would have expected. It's sort of like fighting an even more chaotic Assault without a Battery to reign her in. I completely fail to tag Velocity however, which honestly shouldn't be surprising but still stings. Apparently First Strike only helps my hit land if the opponent actually intends to attack.
Defeated ChallengerGained:
250 EXP
+1 Loose SP
1 Cape Power Roll
Still, a new Mover power and a lot of insight into where I need to improve is a good haul for an afternoon. I might even take Challenger up on her offer to join her for one of her signature burgers at Fugly Bob's… once I get a few more Brute powers.
We go our separate ways and soon enough I'm tucked away somewhere I'm unlikely to be disturbed.
Cheshire
Mover: CheshireCost: 6 SPYou can make your body disappear a portion at a time, each reappearing somewhere else of your choosing within a 15 meter radius. The portions of your body can either float independent of anything else, or move as if they were still a part of you, such as an arm twirling 360 degrees in place before acting like it has proper leverage on a punch or grapple. Your sensory organs can also be shifted around using this power. Using both of your eyes, you could daisy chain them somewhere useful before teleporting one eye back to your body while using the other one to spy.
The speed at which your body's portions can move depends on how fast you yourself could move, either floating or fixed to your 'body'. You also gain a heightened sense of proprioception or body position and movement to help move each portion of your body independently.
I don't even finish reading it before I'm testing it out, and by the time I have I'm grinning wide enough to fit the power's namesake. Oh the power by default is ridiculous and fun and I expect it will be absolutely terrifying for the next criminal I target, but it gets even better the moment I detach my hands. The hands seem to fly slightly faster than they used to, and can be used as reference points for the 15 meter range.
I end up having my hands fade in and out until they reach the top of the building I've been leaning against, then let myself fade away and reappear on the roof. It's not exactly the fastest way to get around, but as I allow bits and pieces of myself to fade in and out at various heights and positions across the rooftops of Brockton Bay, bobbing twirling and twisting to the music quietly playing in my ears, I can't find an ounce of regret.
Let's Play
Saturday morning begins with me practically bouncing out of bed. I hadn't actually planned to stay out very late yesterday and so ended up getting a tragically short amount of time to play with Cheshire before coming home. A part of me reminds me that I'd have a lot more freedom if I didn't need to hide from dad, only to have the more rational part point out that I'd then have less freedom as he inevitably forces me into the wards.
Putting that aside, I now have an entire day to myself! Hours upon hours of bouncing and floating across the city sounds like exactly what I need! Which is why I'm barely able to resist relying on Fitting In to hide my reaction when my dad suggests we grab lunch out and go to a movie.
Despite my initial frustration I am actually pretty happy about this. It's something we haven't done in… more than a year. So yeah, it's a good sign! It's just… Why did it have to be today?!
Ultimately, the food is good, the conversation is awkward, the movie is mediocre, and dad ends up getting called into work not long after we get home. I'm genuinely thrilled. It… it was just nice to spend time with my dad again. He's not the same as he was before mom- as when mom was around, but neither am I. But I could see it, as we talked about the restaurant, as we joked about the movie, as he asked me if it was okay for him to go in instead of just shuffling off with a mumbled apology. Under everything, my dad's still in there.
With a satisfied sigh I slip into my costume and begin using Cheshire to sneak my way out of my neighborhood and into the ever contentious border between the E88 and the ABB. I bob and bounce and float in a zigzag between the two. I'm half tempted to float down and do some PR, but I think I'd rather save the debut of my new power for something a bit more dramatic.
It's as I'm floating around on the ABB side of the divide that I hear a cry for help. In a moment I'm moving in the direction of the scream, the sound of someone being shoved up against a wall and the slight huff of breath is all it takes for me to find them.
Three ABB punks proudly wearing the red and green surrounding a young girl. One of the punks, a woman, is holding a knife to the girl's throat. She looks like she might be my age or a little younger, and she is oddly familiar. Have I seen her around Winslow?
I start releasing a flood of Mist as I observe, trying to figure out how best to take them out without risking the girl. Unfortunately, this forces me to listen to them threaten the poor girl. "A pretty bitch like you? You'd fetch a good price. So don't fight back and we won't have to do anything permanent, deal?"
The girl's eyes search for some sort of rescue and as they flick upwards I let her see me. Our eyes meet and all of a sudden I recognize her. She's wearing more mature clothes but that's fucking Madison Clemments. One of the three people who ruined my life.
I don't let myself hesitate, not for a moment, not even for one of them. I nod, and then reassert my Stranger powers, hoping that would be enough to reassure her. The mist has grown thick enough that combined with the speed boost from Dead as Disco I'm in the alley among them in an instant. I can't afford the delay required to trigger Knockout, so the woman gets a much more personal takedown.
I let Corner Creep flicker off as one hand wraps around the knife, another grabs her arm, one arm wraps around her torso, and a second forces her legs out from under her. I twist and pull in a truly ridiculous maneuver that would normally do more to cripple the user than their target. Fortunately, I'm far from normal at this point.
The moment she's on the ground I turn Corner Creep back on and Cheshire myself back into position to grab each of the other two. Corner Creep turns back off as my back arms grab a shoulder on each, a light tug and then my normal arms are crossing over my torso to tap the exact same spots my back arms just released. They collapse, paralyzed. A moment later the woman with the knife is hit with a second tap, and the fight's good and truly over.
Then the wind is knocked out of me as Madison tackles me into a giant hug.
"Thank you thank you thank you! I thought I was going to die!" She's bawling her eyes out and I have to resist the urge to push her away as she shoves her face directly into my chest. I awkwardly try to comfort her with my Flying Hands, which seems to be the correct move considering how she seems to melt into me.
"Th-that was so heroic, and brave, and s- and great! You're, you're great I mean or, uh- S-sorry just… It's a lot." She lets out a wet giggle.
I suppose I've been getting a bit annoyed with needing to write everything out anyway. She's not going to be able to read anything while she's like this. I bite the bullet and spend the SP on Speaker.
Shaker/Changer (Speaker)Cost: 1 SPYou could be a world-class orator, vocalist, or ventriloquist. With the ability to alter and project your voice and vocal chords to the limits of human ability, and slightly beyond.
I try to make my voice sound slightly artificial, like it's being generated rather than spoken, and then shift it a bit older. The running theory on PHO is that I'm a Tinker specializing in horror, and I see no reason not to lean into it.
"Hello-" I begin, and she noticeably startles, turning her head to look up at me without adding an inch of distance.
"Y-you can talk?" Evidently the shock of me actually speaking is enough to put a pause on her crying, which wasn't the intended effect but I'm not complaining.
"Yes, is new. You like?" She nods energetically, which is once again incredibly awkward considering she's doing it while still clinging to me like a limpet and pressing her head directly into my chest! But, I'm a professional… and possess several Thinker powers to help me maintain my composure.
"Good, good. Now little lady-"
"Madison! M-my name. I'm, uh, I'm Madison." I blink down at her, once more resisting the urge to sigh and continue on.
"Madison, yes. You have cellphone, yes?" She nods, and I carry on. "Good yes. You call police, yes?"
This finally makes her pull away, and I'm suddenly aware I'd been so bewildered by the situation that my hands had just sort of… continued rubbing her shoulders, back, and head? I quickly Cheshire them back onto my wrists, eager to pretend that hadn't just happened.
While she's calling them I quickly check the two alerts I got when I finished the fight.
Quest Complete! The Right WayGained:
200 EXP
+1 Loose SP
Completion Conditions for Broken Bonds quests lowered
Defeated 3 ABB ThugsGained:
200 EXP
Oh great, another quest completed before I even realized I had it. I pull up the completed quest and almost laugh.
The Right WayA young woman is being traumatized by the ABB in an alleyway. Do the right thing the right way.Rewards:
200 EXP
1 Loose SP
Completion Conditions for Broken Bonds quests lowered
Really? Clearly I didn't need the incentive, not that I'll turn down the bonus I suppose.
My attention turns back to Madison as she hangs up and she turns back to face me. Or, at least mostly face me, I double check and confirm that I'm still suppressing Corner Creeper because she seems unwilling to look me in the eye.
"A-are you going to leave now?" Despite the extra awkward eagerness, I can't help but notice how small she looks. Not physically, she's always been short, but emotionally. She's always been the most expressive of the trio. Emma might be the leader and the pretty one, but Madison often served as the 'face' of the group, the first to talk to teachers and other students who seemed a bit too interested in what was going on. All big emotions and loud smiles. Here, now, she's retreating into herself and hiding it under whatever hero worship she's begun forming for me. She's scared, and as much as I'd like to be done with her, that's not what a hero would do.
"Stay until police come, yes?" I let my upper body tilt sideways a little, head tilted just a little bit more. "I stay with, walk Madison home, yes?"
Her eyes go wide for a moment before she begins eagerly nodding. Then she's latched back onto me and I have to resist the urge to shove her away.
I have to re-apply marks and stuns to our captives once before the cops arrive, at which point I have to coax Madison off once more to give her statement. The police didn't even bother trying to take my statement at this point, so that was nice.
Eventually the ABB members are cuffed and carted off, and the two of us begin to make our way to her home. She insists on holding one of my hands as we walk. I do my best not to think about it.
While I would have been perfectly happy to make the entire trip in silence, Madison has other ideas. "I, I don't usually come into this part of town."
I let out a hum that sounds vaguely synthesized. "So why today?"
She hunches forward a bit, blushing. "A guy. Kind of. I've been chatting with this older guy online, not anything weird. It was just nice to have a friend that doesn't think of me as a kid."
She gestures to herself. "Puberty didn't really hit me that hard so I keep getting called a middle schooler."
"And the man treats you like adult, yes?" I can understand the logic, as flawed and dangerous as it is.
"Yeah. Except it turned out he was a massive creep. I barely got out of that situation and was heading home when," Her voice caught.
I hum, bobbing slightly side to side. First whatever the creep did, then running into the ABB in an alley, that's some incredibly bad luck. I speak slowly and deliberately, letting some of the artifice fade from my words. "I am sorry. That should not have happened to you."
"Hah. My mom will probably tell me it was my fault if she finds out. As if I knew this would happen. I just…" She stops and crouches down, sitting on her haunches, her face in her hands as the dam breaks once more.
I lean down, rubbing her back with both left hands as I speak, maintaining only the hint of the Phantasm persona remain. "Sometimes… bad things happen, and it is not your fault. The blame is with whoever hurt you."
It was a lesson I learned far too late during the bullying, blaming myself and thinking I was the reason bad things were happening to me. Now, ironically, I was giving it with genuine care to one of the girls who actually was to blame… No, not here, not now. Here and now, she's just a girl who had a very bad day, and who deserves just as much care as any other I might have found in this situation.
I firm my resolve and let it sink into my voice as I reiterate. "Madison, it was not your fault."
It's not long after that we arrive at her surprisingly nice home, and I watch her go inside. Was it a mistake to let so much of the persona drop around someone who knows me in my civilian identity? Maybe, but I think it might have been more of one if I chose to keep it up.
Dad's already back when I get home, and so I'm forced to awkwardly Cheshire into my own room, change my clothes, then Cheshire back out to walk in normally. Hopefully I'll get an easier way to handle my costume eventually.
Given our baby steps towards repairing our relationship it's no surprise he comments on it. "It's pretty late sweetie." He pauses for a moment, then charges ahead. "What were you up to?"
The wince he gives clearly indicates he'd been hoping it'd come out better than it did. I shrug, and opt for something that's technically true. "Nothing much, hanging out with a friend."
"Which one?" Ouch, yeah we both felt that one. Definitely better than just coming out and saying 'Since when do you have friends?' but not by much.
"Madison. We started hanging out this last week."
That causes him to blink, then a smile flickers onto his face. Barely a ghost of one, but it's there. "That's nice, I'm glad. Feel free to bring her over anytime, alright?"
I nod, mumble some vague excuses, and then quickly slip back up to my room. I think I've earned a nice, long rest.
Name: Taylor Anne HebertLocal Cryptid LVL 6SP Cap6Loose SP16Tier 1 Powers(11)Mover(2)Shaker(1)Brute(0)Breaker(0)Master(0)Tinker(1)Blaster(1)Thinker(1)Striker(2)Changer(0)Trump(1)Stranger(2)Tier 0 Powers(21)Synergy Powers(1)
AN: We don't know what Challenger's power was in canon, just that she used an axe and a rifle and rode her motorcycle with reckless abandon. So, I decided to make her a Mover with a Brute and Striker component.
Her power allows her to multiply her current velocity, then use that velocity to empower a weapon or tool. For example transferring it to her axe can empower the swing speed while making it sturdier and/or sharper. With her gun it can eat the recoil and improve the accuracy of her shots while making the bullet penetrate better. Taylor doesn't know she can also use it on her bike to give herself a further speed boost and a temporary shield that can knock people aside. She also has a modest Brute rating which adds to the base speed she can manage on foot.
Sunday begins earlier than normal, a consequence of going to bed at what used to be my normal time despite the reduced need for sleep. I consider just staying in bed, maybe reading a book, but ultimately abandon the idea. If I want to read I should at least… Well okay so I don't actually need to get up and go to the bathroom anymore, or even really shower anymore.
Unfortunately I only realise that I absolutely could just stay in bed moments after my feet hit the floor. With a sigh I stand up and at least put in the effort to brush my hair. I guess I can make breakfast? I've still got a while before dad should be up though. I consider Tinkering a bit, but don't really feel like using what little I… have… Oh I can totally just go grab stuff now can't I? Well, once I've properly debuted Cheshire anyway.
Which gets me thinking about how exactly I want to do that. The best option would be a big cape fight, allowing me to surprise several people at once with a previously unseen ability and pick up several new powers at once. Sadly, that's not exactly something I'm willing to wait for, which means targeting some kind of major gang operation. Which would mean… a safehouse, rally, distribution centre, or… my mind goes back to what the ABB woman had threatened Madison with.
It's the sort of thing every young girl has been warned about since Lung came to town. Though mom made sure I knew better than to believe the E88 were above doing the exact same thing. There are probably girls out there right now, locked away just like Madison would have been if I hadn't shown up. That… I'm already moving, preparing. Food is thrown together, a note is written telling Dad I'm over at Madison's, I'm in costume and Cheshireing my way into the ABB territory and then I'm out the door.
I let the music play, and fade into the rhythm of the city as I strain my hearing to its limit. My mind hums, my Thinker powers turning against me as I'm forced to realise just how much suffering there is in the city that I could be stopping if I just… looked for it. I end up making notes about a lot of the information I pick up, but refuse to act on anything I hear right away. None of it is especially important, and I refuse to get distracted.
Part of me is confused by how strong my reaction is. This is just part of living in Brockton Bay, one of the forms of deep, pervasive rot that consumes my home. You learn to live with it, to go numb or it'll destroy you. Another part recognizes what's changed, that I can finally actually do something about it and I hadn't even thought of it until it was right in front of me.
It's already evening by the time I finally track it down. It's a three story apartment building, with a dozen rooms dedicated to those being forced into service by the ABB, while the rest are gang accommodations, storage, and administration. I know I should scout it out, to listen in and see how many people I'm dealing with. Then I hear the smack of fist on flesh, the sound of a body hitting a floor, and an accompanying whimper of pain.
I enter through the front door, letting my body flicker in and out in pieces and parts as the Mist pours off me and into the building, creeping up the walls and under doors in grasping tendrils that seem to writhe right along with the music humming in my ears. The door behind me closes, and then I'm flipping all three locks. I won't be letting them escape.
The fact I can see myself through an above quality security camera is a fascinating revelation, and only adds to the need to do this right. I needed to get to their security room and make sure whatever records they have are maintained. I turn to the camera, completely unable to see it despite knowing exactly where it is. Regardless, I launch a hand at it and hear someone on the next floor up stumble back, the scrape of a chair and frantic movements.
I don't arrive fast enough to stop him from calling in my presence, but he's paralyzed before he can get back to the computers connected to the cameras. Good enough. I quickly check the positions of the cameras and am split on if I should be glad they're limited to the hallways and storage rooms. The guards are moving, but it's too late. They notice the fog and begin arguing, several already have guns out, I'll have to make sure to catch any stray shots.
I sweep through the floors, flickering in and out with Cheshire allowing me to strike at multiple floors at once, picking off anyone who goes unobserved for too long. I know I could be faster, but I remind myself this isn't just about this one building, I need to reinforce the idea that these people should be scared of me, and every flicker and flash and hit caught on camera adds to the weight of the revelation.
Not that I'm ignoring the captives. Anytime I want to let the guards stew in their fear and let the tension build I'm slipping into rooms and incapacitating patrons. I end up also putting the captives to sleep just so they don't have to sit and stew amidst the mist.
It takes ten minutes for reinforcements to arrive, two more for the door to be beaten in, and then barely one more for those reinforcements to find themselves at the mercy of my Mist. They're down and out before they even think to call for reinforcements. Twenty minutes in and there isn't a single conscious person in the building besides myself, and I'm forced to make my first actual call to the BBPD.
I let the Mist fade while I wait, and end up having to re-sleep everyone but the victims before the police finally arrive. By that point I have ten young women and two young men huddled out front, doing my best to soothe them with my artificially artificial voice. Part of me wonders if I should just drop the act, but Fitting In informs me that several of them seem to find it comforting for some reason.
The discussion with the BBPD is long, and I end up having to pause and offer a hand or arm to several of the victims as they do their own interviews with the police or paramedics. I'm pretty sure a normal person would have at least a few fractures from how hard some of them squeezed whatever part of myself I offered, but it's a small price to pay. The fact several of them seemed to find the disembodied limbs offering themselves up to several people at once amusing also helped. They deserve some amusement.
I'm honestly surprised that neither of the ABB capes showed up, but am definitely thankful. Both are known for collateral damage and acts of spite, I doubt the girls would have survived whatever they pulled.
I'm more than half way home when I finally relax enough to check my notifications.
Defeated 12 ABB ThugsGained:
400 EXPLevel Up!
Level 7
ABB Brothel ClosedGained:
600 EXP
+1 Loose SP
Well, at least that seems to indicate that particular building won't just be starting back up the moment I'm not looking. Still, the condition of some of the victims, especially the boys… I don't even muster a proper explanation for dad before collapsing into bed. I let a hand Cheshire over to my shelf and grab a book nearly at random. I need a distraction. The hobbit lands beside me, and I let myself get lost in the words of Tolkien, and the memories of mom they bring forward.
Let's Play
"You should have seen her! She was- It was like something out of a movie! She's so scary against the criminals but then once they were all down she was so sweet and nice and just- Ugh!"
As I'd expected the recording of me taking down the ABB Brothel had been leaked, what I hadn't expected was that it'd already be on the news by lunchtime. Having the notification for clearing Popularity Contest pop up in the middle of class had been utterly baffling until I heard people talking about it at lunch. Then of course Madison couldn't resist talking about her own encounter.
"I hadn't realised it at the time, but I totally saw her doing that flickering in and out thing she showed off in the ABB Bust! I just thought they were fading into the fog! The way she crossed her arms and leaned forward at the end was so cool! It was like she was bowing, like they barely even mattered and her eyes were only on me!" I glance at Emma and Sophia, unable to interpret whatever silent best friend discussion they're managing through microexpressions and occasional gestures. Even with as out of practice as I've become with Emma as a person, I can still tell enough to know she's freaking out about something. I wonder if it's because of me hitting the ABB or completely unrelated. Maybe something fell through on whatever scheme she's been brewing for me.
"Then she even walked me home! Like, obviously I was fine, but it's not every day a superhero walks you home, you know? She'd occasionally flicker in and out of sight, but she never let go of my hand! Oh and her costume! It looks so rough and ragged and creepy, but it's actually surprisingly soft! It's like, she obviously put a lot of effort into making it look like it took no effort you know?"
One of the other girls groans and slaps the table. "Oh come on! Can we please stop talking about superheroes? It's so childish!"
Madison shrinks back a little at that and I can't help but think about the conversation we had while I was walking her home.
"Ignore her Madison." I let Fitting In guide my expression, tone and words. A slight smirk and the hint of a real smile in the crinkle of my eyes, then a bit of warmth and wistfulness in my tone with a hint of friendly teasing. "She's just mad you actually met a hero. I'd give my left hand to have a superhero walk me home."
She lets a soft smile flicker across her expression for a moment before it returns to a more confident grin. "Don't you dare lose a limb Taylor. If you can't make yours and Sophia's gym thing after school she might end up drafting one of us, and I do not do sweaty."
I wave her off, assuring her I'd never dream of it. My attention however is split with a notification.
Quest Complete! Nice to Meet YouGained:
300 EXP
+ 2 Loose SPLevel Up!
Level 8
+1 Loose SP
I continue leaning on Fitting In as I double check the quest, seeing text that definitely hadn't been there before.
Broken Bonds Part 1: Nice to Meet YouTo know thy enemy be thy enemy. Find a way to infiltrate the trio and get closer to the secrets their leader hides away. At least two of the trio must think of you in friendly terms.
Failure will not result in the loss of the Quest Chain Broken Bonds, however it will hinder future Broken Bonds quests and lower the rewards for finishing the Chain.Rewards:
150 EXP
1 Loose SP
Rewards for three:
150 EXP
1 Loose SP
The implication that all three do genuinely think of me in friendly terms is utterly baffling, as is what about that last interaction managed to flip both Sophia and Madison at once. Part of me rages at the fact that objectively shitty people now apparently like me, and I worry that it might not say great things about me either.
Broken Bonds Part 2: Lean on MeGet one of the trio to ask for your help during a time of need. The time of need must be a situation that the member of the trio could not overcome on their own. You cannot be the cause of said time of need. You need to assist them as Taylor Hebert for the quest to be completed.
Failure will not result in the loss of the Quest Chain Broken Bonds, however it will hinder future Broken Bonds quests and lower the rewards for finishing the Chain.Rewards:
250 EXP
1 Loose SP
The new quest pops up shortly after and I'm left confused by how I would even begin to try and complete it. Honestly it seems like the sort of thing I'll just have to wait on rather than actively pursue. Annoying, but maybe it's for the best that it's not a more active drain on my attention.
The rest of lunch passes without much incident, and I'm equally baffled when the workout session with Sophia does the same. It's surprisingly difficult to judge how strong I should actually be, and more than once I end up having to stumble or strain at the last second after misjudging it. I might have to come up with an excuse to avoid future sessions, especially if I gain another brute power. Then again, maybe more training on judging my own strength is exactly what I need.
Regardless, some of her comments are… concerning. Somehow, I think she might be suspicious that I'm Phantasm. Assuming she hasn't figured it out yet Mask of a Face should probably keep it that way, but it won't do me any good if she's already convinced it's true. It doesn't help that I have no idea what could have possibly given me away either. Sure, she might have suspicions I'm a parahuman, but to assume I'm Phantasm specifically? I'll have to be a lot more careful going forward.
I consider going out again tonight, but abandon the idea. The ABB are probably on high alert, and while that might make finding targets easier, it would probably also result in a lot more collateral damage. In the end, I spend the evening watching a movie with dad. There's obvious tension over last night, but neither of us is willing to confront it. Him because he doesn't know how, and me because I don't know what I'm supposed to say. It feels like we're already backsliding, and I don't know what I'm supposed to do about it.
Let's Play
Tuesday afternoon I do a quick pass through ABB territory, but confirm what I'd heard being whispered at school. Everyone is laying low, both gang member and civilian. Nobody's seen Lung or Oni Lee and that has people incredibly nervous. Whatever's going on, it definitely isn't just because of my attack, I just brought attention to something that was evidently happening in the background.
I end up bouncing from rooftop to rooftop in the commercial district, weaving in and out of E88 territory as I try and get a read on how they're reacting. Nothing. The rank and file are gossiping, but it's all contradictory and rumours. I only actually manage to pick up a couple unaffiliated criminals, but that's fine. Mostly I'm just… letting myself move. The interaction between Cheshire and Kinesiologist is fascinating, and more than once I find myself giggling at the absurd maneuvers the pair of Mover powers allow.
I'm broken out of my reverie by the sound of breaking glass. Within moments I'm moving towards the sound, and the tinkling of shards does an excellent job making sure I don't lose my way. I'm just about to bound up to a slightly taller building when a clown lands right in front of me, and we both freeze. Her face is painted white with with simple green and purple circles on the cheeks, with a domino mask split in purple and green. A skintight green and purple outfit with a large flower painted on the front isn't exactly a familiar costume, but there's only one clown in town. Circus, an independent thief.
She reacts first, jumping backwards before I can react. "Well hey there tall dark and spooky! There wouldn't happen to be any way you'd be willing to let me get out of here without a fight?"
I don't even dignify that question with a response, allowing my Mist to begin pouring out as my extra arms grow in and all four hands begin to fly. Based on the clicking of her tongue she noticed at least some of that, which is interesting considering she's nearly looking right at me. A moment later I'm twisting under a spray of knives as she's dodging past a pair of hands.
We trade misses several more times, each showing off our parahuman flexibility. I don't even know how she's keeping track of me, let alone me and all four of my hands, especially with how thick the fog has gotten. Then I finally land a hand on her arm, and a moment later I'm taking a giant wooden mallet to the torso.
I manage to flow with the attack, throwing myself backwards with the blow, but even then I feel my ribs creak, and the landing doesn't do my back any favours. Then she unleashes a fireball and things get even worse for me. Apparently my Mist can be dispersed with fire. Good to know. A swath of fire pushes it back further and I take a moment to contemplate my next move.
If I could barely handle her with the speed boost from my Mist there's no way I'm going to manage without it even if I only need one more hit. That's also assuming she doesn't manage to force me to leave several marks before I can trigger Knockout. A quick check of the available Tier 0 powers presents a possible solution and I don't have time to dig deeper. I pay the SP even as I'm forced to dodge another spray of daggers.
Mover (Reaction)Cost: 1 SPIt takes a third of the time it would otherwise for you to react to stimuli. The average human can react in 0.2 seconds, with the fastest being 0.15 seconds. If you had average human reflexes, your reaction time is now 1/15 of a second or 0.067 seconds.
Then I'm back in the fight, fading in and out as I flow around her, trying to attack from unusual angles while dodging her concerningly dangerous attacks. She manages to kick me in the chin right as I come out of a Cheshire, and then follows it up with another hammer blow that bounces my head off the roof and leaves me sprawled out for several seconds before I Cheshire my way back to my feet.
In the end, I realise the longer the fight goes on, the more injuries I'm going to accrue. Deciding one big injury on my terms is better than collecting a variety of smaller ones on hers, I lunge forward. Just like so many times before she releases a spray of daggers, but unlike every other time I don't flinch back. I catch a dagger through one of my lower hands and another on an arm, but it works. The second tap lands, and I sigh in relief when she actually goes down.
Given how good she was at dealing with everything else I had, I half expected her to be able to shake this off as well. My eyes are watering as I pull the knives out, and then sigh in relief when I retract my extra limbs. Then I realise there's nobody standing around on this random rooftop with a cellphone, and am forced to awkwardly wave down someone on the street to call the PRT.
Defeated CircusGained:
250 EXP
+1 Loose SP
1 Cape Power Roll
As I do the teleporter's equivalent of hobbling my way home, I can't help but think I've been spoiled by my games of tag. That so, so wasn't worth it.
Let's Play
"Hi sweetheart, did you have fun at Madison's?" Obviously my dad is home by the time I get back, so I'm glad I left a note. Less glad I had to reference Madison again. But if I have to spend time around the trio, the least they can do is offer me an alibi now and again, not that I ever intend for them to know they're doing it.
"It was fine, we mostly just talked about school and stuff." Aaand immediately I feel like shit for lying to him. How the heck am I ever going to complete that stupid Communication quest at this rate? A part of me wants to sit down at the table with him and chat while he works on whatever paperwork he decided to bring home. A more reasonable part points out the longer I'm around him, the more likely it is he'll notice I'm injured.
"I'm kind of worn out though, I think I'm just going to crash in my room." At least that's the truth…
Of course then the phone's ringing and I'm closer. I wave him off as I reach for it, fighting the urge to Cheshire my hand into place just to spare myself the movement.
"Hello?"
"T-Taylor?" Emma's voice comes out with a small sob, and I boggle at the completely out of character show of emotion.
"Emma?" Dad looks up in confusion, either having noticed Emma's absence over the past year and a half, or simply noting my own tone.
"My dad's out of town for some work thing and mom went with him and Sophia's busy tonight and I didn't really know who else to call and I know we're taking things slow but-"
"Emma what's wrong?" Suddenly dad's on his feet, confusion replaced with concern in an instant.
"Can…can you come over? Stay the night? Please." I… what? No no no, sleeping in the same room as her? While her parents are out? That's basically begging for something to happen!
"Emma, I don-"
"Taylor please!" I can hear the tears in her voice. "I'm sorry… I need you."
Right. Of course. A time of need. Just… just do it for the quest. Who cares if she gets a bit more blackmail out of it. Just… do it for the quest. "I'll be right over."
I barely hear her repeated "Thank you"s as I hang up. Dad's already moving towards the door, and I don't think he needs much explanation.
He doesn't ask a single question on the drive over, though it's clear he's curious. I end up giving him a general overview just to fill the time. We had a falling out, she extended an olive branch, we're working on it. The basics. It seems to be enough to satisfy him at least.
He rolls down the window as I walk towards the door. "Are you sure you don't want me to come in?"
I shake my head. "I'm sure. She probably doesn't want anybody to see her." It's always how she reacts to pain and distress. Hide away, don't let anyone see. I used to be the only person she'd let in. I suppose Sophia took over that spot too when Emma tossed me aside.
The spare key is in the same place as it was the last time I'd needed it, and I let myself in like we're back in middle school. I call out as I re-lock the door, trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do now that I'm actually here. "Emma?"
"My room!" I'm rushing up the stairs before I can think better of it, which is a shame because my body absolutely doesn't appreciate it. Apparently even just a week of rushing to the aid of every call for help I hear has trained me to react to a tone of voice that desperate.
Her door's open, and I see her curled up in a ball, clutching her blankets. "T-Taylor?"
I pause at the door. "Yeah, it's me."
"And it's j-just you right? Just the two of us?" I immediately scan the room, paranoia from a year and a half of abuse adding a sinister bite to what should otherwise sound like a desperate plea. My eyes catch on a picture on her vanity mirror, of us laughing while practically clinging to one another in the backyard. The last picture we took together before I went to summer camp.
"Yeah, just me."
There's a sniffle, and her voice comes out barely above a whisper, like she's afraid I might actually hear her. "And you'll keep me safe, right?"
A part of me wants to bite back something nasty, but I can't muster the heat. I remind myself I'm here for the quest and just for the quest, even as I reply with more care than I intended. "Yeah, I'll keep you safe. I promise."
It has to be just for the quest. "Can you… can you stay the night? So, so I'll know it's safe?"
Because if it's not. "Yeah Emma, I can stay the night. I'll stay and keep you safe."
Then it feels like I'm just asking to get hurt again.
Quest Complete! Lean on MeGained:
250 EXP
+1 Loose SP
Name: Taylor Anne HebertLovable Horror LVL 8SP Cap6Loose SP23Tier 1 Powers(11)Mover(2)Shaker(1)Brute(0)Breaker(0)Master(0)Tinker(1)Blaster(1)Thinker(1)Striker(2)Changer(0)Trump(1)Stranger(2)Tier 0 Powers(22)Synergy Powers(1)1 Cape Power Roll
AN: I decided to have Circus's Spatial Sense and Enhanced Aim allow her to bypass Corner Creep because I felt it made things a lot more interesting. I'm probably making her more dangerous than needed, but I felt she had good counters to a lot of Taylor's abilities, plus more experience using them. Also, I continue to hate writing fight scenes.
Taylor is actually gaining powers so quickly that she's not getting a proper chance to learn to use them all. This is causing her some problems, even if we don't always notice them from her perspective.
Some reused stuff I could have changed if I wanted, but mostly it'd be a case of changing things because I can, and don't particularly see a need. I did reword a few things, and Taylor's internal situation is a bit different at least.
I wake up with a groan that seems to shake every bone in my body, which helpfully reminds me most of those aren't happy with me. This also reminds me where I am and why I'm sleeping on some blankets on Emma's floor. With a huff and an effort of will I force myself to sit up and immediately notice Emma's not in bed.
Cool, great, wonderful. Guess I get to find out if she pulled anything while I was asleep. I limp my way downstairs, drawn in by the sound of movement and the promise of food. I hadn't exactly gotten a chance to eat dinner the night before.
Sure enough, there she sits, eating cereal in the dining room, a second bowl next to her.
"Hey." She mumbles, clearly still half asleep.
"Hey." It's all I can manage as I sit down and pour my own milk and cereal.
"I can't believe you still put the milk in first." She says with a teasing smile. I just shrug, and the smile fades.
"About last night."
I finally look her in the eye as she fidgets. Yeah, this is definitely something I want to hear because what the actual fuck was that?
"Thank you. Usually Sophia comes over when that happens but she wasn't answering her phone."
I tilt my head slightly at the statement. "This happens a lot?"
She shakes her head. "Not anymore. It used to be really bad, couldn't leave my room, could barely eat. Now though it's usually just when I'm alone in the house. Plus I was also reminded of some shitty stuff recently."
"Well, glad I could help I guess." And with that I finish my cereal and start heading for the door. I'm not sure if I mean it and I don't really want to delve into that. At least it let me advance the stupid quest.
She startles to her feet, the scrape of chair legs on tile echoing through the house. "Wait! Where are you going?"
I turn back towards her, giving her the flattest look I can manage without relying on my powers. "School. We're going to be late."
Then there's the clatter of spoon on bowl, and a quick spritz of a faucet running. I've barely got my backpack on before she's caught up. I hate this. How nostalgic it feels. How easily I still navigate her house.
That she thinks we're friends again. That she feels like she can call me for help like we're kids again. That I came running, even if I want to say it was just for the quest. After several minutes of sitting in awkward silence at the bus stop I can't take it anymore. "Why did you call me?"
She blushes and looks away. "I didn't want to be alone."
The bus comes before I can clarify, and we end up sitting in the back for some shred of privacy. "You could have called Madison. You know, someone who's actually your friend?"
She at least has the decency to blush at the venom in my voice. "She's not strong like you. I knew if you came you'd protect me."
I scoff. What the fuck is she on about now? "You sure picked on me a lot for somebody you think is strong."
"It…" She cuts herself off, and she turns away, refusing to make eye contact. We don't talk for the rest of the bus ride, and once we get off Emma is pulled away by a worried looking Sophia. I take the opportunity to part ways with them, eager to be alone with my aching bones and frustrating quests.
Why is it that the quest chain I actually want to work on refuses to budge, while the one that is essentially blackmail and bribery seems all too eager to toss out progression like it's nothing? I resist a huff, Fitting In suppressing it just as much as the aches and pains that might threaten to draw unwanted attention.
At lunch Madison is still talking about Phantasm, both in a general sense and in regards to her own rescue. The embellishments only seem to grow more bizarre with each recounting. The whole time Emma looks uncomfortable, but Sophia's gaze is a lot more… mixed. There's a hostility there that wasn't present the day before, but it feels… tempered. Part of me actually wants to say there's respect mixed in with it, but even my powers can't help me process the weirdness of Sophia Hess with so little to go on.
I decide we need a change of topic. "Hey Madison,"
The girl pauses, turning to look at me. "I remember you said the Pink Lily is bringing in their new line this week?"
The girl seems surprised, though I can't tell if it's because I remembered, or because I'm bringing it up. "Yeah?"
"Want to go check it out together? I need some new clothes." Which was true. Public Relations has been doing its best, but it can only manage so much with what the trio failed to destroy.
"Hell yeah! Maybe the four of us can make a trip of it?" Emma looks much more relaxed with the topic change, and sends me a soft smile before diving into planning the trip. I do my best to ignore the smile, focusing instead on the plans being made. Plans in which I'll be going to the mall with my three former tormentors.
Let's Play
Sophia corners me once school gets out, and I'm once more confronted with that weird mix of emotions I saw lingering in her eyes at lunch. "Hebert."
I huff, still tired and sore from yesterday. "What?"
"You went to Emma's last night?"
"Yeah, so?" I'm genuinely curious where this is going, Sophia isn't exactly the type to say-
"Thanks."
She practically spits the word, as if it's physically painful for her. "I usually try to be there for her, but I was busy last night."
Broken Bonds Part 3: From the InsideGet at least two of the trio to genuinely apologize to somebody for how they have behaved to them. Taylor Hebert can only be the target of one genuine apology.
Failure will not result in the loss of the Quest Chain Broken Bonds, however it will hinder future Broken Bonds quests and lower the rewards for finishing the Chain.Rewards:
200 EXP
2 Loose SP
I try to ignore the newest headache being dropped on me by my power and instead focus on the truly bizarre interaction I now find myself in. She seems genuinely remorseful that she was busy, and once again I'm left to wonder just what kind of relationship the two of them have.
I'm not entirely sure where to go from here, but then a thought strikes me. "Sure but… she mentioned this used to happen a lot, but I definitely would have remembered if this was a problem when we were still friends. This wouldn't happen to have anything to do with how you managed to go from a complete stranger to her new best friend while I was at camp would it?"
Now it's her turn to huff. "Yeah, some shit happened while you were at camp, but not really my place to talk about it."
Yeah, yeah that makes sense. I give her a quick nod, and then hurry off to catch my bus.
A part of me wants to be frustrated, but even if I hate them both I can respect someone keeping their friends' secrets. I let out a derisive snort. Not that I ever intend to test if that will extend to mine. Emma's proven how quickly the answer can become no.
The moment I'm home I finally get around to rolling my new Stranger power.
The Words Are Silent
Stranger: The Words Are SilentCost: 1 SPYou have an interesting way of speaking, that is by not speaking at all.
You can project your words directly to those you choose, allowing them to hear you as clearly as if you had spoken aloud. To those who hear you, this seems completely natural, as though your silent words are no different from any other conversation. However, to those who cannot hear you, your silent interactions are strange. They can only see others responding to what seems like complete silence.
This works just like speaking aloud; while you don't need line of sight to communicate, the person you're addressing must be close enough to hear you as if you were speaking normally. It's a one-way connection—you can project your words to others, but they can only respond in the usual way.
Not an especially useful power, but I suppose I can probably use it to really freak out some people? Or talk to hostages? I'll have to think on it.
Hair/Nails+FingerPainting+Histskin+Deadshot+Efficient Autonomic Systems
Changer (Hair/Nails)Cost: 1 SPYou can control the length and strength of your hair and nails. You could become Rapunzel with hairs as durable as piano wires in minutes, and could grow your nails into claws as hard as steel.
Yes! I hadn't been willing to spend a point on it, but this is random, that means I can't be blamed for being excited about it! No more worrying about something happening to my hair while I'm out heroing! Better yet, I can try out different hairstyles and then just put it back to normal at the end! I suppose I can probably also use it to help with my work as Phantasm if I really try, but for the moment I'm just going to bask in the bliss of never having to worry about my hair again.
Striker (Finger Painting)Cost: 1 SPYou can permanently change the texture and color of any surface you touch, such as turning a smooth flaxen floor to annoyingly rugged and navy. You may undo this at will.
I… have no idea how to use this. I decide to just move on.
Brute (Histskin)Cost: 1 SPYou will regenerate 0.5% of your health per second for a minute. You have three charges of this ability. You can either spread them out, or stack them all on top of each other. Each charge is refreshed after every 24 hours have passed since time of usage.
I immediately use one charge, and then groan in both relief and frustration. There was literally a self healing power in there this entire time and I just missed it? Seriously?! I went through the entire day in pain because the Tier 0 power list is just way too freaking long.
Blaster (Deadshot)Cost: 1 SPYou have an intuitive understanding of angles and trajectories, granting you nearly perfect aim. You can line up your shots nearly instantly, even for complex trajectories where the projectile bounces. You are still capable of missing if your aim is thrown off.
I haven't really been using projectiles until now, but I suppose maybe that will be changing? I suppose I could try throwing my hands around, that might be faster than flying?
Brute/Breaker (Efficient Autonomic Systems)Cost: 1 SPEvery autonomic part of your body—such as your liver, lungs, and lymphatic nodes—has been streamlined and optimized for peak efficiency. These systems can now handle and counteract challenges such as detoxifying your body at an accelerated rate and managing toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful substances that would overwhelm a normal body. Additionally, minor imperfections like wisdom teeth, certain bones like the fabella, and inverted eye cones have been corrected.
This optimization means that minor injuries and illnesses heal faster, you fend off infections and diseases more effectively, require less sleep without sacrificing restfulness and your lymphatic system is heightened, minimizing downtime and maintaining your peak physical condition.
And another one for the "Going to forget about it while getting a lot of passive benefit out of it" pile. Never going to complain about getting more of those.
RicochetCost: Confusing Body Language+DeadshotYou're now much more capable of ricocheting your projectiles, good enough that you could hit enemies from their blindspots, or calculate how to hit them even if they dodged. This makes projectiles you throw much harder to predict as they'll ricochet seemingly randomly, yet will still manage to land where they were aimed at.
Okay, yeah I definitely need to start carrying things to throw around. Maybe some pebbles? I'd like to use foam darts or bouncy balls to minimize the risk of seriously hurting someone, but those don't exactly fit with my whole Phantasm look. Then again, Phantasm was always supposed to be temporary, even if I've changed my mind about that, maybe I'll still end up making another persona? Something to think about I suppose.
Refined BiologyCost: Efficient Autonomic Systems+Waste Not Want NotYour body now operates at peak efficiency, maximizing every biological function. Every muscle, bone, and organ works at 99% optimization, ensuring no energy or nutrients are wasted. You can break down and absorb even the toughest organic matter, fully recycling everything you consume. As a result, your stamina is nearly limitless, though exerting yourself too much can still wear you down.
Your sleep cycles have also adapted. You can use unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USW), allowing part of your brain to rest while the other stays active, eliminating the need for full sleep. While you no longer require sleep to function, you may still feel a mental desire for it. When you do sleep, your REM cycles are far more effective, fully restoring your body and mind in a fraction of the time.
In practical terms, you only need one hour of sleep per week, though even that is more for mental relief than an actual necessity.
One hour per week? What? No, really what? How, just… This is from a pair of independently very useful Tier 0 powers! Once again I find myself immensely frustrated that I can't see the synergy powers until I've already unlocked them.
Fine, whatever, at least I have it now. Which combined with the fact I'm now apparently fully healed and carrying around two more charges of self healing means I've got no excuse for staying in tonight. I'll do my homework, some studying, have dinner and hangout with dad, then head out once he's asleep.
Let's Play
I think that was actually even more awkward than Monday. He obviously wanted to ask about last night, but just as obviously understood it's not exactly something I felt like sharing. Not that there was much for me to share even if I wanted to.
I put it out of my mind once more as I Cheshire my way across the rooftops into the ABB territory. I don't actually expect to find anything, and already have plans to spend most of the night in E88 territory, so I'm caught off guard by a shrill scream cutting through the night.
I can hear shouting, sobbing, and laughing as I approach, and am getting ready for a repeat of the Madison situation when the crack of a gunshot splits the night. Then silence. No cry of pain, no scrambling away, just absolute, stunned silence.
Then the laughing starts and I see red. I barely remember what I did to them, but a pair of middle aged ABB members are slumped against a wall, my mental connection to their sleep indicating it should last well over half an hour. Unfortunately Multitask means those thoughts can't distract from the sight in front of me.
Some of the victims at the brothel had been in rough shape, but ultimately the ABB needed its prostitutes in some semblance of health. The woman in front of me had been brutalized well past the point of survival even before the gunshot to the head. I… I don't let myself focus on any given injury. I stumble back, turning away and soon find myself emptying my stomach against a nearby dumpster.
I end up having to pull a cellphone off one of the perpetrators and call it in, barely remembering to use my faux-artificial voice before the operator picks up. It takes far too long for the police to come. I have to re-apply knockout to keep them down, and barely resist the urge to make sure I won't have to apply it a third time.
I occupied myself with writing out my statement while I waited, so by the time they arrive I only have to answer a couple questions before I'm able to leave.
The trip back home is a blur, and I probably wasn't as careful as I should have been. It's hard to care. It's hard to focus. I barely get out of my costume before I'm racing to the bathroom to try to throw up again, but all that comes up is bile.
I was too slow. In the wrong place. Was she? Who was she? The thoughts are half formed, and yet they still distract me enough to not notice someone coming up behind me until their hand is on my back.
I scream, I can't help it. I turn, eyes wide, all my powers forgotten in a moment of blind panic as the image of the woman from the alley flashes through my mind.
The figure steps back, the lights flick on, and the image of my father resolves itself before me. Then I'm hugging him, and he's hugging me, and I'm crying nonsense into his shoulder as he guides me to the living room to settle on the couch.
Thirty minutes later I'm sipping on my second cup of tea, and dad apparently judges I'm ready to talk about it. I honestly don't know if he's right or not.
"Alright sweetheart, I really don't want to pressure you but… if you're up for it, I'd really like to hear what happened." There's fear, and worry, and sadness in his eyes as he speaks, but above it all I can't help feeling like the most prominent emotion is love.
Maybe that should be obvious, maybe it would have been to anyone else, but somehow, some part of me is still surprised. The part that's scrounging around for a believable lie, some explanation that will maintain the status quo. But for once I don't think it's the biggest part.
Maybe I'll regret it in the morning, maybe I'm making a big mistake, but I don't want to be alone right now. Not physically, and not in dealing with what I just experienced. I find myself squeezing my mug tight as I begin to speak, only distantly aware of myself easing off as I feel it start to give. "I… I'm a cape."
Slowly, as if unwilling to risk startling me he nods. "Okay…"
"I… I went out tonight, to patrol, to- to see if I could f-figure out what the ABB are up to."
Another slow nod, though the concern in his eyes grows.
"I heard something, a scream, I… I wasn't fast enough. There was a gunshot. She- she was already dead by the time I got there. They-" I have to fight down my gag reflex as I recall the sight once more.
"They weren't gentle."
A moment later I feel the couch shift and am being pulled into another hug. I press my face into his shoulder again, new tears adding to those that have barely dried from last time.
I take several steadying breaths before pulling back. "I knew it'd happen eventually. Nobody's perfect, everyone makes mistakes, not even Alexandria can save everyone."
I pick up my mug again, unsure when I set it down, or if dad had taken it from me when he sat down. I take a steadying sip, then continue on, letting my thoughts flow. "But it's so different to know it might happen eventually, and having it right in front of you. Of knowing that maybe if you'd done something differently that person might have survived. Might still be alive…"
He hums lightly, and there's a kind of recognition in his eyes I wasn't expecting. "How long have you been going out for?"
I fidget a little, anxious despite it already being far too late to back out. "I went out for the first time on the 9th."
He takes a moment to process that, then nods. "Right, I remember you were pretty out of it on Monday. I guess you stayed out pretty late?"
I huff. "Yeah, yeah I did."
He smiles at me. It's a little brittle, but there's so much love in it that I can barely believe it. "Are you being safe about it?"
I groan, letting my head fall back onto his shoulder. "Yes dad. My power makes me very safe. Basically as long as my brain survives I'll be fine. It might take me a while to fully regenerate any damage I took, but at least I'll survive it."
I can feel him slump in relief at the reassurance, and then he's pulling back, the smile a little less brittle now. "So do I get to know who you are in costume, or do I have to start guessing?"
I flop back against the couch, holding up my right arm and letting the hand detach, still holding my cup of tea. "I'm Phantasm. I don't know if you've heard of me."
There's a pause, and I end up having to slightly lift my head to see my father staring with a completely dumbfounded look on his face. I can't help it, I break down laughing, and soon enough he's chuckling along.
"Yes, yes I've heard of you. Some of the guys at work are big fans." I giggle at the exasperation in his voice as he says it.
"But I thought she was a Tinker?" He gestures at my still floating hand. "I don't exactly see any pieces of fancy tech on you, and that doesn't really line up with what you said before about your power protecting you."
I'm kind of surprised dad even knows what a Tinker is, but I suppose they probably have to keep an eye out in case one decides to try and scavenge some of the DWU's stuff for parts. I'm about to respond when he breaks out into a massive yawn. Right, other people still need sleep.
"It's kind of complicated but… I'll tell you tomorrow, okay?" I set down my mug once more, then have the hand float back down to re-attach to my wrist.
He sighs, but relents. With a groan he gets to his feet and offers me a hand up, only to groan for a completely different reason as I Cheshire myself onto my feet. "It's complicated huh?"
I snort. "Yeah, it really, really is."
We hug and then head back upstairs, each returning to our own rooms. I may only need an hour of sleep a week, but this feels like a great time to find out if I can manage more.
As I settle into bed, I let myself look over my most recent window, and can't help but feel a little more hopeful for the future.
Quest complete! CommunicationGained:
300 EXP
2 Loose SP
Name: Taylor Anne HebertLovable Horror LVL 8SP Cap6Loose SP25Tier 1 Powers(12)Mover(2)Shaker(1)Brute(0)Breaker(0)Master(0)Tinker(1)Blaster(1)Thinker(1)Striker(2)Changer(0)Trump(1)Stranger(3)Tier 0 Powers(27)Synergy Powers(3)
AN: So how was that? Obviously Taylor is never going to talk to her dad out of the simple desire to communicate, so hopefully this felt sufficiently justified!
Also I hope Danny's reaction was comprehensible? Basically he has ALL the questions, but sees his daughter is hurting and so is more focused on keeping her from spiraling by asking relevant but tangential questions to draw her away from it. Also, I'm assuming "hey I found someone brutally murdered by the gangs", while not common, is common enough that Danny has experience with it. Though usually it's one of the dockworkers.