Author's Notes: Chapter edited and corrected by Vongrak.
Taylor POV.
"Very well, Miss Hebert, let's begin reviewing what this internship will be like." Armsmistress said after guiding me to her laboratory. I looked around, truly impressed by all the technology that surrounded me.
I'd seen Ruby work, but Mecha-shift was very different from whatever was happening here. This was all cutting-edge technology; I couldn't even understand half of what I was seeing. Whereas the technology used for Mecha-shift's weapons was more… mechanical, analog.
There were many moving parts and very few circuits and the like. Ruby also went on to elaborate deeply about her weapons. Apparently, the mechashift weapons only exist because of the dungeon's aura and resources. A weapon with too many delicate moving parts being constantly used to smash things to death wasn't a good idea.
Aura reinforced those pieces and prevented them from being destroyed almost instantly, and the dungeon materials, both minerals and monster parts, had better properties than normal materials, so it was possible to make those weapons last a long time.
Even so, maintenance was a real pain, especially something like Ruby's scythe. I'd seen her take the thing apart and put it back together with her eyes closed, but it definitely wasn't something I could understand in the slightest.
"Of course, Armsmistress." I said as my attention returned to Armsmistress. I could see her smile discreetly as she watched me look at her laboratory. I cleared my throat, slightly blushing.
"Alright, let's start from the beginning. This internship will last 3 weeks. Today is Friday, September 8th. Your internship will officially begin on Monday, September 11th, and will run until Friday, September 29th, inclusive. It will be 5 days a week, with rotating days that change between weeks. This means you will have to come in on Saturdays or Sundays without exception if it's on your schedule. At the end of each week, you will be given a new schedule for the following week."
"You will be assigned to a group of 6 heroes of approximately your age with whom you will be patrolling, but as part of your internship, you will also be assigned a more senior member of the Protectorate, which will form a group of 3 people constantly during patrols, but you will mainly interact with the first group."
"The patrols and the areas they will have to cover will be assigned to them during their shift. Any questions or doubts about the work of a hero can be addressed to them or to any other hero on duty, although due to this time, there may not be many heroes available. If the inquiry is something administrative or more personal, you can come to me or Miss Militia."
"The patrol dynamics will be explained to you during the patrols themselves, as well as the entire protocol to follow. Prepare a copy of the Protectorate's manual and regulations for your use."
"You are expected to perform your duties seriously. I understand that some things may be different from what you learned at UA. If you have any questions about certain situations, I'll repeat myself, don't hesitate to ask," Armsmistress said in one breath. "Questions?" Armsmistress said, staring at me. I blinked several times.
"No... none at the moment," I said easily.
"Adding to what Armsmistress just said, in case you didn't know, I don't need to sleep, so I'll always be available if you have any questions or concerns at any time. As part of the protocol, you'll be provided with all the Protectorate heroes' numbers for emergency situations. Don't hesitate to message me with any questions at any time," Miss Miliatia said. Armsmistress nodded firmly in agreement.
"I'll keep that in mind," I said slowly as I reviewed all the information in my head. It was really easy to understand, except for one thing. "I actually do have a… question." I said with a grimace. "Emma, she—"
"You are assigned to different shifts for the next three weeks, she is also prohibited from entering Headquarters while you are here, and is further prohibited from contacting or approaching you while you are on patrol." Armsmistress said immediately, and I sighed in relief as I nodded.
"Thank you." I said with a sigh. Both heroines nodded. Armsmistress turned around and grabbed some papers.
"This is the contract you need to read. It's quite short. Please read it completely and sign where indicated. I understand I also need to sign some papers for your university?" Armsmistress asked, though it didn't sound like a question. I nodded immediately, bent down, opened my briefcase, and took out the papers Aizawa had given me, which were entirely in English.
"These," I said as I handed them to Armsmistress. "I was really hoping that… Director Piggot would have to sign these papers," I said honestly. Armsmistress paused for a few seconds.
"It has been decided that it is best to limit your encounters with Director Piggot as much as possible. Especially when it is not truly necessary. While the Protectorate is under the command of the PRT in Brockton Bay, I am the one in charge of the Protectorate heroes and the Wards. Director Piggot has no authority over them except in very specific situations," Armsmistress said, staring at me. I grimaced.
"And yet here I am." I couldn't help but murmur. I could see Miss Militia shudder slightly and Armsmistress tense up before she sighed.
"And yet you're here," Armsmistress repeated with a sigh as she took my papers to sign them. "Believe it or not, Miss Hebert, not many of us are happy about this, but I'm sure you understand that both the PRT and the U.S. government have a certain interest in you, don't you? " Armsmistress said with a sigh, and I nodded.
"Yes, I know," I said dryly with a sigh. I grabbed Armsmistress's papers and began to read them. "That doesn't mean I'm not bothered," I said coldly. Armsmistress didn't even flinch this time; she just nodded, then started reviewing the papers and tensed up instantly.
"Miss Hebert... can you clarify something for me? If that is indeed your name right now," Armsmistress said, sounding completely tense. I tensed slightly; it was time for the truth. Miss Militia looked confused, approached Armsmistress, and glanced over her shoulder at the papers. Her eyes widened.
"Mrs. Miyamura!?" exclaimed Miss Militia, I nodded.
"Yes, that's my name," I said honestly. Both heroines stared at me, and I returned their gaze. I pushed aside any reaction to my insects—the few that existed here at Protectorate Headquarters, atop an old oil platform in the middle of the Brockton Bay coast. Insects were scarce here. The three of us remained silent, looking at each other. Armsmistress was the first to sigh weakly.
"I wouldn't even bother asking the reason. I suppose your marriage to Mr. Miyamura is perfectly valid, isn't it? " Armsmistress asked, sounding resigned. I raised an eyebrow.
"The reason? There's nothing unusual, Ma'am. I love Izumi. We were married a year ago. It was a private matter." I said easily, then bent down and took more papers from my briefcase: a copy of my marriage certificate, the legal name changes, and all the other relevant documents, signed and notarized copies, all in English. I handed them to Armsmistress. "I thought that now that I was in Brockton Bay again, I could update my documents. Obviously, the old ones won't do." I said simply as I handed the papers to Armsmistress.
She took them and began to look at them quickly.
"The marriage took place on August 20th of last year? That's over a year and three weeks ago, and the officiant is just coincidentally Principal Nezu, and the only witnesses are Iori Miyamura, and Ryuma Shimotsuki, the mother and grandfather of the groom, Izumi Miyamura," Armsmistress said flatly before slowly looking at me, I raised an eyebrow in her direction.
"Is there a problem? Izumi's information is quite sensitive, especially since Grandpa Ryuma's name is there. My husband's quirk was hidden for over 18 years, as was his lineage. I apologize for the... discretion and for not communicating this before today, but I hope you understand the reason." I said without stuttering. I had to suppress a shudder at calling Ryuma Shimotsuki 'Grandpa Ryuma,' but it was all part of the charade, so I shoved it down my throat.
August 20th, that was the date of my marriage to Izumi, a date Izumi had chosen to fill out Nezu's forged but perfectly legal papers. I had to start remembering that date; Izumi wouldn't let me forget if I ever did forget our anniversary, even if it was fake.
"Let's cut to the chase, Miss —Mrs. Miyamura. We both know the real reason behind these documents, and I'm honestly quite impressed by… this move, but I have to ask something," Armsmistress said, her expression devoid of emotion, as she stared at me intently. "Are you completely safe? Did no one force you to sign these papers?" she asked, now sounding slightly concerned. I blinked, confused.
That… I really didn't expect genuine concern from her.
"I... yes, ma'am, I'm fine, I'm happy, no one forced me to sign, marrying Izumi is something I wanted to do, I... love him." I said without hesitation and without the slightest wavering, I smiled slightly as I looked at Armsmistress, she just stared at me before nodding.
"Very well, Mrs. Miyamura, I'll see to it that your new documents are processed immediately and delivered to the appropriate parties," Armsmistress said, nodding. "And by the way, you can deny it, Mrs. Miyamura, but well played." Armsmistress added before turning away and beginning to sign the internship papers. I suppressed a sigh of relief.
"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about, ma'am," I said playfully as I began signing the papers in my hand, quickly reading them. The contract and jargon were fairly standard, though it did include a non-disclosure agreement, but I shouldn't really be surprised, so I signed them carefully, placing my new name on the dotted lines.
"Of course. Then I'll talk alone. This may roll back several of the tricks to keep you in Brockton Bay, but it won't stop them all," Armsmistress said vaguely. I snorted.
"I expected it, I just want to be left alone and go back to Japan with my husband. Also, hypothetically, if something were to happen, I'd be prepared for... some things." I said vaguely.
"Hypothetically speaking, like what?" Armsmistress asked slowly. I chuckled.
"Someone, hypothetically smarter than me, mentioned something about malicious compliance, though I don't know why." I hummed amusingly as I finished signing the papers. I could see Armsmistress and Miss Militia flinch slightly.
"Yes, no, hypothetically let's hope we don't get to that point," Armsmistress said dryly.
"Hypothetically, let's hope not," I said playfully, handing the papers to Armsmistress. She sighed and took them, returning mine to me. I grabbed them and immediately put them in my briefcase.
"It would be best if we continued," Miss Militia said with a tense expression. I simply nodded.
"Of course, what's next?" I asked, adjusting my briefcase and Shusui on my shoulder.
"Now it's my turn to guide you. The group you'll be working with is waiting to meet you," Miss Militia said with a smile. "You don't have any patrols today. We'll simply familiarize you with some things within Headquarters and meet different people. We'll also update your Scroll credentials so you have temporary access to the various Headquarters facilities."
"We can even do some combat training if you want, just so you can get to know them and get used to their quirks," Miss Militia said, sounding excited. I looked at Armsmistress, who nodded.
"Miss Militia, make sure you know everything you need to know. I'll finish the internship paperwork," Armsmistress said easily, and I nodded.
"Very well, let's go meet my... coworkers." I said with a nod, and Miss Militia nodded.
"Come on, there's a common room where they're waiting," Miss Militia said as she turned and started walking. I immediately followed her, giving Armsmistress a final nod. As we walked through the corridors, Miss Militia began pointing out the various facilities of Headquarters as we passed.
Finally we arrived at the room, she placed her scroll on the door and entered without waiting.
"Very well, gather around, there's someone to introduce." Miss Militia said, clapping her hands as she entered.
"Is she here yet?" "Finally! We've been waiting for hours! " "Alright, let's go see!" I heard the overlapping voices as we entered. I looked around; they were all in costume. I almost felt out of place.
"Guys, this is... Taylor. She'll be working with us, and especially with you, as I explained, for the next three weeks. Please take care of her," Miss Militia said, almost raising an eyebrow at the omission of my last name, but I let it go because the people in front of me started talking over each other.
"One at a time," Miss Militia said, silencing them. They all closed their mouths before one of them cleared her throat and stepped forward.
"Nice to meet you, Taylor. I'm Aegis while in disguise, Carla when I'm not," the woman in a red costume greeted me. My eyes lit up in recognition of the name.
"I'm Modularis, or Christina, or just Chris. It's nice to meet you." I greeted the next woman; she was wearing red and gold armor—a Tinker, I immediately thought.
"I'm Clockblocker! Or Denise! Wow, you look different than I expected, you really are the sister of- uff-" she groaned in pain as a younger girl drove her elbow into her stomach.
"Ignore the idiot, I'm Vista, or Missy, nice to meet you." Vista said firmly; she was the youngest of the group, as far as I could tell.
"I'm Flechette, my name is Lily, I'm just transferring from Boston." The next woman greeted me, and I blinked at that information. A transfer? Was that normal?
"I'm Weld, both as a hero and my given name, also transferred from Boston along with Flechette. Nice to meet you, Taylor." To my surprise, one of the two men in the room greeted me, but he… was made entirely of metal. That… was curious.
"Finally, me! I am Antares! Or Vicky! And this is my husband! Dean! Or Gallant when he's in hero costume!" said the next woman, genuinely delighted, as she floated up and hugged the second male hero present, who just laughed.
"Vicky, please calm down." Gallant sighed before smiling gently as he looked at me. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Gallant, or Dean, as my wife introduced me. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask." Gallant said with a smile.
I blinked as I looked at them all. Eight people, six women and two men, and I recognized most of them.
"Oh... it's the Wards." I said, blinking. They all looked confused. I cleared my throat. "I mean, I've been out of Brockton Bay for two years. The last time I saw you on the news, most of you were still in the Wards." I quickly corrected myself, and they nodded indifferently. "Although... I didn't know Glory Girl had joined the Protectorate." I said, looking at her curiously. She cleared her throat loudly.
"Antares." She corrected herself tensely; I could see her smile freeze. "And there were some... personal issues." She said vaguely, and I nodded.
"My apologies, Antares, and no response is necessary, I was simply trying to get used to seeing you as part of the Protectorate." I said quickly. Antares sighed and nodded before smiling broadly.
"It's a shame about the time! Amy is resting after her shift at the hospital so you won't be able to meet her, but I'm sure you'll be able to see her later!" Antares said quickly with a smile, and I nodded.
"Oh, I didn't know Panacea was also affiliated with the Protectorate? But I suppose that makes things easier. She was the one who healed me two years ago. I wanted to thank her personally, and now I'll have the opportunity to do so." I said, nodding.
"Oh, Amy healed you?" Antares asked, surprised. "Two years ago? That was—" Then she snapped her mouth shut, and everyone fell silent.
"Yes, the locker, and you don't have to be quiet, it doesn't bother me, but getting back to the topic, I understand she came by when I was unconscious, so I wanted to thank her." I said easily, and I heard them sigh with relief.
"So... what's it like dating Ryuma's grandson? What's it like meeting Ryuma? And is that sword you have there Shusui? Can I touch it? " Clockblocker asked quickly.
"No," I said immediately, frowning and freezing her in place. I made a deeper face. "Excuse me, Shusui is important to me, and she's very temperamental herself. I don't like people touching her, I'm sorry," I said honestly.
"Just ignore that idiot, there's really no problem." Vista sighed once more before glaring at Clockblocker, who laughed awkwardly.
"Yes, sorry, I just got carried away," Clockblocker said, laughing awkwardly. We all remained silent for a few very uncomfortable seconds.
"Should I put on my costume? I feel really under dressed." I said suddenly while looking at the rest before looking at Miss Militia who had a tense expression before she jumped slightly.
"Oh, only if you want. As I said, we'll be socializing today, or if you'd like a sparring session, you can put on the costume if that's more comfortable for you," Miss Militia said without hesitation. I nodded as she pointed down a hallway. "There's a spare room to the right. You should be able to change there comfortably," Miss Militia said easily. I nodded.
"I'll be right back," I said simply as I started walking toward the room. Once I closed the door, the few insects I'd left in the room could hear the commotion that quickly arose. I just sighed wearily as I began to undress and put on the costume. Well, that was awkward, and it was just the beginning. I already felt tired. I hoped the next three weeks wouldn't be like this.
Author's Notes: Now, I hope you enjoyed having 4 chapters! It turns out that being on vacation from my job and my writing gives me a lot of free time. I took advantage of it to go out with friends, colleagues, family, and just go out and have fun in general. I also took the opportunity to catch up on several series, games, and novels that I was behind on, and even then, I still had plenty of time left.
Last week I tried not to write at all; my fingers really needed a rest. But the problem with constant writing is that I'm now so used to having to write something that my fingers feel restless if I don't. So during that week, I wrote something light that ended up being an extra chapter for each novel.
I thought about saving it for a rainy day, but I just saw it there and ended up uploading it, so I hope you enjoyed it, because it's not going to happen again!
Author's Notes 2: Well! There was a comment from someone that gave the idea of Taylor using Japanese clothing over her costume; the long sleeves and loose clothing serve to hide insects, and also a not-so-subtle demonstration about her affiliation with Izumi and her name change. Then I thought of Shinobu Kocho's haori, the white haori with monarch butterfly patterns.
I liked it enough to use the AI and create several options: the standard white one and a black one with gold. While the white one looks good, the second one has its own charm. Should I keep it?
https://imgur.com/a/O9MICvu
(PS: Please ignore the lack of arms, the abnormal arms, or the non-human arms; it was difficult for the AI to generate human hands for Skitter!)
A/N: If you liked the story, join my patreon, patreon.com/Camellya_Addams, there are up to 10 chapters in advance, thank you. Or you can also visit my Ko-Fi, ko-fi.com/camellya_addams.