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Chapter - 3. - My Family drama
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Descending from my room, I made my way downstairs with a healthy dose of paranoia. Having a mother who's a highly successful lawyer could be incredibly frustrating—especially when you're actively trying to hide something from her.
Still, after years of watching her work, I'd picked up enough tricks to hold my own.
Rule number one: stay calm.
Control your body language.
Choose your words with precision.
All lessons she taught me, now serving me against her.
Though, thinking about it, maybe I should've chosen to assimilate Loid second? Then again, in a world like this, having a little extra insurance for survival never hurts—especially with Amy as a sister who could heal practically anything.
The Adam model was supposed to help with that. He carried a natural authority over humans, something I theorized operated like a low-grade Master-class ability—subtle, but potent enough to make people instinctively look on me with positive bias.
Of course, I had no way of knowing how well it worked yet. I'd need to run a series of tests, ideally as the assimilation percentage continued to rise.
Even though part of me hated lying, there was no way I could tell my family the truth—that I'd received a power that didn't even originate from this universe, and that it allowed me to pull abilities, traits, even personalities from across the multiverse.
Not only would they never believe me, worse, they'd start asking questions I wasn't ready to answer. The truth of this universe was far too dangerous to reveal.
Shaking my head, I pulled myself back to the present, trying to focus on my next steps. I wasn't planning to play hero around my family—at least, not yet.
I had no intention of getting dragged into New Wave. I respected their decision to go public, but Vicky and Amy had paid the price. Mom took that choice away from them, and Amy in particular had been swamped with responsibility ever since. She couldn't even walk through a mall without someone begging her for help.
I'll wear a mask, but for now, I'll stay independent. I'm not naive enough to think I can just punch every villain into submission.
Especially not in a world like this—where I know the true threats lurking beneath the surface. From Scion, who isn't just Earth Bet's golden god but the avatar of the Warrior—an alien entity from a dimension-hopping species that seeds parahuman powers to facilitate a cold, mechanical reproductive cycle.
And that's just the start.
I'm no saint, not by a long shot. But Mom raised us to do the right thing. And pretending I don't have powers—when I know what this city is headed for—feels like a betrayal.
Thanks to the Gacha, my potential is nearly limitless. I can feel the depth of each character I'm assimilating, and I know this is only the beginning of what's to come.
But even if I'm not joining New Wave, that doesn't mean I'm keeping everything secret. When I thought about who to talk to first, the answer came naturally: Vicky.
But I immediately changed my mind, because as much as I love Vicky, I realized she isn't capable of keeping a secret—especially not one like this. More than that, asking her to lie to Mom for me? I didn't think she had it in her. Vicky folds under pressure faster than a wet paper towel.
Then I considered my cousin Crystal. She'd understand my desire to avoid joining New Wave—hell, she's complained to me more than once about how getting outed made her social life a nightmare.
Every time she went to a party, every single guy would try to cozy up to her, hoping to get into her pants just so they could brag about it on PHO the next day like some kind of trophy.
Even Aunt Sarah, I think, would be able to understand my situation. But as much as I could tell her later, I already knew exactly who I needed to tell first.
Mostly because I couldn't really hide anything from her anyway. One touch from her and she'd be able to sense the biological changes I was going through. She'd figure it out immediately.
I just hoped that, since the assimilation of Adam was still in its early stages, she wouldn't freak out from seeing the body of a literal god starting to manifest in her brother.
So yeah, better to confront this now than wait and risk hurting her. At least, that was the plan.
"You woke up later than usual," my dad said as soon as I stepped into the living room. Naturally, I pulled together a halfway decent excuse on the fly.
"Yeah, I had some club stuff to catch up on. Got behind on assignments," I said smoothly, watching as he nodded slowly.
He paused for a moment, and it didn't take much to realize he hadn't taken his meds today. I could tell by the way his eyes looked just slightly more distant, his voice just a bit slower than usual.
"That's fine. As long as you're keeping on top of everything," he said with a small smile, before turning his attention back to the TV—though from the way his gaze drifted, I doubted he was really watching it.
"Sure. Where is everyone?" I asked, keeping my tone casual.
"Amy's still upstairs. Carol's in the kitchen. Vicky went out on patrol," he replied with a shrug.
Of course she did. Vicky spent more time patrolling than the rest of New Wave combined—she genuinely loved being a cape. And honestly? I couldn't blame her. If I had her powers, I probably would've done the same.
"Thanks," I said, giving his shoulder a light tap as I passed. He gave me a small nod as I walked toward the kitchen.
"Adam, breakfast is almost ready," Mom said as soon as I stepped in. "I really wish Vicky took more after you, instead of running out at dawn to punch muggers."
"But then we'd lose our collateral-damage Barbie. You know how much fun it is reading PHO threads about every broken wall Vicky leaves behind?" I replied, making her stop in her tracks and laugh—a rare sight. She gave me a nod, clearly amused.
Vicky spends more time wrecking the environment than actually taking down villains…
I love my little sister, but she's a bit too reckless sometimes.
"It's more fun than it should be," Mom replied, amused. "At least lately she's been learning to control herself more. Otherwise, I'd have to put her over my knee and spank her like I did when she was a brat."That made me nod in agreement.
"That'd be a hell of a show. I could probably make bank if I uploaded it to PHO," I replied, smirking. She paused, giving me one of her classic disapproving looks.
"Just because your sister and I happen to be good-looking doesn't mean you should talk about that kind of thing in the house," Mom warned, her gaze sharp. "And well… you're pretty good-looking yourself, even if you enjoy teasing people way too much."
I shrugged with an innocent smile. "Even if you say that, I know you still love me." She sighed but couldn't help a small smile as she walked over and pulled me into a quick hug.
She's never been especially affectionate physically, so I returned the gesture gently and let her go the moment she pulled back.
It was her way of showing she cared—and that was enough for me.
"Can you take Amy to the hospital later?" Carol asked, turning back to the stove. "Vicky was supposed to, but she forgot again and left on patrol without her phone."
That made me laugh. "Sure, no problem," I agreed easily. Most likely, Vicky had conveniently "forgotten" on purpose to give Amy a little more breathing room—and less psychological torment.
It was a pattern. She'd often "forget" things like that when she knew Mom would be too busy to do it herself.
We never let Amy go alone. Her power made her incredibly valuable, and there were several cape organizations that would love to slap a collar on her and make her follow orders like a glorified utility.
And while I hadn't been able to protect her from capes directly, I'd been trained to protect myself my whole life—because there was always a very real chance that one of New Wave's enemies might come after me instead.
Capes aren't supposed to use lethal force—but I'm not a cape. And, as Skidmark could tell you, I'm damn intense when it comes to protecting my family.
Not that he got far;
Vicky was not happy.
And I can tell you this: a mini version of Alexandria is not someone you want to face without a well-thought-out plan. All I'll say is they eventually found Skidmark—and ever since, no one's been able to get a single word out of him about what actually happened.
Not that anyone needed details—his whole demeanor anytime he hears a blonde woman's voice says more than enough.
Let's just say he's started treating blondes with a lot more respect and just a hint of healthy fear.
Smiling as I headed upstairs, my thoughts were already moving ahead as I walked toward Amy's room. I knocked lightly, paused, and only entered after she gave the okay.
Lying on her bed, Amy looked up from her phone. Her face lit up with a genuine smile, happier to see me than anyone else would've been—which, to be fair, wasn't surprising.
Aside from me and Vicky, she didn't have many people she could truly call close.
In front of me sat a girl with curly brown hair and a few scattered freckles across her face—details that only enhanced her natural beauty, giving her an understated, adorable charm.
From my angle, though, I couldn't help but notice—despite myself—a glimpse of her more attractive curves: specifically, her very well-shaped backside.
Honestly, it didn't get nearly enough appreciation, considering she always hid it under loose-fitting healer robes.
I forced myself to look away—after all, I was her brother.
"Adam," Amy said, smiling warmly. I returned it with one just as soft. "Breakfast's ready?"
"Yeah, but no cookies for you," I teased, making her roll her eyes in mock irritation, though the look in them was still full of affection.
"Someone's in a good mood this morning," she noted, grinning as I sat down on the edge of her bed. I ruffled her curls playfully as she reached out, her fingers brushing mine, as if she didn't want to let go just yet.
"Someone has to be in a good mood around here. And you?" I asked her with a soft smile.Even though Amy was good at hiding her feelings, the dark circles under her eyes betrayed the exhaustion she was carrying.
"Stressed and overworked as always," she sighed. "You taking me today?"
"Yeah, I already told Mom I'd drive you. Besides… I also need to talk to you about something," I said, letting the sentence hang deliberately.My tone immediately made Amy perk up, narrowing her eyes.
"So it finally happened, huh?" she muttered with suspicion. "You knocked someone up?"
I blinked, completely blindsided. "Wait, what? Absolutely not!" I clarified quickly. "Why the hell would you even think that?"
Amy looked away, clearly embarrassed. "Um… well… Vicky and I sort of have a bet going."
I stared at her, incredulous. "You two are perverts. What kind of bet are we talking about?"
She shrugged like it was no big deal. "Nothing serious, come on… we just wondered how many girls you'd 'collect' in town before you came to me for help."
I took a deep breath, bracing myself. "Do I even want to know the verdict?"
Amy gave me a half-smile. "I said three. Vicky, on the other hand she bet you'd end up in an orgy with at least five girls."
I stared at her, utterly speechless. "What kind of twisted image do you two have of your own brother?!"
"Are you serious?" Amy said, looking at me like I was the crazy one. "Have you ever looked in a mirror? You're basically the male version of Vicky. I figured it was only a matter of time before you picked up her same bad habits."
"What do you mean—" I started to protest, but paused as the realization hit. "Oh for god's sake… Dammit, Vicky," I sighed, dragging a hand down my face.
Amy nodded, her expression tired and a little exasperated, like it was the most predictable thing in the world.
"And no, for the record, I don't need Cape-brand contraceptive pills," I added with sarcasm. "I'm guessing that means Vicky and Dean are back together?"
We both loved Vicky, but she was reckless in more ways than one. Definitely the problem child, even if Mom would never admit that outside the house.
After all, she had to keep up appearances for New Wave.
I don't even want to think about how many times Vicky dragged Amy into her messes, treating her like some kind of portable emergency kit.
At least I learned to be somewhat responsible — I know how to use a condom.
Part of me still wanted to be mad at Dean, just on principle as the older brother. But the truth is, the guy's too damn polite to be the issue. If anyone's blowing things up, it's Vicky. No question.
I actually like Dean — really. But Amy and I? We're both so done with the endless on-again, off-again drama between him and our sister.
"I'm giving it a week," Amy said dryly. "So, what did you want to talk about?"
"I'll explain later, but you have to keep it secret. From everyone," I said, my voice calm as my eyes flicked to the slightly open door. Her eyes widened as she realized I was keeping something from Mom — and she gave me a serious nod.
I gave her a quick hug — and the moment our skin made contact, I felt her body stiffen immediately. A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips as she stared at me with wide eyes.
I'd suspected the assimilation process had left some detectable biological changes, but her reaction confirmed it beyond doubt.
"Your body's completely different," Amy muttered, then her eyes widened even further. "You… triggered," she whispered, her voice full of shock and concern. "What happened?"
"Nothing too complicated," I said, watching her furrow her brow in that cute little way she did. "I woke up with the ability to pull random stuff out of some kind of hole."
"That's it?" Amy asked, narrowing her eyes like she was trying to read deeper. "How weird are we talking? Because, y'know, just from a glance at your biology, the super strength doesn't seem that far-fetched."
"Well, this weird," I replied, reaching my hand forward.
Immediately, the spectral form of Golden Experience shot out and handed me an object from across the room, which I grabbed effortlessly.
Amy's eyes went wide. "What just happened? I saw you reach… but how did you pick something up?" She looked around, trying in vain to spot what I could clearly perceive.
That was a good sign — it meant capes couldn't see the Stand. Or at least, not unless they'd unlocked their own version of a "Mind's Eye."
"Not quite telekinesis," I explained, avoiding too much detail. "It's more like… summoning something. An invisible entity that can move and act based on my commands."
"Summoning an invisible ghost? Okay, that's weird," Amy admitted, relaxing a little. "But useful. If no one can see it, that's going to be a nightmare for criminals."
"There's more," I said more seriously. "But we can talk about it later."
Amy nodded, not pushing further. I knew she'd keep the secret — at least until Carol cornered her with questions.Their relationship wasn't exactly the warmest.
With an affectionate gesture, I kissed her forehead. She pouted, pretending to be offended by the childlike treatment, but couldn't hide the small smile as I stood back up.
"Yeah, I get why you'd want to keep this secret," Amy said, chuckling."If Vicky finds out, she'll never leave you alone again."
I shook my head, sighing. "And guess who I'd have to drag along just to keep her in check… more than I already do."
I smiled, ruffled her hair again — dodging her half-hearted attempt to smack me — then headed toward my room, ready to start plans with my new powers.
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