Disclaimer: English is not my first language. I'm using Grammarly to check the Grammar and using Word to write it.
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Well, I was going to have this talk sooner or later.
I wish that it wasn't when I was exhausted.
I can't catch a break, can I?
"Henry, what is that?" Nora asked, looking at the mystic code that I was wearing.
How do I explain this?
"It's my cape costume," I said.
Let's start small.
Mom blinks rapidly at my answer.
"Where did-no, that isn't important right now. How long?" Isaac asked.
"How long I have been a cape or have powers?" I asked.
The second one is harder to explain.
Mom and Dad glanced at each other confused.
"Isn't that the same thing?" Isaac asked.
"Not in my case," I said, rubbing my neck.
"Wha-what does that even mean?" Nora asked, slightly agitated.
"It's hard to explain," I said.
"Then start from the beginning," Isaac said.
That doesn't help.
"Okay, so the whole cape thing started the day that I came out of the coma. I waited first for everyone to fall asleep before I sneaked out. Then I looked for a quiet place so I could summon a friend. And, well, you know about the fight I had with the Empire," I said, explaining my first night as a cape.
"You shouldn't have fought them. That was incredibly irresponsible," Isaac said with a frown.
"I had to do something, the fight was only going to get worse and Morgan was more than enough to deal with the Empire capes," I argued back.
"Morgan?" Isaac asked.
Crap.
"You mean that woman with white hair?" Nora asked.
"Isn't she a projection?" Isaac asked.
"Yes and no," I said.
"What does that mean?" Nora asked.
"Wait a second. What do you mean: you had to summon her?" Isaac asked.
Oh boy.
"Here the thing about my 'power', I can summon legendary heroes to help me in battle," I said.
Oversimplified, but it's enough for now.
"When you say 'summon', is that just something you say to add a bit of flair to your power, or do you actually mean it? Because if it's the latter, then they must be coming from somewhere," Isaac said with a grim frown.
I pressed my lips in a thin line.
Mom let out a gasp at my silence.
"Henry....did you kidnap them?" Nora asked hesitantly.
"No!" I nearly shouted, making my parents lean back in surprise. "That isn't even close to what's happening. Yes, they are coming from somewhere but there is no kidnapping or mastering involved in this whatsoever."
My parents seemed relieved at that.
"What even made you ask that question?" I asked.
Isaac shrugs, "I keep hearing how sentient your projections are, now you say she has a name and this whole summoning thing. I couldn't help but think that it's like those stories of a mage summoning heroes from distant lands," Isaac said.
Holy crap Dad, you have no idea how right you are.
"You know, like those cheese novels that your mom likes to read," Isaac said.
"And what's wrong with them?" Nora asked, placing her hands on her hips.
"Honey, those novels are so packed with cliches that I could hardly bring myself to finish one of them," Isaac said drily.
Damn.
Mom lightly slaps Dad's shoulder with a huff.
I let out a small laugh at this.
"Young man, you aren't off the hook yet," Nora said sternly. "So, where're they coming from?" she crossed her arms.
"....from another world," I said rubbing my neck.
"Explain," Isaac raised an eyebrow.
I let out a sigh, "They come from a Chaldea that exists in another world. And we're in the process of transferring the entire organization to here."
"Why would they do that? They would be abandoning their homes," Nora said.
No, they wouldn't since their home is Chaldea.
"Okay, I'm going to need-" I'm interrupted by Daisy walking into the room
"What's going on?" Daisy asked, sleepily rubbing her eyes.
She suddenly stops when she sees me, her eyes going wide in surprise.
"YOU AR-" I quickly got close to her and covered her mouth.
"For the love of god don't scream that," I said, creating a bound field that covers my room.
I should have done that earlier.
I remove my hand from Daisy's mouth.
"You're Magus," Daisy said with an excited grin.
"Yes I'm," I said with a tired smile.
"Awesome," Daisy whispered.
A thought crosses my mind.
"Hey, give me a hand here, and later I can introduce you to everyone at Chaldea," I whispered to Daisy.
Her eyes light up and nods her head quickly.
"We can hear you," Isaac deadpanned.
Oh well.
I shrug my shoulders in response and Daisy laughs nervously.
I frowned as Daisy tensed at the distant sound of explosions.
I gently place a hand on her head, guiding her gaze to mine. "Everything is going to be okay," I said softly, offering her reassurance.
Daisy grabs my hand firmly and nods.
I glance at my parents and see that they are also tense.
That is it, we aren't staying here.
"We're going to the hotel," I said.
"Hotel?" Nora asked.
"We needed space since Chaldea has a lot of members," I explained.
"Where did you get the money?" Isaac asked.
"We robbed the gangs," I said with a shrug.
Dad raises an eyebrow but doesn't say anything.
More explosions echoed in the distance.
"We can finish this talk when we're there. Now go change clothes," I said.
Isaac frowns, "We can't just-"
"This isn't up for discussion, the hotel is the safest place in the city and we're going there," I said with a tone of finality.
Mom and Dad and Daisy exchange glances.
"What are you guys waiting for? Go change," I said, pushing them out of my room.
God, what a headache.
"Da Vinci, I'm bringing my family to the hotel. My parents found out," I said.
"Oh boy. How did that happen?" Da Vinci asked.
"They walked on me a little after I entered my room," I said. "I think they were waiting for me," I rubbed my chin in thought.
The timing was too perfect.
"I'm not surprised. With all the commotion happening, they must have gone to check on you and your sister-"
"And they didn't find me," I said, pinching my nose in frustration.
Yeah, they were waiting for me.
"So, how did the talk go?" Da Vinci asked.
"Still going. I only told them a little about what I had been doing as a cape but Daisy interrupted me when I was going to talk about my 'power'. I'm going to need help to explain that," I said.
"I'm at your disposal," Da Vinci said immediately.
"Thanks," I said with a smile. "Seriously, how the hell do I explain everything to them?"
"I have an idea," Da Vinci said.
"What's it?" I asked.
"We show them your memories," Da Vinci said.
I froze at her suggestion.
My....memories?
"I can't," I whispered.
"Henry," Da Vinci said.
"They will see everything that I have done. I killed so many," I said.
They will think I'm a monster.
They will be scared of me.
I can't go through that.
"HENRY!" Da Vinci exclaimed.
I let out a gasp and shook my head to clear my mind.
Remember Xuanzang's meditation lessons.
"Clear your mind and focus only on your breathing. Breath in....breath out," Xuanzang lesson echoed in my mind.
Breathe in.....breath out.
Breathe in.....breath out.
Taking one more deep breath I was finally able to calm down.
Opening my eyes, I notice Hassan beside me, her hand gently resting on my back. Trying to help me calm down.
"Thanks," I said tired smile.
Hassan nods, she doesn't move from my side.
"You okay?" Da Vinci asked concerned.
"Not really," I said.
".....we don't have to do this, you know. I know that you don't want to hear but we could make them for- "
"No. That is never going to be an option with my family," I said firmly. "Besides, if I start now when would the lies end? They will just keep piling up until whatever chance I had to reconnect is completely gone."
I clench my fist in determination.
"We're doing this," I said.
"Okay. Whatever happens, we're with you. I'm going to get things ready for your arrival," Da Vinci said.
I have a weary sigh, running my hand through my hair in frustration.
"Another long day of work," I comment.
"Indeed. Would you like to eat or drink something?" Hassan asked.
"Got no appetite right now," I said, shaking my head.
We still have to exterminate the Empire later.
Man, I'm not going to get much sleep today.
"Oh yeah, do you got eyes on the Empire capes?" I asked.
"Yes. They have retreated to Medhall to catch their breath. Kaiser is arguing with Victor on what do to about Avicebron's golems. They are scared," Hassan said.
Well, they won't be scared for long.
"What about Hydra?" I asked.
"He's also at Medhall creating more clones. He's an odd one," Hassan said.
I raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
"I've been watching him for the past two hours. Other than creating clones, all he does is stare into space," Hassan said.
That is odd.
"Is there anything else worth noticing?" I asked.
Hassan nods, "There's a tunnel that leads to outside of the city."
An escape route?
We can't have that.
"Cape made?" I asked.
"Yes. The walls have no sign of being made using machines or tools. There are also two unknown capes waiting at the end of the tunnel," Hassan said.
One of them must have created the tunnel.
"Take Ushiwakamaru and Cú Chulainn to deal with them and anyone that comes out of it. No prisoners," I said seriously.
My parents and Daisy step inside my room, only to freeze in shock at Hassan standing next to me.
"It's okay, she's with me," I reassured them.
Looks like they are ready.
"Master, the hotel is still being watched," Hassan reminded me.
Oh right.
"We need to cover your faces before we leave," I said.
"I'm sorry, who's watching the hotel?" Nora asked concerned.
"People that want me under their thumbs," I said casually.
Maybe I could use the masks from Daisy's old Halloween costume, I think she might have kept a few of them.
"Master," Hassan said, holding three spares of her mask.
Oh, that's much better.
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The trip to the hotel was made in silence, my family is still coming in terms of me being a cape.
Daisy informed me that I was already considered the most powerful cape in the city.
Not much of an achievement when the bar is low around here. At least in Brockton Bay, the S-call threats and Endbringers are another story.
Upon entering the hotel, we found Da Vinci already waiting for us in the lobby.
"Hey," Da Vinci said with a tired smile.
"Hey. Is everything ready?" I asked.
"Not yet. Morgan and Medea need a few more minutes to finish the spell," Da Vinci said.
"Spell?" Daisy asked, taking off her mask.
I let out a sigh, "It will all be explained. Just be patient for now."
"So this is your family. Hey there, I'm Da Vinci," Da Vinci introduces herself to my family.
"You're so young," Isaac said with a frown.
Da Vinci shakes her head, "I only look young. Trust me, I'm actually older than you," she said with a wink.
Dad glances at me confused and I shrug in response.
"Da Vinci? Isn't that the same name from that movie from 2006?" Daisy asked, scratching her head.
Da Vinci's smile turned stiff, and I quickly covered my mouth to stifle a laugh.
Oh god, this is amazing.
She is one of the greatest minds in history and Daisy remembers her from a movie about some over complicated conspiracy about the holy grail or something like that.
"Anyway, let's go to the meeting room. I'm sure you all have many questions," Da Vinci said.
I walk next to her, my family quickly following us.
"You had anything to eat yet?" Da Vinci asked.
"Nope. And don't bother asking Barghest to make something, I got no appetite right now," I said.
Da Vinci glances at me with a concerned frown.
"Don't give me that look. Besides, it's not like this is the first that I'm working nonstop," I said.
"After this is over you're going to eat something and sleep for eight hours," Da Vinci said, leaving no room for argument.
"All right," I said.
"....you know, I was hoping things were going to be different here," Da Vinci let out a sigh.
Yeah, different world, same problems.
Well, on a smaller scale this time.
"We just have to deal with the S-class threats and the Endbringers. After that the heroes can handle the rest," I said.
"Already planning your retirement?" Da Vinci asked amused.
"Oh yeah. I'm thinking about traveling around the world," I said.
"Hm, that does sound good," Da Vinci said.
We reached our destination and entered the meeting room.
It's a simple room featuring a rectangular table surrounded by chairs.
I sit at the table with Da Vinci on one side, while my family sits opposite us.
"Get comfortable, we got some time before the preparations are ready," I said, leaning back on my chair.
"What're we waiting for?" Nora asked.
"And what was that about a 'spell'?" Daisy asked.
Oh, fuck it.
"We're waiting for a spell that is going to show my memories to all of you," I said.
One, two, three...
"What're you talking about?" Mom, Dad, and Daisy said at the same time.
"I know that sounds weird but Henry is speaking the truth. Just wait a few minutes," Da Vinci said.
"You mean, wait for this so-called 'spell'," Isaac said annoyed.
"Honey," Nora said with a frown.
"No. We aren't going along with whatever is happening. Henry, what the hell is going on!?" Isaac said impatiently.
"It's complicated," I said.
"So simplify," Isaac demanded.
"I can't do that," I said with slightly gritted teeth.
"Why not?" Isaac pressed.
"Because you will never believe me!" I exclaimed in anger, slamming my hands on the table.
Dad blinks in surprise at my outburst.
Mom and Daisy look at me with concern.
"The truth is far too ridiculous for any of you to believe without proof. Hell, there are still parts of it I can't believe myself that it happened, and I was there!" I said.
The Clock Tower didn't believe us when we told them about the singularities. They thought that such things were too fantastic to be true.
Too fantastic.
A freaking secret society of mages didn't believe us.
"Let's all calm down first. The last few hours have been stressful for everyone," Da Vinci said, mediating the situation.
Mom sends a grateful nod to Da Vinci and turns her attention to me. Her expression was a mix of confusion and concern.
"We want to understand but you aren't making any sense. I mean, what memories do you even want to show us?" Nora asked.
"I'm going to need all of you to keep an open mind. And I do mean open," I said, staring intensely at my family.
Mom, Dad, and Daisy nod their heads after a moment of hesitation.
"I'm going to show memories of how I became the last master of humanity and everything I did to restore proper human history," I said seriously.
My family stays silent for a minute.
"I'm calling the PRT," Dad breaks the silence and grabs his phone.
I let out a groan.
"Please don't. That isn't going to help," I said, pinching my nose.
"Mr. Karn, I understand your skepticism but I assure you that Henry is speaking the truth," Da Vinci said, trying to help me.
"I can't get a signal," Isaac said, ignoring Da Vinci.
"Dad, please put the phone away. The PRT isn't going to help, all they are going to do is put a leash on me," I said.
"Why would they do that?" Nora asked.
"To control Chaldea. By now they must have realized that they can't defeat us, so their only choice would be to control Henry," Da Vinci explained.
"You guys are that strong?" Daisy asked curiously.
"Yes," Da Vinci said.
Dad kept messing with his phone.
"Dad put the phone away!" I said angrily.
"No!" Isaac exclaimed just as angrily.
We stared each other down until Mom rested her hand on Dad's shoulder. She turned to me and, after a brief pause, began to speak.
"Sweetie, something isn't right with you," Nora said.
I lean back in surprise.
"At first I thought it was because you're a cape but now....I don't even know what to say," Nora shakes her head.
It's going to be worse after they see my memories.
"Maybe it's his powers," Daisy said.
She began fidgeting nervously as all eyes shifted towards her.
"What do you mean?" Da Vinci raised an eyebrow.
"I read how some powers affect the parahuman's minds. Making them act different from how they were before," Daisy said uncomfortably.
Damn it Daisy. I know that you're trying to help but you're making it worse!
"Ah, that," Da Vinci said with a grimace. "It's more common with 'Thinkers' as their powers are related to their minds, so it's expected for them to see the world in a different light. But that has nothing to do with this conversation."
Da Vinci fixes an intense gaze on my Dad, silencing him before he can launch another rant.
Da Vinci sighed, "I didn't want to resort to this."
I don't like the sound of that.
Da Vinci looks me in the eyes and then at my chest.
It takes a second before I understand what she wants.
Yep, I was right.
I take off my shirt and my family gasped at the state of my body.
The contrast between how I looked before and after the coma is undeniable. I certainly didn't have such well-defined muscles and, most strikingly, wasn't covered in scars before.
Old scars.
Most of them are faded by now, thanks to Nightingale, but you can easily that I didn't get any of them recently.
My family kept looking at me in horror, too stunned to say anything.
I need a drink.
The door swings open as Medea and Morgan step into the room. They halt abruptly, their eyes scanning the space, instantly aware of the palpated tension gripping everyone present.
"Should we come back later?" Medea raised an eyebrow.
"Won't make a difference," I put back my shirt. "Let's get this over with."
Medea and Morgan quickly move to my side. Morgan places her hand on my shoulder, trying to comfort me.
I took her hand and offered a grateful smile.
A magical circle appears under me.
"Before we go through with this, I need to warm all of you," I said, locking eyes with my family. "This is going to be awful. At first, it isn't so bad but later it is when things get, honestly, downright cruel."
They exchanged a glance, their eyes reflecting a mix of fear and uncertainty. After a brief pause, they nodded to each other and then turned toward me.
"We want to know," Isaac said determined.
Mom and Daisy also nod in determination.
"Begin," I said.
Medea and Morgan start the spell.
Down the memory lane, we go.
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