Disclaimer: English is not my first language. I'm using Grammarly to check the Grammar and using Word to write it.
////////////////////////////////////
Ben, don't mess this up, or you will have to deal with New Wave.
No pressure.
"It was Squealer. She caused all of this," I said, shameless throwing Squealer to the wolves.
Yep, direct their anger at someone else. And I'm not even lying, she really caused all of this mess.
New Wave shifted their focus on Squealer, who began to whimper in fear.
"We will deal with her later," Lady Photon said. "Who are you two?"
"We're heroes," Mia said immediately.
"I see," Lady Photon hums. "What hap-"
"Can we leave the this for later? For instance, when burning buildings don't surround us?" Mia asked tensely.
As if the world wants to prove her point, another explosion shakes the area around us.
Lady Photon grimaces at her surrounding but dosen't look away from us.
"We aren't your enemies," Mia said, looking straight into Lady Photon eyes.
Lady Photon narrowed her eyes and turned to Brandish. They leaned in, exchanging words in a heated whisper.
After a moment, they turned to us.
"We will be watching you two," Brandish warned us.
One problem down.
The other one on the other hand.
"What the hell are we suposse to do?" I look at the roaring fire.
"If any of your kido spells got anything that is ice or water related, now it's a good time to use it," Mia whispered to me.
Oh yeah, I got something.
"And make sure you don't lose that sword," Mia whispered, glanced briefly at New Wave.
I tightened my grip on Aestus Estus, dreading the idea of New Wave taking it.
Where do I put my sword?
Storing in my workshop is out the questions right now.
Don't need New Wave or anyone else learning about it.
Out of the corner of my eyes, I catch a glimpse of one of the magical balls.
That's it!
I grab one of the magical balls and press it against Aestus Estus, Slowly, it envelops the entire sword, and I sling it across my back.
It feels unconfortable but it's good enough for now.
"What is it those balls? And that sword?" Glory Girl raised an eyebrow.
"We have more important things to focus on," I asid bluntly.
"None of you would have a power that is perfect for putting out fires, right?" Mia asked.
"No," Lady Photon said with a frown.
Mia clicks her tongue.
She approaches one of the burning building and strikes the ground with her fist. A thin wall rises from the ground, separating the blazing structure from its surroudings.
"Focus on stoping the fire from spreading!" Mia said, transmutating more thin walls.
New Wave dosen't stay idle and follows Mia lead in trying to put out the fires.
Glory Girl darted to a fired hydrant and tore its bonnet, sending a geyser of water shooting skyward. Shielder and Lady Photon created a bright, translucent shield each, shaping it into a container to capture the rushing water. Once it was full, they soared toward one of the burning bulding and hurled the makeshift reservoir against the flames.
Glory Girld dosen't fall behind.
She snatches up a trash bin, shakes it until the garbage falls free, then fills with water before flying towards a building on fire and hurling the water at it.
Brandish and Laserdream do what they can do to help, thought their powers aren't much use when it comes to putting out fires.
I observe New Wave teamwork with wide eyes.
There's no hesitation in their actions.
They know exectaly what to do in a situation like that.
"Huh. Guess I don't give them enough credit," I tought.
"Red! Get your head back in the game!" Mia barks it out.
I blink in surprise before gritting my teeth in anger.
The hell are you just standing there and gawking like an idiot!?
Do something!
"Hado # 27: Fubuki!" I shouted.
The magical balls hurl blats of icy wind, scattering shards of frost that slash towards the burning building.
In an instant, it crashed into the fire, snuffing part of it out, yet the blaze still burned on.
Narrowing my eyes, I channeled more reiryoku into the spell, intensifying its power. I maintained it for a few moments before exhaustion forced me to stop and catch my breath.
Damn, that was tiring!
"You okay?" Mia approachs me.
"Yeah, that was more taxing than I thought," I wipe the sweat from my brow.
I glance at New Wave and see that they have it under control.
Okay, looks like Brockton Bay isn't going to go up in flames today.
"You should have conserved your strenght. We still have New Wave to deal with," Mia lightly admonishes me. "It's still up in the air if they are enemies or friends."
Fucking hell, she's right.
Just because we took down the Squealer and Skidmark, that dosen't mean that New Wave trust us.
"Can we sneak out of here?" I whispered tensely.
"No. Brandish is watching us like a hawk," Mia whispered.
I glanced at Brandish and see that she's watching us from the corner of her eyes.
Okay then.
"What do you think?" I whispered.
"For now, there's no reason for them to be hostiles against us. Apprehending Skidmark and Squealer atleast put us in a more favorable light. And there's also that video of you beating Stormtiger to a bloody pulp. That has to have gotten you a few brownie points with New Wave," Mia whispered.
You can't go wrong in beating the crap of nazis.
Now, what do to about New Wave?
Opportunity like these don't happen all the time.
We could build some rapport with New Wave, possibly turning them into our allies or atleast someone that we could turn for help.
Well, they will be probably temporary allies.
Who knows where this mission to take down Scion will drag me, but one thing I know. Blood's going to be spilled, and it isn't going to be mine neither Mia's.
"What do you think?" I whispered.
"It's time we do some networking, don't you think?" Mia whispered.
Yep.
A warm sensation spreads throughout my body, and nothing happens.
I shot a glance to my left as the wailling sirens closed in our location.
Looks like the fire-fighters are finally here.
/////////////////////////////////////////////
It didn't take long for the fire-fighter to arrive in full force, quickly taking over and putting out all the fires.
Now that the situation is under control, we can have take talk with New Wave.
Shielder and Laserdream are still helping the fire-fighter while Glory Girl is watching over the Merchants.
Brandish, Lady Photon, Mia and I move a little away to have some privacy.
We fell into a loaded silence, neither side breaking eye contact.
"What a night, huh," Mia said, trying to leviate the situation.
"You can say that again," Lady Photon sighs. "I was watching my favorite soap opera before Brandish called me for back up. Looks like I'm going to have to find out if Santiago is Isabela long lost brother another time."
Wait a second, I know those names.
"You watch Secretos del Pasado?" I asked surprised.
Lady Photon raised an eyebrow, "Well, this is a pleasent surprise. Not everyday that I came across another person that also watchs it. I tried showing it to Brandish once, but she walked out before the episode was even over."
"The plot is too nonsensical, and your explanation didn't help at all," Brandish crossed her arms with a huff.
Mia turns to me, "You watch soap operas?"
"Only this one. The plot does goes to some strange places now and then but it's still a enjoyable show," I said.
"What it's about?" Mia asked curious.
"It tells the story of a woman determined to reclaim everything she lost due to the schemes of her third cousin. Along the way, she meets the love of her life, endures a period of amnesia, and fights to secure her rightful inheritance from the greedy clutches of that same cousin," Brandish explains with a smile.
"...what?" Mia asked, not understanding a thing that was said.
"Thank you!" Brandish throws her hands up.
Yeah, Secretos del Pasado isn't for everyone.
"Oh well," Lady Photon shrugs. "So, mind explaining what happened here? And what should we call you two?"
"I'm Red and she's Blue," I said.
"Hm, so those really are your capes names," Brandish raises an eyebrow. "I thought it was just some random name that you told to Stormtiger."
"These names were supossed to be temporary but it seems like we're sticking with them," Mia glanced at me.
"No problem with me. They are simple and direct, don't need some fancy name or anything like that," I said.
"Wait until you're famous, and see what the internet has to say about that," Lady Photon rubs her temples in annoyance. "Places like PHO, in particular, can be very creative."
Huh, she's talking about the whole Photon Mom thing.
Oh god, the internet is going to tear me apart.
"As for what happened. We came here to acquire funds from the Merchants and take down another of their safehouses. Skidmark and Squealer being here was something that we weren't expecting. We decided to seize this the opportunity to apprehend both of them and things got out of hand. Squealer...whatever that thing was, packed more firepower than I expected," Mia explained.
"Yeah. Her tinker tech looks like it's going to fall apart any minute but they sure can pack a punch," Brandish said grimly.
"Are you two the ones that have been attacking the Merchants safehouses?" Lady Photon asked curiously.
"Yes. That would be us," I nodded.
Lady Photon hums, "If you don't mind me asking. What would you with these funds?"
"Personal projects," Mia said simply.
"I see," Lady Photon hums. "Are you two aware that the Empire has set their eyes on both of you?"
"Yeah, we know about that. That's why we're staying away from Empire territory," I said.
"That's a wise decision but don't think that will stop Kaiser from sending his men," Lady Photon warns us.
"New Wave has a lot of experience in dealing with the Empire, yes?" Mia asked.
"Unfortunately," Brandish crossed her arms with a frown.
"Is there any specific tatics Kaiser would use in this situation? Or he will just send his men after us?" Mia asked.
Brandish and Lady Photon remained silent for a moment, deep in thought.
"Kaiser is the kind of man that calculates his every move. He's going to learn as much as possible about your abilities before he does anything," Lady Photon said.
"And when it happens, he'll make a spectacle that no one will forget about it," Brandish said darkly.
Well, isn't that ominous.
"What does that mean?" Mia raised an eyebrow.
"She means in the theatrical sense. Basically, Kaiser is going to put up a show to his subordinates and, at the same time, remind the city what happens to those that cross the Empire," Lady Photon explained.
"All of that, just because I beat up Stormtiger?" I blinked in surprise. "That feels excessive."
"It is," Brandish said drily. "Kaiser is an egomaniac with a god complex. Everything with him always boils down to a dick measuring contest," she spats.
Lady Photon coughs, "While that could have been said with less crude words-"
Brandish shrugs in reponse.
"-she's right about how Kaiser loves to show off. Another thing to watch out for is how he'll try to manipulate your sense of duty, morals, or honor. Basically anything he can twist and use against you."
"I see," Mia rubs her chin thoughtfully.
That's a lot to think over, and I'm too tired to do it right now.
"Thanks for the warning and all that, but I'm calling it a night," I said before yawning a little.
Am I being rude?
Yes.
Do I care?
Ask me after a good night of sleep.
"Yes, it had been a long night for everyone. And I'm sure you both are also tired," Mia said.
"Before you leave. Is there any way to get in contact, if necessery?" Lady Photon asked.
"Sorry, we don't have anything like that," Mia said.
A warm sensation spreads throughout my body, and nothing happens.
Another miss.
"It would be a good idea to buy burner phones. Trust me, you're going to need it," Lady Photon advised us.
"We will do that," Mia said.
We bid farewell to Lady Photon and Brandish before departing from the place.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Oh god, I'm still so tired.
I let out a groan as I moved to sit on my bed.
Mia is sitting on my table, drinking tea.
"Hey, Ben," Mai said nonchantelly.
"How long you been there?" I scratched my head lazely.
"About forty minutes," Mia takes a sip of tea. "By the way, you snore loudly."
"I know. My mom used to complain a lot about that but what am I supossed to do?" I asked.
"Where's she now?" Mia asked curiously.
"She died five years ago from liver cancer," I stretched my arms.
"Oh. I'm sorry for your loss," Mia saidm feeling awkward about bringing up this topic.
"It's fine," I said quietly. "It's been a long time."
Mia speaks before an awkward silence could begin.
"I brought you food from that restaurant you like," Mia points at the plastic bags on the table.
My stomach growls loudly at the mention of food.
"What did you bring?" I asked, moving and taking a seat across from Mia.
"Lasgna and mashed potatoes with a side of french fries," Mia takes a sip of tea.
Nice.
I don't waste any time and dig in.
"What time is it?" I take a bite of the lasagna.
Mia checks her wrist watch, "Four in the afternoon."
"Ugh!" I choked on a french frie in surprise.
After smacking my chest a few times, I was able to spit it out.
"What!" I said incredulous. "Why did you let me sleep for so long!?"
"Simple, you needed that. Or you are going to tell me you weren't exhausted from last night," Mia raised an eyebrow.
Fair enough.
Using so much reiryoku drained me more that I was expecting. Gotta keep an eye on that.
"What do you think about New Wave as potential allies?" I get back to eating.
"The idea certainly has merits. Who wouldn't want a family of powerfull capes as backup," Mia hums. "Our meeting with them did bring up a question."
"What?" I asked.
"Last night I said we were heroes cause I wanted to avoid fighting New Wave. But what are we? Heroes, villains, or something else?" Mia asked. "...is there something else?" she tilts her head.
"There's also rogues but we aren't going down that road," I stop eating for a moment. "I think we're heroes," I said slightly uncertain.
"You think?" Mia asked.
"I mean, we have been attacking the Merchants, and took down Skidmark and Squealer. Dosen't that make us heroes?" I asked.
"Not necessarily. Doing good deeds dosen't automaticaly makes you a good person. We didn't go after the Merchants because it's was the right thing to do but because we needed money," Mia pointed it out.
She got me there.
Okay let's think about this.
Right now, the city most likely believes that we're heroes and there's no reason to make them think otherwise. And it does come with some perks.
I may not like the Protectorate/PRT but there is no denying that being on good terms with them would open more doors for us.
Like being able to meet the word greatest Tinkers if the rumours about Dragon and Armsmaster are true.
On the other hand, being a villian would free us from the shackles that does come when you are a heroe.
Hmm.
"For now, let's keep being heroes. We can change later if necessary," I eat a french frie.
"Ok," Mia shrugs. "I just wanted to know where we stand in the cape scene."
I nod and get back to eating.
"Oh yeah, I got a new perk last night," I said. "And there was also two misses."
"Oh?" Mia asked interested.
"It's called 'Item Construction'. Basically, I can make anything, weapons, armor, enchanted stuff, you name it," I shoved a bit of mashed potatoes into my mouth.
"Interestering, you can make mystic codes now," Mia rubs her chin. "How talented would you say this perk made you in the craft?"
"There's a part that says I can make items up to legacy level. Does that mean anything?" I asked.
Mia thinks for a moment, "I...never heard of such term. There's a system used in the Clock Tower on how strong a mystic code can be classified. The pinnacle being 'supreme'. The only ones that have something like that are the lords of the Clock Tower. Maybe it's a nomenclature used by other organizations. Who knows how the Atlas Institute classifies their mystic codes. Perhaps the Spiral Manor uses this method."
"What's that one?" I take a bite of lasagna.
"Magical organization located in China. They focus on thought magecraft. It can also be called philosophy magecraft. I heard that the practioners uses some kind of key to use magecraft," Mia explained.
"Think they exist here?" I asked.
Mia shrugs, "Maybe but that dosen't matter at the moment. Based on this 'legacy level' we can say your skill is somewhere between intermediate and advanced."
"Cool," I take a french frie. "Right, there's also a part about how if I get good enought with this perk, I can make divine level items," I said cassualy.
"Ugh!" Mia chokes on her tea.
"What!" Mia said after regaining her breath. "You can make divine constructs!?"
"Eventually...yeah," I said drily.
Mia takes a deep breath and pinchs her nose.
"You should have started with that, Ben," Mia said annoyed.
I shrug in response.
A warm sensation spreads throughout my body, 'Magically Gifted' makes it that I can learn magecraft twice as fast.
Damn.
"What? What did you get?" Mia asked.
"It's called 'Magically Gifted'. I can learn magecraft twice as fast now," I said.
Mia stare at me without blinking before breaking into a smile that's too enthusiastic to be normal.
A shiver just went down my spine.
"Wonderful! Combined with the neural lace, you will finish all the material in a flash. It won't be long before you are ready to start training transmutation," Mia claps her hands excitedly. "Oh, I will have to prepare the transmutations circles and gather the ingredients that will be used. So, finish eating that we have much to do."
/////////////////
Please leave a review. It helps me to stay motivated.
//////////////////////////
If you like my stories and wish to support me, you can find me over at pa-tre-on (slash) Regulareader.
Or at Ko-fi.com/regulareader
/////////////
CP points: 100
Magically Gifted (Generic Nasuverse) 200:
You have a knack for understanding all forms of Mystery and how to use them.
In practical terms, this allows you to learn all forms of magical knowledge twice as fast as you would without this perk.