2.0

The previous night was fun, Taylor stopped by after changing and we all watched the little video mom had gotten of Sophia. Taylor had cracked up, but didn't seem to understand why Sophia had been so terrified of my mother. I saw the glint in mom's eye but she was out of useable materials so Taylor escaped that fate.

Shard eventually conveyed what had happened with Victoria, so now I'm grounded. Literally. My father told me I'm not allowed to fly around the house for a week. Mom scolded me for trying to subtly get my way and pointed out that it turned out that way because I was never good at subtlety.

I thought back to right after the 'fight' with Lung, the people he was chasing came by to introduce themselves, Tattletale was pretty giggly but I'd guess that'd be the case after being chased by Lung - the whole 'I'm so glad I'm still alive' thing probably. She's the one that had given the 'thumbs up'. Regent seemed pretty laid back about the whole thing, Grue was very... leaderly. Back straight, spoke as the head of the group, etc. He thanked us for the help but said the PRT would be there soon so they didn't have time to chat. Their last member, Bitch, was true to her namesake. I think she growled once... I want to introduce her to Sophia.

After the whole thing, Taylor told me they were small time villains. I pointed out that didn't matter much, we got to turn a cape into artillery and shoot a dragon. It didn't really matter if he was chasing villains or even clowns. I really need a miniature camera or something, I'd have liked to re-watch that later. I think I may be rubbing off on Taylor a bit, we both just ignored the fact that we left Impact in the bay, while before I met her I'm pretty sure she would have insisted on going to get him. Oh well, just means I didn't have to come up with an excuse to continue ignoring him.

I had also convinced Shard to train last night and with the information mom's friend got to me, I managed to finally figure out a way to generate a laser by stacking equal power directional light emitting systems behind each other in order to stack up the wavelengths and the transfer of energy. It was a little upsetting since it took all my concentration and a fifth of my mana to punch a half inch diameter hole two inches deep into the steel plating of a robot. I thought they might have some sort of heat protection so I played with it this morning, but until I have more mana and focus available it just won't be a cool spell, though for precision damage it should be pretty amazing. So, it's effective, but not so much 'cool'.

The practice with lasers also helped my understanding of how light frequencies work so I think I'll be able to manage different color light on command soon, though it's harder to produce. I have managed a slightly more green light already once, so it's just a matter of time.

I finish up my breakfast and grab my stuff to head to school calling over my shoulder, "Bye mom, see you later!" and I headed to the bus stop.

Taylor was there, which isn't all that unusual, but she looked to be impatiently waiting for me. I held up a hand in greeting "Hey T, what's up?"

Taylor rolls her eyes "I'm guessing you still haven't created an account on PHO?"

I shrug "Hasn't been a priority."

She sighs, "Alright, I'll bring you up to date when we get on the bus." She seems to be plotting. There's a huge difference between planning and plotting. Planning is fairly light thought into a general direction of action that you -may- take. Plotting is a much deeper thought process where you 'plan' out all of the possible situations that come up so that your 'plot' comes to fruition. She also furrows her eyebrows when it's a plot.

We stand in silence for a while, which is perfectly fine with me, honestly it's been a little odd having so many people to talk to. My social circle has expanded something like five times its previous size. I shake my head to myself and mutter "Wow, I can't believe all this started almost two weeks ago. So much has happened it's ridiculous. Well, at least I have a new Murphy brand punch card so I can start fresh."

No one really pays much attention to my mutterings since the bus just arrived.

Taylor and I take our seats at the back like always and when the bus starts forward she says "Hey, are you still planning to join the Wards?"

I shrug "I still don't -want- to, but I do have Militia looking into a trial run for me, so we'll see how it goes. What about you?"

She smiles "Actually I think I'll wait and see where things go, then make my decision."

I narrow my eyes a bit, "Okay, what's going on T? You were plotting something and it has -something- to do with PHO."

She nods "Yeah, just so you know, Impact took credit for taking down Lung, though I think it has to do more with staying out of jail than anything else. He was fished out of the bay last night by Armsmaster. They apparently have him in for his 'statement' but if that was the case he should be out by now. I think they're holding him until they can dig up some info."

I laugh "I never really thought of Armsy as the fisherman type. So, I assume the rage dragon is locked in a PRT cell and very not-dead?"

She just gives me a confused look for a moment "Um, yeah he's fine. But... well, the thing is Impact didn't take -all- the credit for Lung, apparently a video came out courtesy of Tattletale so he had to change his story."

I shrug "Eh, doesn't really matter, he can have credit as far as I'm concerned, I'm just happy I got to throw him at a rage dragon. I'll have to jump on PHO and see if I can download that vid, I so want to see that again." I grin at the thought, and if it's from Tattle's perspective I might be able to catch his expression when he was hit.

She's watching me kinda closely now which has me a little concerned, "He credited us too."

I blink "Okay... so he might change sides and leave the Merchants... So what? You're worried he's going to join the Wards? Not a big deal really. Where are you going with this?"

She's staring at me. That means I'm probably being oblivious again. So let's think this through. Why was he in the area? He can't say he was part of the Merchants unless he says it as an undercover thing and that wouldn't fly so... he was with us as part of the merchant capture. Then Lung showed up... He's on our team, but we're not a team.

I glare at Taylor "I'm not making a team. That's -way- too much work. No."

She rolls her eyes "Too late. We're a team and apparently you're the leader. And an asshole per Impact."

I shrug "Well we -did- leave him in the bay. But no, no team. I'll join the Wards just to get out of that nonsense."

She's glaring at me now. "You're going to join the Wards, a group that is heavily regulated so you don't have to deal with the responsibility of being in charge?"

I frown... "You have a point. I abdicate from my leadership position. Congratulations second in command, you're now the glorious leader of the Backup Buddies."

She shakes her head "No, it doesn't work if you're not the leader, you're the flashy one. No one even knows who I am."

I shake my head "It was your plan, you're the smart one coming up with things by being all 'observant' and 'aware of your surroundings', I want nothing to do with that. Point me at something and let me go; I'm a happy little fiery tornado of violence. Don't make me make important decisions and -ugh- PLANS... no, no way."

Around that time Sophia gets on the bus. She glares straight at me then -storms- through the aisle and braces herself between two seats right in front of us. She then declares "I'm joining." then seats herself across the aisle from us.

At first I'm shocked... Then I want to cry. I look over to Sophia "You can't, you're a probationary Ward."

She shrugs and I think Taylor is torn between disgust and laughing. Sophia doesn't even look my way, "So change it somehow. You've already turned the PRT on its head. Just do it again." She turns her ever present glare back to me "If I had been on your team, I could have been there to fight Lung. I'm joining. Make. It. Happen."

I put my face in my hands and give myself a minute to wrap my head around what's happening. "No, it's not my decision, I already made Taylor leader and I'm now running away from responsibility." I then proceed to do -just- that and stand up then walk to the front seats of the bus and take one as my seat to the confusion of... well everyone but Taylor. I half expect it was part of her plot since she's now talking with Sophia.... I really never thought I'd see the day, but I -have- been rubbing off on her. She's probably blackmailing Sophia already.

I think for a moment since I just named Taylor leader... Nah, Sophia wouldn't think she's a cape, I'm random enough she might accept the fact that I would randomly decide the normal person I hang out with could be leader of my band of Lung Punchers. Maybe I should change my name and outfit to get out of this. Impact named 'Oblivium' the leader after all.

Shard wants to be the leader. I seriously consider it for a moment but I tell her no because I already named Taylor the leader. If I somehow get leadership back I'll give it to her. I may even let her drive long enough to scare everyone else off. That sounds like a plan.

My phone started to ring. I didn't recognize the number but I -did- give it to Miss Militia to get put on the emergency call list. I pick up, "Hey, it's me. What's up?"

Deep voice. Not Miss Militia then. "We-" I hang up. Then I blink for a second. "Right... just because I gave the number to her doesn't mean someone else wouldn't call... Oh well, if it's important they'll try again."

Apparently it was important. My phone was ringing again. I pick up, "Hey, it's me."

Same guy as last time was on the line "Oblivium. This is the PRT, we need you for a PR conference this weekend about the capture of Lung."

I blink. Nope, not doing this. I hang up. The phone rings again. Same number. I pick up because why not? "Um, hey, just so you know, hanging up -generally- means no."

He seems at a loss for a moment "B-but we need a statement for the media. This is a great opportunity to gain some pull with the public, both for you and for the PRT."

I decide to play along a little, "Alright, what makes you think I care?"

He's still trying to grab onto where the conversation is going "Um, the PRT lives based on public opinion. Oh!, and we can pay you, but you'd have to show up with your team."

I sigh and pointedly say "None of that makes me care enough to put myself-" I remember I'm on a bus and three people not 'in the know' can hear me. "-in that situation."

He's stumbling now "I.. I um, I'm not authorized to offer any more than the basic PR payment."

Shard wants to go. I'm -severely- tempted to let her. I could let her emote everything she's trying to say while I take a nap under the podium.

Ah well, entertaining thought, but too much trouble, "Okay, look, this number was given to you for use in emergencies. You have just used it to call me in for 'tea'. Goodbye." I hang up. Can't overtly say PRT or anything with people around... stupid secrets.

The guy tries to call again but I push it over to voicemail and he doesn't leave a message, so probably just trying to convince me again. Around that time the bus stops at the school. When I look back Taylor has a smirk on her face and Sophia isn't glaring. 'Not Glaring' is practically a beaming smile for her. Both are -very- worrying. Oh well, nothing for it. I ignore it for now and head off to class.

Class was pretty straightforward until the class with Carlos and Dean who gave me very appraising looks. Apparently they aren't trying to hide that fact either, since a couple of the other people in class were looking to me curiously too because of them. I sat myself away from them as normal and managed to get through class without any issues.

Lunch, however, was a different story. I took my seat away from everyone as is usual, though these days people seem to come to me on their own. And today doesn't seem to be any different. Dean and Victoria sit across from me. I just grabbed my tray to leave when Dean speaks up, "Hey, Will, hold on a sec, I want to apologize then we'll go, alright?"

That one does stop me... I don't particularly -want- to sit by Sophia, particularly with what happened this morning... and the fact that she is staring at me. Then again, now that I think about it I -have- ended up at her table each day. I sigh, "Look, Dean, you seem like a nice enough guy but I don't need an apology, I just want to be left alone." I look to Victoria "And I'm sorry about yesterday but you gotta admit, it got you to leave me alone."

She... Doesn't seem happy. In fact I think she's actually a bit angry now that she's gotten confirmation I did that on purpose. Oh well. One bridge burned.

Victoria looked like she was about to say something but Dean grabs her arm lightly and shakes his head saying "Alright, we'll leave you alone, and I'll have a talk with Carlos. Again, sorry about this."

I wave it off "it's fine" and I pull out my notebook to go over some ideas I had.

Shard asks why -she- isn't shaped like Victoria. I told her it's because she doesn't eat her vegetables. She started sulking after that.

When I was done with my lunch and eyeball deep in notes a body sat across from me with an aura I recognized clearly.... I wanted to groan. "Sophia, what do you want? were you lonely over there?"

She growls "No, I was supposed to pass on a message, you're supposed to meet Taylor after school so don't run off. "

I rub my temple with my free hand "Okay, and why does this require you to sit here? You could have written a note or something, y'know?"

She just crosses her arms on the table and lays her head down "I'm here already. Deal with it." and apparently she's going to take a nap. Eh, I can work with that. I go back to my notes while shard suggests we should test lasers on forcefields, and since Glory Girl is -right there- she's practically begging to be lasered. I tell her no because we could get arrested for indiscriminate lasering of people, and us being arrested means we can't indiscriminately laser bad guys legally.

Lunch surprisingly ended without me pissing off Sophia too badly, though mostly because we kept to ourselves. This was a new experience for me. I assume it's her fault through a combination of grudging respect for one-shotting Lung and general fear of my mother.

The rest of the school day passed quickly and I waited for Taylor outside somewhat close to the buses, when a fly landed on my nose. I crossed my eyes to look at it. I could see the tendril controlling it so I knew this was from Taylor but I don't think she's figured out I can see the aura yet. The fly takes off in a lazy path toward the PRT building... Where I see 'Tentatively Skitter'.

I tilt my head then shrug and walk into the parking lot to find a couple of good sized vehicles blocking line of sight around before casting the light spell for my signature glow and mask. It's convenient not to -have- to carry your costume around, even if I look kinda silly in glowy T-shirt and jeans.

I walk back to Taylor "Alright, what's this about? It's not like you're signing us up on some team register thing, I'm pretty sure those don't exist."

... I can tell she's smiling. I can't see an inch of her face, but I know she is. "We're here to verify Impact's story."

I glare at her. "I'm not the leader."

She just waves it off "Fine, but since that makes -me- the leader, I'm ordering you to act like you're the leader just long enough to pull Impact out of holding."

I throw my hands up "Why can't we just go beat up some super powered bad guys!? Where did I go wrong in my life?"

She shakes her head "Don't be a baby, just grunt at them or something and say you're here for your teammate and just be you. That generally seems to be enough to get your way."

I watch her for a long moment, "Does that mean you're -really- taking the mantle of leader? Not just saying that and telling -me- to do the leadery things?"

She nods "Yep, I'm going to be the leader for real."

I let out a long breath of relief "Thank -god-. Now change the name to something better than the Backup Buddies. At least change it to Backup Brigade or something."

She crosses her arms and says, "Nope, Backup Buddies is stuck. Your reflexive answers seem to work out pretty well. I'm even thinking I'll stick with Arachne and make some changes to the outfit for it. I mean I can layer on some form fitting spider legs that have tech in them or something."

Shard instantly reminds me of something I was planning on trying and she's -very- insistent about it so I speak up "Hey, once we're done here come to my place again. I've got an experiment we have to try."

Taylor tilts her head then nods in response. Then she waves forward "After you 'leader'"

As I open the doors I say back to her "Y'know, if we can pull off the Stalker thing I think we should force her to wear the maid outfit and call herself Shadow Maid. Covers all sorts of bases. She's made of shadow, it embarrasses her and she can 'serve up tea and justice'."

Taylor laughs but shoos me on ahead.

I go up to the front desk and cough, because that's how you let people know it's your turn to talk. "I'm here to pick up my teammate. Apparently he got lost and went swimming in the bay." A couple of phone calls later and we're waiting on an escort.

Armsmaster shows up. I swear it's like Armsmaster and Miss Militia are the -only- capes here. And I'm pretty sure it's not because they have so much free time, I remember hearing something about how Armsy is -always- tuning up, fixing or modifying his equipment.

Armsy nods to me saying, "Oblivium" in that standard cape greeting code thing... -Nope-, I'm done, time to channel mom.

"Heya Armsy, I hear my pal Impact is taking a nap in one of your cells, mind if we go get him?" I start walking towards the hallway Armsy just came out of. I don't really care if it's the wrong way at this point. I'm supposed to be outside beating up some gangs, not coming to rescue the random guy we used as ammunition against the rage dragon.

Armsy seems upset at my attempt to charge ahead and he grabs my shoulder... the one that was -severely- hurt last night, holy CRAP that hurts, almost completely on reflex I make a very small Foxfire orb and burst it against the underside of his wrist to toss his hand off. "No touchy" I think for a moment and decide to be polite about it "please." Everything's better when you say 'please'.

Armsy doesn't agree. "You've used powers against a member of the Brockton Bay Protectorate acting within their official capacity. You could be brought up on charges." He's kinda abrasive isn't he?

I shrug "So either bring me up on charges, or take me to Impact. -Pick one-." and again, I don't give him much option and start building up my flight spell. I finish about the same time I see three flies zip down another hall... So I follow them with a burst of flight speed. I should have known Taylor would have this place mapped out. I expertly (I practice flying in the house a lot) cancel my inertia to easily make a fast turn, I stay flying horizontal and close to the ceiling to avoid accidentally running into people. Oh hey, it's Miss Militia.

I wave "Hey Double M, I think I'm going to need someone to unlock my teammate. Also Armsy should be along any minute." I continue zipping down the halls without waiting for a response until I come to the first locked door. There I sit on the ceiling and wait for Armsy.

He's sprinting around the corners, he seems to have a sort of grav lock or something on his boots so he doesn't slip at the speed he's going. Kinda impressive. When he catches up to me he seems about to say something, then he appears to be listening to someone.

I think he's glaring. I get that a lot. Armsy growls out "Fine, let's just let the spoiled brat walk all over every regulation we have."

I helpfully point out "The other option was I go to the media and tell them you unlawfully locked up my teammate with no proof, in fact, we even have proof he assisted in taking down Lung which kept him from doing any additional major damage to the city."

Yep, he's glaring. "There's testimony placing him as part of the Merchants, and he was lying when he said he was on your team."

I roll my eyes "Uh huh, that doesn't constitute as proof, and I don't think the media will care if you -think- he's lying, now stop wasting time and open the door or -I'll- open it and make all -sorts- of people unhappy." I borrowed the idea from Shard. She's been wanting me to make use of lasers all day.

Armsy doesn't grumble but he -does- seem angry as he punches buttons.

The door slides open and I zip off following the flies. Of course the secure prisons couldn't be behind -one- set of doors. Armsy catches up and opens the next set no questions asked. This one -does- lead to the prison. Some sort of extra thick plastic or something makes up the front wall of the cells. I see Lung in one, I'm guessing in some sort of drug induced coma, and hey, there's Impact in the next cell over.

Before I can go much further Armsy coughs, because that's what you do to let everyone know it's your turn to talk, "Oblivium. How did you know the way here?"

I wave him off "I don't have to answer that, now let Impact out so we can go beat up some gangs that are doing bad things like selling drugs or washing red laundry with the white"

Huh, I can only see his jaw, but it's definitely turning red. Apparently he's not used to me, or maybe he has laundry trauma and I just brought it up. He seems to try to keep his composure, "We're not going to let him out until you answer some questions-"

I interrupt, "Kay." and hold up the orb I made for my Laser spell, this one focuses the entire beam to a point like a laser cutter instead of the projectile style and is weaker so I don't waste mana. I made it an orb, partially for theme and mainly for it to eat power from since battery 'orbs' are easier for me. And I start laser cutting a line in the door. It's damn thick so it'll take a few passes.

Impact is standing in the room pressed against the glass and watching us. I can't really make out an expression but I'd like to imagine it's something like 'What the fuck?'

Armsy yells "You can't do that! If the system detects a structural weakness it ejects the cell into the bay!"

I keep lasering, "Well then, you better open the door before your booby trapped cell kills an innocent cape, shouldn't you?" I remember a thing about it being illegal to set up lethal traps even on your own property, I assume it applies to the PRT too.

Armsy reaches out in an attempt to grab my wrist. I just pull my hand away, the spell is still in my aura I don't need my hands to guide it. He makes a slight choking sound... and puts his halberd in the way of the laser. Really? We're doing it this way? Oh well, it's kinda fun so I have the orb flit up then back down when he tries to follow it with his halberd and we play that game for a couple of seconds before he roars and yells "FINE!" and starts hitting buttons until the door slides open. I dispel the Laser while grinning.

I stick my head inside and wave "Heya Impact, your leader is here to pick you up!"

He says something muffled in his usual fashion.

"Stop complaining, there's gang members that need beating up. Chop chop."

Armsy, completely exasperated, says "Now can you PLEASE answer a couple of questions?"

I nod "I'll answer a minimum of two if we can talk while walking. More if I feel like it. Come on Impact."

As we start heading out Armsy asks, "What happened last night? I need a statement I can put in the records."

I shrug "We were in the area, Lung exploded out of a building, my -other- teammate asked Impact if he wanted to punch a dragon. The rest is apparently locked in history via a glorious video I have yet to download and keep close to my heart." I look over my shoulder at the muffled voice of Impact "And yes, you looked awesome with the super punch." I turn back to Armsy "Next question."

His face isn't red anymore, that's a good sign. "Are you still planning to join the Wards?"

"Eh, I never really -wanted- to in the first place, but I figured I'd give it a trial run. Things have happened since then so I'll have to get that all worked out first."

He nods, "As long as you're part of a hero group I don't mind, but you're young and a rookie, if something like Lung comes up again you let the Protectorate handle it."

I refuse to answer. If I get to toss a meteor punch because the bad guy can take it without dying, I'm so doing it again.

Armsy continues "Is there anything we can do to convince you and your team to participate in the PR conference about taking out Lung?"

I look to the fly on my shoulder, which flies up then down twice. Okay, going to interpret that as a nod, "I'm sure there's something we can work out, but I'll need to discuss it with my team." I was about to continue with 'I'm not the brains of the outfit', but I don't want to give them extra info. Just seems like a bad plan.

He asks a few more questions that I refuse to answer, like what the limits of my powers are, what the orbs are and how I achieved the technique I think I'm going to call the Oblivium Impact. I wanted to put Arachne somewhere in the name but really she's more of the sniper, I'm the rifle and Impact is the bullet.

After we make it to the front desk Armsy takes his leave at a good clip and I turn to Impact "So, we need to have a talk." and he nods vigorously. Apparently he really -did- want to be part of the group. We go and pick up Taylor to work out how this is going to go.

We end up around where Impact punched Lung just because there are -so- many unused warehouses since the ships stopped running. We worked out some details, such as Impact had only been a member of the Merchants for two days and hadn't really -done- anything. He had been sent to patrol to one of the facilities and was surprised as hell when we were there. Impact had turned away from the group and opened the faceplate to talk so we could understand him but not see his face. From the sounds of things he basically joined the Merchants because they offered and he didn't feel like being a hero, then he got the hero worship for the short time he was in the hospital until they checked him over and brought him to the prison cell. He lied his ass off about being on our team but now that we came for him and I personally pissed off Armsmaster for his sake he was pretty happy about teaming up, but we'll have to get some income so he can pay bills. I pointed out we just need to take it from the gangs and Taylor pointed out she might have a better plan, but didn't let us in on it since she 'wasn't sure how it would play out'. We exchanged phone numbers so we could meet up again next time. Wouldn't be much of a team if we couldn't meet up.

Having worked out a few details, and now that Impact understood I'm a lazy ass and ditch responsibility when possible, he understood that 'Arachne' is the leader, we then went off to hunt a drug den.

What we -found- was a slave... den? What do you call them? Anyway, the ABB had apparently grabbed four fairly young girls, had taken everything from them, even their dignity. Impact was -pissed-. He's of the opinion I am when it comes to drugs, if you choose to do them, it's your choice, which is why he was okay with joining up with the Merchants even without him being a druggy, but when it comes to things like this... it took some convincing to bring him down from 'murderous rage' to 'Fine, but I get to break bones.'

We had plenty of time so I charged up Taylor's Deflection Shield Talisman and I made one for Impact out of sheet metal from a warehouse, I built up my own shields, summoned Shard, who instantly zipped over to hug Impact because it was just like the cartoon; We stopped him from his evil ways and then he joined us... She was rather ecstatic. Then we waited for my mana to recover and Shard to build herself her own shield before starting the plan.

I almost cried a tear of joy at hearing phase one. Arachne had me build small marble sized Fireball Mines and tether one each to some beetles. They'd only last about five minutes so we had to start quickly after that, but phase one consisted of her landing the beetles on people and lighting them on fire.

Phase two, I would toss in and set off the most powerful Fairy Light 'flashbang' that I could, then launch myself to the girls and build up a shield to keep them from taking stray fire. My job from there was just to take pot shots as mana allowed.

Impact... well, he got to vent his anger with the condition of only breaking limbs. And only two breaks maximum per person.

Arachne was on cleanup duty and overwatch as well as checking for any cash and other materials. A slave trading operation like this should have some, and if it's enough it could take care of Impact's fund issue for a while until we get another plan sorted.

Shard was to assist with releasing the chains from the girls and like me, firing at the ABB guys as mana allowed, though since she used my mana it was a little redundant but it let us split our focus.

Taylor called the BBPD before we initiated our plan so they'd be here by the time we were done. I didn't see any overt auras like Taylor's sticking out of the building and she didn't see anyone that seemed to be a parahuman so this -should- be pretty straightforward.

Phase one went brilliantly. We positioned ourselves outside of the building and Taylor flew the beetles with their fiery payloads inside through a broken window higher on the building, one at a time so they wouldn't set each other off. Each beetle positioned over a guy or group of them, then all at the same time dropped out of the air. The resulting bursts of fire were around five feet in diameter each and were just strong enough to ignite their clothes and hair if it could reach. That created a wonderful distraction and screaming along with well deserved pain.

Now, the Fairy Light 'flashbang' I had ready for this part I lobbed into the middle of the room and launched myself with my flight spell at the girls with my eyes closed and my forearm over them to try to block out the blast of light. I got a few bullets that ricocheted off my Deflection Shield but most of them were screaming and clutching at their faces, only a few decided firing blindly was a good plan, though it did put a few bullets in their pals. I idly wonder if Impact is going to consider that when he breaks bones.... probably not.

I landed by the captured girls and built up a Force Shield while dispersing my personal shields to free up the mana while saying "Stay still, Shard will get you free, but if you run you'll get hit by a stray bullet." They didn't seem to quite grasp the situation, probably a bit of terror mixed with blindness.

Oh. That's not good. As I was watching Taylor's Deflection Shield sparked up. The problem with that was the direction the shot had come from had no one aiming at her. Of course, I -could- be wrong, but I'd rather be paranoid than having Taylor be dead. I yell out, "Arachne use a swarm, Stranger!"

And she did. A cloud of black insectoid bodies flooded the area, it was intriguing to see, the first layer of insects that landed on 'Stranger Man' disappeared but the second were visible so there was now a screaming bug man running around... Right up until Impact broke his legs. Seriously that density shifting is pretty mean, it just looked like a casual kick and *Snap!*. I think Impact cursed at him but it was muffled, so who knows? He -did- stomp on the bug covered gun and turn part of it into a pancake and cracked the cement base of the building enough to press the rest of the weapon into it. Then he went about his merry way leaving screams in his wake.

Shard had unlocked the chains holding the girls, they were blinking, eyes still blurry, but they went WIDE when they saw they were being rescued by a 'fairy'. They didn't have anything to cover with and I had the extra mana since I was on protection detail, so I built up a light shell around them to protect what dignity could still be salvaged.

Shard lit a couple of people on fire, but mainly stayed watching to door to make sure no one got away. One of the girls got close to the shield and a bullet from one of the last people still standing flattened right in front of her and made her jump backwards with her companions.

Things wrapped up pretty quickly after that. Taylor gave Impact and I zip ties as she went off to find any money stashed away. I checked their shields, Impact's was almost drained, but to be fair he -did- just kinda bowl through them all and made a lot of noise to fire at. Taylor didn't take many shots other than a couple from Invisiman. I'm -really- glad I took the time to make those. *Snap!* and a scream... hrm, I guess Impact found one that hadn't gotten his two breaks.

The police had gotten there by the time we finished binding the guys, a good twenty five ABB guys had been here and a parahuman, not a bad little group. Now that they were going to be picked up, I built up some longer lasting skintight light spells over the girls so they'd be semi-modest when they got to the station, Shard went around hugging unconscious, moaning and cursing ABB members. I'm pretty sure she thinks they'll suddenly become upstanding citizens because hugs are magic. She wanted to hug some of the officers but she knew she wasn't allowed to leave my aura until we figured out a way to let her regenerate mana, or at least have a battery, and I wasn't close enough for her to reach them. Several of the BBPD were staring at her.

I elbow Impact "Good job today, saved four girls from a fate worse than death, hopefully got a little cash and got to punch people. Good gig isn't it?"

"emphf ef mff"

"I'll take that as a yes."

Taylor sent a couple of fireflies our way to blink then zipped outside. So we followed them as I rebuilt my spells around myself, Shard having finished her hugging rounds was sitting on my shoulder. Around the side of the building was Taylor with a small duffle bag. She said "Well, looks like we've got about 2k each, but I'll donate a quarter of mine to Impact for living payments since I don't -really- need it. What about you Oblivium?"

I nod "Same, I live with family so cost of living is nil, 1k would be enough to get a decent outfit, or at least materials for one and leave with a little 'just in case'. How's that going to do ya Impact?"

He nods with an 'mph'.

It's unnerving though. This means they sold at -least- one person before this. But it's not like we could go door to door asking people if they spent 6k to buy a human being, if they were even still in Brockton Bay. I sigh, nothing for it.

I stretch and pop my back "Alright, I got to light people on fire, I got my stress relief for the day. I'm going to head back, how about you guys?"

The other two nodded and we headed out, on our way I reminded 'Arachne' to stop by my place tonight.

The evening was pretty uneventful for a bit, I flew home and chatted with my parents, explained the happenings of the day, my mother couldn't hold back the smirk from how I dealt with Armsy, but my dad gave me a token scolding for prodding an authority figure.

When Taylor arrived we sat down for dinner. Taylor still had her secret since I told them about 'Arachne' not Taylor, though I'm guessing they have their suspicions. After dinner, however, now that my room had finally been rebuilt I brought her up there, though we were followed by mom's catcalls and dad's 'He's just grown up so fast. Bringing women into his room, and he's so wild they have to rebuild the -whole thing- afterwards.' Taylor blushed, I was used to my parents trying to embarrass me.

I had Taylor sit on her knees in front of me and had her close her eyes. I summoned Shard, who was practically vibrating with excitement.

I grab Taylor's shoulder "Alright T, try to stay open, keep your mind blank, but open to any outside thoughts. It might be hard with the bug thing, I'm not sure how it works, but try to find the brightest one, I doubt bugs are very bright." I kept a connection with Shard, and pushed [calm] through us and held it there until it started to color Taylor's aura. Interestingly it didn't affect the silver sea anemone aura. At this point I realized she had two, a fairly standard green one was almost impossible to see through her silver tendril one.

Once her -personal- aura had been filled with [calm], Shard and I used that similarity as a starting point and gradually tried to adjust Shard's aura to match Taylor's while I work on converting some of my own to Taylor's color as a sort of infusion and midpoint field for Shard. As the conversions start to match, Shard starts to fade somewhat unless she stays in the mana I'm halfway through changing, she's no longer attached to mine. She was scared for a moment, I could feel it, but she was excited enough to keep going. Eventually both Shard, and the mana I had been molding started to anchor to Taylor's

Taylor -gasped- and her eyes snapped open, "Woah... that's so... wow, it's like when I could first see with my bugs, but it's -so- different." Shard was now more in Taylor's artificially inflated aura than in mine.

I smile a little, I know what she means, it's like gaining a full new sense. I say to her "Taylor, close your eyes and focus, I -think- you should be able to accept Shard. She -might- be able to teach you to open your core... Or she might just be able to cast through you, or maybe the other way around. Not really sure, that's why this is an experiment."

Taylor blinked owlishly at that, "Oh. Oh wow, okay, I'll try" and she closed her eyes again.

I could feel Shard's aura connection leave me, but there was still a familiar feeling in my mind. The conversion and transferring Shard took about an hour, but I'm pretty certain when Shard comes back it'll take seconds, since my aura is her natural state.

Shard fully solidified again, and hugged Taylor's chest, where I keep -my- core, but she frowned. Shard looked up to me and held up two fingers. I nod, if what I'm seeing was to make sense then the silver ability has a different core. "Try for the green one."

Taylor gasps again and mumbles "I can feel her" then Shard started to disperse and I had to stop myself from trying to grab her. 'This is what happens when she sinks into my mind' I told myself, 'it makes sense it would happen if she tried to sink into Taylor's.'

Taylor's eyes snap open glowing bright green and she has a smile, "It worked, I can feel her!"

I smile, and look at my handiwork, It's artificial, I have a feeling it would all fall apart once Shard comes back, and it takes over an hour and a willing host, but it looks like Shard can meld with other people since she doesn't have a core of her own. Taylor's green aura now had an almost six foot radius as compared to my almost nine foot radius. Based on my math that put me at around three and a half times more mana than her by volume, but still it's nothing to sneeze at.

I smile, "Alright, see if you can control any of it."

We wait for about half an hour, she tries everything, she's concentrating as hard as she can but can't seem to do -anything- with it. Shard can when Taylor lets her, but Taylor can't mimic it at all.

Currently Taylor was letting Shard cast -my- version of flight, the one that basically gives you weightlessness, and Taylor was enjoying the feeling of being completely free of gravity and giggling like a little girl. And now she's blushing. I'm sure Shard 'said' something she shouldn't have.

I shrug, "It was worth a try. One last thing. See if you can let Shard out front and still control your bugs."

Taylor nods and focuses... Then there's a brilliant *FLASH* of green light and... there's a Taylor sized Shard floating in front of me, only green instead of teal - though she's in the shape of Taylor, but the expression, the hair and wispy wings, they're all Shard, even Taylor's skin has turned to lightly glowing green. I theorize it doesn't happen with me because I have more control of my aura than Shard does, whereas Taylor can't control her aura at all, while Shard has some fraction of my capability.

She squeals. Oh, right. I know what's coming. I'm tackled by Shard/Taylor to the ground and squeezed -very- tightly, "Will! this is SO AWESOME! There's a 'not-Taylor' in here too but she's not talking to me. I think she's just stubborn, but watch! I can do SO much!" She starts weaving one of the spells I've taught her to do on her own. I assume the 'Not-Taylor' has to do with the secondary aura, probably just a second core all normal parahumans have based on what I've seen so far.

I smile, "Hey sis, ask T if she minds you using her to hug mom and dad, they'd love to see you full size."

She grins brightly, excited as ever and nods "Yeah! Taylor, do you mind?" She squeals again and floats into the air only to stop for a moment, "Oh, Will, Taylor said something. What does-" She stops "Oh. Oh, never mind, Taylor says it's not something I'm allowed to say, be right back!"

I blink for a moment, then shrug and wait. While she's gone a few bugs buzz around me in a ring being controlled by silver aura in tendrils, I guess that answers that. A good bit of commotion comes from downstairs and I think I heard something break. Right, Shard isn't used to being big... oh well, it's probably replaceable.

Well, this does give us some options, but it doesn't really solve the main issue, I need to find a way to make a core for her, preferably something adaptable so she doesn't have to lose this ability, but it wouldn't be too bad if it wasn't.

A few minutes later Shard/Taylor floats back in, this time slowly and very carefully. I stand up and we share a tight hug. A moment later I pull back, "Alright Shard, let T out front, then you need to come back to me so she can go home, unless you two want to have a 'slumber party'." I say the last part teasingly and smirk.

The glow fades as the wings and aura hair dissipate and Taylor's normal hair slowly falls back into place, She's still smiling pretty brightly though. She says, "This is just so amazing. But, Shard can't seem to get rid of the eye glow, so I don't think I can have her over for a little while, until I explain things to my dad at least. Besides, Shard wants to train because apparently, the more you figure out the more likely you'll be able to give her some more freedom."

A few seconds later the artificial aura that had built up around Taylor condensed and shifted as Shard 'summoned herself' for lack of a better term. She was still Taylor's green but in just a few seconds the aura and Shard herself changed back to my teal and she sank into my aura and I felt the connection reestablish easily.

We spent another half hour just chatting, and Shard zipping all over, she liked the freedom of being small, too many things to run into when you're big.

Eventually Taylor left for home and I went to my room to sleep in my bed for the first time since Friday, it had been nearly a week.

Shard merged with me and I shuddered due to the thought of the upcoming training, but I need to find a way to beat the damnable robots.