Powers, powers and more powers.

"Language"

"Oh my God! You can read my mind?" I'm not ready for a telepath! Or at least I think so. Maybe my time bubble blocks telepathy? I need to test my power urgently.

"Hmph." A small snort came out of her mouth before she said:

"No, you have your thoughts printed on your face, it is noticeable even with the mask"

That definitely made me feel embarrassed. What kind of superheroine is so see-through? It also made me remember that I still have my entire costume on.

I removed my mask to reveal my definitely not pouty look.

"You are a big evil one."

"Thank you, I always try to impress."

That left a somewhat awkward silence or at least for me. The girl seemed as comfortable as ever throughout the conversation. She honestly has a very beautiful face even though she has the facial expression of a statue, at least her voice has a more normal cadence which makes for a weird juxtaposition between how expressionless her face is and how revealing her voice is.

This time I decided to look at her properly. She is very tall. I am considered quite tall for the average woman at a good 5' 8 feet tall, this girl could well be heading a bit taller than 6 feet but it doesn't look disproportionate on her slim and graceful figure. What can I say? She doesn't have a comic book bombshell figure but she can definitely be quite popular as a model. Cute brown eyes and long curly hair so black that it seems to absorb the light around it. Pale skin that looks great in combination with her Latina features.

She is dressed in a smart way, but somehow makes it look casual. A combination of a light blue shirt and a black skirt above the knees that you would normally see in offices placed in a certain way to look like an everyday outfit. Long black stockings accompanied by some cute brown heels.

What a beauty.

"So a superheroine huh?"

Your words remind me of the situation we are in in the first place.

"Eeehh Could you forget everything you just heard?" I know begging never works, but a girl can always dream, right?

"No, I certainly couldn't forget my roommate going out in some sort of costume and using her mutant powers to beat up suspected criminals." Hugh her words hit the nail on the head, though…

"Hey! I'm not a mutant!"

"No? And how do you explain the whole "I'm messing with space-time" thing if you're not a mutant?"

"I… ehh I don't know! But I know I'm not a mutant!"

"Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against mutants, I'm just stating facts"

Hugh I know she doesn't mean anything bad by that, but something inside me makes me sure that I'm not in fact a mutant, which is something to think about later.

The girl (I have to ask her name at some point, I can't keep calling her that girl in my head) continues:

"But leaving that aside… What's next? Are you going to threaten me into not telling your secrets? Are you going to beat me within an inch of my life to teach me to never mess with you? Don't think I didn't see all those martial arts awards, I'm sure I wouldn't even need powers for that."

"What? No! Of course not! I would never do something like that! I am a superhero and I would never do something like that! Although of course I would be very grateful if you didn't tell anyone else about this."

"I know, I figured as much, I was just testing just in case. Can't be too cautious these days."

A test! What kind of twisted mind says such things with a straight face and then calls it a test?!

Before I can answer she continues speaking:

"I mean, I understand that superheroes have to maintain an alibi to keep their loved ones safe and all that, so don't worry, nothing will come out of my mouth."

At that moment I felt a small weight lift off my shoulders. Although she hasn't a correct guess about why I wanted to keep my identity a secret (I have no loved ones to protect), dealing with people wanting to get my attention during my free time when I inevitably become the most popular heroine sounds like a hassle. Still...

"Thank you, I really appreciated it," I replied with a smile, trying to show my appreciation for her thoughtfulness.

"No problem, although it seems I am wrong about the reason why you want your secret identity."

Gah! She's reading my mind again!

"Pff"

A cute snort brought me out of my (definitely small) panic attack. I looked up and saw my new roommate with a small smile.

Cute. I thought as I blushed a little.

Is this the legendary Gap Moe? It's something honestly way more powerful than I gave it credit for. That's gotta take advantage of her good mood, it's now or never!

I stood up from the bed suddenly making her jump a little in surprise and I watched as her smile disappeared as her eyes filled with caution.

"Cough Cough" I brought my fist to my mouth while coughing to get her full attention.

"I know it's a little late in the conversation, but…"

I quickly brought my right hand in a peace sign shape to my right eye and winked with my left eye while making a cute pose resembling a magical girl from those old animes ready for my big performance.

"I am Rogue Earth's next greatest heroine, but just for you my first fan and roommate my name is Anne Marie LeBeau, you can just call me Anne!"

…silence.

I was just starting to feel uneasy when the sound of a soothing, tinkling laugh reached my ears. It sounded like what I thought the bells of heaven would ring and I felt my face warm as the cute laugh of my first fan greeted me.

"Nice to meet you Rogue, my name is Mandy, Mandy Marianna. I hope we get along well for these four years."

She's definitely too cute.

Just then I felt as if another star had joined my little inner galaxy.

Another power? Can I have more powers?

As the star approached this time with a bronze color, I realized that although weaker than the previous one it was still stronger than the fainter stars.

My metaphysical self finally touched the star and just like with Dispatch another name came into my head.

Contend.

Shortly after, I felt myself being ejected from the metaphysical space and back into reality with the girl- Mandy, her name is Mandy. While I realized that my time in the metaphysical space was instantaneous, the time of reflection afterwards was definitely not.

"Did something happen?" Mandy asked after I froze for a few seconds.

Oookay. I honestly don't even know how to explain what just happened and I'm still not sure I can fully trust Mandy, but it's okay, I just have to act natural and pretend it never happened.

"N-nothing?" Shit.

"Is it related to my name? No, it's something else…"

I felt myself beginning to sweat as I felt this supposed "non-telepath" lay bare all my thoughts.

"Ugh, you know what? It doesn't matter, I'll respect your secrets. It's pretty late anyway, we can talk more tomorrow if you want."

I felt relieved and at the same time a little guilty, although I don't know why this is the case if I just met her, but I feel like I can trust her.

"Thanks Mandy, we will definitely talk tomorrow."

He nodded before leaving after wishing me goodnight and closing the door.

With the door closed, I began changing into a comfortable pair of pajamas filled with puppies as I reflected on today. The beginning was a bit mundane, but somewhat edgy, which then evolved into a boring night that culminated in me almost dying and gaining powers, only to end with the beginning of what I hope will be a beautiful friendship.

That's a superhero origin story for you huh.

I decided to stop thinking about all that and leave it for tomorrow, but it was hard to stay still until finally after what felt like hours, but was probably just a few minutes.

I managed to sleep.

Very early the next morning I noticed that Mandy was still asleep.

I don't blame her, not everyone needs to get up at five in the morning, but it was a habit at this point,

After my daily cleaning and grooming routine, I went for a run around campus in comfortable sportswear that, although a little too revealing for my taste, allowed me the freedom of movement I need for my internship.

During the race I greeted some janitors and other early runners as I began to reflect on yesterday again, this time more calmly.

For starters, I noticed that even today the blow to my knees and ribs didn't hurt at all. Maybe I had regeneration? It seems I have a classic brute package together with the time bubble. I don't think it made me faster per se, but I know I'm strong enough to be able to run quite a bit faster than before, and I don't think this race will tire me out at all either.

Along with that thought I started to put more effort into running, going faster and lifting my knees higher. Unbeknownst to me, I caught the attention of the few who saw me running at 40km/h without stopping. I kept thinking.

I had a theory that each power gave me at least one Brute aspect, however…I don't feel any stronger, tougher or faster than I did yesterday, so this Contender didn't grant me any other Brute classifications and my theory was quickly dismissed.

Looks like I just got lucky with Dispatch, though I'm not sure why a... Shaker? Sounds like a Shaker to me, so Shaker it is, it would have added Brute power, but I'm not exactly complaining, though I'll have to hold back my hits a lot more during tournaments to avoid raising suspicions.

But…what about the needles? What if someone wants to give me a medical checkup? Can I turn off my powers? What if I get some power that screws with my brain and I can't turn off my powers? Can I NOT take a star?

I honestly need a power test before yesterday, but for that I'll need help, I feel like Contender's power needs a human target to work.

Which brings me to my next thought for the Day…Mandy.

How much do I want to tell her? How much do I want her to be a part of this?

Objectively speaking, she's basically a stranger. We've only talked for a few minutes and the only thing that makes her different from anyone else is that we're roommates and she knows my secret.

However…I don't want it to continue like this.

Of course I don't know her, but that can change. All heroes have their own confidants and she seems like a very smart person. Maybe she can make my friend in the chair? Could she be Hacker?

I don't want to talk to her about my reincarnation or the whole existential crisis that comes with living in a fictional world, but I want her to be my friend, I...

I don't want to be alone anymore.

And that's the real crux of the matter, isn't it?

On the one hand, there is the practical aspect, where the potential risks and disadvantages are much greater than the benefits. This makes telling Mandy everything (except for a few things) an irrational decision from the point of view of anyone outside the situation, but when has human beings ever been rational?

I'm not rational, I don't want to be, I won't be again. I made a vow in this new life to never regret it again and losing a potential new friend is something I'll surely regret forever.

It's decided, isn't it? In fact, it always was.

I'll talk to Mandy when I get back.

As if answering my resolve, my mind drifted back to the metaphysical space where another star slowly approached the orbit of my inner self. This time the star was a vibrant blue color just like Dispatch when it first appeared. So I know it will be a powerful power, versatile, or both.

Once it got close enough, just like the other times, a name immediately came to my head.

Gwerrus.

Once again I felt myself getting stronger and more resilient, but there was something else to try. Something that needed a volunteer again, which excited me, but also made me sigh. I hadn't even tried Contender yet, and I already had another new power.

How do I get powers anyway? It seems to happen at important moments or something, but I don't know if there's a correlation between being almost killed and being introduced to someone and deciding that person would be a friend.

As I finished that thought, my 30-minute run alarm started going off, so I headed to a grassy area where I could start doing my calisthenics training, practice some Katas, and do some shadow boxing.

I really need to do those power tests, I thought as I kicked the face of the shadow of bully two in my mind.

And find a good gym. Shadowboxing isn't as fun without a punching bag.

An hour later I was coming out of the shower with a towel wrapped around my body still thinking about how to approach the upcoming conversation when the door to Mandy's room suddenly opened with a loud bang.

"Hi Mandy! Good morning!" I tried to say hello with as much joy in my voice as possible.

"Grrr"

Mandy completely ignored the greeting as she walked like a lost soul towards the kitchen. She emerged from her room fully dressed for the day in a beautiful suit that screams Business Woman, but without the jacket and with a cute little tie. Honestly her suit wasn't that different from what she wore yesterday, but somehow the color scheme of black and white along with the way she was dressed and her more put together hair made her look much more formal than the more casual combination from yesterday.

Still…His eyes looked deeply tired. It was like everything but her mind was wide awake and the only way to tell was through the eyes that this time were behind cute square glasses that weren't there yesterday.

She seems to be not good with mornings, even though her body has deeply ingrained the habit of being well-groomed.

It's Gap Moe again! But, not just behavior, this time it's a Gap Moe between body and soul! What is this strangely cute creature living with me?!

As if she could feel my thoughts (I swear she has to be telepathic) Dreamer-Mandy looked me in the eyes before ignoring me before going straight to the kitchen to make herself a coffee.

I was about to go to my room to change into clothes for the day when suddenly I saw Mandy taking a can of instant coffee off the shelves, this made me stop for a second.

Honestly, she seemed like the kind of girl who would use a specialized machine to make coffee from beans exported from the Himalayas, but this also fits her oddly well for some reason.

I decided to leave after watching her pour her fourth spoonful of coffee into her cup, I didn't want to be there to see that train wreck.

Shortly after we were both in front of each other.

I was wearing my usual comfortable white cargo pants this time and a custom yellow hoodie that said "Taylor 1 – Aster 0." Just thinking about it makes me laugh a little. I know no one will get the joke, but it's a nice reference to my previous life. I was also wearing some Nike high-top sneakers.

Honestly, this was my go-to outfit 90% of the time when I'm not at an important event or working out, of course always trying to vary the color and/or the cargo, hoodies or sneakers. I wear the cargo because they're comfortable, the same with the sneakers, the hoodies are for the pockets, I like to have a place to put my hands when I'm bored and women's pants don't have pockets yet unfortunately.

Mandy, on the other hand, already had her usual expression, although I think she was a little embarrassed, I won't say anything. Although I think her Gap Moe is cute, I know that's not always the case for the person in question and this isn't an anime.

I just don't have to remind you of the previous situation, easy.

"So… Do you like coffee?" Shit

"Be quiet"

"Yes ma'am!" I honestly deserve it.

With a sigh Mandy seems to return to normal while, although I'm only guessing from the sound and context, I'm staring at my feet as I wait for the earth to swallow me up.

"So, while I can't say I'm upset about sitting here with you this morning, tell me, is there something you want to tell me?"

At that moment I remembered why I was doing this. Of course! The conversation! Alright Rogue, this is your moment to bring out all your inner charisma and be sincere, express all your feelings.

Three, two, one.

"Let's be friends!"

"…"

"…"

"What?"

"I-I mean I-I" Please someone with a laser gun end my suffering.

"Use your words Anne"

"R-right," I take a sigh before starting to speak, this time seriously.

"I… I was thinking about yesterday. I know you know I kept something from you, I mean… It's logical, right? Even though we're roommates, we only know each other for an hour at most and this secret is important, it's… about my powers."

Mandy looked at me as if inviting me to continue in silence.

"Look, I didn't hide my powers from you because they're super special, I do it because I'm afraid that you'll get too involved in my life and then… leave the moment you get what you want. I don't want to be "that super-powered friend" that you know and… I want to be your friend, a real one. I want you to know both Anne Marie and Rogue."

She seemed slightly surprised and pondering something to say, but I decided to finish telling her my thoughts.

"Again, I know it's not exactly normal, but… I don't want to regret it, and I know that if I don't make a friend for fear of what would happen, then I will deeply regret it."

With that, silence fell again in the room.

Mandy was pondering for a while as my anxiety slowly grew to new heights. Oh God, what if she says no? I think I'll really die if I get rejected after baring my heart like that.

Why does it sound like I just confessed to my crush?

"I don't know if we can be friends"

Those words stopped my heart for a second, before a familiar feeling of defeat settled in my chest…

So that's all huh?

As I prepared to get up and leave, Mandy continued in a forceful tone of voice as if she sensed my mood.

"But…we can definitely try. I…there's a lot I haven't told you about myself, but I came to this university looking for something different. I've always been under the shadow of my parents, and I feel like with you even without your powers I can be something more and…I don't want to be alone either."

Before I knew it I was holding Mandy in my arms with a goofy smile on my face.

"hehehe"

"H-hey"

Mandy complained loudly, but she knew it was a symbolic complaint when after a while she simply surrendered to her fate with a small smile on her face.

Her words were like a spider web ready to pull me out of the depths of the abyss of negativity I was ready to enter. With a deep emotion that I couldn't keep inside, I turned my face towards Mandy who is still taller than me and gave her the best smile I have made in a long time.

Mandy looked a little surprised and…

Is that a blush?

Shortly after, an old familiar sensation occurred again, but this time everything happened faster. Sure, I felt another star enter my orbit, but this time there was no dip or anything like that, it just happened. However, just like the other times another name came into my head, this time of a grey star, the faintest of all, still, both the name and the feeling of the star's power made all my thoughts suddenly go out.

"Anne?"

But I was unable to respond as the implications of the name I had just received settled in my mind.

Golem.

That name alone didn't have much meaning, but when you combine it with the feeling of the fabric throughout the room and what my instincts were telling me I could do with it, it made for something much more disturbing.

"Anne Marie?"

I have the same power as Golem from Worm. Putting it in that context only adds to the chills. Sure, normally you'd think I was just lucky enough to have a power from someone from my favorite superhero series, but something in my gut was telling me that's not the case.

No.

All the powers I've had so far are also like that and if that's the case... What is the probability that the other stars are also like that?

Shit, Shit, Shit.

The sound of a slap brought me out of my spiral.

"Ouch! What is your face made of? My hand hurts from slapping you."

I looked at Mandy who was holding her hand in pain. I honestly didn't even feel the slap; I was woken up by the sound. Still…

"Thanks Mandy, I'm better now." I did my best to give her a big smile to show my thanks, but I know my new and soon to be best friend didn't believe it for a second.

"So, are you going to tell me what that was just now and what it was yesterday?"

For a second I thought about mentioning that we were already late for class and leaving it for the afternoon, but I knew that was running away. And I wasn't running away anymore, not from Mandy at least.

15 minutes later Mandy and I were sitting across from each other on the couches, while Mandy finished reflecting on what I had told her about my powers and my plans to do power tests.

"So… more or less randomly you get a more or less random power from another incredibly dark superhero world that only you know about."

"That's the summary, yes"

"And those powers have colors based on the level of strength?"

"I think there were other factors besides strength that were taken into account, but I don't know who decided it, whether it was my powers or myself unconsciously."

"Yes… then you're telling me that because you know this supposed other world you have an idea of more or less what powers you can get, but not all of them because you've only "seen" two years of that world, when there are probably more."

"When you put it like that it sounds a little strange, but yes."

I never thought that one of the things I would hate the most about dying so early in my previous life is dying before Ward's departure, I bet my beautiful white lock that Contender or Dispatch comes from Ward and if at least one of them does it there will surely be more.

"…Haa this is my life now I guess"

"Hehe , sorry?"

"Okay, don't apologize. I feel like there are things you haven't told me yet, but I won't push it, we're already late enough and we should be leaving. That will also give me time to reflect a little on what you just said."

Okay, okay, I haven't told her about the possible aliens in my brain yet, but I have to figure out how to explain it too, so some time in class wouldn't hurt either of us.

Just then another grey star decided to join my now very small galaxy, before I would have been excited about the opportunity, now…not so much.

Again a name appeared in my mind.

Flashpoint

Wait , Flashpoint? DC's? I mean, that's a weird way of saying Flash, but it has to be, right?

But, the feeling I get… doesn't seem to have anything to do with speed but rather with… water? Something else to try later I guess.

"Another power?"

"Another power."

"Hah…we better go before you get another power that we have to test."

"Shall we have some?" I asked as I felt a smile rise on my face.

"Did I stutter? After school at 6:00 p.m., wait for me in the dormitory with your costume ready. I'll find a place for us to do your power tests."

Before I could answer Mandy came closer until we were face to face, although I had to look up, I felt myself blushing at the closeness of our faces, Mary spoke again:

"Since you were honest with me, I'll be honest with you. I'm all in right now, and I'll see it through to the end. I'll make sure you're the best heroine the world has ever seen. Understand?"

His words had a strength and certainty they didn't have before and there was only one thing I could say in response, with my face on fire and my legs weak.

" Yeah Ma'am!"

"Okay." Mandy nodded in satisfaction before turning around to walk back to her building which was on the opposite side of mine.

She's beautiful.

As I watched in rapture as she walked away at a slow pace with the sound of her heels clicking along the way, her words brought me out of my daze.

"Before we part."

"Yes~?"

"Couldn't you have used your time bubble and had the conversation in a second so I wouldn't be late for class?"

"…"

With those words only the sound of Mandy's heels and the nature of the place receding reached my ears, but I honestly didn't register it at all. As I stood there like an idiot, repeating her words over and over in my mind.

The last thing heard in that part of the campus was the sound of a palm hitting a face.