----------------------------------------
With Mai and Sun Hee,
It was a tense drive back to base, they half expected to have Oni Lee pop up with a grenade in their face, even with Apex dealing with him.
Thankfully that reality didn't materialize, but it didn't erase all their worries. They both had belief in Apex, albeit to differentiating levels - but Oni Lee was literally the boogeyman in these parts, there was just an instinctive revulsion and fear attached to his involvement.
"He'll be okay." Sun Hee said out loud, not sure if she was speaking to Mai, or herself, as she peered suspiciously out the window from her passenger seat, looking for any sign of an explosion.
All that she could see instead was the familiar and depressing sights of her home city, as they drove into what was basically no man's land, heading to their home base.
She felt the weight of the city's decay pressing down on her, reminding her why she chose to follow Apex in the end, becoming a villain. She owed him, that wasn't in question, but saving her grandfather or not - becoming a supervillain wasn't really a fair deal. She'd had her own reasons in the end.
Even if she'd jumped in both feet first without thinking things through.
The truck rumbled over potholes and cracked asphalt, the engine's hum the only sound breaking the oppressive silence, Mai not immediately answering her, her pinched eyes on the road. Dilapidated buildings loomed on either side, their skeletal frames and broken windows displaying how hopeless this part of Brockton Bay really was.
Graffiti covered the crumbling walls, a chaotic tapestry of tags and messages, some defiant, others despairing - most from gangs that didn't even exist anymore. The lost and poor drowning in the hopeless miasma that was this shit hole of a city, Sun Hee thought, anger flaring through her.
Wherever she looked, she saw only despair and a lack of care and hope. Here and there had been attempts to revitalize, their attempts now only existing to highlight the emptiness and neglect even further.
They drove past abandoned cars, their windows smashed and bodies rusted, As they passed a particularly desolate block, the hulking silhouette of a once-grand factory came into view, its towering chimneys now crumbling monuments of a better time, a time her grandfather had told her of, a time that sounded like a fairy tale, because Sun Hee had never seen anything like it now. Weeds and vines crept up the walls of the factory, nature slowly reclaiming what humanity had abandoned.
And that was the whole point. The point of why Sun Hee had taken the final step. Joined Jordan fully, signing on to his plan instead of just being a silent follower, her minimal due for his work saving her only family. It's why she become a murderer, even if the people she'd killed totally deserved it…
Because they'd been abandoned.
The heroes, the government, they could say what they wanted in PR events, but the place Sun Hee had lived in… The parts of the city near the docks, the train yards, that they were traveling through… They'd abandoned them.
Whether through rules, cowardice, money, or something else, they'd chosen to just leave a large part of the city to die, not even attempting to make it better.
As one of those abandoned, Sun Hee had realized that really, criminals were the only ones who could make it better.
She hated the likes of Lung and Kaiser… But for their people…
Life was better. For their gangs. Life was better. It was just a proven fact.
They risked death in a gang war but this was Brockton's Bay... Everyone in this area of town - risked death everyday anyway. The difference was that if you were in a gang, you could actually live a little, have a sense of camaraderie, a purpose.
Not just brokenly toiling away in a pointless race against homelessness or worse. Cowering under your bed everyday, hoping things wouldn't get worse then already living without any hope was.
Sun Hee was lucky. She had her grandfather and his skills had ensured a steady income, it had ensured that she gained some skills to follow that in the future - before it all burned down.
But she'd seen her neighbors, the neighborhood. Had seen what girls had to do to survive, how boys transformed from mama's boys into caricatures of monsters, just to survive the harsh realities of no jobs, no home, no future - only drugs or violence the answer to their search for any kind of meaning.
If Apex… No, Jordan… If he was going to make a gang that didn't sink to the same depravity as Lung, or the Merchants… Sun Hee was going to back him all the way. Because it might not be like living in her grandfather's fairy tales about white picket fences, a career and family… But anything was better than the hopeless vista she saw now.
Sun Hee glanced back through the rearview mirror, catching the wary eyes of the rescued women. They, too, were likely used to the desolation, their expressions a mix of fear and resignation - no real hope, despite being saved. She knew this drive was more than just a journey to safety; it was a stark reminder of the reality they faced - a city broken by violence and neglect, no doubt they were thinking of what they would do, where they would go.
Sun Hee knew some would even think of going back, without a better alternative. Because a roof and food was better than walking the streets and selling yourself anyway, only this time to some junkie - for something to make you forget your life for a moment.
Every single one of her friends growing up, had slowly disappeared, into drugs, the sex trade, gangs, or just… Disappeared.
This… This is why Apex is right, she thought, not used to lingering on heavier thoughts, seeing everything around her growing up, she'd always put on a loud, cheery positive attitude. Because if she didn't. She'd always be crying. The city wouldn't create a better life for her, so she'd had to create it herself through positive thinking.
And now here she was, actually improving lives, just a few, but it mattered.
Ending the sex slavery… If it took criminals to do it. Well, then the criminals were just better people in Sun Hee's opinion.
"Do you think he will be back soon?" Sun Hee asked Mai, as they entered the familiar stretch of road (for a definition of the word road) leading up to their hideout.
Mai, whose knuckles were white as she held the wheel tightly, responded self assuredly, "Of course he will, he might have to lead Oni Lee on a bit of a chase, but he's invulnerable when he wants to be, so a dinky grenade isn't going to harm him."
Despite the surety in her words, her face still held that pinched expression. Sun Hee knew Mai could be really scary, and honestly… A bit of a bitch. But the worry that was clear in her posture and eyes, soothed her a little. Mai cared. And that's why their gang would be way better than the rest.
Minutes later they pulled into the loading dock, letting the girls out, Sun Hee having taken her mask off, because no one wanted to see a scary face - which had needed her whole uniform off because of how she designed it, she'd have to fix that... It was a risky choice perhaps to take it off, but Mai hadn't sounded too worried about bringing them back to base either - convinced they all wouldn't sell them out after being saved.
Sun Hee… Hoped she was right.
It had seemed oddly optimistic from Mai of all people, but she was totally willing to go with it, especially as it meant she could smile properly at everyone, and not scare them.
They weren't very quick about coming out of the back of the truck though, seemingly fearing something worse still.
Eventually the woman who'd made fun of Sun Hee's height, stepped forward, a challenging look on her face, like she was just waiting for the shoe to drop, the other women tentatively following her.
Sun Hee took a deep breath, stepping forward to address the women as they hesitantly exited the truck. She tried to project calm and reassurance, even though the swirling thoughts in her mind made her feel anything but. She'd have preferred it if Mai did this bit, but the younger girl had said Sun Hee just came across much more personable and trustworthy.
So even though she might massively mess this up, it was up to her to welcome them and make them feel like they were safe here, with Mai at her back to fix any screw ups from how her mouth sometimes got away from her.
She wished Jordan was here. He'd probably say something dumb, but at least it wouldn't be her suddenly in charge!
Mai stood beside her, arms crossed, her expression guarded yet determined. Sun Hee appreciated her presence; it was a silent confirmation that she wasn't alone in this, and settled her nerves a little.
"Thank you for trusting us so far," Sun Hee began, her voice gentle, "I know this is overwhelming and probably really scary. But you're safe here. We're not like the people who… Took you."
Inwardly she grimaced, even as she kept an open and warm expression on her face. Great job idiot! Remind them of what they've been through from the start!
The girl who had spoken up earlier, and had been the first out of the truck, stepped forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What's the catch? You say we're safe, but what do you want from us?" Her voice had an odd accent she couldn't quite place, but Sun Hee was glad someone was willing to talk, even if it was the annoying pretty girl.
Sun Hee nodded rapidly, expecting this question. "We want to give you lots of options." She said, almost vibrating in earnest excitement. "You can stay here with us, join our gang, and help us fight against the people who hurt you - or just help us with regular business. Or, if you have family or somewhere else to go, we can help you get there."
Mai spoke up carefully, like she was trying to choose words that didn't come out as too harsh or cold. "Sticking together might be the only chance you have to not suffer the same fate." She pointed out her gaze intense as she swept the crowd of women with it.
Well… Sun Hee thought, shaking her head, it's the thought that counts?
Stepping in before Mai could be more Mai at them, Sun Hee put on a bubbly smile, "We might be a gang, but we're not interested in sex slavery, forced drug use, or even in selling that crap to kids and those who'll just get deathly sick from it. We're a gang that will do what the government refuses to do, protect the people." She paused for a moment, "For a small fee." She added, wincing.
A murmur rippled through the group, the women exchanging glances and whispered words. Some looked skeptical, others seemed to be considering the offer seriously. The fact they mentioned getting paid for the work seemed to have gotten more women believing in her words than anything she said about being better than the other gangs.
People in Brockton Bay didn't believe in free hand outs generally, Sun Hee understood, as the women quietly discussed things amongst themselves.
The pretty girl with needle marks and an attitude, held herself apart from the rest, eying Sun Hee and Mai critically. For all that she seemed willing to protect the others, she didn't seem part of the group.
One black woman, her face gaunt and eyes haunted, spoke up. "I don't have anywhere to go. My family... they wouldn't take me back. I have nothing left out there."
Mai uncrossed her arms and stepped forward, still a little too brusque in Sun Hee's opinion. "Then stay with us. We can provide food, shelter, and a purpose. We're building something different here, something that isn't about exploitation but about fighting back. You can be part of that." She shrugged lightly, "We will still make money of course, it is crime, but we'd be actually doing something useful too."
The pretty girl with the weird accent glanced at the woman who had spoken, then back at Sun Hee and Mai. "And what exactly would we be doing? Just because you say you're different doesn't mean you are." Her gaze was challenging and confrontational.
She thinks we're lying… Sun Hee thought, understanding the caution, but hoping it wouldn't lead to a complete rejection.
Mai, unflappable as usual, met her gaze steadily. "We understand your skepticism, I've been where you are…" Mai cut off suddenly, like she hadn't expected the words out of her own mouth, looking chagrined to have let it out.
Sun Hee was surprised as well, but noticed that the admission had immediately softened the other women's opinion of her.
Pretending she'd said nothing, Mai continued, her expression closed off, "You can never go back to your old life, the experience… It changes you. Here you'd be safer, with others like you, others that want what you want. We need people who can help with a variety of tasks - everything from gathering intel to training and protecting others - to running eventual business fronts, money laundering, and actual real jobs. You won't be forced into anything. And if you want revenge on the ABB, we can make that happen, too. Together, we're stronger."
A voluptuous woman with scarred cheeks and wide, wary eyes asked, "And if we don't want to join you? If we just want to leave?"
The rest of the women shuffled quietly at that, sending them wary glances.
Mai's face softened slightly, her tone less harsh. "Then we'll help you. We can give you some money, albeit not a lot, some clothes and necessary items. But think carefully - out there, it's dangerous - and alone, it's even more so. Here, you have a chance to rebuild and protect each other."
Sun Hee was kind of glad Mai had taken over, she'd never succeed in being that eloquent and stuff. Even she felt inspired. Build and protect, yeah! That is what she was with Jordan for!
"Girl power!" She said cheerfully pumping a fist, her excitement overflowing a bit in the moment. Her cheeks grew red as most of the women just looked at her oddly.
Another murmur spread through the group, this time with more nods and thoughtful looks. The pretty accent girl seemed to be their unofficial spokesperson, and she turned to the others, having a quiet, intense discussion.
"They all want to stay, but some have families and want to know what to do about that." The blonde pretty girl finally said, stepping forward, speaking for the group.
Sun Hee bounced excitedly from foot to foot, "They can join too!" She blurted out, "They'll be happy right? To get their family back, and we can protect them and stuff, if they're with us too!"
Mai nodded seriously, "We will accept any of you, and your families. If we can't afford it, we'll find the money, if we don't have space, we'll make space, we don't intend to let anyone that wants to be part of this live like a Merchant."
Sun Hee knew it wouldn't be as easy as Mai said, but she was still right, they could get money if they needed it - they wouldn't fail at helping people. She'd master a rich guy or something and get a bunch of money!
The girl nodded slowly, glancing back at the women, seeing their decision, before she sighed, scratching at the needle marks on her arms. "Fine then, they'll all join up, some of them need ways to contact their family and such." She said without much enthusiasm.
Mai's eyes narrowed as she looked over the girl, Sun Hee as well had noticed that she hadn't ever spoken on what she would do.
"I'll get them set up!" Sun Hee said cheerfully, "Come with me, we have warm showers!" She called out, drawing the women's interest immediately.
Sun Hee didn't really want to deal with the stuck up looking girl, so she'd be the excellent host and get the rest of them settled in!
As the women and girls all slowly eased up, their expressions becoming less guarded, Sun Hee felt like her heart was like a balloon, just blowing up bigger and bigger until it was going to burst.
They were actually helping people!
When did that ever happen in this city?
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With Jordan,
It was almost an impossible thing to think of, in the end.
Killing Miss Militia, an original ward.
It meant backlash. It meant the Grue identity would be toast, no bones about it. With his recent activities he would be fingered as the culprit eventually - once watchdog got into it.
Chaos might be a ladder, but Brockton Bay would become very dangerous for him very quickly and wouldn't afford him time to climb it - depending on if the likes of Legend dropped by to show his displeasure at the murder of an original ward and a pretty popular hero.
There was dying in battle, and then there was an execution in a dark alley, one would be taken a lot worse then the other.
Death was death, but Jordan knew that to the heroes, the manner of death mattered a lot.
Even if Legend didn't show up himself, Brockton Bay would likely still get reinforcements, Cauldron's little project or not. Losing someone like Miss Militia couldn't be waved away, the Chief Director couldn't say - you'll do fine without her or - we've got no one to send.
There would be reinforcements, and they would be hunting him.
He'd just rescued a bunch of sex slaves, was in the process of trying to recruit them, their families, their friends. Holding the ABB up as the ultimate enemy. Had given Lung an ultimatum even - threatened to come for him.
Killing Miss Militia would complicate all that.
All of these were really good thoughts. Logical, clear cut thoughts that explained why it was a bad idea.
He sighed as he looked down at Miss Militia's corpse, a single bullet through her head.
Just if I could have thought of them before I put a bullet in her…
In his hand, he held a knife, something he discovered after the massive headache from taking her power abated. With a simple thought it was a gun, then a sword.
He'd have to experiment later, but just from what he felt so far. Even guns from stuff he'd seen in science fiction might work. As long as they worked on similar enough principles to something the shard had seen before. That was what the power came from after all - not his knowledge of the guns, but the shards.
He'd bring the outer appearance - the cosmetic part, what he'd seen of something, but the Shard was the one making the weapon actually function as it was supposed to - based on what it knew or had seen throughout the cycles. He just focused on it and it appeared, he hadn't tried it much yet, just felt he could do things that seemed to stretch further than he'd heard Miss Militia use. That intuitive part of the power mixed with his metaknowledge apparently.
He raised the sword, grimacing at the nasty work ahead of him. Miss Militia… Hadn't really deserved this, or what would come now. But it was every man for himself in this world.
He couldn't even pretend anymore.
He wasn't a good person, and he needed to just own that.
He'd be just good enough to protect Jana. So that she could be good.
He set to the dirty job of mutilating the body with the sword in violent random swipes, turning his weapons to hooks and bludgeoning tools at times as well to make it look like she went through a very specific blender.
She'd had a run in with Hookwolf just previously he knew, and the PRT knew about it too. It might only give him a day or two of a headstart on his plans, but it would give him something.
The emotional response to such gruesome butchery would hopefully prevent the immediate sophisticated analysis someone like Armsmaster could likely perform with his scanners.
After finally making the scene gory enough, his uniform plastered in blood from the work, he cut her head off, feeling sick to his stomach - but powering through it. The deed was done, there was no point in being a pussy about it now.
Having shot her in the head, he couldn't leave that evidence behind, besides… Hookwolf was the type he might take a trophy for a high value kill. They'll believe it for just long enough, he hoped.
Hopefully long enough they'll kill Hookwolf for him before they figure out the ruse, although he doubted they'd go that far. The heroes were mostly window dressing after all.
Armsmaster likely had a PR thing to go to for his rep that would take precedence.
He finished staging the scene a little, doodling on her bandana for a moment, every little detail would help. Even if it all made him feel like a serial killer…
Which… He supposed he was.
Finding a garbage bag in a nearby dumpster, he dumped the head inside, taking one last look at the alley, ensuring he didn't forget anything, then he turned into his breaker state and left hurriedly, finding another good use for that particular power - he didn't spread blood everywhere from his dripping boots and uniform.
Things had changed immensely due to his knee jerk reaction to just shoot her. The woman never even realized she was in danger as he floated down behind her, aligning his shot.
He couldn't stay in Brockton Bay, he'd have to get out until the heat settled a bit. Just abandoning the Grue persona wouldn't be enough, if he stayed. They would eventually figure him out, now that resources would be allocated for it.
If he ran, they'd look for him once they figured that out, but now they'd have to search all across America, and they didn't have the resources to keep that up for long - and it would leave Mai and Sun Hee in the shadows, to grow in the chaos as the other gangs took chunks out of each other.
It wasn't ideal, not how he'd planned it, but it wasn't necessarily bad either.
He'd have the freedom to roam around without worrying too much about Jana and her surroundings, letting them all hide in obscurity while he drew all the attention away from Brockton Bay.
And Miss Militia's power would make it so much easier to get a cape or two without having to risk himself.
He'd have preferred to give Mai and Sun Hee some more assistance before something like this became necessary, but it was what it was.
Killing Miss Militia had started the clock.
He didn't regret it.
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He looked down at his hand as a Fallout style laser pistol briefly took shape.
No… No regrets after all.
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Minutes later, the alley.
Robin sped into the street, finding the alley, having gotten word from the console that Miss Militia's monitor was on the fritz, showing all kinds of dangerous anomalous readings.
Heart monitors and the like didn't do much in reality, but it made the people back at base feel safer knowing they had a finger on the pulse of every hero when they were out there.
He'd been ready with a joke on his lips as he reached her last known location, slowing down enough to be walking by the time he reached the end of the alley, something like, who's stolen your heart, MM, boys back at base says it's missing! Yeah, that was pretty smooth.
She'd chuckle softly at him, and smile with her eyes, all good stuff.
Before he could even focus on what was in the alley, the overpowering smell of blood hit him, and he gagged, covering his nose and mouth, before seeing the tableau in front of him - not recognizing it for a minute, because it was impossible. She wasn't dead.
She couldn't be.
That wasn't her.
No way.
NO WAY!
They'd talked not that long ago.
Then he'd had to do that hostage situation…
He'd left her alone, because she was MM, unstoppable, unflappable.
He'd…
Oh god…
"C-console…" He said shakily, tears in his eyes as he held back the urge to vomit, shakily leaning against the wall of the alley, only now realizing his shoes were sticky with blood, there was so much blood!
"Copy Velocity, have you linked up with Miss Militia yet?" Console replied, sounding bored.
Bored… When Hannah was… She was lying there, they were bored!
Where was her fucking head! He screamed internally.
Robin lost control of his stomach, hunching over and up chucking against the wall, trying to aim away from the evidence - because… It.. She.. It was all evidence now... The console kept trying to reach him, sounding more alert now that he dropped out of contact suddenly.
Robin couldn't even manage to tell them, couldn't lift his hand to the ear piece. He just sat down, in the blood. Sat there, one hand on her leg, staring unseeingly ahead.
Hannah… He'd left her alone!!
Sat there until they arrived.
Sat there, wondering why they didn't tear into him, sat there staring, feeling numb.
He'd never seen Armsmaster so human before as the moment he arrived and saw the body.
Assault coming up behind him actually having to steady the man as he almost fell, completely losing his equilibrium.
Never felt so in tune with the other man, as he did the moment he reached out with a shaking hand, picking up the American flag bandana that had been spoiled with the drawing of a Swastika, and quietly ordered them both to find Hookwolf, now.
Never felt so loyal to the man, as when they - several hours later, backed up by a grim Assault, broke down the door to Brad Meadows apartment, and Armsmaster executed him before he could even understand what was happening - the despicable man having had the nerve to go home and get drunk, after what he did.
Neither he nor Armsmaster asked Assault how he got the name and address of Hookwolf.
And as far as the record would show, none of the three heroes were anywhere near the apartment building. They'd been elsewhere searching Brockton Bay for MM's killer.
That's what their devices would say, that's what anyone in the PRT that did the tracking would say.
MM had been universally liked, no one was going to shit on her by protecting Hookwolf.
Robin just felt numb after.
It hadn't made it better.
He'd hoped seeing him die, would make it better.
It hadn't.
She was still gone.
It was still his fault.
It had been something.
But it hadn't been enough.
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With Jordan,
Due to his state, and the need to remain in his breaker state, he was taking the rooftop express, floating over divides and moving his way across Brockton silently, keeping an eye out for any flare ups of excitement, so he knew what areas to avoid.
Things seemed to be settling down, if there was any fighting going on still, it likely wasn't between any capes.
Good for him, because hopefully it meant the heroes pulled back as well, resting up for another day.
He'd hate to be intercepted now, because whether it was a power he'd want or not when it came to a hero, he'd have to kill them, because he couldn't be outed yet.
He needed a day minimum.
Jordan landed softly on another rooftop, practically invisible in the darkness. The dilapidated roof overlooked a shadowed alley, his eyes narrowed in annoyance at what he saw down there.
What were the odds he'd run into something like this on a night like this?
It was Brockton Bay, so probably still a good chance, but it was still one hell of a coincidence.
Down below, two dark vans were blocking each side of the alley, men moving like professional soldiers, clad in dark clothing and fully kitted out - were advancing on a lone woman in a pretty clear cut kidnapping scenario.
Coil's men… He thought, head swiveling to the woman who seemed resigned, but defiant in the face of her inevitable abduction.
What are the odds I'd run into you… Tattletale?
She could probably tell him if he asked, funnily enough.
With Grue dead, had he interrupted the formation of the undersiders this much? Or was this the canon time for her gun to the head scenario.
His eyes narrowed, and why was Coil keeping this timeline? Would something stop him from intervening? Because the only way to go forward he saw here, was killing them.
And that should have had Coil drop the timeline… Perhaps he as well was too busy with recent events.
He eyed her, thoughtfully, her platinum blonde hair was the first thing that caught his eye. It was cut in a messy, tousled style that framed her face perfectly, strands occasionally falling into her vivid green eyes. Those eyes were sharp and alert, constantly scanning her surroundings with an intensity that suggested her power at work - the rising despair in them was clear to Jordan even across the distance, her body language tense.
Should he intervene? He wondered, or should he… Kill her?
He didn't really want her power, a thinker's headache in the middle of a fight could be deadly, and hers would be prone to give him one constantly, he was unsure if even a regenerative power would fix it.
But leaving her free or working for Coil wasn't the best option either long term…
She could easily pull information about him and sell it to the highest bidder.
He continued to study her, never having been much a fan of Tattletale, he found some perverse enjoyment in how her face was beginning to show panic and despair as the man closest to her grabbed her arm. She'd always come off as so smug and bitchy when he'd read Worm, so while he didn't condone the actions here, he felt Tattletale could use the scare.
Her face was a blend of delicate features and sharp angles with high cheekbones which gave her an air of sharpness, while her slightly upturned nose and full lips added a touch of softness. Her skin was fair, almost pale, and without her mask on, the freckles across her nose made her look more girl next door, then supervillain.
She wasn't in a supervillain outfit, she either didn't have it yet, or was caught out without it. Instead she was wearing a fitted leather jacket that clung to her form, accentuating her slight curves without hindering her movement. Underneath, a plain, dark shirt peeked out, complementing the tactical pants that hugged her legs.
Jordan continued to wonder if he should get involved, as he also thought of whatever reason Tattletale could have had for sneaking around at night, dressed like she was up to no good, instead of the far more girly outfits he remembered.
Miss Militia's power switched away from the knife he had been keeping it as, to a silenced pistol.
Well… I can choose what to do after, for now… Even if it isn't sex slavery, this is going to be my town until I get out of this world, and no creep is going to get away with kidnapping girls.
He leaped down into the alley.
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Lisa Wilbourn fought against the hands that gripped her, her mind racing as her power surged, feeding her bits of information. The mercenaries were professional, well-trained, and they had orders to bring her in alive. She knew she should be happy about that - but there were many things that could be worse than death.
"Get off me!" she screamed, kicking at one of the mercenaries. Her heart pounding in her chest, her thoughts a chaotic swirl of fear and strategy as she drew heavily on her power to anticipate what they would do, while hoping the noise would draw the attention of a hero or heroic bystander - anyone.
She didn't hold much hope, the chaos engulfing Brockton Bay would keep the heroes busy, it's part of why she'd been out as well after all.
The mercenaries suggested Coil, and she knew almost nothing about him, while he obviously knew about her. It was not a situation that would go well for her if she didn't get away.
Suddenly, a figure landed in the alleyway, silent and almost ghost-like. Lisa's power immediately kicked into overdrive, analyzing him. Cape, a breaker, doesn't see the mercenaries as a threat, planning to kill them all. No sense of guilt about it. She shivered at the last bit, closing off the tap, she wasn't sure she wanted to know more.
It felt like her situation just got worse, not better. The cops and robber game was ridiculous, but it had some points, like preventing wanton slaughter.
Is this… Grue? She wondered, not letting her power loose, wanting to save it for the aftermath. She'd been studying the cape scene of Brockton Bay since she got here, and this guy definitely fit the bill. She eyed the clearly muscled torso. Worst case… Ugh… Thankful damsel of distress fascinated by bulging muscles? She thought, not at all pleased by the idea of it, but even less pleased by a killer deciding to take her out too.
Grue wasn't exactly a villain with a good reputation right now.
"Hey there gentlemen, what's going on here?" The intimidating figure asked, his voice reverberating through his rebreather style mask, his voice cutting through the ordered chaos.
The mercenaries hesitated, and Lisa's power whispered that they were unsure, not wanting to escalate the situation with an unknown variable. She seized the opportunity, elbowing the man next to her, sliding under the grasping arm of another, and jumping away towards the other cape.
Her power had indicated he was going to kill them, and didn't yet say her. So the obvious choice was him. For now, even if he was literally covered in blood and giving out some real bad vibes.
She really hoped she wasn't just jumping from the fire into the frying pan.
Brockton Bay fucking sucked.
Scarface, the leader of the mercenaries, stepped forward, pulling out his gun. "This doesn't concern you, buddy. Walk away." Unsure, had no word of cape involvement, in contact with base, being micromanaged.
Lisa's eyes narrowed, a smirk playing at her lips, Coil can't even let his guys do a snatch and grab without holding their balls huh?
Apex moved like lightning, disarming scarface, literally, and sending the gun clattering across the alley. Lisa's eyes widened as she processed the information flooding in. Fast, precise, lethal when necessary. Often think it's necessary. Suddenly had a sword in his hand, not a breaker power. Sword was a gun a moment ago.
Oh fuck…
Jesus, Mary and Joseph what had she gotten herself into. She should have gone with the kidnappers…
Maybe… He's just got a really weird breaker power. She tried to think optimistically. Because the other option wasn't pleasant.
She didn't need her power to tell there was a dark edge to him, a willingness to kill if he deemed it necessary. He was literally playing with these men right now. He could kill them anytime.
Her power took that time to ruin her life. Shadow Stalkers power. Shadow Stalker 'transferred' - able to change weapons, similar/exactly to Miss Militia. Steals powers through murder.
Yeah…
She thought morosely, while continuing to keep a confident body language and lazy smirk on her face - as she stood nearby the power stealing murderer.
She should have stuck with the kidnappers.
"Coil is listening, isn't he?" His voice was icy, demanding answers, almost mechanical sounding due to his mask.
Lisa's power gave her quick insights. Knows who Coil is, knows what this was, knows who you are.
She clamped down on it again, feeling nervous sweat at the back of her neck. Who the hell is this guy!?
This was all in all turning out to be a pretty terrible day.
"Kill him." Scarface ordered tersely, even with his arm dismembered, he stayed calm, communicating with their boss.
Definitely Grue, Lisa thought, shivering as she saw shadows gathering in his hands.
Grue's eyes flashed with amusement. "Is Coil angry I'm playing with his toys?" He said mockingly, before blurring forward, going fully into a shadow form.
Lisa's own form was covered by a cloud of darkness, giving the men no option to aim at her, except she needed to see what was going on, so she stuck her head around the corner of the wall of darkness.
Lisa's power fed her more details as she watched him brutally take the mercenaries apart, just tanking bullets, while seemingly avoiding the laser weaponry, alternating between melee takedowns, and shooting them with the power that only gave her headaches to look at, as it flickered between different guns almost constantly, until he began firing back with his own laser weapon, a bulky ugly thing.
Every move was calculated, efficient. He wasn't just a brute force; he was a tactician with a lethal edge. And she realized with a cold certainty that if he decided she was a liability, he wouldn't hesitate to kill her and take her power.
She glanced longingly at the end of the alley closest to her, the mercenaries on that side all dead or dying already.
But if she ran, her power told her.
He'd definitely kill her.
While if she stayed, she at least had a chance.
As the last mercenary fell, Lisa's heart began to slow from its frantic pace. She looked up at her savior, her mind still buzzing with the implications of what she had just witnessed. The fact of the matter was, that he could still be her murderer, not her savior, which immediately sent her heart racing again.
"Thank you," She said, her voice trembling, even as she tried to act confident. But her equilibrium was thrown off, she felt real fear creeping down her spine.
Grue turned to her, his expression softening slightly but still holding that calculating edge. "Are you alright?" He asked, not sounding overly concerned about it for all that he'd briefly softened.
Lisa nodded, her thoughts racing to form a coherent response plan for when this all went inevitably to shit. "Yeah, thanks to you. I'm Lisa, by the way. Lisa Wilbourn." She flashed a thankful smile, trying to play it a little coquettishly
She wasn't into bulging muscles as anything but appreciation of art. But if it meant her life, she'd be willing to do quite a lot of things she didn't like.
"Apex," he replied, offering her a tiny nod, his eyes almost appearing to peer through her.
Is this what it feels like for other people when I know too much? She wondered. And wait… He's not Grue!?
Thinking of killing you, doesn't want to suffer headaches or TMI, doesn't trust you free. Used Grue alias as smokescreen. Lisa's power supplied, and she was running out of time.
"Well, thank you for saving me." She purred, swaying her hips slightly as she sauntered up to him, laying a hand on his chest, feeling him up with an impressed and thirsty look on her face. Oh god please just be a normal guy who thinks with his cock! She thought, desperately acting like a thankful damsel in distress.
He snorted, giving her a gentle push away, "I know you're asexual, Sarah." He said casually. "Let's not play this game, it will be degrading for the both of us."
Lisa wanted to vomit. How did he know so much about her!? Has he already stolen thinker powers, precogs? Postcogs?
He looked her over, seemingly uncaring of the dead bodies surrounding them, the absolute fear he evoked in her. "I don't know if I can trust you Lisa… But you falling into my hands is a boon to me… If you can be useful." He seemed to be simply talking out loud more than to her. "Your abilities would be invaluable to a budding gang."
He sighed suddenly, a weapon appearing in his hand in a dark green flash, "I'll have to deal with Coil now either way before I leave, but now… You're terrified of me. If I take you to my people, you'll betray me."
"There's only one solution then…"
Lisa felt like her heart was going to pound right out of her chest as she stared at Apex, as he stood there calmly holding her execution weapon. The alley was dark and oppressive, the only sound was her own rapid breathing as she desperately tried to think of ways out, her head hurting as she let her power loose as a last ditch measure. She had faced dangerous people before, but something about him was different - more calculated, more lethal. Her power screamed at her, filling her mind with insights and warnings.
Gang leader, budding gang, need information, need intelligence, can be useful.
"Wait, just wait," She began, her voice trembling despite her best efforts to appear calm. "You don't need to do this. I can be useful to you. I know things, things that could help you."
Apex seemed almost bored, and his eyes were cold, unwavering. "Like what?" he asked, his tone flat.
Has made up his mind, is going to kill you. Her power supplied. Will feel bad afterwards, it added, which was just super helpful!
"Information," Lisa blurted out, trying to grasp at any angle. "I can get you intel on anyone in Brockton Bay with time. I can ferret secrets, plans, weaknesses. Coil, Empire Eighty-Eight, the ABB - they all have skeletons in their closets, and I can show you where to find them." Please please please!
Apex took a step closer, and Lisa instinctively backed up until her back was against the rough brick wall. "I already have ways to get information," He said, his voice steady. "I don't need you for that."
She swallowed hard, her mind racing. "I'm not just talking about general information. I can give you specifics, I can find out what your enemies are planning before they even know themselves. I can help you stay ahead of everyone."
His expression didn't change. "I have other ways to stay ahead. Try again."
She could feel death staring her in the eyes. Even as she fought through a migraine, her power was not able to help her as she'd overused it - if she pushed too far right now, she'd die.
Desperation clawed at her. "Resources then. I can get you resources. Money, equipment, safe houses. I have connections - people who owe me favors."
Not enough, mostly through blackmail, but she could get more. Would get more.
Apex shook his head slightly. "I already have access to what I need. Keep going." He rumbled, and she was half sure he was full of shit on that now, but didn't dare debilitating herself by reaching for her power.
Lisa's breath hitched, trying to spin things. She could see the cold calculation in his eyes, and it terrified her. "Protection," She said quickly. "I can provide protection. I can warn you about threats before they happen, I can be your eyes and ears everywhere."
A rewording of an offer she'd already made, but desperation and a migraine wasn't helping her come up with more.
He remained unmoved. "I don't need your protection. I'm more than capable of handling threats on my own."
Yeah… She'd seen that. Especially if that was Miss Militia's power…
She felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead. Every angle, every lifeline she threw, he cut down with ease. Her power had stopped feeding her a constant stream of insights, but none of them had seemed to be enough anyway. She needed to find something, anything that would make her indispensable.
"Think about the long game," She said, her voice shaking. "You can't do everything alone. You have a gang, right? Having someone like me, someone who can see the bigger picture, can be invaluable. I can help you plan, strategize, make sure you're always one step ahead."
For a moment, Apex seemed to consider this, and Lisa felt a flicker of hope. But then he shook his head. "I already have plans in place, someone who I trust for it. I don't need you for that either."
Her desperation peaked. She could feel the noose tightening, and she was running out of options. "Please," She whispered, hating the pleading tone in her voice but knowing she had no choice. "I don't want to die. There must be something you need, something only I can provide."
Apex' eyes narrowed slightly, and she could see him weighing his options. She just needed the right angle. He was a new gang leader apparently, and already had some people. What did guys like that want the most?
"Fine," She said, her voice firmer now, grasping at the final straws. "Loyalty. I can be loyal to you. I've been useful to others briefly, but they didn't see my full potential. You do or you wouldn't want me off the board so bad. You're different - you can use someone like me, someone who's loyal and smart and capable. You don't have to trust me right away, but give me a chance to prove myself."
There was a long, tense silence. Apex' gaze bore into her, as if he were trying to peer into her very soul. Lisa held her breath, every second stretching into an eternity.
Please, she begged, just one chance!
Finally, he spoke, his voice cold and decisive. "Fine. You get one chance. Prove your worth, and you can stay alive. But betray me, and there won't be a second chance."
He demonstrated his breaker state again, bringing out a large gun, "Lung would die against me as I am, do not think of betraying me, or my people, and you'll get to be on the top of the food chain, like you've always wanted."
Lisa exhaled shakily, relief flooding through her. "I won't let you down," She promised, her mind already racing with ways to ensure she stayed useful to him. "You won't regret this."
He wasn't wrong, she did want to have power, but she really hadn't wanted to be a follower. But with his power, she knew he wasn't boasting, as he was now with the two powers she'd identified, he really could probably take down Lung.
And that's as he was now, without stealing any more powers. Lisa would look for opportunities, but she wasn't stupid, she wasn't even going to step within a mile of betrayal, while he was hanging over her head.
Apex nodded curtly, turning away. "See that I don't."
As he walked away, Lisa allowed herself a moment to collect her thoughts. She had survived, but only just. Now, she had to find a way to ensure she stayed valuable, because she knew better than anyone just how thin the line was between life and death in Brockton Bay.
"Come along." He ordered minutes later, gesturing to a car just outside the alley, the van moved out of the way.
He was obviously intelligent enough to realize they couldn't use the van, Coil would have trackers in it.
"Car thief too?" She quipped lighty, testing her new boundaries, what kind of boss this scary man would be.
"Whatever gets the job done." He muttered, leaving her to break into the car, as he went to collect the Laser weaponry some of Coil's men had been using.
Lisa sighed, but got to work. At least she was alive.
It was more than she'd thought she'd have five minutes ago.
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As they drove in relative silence, Jordan wondered if he'd made the right choice.
Tattletale would be very useful for Mai while he was gone, and although he couldn't trust her until the endgame in all likelihood, he could trust her in the near term.
She wouldn't want to rock the boat for a while.
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, I can use her power without suffering a headache like this, by using her.
He also knew some of what she wanted, so he might actually successfully get her loyalty.
Worth a shot…
He took off his rebreather mask, pushing his hood back, it would work better anyway, that way he wasn't an obvious cape riding a car, just another person. He noticed Tattletales odd look, her face oddly expressive without a domino mask.
"My name's Jordan." He introduced himself casually.
"Oookay… I hadn't expected the identity reveal… Nice to meet you." She said slowly, her gaze openly calculating.
He shrugged, "I already knew yours, so now you know mine."
She smirked, eyes amused, "Really, you're doing it for a whole I showed you mine show me yours routine?"
He was probably throwing her off badly, acting so casual now that he wasn't actively murdering people. But she'd probably noticed a lot of it was posturing back in the alley.
"I don't really want to make you an enemy, even if I can't let you run free, so I'm going to lay it out straight for you, give you that respect, alright, Lisa?" He said, keeping his eyes on the road.
Silence takes over the car for several minutes, before she sighed, crossing her arms, "Alright, I'm ready, what's the deal?"
Jordan thought his words over for a moment, looking for the right ones, he knew he wasn't the best planner, one of the reasons he'd actually in the end decided to not kill her, and recruit her instead. Her power might help him with planning, but those headaches… It was bad enough for her, who wasn't actively throwing hands - for him, it would kill him.
For their budding gang, her information gathering skills, and her ability to plan with Mai, the things he was admittedly bad at, would be a great benefit. And since he'd have to leave Brockton Bay for a bit…
"What I'm doing… I'm doing it for my little sister. She's in a coma, and I will get her healed." He said firmly, hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.
He knew about her brother, and maybe it was a bit manipulative, but if he could get her to stay loyal for longer than the couple months he needed - all the better.
He turned his head to meet her eyes briefly, impressing his seriousness, "I will not let her suffer through this shit hole world, at least our part of it won't have the sex slavery, forced drug use, and other inhumane bullshit. We'll be more like Marquis was, a criminal enterprise, but one many of the normals could trust."
He turned his eyes back to the road, "And I'm not saying this to scare you again, cuz I'm sorry about that, but it was necessary to make you see that betrayal isn't a smart choice…" His expression grew severe, "Anything happens to my sister due to you betraying us, and I will literally stop at nothing. Including killing Panacea and creating a world ending virus just on the off chance you'll be one of the people it will eventually reach." He glanced back at her, "Understood?"
Lisa was looking at him like she couldn't understand him at all, which was better than fear, he supposed. Although he hoped she understood he meant every word.
His sister dies. The world does too.
"I understand." She said seriously, her face slightly pale, even as she winced, a flash of pain across her features.
Checked with her powers perhaps… Good, it would mean she'd be less likely to betray them.
He took the long circuitous route towards base, in case Coil was following them, now offering the carrot. "Being with us, it might be worth your actual loyalty, you know." He said, "I can gift you invulnerability, or super speed, one of the powers I have on tap…"
Her weakness was always that she was at risk in actual battle, only plot armor saving her when more powerful combatants that could squish her like a bug inevitably didn't.
"You can be more than you are, safer, a thinker who doesn't always have to worry about a stray bullet."
Tattletale was non committal, humming thoughtfully, but he knew she'd ponder it when she was alone. Invulnerability, flight, super speed. It would mean more personal power for her. And if he survived the next few months, she'd know their gang would have tons of power. An actual shot perhaps at making her more loyal.
Her and Mai would either get on like best friends forever, or try and kill each other within five minutes of meeting each other.
They had one issue that needed handling now though, before he left.
"If I give you Coil's identity, how fast could you run him out of town?" He asked, not interested in a long drawn out battle with the timeline pedo.
Getting him out would be enough. Make it perfectly clear how fucked he was if he ever came near him or his ever.
Tattletale seemed rattled, hesitantly looking over at him, "The reveal of an identity is going to cause issues." She said slowly, "It's not really done."
The fuck it isn't… That idiotic rule was run over so much it basically didn't exist, he scoffed inwardly.
"More heat than killing Miss Militia?" He asked, curious what she would say.
Tattletale looked like she'd sucked on a lemon, but she didn't look surprised, of course her power would have picked that up. "Probably not as much as that, although I have to wonder how I'm going to be any help to you if we're all going to be fucked in a few days." She pointed out, a wary look in her eyes.
He smirked, "I won't be in town, the heat will follow me, that's why you'll be invaluable."
She sank back into her seat, mouth open slightly, "You're going to let the gangs kick at each other while I identify safe targets for your people to hit, all the while the heroes are focused on you - somewhere else."
"Bingo." He said, that's at least the general idea, we'll see if it works as well executed.
"And they'll be busy with Coil's territory. Since you'll further set chaos amongst the chickens, revealing he's Thomas Calvert, PRT commander and consultant." Jordan revealed, enjoying seeing Tattletale absolutely flabbergasted.
"You're not lying… Holy fuck you're not lying!" She said, a hand to her mouth, "The ENE PRT has a supervillain as one of its top people."
"Can you get him out of town with that?" He asked, smiling, his eyes cold, as he thought of the man, one of the most likely to go after Jana if he was allowed any leeway.
Tattletale for the first time showcased her trademark foxy grin, "Oh, he won't know what hit him!"
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Jordan led Tattletale through the well lit space of the hideout, walking past several of the women they'd saved, knowing that despite her villainous bent - this on its own would buy him some goodwill. His expression was unreadable as he ushered her into the main room where Mai and Sun Hee were waiting - he didn't want to influence this meeting, the women would need to figure out their cohabitation on their own. The tension in the air was palpable as Tattletale glanced in seeming nervousness at the two women, her mind obviously racing with a thousand thoughts.
He bet if she didn't already have a migraine, she would after this, because no way was she navigating this without dipping into her powers. He was also fairly sure she was faking the nervousness. Because once she'd gotten clear past the fact he wasn't going to kill her, she'd been pretty chatty and dropped all sense of nervousness with him.
He'd taken her pulse in that car ride, as she had his. She knew he was capable of atrocities, but also knew he could just be a regular guy when it wasn't needed.
Hopefully she'd never make it necessary.
Mai's gaze was sharp and assessing as she studied Tattletale, while Sun Hee's expression was more open, yet with a hint of suspicion lingering in her eyes. Tattletale could feel their scrutiny weighing heavily on her, and she swallowed hard, trying to maintain her composure.
"This is Tattletale," Jordan said, his voice cutting through the silence. "She's… agreed to help us." in a manner of speaking.
Tattletale shifted uncomfortably under their gaze, feeling like a cornered animal. "Hi," she said awkwardly, offering a quick smile. "Nice to meet you."
Mai's lips curved into a smirk, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Has she now?" She said, her tone dripping with skepticism.
Sun Hee remained silent, her expression curious as she watched Tattletale closely. Tattletale could sense the tension in the room, the unspoken question hanging in the air; could she be trusted?
Although to be fair, it was mostly coming from Mai, who she could tell was way too clever for her own good.
"I know what you're thinking," Tattletale blurted out, unable to bear the silence any longer, her migraine pounding at her head, and she'd get better results with this with pure honesty at this point. "But I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm here because… Because I don't have a choice."
Mai raised an eyebrow, her smirk deepening. "And why's that?"
Tattletale hesitated at that, gaze flickering to the silent figure next to her, unsure how much to reveal. "Let's just say I ran into Jordan at a… Delicate moment," she said vaguely, hoping they would fill in the blanks themselves. "And he convinced me it would be in my best interest to cooperate."
Sun Hee frowned, her expression softening slightly. "So you're not here willingly?" She asked, no one missed her quick judging look at Jordan.
Tattletale shook her head, feeling a surge of frustration - she could not afford to cause division right now, "I wouldn't say that," She said quickly, trying to backtrack. "I mean, I could have fought him, tried to escape, but… I didn't. Because deep down, I know he's right. I need your help, and you need mine."
And because he'd fucking kill her if she didn't. But she definitely would gain nothing right now by saying anything about that.
Mai regarded her thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing as if trying to see through Tattletales facade. "And what exactly do you bring to the table?" She asked, her tone sharp.
By her quick glare at Jordan, her recruitment had been as slapdash as she'd figured when he'd badly chosen to keep her alive.
Tattletale swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on her. "I have… The ability to gather information," She said slowly, choosing her words carefully. "About the ABB, about Coil, about… everything. I know things that could be useful to you - or I will."
Sun Hee's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of interest crossing her face. "Like what?" She said quickly, before bouncing slightly on the spot, "So you're like a cape for brains right?"
Tattletale hesitated, trying to gauge how much to reveal. "Like the location of their safe houses, their smuggling routes, their… weaknesses." She volunteered.
Mai raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. "And why would you want to help us?" She asked the million dollar question, having no doubt seen through everything.
Tattletale really didn't like smart people, at least not when they were figuring out her.
Tattletale bit her lip, knowing this was her last chance to convince them. "I want to be part of something bigger, something… meaningful. And I think you guys might be it." She lied, hoping she sold it enough.
Jordan would know better, but she actually believed him when he said he wouldn't reveal their entire deal to the others. Or help her settle in with them either.
She was well aware Mai was who Jordan trusted, the one who'd be left in charge.
She was also uncomfortably aware that the others in this room didn't know he'd killed Miss Militia yet, or that he planned to ditch Brockton Bay.
Hopefully she'd get a room before they talked about that. She didn't need her head and it's punishing migraine anywhere near the noise that argument would bring.
There was a long moment of silence as Mai and Sun Hee exchanged glances, silently communicating their thoughts. Tattletale held her breath, waiting for their verdict. Either way Jordan offered her an in, but without their approval, it would be hell.
She knew how catty girls could get to each other.
Finally, Mai spoke, her voice soft but firm. "Alright," she said, her gaze never leaving Tattletales. "You can slide in, we'll accommodate you. But one wrong move, and you're out."
Sun Hee nodded, her expression cheerful. "We'll be best friends!" she added, her tone almost ominous.
Tattletale forced a smile, trying to mask her anxiety. "Thank you," She said, her voice slightly hoarse. "You won't regret this, I promise."
God do I regret getting out of bed this morning… Yesterday. Whatever.
As the tension in the room eased slightly, Jordan remained silent, watching the interaction with a keen eye. He didn't smile or offer any words of encouragement, his expression remaining unyielding.
He'd stay out of it. They needed to be able to trust each other, without his deal or his threat, being out in the open.
Tattletale had some way to go before they would truly see her as part of the team. For now, she was an outsider, and she would have to prove her worth every step of the way.
But for Jordan, this was the best outcome, because he knew that Mai having Tattletale under her, would be able to do just fine without him while he was gone.
Jana would be safe.
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