I glared at my opponent. The training dummy hadn’t done anything to slight me, but my wavering sanity was keen to imagine a shit-eating grin across their otherwise blank face.
“When ready, Gunquake,” Clara said from over to my right somewhere. She hadn’t been too impressed with my suggestion of giving my kicking ability a little test. Even with how quickly I had been healing, I was meant to be resting pretty hard for another day, at least.
Roxy wasn’t annoyed, but worried and standing a few feet behind me to catch me if I fucked this up. Chances were fifty-fifty, and I had already begun feeling warm across my forehead. A little fever that I could nap away once this asshole dummy quit mocking me with his dumb grin. Motherfucker.
I acted with little ceremony, lashing out to catch him off guard. V-Force hummed through my leg as I planted it almost flat against the target. As soon as it struck their wide chest, I activated the pulse of energy. The heavy dummy slid across the dirt by a couple of feet while I tried to find my own.
Like some cliche romance novel, I stumbled into the waiting arms of the super. She raised her eyebrows and nodded, glancing at the wobbling dummy.
“Not bad. That’s a lot of force to move them from their position.”
The slight breeze took the cloud of dry dust from the attack back across us, and I righted myself to my feet once more. Was I content enough? A brief look and the smile had been wiped from my aggressor, the other three dummies standing close by looking like they were trying not to get my attention.
“I’d advise not doing that to soft targets,” Clara said. “That amount of force is likely to break bones or split organs against anyone without powers or serious armor.”
My sloppy thought process had me imagining literally kicking the head off of a criminal. I almost wanted to crush my enemies like bugs. Starting with this rogue hero the Gov had on their list. My eyes ran up the super as she righted me.
[You’re resilient. Could I test it on you?]
Roxy pulled a face at first and looked over at the techie for advice. A nod was given. “Fine, I’m heading to the shower after this, anyway.” She gave me a shrug and took a few steps backward. “Just try not to hurt yourself.”
I watched as she braced herself in position and crossed her arms in front of her chest, ready for me to plant my attack. While part of me was keen to note her head was exposed, I didn’t have any ammunition to hand to finally end this. I blinked several times and adjusted my position.
Leading with my left was uncomfortable, but the right leg was still recharging. I didn’t have the patience to wait for it.
But I did have a secret.
A red-hot nugget of unadulterated truth. It had struck my flammable mind as soon as I had activated the force for the first time. Everything clicked in place, the seams invisible—so this could only be fact. The nanites gave me magic and worked with my synapse tech. All the abilities I used for my shotgun should work with my legs, to some degree.
The super furrowed her brow slightly as I tensed, ready to strike.
I activated Overcharge down my left leg.
V-Force drive literally screamed as static electricity arced around the limb. I swung in an instant, part of the energy releasing like a rocket boost to the attack. The pressure was immense until it wasn’t.
The shockwave briefly deafened me as the blast connected with the super. A plume of dirt obscured her as I stumbled back away, barely able to remain upright. As my head swam, nausea powered up through my core and I hunched over.
Clara was beside me already, attempting to hold me up as best as she could. She was saying something about how stupid I was, but although I could hear, I couldn’t process the exact words. Instead, I looked up at the fading cloud of amber dust to see Roxy.
Undamaged, which I had conflicting feelings over. Still in her braced position, but now a good fifteen feet away, two lines of dirt dug up from where she had slid backward. Blinking away her brief shock, she righted herself and whistled.
“Fuckin’ hells, Dubs.”
The techie tugged at my arm to get my focus on what she was saying. “Some light walking was our original intention, Gunquake.”
[Limit testing.]
While the pair continued to chastise me and praise me in alternating patterns, my focus was nowhere nearby. I nodded along absentmindedly as they agreed it was time for a nap. My eyes were up toward the sky, watching the dragon-sized vultures circling above. They shifted and twisted as if melting while they circled our protected treasure trove of not-yet-decaying meat and noisy squabbling.
Yeah, it was time for a nap.
A thought that immediately proceeded a terrible dream. No hint that I had moved from the outside to bed. Dark shadows haunted me through a backdrop illuminated in bright blood-red. Warm beams of fizzling pain severed my living limbs before they were reattached, only for it to happen again and again.
My eyes snapped open, a throbbing pain in my skull fading as I took in the world around me. Still in bed, with as many limbs as I started the day with. It must be evening now, judging by the dim light coming in from the windows and painting the ceiling. The flip of a page had my head turning to the right.
Clara was there, sitting in a chair this time. Notepad in hand, her green eyes brightening the pages, while her laptop sat on the bedside table running diagnostics on me.
[I may have overdone it.]
She raised an eyebrow and looked over at me. “Yes.”
A surprisingly curt response from the techie that had me briefly worried that I was still in some kind of dream state. I moved my toes, which caused a sharp pain to dart around my body. The stim pack in my neck activated, providing some relief.
“No permanent damage, but you went a little too far, Gunquake.” Clara sighed and turned another page. “Always so reckless, despite everything. Yet… surprising. I spoke with Doctor Jarl while you were resting, and even he didn’t know that the V-Force drive could be overloaded in such a manner.”
[Something to do with those connectors in my neck that link my nanites to my synapse tech, I believe. There’s an innate familiarity I have to using V-Force.]
“Outside of my current expertise,” she said, some disappointment in her voice. “However, that seems important for me to learn now. Did you know there are only three kinds of regeneration that can restore missing limbs? Demonic and Troll are the first two, and the third is redacted from records. Either a superpower or high-level tech, no doubt.”
[I’m surprised you do so much research via paper form, rather than through your STAR.]
“Oh, I do.” Clara tilted her head to regard me. “My left eye has a feed from the web to dig deeper into certain keywords or subjects while my right is reading the book. It’s just a shame my brain can only absorb so much information and I can’t eject all the useless titbits I pick up.”
While I was certain there was no doubt some manner of brain cybernetics that could help with that, I didn’t want to say anything out loud in case it was inviting fate to do something terrible to the techie - like me with my legs. The rate at which she absorbed and sought information was impressive enough as it was.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
[You looked up if my legs would be able to grow back?]
Her eyes moved away, back to her book. “I sought every avenue before committing to your surgery. You were under my care and I wanted the best for you, Gunquake.”
[I am thankful, you certainly did me a huge favor with pressuring the doc into giving me these. What Grade did you say they were?]
“A-Grade.”
I felt like nodding, but my memories were feeling a little hazy at present. The way tech worked on that scale was similar to hero ranking, but not quite.
[Could you briefly explain the grading for me?]
“Of course, Gunquake.” She shut her book and turned on the chair to face me. “Technology—cybernetics in this instance—is judged based on functionality. Something that is C-Grade would be classed as fully equal to the limb or body part that it replaced. B-Grade is better than and D-Grade is less than. Pretty straightforward, correct?”
[So the A-Grade rating makes sense with what these are capable of. How far does the scale go either way? Are there S-Grade cybernetics?]
“Down to E-Grade - which are barely a functional replacement. If you were left solely in my care, the best I would be able to do with the parts I have to hand would be… D-Grade, unfortunately. We are lucky to have Doctor Jarl in our corner.” The techie drummed her fingers on the closed notepad, glancing briefly at the laptop screen. “Yes, there are S-Grade cybernetics… but they are few and far between. We are talking pinnacle of technology in the world. I’m not sure anyone in Goldarch has anything S Grade… yet.”
[Until you complete my arm?]
“I’m going to get Rockslide,” she replied without answering, shooting me the slightest wry grin. “You should be able to walk short distances once you are fully awake, and you have a gift from us both downstairs.”
The brief image of the pair of them dressed up in nothing but ribbons and bows flashed across my mind before I regained control. I didn’t even have enough time to press her about not giving me a better clue about my arm. She was gone out the door already.
Clara was right about one thing, however. Doctor Jarl was an unexpected but important boon to our progress. I not only had the devoted and inventive Clara at my back, but the best cybernetics expert on the continent willing to help me out. I had no doubt that his knowledge and guidance would shorten the time it would take for me to get my new arm.
Then I could kill them all.
A shadow passed through the door and I tensed up, before seeing the familiar burning eyes of Roxy. The super was wearing a black dress and a nervous smile.
“How are you doing, babe?”
[A little delirious, with minor pain. You look amazing.]
“Thanks.” She gave me a brief twirl. “I feel awkward as shit, but fuck it. It’s a special occasion, so once you’re ready, I’ll help you get dressed.”
Part of me worried that I had forgotten I was about to attend a funeral, or that the League wanted us to do something that involved looking normal and not like I wanted to put deep footprints in everyone within kicking distance.
Instead of complaining, I just nodded and went along for the ride. I found getting out of bed was rather uncomplicated, and other than some residual aches in my muscles across most of my torso, I was relatively unscathed. I stood and was stable, just a little out of it still. Without saying a word, I allowed Roxy to help me put on some black slacks before a white shirt.
[I don’t remember having this.]
“It’s new,” she confirmed. “There’s a good tailor in the city that works mostly with heroes, so they’re used to unconventional body shapes.”
That was one way to put it. As much as my life was normalizing, I was growing more abstract by the day. Before I was a simple tool who killed and slept. Now I could cast magic spells and hold a conversation with an extended friend group. I was employed. There was a crate full of grenades with my name on it not that far away from here.
While the super buttoned up the front of the shirt, I finally noticed that she had earrings in. Simple studs with a reflective black stone inset. Obsidian, perhaps? It looked like it was volcanic, which was cute. She then folded up the right sleeve to button just above my elbow. It was wider than the left sleeve, allowing it to function over my gun-arm perfectly.
[Do I need to be worried about what’s happening?]
Roxy glanced back into my eyes, some brief concern on her face, before she gave me a relaxed smile. “No, Dubs. It’s nothing terrible and we aren’t going anywhere. We are just celebrating.”
I nodded. There was no denying I had plenty of things to be thankful for. Surviving an encounter with an unhinged S-Rank villain was enough to be happy about. Was I happy? That thought stuck in my mind as the super pulled me in for a hug, her arms around my shoulders as she put her cheek against mine.
“I love you, Dubs.”
Yeah. I guess I was rather happy at this stage in my life. Something filled with death and trauma, but now had the occasional pocket of bliss. Where my soul could rest and exist. I put my arms around her.
[I love you too.]
We parted, and I had a glance at the vanity tables mirror. One of them had clearly washed me during the time I was out cold. Still a badass cyborg, but there was a person inside. Hero in the making, even as I was chopped and rebuilt into whatever kept me moving.
The super’s arm looped around mine, and she led me out of the bedroom. Clara appeared from her bedroom at the same time, the techie wearing a dress of her own and looking almost as awkward as Roxy had. Perhaps I would also feel uncomfortable with my current outfit if I had all of my senses with me.
[If this is a shotgun wedding, I wasn’t conscious when I said ‘I do’.]
“Shut it, asshole.” The super nudged me and exhaled. “If you’re going to be loopy, I’ll disconnect your vocalizer.”
I made the mental note that she looked a little flustered, but I would probably forget that. The edges of everything were blurry, like I was already a few drinks deep. I was certain it wasn’t a dream, but reality had that floatiness to it. Wasn’t terrible, however.
We went down the stairs, toward the front door. Clara opened it up first to allow the two of us to exit together.
Lights bloomed, and noise filled my ears. My body tensed for whatever unknown was assaulting my senses, all three V-Force drives humming up slightly in preparation for…
I relaxed. Balloons hung in the air, tied to the garden furniture. A banner went between two of the taller lights, ‘Congratulations’ written across it in colorful letters. Amongst candles and bottles on the main table were the Natural Disasters.
The three of them cheered once they saw the surprise hadn’t kicked me into flight or fight mode. Roy was in a full three-piece suit, hair and beard trimmed neatly. Belle wore a layered dress of pink and purple, a bottle of rum in her hand already. Ren was in a light blue pantsuit, her bright blonde hair tied up in a bun.
[What is all this in aid of?]
“You completed your first League mission, Dubs,” Roxy said in my ear. “It’s a tradition that you have a celebration for it.”
Seemed reasonable to me. No doubt they had to delay it due to my injury, and they were all eager to see me. Radiant. I had to admit I was happy to see them, too. Despite not being the closest to me as I left the house, Belle was the first to meet me. She came in for a hug, without hesitation.
“So glad to see you, Dubs,” she said. “I felt so guilty I couldn’t heal you more and I…”
[If it wasn’t for you… for all of you, I would have died. You all have my thanks, but today is for celebrating, so let’s not dwell on the past.]
The shielder gave me a smile as she stepped back away. “Ever the diplomat. As you wish, but we’re happy to have you with us again.”
“How are you even standing?” the Captain asked, stepping over. “Who’s ass did you kiss for that miracle to work?”
[It’s not what you know, but who you know. Clara contacted an old friend of mine who owed me a favor.]
I leaned forward and pulled the bottom of my slacks up to reveal more of my legs. The trio all ooh’d and ahh’d, lowering themselves to inspect my new cybernetics. It was at this point I realized that I was essentially bare footed, and boots might be an issue unless I wanted to explode them every time I jumped.
[I’d give you more of a demonstration of what they can do, but I’m under strict instruction not to look gift horses in their mouths.]
“They can do shit?” Roy shook his head. “Is it not enough that you can walk again?”
I seized the opportunity.
[Not at all, for I am built different.]
The phrase was rushed, my aching mind pushing it through my vocalizer as quickly as possible before I got interrupted. No reaction from the crowd.
“Speaking of being lucky to walk…” Roxy prodded me in the lower back. “How about you go and sit down before your brain starts leaking out?”
That was probably for the best. We went and did so, arranging ourselves around the garden table while Clara went off to get something. I explained everything to them, from the start of my mission against Bonemeal and up to earlier in this day. They had all seen the clips, of course. I received plenty of compliments on how I handled punching the villain in the face, and a few grimaces in how I stumbled blindly into what was perhaps one of the most dangerous places in the city.
They shook their heads when I told them about my V-Force legs and nodded when I explained how I was taking the toll of the injury mentally rather than physically. As much as they expressed their concern over my potential to work so soon, I assured them it would be fine. The League had given me nothing but radio silence since I had returned home, but I assumed Clara was giving them updates on my condition.
The techie returned after a short while after we started our second round of drinks. In her arms, a wrapped box. The first of several gifts, she informed me. It was placed in front of me on the table.
“You don’t know your birthday, Dubs. Right?” Roxy put a hand on my thigh and leaned in closer. “Want to make it today?”
[I don’t know what day today is either.]
A round of laughs for a truthful statement delivered well, apparently. I had never had a reason to celebrate a birthday before. Clara had even wrapped the box in a way that was easy for me to open with a single hand. With the Natural Disasters watching me eagerly, I looked around at those gathered here. Each of them brimming with energy and care for me.
I gripped at the shiny wrapping paper, already knowing I had the greatest gift I could ask for.