I frowned to myself as I stared up at the ceiling, lying on my bed. Over the past four days, my Menhirs had patrolled the Docks area, stopping multiple muggings, robberies, and even another attempted rape. Yet, the Celestial Grimoire hadn't bestowed a single new perk upon me.
I suspected I knew why. That first time the Menhir intervened, it was a novel and unique situation that attracted the Grimoire's interest. But with each subsequent incident, the routine became all too familiar – my Menhirs floating down towards the crime scene, either scaring off the perpetrators or blasting them with a psychic wave until they were incapacitated.
Thankfully, none of them had been armed with guns since that initial encounter. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to make a bigger impact or take greater risks if I wanted to progress further. The thought made me uneasy. It was one thing to command someone else into danger from a distance, but quite another to put myself in harm's way directly.
At the end of the day, I was just a teenage girl. Without access to my Menhirs, I had no real way to defend myself if someone decided to hurt me. What if they shot me before Menhir could even react? It would be game over, all because I lacked patience.
I couldn’t risk it. I would have to bide my time. The true opportunity lay with starting school today after spring break. That novel environment, filled with new dynamics and potential social conflicts, could be just what the Grimoire needed to give me more cp. Specifically, I looked forward to an encounter with Sophia Hess, the cape known as Shadow Stalker. Though I couldn’t do much at the moment, I could try to interfere with their bullying attempts. Perhaps that would do the trick.
My greatest hope was to finally gain access to actual magic this time around. Or at the very least, some kind of versatile ability that I could actively wield myself rather than commanding the Menhirs. Offensive magic wouldn’t solve the root issue, that being that a simple thug with a gun could still take me out in an instant. And only defending myself was similarly not the best, because I still wouldn’t be able to take anyone down without using the Menhirs and outing myself. In the best case scenario, I got something truly versatile capable of both offense and defense.
If the Grimoire failed to provide a suitable new power, I had considered an alternative plan – using In Search Of A Hero to locate someone nearby who could supply me a large amount of drugs. Then, during my morning run with Taylor, I could confirm their location and check whether it was a drug den or something like that. With that justification, I could command the Menhirs to descend and smash the place to rubble. Surely such a brazen act of vigilante destruction would catch the Grimoire's interest as sufficiently novel and risk-taking.
A soft sigh slipped past my lips as I rose from the bed, heading for my closet. At least one aspect of my new life was looking up – my wardrobe had received a much-needed expansion during that shopping trip with Taylor. I giggled softly as I took in the selection of cute outfits now hanging before me.
For today, I selected a black skater skirt that would hug my hips nicely, along with a fitted light grey t-shirt to show off my slender frame. I completed the look with plain black shoes and grabbed a bookbag to hold anything I might need for classes.
Turning towards the bedroom mirror, I brushed out my long, straight black hair until it fell in a glossy curtain down my back. My piercing green eyes seemed to glimmer in the reflection as I applied a touch of makeup – just enough eyeshadow and mascara to make them pop, with a slick of tinted lip gloss adding a faint sheen to my full lips.
Even without much effort, I cut a stunning figure. My 5'7" frame all lean muscle and feminine curves, from the swell of my D-cup breasts to the sharp angles of my aristocratic features and pale, flawless skin. An undeniable beauty, the kind that drew admiring stares no matter where I went.
Not that such shallow admiration meant anything to me, of course. My goals went far beyond mere physical attractiveness. Still, I had no issue using my looks to my advantage when the situation called for it.
I smirked as I regarded my reflection. Despite Taylor's continued insistence on wearing those unflattering, baggy clothes, I could already see the subtle signs of progress. She no longer flinched or tensed up when I hugged her arm or leaned against her. Little by little, my persistence was paying off.
We were first cousins once removed, but I didn’t really care for such a familial connection. If anything, it added a delicious hint of taboo to my intentions. I was bisexual myself, and Taylor's seeming appreciation for both male and female characters in Worm hinted at a similar flexibility in her own orientation. All I had to do was keep pushing those boundaries slowly but surely.
I could already sense the stirrings of attraction from her, it was there in the way her gaze would linger on me a beat too long, the way her cheeks would flush prettily whenever I overly invaded her personal space.
Smoothing my hands over the soft fabric of my skirt, I took one last look in the mirror. Yes, today would be a significant step forward, I could feel it.
Menhir? I want two of you to take up a high vantage near Winslow High School, the place I’ll be at in some time. Try to remain unseen in the clouds, but be prepared to act quickly if I require your aid.
The grinding telepathic voice rumbled through my mind in response. We shall maintain a watchful presence over this place of learning.
I nodded to myself in satisfaction as I grabbed my small purse, ready to head downstairs. Just as I was about to make my way down, a sudden pulse of energy rippled through my brain. This was familiar - the Celestial Grimoire activating once more. However, this time the pulse didn't stop or fade away. Instead, it continued pulsing as the perk manifested itself.
[Teleportation - Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA] - 200cp, 100cp remaining
You are able to teleport to anywhere within eye range near instantly.
Teleportation! This was exactly the kind of versatile, powerful perk I had been hoping for. With this, I could rapidly reposition myself during combat, evade attacks with ease, and even move stealthily at night without making a sound. I pretty much had the most vital part of Oni-Lee’s power already, minus the part of suicidal ash clones that fucked with your mind.
Practically vibrating with excitement, I hurried down the stairs to find Taylor waiting patiently by the front door. As always, she was dressed in that drab, unflattering outfit - baggy jeans and an oversized hoodie that did nothing to flatter her slender frame.
"Good morning," she greeted politely. "Ready for your first day?"
"As I'll ever be, I suppose," I replied. "Though I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about Winslow's...reputation."
Taylor grimaced, her brow furrowing. "Yeah, it's...not the best place. Just stay close to me, okay? I'll watch out for you."
My smile widened at her sweet protectiveness. How adorable. "My hero," I said with an exaggerated flutter of my eyelashes.
Taylor's blushed as I stepped closer, allowing my arm to brush against hers. Our eyes met and held for a charged moment before she looked away, clearing her throat.
"We should, uh, get going then. Don't want to be late on your first day."
oo0ooOoo0oo
Taylor's fingers twitched with the urge to reach out and touch the soft cotton of Lara's skirt, to feel the warmth of her cousin's skin against her own. Ever since Lara had arrived a little over a week ago, Taylor found herself craving those brushes of contact, the casual intimacy that her cousin seemed to thrive on.
It was confusing, this tangle of emotions that knotted in Taylor's chest whenever Lara was near. She felt giddy, almost dizzy with relief at having someone in her life who showered her with affection and kindness so freely. At the same time, she felt she should be warier, and not allow someone to come so close to her, because it reminded her of when Emma betrayed her…
But she couldn't deny how much she enjoyed it, this simple human connection that had been so lacking in her life for years now. The way Lara would hug her without prompting, or lean into her personal space as they watched movies together on the couch. It made her heart flutter in a way she didn't quite understand.
Adjusting her glasses, Taylor was fully aware of the thousands upon thousands of spiders weaving tirelessly in the basement below. Their spindly legs worked in synchronicity, constructing her cape costume layer by layer from reinforced spider silk. The sleek black material was pretty much complete, stitched together and awaiting only the final touches. Soon, very soon, she would take her first steps into the cape scene as a hero.
The swarm of insects within a three to six block radius were under her control at all times, their multitudes a constant background presence. A lone fly was hidden on Lara’s body, allowing Taylor to track her cousin's movements effortlessly. A part of her worried that Emma and her friends would somehow turn Lara against her, making her see Taylor in a negative light.
While they waited for the school bus, Lara leaned in close, the floral scent of her shampoo wafting over Taylor. "You keep asking me, but are you nervous?" she asked, her full lips curved in a gentle smile.
Taylor swallowed, hyper-aware of Lara's body pressed against her side. "A bit, I suppose," she admitted, her voice catching slightly in her throat. "Just the usual concerns about Winslow."
Lara made a soft tutting sound, reaching up to tuck an errant curl behind Taylor's ear. The touch sent a shiver down Taylor's spine. "Well, try not to worry too much, okay? I'll be right there with you."
On the bus ride to Winslow, Lara continued her casual intimacy - resting her head on Taylor's shoulder, playing with strands of her dark curls. Taylor felt increasingly flustered by the affection, yet couldn't bring herself to pull away. She told herself it was merely a family thing, that Lara was just being an attentive cousin.
When they finally arrived at Winslow High, a male staff member stopped them just inside the entrance. "You must be Lara Moore," he said, looking Lara up and down in a way that made Taylor's jaw clench.
Lara flashed him a bright smile, seemingly oblivious to his frank appraisal. "That's me! It's nice to meet you..."
"Mr. Brantley," the man replied. "Head of campus security. I'll be showing you around, getting you set up for classes and such. Should be able to join second period."
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Lara nodded easily. "Sounds good to me."
Turning back to Taylor, Lara's expression softened as she pulled her into a tight hug. Taylor went rigid at the unexpected embrace, her glasses pressing into the bridge of her nose.
"I'll see you soon, okay?" Lara whispered softly, breath stirring the fine hairs at Taylor's nape.
Taylor could only nod stiffly, not used to public displays of affection. As Lara pulled away, giving her arm a final squeeze, Taylor felt a strange loss at her cousin's departure. For the past week, it had felt like Lara was a constant presence at her side. Now, watching the other girl's hips sway as she walked away with Mr. Brantley, Taylor felt like she was missing something.
Shaking off the unsettling feeling, Taylor headed further into the hallways of Winslow. Her gaze flicked around, hyper-aware of every potential threat. There - Emma and Madison lounging against the lockers up ahead. Taylor swallowed thickly, quickly averting her eyes before Emma could make that smug eye contact that always made her feel so small.
Just get to class. Head down, don't draw attention. She ducked through the classroom door, the murmurs and laughter of her peers fading away as she claimed her seat near the back.
Taylor tried to focus on unpacking her notebook and pencil case, organizing the items precisely in front of her. Anything to keep her mind busy, to avoid that endless loop of dark thoughts and agonizing what-ifs. She couldn't afford to lose control here, not with so many potential casualties surrounding her.
For a fleeting moment, she allowed her mind to drift, picturing the swarms at her command - thousands upon thousands of flies, ants, spiders, beetles and more capable of inflicting unimaginable torment. She could make every one of these miserable bullies be swarmed, stung, bitten until their bodies were little more than twitching, oozing husks-
No. Taylor clenched her jaw so hard her teeth ached, fingernails digging crescent moons into her palms. She was better than that, better than giving in to her darkest urges no matter how sweet the thought of vengeance seemed. Hurting them, even for a moment, would only prove Emma right about the kind of person she truly was.
The first class seemed to drag on forever as Taylor fought to maintain her composure. Emma's cronies took every opportunity to torment her - flicking bits of paper, making crude gestures, whispering insults just loud enough for her to hear. By the time the bell finally rang, Taylor was trembling with the effort of restraining her swarm.
She hurried to Mr. Gladly's World Issues class, desperate to escape their malicious stares. Keeping her head down, Taylor focused on the notebook in front of her, doodling aimless patterns in the margins. She could feel Madison's smirk burning into the back of her skull two rows behind. She tried to ignore the ugly, sour feeling that stewed in her stomach.
Twenty more minutes until the bell rang, until she could escape this torment for a brief rest. Taylor's eyes flicked towards the front, where Mr. Gladly droned on about...something. She hadn't been following his lecture, too preoccupied with bracing for the next inevitable jab or prank.
The classroom door creaked open, and Taylor tensed automatically. But a familiar figure stepped through the doorway.
Lara strode in with effortless grace, her hips swaying beneath the fabric of her skirt. Even in the dull classroom, she seemed to radiate a subtle glow of confidence. Taylor couldn't help but stare, drinking in the other girl's appearance - from the glossy curtain of black hair flowing down her back to the hint of cleavage peeking from her fitted top.
Mr. Gladly broke off from his lecture, blinking owlishly at the interruption. "Can I help you?"
Lara gave him a stunning smile that made Taylor's heart skip a beat. "Good morning! I'm Lara Moore, the new student. I was told to come here for second period?"
"Ah, yes, of course!" Mr. Gladly recovered quickly, returning her smile with an eager one of his own. "Welcome to the class, Miss Moore. Why don't you introduce yourself to everyone?"
Lara turned to face the rest of the students, seemingly unbothered by the dozens of eyes now trained on her.
"Well, as I said, I'm Lara," she began warmly. "I recently moved in with my cousin Taylor and her father." She shot Taylor a wink that made her cheeks flush. "It's been a bit of an adjustment coming from out-of-state, but I'm excited to make some new friends here."
Taylor could have sworn she heard someone mutter, "Damn, she's hot..." Her blush deepened.
"Thank you for that wonderful introduction, Miss Moore," Mr. Gladly said, seemingly oblivious to the reaction she'd provoked. "Why don't you take the empty seat next to your cousin? We were just discussing the impacts of capes on our society."
Lara nodded easily. "Sounds fascinating." With that, she turned and began making her way towards row where Taylor sat.
Taylor couldn't tear her eyes away as Lara approached. The other girl slid into the empty desk beside her with a warm smile.
"Hey there," Lara murmured as she slid into the seat, so softly that only Taylor could hear the lilting words. "Looks like we'll be deskmates."
The teasing lilt in her tone, combined with the brief flash of straight white teeth as Lara smiled, did something funny to Taylor's insides. She opened her mouth, trying to formulate a response, but her voice seemed to have deserted her. All she could do was nod dumbly and try not to stare too openly.
Mr. Gladly launched back into his lecture, and Taylor found herself constantly distracted - hyper-aware of Lara's every subtle movement beside her. The way she idly twirled a lock of hair around one slender finger, the slight rise and fall of her chest with each breath, the hints of her perfume that wafted through the air every time she shifted position.
At one point, Lara's arm brushed against Taylor's and she went utterly rigid, her entire body tensing like a coiled spring at the simple contact. She could have sworn she felt an electric tingle wherever their skin met, raising goosebumps along her forearms.
Easy there, a little voice in the back of her head chided. It's just your cousin being friendly. No need to be so damn thirsty about it.
Taylor grit her teeth, fighting back the wave of heated embarrassment at her body's reactions. Lara was family, the closest thing to an actual friend she had in this miserable world. She couldn't afford to make things weird or uncomfortable with her hormones.
Still...she allowed herself one tiny sidelong glance at the other girl's profile, admiring the elegant curve of her jaw, the slightly upturned nose, those full lips that seemed perpetually curved into a secretive little smile. Taylor felt her cheeks warm again and quickly averted her gaze.
Okay, so maybe she was a little...captivated by her cousin's beauty. Was that so wrong? It was a perfectly normal thing to acknowledge aesthetic appeal, right? Taylor's eyes were drawn magnetically towards Lara's chest, drinking in her full breasts straining against the tight grey fabric. She imagined burying her face between those soft mounds, feeling Lara's hardened nipples graze her cheek as she nuzzled against the warm cleavage. A tingling heat grew between Taylor's thighs as she pictured peeling away the flimsy material and taking one of Lara's pretty pink nipples into her mouth-
Get a grip! Taylor scolded herself fiercely, jerking her gaze away. She squeezed her thighs together, trying to tamp down the insistent throbbing between her legs. That's your cousin you're mentally undressing, you sick fuck!
Taylor squeezed her eyes shut, fighting to regain control of her errant thoughts. What was wrong with her today? This just...it wasn't normal, fixating on Lara like some kind of depraved predator. If she didn't get a handle on whatever this was, she'd end up terrifying Lara and driving her away for good.
And really, where would that leave Taylor? Truly alone again, at the mercy of Emma's torment with no one to turn to for comfort or support. The thought made her throat close up with panic.
No, she couldn't let that happen. Wouldn't let it. Even if she had to bury these disturbing urges, to ignore and suppress them until they withered away entirely, Taylor would do it. Losing Lara simply wasn't an option.
oo0ooOoo0oo
A sudden pulse of energy poured through my brain. The familiar sensation of the Celestial Grimoire activating filled me, and it completed its cycle once more.
[The Smithy - Hyrule Warriors] - 200cp, 0cp remaining
The Smithy is a structure resembling a standard, though well-funded, workshop for blacksmiths. On first glance, the facilities are impressive but nothing out of the ordinary.
When you look in the back however, you'll find an old Hylian man next to an anvil with a hammer in hand. This man is the source of the Smithy's powers. Not only does he do fine work as a normal blacksmith, but he has the ability to actually fuse weapons of the same type into a new weapon.
The new weapon can appear as either component weapon and will have the sum of its component's abilities, such as elemental affinities or variable enchantments. As for type, this only works when fusing similar weapons such as two swords, two hammers and such.
The Smithy will be attached to your warehouse.
I blinked, processing the information as my hand instinctively slipped into my skirt’s pocket. My fingers brushed against something cool and metallic - a key. I licked my lips as I realized what this meant. My very own dimensional warehouse! And with a blacksmith capable of fusing weapons, no less. Could the blacksmith create a costume for me? And if his fusion ability worked on Tinkertech... well, that could be very powerful if I could continually fuse futuristic guns that kept their functionality. I’d have to see if it was limited to magic weapons.
But… how could I access it without arousing suspicion? Taylor's presence was a complication. I was almost certain she had insects tracking my movements. Slipping away to use a key that opened a portal to the warehouse would be impossible to hide or explain. Unless...
What if I revealed my cape status to Taylor? It could deepen our bond, possibly even encouraging her to confess her own secret. The shared trust would be very helpful.
I was jolted from my thoughts by the shrill ring of the bell. Students began shuffling out of their seats, the low buzz of conversation filling the air. Taylor stood beside me, fidgeting with the strap of her backpack.
"So, how was your first class?" she asked hesitantly.
I flashed her a brilliant smile. "Oh, you know, the usual new girl experience. Lots of staring and whispers." I winked playfully. "I think I might have caused a few boys to walk into walls."
A faint blush colored Taylor's cheeks. Before she could respond, a sickeningly sweet voice cut through the air.
"Well, well. If it isn't Taylor and her new... cousin."
I turned to see a pretty redhead flanked by another girl. Her smile was sharp enough to cut glass, eyes glittering with malice. This had to be Emma Barnes.
Taylor tensed beside me, shrinking in on herself. I felt a surge of protectiveness.
"And you are?" I asked, keeping my tone light.
The redhead's smile widened. "Emma Barnes. I'm sure Taylor's told you all about me."
I tilted my head, feigning confusion. "Actually, no. Should she have?"
Emma's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh? That's surprising. We used to be such good friends, after all. Before Taylor decided to become such a pathetic loser."
I could see Taylor flinch next to me. My own smile never wavered.
"How interesting," I thought aloud, tapping a finger against my chin. "In my experience, truly confident people don't feel the need to tear others down. It's usually a sign of deep-seated insecurity."
Emma's smile faltered for a fraction of a second. "Excuse me?"
I shrugged delicately. "Oh, nothing. Just an observation from someone who's seen her fair share of high school drama." I linked my arm through Taylor's. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we have places to be."
We walked away, and I could feel Emma's glare burning into my back. Taylor remained tense, her breathing slightly uneven.
"You okay?" I whispered, giving her arm a gentle squeeze.
Taylor nodded jerkily. "Y-yeah. I just... how did you do that? Stand up to her so easily?"
I smiled softly. "Practice. Back at my old school, I dealt with plenty of girls like Emma. Jealous, insecure, desperate to feel superior." I shook my head. "Once you recognize the pattern, it's not hard to shut them down."
Taylor's eyes widened slightly behind her glasses. "You... you had problems with bullies too?"
I shook my head gently. "I wouldn't say I had problems with bullies, exactly. Not to sound arrogant, but it was more that I had to deal with girls who were jealous of my looks." I gave Taylor's arm a reassuring squeeze. "But that experience taught me how to handle people like Emma."
Taylor's brow furrowed slightly, her eyes darting away from mine. "Oh," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the busy hallway.
I nudged her gently with my shoulder. "Hey, enough about that. Why don't you show me where our next class is?"
We made our way through the crowded corridors, and I kept a protective arm linked through Taylor's, shooting warning glares at anyone who looked like they might try to hassle us.
The rest of the school day passed in a blur of new faces, tedious lectures, and subtle jabs from Emma, Madison and other girls. I made sure to shut down their attempts at bullying whenever I caught them, much to Taylor's obvious relief.
Before I knew it, we were on the school bus heading home. I claimed the window seat, leaning my head against Taylor's shoulder as I recounted the day's events.
"You know," I said, twirling a lock of hair around my finger, "I had to shut down that Emma girl's attempts to humiliate you at least three times today. What's her deal, anyway?"
I felt Taylor stiffen beside me, her breath catching slightly. "It's... complicated," she mumbled, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her oversized hoodie.
Turning my head, I looked up at her, taking in the tightness around her eyes, the slight downturn of her lips. "Taylor," I said softly, reaching out to take her hand in mine. "Is everything okay? You know I'll always be here for you, right?"
Taylor's eyes met mine. She opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it again, swallowing hard.
I played gently with her hand. "You don't have to tell me everything right now if you're not ready. Just know that whatever's going on, you're not alone anymore. I've got your back."
A couple of tears glistened in the corners of Taylor's eyes. "Thanks, Lara," she whispered, her fingers tightening around mine. "That... that means a lot."