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The walls of Coil's underground base were a muted gray, the concrete smooth and cold, interrupted only by the occasional steel door and security checkpoint. Armed mercenaries, clad in black tactical gear and bristling with weaponry, were stationed at regular intervals, their faces impassive as they stood guard, a testament to Coil's need for absolute control and security in everything he did.
Amy almost felt bad for him, because his control was nothing compared to the flexibility of her powers.
Then she stopped feeling bad, because it was Coil, so fuck him.
Tattletale, her guide, sauntered through the hallways as if she owned the place, her steps light and casual, a smirk on her lips as she glanced at each guard they passed. She offered them a wink or a sly smile, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Hey there, handsome," She teased one particularly stony-faced guard that was barring their way, her voice lilting with mock flirtation. "What's a guy like you going to do to a girl like me with that big thick rod?"
The guard blinked, his expression remaining neutral, but the faintest twitch of his mouth betrayed his surprise. Tattletales grin widened. "No need to be so stiff.." With a grimace, he ran a metal wand across Tattletale and Amy, before stepping aside.
Tattletale strutted down the hallway, seemingly in a terrific mood. No doubt overjoyed at the prospect of Coil being run out of Brockton Bay. It was time for the 'deal' they'd made where Amy would remove what she'd done, in exchange for Coil disappearing from Brockton Bay. With the Empire 88 needing eradication, Amy had decided to hurry things along, she didn't need any risk of Coil getting ideas.
A note left on her dresser when she woke up that morning had further speeded that thought along… Although not in the way she'd planned.
But it was better this way.
Amy followed behind the smug villain, her demeanor a complete opposite to Tattletale's playfulness. Her expression was blank, almost bored. While Tattletale was in her skintight villain uniform, Amy was dressed casually, in just jeans and a sweater, a further difference between them. Amy's gaze never lingered on any of the guards or security measures. She kept her hands in her pockets, her steps steady and unhurried, as if she were taking a leisurely stroll rather than being led into the heart of an enemy base.
If Coil wasn't already handled, this wouldn't be so easy. But she was somewhat surprised Tattletale hadn't immediately cottoned on.
Then again, her inflated sense of self importance and smugness might have stopped her from taking good enough of a look.
"You know, you could at least pretend to be impressed," Tattletale said over her shoulder, her tone light but with an edge of curiosity. "It's not every day someone gets an all-access pass to the big bad Coil's lair. Most people would be freaking out right now."
Amy didn't even blink. "I'm not most people."
Tattletale's grin turned almost feral. "No, you're really not, are you? I mean, what kind of person takes on the Empire 88 single-handedly, causes a city-wide panic, and then decides to stroll into a supervillain's base like it's just another Tuesday? You've got some serious balls, I'll give you that."
Amy's lips barely moved as she responded with boredom. "Is there a point to this, or are you just trying to waste my time?"
Tattletale laughed, the sound echoing down the hallway. "I'm just trying to get a read on you. You're not exactly an open book, even for me, you know? And I like to know who I'm dealing with here."
"I'm not interested in your games," Amy said coldly. "And I'm definitely not interested in your opinions."
"Ooh, ice queen, I like it," Tattletale quipped, unfazed. "But come on, you're here, you're talking to me instead of giving me the silent treatment. That means you're at least a little curious about what I could know. Maybe even a little nervous?" Her grin was positively saccharine.
Amy's gaze was flat, her voice devoid of any emotion. After what happened to Vicky, even though Amy had healed her immediately… Amy wasn't the same anymore, her negative emotions running rampant. "The only thing I'm curious about is why Coil thought sending you to get me was a good idea."
Tattletales' smile didn't waver, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes - annoyance, maybe? "What can I say? I'm his best girl. Besides, I think he's hoping I can figure out what makes you tick. You've been making a lot of waves lately, and not just with the Empire. People are starting to wonder what your game is."
"I don't have a game," Amy said dismissively. "I'm just doing what needs to be done, the only one that actually seems to do that."
Tattletales eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, I think you do have a game. You just don't want to admit it. You've got all these pieces on the board, and you're moving them around, but no one knows what your endgame is. Not even your own team, I bet." She smirked, "Not even, Victoria, maybe?"
Amy's jaw tightened slightly, the only sign that the jab had hit home at all. "You don't know anything about my team." I'm going to make her eat those words in a moment…
The girl thought because Amy was parlaying with Coil she was safe? Tattletale was still operating on the Amy of yesterday. The new Amy was far more ruthless…
The bitch would regret trying to poke the Vicky button…
"Don't I?" Tattletales grin widened, even as something hesitant entered her eyes, as she studied Amy, no doubt having something pinging as wrong to her power. "I know you've got them wrapped around your little finger. Starlight, New Wave… Poison Ivy, They're all falling in line, aren't they? It's almost like you're building something. Like you're preparing for something big."
"Or maybe I'm just keeping the city from tearing itself apart further," Amy countered, her voice still cold, but with a razor-sharp edge. "Unlike you, I actually care about what happens to this place."
Tattletale chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "Right, because nothing says 'caring' like unleashing a bioweapon on the Empire 88 and almost killing your own sister due to that particular gambit."
Amy's eyes flashed, but she didn't rise to the bait. "Vicky's fine." Oh, you'll pay for that…
The fact she was right, in a way, that she was able to tease out Amy's own disgust at herself for her previous naivety, didn't mean Amy was going to let Tattletale get away with this.
"Sure, she's fine now," Tattletale agreed, her tone casual, almost conversational, yet there was a wariness there that wasn't there before as they went deeper into the base. "But she wasn't, was she? For a second there, she was really, truly gone. And you almost lost it. I saw the footage - half the city did. You were out of your mind."
Amy's expression hardened, her voice dropping to a dangerous, icy whisper. "Careful, Tattletale. You're starting to sound like you think I'm bluffing."
"Bluffing?" Tattletale raised an eyebrow, her smile fading slightly. "About what?" She almost missed a step as she read something in Amy's expression.
"About what I'm willing to do," Amy said, her eyes locked on Tattletales. "About what happens if you keep pushing me."
For the first time, Tattletale truly hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. But then she recovered, her smile returning, though it was a little forced. "Okay, okay, message received. I'll back off. For now."
"Good," Amy said flatly. "Because I'm not here to play games. I'm here to get rid of a problem. And if you get in my way, I'll get rid of you, too."
Tattletale's eyes narrowed, some fear present, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity in her gaze now. "You know, that's what I don't get about you. You act all cold and detached, like nothing can touch you. But then you go and do something crazy, like taking on the Empire or tearing into Coil. It's almost like you're trying to prove something. To who, though? To them? To yourself?"
She really can't help but prod, even when she sees she's in the jaw of a tiger… Amy's expression didn't change, but there was a subtle shift in her posture, a slight tension in her shoulders. "You think you know everything, don't you, Lisa? Yet you're only a minion…" She said softly.
Tattletale looked pretty smug, as they passed through another checkpoint, "Oh, bringing out the first names, are we besties now?" She mocked, completely sidestepping the minion comment.
Probably because it struck home.
"Who knows." Amy said, eyes dead ahead, she just wanted to see if the note had been true, and finally finish this chapter. Perhaps she'd even allow Tattletale to continue existing. As a maid or something…
She could be useful. Amy knew that. But she was so annoying. It almost wasn't worth keeping her around.
Case in point. Even with all the red flags she was no doubt seeing, the smug villain just couldn't leave things be, "Why even put in all this effort? Why do you care about Coil, about all of this?" She gestured to the base, but Amy knew she was encompassing all of Brockton in her question.
Amy's smile widened slightly, a cold, almost cruel smile, because by now, it should all be starting to take effect... "Because this is my city. And I'm done letting people ruin it."
Tattletale's steps faltered slightly, her usual confidence wavering. "Your city? You're sounding a lot like Kaiser there. Or maybe Coil. Is that what you want? To be some kind of dictator?"
Amy's gaze remained fixed forward, unyielding. "If that's what it takes to keep people safe, then yes. But I'm not Kaiser. And I'm not Coil. I'm not playing their game." They aren't even aware of the real game…
"Could've fooled me," Tattletale shot back, her voice sharper now, even as she looked around cautiously, picking up on Amy's confidence perhaps, or finally feeling the subtle difference. "You're sure as hell moving all the pieces around like it's a chessboard. But there's a problem with that, you know. People aren't pieces. They don't just do what you want them to, especially once someone tells them all your little naughty secrets."
"They will," Amy said calmly, a steely resolve in her voice. "Or they'll get out of my way."
Tattletale let out a low whistle, shaking her head. "Damn, you're serious, aren't you? You really think you can just make everyone fall in line. You think you can force the entire city to bend to your will?" Her body language was a lot more unsure now, despite her continued bravado.
"I don't think," Amy corrected, her voice chilling in its certainty. "I know."
It was already in motion.
The words hung in the air like a challenge, the temperature between them dropping several degrees. Tattletales' smile turned brittle, her eyes narrowing as she studied Amy's profile. There was something different about her - Lisa thought - something beyond the coldness, beyond the determination. Something that sent a shiver down her spine.
"Okay, enough with the doom and gloom," She said, her voice too bright, too forced. "Let's get back to business. You're here to finalize the deal. Heal whatever's wrong with Coil, and he leaves the city. That's the plan?"
Amy stared straight ahead, her expression amused. "Who knows..." She slowly turned her head and eyed Tattletale, knowing the girl had her own plans around this, to cut the cord with Coil, but it was all immaterial now.
How frustrating it must be to see the light of freedom and realize it was just a glimpse as she exchanged one jail for another.
Tattletales' smile wavered, a hint of unease creeping into her eyes as they flickered around, feeling something was wrong. "And you really think he's just going to roll over and leave? Just like that?"
"How brave of you to say such a thing, minion." Amy said mockingly, her own mood brightening as she saw that the body language of the villain before her subtly began to change.
Amy continued forward, her gaze locked on the door at the end of the hallway. They were almost there now. The guards stationed outside the door shifted slightly as they approached, their hands resting on the butts of their rifles, their eyes watchful and alert, their heads bowed slightly in subservience - to Amy.
Tattletale hesitated, her brow furrowing as if she were trying to solve a particularly difficult puzzle. Then, with a sudden, almost desperate movement, she reached out and grabbed Amy's shoulder, her grip tight and almost frantic. Notable, because she'd made efforts to never be within touching distance this entire time.
"What did you do?" She blurted out, her voice high and panicked. "Why do I feel like this, this, draw to you? I didn't let you touch me!"
Amy turned her head slowly, her smile a chilling parody of kindness. "Like my new perfume? I made it myself…"
Tattletale's eyes widened, her hand dropping from Amy's shoulder as if she'd been burned. "Perfume? You mean you - "
"Why would I need something as pedestrian as a touch to change something?" Amy's voice was soft, almost gentle, but there was a cold amusement in her eyes that made Tattletales blood run cold, even as she couldn't make herself step away. Part of her thinking was that of course it was only natural that she accepted such a change.
Amy knew best after all.
"You… You used a chemical solution to alter minds?" Tattletales' voice started out shaky, her face pale. "How did I not pick up on that?" She tried to cry out, but it came out more as a curious question. It felt like it was a struggle to remember why it was a problem.
Why was she worried anyway? She was Amy's, of course it was fine for her to alter her in any way she pleased.
Amy's smile widened slightly, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "You might have super intuition, but it couldn't help you since you were already mine the second you stepped near me, it only took this long to complete the change."
The ventilation system of this base took care of the rest, her perfume was a very invasive species. Coil could have shut it all down of course, but…
Well, the note.
There was a reason she'd chosen to do this in such a simple way.
Tattletale's shoulders slumped, her face smoothing out as a strange calmness settled over her. It was as if some internal struggle had suddenly resolved itself, leaving her oddly serene. "I should have known… But I didn't. It's like… My mind couldn't go there." She said, strangely at peace.
Amy patted her on the cheek condescendingly, the guards stepping aside for them, as they stopped before the door, "Be thankful, I created this specifically for thinkers."
Tattletale blinked, her expression strangely docile. "You… You changed me."
"Yes," Amy said simply. "And now you're going to help me."
Tattletale nodded slowly, as if in a daze. "Of course. I'm your friend. I'm supposed to help you."
Amy smirked. "Good girl." She said, patting the other woman on the rear, "Maybe you'll make a better pet then you did a minion?"
Honestly it had been a pain to whip something up in just a few hours. But all of the experiments she'd done as Ivy helped give her the foundation. Of course Tattletale would read that she had a plan for her, that she wanted to convert her. But she was still mistakenly of the belief she needed a touch, and that she still kept morals, from their previous meeting.
Hence she hadn't acted on anything, going down into the bowels of the base with her, the perfume beginning to alter her biology, her brain, more and more as they walked.
The first hit, so to speak, inhaled the second they met up, enough to muddle her intuition on the issue. She'd specifically engineered it to mess with a thinker.
Tattletale's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked away, a faint, confused smile playing on her lips. "Did you do all this just for me?"
"Not just for you," Amy corrected, her voice light and careless. "You're just a side benefit."
Tattletale's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of something uncertain passing over her face before she shrugged it off. "Still, I'm flattered. I must be more important than I thought, huh?" She tried to inject some of her usual smugness into her tone, but it came out sounding weak.
Amy tilted her head, regarding her with a look that was almost pitying. "I don't have time to play games with you, Tattletale. Coil's resources are the real target here. You're just… Collateral."
After all, the man had already begun negotiations for the Travelers too before everything happened. Something Amy would gladly take over and… Expedite.
If she was going to say fuck it and throw a giant middle finger at the world, Echidna wouldn't be a bad pet. She could probably figure out how to make her useful instead of… A liability.
No one was allowed to hurt Vicky again. She was going to crush any opposition.
She shook her head in some dark amusement, well aware that by some twist of fate, she'd still managed to end up with an obsession, just like canon.
Tattletale mulled Amy's statement over, she felt she should be upset, yet strangely she wasn't. At a gesture from Amy, she stepped up to the door, prepared to punch in the code. "You know this is crazy, right?" She said softly, her voice almost pleading. "You can't just… Take over. It doesn't work like that, what if he hurts you? We should leave!"
She couldn't let Amy get hurt!
It was a miracle Coil hadn't already intervened, and there was no way he hadn't shut off the ventilation to this part of the base the second his scanners picked up on anything chemical. Why he hadn't done anything yet, Tattletale didn't know, but she didn't want Amy hurt, she had to protect her.
Amy's gaze was calm, unyielding. "Coil isn't a threat. Not anymore."
Tattletale swallowed hard, then punched in the code. The door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing the spacious office beyond. It was surprisingly minimalistic for a supervillain's lair - sleek black furniture, a large desk, and walls lined with monitors displaying various parts of the base and the city above. .
But the room's most striking feature was the man slumped over the desk, a single gunshot wound visible at the back of his skull. The blood had pooled beneath him, staining the papers scattered across the surface, the metallic tang of it sharp in the sterile air.
Tattletale's eyes widened, a mix of shock and fascination crossing her face as she took in the scene. "You… You really did it. You had him killed." She looked at Amy with devotion, "But how?"
She could have tried to read her, but that would have been rude, Tattletale wouldn't do that to Amy.
Amy's voice was filled with dark satisfaction. "He made his choices in life and the bill came due.."
She had no idea herself on why exactly Contessa was helping her, or why Cauldron had betrayed Coil. But the little note in her room with a stenciled fedora had been pretty clear on what she'd find today.
Tattletale shook her head, her hands trembling as she took a step back, her eyes flicking between Amy and the corpse, relief seemingly the overarching emotion. "I… I don't know whether to be impressed or terrified."
Amy's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Why not both?"
Although her concoction had made Tattletale hers, it didn't overwrite her personality entirely, because Amy quite enjoyed the slight fear wafting off the annoying woman right now.
Tattletale let out a shaky breath, then seemed to collect herself, her expression smoothing out into something resembling her usual smugness. "Well, this changes things. Guess you're really in charge now, huh?" She was almost giddy, in fact.
Not only was Coil dead - unfortunately not by her hand, but what could you do? But Amy was also nice enough to do it and take her in as well, she was so nice. She felt really bad for being so bitchy before. She really needed to make up for that. What had she been thinking?
Amy's gaze turned icy, a sharp edge to her voice. "Lisa, be a dear and take control of all his assets, would you? I'm particularly interested in the identities of the Empire 88. If you could pull them up, he might not have all of them at the moment, but I'm sure you can use what he has to figure out the rest…"
Amy thought it was probably Tattletales work that allowed Coil to find most of them anyway.
Tattletale blinked, a look of surprise crossing her face before she nodded, her smile turning almost predatory. "With pleasure, ~boss."
Without another word, she stepped forward, shoving Coil's lifeless body out of the chair with a casual, almost dismissive gesture. The corpse hit the floor with a sickening thud, but Tattletale didn't even glance down, her focus entirely on the computer screen in front of her.
She tapped a few keys, her fingers flying over the keyboard with practiced ease. The monitors flickered, displaying lines of code and spreadsheets filled with data - bank accounts, shell companies, lists of assets and personnel. Tattletale's eyes gleamed with something almost like erotic pleasure as she sifted through the information, her lips quirking into a very satisfied smile.
"Wow, he really did have his fingers in everything," She murmured, more to herself than to Amy. "I mean, I knew he was big, but this… This is next-level."
Amy didn't respond, her gaze distant as she watched the screens flicker. Her thoughts were already elsewhere, her mind racing with plans and contingencies. She glanced down at her hands, her fingers flexing as if feeling the weight of the power she now held. It was intoxicating, the sheer scale of what she could do. She'd been holding back, playing by the rules, letting herself be constrained by the expectations of others. But no more.
Vicky's face flashed in her mind, the image of her crumpled on the ground, blood streaming from the wound in her head. The memory twisted something inside her, a dark, burning anger that surged through her veins like poison.
They had hurt Vicky. They had dared to attempt to take what was hers.
No more holding back. No more playing it safe. She was going to take this city, mold it into something new, something better. And she was going to make sure no one ever threatened what she loved again.
No more.
She glanced at Tattletale, watching the other woman work with a detached sort of interest. Tattletale was good, maybe even better than she'd given her credit for. But she was also reckless and impulsive. She didn't understand what it meant to truly be in control, to be willing to do whatever it took to protect what was hers, not yet anyway.
And now probably never. Amy hadn't bothered to be that subtle with this concoction. If she was going to use Tattletale in the future… It had to be with her loyalty completely rewired. And it didn't hurt to get a base full of mercenaries in the same deal either.
She glanced at Coil's lifeless body, her expression unreadable as she took in the slack features, the blood-stained papers beneath him. He'd been a threat still, even neutered as he'd been by her opening gambit way back when, an obstacle in her way. But now he was nothing more than a stepping stone, a means to an end.
She really couldn't fathom what Cauldron was playing at… But she wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. She was still curious why Cauldron capes seemed to have different strength powers then she'd remembered, but it hadn't been worth keeping Coil alive to question him.
Especially with Cauldron for some reason assisting her. She didn't want to piss them off by digging too deep. Yet.
She looked back at the monitors, her gaze sweeping over the city she'd claimed as her own. There were still obstacles, still people who would try to stand in her way. But she would deal with them, one by one, until there was no one left to oppose her.
Because this was her city. And she would do whatever it took to keep it safe.
Even if that meant tearing it apart and rebuilding it from the ground up.
She took a deep breath, her mind already racing with plans and strategies. She'd been playing defense, reacting to the threats around her. But now… now it was time to go on the offensive. To take control of the game, to make sure that no one ever dared to threaten her or what she loved again.
"No take backs," She murmured to herself, the words a quiet promise, a vow that echoed in the silence of the room.
There was no turning back now. She was in control. And she would make sure that everyone, from the lowest thug to the highest cape, understood exactly what that meant.
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The next day,
The air in Ivy's forested domain was thick with the scent of rich earth and fresh blooms, a perfect harmony of nature and power. Ivy had transformed the trainyards into a sprawling green paradise, where towering trees wove together like sentinels guarding their queen. At the center of it all stood the World Tree, a massive, awe-inspiring structure that stretched impossibly high, its branches seemingly cradling the sky. Vines spiraled up its trunk, and deep roots spread out like veins in every direction, pulsing with life.
At the foot of this colossal tree, Ivy had crafted a sitting area that blended seamlessly into the environment. The seats were grown from the ground itself, made of intricately woven roots and soft moss that seemed to cradle anyone who sat in them. A long, wooden table dominated the space, its surface covered in delicate flowers and grass that bloomed with every touch, responding to Ivy and Amy's mere presence. The area was serene, a perfect mix of wilderness and precision - nature bent to their will.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
This work by itself had kept Amy sane, getting to explore and develop her powers as Ivy even as she'd tried to keep Amy's life somewhat on the heroic path.
She should have known it would just have been easier to go full bore villain from the start. Heroic Villain?
Tattletale groaned as she and Amy entered the clearing, her mind finally catching up to the reality of the situation as she saw them together. "Oh God," She muttered, rubbing her temples. "You're the same person. Ivy, Amy - there's no difference."
Sherrel and Jason, now Sandman - previously known as Mush - stood a few feet away, their jaws dropping simultaneously at the realization. Sandman blinked in confusion, while Sherrel's eyes lit up with sudden, mischievous delight.
Ivy, perched elegantly on one of the vine-grown chairs, pouted theatrically, summoning a vine to swat Tattletale on the rear. "Bad minion," She chided, her voice mockingly sweet. "Some secrets are supposed to stay secrets."
It wasn't really a big deal in the end, everyone here was loyal in a way where they couldn't be disloyal, but still, it was a bad habit the bigmouth needed to get out of.
Tattletale winced, but the playful punishment brought a grin to her face. "Hey, if you wanted secrets, you should've mind-controlled someone without super intuition." She snarked.
Amy, standing next to Ivy with her arms crossed, gave Tattletale a dry look. "Even when you're a minion, you just can't keep your mouth shut, can you?"
Tattletale smirked, but before she could say anything else, Ivy waved her hand dismissively, her expression turning serious. "Sandman," She said, her voice carrying an effortless authority, "Take her to headquarters. Put her on computer duties, let's make her useful."
Once they had the Travelers brought in and fully set up in Coils old base. They'd probably just move Tattletale there. Amy wasn't very fond of her after all.
Tattletale immediately frowned, her natural defiance rising to the surface. "Come on! I should be here. I'm useful. I can help with the plan - whatever it is."
Both Ivy and Amy looked at her like she was beneath them, their gazes so cold and disdainful it made Tattletale's stomach flip. Ivy didn't even spare her another glance as she spoke. "No," She said flatly. "You're nothing but a tool right now, Lisa. Tools don't get to speak or plan. They just perform their function like good little tools."
Tattletale's pout deepened, but there was no real anger behind it. She was loyal now, after all. Whatever Amy and Ivy wanted, she would do. "Fine, fine," She grumbled, throwing her hands up in surrender. "But don't come crying to me when you mess something up because you didn't have my genius insight." She added, without any heat, still pouting.
Sandman gave her a bemused look before gesturing for her to follow. As they walked away, Tattletale cast one last glance over her shoulder, as though hoping for some last-minute reprieve. But Ivy and Amy were already turning her attention to the others, her focus shifting entirely. With a sigh, Tattletale disappeared into the trees, her complaints fading into the distance.
When they were gone, Sherrel, still standing with her arms crossed, gave the two women an appraising look. Her lips quirked up into a wicked grin as her eyes flicked between Amy and Ivy. "So…" She drawled, her voice filled with teasing amusement. "Masturbation has a whole 'nother meaning now, doesn't it?"
Ivy's deadpan stare was almost enough to freeze the air. "I'm going to pretend you didn't say that," She said, her tone exasperated. "And assume you were about to report on the success of your mission."
Amy, seated now at the intricately designed table, ran her fingers through the soft grass growing from its surface, watching as the tiny blades grew and bloomed into delicate white flowers. It felt good to let her powers flow freely, without restraint. She smiled, a hint of satisfaction crossing her face as the table responded to her touch, ideas of what she could really do now blossoming in her head.
Was immorality really such a giant leap when she could create almost anything, change biological matter on every level… The possibilities were endless…
After…
They dealt with the issues at hand. Dealing with Eidolon's issues was suddenly more important now that her plan practically guaranteed an Endbringer would hit them, if not perhaps the next one, the one thereafter at least.
Ivy's power could help defend the city from damage, and they did have Sherrel too, who could build almost anything as long as it was a car…
With a city's worth of resources, and leaning a bit on people like Uppercrust, Amy was sure they could come up with something.
Sherrel, clad in her oil-stained overalls, looked completely out of place in the lush, green surroundings. But she didn't seem to mind. With a playful salute, she snapped to attention, giggling as she did. "Yes ma'am's!" She chirped. "Using my fantastic skills, I managed to go completely undetected as I poisoned the water supply and the water treatment plants in and around Brockton Bay." She preened slightly, "Praise me!"
She was also utterly shameless.
Amy snorted softly. "I'm sure it was an arduous task," She said sarcastically, knowing full well that Sherrel had used her invisible car to breeze through whatever security patrolled the perimeter. Water plants weren't exactly the most heavily defended facilities in the city internally. Considering the kind of bullshit powers running around, it was a glaring oversight Amy mentally noted for the future - when she would be ruling Brockton Bay.
A future remarkably closer than it had been just days ago…
Sherrel's grin faltered for a moment, her usual bravado slipping as she glanced nervously at Ivy. Despite having worked closely with Ivy for a while now, there was something about the realization that Ivy and Amy were the same person that still unsettled her. She swallowed hard, her voice quieter than before. "You realize this is going to be big, right? Like… Huge?"
Amy and Ivy exchanged a glance, their smirks identical, their eyes gleaming with the same ruthless intent. They spoke at the same time, their voices perfectly synchronized.
"Counting on it."
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That night,
Starlight headquarters was quiet, bathed in darkness except for the faint glow of the city lights filtering through the windows. The stillness felt odd in juxtaposition to the chaos Amy felt swirling inside her. She moved silently through the halls, her footsteps almost inaudible on the polished floors. Each step carried her deeper into the building, past the meeting rooms and common areas, until she found herself standing in front of Vicky's room.
The door creaked softly as Amy pushed it open. The faint scent of Vicky's perfume lingered in the air, mingling with the familiar scent of unwashed laundry and a hint of vanilla. The room was a mess - clothes strewn across the floor, discarded workout gear piled in one corner, and an array of hero posters plastered on the walls. Glory Girl's old posters dominated one side, but there were others - Alexandria of course, one with Starlight's logo, and even a faded New Wave one pinned crookedly beside her desk. The space was so unmistakably Vicky: vibrant, chaotic, and unapologetically hers.
The bedside table was cluttered with half-empty water bottles, a phone charger, and a hairbrush tangled with blonde strands. Vicky's costume lay discarded near the foot of her bed, and the comforter had been kicked off in her sleep, revealing some of her sprawled, peaceful form, her sheet tangled across her.
Amy tiptoed to the edge of the bed and sat down in the chair next to it. She was close enough to touch Vicky but kept her hands on her lap for the moment. Her eyes trailed over Vicky's face, serene in sleep, her golden hair spread like a halo on the pillow. Yet, no matter how peaceful her sister looked now, the image of Vicky's body crumpling to the ground, shot in the head, refused to leave Amy's mind. The blood, the limpness, the fear - those images wove over the reality in front of her, making Amy clench her fists until her knuckles turned white.
She almost died, Amy thought, the weight of it suffocating. She couldn't stop seeing it.
Her choices led them there..
"I'm not good for you..." She whispered, the words barely escaping her lips. Her hand moved to find Vicky's, her thumb brushing gently over her sister's knuckles. Vicky's skin was warm and soft, grounding her in the present. "I'm sorry for being so greedy."
Amy let out a shaky breath. She couldn't say these things when Vicky was awake, couldn't admit that her love - her need - was becoming suffocating. What she was doing now, the plans she was putting into motion, they were all things she wanted, craved. But Vicky... Vicky wouldn't choose this. Neither would the others. And yet, here they all were, caught up in something she'd orchestrated, something they would have no choice but to accept. She would present them with a fait accompli, and by the time they realized the full extent, it would be too late.
They would have to pick sides, but she'd already stacked the deck. Their choices wouldn't really be choices at all.
The apology video from the rest of her family had aired only hours after Vicky had been shot. They'd bent the knee. Except for Mark and Carol, New Wave was now part of Starlight. Together, they were already more powerful than the Protectorate could handle in this city. She was perfectly poised to take over Brockton Bay.
But this wasn't what Vicky deserved.
"Ames…?" Vicky's sleepy voice interrupted Amy's thoughts. Her sister's blue eyes fluttered open, bleary and confused, as she squinted at Amy through the darkness.
Amy stiffened slightly, forcing a smile that came out as more of a grimace. "Vicky."
Vicky sat up on her elbows, her sheet slipping down her chest, revealing more. Amy quickly averted her gaze, but not before her eyes traced the lines of Vicky's uncovered body. She focused instead on Vicky's face, watching as her sister blinked the sleep from her eyes.
"Ames, what's wrong?" Vicky asked, instantly alert to Amy's turmoil. It didn't matter how well Amy tried to hide her emotions - Vicky always knew.
Amy swallowed, her throat tight. "You almost died," She whispered, her voice breaking with the weight of everything she hadn't said, "Because of my actions."
Vicky's reaction was immediate. She reached out, grabbing Amy's wrist and pulling her into bed beside her. "None of that!" She huffed any sleepiness immediately dispelled, wrapping her arms around Amy in a tight hug. "It wasn't your fault, and you saved me. I'm fine."
Fine. Amy knew Vicky was strong, invincible even, but surviving a headshot like that? No one could be 'fine' after that kind of trauma, even Vicky. But Amy didn't argue. She let Vicky's warmth envelop her, feeling both comforted and crushed by the weight of her own guilt.
"Ames…" Vicky's voice was softer now, her breath warm against Amy's ear. "Tell me what's really bothering you."
Amy sighed into the crook of Vicky's neck, the scent of her skin calming and torturing her all at once. "Will you hate me if the world does?" She asked quietly.
Vicky tilted her head, angling to catch Amy's gaze. Her blue eyes were clear, filled with a determination that could have shattered mountains. "I could never hate you, Amy," She said firmly. "What's going on?"
Amy hesitated, biting her lip. "I'm… I'm removing the gangs. All of them."
A slow smile spread across Vicky's face, her eyes lighting up. "That's great news!"
Amy glanced away, the weight of what she was about to confess too heavy to meet Vicky's eyes. She sighed. "Vicky, I'm not doing it legally." She let it all come out, not daring to look at her, "The way I'm doing it… People will hate me, the PRT will hate me…"
There was a beat of silence, Vicky's expression faltering as she processed Amy's words. For a moment, her lips pursed in thought, conflicted. Then she snorted, rolling her eyes slightly. "Is it going to make Brockton Bay actually safe?" She asked, looking serious.
Amy couldn't answer immediately. She held her breath, weighing her thoughts carefully. After a long pause, she finally whispered, "Probably."
Vicky's arms tightened around her, pulling her closer. "I can't say I'm thrilled about you putting yourself in more danger and doing something that'll probably get the PRT after you," She admitted, "But with how they've let the E88 run wild… I'm not really sure what benefit there is to them being on our side to begin with."
A bitter laugh escaped Amy's throat, her chest tightening. "You're too good to be real."
Vicky smiled, a warm, beautiful thing, and pressed a soft kiss to Amy's lips. It was quick, but enough to send Amy's heart racing. "And you better not forget it!" She chirped, settling back into the bed and pulling Amy against her.
As Amy lay there, the tension in her body slowly draining, the exhaustion of the past few days caught up with her. The weight of her plans, of what she was becoming, still loomed large in her mind. But for now, wrapped in Vicky's warmth, she let herself feel something other than fear and guilt. She let herself feel love, as flawed and messy as it was.
Was it real?
It felt real enough, and Amy couldn't ask for anything else, not with the blood on her hands, and not with the absolute rivers of blood she'd bathe in before she could call herself 'safe'.
Minutes passed, and as Amy began to drift off, Vicky whispered into the quiet of the room. "Good or bad, it's us against the world. Because even you at your baddest, Amy... you're still good."
Amy turned her head away so Vicky couldn't see how affected she was by those words.
I don't deserve you…
----------------------------------------
Several days later,
Ivy adjusted her earpiece, her fingers gently brushing over the delicate vines that twisted and coiled around the base of the World Tree. Its massive trunk rose into the sky, towering above the trainyards like a living monument, branches spreading wide, casting a serene shadow over the forested domain she'd cultivated. The air around her was thick with life, the hum of plants growing, roots stretching, and leaves whispering as they swayed in the gentle breeze. She sat in a lotus position beneath the colossal tree, her eyes half-closed, basking in the living energy around her.
All around her, twisted into her vines, were the unfortunate future casualties needed to ensure she didn't waste all her power - and became useless in the face of retaliation in what they were doing.
They were the lowest of criminals, sure. Yet she was glad that she could take this on as Ivy, instead of as Amy, and spare her family, Vicky… Even more heartache.
Using people as batteries wasn't exactly something she could call 'good' in anyway.
"Everything proceeding as planned?" Ivy asked calmly into her communications gear, her voice soft but laced with authority as she pressed two fingers to her earpiece.
A crackle of static, followed by the eager voice of Tattletale, answered her. "Everything's plugged in," Tattletale practically purred, her wide grin practically audible through the comms. She was sitting in a room brimming with screens and tech, fingers flying across keyboards with the kind of confidence that came from knowing you were in control. "All of Brockton is going to get the broadcast once I hit the switch. It'll be glorious." Her eyes gleamed with excitement, her mind racing at the possibilities of what they were about to unleash.
It was like a dream come true, to get to give the middle finger to the world to this extent, all while she was safe and snug, away from any consequences.
In the distance, outside Brockton Bay, Sherrel's voice chimed in, though the faint sound of crunching suggested her attention was divided between the conversation and a bag of Doritos. "Only got a couple more miles to go," She reported between bites, steering the car with one hand. Her fingers were stained orange from the chips, her grin wide and careless as Jason, sitting in the backseat, flung handfuls of Ivy's specifically prepared seeds out the window. "Once we're done, the outskirts are seeded and ready to bloom."
Ivy had already spent the last few days carefully expanding her root system under the city to the outskirts. To allow her to power the seeds through that channel, using the sacrifices literal life force to give her the boost to perform an effect not quite matching her World Tree, but not too far away either.
Sherrel let out a loud whoop, adding to her report with cheerful abandon, "We're ~sooo getting a kill order for this."
Tattletale snorted, her tone smug as she cut in. "They won't dare." Her fingers tapped rhythmically against the keyboard in front of her. "This is too big for them to stop, too intricate. By the time they figure out what's happening, we'll have already won - once the news spread, they're stuck.."
Ivy's serene voice broke through their chatter, commanding and calm. "Focus. You know the plan. Don't fill the air with pointless talk." There was an edge to her words, sharper than usual, keeping them all in check. Then, almost as an afterthought, she added with pointed emphasis, "Got it, Lisa?"
Tattletale pouted audibly through the comms. "Hey, big tits was saying stuff too," She complained, her voice playful, though Ivy could hear the subtle tension in it.
Sherrel's giggle echoed over the line, and Ivy couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"Yes, but she's actually somewhat likeable," Ivy retorted, her tone completely deadpan.
Before the banter could continue, Amy's voice cut in, crisp and steady, but with an undercurrent of nervous energy. "I want everyone to double and triple-check their setups," She ordered, her boots clicking softly as she made her way into the TV station. She paused briefly at the entrance, adjusting her uniform with a quick tug, Vicky floating behind her like a silent but powerful presence. "I'm heading in now. Once the broadcast starts... Don't fail."
Amy was filled with a nervous tension that sat heavy in her chest. This was the moment - everything they'd worked for, everything she'd set into motion, was about to collide with the eyes of Brockton Bay. There were too many unknowns, too many variables, but They had planned meticulously. Contingencies upon contingencies. She wasn't walking into this blind. She knew that the pieces were in place, her control was secure.
Still, she couldn't shake the nagging fear in the back of her mind. What if something went wrong? What if the Protectorate intervened before she could finish what she started? What if the national PRT acted differently than she expected? What if Cauldron got involved?
She was basically creating another Ellisburg situation, except with a more… PR friendly avenue.
And without the monsters - she would add.
Vicky drifted beside her, hovering just a few inches off the ground, her bright blue eyes flicking between Amy and the path ahead. She could sense the tension in Amy but didn't say anything, letting her sister focus.
The hallways of the TV station felt distant, muted, as Amy's thoughts raced. This was her stage now. Soon, the entire city would hear her voice - her commands, her intentions laid bare for all to see. There were no heroes left in this, no grand moral struggle. There was only her will, and the plan she had set in motion.
Everything was under control. The PRT wouldn't dare stop her.
----------------------------------------
Director Emily Piggot sat at the head of the conference table, her steely gaze scanning the room. The Brockton Bay Protectorate gathered before her, the air thick with tension. They were all seated, each looking equally grim. She had called this meeting to discuss the escalating situation in the city, and the recent catastrophic gang activity.
"Let's make this quick," Piggot said sharply. "We've got reports of increased Empire activity, and Poison Ivy is working in the shadows. We can't afford to -"
She stopped mid-sentence when the screen mounted on the wall flickered, then turned on by itself. Static gave way to a live feed: Amy Dallon - Remedy - sitting calmly in a chair, the camera focused tightly on her as she was being interviewed. Behind her was Victoria Dallon, floating, arms crossed, and expression serious.
Armsmaster's brows furrowed immediately, his gauntlet flashing to life. He began tapping on buttons, trying to access the screen's controls. "This wasn't scheduled, they shouldn't have access either. I'll try to shut it down," He muttered, his voice tight. The light from his gauntlet reflected on his visor as he worked.
Piggot glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her face twisted in a disgusted frown. She looked back at the screen, her jaw tightening. Remedy. Of course. The growing threat in Brockton Bay, now in full display for the world to see.
She'd suspected her from the start, and she was fairly certain she was about to be proven right. The gall on the girl to go on TV to announce her villainous intentions. At least now Chief Costa-Brown could stop holding her back…
"Is she trying to fight the Empire in the media? That won't do anything…" Miss Militia said quietly, her eyes narrowing at the image of Remedy. She shifted slightly in her seat, looking uncomfortable.
"No, she's showing her true colors," Piggot replied, her tone dripping with venom.
…
Elsewhere, in the concealed bunker of Cauldron, Alexandria sat down in a chair, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. Her face was a mask of frustration as her dark eyes stared at the large screen before them, already attuned to the live broadcast coming out of Brockton Bay. The air was heavy with anticipation.
"I have a bad feeling about this," She said, her voice low but clearly laced with annoyance.
Doctor Mother sat beside her, calm as always, though a rare glimmer of concern played in her gaze. Kurt, or Numberman as he was also known as, stood behind her, hands clasped behind his back, watching the screen intently. He didn't speak, but his posture was tight, revealing his unease.
"When Contessa, out of the blue, reaches out from her rebellion to tell us to watch something, what choice do we have?" Doctor Mother replied after a brief pause. Her voice was steady, but even she couldn't hide her curiosity and growing apprehension.
Legend, seated just to Alexandria's right, shifted in his chair, his face contorted with worry. "Do we know what this is about?" He asked, the tension in his voice unmistakable. "I was just in Brockton Bay. Poison Ivy - didn't seem like the evil type. If this is about her..."
Eidolon, lounging with his arms crossed, snorted, his impatience clear in the way his fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest of his chair. "She's a villain. The fact that Contessa has us watching this right after you were there? She's probably rubbing it in our faces that your negotiations failed, Keith."
Legend - Keith - frowned, glancing at his teammate. "I don't believe that's it," He said softly, but the words held uncertainty. Poison Ivy hadn't seemed outright malevolent, but now...
Before he could finish the thought, the screen blinked fully to life. An interview with Remedy appeared, her calm demeanor unsettling against the backdrop of the tension they all felt. Victoria Dallon stood behind her, protective, her posture a clear warning to anyone who might challenge her sister.
The silence in the room grew oppressive as the broadcast continued, the eyes of Cauldron fixed on the screen, the realization dawning on them as Amy Dallon began to speak, her presence commanding.
Alexandria's eyes narrowed, her hands tightening into fists. "Fuck," She muttered with feeling, her tone carrying all the weight of her dread and frustration.
In no way could this be good.
----------------------------------------
The camera opened on a small, dull looking studio where Amy Dallon - Remedy - sat poised and calm in a modern, leather-backed chair. The set was clean, minimalist, with a single sleek chair for the interviewer facing her across a polished wooden coffee table. Soft lights illuminated her features, but the way she held herself, the intensity in her eyes, made it clear she wasn't there for a friendly chat.
Behind her stood Victoria Dallon, her arms crossed, wearing her Starlight uniform, her body language protective and assertive. The room seemed smaller because of Victoria's presence, her glare daring the interviewer to make any wrong move.
The interviewer, a middle-aged man with thinning hair and a hesitant air about him, adjusted his notecards nervously. He had been brought in for this interview, not fully understanding the gravity of it until moments before the cameras rolled. Now, sitting face-to-face with Amy, he was beginning to realize what kind of bombshell was about to be dropped.
"Thank you for joining us, Miss Dallon," He began, a forced smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Can you tell our audience why you've come onto the air today?"
Amy's gaze was steady, unflinching, and her voice rang with a calm confidence that seemed to fill the room. "I'm here because people need to know what's really happening in Brockton Bay," She said. "The PRT has failed this city, and it's time the truth came out." She cocked her head slightly, eyes narrowing, "It's time a solution was brought to bear, no matter the cost."
The interviewer shifted in his seat, already unnerved by her directness. "And what exactly do you mean by that? What has the PRT failed to do?"
Amy's hands clasped together in her lap, and she glanced momentarily at Victoria, who gave her a subtle nod of reassurance. Then, Amy spoke, her voice quiet but laden with a simmering intensity.
"Recently, the Empire 88 - led by Nazis like Kaiser, Hookwolf, and their so-called 'elite' - attacked civilian families and murdered them. Not just random gang members on the streets this time - but friends and family of ours. Innocent people. They slaughtered them. Families - children - were killed because they had the misfortune of being associated with Starlight or New Wave. And what did the PRT do? Nothing. Not a single kill order was issued. Not even after Hookwolf and his pack went on a massacre."
She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. The interviewer paled, visibly caught off guard by the bluntness of her statement.
"They did nothing," She continued. "And that's just the tip of the iceberg - Lung has already escaped to begin his reign of terror again. This city has been deteriorating for years. Gangs control the streets, run entire neighborhoods. The PRT and Protectorate, with all their resources, all their power, have done nothing but apply band-aids to the problem. The streets are dangerous. The schools are falling apart. Jobs are disappearing. And where are the heroes?" Amy's eyes darkened, her voice rising slightly. "Sitting in their headquarters, watching it all happen. Waiting for the next gang war or Endbringer attack to feel useful."
She glared into the camera, "Except for us."
The interviewer gulped, trying to maintain composure as the intensity of the interview escalated. He shuffled his notes, searching for a way to steer the conversation. "And what about the attack on Starlight headquarters?" He asked, his voice slightly trembling. "Are you saying that was connected to this?"
Amy's expression remained cool, though a flicker of emotion passed over her face. She nodded, turning to face the camera directly. "Yes. The attack on Starlight was a distraction by the E88, it was a hit job. They were trying to murder my sister."
Victoria, still standing behind her, squeezed Amy's shoulder in a gesture of silent support. The camera panned briefly to show the silent exchange between the two sisters. It was clear, to anyone watching, just how close they were - how deep their bond ran.
More importantly, it showed that Victoria was backing Amy in everything she said.
Amy took a slow breath, her voice softening with the weight of her next words. "Vicky almost died because of what these gangs have done. She was shot in a usually fatal manner. The only reason she's standing here now is because I was able to heal her immediately." Her voice cracked slightly, but she quickly regained control. "But the fact remains - this wasn't an isolated attack. It was part of something much bigger. A city-wide conspiracy of violence and control."
The interviewer hesitated again, clearly uncomfortable with the emotional turn the interview had taken and the risks in pissing off the PRT, but he knew he had to keep the conversation moving, it could also be a book to his career after all. "So… Is this a call-out of the PRT? Are you here to demand action from them?" He asked, trying to sound neutral.
Amy's face hardened, her gaze locking onto the camera with renewed determination. "No," she said flatly. "I'm not wasting my time calling out the PRT. They've proven themselves to be a failed bureaucracy. I'm not here to demand anything from them other than perhaps to leave us be, to do their job..."
The interviewer blinked, surprised. "Then… What are you here for?"
Amy leaned forward slightly, her voice lower but filled with unmistakable authority. "I'm here to tell the people of Brockton Bay that the gangs are already finished. I've already beaten them."
Well… Lung would probably need special attention, but other than him, they were done for.
There was a stunned silence as the interviewer's eyes went wide, and he sputtered, barely able to form his next question. "W-What do you mean? Beaten them? How?"
Amy's lips curled into a small, confident smile, one that didn't reach her eyes. "I'm a biokinetic. So is Poison Ivy. She's been branded a villain, but all she's ever wanted to do is better the world. So we've joined forces. With Ivy's abilities, we can provide humanity with things it's only dreamed of - cures for cancer, for dementia, for diseases that have plagued mankind for centuries. And that's only the beginning."
Her eyes glittered as she gestured to the camera, to the people watching, "From there we could go so much further, end world hunger, create food that grows people's strength, their healing factor, maybe even crack aging… We're not like the horror stories you've heard, we can save the world!"
The interviewer, still bewildered, held up a hand. "Wait - what does this have to do with the gangs in Brockton Bay?" He didn't even know where to begin on everything else, so defaulted to the simplest question.
Amy's smirk deepened, and she shifted in her seat, her posture confident. "I'm laying the foundation," She explained. "I want the world to understand that Ivy and I have the power to offer something too valuable to ignore. We can heal the world. But at the same time, I want you all to understand that if the PRT comes after us - if they try to stop us - they'll be depriving humanity of its only chance to solve its greatest problems."
"Why would the PRT come after you?" The interviewer pressed, sounding genuinely confused now. "Working with Poison Ivy… It's something they themselves negotiated recently, didn't they?"
Amy's gaze never wavered as she looked directly into the camera, her next words laced with cold, hard truth. "Because several days ago, Ivy and I poisoned the water supply of Brockton Bay."
The words hit the room like a bomb. The interviewer went pale, his hands shaking as he dropped his notecards. "W-What did you say?" He stammered, his voice barely a whisper.
Amy leaned in closer, her tone now utterly serious. "Anyone who's had a drink, taken a shower, eaten food prepared with water - anything that involved the water supply in the last few days - you are now dying."
The room seemed to freeze. The interviewer sat, paralyzed by the shock of her words. Victoria's hand tightened on Amy's shoulder again, a quiet but visible show of solidarity.
Amy's voice cut through the stunned silence. "But don't panic. Ivy and I are prepared. We will be available to every single Brocktonite, 24/7, on shifts. We'll heal each and every one of you. And as we do, we'll take care of any other health issues you might have. Cancer, heart disease, neurological issues - we can cure it all." She paused, her gaze becoming steely once more. "But as we heal you, we're going to ask a few… Questions."
The interviewer, still pale and shaking, managed to croak out, "W-What questions?"
Amy's voice was sharp, like a knife cutting through the tension. "Are you in a gang? Have you assisted a gang with criminal activity that led to death, trafficking, or torture? Have you taken bribes from a gang? We will know if you're lying." She smiled sharply, "If you're Innocent of the worst crimes, then nothing has changed for you, if you're a member of the ABB and E88 willingly, and committed atrocities… Well, then you won't be an issue any longer."
Victoria crossed her arms, her expression grim as she glared directly at the camera, silently reinforcing her sister's words. If she had any misgivings, she wasn't showing them.
Amy continued, her tone matter-of-fact, as though she were discussing something as simple as weather. "That's why I said the gangs are already finished. They're all dying right now. From Lung to Kaiser, from Hookwolf to Uber and Leet - they're all dead men walking. They now have a choice: come to us for healing, and we'll deal with them as befitting whatever crimes they've committed. Or they can try to flee, or fight… And they'll still die. Either way, the gang problem in Brockton Bay no longer exists."
It would be a rough few weeks, but it was worth the chaos to have the problem taken care of. No need to find all the rotten eggs. They'd all die on their own, or come desperate for healing and be found guilty. if the PRT allowed her a free hand outside Brockton Bay, she could fix half their issues single handedly.
But she would have to suffice with just her city.
She counted on the offerings they had, her value in the Endbringer fights, to prevent the worst kind of fallout. They wouldn't face full quarantine, because the PRT couldn't survive removing the cures for everything from play.
The interviewer, his voice now laced with anger, tried to find his footing again. "The PRT can't let this stand," He said, his voice shaking with indignation. "You can't just -"
Amy cut him off, her smile turning cold, almost cruel. "The PRT doesn't have a choice. This is my city now, and I'll do a better job then they ever have.."
The broadcast suddenly shifted to an overhead view of Brockton Bay. The camera panned out, showing the city's outskirts, where a massive transformation was taking place. Trees, vines, and other dense vegetation were erupting from the earth, growing at an unnatural speed. In mere minutes, the plants formed a thick, impenetrable wall of greenery, encapsulating the entire outside of city in a living barrier.
Vines twisted together, wrapping around structures, roads, and power lines, weaving a dense, green fortress. The wall of nature expanded quickly, growing thicker and taller with each passing moment, until it became a sprawling, verdant barricade. The barrier stretched as far as the eye could see, surrounding Brockton Bay entirely, sealing the city off from the outside world. Massive tree trunks interlaced with thorny vines and wildflowers, creating a living wall that would be impossible for anyone to breach without going through Poison Ivy's domain.
Except for the rare few fliers or teleporters, the only way to enter Brockton Bay now was to step into Poison Ivy's domain.
The broadcast cut back to Amy, who now stood in front of the camera, her expression hard, confident, and unyielding. Victoria stood beside her, arms crossed, her presence a silent but powerful statement of their united front.
"Brockton Bay," Amy began, her voice calm but firm, "I apologize for this drastic measure, but it was necessary. The government has failed you. The heroes, other than Starlight, they've failed you. They've allowed the gangs to run rampant, to murder, enslave, and destroy this city while doing nothing to stop them."
She took a breath, her eyes locking onto the camera, and by extension, the millions of viewers who were undoubtedly watching this broadcast in shock and disbelief. The news quickly spreading across the Internet even as Brocktonites watched it live.
"I offer you a new way forward," She continued, her tone softening slightly but no less resolute. "Poison Ivy and I are here to fix what has been broken. We're here to heal you - not just from the poison in the water, but from everything that's plagued this city for years. We can cure your diseases, provide jobs, create a new industry that no other city in the world can compete with. We can make Brockton Bay better than it's ever been."
Amy stepped closer to the camera, her face filling the screen as she delivered her final words. "There will be no more gangs. No more Nazis, no more sex traffickers, no more drug lords terrorizing the streets. Starlight will take over from the PRT in keeping you safe. We will enforce the peace, while Poison Ivy controls the underworld, ensuring that such things as drugs and alcohol only exist in a manner that's safe for you, while still working in the same manner, preventing addiction and debt from consuming more lives while allowing you to continue to enjoy recreational use."
Amy's voice softened, but the gravity of her message remained. "I am sorry that poisoning the water was the only way to ensure we got all of them, that we could yank the rot out by the roots. I promise that for the rest of my life, I will work to make Brockton Bay a haven on this earth, to make up for it."
The screen zoomed in on Amy's face one last time as she delivered her final promise. "Details will be available online at Starlight's website, including the locations where you can come to be healed. Don't worry - the poison will take weeks before it becomes fatal. You have time to be healed."
She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in, then added with quiet finality, "If you aren't guilty..."
The broadcast abruptly cut off, leaving the city - in stunned silence.
----------------------------------------
PRT headquarters,
The entire room at PRT headquarters was frozen in shock. Piggot sat motionless, her eyes locked on the now-blank screen. Armsmaster's gauntlet, which had been in the process of ending the broadcast, remained still as his hand hovered uncertainly over the buttons. Miss Militia stood tense, her lips pressed into a thin line, while the other Protectorate members exchanged bewildered and horrified glances.
For a long, agonizing moment, no one moved.
Then, finally, Director Piggot spoke, her voice thick with disbelief and rage and a smidgeon of pleasure, in being right all along. "She… She just declared war on the PRT. On the government. On all of us, how dare she!"
Armsmaster's hand fell to his side as he turned to her, his face grim. "We can't let this stand."
"She's poisoned the entire city," Miss Militia said quietly, shaking her head. "How do we fight, when defeating them means the death of a city…?"
Piggot slammed her fist down onto the table, her face twisting in fury. "We have to respond. Immediately, whether they have a kill order or not, we need to take them down, before they escalate and start spawning abominations."
Assault held a hand up, "Hey, question? You know before we go do something hilariously stupid. You do realize we're all poisoned too, right?"
"The world will remember our sacrifice." Piggot said flatly, glaring at him.
Dauntless jerked to, looking at her like he was seeing her for the first time, "Ma'am, you can't be serious! You're asking us to comitt suicide!"
"No, even worse." Assault said grimly, holding on to Battery as she seemed still in shock, "She's asking us to sacrifice an entire city on her vendetta."
Armsmaster frowned, shaking his head, "I don't agree, the risks if they grow worse, makes this the only logical choice. They could end the planet if they let loose something worse."
Assault fired back, "They could also save it, you heard what was on offer." He glanced at Miss Militia, "Come on, Hannah? You aren't going with this, are you?"
Miss Militia sighed, "I will follow my orders, whether I agree or not is immaterial right now."
Piggot, her face red, stood up slowly, "Then to make it clear. I am ordering you to apprehend Amy Dallon and Poison Ivy, and if they fight back, you remove the threat."
But before anyone could speak further, the door to the room burst open, and a harried-looking agent rushed inside. "Director! We're receiving reports - people are already heading to the locations Amy Dallon mentioned. Starlight members are guarding the locations. We've tried contacting New Wave and they're not responding."
Piggot's face turned red with fury, but beneath it, there was a flash of fear. "Dammit," She spat. "She's already made this impossible…"
Battery looked up, her hand tightly entwined with Assaults, "You're asking us to attack when they'll be surrounded by thousands of civilians…"
Armsmaster frowned, "If she gets their support…"
Piggot gnashed her teeth together, "They'll win the city without a fight…" She finished.
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In the Cauldron facility, a heavy, suffocating silence filled the room as the broadcast cut out. The wide screen TV mounted on the wall went black, leaving the members of Cauldron sitting in stunned silence. Alexandria, Legend, Eidolon, the Numberman and Doctor Mother exchanged uneasy glances, each of them processing what they had just witnessed.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then, finally, Alexandria let out a long, exasperated sigh, rubbing her temples with her fingers. "This is a cluster fuck," She muttered, her tone laced with frustration.
Legend leaned forward, his face pale, clearly struggling to process the gravity of what had just been revealed. "Did she… Did she just say they poisoned the entire city?" His voice trembled with disbelief.
He couldn't believe it, how had he been so wrong?
Doctor Mother, who had been watching in silence, merely nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yes," She said quietly. "And they've effectively taken control of Brockton Bay, our hands are tied."
Eidolon crossed his arms, his face contorted with anger. "We knew Poison Ivy was dangerous, but this? She's escalated far beyond anything we anticipated. And now, she's dragged Remedy into being a villain, no matter what she claims."
Legend groaned, "We can't even quarantine them."
Alexandria clenched her jaw, standing up and pacing the room, her cape swishing behind her. "It's worse than that," She said bitterly. "They've poisoned the city, and now they're holding the only cure. Not to mention what they offered. They've made themselves indispensable."
Legend looked at her, his expression conflicted. "What are we going to do? If we move against them, we'll be responsible for mass casualties. But if we don't…"
Doctor Mother leaned back in her chair, folding her hands neatly in her lap. "We need to be cautious. Remedy's ability to heal, combined with Poison Ivy's power… They've become too valuable to simply eliminate. We'll need a more… Strategic approach."
Kurt nodded, "If they are honest about their capabilities, one city is no loss for the benefit they could bring. Villain or hero, what does it matter?"
Eidolon scoffed. "They're just two capes. They won't be able to hold the city forever." He gestured towards the TV, "Send me, I'll take care of it."
But Alexandria shook her head. "They won't have to. If they cure every disease, fix every problem… The people will follow them willingly eventually. They'll be heroes. Saints. The world will rally behind them if given enough time, the girl already has a damn cult."
The room fell silent again as the weight of the situation settled over them like a suffocating blanket. Amy Dallon and Poison Ivy had declared war on the system. And unless they acted soon, the entire world might be next.
"Fuck," Alexandria muttered again, her voice filled with a deep, bitter frustration. "Just… Fuck."
She really didn't want to reward them for basically taking a city and outright telling them they were worthless.
Kurt spoke again, with a detached voice, "We can not allow them to die, not with as useful as they could be, yet we can not allow the PRT to fall."
Doctor Mother interjected, "So, we allow an attempt to retake the city, waste a few pawns, and then settle for something in the middle once the fighting ends?" She offered.
Alexandria grimaced, "That… Might be necessary, yes." She allowed.
She would have to return and take her post as Chief Costa-Brown from her double shortly. So they might as well make a showing, briefly.
"Eidolon, stay out of it for now, Keith, with me." She ordered, "We'll check in, be seen, probe the defenses."
"Door to Brockton Bay, outside the walls." She ordered, a portal opening. Her and Legend flying through, even as Eidolon begun arguing with the others.
A fake war with Brockton Bay would eat resources they couldn't afford to spend. But they couldn't afford to lose out on the benefits Ivy and Remedy were laying out either, so they couldn't actually afford to beat them.
She had no doubt they'd be capable of much worse if their defeat was imminent. She had no intention of starting an actual plague.
They hung in the air over Brockton Bay, watching the growing nature phenomena that was safeguarding the city.
The city that had been, to a man, poisoned.
Alexandria turned to Legend, one eyebrow raised, "I believe your exact words were, she doesn't seem that bad, if we leave her alone she'll be a helpful ally?"
Legend moaned in distress, hiding his face in his hands, "She didn't seem evil." He protested.
"It's been two days…"
"That's not really fair.. It's more like a week."
Alexandria gave him a look, "You're right. That makes it much better."
"You want to test them first?"
"No, go ahead, I know you need to get back soon."
Alexandria nodded, before falling on Brockton Bay like a comet.
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