Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works; all other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing with them.
Betad by Priapus, Beans, Marethyu
The Celestial Escalation
Chapter 07: Sleuthing
— Hana/Hannah (Miss Militia) —
She'd always appreciated the benefits that came with being a Noctis cape. It wasn't all good, as sometimes she just wanted to sleep but her power refused to permit her a break. It also meant she never forgot anything, even the things she'd really rather put out of her mind.
But having eight more hours in the day was always going to be a benefit. Sure, she had to find things to do with that free time (which had resulted in her secret capefic hobby), but she'd rather have the extra time than not.
This meant that when a newcomer utterly upended the cape game in Brockton Bay, she was the only one with the time to handle the ungodly amount of information from Sleuth.
During the time Sleuth was active, which was around sixteen hours a day on average, there was not a single violent crime in the city that wasn't broadcast to the world.
It was both a massive boon to the PRT, but also a black mark on them as the public got a true look at just how bad crime was here for the first time.
Even she got a little demoralised by seeing just how many violent crimes were committed every night, but that just meant she had a chance to do something about it.
At the console, she worked diligently as she studied the map and directed the necessary manpower to each reported crime. It was all hands on deck, with the PRT even working with the Brockton Bay Police Department more than usual so they could coordinate their efforts in handling the mountain of crimes that were being reported.
Armsmaster had made a program that took the crimes from the PHO thread and placed them onto a map of the city, allowing her to track their assets and send the necessary response to each crime.
Sleuth reported on how many criminals were involved and what Capes were present at any crime, which meant she had a better idea of who to send to each crisis.
Funnily enough, this had reduced the number of non-PR patrols because why patrol when you know exactly where the closest serious crime was taking place?
They'd called for reinforcements and actually gotten them for once, in the form of more police officers transferred to the BBPD and more PRT troopers for their branch, courtesy of Costa-Brown, but it was still a mission to keep on top of the reported crimes.
In addition, they'd called in the Independents to work together with them, and while some had refused, New Wave and several of the stronger ones had agreed. It was a cold alliance, with many of the Independents suspecting that they'd try to enlist them, but an alliance all the same. Brandish was being her usual self, but she was easy to appease by giving her Empire targets.
No matter how much she mistrusted the PRT, telling Brandish that there was an Empire initiation going on a block away would always send her into action.
The fact that Panacea had been the one to contact the PRT about testing Nimue's healing had been somewhat alarming for the Director. The last thing Director Piggot wanted was Brandish having both heroic healers in New Wave, especially when Nimue was their best lead on Sleuth.
Still, criminals weren't all stupid. The Empire capes had pulled back almost entirely, with the sole exception of Hookwolf, who seemed to be going out of his way to cause more damage just to prove he could.
Empire crime as a whole was down, while Kaiser considered how to react to this new reality. She was sure that he was searching for Sleuth, but so was the PRT.
The ABB was still causing trouble, because Lung had run a far looser ship than Kaiser. The ABB was more like a collection of Asian gangs that basically ran themselves while paying tribute to Lung, who had sat at the top. It meant they had far less discipline and cohesion, only working together because Lung was forcing them to. Without him, she wasn't sure how long they'd stay together. Oni Lee was fighting off threats, and rumours of an explosive tinker had given them pause, but Lung was the only thing keeping the ABB functioning, and already they were seeing the sub-gangs fighting each other for territory.
The Merchants were the Merchants. The sheer amount of forced drugging and rapes that took place in their 'territory' was obscene and they had nothing resembling cohesion or discipline. It was entirely possible Skidmark didn't know about Sleuth, as he tried to work out why his people kept getting hit.
Funnily enough, it was their own stupidity that was shooting them in the foot. His men kept grabbing girls or 'future customers' and taking them back to Merchant 'bases', which would only lead the PRT directly to them.
Skidmark himself was hiding, along with Squealer, but his gang was getting beaten the hardest. The biggest asset the Merchants had was their ability to hide, scattering like cockroaches whenever the heat was put on them. Sleuth had shone a spotlight upon them, because every 'party' they had tended to have at least a rape or five, which Sleuth would report on and draw a team down onto the party.
Selling drugs didn't ping on Sleuth's power, but the Merchants were violent by nature. Customers, prostitutes and strangers were assaulted by dealers and pimps on a regular basis, and it was exposing so many whorehouses and drug dens.
Without the discipline of the Empire, the Merchants had become their most frequent target. Kaiser wouldn't stay hidden for long, and she was sure the Empire was planning something massive, but it seemed like he'd ordered most of his people to avoid violent crimes. Of course, he was also giving speeches about Sleuth exposing the depravity of the lesser races, but that was expected from the Neo-Nazi.
Since Sleuth's sudden appearance, there had been a considerable amount of meetings about her and Nimue. Nimue was a high value recruitment target for obvious reasons, all healers were.
Honestly, if Othala walked into the Rig tomorrow and asked to join in exchange for a blank slate, she'd get it without so much as a word of argument. Director Piggot wouldn't like it, but it wouldn't matter.
Sleuth was equally high value, or perhaps even more so. The way she'd changed the rules in Brockton with her mere presence had made her an incredibly targeted person since basically every gang wanted her gone.
So far, they only knew a tiny amount about her from Dragon's communications with Redwing, who actually posted for Sleuth.
Sleuth was female, and she was active almost all the time except for during school hours. This was seen as meaning one of two things.
One, Sleuth was a student and was unable to pass information to Redwing during classes. Or two, Sleuth was not a student but slept during the school hours, as she was active all night.
It seemed to lean toward the first, meaning that Sleuth was also a Noctis Cape. There would be random bursts of information at random times of the day, coinciding with classes not being in session. It seemed like Sleuth would sneak away to use whatever means she did to pass information onto Redwing, who then posted it for her.
Armsmaster had suggested comparing class schedules to try and identify which school and year she was in, but that was very close to breaking the Unwritten Rules and he was shot down. She'd be surprised if he hadn't done it anyway.
Well, maybe he hadn't because he was one of the heroes making the most use of the information from Sleuth. He'd even altered his sleep pattern to coincide with Sleuth's usual downtime. Nobody could deny that Colin worked harder than almost anyone else.
Frankly, the paperwork was slowing them down. They were simply arresting too many people, the prisons couldn't keep up even with several busloads being taken to different prisons.
Still, Hannah smiled to herself as the status of another crime was changed to 'prevented'. They couldn't keep up this pace, but it was good for the city and honestly, good for their PR for the public to see an independent report of them stopping so many crimes.
— Taylor Hebert (Nimue) —
'Relax, Tay. You're stressing out. He was just worried about you and understandably shocked.'
I know that. Of course he was shocked, his daughter just admitted to being a cape and by the way, mom is back as a sex cultist elf.
But now he suddenly cares? He barely listened to me before he was telling me to go to the Wards or give up being a Cape. Like that's even an option.
He didn't notice everything else I was going through, and he thinks he gets to tell me to stop?
'He was panicking, Tay. Don't get me wrong, he's been a shit dad, too busy mourning to notice that you needed help, but he loves you and he definitely doesn't want to lose you or Auntie Annette.'
True. I'm pretty sure mom decided to 'distract' him because she knew that I was going to end up fighting him over this.
'Oh, I'd say he's probably pretty distracted right now.'
I frown, blushing slightly as I rub my forehead.
She's… different, but it is my mother. Of course she's different, she has an entire set of memories in her head, as a fucking Druchii.
My own Druchii form gave me a lot of knowledge about that world, and Ems looked up Warhammer for me. Slaanesh is not exactly a good god to be worshipping, and the Cult of Pleasure is not exactly a heroic group.
Chaos-worshipping elves constantly pursuing greater pleasures to the point where the Witch King tried to have them all killed because they were loyal to nothing but their own hedonistic desires.
Fortunately, the Celestial system reassured me that Annette has no way of bringing Slaanesh or demons into this world. It could happen, but it'd have to be from me and I don't have the power to do that as it stands anyway.
As much as I'm happy to have her back, she's going to be a problem if I let her get out of control. I'm happy that she can keep dad off my back, but her desire to 'enlighten' me is going to be a pain.
I already have one devil on my shoulder.
'I'm a fucking angel, Tay.'
Right, of course. So, how is your little pet project going? Lost control of the teenage villains you co-opted from Coil?
'Pft. I've kept them out of trouble, right? Besides, Tattletale is useful and she's an eager employee when you don't hold a gun to her head.'
I sigh at that, rubbing my forehead as my elven ears twitch under the hood. I'm using my Druchii form for Nimue, because the bonuses are worth it and nobody has seen me without my hood yet anyway. I'm paler like this, but the pictures of me aren't detailed enough for most people to notice that difference.
I'm considering unmasking entirely. I don't know if I will join New Wave like Vicky suggested, but there's a part of me that is simply thinking 'how long can I keep this secret'. All it will take is the wrong roll to happen at the wrong time and my identity would become public knowledge.
Wouldn't it be better to take control of my own identity and reveal it myself?
100cp gained, 200cp total.
It's risky, and would draw a lot of heat onto my family but isn't that going to happen either way? I can keep Sleuth separate.
What I need is a way to keep dad safe, even with my issues with him. I'm not worried about mom, she's an ancient dark elf sorceress and I'm not sure she can die now that she's a companion. I can't lose things I gain from the Celestial system, not even through them being destroyed. That counts for people and things alike. But dad is just a regular guy. Unless I pull out a second 'hey, your parent is an elf' power, he doesn't get to come back.
[Common Tongue] - 0cp, 200cp remaining.
Source: The Song of the Nibelungs
Wherever you are in Europe or the world at large and wherever you travel you will have no problem speaking with the locals. This may be because all of you speak an unidentified lingua franca, a common language, or because you instinctively know all the different languages spoken around the continent by heart. In future worlds you may be able to understand and speak most common languages you may come in contact with.
Do you know how many languages are spoken in the melting pot that is America? Let me tell you… it's a lot. My head is flooded with knowledge of every one of them, making me groan for a moment as I focus and rub the bridge of my nose for a moment.
[Lunar Elf] - 100cp, 100cp remaining
Source: Epic of Leviathan
Lunar Elves are a special sub-species of elves that possess a connection to the moon. They possess the ability to draw power from the moon and use it to nourish their bodies. Each member of the species is naturally immortal and will not age. This is only ageless Immortality, they can still be killed. Their appearances resemble that of your standard fantasy elves with pointy ears, above average beauty, and an eternally youthful appearance. Lastly while they do gain power from the moon they are not weaker during daytime.
Amusing enough, this one doesn't change my appearance much beyond giving me silver eyes because I was already an elf. The important thing is that I can feel the moon high in the sky empowering me. It's not the biggest buff, but it is noticeable when I was already dangerously strong from [A Capricious Man You Are].
[Healing] - 100cp. Prerequisite skill missing.
Source: Avatar: The Legend Of Korra
The ability to heal wounds by redirecting chi throughout the body, using water as a catalyst. Healing is able to repair almost all cellular damage and can remove many known diseases, however it is unable to reverse mortal injuries or conditions, unless water with special spiritual properties is used.
Requires Bender (Water) to Purchase
Another way to heal with water? I consider letting it pass for a moment before I shake my head. Healing capes are amongst the rarest of them all, I shouldn't turn down another form of healing even if it's similar. Locking It in as well as the prerequisite skill, I feel my power instantly buy it.
[Bender (Water)] - 100cp, 0cp remaining
Source: Avatar: The Legend Of Korra
You've been born with the ability to bend the natural element of your nation, and you have a lifetime worth of experience with bending. In order to harness your powers you have to be able to move, most of your bending will be conducted through a unique set of movements and gestures, but some feats can be accomplished with something as simple as waving your hand. All other bending abilities require you to have this.
Uncapping my water bottle, I focus on the memories that flash through my mind and carefully gesture in a smooth motion as I draw the water out from the bottle, shaping it and controlling it as I swirl it around me.
Both Bending and Monk have a basis in Martial Arts, which means both are helping each other out. My Monk training helps me control the water through the graceful movements, and my Bending knowledge helps improve my Monk skills.
And both are going to get some use tonight, because today is the day I take down a Cape. Between 'Sleuth' and Em's new pet thinker, finding a target for myself wasn't difficult.
I had to be cautious because I'm still on the weaker side of things, but eventually I found someone worth taking down.
Most of the Empire are laying low, but not Hookwolf. That's good, because it means Hookwolf is busy and won't be around to help his side-kick.
His 'faction' in the Empire consists of Stormtiger and Cricket, but Stormtiger is laying low. Cricket is not. She's the security at one of Hookwolf's dog fights. Unfortunately, my [Sword of Resistance] doesn't track animal abuse but Tattletale was able to find out enough for me to track her down.
Lounging on an almost throne-like chair, she watches the brutal fights with a bored look on her face, unaware that I'm lurking nearby thanks to my Hooded Cloak and the Stone of Midnight.
I know she has a personal sonar, but there's so many people around and she hasn't noticed that her sonar picks up one more person than she can see.
She's confident, considering most of the gang is in hiding. Hookwolf is engaged with the PRT, which means that now is the best time to strike.
Moving away, I focus as I reluctantly follow Em's advice and call upon Annette. I give her enough time to warn dad, but in a flash of light, she appears before me and I turn away in slight disgust as she chuckles.
"Really, honey? You summoned me away from my reunion with my husband and are surprised that I'm naked?" Mom asks, posing shamelessly in the alleyway I retreated to. I remove my hooded cloak to give to her, but she simply clicks her fingers as her clothing reappears.
If you can call the leather straps that barely cover her body 'clothing' to begin with.
"Take the cloak anyway, I don't need the reputation troubles from having a partner who runs around half naked," I sigh, making her chuckle. "You know what we're doing here, right?"
"I do. This companion bond is useful, isn't it? You wish for me to… play with the Empire thugs while you battle Cricket, yes?" Annette asks, making me narrow my eyes.
"I can't believe I have to say this, but no torture or sexual assault," I order, making her pout outrageously.
"Honey, I do remember how this world works. Give me some credit," Annette scolds, putting on the cloak as it shifts to a form-fitting black silk garment that reveals nothing while hinting at everything. She pulls the hood up, hiding her face in the shadowy garment as I nod to her.
"Just making sure," I admit, preparing myself. Despite my best efforts, I can feel my heart beating rapidly but Annette moves close and pulls me into a hug.
"Nimue, you can do this. Your power is amazing, you are amazing. Trust in your skills, and trust that I won't let anyone interrupt your fight," Annette purrs, her voice soft and soothing. "You have this, honey."
"I- thank you-" I start, frowning to myself as I use my Monk training to centre myself and still my mind. "Do you think we should ambush her, or make an entrance?"
'Make an entrance!'
"Oh, honey… you should always make an entrance. This will be your first real cape fight, and a piece of your growing legend," Annette says instantly, making me roll my eyes.
What else did I expect from these two?
— Melody Jurist (Cricket) —
Most of her men panicked as the roof burst apart in a flash of purple light, two figures descending right into the centre of the 'arena', but Melody just grinned as she sat up straight.
Nimue stared back at her, practically emitting a menacing aura as the guys started to panic, intimidated by a light show and some posing. She'd kick their asses later for that weakness as she glanced to the figure besides Nimue.
The figure said something, and both dogs fell to sleep in an instant, as Nimue stepped forward.
"You seem to like these shows of violence, Cricket. Time to put on a show of your own. Fight me," Nimue demanded, brandishing a bo staff at her as Cricket paused.
Cricket glanced toward Nimue's friend, making the martial artist shake her head.
"She's here to make sure our fight remains one on one. If your men don't get involved, neither will she," Nimue swore, and Cricket grinned as she leapt down into the arena, seeing the confusion and tension on the men's faces. Many of the crowd had chosen not to run, despite the danger, and if there was one thing she knew, it was how to put on a show.
The unnamed woman in the skin-tight outfit moved up to the same box that Cricket had jumped down from, floating up to it as she lounged in Cricket's seat. Cricket didn't even bother giving her a second look as she nodded to the announcer.
"It looks like we're having a special round tonight, ladies and gentlemen. Cricket vs Nimue, place your bets!"
Kaiser wanted to grab Nimue to find Sleuth, and now Nimue had come willingly into their turf?
Oh, it was on.
The boys would already be calling for reinforcements, but she didn't plan to let this last long enough for them to arrive and spoil her fight.
— Bonus Scene — Emma Barnes
Sitting on her bed, she stared at her phone in disbelief even as she watched the same clip for the hundredth time.
Taylor had taken down Lung.
The ABB remained her boogeymen, the reason she flinched when an Asian man got too close. They were why she crossed the road when she spotted a group of Asians headed her way.
She'd told herself that Taylor was weak. That Taylor wouldn't have fought back in that alleyway, wouldn't have been worthy of being saved. In her mind, she was the survivor who fought back, while Taylor would have just let them do what they wanted to her like a coward.
But Taylor wouldn't have needed saving, because Taylor wasn't like her. She wasn't a survivor, she was a damsel who flailed around a little and got beaten for it. Taylor would have crushed the gang members with ease, not needing saving like some useless princess.
And now, Taylor had taken down Lung himself. Her fractured mind crumbled all the more as she realised how weak she truly was. How weak Sophia really was.
She'd clung to Sophia like a safety blanket, but what did she really do? Sophia went after the bottom feeders, unpowered thugs and petty criminals. Taylor went straight for the top, knocking Lung off his throne in a single night.
Sophia was right. Taylor was nothing like her, nothing like them. Taylor was so much better, and she'd never seen it. She'd believed that she was being kind by letting Taylor be her friend, when she'd been the one holding her best friend back. They'd been as close as sisters once, and Taylor would have done anything for her, but she'd destroyed that trust, that love, in a desperate attempt to be something she never could be.
Despair, longing, self-hatred, lust, regret and so much more raged inside her mind as she scoured PHO for every single piece of information on Nimue.
She could never reclaim the bond she'd destroyed. Taylor would never look at her like a sister again, seeing her as a traitor, as scum of the earth, and Taylor was right to look down on her.
She'd give anything to take back the months of torment, the horrible things she'd done and said, but that wasn't how the world worked.
Somewhere in Emma's broken mind, a plan started to form. She needed Taylor back. No, she needed Taylor to take her back, in whatever form Taylor was willing to accept her in.
Words were her strongest weapon, but words were worthless here. Taylor wouldn't believe her if she just said she was sorry, swore to do whatever it took to fix things, she'd need action.
Rising from her bed for the first time since she'd fled here after her 'conversation' with Taylor, Emma smiled to herself in the mirror, ignoring the manic look in her eyes.
She'd get Taylor back, no matter what it took.