OK, here is our story, this time with spaces since tabs don't work here. Again, comments are welcome, either way.
We cant keep this up, she said into the cold morning air, trying to stretch some of the stiffness out of her neck. Its been almost two weeks since we slept in a bed, and half that long since we had a good meal.
For emphasis she held up one skeletal hand, covered in pasty flesh that was far too taught for a 24 year old. There was dried blood and unidentifiable types of dirt speckled over her arms, filthy fingernails with chips and some evidence of the cold taking a toll. Her knuckles were swollen and she was sure arthritis had already started. Looking around the dark alley, her tears started again as they did often these days.
I know, I feel it to Im sorry Angela, but we couldnt stay any longer. Her hands moved to wipe tears away from her eyes, leaving essentially the only clean streaks on her face. Her misery and wretchedness were not seen by anyone else, but she was still ashamed of it. Not having nice clothes, not always enough to eat, being isolated in a world she could never shut out were all companions from birth; being filthy and cold were recent additions.
The lower pitched voice came again, I just dont know what else to do, we have to go to the city for help.
We cant! Crey almost caught us the last time! We wont go back to that lab, it would be better to die. She was shaking uncontrollably, her voice rising in hysterics to something near a scream. That proved to be her first serious mistake in some time.
The fire escape rang with sudden booted footsteps from above, rattling against the aging lag bolts holding into the chipped plaster of the brick wall. She looked up in enough time to know that this dark day might be her last. At least ten gray and black clad figures were pouring off the three story roof onto the steel ladder, the gang that held sway in this part of Kings Row, The Skulls.
Hey little girl, the largest of them sneered from one level above the street. did you say you were lookin to die? His gang was waiting along the railings, a couple with baseball bats or long knives flashing. She knew that killing was one of the Skulls rites, but didnt believe that was all they would want.
She backed across the alley, as far as she could in the narrow space, until the cold bricks of the next building were pressing into her back. There was nowhere to go, the alley ended in dumpsters and another three story business, and the entrance already held several Bones leering at her. She was so tired and so hungry, even when she was feeling well this would have been too much.
Please, we arent looking for any trouble, Angela began.
We? The thug looked down the alley from one end to the other, You got an invisible friend somewhere? Maybe we get two for one? Harsh laughter rained down on the lone womans form like the misery and pain she felt.
Terrified, panicking and hopeless; that was how the first episode had been, too. That was when Cliff had been the brother and Angela the sister, when they had lived with their parents, before the incident that had started their long slide into today. The first time The Gestalt had happened.
Her mind went white, eyes rolled into her head and the voice that had been quiet and female, or lower and male by turns, took on the qualities of two rocks grinding together, impossible in so small a body.
You will not touch her! With an authority that left no question.
Even the Bone Daddy, Kneecapper, stood still for a moment, a suppressed shiver in his back. He had faced Heroes before, so it quickly passed. No little skirt was going to prevent this fun, and his men were witnesses.
Kill her! He bellowed, leaping off the landing and starting a negative energy attack. If the girl resisted, he knew the powers that provided him his strength would make sure she stayed alive long enough for some revenge.
Several things happened in quick succession: Kneecapper was falling and then rising rapidly to land with felt impact on the fire escape, two of his minions who had been rushing down were now convinced they should fight one another, another minion grabbed his splitting head and the girl fell unconscious to the street.
Hey kid, you alright?
She opened her eyes only far enough to see that the man standing over her was not their father, when he shoved something warm and oatmeal-flavored into her mouth. A hand quickly reached up to grab it, to make sure she could eat it all. The quickness of her movement startled the stranger enough he stepped back, causing the immense rifle, barrel still smoking, strapped to his back to swing.
Whoa! Whens the last time you ate? His brown hair stood at attention, one half-gloved hand moving through it in a gesture. He watched the girl scuttle backwards like a beaten animal, tearing at the energy bar. He realized she must be almost starved, the bones in her face were visible beneath her skin, but what disturbed him most was the feral look in her eyes.
You dont need to thank me, he strung out the last word for effect, it looked like you were about to rise up from the grave and save yourself. He was sarcastic but kept his tone gentle, this girl was as near outright panic as anyone he had ever seen. Seriously, can you understand me?
We understand, she said around the last bite of the Ms. Liberty Insta-End bar. What do you want? Her voice changed from definitely female to somehow masculine in mid-sentence.
He didnt notice it immediately. I only want to make sure you are OK. Im a Hero, thats what we do. He smiled and slung the weapon tighter across his broad back. You know, helping old ladies, purse-snatchers, taking down gangs. The more he looked, the more it appeared this might be someone suffering Superadine withdrawl. It was eating up the city, but he knew a good clinic, and there were always beds for those he brought in.
No, no drugs, she said quietly. Ive been living on the streets, trying to stay off their grid. The surprise on his face brought a small smile to her wane lips, The Crey grid.
She tapped the side of her head and stood up slowly, We can read thoughts, at least some thoughts. And it is We. Again the voice had changed quickly and seamlessly.
Well, if you are on the run from the Crey, you ran into the right guy. He pulled a small pouch, one of many, open at his belt and removed several small packets. Holding them up to the early light, she could see that they were Paragon Protector badges.
I try not to mess them up, if I can help it. This one took some heat when the owner decided he stood a chance against old Mack here, the man patted his rifles butt.
By the way, Im Mr. Fixit, he held out one large hand.
Sibling, sir, she shook it with her much smaller one. Cliff wants to say hes sorry, but you have to understand, nobody else has ever given us something for nothing.
Cliff? The Hero looked puzzled, glancing behind him.
Angela and Cliff, thats us. We both share this body, thats why we call ourselves Sibling. Its a long story, but we dont have time. Thank you Mr. Fixit, maybe we can help you one day.
The day is young, and my patrol is over. Actually, those Skulls helped me clean up a job I overlooked. I need to get back to my Contact with this, he held up a bracelet that caught the light, light that didnt look entirely earthly.
I tell you what Sibling? he cocked an eyebrow, then continued when she nodded her head. Ill buy you breakfast at the Cafeteria in City Hall if you want to go that far, and maybe you can tell me a little of your story?
We are still filthy, and dont have anywhere to go to clean up. Thank you for your kindness, but you have given enough. She stared up at the man, but her eyes showed her shame. He had saved her life, obviously, given her food and even the offer of assistance, but the twins did not beg or shame their friends.
No prob, he waved a hand and quickly pointed, I own that building. Its a gym with showers and plenty of workout wear. You can shower in there and get cleaned up, and Ill loan you some clothes until we can get you registered with the city.
Never! The girls panicked voice was back and she took a step away.
Not under your real name! None of the Heroes in Paragon go by their real names. He held out his hands in peace. The city is also really good about asking for only minimal info, and I have a friend in G.I.F.T. that will want to meet you.
She stepped forward, head bowed sheepishly.
I told you he could be trusted, Angela silently said to Cliff in their head.
You are the telepath, He replied.
Mr. Fixit was fishing around in another pouch and the sound of keys was heard.
Looks like it might be a good day, he called behind him as Sibling crossed the street.
Looks like it might be a good day, indeed, the twins agreed.
Chapter 2
As the two stepped across the deserted street, Mr. Fixit took something else out of his pocket, an object that resembled a credit card, and held it out next to the doorframe. A red light, hidden behind a signed marked Delivery flashed twice and the otherwise indiscriminate door clicked open. Sibling noticed two oddities once the door was cracked, one that the door swung outward on the hinges, and second that it was much thicker and moved with more mass than she had thought.
You cant be too careful in this neighborhood, Mr. Fixit explained as she stepped into the dimly lit hall. He reached to a panel near the door and the lights came up with an almost painful intensity after the early dawn outside.
She quickly blocked the light with one hand, and didnt notice the widened eyes of her host. He had seen her in the alley, actually heard her first, and luck was with her in that he always came in a few hours early. When he stepped into the alleyway, she had just fallen, but there was still chaos in the gang. That had delayed them in getting to her, otherwise she would have been another victim.
He had not seen what shape she was in, at least not up close and in the light. Her entire body was a mess, from dirt and garbage stains on her torn clothes to her long, matted hair. She was obviously a runaway, and that could mean some issues with the authorities, if she had a record. These days, there were more scared kids in The Row than there were safe ones. He diverted his eyes and turned before her eyes could adjust.
Ill show you where the showers are, he said, leading the way down a short hall toward another heavy door, Then you can get cleaned up while I look into something for you to wear. Nothing fancy here, but you wont stand out with all the Heroes running around. He used only a normal key for this door.
Sibling took note that there were two other doors in the hall, on either side, and about ten feet from the outer door. Cliff had an eidetic memory, Angela a photographic one, the two forgot nothing they saw or read. One of the doors had no handle, and looked to be flush with the wall with barely a seam. The other was wooden, more like an office door, but without any sign or label.
Already, the heat from the building was bringing feeling back into their arms and legs. As they followed their new friend into the main space of the gym, they had to stop and stare, it was the most luxurious space they had ever seen. Calling it a gym was almost a joke, except for the complex equipment and science fiction equipment along the walls, it looked more like a laboratory.
Who would work out in this place? Sibling asked, still turning in place at the sight.
He was striding across the open center area, toward a raised platform that housed what appeared to be a bar, complete with bubbling drink machines and a cooler. The place looked more like a nightclub than a weight and aerobics gym. Even the equipment glistened, not a spec of dust on anything they could see.
He pause after reaching the raised area, the clubs check-in desk, and reaching into one of the coolers, pulled out a large bottle with something green and glowing inside. Drink some of this, it will help put some life back into you, he handed it to her when she stepped up. It looked like the Bones had already taken a shot or two at you when I got there. He pulled something out from under a counter and turned back to her.
That was either really stupid, or really gutsy, and Im not sure which. A sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants held out, something that was the smallest he had in the place. Looking at her, they were still several sizes too big.
You are very kind Mr. Fixit, but how do you expect us to pay for all these things? Cliffs voice carried the exact same accent and pattern, but was definitely male, much lower.
Fixits eyes widened again, that was very disconcerting, when this tiny girl suddenly had a mans voice. Not the strangest thing the Hero had ever seen, or heard, but it made him step back anyway.
The young womans voice returned as quickly, We dont mean to frighten you, Cliff is just curious, and a little suspicious. We both are.
Fixit backed up to a counter, and leaned down to rest his weight, kicking one leg out. He had placed the immense rifle against one corner of the counter, just within reach. Old habits die hard.
I can understand, you probably dont trust a lot of people, and in this town, thats smart. What I can guarantee you though, he placed the clothing on the counter, is that no Hero, NO Hero, will hurt you. He stood up to his rather impressive height, towering several feet over the smaller woman. You have my word on that. If they did, crime fighting in the city would stop, at least long enough for every Hero from here to Talos Island to find the punk. A decidedly wicked smile broke across his normally benign features, And the smackdown that ensued would be legendary.
Angela gave her brother a gentle, and silent, rebuke.
I told you, we can trust him.
Now, you were asking who would visit my club. He motioned for her to follow him to the nearest wall. These, he pointed to several photos, are some of the finest Heroes in the city. Phayzed, Moncro, Hot Lead, he paused for a moment and pointed to a picture alone, in a fancy frame, and this is Blue Steel.
All the people in the photos were either hard at work under heavy weights and specialized machines, or shaking hands with the man in front of her. Blue Steel was even in a T-shirt and very tight shorts, tight only because his legs looked like telephone poles. Now they understood, all this equipment was designed for super-powered users. It was no wonder some of it looked made out of earth moving vehicles.
A noise in the hallway they had come in through, drew their attention, and Sibling moved behind a pillar to block direct view. Already they were qeueing up a Dominate power, hesitation was not one of their traits. They had learned that always having a plan was the key to survival, and waiting to see what happened meant being part of it.
Fixit saw their movement out of the corner of one eye. His hand came up quickly, Whoa! Thats just the staff! He had quickly moved nearer Sibling, making a waving motion with both hands. He worked with Controllers and Blasters enough to know when a power was being brought up.
Her quick eyes darted to the side, realized that this was his place and that he wasnt worried about the approaching sounds, and allowed the Dominate power to fade. Not releasing the power was somewhat painful, and took her a few heartbeats to tame. The grimace reached the thin lips, and the large man misunderstood.
I know things might have been tough on the streets, he stepped back, but there isnt anything to fear inside these walls. There are some special enhancements that brute force and guile wont pass, and if you dont have one of these cards, he held up the plastic card hed used on the back door, you dont get in.
Hey! Whats going on, boss? Came a female voice from the direction of the back hall.
Sibling took a step to the side, barely peeking around the corner of the column. The voice had come from a tall woman, a very tall woman with glowing eyes and wearing something more like fur than a jacket. From the looks of her, this woman was over seven feet tall, and after a closer look, wore nothing other than the full body fur.
You need to meet a new friend, Slice. Mr. Fixit addressed the woman with a warm voice, obviously these two were friends. He motioned to Sibling to step around the side of the column toward him, picking up the rifle as he did. This is Sibling , he hesitated and looked toward the still hesitant girl.
Sibling, Cliffs voice confirmed. They stepped out from behind the column and down onto the main floor, turning in the direction of the furred woman. Even at this distance, Sibling had to look up into the womans face. The glowing eyes widened for a moment at the male voice coming from the small woman, then the glow faded and the womans cat slit eyes met Siblings.
SliceofPie, the woman held out one hand, which Sibling saw was actually a paw with stubby fingers and barely retracted claws. My friends, and friends of my friends, she gave a sly look toward Mr. Fixit, call me Slice.
The grip was surprisingly firm, and rough. After their hands touched, Angela felt a wild rush of heat, the sound of wind rushed through their ears, and Slice drew back her hand like she was stung.
Wow! The tall woman took a small jump backwards and crouched, one arm touching the ground in a classic football stance. Tell a girl youre a Telepath next time! I just came off patrol and havent shaken off one of the Rikti mind spells quite yet. While her tone was offended and sharp, a smile crossed her feral lips, and her nostrils flared wide. Angela could feel that the anger was only on the surface, there was a curiosity beneath the surface.
Oh yeah, Sibling, I forgot to mention, Fixit had walked over to the pair, carrying the sweats and a small duffel bag, Slice wears her heart on her sleeve. The rumbling from Slice was only a mock warning. Telepaths bother her a little.
The woman rose and towered over even Fixit, Sibling saw she reached only to the other womans chest. This close, she could see that there was a thin belt and chest crossing vest. Small holsters and sheaths filled with edged weapons were within easy reach. She could also see the twin swords that Slice wore across her back.
Dont bother me, she growled, just like to know ahead. Cant fight what you cant see. She stood indignantly, crossing her arms over her chest. The twins could see that she really was covered in fur, thicker near her elbows and knees, but wore essentially nothing else. Pointed ears and tufts of fur only made the resemblance to a cat more powerful.
Like the ears? When Slice was amused, there was a purring current to her tone. Sibling realized she was staring, Fixit was smiling knowingly from the side. Dont be embarrassed, I get that a lot. Her nose wrinkled slightly, a tightening of the cleft upper lip, Dont take this the wrong way, Sibling, the taller woman broke eye contact and looked sheepishly at the floor, but you need to get some clean clothes.
Their face flushed, and Fixit actually chuckled, trying hard to cover it.
She was on her way, er, their way, when you came in.
I suppose you were going to show her the way? An amused purr ended with a cocked eye, the whiskers above it rising.
Not me, I am a man of Virtue! There was an obvious inside joke here, Sibling was not following.
More like a Guardian, but I appreciate it. Slice took the clothes and the bag from Fixits arms, Follow me, Ill show you the facilities. Im sure that Fixit knows how to open the desk.
Watch her, Sibling, Fixit gave a wink, she isnt afraid of the water.
The two women walked across the room toward the facilities. This was going to be an interesting day.
OK, here is our story, this time with spaces since tabs don't work here. Again, comments are welcome, either way.
We cant keep this up, she said into the cold morning air, trying to stretch some of the stiffness out of her neck. Its been almost two weeks since we slept in a bed, and half that long since we had a good meal.
For emphasis she held up one skeletal hand, covered in pasty flesh that was far too taught for a 24 year old. There was dried blood and unidentifiable types of dirt speckled over her arms, filthy fingernails with chips and some evidence of the cold taking a toll. Her knuckles were swollen and she was sure arthritis had already started. Looking around the dark alley, her tears started again as they did often these days.
I know, I feel it to Im sorry Angela, but we couldnt stay any longer. Her hands moved to wipe tears away from her eyes, leaving essentially the only clean streaks on her face. Her misery and wretchedness were not seen by anyone else, but she was still ashamed of it. Not having nice clothes, not always enough to eat, being isolated in a world she could never shut out were all companions from birth; being filthy and cold were recent additions.
The lower pitched voice came again, I just dont know what else to do, we have to go to the city for help.
We cant! Crey almost caught us the last time! We wont go back to that lab, it would be better to die. She was shaking uncontrollably, her voice rising in hysterics to something near a scream. That proved to be her first serious mistake in some time.
The fire escape rang with sudden booted footsteps from above, rattling against the aging lag bolts holding into the chipped plaster of the brick wall. She looked up in enough time to know that this dark day might be her last. At least ten gray and black clad figures were pouring off the three story roof onto the steel ladder, the gang that held sway in this part of Kings Row, The Skulls.
Hey little girl, the largest of them sneered from one level above the street. did you say you were lookin to die? His gang was waiting along the railings, a couple with baseball bats or long knives flashing. She knew that killing was one of the Skulls rites, but didnt believe that was all they would want.
She backed across the alley, as far as she could in the narrow space, until the cold bricks of the next building were pressing into her back. There was nowhere to go, the alley ended in dumpsters and another three story business, and the entrance already held several Bones leering at her. She was so tired and so hungry, even when she was feeling well this would have been too much.
Please, we arent looking for any trouble, Angela began.
We? The thug looked down the alley from one end to the other, You got an invisible friend somewhere? Maybe we get two for one? Harsh laughter rained down on the lone womans form like the misery and pain she felt.
Terrified, panicking and hopeless; that was how the first episode had been, too. That was when Cliff had been the brother and Angela the sister, when they had lived with their parents, before the incident that had started their long slide into today. The first time The Gestalt had happened.
Her mind went white, eyes rolled into her head and the voice that had been quiet and female, or lower and male by turns, took on the qualities of two rocks grinding together, impossible in so small a body.
You will not touch her! With an authority that left no question.
Even the Bone Daddy, Kneecapper, stood still for a moment, a suppressed shiver in his back. He had faced Heroes before, so it quickly passed. No little skirt was going to prevent this fun, and his men were witnesses.
Kill her! He bellowed, leaping off the landing and starting a negative energy attack. If the girl resisted, he knew the powers that provided him his strength would make sure she stayed alive long enough for some revenge.
Several things happened in quick succession: Kneecapper was falling and then rising rapidly to land with felt impact on the fire escape, two of his minions who had been rushing down were now convinced they should fight one another, another minion grabbed his splitting head and the girl fell unconscious to the street.
Hey kid, you alright?
She opened her eyes only far enough to see that the man standing over her was not their father, when he shoved something warm and oatmeal-flavored into her mouth. A hand quickly reached up to grab it, to make sure she could eat it all. The quickness of her movement startled the stranger enough he stepped back, causing the immense rifle, barrel still smoking, strapped to his back to swing.
Whoa! Whens the last time you ate? His brown hair stood at attention, one half-gloved hand moving through it in a gesture. He watched the girl scuttle backwards like a beaten animal, tearing at the energy bar. He realized she must be almost starved, the bones in her face were visible beneath her skin, but what disturbed him most was the feral look in her eyes.
You dont need to thank me, he strung out the last word for effect, it looked like you were about to rise up from the grave and save yourself. He was sarcastic but kept his tone gentle, this girl was as near outright panic as anyone he had ever seen. Seriously, can you understand me?
We understand, she said around the last bite of the Ms. Liberty Insta-End bar. What do you want? Her voice changed from definitely female to somehow masculine in mid-sentence.
He didnt notice it immediately. I only want to make sure you are OK. Im a Hero, thats what we do. He smiled and slung the weapon tighter across his broad back. You know, helping old ladies, purse-snatchers, taking down gangs. The more he looked, the more it appeared this might be someone suffering Superadine withdrawl. It was eating up the city, but he knew a good clinic, and there were always beds for those he brought in.
No, no drugs, she said quietly. Ive been living on the streets, trying to stay off their grid. The surprise on his face brought a small smile to her wane lips, The Crey grid.
She tapped the side of her head and stood up slowly, We can read thoughts, at least some thoughts. And it is We. Again the voice had changed quickly and seamlessly.
Well, if you are on the run from the Crey, you ran into the right guy. He pulled a small pouch, one of many, open at his belt and removed several small packets. Holding them up to the early light, she could see that they were Paragon Protector badges.
I try not to mess them up, if I can help it. This one took some heat when the owner decided he stood a chance against old Mack here, the man patted his rifles butt.
By the way, Im Mr. Fixit, he held out one large hand.
Sibling, sir, she shook it with her much smaller one. Cliff wants to say hes sorry, but you have to understand, nobody else has ever given us something for nothing.
Cliff? The Hero looked puzzled, glancing behind him.
Angela and Cliff, thats us. We both share this body, thats why we call ourselves Sibling. Its a long story, but we dont have time. Thank you Mr. Fixit, maybe we can help you one day.
The day is young, and my patrol is over. Actually, those Skulls helped me clean up a job I overlooked. I need to get back to my Contact with this, he held up a bracelet that caught the light, light that didnt look entirely earthly.
I tell you what Sibling? he cocked an eyebrow, then continued when she nodded her head. Ill buy you breakfast at the Cafeteria in City Hall if you want to go that far, and maybe you can tell me a little of your story?
We are still filthy, and dont have anywhere to go to clean up. Thank you for your kindness, but you have given enough. She stared up at the man, but her eyes showed her shame. He had saved her life, obviously, given her food and even the offer of assistance, but the twins did not beg or shame their friends.
No prob, he waved a hand and quickly pointed, I own that building. Its a gym with showers and plenty of workout wear. You can shower in there and get cleaned up, and Ill loan you some clothes until we can get you registered with the city.
Never! The girls panicked voice was back and she took a step away.
Not under your real name! None of the Heroes in Paragon go by their real names. He held out his hands in peace. The city is also really good about asking for only minimal info, and I have a friend in G.I.F.T. that will want to meet you.
She stepped forward, head bowed sheepishly.
I told you he could be trusted, Angela silently said to Cliff in their head.
You are the telepath, He replied.
Mr. Fixit was fishing around in another pouch and the sound of keys was heard.
Looks like it might be a good day, he called behind him as Sibling crossed the street.
Looks like it might be a good day, indeed, the twins agreed.
Chapter 2
As the two stepped across the deserted street, Mr. Fixit took something else out of his pocket, an object that resembled a credit card, and held it out next to the doorframe. A red light, hidden behind a signed marked Delivery flashed twice and the otherwise indiscriminate door clicked open. Sibling noticed two oddities once the door was cracked, one that the door swung outward on the hinges, and second that it was much thicker and moved with more mass than she had thought.
You cant be too careful in this neighborhood, Mr. Fixit explained as she stepped into the dimly lit hall. He reached to a panel near the door and the lights came up with an almost painful intensity after the early dawn outside.
She quickly blocked the light with one hand, and didnt notice the widened eyes of her host. He had seen her in the alley, actually heard her first, and luck was with her in that he always came in a few hours early. When he stepped into the alleyway, she had just fallen, but there was still chaos in the gang. That had delayed them in getting to her, otherwise she would have been another victim.
He had not seen what shape she was in, at least not up close and in the light. Her entire body was a mess, from dirt and garbage stains on her torn clothes to her long, matted hair. She was obviously a runaway, and that could mean some issues with the authorities, if she had a record. These days, there were more scared kids in The Row than there were safe ones. He diverted his eyes and turned before her eyes could adjust.
Ill show you where the showers are, he said, leading the way down a short hall toward another heavy door, Then you can get cleaned up while I look into something for you to wear. Nothing fancy here, but you wont stand out with all the Heroes running around. He used only a normal key for this door.
Sibling took note that there were two other doors in the hall, on either side, and about ten feet from the outer door. Cliff had an eidetic memory, Angela a photographic one, the two forgot nothing they saw or read. One of the doors had no handle, and looked to be flush with the wall with barely a seam. The other was wooden, more like an office door, but without any sign or label.
Already, the heat from the building was bringing feeling back into their arms and legs. As they followed their new friend into the main space of the gym, they had to stop and stare, it was the most luxurious space they had ever seen. Calling it a gym was almost a joke, except for the complex equipment and science fiction equipment along the walls, it looked more like a laboratory.
Who would work out in this place? Sibling asked, still turning in place at the sight.
He was striding across the open center area, toward a raised platform that housed what appeared to be a bar, complete with bubbling drink machines and a cooler. The place looked more like a nightclub than a weight and aerobics gym. Even the equipment glistened, not a spec of dust on anything they could see.
He pause after reaching the raised area, the clubs check-in desk, and reaching into one of the coolers, pulled out a large bottle with something green and glowing inside. Drink some of this, it will help put some life back into you, he handed it to her when she stepped up. It looked like the Bones had already taken a shot or two at you when I got there. He pulled something out from under a counter and turned back to her.
That was either really stupid, or really gutsy, and Im not sure which. A sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants held out, something that was the smallest he had in the place. Looking at her, they were still several sizes too big.
You are very kind Mr. Fixit, but how do you expect us to pay for all these things? Cliffs voice carried the exact same accent and pattern, but was definitely male, much lower.
Fixits eyes widened again, that was very disconcerting, when this tiny girl suddenly had a mans voice. Not the strangest thing the Hero had ever seen, or heard, but it made him step back anyway.
The young womans voice returned as quickly, We dont mean to frighten you, Cliff is just curious, and a little suspicious. We both are.
Fixit backed up to a counter, and leaned down to rest his weight, kicking one leg out. He had placed the immense rifle against one corner of the counter, just within reach. Old habits die hard.
I can understand, you probably dont trust a lot of people, and in this town, thats smart. What I can guarantee you though, he placed the clothing on the counter, is that no Hero, NO Hero, will hurt you. He stood up to his rather impressive height, towering several feet over the smaller woman. You have my word on that. If they did, crime fighting in the city would stop, at least long enough for every Hero from here to Talos Island to find the punk. A decidedly wicked smile broke across his normally benign features, And the smackdown that ensued would be legendary.
Angela gave her brother a gentle, and silent, rebuke.
I told you, we can trust him.
Now, you were asking who would visit my club. He motioned for her to follow him to the nearest wall. These, he pointed to several photos, are some of the finest Heroes in the city. Phayzed, Moncro, Hot Lead, he paused for a moment and pointed to a picture alone, in a fancy frame, and this is Blue Steel.
All the people in the photos were either hard at work under heavy weights and specialized machines, or shaking hands with the man in front of her. Blue Steel was even in a T-shirt and very tight shorts, tight only because his legs looked like telephone poles. Now they understood, all this equipment was designed for super-powered users. It was no wonder some of it looked made out of earth moving vehicles.
A noise in the hallway they had come in through, drew their attention, and Sibling moved behind a pillar to block direct view. Already they were qeueing up a Dominate power, hesitation was not one of their traits. They had learned that always having a plan was the key to survival, and waiting to see what happened meant being part of it.
Fixit saw their movement out of the corner of one eye. His hand came up quickly, Whoa! Thats just the staff! He had quickly moved nearer Sibling, making a waving motion with both hands. He worked with Controllers and Blasters enough to know when a power was being brought up.
Her quick eyes darted to the side, realized that this was his place and that he wasnt worried about the approaching sounds, and allowed the Dominate power to fade. Not releasing the power was somewhat painful, and took her a few heartbeats to tame. The grimace reached the thin lips, and the large man misunderstood.
I know things might have been tough on the streets, he stepped back, but there isnt anything to fear inside these walls. There are some special enhancements that brute force and guile wont pass, and if you dont have one of these cards, he held up the plastic card hed used on the back door, you dont get in.
Hey! Whats going on, boss? Came a female voice from the direction of the back hall.
Sibling took a step to the side, barely peeking around the corner of the column. The voice had come from a tall woman, a very tall woman with glowing eyes and wearing something more like fur than a jacket. From the looks of her, this woman was over seven feet tall, and after a closer look, wore nothing other than the full body fur.
You need to meet a new friend, Slice. Mr. Fixit addressed the woman with a warm voice, obviously these two were friends. He motioned to Sibling to step around the side of the column toward him, picking up the rifle as he did. This is Sibling , he hesitated and looked toward the still hesitant girl.
Sibling, Cliffs voice confirmed. They stepped out from behind the column and down onto the main floor, turning in the direction of the furred woman. Even at this distance, Sibling had to look up into the womans face. The glowing eyes widened for a moment at the male voice coming from the small woman, then the glow faded and the womans cat slit eyes met Siblings.
SliceofPie, the woman held out one hand, which Sibling saw was actually a paw with stubby fingers and barely retracted claws. My friends, and friends of my friends, she gave a sly look toward Mr. Fixit, call me Slice.
The grip was surprisingly firm, and rough. After their hands touched, Angela felt a wild rush of heat, the sound of wind rushed through their ears, and Slice drew back her hand like she was stung.
Wow! The tall woman took a small jump backwards and crouched, one arm touching the ground in a classic football stance. Tell a girl youre a Telepath next time! I just came off patrol and havent shaken off one of the Rikti mind spells quite yet. While her tone was offended and sharp, a smile crossed her feral lips, and her nostrils flared wide. Angela could feel that the anger was only on the surface, there was a curiosity beneath the surface.
Oh yeah, Sibling, I forgot to mention, Fixit had walked over to the pair, carrying the sweats and a small duffel bag, Slice wears her heart on her sleeve. The rumbling from Slice was only a mock warning. Telepaths bother her a little.
The woman rose and towered over even Fixit, Sibling saw she reached only to the other womans chest. This close, she could see that there was a thin belt and chest crossing vest. Small holsters and sheaths filled with edged weapons were within easy reach. She could also see the twin swords that Slice wore across her back.
Dont bother me, she growled, just like to know ahead. Cant fight what you cant see. She stood indignantly, crossing her arms over her chest. The twins could see that she really was covered in fur, thicker near her elbows and knees, but wore essentially nothing else. Pointed ears and tufts of fur only made the resemblance to a cat more powerful.
Like the ears? When Slice was amused, there was a purring current to her tone. Sibling realized she was staring, Fixit was smiling knowingly from the side. Dont be embarrassed, I get that a lot. Her nose wrinkled slightly, a tightening of the cleft upper lip, Dont take this the wrong way, Sibling, the taller woman broke eye contact and looked sheepishly at the floor, but you need to get some clean clothes.
Their face flushed, and Fixit actually chuckled, trying hard to cover it.
She was on her way, er, their way, when you came in.
I suppose you were going to show her the way? An amused purr ended with a cocked eye, the whiskers above it rising.
Not me, I am a man of Virtue! There was an obvious inside joke here, Sibling was not following.
More like a Guardian, but I appreciate it. Slice took the clothes and the bag from Fixits arms, Follow me, Ill show you the facilities. Im sure that Fixit knows how to open the desk.
Watch her, Sibling, Fixit gave a wink, she isnt afraid of the water.
The two women walked across the room toward the facilities. This was going to be an interesting day.