1.12 Virtual Part 6

Joan groans as she goes under the disorienting process of disconnecting from the virtual world. Or cyber world in this case.

I can make adjust to your neural functions to make the process more natural.

Who is, wait, is that you Ceta?

Yes Joan.

I’m also here.

Hello Legacy. Not that I’m complaining or anything, but what are you two doing in my head.

Technically speaking we’re in the nanobots.

Oh. What will I tell people?

Leo, Jaylyn and the rest of the Guardsmen can know the truth while the others can remain unaware.

What about Abby?

You may tell your sister. She has proven that she can be trusted with our secrets and I don’t see any practical way to keep our presence hidden from her.

Okay. Say, I can block her now right?

Yes.

I’m going to call her! Abby!

Yes Joan?

Come here!

Okay I guess…

Joan giggles as Abby attempts to enter her mind, only to be block by her new defences.

What-what the? What is this Joan?

Like it?

What the hell is going on Joan!?

Oh, Ceta just set up some mental defences you so can’t just waltz in and do whatever you want to me. Now you need my permission to do stuff to my mind and to control my body.

I don’t-I can’t freaking believe you Joan!

Nothing wrong. Just the same as what you did to keep other telepaths out of my head.

Don’t you trust me?

Sure I do. I just don’t like when you take control of my body whenever it suits you.

I only did when I had good reasons.

Normal people don’t have to worry about their sisters taking over their minds and bodies whenever they get upset or angry.

You would just throw temper tantrums.

That doesn’t matter! The point is that I no longer have to worry about you taking control of my body anymore. You can only do it when I let you and only for a long as I let you.

Humph.

Don’t ‘humph’ me Abby! You don’t respect me anymore just because of your powers!

I do respect you!

Except for when it is convenient for you! You just use your powers with such casual ease that you don’t even know you are abusing them on people!

Th-that isn’t true!

It is too!

It is not!

Un-huh it is!

Leo is coming Joan.

Yay!

Wait, who was-

Joan doesn’t give her sister time to finish before breaking the connection.

“Hello Leo,” says Joan as Leo re-enters the room.

“Hi Joan,” replies Leo as he walks by her, barely glancing at her as he does so.

Joan is used to that as Leo isn’t in love with her for her looks, something she is very glad for. Plus she knows that with his power, he process everything faster in his mind so a second long glance is the equivalent of several seconds long for a normal person. But at the same time, now she is getting better, she does want him to appreciate her looks.

“I have good news,” says Joan as Leo sits down at his desk with a box of parts.

“Oh?” inquires Leo as he turns around to look at her.

“You know those nanobots I got in me,” says Joan.

“Let me guess,” replies Leo, “Legacy and Ceta hacked them and are now in control.”

“Yeah!” replies Joan, “How did you know?”

“Because I know my partner,” answers Leo, “Anything else?”

“Ceta also limited Abby’s ability to take control of my mind and body so I can block her or kick her out when I want to,” says Joan before turning an accusing tone on Leo, “Something you never even tried to do anything about.”

“We had this conversation before,” replies Leo with a resigned sigh, “Abigail isn’t abusing her powers on you and this is a matter between sisters. As soon as begins to use her powers to abuse you, I will step in that every instant.”

“I know,” says Joan, “You and Guardian risk your lives to take on Darkness to protect me.”

And we beat him into the ground as well.

We would have also killed him if he hadn’t given into our demands.

Really?

Yes.

I think he knew that and partly why he gave in so easily.

Seriously?

Yes/Yes.

“So what are you up to?” asks Joan as she looks at the box of parts.

“I’m working on some trivial stuff,” replies Leo, “My parents might be easy going liberals who have no clue of what I’m really up to, but I still need something to show them to back up my cover story for when I am doing all my Gears work. So I spend a bit of my time every now and again coming up with something trivial to show my family. Something that is impressive and would take up time for even an exceptional normal person to come up with, but someone with my powers and abilities can do with casual ease.”

“That makes sense,” says Joan as Leo looks away again.

Don’t forget to tell him about us.

Oh yeah.

“Hey Leo,” says Joan in her sweet voice.

“Yes?” replies Leo as he gets to work.

“Legacy and Ceta are currently residing in the nanobots in me,” says Joan.

“Okay,” replies Leo without even looking at her, “Legacy, Ceta, take good care of Joan.”

“Aye, aye brother,” replies Legacy using Joan’s body, much to Joan’s shock.

1.12 Virtual Part 5

“Good because my bot just got destroyed,” replies Legacy as she and Ceta meet up in another nanobot.

“I have control of the entire network now,” says Ceta, “Not as good as my nanites, but these nanobots are decent.”

“You should give copies of their designs to Leo,” says Legacy.

“That is a good idea,” replies Ceta, “Now using these nanobots, I will use them to fix Joan. Maybe improve where I can.”

“She would like that,” says Legacy with a smile, “Especially since you are somebody she can trust.”

“We should return and tell her the good news,” says Ceta.

“Yes, let’s,” agrees Legacy.

***

“Greetings Joan, Jaylyn,” says Legacy as she turns to her room in the Cyberworld, “I have returned with good news.”

Joan and Jaylyn are sitting on a couch in front of a large wall screen, showing an unknown film on it. Joan has changed into a black spacesuit while Jaylyn is changed from her white cloth dress into a dress made from a metallic weave. Legacy recognises them as both of alien origin, but altered to fit humans.

“What news?” asks Joan eagerly as the film pauses and both she and Jaylyn look over at Legacy.

“Ceta have taken full control of the nanobots,” Legacy informs them both, “You no longer need to worry about them.”

“That is good news,” says Joan with a sigh of relief.

“Judging from what I can see, the two of you appear to be enjoying yourselves,” says Legacy.

“Oh yes,” answers Joan as she gets up from the couch, “You and Ceta have an amazing amount of stuff stored in here. I could spent weeks in here! In fact, I have spent almost three days in here.”

“Actually it has only been a few seconds, but having experienced years in here over course of the last two months, I understand where you are coming from,” replies Legacy.

“Years?” mutters Joan, “Wow, you must be glad that we showed up.”

“Definitely,” confirms Legacy, “Not that I was bored or had nothing to do, but I enjoy having contact with my friends and family again.”

“I suppose I should log out,” says Joan with a sigh of annoyance, “I feel like doing something in the real world.”

“I understand,” says Legacy, “I shall await your return.”

“Oh, I’m not going just yet,” replies Joan, “I’m going to finish watching this movie series. I’m on eight of twelve.”

“I will join you,” says Legacy as she walks over to the duo, “Where are you are at?”

“A place called Gorilth,” answers Jaylyn in her chirpy voice, “A planet with two moons, Harilk and Normil. Gorilth is inhabited by the Hardul while Normil is infested by the Infilik.”

“I remember that world,” says Legacy as she sits down next to Joan, “An Infilik called Jingorin was Guardian there.

“Yeah, he is in the movies,” says Joan, “Sort of. He is only mentioned in the past as this series is set in the future. Which is only slightly more advanced than our modern day in many area. Ceta has had it translate into English by the way.”

“The Hardul had a long lives and slow initiative,” replies Legacy, not mentioning that she doesn’t need to have the film translated, “The Infilik were short lived and not very smart. The Hardul were poor inventors when compared to Humanity while the Infilik relied on coping the Hardul for advancements in technology.”

“So you know the setting so I don’t have to explain it,” says Joan, “At this point, the Kiri Federation has driven the Infilik from Normil and dominates Gorilth. But now they are suffering corruption and internal instabilities as the years drag on. And now it is up to Pirila and her team to save the Kiri Federation and the Hardul race.”

“Interesting,” replies Legacy, “How far into the movie are we?”

“Not far,” answers Joan, “Barely past the beginning. Pirila and Marcal are on the run from the Kiri Internal Security Service and are trying to rally their allies.”

“Sounds good,” replies Legacy, “Shall we play it now?”

“Wait!” exclaims Joan, “You need to change out of that armour!”

“Why?” inquires Legacy as she gives Joan an odd look.

“Because we’re hanging out and you shouldn’t wear armour or work clothes when you’re hanging out,” explains Joan, “You should wear a dress or something.”

“A dress,” repeats Legacy.

“Yes, a dress,” says Joan, “You got a very beautiful body, you know.”

“I do?” says Legacy.

“Yes!” replies Joan, “You have at least C-cups, maybe even D-Cups. And you got such a good figure by normal standards. Your hair is so soft and smooth while your face has such pretty features. You might not stand up to an Aphrodite in terms of beauty, but you could definitely be mistaken for a Bellator.”

“I have been,” replies Legacy, “And technically speaking my genetics and nanites mean I would count as a D class Bellator if it weren’t for the fact I don’t have any powers.”

“Oh yeah,” says Joan, “I forgot your powers come from technology not whatever normal powers come from.”

“From Entities,” replies Legacy.

“Yeah, those things,” says Joan.

“Excuse me, but I have uncovered something,” says Ceta as she appears next to them.

“What is it?” asks Legacy.

“I have found the access point used by Abigail Fowler and her companion Divine Magicka to access Joan’s mind and body,” answers Ceta, “I can set up measures so Joan can limit their actions including retaking control of her body and blocking them from her mind if she so wishes.”

“Do it!” screeches Joan suddenly as she practically leaps out of her seat, “Do it now!”

“As you wish,” says Ceta before disappearing.

Godslayer Arc 1.10 Shocker Again

Drakvar staggers backwards as Sir Galamin’s fist slams into his gut. He groans as he drops to his knee, panting heavily.

Since their meeting together, Sir Galamin offered to take on Drakvar as his squire and Drakvar accepted the offer as he saw no reason not to. Hence why they are now sparring on the ground floor of the abandoned factory that Drakvar calls home.

It turns out that Sir Galamin is the son of the Ordic and was born over a thousand years ago. He came to Kar’mire to see his father and then decided to stick around for the dual purpose of training Drakvar and making sure nothing averse is being undertaken within Kar’mire.

Unfortunately for Drakvar, Sir Galamin easily outclasses him with almost a thousand years of knowledge and combat experience in addition to a finely honed body.

“You did well Drakvar,” says Sir Galamin in that deep, commanding voice of his, “Not many would still be upright after such a blow. Not surprising considering your abilities.”

“So my abilities are the only reason I am still standing?” grunts Drakvar as he struggles to stand back up.

“It is not so bad to have such a thing be the case,” replies Sir Galamin, “As the First Saint, my own abilities due to such a status give me a considerable advantage against those who would oppose me, even before you take other factors into account.”

“I suppose,” grumbles Drakvar, “So what does being the First Saint mean anyway? Are you called that because you are the strongest one alive or because you were the first one?”

“The former,” answers Sir Galamin, “But the latter is also correct as while I am the most powerful of Saints and Demigods that walk this world, I am also the first of the Saints as all those that came before me were all Demigods. Beyond that, I have also kept my body in top form over the long years.”

“No wonder I never stood a chance,” mutters Drakvar.

“Not yet you don’t,” agrees Sir Galamin, “But within a few years, you should be easily capable of holding your own against me. In fact, it is only because I fight extremely well and do not rely on my powers any more than I have to.”

“Daddy!” yells Solara as she blasts past Drakvar, moving beyond his ability to track as she travels at the speed of light.

The warrior-spirit tackles Sir Galamin, wrapping her arms around him as the Saint doesn’t even budge under her impact, leaving Drakvar impressed by the ancient warrior.

“Solara, my little angel,” says Sir Galamin in a whisper as he hugs her back, “It has been months since I have last seen you.”

As Drakvar watches the two of them embrace each other, he hears Jordis calling his name.

“Drakvar!” says Jordis as the young girl runs up to him, “I want another book.”

“I only got you one just a couple of days ago,” points out Drakvar.

“I’ve finished reading it,” says Jordis shameless as she looks up at Drakvar with wide eyes, “Can I have another one?”

“If I can find one,” replies Drakvar with a mild sigh, “It isn’t like I have the money to just go and buy one.”

“Here,” says Sir Galamin and Drakvar barely catches the small grey circle, “That is a Jord iron coin, worth one hundred and ten international credits. Just make sure any shop you go to will accept Jord coin.”

“Thank you,” replies Drakvar as he looks down at the dull coin, remembering that most books only cost about ten international credits or two Karric coppers.

“Just see that you use my gift wisely,” replies Sir Galamin as Solara looks over his shoulder as she climbs on his back, “I shall continue your training later.”

***

Drakvar looks down at the child’s book of local mythical tales. One thing he has noticed about the local Karric people is that they don’t hold much faith in the supernatural. Most of them even believe that psychics get their powers solely from technology rather than harnessing magic with the use of technology as is truly the case

In addition, barely anybody knows much about the state of affairs outside of the Karris Monarchy or even its capital Kar’mire. Admittedly, Kar’mire and its outskirt settlements contain almost twenty percent of the nation’s populace.

None the less, Drakvar feels that he is one of the knowledgeable people when it comes to foreign affairs, even with his recent memory loss.

Drakvar tugs the book away into a pouch on his clothes, storing it along with his remaining coins, twenty Karric coppers.

As he makes his way through the Kith going about their daily lives, Drakvar spots a Kith that is just under two metres tall and is concealed by a grey-black hooded cloak that covers the entirety of her body.

Shocker. Is she going to attack me again?

Drakvar begins to run through the streets, hoping that he can shake Shocker. But Shocker isn’t so easily discouraged and swiftly chases after Drakvar.

Drakvar turns into an alley just as electric bolts strike out from Shocker. He ducks and the electricity flies over his head. Drakvar glances behind him as he runs only to see Shocker enter the alley and leap at the wall.

Her feet stick to the wall and she rapidly runs along the wall, outpacing Drakvar and jumps down in front of him.

“Take dis you fool!” yells Shocker as she soars through the air and unleashes a massive attack of electricity at Drakvar.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” Drakvar shouts back as he raises one arm to block the attack.

“Don’t act like you don’t know!” replies the Kith girl in a furious voice, “How on Lyatar do you keep neutralising all of my attacks?”

“Like I’m just going to tell the crazy chick that keeps randomly attacking me that,” retorts Drakvar.

“I’m not randomly attacking you,” snarls Shocker, “We both know what you did!”

“I don’t!” protests Drakvar earnestly and Shocker sends another blast of electricity at him.

“Liar!” yells back Shocker and Drakvar decides that he has had enough for one day.

“Anyway bye Shocker,” says Drakvar as he suddenly turns arounds and runs back down the alley.

“Wait-what,” says Shocker, sounding stunned, “What did you just call me?”

1.12 Virtual Part 4

“Yes?” replies Legacy.

“You know that Leo mentioned that the Joan as nanobots in her,” says Ceta, causing Joan to blush, “Jaylyn has revealed to me that the person behind them is a dangerous unknown opponent who is believed to be working for an unknown and hostile organisation. It should go without saying that we believe this organisation to be very dangerous, especially how it has kept itself hidden.”

“That isn’t good,” agrees Legacy as Joan pales.

“Oh my-am I going to okay!” demands Joan as she begins to panic, “I’m not going to die am I?”

“No,” answers Ceta firmly, “I simply feel that Legacy and I should investigate these nanobots and their software. We can do that by bouncing my infinity signal off of the virtual reality helmet into the nanobots. But that would mean you would have to stay here for the duration. I don’t know how long it will take, but time is experienced much longer here.”

“Leo mentioned that,” says Joan meekly.                       

“You will have to remain here for at least several hours from your perspective,” says Ceta, “I’m sure Jaylyn will remain with you and between the two of you, you can find ways to keep yourselves occupied.”

“We can do mother-daughter bonding Mother!” exclaims Jaylyn as she darts up to Joan’s side, “Aunt Ceta has access to lots of alien films and movies. She can also bring up any food that she has encountered. Which is a lot in case you haven’t figured that out. We’ll have lot of fun.”

“I’m sure we will you little squirt,” giggles Joan as she gets to her feet, “Come here Jaylyn.”

Joan bends down and picks Jaylyn up, who wraps her arms around her neck.

“Legacy and I will get going,” says Ceta and Legacy will the world around her shift.

Legacy doesn’t feel anything physically, but is still active mentally. She only gets a brief look around the nanobot she and Ceta are currently inspecting before encounter resistance. The only information that Legacy personally got is that nanobots are buglike with multiple arms and legs.

“Unidentified malware detected,” declares the enemy intelligence, “Commencing purge.”

“Oh just stop that,” says Ceta and shuts down the enemy intelligence’s access to the nanobots systems.

“Error. Error,” continues the intelligence, “Malware overwhelming security systems. Firewalls are compromised. Firewalls are down. Primary functions are compromised. Malware purge is disrupted. Malware purge is shutdown. Secondary functions are compromised. Severing infected unit from network. Warning prime-unit of-error. Error! Emergen-”

Legacy feels the intelligence die as Ceta crushes it.

“I have control of this particular nanobot,” says Ceta, “But the other ones in this network have noticed it is no longer one of theirs. They are attempting to destroy it to eliminate any threat it might pose and any risk of infection.”

“So what now?” asks Legacy.

“I will take control of the other nanobots,” answers Ceta, “You may attempt to fend off the others with this one in the meantime.”

“Okay,” replies Legacy as Ceta leaves her.

She takes control of the nanobot and gets a feel for it as others nanobots come for Legacy’s. All of the nanobots are rectangle shaped with four legs and three sets of two arms, all with a variety of tools for interacting with the human body.

Joan’s body. This is a very important battle.

Legacy darts forward in the nanobot body at the closest hostile nanobot that is coming towards her. She grabs it with her foremost arms before slicing two of its arms off with her second pair of arms.

The nanobot counterattacks with two stabs of its remaining arms, but Legacy shakes it, disrupting its attacks and causing them to miss. To finish it off, Legacy stabs into its inner mechanisms before activating the plasma cutters in arms.

It is so fun to finally do something after years of doing nothing!

The nanobot twitches before failing and Legacy lifts up the internally wrecked hull as two more nanobots come at her.

As they get closer, Legacy takes a moment to aim her wreckage at the two approaching nanobots. She pierces the power core of the destroyed nanobot before tossing it at the pair of hostiles as they draw near.

The enemy nanobots catch the hull of their fellow together, only to have it explode on them. Once the explosion is gone, Legacy is pleased to note that all three nanobots are no more.

Unfortunately for her, she doesn’t get a break as five more hostile machines are upon her. She fends off one with neither inflicting any significant damage upon each other. A second one pounces on her. Legacy is able to smash it side as she tears its outer hull open, but not before it snaps one of her arms in two.

It is then that the superior numbers of the enemy nanobots begins to become apparent. One charges her and as Legacy is fending it off, another one attacks her. It slices off one of Legacy’s arms and she knocks it away with one of her remaining four.

But the nanobots don’t let up as they rush Legacy. A third one attacks her as she continues to fight the two she is currently engaged with. It goes for her legs, taking out the two on the right side.

Another of her arms is lost and Legacy realises that she isn’t going to win this fight. There are over a hundred enemy nanobots in sight at the very least and she has lost half of her limbs.

“Done,” says Ceta as Legacy’s nanobot is torn apart.

1.12 Virtual Part 3

Leo focuses on his lab as he returns to the real world. Joan is leaning against the wall as he takes the helmet off.

“Back already?” asks Joan, “It has only been a few minutes.”

Really? It felt like hours.

Ceta did mention that time was quicker in the Curpinin.

Much quicker it would seem.

“You experience time quicker in Ceta’s dimension than you do in real life,” replies Leo, “I did find Legacy by the way. What was only a few minutes to you was several to me that I spent bringing Legacy up to date on what has happened since her ‘death’.”

“I can see her then?” asks Joan.

“Go ahead,” answers Leo as he pasts the VR helmet to his girlfriend, “Legacy will be there with Ceta and our daughter.”

“I’ll get to meet Jaylyn in person?” giggles Joan.

“You will get to meet her avatar in the virtual world,” replies Leo as Joan places the VR helmet on her head, “Dear, you should sit-”

But Joan has already activated the VR helmet and Leo darts forward as her body collapses. He catches her limp body before it hits the ground. Leo carries her with both arms and gently places her down in his chair.

Leo makes sure Joan is in a comfortable position before taking a moment to observe his girlfriend. Even if ‘Jane Doe’ can’t be trusted and whoever she is working for is using Joan for their own goals, the nanobots have greatly improved Joan’s health.

Part of him is worried about what the nanobots could do to Joan. They don’t work by repairing damage that Joan as she suffered as her condition was a result of her birth, but by changing her body.

Healing, but not technically healing.

If I’m honest, I had the same idea. I just wasn’t able to build the nanobots.

The person behind the nanobots must be a fellow Gadgeteer.

Yes, but also a higher level one as we haven’t even invented our own nanobots.

Not true, we have some working nanobots designs.

Yes, but they aren’t good for much. Very crude and basic.

None the less, this enemy Gadgeteer is a better inventor than us.

We may still be smarter. Our intelligence is separate to our Gadgeteer power.

Star is right. We need to focus on what advantages we do have.

We need to focus on the threat to Joan.

Heart is also right. We need to determine the full extent of what the nanobots are doing to Joan and a way to counter these nanobots, regardless of whether they are doing harm to Joan or not.

We need Legacy for that. I will explain our concerns to her the next time we see her.

Good plan. Perhaps Ceta will be able to provide some helpful input.

She does have plenty of experience.

Leo spares one last glance at Joan. Her hair is now a lush copper red while her eyes are brighter than ever, losing that dull look to them. Her skin is no longer unhealthily pale, now looking like that a normal person.

While not beautiful or even pretty, Joan now looks average rather the sickly and ugly, something that she is extremely pleased about.

We won’t let any harm come to her.

I know Heart.

We should get to work on those extra virtual reality helmets.

***

Legacy wraps her arms around Joan as she embraces her in a hug.

“It is a pleasure to meet you again,” says Legacy, “We haven’t had much time to spend with each other.”

“Yeah, we should hang out more,” says Joan as they let go of each other.

“Especially since we’re friends,” agrees Legacy and she pulls out the chair at her table.

“I guess so,” mutters Joan as she takes the seat, “We are friends right?”

“Of course we are,” replies Legacy, slightly confused, “You’re Leo’s love and a wonderful person. I don’t see any reason why we aren’t friends.”

“You have an odd way of deciding who your friends are,” giggles Joan, “But then again, it is pretty par for the course when it comes to you.”

“Is that a compliment?” asks Legacy.

“An observation,” answers Joan.

“As Leo told you about Joyous Star yet?” inquires Legacy.

“Who?” demands Joan, suddenly very interested.

“His new Companion,” explains Legacy, surprised that Leo has kept this important piece of information hidden from Joan, “Star is like the others and is a representation of his happiness and excitement.”

“I want to meet his companions,” says Joan, “I met Abby’s. You know about Divine Magicka right?”

“Yes,” replies Legacy, “Leo has informed me of what he knows about her.”

“Well, she isn’t human,” continues Joan, “Not necessary a bad person, but Magicka is definitely inhuman. I wonder if Leo’s are like that. Especially since he has four. Five now from what you just told me.”

Joan pauses and Legacy waits for her to continue.

“Abby and Magicka seem to be partners in her mind and that is with just one,” says Joan, sounding slightly frightened, “I’m worried that Leo might have problems dealing with multiple ones at once. I’m especially worried about how much control they have over him.”

“You’re concerns are missed placed,” Legacy reassures Joan, “I don’t know much about these Companions, but Leo’s are unconventional. The amount of them alone tells me that even if I didn’t have access to Ceta’s knowledge of them. Anyway, they are effectively extensions of his mind, sub-personalities at most. I don’t know why that is the case, but they are most certainly not separate individuals to him like normal companions.”

“That is good to know,” says Joan with a sigh of relief.

“That said, not much is known about-” starts Legacy only to be interrupted as Ceta and Jaylyn return from their private conversation.

“Legacy, we need to talk,” says Ceta.

1.12 Virtual Part 2

“Star is new,” states Ceta as Legacy lets go of Leo.

“Star appeared about the same time you summoned Gord’Ang,” says Leo, “She represent my happiness and excitement and you can see her form for yourself.”

“Hmm,” muses Ceta as she looks at Leo, “I have several half-formed theories on both this matter and you.”

“Care to share?” asks Leo.          

“Not particularly,” replies Ceta, “While I don’t deceive myself by pretending something has to be impossible, reality and facts are getting in the way of my theories. So until I can come up with a full theory, I prefer to keep things to myself.”

“I understand,” replies Leo.

“So Leo, please bring me up to date on the latest news,” says Legacy.

And so Leo does so, explain the relatively trivial things such as Joan’s falling out with her mother and reason behind it and his latest invention. Other more major things include national or international developments such as the opening of Greenwood Academy, Koizumi and Leo’s work on the virtual reality industry and the latest Harbinger attacks.

“The files you provide on the Dozen Harbingers of the End Times have proven very useful,” says Leo, “While Armageddon didn’t show up again, Abyss caused low-scale havoc and chaos in the Indian sub-continent during April while Jörmungandr has ravaging the sea, sinking ships and disrupting wildlife throughout this current month. But while there hasn’t been any successful attempts to fight them off, the worst thing done by either of them was when Jörmungandr attacked and sunk a cruise liner. Even then, he didn’t stay around to finish them all off and with the help of parahumans, including an A class group teleporter who manifested during the attack, roughly two thirds of those on board were saved.”

“That is gladdening to hear,” replies Legacy, “Were you or any of the others able to do anything to hinder the Harbingers?”

“Nothing beyond providing your information to the world at large,” replies Leo, “Both Abyss and Jörmungandr were too far away for us to do anything about.”

“It’ll be Fenrir next,” says Legacy, “I don’t know exactly where he’ll strike, but it will have to be somewhere cold.”

“I know, I read the files as well,” replies Leo, “Let’s talk about something else. Don’t you want to know about Alexandria and Glowbug are doing?”

“They’re alive?” asks Legacy, stunned by the news.

“You didn’t know?” replies Leo, “I suppose you couldn’t find out since you been stuck here. But yeah, Alexandria and Glowbug both survived along with several others if badly injured. Alexandria had her entire body broken and spent a couple of weeks in hospital. But her healing factor been she has made a full recovery. Glowbug suffered worse. Her spine was broken and she lost both legs and her right arm from the elbow.”

“Will she be okay?” asks Legacy in a concerned voice.

“Yes, Glowbug has recovered as well,” answers Leo before giving a slight shrug, “Whether or not she has made a full recovery will depend on your personal opinion. She has had some sort of power boost. As a result, Glowbug has not only have her energy projection power grow stronger, but her lost limbs have been replaced with permanent solid energy replacements. Not only that, but her personal energy field is now always active. As a result, she effectively a C+ healing factor with D class passive localised healing effect. Plus all her physical abilities are all at C- plus now between the personal energy field and her Aphrodite body. With her expanded power, Glowbug is now more powerful than Alexandria, making her the most powerful member of the Chicago Junior Heroes Union at the moment. Well, technically speaking, Dancing Queen is the most powerful member, but she doesn’t use her powers to the fullest.”

“Ava joined the Heroes Union?” asks Legacy.

“Yes, she did,” confirms Leo, “The Chicago Juniors are now an all-girls team since Shift went missing during the fight with Armageddon. While there is no proof of his death other than the fact he want missing, Shift is assumed to have been killed in the battle.”

“I never really got to know the guy,” says Legacy.

“I know the feeling,” replies Leo, “Rush and Sulphur were members of the Grand Rapids Junior Heroes Union and both died against Armageddon. Despite being local superheroes like me, I never really got to know them and now I never will.”

“Do you think Alexandria or Glowbug will be able to visit me here?” asks Legacy, “And what about Scott? I would like to see him again. He, you and Jaylyn are the only family I know.”

At Legacy’s words, Leo glances over to where Jaylyn is speaking with Ceta and his companions. Due to his connections with his companions, Leo is aware of the entire conversation going on over there, but is pushing it to the back of his mind as he focuses on Legacy.

“I’m sure he will,” answers Leo, “You have no idea how overjoyed he was went he found out you were still alive. And I will do my best to get Alexandria and Glowbug to visit you. Now I’m going to log out of the virtual reality helmet so Joan can have a chance to see you again.”