1.14 Slaughter Part 11

Guardian uses her KEPs to land on her feet and readies Gord’Ang for a second attack. That energy blast damaged her outer armour plating but the inner held and no circuitry was damaged.

Both Alexandria and Glowbug are hovering next to the bleeding Friend. Alexandria looks the same as ever in her costume, but this is Guardian’s first time seeing the changes to Glowbug’s appearance.

While she was told of the changes, Nicola only used her old appearance in Eldrim and any other time they met in virtual reality. While wearing her black spandex costume as usual, Glowbug’s missing legs are hidden from sight. But the other changes are clear to see.

Her costume no longer covers her right arm as the limb is now consists of only golden energy, currently ending in what looks like an energy cannon. The rest of her body is covered by the same golden energy while her eyes glow.

Glowbug’s energy has changed from yellow to gold.

Interesting.

Yeah. I don’t want to fight my friends.

Only Alexandria and Glowbug are your friends. Remember Friend’s power.

I do, but...

Just remember your duty.

I will.

Alexandria flies straight at Guardian at top speed. The vigilante is only able to react in time due to using her power to control her armour and its inhuman processing speed. Guardian’s green hardlight shield appears just in time to block Alexandria, coming into place a mere inch away from Guardian’s face.

The hardlight shield begins to crack and Guardian pops one of her flashbangs with her technopathy. They always work well on Alexandria.

Alexandria staggers backwards and Guardian jumps forward, leaping off of Alexandria’s shoulders before boosting herself further using her KEPs.

I feel terrible. I got a massive migraine pounding skull, I feel like puking and my body aches so badly all over.

While you are in your armour due to your power and I have pretty much shut down your body, you have seriously messed up. I doubt you’ll be fit for another fight after this one is over.

Well, that sucks.

Indeed. You might not even survive this fight.

Again, that sucks.

Guardian aims Gord’Ang at Friend and boosts forward. But Glowbug is already surging forward to intercept Guardian. As she spots the incoming bolts of golden energy, Guardian teleports her shield into front of her, repositioning to protect from the attacks of her girlfriend.

The already battered hardlight shield takes another pounding, almost breaking this time with several shards of green light being blasted off. Guardian decides to keep it up despite knowing it won’t stop another hit from Alexandria or Glowbug.

How to take down Friend without hurting my best friend or my girlfriend?

I do not know the answer to that. I would recommend focusing on one or the other.

Not hurting Alexandria or Glowbug.

Than do that.

Guardian flies back, putting some space between her and the others as Alexandria and Glowbug put themselves between Guardian and Friend.

I don’t think I’ll survive this.

If it any consolidation, dying is only trivial to you.

How does that work anyway?

The same way that you summon your hardlight shield and when you first summoned Gord’Ang.

And all those times I summoned Gord’Ang in Eldrim. That makes sense. I didn’t realise it would work on organic matter.

Why wouldn’t it?

I don’t know. It just seems a bit overpowered.

Why would we care if something is more powerful than what our enemies have to offer? And vice versa?

True. So how come it will only take a few days this time instead of a few months?

The first time is the hardest and longest since I have to restore you for the first time. Later times I have a point of reference that I can just use.

That also makes sense.

Glowbug fires another barrage of golden energy at Guardian as Alexandria flies behind it. Guardian places her hardlight shield between herself and it. As it shatters, Guardian rolls to the side to avoid any remaining golden energy and Alexandria.

As Alexandria tears up the pavement. Guardian turns to face her, ready for a fight. Suddenly, her side flares up in overwhelming pain, causing Guardian to cry out loud as she staggers backwards

W-what happened?

Glowbug hit you in the side, blew off your right arm and most of your right side, both armour and flesh, with multiple direct hits.

Damn it.

As Guardian stumbles backwards, Alexandria turns on her. She slams into Guardian like an unstoppable storm, her fist smashing through Guardian’s armour and into her gut. As Guardian’s body goes limp, a furious Alexandria rips off Guardian’s helmet, revealing her face.

As a dying Guardian looks Alexandria in the face, she spots something click in her best friend as the anger is almost instantly replaced by horror.

As Alexandria lets out a strangled cry as she removes her bloody fist from Guardian’s gut, the vigilante looks past Alexandria and Glowbug to where Friend is. Defender has snapped the neck of the psychotic supervillain, breaking their control over Alexandria and Glowbug.

As the world fades and Alexandria says something Guardian is unable to make out in her damaged state, she chuckles.

Both Friend and I are dead, but I’m that is coming back.

Yes, it is somewhat amusing I’ll admit.

Darn right it is.

1.14 Slaughter Part 10

I feel like puking.

That would be due to the damage your body has taken. You have a concussion, warped bones, severe internal bleeding, multiple bursted organs and an emptied bladder.

That sounds very nasty.

It is. We’ll have to redo your physical body again once today’s events are over.

It would take another three months will it?

No. The first time is always the longest. I would estimate it will only take a few hours this time. Several hours if you die again.

That is a relief.

Guardian strides over to where a battered and bloody Defender is standing over a downed Graviburn. While her armour is severely damage and will need to scraped and replaced, Defender’s A- Class regeneration means that she has mostly recovered from her injuries.

Graviburn is not so lucky as Guardian notes the supervillainess is badly injured as she lies in the rumble.

“What do we do with her?” asks Defender as she stares at her prone opponent.

Guardian doesn’t verbally answer her teammate and instead decapitates Graviburn with Gord’Ang, much to Defender’s shock.

“How can you just do that?” demands Defender after a moment’s silence.

“Easily enough,” replies Guardian as she looks at the bloody blade of Gord’Ang.

“She was defenceless,” snarls Defender as she looks around, “You just murder her in cold blood! Did you kill the-oh my god, you did...you really did...”

“Letting them live would have been putting others at risk just to let myself feel a false sense of superior morality,” explains Guardian as she looks around for Friend.

Where is he?

He is no longer in this area. It would appear he fled once you showed up and started winning.

Can you find him?

Yes, just follow your HUD.

Send it to Defender as well.

As you wish.

“Wait, what are we doing?” asks Defender as Guardian takes off after Friend.

“Taking down Friend,” replies Guardian, “We’re not letting him get away.”

“Okay, but about the others?” inquires Defender as she races off after Guardian.

“They are fine,” replies Guardian, “You were the only one in need of assistance and that has yet to change.”

“So how if the fight going?” asks Defender.

“The Slaughter Seven have been driven to a halt with the exception of Aquiline and Friend, who are both on the run,” answers Guardian, “We should take to the air.”

“Okay,” says Defender as Guardian flies into the air, “Wait, my KEPs aren’t working.”

“I catch him from the air while you catch up on foot,” says Guardian.

“Are we even immune to his power?” asks Defender, “I don’t think he was affecting me earlier, but I can’t be certain. Not for sure.”

“I don’t know, but theoretically I should be,” replies Guardian over their comm link as she gets high up into the air, “At the very least he won’t be able to fully manipulate me due to Ceta.”

Thank you for your trust.

You have earned it many times over.

“Okay,” mutters Defender, but she still sounds unsure and upset.

Have I angered her somehow? We seemed to rather tense with one another.

I think that your willingness to kill has disturbed her.

Okay then. We can sort that out later.

Guardian looks down at where Friend is running through the deserted streets. Increasing her speed, Guardian angles downwards to the end of the street Friend is currently on. She lands on her feet and grips Gord’Ang in both hands as she and Friend stare each other.

Friend’s currently form is a pretty American teenager with curly brown hair and hazel eyes. Her body is curvy, but more along the lines of a Bellator than an Aphrodite, and is muscular and well-built.

As Guardian prepares to strike, she hesitates.

Why am I fighting my friend?

Naidraug!

Guardian relaxes and lowers Gord’Ang as Friend approaches her. As Friend asks her to drop Gord’Ang, Guardian hesitates.

The Slaughter Seven are still in the area. I can’t just drop my weapon let alone Gord’Ang.

Ycagel!

Something doesn’t feel quite right...

As Friend speaks to her, Guardian checks her armour as it goes haywire. While it isn’t failing completely due to Gears’ high level of skill in designing it, the systems are suffering random malfunctions, including blocking out any external sounds.

Cidro!

Ceta?

Guardian looks up as Friend does so and she spots Alexandria and Glowbug approaching from the air.

Are they coming to fight my friend?

Ordic!

Ceta, what are you saying...? Urggh, my mind is so foggy.

Legacy of Guardian, you are Ordic, the Guardian! This woman that stands before you is an evil one and a monster.

I...I understand.

As Friend walks pass her, Guardian tightens her grip on Gord’Ang again. With Friend’s back turned on her, Guardian charges at her.

She may be friend, but as the Guardian, I must still take her down for the evils she has committed.

Guardian snarls as she swings Gord’Ang at Friend as she passes her. Guardian skids to a halt and spins around, Gord’Ang ready to strike again. She charges forward at Friend as the supervillain blankly stares her missing arm.

A beam of golden light slams into Guardian, knocking her off her feet before she can hit Friend again.

1.13 Quest Part 5

“So this dungeon won’t be too hard?” asks Alexandria as she, Legacy and Nicola approach a set of goblin infested caves.

“No,” replies Legacy, “While it is slightly above your level, I easily outmatch anything in there.”

With Legacy giving them pointers, Alexandria and Nicola have been training their stats and levels against some local wolves and thugs. Now, she feels they are ready to take on a local dungeon.

“How long is it?” asks Nicola.

“Only four or five caves,” answers Legacy, “Roughly half a dozen goblins in each one.”

“Sweet,” replies Nicola, “Will it be challenging?”

“For you two, yes,” replies Legacy, “I will find it very easy.”

“So what is the plan?” asks Alexandria, “You’re the expert at this game.”

“I’ll hang back and provide support while the two of you lead,” says Legacy, “I would recommend that Alexandria takes point while Nicola provides ranged support. As in normal reality.”

“Sounds like a plan,” says Alexandria, “So how does this light spell work?”

“Just say Light and it will work if you have the Mana for it,” explains Legacy as the trio of them head into the cave.

“Light!” says Alexandria, but nothing happens, “Wait, I don’t have that spell. I can only use heal.”

“I have the light spell,” says Nicola, “Light!”

A glowing orb of white light appears over Nicola’s head, illuminating the cave tunnel.

“Man, that took out three of my mana,” complains Nicola, “A whole tenth of my total.”

“It will only last for a minute since your spell level is only at one,” warns Legacy, “I can provide future lights if you wish.”

“Sounds great girlfriend,” replies Nicola, “What about healing? Can you do that to?”

“Sure,” replies Legacy, “I have over five hundred mana stored.”

“Whoa, that is a lot of mana,” says Nicola, “And you’re not even a mage!”

“I am Level 40 while you are only Level 5,” points out Legacy, “There are three goblin scouts ahead.”

“I see them,” replies Alexandria as she charges forward.

While she is only Level 5, Alexandria has a major advantage against these Level 7 foes as Legacy has given her high quality and enchanted steel plate and mail armour, steel sword and steel shield. As a result, her Protection and Damage stats are far beyond what they should be at her level.

As Alexandria duels the closest goblin sloppily by Legacy’s standards, Nicola fires some electricity at the furthest. It staggers back and Legacy watches its health drop by about a tenth, just dipping into the yellow. The third goblin scout fires off an arrow at Nicola in return.

It glances her, cutting her upper right arm and leaving a red line behind in addition to reducing Nicola’s health by about a sixth.

“Heal,” says Legacy and Nicola glows yellow as her health is restored back to full. Alexandria lets out a battle cry before getting a critical hit in on her opponent. With almost all of its health gone, the goblin stumbles backwards and Alexandria finishes it off with an upward slash of her sword.

Sloppy.

She got the job done.

Still sloppy.

It was sloppy.

“Good work Charlotte!” says Nicola encouragingly as the goblin scout disintegrates.

“Still two left!” points out Legacy.

“You continue with one at the back while I deal with this one,” says Alexandria as she moves up to attack the goblin with its short bow drawn.

Nicola fires off more electricity at the rearmost goblin scout, bringing it down to about two thirds of its total health as Alexandria duels her new opponent.

Alexandria slashes at the goblin before slamming her shield into it, knocking both of their shield arms to the side. With her opponent exposed, Alexandria lets out as a wordless battle cry as she pulls her sword back for another strike.

As her sword strikes forward, the blade glows blue as Alexandria activates her skill Prepared Strike. The blade goes through the goblin scout and out the other side, but the goblin’s health bar only drops to a third.

Grinning like a feral animal, the goblin scout stabs at Alexandria’s chest, activating a Skill of its own as its crude copper sword glows green. The blade glances inwards off of large mounds in the breastplate and slashes towards the centre of Alexandria’s chest.

Guardian curses. If it were up to her, no all breastplates would be flat to avoid this sort of thing. But when they are designing the character models, they had to account for the large and supernaturally perky breasts of the Aphrodite Enhanced.

That is what happens when you have a body that is customised for form over function. Being a Bellator is definitely superior to being an Aphrodite or Adonis.

Despite taking a direct hit, Alexandria’s character is still built as a heavy frontline combatant and is wearing extremely advanced armour for her level. As a result, while she does lose health, Alexandria’s health bar still remains over ninety percent full, keeping it firmly in the green.

As Nicola finishes off the third goblin with her lightning magic, Alexandria drops her sword and grabs the goblin scout’s head. She snarls as she shakes the goblin. With her super strength, Alexandria easily breaks its neck.

Alexandria lets a satisfied grunt as the goblin scout’s health bar drains to zero and it disintegrates.

“That was fun,” says Nicola.

“Yes, it was,” agrees Alexandria as she smiles her teammate, “Now onward to the next room.”

1.13 Quest Part 4

Legacy strolls down towards the spawning point two days after Eldrim went online for the public to use, a mere day after Koizumi’s virtual reality helmets went on sale. So far, there have been over twenty thousand players as Eldrim is free-to-play and can be access by every virtual reality helmet.

Plus it helps that it is the only proper virtual reality game to play at the moment.

At the moment, Legacy has reached Level 40 over the course of the eighty four days in-game, only leaving the game for short periods to check on Joan.

Now, she has arranged to meet Alexandria and Nicola as they log in for the first time. While there is a significant difference in their levels, Legacy still hopes they can do stuff together. All she needs to do is help them raise their levels by a few and the difference in level won’t matter as much.

I deliberately designed the game like that.

After all, that is how it works in true reality. Sometimes power alone is enough to crush a weaker enemy, but close that gap enough and skill will trump raw power.

Legacy halts at the end of the street as it leads into the town square and waits as she leans against a shop wall.

Due to the fact that she is in Snowfall, the capital of Mirgard, there are only a few other players here as the game as working temperature system that causes the north to very rather cold to the warmer climates of Highrim and Augustia.

She gets a few inquiring looks, but everybody leaves her alone as soon as they get a good look at her level and name. Nobody wants to mess with her.

Legacy only has to wait a few minutes before Alexandria and Nicola log in. She recognises them instantly not only due to their blond Aphrodite bodies, but also due to their usernames. Alexandria as gone with Alexandria while Nic is calling herself Nicola Glowbug.

She takes a moment to check out their characters, using her reasonably new ability - Analyse. Legacy has had it for almost a month in-game and has yet to regret getting it. It has proven exceptionally useful as it allows her to find things out the easy way rather than the hard way.

Alexandria is playing a Warrior class as can be told by her leather breastplate on top of her blue tunic and has gone for a combat heavy build. Her chosen weaponry is a medium length sword and a round wooden shield.

Glowbug on the other hand has picked the Mage class and is wearing purple robes with leather belt around her middle. Her character build is a mobile magic-user and she has a short sword for her starter weapon.

“Greetings,” says Legacy as she approaches them.

Her own equipment hasn’t changed as she is sticking to Gord’Ang and leather armour, having gotten herself a superior copy to what Leo gave her. Admitively, the new piece is also from Leo.

“Hello Legacy!” replies Nicola as she rushes towards Legacy and embraces her, “So this is what you were working on?”

“Gears, Sentinel and Ceta helped,” points out Legacy as she hugs Nicola back, “I hope you will like it.”

“Good to see you too Legacy,” says Alexandria as she shivers, “You don’t mind me calling you that right? Boy is it cold here.”

“I know,” says Legacy as she pulls away from Nicola, “I was prepared for that. Frost Protection. Frost Protection.”

Using one of her newer spells that protects against cold effects, Legacy grants both of her friends temporary immunity from the local chilly weather. She doesn’t use it much due to being able to easily weather the cold herself, but has been specifically training it so she can use it on others.

“There you go,” says Legacy, “You are unaffected by cold weather for the next twenty one minutes.”

“Thanks Legacy,” replies Alexandria, “So where should we go now?”

“I got a house here,” says Legacy, “We can go there.”

“Cool,” says Nicola with a grin on her face.

Legacy leads them through the city. Like with all settlements in Mirgard, Snowfall has a Nordic feel to it just as Highrim has a medieval feel to it and Augustia has an Ancient Roman-Greek feel to it. Or an Ancient Grome feel as Leo told her.

“Here we are,” says Legacy as they reach a large house, “This is my current home.”

“Is that in-game or-” asks Alexandria, her voice trailing off.

“My actual home until I get another physical form,” answers Legacy as she opens the door.

The interior has a snug and comfy feel to it, but also appears to be very function and practical.

“Fire,” says Legacy and a flames fly from her hand to the fireplace, lighting the logs.

“Wow,” mutters Nicola.

“Please take your seats,” says Legacy, “I’ll get some food and drink from the kitchen. Any requests?”

“Something nice,” replies Nicola.

“Something meaty,” says Alexandria.

Legacy goes into the kitchen and selects some Apple and Peach Cordial, Roast Pork and Roast Potatoes from the kitchen inventory before bring them into the main room on the platter.

“Those look good,” says Alexandria as Legacy places the platter down on a table.

“Thank you,” replies Legacy, “I cooked them all myself.”

“Does it taste real?” asks Nicola, “I mean, everything else feels real, but…”

“Everything here is real,” Legacy reassures her girlfriend. “In fact, effectively all of this world is based off of things past Guardians have experienced.”

“Oh,” says Nicola.

“Speaking of realism,” says Alexandria nervously, “Can I ask something awkward?”

“Sure,” replies Legacy.

“Well, this game is PG and, well, I don’t feel my...err privates,” says Alexandria, her voice lowing into a whisper at the end.

“Oh, that,” replies Legacy, “Gears gave the bodies what he called ‘barbie doll anatomies’ to make the game kid-friendly. See?”

With that last word, Legacy removes her leather armour and returns it to her inventory, leaving her not wearing anything. Both Alexandria and Nicola yelp and go red as they look away.

“What?” asks Legacy, “I’m not naked. You only see my skin, not nipples, genitials or body hair.”

“It just isn’t proper!” yells Alexandria as she blushes furiously.

1.9 Harbinger Part 4

A large section of the city is already lost to Armageddon by the time Guardian arrives in the city’s skies.

The local police and criminal elements have been driven back in addition to most of the local parahumans having been felled in battle. In fact, the majority of the local parahumans in the city are those that have manifested their powers since Armageddon arrived.

All it takes for criminals and law enforcement to work together side by side is a monster attack.

I have seen it many times before. A greater foe often causes people to work with a lesser foe, especially one that is local.

What is Scott’s saying again?

Better the devil you know.

Yeah.

Military forces and parahumans from other cities have also shown up. Guardian notes that several people she knows are here, including Alexandria and most of the Chicagoan Junior Heroes in addition to Iris.

Now to get Armageddon’s attention.

Be careful. That might be easier than you expect.

As Guardian approaches Armageddon with Gord’Ang in hand, she quickly realises that Ceta is right. The moment Armageddon glimpses her, the monsters halts and turns his gaze fully on her.

“Ordic!” roars Armageddon in his deep, guttural voice, spit flying from its mouth.

You can just hear the rage in his voice.

Not surprising.

Armageddon unleashes a blast of fire red energy at Guardian. She rolls out of the way, but still takes a grazing hit, burning some of the black paint off of her armour.

A head on approach is not the best idea. If we are struck by Armageddon, we would be severely injured and potentially killed.

I figured that out already.

Guardian flies behind an intact office building as Armageddon roars again.

Ideas?

His primary weak points are sensory. Hindering his ability to sense you would be very useful. You won’t be able to take Armageddon in a straight up fight so agility and speed will be key. And while Gord’Ang can cut him, it will do little more than annoy Armageddon as his skin is extremely thick and tough while his unique biology allows him to survive pretty much anything.

Good advice.

Just remember that while he might look it, he isn’t slow even if he isn’t as fast as you.

I’ll keep that in mind.

You should also know that Armageddon has a couple of abilities not relating to his physique. You’ve seen his ability to unleash energy attacks, but I’m not sure if you know this yet, but

Armageddon’s fist comes smashing through the building, almost hitting Guardian with debris.

Guardian spins around and slashes the fist with Gord’Ang. Armageddon unleashes a concentrated blast of energy in Guardian’s direction, but she dodges to the side using her KEPs.

Guardian swipes, leaving another gash in Armageddon’s grey, leathery flesh. Neither wounds are deep, barely anything more than superficial.

But superficial is the best that anyone else has done and Guardian has already surpassed that in the opening moments of the battle.

The side of the office building reforms into spikes of glass and brick that then launch themselves at Guardian. She dodges and rolls out of the way using her KEPs, but still takes several glancing hits. None of the spikes do any real harm, just superficial damage to her armour just as Guardian is only doing superficial damage to Armageddon.

Armageddon smashes through the building. He roars at Guardian as what is left of the building comes down around him and swings a fist at the vigilante with his other hand.

As Ceta said, Armageddon moves much faster than he looks, but forewarned, Guardian fires her KEPs at full power to get out of Armageddon’s view.

As the monster turns to pursue Guardian, a pair of military fighter jets come at him, each firing two missiles at Armageddon. All four hit as the two jets pass overhead, but once the explosions clear, Armageddon has only suffered slight grazes to his skin.

Not even enough to draw blood.

Armageddon is one of the toughest monsters out there and is most certainly the physical toughest and hardest to hurt of the Harbingers.

Can we stop him?

We have Gord’Ang. There was a reason I insisted you retrieve it so early.

Then let us fight.

Guardian flies at Armageddon as he fires off a beam of raw, hot energy at the retreating fighters. While his attack is on target, both pilots are about to roll their jets out of the way.

Guardian lands on Armageddon and stabs Gord’Ang into the beast’s back.

Legacy! You’re too close!

What?

Guardian realises too late what Ceta means as a blast of energy is unleashed at her at point blank range. It sends her flying as it burns the front of her armour.

Leo is truly a genius.

Aye. The Gardium armour plates took the bulk of the blast and ensuring damage. The majority of your sensors and KEPs are still working even if most have suffered some minor damage.

As Guardian grabs Gord’Ang and flies back, Armageddon turns to face her. The monster moves quickly and Guardian barely gets clear of his massive swipe at her.

Oh no.

“Hey ugly!” yells Alexandria as she zooms at Armageddon.

Guardian also flies at Armageddon as Alexandria swings a fist at Armageddon. The Harbinger just laughs as Alexandria’s punch does nothing to harm him. Guardian only as a moment to see the stunned shock on her friend’s face before Armageddon retaliates.

The monster grabs the superhero by the legs and flings her in to the ground as Guardian readies Gord’Ang to strike. With a vicious smile on his face, Armageddon stamps on Alexandria to Guardian’s horror.

1.8 Dances Part 3

What happened?

I had to reboot you for lack of better a term.

Why? What exactly does that mean?

The girl that manifested as an ability that controls both the mind and body of a person. To counter that, I broke the control and reloaded the version of your mind from before you were put under this girl’s control.

Will she be able control me again?

Physically yes, but mentally, no. Now I have experienced it, I can block the mental control and while I can’t stop her seizing control of your physical form, it will take me up to two seconds at most to restore your own control.

So what exactly happened? What form does this mental and physical control take?

For starters her power seems to be based around dancing and her joy in partaking in it.

Dancing. I have read about that. So how is that relevant?

Her power makes others dance and they can’t stop. She also puts under in a state of bliss so they don’t want to stop even if they could do so. I’m not sure about the limits of her power’s range because while you, Alexandria, Flamefly and most of the other people were affected, Defender and Quicksteel weren’t.

Anything else I should know?

Yes, the girl can change the outfit of those that her power is affecting.

Wait a moment...

Yes, she replaced your armour with a dress.

She is going down.

“-Yeah, I’ll see if I can, wait, she is seems to be back in control,” says Defender into the Guardsmen’ comms, “Talk with you in a bit. Bye. Hey Guardian.”

“Hello Defender,” says Guardian as she inspects the dress that the annoying girl has replaced her armour with.

Perhaps you can reason with her to restore your armour?

And if she refuses, we beat her up real good.

You’re overacting.

That was my armour! My pride and joy! Someone has to pay!

You can also build more and you also have a spare back at the base.

Bah!

The dress is a silky light blue with a loose skirt and tight bodice. There are no sleeves or even a right strap, but there is a large, frilly one on the left. A white ribbon surrounds her waist, but fortunately there is no bow.

“Are you okay?” asks Defender in a worried voice, “Your armour disappeared and was replaced by the dress and then you went all blank while everybody else started dancing.”

“I’m fine,” says Guardian, “Get Quicksteel away so he doesn’t escape. You should also avoid going after the girl. You might not be immune and it is a bigger deal if people see your face than if they were to see mine.”

“That is true,” admits Defender as she picks up Quicksteel, “I’ll be going then. I have also informed Gears of the situation. I have also come up with a name for the girl. I’m calling her Dancing Queen.”

“Okay,” says Guardian, “Tell him that I can handle it and the others should keep out of it. I’m effectively immune to her powers now that I can counter them. But please pass Quicksteel’s phone to me before you go.”

“Sure,” replies Defender as she tosses the device to Guardian while flying up into the air, “The dress looks good on you by the way.”

I don’t care about that. I prefer armour.

Function over form.

Yeah!

Guardian glances at Alexandria, who is dancing with Flamefly whilst wearing a white, red and blue party dress. Both superheroes have this dazed look of bliss on their faces, oblivious to the rest of the world.

At least she is happy whilst under control of Dancing Queen.

From what I can tell, Dancing Queen doesn’t seem to be malicious. Rather, she seems to be confused and scared and is acting out of panic and instinct. I recommend we try and reason with her rather than attacking her.

Humph!

Don’t be petty. Focus on what on doing your duty.

I better call Glowbug then and inform her of what is going on.

That is the spirit.

Guardian takes a moment to use her power to customise Quicksteel’s phone, including adding a voice distorter so Glowbug will recognise her voice. Once that is done, Guardian phones Glowbug’s number.

“Hello, Nicola Hatheway here,” answers Glowbug, “Who is this?”

“Guardian,” replies Guardian. “I need to inform you of the situation.”

“Yeah, I was wondering what happened,” says Glowbug, “We suddenly lost all contact with Alexandria and Flamefly.”

“Well, the thing is that we got a newly manifested parahuman on the loose,” says Guardian before explaining the rest of the situation to Glowbug.

“That is not good,” says Glowbug, “Pathfinder and I will go after Dancing Queen then. We’ll try and talk some sense into her.”

“She is very dangerous,” points out Guardian.

“Yeah, but her power is dancing,” says Glowbug, “Pathfinder will find her and try to talk to her while I will nail her at range if that doesn’t work. See ya later.”

“But she took out Alexandria and Flamefly by accident,” Guardian tries to tell Glowbug, but she has already hung up.

She completely ignored my warnings!

Her preconceptions about some having a power based around dancing has stopped her from realising that Dancing Queen’s power is actually a very strong ‘control’ power.

Yeah. We should get moving. You know where she went?

I can point you in the right direction. We still have our spy network and I can access it simply by connecting the phone in your hand to the network.

Cool.

Following Ceta’s directions, Guardian begins to run down the street, only to stumble as she picks up speed.

What on Earth?

Guardian looks down at her feet.

Heels. I’m wearing heels.

Throw them away and wrap cloth around your feet to protect them.

Good plan.

Doing as Ceta suggests, Guardian takes off the heels and tosses them aside. She then heads back to one of the two people that weren’t affected by Dancing Queen and rips off several strips of cloth off of their clothes. Guardian wraps them around both of her feet before darting off.

Time to hunt down Dancing Queen and make her pay for getting rid of my armour.

Actually we’re going to try and reason with her.

Uh-uh.