1.20 Aftermath Part 4

“Go for it,” replies Leo, “But why haven’t you done that yet? It isn’t like you to not do something like this, especially considering this is Scott’s daughter we are talking about.”

“If I made one power nullifier, I would have to make more or share the technology to do so or people would just take Alice’s,” explains Legacy, “We could stop them, even if it was the government or some other official group. But that wouldn’t be a good option.”

“I understand,” says Leo with a thoughtful expression on his face, “Nuclear war is also an option, but that doesn’t mean anyone is going to take it. So basically you don’t want to release game-changing tech into the world without informing me first?”

“Pretty much,” agrees Legacy, “Do you have problem if I do this?”

“Not really,” replies Leo, “Just keep it basic. Let’s keep the fancy stuff for ourselves. No need to go around sharing the advanced stuff just yet.”

Legacy nods in agreement before asking a question that has been hovering about her mind, “How is Joan?”

“Good,” replies Leo, “She mainly adjusting to her powers. I would say that her manifestation has changed her personality, but I think it is more that her new powers allow her to act more freely. Joan hasn’t so much changed, but simply has more ability to act in ways that were previously denied to her. Which is good as I’m not sure what I could do if her mind had been altered by her powers.”

“So I’m guessing Joan is a carefree and whimsical spirit them?” says Legacy.

“Yep,” agrees Leo, “Quite like the rest of my family. Actually, Joan is a lot like them. I remember reading somewhere that people are likely to be attracted to people similar to those they grew up with. I guess that is true in my case.”

“So where is Joan currently?” asks Legacy, “I would like to ask her something.”

“Ask away Legacy,” replies Joan as she strides into the base, using the same entrance as Legacy.

Legacy and Leo both to turn to look at Joan as she strides down the base.

I wonder if this is actually her secondary body or if she is still just trying it out.

DD cup breasts, an excellent, but not quite Aphrodite hourglass figure, luscious red hair that goes down to her shoulders, a height of five foot seven, a pleasant feminine voice similar to her original voice and bright green eyes. Joan’s clothes consist of a white t-shirt that shows some of her cleavage, but not overly so. A pale brown skirt goes down just past her knees while on her feet are some black boots with some slight heels to them.

“So what do you think of my secondary body?” asks Joan before twirling around on one foot and dropping into what Legacy assumes is supposed to be a sexy pose.

“Looks good,” replies Leo.

“And you know first-hand that it feels good too dear,” replies Joan teasingly, but Leo just rolls his eyes, “You know, I want to spend more time together with you as a sexy girl. It was fun.”

“I suppose I can indulge you every once in a while,” replies Leo.

“Really?” asks Joan, surprised by Leo’s response, “I expected you to put up more resistance.”

“Physical forms and attraction don’t hold much significance to me,” replies Leo before tapping the side of his head with a finger, “To me, what is up here is what truly matters. When it comes to bodies and whatnot, I’m willing to let you call the shots since it will make you happy. That said, I don’t want to be a girl, I just don’t consider it a horrible thing to be one part of time.”

“Thanks Leo!” replies Joan, “So I am doing for you Legacy?”

“You don’t even know what I am asking you to do,” points out Legacy.

“You are such as hypocrite,” retorts Joan as she sticks her hands on her hips and leans forward slightly, “You’re my best friend Miss I-instantly-agree-to-something-without-knowing-what-it-is because-my-friend-asked-me-to-do-it. So out with it Legacy.”

“I want you to make me more normal,” says Legacy before elaborating, “I want to be able to feel physical attraction. I want to be able to understand things rather than just knowing about them without understanding. I want to be able to interactive with people without completely sticking out.”

“Oh I get that,” replies Joan, “You want to be able to maintain a normal relationship with Nicola right?”

“Half the time I struggle to understand what we’re doing and the other half, I’m just nodding and smiling while trying to keep that fact I have no idea what is going on secret from her,” admits Legacy, finally acknowledging the thing that been bugging her for a while now.

“You’re a space alien Legacy,” points out Joan as she dramatically rolls her eyes, “Tell ya what, I’ll help you out with that stuff. Heck, I’ll even knock your boobs up a couple of sizes at same time given we’re such good friends.”

“I’d rather you didn’t,” replies Legacy, frowning at the idea, “Big breasts would just be annoying to me. All they do is hinder one’s ability to fight and limit their mobility.”

“Alright,” says Joan as she throws an arm around Legacy, “Just come to me whenever you are going out on a date or doing something with Nic and I’ll boost your sexiness until you come back to me afterwards.”

“Thank you Joan,” replies Legacy, “Now if the two of you don’t mind, I’ll get changed out of my armour now.”

“Say, speaking of your armour, have you...” Joan gets this wide eyed look as her voice trails off, “Oh, oh! That gives me an idea!”

“I’ll join you,” says Leo, getting out of his seat as Joan runs off towards Legacy’ lap, “A joint-project using your Gadgeteering power sounds like fun.”

“May I join in as well?” asks Legacy as Leo walks past her.

“Sure thing,” replies Leo as he gets a thoughtful look of his home.

“I’ll help as well!” says Jaylyn using the base speakers.

Enjoying your life Legacy?

Yes, yes I am Mum.  

1.20 Aftermath Part 3

Leo stumbles as his body suddenly changes.

“Seriously Joan?” asks Leo as he looks down and he realises exactly how Joan has altered his body.

His body has changed into one that fits the description of what Joan has chosen for her secondary body. Big breasts, nice curves, red hair, smaller height, a pleasant feminine voice and probably green eyes as well. Meanwhile, Leo’s clothing now consists of a light brown turtleneck jumper and a pair of skinny jeans, all of which fit his body snugly.

“I wanted to see how my new look work out,” replies Joan shamelessly as she looks Leo up and down, “And I must say, you look fabulous.”

“I-” Leo begins to give a retort only to have his voice trail off as he looks at Joan since she changed his body.

He feels a suddenly influx of new emotional responses and desires. Raw pleasure from the sight of Joan’s physical form, a suddenly dryness in his throat as he stares her gorgeous breasts, a sudden urge to grasp her and hold her body against his own and a desire to firmly press his lips against those of his girlfriends.

So this is what it feels like.

We used to feel this sorts of desires before we got our powers.

But that was so long ago...

Only six months.

Feels like more like six years.

And we never had anyone like what Joan is now back then.

I’m just glad to be in a female body again.

We’ve glad to have you here to. Your memories of having a female body should prove useful.

Thanks?

“Leo?” inquires Joan as he just stares at her, “Are you okay? I’ve frozen time apart from you and me. You don’t have to worry about anybody seeing you like this.”

“I’m fine,” replies Leo as he shakes his head, his long hair flying as he does so, “I just, I’m not used to these feelings after not having them for the last half a year.”

“So you’re attracted to me then?” asks Joan with excitement in her voice as she sexily strides towards Leo, her voice shivering with anticipation, “Physically?”

“Oh yeah, definitely,” answers Leo,

“About damn time,” replies Joan, sounding distinctly satisfied.

“But weren’t you going to make your body straight?” asks Leo.

“Bi seems more versatile,” explains Joan as she continues her stride, “I like to keep my options open you know? But enough of that, do you want to snuggle or what?”

“Yes, let’s snuggle,” replies Leo as Joan finally reaches him.

Joan pulls Leo into a kiss, their lips pressing firmly against each other. Leo shivers at the sensation.

“Let’s take this somewhere else,” whispers Joan in his ear as they pull away slightly, “Somewhere more comfortable.”

“Alright dear,” replies Leo before another thought occurs to him, “As long as it doesn’t get too intimate if you know what I mean.”

“Spoilsport,” giggles Joan as she strokes Leo’s breast, something that feels surprisingly nice to him, “But I wasn’t planning anything like that anyway. I just want to hold your body against me, kiss you, caresses each curves and fondle the other’s boobs. You have no idea how long I have waited to do something like this with you. Been two and a half years.”

***

Legacy strolls into her base, wearing her power armour. She has just gotten back from visiting Scott’s daughter Alice, something that has left her with a dilemma.

Legacy silently sighs with relief as she spots Leo at this desk.

He can help me.

As she strides towards him, Legacy notes that Leo is back to normal. When she last checked on him and Joan, they were testing out Joan’s secondary body with both of them using it.

“Leo,” says Legacy as she nears him.

“Yes Legacy?” asks Leo as he looks up at her.

“I would like to know your feelings on a matter,” says Legacy.

“Alright,” replies Leo as he spins his chair around to look at her.

“I have just gotten back from visiting Alice Scott,” states Legacy.

“Scott’s daughter right?” inquires Leo and Legacy nods, “So what are her powers then?”

“Liquid form that is made of water by default,” answers Legacy, “She can however change the makeup of that form provided it is remains liquid. She can also absorb other liquids into her while in that liquid form and has B Class hydrokinesis which extends to any liquid.”

“Sounds impressive,” says Leo, “What’s the catch then?”

“It doesn’t turn off,” explains Legacy.

“So Alice is an Abnormal then?” inquires Leo.

“No,” replies Legacy with a shake of her head, “Her power just won’t turn off.”

“So what is your dilemma then?” asks Leo, “I know you well enough to know that you have a solution.”

“Ceta has designs for a power-nullifier, something which can be altered in size or design so it can fit into things such as bracelet, necklaces, rings and other like that in addition to things such as containers and cells,” explains Legacy, “I could make something for Alice that will allow to control her powers or at least turn them off.”

1.20 Aftermath Part 2

“Leo,” says Joan suddenly and he looks down at where she is resting against him.

“Yes dear?” replies Leo as he thinks about what could be wrong.

His girlfriend doesn’t seem to be distressed or upset, but she does sound surprised.

“I can’t change your sexual orientation,” pouts Joan, “For that matter, I can’t change anything about you. I just keep getting error messages about ‘Access Denied’.”

“Interesting,” mutters Leo, “But wouldn’t you have to be trying to alter me without my knowledge to uncover this?”

Joan flushes and looks away from him.

“Don’t bring that up unless you want to talk about your secrets,” replies Joan, sounding embarrassed, “So unless you are willing to discuss the guns under my bed, your cyborg hand and that freaking halberd of yours, just forget it.”

“I am more than willing to talk about those things with you Joan,” replies Leo with victorious smile on his face, “So why are you trying to change me?”

“I just want to make you attracted to me,” grumbles Joan as she crosses her arms in a huff.

That is rather reasonable.

Shut it you.

What have you got against me?

You tried to kill Joan and tried to take over our body.

We weren’t trying to kill her, just trying to make her manifest. Besides, trying to take over your body backfired on me big time. I’ve been reduced to just a figment of your imagination.

Technically that isn’t true.

Who cares?! It might as well be true from where I standing. I’m stuck helpless in your mind while everybody else thinks I’m dead.

Do you have family?

Why do you care?

Because we’re stuck with you.

…

Spirit Mistress…

Fine. I’m an orphan, but I do have a younger sister, Alyssa Woods.

And your name is?

It was Marlene Woods if that is what you are asking.

So how did you get your powers?

Oracle gave to me when she recruited me to the Transcendency.

You were given your powers?

Yeah…

May we access your memories?

Sure, why not?

Thank you Marlene.

Humph.

Leo feels Spirit Mistress’ memories mixing with his own. He ignores the few flashes of supervillainess’ life that he gets and shoved the memories off to one side so he can deal with them later. Right now, Joan is his focus.

“Alright,” replies Leo, “I want to tell you something first.”

“Oh?” says Joan, looking interested as she looks back up at him.

“Well, you see,” starts Leo and he goes on to explain how when Spirit Mistress tried to possess him, she basically ended up as a new companion for him and then elaborates about her past and current situation.

“Can I speak with her?” asks Joan.

“Sure,” replies Leo, “Just enter my mind.”

“Cool, thanks,” replies Joan.

Leo?

Hi Joan.

So where is she?

Here.

Hi Spirit Mistress.

…

So how are you?

Why do you care?         

Because you’re stuck in my boyfriend’s head silly.

Don’t call me silly! I’m older than you!

How are you then?

Seventeen.

And your sister Alyssa?

Fourteen.

So what situation is your sister in?

She lives with a foster family. Unaware of my powers or who I worked for.

Oh.

She’ll be worried that I’m not back by now.

I will inform her of your situation then.

No!

Spirit Mistress dearie, you don’t a choice in the matter. You and your friends almost killed me and Leo. But tell you what, I will cut you a deal.

What deal?

If you are nice and helpful Companion to Leo, perhaps I will restore you to a physical body in a year or two.

Really? You can do that?

Yep. I’m pretty all powerful now.

I-er-thank you for that offer.

You’re welcome. Bye!

As soon as Joan redraws from Leo’s head, Spirit Mistress speaks up again.

Was she being serious?

Yes. Though I believe she will do it soon rather than later provided you behave. Joan is a kind and generous soul and will probably decide to reward you sooner than she said if you are deserving.

I will try and be as helpful and nice to you as I can.

Don’t worry about it. As long as you don’t get in my way, I won’t mind what you do. And Joan won’t care what you do if I don’t have a problem with it.

Oh, okay…thanks I guess.

You’re welcome.

“So now that little issue is resolved, let’s move on,” says Joan as rests her head against his shoulder again, “By the way, thank you for sharing that with me. I expect you to do that from now on. Especially since I have powers of my own.”

“Don’t worry dear,” replies Leo reassuringly, “I will. As you said, I don’t need to worry about you being endangered by my problems anymore.”

“You know, one thing I like about our relationship is that despite me being the one that is all-powerful,” says Joan with a relaxed sigh, “Is that you are still the most dangerous out of the two of us.”

“Debatable, but I’m glad you feel that way,” replies Leo, “I have tried my best to make you feel safe.”

“So now can we get on with what we were doing before?” asks Joan, “Pretty please?”

“Sure, I’ll grant you permission to alter me,” says Leo.

“Yes!” exclaims Joan, “I just got a message saying I have permission now. Just give me a moment…”

1.20 Aftermath Part 1

“Leo!” calls Joan as she saunters down the underground corridor.

She knows exactly where her boyfriend is as he works on designing his heavy combat suit. After his fight with Superior, Leo wants to come up with a suit of power armour that will let him fight and hold his own in the big leagues.

“Yes Joan?” replies Leo as he doesn’t look up from his computer.

Joan crosses her arms over her chest and under her breasts as she stops next to Leo’s chair.

It has been over a whole day since I manifested and Leo still hasn’t let me alter him.

You can just change your sexual orientation so you are attracted to boys again.

That won’t change the fact Leo doesn’t find me sexy. I know he loves me and all, but I also want him to lust after me as well.

“So you know how we got school tomorrow?” says Joan.

“Yes,” replies Leo, still not looking up.

“Well, I got a plan for dealing with that and keeping up a normal life in general,” continues Joan.

I can’t wait to see what he thinks of this.

“So what is your plan then?” inquires Leo.

“I am going to create second body with weaker abilities to live a normal life for me,” replies Joan, “To be a more conventional girlfriend, go to school and other normal things since I am now a super powerful being who can’t exactly go around doing those sort of things without undue attention.”

“So compartmentalisation then?” replies Leo, “Using a secondary body for the purpose of living a relatively mundane life.”

“Exactly,” agrees Joan with a happy purr in her voice, “And now we brainstorm.”

“What do you mean?” inquires Leo, sounding intrigued at the idea of brainstorming ideas.

“Well, since this second body will the body that I am going to primarily use as your girlfriend, we ought to decide on what it should be like together,” answers Joan, “So let’s the basics sorted first. So female and straight of course. I’m thinking that I’ll keep my second body as an Aphrodite, but not as over the top beautiful as I am right now and with plenty of leanings towards Bellator.”

“A Class Bellator that looks like an Aphrodite?” suggests Leo, “Like Bel?”

“Good idea,” agrees Joan, “Next we’ll go into external features. DD Cups and hourglass figure along with red hair and green eyes like my Mum is what I’m thinking of.”

“It’s your body,” replies Leo, “I recommend picking a form that you’ll be comfortable with.”

“But not too comfortable with,” says Joan, “As you know, I no longer need to eat, sleep, breathe, drink or poo. As cool as all of those are, I would like my secondary body to still do those things.”

“This body will be for leaving a normal life,” notes Leo.

“Exactly,” agrees Joan, “I’m also thinking of giving my secondary body some lower level superpowers.”

“What sort of powers and to what ends?” inquires Leo as he finally looks up at her and Joan hums with pleasure as he does.

About time.

“Well, I was thinking Gadgeteering to fit in with a certain someone,” answers Joan with a wink at Leo as she flashes him a quick smile.

“Sounds interesting,” replies Leo looking thoughtful as his eyes light up with excitement, “What speciality are you thinking or are you going to leave it generalised?”

“I’m thinking of doing modules or something like that,” says Joan, “That way I can be more versatile and I think it will be interesting to have a power like that.”

“Speaking of powers,” says Leo, “I thought your abilities didn’t extend to powers?”

“This is different,” replies Joan, “One thing that I have figured out is that when I create a duplicate of myself or someone else, I can give them a fake pseudo-power set. That said, I can’t change their powers any more than I can with anyone else once they are created. Which is why I want to brainstorm things first.”

“Alright,” says Leo, “So A+ Bellator and Gadgeteering with Module specialisation. Anything else?”

“I thinking of Technopathy since it works so well for Legacy,” replies Joan, “Plus, well, it just seems like such a cool ability to have!”

“Useful too,” agrees Leo, “So what levels?”

“Let me tell you what other two powers I want first,” says Joan as she decides to get closer to her boyfriend.

Slowing down time to a crawl while not quite freezing it, Joan casually climbs onto Leo’s lap and leans against him, curling slightly so despite being slightly taller, her head rests against his shoulder. In the position that she wants to be in, Joan unfreezes time.

Joan, with her super-duper senses, notices Leo look surprise briefly by her sudden relocation, but swiftly recovers and does the gentleman thing of putting an arm around her, holding her steady. She giggles and just lies there for a moment, enjoying being held by the person she loves.

“Joan?” prods Leo.

“Oh right,” says Joan, “I thinking out rounding out that power set with an enhanced physical prowess and learning capabilities and a perfect memory.”

“Sounds good,” replies Leo, “Nice versatile power set with nothing too fancy. So what power levels then?”

“I thinking of Technopathy as B+ while Gadgeteering at C Class,” answers Joan, “The others will be minor powers at D Class. I’m also thinking of adding a couple of special features to the power set.”

“Oh?” inquires Leo.

“First I’ll make it so my powers can grow with usage up to the point where they are B+ Class,” continues Joan, “Secondly I’ll make it impossible to nullify my powers. Short of an Infinity class nullification power of course.”

“Sounds good,” replies Leo, “So are you going to make your secondary body now?”

“Of course,” replies Joan as she smirks up at him.

She slows down time and again and opens up Leo’s sexual orientation, where it is set to Asexual. Joan giggles internally as she changes it to Heterosexual to pause at the response.

Accessed Denied.

Interlude - Alexis

Alexis Fowler hovers in the skies of Grand Rapids, far above her home, in her blue and gold costume while she daintily holds her domino mask in her hand.

“Sup sis,” says an unfamiliar voice from behind her and Alex jumps, dropping her mask.

“Who are you?” asks Alex as she turns around and is faced with a platinum blonde, purple eyed Aphrodite woman.

“It’s me, Joan,” replies the woman as she holds out Iris’ mask to Alex, “You dropped this by the way.”

“Umm, thanks Joan,” replies Alex hesitantly as she warily accepts her mask back, “So you manifested…”

“Yep,” says the girl, “I guess I look pretty different now. Is that what is wrong? Would you like me to show you proof of who I say I am or would you prefer it if I took on an appearance more like my old one?”

“Urr, no, it’s fine,” answers Alex, still unsure that this person is actually her sister, but willing to give her the benefit of the doubt given the nature of how powers work.

“You aren’t convinced,” says the girl accusingly as she put her hands on her hips.

“Urr-no, I’m, yeah,” admits Alex, looking away, feeling embarrassed.

If this is actually Joan, I’m going to feel so bad over this and the chances are it actually is my little sister.

“Meh, no worries sis,” replies the girl, “I would probably the same, needing proof first. So, can I use my new powers to convince you? Not that I need your permission, but I would be a real hypocrite if I just used my powers on you without your agreement.”

“Sure,” says Alex, giving the girl the benefit of the doubt, “What are your powers anyway?”

As she finishes speaking, Alex feels as if a switch as flipped in her head. There is no way that this isn’t her sister Joan and Alex flushes red with shame as she remembers how she refused to believe that this person was her little sister.

“A+ Class-are you okay?” asks Joan.

“I just feel guilty that I honestly didn’t believe that you were...you,” replies Alex, looking bashful over the fact.

“Don’t sweat Alex,” says Joan as she suddenly appears next to her and throws an arm around Alex’s shoulders, “As soon as I got a good look at my new self, I figured that I would to convince people that I was who I really was. Anyway, my powers are A+ Class Brick with invulnerability.”

“Nigh invulnerability is part of the Brick power set,” points out Alex.

“I didn’t say I had nigh invulnerability,” replies Joan smugly as she makes sure to empathise that particular word.                                                                                                              

“There is no way-you’re being serious aren’t you?” replies Alex, sounding as stunned as she feels, “Next you’ll be telling me you can be bring back the dead.”

“Oh I can’t do that,” replies Joan casually as she inspects one of her fingers, “Well, maybe I can with my third power, but I haven’t tried that and I’m not going to. I am not crossing that line regardless of  whether or not it is even possible for me to do so.”

“Oh,” says Alex before the implications of what Joan just said, “Wait, what exactly is your third power then? If you consider raising the dead to be a possibility because of your third power...”

“Reality warping,” replies Joan with another smug smirk on her face, “Only restriction is that I can’t directly affect powers.”

“That is bleep awesome,” says Alex, “What are you-did I just bleep?”

“Yep,” replies Joan.

“Why did I just bleep?” asks Alex, “I know you’re behind this Joan so tell me what you did.”

“Oh, I just made things so that every time you swear, it is replaced by a bleep,” explains Joan with a giggle.

“Joan!” exclaims Alex, startled by her sister’s action, “Why would you do that to me?”

“We’re sisters Alex,” replies Joan as she giggles again, “It’s basically my job to mess about with you. Just think of yourself as being automatically self-censored.”

“Urggh,” groans Alex, deciding to let the matter drop.

It doesn’t help that I am helpless against her new powers.

Don’t sis, I won’t do anything to hurt you. This is just a harmless prank.

Get out of my head!

Nah...

Joan!

Alright, alright. It would be mighty hypocritical of me to do this. Besides, I fully understand that no means no.

Thanks.

“So Alex, anything you want me to do for you?” inquires Joan.

“Well, you would you-” Alex starts to ask.

“Nope, not joining the Heroes Union,” says Joan, cutting off her sister, “I’m staying neutral, keeping out of the Cape and Cowl scene. Besides, if I were to go hero, I would end up joining the Guardsmen.”

“So what are you going to do?” asks Alex.

“I’m going to start a healing service,” answers Joan as she clasps her hands together, “With my powers, I can heal people who are disabled or crippled with total ease. People who would otherwise be unable to live normal lives. And not only that, but I can give people who were born unable to walk knowledge of how to walk and run, implant entire languages and knowledge of sounds into those born deaf and help those born blind not be overwhelm by all the colours and sights that this world has to offer. It will be awesome! Now, let me squeeze your boobs!”

“Wait, what?” asks Alex, flabbergasted by that last sentence.

“Come on sis, let’s grope each other,” says Joan as she pounces on the startled Alex, “It’ll be fun!” 

1.19 Ascendance Part 7

Leo wakes up, feeling completely refreshed and ready for action.

What happened?

We don’t know. But we have lost Joyous Star.

So I’m down to four Companions again?

No...       

So who is the replacement?

She is currently restrained. We will explain what happened later.

I’m looking forward to hearing that story. So what is our situation?

We are completely healed, including our left arm, and are in a set of power armour.

Nice. But how did that happen?

We don’t know.

But we should deal with Superior and Jane Smith so we can save Joan.

Agreed.

Without hesitation, Gears leaps into action, firing up all of his KEPs and summoning Reinkal to his hands as flies straight at Superior, where the supervillain is lodged in the wall.

As Superior steps out of the wall, Gears pierces him with Reinkal’s point and sends both of them flying down the corridor.

Got him.

Gears swings his right fist at Superior as they go through the air, activating the new molecular blades he installed in the wrists of his armour, just like the one he installed in his cyborg head.

Just as the tip of the blade strikes Superior’s golden skin, the supervillain disappears and Gears stabilises himself with his KEPs, turning around to look behind him even as he continues moving.

The sight that greets him is most certainly not what he expected.

The corridor looks completely normal with absolutely no signs of the recent battle. All the corpses, along with Jane Smith and Superior are gone. The only abnormality is strange woman that is approaching Gears.

Who is that?

We don’t know.

The woman is a silvery-blonde with gorgeous purple eyes and what is without a doubt an Aphrodite body.

And Gears can’t help, but feel drawn to this mysterious woman.

Wait, where is Joan?

Hi Leo!

Joan?

Yep! You’re looking at me by the way.

I see...

That you do. No pun intended I assume.

What?

Never mind. Guess who I got as my Companion.

Joyous Star.

Oh. How did you guess so easily?

He is missing from my mind. So what exactly are your powers? I assume they were behind my recovery and getting equipped with my power armour. Not to mention getting rid of Jane Smith and Superior.

I did do those things. Well, not getting rid of those last two. They teleported out and I can’t trace them. Anyway, my powers are...

Joan gleeful explains her powers to Gears and leaves him reeling from the shock of how overpowered his girlfriend is.

Wow, that is, just wow.

I know right!

Yeah. I mean, you are going to have some problems with such an extreme power set.

What do you mean? I can just out power anything out there.

Is that how you are going to get through life now? Just power through anything you don’t like? So are you going to take over the world when you disagree with what the government wants? Rewrite the minds of people when they do thing you don’t like? Kill people who get on your nerves or perhaps you’ll just erase from the universe so they never existed?

Leo...

And what about the Harbingers? Or whoever these guys worked for? A single Harbinger can still hold their own against you if they go all out. And Jane Smith and Superior teleported out from right under your nose. If they can do that, what else can they do to counter you?

I haven’t had time to think those things through.

Joan, what I am trying to say is that while you are the strongest parahuman in the world, that doesn’t mean you are the strongest thing out there. And Superior was the strongest parahuman out there. Then you came along.

I see your point...

Besides, what about a normal life? Don’t you want one of those? Where you and I can be boyfriend and girlfriend?

I get it Leo. What do you think I should do then?

Set yourself self-imposed limits.

Alright. No rising the dead. No changing family or the Guardsmen without permission. Well, a harmless prank there or that won’t hurt, but otherwise, yeah.

Those sound good. Can you bring the dead back to life?

Don’t know, haven’t tried. You were only mostly dead. I think your powers or something kepti you from actually being dead.

So what are we going to do now?

There is another thing I want to mention.

Go on.

You see, my powers have made me lesbian.

So make yourself straight or bi. Simple solution.

I know, that is what Star said, but I was thinking-

No. I know where that line of thought is going and no Joan. Just no.

Oh come on Leo! You might even like it.

Nope. Nada. Zip. Negative. Never. No.

Spoilsport.

I like being a guy Joan.

Can I at least change your sexual orientation so you are attracted to girls?

Maybe later.

Yay!

So what are we going to do now?

You’re the expert here. I’ll let you figure something out.

Alright. Can you teleport us to the base? We can regroup that and sort out things there. If people ask, we’ll just say you teleported us there after you manifested. We’ll only mention Jane Smith and Superior and say that we don’t know what happened to them after you manifested as you just teleported us out of there. If we don’t mention the other attackers, we won’t get any awkward questions about how we took them out.

Okeydokey.