thewinebottlenr43-blog

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

Saving Tia: Prologue.

A smal alternate reality introduction to Marshal  Hood. Before the crazy happens.

Warnings: nothing in particular. Just a character introduction.

Word count: 430+

"Marshal. We need you now. We have spotted another attack! "

"I'll be right there Steel."

14 months earlier.

The year was  2007. Just 14 months before everything officially went to hell. At that time you were without regret a drunk old man past his 40s, who had retired out of the military some years earlier and now led a team of powered or in some cases moded individuals.

It was not always a solid team. People came inside the Rangers HQ, ready to be heroes fighting for good. Then a few months later they   eventually come out of it with anxieties weighting down on their shoulders.

Poor kids. Not the job they had dreamed about. People died. Heroes died. And the villains were not  silly little bad guys on a Saturday morning cartoon.

You miss those. Good times.

Still, you could relate to the poor kids. That is if you stopped pretending not to. If you only had ceased  lying about your own feelings.

Maybe then they would have stayed.

No. You  must not allow your own weakness to take over. You needed to keep lying.

Just so that those who always remained, may have looked up to you as the good shepherd. Because in reality you are not  what people see  you as on the media.

Some wise old cracker in a cave, spewing words of wisdom to anyone that may come forth to him. Or  the way the papers put it. "A valiant, strong leader."

Frankly, you are tired, like the quitters are. However, you can't leave the ones left standing.

So you continued your false charade. When a person decided to quit, you gave them fake hugs and smiles. Likewise, you told them not to give up on their dreams.

It never worked of course. They persistently quit the whole time. Nevertheless, a few  folk continually remained to do the right thing. Even when things seemed gloomy.

Charge who you could almost see as your own son. You should not have introduced him to alcoholic drinks, though. What might his mother say?

Then there was Steel. Always clear-headed. Someone you could seek advice from. He needs to go out more often . Maybe get a date.

Finally. Sentinel and Anathema. One having no regards for law and order. The other, a joker who confidently pulled jokes right out of his ass.

They were a good team. No. More than that, the best family you ever had. You would not want anything bad happening to them.

Too bad.

No one knew what lay in wait for you al.You. Marshal Hood certainly did not.

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

Lovesick For Herald

Mc gets struck by love. Though this being a villian story it's not the most stable.

Mc: any gender, no name.

Current motivation:  set_lovesick: :)

Hb scar: i want it al and i want it now. (Modified to fit this fic)

Warnings;: death destruction, and some mentions of  anger issues. 

You have a hunger inside of you. An infectous desire born of hunger. It burns and eats away at your soul. Day by day. You tried to quench it but the hunger woudnt stop crawling out from your inner core. It consumed al your efforts to halt its constant rampage on your psychy, your inner being.

It seemed nothing could stop it from turning you back into the dark path you started on. One you tried to stay away from. So here you are once again in this damned suit you could never get rid of. Standing above a crowd as the explosives are about to blow them up. You do this every night. The hunger celebrating inside of you. So many lives almost lost to the explosions. Only to be saved by him. Herald, your nemesis with his indigo suit and that face that had won over so many hearts.

Including yours.

You can feel a small part of yourself getting lost in it now. Mingling with the screams of the people each night as he quickly scoops them up. This was a while ago. When you could rinse and repeat the same event just to get a glimpse of him. It would sate your hunger. Now it has grown too infectious to contain. You can barely walk or sleep, except that the thought of holding Heralds face in your hands enters your mind. A smile forming on his face. You, wiping it away with a kiss.

A long kiss to let him know the unspoken feelings you have for him. Feelings you are unable to voice while both of you are fighting over people's lives on the streets.

Was this how love truly felt like? You always thought it was nothing more than a chemical reaction in people's brains. Reactions that could be manipulated, used and turned against the frail hearts and weak minds of humanity.

A species you never belonged to.

You were certainly not prepared to learn the truth. The truth that you are as equally human as they are. The truth that love, your love for Herald was not just a reaction, but also a desire from within. A sickness bolstered by the hunger you carried ever since the Heartbreak incident. A hunger once set on empowering your need to tear down the walls surrounding you. People, buildings.

Anger when unfocused, can lead to a lot of damage, and for a time it was the sole strength of your villainous career. The one weapon the world could never take away from you. For a time it allowed you to keep pace with Los Diablos best villains and brightest heroes. For a time it allowed you to tear down your true enemies, hiding behind their "dogs" and secure facilities.

Did they think they could get away with everything they did to you?

Give an anger, no reason to exist, however and it abates over time. The flames getting smaller each day. That's what you feared the most.

Having no purpose once the rage had settled.

Having no more things to be upset and trampled on.

Your enemies are buried beneath many layers of rubble, the scars left in this city is a testimony of their defeat.. Your former allies know your true face now. You have proven time and again that they can't stop you. They know better to stay their distance these days. You're not the same  telepath you once were.

Having no more bugs to eliminate, you found it increasingly worthless to put on your suit. A frightening piece of fibermesh, meant to terrify.

You had made your peace with the world. You are no longer a nobody to be stepped on. A tool to be used only to be thrown in a trashcan later. So you put the suit away, left the city and lived a comfortable life for a time. The anger had dissipated, but the scars remained. You could still feel the hunger inside, wanting to be filled once more.

Desiring to have a new purpose.

It was then during one night when Heralds face was plastered across your television screen that the hunger fed on  your feelings for Herald.

Amplyfing them to a new degree.

You soon found yourself wanting to see his face for real. Want, turned to need and soon you found yourself back to your old life. Only things were different, so much different. Every person you killed, every building you blew up was all in the name of love. A sickness, your sickness. Spurred by a hunger and newfound emotions once overwhelmed by anger.

Anger you no longer have.

A glimpse of Herald is not enough for you anymore. Not when you are this sick for him. You wish you could just walk into the Rangers headquarters and talk it out with him. It's an opportunity you no longer have. It's not like he could forgive or forget al the terrible things you did So you let the dreams carry you away. There you can cry on his shoulders for lost chances and missed opportunities.  There comforted by his arms, you can look into his eyes.

The same as yours.

Like gravity, they pull you closer to his face. A small part of you tries to fight it.

The gravity.

It's impossible. The end result is always the same. When your lips finally meets his, you know you won't stop yourself from loving him.

It feels like another kind of nightmare. One where you are trying to wake up only because you are both caressing each other, before both of you open yourselves to the gates of oblivion.

Your pathetic that way. Thinking this nightmare of love will end soon. Thinking the hunger will finally abate forever if you just feed it one last time.

But it won't

There is no cure.

Or maybe there is.

Maybe you just have to admit it Take a real step towards his house and his heart.

You have a sickness.

A sickness for Herald.

An infectious hungry desire, born of love.

You can't get free from it. And you don't know if you will ever get over it

Maybe this is the only way to be cured.

It might finally give you some controll.

You close your own door behind you and open his. It's a forbidden sanctuary. It's been forbidden like that since you broke up.

Does he recognise your face as you unexpectedly show up? Of course he does. An alarmed expression is visible on his face. You don't allow him to react, not before you give him a tight hug. Lips pressed against his. They are so much sweeter than the dreams. So are his thoughts. A familiar, comfortable tune inside your head.

You don't know how many kisses it will take before you can untangle yourself from Herald. Maybe you don't want to.

Ever again.

You could allow yourself to hold him in your arms, forever.

A dream come true.

A dream that won't last as he forcefully pulls you away.

Back to reality.

At least the hunger is gone.

For now.

Herald rests his back towards a nearby table. A mixture of feelings is battling it over in his mind. You only care to pick out the one that matters the most.

It's there beneath the shock and alarmed reactions. A part of him that truly felt alive, when you kissed him.

Good. There is some hope after all. For both of you. A chance for you to fix what was broken between you.

But not today. This is all well and fine. You need some space to clear your head.

The first step is always the biggest.

Without as much as a word you leave an emotionally entangled Herald behind you.

Every step you take away from him brings the hunger you carry back to life.

Once again ready to devour your feelings.

Make you sick with love and drag you back to his house.

This time, however you don't try to fight it.

You're willing to live it out. And maybe someday start things fresh. A reborn circle of love.

No more chaos.

No more dreams.

Just you and Herald happy beneath many stars.

Just like the old days.

You smile to yourself. The thought gives you strength to keep walking forward ,towards new plans and new beginnings.

THE END

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

Ricardo says no.

Not like my other fics. Just playing and experimenting with words for some self inprovement.  This might therefore actually suck. .

Ricardo Ortega was thinking about Cyrus Basri again. Cyrus was a cowardly villian with pretty arms and moist feet.

Ricardo walked over to the window and reflected on his grand surroundings. He had always hated sunny Los Diablos with its powerful, prickly parks. It was a place that encouraged his tendency to feel fuzzy.

Then he saw something in the distance, or rather someone. It was the  cowardly figure of Cyrus Basri.

Ricardo gulped. He glanced at his own reflection. He was a brave, greedy, wine drinker with sloppy arms and red feet. His friends saw him as a defeated, damp dolphin. Once, he had even brought a dead baby bird back from the brink of death.

But not even a brave person who had once brought a dead baby bird back from the brink of death, was prepared for what Cyrus had in store today.

The wind blew like singing pigeons, making Ricardo active. Ricardo grabbed a silver sandwich that had been strewn nearby; he massaged it with his fingers.

As Ricardo stepped outside and Cyrus came closer, he could see the smiling glint in his eyes.

Cyrus gazed with the affection of 2574 predatory repulsive rats. He said, in hushed tones, "I love you and I want a new beard."

Ricardo looked back, even more active and still fingering the silver sandwich. "Cyrus, I shrunk the kids," he replied.

They looked at each other with unstable feelings, like two hollow, horrible hamsters rampaging at a very modest Valentine's meal, whith flute music playing in the background and two down to earth uncles bopping to the beat.

Ricardo studied Cyrus's pretty arms and moist feet. Eventually, he took a deep breath. "I'm sorry," began Ricardo in apologetic tones, "but I don't feel the same way, and I never will. I just don't love you Cyrus."

Cyrus looked sparkly, his emotions raw like a tall, tense torch.

Ricardo could actually hear Cyrus's emotions shatter into 8681 pieces. Then the cowardly villian  hurried away into the distance.

Not even a glass of wine would calm Ricardo's nerves tonight.

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

Killing Steel

Mc murders Steel. With a bit of love.Nine times. Nine! Before  i successfully wrote  his  downfall.  So where is my trophy evi author? ! It was lucky shot. The lucky part coming from @Cheion  who encouraged and helped  me murder him one last time. Thanks for that. 👍👍👍

You are screaming. But Herald screams more, the mental seizures slowly crumpling his mind to bits. You had fought for a while. The kid was strong. You made him strong. Confident. To say you weren't proud was an understatement. But all heroes break eventually. Three years as a villian had taught you that.

Or was it when you broke up into pieces?

It doesn’t matter, not anymore.

Perhaps it did once, in a different place. In a different time. When you were souring among the angels. When you could feel guilt for what you are doing now. It dosen’t matter. The angel had fallen and rage is the only feeling you can bear these days. The heroes stand in your way. It's not your fault for taking them out. Herald is no difference.  He tries to speak, tries to beg. But you won't allow it. His mind becomes a distant memory as you feel it shutting down.

"Forgive me kid but you can’t save me. I'm not the hero you once worshipped. I never was.”

With a final shock wave, Heralds mind puffs up like smoke. A silence hits your thoughts.  Three down. One to go. He should be here now. If not for the fact that he is a Ranger and a hero, That's his  weakness. Caring. Something you didn't share. No – couldn’t share. Not after what happened.

You thought you were prepared. But they found you. Found your hideout. Their faces as familiar to you as your body. Two Re Genes. Strong; too strong.  You had to run. Seek out help. Tell him everything.

You had thought you could trust him. But he had spat in your face.  You remember the sound of the alarms as you entered the Rangers headquarters in your costume. The  daylight removing it’s intimidating  flavour. Was it simply made for the nightlife? You were lucky Lady Argent wasn’t arround.

There was a confrontation. A shocked Herald unable to speak as you removed your mask. An incessant Ortega, berating al the terible  things you did. Did you feel sory then? Maybe you did if not for Steels ire.

"We don't help  a murderer".

That’s when you snapped.

He tried to stop you.  They all did.  In their own way. Even when you  asked for forgiveness. Even when you  told  them everything. Begged them to focus on the bigger picture. So much for relying on the angel’s grace. In the end you were the problem. The villIan to be stopped,  to be put away.  You don't think you ever  felt as much rage as you did that day it all came crashing down. Certainly enough to break the bond between you and Marshal Steel. The moments you both shared. Moments of finding out the man behind the cold mask. Moments of training together. Moments of pain, of love, of tears.  Tears you kept to yourself, knowing what you coudn’t be. Tears that are a distant memory.

There he is.

You look at the HUD display as Steel rushes towards you, a dark mass of metal. There is no pause in his steps. No threats and warnings of making you surrender.

No, this is revenge. The egg had finally cracked.

You fly upwards just as he prepares for a punch. His mind is shielded. But the nanovores should take care of that. All you need is a good spot and a well-aimed punch.  You don't have time to plan for either as Steel starts firing at your armor. Maybe you should have settled for those  telepathic boosters, instead of enhanced speed.  it's hard to focus on two things.

The firing stops.  

Shit. You wish you could have noticed it but it's too late as your armor shuts down. The weight of gravity hitting you as you fall.

Steel catches your legs with a tight grip.

"Bullets. With microenhanced emps. Did you think I was just firing at you?"

He rips of your jets . Slamming you to the ground.  Your armor beeping all kinds of yellow. Shit. You need to move.  He dosen’t give you the chance. Aming  a kick to your side. The pain almost unbearable.

"No more games. It's just you and me now."

"Not before I take you apart."

You lash out in a desperate move . Throwing yourself against him. The nanovores hungry, set on their target as you release them.  You don't know if they hit a weak spot.  All you can do is focus on feeding their hunger.

Steel launches another attack. On the chest, to the side, to the head. Shit, that one hurt.  Shit he's strong. Of course he is. You know it. Personally,  intimately. The memories slipping into your mind.

Prostetic hands holding yours firmly. Arms strong as a bull pushing you forward, trapping you in a tight spot. You can feel the mods pressing against your cloths. A cold hand touches your face.  It stays there. His mind an expression of uncertainty.

" This .." He pauses . "Maybe we should..."

You don't let him finish. You’re a telepath.  You know what he feels. Did you feel the same? Was pressing your lips against his your way of avoiding your true feelings? The same feelings that occupied his own thoughts. The doubts, the fear, the concequences? Or was this how you really felt? Pressing yourself tighter around him. Kissing him ever so deeply. Having found someone to share  a part of yourself with. Why did the nightmares stop after that day?

Nothing made sense anymore.  Except for the brutal screams of another presence. Telling you to wake up. To remember.

They are in.

Metal pressed against skin. Pain everywhere. It hurts, it really hurts. Shit. You can't see.  Your mask is beyond repair, clinging to your face. The HUD  showing various colors. An indication  of its poor state.  You throw of your helmet.

Trying to get up is more than you can bargain for. You can already feel the blood trickling down from everywhere. Shit.  Are you bleeding out?  

You slowly take off the rest of your armor.  Painfully aware of the dark mass of metal in front of you. Sparks of electricity popping out of its left shoulder.  A small ladder  sticking out of its back.  Did Steel escape after the armor shut down?

"Aaaah! Get of!"

You flinch.

Steel. You feel him backed up to nearby wall. Something stuck to his hands.  Hungry. Shit.  Not now it's too soon. Nanovores eating him alive. You don't want that. You can't have that.  Not before you make him confess what he did to you. Justice will be served  but you don’t intend to be sloppy about it. Bleeding out as you are , its harder to focus on them. Especially when they have something to eat. Nobody likes their dinner disturbed. You don't mind, pressing your will against them.  

They swirl around you as your gaze finds Steel. His left  fingers half torn.  Sparks coming out of them. You almost want to drop to the floor. Let yourself bleed out.  Give up to the nightmares. No. You need to do this. Just one more and then...

"You look terrible."

He stands there. One arm holding the other. Pain is visible across  his face.  

"Likewise"

"I've been through worse." It's not a lie. Even though he clutches his damaged arm a bit too tight. A tightness you once experienced. How would it feel to relive it? No. You shake your thoughts.  Forcing yourself to smile.

"So have I Steel. More than you can imagine . "

"You killed Herald!"

"Add two more to your list."

"He adored you. Even after his legs got broken.  Even after finding out the truth."

" He cared too much.  All of you did. Well maybe not Argent. But Ortega. Nosey as always."

"Do Re Genes even have emotions? Or is that a just  facade?"

"Maybe. Disappointed?"

"No. I knew you were trouble the first time we met."

"Come on, Steel. I can see the windows to your house. Did you think this would last? After what you did. What all of you did?"

You point to your body. So much blood on the ground. Almost ready to pass out.

"Don't you put the blame on me!  You brought this on yourself. Putting on a costume. Murdering people. Friends."

" You think I wanted this?  I'm not the villIan here. Who left their friend to die? Who left him to the hounds? Not remembered? Not cared for? "

" That's not fair!"

"I'm sure Anathema would agree!"

"You killed people! What was I suposed to do?! Putting you away was the best option."

"Liar!  For once admit that your are the problem.  you wanted to help. You just coudn’t accept al those people who died for nothing, while you are still alive working for a twisted system. "

"Stop it!"

His emotions had boiled up. But there’s something beneath it all. Guilt. Sadness. Fear to accept the truth.

"So you decided to take all your frustration on the one thing you felt closest to.  The one thing you could never have. Me."

"Always getting inside people's heads! As if you have a right to do so!"

"I didn't ask for my powers. I didn't ask to be made. But I guess this is where we are."

Your knees hit the ground. Shit. You won't be able to stay conscious for long.

Steel straightens his shoulders.

"Maybe you’re right."

"Maybe?!"

" I just... After you told us everything. It was hard.  Hard not to just give up. I've seen wars. People dying. Comrades. This however..."

He shakes his head.  

"Human progress builds on suffering." You  say as you give him a smile. " I know."

" Still, it dosen’t excuse  what you did."

"I'm not sorry. "

"That's why I have to take you down."

Releasing his left arm he pulls out a small handgun.  Looking unsure as he aims it at you.

"You didn't used to carry that when I was around. Guess you needed some company, huh?"

"For whatever it's worth,  I...It was nice. What we had." He puts his hands on the tiger. Unsure of what to do. Is that a hint of redemption you detect from his thoughts? You know there is no such thing left in you  anymore. Your just broken and bloodied pieces of shards. Unable to mend themselves.

"For whatever it's worth." You agree.  Taking advantage of his doubts. It takes not more than a second before the nanovores are upon Steel again. Eating the gun away. You direct their attention  to the rest of his body.  The scream is not what you would have imagined.  There is no laughter as you take your foe apart. No joy as the nanovores devour anything inorganic. No comfort as blood gushes out from various places, once occupied by various mods. His mind is still active. You pull it towards yourself. Like rowing a boat backwards. Stripping it away from his body with the last of your strength.  

It's there, you and it together. A   bubble, inside your mind.  Slowly fleeting away as you surround it with the memories. The acid air. Anathema’s skin dissolving. Going upstairs. The vertigo as the bubble loses itself to the madness. The rage. The window. The darknes.  You pull yourself along with it. He who desires revenge should dig two graves. You know  who to dig them for.

The bubble gets   smaller and smaller,   fading away into  the deep dark nothingness. You tag along. Finally at peace with yourself.  Letting the darkness dissolve your whole being. Your body collapses and the world goes quiet.

.....

Beneath the moonless sky, ambulances and police sirens beep to nobody's attention. The bald doctor with small round glasses takes a peek at the dead toy in front of him. Stupid cuckoo.  Always thinking they can run away. But that's why they are called cuckoos. In the end nobody can run away from the farm. Not even through death. With a shark like smile, the doctor picks up the empty body, putting it inside a nearby van. He would make sure to make it less annoying this time. Much less annoying. And far less human. How many times had it escaped? And how many times did he have to suffer for it? Not this time. The doctor adjusts his glasses as he step into the van. Driving away from the chaos behind. Letting the cops and citizens of Los Diablos to deal with the death of the last Ranger, which the doctor didn't care one wit about.

Just another nobody biting the dust.

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

Legion post Rebirth with his new armor upgrade/look and expensive street wear

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

Ortega: Broken Heart

A lite Ortega angst. Cynthia just broke up with her. So to the shrink she goes. Decided to cut out all the environmental and   secondary descriptions and only keep  the dialogue  for the most part as i felt the it flowed better. But maybe its just me. Here is hoping. Enjoy,

“ Julia! Why  don’t you talk to me”

“Is it too hard? just let your thought out?”

“Are you afraid of this talk?”

 “No. I'm fine. I just need a timeout.”

“Does your timeout include not  talking to me?”  

“It's just so complicated, talking  about  Cynthia.”

 “Then why wont you talk to me? You know i'm here for you.”

   “I thought she loved me.”

  “Oh, but didn’t she?”

  “If she did then she  wouldn’t have left.”

 “But that’s the thing. Everything changes. Life evolves. Even the butterfly was once a caterpillar. She may not love you now, but she did once.”

  “I thought you were supposed to help me.”

 “You’ll see how I am one day. Just like the caterpillar you’ll grow stronger and emerge a beautiful butterfly.”

  “I don’t want to be a fucking butterfly. I just want my best friend back.”

 “Maybe she’ll come back one day.”

 “And if she doesn’t?”

 “Then it wasn’t meant to be.”

 “I’ can't be without her. Not again.”

 “Did you ever think that maybe you weren't meant for each other ? Maybe that’s why all of this happened.”

 “No. I loved her. I still do.”

“Even so. Maybe you weren't  supposed to be together.”

“Maybe. I miss how things were.I wish it didn't have to end like this. Thinking that it wasn’t meant to work isn’t any solace. I don’t think I can get over it. Over us.She did certainly.  I wish our  relationship had grown despite all the missing links,  instead of coming to a dead end.

“She might be feeling the same.”

“ She has done some terrible things. I doubt it.”

“What things?”

“I...I can't talk about it.”

“Too often we spend minutes, and sometimes hours and days, ruminating over a negative experience, but we gloss over the positive.Take time to deepen the positive experience. Open yourself to the feelings of support  you  had  in your life. Remember all the good things you and Cynthia shared.”

“ I know.  I appreciated the good things we had. It's just,  my heart longs for that easy confidence I once had. Seeing her again made me think  that things would never fall  apart. I thought we had a second chance. I guess We just couldn’t change each other. I couldn't change the past. I feel inadequate that I couldn’t bring out the best in her. She did a lot of terrible things. Meirda! Maybe I expected too much out of her. 8 years is a lot of change i wasn't prepared for.”

 “Even with a lot of repairs, nothing lasts forever. All we can do is move on. Focus on what you can be. Not what could have been,”

“How long, before the pain is over? you can't expect me to shrug  of this need to salvage what is not there anymore. !”

“It is not so much about coming to terms with it as it is about freeing yourself from what could have been. There is only one way to that. You must move forward. Not all relationships are meant to last forever. And that's ok. You can only make the best of them, All the while  making space for all the new  wonderful people you  can connect with.”

“I'm not sure i can do that.”

“You haven't tried yet.”

“Maybe i can't.”

“ i believe you can. Release the guilt, the grief, all the frustration. Let's do a few breathing  exercises,”

…….

“How do you feel now?”

“I don't know. I can't stop thinking about her. Maybe we should do this more.”

“Of course. I'm always here if you need me.”

“Thanks Doctor Finch.”

“Just remember. Positive thoughts.”

with a heavy heart Ortega exists Dr Finch's office,  Her heart filled with anguish and loss as she exits the hospital

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

Puppet master.

Mc does some mental gymnastics. This is for you my fellow puppeteers how  many you might be.Let those other sidesteps have a taste of our skills.

You are standing among crowds of people as they pass you left and right.  Their thoughts penetrating yours with all kinds of secrets and emotions. Under normal circumstances you would not stand here  exposed like a precious price. You don't like people looking at you, nevertheless remembering your face. But you like coming here. It gives you a sense of power and influence. It makes you matter. More so it also allows you to train your telepathic skills. If you want to create anarchy among a people who are so heavily dependent on a system runned by heroes and villains you need to learn how to control them. Only then can you set the strings lose. You have a system of course. It's not like you use your powers in broad daylight. That would be too dangerous. You walk forward to a ice cream stand . The first step was always the easiest, Playing on people's emotions. You just had to make  them think less and act more. A man is standing next to you .Perfect target with a lot of money. Nudging his thoughts you make him think he is one of your colleagues.

“ Hi Stan. You didn't forget to buy me the ice  cream right?”

“Oh yeah. Hey another Tiger Tail for my friend here.” Good. To say it was an effort was an overstatement. You grab the ice cream and walk away. Deleting the man's memories. You don't feel bad for doing these kinds of tricks. Better they than you. You had enough of being on the receiving end. Next you need to check your own self control.  ideally your target won't have an exceptional amount of control over their emotions, but that doesn't mean you get to be lazy. A master manipulator needs to be able to act. Shedding a tear when it suits your needs or losing yourself in a fit of rage are both important skills you'll want to master. Whether you want to incite fear, sympathy, or anything else will depend on the situation, so it's important to master your own emotions, Luckily   you have the proper tools for the task at hand. You connect a shocker to your wrists. The device was popular in the ASMR  department. The prince doesn't have to kiss the damsel anymore. You dial it up to  eleven. The pain is instantaneous  But you were so used to it  by now.

You keep your emotions in check as you order a pedestrian to take a wrong turn. Good. It seems to work, despite the pain. You quickly take of the shocker as you move on with your training. Last but not least  You have to seem like a good person, even if you're not. If you ever need to take a negative action like criticizing behavior, blaming another person whether it's their fault or yours, or even yelling at the target, you should always find a way to wrap it in altruism. It can be very hard to hate an altruist and so you  paint yourself as one.If you yell at your target for not doing something you wanted, you tend to  frame the outburst as a means of helping them. You can  alter their minds and apologize for the outburst and tell them you felt they weren't acting in their best interest. You're sorry you got so emotional, but you care about them and want the best for them and it scares you to think that they don't have their best interests at heart. On the other side of the coin, when criticizing someone else's behavior,  you tend to remind the target that you're there for them no matter what horrible thing someone else does.You  make them feel secure when around you  . Small mental pressures just to make them care about you.

Positivity is always your best friend when trying to convince people to do what you want. Negative manipulation should only be used when necessary. Too much negativity will make you an ineffective manipulator. Humanity is nothing but a herd of sheeps, easy  to control when they have something to believe in This is why you don't kill. You need to be a symbol of reliance. Taking down a system means you have to  elevate yourself above it.And  People expect certain things to stay the same.

For this last exercise you walk towards two couples. One of them is about to propose to the other.

“ So I have been thinking dear. It's been on my mind for years but… LARRY.WILL YOU MARRY ME?!”

“ James! 1,,,1 didn't expect that.”

“just say yes. I sure would marry someone just for a broken heart.” You interrupt their little play. Now you just need to convince the bride that the  proposer is a bad groom. The key here was to use your telepathy to stir emotions, Not direct control.

“ Excuse me. But who are you?”. Larry looks over at you.

“Just your average Joe. But trust me. I have a knack for these kinds of things. This man right here  is not marriage material.” You nudge him with a little dose of trust. As you simultaneously increase the other man's annoyance.  You could just be done with this right now. But that's not why you are here.

“Hey back of mister! I don't know who you are. And i sure don't care. Larry lets go.”

you ignore him. Focusing on Larry.

“Look. man i hate to disappoint. But i just saw this guy fraternizing with the mayor  a couple days ago. At least hear me out.” You keep pushing the trust me button.

“What? James? He would never do it.”

“Thats right. Now lets go Larry. “ Larry looks between you and James. His face an expression of confusion. Then he starts walking  towards James. You grab him and turn him around.

“Hey! What are you doing?” James emotions were worsening by the minute. Good. You keep ignoring him as you increase them.

“I know you have feelings for this man. I'm not here to ruin your day. Trust me.  I'm just trying to save you from many hours of a fake marriage.”

“What do you want?”

“What? Seriously Larry. You are going to listen to this bloke?” You want James to feel annoyed. Threatened. This was the turning moment of this little charade.

“Maybe we should just hear him out. He might leave us then.” James is about to say something but you flush him with hesitation. You smile. Giving Larry your most trustworthy face. Hanging around the Rangers had certainly taught you to keep a straight face.

“Right. So about a week ago i saw this man hanging around the mayor's house.  Part time paparazzi you see.  I saw him holding her hand. “ As you keep describing the events you paint them inside James head.  This part was particularly important. You can feel James anger busting up in flames.

“ That's not true! Seriously Larry lets just go. Enough with this lying bloke.” You finally turn towards him.

“Running from your guilt?”

“ You lying ashole. Just get lost!”

“ I saw you with the mayor.”

“Well you saw someone else. Not me. Now get lost. Or do i have to make a point?”

“Only one. Just admit what you did for our friends sake.”

“ Oooh. Just shut up.” His hands had balled into fists. Tears were threatening to come out. You flush  Larry with doubt. Just enough for him  to start questioning James.

“James is this true?”

“No!”

“Did you see the mayor?”

“No!”

“ Did you sleep with her?

“ I said NO!”

Larry  keeps hammering questions at him. It was important to build up James guilt and  anger. Too many emotions keeps a target unfocused and prone to say things they regret. Like now.

“ Alright! Alright! I did it!”.

“Well there you go. Like i told you. Time for me to leave.” You alter their memories of you . But keep the incident all the same. You don't need to watch  their upcoming squabble. You were done for today. All in all your skills were sharper than ever before. Now you just need to stay safe enough to use them. With a heavy headache you start walking home. Putting today's events behind you.  

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

David Bastri/legion. Strength and telepathic boosters. puppeteer/former independent hero. Killing is pointless. But anarchy is not. Has a sweet tooth called Ortega witch he has difficulty removing.

Who are your mc’s?

I am super curious, I’ve seen so many pictures but I know so little about them. I would love to if people would share a little in this thread!

Name, armor style, powerset, villain path, any RO, if they are a killer and so on.

Really. I love them all and I want to get to know them.

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

Step Into The Light. FH Fanfic

 Quite Long fanfic. Heads up. Sidestep goes on his first adventure as a hero. Decided to customize Castrofiend. Because why not.

“ So  what do you think?”

You are standing in front of a mirror. You hated them, hated looking at yourself. But today is not an normal, ordinary day. The kind that started with test tubes and ended with an insult. No. Today is another kind of day. It had been six weeks since your escape, or was it seven.  You don’t remember. Crap.  More like you don’t want to remember. Its well behind you now. You had done a good job of covering your tracks. They won’t know. Or would they? You are not sure. It don’t matter . By the time you have stepped into the world with your new identity, your trace will be long gone.

“Now pal I know my creations are a wonder to behold but can you still manage to answer my question?”

Crap. For a moment you had forgotten you were standing inside a mid teer costume workshop. Thinking too deeply had a tendency to disconnect you from reality.  

“ Yeah it looks good.”

“That’s it? Usually I hear a hurra! Or a awesome! Or on certain occasions they might just start dancing around”

“Not me.” You  keep looking at yourself. Your new self-looking back with a frown.  You are clad in grey. Blue lines covering your chest ,your arms and legs It felt comfortable in a way you couldn’t describe.  You didn’t like the fancy colors that outlined other heroes costumes.  Too bright, too disturbing. A red mask was covering part of  your face .

“Must be one of those mood killers then. So what’s your name anyhow? “

“ Name?  Why would I need a name?” You where still trying to cope with the idea of being a hero and this new path you had taken. Before all of this they would only send you out on Infiltrations. Often involving  mixing with people and locating targets. You were focused back then. And when you weren’t , when you hesitated they would make sure you where focused.  These days it’s a strange feeling. Having the capacity to touch, move and feel the environment around you, at your own leisure. It felt fake. Almost as if this was just a dream.

Crap. Stop thinking. It was over.  This wasn’t a dream , and you had made it.

“ Sometimes I forget some of you are newbies. Yeah a name. You know. One that  will be shouted across the streets as  you dash in to save the day. Or might just be trampled over just because you have lame powers.” His thoughts  turn sour. You turn around to look at you would be costume maker. He was a low key former vigilante named Shadow. Having the ability to turn invisible.His real name and past you didn’t care to dig up. All that mattered was his skills. You couldn’t risk going to a more professional one.  Too dangerous.

“I’m guessing you are the latter.”

“ Yeah ,yeah  whatever. Mood killer. And since you are such a good one, maybe you should join the villain club. But what do I care. Just give me the 600 thousand you owe me for making such a delicate costume.”   

You look supervised. You hadn’t expected the price to be this high. You could barely afford a house Any money you had you used for food and having a roof over your head. He notices your look.

“ Hey did you think all of this came out of thin air?” He stretches out his arms as he spins around the workshop.

“ I thought that was your skill”

“Now you are taking this too far mood killer. Im being serious.”

“ So am I. Maybe lower the price for a new kid on the block.”

“ I'm not haggling.”

“Too bad. I guess i will  just have to come back and repay you.” You start walking past him towards the exit.

“Well until then the suit stays with me.”

“ You don't trust a hero to be heroic and keep their word?”

“Sorry pal. I'm long past believing in peoples good intentions. You don't live in this city just to be righteous.”  

“Too bad.” You don't like doing this. Using your powers like this. You were supposed to be hero now, but at the same time you needed this. You needed this costume. It had taken a lot of courage to come here. A lot of courage and even more paranoia.  Crap you still doubt you can  handle this new world you were heading into. What if they found you? And yet it was the only way of escaping the memories haunting you. You needed a shelter. Something to give you a new purpose., maybe even atonement for the things they made you do. Erasing his mind was for a good cause. Or so you thought.

you don't  look back as you twerk Shadows mind. A little telepathic nudge just to make him forget the last hour. You don't like to brute force you way into people's thoughts. They  tend to get used to it. which is why you resort to  subtle trickeries. you  grab one of the energy M1 shotguns on a shelve near the door. Cheep, but it would have to do. You exit the front door and quickly trogde into the nearest ally. No point  in being spotted yet.

You bring up the newspaper you had bought recently.  You have a costume, a weapon. Al you needed now was a target. On the front page you can. see with big letters.

CASTROFIEND STILL AT LARGE

“ The infamous villain known as The Casstrofiend responsible for the death of over 120 people  is still at large. After last week's attempt by the Rangers to bring him in failed. He has yet to show up on the streets of Los Diablos. Marshal Charge has  yet to comment on his whereabouts. people  are advised to stay at their homes after dark. And if anyone sees him they are  obliged by the LDPD to immediately report his location.”

You close the paper. Castrofiend. That sounds interesting and menacing at the same time. Do you  think you could handle it. These Rangers had faced it in force and it had escaped them. When did you, a loner and  new hero think you could  take on something like that. You shake your head.

“Doubt leads to failure dog. Never doubt!” That's what they told you every time they gave you  a new mission. Crap you can still remember all those  days getting pointed at for your failures. You learned to live with them. Until you stopped making them. Until you became the perfect tool to be used.

Crap, You need to focus, You had faced complicated tasks before ,certainly not as dangerous as this one. But still as complex as those before. You needed some way of finding this Castorfiend. Maybe it hid underground or had a base somewhere in this city.Regardless, your hunt begins where it was last spotted. Familiarity with a place  tend to make people remember their past, This is why you are now standing on the rooftops near the area  were the Castofiend was last found. You need  to brush surface thoughts of anyone who might have seen it. The thoughts hit you like a wip. It's painful to focus on  one specific individuals hopes and dreams. You pop a chocolate bar in you mouth. Sugar enhances you powers a bit. But it also calms you down, You focus on the taste

“Dog! Always make sure to have one of these. When you are weak and pathetic like now it will help you.”

The smell.

“Do you understand?”

The feeling of the chocolate as it rolls around your tongue.

“Do you understand!”

The voices starts to wind down.

“Yes sir.”

There. One of the pedestrians had spotted Castofiend heading south . You jump from rooftop to  rooftop. Often staying for a moment to check if anyone else had seen it heading in the same direction, Your head hurts from the strain of using your powers. It's nothing compared to the memoires. They always show up, like a buzzing fly around your ears. Reminding you of what you used to be.

As you suspected. It looks like Castofiend had last been  running towards this old industrial building. It looked abandoned. The red color having lost its former beauty. pipes  hanging from one of the roofs sides.

You can't sense any thoughts nearby. You have to go inside the building, You can feel the doubts coming  back to your mind. Here you were on you first day as a would be hero. And you were already heading into  unknown waters. In the past it was always easy. You knew your targets. Who they were and most of the times where they lived.Finishing the job was all they needed from you. You swallow hard. No time to think about the past. A keycard was visible under the looked front door. Not a problem for you. They had taught  you  everything about technology they could. Including  how to bypass any door. A small thing to be proud of, even if it came from the worst of places. within minutes you are inside the building.

The smell of rust and something burnt hitting your nose. In front of you the hall is dimly lit, lights going of now and then. One  staircase is leading down to a basement. Looks like the burnt smell is coming from there. Someone must be there. Maybe even Castofiend itself. It was hard sensing something from a long distance. They never allowed you to use you powers at any given moment without their consent. Whatever was down there you need to check it out.

Crap. You hope this place won't be your tomb as you walk down the stairs. The smell is getting stronger now. You carefully open the basement door. The smell hits you in the face. You stagger back covering your mouth, In front of you lies a man on the floor. His clothes torn. His body having large sets of burns as far as you can see. It looks like he was chained up as you see them lying on the floor. You hear a muffled yelp as you look further inside the room. A woman is chained to the wall. torn lips and bloodied arms. She looks up at you. Her thoughts a mixture of fear and sorrow. The man. She knew him. No. Not just knew. They were close. As you get closer she starts to panic.

“P..Please don't hurt me.”

Crap. What were you supposed to say. You aren't exactly a mother hen, and this is your first job as a hero. Did you comfort her? Wasn't that lying? Telling people that everything was alright  when it wasn't. Like you did constantly. Maybe this was too much. Maybe you should just leave before they find you. Go back to hiding. Instead you force yourself to speak.

“I'm not going to hurt you.” For lack of better words you nudge her thoughts instead. Trying to calm her down. Using your powers like this in a single day was taking its toll on you.

“What happened to you”

“Oh Blake. Poor sweet Blake.” As she starts crying, you look around. This was all strange. Having someone cry around you as you were expected to feel sympathy. Is that what it meant to be a hero. Someone people could  rely on. A savior in distress and a shoulder to cry on in times of sorrow. Either way this was definitely Castofiends hideout. You need to get her out of here before it comes back.

“Hey! I'm going to tie you down. Ok. Why don't you tell me what happened.”

“Blake. W..We were walking. Holding hands in one moment. And the next this ting shows up flames everywhere and grabbed Blake. I..I tried to free him but the thing just knocked me out.

She was free now. Her legs unsteady. You grab her arms as you start moving towards the door.

“ Well it's ok now. I'm getting you out of here. Don't worry”.

“I..I can't just leave Blake here.”

“Sorry mam. But you don't..we dont  have a choice.  Castofiend could be here at any moment.” She looks at her Blake. Almost unwilling to move. She turn to you with endless tears.

“ I..I understand. Thanks.Whoever you are. I don't think I have seen you  before. Are you one of those Rangers?”

“ No. New.“ You don't want to elaborate further. Being part of a team was something you would never do. They would have an easy time finding you that way. With all the registrations and blood samples  required.

  “ No matter how far you run. We will always be able to find you dog. Remember that when you are out there.”

You shake away the thoughts.

“ Never liked those Rangers myself. I always…” But you cut her off.

“Shh. Stay still.” You could feel it. Thoughts of boiling rage and hatred, It was coming down you way. From the front door.

“Ooooh what a shitty day. Now who left the doors unlocked. Must be those fucking idiots. Why can't they just behave like proper henchmen,” Before you are able to take a step. The front door opens with a burst. The woman stagers backwards in panic. You almost lose balance as you compose yourself.

It was a man. Or at best it looked like one. you are not sure. What you are sure of is the red armor covering its body.  its Upper parts hidden behind a hood. Its face a shadow. Eyes of pure flames staring at you . For a moment you stare back. At the back of your mind you can sense its lethal hostility growing. It felt surprised, A feeling slowly turning into rage. Rage towards you. Towards  both of you. Keeping one hand at your shotgun you point with the other hand towards the basement  as you look at the frightened woman.

“Retreat!” You nudge her thoughts as you yell the words. It's all you can do as  bursts of flames come directly  at you. You dougde to the left. as another bolt of flame come at you yet again. Crap. If it wasn't for you telepathy it would have hit you straight on point. You can't fight this thing here.

“ Now just who the fuck are you supposed to be. One of those government condoms calling themselves a hero?!” It forms a wip of flames hourling it at you. You throw yourself to the ground.

“Study your targets well dog. And when in combat don't bite more than you can chew.”

Interesting. It seams this Castofiend has the ability to create objects of pure flames. As well as having a bad temper. It's rageing thoughts almost breaking your mental shields. To painful. You need open air.

“ Can't give you an answer but i can give you something else”. As its about to throw  fireballs at you, you dodge just the right amount of times to start blasting it with you gun. Not that it was doing any damage. This thing was practically useless against someone who could absorb heat. But it did distract it enough. Getting it more frustrated at you. Crap. This was probably a bad idea but you need to move it away from the door.

“Like I give a shit. I will  send you back to hell were you belong ashole. No one steals my property.”

There. Now is your chance.

“Good luck.” You bolt for the door. You run as fast as you can. You need to get to an even ground. The docks  will have to do. They were the closest thing to  a water source, Crap. What were you thinking going into this battle head blind. You weren't this stupid under normal circumstances. Crap.

You barely doge what looks to be a  spear of flames aimed at your head.

“Think you can run away from me you little shit. Think again.”

You hadn't expected this thing to be so fast. You don't look behind you but you can sense it getting  closer, It had somehow managed to fly. Using its flames like a rocket launcher. Its thoughts purely focused on you with an intense rage you'd never felt before. Even  back on the farm no one had ever reached this level of anger towards you. Well almost no one.

Crap its to close now. You can't keep dodging its attacks and running forever at the same time. You need to slow it down somehow. Take a crowded street. But what about civilians. Did you have any other choice. Climbing the rooftops would only ensure you of certain death. You turn just in time to avoid a giant ball of flame as it crashes into an empty truck. Rendering  it asunder. Running past abandoned cars and tall buildings you can feel people's thoughts rushing by. Panic, fear. Screams cutting through your shields. Its too much. Crap. The flame hits your back.THat hurt even  though you suit had absorbed most of the damage. There. the pier, the bridge, the shore.

“ You little worm. I haven't even had my fun yet, and  here you are. Running like a coward. Not even those Rangers stood a chance against me.”  More like it didn't stand against them. It didn't like defeat. So it ran away. Like you are.

No. Focus.

“When fighting  a target. Your environment is of utmost importance. Do you understand?”

Castorfiend  had stopped  hovering above the ground. Going straight up in the air. A  red torch lighting up the  sunless sky. It had more ground to cover. The water was you only hope. This is going to hurt. You turn for the offensive, Firing more blasts from your gun. At times you try to nudge the fiends thoughts . Small thoughts in the flaming furnace. Persuading it to  dive straight for you. Your head feels like its about to burst. Ignoring the pain you repeatedly go from blasting it to nudging its thoughts. For some added effect  you try to taunt it as well. People like it hated incompetence. You had lived with a few of them.

“ Hey! I'm over here. Not up there. What's the matter? Scared off a little water?”

That's it. It was done with you You were going to burn. The fiend was going to dive.

Like a well aimed arrow it comes at you. To fast. But you braze yourself as it tumbles towards you. In seconds it grabs you arms and pushes you backwards. Your armor was not  resistant to heat. The flames will devour it. Unless you stop it. Crap.

Just a little bit more. A little bit more. And there you go of. With all the strength  you have you tackle the fiend onto the waters. It quickly loses its bright flames. You keep it pinned to the ground. Your hands unable to resist the pain coming from its blistering body. You can't. You need to stop. Stop the pain.

“ Please no more. No more. I won't fail next. time. I won't fail.”

The pain keeps increasing. It's too hot now. Get away. Run. Hide. Why do you keep doing it . Why can't you let go? Why wont you?

“ You need to learn.”

No! You shake away the memories.  That was the first time you failed. But things are so different now. You are stronger. Better. Out of their hands. The fiend twists and turns under your grip, But you hold it. Until the flames die out. Until your left hand is smoldering red from punching the thing over and over. Until its eyes slowly lose their glow. Its mind  resembling a well lit fireplace. Instead of the rageing furnace. With the little strength left in you. You brush your thoughts against the fiend one last time. A stream of water snuffing out what remains of the flames. And the you both collapse.

Wires and tubes are connecting you to machines. A woman was sitting across  the bed.At the moment of your awareness she starts  walking towards you. For every step she takes her smile grows. No this could not be happening. Was this real? How did they find you. Crap. Did you really think you could escape them. You start twisting and rattling the  wires and tubes. Trying to cut lose. They don't budge an inch. The woman is standing beside you now. She stretches out her hand towards your face.

“Welcome back.” You look into those cold eyes. The same eyes that had looked at you every morning. and every evening before they shut you down. You want to look anywhere else but those eyes. You feel like you are being sucked towards them. The room shifts and changes but the eyes grow ever so slowly. Bigger and Bigger, Their cold demeanor instantly replaced by the flames. You want to scream. You want to wake up. Why can't you wake up? It's only when the flames reaches your feats, your hands, your face that you finally find your voice. You tear yourself awake.

you are lying on a hospital bed. Sweaty. Not like the one from your dreams. It felt warmer. Dimmer.  More peaceful. As you sit up you can see the television screen showing a news output. Under the video you can clearly read on the byline.

CASTROFIEND APPREHENDED

Crap. You had actually done it. You had done the task of an entire team. You can't stop the smile from forming on your lips. You look at your hands. They had healed significantly. Still  they looked bloody from the flames.

“Nice to see you are up and about.”

“Huh?” You turn to one side. A woman with long braided  black hair was sitting on chair holding down a news paper. She looked to be in her early thirties. Spanish or Mexican, with a face that can only be described as too friendly. That's strange. You would know if someone was in the same room as you. And yet you can't feel anything from her. No seeping thoughts. No suppressed emotions, Noting. Did you lose your telepathy when you were fighting the Castrofiend? No. You can feel the presence of other thoughts  outside this room. But not hers. Only the sound of a humming  electrical fence greets you as you brush you mind against her.

“ Sorry if I freaked you out. You look a bit terrified.”

“huh? Yeah it's nothing. Where am i? “

“ Los Diablos Memorial Hospital. My friends and i found you on the shore alongside the Castrofiend. I brought you here while they are  dealing with him or it. Hard to decide what it looks like. You look injured. The doctors should be here soon.?

“Doctors?” Crap. They can't know. “Thanks but I won't be needing doctors anytime soon. I'm  fine.”

“ You look bloodied and bruised. I hardly call it being fine. You should stay and let them check you out.”

“No!” The words sound bitter. She frowns. “Sorry I mean I really don't need a doctor. I can take care of myself.”

“ Is this about money. Because if it is I can pay.”

“What? No. its just I don't like hospitals. Not at all.”

“Whatever you say. I Just think you should let them check up on you.”

“That's not necessary.”

“Well at least tell me your name. I have to say you did a good job. Dealing with the Castorfiend..Not that others would agree with me. How did you find it? We looked everywhere for a whole  week without results. Do You have some sort of tracking abilities.?”

You smile at how close she is. If only she knew. But you don't tell her. Instead you shrug and turn towards the door. They are almost here.

“Something like that. Look i got to go now. It was nice meeting you.”

“Hey wait! I haven't gotten you name yet.”

you turn towards her. Then to the screen. They were playing the footage of you being chased  by the fiend. You had no idea the damage it caused as you were ducking one attack to the next. You smile. Yeah it would have to do. You face the woman in front of you again.

“Sidestep.” It sounded strange and fitting at the same time.

“ Nice to meet you Sidestep. In Charge. Though of course that's not my real name.”

“Same.” You turn back to the door. They were just around the corner now. “Maybe we can do proper introductions another time. But i have to go.” You open the door.

“Stay safe until then.”

“ Don't worry I will.” You don't look back as you hurry towards the opposite direction. Crap that was  close. In the future you have to account for injuries. You don't want to go near any doctors care. The same could be said about your costume. It needs modifications and repair. That at least you can take care of yourself. But it's for another day. Right now you need to get out of here. That woman though. What was she all  about? You have no idea. But you need to find out why you can't read her mind. Maybe there are similar people out there like her. Having every advantage is important to a telepath like yourself. After all you have stepped into the light. You just hope it will shelter you from the darkness you know exist out there.

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

HEARTBREAK  FH/AU FANFIC

Second part of my silly little Heartbreak Does Some Heartbreaking  Story. A few things to keep in mind

1 this is a  quite long fanfic. If you don't like long fanfic just skip this one.

2 spoilers. Dah. For both book 1 and the demo of book 2 Story is quite simplicity told. I just wrote it in order to corrupt my holy mc. Someone has to be Satan around here.

3 Since Heartbreak is unknown. Something that does break my heart. I had to make things up. I tried to go for a queen of the bored type of character. It will come of as cheesy. Apologies. Has a weird ending.

Part 2

Powerless .

" I need to tell her "

It was al you can think of as you are  walking from Yasmins apartment  to the gym . Hands trembleing. It had been 2 days since you were atacked. The memory constantly resurfacing in your mind, like looped fotage. The feeling of getting cold.. Everything  going blurrier. You losing controll over your  puppets body and  your mind as you were being dragged back to the nightmares  that had haunted you for the last 8 years. The verry same nightmare that now was in possession of your real body.

Heartbreak.

Just thinking about her makes your body shiver and your heartbeat  raceing with  panic. For the last 2 days you had laid low makeing sure that the telepathic dampeners  Dr Mortun had made for you were  active at al times.  Tinny little earbudds. Humming  in your ears like a reactor.

Since you never told her the truth you had to convince her that your suposed boss was going a bit cucumber, as of late   and  that you needed to be safe. Something not so far from the truth.  It's suprised you how easy it was to convince the good doctor of your lie. By now she was  enamoured with Yasmin enough to keep her safe.

For you though , it was al play pretend. A senseless manipulation.  You wonder what she would think if she found out whos is  truly behind those brown eyes and  that fake smile you  constantly give her? A sea of thoughts  you would rather not dwell on.

Strangely Heartbreak had not atacked you duering this time. No mental creek nor  any other sound could you hear and feel. You know it has nothing to do with the dampeners. They are no way near as powerful  as Steels, and even those  buckled under her pressure  al those years ago.  No. She was up to something. But what it is, you cannot figure out. Just as you  could not stop her. She had reminded you of how week you truly are. The mirrored armor, the enhanced strength, the  telepathicly enhanced  nanoverse. Al of it was the shell of an egg, protecting what's  inside.

You.

And now the egg had cracked. Revealing what's inside. Just another puppet designed to infiltrate, designed to be controlled. An object ment to obay. Not a real person. Are you a real person?

Someone who is  strong enough to break free of their bond and stand on their own? That's what you promised yourself when you started al of this. That you would stop rummimg. That you would stand your ground this time. Be the one holding the strings.  It dosent seem to work.

She had  shown that  by takeing your face, your powers  and probably  your armor as well. Being someone who constantly is on the move, you had hidden it underneath the basement of an old comic book store. Getting the owner to not pass by the basment was the easy part. Getting inside the store was much harder. The store had one way in and out. You had to make sure no straing thoughts were nearby. Not to mention the increase in LDPD activity , looking for  you. People knowing where you hide would be a detrimental blow to your goal. But maybe not so detrimental as what you are about to do now.

You knew sooner or later that  the Rangers would find out who's behind your  mirrored mask. This, you being attacked and having to reveal yourself was not the way you'd imagined it . What choice did you have? Your telepathy was depleeted .  You could not return  to your body. It was as if you were always crashing into a wall of  bricks each time you tried. A mental block you didn't know could eexist.  Telling them was the only way. Maybe you could blame everything on Yasmin. Make her the villian.

Deep down you know that would not work.   Steel would lock you up faster than you can say "sorry ".  He might still That's why you have to tread carefully . If your going to reveal yourself to anybody it would have to be Ortega. Not just because she might be the last person in a long line that would bring their judgment upon you. But also because of what both of you share. Her  emotions  could be a shield you could use against the others. No. Not just them, her as well .

You could try to talk to Herald as well. But in truth you could not care one witt about that kid. Sure you'd helped him by training him. But it was  just for the sake of using him later on. You still haven't figured out that part. But keeping you're enemies close was important.  As for Lady Argent, she was a no go zone.

As you walk inside the gym you can already see Ortega in her  workout outfit. Already hitting the dummies. Once  she notices you,  she stops and turns your way with a smile.

"Hey there. Here for your rematch?"

"Not today. I'm just here to.... talk"

Her smiling face exchanges to one of a friendly concern.

" Oh. I see.  You look a bit on edge. Is everything ok?"

For a brief moment you want to tell her everything in a split second.

" Wait! I know what this is!" She  says.

Her smile is once again back on her face.

" your faking it! Trying to avoid our rematch."

"What? No this is not about that. And you know I would never skip a rematch.".

It's true. Yasmin was the kind of puppet you could use for dangerous and bold situations. Not that you yourself would say no to fighting Ortega. You had done it once already. Sometimes the lines between you and Yasmin tend to blend over each other.  You walk over to one of the old half torn exercise benches opposite the entrance.  Sitting down,  hands clasping your face. Ortega sits down  next to you.

" So it's that serious huh?"

Her voice had lost some of the energy it had earlier.

I thought my edgyness made it clear."

" Sorry. Had to make sure you weren't  pulling something  on me."

"Who does that anymore?"

The words had slipped out of your mouth before you could think.

" you know what, just forget it. I'm just havinga bad day." You say before she has time to respond to your earlier comment.

"So tell me about it"

" Well,  i"

" There you are Ortega. I can see why you chose this place as your  getaway"

" David!"

Ortega rises from he spot to great the person speaking behind you. You  on the other hand freeze on the spot.

Heartbreak.

What was she doing here. Had she followed you?  Of course she could have followed you. You were just too telepathicly blind, to notice it. You turn around and see Ortega  give  your true self  a kiss. It was strange seeing her affection from this far.  Too physical. Too  awkward.

When  your real body returns the affection though, the feelings you have turn to bitter rage.  You had kissed Ortega before but it was always cautionary. Even when  both of you were in the heat of the moment.

This thing that was inside your body made it look like  an average couple sharing a normal everyday kind of  affection. Al of it fake. But Ortega coudnt see trhough that. You want to run forward and hit yourself again and again. Anything to get that thing out of your shell.  You know you cant. You're not strong enough.

Heartbreak throws you a knowing smile.

You turn around. Hands balling into fists.  Trying to collect yourself .

" How did you find this place?" Ortega asks. They start walking towards you.

" Through Steel of course darling. He has a tab on every one of you as you know."

"Darling? That's new. You never used to call me that."

" I dont?"  

For a moment  you can feel a heavy pressure pressing against your shields. The taste and feeling of death and sickness kreeping trhough your thoughts. She wants to know how you behave around Ortega.

But you are  not gonna give that information to her. She might know you well enough but there is still parts of your mind she didn't have time to access before you escaped.  The sheilds are holding.  Dr Mortun had done a good job as always.  

Maybe you could still Winn this. Stop her before she became too strong to hide from.

Unlikely.

Finally  the pressure disappears. You turn around to face them again. This time a little more confident.

" Well the shrink told me to live it  up a little. Today."

"Be positive! She said.  So I thought I'd be more positive by calling you it. Of course if you don't like it.."

"No! It's ok. I like it. I'm glad that your getting the help you need. But David the shrink has a name. I know you don't like her that much but at least call her by her real  name."

" Her name? I don't even remember it"

"Oh! David. Now your just being  rude."

This was getting a bit funn. Seeing yourself. No. Her, getting frustrated for a change. Of course you remember her name. And you never got the impression that going trough  a psychiatric conversation could help you out. In fact it had only shown the frigid,  broken person you are.

" What does it matter what they are called. Brandy or Brockly. It dosent matter. I don't go there to know their names. Just their help. And anyway who's that?"

Heartbreak points a straight finger towards you. Almost in a acuseing  manner. As if you were to blame for her lack of knowledge. Ortega sighs, shoulders rising and lowering.

" Fine. We'll talk about your  ill manners towards psychiatrists later. This is a friend of mine."

"Yasmin meet David. David, Yasmin."

David stretches out his hands towards you.

" Hi! I'm David Bastri. Ortegas real boyfriend. Not that she has anyone else who cares about her." He says with an exaggerated grinn.

Before you have the urge to hit your own body  again you  grab his hand. Your hand.

"Yasmin." You say shortly.

" Nice to meet you Yasmin. You look a bit timid in there." He points towards your head. " Are you ok?"

Ortega gives him a glare.

" Never mind. I already know." He keeps smiling at you.

" you wish you knew!" You think to yourself.

"I'm sure you do." You say instead. Giving him a glare as well.

"  Sorry Yasmin. David seems a bit over excited today"

Ortega jabs him with a finger.

" Just because you have a certain skill dosent meen you can use it whenever and however you like, on it."

While Yasmin was suposed to know who Sidestep was. She didn't know his "certain skill"  as Ortega had put it. And that's the way you'd wanted things to be.  Or at least the way Ortega wanted it to be, each time the name came up.

" She dosent know? I mean of course she dosent darling. But  I thought she was your friend."

" She is. But these things take time to trust someone with. And besides you'd never allow me to tell anyone else that dosent know!"

" Oh right. Hero secrecy. My bad."

Ortega crosses her arms as she looks at David. The pressure against your sheilds have returned again.  Stronger, more forcefull this time. It seems like Heartbreak didn't manage to steal al your thoughts. Maybe the things she knows about you are segments of your life. Not the whole picture.  That must be why she coudnt find you for the last 2 days. Does that meen youre armor is safe?

Its a good thing you managed to escape before she took al your memories.

Just as you need to escape now. Your sheilds won't be able to hold for much longer. The buzzing in your ears has already increased due to the pressure.

" David. I think you have mixed  positive and weird attitudes together. You are being more weird  than positive today."

" Look!" You say before  Heartbreak has time to awnser.

"  Im having a bad day. So how about I leave you two alone. I'll see you tomorrow Ortega. We'll talk then."

" NO! STAY!" Heartbreak shouts as you are walking towards the exit. You feel a hand grab you and turn you around. You look straight into your own blue eyes. A dangerous glint.  gloaming over them as Heartbreak drags you backwards a bit.

" Hey David what are you doing? Just let her go. "  

Ortega steps over to you're left side.

"  Meirda! I'm sorry Yasmin. I wasn't expecting David to show up and act this weird today."

"Nothing wrong with being weird.Darling"  

" Ugh. Seriously David! What's wrong with you today? Cut the act!" This time she brings a fist to his right arm.

"Alright alright. Darling I'll apologize. I do not lack manners."

Ortega is about to hit him again but he steps to the side.

" Yasmin right. I think we started on the wrong foot . I have as you might have guessed a certain gift that allows me to judge people before I say hi to them. Great gift. But it tends to be difficult to controll sometimes. It's like trying to catch a  certain lost and frightened little sheep running around , or puppy as I would describe it." He gives you a smile as he turns to Ortega. "Happy now?"

Ortega sighs and shakes her head. Heartbreak turns to you again.

" How about you and I get to know each other a bit more ,hmm?"

She looks at Ortega again as she pulls out a few bills.

"  Ortega . Sweetheart! Why don't you give us al some sugar. While the others are on their way There is a store  a few blocks away. I think it's name was CANDY AND CREAMS. Lovely place. Sells the most excellent sweets and snacks."

" Oh it's sweetheart now? That's something you definitely don't call me."

" David are you sure you aren't takeing this whole positive thing a bit too far? And did you just say you invited the rest of the Rangers to come here?"

" We have things to discuss. Hero stuff. And remember I'm being positive today. That's what the doctor, whatever her name was said to me. Being a hero. Saving the day has been quite  anxious as of late. A change of pace never hurts. Now please just go to the store and by us some snacks . Will you. I'm trying to be nice to our friend here."

As she talks, Heartbreak grabs Ortega and starts dragging her towards the exit.

" David you're retired . Unless you have been saving people in secret."

" Yes. That too. Now please I'm begging you, just go to that store and buy us something. You can't miss it. Big red sign and everything else that screams sugar! Please just go."

Heartbreak gives Ortega a pleading look. One she can't resist. Stupid woman was always to friendly with anyone with a sad face. It would get her killed one day.

" Oh! Fine. Just be nice towards Yasmin while I'm gone. And stop being weird. "

" Don't worry cupcake. I think me and Yasmin will get along just fine."

He gives her a kiss. A kiss that anoys you to the core.

" Cupcake." Ortega mutters. The exit door closeing behind her.

Heartbreak turns around. Her face is no longer smiling. The wrinkles on her face being visible. Was this how you normally looked. You hate mirrors. Too many bad memories.

For the longest time there was a heavy silence betweem the two of you. Before it became too uncomfortable for you.

" You know what your problem is?. You talk too much and you're bad at pretending. So how about you give my body back and I'll show you how it's done"

" My social skills aren't the best. I do admit that. But then again I'm not the one hiding behind long sleeves and false  illusions. Just so I can be called normal. Quite dangerous.if you ask me pup."

" I'm going to get back my body. No matter what happens. And I'm going to end you. Properly this time."

She starts laughing at you.

" David. Poor helpless David. How would you live without me? The nightmares I provide. They made you stronger. Sett you free.   Taught you how to hold the strings. Taught you how to use your powers in new ways. Previously thought impossible. And this is how  you thank me. Now I'm really hurt pup."

Her laughing has been replaced by a coy smile.

"How can you kill me when I'm you? It would be suicide. But I dare you pup. Go ahead and see what happens."

"Those nightmares ruined my life. I had a good life before you came along. You made me insane. Every night I have to go through what I lost. What you took from me. Getting rid of you will be a blessing."

"But it won't change the truth. Will it pup. Your life was already a mess the day you were created. You just didn't realize it until I came along and opened your eyes "

" What do you want?! If you wanted to kill me here is your chance to overload my sheilds and do it. After witch you'd have to explain yourself to Ortega."

Seeing this thing spilling the truth was something you didn't need right now. She was a mirror showing you your true colors. No wonder you're armors helmet had one.  A way of showing the world the truth. A way of showing people their true nature. And here you were. Getting a taste of your own medicine.  You want to throw up.

Was she right? Was your life forfeit the moment they made you. Had gaining your freedom and  getting atached to people been part of your programming al along?  You have thought about it a million times.

It dosent matter. Maybe your life was forfeit. But what you did in the present was al your  own choices. Perhaps you could gain true freedom by getting rid of her. You could finally sleep in peace.  Eather way your sheilds are almost out now. You need to get your body back. But how?

" I want the same thing you want. Only on a scale that matters. You should join me pup. We're practicality the same. A family. If you want to count that other fellow. What was his name? Hollow Ground. He was the first of our kind. And still he wasn't hard to capture. Old age or me being superior. I can't tell wich. "

You had met Hollow Ground before. Duering you're heist for Dr Mortun. You had barely escaped from his telepathic onslaught. Only the grace of the Rat King and his hive had allowed you to be able to escape him.

Him being there  at the auction was  something you weren't prepared for. Just as you weren't prepared to find out what he was. An older version of yourself. With the same blue eyes and straight  wavy light brown   hair.  His henchmen were looking for you ever since. And it seems like he has people inside the LDPD. Hense their increased activity towards  you.

"What's Hollow Ground to do with you?"

" Oh he's nothing special pup. I got that seat reserved for you. Hollow Ground is just a minor hindrance . A kingpin of the human underground and a telepath to boot, could be a problem. Unless you are as fabilous as me. Then the problem is already solved. "

" Whatever your plan is, you can count me out. I'm not joining you. I'm going to get my body back one way or the other. And then your gone. Forever."

"So much hate. And I haven't even shown you what my plan is."

"Don't care."

"Even if it involves your little meryband of friends and that girl you are so found of. Lovely girl. I wouldn't want anything bad happening to her. Isn't that right David puppy. But then again I could be wrong. I hear You are one of the bad once these days."

"The store. It's not really  a store is it? What did you do to Ortega?"

Should you even care. You were suposed to be the villian. Not the hero. That was a long time ago. Didn't you bery that past at the museum. It was meant to move you forward. To cut you from the last straw that was tying you down. Sidestep was dead and that's how it should be. And Ortega. How many times did you not think of hurting her. You had already done it once. Bleeding on the ground.  

One arm dislocated. You know you will do it again in the future. Not just to her but the rest of the Rangers.  Maybe takeing it as far as killing them.  So why did you care? Why was your thoughts raceing with panic and your heartbeat fuming with rage as your shields died out.

" I can feel your thoughts now pup. You really do care about her don't you. About al of them. Deep down in that cold heart of yours. Isn't that sweet and pathetic."

She starts laughing.

"Now it's going to be much more funn than I thought it would be! ".

It was al she needed to say for you to rush forward. You  have had enough of this thing. She had taken your body. Your powers. And now she was going after your friends. You didn't care that it was wrong of you to care about them. You just wanted to kill this thing. Make her suffer. Stop her before she ruined your life again.

Before you take a step however you feel an. immense pain hitt  your head. You try to ignore it. As you walk towards her. But the pain makes you colapse to the floor  You try to exit your puppets body. You find yourself unable to.

"BAD PUPPY! Did you think you had a chance against me? Me the fabilous who gave you soo much. "

You can barley breath. The air exiting out of your lungs. The feeling of having a thousand needles injected into your body. A thousand cuts of pain coursing trough you.

"You really are a sucker for punishment. Aren't you David.  Just look at you!"

She gives you a hard kick to you stomach. It almost makes you go unconscious.

" This my dear is what you get for being close to those humans . And here I thought you might be different. But you are as week and as emotional as they are.  They create you. Make you do their dirty little jobs. And at the end treat you like trash. How do you repay them once you are free pup. Did you do what I was trying to do all those years ago. Do you  kill them?  Make them suffer as you have.?  No!"

She gives you another kick. Much harder this time. You roll over. Hands unable to  grasp the painful spots in your puppets body.

" No you really dont. So what do you do instead, welp? You mingle with them. Develop false feelings for them in the hopes that they might just call you sane, normal, human. How disgusting!"

You are almost about to lose consciousnes when the pain subsides enough for you to breathe long  heavy breaths. You feel  a numbness across Yasmins body. Now your body.

Suddenly you hear the front door open. You turn over again. Could this be the other  Rangers Heartbreak  spoke of?  Your hopes die quickly as you see a beef  man enter trough the door.  The man looks at you and then at Heartbreak. His face going from calm to one of fear.

" B...Bos. it's taken care of. Charge has been put down. Gave us quite  the f... fight . But the insulator worked. She had no armor."

"Good. "

"See David, this is how a puppy should behave. Al of this could have been avoided if you just played along. If you just joined me. But since you won't we might as well start the show. I'm going to give you one last nightmare pup. Real this time. See it as a gift for al the truble you gave me al those years ago."

" F..Forgive me Bos but isn't sh..she a woman. Why do you  call her David?"

"Silence idiot! I've had enoughof this thing. Pick him up. And don't ask questions unless you want to end up like your friend."

"Y...Yes boss."

The man scoops you up like you didn't weight anything. Like you were a ragdoll. Maybe that's  what you are now. A ragdoll inside another ragdoll.

"O..rte..ga". You try to mutter as the man walks you towards the exit. Heartbreak walking besides him.

" Sweet girl isn't she? Too bad she won't save you. No one will pup. You are al alone, abandoned . Just like in your other  nightmares. Only this time, it's real, handsome . But don't panic now. We are  still far from the main course ."

As you are taken outside you can hear the buzzing of people walking past your carrier. The sound of music. The taste and smell  of hot sausage. The fresh air of the afternoon.  Everywhere people are walking past you. Yet you cant hear their thoughts. Every face that you see has nothing to share. No hidden secrets. No emotions of joy, jealousy, love, hate, fear. You are deaf to all of them.

Once you look at an old man carrying a kane.

"You are a failure!" He suddenly shout. Pointing a finger at you. You look away. Only to be faced  with an old business looking woman.

" you're  the worst villian ever!"

" You suck!" Two teenagers shout  simultaneously  besides the woman

" No one can save you man!" You hear a croud of people say in front of you.

" Stop it!

You try to wiggle your way out of your captor. He holds you tighter.

" What's the matter puppy. Can't handle the truth? You wanted to show these people the truth. Its only fair they get to do the same. Before they die."

A little girl with styled up red hair is now standing in front of you.

" Legion. What kind of stupid name is that!"

It was your new identity. acquainted with your new self. A name people would remember. A name people who saw the truth could share. A name to be feared. Yet the girl in front you looked at you with spite, rather than fear.

No it was just this thing  doing  al of this. Maybe the girl in reality was afraid of you. You can't tell since you have no telepathy to aid you.

" Better runn little girl."

Heartbreak snaps her fingers. The girl screams and starts running to your right. Far away from al of you. For a moment you wish you were that girl. You had promised yourself you'd  never runn away. But in this case you just wanted to be far away from this thing.

She had grown significantly more powerful since you last faced her. 8 years ago. Controlling this  crowd  with ease.  A much more powerful Re Gene than you. And it had  al been  thanks to you. You wish you had known your nightmares to be more than what meets the eye.

" And now the funn begins!"

Heartbreak spreads her arms as if expecting a hug. It dosent come. What does however makes you stomach squirm. It was like being back at the incident. Around you people starts to scream. People start holding their heads. Some people are touching their throats as if something is wrong with it. Gunshots appear towards your left. A man holding a knife is walking towards another man.

"You cheated on me you bastard!"  He shouts.

" You never loved me in the first place!" The other man shouts back.  He picks up a broken branch from a nearby tree.  You know what is about to happen. You try to look away but you can't. Your head is frozen on the spot.

" You will watch this pup. See how week these humans are. Al you need to create a riot is to ignite the smallest sparks of hatred. Fabilous isn't it. And these are the kind of people you want to be part of?"

The two men clash. The one holding the knife being superior. He tackles the other man to the ground. Stabbing him with the knife multiple times. It would seem this man was a worse villian than you. At the museum you tried to keep people safe. They were just victims.

n general you had avoided killing people this far.

 More people start to atack each other on the streat.

What made this ordeal worse for you though was that she used your body,  your face as the person responsible for this mayhem. How would  you  feel if you ever got your body back. Would you have to hide in your armor from now on?

"Now we must move on. Onwards Carl."

The man named Carl keeps a firm hold on you as he walks forward. Everywhere you go, people start to scream. Mass panic ensues.

For someone with great power Heartbreak wasn't the most cautionary with it. Sooner or later the LDPD would show up. Maybe even the Special Directive. This could be your chance to escape.

" Don't get your hopes up dear. And speaking of these so called policmen."  She turns around as two cars with sirens  are coming behind you.

" They are nothing! "

You hear a loud crash and try to look behind you.  The two cars crashing into each other.

A group of three LDPD officers.  Step out of each car. A woman steps forward.

" LDPD Stop! Put your hands behind your head."

" Why do they always say that. "

She looks at them with a laugher.

"Carl. Are we at the destination yet?"

"Y...Yes b..boss. Just underneath this tunnel."

"Good. Take our friend down the hatch."

Carl drops you to the ground. As he opens a hatch nearby. Your urge to escape is quenched by the share will of Heartbreak.  Pinning you to the ground. Across the road you can hear the screech and pain of the officers. The sound of gunshots as loud as fireworks.

Carl picks you up on your feet.

" Move!" He points towards the hatch

Seeing no other way out. You climb down the hatch and down into the familiar  sewers of Los Diablos. Many months ago you had  walked these sewers in victory. And now in defeat.

" Nothing is truly random."  That's what you once said to Dr Mortun. She didn't belive you then. What would she say now. After a long walk you finally come to a halt. The stench almost unbearable. Above you there is another hatch connecting to a lather.

"Ugh. Finally. Here we are. Can't take this disgusting place any longer. Carl be a good puppy and open that hatch"

Heartbreak pushes you forward once Carl  climbs up the lather. A bright light coming from above.

It turns out to be a flashlight from another much smaller man.

You find yourself in a basment.  A long Stair leading up to a grey door. Torn boxes are lying in a corner. While empty cans of bear and cigarettes lay  everywhere else.

" Helo Gorge. Everything well with Argent? She hasn't escaped has she?"

"No boss. The shields and  the cage are holding. Sorry boss. But it's getting harder to maintain her.  She has already  broken  a good chunk of the cage."

" Ugh. Human incompetence. Carl be a good dear and ...kill him."

Carl pulls out a gun from his pocet.  Hands shakeing as he Hesitates.

" But boss I..i did everything you asked."

" I ask for perfection and you give me incompetence. Shoot him  Carl!"

"S..Sorry man." He says as he pulls the trigger.

" Now you David. Take that flashlight so we can move on."

" You might have blocked my powers but don't for a second belive I'm your puppet.  Let him pick it up."

" Poor David. Must we do this again?"

" If it anoys you. Then yes"

" No matter. You are about to die anyway. Cant leave a dying man's wish on the table. Right? Carl pick that  up."

She pushes you towards the stairs. Outside the basment  you find yourself in what looks like a hospital floor. White walls surrounding you, no windows to be seen. The Walls having cuts everywhere. Two thugs are guarding each side of the hallway.

" Is this where they made you." You remember the hospital in your dreams. Always at the end. Always painful to relive.

" Underground lab. It's abandoned now. They have many others elsewhere. I'll be sure to take a visit once I'm done with you."

" I could have helped you. Things didn't  have to  go this way. Your not the only victim."

" Don't think we have anything in common puppy. I'm the only  fabilous victim that dosent mix with these weeklings."

" I'm not asking for a second chance. I get my powers back and you are as good as dead."

" Not that you will."

" We'll see about that."

"Yes we will!" She pushes you forward. " This way pup. Oh and enjoy the scenery while you're  still breathing."

You walk past rooms plastered with numbers. Past what looks to be a small reception. Broken glass splattered across the  half  broken table. What had caused this? Lady Argent.

" She has quite the spirit. Unlike you puppy.  The first real challenge I've ever faced. Though once you get past the shell. She's as  vulnerable as the rest of the humans. Maintaining her has been a nuisance."

"How did you capture all of them. Besides Ortega?"

" It dosent matter. We are here." She pushes you towards a silver grey door. Room 94b Special Treatment.

" Al made for you this day. Open the door."

You step in to a verry large and verry familiar room. This was the room from your dreams. But it looked differently. Instead of the usual setting you were used to seeing. It now had  a TV monitor on on of the walls.  A reporter standing behind a crowd of  frightened people.

Thugs are  standing in different corners. But what draws your attention is  the  5 psyprojectors seated across the room. In a  circle. Big  chairlike machines with tubes and cables  that connected  them togetheer.

An interrogation device. Designed to gather neurological data from a host trhough  VR simulation . The main  Chair slightly separate  from the others, was one of the projectors allowing the interrogator to controll and navigate  the hosts memory. Several hosts could share memories with each other and the interrogator. On 3 of the psyprojectors sat Ortega, Steel and Herald .  Blue circular rings with yellow and red  light bulbs atached to their heads.

"Carl! Check up on our lady and make sure she dosent escape."

" What have you done to them?" They seamed unconscious.

" You know what this is pup. It's time to Step out of the shaddows. Let your friends know your true face. It's the least you can do before you all diie."

"No. Im.n..n..not" You feel the familiar pressure coming towards you again.

"Less talk, more action handsome. I'm on the clock.  And it's not like you have a choice."

Her will over matching yours, you loose control over your limbs as you are forcefully driven towards  one of the machines. You knew you'd have to reveal yourself to al of them sooner or later. Telling Ortega the truth was already hard enough. This was too much. You were unprepared, unsure. But worst of all , you were afraid.  Afraid of seeing the truth in their eyes. That they ment nothing to you. That they were just puppets ment to be used for a cause . Your cause.

It was a hard pill to swallow.

And your scars. The scars that defines who you are. You hid them well under long sleeves and two layers of shirts. Yet there they are. Al you needed to do was dig a bit deeper and the truth would show up. As its about to do now.

It was weird having lost control of al your limbs. The parts of your brain that controled them was sealed of. As if you had never learned how to walk. How to use your hands. Your feets. Your body automatically sits down  on one of the chairs. Hands crossed. Backside relaxing into the seat. Heartbreak lowers down the blue ring above you.

"Sweet dreams puppy."

As the object reaches your head you feel an instant pull upwards. Upwards where? And where is here? Colors everywhere. Too many of them to describe. It was confusing. Then you feel as if you had jumped from the highest peek of a mountain. Spiraling  down.

Down into the cold blue waters of a pool.

[thewinebottlenr43-blog]

Heartbreak Does some Heartbreaking :  Fanfic

 Part 1:The return

" Stop it!" you shout. How could this be? For so long you thought that she was dead. For so long you had thought the nightmares where only in you're dreams. But the truth spoke otherwise. She had returned. A living, real nightmare. This time.

Today was the day you and Dr Mortun had planed you're next date.  As neither of you were   in you're typical good  spirit, you in particular. You as  Yasmin had agreed with her to meet outside the MOVIENOIE. Los Diablos largest movie chain. Of course secretly owned by Hollow Ground. You're tickets verified and you're snacks gathered. You followed Mortun into one of the larger theater rooms.  The movie you were watching was apparently called The Bane.  Some rouge mod that had to find her way back  to loved ones. Something you increasingly found distribing. Maybe because it reminded you of you're own life. The need to be loved,  to be free, to be in controll. No. You where already free, in controll. Until she showed up. But what about being loved. Was it something worth pursuing? You certainly can't stay away from Ortega. Maybe you could.... " You think too much David boy!"

You feel your mind being pulled backwards. Again. The sound of sirens coming in front of you,  or was it behind you? You can't tell, as you're desperately trying to be in controll of Yasmins body. The vision of the theater screen in front of you, blurring in and out.

To you're left, you can feel Dr Mortun shifting your way.  "Something wrong  ma chérie?"  You try to respond but  it's getting harder and harder to maintain Yasmins body. " No, just , bathroom, be back" you need to get out of here, escape before its to late. Before she catches you again. "Liar! Liar!" You hear Heartbreak scream inside you. " Ok ma chérie. Just don't take too long. This is too god of a movie to miss out." Desperately pushing you're way across the seats you bolt  for the door hearing some muttering curses behind you. "Need to find a toilet".  Youre steps  are getting heavier and heavier now.

It had started halfway through the movie. As the Bane was fighting some sort of  boosted ninja named the Wielder, you began to feel a cold presence Inside you. Getting colder and colder. Like putting an ice  block on top of you're head.  Suddenly you found youre mind being tugged hard.  You where no longer in the theater but back to you're own nightmare. The acid air, Anthennas ripped body laying in front of you.  The window you jumpt out of last time. The unconscious Heartbreak. Wait, where was she?

" Helo David boy. Remember me?"  The voice had startled the shit  out of you. "What?" You turn to you're right  to find Yasmin.  She is  wearing a white hospital gown. Her blond shoulder length hair, straight as ever . But there was something wrong about her. Where she normaly possessed two warm brown eyes, they where mow cold blue like you'res.  

" Of course you remember me." She laughs "Every night if I'm not wrong.  Even made you're puppet look like me. Do you like what you see? Is that what you do before you posess them. gazing and gawking at them? Knowing that there is nothing stopping you from swollowing them whole?"  She laughs again. "It seems I taught  you well" You can't stop staring at her.  Youre mind  racing with questons.  Racing with panic. How could this be?  Is she realy here, alive?

"Heartbreak, you're"

" I have always been alive" she interrupts  you. Of course she must be reading you're mind.

"No that's impossible!" You shout. "I" .

"Stopped me! Don't be a fool pup.  I've been inside you're head Al these years.  Weak, helpless. Until you got you're hands on those nanobots. The power from you're precious rat king not only strengthened you but also me. Enough to fnnaly wake up. But by then you had hoppted to this body. Trust me pup, finding you in my current state was quite hard. But not hard enough "

" That's impossible. You can't be alive.! You don't even have a boddy. You can't live without one"

" Are you sure pup?. It dosent matter.  It wont matter. What does  matter little David boy is that you and I are the same. We come from the same cloth. We're just cut differntly"

"What, you're from the farm" . What was she talking about?

She laughs at you "is that what you call them? Fitting  concidering  what they do."  

"This can't  be happening". If she's alive , if shes real then that means

" I have you're real  boddy clever pup. And don't try to runn. It would make  you're existence much shorter. You don't want to  end up like you're friend over there,  right pup?" She points a finger towards Anthennas limp body.

You try to pull youreself back to reality. you have to get out of here back to you're own boddy.

"Aw poor David, you still think  you're in controll. Have you forgotten who taught you to be in controll?"

"Huh?"

Before you have time to react you are struck by an imense pain. Electrical wires forming around you're body.

"The first thing you have to teach any pup is to be obedient. Isn't  that right David boy?"  You find yourself unable to speak, to even move. Pain coursing trough you're  whole body.

"Now  here is how things are gona go pup. You are going to stay here, forever or until I've drained you of you're power completely.  While I will finnish Wat I started al those years ago. If it's any consolation, I'll say hi to you're friends. That Latino girl in particular.  What was her name again?"

Oh No. The Rangers. Ortega. You have to get out of here NOW. But the more you resist the more it hurts. The more the wires coil harder around you're body. You have to remember that this isn't  real, but how can you when the pain is as real as it gets.

"That's right Ortega."

What if you did things like  last time. Instead of resisting the pain maybe  you should embrace it. It had nearly  shattered you're soul into tiny broken shards. Unfixable. Was it worth it. No you where something else back then. Something weak. You're something different now. If it means gaining you're freedom back, then it worth it.

"  Aw, it's charming that you think that you can escape pup. But don't fool yourself. I know you. Al you're dreams, you're fears, the scars you hide  from the world. The lies and manipulatios you  whive together in order to be accepted by these pathetic humans. It disgusts me!" She spits on the floor. Giving you an angry stare.

"They deserve nothing but miserable torture and death. Do you  think they made us to be cute loving children's of god? " She turns  her back to you. " Love" she pufs out.  "Everytime I  got  close to someone or something they would always find a way  to take it from me until i had nothing to cling to. Only  to reset my mind again and again, keeping the broken parts but wiping out the rest."

She turns to you again.

" The humans call me Heartbreak. How fitting  it is when I'll  be returning the favour in kind. And YOU" She points a blaming finger at you . "You think you can be like them, feel what they feel? Call yourself a stupid name.  Like they  do. Be loved?" She spits. This time towards you.

" I think you talk too much" you manage to yelp out. It was now or never. While the wires where  stuck to your chests and arms you could still move you're leggs.  It was the only little freedom you had. You will yourself to move towards her. The pain increasing tenfold. You had to ignore it. No embrace it. Move!  Move Towards her. Towards the window. Take controll of Yasmin.

"NO" She shouts. Trying to stopp what  you are doing. "Stop it you shout back trough Yasmins mouth. You can feel you're legs turning into jelly. But you manage to throw yourself towards her. Normaly this kind of struggling would have killed you back then. But that was then, this is now.  Back and forth you both battle over youre legs. No not just yours, Yasmins as wel. As she slowly moves towards the nearest toilet.

With a final painful push of you're  raw will,  you both crash  towards the window you once jumped out of ,  and out into the open.

Darkness, and then you find yourself back to reality. Yasmins body collapsing against the toilet door.

"Ugh" That hurt.

"Ma chérie!" You hear behind you. "Are you alright?" You turn to see Dr Mortun with a worried face and crossed arms, staring back at you.

"I'm fine".  You say softly. The battle had taken its heavy tol,  and you could still at the back of you're head feel the sensation of pain you just experienced a moment ago.

" I think I just ate the wrong kind of snacks". You say. How could you tell her that an insane telepath just atacked you. Too many questions. Too little time. Besides that would mean revealing  youreself to her. And you're not sure if you are ready to deal with that right now.

Heartbreak is still out there. Pretending to be you.You have to find her. Find youre body. Take it back. You won't be able to use you're telepathic abilities as Yasmin. Like  senseing an atack  now.  Youre powerless. That means relying on dampeners. You hate it. But you know it's the safest way to keep you're mind safe.

Safe like Anthenna was safe? From her?

"You were gone  for so long ma chérie. It made me worried. Didn't I tell you to hurry back?"

Had it been that long? "Look". You say as you rise up from the ground slowly. " I think we need to end it for today. I'm kinda feeling sick".

" Do you need a drive home?"

"Would I want it any other way?"  You say as you give her a kiss.

"Of course not ma chérie". She kisses you back.

"Good. Then let's go home. Do you think you can hold me. I think I'm gona collapse again."

" We Woudnt want  that". She says with a smug expression.

" Just shut up and hold me already!"

With her smug expression still  abroad, Dr Mortun puts an arm over youre shoulders as both of you head back  towards the lobby. And out into the fresh nightlife outside. You're thoughts a  million miles elsewhere.