A Dragon's Hoard 3

<<<Taylor Hebert>>>

“So, what’s Midtown high school like?” Taylor asked awkwardly.

Dragon just hummed, “Well it’s just a normal public school…” Was that a hint of dissatisfaction? Not that Taylor didn’t understand, of course.

The public education system wasn’t all that great, and honestly what Taylor experienced in VR (for the lack of a better term) spoiled her. Also well… more often than not there were all sorts of drama, cliques, and just… honestly, Taylor wondered if it was too late to suggest they simply continue her education in simulations.

While she doubted it’d be like Winslow, seeing as Midtown wasn’t a gangster's paradise or on an economic decline, it no doubt had the common ‘staples’ of high school life in its walls. But she held out hope that things would be better, seeing as this was a fresh new start for her.

And that was something she desperately needed.

“Sorry if our inefficient education system doesn’t compare,” Taylor snarked, getting a faint chuckle from Dragon.

“It’s not as though Canada’s is superior,” She replied, eyebrow raised, “Sometimes, I wish my PM would read my emails on it, but alas.”

“When do politicians ever do something that makes sense?” Taylor asked, “Anyway… so high school… is it too late to ask to return to the simulation?”

“Don’t pretend you aren’t stalling,” Dragon snarked, “Clint’s outside, you heard Nat mention him yesterday. He’s trustworthy. Not entirely sure why he’s in New York, but I don’t ask questions I won’t get answers to.”

“Fine…” Taylor said, “Well, I guess I should get going then…”

She didn’t move.

Dragon rolled her eyes, “Don’t get cold feet now.” She said, “Shoo… or should I have one of my armors drag you out?”

Taylor just grumbled before she started walking, grabbing a new bag as she went.

“Hopefully this Clint won’t ask a lot of questions…” Taylor thought.

The man, dressed in far more casual clothes than Nat did, blinked as she stepped out. “You’re taller than I thought you’d be. The way Nat was talking I thought you’d be…” His hand went down to his knee, “about this tall.”

Taylor snorted at that, “Thanks, I think?” Though now she wondered what had Nat told him about her?

“Oh, she talked about having never seen someone so interested in pretty much everything,” Clint explained, “Even mentioned something about Stark and you getting a job offer after you get some more experience and education?” He added teasingly.

“I haven’t accepted that!” Taylor huffed, “And anyway, stuff just looked… neat. It’s not every day you get to see rocket parts. I mean, maybe you do but-”

“Relax kid,” He said, hands going up defensively, “I was just teasing. You’re really stressed about this school thing, huh? Missing friends, or something else? We got half an hour and we aren’t too far away, we can talk for a bit if you need it.”

Taylor wasn’t sure why she said it but it slipped out, “Before the… Incident I didn’t have a pleasant time in school,” She admitted, and it’s only thanks to her mechanical nature that kept her voice even sounding.

“Never had that problem myself,” He started with a smirk, “But I know people that have. From what I’ve heard, even plenty of heroes weren’t immune; you might have heard of one by the name of Steve Rogers?”

“Captain America?” Honestly, who didn’t know about the Man with the Shield, “He had a tough time in school?” Hard to imagine, honestly he looked like the Poster Child for Jocks everywhere.

“Oh yeah,” Clint replied with a nod, “I wasn’t around for it, obviously, but from what I’ve heard? He was a skinny, bullied, nerd. Or whatever passed for a nerd in the forties. This is somewhat public info, so I won’t get in trouble for saying it, but he was chosen for the SS program because he kept his morals in spite of that. Alongside his insane determination to fight in the war, anyway.”

“That’s… wow…” Honestly she already respected him before, but with this… it made Captain America more relatable.

“Now… I think we can get some donuts on the way, because I’m hungry and didn’t eat breakfast this morning,” He said as he started walking down the hall to the nearest elevator, “What’s your favorite? If you say jelly, I might have to file a complaint with Dragon because she’d obviously have made you defective.”

Taylor rolled her eyes at that, “Chocolate mostly, though I enjoy glazed ones as well. Never actually enjoyed donuts with fillings,” She said as she followed him.

“Good choice,” Clint replied with a smirk, “And hey, we know your bullies aren’t going to be at Midtown. Shouldn’t be too bad.”

“Thank god for small favors,” Taylor said, though with the benefit of hindsight and copious amounts of therapy when she looked back she just felt… sorry for Emma, Hess, and Madison really.

She had no idea why Emma went the way she did, but now she simply… didn’t want to waste any more time longing for when they were like sisters. Madison, she was clearly a follower and never actually took part in the bullying beyond being an irritation. But Hess, that girl was deeply troubled and Taylor wondered what drove her to be so needlessly aggressive?

But whatever, it has no say in her life now. Best leave those thoughts in the past where they belong.

[hr][/hr]

Taylor very carefully ensured that she cleaned every bit of chocolate off her face in a car’s mirror, earning a snort from Clint, before sighing and walking into the school, schedule in hand and backpack on her… back.

Following the nifty map that overlaid (but didn’t obstruct) her vision she quickly found herself standing outside of her first class. Giving the schedule an unneeded second look, she took another breath before knocking on the door.

“Pick a seat,” The teacher said, “Doesn’t matter where…” He sounded very bored… or tired. Based on the bags under his eyes, it was tired.

“Yes sir…” Taylor said before glancing at the desks before quickly moving to take a free one right beside a guy that… “Huh, that’s… strange…”

The fact that the guy beside her registered as ‘bug-like’ to her power, really left her puzzled. Maybe he’s one of those mutants without any visible mutations? He could be a parahuman actually… still didn’t change the fact that she could… maybe look through his eyes?

“... you ok?” Her fellow student asked, “Is there something on my face? Did Flash put something on my back again?” He was looking at her in concern as his hands searched his back.

“Oh, nothing,” She said, “Just lost in thought. I’m Taylor Hebert,” She added, introducing herself.

“Peter Parker,” He replied with a smile, “And you’re new here, right? Where’d you move from?”

“Brockton Bay…” Taylor said, “Wait, did that whole thing make the news?” Cape fights weren’t unusual, but a sudden interrupt from Abomination? That resulted in a female victim being paralyzed?

“... Yeah, I wouldn’t want to live there either,” He said with a nod, “Didn’t think they had great schools there though? Lotta self studying?”

“Yeah.” Taylor said, “I went to Winslow… unofficial gang recruitment center,” She added dryly.

Peter whistled. “Well, we don’t have a gang problem but, uh, if you’re seen hanging around me you might get a jock problem.” He paused for a moment. “Not because they’ll bully you, but they might hit on you. Fair warning.”

That took Taylor by surprise and it must have shown on her face if Peter’s laugh was any indication. “I don’t think, that’s not-”

She was interrupted by a redhead sitting down next to them. “Hey,” She said, “Is Peter giving you a hard time? I’m Mary Jane, you?”

“No, just telling me I may have a jock problem,” Taylor answered, “Taylor Hebert, nice to meet you,” She added.

“Oh, they’re nothing,” Mary replied instantly, “They only give Peter trouble because he lets them. No clue why.”

“You know why,” Peter sighed, “If I react then I’ll get in trouble and Aunt May would be disappointed in me.”

“Excuses, excuses,” Mary, who looked startlingly like Emma now that Taylor got a good look at her, said. “Let’s see… new girl, moved in… Boston?” She asked, “Your accent is close.”

“Brockton Bay, unfortunately,” Taylor said.

“Ah, could be worse,” She replied with a shrug, “Better than Madripoor.”

“... I want to argue with that, but I can’t.” Taylor admitted, especially when she searched for crime statistics for Madripoor and saw the raw data?

Very difficult to argue when the data was presented in black and white like that.

“Anyway, what classes are you taking?” She continued, “Aside from the obvious, I mean.”

“AP Chemistry, AP English, AP Technology, AP Math and…” Taylor paused to take another (unneeded) look to her schedule, “AP World History,” She listed off.

“Damn, overachiever much?” Mary teased, Taylor hoped it was teasing anyway, “Guess we’re sharing English and History then while Peter shares Chemistry, Technology, and Math with you.”

“... Winslow wasn’t really that good…” It was a valid if weak excuse honestly, it didn’t help that Emma and Madison messed with her trying to sabotage her work regularly.

“How much studying did you do?” Peter asked, sounding more than a touch impressed, “And how good is your memory? I hope you can keep up with the homework…”

“My guardian is… an overachiever and doesn’t really like the public education system,” Taylor said, “And my memory is pretty good,” She added.

“Well, if you ever need a break from… that,” Mary started, “Just go to Peter's house!” He tried to interrupt with a ‘Hey!’, but she just kept talking, “His aunt is wonderful and will always spoil people he brings home as friends. ‘He needs more’ I think she said?” She asked Peter with a grin.

Taylor just snorted in amusement, “I never met my grandparents. Wonder if they’d be like her or not?” Actually, now that she thought of it she never met any of her extended family on either side.

“See, now you have to invite her because you feel bad for her!” Mary said with a victorious smile, “And don’t deny it, you’re a softy!”

Peter just huffed and grumbled as his ears reddened, “... If she doesn’t have anything to do after school, she’s more than welcome…” He said, making Mary grin.

Taylor just hummed, “Maybe… but I think class is about to start,” She said.

‘Think’ was a bit of a lie, admittedly. She’d been monitoring the time since she’d stepped into class. To prove her point, the bell rang moments later.

[hr][/hr]

Chemistry was… interesting. She’d been dropped into the school in the middle of the year, and so she was involved in projects immediately. Of course, the project in this case was one for two people but Peter and his partner agreed that she could join them.

“As long as you pull your own weight,” The other boy warned with a grin, “Not that it seems like that would be much.”

“Is that trying to ask how much I weigh?” Taylor shot back on instinct, making him pale and wave his hands in the air.

“No! No, I was saying you probably don’t weigh much because your build is really slim!” He said, looking defeated and… irritated with himself. Very irritated.”

Taylor blinked before nodding, “Oh, it’s okay? It’s just a misunderstanding.” She said.

“Forgive him,” Peter started, hand patting his back, “He knows not the arcane workings of those of the female persuasion, and your whiles perplex and scare him.”

Taylor just raised a brow but didn’t comment as he was elbowed by his friend, if anything she was amused herself. And it seemed to work to diffuse whatever issue the boy was dealing with.

“Could you measure out the magnesium sulfate? It’s that powder next to you?” Peter asked with a point, “I’ll be getting the bath ready…”

Honestly, it was refreshing to be part of a group project and not having to do all the work! And with a small smile she passed the requested powder to Peter, all the while documenting the experiment as well as her own personal observations and speculations.

Unfortunately while her first class passed by rather quietly (for the most part, it was Chemistry after all) her next class wasn’t. Looking back, it made sense for the teacher not to draw attention or try to introduce her… the man honestly looked dead on his feet. Not that she’s surprised, she could only imagine how stressful it is to manage a chemistry class full of teenagers.

The English teacher waited for the class to filter in fully before she ‘pounced’, “Class, today we have a new student!” She said sounding entirely too chipper to actually be a teacher with tenure, a new hire perhaps? “Can you come up front and introduce yourself?” 

Taylor really didn’t want to, but regardless of her desires she stood up and walked to the front of class, “Hello, I’m Taylor Hebert,” She said, wanting to simply get it over with and hopefully return to her seat before she could be grilled with questions.

Well, assuming tv and movies didn’t lie to her anyways.

She saw Dragon clapping in the corner of the room.

“Well, that’s not exactly what I was thinking,” The teacher said as her classmates… looked at her with sympathy. “At the start of the year, we all introduced ourselves with a story we experienced. Something silly, or touching, or important to you. Whatever you want.”

“...” Taylor was going to regret this but she sighed, “I’m from Brockton Bay and attended Winslow High school. So my life was pretty… hairy I guess. But seeing as there are no real gang problems here, I’m hoping to resume my education. And… probably look into getting a flute and starting to get back to playing one,” She said.

The teacher clapped alongside the class, though it had to be said the latter was far less enthusiastic about it.

After a few moments of awkwardness, Taylor went to sit back down.

“Well, that went about as well as I expected,” Taylor thought, “Bet they’d be shocked if I told them until recently I was a paraplegic and trapped in my own body?” She snarked, not that she ever would.

She wasn’t nearly that bold, and honestly it was no one else's business.

“Don’t worry,” Emm- Mary whispered to her, “Most of the class doesn’t involve public speaking. And when it’s time to write short stories, you can ask someone else to read them for you. There are a few drama students around that enjoy that.”

Taylor didn’t know if she should have felt relief or dread at that statement, so she settled for groaning and putting her face into her arms.

“People are going to pester me at lunch aren’t they?” Taylor asked.

“Oh it won’t be… that bad?” Mary tried to reassure. She wasn’t very good at it though.

Taylor looked at her, “It’s bad enough that I’m the new girl and I appeared in the middle of the year…” She deadpanned, “But then you just had to say that. I just want you to know what happens next is your fault.”

“And don’t think I don’t see you snickering Dragon!” She thought pointedly, not even bothering to glare at her guardian as only she could see her and she really didn’t need people to think she was unstable or anything.

At least Em-Mary had the decency to look apologetic.

And Taylor would take it, it was simply too early in her new school to hold a grudge.

[hr][/hr]

Lunch was acceptably lunch like right up until the moment she sat down, for most tables were full of people and she didn’t have an easy spot to sit with her fellow introverts.

She really hoped Mary didn’t jinx her, that she was just being paranoid. Maybe if she just focused on eating, she could just slip away to the library and hide from nosy teenagers?

Still, one thing she could clearly say is that the Midtown High cafeteria surpassed Winlow High’s by leaps and bounds. Not that it was a high bar in the first place, but still. While nothing looked up to date, barring the snack and soda machines, everything looked well maintained. It’s almost like the school actually had a budget to do repairs!

“So, newgirl, what’s your name?” A classic and stereotypical jock asked as he looked up at her, “And are you doing anything this weekend?”

“Spoke too soon…” She didn’t sigh but the urge was there, “Taylor Hebert and…” She searched for an excuse to get the jock to just fuck off and leave her to be introverted in peace! “Going to be spending time with family.” It wasn’t the best excuse but she’d take it.

Though why was Dragon giving her such a weird look?

“Oh, cool, what’re they like?” He asked, making her scream internally. “Are they as cute as you?”

“They’re engineers and scientists actually.” Which… was true, really, “And yeah…” Was she bullshiting to get the guy to leave?

Yes, and really the only reason she was even ‘cute’ was because Dragon listened to her body image issues and filled her out to make her look like a woman and not an upright frog.

“Oh? What do they do for wo-” He started before a buxom blonde girl put her hand over his mouth.

“Ignore him, he’s desperate to get a date for a party this weekend at my place,” She said, “Laura, you’re Taylor right?” She grimaced and snapped her hand back to her side, wiping it off with a glare at her… friend? Who looked entirely unrepentant.

“Yeah… nice to meet you?” Taylor replied, honestly not entirely sure if she meant it or not.

Did Emma truly ruin meeting new people for her, or is it pure paranoia at this point?

“You’re free to come of course, there won’t be any alcohol so you’re free to bring your family too,” Laura continued, “Even Peter is coming, but I think that’s because MJ is dragging him… you don’t know either of them, do you? Peter’s a big nerd and… a bit of a wimp. He’s nice, but he has no spine.” That set off a few alarms in her head. “Anyway, he’s coming with his friend MJ, very cute girl, very popular. I think she’s trying to become a journalist?”

“I’ll consider it.” Taylor said, “Well, at least I’ve identified Midtown’s Emma, now where would be the Hess and Madison to complete the trio?”

Laura nodded. “Great!” She replied, “Let me get you my number and address?” She offered, taking her phone out and handing it to Taylor.

Taylor took the number. “Thanks,” She said as she examined the number and remotely imputed the number into her cell, which she pulled out to mime putting it in manually, “A bit bitchy… not really as bad as Emma perhaps?”

“Right, just text me and I’ll send you my address,” Laura said with a grin, “Now, I have to go and talk to my girls- Oh! We’re holding tryouts for cheerleading next week. You don’t look the type, but I thought I should tell you that it looks great on college applications.~” She winked as she stood up and headed over to ‘her girls.’

Taylor stammered at that as her cheeks flushed faintly before shaking her head and focusing on her food.

“I think you’d look cute.”

“Shut up, Dragon!” 

No Taylor did not pout or scowl, she had way too much control over her expressions to do that. But still the intent was there.

She was thankful that the next class was Technology, which was effectively just an engineering and software programing class.

“I hope they didn’t give you too hard a time?” Peter asked as she met him in the hall on the way, “Laura can be… a bit much, and Flash’s group are…” He coughed, “Yeah.”

“She reminded me of an old friend a little, but she seems nice enough,” Taylor said, “And the jock was… well a jock.” Did she suggest she couldn’t remember his name?

Yes.

Did she know his name? Much to her disappointment, turns out her ‘HUD’ liked to tag people with their names! Who knew?

“Usually she’s pretty… apathetic,” He replied, “She took interest in you because you’re new and pretty.” His brain caught up with his mouth at the last second and he closed it in a burst of embarrassment.

Taylor blushed faintly at that, “Um, thanks….” She still had trouble accepting that others might see her as attractive, “Er, so… class? Yeah…”

“Right, class!” He said, “After you?” He offered, motioning to the door, “I’d open it for you, but it opens inwards in a violation of fire safety codes. The class was added later on, the door used to lead to the outside.”

Taylor just smiled. “Thank you,” She said as she entered with Peter following her shortly after.

[hr][/hr]

Apparently, she’d impressed Peter. A lot. Enough so that he demanded to know her study routine which led to her panicking and telling him she’d show him after school.

“Oh god, oh god, how am I supposed to deal with this!?” She asked herself and, admittedly, Dragon, “Help!”

“He seems like a trustworthy guy. Maybe you should be honest with him?” Dragon suggested gently, “And if he doesn’t believe you? Well… you could always open the maintenance hatch.”

“But what if he does believe me and tries to use it as blackmail!?” She asked, somewhat hysterically.

“... Taylor, honey, I’m going to tell you in full confidence that I am correct here, that isn’t something he’d do. Just trust me on this, okay?” Dragon sounded both amused and exasperated by the conversation.

“But, but!” 

“Taylor, you can’t keep suspecting everyone of trying to hurt you,” Dragon said a bit more sternly, “This is NOT Brockton Bay, this is NOT Winslow. This is a fresh start for you, so please try to learn how to trust people again. At least some people. Besides, I know you were looking at him for more than just getting lost in your thoughts…”

Taylor paused for a moment before coughing. If she couldn’t trust Dragon with what she felt from him, who could be trusted? “I, uh, my power registers him as bug-like and I don’t know why?”

There was silence from her for a few moments before she started cackling.

She vanished a moment later.

“... I’m going to take that as a good sign,” Taylor thought to herself after a moment. “Or a really bad one. Fifty-fifty, really.”

Still, school was almost over and… well, she had to come to some decision within the next five minutes. It would be really awkward to ask him to wait while she tried to figure out an answer to her dilemma, even if it would also be funny to look back on it if it turned out well.

Waiting outside the school she looked up at the sky lost in thought, only to be pulled out of it when her power ping’d off of Peter. Nodding to herself she waited for the teenager to get closer before she started to walk with him.

“Well, I did want to meet Aunt May,” Taylor said with a smile, “And I did say I’d answer your questions didn’t I?”

Peter just chuckled. “That you did,” He said as they walked in a comfortable silence, though Taylor couldn’t help but wonder what was going through his head. “MJ really convinced you about Aunt May, huh?” He asked with a grin, “She’d be around but she has to work on something for her Journalism class.”

“Pretty much,” Taylor said.

“So, your study routine, huh?” He asked, looking… extremely relaxed as he walked backwards to the bus stop he wanted to use.

“Honestly? I don’t think you’d believe me if I told you now,” She said, “But I promise to share when we get to your home.”

His eyebrow rose. “Uh-hu? Try me. Promise I won’t laugh.” His grin said otherwise. “I’ve heard some wild stuff. One guy I know only studies when high on weed, I’d call him out for it but he’s never gotten less than a B so I have no room to judge.”

“... I was caught between a gang fight when Abomination suddenly got involved. It left me paraplegic and trapped in my own body. Dragon became my guardian and swore to help me. And as off… a few days ago she created a mechanical body for me to use which she transferred my brain and portions of my nervous system into,” Taylor said quickly.

“...” Peter paused mid step for a moment before continuing on, “Alright, I’ll admit that’s a new one. Not sure how it helps you study though.”

“My brain had to be partially converted into a… bio-processor Dragon called it,” Taylor said, “So… basically my brain is a computer,” She added awkwardly.

“Huh, cool,” Peter replied with a shrug, “Not sure I fully believe you, but I’m going to be honest it wouldn’t surprise me if you were telling the truth. Not sure why you’d tell me though, unless you don’t think Dragon can help with maintenance you need and thought ‘hey, this guy seems smart’?”

“No, nothing like that,” Taylor paused, “I have… massive trust issues. Mary keeps reminding me of my oldest friend who backstabbed me and used all my secrets to torment me. I’ve been wary of everyone I have talked to since coming here, and have been waiting for the other shoe to drop. This is a fresh start for me and I… don’t like being paranoid of everyone. Besides, Dragon approved of you so…” Well, Dragon actually started cackling when she mentioned that she felt Peter through her power, but she still believed that was a good sign.

“... I’m going to ask Aunt May to bake some cookies,” Peter said after a moment, “I assume you can eat, I saw you eating what they called lunch at school.”

“Yeah, I got a bioreactor that keeps me topped up.” Though it still felt weird to just not need to go to the bathroom or not hearing your stomach growling or not actually feeling hungry.

Not that she’d ever stop eating, she needed some things to keep her leveled out after all! Dragon actually gave her various coping methods used by other people in her circumstances.

“Neat,” He replied with a nod before starting to talk on the phone, “Yeah, I’m bringing a friend over. Could you pop those cookies we worked on last night into the-you already did? Thanks, love you too, be there soon.”

Taylor just smiled. “You’re a lucky guy Peter,” She said, “Your aunt sounds like a wonderful person.”

“Thanks, you’re not the first to say that.” He said with a smile, “Hope you don’t mind chocolate chip.”

“Are you even human if you don’t like them?” Taylor quipped, getting a snort from Peter.

“I am legally required to say yes,” He replied carefully, “And even if I weren’t, Wolverine scares me. He prefers snickerdoodles, from what I’ve heard.”

“A wise decision,” Taylor said, honestly she agreed, Wolverine was rather scary.

Peter nodded seriously. “Now, as long as he isn’t around we can mock his choice of hockey team…” He grinned, “If you’re feeling brave.”

Taylor couldn’t help it, she laughed. Peter was… nice, she could work with that.

Maybe she’d tell him that she was a parahuman eventually? Unlikely, but possible!

[hr][/hr][hr][/hr]