Inheritance - Interlude 5.ENE

Saturday May 14th, 2011

Madison Clements, a name that felt less true to themself with each passing day.  It was the name of a girl who attended school and played at being cute and harmless to great effect.  A mask, no different than the one she wore to work with the Wards.  

Browbeat had come closer to the truth.  Masculine presenting, but without any junk under the hood.  Bulky and muscular beyond what any normal person could expect outside of heavy steroid use.  It was the best they could negotiate with the Ward’s PR department on what image would be presented to the public. 

Then there was their newest name.  Ripley.  A name taken straight from a movie and chosen for the form that felt more like them than anything before or since.  Madison had triggered wanting to escape the confines of a set form.  They didn’t want to be locked into the form of a cute girl.  They didn’t want to be a hulking guy either.  No, Madison had always wanted to be something inhuman. 

One look at their fic portfolio would tell anyone that they were seriously invested into the monsterfucker genre.  Case 53s were a big subsection of their work, but not all of it.  Changers made regular appearances as did the classic roster of monsters.  Yet, there was one form that they always came back to.  That first form they had used to terrorize the Empire in the days before the Wards. 

A form that the Teeth had embraced wholeheartedly. 

Because that form was built for killing, and they were good at it.  Three died at their hand during the war with the Elite.  Including Ripley’s first kill in defense of Sophia.  With that line crossed, they had taken out two additional people.  The trophy of choice was a spinal segment strung together. 

Three pieces of bone now hung from a carabiner on their belt.  A macabre display of where their loyalties now rested.  The meeting was going to be a formality; everyone knew Madison was going to quit.  That was obvious from the moment they stood with Taylor at the Gala.  Hero life just wasn’t for them.

“I thought you quit,” Missy said, though the question wasn’t aimed at Madison. 

Sophia shrugged, dropping down beside them as they exited the arena.  “Heard Emma was gonna be there.  Figured she should at least hear my reason for leaving from my own mouth rather than yours.” 

“Bitch,” Missy muttered. 

“She’s taking care of her dogs,” Sophia said, then gave Madison a side-eyed glance.  “You know, when this one isn’t begging for belly rubs.” 

“That was one time!” Madison snapped. 

Which was a lie.  It was three times and she enjoyed it immensely.  Rachel didn’t give a shit what form Madison took, and neither did Charlotte for that matter.  They could just vibe and be themself around those two.

“Whatever you say,” Sophia said, rolling her eyes.  “I’m half expecting an arrest attempt, but I don’t think there’s anyone left in this city quite so suicidally stupid.” 

A few eyes turned to regard Carol Dallon, who glared back at each of them.  Victoria stepped between them, holding her hands up. 

“Hey, the Endbringer Truce is still in effect.  I won’t be doing anything and neither will anyone else.”  She then turned and gave Carol a look.  “Right Mom?” 

“Yes,” Carol agreed through grit teeth. 

Victoria beamed, pulling Ashley close.  “See, all’s well!” 

“Such false enthusiasm convinces nobody,” Ashley intoned.  “It is okay to show emotion to others.  Your mother is alive and well.  Embrace that.” 

The Brute looked away, but Madison didn’t miss the sheen in her eyes as she failed to discreetly wipe them.  To be frank, the fact that Carol Dallon was still alive had nothing to do with Taylor showing mercy and everything to do with the chaos that was her life at present.  The whole eating Spree thing and now having his power? 

It scared the shit out of everyone. 

Taylor was basically the new Fairy Queen, eating people for Powers.  Yes, Madison understood that it wasn’t quite the same, but they weren’t a fool either.  People like Amelia and Lisa were now actively talking to their powers.  Chrissie was less obvious about it, but there were signs that she too could talk to these nebulous Shards as Weaver called them. 

Probably a good thing that Madison wasn’t close enough to Taylor to have been brought into the loop for that one just yet.  It left them second guessing every errant thought, wondering if that had been the start of becoming like those touched by their powers on a deeper level. 

Missy waved her hand and the space between the entry to the arena and the nearby rooftop vanished.  They stepped through without hesitation, well used to the disorienting effects that it could have on people.  Carol was the only one to stumble on that first step, and Missy was quick as ever on setting up the next step. 

It didn’t take long to reach the Rig, with the final scrunch shrinking the mile between the shore and the landing in an instant.  Madison couldn’t remember her ability ever working that smoothly, but after the shortstack’s display at Leviathan… 

“Missy,” Madison said, stopping the girl before she got too deep into the rig.  “Are you ending up like Victoria?” 

Missy stumbled for a moment, then turned her attention without moving her head.  Space was twisting, and then the rig was a mile away.  Missy stood there for a moment, fists gripped tightly as she bit her lip until it bled.

“Yes.  Horizon reached out after Weaver popped Echidna.” 

Madison swallowed.  “So, it really is everyone close to her…” 

Missy offered a soft smile.  “Has your Shard spoken to you yet?” 

“Not that I’ve noticed,” Madison said. 

Just the idea of it scared them to no end.  Madison wasn’t eager to test things, and risk losing themself in the process.  It was clear how much Taylor changed from coming into contact with the Butcher entity, and now it was infecting those around them.  The sanctity of self wasn’t guaranteed, not with capes in the mix, and now the source of their powers were reaching out and crossing those lines. 

“Haven’t, or don’t want to?” Missy asked.  “Horizon started off with a soft whisper and guiding hand.  Now she’s starting to get vocal.  Maybe you just need to listen closer.” 

“I don’t want to lose myself,” Madison said.  “You’ve seen how quickly Lisa took to that new connection.” 

“Yet she’s still the same,” Missy said.  “I don’t think they want to change us, just make us into more than we were.” 

Madison eyed Missy, wondering if that was actually her underneath that understanding smile, or a Shard looking through her eyes.  For that matter, were any Parahumans even themselves anymore?  Madison had known Sophia when they were in Third Grade together, and she was nothing like the woman who stalked Nazis from the shadows.  How much of that change was her power, and how much was it a product of growing up in a shithole city infested with fascist Nazis on every corner?

“And you’re okay with that?”

“Horizon is kinda chill to be honest,” Missy said, then chuckled.  “Well, when she isn’t helping me drop the hammer of god on Endbringers at least.  She cheated a bit to speed things along.” 

“Totally not concerning,” Madison deadpanned. 

Missy shrugged.  “Probably.  It’s not something I can change and I’m not sure I want to put that particular cat back in the bag.  My power has never worked this smoothly before and I’d like to keep her that way.” 

“Oi, we’re gonna be late!” 

Victoria was hovering by the door, waving at them despite the distance.  A ghostly golden arm hovered over her shoulder, mirroring the motion.  A shiver ran through their body, one that didn’t feel entirely like raw nerves.  That thought did send a proper shiver down their spine. 

Missy sighed, and snapped a finger.  Space practically popped back to normal, putting Victoria right next to them.  The flying blonde jerked back, then patted her chest as she took deep breaths.  Missy wore a smirk as she walked past the Brute with a strut that no twelve year old should carry. 

“Hurry up big V, don’t want to be late.” 

Madison couldn’t help it, they laughed.  Missy had more time as a cape under her belt than anyone else on the Wards roster.  It wasn’t even close now that Sophia had quit.  Gallant was second in line for time before the transfer, which meant that the next senior Ward was Clock… 

“This is so fucked.” 

Walking through the rig was fairly routine for the Wards.  They often got to sit in on Protectorate briefings and other such banalities that were meant to prepare them for the day they graduated.  Granted, Carlos spent more time than the rest of them combined.  To their surprise, Ethan was waiting for them near the entrance. 

He offered them a tired smile.  “Looks like the rest of the gang is here.”  He then eyed Sophia.  “Plus an extra.  Normally I’d say something witty and insightful that changes lives forever, but I nearly died yesterday and don’t have it in me.” 

“At least you aren’t hearing voices,” Sophia muttered. 

“What was that?” 

“I said fuck off, you’re not funny.” 

Ethan blinked.  “Riiight.  Anyway, the meeting’s in the main conference room.” 

The man turned and marched off, his feet practically bouncing along the floor.  Powers always came with odd quirks that most people never noticed.  Their own meant they never felt comfortable settling into a single skin.  It wasn’t a question of how long Madison would last as their dominant form, but when they would shed the facade and just accept they liked to shift whenever they felt like it.  Polite society frowned upon it, but the Teeth hardly qualified. 

Skin rippled and shifted, changing their form ever so slightly.  It helped, but running with the Teeth had given them a taste of what they could be.  Going back to just being Madison and Browbeat wasn’t an option, not with how unsettled staying locked in left them.  This would be Madison’s last official appearance as Browbeat. 

Then only Ripley would remain. 

They couldn’t help but laugh softly.  That was going to be quite the conversation with their parents.  Like, hey mom and dad, I’m quitting the hero biz with the great pay and college fund and joining a gang of cannibals that eat people on live TV, isn’t that great?  Yeah, that was going to go over so well with them.

Not that they really had a say in it anymore.  Madison should technically be in custody for what they did to the Elite, but none of their kills were officially attributed to them.  Small mercies given how chaotic things had been that day.  Their report still sat unfiled, and it wasn’t clear if Armsmaster or Assault had bothered to file anything either. 

Entering the meeting room, it was clear they were some of the last to arrive.  Ethan moved to stand with Carly and was very pointedly not looking towards what could possibly be called the Teeth delegation given how many of them had close ties to the gang. 

Or outright membership.

Madison let their fingers brush over their trophies.  Such small things, each representing a life taken.  Such was the weight of their actions.  The clones hadn’t been suitable for trophies, given all that the Teeth had claimed turned to sludge before they ever reached Brockton.  

Michael had almost broken down into tears over that. 

Brian Laborn stood off to the side, his Blackout costume not all that different from the old Grue leathers he wore when with the Undersiders.  He’d gone straight to the Protectorate since he would turn eighteen in July.  The only reason Madison knew even that much was due to Aisha’s constant complaining about her traitor-of-a-brother.  Dauntless pushed off the wall and walked right past Brian without a second glance.  It was a bit sad that none of the others were really making time for him, but that came down to his own choices.  

Dauntless joined Ethan and Carly, not that Madison could hear their conversation.  

That was when their eyes fell upon a once familiar face and bright red hair.  Emma Barnes was back in Brockton Bay.  Dennis was talking to her, but Emma was so withdrawn, with her shoulders hunched and her head hanging so neither could make eye contact.  

“They’re clearing me for limited Wards duties after Leviathan,” Emma said, looking away.  “In Boston, because we all agreed that I shouldn’t be anywhere near…” 

“Weaver?” Dennis asked.

“The Teeth,” Emma interjected harshly.  “You know they were the core of my first trigger.  Losing Taylor to them was my second.  They don’t talk about second triggers much, but we’re even more on edge than most around our trigger trauma.  It doesn’t help that I now know I’m the source of the Butcher’s latest.” 

Hopefully Emma hadn’t just outed Taylor to Dennis without checking to see if he knew or not.  She hadn’t been in the city when they all had that sit-down at the park.  Granted, Taylor was literally a fly on the wall across the city at this point.  If she took exception to anything that happened within Brockton Bay, well, it wouldn’t last long.

“Have you tried talking to her?” Madison asked, joining the conversation.  “Believe it or not, but Taylor’s mellowed out a fair bit this past month.” 

Well, as long as you weren’t a fascist at least.  Taylor was anything but mellow when those walking targets happened to make themselves known.  There would probably be a few Teeth sponsored road trips happening over the summer if the early chatter was anything to go off of, but Madison had no plans to join them. 

“Getting laid tends to do that,” Sophia said, leaning against the wall.  “That or killing Nazis.  Bit of a toss up what actually did it for her.” 

“Is there a difference for you?” Emma sneered. 

“Not terribly,” Sophia said.  “Just like killing the ABB and Teeth off the clock got you all hot and bothered.  It’s part of why we clicked so well together.  Killing gangers was basically foreplay.”

Madison looked away.  “Did not need to know that.” 

Sophia rolled her eyes.  “Like you’re one to talk.”

“Sure,” Madison said, watching as Lily, yawning wide, arrived with Sabah.  The cloth manipulator’s eyes trailed over everyone present and paused on Madison.  The woman bit her lip, then nudged Lily.  “Good talk.  I’ll leave you to whatever this is.” 

A loud snort came from Sophia as Madison turned away, leaving those two to deal with their issues.  Maybe they would patch things up, but they doubted it.  Emma had too much trauma attached to the Teeth to ever accept that Sophia willingly joined a gang.  Add on the whole Taylor induced second trigger thing and Emma was someone who probably needed to be moved to the west coast and left there.

“Hey Lily,” Madison said with a smile.  “How are you holding up?” 

The returned smile was brittle.  “Haven’t slept since Leviathan.  Are…”  Lily paused, biting her lip, then leaned in close.  “Are you hearing voices too?”

Madison’s eyes widened and they pulled back, taking in the raw concern radiating off of Lily.  Sure enough, there were puffy bags darkening her bloodshot eyes.  Just as they were about to say something to the negative, it was as if a gentle hand shook a shoulder that didn’t exist.  

Madison’s whole form locked up at the metaphysical contact.  It wasn’t the first time, but the contact was always tentative, as though whatever was behind it was asking permission.  They weren’t sure what to make of it, and if asked, Madison might just admit how much the idea of that shook them.

“Not quite,” Madison said after a moment.  “But there’s definitely something there.” 

“See, I told you,” Sabah said with a huff.  “It isn’t just us.  I mean, just look at Victoria over there.  She isn’t even hiding it.” 

Sure enough, Victoria was speaking with a few of the others as though there wasn’t a golden figure perched on her shoulder.  Madison blinked.  Said figure was signing to communicate.  Chris happily signed along with them while Carlos watched blankly.  Madison was barely able to keep up with the rapid pace of the conversation.  They made a mental note to practice more. 

Electronic whirling filled the room as Armsmaster entered the conference room, silencing all small talk.  The man was out of costume, not that he made an effort to hide the bright blue mechanical legs he now stood upon.  He had elected for replacing his legs with prosthetics, though they were a bit crude for his usual standards.  No doubt a stop-gap until he completed something on par with his destroyed armor. 

“Thank you all for coming,” Colin said, standing at the front of the table.  “Before we begin, I would like to hold a moment of silence for those we lost.” 

Every head bowed without exception.

Of the local heroes, only Velocity had died, but there were still over a dozen fatalities through the course of the fight.  A miracle for any Endbringer fight, but still a tragedy for everyone involved.  Technically they were also honoring the loss of Spree, though Madison wouldn’t be providing that particular addendum given his current state. 

That was another reason Madison wasn’t eager to peer beneath the veil.  Damien wasn’t that different from his old self, but he still had those odd quirks that all of Taylor’s new projections showed.  Something ever so slightly uncanny about their mentality. 

Once the moment passed, Colin raised his head and cleared his throat.  “Apologies for the earlier delay.  There was an error with my legs and I would rather not trip over my own feet.” 

“Pretty sure you left those back in Boston,” Ethan muttered. 

Madison couldn’t catch the snort in time, but they weren’t alone in the laughter.  Sophia had outright barked loud enough that everyone was glaring at her. 

“I’m glad my predicament is proving amusing,” Colin said flatly.  “And before anyone suggests it, I did turn down Pandemic’s offer to regrow my limbs.”  He glanced at where Carol stood, then raised an eyebrow.  “Though it would seem I might have underestimated her abilities if she can bring back the dead.” 

“Not dead,” Carol said, her voice hollow.  “Just a head.  Amy saw fit to keep me alive and restored my body about an hour ago.  I’m still processing that.” 

It took everything Madison had to not laugh at the unintentional joke.  The Teeth really had corrupted them, especially given how even Assault grimaced at the comment.  Victoria pulled her mother into a side-hug and the pair shared some whispered words.  Even the golden ghost joined in on the embrace. 

“Understandable.  Such experiences are certainly traumatic.”  Colin nodded.  “Shadow Stalker, is there a reason you’re present?  I seem to recall a rather spirited resignation that told me to shove my halberd up my unlubricated rectal orifice.” 

Sophia snorted.  “That’s the gist of what I said.  Got a problem with me being here?” 

“Given the nature of what we will be discussing and the likelihood of Weaver being a fly on the wall, no.” 

“Can confirm,” the walls buzzed. 

Emma recoiled harshly from the voice, not that it would have done her any good.  Knowing Taylor the few bugs they did notice were just those she wanted them to find.  Especially once Amelia truly began to experiment with creating new life for her.  Just the idea of Taylor fielding an army of Tyranids was nightmare fuel. 

“Thank you for the honesty Weaver,” Colin said.  “Now, for those unaware, Congress has been busy overnight and passed several resolutions.  The pertinent one to this meeting being the restructuring of the Protectorate resources in the region.” 

“It’s Boston or nothin, right boss?” Ethan asked. 

“Affirmative,” Colin said.  “The ENE branch will be shuttered over the coming months and everyone is heavily encouraged to seek a transfer ahead of the official announcement.” 

Missy chose that moment to speak up.  “I think it’s safe to say that many of us don’t want to leave our home.” 

“Quite,” he agreed.  “I personally will be tendering my resignation with the Protectorate in the coming weeks.  The Guild seems better suited to my future goals.” 

A hush fell over the crowd at the declaration.  Armsmaster was resigning his post?  The man once regarded as the greatest glory hound of the east coast would be giving up his career.  The declaration hung heavily as nobody dared to so much as breathe.

“I believe that is where I step in,” Dragon said, appearing on screen.  “Given recent events and the likely repercussions, it has been decided that the Guild will be establishing a presence within Brockton Bay.”

There was the other shoe.  Colin didn’t want to leave his home either and had figured out a way to make it happen that worked for him.  Which raised another question, one Madison didn’t want to voice.  

“You’re bringing the Guild to Brockton to keep tabs on the Teeth.” 

Every head turned to where Victoria floated, haloed with golden light.  The tone hadn’t been accusatory, but it still held some sort of expectation.  The Teeth remaining unchecked was the stuff of nightmares to most sane people.  Madison no longer qualified, not that they really considered themselves sane.  Not since they got in too deep with Emma’s anti-Taylor campaign of terror and how they remained silent. 

Colin nodded slowly.  “Officially we will be a Class-S counter force, much as the rest of the guild presents itself as.  Our goal will be to make good on the promise of a dead Endbringer by eliminating as many of the Parahuman threats to global peace as possible.” 

Well, that was basically Taylor’s plan to turn the Teeth into a mercenary group and send them out into the world.  Hell, knowing Colin, he would likely ask Weaver for unofficial support on some of those.  Madison just couldn’t see him targeting Taylor after everything he had done to try and find a sort-of peace with the latest—and likely last—Butcher. 

“We’re officially recruiting,” Dragon continued.  “Those who don’t wish to leave the city will be given priority.  This goes for both Wards and Protectorate.  Given the state of the organization, I strongly encourage joining.” 

Well, that certainly fit with the intel that Lisa had gathered.  The Cauldron bomb was probably worse than even she realized.

“Our first act will be a strike against the Dragonslayers,” Colin continued.  “Recent events have exposed how they managed to avoid capture to date and that exploit has since been closed.”

“What?” Emma exclaimed.  “Why not the Teeth?  They’re right there!” 

Colin seemed to consider that question, his eyes taking in each person present.  When they landed on Madison they seemed to linger just a fraction longer.  “I need everyone to be honest.  How many of you have been to the Teeth Arena as guests and left unscathed?”

Madison’s hand rose along with everyone who had been at the Arena that morning, along with a few others.  Ethan and Carly were a bit more reluctant to raise their hands, but did so.  Emma looked around in horror at that, then froze when she saw Madison’s raised hand. 

“What the fuck?” 

It took Madison a moment to realize Emma’s statement had been directed their way.  Emma’s eyes had blown wide at the revelation.  At least Sophia seemed to find some amusement from her reaction if the snickering was anything to go off of.

Sighing, Madison accepted that this was happening and that it might as well all be out in the open given they still intended to quit despite the announcement.  “I might have helped Vex when some Nazis jumped her at school during that whole mess last month.”

Not to mention that was when they first talked to Charlotte.  

Honestly, that girl had done more to bring them into the Teeth fold than any other.  Add in Rachel being an adorkable autistic doof—as Char once put it—and they were finding a comradery with the Teeth that had never truly existed with the Wards. 

“Madison, do you mind sharing your latest assignment with those who do not know of it?” Colin asked, giving them a significant look. 

Well, nothing for it then.  “I’ve been acting as a double agent, though with both parties in full understanding of what it entailed.  With the Wards, I’ve been Browbeat.  With the Teeth, I acted as Ripley.” 

The collective gasps were a bit of a surprise.  It wasn’t as if they were doing a good job of hiding it.  Hell, Madison had spent most of the heroic gathering working at a Teeth run booth!  It should have been obvious to anyone paying attention.  

“You fucking cunt!” 

Madison could have made some effort to avoid the coming slap.  Probably should have, knowing Emma carried a Brute rating.  Yet, they simply reinforced their bones and took the hit with a simple turn of their head to deflect the worst of it.  Training with Big Robbie was certainly paying off in that regard.  The gendered insult hurt more than the actual slap.  

Their head turned and met Emma’s cold, tear-filled, eyes.  “Feel better?” 

“What the fuck Mads!?” Emma shrieked.  

Madison dodged the sloppy follow-up swing and simply stood there.  Emma clearly hadn’t gotten any better despite being cleared to return to work.  Hell, someone had fucked up by allowing her into Brockton in the first place.  That Weaver hadn’t lifted even a single mosquito was proof enough of how she had mellowed out following the inheritance. 

“I did the right thing,” Madison said.  “The Empire attempted murder in the halls, had dirty cops at the ready, and were fully prepared to leave a bunch of gay girls dead.  That was my in with the Teeth, and those in charge felt the bridge shouldn’t be burned.” 

“Correct,” Colin said.  “At the time we needed more information within the Teeth and Madison was in position to provide it.  Unfortunately, we did not provide adequate oversight given your involvement in the assault on the Elite.” 

Madison shrugged.  “Again, it was the right thing to do.”

“Also saved my ass,” Sophia admitted, much to Madison’s surprise.  “Would have died at least twice without them covering me.” 

“Noted,” Colin said.  “Madison, do you intend to remain with the Wards, or are you going to seek other employment?” 

“Does it count as other employment?” Madison asked, raising an eyebrow.  “I’m already working with them afterall, and they don’t put arbitrary restraints on what I can do with my powers.” 

Emma snarled.  “No, Sophia I get.  She was always eager to see a Nazi dead if she could get away with it.  But you!?  I thought you were better than to join the Teeth!”

“Guess you just didn’t know me then,” Madison said.

“Was anything actually real?” Emma whispered.  “Or were all my friends monsters in disguise?” 

“Spoken by the biggest monster of us all,” Sophia interjected.  Emma recoiled from the accusation, but that didn’t deter Sophia in the slightest.  “Seriously.  I never got your obsession with Hebert.  She was a worthless dork but you had promise so I went along with it.  You were her best friend, a sister in all but blood, as she once put it.  Good people don’t drive someone like that to Trigger.” 

Oh to be a fly on the wall back at the Teeth arena just to see Taylor’s reaction to Sophia of all people standing up for her.  Knowing Lisa, she would be able to give a play by play, but it wouldn’t be the same.  Madison knew that was an unhealthy desire; one left over from her time running with Emma, but it wasn’t as unhealthy as some desires that still kicked around so they let themselves feel it. 

“Did Sophia just make a point?” Dennis whispered, though it may as well have been a gunshot in the silence of the room.

Emma blinked as something deep within cracked, her face contorting in terrifying ways.  Madison’s form tensed, coiled and ready to shift into something that might stand against Emma.  Flames engulfed her in a searing torrent as the woman shot through the air and straight through the window, melting the glass rather than shattering it.  The glowing streak raced through the sky, heading towards the city.  A brief moment of panic filled them that Emma might just attempt to crash the Teeth HQ, but Emma simply continued on, vanishing into the distance. 

The tension bled out as she vanished, and Madison was left with a single burning question.  One that she didn’t get to ask.

“Was it really a good idea to invite her?” Sophia demanded, her form rippling at the edges.  “I mean, she was the only reason I bothered showing up, but it seems kinda fucked to drag her back to the city where Weaver sees all.” 

On the screen, Dragon’s face twisted into a frown.  “Odd, it seems someone added her after the meeting began.  The transport that brought her from Boston has gone missing.” 

What?

The entire room descended into shouting at the revelation that someone had arranged for a situation to kick off.  Armsmaster spoke with Dragon, the pair keeping far calmer than the remainder of the room.  A bug clone formed up beside them and Madison found themself walking to join the growing round table. 

“...Cauldron might have sent her, but that strikes me as odd,” Dragon said, her face now a small window on the display as it showed the timetable of events.  “Emma is still listed as assisting in Boston on temporary leave from her psychiatric center.  She was not cleared for any Wards duties beyond that.” 

“Do we have any video footage?” Victoria asked, joining them. 

Rather than answer, Dragon pulled up the footage from Boston where Emma was picked up.  There was a Trooper with Emma, and the feed froze on a picture of the driver.  It was out of focus, and extremely difficult to make anything out due to some visual error from a leaf blowing through the air.

“The fedora bitch strikes again,” the bugs muttered.

While they weren’t sure who that was, Colin and Dragon both showed recognition at the mention of the supposed guilty party.  

“She’s trouble,” Dragon said.  “Rumors abound about a sort of boogeyman who silences those who go snooping into areas they should not.” 

“Like Cauldron,” Colin mused.  “I’ll admit to never paying those rumors any mind, but in the wake of what the Eidolon clone relayed to us, it does make some sort of sense.  The Case 53s are the result of powers being sold by Cauldron.  They weren’t the lucky ones.” 

Out of the corner of their eye, Madison caught Battery flinching.  Well, that wasn’t at all concerning.  Nor was the timing of when Dean fucking Stansfield happened to join them.  He had frozen right alongside the shocked woman, and it felt too convenient to be a coincidence. 

“Was Stansfield also off the list?” Madison asked.  “Because he just walked in the door at the perfect moment to hear you namedrop Cauldron and their selling of powers.” 

“I am going to throttle that bitch,” the bugs said.  “One moment.  It would appear that she’s in the city right now.  I’m going to have a word with her.” 

The swarm dissolved as Taylor shifted focus to whatever that mess would entail.  That wasn’t Madison’s problem, and neither was the angry golden Brute currently floating towards her ex who couldn’t seem to get the door he had just walked through open again.

“Dean,” Victoria said, her voice cold as ice.  “Why do you have a broken Shard?”  Victoria paused, then shifted her glowing eyes towards Carly.  “For that matter, Battery, same damn question.” 

“Puppy?” Ethan asked, sounding hurt.  “You bought your powers?” 

Carly stood there with wide eyes as she looked anywhere but at those who had surrounded her.  “What?  Why would you think that?”

“Your Shard has no connection, no identity,” Victoria said.  “Its an amalgamation of different shards, the connection frayed and tenuous.” 

It took Madison a moment to realize that it wasn’t just Victoria speaking, but also something more.  Fragile One was speaking with her, as though they were the same person.  The thought of it sent chills through Madison, and the answering touch in the back of their mind only made it worse. 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about Vicky,” Dean said, holding his hands up, palms facing himself.  “I’ve told you about my trigger, remember?” 

“You told me a lie,” Victoria said.  “I knew it then, but let you have it.  Don’t try me now that I know better.” 

“I wasn’t lying,” he tried, but then dropped to his knees, breath turning shallow. 

“Feel that?” Victoria demanded.  “That’s what my Trigger felt like.  That’s how I felt that day at the ball game when I realized that Mom didn’t care about my life.  Thanks to your contribution, I got my aura and suddenly people couldn’t not pay attention to me.  Fuck you for that, by the way.” 

“I have no idea—” 

“Save it,” Victoria seethed.  “You can’t hide shit from me anymore, not with Fragile on my side.  She’s telling me everything.  You drank a vial in their compound on another Earth.” 

Dean’s face dropped as she spoke, shifting to abject fear by the end.  “Oh god, they’re going to kill us all.” 

“I’m not afraid of them,” Victoria said coldly. 

Dean stared back at her.  “You should be.  They have a cape that they send after those of us that don’t keep quiet.  They show us what she can do, how lethal she can be with nothing but a pencil!  She’s a monster in human skin.” 

“Pretty sure our resident monster just went after her,” Ethan said, turning his attention fully to his wife.  “Now, Puppy, did you really get your powers like that?”

She bit her lip, eyes screwed shut as though she expected something to happen that might stop her.  Thinking about it, the odds were good that she had tried to speak in the past and was warned off of it.  Well, nothing seemed to be happening this time, and soon her shoulders sagged in resignation.

“Yes,” Carly whispered.  “I drank one of their vials.  I did it so I could catch you.” 

She stood there, braced for whatever came.  It was disturbingly close to a wife expecting abuse when her husband was pissed.  Madison knew what that looked like from experience.  It was part of why they never gave a damn what they got up to off hours.  Ethan had just stared at her as he worked through whatever churning thoughts plagued him.

“Oh thank god,” Ethan said, then wrapped his wife in a crushing hug.  Carly locked up, her costume glowing slightly as he held her.  “I always thought…  I didn’t cause your trigger!  You have no idea how—” 

His words choked off as the man cried openly, holding Carly tightly.

“Well, that’s not what I expected,” Sophia said. 

“Same,” Madison answered. 

Watching as the two began to talk in hushed whispers, it left them with the impression that maybe things would be okay for them.  It was a fair sight better than how things played out with Dean at least.  The man just watched them with his jaw hanging open as Victoria hovered over him like a pissed off goddess.  In a way, she kinda was.  Especially if Fragile was doing half the things that Taylor’s power seemed to be doing for her. 

“My life is over,” Dean muttered, clutching at his face.  “They’re going to take everything now.” 

“Don’t consider that a foregone conclusion,” Dragon said, her face once again taking up the entire monitor.  “The Triumvirate were all recipients of such vials, which fits given Rebecca Costa-Brown is Alexandria.” 

The room fell into silence, only to be broken as someone started to laugh.  It took a moment for Madison to realize that it was them.  The entire system was just as fucked at all levels.  It made their own indiscretions with Taylor seem so small in comparison.  In a way, they were, and yet… 

“Yeah, I think I quit,” Madison said, still fighting down the laughter.  “And here I was stressing over things, and yet the top brass are all just as fucked as I am!” 

Madison was a monster, there was no debating that.  And because of that, they had helped create one of the most terrifying monsters in the world.  Well, Taylor was becoming something so much more than a mere monster now.  Perhaps it was time Madison embraced their own inner monster.  

It wasn’t as if they were hiding it anymore.

***

Stepping into the shelter was usually something that calmed Madison, but after that meeting they just wanted something strong to knock them on their ass.  Thankfully Rachel favored hard liquor and usually kept some stocked.  If they were to be a villain, they might as well embrace some of the perks. 

The dogs were all in their kennels thankfully, and Cassie was busy on her phone.  The girl glanced up, her piercing blue eyes meeting Madison’s. 

“Rache is up in her apartment,” the mocha skinned girl said.  “We’ve still got a few hours until the dogs need their evening walk.” 

“Got it,” Madison said.  “Has Char been around?” 

Cassie shook her head.  “Sorry.  She said she was gonna be down at the Boardwalk until sunset helping with the cleanup.” 

Right, because despite the distance, Brockton still got hit by some of Leviathan’s waves.

“I’ll text her then,” Madison said, taking their phone out.  Char’s contact was at the top of their list and a message was sent off.  “I’ll be down when it’s time to walk the dogs.” 

“Awesome,” Cassie said.  “And I want the deets of that meeting!”

“Sure thing,” Madison said, heading up the stairs to the apartment space.

Madison shut the door behind them, eager to just be done with the day.  They were greeted by the sight of Rachel reclining back on the sofa, watching Blue’s Clues on an old box TV in nothing but a tank top and a pair of boxers.  Brutus and Angelica were lounging at the foot of the sofa, and both had perked up when she entered the room. 

“You’re back.” 

Madison offered Rachel a smile they didn’t feel.  It only made Rachel frown.  

“Come here.” 

Not one to disappoint, Madison joined Rachel on the couch, curling up with their head on Rachel’s lap.  Fingers quickly found themselves tangled in their hair and Madison shifted, sprouting canine ears atop their head.  The sensation was heavenly; like the itch you could never scratch finally getting the attention it needed.

Was it any wonder that they had decided to fall in with villains?  Forget cookies, the dark side had ear scritches to die for.  Still, the moment couldn’t last, and Madison had a question that they knew Rachel wouldn’t beat around the bush over.

“Has your Shard tried talking to you?”

“Doesn’t talk,” Rachel said.  “But we get each other.”

 “Lucky you,” Madison muttered.  “I haven’t really been listening to mine.” 

“If you don’t want to, then don’t,” Rachel said, her fingers still moving in that mesmerising way.  “Up to you and nobody else.” 

Thinking about that, maybe it really could be that simple.  Closing their eyes, Madison extended a metaphorical invitation.  Something stirred, but they couldn’t quite place it.  Nothing spoke to them, which was a bit of a relief that whatever it was hadn’t just started to insert foreign thoughts into their mind.

“Hey,” Madison whispered to the void.  “Do you have a name?” 

They laid there for a moment, wondering not for the first time if they were simply losing it.  Rachel’s fingers kept moving in their rhythmic patterns.  It helped keep them grounded despite the absurdity of what they were attempting.

Designation; Shifting Forms

The words had echoed through their mind at a booming volume, Madison nearly jumped off Rachel’s lap, but caught herself before they did.  They settled back and Rachel resumed her ministrations without a word.

“Rather on the nose,” Madison muttered.

Their right hand shifted, completely on its own.  An eyeball formed atop their index finger, and a mouth opened on their palm.  “Quite.  Our father was hardly original.” 

Rachel’s motions paused for a moment, then resumed as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.  Then again, maybe this was the new normal and Madison was just behind the times.

“Can’t all be Horizon,” Madison muttered, trying very hard to not freak out that their Shard had just taken over part of their body without their permission.  To their great surprise, there was an apologetic impression in their head at that.  Taking a chance, they posed the question.  “Want a new one?” 

A second eyeball formed, both looking right at them.  “Like Fragile One?”

“Exactly.”  Madison smiled, looking down at the scowling hand.  The new form reminded them of one of their favorite manga, and the thought wouldn’t leave their head.  “What about Migi?” 

“From that manga you liked.”  The eyeball blinked.  “Are you calling me a parasite?”

“I’m pretty sure Queen Administrator said all Shards were parasites by their very nature.” 

“Yup,” Rachel grunted.  “Not like heartworms though.  These help us.” 

Maybe, but only because Taylor had somehow convinced hers to actually like humanity or something.  That or it had been the Butchers as a whole that pulled off that particular hat trick.  Not that it was Madison’s place to figure that out.  They would leave the philosophical stuff to Lisa for when she’s feeling introspective. 

“Very well, [Designation] updated to [Migi].” 

“Nice to meet you Migi,” Madison said.  “I hope we can get along.”