With Friends Like These 3-3

“May I come in?”

For a brief moment, Taylor just stood there, dumbfounded. There stood Legend, the Legend, one of the Triumvirate, on her front porch. “Umm, yes! Sure, come in. I mean, if that’s okay with my dad.”

Behind her, Simmie floated serenely, her bag of gummy worms still clutched in a wing. The Hero and her friend locked eyes for a brief moment, and for that same moment Taylor was worried there would be trouble. “Well Simmie, is he going to be a problem?”

Nope! Simmie chirped, and waved meekly at the hero. It seemed enough for Simmie to give her approval.

“Taylor, please let him in,” her dad called out. She could hear a tinge of exasperation in his voice.

Taylor stepped aside, and Legend strode through the door as she closed it behind him. “I- we I guess, weren’t expecting someone yet.”

“Well, there were a pair of agents from the local PRT that were going to come by and pay you a visit.”

“What?”

“Nothing bad, really,” Legend explained. “The PRT just wanted to establish contact with you and extend an olive branch. As I said I was in the area, so I volunteered to come ahead of them. Smooth things out, I guess I could say. Also, do you prefer I call you by your name, or would you prefer another?”

Another name? Oh, right. The PRT had called her Tiamat. “Oh, okay. And Taylor is fine. Umm, do you want something to drink?”

“I think I‘m fine. Thank you for asking though,” Legend smiled.

Legend had stopped just inside of her living room, his gaze locked on Simmie, who floated before him. Taylor was also aware of Benny and Levi both staring at the newcomer, with a mix of curiosity and wariness.

“Hello there,” Legend said to them without missing a beat.

Blue man! Benny said. Levi remained silent and apprehensive, merely watching the costumed hero intently.

“Heh, well,” Legend said, “This was not how I envisioned this day starting out. You two are… actually you’re a little cute. Although I was expecting something bigger.”

Cute? Levi cocked his head.

“They’re harmless like this,” Taylor said. A snort came from behind her on the couch. “Well, mostly harmless. If you want, we can go sit down?" Taylor asked as she scooped up Benny and Levi.

“Certainly.” A moment later, Legend was sitting next to Lisa and across from Taylor. Simmie had plopped herself back into Taylor’s lap, still clutching her gummies while Levi had found his way to her shoulder. Benny returned to his treat and resumed nibbling away at it. Taylor saw that Lisa had put on a purple domino mask while she was gone.

“I guess you already know who me and Taylor are,” Danny spoke. “Though I’d be keen to know how.”

“Simple detective work, I’m sure,” Lisa explained. “Although the fact a certain someone left some trackers active certainly helped.” She turned to the newcomer to address him. “Before you get any wrong ideas, I’m just here for moral support, nothing nefarious,” she smiled, offering a hand to shake. “I’m Tattletale. I’m kinda sorta a family friend. And no, I’m not interested in a job with the Protectorate right now, but I might be open to the idea at a later date.”

“Alright then. It’s nice to meet you, I think,” Legend said, shaking her hand. “Are you a hero or a villain?”

“Let’s just say that I bring snacks to Taylor’s friends, and I hope that gets me into their good graces regardless of anything else.”

“I see. Speaking of, may I ask what they are, exactly?” He turned to ask Taylor.

“What do you mean?”

“Your ‘Friends’ there,” Legend said, stressing a sense of disbelief. “Are they some kind of projection, or are they something else?”

“Oh. Well, they’re physically here. I mean, they can eat and drink stuff. Do projections eat and drink?”

“You might be surprised. Do the others have names?”

“Yeah. The one in my lap is Simmie. Benny’s the one with the jawbreaker, and Levi’s the one watching you from my other shoulder here.”

“An… interesting choice of names. And judging from the size difference, I assume they can change dimensions, and… color too?”

“Yeah. I can make them change size, just by thinking about it. I’d demonstrate, but these two are a little clumsy when they’re larger, and Simmie’s comfortable where she is. Benny is just covered in paint at the moment.”

“There’s a story there I suspect.”

There is. From his chair, her dad merely chuckled.

“Alright. Well, with the introductions out of the way, you probably know one of the reasons I’m here.”

“Yeah, I doubt this is a friendly visit,” Danny spoke up, leaning forward. “I have a few pointed questions of my own, regarding the PRT.”

“Yes. Miss Hebert, Mister Hebert, I wanted to get your side of the story, if you’re willing to tell it.”

“Our side of the story? You mean how one of your Wards apparently bullied my daughter for the better part of two years? There’s a lot more than our side of the story there pal.” It was subtle, but Taylor thought she saw the Hero flinch at her dad’s tone. She’d only mentioned the broad strokes the night before, but it had been enough to paint a not at all pretty picture of how her past couple of years had gone by. She knew her dad had a famous temper, and while he had kept his anger had been in check for the most part, recent events had probably stressed the limits of his patience.

“Saying it like that? Yeah, that sounds terrible.”

Taylor wrapped her arms around Simmie and hugged her, squeezing her friend in her lap. “Did anyone know?” She found the courage to ask. “The person or whoever is in charge of the PRT?”

Before Legend could respond, Lisa, now Tattletale apparently, spoke up. “No, Director Piggot didn’t know,” she said. “No one at the PRT knew about Sophia Hess or her actions.”

“What?” Legend asked in surprise. “How do you know?”

“I just know things,” Tattletale continued without missing a beat. “Like about Shadow Stalker’s case worker. She looked the other way about her charge’s activities in school, as did Winslow’s principal. She was paid to, I think. I’m pretty sure there is - was some sort of corruption going on between her handler and said principal. There’s money being funneled from the school accounts to her, but I haven’t had a chance to dig too deep. Although to be honest, you don’t need to use your imagination to figure out what’s really going on.”

Taylor ruminated on what Tattletale just said. “Of course Blackwell would be covering up the bullying,” she spat. “Why am I not surprised.”

Legend frowned, and was silent as he mulled over her words. “That level of corruption is disconcerting.”

Tattletale just laughed. “Well, I barely had to dig to find it, because it was all right there in the open. There’s a lot that stinks in the Brockton Bay PRT, and this little affair is just the tip of it.” Despite the mask, Taylor could see the smugness on Tattletale’s face, and maybe hinting at something else. “But yeah, if you want, I have a copy of what I found, not that you won’t find it if Watchdog or whoever went looking themselves. I already plan to give a copy of it to Danny.”

“Thank you,” her dad said. “But when were you going to tell us about this?”

“Now?” She said. “I wasn’t expecting any company right away, maybe in an hour at most. There was a bunch of other stuff I wanted to talk to you two, but then, well,” she gestured to Legend sitting on the couch next to her. “I gotta improvise.”

Danny simply sighed in response.

“Well, in regards to Shadow Stalker, I want you to know that she is- was, a probationary Ward.” The hero crossed his arms before continuing. “As I understand things, she joined the local Wards team as an alternative to juvenile detention. And as it stands, it seems she was effectively one misstep away from going back. Ms. Hebert, would you be willing to come into the local PRT branch and give your testimony regarding this matter?”

“Testimony?”

“Yes, regarding your past history with Shadow Stalker. It will help the case you’ve made against her.”

Her lips tightened. It wasn’t what Taylor had been expecting, but she hadn’t known that Sophia, Shadow Stalker, was apparently on such precarious footing. “I could do that, I think.”

“That’s good then,” Legend spoke. “Please believe me Taylor, she will face punishment for what she did to you. I’ll make sure of it. No Ward should ever act like she did.” A beat, before the hero continued. “Bullying someone to the point of triggering is something I cannot and will not condone.”

Taylor was aware of how tightly she was squeezing Simmie, who thankfully didn’t seem to mind. A part of her wanted to push for something worse, some sort of stronger punishment, but did she? She had told her Friends that hurting her Bullies like they hurt her would only make them as bad as the Trio. That, and Benny had already nibbled and slobbered all over Sophia.

Another, heavier sigh from her dad. “I can’t so easily accept that,” her Dad spoke. “Taylor’s told me the broad strokes, but one of your Wards tormented her for years. I can’t easily let that slide. No, I won’t let that slide.”

“I understand Mr. Hebert,” Legend replied. “I’ve already talked to the Directors of the local PRT, and they’re prepared to offer recompense to you and your daughter, so long as it’s within reason.”

His eyes narrowed. “You want to pay us off then?”

“Basically, this is them placating you and your daughter,” Tattletale interjected. “Crossed with a softball recruitment pitch.”

“Recruitment?”

Legend was about to open his mouth, but Tattletale spoke first. “Remember what we talked about the other day? They’d want to recruit you…” she trailed off. After a moment, Tattletale sighed. “Damnit, this is hard.”

“What is it?” Legend asked her.

She took a breath, looking up to Taylor. “Taylor, when did you trigger? That would be a good start.”

When did she trigger? “You know, don’t you?”

“They don’t.”

“Oh,” she said. “I… The day that-”

“The Endbringers disappeared,” Tattletale finished for her. “The day, the hour. Hell, the very minute. The PRT knows or at the very least suspects they have an S-class Master in the city, and they’re trying to avoid a panic.” She gestured toward Benny, where he was sitting on the couch, oblivious to the rest of the universe beyond the jawbreaker in his mitts. “You suspect, don’t you? Well you’re not right, but you’re not wrong either. That’s not a projection or some weird master power: that’s the Behemoth, according to one Taylor Hebert. Except it’s not. It’s- It’s like a version of the Behemoth, if that makes any sense. It’s not burning the city down or irradiating everything, it’s attacking a piece of candy.

“And the same goes for the rest. Whatever they were before a month ago? That was the Endbringers according to… I don’t know? Someone else? They’re made of the same stuff, even have the same powers, kind of. When Taylor triggered, something happened that made them change. But I can’t figure that out, not without getting an instant headache.”

“The same powers?” Legend echoed.

“Yeah,” Taylor spoke up. She wanted to talk about them, try and convince Legend that they were actually nice. “They all kind of have the same powers as… before. But weaker, I guess? They aren’t as strong when they’re tiny and cute.”

“But they get stronger when they get larger?”

“Yes, but just a little,” Taylor explained. “Benny can heat things up and make fire, Levi can push and pull water and Simmie can move stuff. They get a little better at it, a little stronger if I push on them to get bigger.”

Legend said nothing, momentarily lost in thought.

“Simmie can fly, and well, make stuff,” she continued. “Tinkertech.” Taylor patted Simmie’s head between the wings there, ruffling her hair as she did. “They can probably do other things too, to be honest.”

“What about their passive effects?”

Oh, those, she remembered. The Behemoth had had a ‘kill aura’ that would instantly fry all but the toughest of Brutes, while the Leviathan had a water echo that was as the name implied a watery echo of itself. And the Simurgh had her Scream, which would drive anyone crazy if they heard it too long, and was often the sole reason that cities she fought above were often quarantined.

“No,” Taylor shook her head. “Nothing like that. The worst Benny can do I think is make a fireball.”

“Alright. How do you communicate with them, exactly?”

“Well, I just do?” Taylor said. “I can hear them and understand them. My Dad and L- Tattletale can’t understand them though.”

“A Thinker power perhaps? Interesting,” Legend said. “You mentioned Tinkertech?”

“Yeah. She’s made me a bunch of things. Simmie’s the only one that tinkers though, but Benny and Levi can help her if she needs it. They worked together to make my costume.”

“Okay. Another question I have is Ms. Hebert: do they remember… before?”

“Before?”

“You obtained them, is I suppose how I could phrase it.”

Taylor thought back to the first couple of days, when she was still in the hospital. When it was just her and Simmie, the latter hiding in her backpack in her hospital room and nibbling on the fruit that came with her meals. She hadn’t been as verbal then beyond her warbles and chirps, mainly thoughts of contentment and happiness that practically radiated off of her. Benny and Levi had been much the same - distant, pleasant thoughts reflecting their own personalities, that got stronger and clearer as they got closer to her before eventually they landed in her lap.

Most notably though, they reacted with novel wonder at everything. When they discovered food and drink, when Simmie would flit around and play in her bedsheets. When Levi first swam in her tub and when Benny nibbled on his first bar of soap. Lisa was right: they really were children, in a lot of regards.

“No,” Taylor shook her head. “I’ve always got the impression from them that I was the first person they ever met.”

Legend seemed… surprised? “Could they have forgotten?”

“I don’t think so,” Taylor shook her head. She looked down at the fiorend in her lap, softly warbling as she continued to work her way through the candy. “It’s like they never had memories in the first place, if that makes any sense.”

“Huh,” was all that Tattletale said, before visibly wincing. She slid a hand into her pocket, bringing out a small, folded up package. She opened one end, before upending the contents directly into her mouth and dry swallowing.

“Thinker headache?” the hero asked her.

“Yeah, thank you for asking. Anyways, meet the new boss, nothing like the old boss, and thank heavens for that. Whatever rulebooks people had regarding them might as well be tossed out. Like I told Taylor and her dad before you showed up, they’re basically superpowered preschoolers. And like Taylor said herself, they're mostly harmless. Emphasis on mostly, because attacking their mother figure or her dad is not going to go well for anyone. Just ask all the villains she threw in jail last night.”

Legend was silent for a moment. Taylor was quiet as well, as was her dad. The only sound for a time seemed to be that of Benny’s teeth scratching on the jawbreaker, still stubbornly intact.

“This is a more complicated matter than I expected,” Legend finally said.

“Understatement of the century pal,” Her dad told him. “I feel like I should talk to a lawyer. I used to think I had one as a friend.” Alan Barnes, Taylor noted.

“That is understandable, all things considered. I’m glad you’re both at least willing to hear what I have to say.”

“You’ve got more to say, so I’m listening,” her dad told him.

“If Miss Hebert is willing to officially register as an Independent with the PRT, I can guarantee that she’d get help and guidance with her powers. With that, she can come into the local PRT branch for powers testing, and learn how to use her abilities in a safe environment.”

Taylor mulled over what he said. “The PRT would let me do that?”

Legend nodded. “There would be a catch, of course. Generally as I recall, the PRT would want a way to stay in touch, as well as a promise to help out with cape-related matters if they come up. S-class threats, and the like.”

“Yeah.” Taylor nodded. She knew about New Wave, how their team would often work with the PRT from time to time to capture and arrest some of the more dangerous Parahumans in the city. “It’s something I’ll have to think about.”

Her dad rubbed the bridge of his nose. “What exactly does the PRT do for Independents?” he asked the hero. “Normally, of course.”

“Well, the PRT is willing to provide resources and information to Capes that wish to remain independent for one reason or another,” Legend spoke. ”For example, general counseling to new capes, or perhaps material suppliers for independent Tinkers. New capes are often hesitant to join the Wards or the Protectorate outright, but still have heroic intentions overall. That’s the official spiel.” Legend glanced at Simmie, still sitting in Taylor’s lap. “If what has been said is true, I think a great many people will want what’s best for your daughter, Mr. Hebert, and would be willing to go the extra mile if you and your daughter reciprocate.”

Left unspoken, Taylor noted, was the simple fact that a great many people probably wouldn’t. But her friends would take care of them if that happened, she was sure of that.

“You know, I think they want what’s best for her too.” Tattletale said.

Her dad sighed. “Part of me wants what’s best for Taylor too,” he spoke. “But another part of me just wants her to be safe. Here and now, those parts are at odds with each other, I’m sure you can understand.”

“I do,” Legend said. “Believe me, I do.” He turned to Taylor. “I can imagine the stress you must be under, considering the power you’ve been granted.”

“Yeah. It’s a chore, just keeping them, well, entertained.”

“It’s a lot easier than you think,” Tattletale said. “You just have to be clever about it. Case in point, Benny’s barely scratched the surface.” She was right in that regard, as Benny remained stubbornly persistent with his snack despite an obvious lack of progress.

“Yeah.” Taylor thought for a brief moment, as she tried to figure out how to phrase her next question. “Something else, about helping me,” she started. “Could the PRT help me change schools?”

“Oh?”

“I don’t want to go back to Winslow,” Taylor scowled at the memory of the place. “I refuse to go back there. Too many bad memories.”

“I see,” Legend nodded. “I think I could persuade the PRT to help you out in that regard.”

“Really?” Taylor perked up. Being able to get away from Winslow would definitely be a plus, for her everything.

“Like I said a moment ago, it wouldn’t be the first time that the PRT has helped Independents in a rough situation. Although as I recall, educational matters are normally considered part and parcel of membership with the Wards. But, I think they would make an exception here.”

“I see.” Taylor thought about his words. “Dad?”

“Well, the cat’s out of the bag,” her dad said with a sigh. “Still, after what’s happened I can’t readily agree to anything.” he looked to the hero, “I’m sure you’ll understand it when I say that we’ll need time to think about this.”

“Yeah,” Taylor agreed. “We do.”

“Completely understandable,” Legend replied. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad we’ve landed on a good foot. One last thing before I step out,” Legend said, gesturing to the coffee table. “I presume those belong to Armsmaster, the leader of the local Protectorate team?”

The helmet and halberd head, still where Simme had left them. Taylor had started to wonder when the topic was going to come up. “Yeah, they are.”

“Do you intend to return them?”

“Yeah! Yes, yes, I do.” Taylor was quick to reply. “I want to do it personally though.”

“Personally?”

“Yeah. Benny and Simmie sort of… pilfered them.”

Borrowed! Simmie chirped through her mouth full of gummy worms.

“And I want them to apologize as well.”

Simmie froze in her grasp. Apologize?

“Don’t worry, Simmie,” Taylor patted her head. “I just want you to give the halberd back and say you’re sorry. Can you do that?”

A beat, as her Friend remained silent. Yes, she meekly chirped.

Taylor squeezed her gently, turning her attention back to Legend. “Anyways, yeah. I’ll say I’m sorry too, despite all that’s happened. I didn’t want to fight the heroes last night.”

Legend nodded. “I read the after-action report. And I can say that returning Armsmaster’s gear would certainly help his opinion of you.”

“He isn’t too mad, is he?”

“The Armsmaster I know is an… intensely practical man. I’m sure he’d be grateful, and would understand it if you’re upfront with him.”

“Alright.” Taylor mulled over her memory of the man, a deep scowl on his face. Then and there, his disapproval was understandable, considering the circumstances.

“Well then-” Legend started, before he was cut off by a rapping at the door. “That would be the agents that I mentioned before. They’re early.”

Taylor moved to get up, but Simmie was in her lap. “Simmie, can you get the door?”

Yep! With a meek chirp, she set aside her gummy worms and darted over to the door. A telekinetic twist of the knob and it swung open, revealing the two people on the other side: a man and a woman, wearing sharp business suits.

“Hello,” the woman spoke in surprise at the winged girl floating in the doorway.

“Come in, I guess,” Danny spoke, getting up from his seat. “Don’t worry about her. From the PRT, I assume?”

“We are,” the man curtly replied.

“Well, we’re running out of seating but you’re welcome to come in.” Dad walked over to the duo, ushering them in and closing the door before gesturing to the couches behind him. Legend got up as well, presumably to introduce the two to her Dad. Tattletale took the time to smile and give her a thumbs up to reassure her.

Thanks, she smiled back.

“Mr. Hebert, may I introduce Mr. Wallace and Ms. Washington,” Legend started. “As I’m aware, they volunteered to come and meet with you and your daughter to discuss things further.”

“Charmed.” Danny held out a hand, and Mr. Wallace shook it.

“Is your daughter present, Mr. Hebert?” he asked.

“I’m here,” Taylor said, standing up to face the newcomers. She was keenly aware of the firm and reassuring grip of Levi’s tail around her neck. Simmie floated back over to her and hovered at her side. The two PRT agents thankfully didn’t react like she expected, and all she saw in their expressions were flashes of surprise. “Taylor is fine for now. And like I told Legend, I want to say that I’m sorry about what happened last night. It- it’s a long story.” She took a breath, steeling herself to continue. “I’d like to apologize to Armsmaster too.”

The two agents shared a glance. “I think something can be arranged,” Miss Washington spoke.

“Does this pertain to you being in possession of stolen Tinkertech property?” Mr. Wallace asked.

“Yeah,” Taylor blushed. “I just talked to Legend here about that.” Taylor glanced back to the coffee table to see Tattletale standing there, struggling to not laugh.

She also noticed that Benny was noticeably absent, the now scratched and marred jawbreaker sitting forlornly on the couch where he’d last been.

Taylor had just enough time to think Oh no, before she heard Mr. Wallace speak.

“Ms. Hebert?” Taylor turned to look at Mr. Wallace, only to find him having backed up a couple of steps, as his partner had stepped aside. She followed his gaze down to Benny, who had plodded over to seemingly greet the man. “If you wouldn’t mind?”

Beard Man! Benny declared, pointing a stubby paw at the man.

“What?” she said to Benny.

Benny turned to look at her. Beard Man! He repeated, still pointing toward the apparent PRT agent.

Taylor looked up at the man, noticing his stern face and oddly familiar goatee, wondering why Benny would call him that until it just clicked. The night before, when they were teleported home and Benny found himself embedded in a wall.

“Are you Armsmaster?”

At that, the man’s eyes widened in surprise.

Taylor didn’t have a chance to say anything else, because behind her Tattletale burst out in a fit of laughter.