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Rating:
Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning:
Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Categories:
F/FGen
Fandoms:
Parahumans Series - WildbowCelestial Forge CYOA - Lord Roustabout
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Original Character(s)/Original Character(s)
Character:
Original Characters
Additional Tags:
SI in Brockton BayAlternate Universe
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English
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Published:2023-12-07Updated:2024-08-08Words:103,661Chapters:32/?Comments:96Kudos:283Bookmarks:88Hits:26,256
How Monstrous Is Your Heart
Zira
Summary:
Zira isn't sure how they got to Brockton Bay, but sure remembers their past. But the truest question is how do they know what they truly are as life and powers keep throwing things at them so fast?
Chapter 1
Chapter Text
There's a soft sort of thump, like a bag of gardening soil hitting grass. Then a loud groan, and shuffling as a figure sits up. The figure is in a long grey skirt with black patterning; leggings with paisley skulls; sensible black socks; men's fancy brown dress shoes that are actually rubber soled to be athletic shoes; a green and white striped men's dress shirt with subtle flower patterning; a grey and black checked silk tie with yellow stemmed and grey petaled tulips in the vague shape of skulls; upon the tie are a golden tie pin in the shape of an eye with a white pearl pupil, an amethyst pin edged in fancy golden filigree with a golden chain connected to a charm in the shape of a pair of ruby shoes; the figure is also wearing dark blue cat eye glasses.
But the most prominent thing one will notice currently about said figure, is that they are, in fact, laying on the grass of the backyard of the Anders family's manor house. The only reason that the person, who goes by Zira, knows this for a fact, is because there's a fucking sign on the door to the house that says, "Anders Are Ever Pure" written just like that. No punctuation.
What an asshole.
Groaning, Zira stands up, stumbling a little as they rub their eyes. They mumble, "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto." They pause, and start patting themself down, glancing around, "I wonder if that's how the saying goes. I mean, it might. Where is my tablet and phone? Or my bag?" They glance around, grimacing, "Really, where the hell am I? Last I knew, I was walking my dog." They pause, "Where the fuck is Chucky?"
There's another long pause, and they look around, no longer talking, nodding to themselves. No talking aloud. That sort of shit gets a person labeled crazy. Oh sure, they are crazy, but that's neither here nor there. Let's not get into that. Right now, what is important is finding their dog, their purse, tablet, phone, and anything else that is missing.
… Like their cane. Shit.
Fuck, where the hell is their cane, that's going to suck to be without for a long period. Still, looking for their shit is important, and the dog is still missing.
"Chucky!" they yell, still searching for their stuff. Look, some people may call their tablet a piece of shit, but they think it is mad important, alright? Fuck off. It's a gift from their wife.
Speaking of their wife, they finally look at their left hand. Their untattooed left hand. Their distinctly missing bonding paint tattoo left hand. They take a deep breath, stagger a little, and land unceremoniously on the steps to the Anders' deck. The rough cut of the step bites into their legs, but they barely notice, staring blankly at their left ring finger, rubbing it with their other hand. Their breath speeds up, tears gathering slowly but certainly. Soon, they need to rub at their eyes. When that isn't enough, they grab the edge of their skirt, dabbing at them softly, shoulders shaking. "What… what the fuck is going on?" they whisper softly. "How did this even happen? What's going on?"
Shaking their head, they wrap their arms around themselves, and take multiple calming breaths, forcing themself to calm down. They can't do this right now. No breaking down. Not now. Not when they need to deal with things. Not when they need to find their dog. Chucky is sure to be having the time of his life, but is certain to not know where the hell he is. As such they need to go get him and figure out how to get home.
Sighing, they stand up far too smoothly, and frown at that. It's like they're not who they're used to being, but that doesn't exactly matter right now. They need to leave. Still, search yard, find purse, leave.
The yard is… much too huge for any sensible yard, if they're honest. It's stupid. There's a deck, a play area for kids, a grilling area, a decorative pond, a garage, a trampoline, a basketball court, and all sorts of stupid bullshit.
Zira finds their purse under a perfectly manicured rosebush about five hundred feet from where they landed in the yard, sitting upright, the leather strap tied in a bow on the lowest branch, as if mocking them. Searching through it shows all their money minus the one dollar bills for some reason, which is not a lot, their ATM cards, the perfume, their tablet, their phone and pretty much everything is there.
Except… there's something extra on their keyring.
It's a damned obvious difference, too. It's a key, but not like any key they ever put on their ring. It's large, bulky, and clunky. Like that old ring the evil stepmother used in Cinderella to lock her in her room in the tower. Frankly, it's super cool, and they do like it. However, they're not exactly sure what's the use of it?
Shrugging, they drop it back into the purse and stand up from the table they're sitting at, make another face at the stupid sign on the door, and make their way to the gate. When it opens to their touch, they blink at the blonde man getting out of the car there.
The man frowns at them, "What were you doing in my yard?"
"Trying to find my purse," Zira says, holding it up. "Had to make sure I had my tablet and phone, and I did. I'm heading out now. I hope you have a good day."
The man blinks at them with a confused look, "You, too."
"Oh!" they exclaim. "Did you happen to see a corgi? He's kind of old, answers to Chucky? His ears never went up, so you might have thought he was a beagle."
The man shakes his head, "No."
"Okay, thanks," they say, walking off as they feel something inside them sort of swirl and reach, but whatever it hits just is too large to pull close.
…Oh shit. Well, it looks like they really aren't in Kansas anymore. They need to figure out where they are, and what all is going on.
They turn on their phone, and blink in confusion. Why is it November? It's June. It's weird. It's… really weird.
Shaking their head, they check more things, and somehow manage to snag some idiot's wifi, since they didn't password protect it, and none of their apps are working other than Google Chrome. Yeah, yeah, Google spies on you. So does Duckduckgo. Everything spies on you. Everything. They don't care. They use an Android phone since it's cheap and they don't give a shit.
At least internet spying feels significantly less real than actual, in person, spying. Remember that crazy comment? Relevant. Chew on that.
Biting their bottom lip, they do a Google search for what is happening today. And they get… superheroes. The Protectorate.
Shit.
Did they just get Truck-kunned? Isekai'd? Slammed into another world for no good reason?
Or, as is far more likely. They're in a fucking fanfic. They recognize how the power is described. Reaching for something, then missing. Joe's power is like that.
Shit, and it's still possible Chucky is here, since they need to find him. Why wouldn't they need to find him? Still, they should probably use the key on some door and figure out how their warehouse looks. Probably like trash. Joe's looked bad at first.
They think all of the warehouses looked bad at first.
…Oh fucking hell, that blonde dude was Max Anders. They should have stolen some of his shit from the backyard. It's their moral obligation as a queer trans person to swipe a Nazi's stuff, or trash their shit.
Damn it. It's too late now. Still, they can take out the tablet and mark down where the fucker lives and do something about it later.
Taking it out, they turn it on, and blink as it shows a new button next to the notes app. After marking Max's Nazi house, they open this… Inventory App.
So far, all it really has is a note on the warehouse, which has an office, a closet of clothing with some bedding to sleep in, a restroom with running water and toiletries, and a description of their tablet that just breaks their heart.
'Tablet: An old and battered tablet. Well used in an old and hard worn case covered in decorative duct tape. Used to check your inventory or browse the internet or draw.
Because you love her'
They reach up, rubbing their eyes, but thankfully, no tears come this time. it makes them wonder if this makes the tablet fiat protected. If so, they should probably put everything else away in the warehouse, and get walking.
Chucky won't find himself, and they can't do this by themself. They need to do something. Anything that they can to get their mind off the fact that they clearly won't be able to get home again.
Their phone didn't give a year, but they could check Google to tell them, they suppose. Still, not… not now. One thing at a time. Chucky. Their dog is important. Besides Discord isn't working, and that means their wife can't talk to them.
Maybe they can see about downloading Skype and see if they even remember how to get on. See if Earth Bet has the ability to let them see their wife.
But if this is Fanfic? No. Their counterpart outside the fourth wall won't allow it since it would mean dragging said wife into writing things for a fandom she's not even in. Better not to do it. Fuck you, counterpart. Go to Hell.
Maybe they could see about signing onto PHO, but they don't know what kind of powers they're meant to have. The generic things listed for the warehouse don't tell them shit.
They sidestep a brown haired woman with a stroller, who gives them a small smile, "You just look lovely in your outfit."
Smiling back, they spread their skirt, "Thank you! I do try. Your baby is super cute." And the kid is. He looks very sweet, with his dark skin and curly hair.
The woman beams, "Thanks! He's three, and is currently teething, so is kind of grumpy."
Squatting a bit to look closer, and isn't that amazing, they nod, "I can tell." The kid glowers at them, chomping away at what looks like a frozen teething ring, wearing a very cute Legend sweater. Standing up in a smooth motion, they start moving away, waving, "I hope you have a good day!"
"You, too!"
Truly, this body is amazing. It feels so much nicer than what they're used to. They really need a mirror. They have to see the differences.
As such, they change from on the lookout for a small and very fast dog, to more of an out of the way door. Eventually, they find one. It's kind of awkward, but it's hidden behind a bush, and half the size of a normal door, so they have to duck to get in after pushing in the key in the keyhole.
Getting in, they absently close and lock the door behind them, and look around at the warehouse. No entryway. Just an empty warehouse, and directly next to the door is the corner room that contains the office.
Shrugging, they walk in, and there's a very shitty looking computer there. Dropping their purse on the desk, they look it over, not that impressed. It sure is a low budget office that has a shitty closet connected to it, along with a shitty restroom.
Opening the restroom, it's clear that it is set up to be used for habitation if need be. Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, washcloth, soap, a basket full of their medications, etc. They can even see a bottle of laundry detergent to the side, for hand washing clothing. … Joy.
They grimace.
The grimace turns to a smile as they feel their power reach out for a mote that is surprisingly small for how loud the rumbling the warehouse gives, and what all it gives them.
In fact, they find themself sitting down, remembering a life they never had. One of luxury and of over protectiveness that they never broke away from, nor truly found themselves as a person. Only what their very strict family said they were, and grew up to do the same to their own child.
The person they were was a sad woman, stuck healing those in the Arctic Water Tribe, always longing for more, but unknowing how to do such a thing. Firmly stuck in a place they couldn't escape, and never feeling like they were in the right skin. If Zira could see Rosu in person, talk to them, touch them. They would hug them, and let them cry until they felt better. No one deserves to feel so lost and trapped like that.
But now, Zira has freedom that Rosu never did, and lives on for them. Still, they do find themselves with their arms wrapped around their torso, rocking back and forth, self soothing. It's been awhile since that's happened, and they forcibly stop themselves. That's a bad habit, and they hate letting themself get back into it.
Yes, they're stressed, but it is time to do something far more needed, and interesting, they suppose. Getting out of the seat, they snatch up their purse, and stride to the lockers that are now in the warehouse. Opening them up, they grab out a waterskin, and unceremoniously pour it entirely on the floor. Grabbing the second one, they strap it to their back, making it surprisingly light and comfortable, and casually use the water to speed along the ground towards what they will now be sleeping in, since it's the home they remember as Rosu.
It's as familiar to them as their own home, just larger, and with way more stuff. It has far more warm clothing than they're likely to want, but December is soon upon them, so what do they know? Winter will soon be nipping at their nose, and they won't be arguing about having some nice warm furs.
The section even has the pond for the squid-seal, even if it's empty, and likely will remain so. They can't help but do a familiar gesture, pulling up a wave that would have the pets fly up and land safely back, honking happily. Now there's nothing but a splash, making their heart ache in homesickness. Closing their eyes, they glide away, almost flying up the steps at the speed they take them. There are no servants to open the doors for them, but that's fine, maybe they'll get robots or drones or something able to do that later, they don't know.
Still, a simple inspection of the home shows everything is in place, and the clothing where they want it. There's … there's even their children's clothing. They run their fingers along the baby shoes before ruthlessly quashing the longing that builds. They came inside the house for a reason, and that isn't to look at clothing or the house.
It's for the full length mirror.
Looking in it reveals the most obvious thing. Their hair is wrong. They need to cut it so it's correct. The undercut is there, but it isn't short down one side. It probably explains why Nazi boy didn't call them a slur, though. They mostly just look really conservative, not like a lesbian.
To really make it obvious, they should make it rainbow, too. Especially since they now have a power that can take bigots down, and will only be growing their power out. Bloodbending is some powerful shit, afterall.
They poke at the lack of lines from their mouth to their nose, showing how this body is younger than twenty-five, but clearly looks older than a teenager. They can't help but wonder what the theming of this is. There has to be a reason why waterbending was chosen, not some other bending. Granted, they always liked healing more than other classes, so that might be it? Support, rather than other things?
It's a bit early to tell, but it could be fun. Maybe they're here to help make Amy not go insane? They suppose they could go help out at a hospital, no matter how boring and stupid that is. But what would they wear?
…
They turn to the closets, and start digging through them.
--
When they're done, they've taken their medication, and have a very pretty blue coat, lined with white fur; a white ermine mask; soft oilskin gloves that they remember Rosu loving; a beautiful embroidered skirt, it's white and has pretty blue flowers. They're wearing leggings with anchors on them, and some sensible leather boots that are dyed blue to match their coat.
Now that they're dressed, it is now time to go find their damned dog!
Seriously, Chucky must be so tired, and ready to be home, damnit. He will want to sit on one of the many comfy pet beds and sleep after getting his treat. With that in mind, they gather up some jerky to give as a treat, and water skate their way out of the door, ducking to do it after unlocking it, and taking the key with them.
It's nice that they can lock the door, since without that, they'd declare the warehouse a lost cause and never use it ever. Not without an entryway they could block full of trash, anyway. A lock is very important to them. Safety and a place to sleep are so important to them. But the next thing on the agenda aside from Chucky is figuring out the food situation. Seriously. That's deeply important. They can't live off the dried food in Rosu's pantry forever. That's … probably not fiat backed? If it is, then that's okay, but still not the best.
Whoops, getting dizzy due to their power reaching for a thing. Thankfully, taking physical therapy fixed that problem. Now no matter how dizzy they get, it doesn't look like they are! Also, their power doesn't grab anything at all. Disappointing, but perfectly fine.
Words: 3060
Avatar The Last Airbender
Free
Waterbending: You now know how to waterbend! And since you were a privileged little brat from the North Pole, you learned healing from the very best in private lessons, and know the most hidden of techniques. Of course, as a rebellious child does, you played with water in private to do other things with it, but you are untrained in such things. As such, it is up to the forge to spend power to gain such things for you.
Healing/Poisoning: As they say, the only difference in healing and poisoning is the dosage. And with this, no one else knows the difference. Still, try to keep those you care about alive, won't you?
Mind Your Manners: Etiquette is simple and easy for you, since you've had it shoved down your throat since birth. Yes, you can drop it without a thought, but it is not at all difficult to pick up, ad hoc, even completely new manners for a new situation.
Wealth: Some say that you can't take it with you. Clearly, that's wrong. There is now a room in your warehouse just holding all your family's wealth and heirlooms. In fact, I'm gonna be nice, it's just your family house and all the money and the heirlooms are all there.
Clothing: In fact, all your clothing is in your house, too.
Waterskins: Enough waterskins for your entire team to have three each. Well made, perfectly designed, incredibly sturdy. Made to hold literal gallons of water and be evenly distributed as you carry them. Also used as a ready source of water for your bending abilities! They also have a special blessing of being able to refill on every full, half, and new moon, while empty skins will slowly refill themselves over the course of three days.
Specialty Training 200
Original Master: By studying the tides, you learned how to perfectly master your art. No longer are you controlled by the moon. You own your talent, and nothing controls you. You control you. Your waterskins are everfull, your bloodbending is ever powerful, and never will you get splashed with unwanted liquid. (Any additional purchases relating to waterbending, if happening after this, will be halved.)
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