Chapter 1

/

When I got home and realized Taylor wasn't home yet, I freaked. It was already well past the afternoon, only minutes away from the sun setting. And my little girl was still outside somewhere.

Most Parents would be worried, but ultimately they would most likely just assume their kid was at a friends house, or even out with friends, perhaps even a boyfriend.

But this was Brockton Bay, a city that was top in only a few things.

The number of gang violence related incidents per capita.

The number of capes per capita.

And the highest unemployment rate per capita.

So when I spent the next few hours driving around the city, looking for any sign of her, I don't think I was overreacting. Before leaving the house I called the police and reported her as missing, although they tried to say some bullshit about how she was probably out with friends or doing something shady.

They didn't know my Taylor. Of course I didn't know her that well either considering how distant I had been since Annete's death. But even I knew her enough to say she wasn't at a friends house or doing anything illegal.

I didn't find her that night.

After getting no sleep the previous night, and spending the following day driving around town. I got a call sometime in the afternoon. Taylor was in the hospital. At those words I dropped the phone not even waiting for more information and hopped in my car, tires squealing out of the driveway.

When I got to the reception desk, I practically shouted at the woman manning it. "Where's my Daughter! Taylor Hebert!" As I waited for her to look through her computer, I realized I wasn't even sure if she was at this hospital, in my rush to leave the house I hadn't asked the person on the phone for that little tidbit.

Thankfully, she was able to find her and point me the right way. When I got to her room, I was met with quite the shock.

Flanking the door to Taylors room, were two people I wasn't expecting. Instead of a doctor or a nurse waiting to greet me, Armsmaster and Miss Militia stood on either side of the door. I slowed my approach upon seeing them, my mind racing for a reason for there presence at my daughters room. Had I been given the wrong room number by mistake? Had Taylor been attacked by parahumans? More and more thoughts whizzed through my head, each worse than the last.

"Hello. You must be Daniel Hebert?" Miss Militia was the first to speak. Her hand extended in greeting.

I took it slowly, speaking even slower. "I am...What is this about?"

Miss Militia looked at me for a few seconds, I could see through her mask that her mouth was moving, but she seemed to stop everytime she was about to speak.

Armsmaster spoke up, his tone clipped and to the point. "Your daughter's a Parahuman."

"What?" I said rather numbly.

"Armsmaster!" Miss Militia hissed at her partner, her eyes looking furious before turning back to me, all trace of her anger expertly hidden away. "I'm sorry Mr. Hebert. While my Partner could have used more tact." She sent him a glance out of the corner of her eye. "He speaks the truth. At approximately 1 PM this afternoon a student at Winslow Highschool called the PTR hotline to report an incident involving Parahuman powers. Considering the location of the reported event, the school was put under immediate evacuation orders. Our response team went in to investigate the cause of the disturbance, they found your daughter floating unconscious in front of the remnants of her locker. From what little information we were able to gather so far, it seems like Taylor was trapped in her own locker for an unspecfied amount of time with….biological contaminants." If she noticed my hardening expression she chose to ignore it and keep pushing forwards. "We're still unsure exactly how that came to be as the cameras in that hall had been broken for months. But rest assured our investigative teams will get to the bottom of it."

"I-" I could only stare at them, what was I supposed to say to that? "Is she okay? Can I see her?" I decided I would process the information later, at the moment my priority was my daughters immediate safety.

"Of course you can Mr. Hebert." Miss Militia led the way, opening and holding the door for me. Armsmaster just remained where he was as if he was going to guard the door.

The first thing I noticed was the lack of bandages, of which I was supremely grateful for. The second thing I noticed was her hair, or perhaps the lack thereof. If there was one thing I knew about my daughter it was how much pride she took in her hair, hair which she was currently lacking, even her dark eyebrows and eyelashes were gone.

"What happened to her hair?" I winced the moment I said it, of all the things to worry about first, I chose her hair? Not the fact that she was unconscious?

"We're not sur-"

"Is there anything you ARE sure of?!" I snarled as I whirled on her.

She merely blinked at me showing no signs of alarm at my outburst, though I did note the ever shifting weapon at her side froze on a rather large knife. "I understand that you are angry Mr. Hebert. In fact I am glad that you are, it shows how much you care for your daughter. However getting mad at me will do nobody any good."

Taking a deep breath of the sterile air to calm myself. "I apologize for my outburst, I am for obvious reasons stressed."

She nodded "I understand Mr. Hebert. Now before you interrupted me, I was going to say that our best guess is that whoever pushed her into that locker shaved her hair, or some aspect of her powers removed her hair."

"Will she wake up?"

This time she paused as if choosing her words carefully. "We aren't sure." Although I couldn't see it thanks to her mask, I could clearly hear the wince in her voice.

"We tried to put her in an MRI but something about her powers scrambled any readings. We couldn't even get a blood sample as she appears to have acquired some sort of Brute rating. Anything that we have that could potentially pierce her skin would require your permission to use."

"You have my permission to use anything you think could work." I looked down at Taylor, swallowing at the sight of her in a hospital gown. I had to get my mind off it. "Not that I don't appreciate you guys coming here personally, but why are you here?" PRT agents I could understand, as it did apparently involve a Parahuman. But two big name capes like these two?

Taylor's a Parahuman. The thought sent a mix of pride and terror down my spine. On one hand she had powers, and my little girl deserved those powers. On the other hand however, she had powers. And in Brockton Bay that meant she was more likely than not going to end up either becoming a cape, or being threatened by gangs looking to recruit.

"Unfortunately, due to the nature in which she was found, her identity was blown. We have extensive resources, but even we can't stop something once dozens of socially active students put something online."

"They know Taylor's a Parahuman?" I almost collapsed right then and there. This was worse than a nightmare, this was hell.

She must have seen something in my expression for she placed her hand on my shoulders reassuringly. "We will be having Taylor under constant Parahuman guard until she awakens."

Strangely enough that made me feel worse.

They never did manage to get that blood they wanted. They brought in all types of specialized instruments, but none of them succeeded in penetrating her skin. This posed a problem for more than drawing blood however, as without a needle they couldn't administer a saline drip. Forcing the staff to resort to such crude tactics as inserting a nasal feeding tube in her nose and down directly into her stomach.

/

"Who are you?" I stared suspiciously at the blonde woman in front of me.

She stuck out her hand. "Hello Mr. Hebert. My name is Carol Dallon, and I would like to be your lawyer. Free of charge of course."

"Why?" Her words only served to make me more guarded. It was one thing to be approached in the hospital by a lawyer, it was quite another for one to apparently offer their services for free. I could smell something fishy, and for once it wasn't the docks.

"Mr. Hebert….You do know who I am right?"

"Yeah, you just told me your name."

"…." After a few moments of silence she sighed. "Well I guess I just got used to people instantly knowing me in Brockton Bay. Lets try this." She held her hand out and what I could only describe as a dagger made of light flashed into her open hand. "Brandish of New Wave. Ring a bell?" She finished with a small smirk.

"Oh." I stared at her open mouthed. How could I have forgotten? Sure I didn't follow cape news like some people, but even I should know the name of the only super family in Brockton Bay. I could only blame it on stress.

"And you want to represent me in court….for free?" If anything the sudden realization of just who stood in front of me made me more wary. Why would such a famous person be interested in my case?

"If it makes you feel better, my motives aren't entirely altruistic. You see, your daughters parahuman status is public knowledge by this point." I couldn't help but flinch at the words. "New Wave was founded on the principle of having our identities be public, unfortunately that ended in disaster and the movement died in its sleep."

I remembered that day, it had made the headlines for weeks. Fleur's death in her own home was quite the shocking turn of events.

"And now with your daughter in a similar situation as our own, we feel it is our duty to help her in any way we can. Help ease her into the life she never really got a choice in joining."

"She isn't going to be a cape!" I snapped at the blonde.

Carol just stared at me. "...Regardless of if she is a cape or not, the transition from being a normal citizen to being a publicly outed Parahuman is a difficult one. We have had nearly two decades to get used to the ins and out of it. We would be willing to help council your daughter to help her avoid the pitfalls we ran into in our more inexperienced years. And if nothing else, our open involvement with your daughter will help dissuade less savory parties from approaching." I didn't need her to elaborate for that last one.

Seeing the logic of her words, and feeling a lot more comfortable now that I had a motive for her generosity. I agreed to allow her to be my legal council.

"Now that, that's out of the way. There is another reason I came here for."

I raised a brow at her. "What?"

"My daughter showed interest in swinging by this afternoon." Seeing my blank expression she elaborated. "Amy Dallon, Panacea?"

"Oh." Today really wasn't my best day it seemed. I was functioning on a few hours of sleep and gallons of coffee.

"Would that be okay with you?"

"Yes! Of course. If she can help her..." I trailed off not even having words to express my gratitude.

"Unfortunately, Amy can't heal brains. So she most likely won't be able to wake her up." Seeing my falling expression, she continued quickly. "However, she can check your daughter for any internal injuries."

It wasn't what I was hoping to hear, but it was magnitudes better than the nothing the hospital was able to do. "I would be grateful for her help."

/

A few hours after Carol left there was a knock on the door. "Come in?"

A small curly brown haired teen entered the room, with a much taller blonde girl following right behind her. The pair were almost opposites in every aspect. One was a plain Jane, the other a barbie.

"Hello Mr. Hebert." The smaller girl spoke, her voice faint and almost raspy, she sounded like she needed a good night's rest if I were honest. The deep bags under her eyes making it even more obvious. "I have permission to heal your daughter right?" The moment I nodded Amy was moving. She walked straight over to Taylor's bed and grabbed her hand.

"Sorry about that Mr. Hebert. Amy is a little tired today so please forgive her rudeness." The blonde, who now that I looked closer must have been Victoria or Glory Girl.

"It's fine." I waved off her apology. Judging by their uniforms it looked like they just came from school. I could easily forgive them. Not like there was anything to forgive in my eyes anyways. If anyone deserved to be a little rude every now and again, it was Panacea. That girl spent the better part of her weeks volunteering at the hospital saving lives every day. And if rumors are to be believed, she did all that without making a dime.

We watched in silence as Amy leaned over Taylor. After only a few seconds however she straightened, a look of confusion on her face.

"Something wrong?" I couldn't help the flare of panic.

"I'm not...sure?" Her brows furrowed as she looked at Taylor. "I can't read her. My powers aren't registering anything. The only time I can remember that happening was with…." Her eyes darted to her sister before widening. "The only time I've had that happen is with Vicky. Taylor must have a similar field around her."

"Field?" Now I was confused. What was she talking about?

"Vicky has a sort of forcefield around her body, it naturally extends a few millimeters past her skin. It stops me from making direct skin contact, something my powers need to function. Your daughter must have a similar field stopping me."

The aforementioned blonde spoke up. "If it does work like mine, we could try punching her?"

I tensed at her words, only my trust that someone like Panacea wouldn't hurt my daughter willingly stopped me from calling security. "How would punching my daughter help?" I growled.

Victoria blinked at my aggressive tone before rubbing her head sheepishly. "Sorry. I forgot how that might sound to you. If my field takes a certain amount of damage, it sort of turns off for a bit to recharge. During that down time Amy can touch my skin. Although we haven't used that method in a long time, since I learned how to turn it off at will."

I took a deep breath and held it a moment before releasing it as an explosive sigh. "So you think punching my daughter will help?" I couldn't believe I was actually considering this. It went against every instinct I had.

"It can't hurt?" She shrugged. "Either it works and Amy can touch her, or it doesn't. Either way her brute rating should stop her from getting hurt. And if I pop her field and accidently hurt her, Amy could just heal it."

"Okay." I swallowed. "Do it."

Victoria approached the other side of her bed. Grabbing Taylors arm she held it in place as she started raining quick punches to her forearm. The meaty thuds made me flinch, but I managed to clamp down on my instincts.

All the while Amy held Taylor's other hand. Waiting to give the signal if it worked.

After minutes of constant punching they stopped. "I don't think her field is like mine." Victoria said as she rubbed her knuckles.

Amy looked at me apologetically. "I'm sorry Mr. Hebert, I don't think there's anything I can..." She froze as an Idea came to her. Without a word she turned back to Taylor and stuck her finger in her mouth. After a few moments she pulled her finger out of Taylor's mouth, looking a little sheepish. "I thought it would work." She sounded a little embarrassed.

/

I did my best not to snap at the receptionist as she handed me my security pass. The news I had received that morning had me in a foul mood all day.

According to the eye witness accounts of dozens of students eager to get there five minutes of fame. Taylor had been constantly bull-, tormented at Winslow for almost two full years. To make matters worse, one of the main tormentors was Emma Fucking Barnes, my best friend's daughter.

At first I hadn't believed it, sweet little Emma bullying Taylor? Those girls had been friends for half their lives, regardless of whatever split them apart those years ago. I simply couldn't believe anyone could be that cruel to someone they knew so intimately. Bullies always target those they aren't close to, it's human nature. You don't shit where you sleep after all.

I didn't believe it at least, until I found that journal in Taylor's room. Meticulously recorded on tear stained pages was the accumulation of over a year of what seemed like daily abuse, at least judging by the dates. And written in damning ink was the name Emma, over and over and over. To make a shitty day even shittier, according to her journal, Taylor had tried to report her bullying dozens of times, yet no such records could be found at the school.

I called Carol, unsure what I was supposed to do with this information, upon her suggestion I made photocopies of all the pages and allowed the authorities to take the copies.

Despite the horrifying news, I couldn't help but feel a kernel of pride. Taylor showed just how amazing of a human being she was. After two years of constant abuse, she didn't take the path that was left open. A path, that if I was being honest with myself, I probably wouldn't have the strength to resist.

Considering the...color palette of one of her tormentors, and the less than stellar reputation of Winslow. It would have been as easy as walking down the hall for Taylor to stop at least one of her bullies.

The E88 was scum, but after two years of having yourself be chipped away at? The safety the E88 could have provided must have looked alot more attractive by the day.

/

I stared at Taylors slumbering form. I couldn't believe it had been a week since she was admitted. As I sat in the uncomfortable chair I held Taylors hand. It helped me feel some measure of comfort. Just as I was about to doze off I heard something I had only heard in my dreams.

"Dad?"

"Taylor!" I'm practically choking from the relief running through me. I squeezed her hand tightly, unsure if the action was for her or my own benefit.

She smiles at me tiredly. Her grip tightening around my own. Her vivid blue eyes shone with unshed tears.

Wait. Blue eyes? My brows were just beginning to furrow when a loud crunching snap sound filled the room. It almost reminded me of the time I had stepped on a box of uncooked noodles at the grocery store.

It was just unexpected enough that it made both of us freeze at the sound. I glanced around looking for the source of the odd noise.

Taylor made a sound of distress. A weird blend of a gasp and a whimper. Instantly my attention was brought back to her. She didn't look like she was in pain, it looked more like she was scared, perhaps even in shock. Her blue eyes were impossibly wide and unmoving, staring at something near her waist.

What was she-

Oh.

I could only stare at our joined hands in muted shock. Or at least her hand and what was left of mine.

My hand currently bore a resemblance closer to that of a crushed tomato than a human hand. The white bedsheet was quickly being stained red.

Then the pain caught up with me and I screamed. The last thing I remembered before I passed out was seeing Taylors horror filled face as I slumped forward. Unconscious before I hit the now scarlet sheet.

/

AN: Hey! I just had this plot bunny running around in my head and had to write it.

Just as an FYI, her hair fell out because of the changes to her biology. But her hair will grow back, although it will be blonde.

I'm not a real fan of Worm, i've read a bunch of fanfics on that fandom this week, but i've never read the actual webserial, so i'm sorry if I get anything wrong. If I do, then feel free to PM me, or leave a review.

I wasn't even aware of Glory Girls forcefield until I wrote this chapter. Apparently she isn't invulnerable? It's so weird lol. She can take ONE hit, and then her shield pops, and goes offline for a few seconds. So she is actually ridiculously easy to kill. Shoot her twice and she dies. First bullet pops the shield, and any follow up bullets will kill her. If i'm being honest, I'm kind of disappointed with how weak she really is. All the fanfics I read painted her as a mini supergirl. But in reality she is a glass cannon.

For those of you unaware, Kryptonians do have a similar forcefield, except theirs doesnt pop after one hit.

This sunday I will be updating my other stories.

-Lights Burn Brightest in the Dark (League of legends SI reborn as Lux)

-When Life Gives You a Superior Biology (Justice League SI reborn as Supergirl)