Chereads / Donning the Cape / Chapter 8 - The Beginning: Part 8

Chapter 8 - The Beginning: Part 8

Jorge needed to find a way to protect Ermis at the Front. It was something that any 'significantly' strong Cape would eventually experience, but the odds of a newly awakened surviving were much worse than a veteran Cape.

'Maybe I can petition the council to put it off for a few years.' He silently wondered.

Amanda noticed his deep thought and quickened pulse, then asked, "You don't have to start making Doomsday scenarios. I know how dedicated you are to the cause. Trust me, Ermis will be protected." Jorge turned and accepted her words at face value, "I already sent an order for a Level-5 squad to protect him at all times."

Jorge nodded, "I know. That's why I am so worried." He felt an absolute resolve to protect his son. It was an alarming emotion to come from someone that wasn't family.

Jorge began rethinking his knowledge of Amanda Dumont. He knew she had just flown in from a major battle near the Front. It must have been an S-class monster to take her out of commission so thoroughly.

He realized something, "How are your Powers available? I can feel your confidence in them."

She smiled and explained, "I was 'fixed' by your son. He healed EVERYTHING."

Jorge knew she spoke the truth. Somehow, Ermis could alleviate Drain.

He racked his brain for a moment, Jorge had heard of Supports that could reduce ongoing accumulations of Drain, but it had to be nearby and accepted. If his son could forcibly take Drain from someone, then it made sense she wanted him. Everyone would petition for him once they found out.

Jorge nodded and spoke softly, "So. You want first dibs?"

She smiled, "I knew I would like you. So, aware. It is refreshing to deal with someone that isn't afraid of me."

He nodded, "I know the feeling well. But you didn't answer. Are you claiming him first? Or is this something that you are willing to expend capital for?"

She squinted, "I don't know what you mean."

Jorge sighed and continued, "I envy your strength. You get to skip the political process." She opened her mouth, but he cut her off, "What I mean is, when people come for him, and they will, are you going to fight for him?"

She nodded, "I thought it was a given."

Jorge shook his head violently, "NO. Let me be clear. When men and women come to capture or kill Ermis, will you protect his well-being with all the strength you can muster? Hmm? Can you take on other Titans? Will you defend him against the other factions of the world? Would you disobey a Pillar's command?"

She thought for a moment, "I am unsure. Some of those things would mean rebellion." Jorge cut in with an icy voice, "I. Would."

Amanda, Jorge's 10+ year junior, felt conflicted. She knew that people in the higher ranks were often undeserving of the power they wielded and in more than one way. There was a possibility that a General could have Ermis moved to be his nephew's personal Healer, specifically to reduce the Drain, thus allowing said nephew to rise in rank as a Cape. People had tried stunts like that with her, but she left the bodyguard duty and went directly to High Command. She did not care to see talents squandered on ego and familial pride.

Amanda opened up to him, "I would allow no harm to come to him. But I would also push him. Ermis is not 'just' a Healer, I presume?"

Jorge smiled and clarified, "His Power is Themed, which is a fairly common occurrence. It is centered on the rainbow, again, not unheard of. There have been cases where the light spectrum holds special meaning to Support Powers. No, what sets my son apart, is his strength. Each color he has shown has been a blend of 2 base colors. Our analysts think this means he can blend them in the future, possibly unlock more."

Jorge sent a message to her, "Here is the working theory. He unlocked the blended colors, meaning they are a mixture of 2 bases. Let's say Orange is the color, meaning red and yellow were the blended colors."

She nodded, "I have been affected by Red Light Powers before."

Jorge smiled, "Strength Boost. Extremely useful and plentiful among pure Supports. Yellow is similar, but it is focused on the strength of the nervous system, allowing for a much higher cellular voltage. Which often leads to an increase in perception and fine muscle control. So, how does a 100,000+ PP awakening result in a basic 2x reaction speed?"

She nearly lost her shit, "100,000+?!?!?!"

Jorge shushed her, "SHHH, we are trying to be somewhat unheard, please." Then he continued, "By my math, it makes no sense, he should be much stronger with each color. That is why I think he will have the ability to use multiple."

She nodded in agreement, "He could use multiple colors at once, even double or triple their effects."

Then Jorge grinned like an evil villain, "Or more."

She matched the smile, "How much more?"

He winked, "That is classified."

She paled, "Holy shit. A Pillar?"

Jorge's grin evolved into a maniacal smirk.

Amanda struggled, "Stronger than...no." Then she thought about it, if he could heal himself, throw buildings, fly, and do other untold things, then maybe he could be the greatest of them all.

She spoke up, cracking his façade, "How confident are you in him?"

He thought briefly then said, "100%."

Then she clarified, "How confident are you in him, as the "God of Wisdom"?"

He thought for a moment, then remembered the 'test' they put him through. He had to be distracted by Mindwave because he effectively killed Bobby's sorry ass.

Then he had his answer, "He can switch between Powers in less than I can observe, subnanosecond, which means he could be an entire team of A-class Capes in a single vessel. That is my conservative estimate."

Jorge turned from her, "Message me on my secure line. It never hurts to have a friend." Then he went back to work, sparing a glance to see his son celebrate with his wife. He had to protect their happiness.