Freya's Heir
DISCLAIMER: This is Whateley Academy fanfiction. I am not a canon author and neither is Buggycas.
Author’s Note: Many thanks to my beta and co-author, Buggycas.
Chapter 1
On New Year’s Day, there was an attack on the Nilsen Family Estate. The guests were all asleep, drunk or sober, and the only guards active were the perimeter guards. Fortunately for those inside, one of those guards lived long enough to sound the alarm, and the other guards of the Nilsen family came awake and were moving seconds after.
The floodlights were shot out, but the backups clicked on. In the resurgent light, the attackers were visible despite their camouflage as they climbed over the wall. It was required to be decorative and functional, so it was not as much of an obstacle as security would have liked. The attack was assumed, correctly, to be a reaction to the news story on the Nilsen family that had recently aired, where it had been revealed that they hired mutants for their company and were even shown stating that they considered some mutants such as teleporters to be preferable to baselines for some jobs.
Mutants had been around for several generations now, but it was only relatively recently that there were enough of them to affect everyday life. The past had seen the formation of a government agency specifically devoted to them in the United States and the other countries where they were most populous. There were papers published full of theories on why certain countries had conspicuously larger numbers of them than others and where they all came from in the first place. It also saw the formation of hate groups directed at them. One of these hate groups is named Humans First, and H1 buttons and bumper stickers have been showing up all over the nation.
A “regrettably violent splinter sect” of Humans First, their euphemism for the deniable group that carried out their more illegal goals was the group attacking. Not just to punish the Nilsens in retaliation but in an attempt to show the world that they could and would remove anyone too openly pro-mutant.
In this second endeavor, they failed, but in the first, they succeeded. The limited nature of their success was ironically due to the mutant-friendly hiring policies of their foes. Many of the in-house guards were mutants, primarily Exemplars and other physically enhanced mutants, but a few had more exotic abilities. Despite the surprise, months of planning, and a few ringers carefully placed both as guests and as guards of those guests, the intruders did not manage to make it inside the actual building, and only one managed to do significant damage before being overcome. Unfortunately, one had a grenade launcher and hit the bedroom window of the owner’s son and heir, collapsing the wall of the room and starting a fire inside.
Outside guards who saw the hit rushed to stop the attacker, and the inside guards rushed forward with fire extinguishers and first aid kits. The inside guards were confronted with an unusual sight when they reached the kid’s bedroom.
There was a bubble clear of fire and rubble, and two people lay in it, badly burned but still alive. On top was Sarah Lavender, assigned bodyguard for the fourteen-year-old Fredrik Nilsen. She had burns and cuts all across her back as if she had been sheltering him from something, but nothing lay near. Beneath her lay her charge, also burned but not where she covered him. As they quickly put out the flames, they noticed young Fred Nilsen’s eyes open. They were glowing softly golden. Once all the fires were out, he stood up in a stiff, unnatural fashion and spoke in an eerie voice far higher than his normal tones, “Do not worry, the boy will heal. I will see to that as part of my end of the bargain.” Fred gestured, and both he and Sarah floated out the hole in the wall and down into the hands of the newly arriving paramedics. Then, he collapsed and did not wake for two days.
Sigrun Nilsen Memorial Burn Unit - 2 days later
Fred awoke with a peculiar floating sensation and opened his eyes to see a white ceiling and the tops of pale green walls. After a bit, he decided he must be on painkillers and that they were why he felt so odd and was taking so long to complete a thought. He tried to say something, but his mouth was too dry.
“Oh, you’re awake? I’ll summon the nurse,” a female voice said. Fred was still trying to place the voice when he heard the door open, and the voice spoke again. “He’s awake and needs some water.”
Fred tried to look at the door, but something was stopping him from turning his head that far. Eventually, a pretty nurse leaned over and put a straw to his lips. He drank several thirsty gulps before she took it away again, saying, “You mustn’t drink too much yet. I’ll let Dr. Wang know you’re awake come morning. Are you in any pain?”
“N-no,” Fred managed to get out. Then more clearly, “Doped?”
“Yes, you are on painkillers. If you’re not in pain, I’ll just check you both out, then go back to the desk,” The Nurse said. Fred heard her moving around, then shortly after, he heard the door again. He managed to turn his head enough to see that he was in some sort of tank rather than a hospital bed and that there was another tank next to him.
“Sally?” Fred asked, recognizing his personal bodyguard. Her head was sticking up out of her tank with something horseshoe-shaped around the neck. She turned toward him and memories of that night started to come back to him as she spoke.
“Yes,” Sally replied, “It’s me, and we’re making lots of people happy. The doctors are happy because they have both of their burn patients together. We’re easier to treat if we’re in the same room. It seems the main problem with burns is infection once you get past the first day, and this room is set up to be easy to keep us clean and hydrated. We’re both floating in sterile saline with added medicines that are exactly the pH and salinity of our bodies, which keeps us from losing or gaining too much water. It also helps keep raw burned skin from touching anything for which I’m happy. Your father is happy the new burn unit he donated was up and working but empty. Both your parents are happy you’re alive, of course, but hard as I tried, I can’t take credit for that one. Security, in general, is happy because they can close the burn wing off without disrupting the hospital routine. We have men outside the door, and I have a button in here that I can reach to summon security as well as the nurse if we need it, but with a little luck, security won’t be necessary.”
Fred’s mind was still very foggy, so he was slow at processing all that information. “Uh, okay, what are these things on our necks then?”
Sally started to laugh then groaned in pain, “Laughter may be the best medicine, but it hurts right now. These things keep our heads above the saline, so we don’t drown.”
Fred floated a bit more, marshaling thoughts that slowly regained their accustomed speed and clarity. “So the best this State of the Art facility can do for us is let us float in big bathtubs until we heal?” That didn’t sound right to him.
“There were complications.” Sally admitted, “First, burns are tricky even for modern medicine when they are as widespread as ours, and second, we, neither of us, can take grafts. We’ll just have to regrow the skin the slow way, and the best way to do that without undue pain or chance of infection are these ‘bathtubs.’ It sucks, and it will take time, but we will be healed completely by the end with no scarring. That’s worth the time, right?”
“Yeah, but …” There was something else, and soon he had it, “Why did you say you couldn’t take credit for saving me?”
Sally looked over at him, her blue eyes wide, “How much do you remember about that night?”
“Well, I’m still pretty foggy, but I remember it,” Fred said, before he was forced to add, “I think.” He described the night of the attack from his perspective, “I woke up to the whooping alarm and got out of bed to see what was going on. I looked out the window and saw people attacking the house! I was still standing there wide-eyed when you burst into the room and screamed something at me.”
“I was telling you to get down,” Sally said.
"It was good advice but I was too busy trying to process my surroundings to hear it," Fred admitted.
Sally continued, “Yeah, the one guy who got a shot off inside the wall, and he had to have a grenade launcher. I knocked you away from the window, but the wall fell on us, and something started the curtains burning, which ended up with the whole room burning. I am an Exemplar, as you know, so when the wall fell on us, I was able to hold it up, but the fire would have killed us. Do you remember what happened next?”
“It hurt,” Fred said with a chuckle.
“Black humor aside, I’d really like to know,” Sally said, looking him in the eyes.
“Why don’t you tell me what you remember while I order my thoughts?” Fred asked, trying to cover that he didn’t quite remember.
“I passed out from the pain. I’m ashamed to admit it, but you stayed conscious longer than I did,” Sally read the look in his eyes and answered his unspoken question. “Because I’m your bodyguard, and when you’re a female in a mostly male profession, you have to be even more competent than most to get respect. I’ve tried hard to show I’m as tough as any man, and then my charge, the teenage boy I’m supposed to be protecting, turned out to be tougher than I am.”
“Well, you were also trying to hold up a fallen wall! It would have crushed me. I’d be dead without you regardless of what happened after,” Fred said before remembering something.
Sally noticed, “Okay, you’ve remembered. I know you have, now tell.”
“You’d think I was crazy,” Fred murmured, “I must have been hallucinating from the pain.”
“Maybe if I told you what everyone else saw,” Sally replied, “you’d open up.”
“I thought you didn’t know?” Fred accused.
“Well, I wasn’t awake, and nobody but you knows some of it,” Sally admitted, “but there were several witnesses who saw something unusual, and I’ve heard from them while you were out. Would you like to hear what they said?”
“Yes!” Fred said eagerly.
“Then tell me what you remember first,” Sally said.
Fred sighed, “Okay, if you answer one question first.”
“Okay,” Sally replied, “What is it?”
“You said neither of us could take a skin graft. Why is that?” Fred had thought of a reason, but he was hoping he was wrong.
“Everyone with my mutation has an enhanced immune system and enhanced healing to go with the more obvious strength and reaction time increases, but this also means that transplants and even the smallest grafts are rejected,” Sally explained
“Ouch,” Fred said. “That has to suck.”
“Well, it sucks now, but being an Exemplar has ups as well as downs. I may not be able to get a transplant, but I’m less likely to need one, and I can regrow a limb or even an organ if I live long enough without it. Other mutants have different problems and different pluses,” Sally looked over at him, “You are in the same boat. They have confirmed the presence of the metagene complex in your cells, and since they can't be sure of your powers you’ll be stuck here along with me. Now tell me what you remember, and I’ll tell you the reports I’ve heard while you’ve been unconscious.”
“Fair enough,” Fred said, “I’m not sure you even noticed, but I was trying to help you support the debris. I could see the strain on your face, and I was trying to help, but once you passed out, I couldn’t support the weight for even a full second, and it looked like we might get crushed to death even before we burned. Just then, I heard a voice in my head asking if I was willing to bargain for the power to save my life.”
“Did you ask the voice who it was?” Sally asked, concerned.
“I accused the voice of being the devil,” Fred sighed, “The voice said she had once been worshiped as a goddess but was neither a god nor a devil in truth but merely a powerful force in a time of superstition long ago.” He swallowed nervously, “I wanted to question her further, but there wasn’t that much time, so I just asked what her price was for saving us both.”
“Both?” Sally asked, “I really hope you didn’t pay too much for me. I mean, I’m grateful, but I’m your guard. My job description includes taking the bullet for you. Not being saved by you.”
“I couldn’t just let you die while I saved myself,” He tried to shrug and couldn’t, “Anyway, it was two for one night in the spirit world or something because the price was the same either way. She stated that she’d recently come back to our world. Actually, she called it ‘our dimension’ after being trapped elsewhere for a long time.”
“Do you know where and how long?”
“No, I asked, but she said that she couldn’t describe where it was and that she was in what sounded like some kind of suspended animation.” Fred explained, “Unaware of time passing until suddenly back on Earth, but now that she was free, she had nobody, and apparently, her life force was ebbing a little each day.”
Sally gasped, “What did you do?”
“I’m coming to that,” Fred said defensively, “And it must have worked because we’re alive.”
“What bargain did you make to save us, Fred?” Sally demanded.
Fred closed his eyes as he answered, “She said that she had been looking for a descendant of hers who needed her help for over a year. That she needed a human body to house her spirit and that she refused to just take one but had wanted to provide fair value.” Fred heard a gasp from Sally but continued, “I said yes, but only if she saved us both.” He opened his eyes and looked in her bright blue ones, “I don’t remember anything after that until I woke up here. I don’t feel her in me anywhere either.”
“Thank you for telling me, but I’d advise you not to tell that story to anyone else, at least for a long while. We’ll need to get PR in on it so they can lay the groundwork. Hopefully, we can spin this positively if it gets out,” Sally frowned then sighed. “Okay, it’s my turn now. I’m told that when they reached us, we were in a bubble of light that was protecting us from further damage by the fire and the fallen wall. After they put the fire out and removed the beam, your eyes opened and glowed gold. Then you stood up with me in your arms and spoke about yourself in the third person. You said something like ‘the boy will heal’ and then flew us both out the hole in the wall to the paramedics. Once there, you passed out and stayed out until two days later.”
“Wow, that’s so weird,” Fred stayed silent and thought for several minutes. “Thank you for telling me. I agree not to tell anyone. I’d probably end up in a rubber room if I wasn’t burned at the stake. I hope you’ll help me keep it quiet? If she, whoever she is, comes back, I’ll explain it to her too.”
“Are you sure she’s not still in you? She might just be exhausted by saving us,” Sarah said. Unspoken was her worry that since it was a female spirit, it might have moved to her instead. She tried to search herself for a presence and found none, but she knew that wasn’t conclusive.
Fred tried to mentally shout, #Yoohoo! Anybody home?#. He was still shocked when he got a reply; it was more of a sleepy mumble than anything intelligible, but it definitely wasn’t him, and yet it came from inside.
He looked at Sally with wide eyes, “There was a response! Not in words, at least not yet, but a response.”
“Wow, well, if she wakes up, tell her to keep her mouth shut if anyone other than me is around,” Sally replied, “That and tell me everything she says when we’re alone. That is if you still want me as your personal guard.”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Fred asked.
Sally snorted, “Because you had to save me instead of the other way around.”
Fred snorted in return, “I wouldn’t have been alive to do it if you hadn’t saved me first and gotten horribly burned in the process. You are the perfect bodyguard."
They spoke for a bit more before falling asleep again.
In the morning, the doctor came as promised. In fact, Fred remembered him from the opening celebration when the ward was donated; this was the head of the new burn unit himself.
“How are we feeling today?” Dr. Wang asked with an obviously forced smile.
Fred always hated people who smiled like that, so he frowned in what had become a reflex response, “We are hoping you’ll answer my questions. The nurse last night refused and said to wait until you were here.” Dr. Wang’s face was an interesting sight as it kept shifting from arrogance to fear and back. “My questions should be obvious, but if you cannot imagine what I would want to know after waking up in the hospital, then, by all means, feel free to ask. Only please do so in the proper person as bad grammar from someone as supposedly educated as yourself annoys me greatly.”
Fear seemed to win out on Dr. Wang’s face, “I do apologize for my inappropriate tone Mr. Nilsen,” he started, “You and your bodyguard were admitted after suffering second and third-degree burns and blunt force trauma in the attack on your family residence. You are currently in the hospital’s new burn ward. You may remember attending the opening.”
Fred rolled his eyes, “Is that a test to see if I’m concussed? I should hope so as the opening was less than a month ago.”
“Ah,” Dr. Wang said a bit nervously but also a bit defensively, “Yes, very good. These are state of the art for treating bad burns,” he said, gesturing to the tanks in which they floated. “They will keep you hydrated, as well as infection and pain-free until you heal and regrow lost skin. They even have state of the art sanitary facilities built in although the nurse will have to help with that.”
“Thank you,” Fred smiled. “Now, I believe there are some complications?”
Dr. Wang looked uneasy, “Complications?”
“Since you have made no mention of grafts, I assume there is a reason for that, and it wasn’t simply an oversight?”
“Oh, certainly! I merely thought you were aware of the reason already,” Dr. Wang replied.
Fred remembered a phrase he heard his father use fairly often when dealing with specialists, “Ah, I am indeed, but it is merely a layman’s knowledge. I would like to hear your expert opinion.”
“If I’m to give an expert medical opinion, may I examine you first?” Dr. Wang said with more forced joviality.
“Certainly,” replied Fred.
Dr. Wang put on gloves and gingerly inspected him, then moved to his guard and examined her burns as well. After finishing his inspection, he read both charts and had a quiet talk with the nurse. “Everything seems to be in order.” Dr. Wang said, then he squared his shoulders. “You will not be getting skin grafts for the same reason your bodyguard won’t. Apparently, the stress of the attack caused you to express inherent abilities that laymen such as yourself often call ‘mutant powers.’ With these abilities, you protected the both of you from further damage with a dome made of some golden energy and then levitated the both of you to the area set up for first aid. After which, you passed out and have been asleep for two days. You will get excellent care here, and with the number of security guards your father has in this new wing, I’m sure you will be completely safe.”
Fred smiled, “That was a good, concise explanation. Thank you. Now how will our condition affect our treatment?”
“As we cannot be sure what abilities you may or may not have, we are erring on the side of caution and not using anything known to be a problem for any of the known abilities. Therefore no grafts in case you are a physical exemplar.” Dr. Wang explained, “there are also minimal electronic devices as you seem to have energy projection abilities. Fortunately, those built into the tanks are well shielded because of the conductive and corrosive properties of the saline environment, so you need not worry about them. None of the other possible abilities require any special medical considerations. You may grow bored, but you will exit this facility in perfect health, I assure you.”
“Thank you, Dr. Wang.” Fred nodded, “Do you have a time frame on that?”
Dr. Wang said, “If everything proceeds with no unwelcome surprises, then about two months for an average person. The enhanced healing of exemplars will shorten that, although I can't say by how much and you will both heal more completely than anyone without your abilities. Your guard is more injured than you so you may heal before her, but I am confident in saying you will both be healed by the time two months have passed. Possibly much sooner, even as little as two weeks.” Dr. Wang put the charts back and stood up, “I’m afraid I have duties to attend that take me away, but the nurse on-call can get me if you need me. If you are ready for breakfast, I will have the nurse bring it to you.”
“Yes, I am feeling a bit hungry. How about you, Sal?” Fred asked.
Sally smiled, “I could eat, but I hope the food is as first-class as the rest. I’d hate to be stuck eating hospital food for two months.”
Fred grinned, “Good point. I’m sure dad will be by sometime today, and I’ll be sure to either praise or damn the food as it deserves. If it stinks too badly, he can always arrange to do something.”
Dr. Wang snorted and looked sour, but he turned to the nurse, “Bring them menus from the senior staff cafeteria. That should be the best we have and still be healthy to eat.” With that last instruction, he left, and the nurse followed him out.
Sally laughed once the door was closed, “So what did he ever do to you? I know you aren’t like that normally.”
Fred sighed, “It was that fake smile and supercilious tone when he came in. He was patronizing when we opened the place last month too. So I decided he needed a reminder. I wasn’t too heavy-handed, I hope?”
“No, I think you hit just the right note, but then that sort of thing isn’t my strong suit,” Sally chuckled.
Fred laughed, “So you’re the muscle, and I’m the brains?”
Sally laughed too, “Something like that.”
Chapter Two
DISCLAIMER: I am not a canon author.
A few days later, Dr. Wang examined them again, “The first degree burns are gone already, the second and third degree are healing nicely. If this continues, you should be done in a few weeks instead of the months it would normally take and have minimal to no scarring.”
“Thank you, doctor,” Fred said, “I could wish for a book to read, but it would get waterlogged.”
“Maybe they can set us up with audiobooks?” Sally asked.
“We can do that if you don’t mind both listening to the same one,” Dr. Wang replied.
“I don’t mind if he doesn’t,” she replied, “We can alternate choosing titles.”
“Fine by me,” Fred said, “I’m curious about your taste in books.”
"You can pick first," Sally said. "I'll wait before subjecting you to my Douglas Adams fixation."
Fred smiled, "Thank you. If I go first then I pick 'Mutineers' Moon' by David Weber."
The staff set it up and the eleven hour audiobook about a man discovering a large spaceship under the lunar regolith and having the resident artificial intelligence declare him its captain played.
"That wasn't bad," Sally said, "It was pretty interesting, actually, and much better than just floating here trying to fill the time with conversation."
"Tomorrow is your pick," Fred said, "Then we can listen to the sequel to this one the next day if you really thought it was interesting."
Sally smiled, "I think we should both get a veto if we don't like the book. Tomorrow we'll start with Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. It has plenty of sequels too."
"I look forward to it," Fred said, "Talking to you is fun but it's good to have something else to fill the time."
They talked until they fell asleep then the next day dawned and they listened to the tale of Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect catching a ride off the planet and all the adventures they had. Both of them were laughing out loud at some points.
"That was great!" Fred said five and half hours later, "I think we have time for the sequel after lunch. Is it about the same size?"
"Yes," Sally said, "Just as full of humor and potential for in jokes."
"Sounds good," Fred replied, "We can save Armageddon Inheritance for tomorrow since it's almost twelve hours long."
After lunch and after the nurses had assisted them with bathroom necessities they played 'The Restaurant at the End of the Universe' by Douglas Adams.
Two weeks passed, Fred's father, Robert, visited a few times, and they healed until finally it was time to get out of the tubs and start physical therapy.
Dr. Wang came in, "As you know you are now healed of your burns but despite the best treatment we can give you there are deleterious effects to not walking or otherwise exercising for two weeks. Also your newly grown skin needs a chance to toughen up a bit. Normally we would just transfer you to the physical therapy wing but your father has decided that you can do that best at home. I'm sure he has a proper set up ready. In a few minutes the nurses will come help you dress and escort you outside where there is a limo waiting. I'm very pleased at your recovery and wish you the best of health." After saying all that he gave a nod of the head and left before they could ask any questions.
Sally laughed, "I think you've got him worried. Can you see if the clothes are here or do we have to wait for the nurses?"
Fred sat up, "I can see them. There are two piles of clothes, each resting on a chair off to my right." He was blushing a bit at the thoughts going through his head. Not sure if he wanted them to be just wishful thinking or not.
Sally smiled, "Well if you're willing to keep your mouth shut about what you'll see I don't think we need to wait for the nurses to arrive with privacy screens and too many sets of unneeded hands and eyes. I think I can just get up and go dress if you think you can handle that."
Fred almost swallowed his tongue but managed to get out what he thought was a calm response, "Sure, no problem here. I hope I can do the same."
"If not I can help you once I'm dressed," Sally replied, before getting up and standing in her tub. She stretched and twisted to get stiff muscles limber but had no trouble getting out of the high sided tub and walking over to the pile of clothes with the sports bra on top. "After two weeks of spending every minute with you I'm not about to claim modesty but if you want to get dressed before about four nurses arrive to help, you need to close your mouth and try to stand."
Fred blushed a bit more but shut his mouth and stood. He felt a little stiff but not too bad, like he fell asleep in a chair or something. He worked out some stiffness then took a deep breath and got out of the tub, "Now I see why always having a towel with you is helpful."
Sally laughed, "Yeah, but I'd rather damp clothes than nurses drying me off." She had put on the bra and panties and was sliding into the jeans as he made it to the chair with boxers on top.
They were both dressed by the time the nurses arrived and were soon at the main desk where Fred's father was finishing the paperwork to sign them out.
On the limo ride back to the estate Sally said, "I know a place where they can train you in your powers. They have staff with powers and experience with all sorts of abilities."
Robert Nilsen said, "Yes, Whateley Academy. You might get in for the Spring semester if your physical therapy goes well. If not then we'll wait for Fall."
Fred looked surprised, "I didn't know there was a school just for mutants."
"I went there," Sally said. "There are a few possible consequences to being an exemplar that I didn't want to mention in the hospital. The room was nowhere near private enough. It's not even certain you're an exemplar so it's not certain you need to know but let me tell you what I know about Body Image Templates or BITs." She told him about them and how he might end up looking different. "You might not be an exemplar but you are probably what they call an avatar and some people end up looking like their spirit."
Fred shouted, "I hope not!" Then he calmed down, "If I was going to I would have started already so I guess I'm safe."
"Hopefully," she said. "Once we're settled back into the estate I'm going to call some old classmates and see what I can find out. Maybe we can move the spirit into me if necessary."
Robert said, "That's above and beyond Ms. Lavender. If you do that I will not only give you a most generous bonus but personally do whatever I can to assist you."
DISCLAIMER: I am not a Canon author.
Chapter Three
Fred got to sleep in his own bed that night and appreciated it. He also appreciated taking a shower by himself rather than having a nurse wash his unburned bits while the water quickly flowed past him in the high tech tub. He had a lot of pent up frustration to release now that he had privacy.
After a good night's sleep he awoke and went down for breakfast, "Hi Sally! It almost seemed weird not talking to you before going to sleep last night but I'm glad we're out of the hospital."
"So am I," she replied. "And if you ever want to chat then you are welcome to come by my room and talk."
Robert said, "You are both scheduled to meet the physical therapist today at 10 a.m."
"Thanks Dad," Fred said.
"He will also be able to check and see if you rate as physically enhanced," Robert added. "If so we can get you tested to see what categories you fall into."
"I'm looking forward to finding out what I can do," Fred replied.
The Physical Therapist specialized in Exemplars, and had a chart of Sally’s abilities before the accident. “Now, normally we wouldn’t even be trying PT for an Exemplar after only two weeks of bedrest, but considering how bad the damage was from the fire, we were worried there was some permanent damage,” She said cheerfully, “So we’re going to get a mobility and strength measurement for both of you, as well as some endurance testing. Since you both healed at Exemplar 3 rates, I’ll be testing you against Exemplar 3 rates.” She smiled, measuring their flexibility, strength, and endurance, taking notes, “Alright, Sally, you’re a little low on strength according to your records, but with your Exemplar abilities, you should be back to your regular strength quickly, Both of you are presenting well for Exemplar 3s who have just been in a major fire. It shouldn’t take you long to get back to your normal. Now, Frederick, Since you just started to present, which is perfectly normal at your age, we don’t know your limits, but a 5 minute jog even at ex 3 speeds is extremely low for Exemplar endurance, so I’d like to work on your stamina for a bit. Your Exemplar status will make the process faster. After some massage and stretching to loosen that tight, newly regrown skin for both of you, we’ll do some work on the recumbent bike and then you can hit the pool.”
The massage felt nice. He felt his muscles, and too tight skin loosen up, and after he stood he headed for the bike eager to see how well his newly enhanced body worked. He was surprised at both his new strength and how quickly he got tired. "Sorry I bent a handle," he told the therapist.
"Don't apologize to me," The Therapist said cheerfully, "Not only is it expected since you're new to your strength but these aren't mine. Your father bought them. Maybe once you're trained you can fix it." She smiled, "Now, let's get changed and hit the pool."
Fred was half hoping Sally would wear a bikini but instead she wore a sturdy, dark blue one piece. He was soon too busy with therapy to worry about that.
~~~
After PT Fred said, "I'm going to lay out in the sun for a while. It's been a while since I exercised and I'm too wiped to do much else."
"I may join you later but first I'm going to call a few contacts," Sally said as she left.
Fred tried not to be obvious as he watched her leave in her one piece bathing suit. He rested and drank water until he felt a bit less tired. Then he went up to his second floor bedroom for his Kindle. "Despite how tired I feel, I know I definitely picked up more stamina than I had before," he said to himself. With a smile he walked back out to the pool behind the house. He flopped into a chair, and settled in to listen to Dune by Frank Herbert.
"Trying to finish it without me huh?" Sally said.
Fred was startled awake, "Oh, I didn't think of that." He shrugged, "And I missed a lot myself falling asleep like I did. I can rewind back and we can pick up where we left off."
"I was just teasing," Sally replied. "If you drifted off and want to rewind because of that go ahead but don't do it just for me."
Fred reset the audiobook to where it had been but didn't start it, "So what did your contacts say?"
"They said that there is a ritual to move a spirit but it's not guaranteed," she told him. "It depends on a lot of factors. So we can try if we need it but hopefully we won't."
"Sure, thanks," he said. "You said only some avatars change? Do you know why some don't?"
"It depends on the strength of the avatar and the strength of the spirit," she said.
"So I need power testing first to see where I stand?" he said.
"If your spirit wakes up soon she might be able to tell you as well," she said. "If she's done this before that is."
"Still no comments from my internal peanut gallery," Fred said.
"Well then I guess we just soak up sunshine and listen to the book to hear what the Corrino emperor is up to," Sally said. "Maybe your father will have news at dinner."
At dinner Fred's father, Robert, said, "I've scheduled you both to get tested at the local DPA office building next week. Be glad these aren't the 90's or early 2000's when you'd have to visit an MCO center or try to find a team with proper facilities."
"I'm very glad of that," Fred said. "But why Sally too?"
"Just in case she does that ritual she's been mentioning," Robert replied.
"I can do it this weekend if I can get all the ingredients," Sally said.
"Pass me your list and you'll have it by Friday night," Robert said. "I do want to see a copy of it though."
"No problem," Sally said. "I will go print out a hard copy of both after dinner. You'll be in your den?"
Robert nodded, "Yes, thank you."
"Thank you for helping," she replied.
Fred and Sally spent Thursday and Friday morning in Physical Therapy. The afternoons were spent in the sun by the pool. All the ingredients for the ritual arrived on Friday and it was planned for Saturday morning after breakfast.
At breakfast Robert said, "We have cleared a gym for you and I will have guards outside to ensure your privacy during the ritual. Do you mind cameras? No one but me will see any recordings unless something goes very wrong."
Sally said, "I don't mind. I know you'd be worrying otherwise."
After breakfast Fred went to the gym, "Uh, do we have to strip?"
"Only down to your underwear," Sally said. She winked, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone whether you wear boxers or briefs."
He blushed, remembering dressing at the hospital. Then he remembered it officially didn't happen. "Thanks," he said, then went into the men's changing room and stripped to his underwear. When he left he saw her in a sports bra and boy shorts, both in white, "So what next?"
Sally held up a marker, "I draw runes on the floor, then I double check the words and give a chant while we sit in the design."
"Okay, I'm ready," Fred said.
Soon they were sitting cross legged in a design on the floor and Sally took a deep breath, "Here we go."
She started chanting and soon Fred started feeling a pressure coming from inside. It built up and up until he almost felt like he would explode. Then he passed out.
He woke up Sunday morning and could feel he still had his passenger but she still wasn't responding in words. He got up, stretched and took a shower. Then he dressed and looked at his phone, "Not quite nine a.m. Sunday. Looks like I missed most of a day. I guess I'm stuck with my passenger but it still beats being burned to death by a wide margin." He left the room and headed for the dining room. Hoping his father would still be there.
His father was there waiting, "I wanted to see you before I left and make sure you were alright. I'm sorry I can't stay with you but even on a Sunday I have business I need to take care of."
"It's okay dad," Fred said. "I'm okay. Still got my passenger but otherwise I'm fine. I'll take it easy today and tomorrow's visit to the DPA should answer some questions. Thanks for everything you did to help."
His father, Robert, hugged him, "I love you." Then he left the room.
As he sat to eat he saw Sally come in then did a double take, "Sally? Is that you?" Sally looked like a teenage version of herself and seemed an inch or two shorter.
She sighed and sat down, "Yeah, minus about ten years. I used the ritual to open myself to spirits trying to coax your spirit into me but she resisted and instead called another to enter me. I tried to close myself back off once I realized but it was too late." She poured herself some coffee, "Idunn also used to be worshiped as a goddess of the same pantheon at around the same time. She was only recently escaped and much more full of power since she hadn't been wandering the world looking for over a year. She changed me as I lay unconscious and we only came to an agreement after I woke. Even if I were to expel her I will remain this biological age and she has agreed to provide a significant boost in return for my hosting her spirit so I will not try to expel her and she will let my body age at least until physical maturity."
"Wow," he said. "Looks like I got lucky. I still look like me."
Sally said, "Well your spirit was already tired when she found you it sounds like and then she empowered you which probably took most of what she had left. What she did during the ritual probably consumed a fair bit as well. So she probably hasn't been anywhere near full power since you made the deal."
"Meaning we can't know how powerful she will become until it happens," he said and sighed. "Maybe the people at the DPA will know."
She nodded, "Maybe. Today is for shopping."
"What?" he said. "Why?"
"Your shirts are too tight and your pants are showing your ankles," she said. "So you need new clothes to go with the larger, more muscular frame." She sighed, "I need clothes as well. I was a few inches shorter as a teen and until I get them back I need different clothes." She filled her plate from the side table, "We leave at 10 a.m. make sure you're showered and dressed in something that won't shred off if you move wrong."
He nodded, "I'm hungry and I've already showered so I'll just grab seconds. Does your spirit know who mine is? And come to think of it, what's her name? Maybe we can research legends of her from when she was worshiped."
Sally nodded, "My spirit said she was Idunn and yours is Freya."
"We can google them after breakfast," he said. "I hope what we find is close to accurate."
They were driven to the mall after breakfast. Along the way they googled the two names they were given.
Fred started. "Mine says, In Norse mythology, Freya is a goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, sex, war, gold, and seidr, a type of magic. Freyja is the owner of the necklace Brísingamen, rides a chariot pulled by two cats, is accompanied by the boar Hildisvíni, and possesses a cloak of falcon feathers. Along with her twin brother Freyr, her father Njörðr, and her mother, unnamed in sources, she is a member of the Vanir. Freya rules over her heavenly field, Fólkvangr, where she receives half of those who die in battle. The other half go to the god Odin's hall, Valhalla. Within Fólkvangr lies her hall, Sessrúmnir.
Sally then read off hers, "In Norse mythology, Idunn is a goddess associated with apples and youth. Idunn is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson. In both sources, she is described as the wife of the skaldic god Bragi, and in the Prose Edda, also as a keeper of apples and granter of eternal youthfulness."
"So that's why she made you younger?" Fred said. "It's kinda her main thing?"
"Yeah, she thought I'd be happy with it," Sally said. "Now that she knows what age is considered adult she will let me age until I'm clearly an adult then stop."
"That sounds very useful," Fred said. They both added to their wardrobes at the mall, then came back for lunch.
"Want to listen to the last of the current Dune audiobooks by the pool?" Fred said. "Nothing's planned until tomorrow."
Sally shrugged, "Sure, why not."
The next morning they went to the DPA office for testing. Sally is now rated Avatar 1 as well as Exemplar. With the avatar spirit boosting her, Sally can act as if Exemplar 5 instead of 3 although for how long is unknown. It is at least an hour though. Fred's assessment was as Avatar level 3, and they were considering him something they called a Faux Exemplar. That meant he had the physical abilities of an Exempla Three but the source was his spirit so he wasn't a true Exemplar. They also decided he had a Wiz trait but they weren't sure how strong it was. The tests they gave him showed him as Wiz 3 but it was subject to change after he got to Whateley.
"How about a run around the borders of the estate?" Sally said after they returned. "We can work up an appetite for lunch."
"Sure," Fred replied. "If you'll lay by the pool with me afterward. We can rest and digest and you get to pick the audiobook."
"You know, Florida is one of the few states where you can do that in January and be comfortable," Sally said.
"We are pretty lucky to be here," Fred said. "Are we starting at the front gate?"
"Yeah," she replied. She started off for the gate to the Nilsen Estate and Fred followed her.
At dinner that night Fred told his father the results of the testing, "It wasn't bad except for the testing suit. That thing was very tight and had sensors attached all over. It was very uncomfortable. I don't know how heroes wear stuff like that all the time."
"Well most hero costumes don't have as many sensor packages stuck to them," Sally said. "Tight costumes are traditional but aside from that most costumes are close to the body to avoid giving an opponent anything to grab onto. The fabrics are usually chosen for durability and some count as light armor. Some of the less sturdy sorts add external body armor. They also want to be easily identified as a hero so when they land in the middle of an emergency they aren't mistaken for a villain or bystander by the supers already onsite."
"Hence the bright, primary colors?" Fred asked.
"Yes," Sally replied. "And the villains are usually trying for intimidation, fear, and respect so they follow a different path." She shrugged, 'It's like the black suits the agents wore or the lab coats the scientists wore. It shows which group you belong to."
"But you have years before you need to worry about that," Fred's father, Robert, said. "You'll be a student for quite a while yet. You can decide whether you want to be a superhero before becoming a CEO once you've learned the basics of both business and heroing. So I expect you to not neglect your studies. Even if it's a superhero school, it's still a school and you should do the best you can to learn everything they can teach you."
"The teachers will be the first to remind you that it's a school first and they are studiously neutral about whether or how you use your powers once you graduate," Sally said.
"It seems you'll be joining the Fall semester," Robert said. "Barring any unforeseen situations at least. Your previous school states you were far enough ahead that they expect you to have no problem staying home this spring but I don't want you to test out of the year and then just loaf around until September."
He gestured toward both his son and the newly young Sally, "I will be hiring tutors to come by every weekday morning and make sure you are up to date on both class material and those portions of law that apply to supers. For Sally these are optional since she has passed them once already but there have been changes in the years since she graduated so she might find some of those lessons useful. In the afternoon you will have other classes. I know you have had self defense training son, but you are now more of a target being a mutant. You both have changed enough that more practice at martial arts will be beneficial. Three afternoons a week you will have Martial Arts instruction and the other two weekdays will be instruction in firearms safety and use. I hope you never need to use a gun of any sort to defend yourself but I want you to be able to do so just in case."
Fred winced at that reminder then nodded, "Sounds like useful knowledge to have. Thank you for arranging all of that."
"You're welcome," Robert said. "You should still have plenty of time to enjoy being young without picking up bad habits or becoming bored."
Chapter 4
"Hey, Sally?" Fred asked one weekend in February.
She looked nervous but replied quickly, "What is it?"
"Have you been having odd dreams lately?" He asked. "I've been wondering if maybe they are my spirit trying to communicate."
She looked relieved, "Actually, I think I have. I'm not the best at remembering dreams but now that I think about it I remember a few."
"You thought I was going to ask something else I guess from your expressions?" Fred said.
Sally sighed, "Yes, I was. To be blunt, I am worried you will get me something for Valentine's Day. I may be physically your age again but I would still find that awkward. More to the point, I am sure your father would consider it inappropriate. I think of you as a friend and we are sharing this unusual experience but I am not suitable for dating, okay?"
Fred replied, "I already knew that. I may be young but I'm not stupid. I can't control my hormones but I can refuse to act on them. You're beautiful and I'm a teenage boy so yes I have noticed but I have had the 'don't perv on employees' speech enough times that I know better than to buy you roses or chocolates." He shrugged, "Not sure I can manage to stop looking though. My self control only goes so far."
"Fair enough," she replied. "I should have known better. How about this deal? You try to pretend not to be looking and I will pretend not to notice the sudden bulge in your shorts when I come out in a bathing suit or spandex workout gear."
"I'll take that deal," he said.
"Good!," Sally smiled. "I'd hate to stop laying by the pool and listening to audiobooks with you."
"So would I," Fred said. "Oh, before I forget, the martial arts tutor wanted me to request you show up tomorrow. He didn't say why but I think he wants us to spar together."
"That makes sense," Sally said. "Now that you are comfortable with your new abilities you're defeating him often despite him being technically better." She grinned, "So I guess I get to throw you around the dojo three times a week."
"Hopefully I'll learn as well but yes that's likely," he replied. "You not only have more experience but you can boost yourself up to Exemplar five."
"I probably won't boost," she replied. "It's a martial arts class not a powers tutorial. If I can't win by skill then you deserve the win. Just don't expect it to be easy."
"If it was easy there would be no point to it," Fred said.
"Well even after you get as good as I am there will be a point to sparring," she said. "Keeping a skill requires practice but I understand what you meant."
By the end of February they were about even at target practice with a pistol and they started learning to use common hunting rifles just in case a client or business colleague invited him on a hunt.
At breakfast one morning his father said, "We are hosting a Spring Equinox event. We can't let people think one attack frightened us off. We are however doubling the usual guard." He looked at Sally, "You will be tasked with guarding my son as usual but because of your seeming youth I will arrange for you to be here as his guest. He will have another guard who will seem to be guarding both of you but be under your direction. If there are any guards who you do not feel comfortable working closely with let me know. Otherwise I will pick one and he or she will be presented to you a few days before the event. If they meet with your approval they will be your backup." He looked at Fred, "Your tutors say good things about your progress. Keep this up and you can pick your vacation spot. Two weeks anywhere in the world."
Fred grinned, "Thanks Dad! That sounds great."
"It's only if you keep working hard," Robert said. "I'm glad you have recovered well. Since you seem finished, could you leave and let me talk to Sally a bit alone?"
"Of course, Dad," Fred said.
Fred left to shower and brush his teeth then waited at the front gate for Sally so they could start their run.
"Hey," Sally said when she saw him. "Thanks for waiting."
"No problem," he said. "Let's get started." Once they were far enough from the front gate to avoid being heard he asked, "Can you tell what Dad wanted to ask you?"
She shrugged, "I don't see why not. It's not a secret or anything. He wants me to check among the female guards to see if there is a volunteer to try the spirit switch again. I've told him it's likely to end the same way but he has a point as well. Giving up after a single try is not the way you get things done. So I will see if I can find a volunteer and explain things to them fully before they say either yes or no."
Fred nodded, "I can see that. If it goes like last time then I guess we both have company for this crazy avatar learning experience. Are you only going to ask the guards who are already powered?"
Sally shook her head, "No, I went through four years without knowing I was a latent Avatar. If I could be one then any of them could be. So anyone who volunteers will be accepted. We'll see how it goes. Now let's pick up the pace!" She started running faster and pulled ahead.
As he sped up he managed to find the breath to say, "How about a little wager?"
"Oh? What sort of wager?" Sally replied.
Fred replied, "If I win I get to pick which of your suits you wear by the pool after rifle practice today?"
"None of them are that revealing you know," Sally said. Then she shrugged, "Sure, and if I win then you have to wear that Speedo that you bought but have been too shy to wear so far."
Fred blushed but nodded, "It's a deal."
Fred put his head down and threw it into high gear. They picked up a few spectators once it became obvious they were racing rather than just doing their usual run. Fred did his best to ignore everyone and just run. Looking up he was surprised at the speed he was managing but saw Sally was still ahead.
"Using Idunn to boost your Exemplar level is cheating!" Fred gasped out.
"I'm not," Sally replied. "Otherwise I'd be farther ahead."
Fred imagined wearing that speedo and found another gear. He sped up and reached the front gate first to applause.
"Thank you all," he said smiling. "Now for a long hot shower."
When rifle practice ended that day he quietly followed Sally up to the floor which held both of their rooms. Once inside her room he looked around and was surprised at how plain it was.
"If you are going to pretend to be a teen girl this fall you'll need to change your decorating style," he said.
She snorted, "Yeah, I know. Unlike you, I have actually been a teenage girl. I can fake it. In a few months I'll start checking to see what's in and trying to get and stay current. I should at least manage as well as the bookish or sporty types if not the 'in crowd'." She pointed him to a chair, "You will not go looking through my clothes. You will sit there and keep your hands to yourself while I get out the swimsuits I own. After you make your choice you will leave and never come back in here unless invited. Capisce?"
"Claro!" he said. "I understand. You really expect me to act like a perv don't you?"
"That spirit inside is a goddess of fertility and sex among other things," she replied. "Add that to teenage hormones and yes, you are doing better than I expected."
He grinned, "Better than you would?"
She glared, "No." Then she went and pulled out three one piece suits, one green, one blue, and one red.
"No two piece suits at all?" he asked.
She grinned, "Nope, just like I told you. Nothing revealing."
He shrugged, "Okay then, I pick the red one."
She nodded, "Done, go get changed and I will meet you by the pool."
By the end of the week Sally had found a volunteer. She brought her by the pool Friday so Fred could meet her. She was someone he had seen before but not really talked to, except for basic politeness.
When Fred saw her leading a tall woman in a guard uniform towards the pool he stood and held out his right hand, "Hello, I'm Frederick Nilsen." He smiled, "Has Sarah convinced you to try the ritual?"
"Yes, Mr. Nilsen," she said. "I'm Brita, one of your guards. You have probably seen me walking the wall."
He nodded, "I have, and please call me Fred. Thank you for volunteering. I hope it works out this time."
She smiled, "It seems like a good risk. If it succeeds then I have super powers and if it doesn't either nothing changes or I get super powers anyway, just different ones."
"That's a good way to look at it," Fred said. "I hope you were told that it will likely be painful?"
Brita nodded, "Yes, and that I will have to strip to my underwear for it. I'm willing, I can even sign a waiver if necessary. I was also told that since my parents are from Norway I should be as good a host as you and hopefully better. I'm looking forward to it."
"Good!" Fred said. He turned to Sally, "Have you and dad planned it out yet?"
Sally nodded, "Yes, it's set for Friday. That way we have the whole weekend to recover if needed."
Fred nodded, "That's good." He looked over at Brita, "Are you staying for the next audiobook or do you have to get home?"
"I have to get home and feed my cat," Brita said. "Maybe next weekend. It will give me an excuse to shop for more swimsuits."
Fred grinned, "I look forward to seeing you then!"
She grinned at him, then shook his hand once more and left. During the next week Fred's father Robert had Brita's apartment lease paid off and she moved into the wing that housed the live-in guards. She brought her cat along of course. By the time Friday morning arrived she was all settled in and waiting by the door to the repurposed gym when Fred and Sally arrived.
"So what's involved in this ritual?" Brita asked.
"Sally draws a circle while we strip to our underwear," Fred said. "Then we get in while she chants." He turned to Sally, "Are you getting in with us this time too or can you do it from outside the circle?"
"I wish I could do it from outside," Sally replied. "Having both of us in might confuse the spirits but I checked with experts and they agree that it needs to be done from inside. I have a trickier drawing to do this time so please don't distract me. Just go change and wait. I'll let you know when we're ready."
Fred nodded and went into the men's changing room and stripped to his boxers. When he came out he saw Brita wearing a sports bra and french cut panties in white satin. He looked away and sat on a bench waiting for Sally to finish her drawing.
Brita sat next to him, "Does it hurt a lot?"
"Not really," Fred said. "I'm not sure how to explain it. It's sort of like being a plucked guitar string if that helps."
"Not much, but thank you for trying," Brita said.
Once Sally had finished the drawing she went into the changing room and came out in white cotton boyshorts and a white sports bra, "Okay, sit where I tell and I'll get things started." She directed first Fred then Brita to their spaces then sat down and started chanting.
They all heard a female voice saying, "Do you wish to renege on our deal?"
Fred replied, "No, but my guards wish to take this for me and have convinced me to let them try a second time. I will stand by the deal I made."
The voice of Feya said, "You wish to bear my spirit for him?"
Sally said, "That was my intention before and is now Brita's. We realize you are a female spirit and think it best for you to go into a female body."
"I am too long in this body to move without damage to both me and my host," Freya said. "I will not move but I do sense a potential in the lady guard to host another of our number if she should wish it."
"A female spirit?" Brita asked.
"If it means so much to you then yes, I shall choose a female spirit, and we shall make you young again so you fit in better with the other two," Freya said. "After this do not attempt this ritual again or be named oathbreakers and be cursed unto eternity or ragnarok."
"I will not take part in any more rituals," Fred said.
Then a light flashed bright as the sun and they all passed out. The next day Fred went to breakfast and saw his father sitting with two teenage blondes.
"Good morning, Father," he said. "Have the guards been updating you on what happened last night?"
Robert nodded, "Yes, I am sorry if our attempts got the spirit within you angry. I hope nothing comes of it."
Fred sighed, "I fear a change is now inevitable but at least I now have new friends and fellow travelers upon this new road I must walk. I made the deal and I will accept the consequences." He gathered a plate of breakfast from the buffet along the wall and sat down, "Can we afford three sets of tuition to Whateley?"
"We can do that with no trouble," Robert said. "And at least Sally should end up in Poe with you if you change even if not as a roommate and if you don't change then we can put Brita in the other co-ed dorm with you, Melville I believe it's called, so you will have help nearby. I am content if you are. All three of you, that is?"
"I am," Fred said.
"I am," Sally said. "I'll need to take avatar classes in any case and there are a lot of other classes that they teach that are both hard to find and quite expensive to take elsewhere."
Brita shrugged, "I'm still shocked at being physically fourteen again and blonde as well but I clearly need to learn to control my abilities and I'm intrigued by the rare classes Sally mentioned. Count me in on everything planned for these two as well."
Fred grinned, "We shall be as the three Musketeers. One for all, and all for one." He looked at his father, "I assume our various tutors can teach three as easily as two?"
"I see no reason why not," Robert replied. "If any of them balk or question it, tell them to come speak to me."
"I will do that," Fred said. He turned to Brita, "You can start by joining us in our morning run around the estate after breakfast."
"Meanwhile I will arrange with the DPA for another test," Robert said. He stood and said, "Have a good Saturday and I hope you enjoy your running and swimming."
On the way to the front gate Fred said, "Are we going shopping after? I'm sure Brita can use some new clothes."
"Actually no," Sally said. "Since she wasn't a mutant before we need to stay put until testing. Until we know what her powers are we should stay put. Sorry Brita, you're stuck here until you get tested and, not incidentally, until you get your MID. It may be that we shouldn't have gone either but we at least had some idea of Fred's powers and I had my ID even if it was a bit out of date."
Fred sighed then said, "I didn't think of it before but she's right. It's one reason I haven't tried to use any magic. I don't want to hurt anyone. Until we at least have some idea of what spirit, previously worshiped as a norse goddess, is now in you we should stay put. You should take it easy and relax. Consider it a paid vacation."
Brita looked surprised then she sighed as well and nodded, "I understand."
"After our run we can hit the gym where we used to do Physical Therapy," Fred said. "We can start getting an idea of at least your new physical stats."
Brita smiled, "Thanks, that might help. So you just jog around the inside of the walls right? Or are you planning another run?"
"Last time was due to a bet," Sally said. "He wanted to pick what bathing suit I wore to swim that day."
"Oh," Brita said. "I don't think I should do that until we know if I'm anywhere as fast as the two of you. I might be no faster than I was before."
"Or you might be faster," Fred said. "But we can skip the betting if you want."
"How would that work anyway?" Sally said. "Would the winner pick for just whomever came in last or for both of the other two?"
"We can decide that when or if Brita decides to join in," Fred said.
"That almost sounds like you don't think I'd ever accept a challenge from either of you," Brita said. As the front gate neared she said, "I'm in as long as we have certain rules."
"Currently, the rules we have are, Primus, the winner gets to pick a suit not paw through the loser's clothes looking for one, Secundus, having picked the suit the winner then leaves the loser's room and goes to get him or herself ready. Any ogling is done discreetly and after the loser has reached the pool."
Brita said, "I'm good with those rules."
"So, does the winner pick for just the slowest or everyone?" Sally said.
"How do you vote?" Fred said. "I'll vote last so I'll only be needed in case of a tie."
"I say everyone," Sally said.
"Me too," Brita said.
"Fine by me," Fred said. "Let's race!"
At first all three were about even then Brita's eyes glowed and she sped up.
"Does that count as cheating?" Fred asked.
"No," Sally said. "We all agreed to continue despite not knowing how applicable her powers were to running." She smiled, "I guess that means powers are fair game!" Sally suddenly sped up as well.
Fred gaped for a minute then realized she was using her spirit to boost her exemplar level. He pushed himself but still wasn't getting close to either lady. "If you have any way of helping with this please do so," he muttered to his spirit. His body glowed briefly and runes appeared in the air around him. His running smoothed out, his gait perfect for the terrain and his breathing was controlled. He suddenly knew he was taking in as much air as he could without gasping and running his best. His footsteps felt light and each step propelled him farther than they had before with less effort. He was slowly closing the gap between him and the two in front but he wasn't sure if he could pass them. He would try though and this was certainly a better chance than he'd had before. "Thank you," he said to Freya and tried to close the gap entirely before they reached the end of the trail.
As he approached the other two he saw Brita in front and her legs were glowing intermittently. She seemed to be having trouble keeping a constant speed. She'd slow down until Sally had almost caught her then look over her shoulder and see how close the other woman was and put on a burst of speed accompanied by a golden glow and pull ahead again.
Fred was somehow reminded of the way the wolves, Hati and Skoll, chased the Sun and Moon across the sky. He'd thought the Sun was a male god to the Norse but his inner spirit told him he had it reversed. Sol, the sun, was female and Mani, the moon god, was male and brother to Sol.
He saw the front gate ahead and realized he wouldn't pass them but would instead come in third. He was sad but not too upset. He knew that unless he found a spell of haste or something similar Sally would always be faster when using her powers and it looked like Brita was now some sort of energizer based speedster so he would have to remember to add the no powers rule to any future bets. At least Brita probably wouldn't pick the speedo for him to wear.
As they got close to the gate Fred saw a flash of flame then Brita jumped sideways and rolled on the grass. Sally stopped to help her and Fred angled towards them to see if he could arrive in time to help.
It all seemed to be over as he ran up to them. Brita was standing there barefoot but unharmed.
"What happened," Fred asked as he ran up to them.
"My shoes caught fire!" Brita said. She pointed and he saw the remains of her running shoes and socks still smoldering in the path.
"Are you alright?" Fred said.
"I don't feel burned," she said.
"And you don't look burned," Sally said. "I don't think we should continue the race though. No telling what will happen next."
Brita looked down at her bare feet and laughed, "Yeah, I don't want to lose any more clothes to fire. I'll wait until after I get tested and even then I might wait until we hit school."
"I think dad might need to swap one of the tutors," Fred said. "I'll talk to him about it at dinner. I could use magic lessons and you do need lessons in controlling your energy. If I'm right you got the spirit of Sol, Norse goddess of the sun. So yeah, take it easy today, get tested on Monday hopefully, but after that you'll need at least enough knowledge not to set things on fire by accident." He pulled his phone from his pocket and called his father as they all slowly walked the rest of the course.
After the call he said, "Okay, he's going to swap the shooting range instructor for one who can show you the basics of being an energizer. Mage tutors are apparently thin on the ground so I may have to wait until Whateley but he agrees that you need help more urgently and we can practice on the range by ourselves now or exercise or something during your class."
"Thanks," Brita said. "I hope it's no trouble."
Fred said, "No trouble at all, I'm sure."
"You probably should hit the cafeteria for a snack or two," Sally said. "Energizers eat a lot."
"So do teenage boys," Fred said. "I'll come with you if you like."
"Thanks," Brita said.
After their snack Fred said, "I am going to tell Sally she gets to pick my suit. I know we didn't finish but I wasn't going to win and she could have won while you were figuring out what happened."
"Well, I'm not sure she'll agree to that but we can ask her," Brita said.
They went up to Sally's room and knocked,"Hey can we come in?"
"Sure," Sally said.
Brita opened the door to reveal Sally in a white terrycloth robe, "Hey, Fred was planning to declare himself the loser and offered to pay up on the bet but personally I'd rather we try again after we know what my powers are and even then I think we should put a no powers rule into effect."
"Well, we had been running with a no powers rule before," Sally said. "Since we started running for exercise. For the first bet too since if I boost my Exemplar level I'm pretty much guaranteed to win against Fred."
"Oh," Brita said. "That makes sense. We should do that next time." She turned to Fred, "You get to pick your own suit today. Enjoy it. It might be the last time or a while."
He smiled back at her, "Sure, I'll change and grab my kindle then meet you by the pool."
After he left Sally said, "We've been listening to audiobooks as we soak up sun. You're in luck that we're starting a new one today so you won't be lost."
"That's cool," Brita said. "Who picks? Or does it rotate?"
"It rotates," Sally said. "I'm sure he won't mind if you have a favorite you want to share. If you're a big fan of sappy romances you might only get the one pick but I don't think either of us will mind anything else."
"What have you been listening to?" Brita asked as she led Sally to her room so she could change.
"He's been picking science fiction," Sally said. "And I've been picking funny fantasy stories."
"I like both of those," Brita said. "I also like historical fiction and military sci-fi. I think I'll fit in."
Sally smiled, "Yes, you will fit in just fine." She smirked, "And Fred will be happy to see you in that bikini."
"Oh," said Brita. "Too much you think?"
Sally shook her head, "No, just expect some ogling."
Brita laughed, "I already was. It was one of the rules you two mentioned."
Sally smiled, "Then let's go relax by the pool."
When they got to the pool Fred grinned happily but all he said was. "I have the next audiobook ready. It's the first of the Foundation series. Did Sally tell you about the habit we developed while healing in the tanks?"
"She told me you switch off on who decides which audiobooks you listen to but not about any tanks," Brita said.
So Fred told her about the attack and waking up in a tank of sterile saline.
"Ouch," Brita said. "That sounds uncomfortable."
"It was mostly just boring," Sally said. "So we arranged to have audiobooks playing and we kept listening afterward."
"That sounds cool," Brita said. "As long as I get a vote too."
"Sure," Fred said. "You can pick the next one then we can have a three person rotation."
"Sounds good to me," Brita said. "I've read Foundation but it was many years ago. I'm curious to hear it and see how much I remember."
They listened to the eight hour audiobook while sunbathing and swimming with a break for lunch. At dinner Fred's father had news.
"It's been a slow month for the local DPA so I got you an appointment on Monday and on the day after that we'll be replacing two tutors with one," Robert said. "Everyone says you've picked the basics of firearms well son and the energizer I found can also teach about the laws relating to mutants and using powers in public. So she will be teaching all of you about the history of mutants in America and how the law changed to accommodate the new reality as well as helping Brita adjust to be an energizer and making sure she, and those around her, are safe. Once she tells me it's safe you can go shop for clothes more fitting of your current age. Also please get something for the Equinox celebration in March."
"Yes, dad," Fred said. "We'll get her something good."
"Thank you for everything Mr. Nilsen," Brita said.
"I'll go with her Monday and keep an eye out," Sally said. "Fred should be safe here while she gets tested."
"Thank you Sally," Robert said. "That will help."
After dinner Brita picked 1632 by Eric Flint for listening the next day. Fred went to his room after that to review his notes from the classes he took during the week.
Sunday morning Fred went running alone. While Sally and Brita went swimming. Fred said as he met them by the pool. "I hope nothing burst into flames while I was jogging around the estate?"
Sally laughed, "Nope, we were swimming laps as you ran."
"That way I can exercise without worrying," Brita said. "I think I heated the pool a bit at one point but I can't be sure."
"If you did it wasn't by much," Sally said. "If, at any point, you feel like you did just before your shoes caught fire then you should jump in. It should help."
Brita nodded, "I will do that. It should save my clothes if nothing else and I just bought this suit so I want to keep it."
They got less than halfway through the audiobook by dinner but they spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other so it was time well spent.
Chapter Five
DISCLAIMER: I am not a canon author.
Monday morning while Brita and Sally got driven to the DPA offices to get tested Fred ran by himself again and practiced his new running spell.. He was planning to surprise the other two with it some time.
Fred saw them at lunch, "Hello ladies. How did it go?"
"It went well," Brita said. "Sally was great at moral support. I am an avatar 1, induced Exemplar 3, and an Energizer 4a at least for now."
"She can produce both light and heat in great amounts but with little control as yet," Sally said.
Brita winked at him, "You missed the show. I managed to burn off my test suit. It's supposed to take temperatures hot enough to melt iron but I passed that and was left wearing soot and bits of melted metal."
"Not just melted Brita," Sally said. "Vaporized then deposited back onto you after you cooled down. It's a good thing you can turn it on and off at will."
"Yeah, but I still have a long way to go in training," Brita said.
"Speaking of training," Fred said. "Are you going to spar with us today?"
"Sure!" Brita said. "My energizer training is going to be Tuesday and Thursday so I can spar with you the other three days and we can use the time to learn what we can do physically, both separately and together."
"Well, let's go then," Fred said.
Afterward when he went to shower all his body hair washed down the drain. He sighed and asked Freya, "It's started then?"
"Yes," she replied. "By summer you shall be female and look like me. Not exactly but close enough that the others should recognize me."
"I understand," he said. Once out by the pool he told the other two, "I lost my body hair in the shower. Freya confirmed that it's the start of my changes and told me I will be female by summer."
The other hugged him and Sally said, "I will help as much as I can."
Brita adds, "You'll still be welcome to ogle me anytime. Assuming you'll still like girls."
Fred blushed but nodded, "Yeah, I asked and she has said she won't be altering that. Apparently she doesn't mind either way and is fine with leaving that part of me alone."
Sally blushed a bit, "Isn't she a fertility goddess among other things?"
Fred said, "Sure, but that doesn't mean she bore the children herself. She just helped others who wanted it."
The next day Brita joined them in classes on the history of supers and the changes in the law that deal with them. The energizer giving the speech also included anecdotes from her time at Whateley.
"Hey, Sally," Fred said that afternoon while Brita was getting training in energy projection and the basics of being an energizer.
"Yeah?" Sally replied. She turned to look at him. They were both in the pool swimming laps.
"You didn't share any recollections about Whateley with Charles while he was teaching," Fred said. "So I want to make sure of what the official story is as far as he's concerned."
"Nobody told you?" she replied.
"I guess they figured you would," Fred said.
She nodded, "Very well. As far as anyone who wasn't already employed here when we came home from the hospital we are three newly manifested mutants who are all teenagers. I mean people you know and are certain were there. If you aren't sure they should know anything but that official story then stick to it."
"I understand," he said. "Let me know if that changes?"
"I will," she replied. "I'll tell you what I know from now on since I guess people are assuming that anyway. If people ask where I or Brita came from, tell them to ask your father. All you know is he's sponsoring us to the Academy and if pressed you assume we are kids of employees."
Fred nodded, "I'll remember, thanks."
After about an hour Brita came running towards them from the concrete building that held the pistol range. She was glowing faintly as she left and it grew brighter as she raced for the pool.
Fred stroked hastily for the side of the pool, "Let's give her some room."
"I agree," said Sally.
She dove in from about five feet away and hit the water with a hiss. A little steam rose but nothing else happened. She surfaced and exhaled a sigh, "Ah, that feels better. I think I could have stayed but there's a lot of ammunition stored there. If I'd had a real meltdown that would have made it worse." She sighed again, "As it is I'm going to need to order more clothes soon. Online ordering unless I get better fast."
"If your room is unlocked I can grab you a swimsuit," Sally said. "Then you can either stay here and swim with us or go back and try again. I'm not sure if you should continue training after that but I'm no expert on Solar powers."
"Thanks," Brita said. "I'll stay in the pool until you're back. I'm told that I shouldn't try and use my powers for a few hours after they've gotten away from me. At least at the early stages of training so that's it for today."
"He stuck a hand in the water, "A little warmer but still not too hot."
Sally gave him a look and he pulled his hand back, "I'll stay out until Sally comes back with your suit."
Brita smiled, "Thanks. That makes me feel better."
"I'll be back soon," Sally said and left.
"I don't mind if you look," Brita said. "I'm just worried about what people might think if they saw us both in the pool and me without a suit."
Fred nodded, "Very reasonable." He lowered his voice, "Especially since you are supposed to be a young teenage girl." He grinned, "People might assume our hormones had taken over if they saw us skinny dipping."
She laughed at that and said, "Well, according to my trainer anyone who can create volcanic or higher levels of heat, like I can, has weeks of embarrassment ahead. So you'll get plenty of chances to see anything you missed this time and I will be shopping entirely online for the near future."
"If you go through that many clothes then maybe I should buy you a few," Fred said.
"Well you'll need to get practice at that eventually but I don't want to be the guinea pig for your first foray into buying women's clothes," Brita said. "I'm sure I can afford to buy new clothes though. Your father pays well." She shrugged, "Soon enough we can go and shop at an actual store and you can get a sense of how it's done for when you need new clothes."
Sally heard that as she came back with a suit and tossed it in the pool, "That's true but if you don't mind doing your online browsing with an onlooker you can show Fred the basics."
Brita nodded, "Sure, I can do that."
She swam over to where the bikini was floating and put it on, "Okay, now you can come in Fred."
Every day Fred got a little more female looking and Brita managed to last a little longer before losing control and having to dive into the pool. Two weeks after the second ritual Fred developed breasts and Sally had Mr. Nilsen declare the pool and surrounding area off limits to everyone but the three of them. The gym they exercised and sparred in was already theirs and was the only space on the ground floor facing the pool.
"I'll stop wearing tops by the pool now," Brita said. "It won't be the first time I've sunned topless and after all the times I've burnt my clothes off I've got nothing you haven't seen."
"Thank you for your show of solidarity," Fred said. "I wish this would go faster. It feels weird to be stuck halfway and dad sent away all the tutors but the woman from Whateley who is training you. I understand why but those classes were pretty interesting and I was getting better at the hand to hand."
"We can still spar," Sally said. "That will help you get better and get used to the changes in your body. It might be good for you too Brita. We can keep the sliding doors open so you'll have easy access to the pool."
"Thanks," Brita said. "I can use it." She rolled her eyes, "I should order a half dozen gis. I've managed to get five new bikinis in from online purchases so I should set for a week or so on that score. But if we're sparring with powers added I will need them."
"Nope," Fred said. "No powers while sparring. We're training skills so we don't boost anything." Looking over at her Fred asked, "You're able to use your spirit to boost your Exemplar level like Sally does?"
"No," Brita said. "I'm not using the spirit directly. I'm using the energizer powers she gave me. My trainer calls it the internal use of energy. I haven't found out how much I boost yet because I'm still getting the hang of it but I can make myself faster and stronger. I can also do an energy blast of laser like light or a wide blast of heat and light. My aim is slowly getting better. I can pick a general direction for it now. The main problem with being an avatar of a sun goddess is that, like the sun, she tended to radiate in all directions. Directing it takes concentration and focus. When my focus slips sometimes it fades away but more often I just start glowing and the temperature around me goes up to around 400 degrees. I stopped wearing shoes to train after the first day and I'm considering just wearing a robe and hanging it up once I'm inside."
"But that only happens when you're trying to use your powers?" Sally asked.
"Yes, and only after I've been using them a while," Brita said. "I'm up to almost two hours." She held up a hand and it glowed briefly then went out. "If we're sparring or whatever and I start to glow just move a few feet away. The heat drops off fast."
"That's workable," Fred said. "I'm sure you'll keep getting better at it. I'm surprised you have the energy to practice for two hours straight."
Brita smiled at that, "Yeah, that impressed the trainer too. I've got plenty of gas in the tank. Eventually we'll find the bottom though and that will be the goal. Being able to keep focus until I'm too tapped out to blast."
"I'm sure you'll get there," Sally said.
"Yeah," Fred agreed.
"Hopefully I will get there by the time Fred is finished changing and we can all go out together to shop, eat, and see the outside," Brita said.
"Sounds good to me," Fred said. "We are going to miss the equinox celebration so maybe we can take a week of that two week vacation dad was talking about."
"We can ask," Sally said. "Where would you want to go?"
"South Pacific somewhere," Fred said. Sighing, Fred continued, "I don't exactly match my passport photo anymore so maybe Hawaii?"
"You still need identification for that but your MID will do," Sally said. "You'll need a new one with a new picture and probably a new name."
"Yeah,in that case Tahiti," Fred said. "Frederica is what I'm thinking of for the name. So I can still answer to Fred."
"It's a pretty name," Brita said.
"We can go with you as guards," Sally said. She gave Brita a look.
Brita sighed, "I promise to keep my hands off but we agreed that a little ogling and flirting is okay, right?"
"We agreed, well I agree that it's normal for a teenager to do it," Sally said. She sighed, "I won't complain about the rest as long as Fred's fine with it. I guess she'll have to get used to that among many other things." She turned to Fred, "So are you okay with Brita flirting and ogling?"
Fred nodded, "Yes, as long as I can flirt and ogle back I'm good. Maybe it will keep the boys away."
"If that's all you want to do it for then don't bother," Brita said. "In my experience it only deters the more rational and mature males. The rest just think it's hot for some reason."
"That's not the only reason," Fred said. "You can flirt and ogle all you like regardless."
"I think the hormones are getting to you both," Sally said. "I'm going in for a few minutes. I'll be back."
"Think she's going to go report us?" Brita said.
"Possibly," Fred said. "Or going to arrange the vacation. Don't worry about her telling on us. Dad wouldn't fire you for flirting with me and even if we start something he would just be concerned about the PR applications."
Brita sighed, "I think she's right about the hormones."
Fred laughed, "It'll help your cover as a teenager."
It was about an hour later when Sally came back out and she had a camera with her, "I need a picture of your face Fred."
"Sure," Fred said. She sat up and took off her sunglasses, "Is this good?"
"Should be," Sally said. She took the picture and said, "I'll send this to the substation where we got tested and they will make the changes. They were halfway expecting it once they found out your spirit was female and are geared to make the changes. As a strong avatar you might have beat the odds so they didn't offer while you were there. Are you sure Frederica is the name you want? It's a good one but as long as we're changing it you can pick anything."
Fred said, "I'm sure of it. Thanks for asking though."
"Okay, I'll get that started," Sally said. "Try to keep your hands off each other until I'm back to chaperon."
Chapter 6
Disclaimer: I am not a canon author.
When she came back she saw Fred rubbing lotion into Brita's back and rolled her eyes, "It's done you pervs. You'll be getting a new MID and a passport and other id in your new name. They'll be coming by special courier on Monday morning. We'll shop that afternoon then we can plan the vacation." She chuckled, "Maybe we should find an island resort with clothing optional or private beaches."
"That sounds good," Brita said. "And rubbing my back isn't perverted. If she rubbed lotion into my front, maybe but there's nothing wrong with what she's doing."
"And when she gets to your waist will she stop?" Sally asked. "Or will she rub lotion on everything not covered by that g-string bottom?"
"Up to her really," Brita said. "I can't bring myself to mind either way. This feels too good."
"Private beach in the lead then," Sally said and made a note in her phone.
"I agree," Fred said. "A week or two of just us is what I want."
"Alright, I will bring a kindle to read while you two keep me awake at night," Sally said.
"With frustration?" Brita asked.
"With the noises I'm sure you'll make at all hours," Sally replied.
Brita was going to protest but just then Fred eased the tension out of a knotted muscle in her thigh and she moaned, "Oh, yes." Then she looked at Sally and said, "Okay, you might have a point." She looked over her shoulder at Fred, "Nothing past second base until we get to the island and after we get back we'll have to be discreet in public and where others can see."
"Others meaning people who aren't Sally right?" Fred said as he worked his down Brita's legs.
"Mmm, yes," Brita said.
Sally sighed but didn't object. She would keep an eye out while they were distracted by each other. Her hormones were also surging but she was in control of them.
At breakfast Monday morning Robert, Fred's father, told them, "I have arranged for your vacation. You leave on Wednesday the day before the equinox party and come back in two weeks. By then I hope to have a mage tutor as well as the energizer tutor. We will also have done the spade work on the background of your new identity. I hope you all have a relaxing time."
"Thanks dad!" Fred said. "You've been great about everything. I can't thank you enough."
"There is no need to thank me," Robert said with a smile. "I'm your father so I will help you. I just wish I could do more."
'You're doing as much as I could ask for," Fred said. She hugged her father, "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Robert replied. "Have fun."
Later while out by the pool Fred said, "I guess we don't have time to shop online for new clothes."
"Don't worry," Sally said. "We'll help you pick out stuff to wear that won't look out of place on a girl. You probably have enough unisex stuff in your closet but you can borrow from me if you need it."
"From me too," said Brita. "You'll need to borrow your bra from Sally though. I've got a few cup sizes on both of you."
"Do I need one?" Fred said.
"Yes, you do," Sally said. "For the trip through the airport at least." She gave Brita a brief glare, "You might not be as large on top as miss double D over there but it's enough to be obvious. Especially in warm weather clothing. We don't need the attention you'll get if you don't wear one and you should get used to the feel of one. Brita is right that we are about the same size so I'll grab a few and meet you in your room to show you how to wear one." She stood up, "It's up to you if you want to invite Brita. She'll probably come to ogle if you agree but if you'd rather be private trying them on for the first time just let us know."
Fred stood, "Thank you for thinking of my feelings Sally, but I don't mind if Brita is there." She turned to Brita, "You don't have to come but I don't mind if you do."
Brita smiled, "Thank you. I'll wait here unless you want my opinion of how they look."
Fred shrugged, "It's not going to be seen by anyone but you two so who cares."
"We can talk about lingerie another day," Brita said. "A pair of plain white bras is a good way to start."
"Exactly my thought," Sally said. "Come on Fred, let's get this done."
Early Wednesday both Brita and Sally came into Fred's room to help her pack. They packed the two white sports bras she had borrowed from Sally and all the shirts that might be worn by a girl then Brita blushed.
"What is it?" Fred said.
"What underwear we pack for you depends on how far the change has gone," Brita replied.
"You can see that for yourself right?" Fred said. She had showered and was only wearing a clean pair of boxers.
Sally chuckled, "She's hinting that she wants to see you naked but isn't completely shameless so she's embarrassed to ask."
"Oh," Fred said and blushed as well.
"I just don't know if we should pack boxers or panties!" Brita said. "I wasn't asking for a show."
"Some women wear boxers Brita," Sally said. "It's an excuse. If you want to see, just ask politely. I would wait until we get there but it's up to the two of you."
"You've certainly shown us the whole enchilada," Fred said. "If you ask I will show you the full Monty."
"Are Exemplar hormones stronger than normal hormones?" Brita asked.
Sally nodded, "Yes, they are."
"I suppose you will tell me it's an excuse if I say we should check her carefully to make sure there are no problems with the change?" Brita said.
Sally groaned, "That would require us both to look. I'm the only one in the room who was a mutant before and I bet I'm the only one for miles who has seen genitals in mid-switch before."
"You have?" Fred said.
"When I was a teenager the first time around I was in Poe Cottage," Sally said. She didn't say it was because she was a lesbian, it would be obvious when they learned more about the place. "The showers are communal for the girls and we had a few who were not quite female yet in Freshman year so yes I have seen a few."
Fred dropped her boxers, "Then yes, I want you to check. It will make me feel better." She blushed, "It's, uh, gotten smaller since this started. Also, um, just look." She kicked off the boxers and sat on the bed. She opened her legs and showed them. All the pubic hair was gone. The penis had shrunk from six inches to two, although only Sally remembered what size it had been when they left the hospital. Fred moved the smaller member over and said, "See? They're … empty." She pointed to the testicle sack that was flat and seemingly empty.
"Wow," Brita said. "You're pretty far along."
"We knew that already," Sally said. She patted Fred on the shoulder, "You don't have to worry or be nervous Fred. It looks like it's going normally from what I see. Hopefully it will be finished by the time we get back."
"Thank you!" Fred hugged Sally. She got up and packed the boxers and the speedo suits and several shorts then said to Brita, "If you want to loan me some panties too I will pack them. I guess I should get used to the feeling."
Brita blushed again, "Actually you still have enough to get in the way. We can wait until you've finished changing, then you can buy your own instead of borrowing." She shrugged, "But I did offer so if you want some of mine, for whatever reason, you can have them."
Sally rolled her eyes, "You should get dressed Fred. Or Brita might get naked too and then we'll miss the plane. Put all your shower stuff in the suitcase or a carryon and make sure you have all your electronics then seal everything up and dress."
Fred smiled, "Okay, I'll pack then dress." She was soon finished packing then put back on her boxers and a pair of cargo shorts. She had to open the suitcase again to fish out one of the bras to wear but soon she had it on along with a shirt with a map of Florida on it. "There! Now I could be anybody."
Sally grabbed both suitcases, "Well, anybody arriving by limo with two bodyguards but otherwise sure. Let's go, I want to get to the airport early."
They got to the airport two hours before the first leg of their flight to Tahiti. The TSA guy grinned when he saw them but lost the smile when Sally handed over her MID.
"Exemplar and Avatar?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied. "I and Brita are going as security for Ms. Nilsen. It's her father that owns the jet we're taking."
"Send your carryon through the scanner along with your purse and go through the scanning devise," he said.
Sally put her stuff on the conveyor belt and walked through the scanner. The guard at the monitor leered at her but said, "She's clean."
Fred went next and showed the guard his MID. The guard looked at it and said, "If you're this badass why do you need guards?"
"It was my dad's idea," Fred said.
The guard nodded, "No spells while in the airport. Since you have no carryon just walk through the scanner."
Fred walked through the scanner and the guard gave him a funny look but said, "Clean."
Brita showed the guard her MID next. He looked at it and said, "All three of you are avatars? That's weird."
"It's one reason my dad picked them," Fred said. "He's hoping we will end up friends. Said I'm less likely to ditch guards I like and have stuff in common with."
The man nodded again, "Sounds reasonable. Okay, no sunbeams in the airport and walk through the scanner."
The guard at the monitor leered at her too before saying, "She's clean too."
They joined Sally and headed for the corporate jet.
Fred said, "He gave me a weird look. You think he suspects?"
"I doubt it," Brita said. "He's just an old perv getting off on scanning three young hotties."
"We got through early," Sally said. "Do you want to eat here or see what they have on the plane?"
"Both," said Brita.
Fred smiled, "I will treat you both to whatever. My new American Express came in and this one has my right name so I want to try it out."
Brita said, "Thank you, that sounds lovely."
"I'll take you up on that," Sally said. "Maybe I can treat you on the way back."
"Sure," Fred said.
They had breakfast then got on the jet which had 16 plush leather seats in four groups of four. Brita and Fred snacked on the way to LAX where they got out to stretch their legs while the plane refueled and fresh crew from Nilsen Enterprises were swapped for the current ones.
Their next stop was in Hawaii and Sally said, "We're stopping overnight here. We'll have new crew again in the morning and the plane will be serviced and checked. We should have a limo waiting for us outside."
As they grabbed their luggage they saw a chauffeur holding a sign saying 'Nilsen Party' and headed for him.
Sally said, "We're the Nilsen party. Do you have ID?"
The man nodded and produced a corporate ID card, "Here you are agent Lavender. I was briefed on all your appearances."
Sally studied it then nodded, "It looks good. Lead the way."
He led them to a limousine and opened the trunk, "You're booked into a three bedroom suite at the Fairmont Orchid. Checkout is noon tomorrow your wake up call is set for eight a.m. and your flight is set for ten a.m. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"No, thank you," Fred said.
Once settled into their rooms Fred said, "I'm going to shower. Let's order in for dinner okay?"
"Fine by me," Brita said. "I'm hungry again and I don't know if they're serving in whatever restaurant they have here or even what meal it would be."
"That's the jet lag," Sally said. "A good night's sleep and you'll be fine. I think I'll go shower too. Order enough for all of us please."
After a large dinner eaten in bathrobes they slept until dawn. They were fed, packed, and ready when the limo pulled up at nine and soon the last leg of their journey was done and they were on the ground at Fa'a'a airport on the island of Tahiti.
There were no problems at customs except for the leer on the face of the agent when he heard the three of them had rented a private beach for two weeks. Another limo driver transported them to the resort.
"Here is your villa," the woman from the resort said as she stopped the golf cart-like vehicle. "Two master bedrooms and a fenced off beach with access to the sea. I should mention that there is another similar one nearby with three bedrooms for only a little bit more if you require room to spread out."
Brita giggled, "Oh, I don't mind sharing with either of them.'
Sally said, "I'm a guard. A smaller bedroom would be fine for me."
Fred sighed, "Sally, you don't need to keep shouting 'I'm a bodyguard not a girlfriend' to everyone. I doubt she cares and I thought you were supposed to be undercover as my guest?"
Sally blushed, "I, I am sorry sir." She sighed, "You are correct. My apologies to you and to you ma'am. You were simply making an offer to upgrade our accommodations, not suggesting anything."
"That's perfectly alright, miss," the woman said. "Do you need any help with the luggage? I can have two husky young men here in a trice to carry anything needed."
"No, I think we're good on that front," Fred said. 'Is the villa stocked with food Anna?"
The woman, Anna, nodded, "Yes, miss. Stocked for two weeks with food, in both refrigerator and pantry. There should be a big basket of fresh fruit on the kitchen table and if you dial zero on the landline you can order anything else you need from towels to sushi."
Fred got out of the cart, "Then I think we'll be fine. Just pass over the keys and we'll go unpack."
Chapter 7
After unpacking they ate and slept and were free of jetlag the next morning.
"Let's do some sparring on the beach after breakfast," Fred said. She was sitting at the kitchen table in just a robe.
"Sure," Sally said. "I brought my gi." Sally was dressed in blue cargo shorts under a white tank top.
"Then maybe I can practice my blasts without losing clothes because I'll be starting with none," Brita said. She was also in just a robe but hadn't bothered to tie it shut unlike Fred.
"Then lunch and an afternoon on the beach listening to audiobooks and talking?" Fred asked.
"Don't you two want privacy?" Sally asked.
"Not from you," Fred said. "But if you want privacy from us you can have it easy enough. Just go inside or for a walk."
"Watching over you is my job," Sally said. "While you're outside I'll be here with you."
"You know, maybe I shouldn't practice blasting," Brita said. "If I point them up they'll be visible for a long way and be pretty much declaring 'there's a mutant here'. If I aim at the water the hiss might be loud enough for any neighbors to hear."
"Well we know the nearest large villa is empty because they offered it to us but if you're worried about who is nearby we can gather intelligence and exercise at the same time," Fred said.
"By jogging on the beach?" Sally asked. "Good idea. We can see any villas on the beach as we jog by. If there's no one close you can either aim at the ocean or straight out to sea. Also we can see how easy it will be for joggers from any other villa to come strolling past our little bit of beach."
Fred smiled, "Thank you, you had a great idea as always Sally!"
"That means you two pervs will have to get dressed," Sally said. "I recommend cargo shorts, a bra, and any of the shirts for you Fred. It'll cover everything and make you look like a tomboy."
"Sounds good," Fred said. "I'll go change."
Brita giggled, "Need any help?"
"No," Fred said. "But you can come watch me dress as long as I get to do the same."
"It's a deal," Brita said. And they both left the room.
Sally washed the dishes and tried to stop imagining what they might be doing other than dressing.
They left in tank tops and shorts and jogged along the shore enclosed by the resort.
"Well, it seems that the nearest villas are empty," Fred said. "And even they aren't very close. So we can practice as long as we don't light up the sky. I might even practice a spell or two that Freya has offered."
"What do they do?" Sally said.
"One helps me move better," Fred said. "I first used it during our first trio run. It didn't let me catch you but I stayed close enough to see Brita burn her footwear off and detour to where you were."
"And the other?" Sally asked.
Fred said, "I haven't tried it yet but it's supposed to be a shield spell."
Brita said, "Defense is good. Let's see that one."
Fred called internally, "Can we try the shield spell?" Freya replied, "Yes."
Fred gestured and glowing runes formed in the air then a shimmering silver glow surrounded her.
"That looks good," Sally said. "Mind if I test it?"
"Go ahead," Fred replied.
Sally tried a moderate punch first and was pleased when it bounced off. She followed it with a hard punch and smiled when that bounced as well.
Fred felt the shield drop, "I think I'm out of mana. Freya says I will get better at holding, well she calls it essence, if I practice regularly."
"That sounds right from what I remember," Sally said. "Once you have recovered enough let me know and I will boost first then swing."
"And if it handles that we can see if you can put it on other things or around other people. If you can shield a rock then we can see if it blocks my blasts. If you can surround people you can protect them."
Fred said, "It'll be a few hours before I recharge, so I think it's your turn next Brita."
"Aren't you tired of seeing her burn off her clothes?" Sally asked.
Brita smiled, "No reason to lose good clothing. It's a private beach." She stripped and then concentrated. Soon she was glowing golden all over. She held out a hand and a blast of plasma shot out over the sand and about ten meters into the water. She took a deep breath and the glow slowly faded. "How was that?"
"That was great!" Fred said.
"Not the best range," Sally started then grinned, "but it was pretty awesome!"
Brita said, "Let's see how long I can keep it up." She started to glow again and started throwing plasma balls from either hand until suddenly the glow brightened enough for the other two to have to look away. She eventually took control and shut off the power.
When he turned back Fred said, "I'm surprised the sand didn't melt."
"That takes a lot more heat," Brita said. "My plasma balls could do it but not my accidental overflow."
"Well some of my essence is back," Fred said. "So I guess it's my turn again." He gestured and different runes formed, 'Want to spar, Sally?"
She said, "Sure, is that the better movement spell?"
Fred replied, "Yes."
For the first two minutes Fred was winning. He blocked or dodged everything Sally threw his way. His offense was on target as well and he managed to turn two attacks of hers into throws. Then it wore off and they were closely matched again.
Brita called out, "Break! That lasted two minutes. Not bad for hand to hand."
As they separated, Sally said, "That's good! Many fights don't even last two minutes and if you can dominate the first two minutes of longer fights you should be able to win. Keep practicing and you'll do well in basic martial arts come September."
Brita said, "And since I don't want to fall behind it's my turn again. Unless you want to rest first, Sally?"
"Don't you want to dress first?" Sally said. "You're leaving sensitive targets out in the open."
Brita gave a little shimmy, "Maybe I'm hoping to distract you into making mistakes." She left her clothes on the sand and moved up to face Sally. "I'm ready when you are."
"I hope you're ready for sand in delicate places," Sally said and moved forward.
"I hope you'll stay exemplar 3 and not boost any higher," Brita said.
"You mentioned being able to boost your physical stats with energy so why shouldn't I?" Sally said. "Just give me a warning if you lose control."
Brita shrugged, "Okay then." She concentrated and her eyes had just started to glow when Sally swept her legs out from under her.
Brita rolled into a handstand then flipped onto her feet.
Fred was amazed at the skill and speed they both showed.
Sally won the first bout pinning Brita face first into the sand but when Brita started glowing she let go and backed off.
Brita raced to the sea and dove in with a hiss. A minute or so later she came out dripping wet and winked at Fred's appreciative look, "Okay, you won that one. Do you want to try for best two out of three?"
"Is your essence topped up Fred?" Sally asked.
"Not yet," Fred said.
"Then sure Brita, let's go around again," Sally said. "If you win I will even go topless."
Brita grinned and a glow surrounded her then sank inside, "Now that's a good motivation. Strip sparring, whoever loses has to take something off."
Sally grinned back, "Sure!"
Whether it was the motivation or being prepared, or a combination, Brita won the next bout.
"I should leave my bra on if we are going by an article per loss," Sally said after taking off her shirt.
"But you had already said you'd go topless," Fred blurted. Then he blushed, "Sorry."
The other two laughed and Sally said, "Well I did promise. But after this one per loss and if Brita loses she gets a spank on the ass for fighting naked."
"I can agree to that," Brita said.
"Me too," Fred said. "When I'm recharged enough to join in."
"Your ability to hold essence will grow with proper use and Whateley will give you exercises on how to make it grow faster."
Sally removed her bra and with a twinkle in her eye she handed it to Fred, "Here, go put this inside for me. I don't want to get it full of sand."
Fred grinned back trying to look without being obvious about it, "I can take your shirt in with me too."
"Sure, thanks," Sally said.
"Will you grab my clothes as well?" Brita asked.
"Sure," Fred replied. "Put them in the washing machine? So we can launder everything once we go in?"
"Don't start it until we're done sparring but otherwise that's a good idea," Sally said.
Brita nodded, "Thanks for the service."
Fred gathered up all the clothes and walked into the utility room. She started by shaking sand out of clothes before putting them in the washing machine. When she got to Brita's black lacy panties he stopped, looked over his shoulder to see if anyone was coming in and then listened for footsteps. Hearing and seeing nothing he brought them up to his face and inhaled. Then he blushed and tossed them in the machine.
When he got back outside Sally was holding Brita over head, "Do you yield?"
"I yield," Brita said. "Unless and until I can figure out how to fly at least."
Sally smirked and said, "You're just in time to watch her take her punishment." She put Brita down and smacked her butt with a loud sound, "That's two out of three. Did you want to go for three out of five?"
Brita flushed, "Is your essence back yet Fred?"
Fred said, "No, but we can move onto the second half of the day and grab the large towels and suntan lotion if you don't want to spar any longer."
Brita said, "No, I'm not going to be the first one to quit. Three out of five it is."
Brita won the next one and Sally took off her cargo shorts and handed them to Fred, "Check the pockets before putting them into the machine please."
"Sure," Fred said.
As Fred started back to the villa Brita said, "We need to get you something other than white boyshorts next time we go shopping. A body like that practically demands sexy lingerie."
"If you're buying then sure," Sally said.
Brita lowered her voice, "And if Fred's buying? Or gives you a present?"
Sally blushed, "I'm having trouble with that. It feels like robbing a cradle and like seducing the boss at the same time."
Brita nodded, "Well Robert's the boss not Fred and in case you haven't noticed we're now his age. However old you feel you're a teenager again and unless you want to spoil the careful plans of our actual boss you can't tell people your real age."
"Whispering about me?" Fred said as he walked back from the villa.
"Asking her if she thinks you're sniffing our clothes before dumping them in the washer," Brita said.
Fred blushed and stammered out denials.
"Never mind Fred," Sally said. "She's just teasing."
Brita nodded, "Teasing and flirting with both of you. I don't actually mind if you do."
Fred gaped at her in shock and she laughed, "That was a great reaction!"
Sally rolled her eyes, "If you're ready we still have one spar left."
Brita nodded, "And you're still wearing one piece of clothing. I'm going to try and win just so Fred can get her hot little hands on it."
Fred blushed again but said nothing as they started sparring again.
Brita won by tossing Sally far enough that they both agreed it should count as a ring out in sparring.
Sally got up and brushed herself off trying not to notice the looks she was getting from the other two then turned around and slid off her white boyshorts, "Here you go Fred. If you think your clothes need washing too you can dump yours in then start the wash."
Fred nodded, "Sure, then I'll grab my kindle and the big blanket on the way back so we can start the relaxing part of the day."
Brita grinned, "I'll make a pitcher of lemonade and grab the suntan lotion." She followed him inside.
Fred went back to the washing machine and after tossing in Sally's panties he added the clothes he was wearing and started the machine.
He grabbed the large blanket from his room and on the way out he passed through the kitchen, "I can carry the pitcher if you will carry the tray with the glasses. We should set up a table for these."
"Sally's on it," Brita said.
Once outside Fred saw that Sally had brought a table from the front patio and was opening the umbrella in the center. Putting the pitcher down after she was finished he said, ""I'll grab the chairs."
"I got them," Brita said. "You lay out the blanket." She went around the corner of the house and dragged the chairs over to the table. "So, what are we doing first? Cooling off in the shade with a cold drink or rubbing each other with lotion in the sun?"
Chapter 8
After three days Fred finished changing and came down for breakfast with his robe open to show the other two.
Sally rolled her eyes, "This is not proper breakfast conversation or activity but I'm glad you didn't have more problems."
Brita cheered and toasted him with orange juice, "Hooray! Now that you're done we can teach you all the intimate details of being a girl."
"And the less fun details as well," Sally said. "After breakfast I will call to update your father then call the doctor I use and schedule you for a full exam. Including all brand new parts. She's used to mutants and especially Exemplars so she can tell you all your options for dealing with PMS and birth control."
Brita blinked at that, "Being a mutant changes PMS?"
"Not specifically, but Exemplars and regenerators can react oddly to medicines, even over the counter ones. Painkillers wear off faster, allergy medicines too if they work at all. Drugs to affect hormone levels might be useless or need far higher doses. I thought you had been told all this Brita? You should have been before agreeing to the ritual."
"The doctor mentioned GSD and regenerator blood problems and all the big things that can go wrong. He never said anything about PMS." She sighed, "Then again he was a young man. He probably never even thought about the subject."
Fred smiled a little, "Looks like I'll have company at the doctor then? We can be moral support for each other."
Brita thought for a moment then nodded, "I agree. I need one too. I have changed in more than appearance. Can you make two appointments, Sally?"
"Yes, Robert has told me that all medical expenses for any of us are covered," Sally said. "I'll even ask if they'll do you both in one visit so you can hold each other's hands if you want. Just don't ask me to be there too."
"You can stay in the waiting room or guard the door from the outside or whatever makes you feel best," Fred said. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
"I'll be in the waiting room," Sally said. "I'm there for you both, and I know it can be a little scary at first. I just think the staff will be scandalized enough at you sharing the visit, all three of us doing it might blow their minds. We want them capable of proper medical procedure not scandalized and shocked by underage lesbian threesomes."
Brita giggled, "I understand. I agree, about all of it. I'm willing to hold your hand through it Fred and I think having you there for mine is actually reassuring as well as fair play. Thank you for thinking of it Sally."
Sally blushed as they hugged her, "Alright, don't let the food get cold. Let's eat and then I'll call while you are showering and hopefully getting dressed."
Brita giggled and went back to her seat, "Whatever you say dear. Thanks for cooking."
Fred showered and then dressed, she said to herself, "If I'm going to be sparring I would rather strip if I lose than be spanked."
When she got to the beach behind the villa she saw that Brita hadn't dressed, "Are we sparring first or practicing powers?"
Sally said, "Sparring with powers. I made your doctor's appointment." She looked Fred over, "I'm glad you dressed. Can you move easily in that?"
"Yes, I can move in it," Fred said. "And I don't want to be spanked if I lose."
Brita said, "I'm naked because I need to be using power to have a chance at winning but I don't want to burn off any clothes if it gets away from me." She sighed, "I mean when it gets away from me."
Fred nodded, "Good point. I'll go first today." She cast the spell that improved the way she moved and golden runes danced around her momentarily.
Sally said, "Let's go then."
Fred surprised herself by winning the first one and Sally looked happy at it too.
As she took off her shirt Sally said, "Good move! Keep that up and you'll do well in the martial arts classes at Whateley."
"Thanks," Fred said and smiled back. "Now you can spar with Brita while I recover my essence."
"Sure," Sally said. "Then you can spar with her while I take a break. Then we can start over again until everyone other than Brita is naked or she is tired of being spanked."
Brita rolled her eyes, "Once I get full control of this power I will be dressed for sparring I assure you."
"I'll believe it when I see it," Sally said.
They continued their round robin of Sparring until they were all sweaty, tired and naked. They took a dip in the ocean to wash off the sweat and Fred took their clothes to be washed.
Afterward they relaxed in the sun. Sally rolled her eyes but Fred and Brita had fun rubbing lotion all over each other and exploring each other's bodies.
Fred got very comfortable with her new body and they all got experience with their new abilities.
Eventually the last day of the vacation dawned and even Brita got dressed for breakfast.
"Everybody all packed?" Sally asked.
"You know we are because you made us both pack last night," Brita said. "So, unless you forgot, we're all ready."
"The resort is sending a cart for us at ten," Sally said. "And our chartered flight leaves at 12:30."
"Are we sleeping over in Hawaii again?" Fred asked.
"Yes," Sally said. "Same hotel. Then back to L.A. change planes and then back to Miami airport where the limo will pick us up and take us home."
"I'll be ready. Thanks for organizing things," Fred said.
"It's what I get paid for, but thank you," Sally said.
The morning after they got back Fred's father had breakfast with them.
"I have your new background all set and my will changed," Robert said. He handed over a USB drive, "Here is the data on how your new background differs. You should get familiar with it then destroy the drive. I'm sure you'll be careful with it."
"Thanks dad," Fred said. "Did you find a magic tutor? If not I think I can manage until Whateley. I can communicate with my spirit and so far what she has shown me has worked."
"Really?" Robert said. "I would be interested in seeing the spells you have learned."
"If you have time after breakfast I will be happy to show you what I have learned," Fred said. She turned to Sally, "Willing to spar with me so I can show dad some of the things I've learned?"
Sally nodded, "Yes, I am." Turning to Robert Nilsen she said, "One of Fred's spells lets her move more intuitively and with extra grace. She's been using it to counter my extra strength and speed in sparring matches."
"Ah," Robert said. "Then yes, I would like to see that." He looked at Brita, "And how is your training going?"
Brita smiled, "I can hold onto the power longer than before and I can use it both internally and externally." She blushed, "It's still hard on my clothing sometimes but that happens less often now. Another month of practice maybe and my wardrobe will be safe."
"Very good," he said. "After breakfast you can all show what you can do then I'll head off to the office. As far as tutors go, I had planned to see where you were after your return before doing any scheduling."
After breakfast Fred went to his room briefly to brush her teeth and change into a gi then met the others by the pool.
"The first spell I want to show you is the shield spell," Fred said and with a gesture she was surrounded by glowing runes which became a shimmering golden dome. "I can alter it into a full sphere if needed or shrink it so it only faces one direction. I can shelter another person or two inside it but it doesn't get much larger so I think three is the maximum I can shield and even that is crowded." She canceled the shield.
"That looks great," Robert said. "How tough is it?"
"It holds up to exemplar five strength and at least one plasma blast," Sally said. "It only lasts about two minutes at present but I'm sure Fred will be able to extend that as she gets older."
Fred gestured again and a ball of light appeared, "Brita is much better with either light or heat but I can do a basic light spell and a basic warmth spell. No reason to use the warmth spell here but I expect to get real use out of it in New Hampshire."
Robert smiled at that, "Both sound very useful."
One more gesture and a third set of golden runes appeared, "This is the one that enhances me. Ready to spar Sally?"
"Ready," Sally replied.
They faced each other and Brita called the start in Japanese, as she was told was done at the school, "Hajime!"
They sparred for a few minutes until Brita called out, "Yame!"
"That was amazing!" Robert said. "You have obviously learned well from your tutors." He turned to Brita, "Can you do that as well?"
"I can," Brita said. "I have been practicing against both of them." She looked over at Sally, "Are you up to one more?"
Sally smiled, "Sure!" She pivoted to face Brita.
Brita concentrated and briefly glowed, "I'm ready. Call it Fred."
Fred smiled and called out, "Hajime!"
Fred waited until Brita and Sally had sparred for a minute or so then he called out, "Yame!" She turned to her father, "We're all about even in skill now but Sally has more stamina than either of us."
Brita said, "That was internal use of the energizer power set. The other side of the coin is this." She created a ball of light then vanished it and held a ball of hot plasma, she extinguished that too. "I can also make it warmer in my vicinity. My control is good and getting better. As long as I'm not stretching for more power or holding an effect for a long time I have no trouble."
Robert smiled at them all, "I can see you have not been wasting your time, any of you. I think I shall let you guide your own progress. It seems you have the basics and are no longer either in danger from your powers or a danger to others because of them. You are free to come and go as you see fit until you leave for Whateley. I will try to keep social events to a minimum but I think you will be fine even if we do host an event here. Have a great day everyone. I love you Fred." He left with a final wave.
"So," Fred said. "Pool and audiobooks?'
"How about a few more rounds of sparring first?" Sally said.
Fred nodded, "Sure."
The next day Brita got her long delayed trip to the mall. Fred had been to the mall many times but going as a girl was very different.
"Let's get lingerie first," Brita said as they left the limo.
"Fine by me," Fred said. "I owe Sally a few replacement bras."
"I can buy my own,' Sally said.
"Don't trust my taste?" Fred said. "I'm just thinking of white sports bras like the ones I borrowed."
"We need to get her some nice things as well," Brita said. "I hope you'll follow my example and get lots of silk and lace rather than boring white cotton?"
"Oh," Fred said. "I hadn't even considered buying myself more stuff."
"You need it more than we do," Sally said.
Fred shrugged, "I guess so. At least I can replace what I borrowed while I'm at it."
Brita giggled, "And you can buy us what you'd like to see us in."
Fred blushed then she nodded.
Seeing Fred nod at that made Sally blush.
Brita cackled, "Then we can start on outerwear."
Disclaimer: I am not a Canon author.
Chapter 9
After an hour of modeling underwear picked by Brita and watching the other two model her choices Fred called a halt, "Okay, let's just stop and buy it before I get too hot or too embarrassed."
"I agree," Sally said quickly.
Brita smirked, "Oh, alright."
As they were leaving Soma Fred had an idea, "We should check for stores that sell fire resistant clothing."
Sally added, "Unless you enjoy burning off your clothes Brita?"
"Is there any place that sells such things?" Brita said.
"Up near the school we are going to there is," Sally said. "I've heard it's expensive but top quality and they can fit any need."
"Sounds like a place we should visit at least once," Fred said. "What's the name of it?"
"Rogers Fabric boutique," Sally said.
"Let's put this plunder in the car and then I will see if I can get us an appointment there," Fred said.
After five minutes of internet searching Fred found the number and called it. Sally and Brita listened but only heard her side of the conversation, "Hello? Have I reached Rogers Fabric Boutique in Dunwich? Oh, good. I and two of my friends are starting Whateley in the fall and we could use some special care. Well, one of us requires fireproof fabrics and we all need uniforms. Yes, I understand that there is no such thing as completely fireproof, only fire resistant. Do you have anything that can resist temperatures in the four to five hundred degree range? Excellent! And would you have fabrics that have an armor rating while still moving like normal cloth? You have fabrics that can do both, excellent! Yes, I can afford that. If we can make an appointment for fittings I will provide my card number so you can verify my credit before we even get on a plane. We live in Florida, we'll need winter gear. Oh, well let's plan on five uniforms each for three people, with underwear, shoes, boots, gloves and some sort of warm headgear. Here's that card number. Next Monday is fine. We'll see you then."
Sally was just gaping and even Brita seemed shocked by the time Fred hung up.
"Uh, Fred?" Brita said. "That might exceed your budget."
"Dad said to get what we need and not boggle at the price until it hits seven figures," Fred answered. Looking at their faces he smiled, "We may not be Gates or Goodkinds but we are still worth billions. Let's get this stuff home then we'll get with security to plan our trip north. You might not mind flashing the world every time you use your powers …"
"Hey, not every time," Brita said. "And yes, I would like clothes I can't destroy but, well, I guess I'm still getting used to being a rich man's, woman's, girl's lover."
"Hey, don't go soft on me now," Fred said. "I was counting on you to help me convince Sally to accept tailored uniforms and armored corsets."
"Armored what?" Sally said.
"Just kidding," Fred said. "I'm sure the uniforms have jackets so we can armor them instead. Actually she said she has fabrics that move like normal cloth or even lycra and are as bullet resistant as kevlar."
Sally sighed, "Yes, they have stuff that looks like spandex but is actually better than kevlar as it resists knives as well as bullets. It was just too expensive for me to buy. And it's usually geared toward showing off the body it's covering. Can we at least keep it practical?"
"Sure," Fred said. "We want full protection and we don't want anyone to think we're, you know, trashy."
"You might be surprised," Brita said. "But I agree. Teasing you, either or both of you, is one thing but I don't want anyone else to think they have a chance with any of us."
Sally smiled, "Good! We want to fit in and not look suspiciously out of place but we don't want to look like skanks either."
"Right," Fred said. "We'll probably be freezing most of the time anyway so we'll stay too bundled up to be sexy."
Brita snorted, "Well we can try at least." When Fredd looked at her she said, "We're all hot AF and we're not available. They'll be attracted even if we wear hooded parkas everywhere."
"True enough Brita," Sally said. "But most will take no for an answer. Watch us the first few times and we'll show you how. We are strong enough to make our no stick if they get pushy. We'll help each other with that too and Poe residents stick together so they will also help."
Fred nodded, "Thanks, I will get used to it in time."
"Not that I want to spend more of your money Fred," Brita said. "But we should get some normal outerwear for cold weather before we go north. Both for the trip there and because we don't want or need everything to be from Rogers."
"Okay then, sweaters and hoodies and parkas oh my!" Fred said and led them back into the mall.
Fred was deciding between blue sweaters when both Sally and Brita got a text. "What's the trouble?" he asked.
"People are picketing the estate," Sally said in a low voice. "We're to come in the back way."
"Understood," Fred said. There was a concealed entrance at the rear of the estate used only if the front was somehow blocked. "We should go now."
They paid and stored their purchases in the trunk and Fred asked the driver, "You got the same text?"
"Yes, sir," the driver stated. "I know the way."
The limo drove up the access road behind the estate and part of the stone wall sank down on hydraulics revealing the back entrance. Once inside, Fred followed Sally and Brita to the security center.
On the main monitor screen they could see people outside waving signs as they marched in a circle. The signs said things like "no muties" and "gene trash".
"Don't worry, miss," the estate's security head told Fred. "We have upgraded security since New Year's. Even if some of those sign waving chanters are armed they won't get in. We have pictures of all of them and are researching who they are and compiling dossiers on them. We don't want to be seen as opposing free speech but if they start blocking the road or get too loud or obnoxious we'll be able to have the police clear them out for other reasons than to shut them up. If any of them are wanted for anything we'll pass that along too."
Another guard who came in after them said, "Your father is talking to the sheriff already so they will probably be cleared out soon. Sorry to interrupt your day out with this nonsense. There are idiots and bigots everywhere and sometimes they gather to hear themselves talk. It makes them feel less stupid."
The head of security said, "I advise you to stay put the rest of the day and keep your two personal guards close. If you want or need to go out tomorrow we have armored vehicles and you can take a few extra security guards." He shrugged, "I realize none of you are easy targets now but a few large men in uniform will keep the stupider ones from finding that out."
Fred sighed, "Yeah, I guess that's a good idea. Oh, and I need some of your time when you aren't dealing with these to plan a trip to New Hampshire to get school uniforms and supersuits of special armored cloth. The appointment is next Monday so it can wait but I wanted to tell you before all this causes it to slip my mind."
The man nodded, "Very good. When I have free time I will contact your personal guards."
"Very good," Fred said. "I will let you get back to these … people and stop taking up your valuable time." Fred left the security building and headed to the garage, "Let's go grab our stuff. We can at least get everything put away while the rest deal with the protesters."
Brita pointed to where the butler was supervising two maids and two cook's helpers in carrying several bags, "I think it's already being done."
"Let's go rescue them," Fred said.
"Them, or the clothes?" Brita asked.
"Both?" Fred said.
They took the bags from the two boys but the two maids were interested in seeing what they got so Fred asked, "Can these ladies be spared for a fashion show? I would like their opinions."
"Of course," the butler said. He waved the boys ahead of him and headed back towards the kitchen.
The five of them went up to his room and Fred said, "Half of this is lingerie so if you are the sort who don't like changing in locker rooms full of other girls you can leave now."
"As long as you don't ask us to strip too I'm sure we'll be fine," one said. "I'm Lupe and this is Janet."
"Thank you," Fred said. "I was trying to remember." She started shucking clothes and noticed Brita was already in her underwear and holding up several bras.
Fred pointed to the red satin one, "That one was my choice. What do you ladies think?"
Both maids giggled and Janet said, "I guess Brita is your girlfriend then? That's not the sort of thing you get a bodyguard."
"I'm his girlfriend but I will help defend him if anyone gets this far again," Brita said. She tried his choice on, "What does everyone think?"
"It looks like it fits well," Sally said.
"It looks very sexy," Lupe said. "Does it have a matching bottom?"
"Yes, let me find it and I'll show you," Brita went searching for the matching panty.
Fred took off the sports bra she was wearing, "I'll return this after it's washed. Thanks for loaning it to me."
"You're welcome," Sally said. "Thanks for buying me more."
Brita said, "I still think you should have gotten her black lace, despite her protests. I guess the French cut white silk panties and bra sets were pretty sexy too." She grinned, "If she gets white and I get red does that make me the bad girl?"
"Yes!" Sally said. The maids giggled at that and Brita stuck her tongue out.
Fred put on a black lace strapless bra, "This one Brita picked for me. You don't think it's too much do you?"
"No," the maids said together. Lupe added, "It's perfect for wearing under a strapless gown or a dress where the shoulder straps are spaghetti thin."
Brita tossed Fred something then held up a red thong, "This is the matching bottom to this bra." She quickly changed into it, "What do you think Fred? Worth the money you paid?"
"Definitely!" Fred said. She put on the French cut black lace knickers she had been tossed, "How do I look?"
She heard several compliments, "Excellent!" "Sexy!" "Muy linda."
The fashion show went on for almost two hours and they even coaxed Sally into showing a few of her purchases. It was a good day even with the idiot protesters.
Freya's Heir
DISCLAIMER: I am not a canon author.
Chapter 10
On Monday they dressed in slacks and shirts with full sleeves and brought a jacket along to the airport.
"Are we taking the armored limo?" Fred asked.
Security chief Rodriguez said, "Yes, ma'am. We are also sending four guards in front of you in an armored SUV. There will be another SUV and another limo waiting at the Berlin airport."
"Thank you," Fred said. "Any more protesters?"
"None so far today but you never know," Rodriguez said. "Now that people know three mutants live here we'll need to be more careful."
The trip to the airport was uneventful, thankfully and although the TSA and MCO at the gate looked sour at the group they said nothing except to direct them through the scanner and then wave them onto the plane. Once they landed they got into the cars waiting outside and drove to the store in Dunwich. Cecilia Rogers was waiting for them when they arrived.
"The four of you can wait outside," Fred said to the four male guards. "That way we'll not worry the owner and have more room to shop." She was also thinking that she didn't want them watching her pick out lingerie or have to worry about changing room doors.
"Yes, Ma'am," the men said and moved to either side of the door facing out.
Sally entered first, followed by Fred, then Brita last.
"Hello, I am Cecilia Rogers and you have my sole attention until you are done," said a woman who seemed around thirty years old and quite pretty. She came forward to shake their hands. "It is rare that someone gets three whole wardrobes from me but I am happy to accommodate you. You are certainly paying me enough."
"A pleasure to meet you Ms. Rogers," Fred said. "We need five uniforms for each of the three of us and I believe you said you had fabrics that are both heat resistant up to five hundred degrees and count as at least light armor?"
"Yes, I do," Ms. Rogers said. "If you aren't talking about anything over .38 caliber I believe I can accommodate any style you might like."
Fred smiled, "Good! We are all Exemplars with levels between three and five and still getting used to our strength. Brita has gotten much better at controlling her heat and fire manifesting but is still occasionally surrounded by heat in the four hundreds fahrenheit. So what do you suggest?"
Ms. Rogers smiled, "Well first let's get your measurements. Will one of you please step through that door and follow the instructions?"
The three looked at each other as Cecilia went to grab a bolt of her silkiest heat resistant fabric. Sally eventually shrugged and went in. Once she had closed the door a drawer popped out with a sign over it, "Please place everything you are wearing inside then stand where indicated for scanning." She did so then closed her eyes as bright lights traced her body from head to foot. After the lights were done the drawer came back and the sign said, "You may now dress and leave the room."
When Sally came out she saw that one of the dressmaker's dummies now looked like a statue of her from the neck down, a naked statue. She rolled her eyes when she saw Brita smirking at her, "Good thing we left the guards outside."
"Yes," Brita agreed. "So aside from five uniforms, what do you want?"
"What do the uniforms look like anyway?" Sally asked.
Ms. Rogers gestured and cloth swathed the mannikin and shortly it was wearing a white button down blouse, pleated skirt and a jacket, "The uniform for girls officially includes a skirt not pants but most girls wear pants from November to March anyway and some do it all year long. I haven't heard of anyone getting in trouble for it. There are too many students that need special exceptions for the administration to be too strict about dress code."
"I think I want five sets of pants to go with the uniforms," Fred said. "I will wear skirts sometimes but I want the choice."
Cecilia made a note, "And the rest of you?"
"Can you make heat resistant socks and shoes as well?" Brita asked. "If I don't have to worry about igniting my clothes then I can keep myself warm through any natural winter without hiding under layers."
"I can," Ms. Rogers said. "However if you have trouble turning off the heat you might have trouble when entering buildings. Even if you don't get pants to wear with your uniform I would suggest coats, caps, and boots for you anyway. If for no other reason than to keep you from being soaked in melted snow."
"Good point," Brita said. "Besides, we're shopping for Sally just now. She is Ex-5 and occasionally rips clothes accidentally so she needs sturdy stuff."
"I only did that twice," Sally said.
"So far," Brita added.
"I can accommodate that easily since what makes them armored makes them resistant to tearing and wear," Ms Rogers said. She took the uniform off the mannikin and held it out, "Why don't you try this on dear and see if it fits."
Sally took the clothes to a changing room in the back and soon came out in it.
"You look lovely Sally," Fred said.
"I agree," Brita said. "You make it look sexy."
Sally blushed, "Thank you. It fits fine Ms. Rogers. Can I get five white sports bras and panty sets as well as socks and some sturdy winter boots?"
"Easily dear," Cecilia said and made a note. "Do you want pants as well?"
"Yes," Sally said. "I agree with Fred. I want the option."
Cecilia made another note then gestured to a wall of the store, "Find a design of boot you like and bring it over. I will make a copy in sturdier material." As Sally looked over footwear she said, "Who's next for fitting?"
Brita nudged Fred who shrugged and said, "I am, I guess."
When Fred came out one of the mannikins looked like a duplicate of her. It was soon covered in a uniform and Fred frowned, she had refrained from wearing skirts so far but knew she could not do so forever so she said nothing.
"Does it look alright?" Ms. Rogers said. Having noticed the brief frown she wanted to be sure her client was happy.
"Yes, ma'am," Fred said. "I just am a definite tomboy so the frown was at the idea of not wearing unisex clothes as much."
Cecilia smiled, "I understand. You can wear what you like on weekends and in your dorm I'm told so it won't be too terrible."
Fred smiled, "Yes, I'll just go try that on. Can you do a set of the pants for me to try while I go try these on?"
"Certainly," Ms. Rogers said.
When Fred came out in the uniform Brita whistled, "Looking good Frederica! Seems a shame to cover up those legs."
Fred rolled her eyes, "Thank you. But I think I'll do it anyway." She took the slacks from Ms. Rogers and changed into them. "These fit as well," she said.
"Very good," said Ms. Rogers. "Why don't you go and join your friend in selecting a boot style while Brita gets measured?"
Sally nodded, "It's your turn Brita."
Brita started to ask a question then smirked and went into the measuring booth. By the time she was back out both Fred and Sally were holding up Wellington style boots and the third manikin was looking like Brita.
Ms. Rogers gestured and underwear draped the mannikin from a different bolt of cloth before the uniform covered it, "Since yours needs to be heat resistant you'll need to change your underwear as well to test it."
"Darn," Brita said. "There goes my chance to tease Fred and Sally by saying I had to go commando."
Fred laughed and Sally said, "Stop being a perv and go try on your clothes."
Brita laughed, "Sure." She took the pile of clothing from Cecilia and went to change.
"We can probably get along with normal coats etc. but she'll need full outerwear," Fred said. "Can you do sweaters and knit caps and winter coats?"
"Certainly," Ms. Rogers said. "Let me just make a note of that as well as the style of boots you've picked."
When Brita came out both Fred and Sally clapped and she bowed, "It all fits well." She concentrated briefly and they could feel the edges of the heat around her. Then the heat died away and Brita said, "It passed the heating test as well." When they told her she had to pick some sweater styles as well as boots she said, "Fred should get some ballistic weave sweaters as well. Give her time to get a protective spell off before she gets hurt."
Sally said, "Good idea. While Brita picks her stuff you can look around and decide what you want for outerwear."
"If I have to then so do you," Fred said.
"Fine," Sally said. "Let's all pick out stuff. Just don't tell me how much you're spending on me. I want to sleep well tonight."
They left in their uniforms with Fred wearing the pants and Sally said, "The locals have noticed our uniforms. I guess they know which school it's from."
Fred said, "That makes sense. I doubt they'll cause any trouble."
Brita laughed, "Not if they recognize the uniforms." She added, "Are we going to have to come and get the rest some other time?"
"No," Fred said. "Ms. Rogers will send everything else to the estate."
Soon they were back at the Berlin airport and not long after that they were back in Florida and heading home.
Fred's father Robert was waiting for them when they got out of the limo, "We got everything we needed Father," Fred said. "Most of it is being shipped by special courier."
"She sent it by warper so it arrived before you did," Robert said. "I had the servant pile everything in your room Fred. You can divide it up amongst yourselves later."
Sally said, "I made sure Fred's clothes can stand up to at least a thirty eight caliber bullet and are sturdy enough to resist her increased strength. She insisted that I get the same."
Robert smiled, "That is good. I'm glad to see that some of my lessons on how to be a good employer stayed with him."
Brita said, "Fred is a wonderful person and more considerate than most adults. Thanks to you and her I can now mostly control my powers and soon I'm sure I will master them. If I slip anyway I don't burn my clothes off any more! These are heat resistant up to five hundred degrees as well as being sturdy and bullet resistant. Watch!" She concentrated and heat bloomed around her. Her hair moved in the hot updraft caused by her power and the skirt billowed as if in a wind.
Robert walked up close enough to feel the heat pouring off her, "That's an amazing material. You say it's also bullet resistant?"
"They are all supposed to be," Fred said. "We can check that if the rest of the clothes have arrived. We'll put a sweater on that statue you hate, the one you received for Christmas, and shoot at it with light pistols."
Robert smiled, "Good idea! We can check the clothing and your accuracy at the same time."
Fred rolled her eyes but nodded, "Sure, dad."
Soon everything was assembled and the only hitch was picking the sweater, "Don't use that one," Brita said. "Pick the ugly one."
Fred shrugged, "You choose then."
So now the statue stood at the end of a target lane and had a blouse buttoned around it followed by a plain gray sweater.
Fred stood at the front of the lane with a .22 target pistol and fired three bullets at the chest of the statue.
When they all went to check they found that none of them had penetrated, just left smears of lead behind.
"You would still be bruised by these impacts," Robert said. "But you would survive them. Hopefully none of you will need it but it makes me feel better."
"I'm sure Fred will learn many defensive spells in his four years," Sally said. "And he'll have us protecting her." She blushed, "I mean she'll have us."
"We'll all learn a lot I'm sure," Brita said. "As a wizard she'll be able to deal with a wide variety of problems and we'll give her the time she needs to cast spells."
"That's for after graduation though," Sally said. "Whateley isn't that dangerous unless you go looking for trouble and Fred has too much sense for that."
"Good to hear," Robert said. "I'll let you put away all the clothes you bought now. I must say I'm very impressed. I might go get a suit or two made by that woman, she does very good work." Robert looked at the sweater again and then walked off.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a canon author.
Chapter 11
Eventually August rolled around and as it drew to a close the three of them packed up their new clothes for the trip to Whateley.
"Any last minute advice Sally?" Fred said as they headed towards the airport in the limo.
"Unless it's an emergency don't show any powers until you get to Whateley," Sally said. "And even then only on Green flag days."
"Try not to drool on any of the hot exemplar babes," Brita said. "Unless it's me of course."
"Don't stare too much in the showers at Poe," Sally said. "And don't get upset if other girls are looking at you."
"I just wish I could have one of you for a roommate," Fred said. "But I understand why not and just hope I can get along with whatever changeling is my roommate."
"I think we have everything we need but the campus store will have anything we forgot," Sally added. "Also, let us handle any TSA or MCO jerks at either airport."
"I'll gladly do that last," Fred said.
"Oh, and get a cart or dolly for your luggage," Brita said. "I know you can carry four suitcases easily but it would stand out so do it the easy way."
Sally smirked, "And at least try not to glare at boys who flirt with Brita. She's not going to fall for any of their lines and your glaring will make your orientation clearer than you'd like most of the time."
"I promise I'm not running off with any boy, or girl for that matter," Brita said. "Unless you get too possessive or clingy. So play it cool and we can enjoy each other's company. I also promise not to get too jealous of you with other girls. According to my spirit we're all going to live at least a few centuries so we should agree to stay friendly even if we don't stay together."
"I can't imagine being with anyone else," Fred said. "But I promise not to be that crazy ex if you break up with me."
"I believe you," Brita said. "You're pretty mature for your age. Hopefully we'll remain a happy couple, or threesome, but if not I'll always be your friend."
Sally said, "That was just the one time! I'm not planning on making a habit of joining you!"
"I understand and respect that," Fred said. "But you have an open invitation if you ever change your mind."
Brita nodded, "Yes, from both of us."
Sally blushed, "Thank you."
At the airport they put all their suitcases in a cart and went to check in. They each kept a carryon but checked everything else through. They were flying into New Hampshire then taking the train to Dunwich to await the bus to Whateley. They showed their MID cards to the DPA agent at the TSA checkpoint and put their carry-on luggage through the xray machine then stepped through the scanner without incident.
They flew into Berlin airport then picked up a limo to the train station.
"Why are we taking the train to Dunwich rather than driving?" Fred asked.
"The Miskatonic shuttle is the standard way for all students to arrive," Sally said. "The station is where the Dean will collect everyone. Arriving at the station by limo would give a bad first impression. If you want to fit in then taking the train at least part of the way is the way to do it."
"We should try to make friends on the way," Brita said. "You don't want us to be your only friends at school and with a bit of luck you might meet someone you want as a roommate. Everyone arriving today will be going to Poe so if there are any other changelings starting this semester they should be on the train too."
"How can we tell the students from regular travelers?" Fred asked. "I can't just ask."
"Nope," Sally said. A little observation should help."
"We can make a game of it," Brita said. "Even if you don't mention the name of the school or anything secret you can still indicate who you think is going to the same place as we are."
Fred smiled, "Okay, I'll see if I can make like Sherlock holmes."
At the next stop a girl got on with two suitcases who looked about Fred's age. Spotting her Fred waved and called out, "Over here!"
Sally rolled her eyes and Brita snickered and whispered, "That was easy."
The girl looked surprised then walked over to sit near them, "Hi, I'm J-Jennifer." Her pause before saying her name was just noticeable. "Are you going to uh, Dunwich too?"
"Yes," Fred said. "We all are. I figured you were so I waved you over. If we're going to be in school together we might as well make friends early right?"
Jennifer smiled, "Yeah."
"I'm Frederica," Fred said. "This is Brita, and this is Sally."
"Hi," Sally said. "We've been making a game of trying to spot fellow students. Would you like to join in?"
"Sure," Jennifer said. She had wavy brown hair and skin the color of milk chocolate. "I don't know how good I'll be but it will help pass the time."
"That's okay," Sally said. "We can keep our guesses quiet and not shout them out just in case we're wrong about one."
"So where are you from Jennifer?" Brita asked.
"Poughkeepsie, New York," Jennifer said. "It's a college town, mostly noted for having Vassar College where my mom went, but it's a nice place to live."
"We're from Miami, Florida," Fred said. "Or at least the suburban outskirts. I hope we adapt to the weather up here quickly."
"I'm not worried," Brita said.
"It's not that bad I'm sure," Jennifer said.
"I guess we'll find out," Fred said.
Soon the train pulled into Dunwich Station and they, along with a few other students, were directed to a waiting room.
Others trickled in until at three o'clock Elaine Claire appeared, "Hello, I'm Elaine Claire, Dean of Students. If you're here waiting for transport to Whateley Academy please follow me." She led them out onto a bus and there she checked off their names against a list before she nodded to the driver and he started them off.
Once on campus Ms. Claire gave them an overview of where the various buildings were, "You'll be split into groups by cottage and your Resident Advisors will give you the full tour. I would just like to welcome you all once again and wish you all a great stay."
Fred was happy when Jennifer was called over to join them on the way to Poe cottage. Once there they were met by three Resident Assistants. Sally and Brita left with a female senior and all the boys left with a male senior leaving just her and Jennifer standing confused in front of the third senior.
"Hello," she said in a British accent. "I know you must be a bit confused but before I explain let me confirm that you are Jennifer Suarez and Frederica Nilsen right?"
"Yes," the two girls answered.
"Good," the senior replied. "I'm Morgana Jones, codenamed Dragonsfyre. Follow me and I will explain as I give you the tour."
"Poe has three main groups of students," Morgana said. "Girls who like girls, boys who like boys and people who used to be the other gender. Well they are exceptions. Some are just very bisexual and some are both genders or neither but mainly those three groups so we have RAs for each of the three that is a member of their group." She stopped by a tree and cast a spell, "There, we're now private. No one will overhear us or be able to scry us. Would either of you like to make any guesses or should we proceed to introductions?"
"We met on the train," Jennifer said. She looked at Fred, "You mean you …"
Fred nodded, "Was drafted by the other side in the war between the sexes? Yes, I'm an avatar you see. All three of us are but I'm the only one who used to be male. I now look a lot like my avatar." She shrugged, "She's powerful as well as pretty so I can't complain. I even got a girlfriend out of it."
"Three Freshman avatars in Poe is a bit unusual but we have a few others," Morgana said. "I changed because of my BIT. How did you come to be on this side of the pink and blue divide Jennifer?"
"I'm an Exemplar too," Jennifer said. "I mean, as well. I'm a level three Exemplar and a Null. I started changing last May with my eyes changing first. Fortunately my parents are both supportive and well connected. They got me out of school before the changes became obvious and I was able to finish classes remotely. I also got tested and they found out what level Exemplar I am and that I'm immune to all mental powers. Well except psychokinesis, I can still be picked up and stuff but nobody can read my mind or sense my emotions."
"Well those are very useful powers," Morgana said. "Hey Fred, what abilities do you get from your spirit?"
"Well she's enhanced my body until I test out as an Exemplar three and I am now a wizard as well. They aren't sure what level of wizard I am yet but I'm sure they can figure it out here."
"That's true. If you have trouble in your magic classes you can ask me for help," Morgana said. "If I have time I'll help you as best I can." She stood up, "Now we should go see your room. Since you are the only two changelings so far you'll be rooming together. After seeing your room we'll do the full tour then get lunch. You can ask questions as we go or save them up to ask while we eat. After that you'll have time to relax, hit the campus store, or whatever you like. Tonight we're having a movie night in the basement but it's strictly optional."
Freya's Heir
DISCLAIMER: I am not a canon author. I have added Mercy as the teacher of the flight class as a favor to a fellow author who helped me get started.
Chapter 12
The first thing they did was unpack. Jennifer said, "I see you got your stuff from Rogers Boutique. My folks considered it but decided it was a bit too pricey so I got some stuff from Under Armour's hero collection and the rest is normal clothes."
"Well I hope you don't mind having a roommate with a little more money?" Fred said. "I'm not any different than you."
"No, I'm not upset," Jennifer said. "I'm hoping that if it helps you a lot I can get my folks to spring for a set next semester. Or next fall at least."
"Thanks," Fred said. "When we hit the campus store I'm buying. Consider it a bribe to not mind the many visits from my girlfriend that I'm hoping to have."
Jennifer smiled, "You really adapted well didn't you? I'll take you up on that if you'll include helping me adjust in the bribe as well."
"Sure," Fred said. "My spirit helped a lot with the adjusting but I will help you as much as I can."
"Thanks, now we can get our books and see what they have for decorating a dorm room," Jennifer said. When they get there she is surprised by everything available. "It's like someone crossed a Walmart with a bookstore," Jennifer said.
"And a magic shop," Fred said. "I think we'll be glad we're Exemplars when we start carrying stuff back. Let's grab a backpack first then fill it with our textbooks as we go." Fred said, "We can probably have stuff sent if it's too heavy to carry."
"What? Like a refrigerator or something?" Jennifer said.
Fred nodded, "Yeah, exactly like that. Or a cupboard to hold snacks."
"That sounds good," Jennifer said. "Textbooks first, then snacks and extra furniture."
Fred agreed and they started filling backpacks with textbooks, notebooks, and related things. Then they each grabbed some of their favorite snacks and arranged for a refrigerator to be sent to their dorm.
"Should we get posters?" Jennifer said.
"I'm not buying a poster with a guy on it but I'm not ready to be buying posters of girls right out in public either," Fred said softly after a moment to think. "I won't deny it but I'll try not to advertise." then she grinned, "But if you want to get a few for your side of the room I won't stop you."
Jennifer blushed, "Maybe, but not today."
"Back home then," Fred said. "We'll put stuff away and go visit Brita and Sally."
"Sure," Jennifer said.
They passed a flight class taught by Mercy on the way to breakfast that Saturday. "Too bad none of us can fly," Fred said.
Brita sighed, "I would love to fly. If you ever learn a flight spell, take me with you when you practice."
"If I learn a flight spell I will take you for a flight after enough practice," Fred said. "I'll want to get good at it first."
"Once you're confident about it then I want to fly with you too," Jennifer said and Sally laughed and agreed.
Powers theory had interesting material but a very dry delivery. Sally had to poke Fred a few times to get her to stay focused on the first day.
"Thanks," Fred said as they walked to the next class. "I think we should all agree to help each other stay focused and awake." They all agreed to help each other stay awake.
Basic Martial Arts was basically what they had been doing. Sparring both with and without powers. Sensei Tolman split the class into those with prior experience and those without.
Soon Fred was facing a male student for her spar, "You're an Exemplar too right?"
"Yeah," he replied. "How did you guess?"
She shrugged, "You just have that look to you."
"I'll take that as a compliment," he said. He attacked then and she won the spar, but just barely.
"Next one with powers," said Sensei Tolman.
He looked surprised when golden runes surrounded her briefly. She moved first this time and won again without as much effort.
"What was that?" he asked.
"A spell to move better and be more coordinated," she replied.
"That's a great idea," he said. "If you ever put that on an item non mages can use let me know. I'd love to buy it."
"Stop chatting," Sensei Tolman said. "Third spar no powers again."
Fred lost the third by a small margin but wasn't too upset. She'd won two out of three, and sensei had declared her the winner of the match. She cheered when Brita won her spar but tried not to be too loud about it.
After class she headed to the women's locker room with the rest but when people started stripping she didn't know where to look. Then she met her roommate's eyes and saw Jennifer was trying to do the same and they shared a smile. "We have English next right?" Fred asked Jen as they waited for a shower.
Jen smiled, "Yes, we have the same schedule until your Intro to Magic class."
Fred continued the small talk until they were dressed and on their way out.
As they left the building Jen looked around for listeners then smiled and said, "Thank you! I didn't know where to look and I didn't want to look weird but if we're talking then it's natural to look at each other."
"I felt the same way," Frederica replied. "I'm sure Brita wouldn't mind me looking at her but the expression on my face as I watched her would probably show more emotion than I'd like so I'm glad you went along with my idea." She shrugged, "It's better than staring at the ceiling or continually trying to make up a reason to shower late."
"Feel free to do that every time," Jen said. "I will try to hold up my end of the conversation and keep my eyes on your face."
Fred laughed, "Probably best when showering after gym. Feel free to look all you like in Poe. Brita won't get jealous as long as you're just looking."
After English Fred and Jen met up with Brita and Sally to head over to get lunch. Sally said, "We'll have to grab a table on the bottom level for now but if we register as a training team we can reserve one on the next level up."
Fred shrugged, "Okay, but why?"
"It's a status thing," Sally said. "Besides we should form a team to train anyway so why not grab the perks?"
"Okay," Fred replied. "So is four enough for a team or should we recruit more people?"
"Four is enough to register," Sally said. "We can talk about possible additions while we eat and over the next week or so."
They grabbed food and grabbed a table on the bottom floor of the cafeteria.
"I've never seen a school cafeteria with three floors before," Jen said.
"I hear that it was a senior project," Sally said. "Because the number of students was getting too large to fit on just one floor."
"That makes sense," Fred said. "So what, if anything, is missing from our team? We have Sally as our heavy hitter, Brita is a great energy projector, I'm a mage, and Jen is a null, and we're all Exemplars."
"Well we have the basics and Nulls are rare, but we could use more ranged combat power and secure communications," Sally said. "A devisor could fill both of those needs. We could also just buy comms and find a telekinetic who we can fit with. Probably from Poe just to make things simpler."
"We can ask around," Brita said. "I think we have a gadgeteer on our side of the dorm. I'll ask her what she specializes in, if anything."
Fred smiled, "And I can check online to see what manner of personal communications are available. Whateley web first, then a wider look."
"Okay, but don't buy anything until we find out what resources we have for getting something built in house," Sally said. "A customized set will be better than a generic store bought version."
"Well, sure," Fred said. "We should get the best we can and not spend more than necessary."
Fred went back to the dorm after last class and headed for the room Brita shared with Sally, "Hey, are you in there?"
"I'm changing but you can come in if you want," Brita called out.
"I'm also changing so wait a minute," Sally said.
"I have Jennifer with me as well so I'll wait," Fred said. Jennifer blushed a bit and nodded.
Once they were in Fred said, "You mentioned a gadgeteer on this floor. Can we go see if she's in?"
The gadgeteer was a short, overweight girl named Amy. She grinned as she saw them outside and let them in. After hearing them out she shook her head, "I'm not a combat oriented gadgeteer, sorry. I specialized in electronics yeah but I'm not planning to be a hero or a villain. I will happily sell you any awesome invention I make but I'm not joining a team."
Sally started to argue then decided against it and just said, "Thanks for listening."
"No problem," Amy said. "Check upstairs. The dorm fixer should know who's looking for a team and who has good stuff to sell. You don't need a gadgeteer on your team to get cool stuff made, you just need connections and money."
"Thanks, I'll do that," Fred said.
Soon we were in a dorm room up among the juniors and the dorm fixer, more of an ombudsman than anything, was in front of us. She said, "So you are creating a new training team and are looking for a devisor or gadgeteer who wants to join or at least provide you with comms and other tech, right?"
Fred nodded, "Yes, I can pay for tech. I could order from the web but I would rather have something that's not off the shelf."
"It's a little early for most to be looking to join a team but if anyone is and I hear about it I will introduce you and them." She looked at them, "I noticed you are all Freshman and all female, do you not want any male team members or other years?"
Fred looked around at the others and then back at Daphne, the fixer, "I think we would prefer someone from Poe best but anyone sufficiently open minded is fine."
Daphne smiled, "I can understand that." She stood up from her desk, "I will check my contacts and get back to you soon."
They left and headed to dinner. Once outside Brita smirked, "Did you see Amy's face when she opened the door and saw all of us?"
"You're one to talk," Sally said.
A few days later Daphne came by, "I might have a prospect for you but first I need a favor. As I'm sure you realize not all girls can afford a new wardrobe when they need one. In fact every year we get a few who arrive with only the clothes on their back or only the clothes they had before the change."
Fred nodded, "I understand and I'm willing to help."
Daphne smiled, "Good! We just got two new arrivals and one is TG. She's about your height and build so grab what you can spare and follow me."
Fred grabbed some of the clothes she had bought in the mall and walked out of the room to see a few others heading for one room with clothes.
Once there Daphne said, "This is Paula, she's a new student. She's an Exemplar that changed over the summer." She gestured to the girls behind her, "Since you don't have anything to fit you and your scholarship funds are still on the way I have arranged for some of your fellow students to share some of their clothes with you."
Fred dropped her bundle on the nearest bed, "If these fit you can keep them. Two sets of jeans, two tee shirts, two bras in 34B and some underwear in medium." She shrugged, "I changed over the summer too so I know how it goes."
The next girl threw a few sweaters on the pile, "I know Exemplars don't feel the cold as much but the winter up here is nasty if you're not used to it."
"Sweatpants and thick socks are a must for lounging," said another girl as she tossed more clothes on the pile.
Daphne called a halt after a while, "Okay, you should be good for a while. If you need more, come to me. Otherwise just relax and settle in."
On the way back to the room Daphne said, "The other new arrival is a Devisor. She might be willing to join your team but you'll have to let her settle in a bit first."
"Of course," Fred said. "Thanks for thinking of me. In a week or so I'll look her up and ask."