Little Miss Vagary/Things get hard for Little Miss Vagary
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
-February 6th, 2008-
The mezzanine of the Common's Room was quiet except for the sound of one little girl laughing at what she sees on the big screen television in front of her. Sitting cross-legged on one of the couches, Vagary reaches her small hand into the can of Pizza flavored Pringles and removes a handful. She munches on them contentedly as Squidwurt tries to deal with Gary's finicky eating. There's a twenty ounce 7up resting against her leg, half of it already gone.
Her hand stops midway into the can when she hears the call for help on her comm. Virtueman wants assistance. She answers immediately, jumping up. The can of Pringles rolls away to rest under the coffee table, a few single chips making a trail to its location, while the soda bottle moves just a bit to nestle in the nook between couch cushion and arm. Spongebob continues to play even as the young girl's attention is changed to something more important. Without bothering to clean up her mess or shut off the television she takes off at a run towards the Hazard Room.
Once there she skids to a stop in front of Carl, a bright young man and one of the technicians always stationed in this particular area of the Foundation.
"They need help and I gotta go!" Her words were punctuated with the eager bouncing that belied her age.
A soft chuckle came from the corner and Hank stepped forward, her suit already in hand. Gesturing to the equipment along the wall he smiled at her. "Carl and I will get you all set up. Take this into the changing area and Hazel will help you."
She nodded and grabbed the small reverse virtual reality suit Mech and Mike had put together for her. Running into a small room off to the side she was helped into it by Hazel, an older intern pretty new to the Foundation. Usually, the eight year old loved to talk to the woman about her children and grandchildren but not today. Jabbering on and on she was impatient, anxious to go help and afraid she was missing something. The grandma saw to it that Vagary was ready and set her free, opening the door. It was only seconds before she was standing in the middle of the platform located in the middle of the room. Carl walked over. "Ready, Vagary?" She rolled her eyes. "Of course!" With a laugh they slipped the helmet onto her and backed away, stepping down from the platform. They took positions at the various computers. Carl monitored all feedback on the condition of her body. Heart Rate, respiration, adrenalin... all her responses were watched closely and recorded.
The technicians exchanged a look and with a few key strokes the little girl was linked to the comm system, appearing near Virtueman.
.......................
Though she'd been out on missions before, this time it was more complicated. She did her best to help, boosting and healing whoever and whenever she could. There were so many Rikti. The eight year old hated Rikti. They'd hurt her family so much and her friends too. Ducking and dodging and weaving and diving between the legs of the tall soldiers and mentalists and Magus she was able to keep up. Occasionally she'd get swiped or tossed and her image would shimmer- threatening to disaparate. Inside the suit back in the Hazard Room she'd frown before her image with the others in the field would rush back in to continue. All of those in that small room focused on the machines, with the occasional glance to the figure whose body movements where they were reflected the movements her dark matter construct performed on the other end.
It was the screams and the sounds of the saws that scared her. They echoed and threatened to swallow her up. When Shiv went down she rushed to her side, offering what comfort and healing she could. There was an exchange of hugs and all Vagary could say, looking at the others was "... Go make them stop screaming... Please."
The sounds were far greater once the door was down. People. Ten to fifteen people in various stages of gene testing.
And Rikti.
Those around her went offense. It was obvious the people needed rescuing. This was why they were there. Vagary made her way to the victims, tugging and pulling at their bonds. But her small hands could do nothing and it only seemed to frustrate her all the more. A raised hand towards this one, a touch to that one and very little healing actually went through. Tears smarted to her clouding eyes. Her brain was fuzzy and her responses diminished, slowed. This led to more instances of being slammed or thrown.
Back in the Hazard Room the readouts showed her varying emotions but they were well within limits. She wasn't hurt physically. A whimper was heard once coming from the petite girl and a frown was exchanged between the technicians.
What was going on out there?
They all fought and Vagary did her best. Eventually Lore released their bonds and their offense was over, all the Rikti down. She eyed all of the Rikti's captors but focused on one. No matter her healing ability this was something she couldn't just "heal". As she tried again and again she was told to teleport them to Vanguard. "We'll get you safe, Promise!" She declared. She vanished from their sight, only to reappear near Devon. Together they made sure everyone was back in neutral territory.
Mech was injured, a knock to the head sending him unconscious. She shook him, her eyes worried. "Wake up! We're safe.. they're not screaming anymore." The shaking continued even after he'd opened his eyes until she was pulled off. Biting her lip she grew quiet, only nodding when asked if she was alright.
It was then she wandered among everyone else only to step far back. Her eyes watched the horror of what the Rikti had done. Fingers light on various people, her green glow a contact between them and her for a few moments, offering relief as best she can give it. She does this for the victims as well, for the ones Vanguard lets her near.. but still.. not affect and she frowns even more.. her demeanor sad and listless.
It was Mech who pulled her away, walking with her. He'd be making a suit for Somey... letting her bring him on missions sometimes. Eventually he'd picked her up, her body so small in his arms and against his armor. A holodisplay in his palm showed her monkeys surfing on youtube and she smiled weakly. But his efforts at distraction were in vain. "I don't wanna be here anymore." Her eyes are sad and tired and full of something far older than her young years.
The suggestion of gathering people to watch a movie gets a shrug in response. "I.. don't wanna watch a movie. I really don't." She looks at him, "Is that okay?"
"Sure midget. Get on outta here"
That said she vanished from his arms. Her mind choosing to end the link. They'd programmed it that way. Carl and Hazel made their way to the little girl, removing her helmet. Hank double checked her current vitals and then began to fill out a report log, doing a lean-sit against one of the consoles.
Vagary said nothing as she was led to the little room. Hazel talked a bit, trying to perk the girl up. Not her or any of the others out in the Hazard Room knew what the little girl had just seen or been through. But whatever it was, it was bothering the usually boisterous young lady.
Once in her normal clothes, Vagary took off running. Not even a hug to them. Definitely not like her. The technicians began to chatter between themselves, pondering and guessing and discussing the various affects of various scenarios. None of them were registered heroes. None of them had seen much beyond the classroom or workshop.
Vagary ran through the Foundation. She stopped every so often to look around as if searching for something. Her eyes moved rapidly over the furniture and decorations. Normally large and beautiful to her The Foundation seemed too small.
Run! Hide!
She could hear the screams still. Though they'd been silenced by her friends, they still hung in her mind.
Remembering the sight of them made her cry as she ran, soft whimpers left in her wake. Fists clenched she finally found a place to be. In Pocket Z, behind the bar she crawled into the small space between counter and wall. She curled up small, hugging her knees in the fetal position. Closing her eyes she sobbed. A green glow, very soft and faint encircled her body. They weren't here but she tried. She continued to try and heal them!
Inside was fear and confusion and anger. The eight year old hid, not understanding.
"Vagues?" Mike checked the commons room first, looking for his sister.
"Michael, if you're looking for--"
"Yeah, well... Kai told me to let her know her room isn't clean yet."
"I see," came the disembodied voice of the artificial entity known as Martin. "She is in the club, the section of the Foundation Center designated Pocket Z."
"Thanks."
Mike strode through the Center and into the club, calling out for his sister once again. "Come on, Vagues... Kai wants your room clean."
The little girl curled up further at the sound of her brother's voice. Trying to control the sobs she bit her lip and closed her eyes tighter.
Mike frowned, hearing his little sister's sobbing. "Vagues... where are you? What's wrong?"
He swung back behind the counter, crouching down to look under it until he found her. Sitting on the floor, back to the bar, he pulled one leg up and rested his chin on his knee.
"Hey there, you. You wanna tell your big little brother what's going on?"
Vagary opened her eyes, pushing herself back away from him. Puffy, red eyes of an eight year old stared at him. Her body shook as she held back the sobs, or at least tried ... finding that she failed miserably.
Her voice was quiet and sad. "They were screaming and I couldn't heal them... and I'm kinda scared... That's all. Okay? that's all."
That green comforting pulsing glow continued to come from her hands that were held tight to her chest. She wished so badly at the moment to have Somey in her arms- something to hold onto.
Closing her eyes she frowned, saying even quieter. "They made them stop.. but I can hear them.. and it felt funny.. inside my head and I couldn't heal them.. I just couldn't.. but I'm trying..."
Mike looked over his shoulder, watching her as she scooted away from him. This desire to be separate, to be apart from others, was so unlike this little girl who almost never went five minutes without swinging on someone's hand or jumping up to hug them. He furrowed his brow, then turned around, kneeling. Holding out his arms, he offered her a hug.
"Come on, Vagues. I'm here now. Everything is going to be okay."
That offer was almost to much to bear. She opened her eyes, still crying, and looked at him. Her big little brother. So strong and rarely ever scared. She wished so much to be like him... to be like Hero Prime.
Older. Stronger. Unbreakable.
Today's events, on top of the nightmare she'd had the day before, had shaken her to her very core.
Staying where she was she reached out for him, the green glow fading and leaving her face hidden in the darkness of the corner.
He stretched his arms out, strong fingers lacing between her tiny digits, and he clasped her hands, pulling her gently from her hiding place. Tugging her onto his lap, he wrapped his arms around her in a protective embrace and rocked back and forth, her head against his shoulder.
"Shhh," he whispered. "Nothing's going to hurt you when you're in my arms, Vagues. Nothing."
It only took a few seconds for him to pull her free but it was long enough for a sob to catch in her throat. A sob that let itself free as soon as he held her, as soon as his strong arms became a barrier between her and the world.
Her eyes closed and she curled up against him, hands grasping his shirt as if holding on for dear life.
The rocking sensation was soothing to the young girl. Nightmares and fears and confusion couldn't win against the love and care of an older brother.
She knew, at least for the moment, that she was safe... that his words rang true.
Though it was still out there. Though the unknown world, the evil, the battle still existed and would press upon her the moment he let go...
.. for now she could rest.
Sobs fell quiet as she was rocked, the petite eight year old slipping into sleep, Mike's shirt wet with her tears.
- Valentine's Day. Peregrine Island. High atop one of the Portal Corp buildings. Vagary sits with her legs danging off the side, throwing raisins down below -
Hero Prime turns to his sister. "Come on, Vagues. Let's go." Stepping over he places a hand on her shoulder. "You ready?"
Little Miss Vagary glances up at Mike and frowns, she glances again at the skyline and sighs. "But I don't want too... I really don't."
He sighs. "You can only stay out here if I stay with you. Would you prefer that?"
She shrugs. "I don't care. It's just pretty out here and big.. the sky is big out here."
Bending down he picks up his little sister, pulling her into a tight hug. "Look... I just need to make sure you're safe. How about we get some ice cream?"
The eight year old hugs him back, burying her head into his chest. She doesn't say anything.
Sighing again he looks over, "I'm gonna get her some ice cream, Zarp. See ya around."
Zarp Draken nods, “Oh-! Before you leave.”
Mike hovers up, carrying Vagary with him.
Zarp reaches into thin air and fishes around, eventually producing a package of gummy bears with a heart shaped card. Two amateurishly drawn cowboys are drawn on it, saying "Happy Valentine's Day".
“Picked up something after decorating, for the kiddo.”
Mike chuckles. Vagary looks over and reaches for it. Zarp hands it to Vagary, along with a wink and imaginary finger-gun. The little girl smiles a little and takes it. She hugs it close and then smiles. "Thanks." Mike waits for Vagary to grab the card, then nods to Zarp and flies off.
Once at the Foundation Mike opens up the freezer, pulling out a couple gallons of ice cream. His sister holds her card tight and watches him take out the ice cream.
Mike sets Vagary down on the counter. “So... what kind do you want? I've got Rocky Road and Neopolitan here.” She points to the Rocky Road. He scoops Rocky Road into two bowls, both of them large. He puts a spoon in each and pushes one to her. Setting the card her lap she grabs the bowl and stirs for a bit before taking a bite. She keeps taking small bites, staring down at the bowl.
He takes a bite of ice cream. "So... you gonna tell me what's going on, squirt?"
Vagary shrugs without looking up. "I'm supposed to. Helen told me I had to. She wouldn't leave me alone until I promised.”
Nodding, he takes another bite. "She did, huh? I guess she's got some smarts after all." He chuckles. “So what's up?”
Vagary says quietly without looking up.. but her spoon stops. "I'm having nightmares.. again. They're back and I don't like it at all."
Mike frowns. "What kind of nightmares?"
“It's like I use to have.. and it's scary. I sink and it's dark and I'm confused and when I wake up I'm STILL tired.” She frowns and scoots her ice cream away, some of it sloshing out. "They weren't supposed to come back! They weren't!"
Mike slides Vagary's bowl away from her, then climbs up on the counter next to her. "Come here," he says, extending his arms.
Climbing into his lap she leans against him, her head on his shoulder. Her fingers play with the edge of his trenchcoat. "I don't wanna go to sleep.. Cause if I do.. bad things might be there like the pictures that move really fast and the pounding sound and I'm lost in there but it's not a maze.”
“Shhh...”
Mike rocks his sister back and forth. "You don't have to go to sleep, at least not yet. Right now, just sit here and have some ice cream with me, okay? I promise, the ice cream won't hurt you."
Vagary nods and looks at it. "But I'm not hungry..." She's rocked and her words are quiet. “Sometimes I want to get up and cry and run to Dad and make him make it go away but I know he can't. No one can. But it went away before and I don't want it to come back because I hate being tired and making people get upset and worried because really I'm good and I'm not bad and I don't know where all that dark comes from and I can't swim like I want.”
Mike sighs deeply, still rocking the little girl. "Maybe not, Vagues. But maybe we need to have someone like Maggie or Mr. Z take a peek, huh?"
She continued to jabber on as if she just had to get it out. She frowns. "Maggie looked before when things went bad and I wasn't me.. and I promise... It's not like that.. I promise!"
“I know it's not like that, Vagues. But you know something's going wrong, so we should at least have it checked out, right?”
She buries her head against him. "I don't want to... I don't."
Mike frowns. "Why?"
Vagary looks up at him, tears in her eyes. "What if somethin's really wrong? What if I have to stop helping? I don't want to... and what if I have to go away? I don't want to.. I don't want to be broken. I'm trying to be brave and I'm fighting it.. I just don't wanna go to sleep. I sink.. the nightmares... I.. I don't want to get lost, Mike! I don't!”
Mike shakes his head, his nose rubbing against Vagary's. "You won't have to go away. I'll keep you here, I'll make sure you don't have to go - I'll hold onto you and make sure you're safe. That's what I'm here for, right? But if something's wrong... Vagues... it's gotta be fixed.”
Vagary nods and wraps her arms around him, hugging tight. "Don't let me go! Ever!"
He holds on tight. "Now, I have to, when I put you to bed..."
“I don't wanna go to bed!”
Vagary looks at him with fearful and tired eyes. "I wake up and I'm still tired and it's there... and I don't want it to be." She sighs. "It's not fair. It's not right.. it's not... don't make me... please..."
Mike closes his eyes. "Look... there have got to be ways to get around this. You can't just not sleep."
She frowns. "I know.. "
“Tell you what... I'll come to mom and dad's tonight. They've got a big rocking chair in the front room. I'll sleep there tonight, holding you. Tomorrow... tomorrow we get you checked out.”
“Really?!” His little sister looks up pleadingly. "You'll do that?"
He nods. "I'll do that."
Vagary hugs him again, really tight. Her tiny body trembles in his arms. Her voice is full of emotion. "Thanks, Mike.. thank you..."
Her big little brother smiles. "Sure thing. Now... eat your ice cream." She nods and sits on his lap, her back against his chest. She puts the bowl in her lap and begins to eat.
