"What do you mean he can't speak?" Jam interrogated.

"His implant was ripped out. >tchtch

"Jam, do the hand movements I show you." Audrey commanded.

A series of light blue signs popped up in his HUD, he followed the gestures as ordered. LionHead's ears perked and his head tilted. He moved his hands in his own gestures.

"How do you know this?" The words popped up as a text box in Jam's HUD, a translation of LionHead's message.

"Keep following the directions. If you want to say anything I can translate." Audrey said.

"A special skill allows me to speak with you." Jam signed.

"How are you doing this?" Jam sent Audrey.

"Omnilinguism. It's a skill I have. I am using Sharry sign language." Audrey answered.

"LionHead is Sharry?"

"No but the person who made him apparently is. I noticed from the first sign he did, pointing at his head then brushing two fingers across his jaw. He was saying he can't speak. I think he did the jaw brushing by habit."

"Can you translate for me?" LionHead signed. Jam nodded. "Please tell them that I found and took down Tigerstripe's lair but I couldn't catch her."

Jam explained to the other two who just looked on in awe at the situation.

"You can understand him? >tch

"Honestly, I'm getting less surprised by the things you can do by the moment."

"It's best if you do." Jam deadpanned.

"Are you the one that saved me?" LionHead signed.

"I am." Jam signed back.

"Thank you."

"No problem." Jam signed then put a hand on LionHead's shoulder. LionHead's paw engulfed Jam's hand as he tapped it in thanks.

LionHead started to stand but GearFreak stopped him.

"You need at least a day of bed rest buddy. >tchtch

"What do you mean what will happen?" Jam translated LionHead's signs.

"You can't speak. >tchtchtchtch

"I think I have an idea." Arcturian piped in.

"What's up big guy?" Jam asked.

"Come with me for a second Jam." He waved Jam over and the two of them side barred. "Did you level up when you helped LionHead?"

"I did."

"Well, I may have a possible job you can do. I wanted to see if you'd consider it before we asked LionHead."

"Don't swing the lead. What is it?"

"Well, you wouldn't be able to be a sidekick as you would also need a verification for that as well. However, you could be a scout."

Jam's interest waned a bit. "A scout?"

"Yes, no verification needed. You wouldn't be able to fight any villains but you would be able to scout out possible enemy territory or situations and call in the cavalry. This would allow you to go out with LionHead. You can heal him if he gets into any trouble or heal anyone he saves. It's the best I can do in this situation."

Jam sighed. "Ok, I'll do it if he agrees."

"Are you sure?"

Role Change: Scout

Choosing Scout as role will change your alignment from Neutral to Good.

Subsequent powers awarded in power roulette will be based on supporting current role.

Do you wish to take on the role of Scout?

[ Yes ] [ No ]

"Yes." Jam answered Arcturian and the pop up simultaneously.

Congratulations: First Role Chosen.

You are now a Scout.

Next powercycle will reward 3 powers that assist Scouting.

Congratulations: Alignment Shifted to Good.

Heroes and civilians will not be initially hostile to you without provocation.

{ Exp Gained. }

'Open your spell book." Audrey told him.

Spell Book

The familiar blue screen opened up and two new spells had been added.

{ Spell Book }

{ Firefist 2 - Mastery 100% }

{ Air Shot 2 - Mastery 100% }

{ Boost 2 - Mastery 100% }

{ Purify 2 - Mastery 100% }

{ Blink 2 - Mastery 100% }

{ Shield 1 - Mastery 0% }

{ Illusion 1 - Mastery 0% }

"Shield and Illusion. When did I get these?" He asked her.

"It looks like shield you got when you leveled up and illusion you received after you chose the scout role."

Show Roles

{Roles}

{ Scout (Current Role)

Sidekick

Hero

Henchman

Villain

Assassin

Mercenary

Merchant

Healer }

Spell Book

Shield

{ Shield 1 - Mastery 0% }

{ A magical shield is erected to protect the user from harm. The larger the shield the weaker it is overall. Shield can be multicast to reinforce density. Shield remains until destroyed or dispelled. }

{ MP Cost: 10 MP per use. }

Hmm. Ok. Illusion

{ Illusion 1 - Mastery 0% }

{ Form an illusion that can mimic look and sound. Illusions are not solid but touch won't dispel them. Illusion strength is dependent on vividness of image in mind when casting. }

{ MP Cost: 5 MP to cast +1 MP per second }

Both seem pretty useful. Have to test them out later.

He looked up to find Arcturian staring at him.

"What have you learned?" Arcturian asked.

"Two new spells." Jam answered. "We'll talk about it later. Do you think LionHead would allow me to scout for him?"

"Worth a try." Arcturian shrugged.

"I'll follow your lead." Jam nodded.

The two rejoined LionHead and GearFreak to which the latter was asking LionHead yes r no questions about his latest hunt.

"You're sure she didn't say anything about where they could . ." GearFreak started before LionHead tapped his arm to alert him of their company. ">tchtch

"Well, LionHead. I was wondering if you would be willing to allow Jam to accompany you on your patrols so he could speak for you and help you out. He would be your scout."

"Have you spoken to Might Guy about that? >tch

"Any hero can take a scout without the field commander's consent. We don't need to consult him."

LionHead stared into Jam's eyes. His large golden brown eyes were oppressive and intimidating but Jam didn't back down. LionHead gestured for Jam to come forward and Jam did. A sniff, Lionhead inhaled Jam's scent. Then LionHead grabbed behind Jam's head, his giant paw nearly engulfing Jam's head, and pulled Jam's forehead against his own. Jam could feel that though the outside of his hand looks like a lion's paw the inside felt closer to a giant human's hand.

Just like Tigerstripe. That must be how he holds the guns.

LionHead released him and Jam smiled at him.

"You're strong, I'll be glad to have you with me." LionHead signed. Then the two fist bumped.

"He said yes." Jam told the rest of the group.

"Fantastic." Arcturian clapped his hands together.

"He is still going to need to rest for a few days. >tchtchtch

"Why not replace his vocal chords?" Audrey asked.

"What? >tchtch

"You say he can't speak because his vocal chords can make Dovaran speech, why not just replace them with artificial vocal chords. He clearly understands speech, he is just unable to make it. I don't see the harm, you can't make him less able to speak." Audrey explained incredulously.

"It's impossible. >tch

"Nope." Audrey projected a visual scan of LionHead's body. "According to this scan, the only thing separating him from speech is the shape of his throat and his vocal chords. If you change those like this. ." The scan changed to show the throat being shifted. "He already understands speech and what words mean. His mouth and chest are both fine for speech, it's as if somewhere in the evolutionary process he chose to forego speech to use a translator."

"Or he's just not finished evolving." Jam added.

"Also a possibility."

GearFreak scratched his shaggy brown hair. "I guess it could work. >tchtchtchtchtchtch

"Good, and until then, Jam can join LionHead out on patrol." Arcturian exclaimed with an assured hand on Jam's shoulder.

"Be off with you then. >tchtch

"Prepare yourself. We will be busy." LionHead signed before Jam exited with a quick nod.

The next three days crept by as Jam excited practiced his new spells in preparation of the coming patrol. Shield was pretty straight forward, usually taking the shape of a buzzing yellow oval. No matter the size it always seemed to be an oval. The interesting thing he learned about shield though was that it was soundproof on both sides. He encased Audrey in an oval shield bubble and could not hear her protests through the yellow energy. The description was correct however, the larger the shield, the weaker it was. A shield that could cover his whole body was broken easily by two of his own punches, which was a flick of the finger by someone with super strength. While the spell could be multicast, the MP drain was fairly heavy.

I'll have to keep workshopping Shield. There must be other things I can use it for strategically.

Illusion was the more complicated one to deal with. It relied heavily on his mental acuity. The stronger he pictured what he was trying to make an illusion of the stronger the illusion was. However, if he lost focus, or if the mental image wasn't strong enough, the illusion dispelled or became contaminated.

[ Skill Learned: Dispel Lvl 1 ]

[ Skill Type: Active ]

The interesting notification came after he had leveled up Shield and Illusion both to level 2.

[ Active Skill Effect Added: Art of Magic Lvl 11 ]

[ Active Skill: Replenish MP - Once every 12 hours replenish MP completely over 15 seconds. ]

Yes! My MP recovery is still too slow for magic to be a major game changer, though. I need to level up so I can get more useful powers.

The day of his first patrol with LionHead, Jam awoke with a start from a familiar nightmare. He had been having the same nightmare for weeks now. Always it began with him and Rose together, a caress, fingers running through her hair. He would kiss her passionately, pull her hair back to enjoy her throat; they would move together in a tantalizing dance of bodies before falling into bed. He would strip off her clothes, making sure to take his time, as if memorizing her body.

Then he would command her to take off his clothes and she would obey. Some time within the dream Jam would realize that he wasn't moving his body, he'd become aware that he wasn't seeing himself touch her through his own eyes but rather watching from a distance. Watching as the two naked bodies writhed against each other, watch his body kiss all the spots that he knows Rose loves. Watch his body touch her in all the places he enjoyed. Hear her moans of pleasure.

He'd watch Rose be replaced by Thorn, the tone of the lovemaking changing to a battle of wills, fighting for sexual dominance. He watched his body pin Thorn down and take her, thrusting over and over, kissing and biting in the ways she enjoyed. Watch as Thorn took control, getting on top and blocking his view of himself. She would ride his body hard and fast. He couldn't speak, he couldn't move, he could only watch. Then Thorn would move enough for him to see his body again and would make direct eye contact with himself, now wearing a crown of moons and a sinister grin.

Every time he awoke in a cold sweat, angrier than he had any right to be. A shower was the only thing that could cool the rage that was burning within him. Someone else was touching his ladies and they might not even know that it isn't him. Not really.

After his shower he made his way to the tech lab with Audrey in tow. He was surprised to find Might Guy and Camilla there already.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" He asked.

"Hey, just getting my suit repaired." Camilla greeted him with a hug. "Just had a crazy battle with the Ground Pounders.

"Oh yeah, that's that group with the Earth elemental abilities right? Mudman, Rockfist and a couple others."

"Rockfist retired a couple years back thankfully. That dick always went straight for the Mightcycle. Do you have any idea how many times I had to repair him?" Camilla grumbled eliciting a chuckle from Jam. "You excited for your first scouting expedition?"

"Scouting expedition? What are hunting Titans? Trying to get into that basement? Jam asked incredulously.

Camilla socked him in the arm and he held it in feigned, and partially real, pain. "You know what I mean."

"I think I am. I know it sounds weird considering my voluntary exile from the outside world but I've been going a little stir crazy. The simulator is nice but it feels fake you know. I miss going out in Arcturus, though I'd be a lot more comfortable going out there if I were in my pod right now."

"I get it, take your time and ease into it. Malachi will definitely understand, you are the only one he can speak to." Camilla reassured him with comforting hands on his shoulders.

"Thanks Cami." He smiled.

Camilla's cheek grew bright red. "I haven't heard that name since Grandma Gigi passed."

Jam ruffled her hair. "I know Kid, I miss her too."

"Ugh! You know I hate that." She complained while attempting to fix her hair.

Might Guy cleared his throat to remind the two of his presence, his usual perma-grimace cemented on his face. "If you two are done." He inserted before speaking to Jam. "Wilson, since it has been decided, against my judgment, that you will be scouting for LionHead, you will be wearing LionHead's scouting uniform."

"Sweet. I get a costume." Jam didn't notice the look of displeasure that danced across Camilla's face.

"You can't be serious." Jam complained moments later, after Might Guy handed him the costume.

To say the costume was uninviting would be an understatement. Similar to LionHead's combat uniform, he was given something similar but it looked like baggy coveralls mixed with tight spandex. They were an unappealing light gray color with brown shoulder, elbow and knee pads.

"This isn't really my look. I mean if I must keep the rest of it can I at least get a different color? Does it come in black?"

"You'll use what you're given." Might Guy curtly dismissed.

"Man this is so unfair." Jam whined as he went into the small changing room off to the side.

[ Skill Used: Analyze+ Lvl 11 - Successful ]

{ Item: LionHead scout attire

Item Class: Costume

Item Details: +3 Armor, -2 Speed

Suit Skills: None }

Stupid thing doesn't even have any suit skills. +3 armor? How? The material isn't even thick enough for armor.

Sliding his body into the gaudy disaster, he realized it was even worse than it looked. Around his waist was the tight spandex that left so little to the imagination that it would make an adult film star blush. One stray amorous inclination and he may need to get the suit repaired. The suit was equally tight around the wrists, forearms and neck. Considering all of his clothes thus far had fit him nearly perfectly, as if they'd measured him in his sleep, this felt like a blatant middle finger. The rest of the outfit was a couple sizes too large, especially the bottoms of his pants that seemed to splay out.

What am I bringing bell bottoms back?

'I changed my mind. I don't want to do this anymore." He said exiting the changing room. He noticed a pair of eyes immediately traveling to the general area of his manhood. "Hey my eyes are up here." He chastised Camilla.

"I've made my choice." She quipped.

"Must you always objectify me?"

She pulled her eyes up to meet his, the flush of her cheeks still apparent and smile meekly. "Yeah you're right. My bad." She said before turning back to her work, not without sneaking one last peek however.

Jam would probably chuckle at her antics any other time but he was hardly in a joking mood at the moment. "You can't be serious about this Might Guy. I look ridiculous." Jam pleaded.

"You wear what you're given." He curtly spoke again before tossing an item to Jam.

"What's this?"

"Your mask."

Well at least no one will know it's me in this monstrosity.

"Right again Universa, I did want to see this." Jam heard a familiar monotone voice say. "Might I say Jam, you are quite rocking the look."

Damn. Spoke too soon.

"Strange enough to admit, it does indeed work for him." Universa agreed floating in with Voodoo Priestess beside her.

"Thank you. I guess." Jam deadpanned.

"Cheer up child. This moment will pale in comparison to the many horrors you will endure in the near future." Universa said with a Cheshire grin.

"I know you're joking since you can't tell me the future but that was still absolutely terrifying." Jam expressed.

"Jokes are not my forte."

"I love your sense of humor." Voodoo Priestess added.

"Thank you dear." Universa smiled, squeezing her hand. "Anyway, we came to wish you luck on your first journey outside. As they say, the first step is always the hardest, but fight on."

"Thank you, both of you."

"Fight on?" Might Guy scoffed "There won't be any fighting. He's a scout. He's not allowed to fight."

"It was a figure of speech, Mightbrain." Voodoo Priestess announced. Might Guy's eyes glowed red behind his sunglasses but Voodoo Priestess just gave him a single finger salute.

"I guess I should try this mask on." Jam interrupted the uncomfortable situation. He lifted the mask up to get a good look at it. "Oh come on, you gave me a lioness mask?" Might Guy was almost tempted to crack a smile at that. Almost.

The Lioness head mask was a mixture of hard plastics and rubber cloth that would make you break out into a sweat just by looking at it. It was the only thing that fit properly, When he closed and latched it on his head, a pop up appeared.

Costume detected

Would you like to choose a hero name?

Note: This name cannot be changed unless complete costume change.

[ Enter Name Here ]

[ Yes ] [ No ] [ Maybe Later ]

Suggestions: LionessHead

LionCub

Cubber Lang

Sarabi

Nala

Cosmic Crisis wouldn't treat me like this. No I don't want to choose a name.

The pop up disappeared and Jam sighed in reservation. Jam trudged to the elevator and made his way down to the lobby entrance of the hall of Destiny. LionHead was leaded against a wall in the lobby typing on the a tablet as a shorter slightly less hairy man stood next to him, apparently waiting to receive the tablet once LionHead was done with it.

[ Skill Used: Analyze+ - Successful ]

{ Character Type: NPC

Character Name: Lugar

Alias: Half-wolf

Race: Dovaran

Alignment: Neutral

HP: 350/350

MP: N/A

SP: 500/500

Powers:

Partial Wolf Physiology

Enhanced Senses

Enhanced Body }

Upon closer inspection, the man looked like a werewolf that was paused mid transformation. His face had clearly changed to a snout, but completely devoid of hair until the back of his head. Some places had more hair than others and though he was incredibly ripped his hands were still human.

LionHead finished what he was doing as Jam approached. He handed the tablet back to Half-Wolf who gave a quick nod and disappeared without a word.

"Sorry if I kept you waiting." Jam signed to him.

"What's wrong?" LionHead signed back.

Jam sighed again. "I used to be respected. I was the most feared villain this side of the Sharry border. My name was like a badge of honor." Jam mused wistfully aloud. "Now I'm walking around in a suit like this, I feel ridiculous." He complained hoping to find sympathetic ears.

"Did Might Guy give that to you?"

"He did."

LionHead nodded in understanding. "Well then, get over it. We need to focus on the mission, style comes secondary. I allowed this because I felt that you were strong. Don't give me cause to rethink my decision."

Jam stood a little straighter, easing out of his slouch he didn't even know he was in. "You're right sir. I'm focused and will follow your lead."

"Glad to hear it. If you're ready, let's be off."

"Ready."

The two moved to leave and Jam came face to face with the front door of the door of the Hall of Destiny. The door opened and a rush of air hit Jam's face. He took his first step, then immediately he lost the ability to breathe.

[ Skill Used: Calm Mind Lvl 11 - Failure ]

Can't breathe. Air. I need air. I need to breathe.

The sounds of the city, the subtle whoosh of the hypertransit, sound of footsteps beating the pavement. A car door closing there, conversations happening over here, the smells of the crisp clean air that laughed in the face of the big city environment. It was all so overwhelming. Then he saw her again, in the distance, the body. He swallowed hard against a quickly drying throat and shut his eyes but the visual was patterned on the inside of his eyelids. He could hear his mother's voice, angry and bitter. Reminding him, always reminding him.

[ Skill Used: Calm Mind Lvl 11 - Failure ]

Breathe damn it.

He was frozen stiff. Hyperventilating, trying to suck in air but none would come. He opened his eyes again to find he was staring at the ground, he had fallen. He rolled over onto his back and tried to pull at the neck of his costume, trying to get more room for air to enter his lungs. He was making a scene, other people had stopped what they were doing in the lobby to go and see what the commotion was. Kid Mighty spilt through the crowd like butter and was on her knees beside him. She pulled his head into her lap and then flipped her cape up over herself to where it was shielding Jam's upper body as well, then unlatched the mask. Jam was sweating profusely as well as tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Shh." Kid Mighty soothed. "It's ok. You just built it up in your head. You made a big deal of your first time out and now it's overwhelming. You're ok. Everything is ok. Just breathe. Take your time. I'm right here." She softly spoke while gently rubbing behind his ears. Jam began to ease some.

[ Skill Used: Calm Mind Lvl 11 - Successful ]

Jam slowly started to take deep breaths then he wiped his head on his sleeve. He grabbed her hands to stop her and gave them a light squeeze in thanks; then he clicked his mask closed. He quickly got to his feet.

"What happened? Are you alright? Do you need to stay back?" LionHead signed though his face still seemed oddly stoic.

"No. I'm ok. First step is always the hardest right?"