Plan

When I finally strike gold at least an hour has passed. There is this one thread dedicated to dos and don'ts for Capes. It reads almost like it was created for me, which to be fair is probably because it was created for young and newly triggered capes. It even explained trigger-events as events where a person with a genetic disposition for parahuman-powers lives through something so horrible and extream that their brain can't keep up anymore and shuts down. But instead of falling into a coma or dying from the stress they gain powers related to their trigger event. There are different kinds of triggers, but across the board, all triggers are described as "the worst day of my life" or "the total destruction of everything that made me the person I was" and often result in personality changes. As a result, most capes develop urges, mostly for combat and violence, but there is an entire subcategory of Parahumans called Tinkers who develop a kind of Tinker-Mania or Tinker-Frenzy where they need to build without regard for anything else. My cleaning- and cooking-urges are unique as far as I can tell, but I can't imagine any Hero or Villain to admit to this kind of urges. I certainly will never admit to them publically, I may have newfound confidence from my transformation, but I am in no way a masochist.

Most other Tipps are less relevant because I will not be going out in a costume and everything I need for my powers can be bought from a supermarket without attracting attention. Weak powers are at least easier to hide. Not using your power on civilians is also not Einstein's last brainchild.

Back to the plan.

Rule Nr. 1 ist to stay undetected. I may be a Cape but I don't have any way to defend myself or protect my Dad when it comes down to it. Normally not using my ability at all would be for the best, but I can't do that. The old Taylor is not capable enough to survive, old me is too broken to be of any use and even in my improved form I know that I would have died within a week if I stayed that way. The temptation to end it all, to see my mother again would have been too much, even if I had survived my self induced ailments. In hindsight, walking all the way, during a Thunderstorm and with heavy luggage was the most stupid thing I have ever done. Calling Dad or even Mr. Barnes would have been way smarter. I could have even asked someone from the camp to stay with me until my Dad arrives, but my grieve made me stupid and suicidal. I think part of me wanted to die that day.

So Rule Nr. 1 is even more important because I can't stop using my power. Entering a new school is perfect to build up a new persona and with the state of my clothes, I will need to go shopping soon, which I can use to change my image completely. The goal is to change so completely that even Emma, the traitor, would not recognize me from up close. Dad's slump will make it easier because he won't notice the difference while still subconsciously recognizing the change. On the other hand, his apathy will make it harder to get the money I need but maybe my new charm will be able to help. I will have to test that.

Rule Nr. 2 is to never use any of my visible powers in a public area. My powers are very subtle as far as I can tell, but there is no need to take risks. So no cooking or baking competitions, even if I could make some money with them. Money making with my powers is a big red flag because it is not just noticeable, but illegal as well. Parahumans are not allowed to use their powers for commercial gains without a license and power testing. Which is good for Normals, but a disaster for any Cape not willing or able to rely on authority. It is almost like Capes are forced to join either the Heros of Villains. The Elite seems to be the only Cape organization powerful enough to skirt that rule and they probably are closer to a gang than anything else.

Rule Nr. 3 is to follow Rule Nr 1 and 2 at all times. I would have stopped at 2 but the number 3 just sounds better. And I am superstitious. Having near useless super-powers can do that to you.

My plan, for now, is to first secure my Arcadia attendance, then get money and buy everything necessary to create the new me and to do as much power-testing, read cooking and cleaning, as possible while enjoying myself. Getting a new lease at life should not be wasted on dreary thoughts and the past can't stop me from shaping my future. And maybe, one day I will be able to return to my old self and find peace within myself again.

I spend another hour at the Computer to write a well-worded E-Mail to the principal of Arcadia high-school, before being satisfied with my efforts to secure my attendance. Dad isn't home yet, it's after 9 by now, but this has become routine in the last months. It seems like talking to him about money will have to wait until tomorrow. He will be way too drunk when or better if he comes home. I haven't eaten all day and my hunt for food is just as unsuccessful now as it was in the morning. Eating will have to wait as well, it is too late to go out to find food somewhere else and I have no idea where I could even find anything.

I look up homeless shelters and charities just in case.