Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works; all other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing with them.

Betad by Malcolm Tent, Priapus, Mike God of Lore, Beans, Old man of the mountain

The Celestial Roulette

Chapter 01: Trigger

- Felix Dallon —

Anyone who studied Capes and Trigger Theory knows about second-gen triggers. Any time a Cape has a child, that child is far more likely to trigger with a power, often similar to their parents. Triggers are seen as the worst day of the Cape's life, nightmarish scenarios leading to the unlucky person leaving with a power that often only made matters worse.

A second-gen cape can trigger from something as silly as being fouled while playing basketball, leading to a certain lucky brat becoming Alexandria Jr.

So, why hadn't I triggered? Both my parents are capes; I've been through some very stressful events (even 'accidentally' wandering into gang territory in the hopes of forcing myself to trigger) to no avail. I have no real answer. Both my sisters are capes, and so are my cousins. In fact, everyone in this family had been a cape except me.

That had always upset me when I was younger, and had dreams of being a hero along with the rest of my family. Cold realisation had dampened that dream, seeing the harsh reality of being a hero.

Having Aunt Sarah basically knock the door down at 3 am because Crystal was badly wounded and they needed Amy for her to have a chance to survive had been the wake-up call that heroism wasn't all fame and excitement.

Crystal herself took a step back from heroing after that time to focus on her academic life (and, more importantly, her social life, given her regular partying since she started college), and it had been a sharp reminder that being a Cape was not a good thing. Then I watched Amy stress herself out with constant hospital trips since I was usually the one who took Amy there and stayed with her.

So, I didn't exactly lose interest in becoming a Cape, but I started to see my inability to trigger as a silver lining. I focused on my schooling, graduating high school with some damn good grades. I started college and focused on the life I had instead of sulking that I had never gained powers (even if my helicopter mom made me go to one closer to home than I originally wanted). All in all, I've had a damn good life. I've been enjoying college, I have a good (if sometimes stressful) family, and nothing has gone wrong for me in months.

Which in Brockton Bay is a blessing from the heavens themselves.

So, why? Why have I finally gained my powers after a dream?

I've been shot by gang members, and once, I got hit by one of Squealer's abominations after she decided that the sidewalk was a good enough place to drive. I've seen family members on death's door, lived through several serious events, and I trigger after having a weird dream of four glowing balls entering me.

That alone would have been weird enough, but even my new powers (plural) don't make any sense. Everyone in my family (except Amy, who is adopted) has triggered with almost the same powers. There's a clear pattern in family triggers, and I just blatantly don't follow it.

[Crystal Mechanics] - 100cp

The Byakko Crystal's blessing revolves around the synthesis and comprehension of technology using magic. After all, any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. You can understand the workings of advanced technology after tinkering around with it a bit. You can also replicate technology you see by using magic, but until you've attempted it countless times, the end product always seems to feel a bit… lesser in comparison to the original.

Tinkertech can't be copied except for a single exception. Dragon can reverse-engineer Tinkertech; it's why she's seen as the greatest tinker in the world. So, what sense does it make for me to become a Tinker capable of replicating advanced tech with magic? My mind refuses to call it anything else, a source of energy inside of me. Everything I know about Trigger theory says that this doesn't make sense, but as I mentioned, this is one of my powers.

But magic isn't real, and I certainly don't have any mana, right?

[Power Overwhelming] - 0cp

If one thing above all else defines a dragon, it is POWER! You contain within you the might of an entire raging storm, a torrent to drown any insects who try and match their magic to yours, and the physical strength to snap steel chains as if they were a minor irritant.

The storm swirling in my chest disagrees; after all, a Dragon like me possesses powerful magic. Except I'm not a dragon, I'm a human and the only dragon around is Lung, who is an asshole. (Well, there's also Dragon but she's not a Dragon either).

The crushed alarm clock tells me that this isn't some delusional episode; my strength is great. I've seen Vicky accidentally break so many things and admittedly used to make fun of my cocky little sister for it, but now who's laughing?

Well, me, because I'm a fucking dragon, apparently.

If you really squint, you can see how these two powers could be linked. I use 'magic' to recreate advanced tech, and the magic inside me has made me powerful (because I'm a dragon).

I'm still not bored of saying that, even if I don't have any scales. Or wings, or you know… anything related to dragons.

But explain this shit.

[Dead Cells: Kamikaze] - 100cp

A small green batlike creature flies towards your enemies before detonating the green bulb it is carrying, blowing up for massive damage.

The cute bat squeaks as I stroke it, looking at the explosive sack it is carrying. Okay, how the fuck does 'suicide bomber bat' fit into my power set? I can summon it once a day, and from our bond, I can sense its desire to blow something up.

Its sole purpose in life is to make something explode, and it can't wait for me to unleash it on an enemy. Of course, its effective immortality might be helping since I can summon it again the next day.

[Supernatural: Holy Oil] - 100cp

A refilling jug of holy oil. Should a fire be lit with this oil no angel may step over the fire. It can also be used to burn other supernatural creatures in a way far more effective than normal fire. Glasses touched by fire made with holy oil will be able to see normally invisible creatures such as hellhounds.

And this? Looking at the jug sitting on my kitchen side, how do you explain this shit? Oh yeah, my power just gave me a jug of holy oil so I could deal with angels and demons, don't worry about it. What in the actual fuck am I supposed to do with a magic jar of holy oil?

…if Haven hears about this, they're either going to hate me or love me.

Man, I finally gave up my childish dreams of becoming a hero, and the fates themselves went 'lol no' and gave me a nonsensical grab-bag of powers.

But I'm not just a grab-bag, am I? I'm a Trump. Each of the things it gave me, four powers for four glowing balls, came with a cost. A cost I didn't pay this time, but I know how my power works.

I don't quite understand how I get more Celestial Points, but I do know that they can be 'spent' to gain more and more powers, more summons, more relics. Trumps that can empower themselves are always big deals, and as far as I can tell, I don't have any limits.

I have four sources of power to draw from, and all four feel limitless. The Forge, The Grimoire, The Menagerie and The Reliquary. Tinker, Magic, Monsters and Relics.

The gifts I gained from them were some of the weakest from all four, and they alone could make me a powerful cape. Reverse Engineering Tinkertech, even if it's less efficient at first, is massive, and that's classified as a minor power from the Forge.

Sure, the Oil and Oni-Lee's bat brother aren't too useful, but they're just the start.

This leaves me in a bind because if this had happened a couple of years ago, I'd have been thrilled. I'd have shown off my powers to my family and joined New Wave properly in an instant.

But it took a lot of time and effort for me to give up my dreams of being a hero, and despite it all, I can't say I'm thrilled by the idea of jumping into the cape scene after all that effort.

My family has never looked down on me for not having powers. We have a lot of issues, but that isn't one of them. Honestly, I think mom likes having a non-Cape child, and dad is… well, dad. He's too busy fighting his own demons to care whether I'm a hero or not.

My life is good; it's quaint and comfortable (as comfortable as life can get in Brockton Bay, at least). If I reveal my powers, I'd definitely be expected to join up with New Wave, and I just don't know if that's what I want anymore.

It's the start of the winter break; I'm supposed to be heading back home tomorrow. It took a lot of arguing to get Mom to let me move onto the campus, and I promised to come home for the breaks. It's not like I don't visit often; I still take Amy to the hospital at least once a week, even if Vicky has started doing it more now that I'm in college.

My phone vibrates, making me jump as I dismiss both my Kamikaze and the Holy Oil. I don't know where they go when I don't have them out, but I'm glad that I can send them away since having a bright green bat following me around would kinda blow my cover.

Reading the message, I frown. I'm running a little late, but Mom doesn't need to double-check on me. I've been understandably distracted and didn't set off first thing. Besides, it's the first day of the winter break, and I deserve a lie-in.

Replying, I tell her that I'll be home soon and get to work. Regardless of what happens, I don't need to give her more reason to hover over me when I get back. Gathering my stuff, I get moving as I get in the car. I spot Crystal in the distance with some friends, giving her a wave as she smirked and gave me a knowing look.

Aunt Sarah isn't as pushy so Crystal isn't heading home just yet. She enjoys the freedom that college has given her, so I doubt she'll rush back to the Pelham house anytime soon.

As I head back home, I drive a little slower than I should to buy myself more time, trying to make up my mind. What the hell am I going to do?

– Quest Options –

[Reveal his powers to the family and join New Wave]

[Reveal his powers to a single person for now (second vote on the person)]

[Join the PRT instead]

[Keep his powers hidden and become an independent cape]

Author's Note: Hey, all. So, welcome to my first Pseudoquest! I'm styling these off the ones Cambrian does on his . I plan to update this weekly, with shorter chapters, so I can stop for votes. Honestly, this is a fun little experiment for me. I might find that I don't like Quests and either stop this or convert it into a normal fic.

Votes are platinum and diamond tier supporters for now, and this will be five chapters ahead for all s.

The system is the Celestial Roulette, which is the Forge, Grimoire, Menagerie and Reliquary all combined into one.

Also, the Grimoire is weird. 'Yeah, you have the strength to break steel, but this is just a freebie'. Guess this is gonna be like Gambler, with me having to roll with some bullshit powers.

Priapus' note: I vote we get in touch with Toybox and see if we can get some of the Protecc and resources they give nascent Tinkers. That seems in line with Felix's desire to not be forced into cape fights.

Is my saying this how anything works? Who knows?

Mike God of Lore's note: I personally say we just tell Amy, then tell her we might get a healing power to lessen her load. Also, a question for the audience: Does Amy's 'love' for Vicky also transfer to Felix? Let's find out!

Beans' note: I also think Amy should be confided in. She's mostly done pretty well keeping her own secrets, she can handle this. Plus, adorable! I have no idea if these votes count, but I'm a simple man, I see beta notes, I write beta note.

Old man's note: I agree with Mike and Bean's, telling Amy should be a good idea plus having her around can bring a lot of benefits if I say so myself~

Written: 29/04/2024

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Exclusives

Diamond: Slippery Slope Ch10, Guide to Freedom Ch13, The Warlord Ch13, The Tamer Ch13

Plat: The Origin Ch03, Guide to Conquest Ch08, The Nightmare Ch12

Gold: A Sorcerer's Ambition Ch25, The Tamer Ch12

Basic: Sorcerer's Legacy Ch08

All Tiers: The Celestial Roulette Ch02-06

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