"fair" He nods. "The genetic imprint was more like a multipurpose feature... so i'm just comfortable using it. Its more or less the basis of 'consume or cooperate' The later only performed once markers are detected after attempt of the first. Each iteration becomes more sensitive able to distinguish at a faster rate. Albeit this will be somewhat be obsolete once the neural network matures, enabling better processing and recognition."

Meanwhile Freakshow proceeds with his work, some of the liquid now pulled into a syringe. Almost immediately to be injected into a big hissing cockroach.

"Well... its just a new recombinant strain, which had to be imprinted on me first via a blood sample, folled by incubation into a compatible host organism. Hopefully to amplify some existing traits..., in a much more stable manner.

"Stress testing... yes... that would be what i would like to try.. perhaps after my next creation?" At first confused... there actually is a growing sensation of excitement going through his mind. Realizing the inevitable potential of still requiring a sample... in a more indirect way.

"Well the original idea was to imprint them on a genetic level... which again only works with a sample... That's how it works with me and among each of the other ones.. Each genotype is responsible for a specific phenotype and in turn most of the passive information given off from that specific individual. BUT... of course that other ways works too... just less intuitively."

Freakshow responds with a sigh, while he continuous with his work. Demonstratively pulling something from the side of his arm, which looks vaguely similar to tick until dropped into one of the larger containers. Soon to be ripped apart by the liquid inside of it.. turning it red.

"I guess." He shrugs. "Robust is not really the first thing in my mind concerning it... but sure it fits. To be fair i mostly just told the basics... there is quite a bit more going on which is not that easy to explain. If you were to fight me... some stuff would be so much easier to show than tell.. not like i expect to win... because its probably still too early... but that's the interesting part..."

"Anyways good question, as you sees i am extending my influence trough out this building, currently its more or less passive but not for long especially against trespassers... which is somewhat more difficult to manage if i'm not in the area. If you would have agreed to my request with the sample, this would be much easier.. i could just let them imprint to it so they wouldn't see you as something foreign. Otherwise i will have to figure out something else more akin to a rudimentary form of visual and olfactory detection.. less sophisticated than what it could have been.

"Hmm yeah i guess those are great too..well at least the bagels... "

"So... now with food talk....which is getting stale, how do you spend your free time?"

Refraction asked, realizing how increasingly bored and awkward he gets... as he attempts to hold a more or less civil conversation without being an asshole or anything like that.. Increasingly wondering if he may have lost something important... and which of the other 4 copies could be in possession of 'good conversation skills'.

"Yeah.. but it certainly would make things easier... for now.. I'm more or less working with somewhat limited and unsanitary condition.... and less than optimal containment that would be appropriate for some of the rather aggressive projects i plan.. "

"Well... that's a bit more tricky. The process i described... is how it would usually work.... to get something viable. At some point though.. there is an obvious clash in interest. Like trimming a hedge into a certain shape while still letting proliferate to a certain extent. Compound Chimera for example is almost pure outgrow... hard to keep into shape. That's where communication comes into play. Strains are selected to be efficient and independent... well to a extent at least, while also pressured to be responsive. Similar to the human immune system, the will be culled if not able to distinguish.. what to target... or if not responsive to the right signals. This in turn needs another... organism.. with higher authority and more processing power and so on. A network punishing itself if one part gets out of line.."

"Ah come on... it was just a prank bro..... fuck the one time people actually notice..."

Spooked by the hero, Body Count tries to move faster and hide in the crowd, confusing and angering some as they were being pushed around, many of which would soon blame each other to be the cause.

"Well it is kinda weird and..its.... hilarious. Shooting bodies at someone can be surprisingly effective...."

He answers, casually turning around to grab the sandwich his copy fetched in the meantime.

"Heck i think the last dude i fought... i had him dog pilled in a bunch of copies... i mean it wasn't that effective but still... Anyways.. what kind of food did you try already?"

"No problem, its not blasting... i mean i can blast people with my light... but it doesn't work like that.. its only a vector to move around and materialize copies. Its not 'real' light... or.. how to say it...powered light..idk. To be blunt....if i blast someone... its more like throwing a person at them."

"I kind of like the sandwiches around here, are you vegetarian, vegan, do you have gluten intolerance? Because in that case it depends, personally i love their tuna sandwich."

"Hmm.. as far as i know... not sure...."

He pauses, removing a sheet on the table, exposing one of the various containers beneath. Opening one, which from a distance appears to hold something vaguely similar to a mutilated and hairless rat. "Well.. some additional lab equipment would be appreciated... i mean most of the stuff i have is either scavenged or stolen. A functional bioreactor would be great, just like a microscope... better than basic one I'm currently using. ..."

He would continue with a detailed list of various materials needed for cell cultures, and the culture of aquatic organism up to containment boxes and ventilation systems.

"Most of my stuff is based on culture, selection and crossing to get varieties that are better adapted to the task at hand. It is important to create the right environment. Protected from light, dehydration and a continuous supply of living tissue. Once the conditions are right... competition will determine the direction of development... followed by a cascade of growth, elimination and cannibalization to produce visible results ready for further use... which in turn can be reused for something else."

If anyone would be able to keep track of him, Body Count may be seen wearing a hooded sweater, hastily making his way through the crowd of passerby. Even without his stranger power barely distinguished from everyone else.

"Hmm.. that's odd.. half the city should already know about me by now... heck i think at least one is doing some public service... right at this moment..."

Refraction responds clearly amused about this, while his other self already left to do something else.

"Anyways... so... because you're new.. is there anything i could help with?"

"Hehe.. eye opening.. " He chuckles a bit. "Well.. its light in the sense, that i can shoot out light beams and create hard-light copies of myself." This followed by a demonstration of doing exactly that, followed by a second, albeit completely similar voice. "Its neat right? I can almost immediately be anywhere in multiple places at once.."

More or less disappointed to see his.. albeit off-putting.. minions being burned and melted, Body Count decided to just get the hell away from the hero. He sure could have tried harder.. even made more of them.. but apparently Fire... and Acid.. are kind of his weakness. Not that he actually really pondered on that matter, but it is good to know..

With that in mind he would just make his way between frightened civilians towards the door and out of the building. Not like they would mind...especially distracted by the fight going on.

Still people would be inclined to somewhat look into his direction but just register what is located around him ... Attention attracted to some random passerby or objects he grazed, while they have no idea why.

Meanwhile the 16-legged abomination would breakdown soon after.

"I.. mean you're blind right? Can't imagine how it would feel to suddenly get an additional sense.. while still not quite able see like everyone else does..... I always liked to watch documentaries.. its kind of mind-blowing to think about how some animals... for example bats... perceive their world."

Refraction answers, slightly leaning back into his chair.

"Besides as far as i heard you power is light based... too."

"H....'ello too... nah that's just me.. i'm just rude... or maybe not good at such things... You seemed a bit lonely so... well i thought you could use some company."

"Oh... and i also just wanted to see your reaction.. been told about your power.. well some of it and of course wanted to test that."

Refraction answers, clearly amused about the thought of just suddenly being there... the equivalent to sneaking up on someone. Even if he actually just moved from one table to another. At the moment the day was mostly boring... and a bit lonely... nothing really to do. Of course there are other people he could bother, but Chuck knew there was only so much of him one could tolerant for a certain amount of time.... So, better to just checkout the newbies... who don't have the privilege of knowing him.

"Oh...Hi, you're the new one right?"

She would hear... the table suddenly not so empty after all.

The boy.. or rather teenager seems relatively calm, as he comfortably sits on his chair, soon ordering a coffee and some snacks.

"Sounds good on my end, to be honest.... all kinds of living beings are always welcome. Mostly for incubation.. but also generally for feeding."

Freakshow responds casually. Soon focusing on his work, as he gets up and then settles in front of the nearest table.

Its 'fist' melting, with the rest of its body soon starting to breakdown, it would still attempt to throw itself onto the hero.. even if only to buy more seconds for Body Count to get away.

Hurt by the fire, the Thing would attempt to protect itself. Forming a shield with some of its spare parts.

One 'arm' made out of legs(for additional strength), with a limbless torso at the end of it. Simultaneously used like a shield and a fist as it proceeds to punch into the cape, if possible aiming to dismantle the weapon.

"Sounds like a good compromise." He nods "It's not really taken personally... at least as far as I'm concerned. I mean i did extend some trust by telling you about my tech... but i guess not enough to make any such demands."

The mass of bug parts now increasingly gravitating towards him, Freakshow would settle on top of it using it akin to a chair, while he starts to relax. Albeit still wary about his surroundings or rather the things scattered in his less proximate vicinity.

Meanwhile one may notice a change in frequency of the signals, fluctuating, throughout the conversation.

"Who said they were dead? After all I'm just starting out... so i guess i will just keep resisting.... anyways i do admit that i will have to improvise."

The voice would lead to another one of the 'faceless', soon with the realization.. that there is a phone taped onto its head.

"Honestly i think that was a pretty neat idea... considering no one ever gives a fuck about me ... in a pretty much literal way."

With that someone... who was pretty much just close by would rush towards the door, just as the slightly charred remains of the previous minions, sneak up from behind.

Formed into a somewhat grotesque 16 legged or armed thing, increasing in size as it rears up, now almost reaching the ceiling. Existing legs and arms combined into longer limbs.

"I guess." He nods while waiting for her to come closer as he would then take the card.

Meanwhile the goop appears to be still... but on deeper look there is a lot going on. Rhythm of micro-pulsations, subtle changes in color, pulses of infrasound vibrations and movement from within. Some seemingly reflecting Freakshow's own pulse and breath, reacting in advance to any of his own movements and signals... But there is more to it, the mass itself less responding to his signals.. as they actually seem to convey something to him.

"And there it is that Stigma... considering parasites and my work..." He sighs.

"Though its fair... i'm not here to make enemies and after all not like i would want to destroy any trust bevore things even get started. Its a bit unfortunate but then i will have to focus my research on something else.... I'm sorry.. but as a tinker i just had to ask... studying unusual biology... especially of parahuman nature.. is just very tempting."

His response folled by even more signals of his creations, causing a hint of concern and annoyance in his voice as he suddenly seems slightly more tense. Almost immediately followed by forced calmness, only slowly extending onto the swarm.

"Hey.... that.....that's just not fair...

Fucking fire.... they're supposed to be punched, shot or sliced!"

Body Count complains, his voice now further away from deeper within the store while the minions do their best to still hamper the Hero, until they just collapse from being burned.

"Just go ahead.... that's why i'm here.... well and of course for some money and snacks too..."

Meanwhile the minion will turn around just moment prior to the attack.. attempting to trap her into a hug, followed by all the others suddenly breaking into a sprint.. all attempting to dogpile the hero.

"Nah.. i don't think so."

A voice will be heard from a corner near the cashier.

"Wouldn't be fun."

The same voice again, albeit oddly hard to assign to a certain person. Five civilians standing in the same corner. One being an elderly woman probably 60, one teenager and a tired man with his child. There is someone else albeit hardly noticeably, especially as he moves away. The sounds of the child much more apparent, just like the groceries in the card of the woman.

Meanwhile the minions would just continue with their business, while one slowly starts to approach the cape.

"I know someone... though she is a hero... which i may feel could conflict with later plans on my end so.. not sure how helpful that would be. Otherwise there are some favors... with the smaller folks... some desperate people... and certain promises concerning my work.. Really not much."

𝐻𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑎 𝑏𝑖𝑡, 𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑠... 𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒... 𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑤... 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑛𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔... 𝑎𝑠 𝑖𝑓 ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑎 𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑝.

"Besides some payment... favors are the most i can do right now, i would be fine if you want to examine them.. especially if i may get to do the same with you... or whatever those things.. minions of you are?"

Everything hat been as usual, customers entering and leaving the small local supermarket.... up until a few very odd looking fellas arrived. Starting with one followed by another... and another... and another. Four almost identical figures, all with the same trench-coat, hat, sunglasses and a medical face mask. Despite some looks from the passerby, they just keep going clumsily reaching the shelves and immediately making a mess as they just shove groceries and more into their respective bags. Followed by another making his way to the checkout, completely ignoring the people as the human figure just keeps pushing through them. Reaching for the counter and the money inside.

Customers and cashier startled alike call for security, with the following scuffle making it rather apparent that those figures aren't people in the first place, once one loses their sunglasses and reveals the uncanny absence of a face.

"Well..... fair point.... i mean the most advertising i did was to make battle chimeras .... heal pets... pest control or some stuff like that."

He sighs in annoyance.... "Currently its all very unstable....keeping things alive is the difficult part .. the good thing with bugs is... they breed fast and are replacable... but still.... its a pain. I mean i also did work on myself... but thats mostly just laying some groundwork for everything that comes. I do have some ideas for later... about more complex stuff... that actually survives."

Again he pauses to concentrate, causing the biomass on the ground to move and stirr. Many of those blobs now form into almost humanoid hands, albeit still covered in chitin and bug legs.

Most of those would still collapse a few seconds later. Meanwhile another blob forms insectoid legs, crawls onto Freakshow, only to then reorganize itself into functional wings.

"As for now Compound chimera has its up and downsides... but its supposed to be a blank strain... a template for other creations to come. Probably still keep with the more stable invertebrate body plan, but..... something more original than generic appendages or Imitations."

"With the simple hivemind working and communication already etablished... there is potential for something far more profound... even intelligence. I already receive more feedback than anticipated."

"Protection would be nice, but what i most need is time, lifeforms to study and enough living things as usuable subjects for other strains to test. Besides this i'm very open to offer my service and follow suggestions"

Noting her tensure, he continues. " By the way... as for now adaption is relatively slow... strains are usually species specific, until I get more infos by studying new beings.... my SYMs are really not THAT contagious."

"I know... i know.... people have been on my case... since the first creations of mine and to be honest... the full truth on how it works... is even worse than what one would initially think...."

He sighs. " Luckily they can't breed... atleast outside of an Kontrolled environment.... i mean the bugs do... but those are just ordinary insects, used as a resource."

"Yes, i'm just getting startet and help would be appreciated... especially if i may get the opportunity to do more than simple pest control..."

With that statement Freakshow would raise his right hand, followed by all the other bugs perishing into blobs of goo, each of those things slowly starting to fuse and reorganize.

"For now i'm only at the first stage...accumulating living biomass, to repurpose... How it will be used, would be the next stage."

"Well yeah.... i mean it's a minor worry... not like i did anything major beyond questioning.. yet." He shrugs and starts to relax. "The bugs are somewhat of an issue... yes.. but i figured thats the easiest source of living biomass..... just a temporary solution." This demonstratily followed by more of them dropping dead and immediately utilized by the rest.

"Help? Freakshow asked with a keen voice in his tone, while he tilts his head in reaction to his minions getting attacked.

They would be no match against the fly creatures, though Cruach may notice something else inside the bug chimeras, something attempting to repair and keep them together... attempting to penetrate and infect those other creatures as well, only to fail to do so.

"Huh?... seems you're rather interesting as well?..." The tinker states, Noting the defeat of his scouts.

"Yess.... that's what i'm called."

".....So... uh... you're not a hero right?... i mean that thing... accident on the nearby park really wasn't me.... i'm not responsible for any of those allegations."

".... anyways with what may i help you?"

He responds, voice fairly ordinairy and a bit young, clearly a bit nervous, causing the clusters to move closer to Freakshow as they start to slightly grow bigger. This followed by a few smaller things sneaking towards Cruach.

Them beimg a dozen of Tiny chimeras formed with multiple legs, complex eyes and sensilla.

There are indeed some signs of the tinkers work. Flies and roaches, their presence only slightly more noticeable than usual. Circling the area, going back and fort.

A few of the roaches disappear into a crack below a closed door, leading into a warehouse, followed by a deep buzz of something behind it.

Meanwhile one may notice that some of those creatures don't act like they're supposed to. Disoriented... confused, few dropping dead, quickly carried away or eaten by the less sickly individuals.

The door would suddenly open, revealing even more bugs inside, although in form of thightly packed clusters, almost as if they're melting into each other.

"Sorry... its a bit disorganized in here.... were you looking for me?"

A dark humanoid figure calls out, moving between the piles of compacted arthropods.

"Yeah... i mean may i still get a blood sample or rather not?"

"Besides that, probably will be alright... it's not like I'm alone in here... so don't worry..."

"Sure... sure."

He answers quiet.

"The whole bribe thing was mostly just an attempt at a joke... thought that was the... 'cool' thing to say. Probably will end up doing what i want anyways... not like i know what that is... but it's going to be something big... or great. I feel like there is something resonating between my tech..,. even i don't fully understand.

"Anyways... helping people will probably be a side projects in its own way... healing is certainly a direction i could go, though first i need to set boundaries... to prevent certain worst case scenarios..."

"Whoa...what?!... that's... not...not..."

Freakshow takes a step back... not expecting that reaction at all. Followed by a faint noise of something stirring up in the back of the room or rather from every wall. Until everything just calms down immediately after.

"Sorry... guess? was just trying to be edgy.. i mean honestly i don't know what to think... or say.... Not like i'm dealing with people that often...."

He takes another step back.

"Most of my live i...... well me and others didn't really worked out.... and just because you're my... as you said so... 'friend'... i'm being honest. Everything in the room is telling me to kill you... to exploit you... not because of that discussion... just because you're alive. That's the horse-talk all over again! People usually don't like being treated as a resource ... but everyone expects something out of someone and i'm always acting with second thoughts in mind. So excuse me if helping people does not come as natural to me, than to you, if they're all just something that could be improved on or used in a multitude of different ways. Better they know the dangers first instead of being tricked into safety.

"Maybe... you just need someone... with an outside perspective." The Bio-Tinker responds with a laugh.

"Though honestly it may be a bit outside my spec... an additional sample of your DNA... or rather blood could be helpful... Not for cloning or anything... which i can't really do anyways, but just to bridge the gab between my tech and well... your power."

He continuous... more asking out of politeness.. not as there aren't any other ways to get a sample... from the unsuspecting hero.

"May even behave for a while... as long as no hero gets in my way of course." He mentions with a shrug.

"Thanks for acknowledging how awesome i am, no problem... Honestly... its not like i have any issues with such minor crimes.. but psst that's a secret! And you sure will see me.. probably sooner rather than later.... i mean mostly because of that whole light thing and the fact i may be at multiple places at once..."

Refraction answers with a wide grin.

"I will look forward to this."

Freakshow calls out, more or less a bit surprised by her sudden departure, as he then continuous to pick up his own specimen.

[END]

The flies would just drop down and target the guys neck immediately trying to latch on any available skin.

Surrounded with freely available flesh, the parasite continuous to grow, reaching deeper into head and throat of the creature, feeding on fluids and tissue. Soon progressing to a stage where it will cause lethal damage.

"So... did we just end up in a weird game of Pokemon..?" Freakshow finally speaks up approaching the Armadillo, possibly to kick it away from the flesh-ball.

"Yeah its cool, just feeling a bit generous today... i would guess this really isn't that big of a deal."

Refraction responds, casually leaning onto the nearest wall.

"Mostly just planning to broaden my arsenal, make more different creatures with more offensive capabilities... you know.... just more complex stuff. Anyways... there is some interesting data... and i do plan to explore those dimensional swapping capabilities of your's further."

"Alright, guess you just return the money and i will call it a day... it was fun tho, but can't have too many of me run around for too long.. probably not worth it."

Refraction responds with a chuckle.. still somewhat dissatisfied to not learn more about the minion, the other four silently staying in the back.

"Alright, guess you just return the money and i will call it a day... it was fun tho, but can't have too many of me run around for too long.. probably not worth it."

Refraction responds with a chuckle.. still somewhat dissatisfied to not learn more about the minion, the other four silently staying in the back.

Surprised by the sudden disappearance or transformation of the Coyote, Freakshow is still glad that there is at least something left, even if the whole animal would've been better. Followed by some slight concern with the appearance of another animal.

Meanwhile, unable to actually infect and mutate the Dog, the larvae will still continue to bury into flesh and to feed. Using those nutrients to fuel their own growth, while slowly attempting to kill the animal.

The flesh blob in the meantime doesn't seem to make much progress, hampered by the fact that it got shot several times. At the sight of this, Freakshow just sighs in disappointment, silently lamenting his current limits, proceeding to create 5 more but with fewer resources. Winged and with the size of a beetle, should still be useful... and much more stealthy... as they swarm out along walls, crevices and into the air, still aiming to reach the man.

"Sounds good." He continuous to approach, extending his hand to touch the head. Bio-luminescent veins on his suit, now visible as they continue to grow and enter the casing of the helmet.

"Hmm... all good... i think this new data will be greatly appreciated for my next project... oh and of course the horse too will be useful once it's arrives."

He answers, apparently uploading something from Beta.

"Interesting! does he need to eat, can he learn stuff?" "Can he respawn? i mean this wasn't your first fight right?"

They eagerly ask, Refraction now only with 5 copies present.

"Maybe...maybe..... but yeah its probably better to not escalate... even if i like to escalate." They muse, meanwhile less and less of his copies in the Background are visible, decreasing in numbers.

"But technically... Gremlin is just an extension of yourself right?... i mean its your minion.."

One asked, still curious about the creature..

"Hmm.. good to know, still would need to check on it, is beta with you?"

He answers, as he casually approaches her.

After being bitten the creature starts to dissolve into the dogs mouth, or rather to reorganize itself. Hundreds of newly emerging larvae, now all attempting to escape into the animals throat, to go deeper and bury into flesh.

Meanwhile the Coyote is doing much worse, not really faced with any resistance as it bites into the walking flesh-ball. But promptly confronted with excessive growth of new tissue, tumors starting to form in his mouth, spreading all over its body. Soon overcome with seizures, while it lose control over itself.

In the same time, the other flesh minion collapses after being shot, but proceeds to reform and again try to chase after the man a few seconds later.

"Nah, we will arrest you and then the authorities can handle this...or you just give up what's been stolen. There is no reward for crimes." "It sucks but i'm not making the rules.." They state in a bored tone.

"Also... you're still damaging property.... like right now.. this moment." Another points out with a snicker.

Free of anger, Refraction decides to dial down a bit, still thinking about their previous talk concerning escalation. Maybe he was too much?

They just all keep following...MENACINGLY. Some behind, some on the sides.. on buildings.. a few in front of him as well.

"So... where you're going?" One bluntly asked." "Where still gonna have to take you in...mugging isn't even that bad... though then there is also... all that collateral damage." Another mumbles,"

Meanwhile the one closest to Gremlin takes his phone out to make a few pictures of the creature. "Almost forgot about my blog... a bit of footage from a fight or powers in use.. always very convenient."

Noticing the additional canids, Freakshow too starts to smirk, as he feeds the third creature with a special cocktail, before letting it lose. All three roaming around, the new creature in particular attempting to go after either the Dog or Coyote, while the other two still chase after the cop.

They won't really try to avoid the animals in any way and are easily crushed once bitten.

"That one." They all point at Anger(the strong one) who is slowly getting up, even though it seem he broke a few bones.

The body slam clone yells out in pain, feeling the ember, as he jumps around and then immediately looks up at gremlin. He then just disappears.

Once noticed, it suddenly grows pincers and starts sprinting surprisingly fast, obviously attempting to latch on and bite, the second One already on its way to approach from the other direction. Freakshow in the mean time now busy creating a third one, accompanied by an odd increase of houseflies in the area, as they get drawn to this location.

"Oh... jeez... calm down, how the fuck am i supposed to know if its a generic disposable minion... or something less disposable?"

"Can’t you just make a new one?"

And with that the fight proceeds as one of his copies vanishes and then reappears far behind the unconscious Refraction clone, who is still held up by two others. He then starts running, followed by just body slamming his duplicate right into Cambions direction.

Meanwhile the stronger clone tries to get up again, but seems heavily damaged.

"Oh man Anger got taken out already?... thought he would be more useful besides getting rid of it..."

"Sure you are...You can bring them here or maybe another location... could tell you once you have them available."

"Anyways.. how is beta doing? It is still a new prototype.. and rather important for my research... regarding intelligence.."

Deciding to not attract too much attention Freakshow stays at a certain distance(8 m), as he summons enough flies into the palm of his hand, to create a rat-sized ball of flesh. Subtly dropping it to the ground as it quickly grows six legs and proceeds to scuttle towards the mind controlled officer. Not wasting any times Freakshow would already create another, but keeps this one close to himself.

Note: Its literally just a blackish/grayish ball of flesh covered in hair and tiny fly legs, with six more developed insect legs protruding from its side. It would attempt to sneak up and then attach to the persons leg.

The clone holding onto Cambion finally gets knocked back, followed by him slowly attempting to get back up again.

"Why?... you could've just given up or escape while we were distracted taking your companion... all the following collateral damage is on you.. or rather that demon creature of yours."

Refraction responds, while all copies stopped moving(still trying to avoid the falling ember), the one who just tried to kamikaze himself, aborting his move as he disappears midair.

Seeing as he is probably going to miss, that copy de-materializes, to now appear right above Cambion, now even higher up in the air.

The other clone just takes the hit and keeps holding on, apparent not really feeling it. Meanwhile eight of the other 10 active one start moving, or rather to constantly vanish and reappear around the villain. Creating a rather confusing light-show. Simultaneously two are still holding the unconscious and heavily damaged one, as one of them casually starts to create 4 additional ones (Now at full capacity of 20 copies the two unconscious ones and the other two who stayed with that rich couple included)

"Hey... that's our move!" They answer, slowly getting back up, two copies grabbing the body...to help him up and support him.

"Really.... now heroes aren't even allowed to pursue a criminal?.. we kept it pretty civil... what did you even expect? Heck that guy was just hugging your creepy little pet... that's not even animal cruelty... Anyways... we can escalate alright if that's what you want..?

Seeing the little Gremlin escape, Refraction once again sends a copy after it, as it materializes above the creature.

Meanwhile the newly created number fourteenth would wait and then jump Cambion once he got distracted. This one noticeably stronger than the others.

A master power but how does it work? was the first thing going through his mind, as Freakshow just observed the situation from afar. Subtly sneaking closer, covering his face with his typical hoodie as he finally decided to follow the intriguing cape.

"Oh... wow... that hurt... i thought we were keeping this civil?..."

They answer, simultaneously backing off trying to avoid the staff. All (still conscious) copies apparently shaken by those words. They stopped smiling, their expression now taking on a much darker tone. Each releasing a beam of light, all aiming at the same spot, a few feet behind Cambion. Followed by the formation of a new Refraction as the rest once again starts to grin.

The copy continuous to suffer, as he still lies on top of the little demon.

Cambion does manage to knock down one of them... one who seemed particular smug... distracted by his still suffering comrade starring down at him, as he got suddenly knocked out by the hit.

Meanwhile the rest of the 13 arrive.

"We thought you were running away? Is that creature that important to you?...i mean just from master to master... what kind of relationship is it between you two?"

They ask suddenly intrigued by his behavior.

"Well, i can spare 200 fingers... so who cares?" "I'm gonna pet it and hug it... and dress it and put it on youtube." Meanwhile the imp and its New...much better master would crash onto the ground. The clone more or less going limb from the impact and damage received by the creature. Immediately surrounded by five other Refraction's ready to catch it once it tries to free itself from the still groaning and injured body.

"Don't worry... just want to pet him.... or atleast that guy does."

One quips pointing at the sacrificial clone, while he attempts to trap the creature into a bearhug. Still rapidly descending downwards to the ground.

"I guess your little friend here is the real deal.... so its time for him to get all the love he deserves." Another giggles.

"Well in that case... i'm now a bit more disillusioned about you, holier than thou heroes.... anyways still woulda take it... valuable resources are still valuable resources i guess."

He answers, laughing out loud, a humanoid figure finally starting to separate itself from the wall left from Galacterian. Extensions from the body dropping onto the ground. A waving and crawling mass covered in insect legs and other parts, attempting to reform into something roughly shaped like a chair until failing to do so, dissolving into puddle. Freakshow obviously disappointed by this, decides to just keep standing.

"well that's just whack...." "Please have some standards at least..." "Aha... so you do admit that your previous story.. was just a blatant lie.... another crime to the list."

A bunch of them exclaim, the many who walked right into the ember starting to stumble, physically damaged by it. The others now reconsidering their approach would again try to avoid it... coming to the conclusion that pain tolerance alone rely isn't the best kind of strategy.

Instead now attempting to reach the little demon. One copy de-materializes, with a beam of light shooting upwards, as he now reappears right above the creature. Attempting to catch it on his fall downwards.

"Yes we do... i mean i'm a hero.... gotta contribute to society and all."

"Screwing around and all is fun but i have my responsibilities."

"Though i really wish it was something... less pathetic than stopping a fucking muggery..... why not rob a bank, blow up a bunch of cars, take the major hostage?... you know...some good old domestic terrorism... just something with higher stakes?"

"Would be much more fun and it would provide a much greater boost in fame once i kick your ass."

"Well atleast now there is some property damge..."

They answer, 13 clones overall, starting to approach, some walking right into the ember, but now apparently unable to feel pain.

"Hmm... still not sure about that... but it's a maybe. Really don't care.. as lang as i can keep all my options open."

"People love horses.... if you expect me to be heroic.... that's...that's really not the way to go. My tech... its like not pleasant."

He chuckles. "Bugs... vermin and other pests, public don't really notices... but cats... dogs.... a beloved horse... lets say i did something with them... and it really made some bad news."

"It needs to be alive... specifically.... soo..... maybe a bunch of live cows please."

He answers sarcastically, but sincere about the fact that he actually could use a bunch of live cows...

"Hydros? Never heard of it."

Weaker than most people, now faced against someone even stronger than the average joe, there is not much resistance to the staff as both copies are knocked onto the ground. More annoyed than actually hurt, up until it starts raining ember, causing all three of them to de-materialize and vanish. Though not for long, quickly reappearing in the distance, followed by rapid multiplication of them. Their numbers rising into the dozen.

Being weak as he his, Refraction got knocked back, meanwhile the other two still attempt to get hold of the villain and grapple him. "Ouch."

"Ahhh...fuck..."

One Refraction screams out in pain, the others almost showing delight at the sight of it.

"demon rabies...demon rabies."

They shout, while number four stays more calm, his gaze fixed towards Cambion as he then suddenly vanished into blast of light.

Light briefly materializing into a humanoid figure far above the buildings, as it then again dissolves into three more golden beams, attempting to intercept him as three Refraction copies turn up right in front of him on his path.

"Nah... sounds boring." "Boyband?.... are you making fun of us?" One calls out faking anger while the rest all stare at Cambion in silence.

All suddenly interupted by the arrival of another copy.

"Alright... now seriously, you're coming with us, mugging is still a crime and i can easily spare some manpower to check those other two in the meantime."

"I bet you don't have a permit for your exotic pet either" one just interjects.

"Does it atleast have all the necessary vaccinations?.... i mean who knows what kind of hellborn diseases that demon could transmitt?"

"Selling guns to children....Bundy...wow...just wow.. that's really awf...."

"Ahahaha.... now ok...that's too hilarious." One copy suddenly interupts the first one.

"You do realise i can keep an eye on the couple... who are most likely... not THAT bad..... and simultaneously catch you in the mean time." He calls out to the other cape

"My deal? Ever heard about multiple personality disorder?... wait no i think its called differently these days...." "Anyways thats probably totally different to what i am. Proud hero and friendly neighborhood scatterbrain... Refraction."

"I am we... and we are i... each different and still the same, one for each and each for one, split into many... joined into one" They all start chanting.

"Did... did... we just came up with this?" All three suddenly stop to high five each other, only to then again focus on Cambion.

"Uh... i think i will need a second... third... opinion on that." He responds extending his hand as Refraction summons a third copy.

"Are you trying to trick me?" Number 3 calls out to both of them(the man and Cambion), squinting his eyes.

"I would say: what a twist.... though i just said that." Refraction answers, leaning back on the nearest wall. "Is that right... you're a bad guy...too?"

Another glowing figure immediately responds, as he just pops up behind the poor man. Both of them with the exact same appearance of a golden translucent teenager.

"Really you're just mugging some random people?... that's...just low.... i thought we parahumans have higher standards than....THAT!"

A brightly gloving human figure would call out, as he just appears not far behind.

"I'mmm fine." He groans sarcastically. "I'm already in trouble... if you wann know.... entering the building, you just compromised the local ecosystem... not like that wasn't what's supposed to happen.. released a bunch of them yesterday already..... but that's what i'm working on... part of it atleast.... " He started to trail off. "BIOMASS CONVERSION... yes... yes that's the project.. not really stable but fast and convenient.... just need some more customers for the finished project.... flies and bugs.... need something that works on dogs too... theyre just so aboundant... though i guess flies will suffice for now." He keeps talking absentminded, voice still coming from deeper within.

The signs would led her towards a small warehouse. The door apparently locked, until it suddenly opens, followed by swarms of flies escaping through it.

"Fuck.... you know it's supposed to be a secret lab... how did you...?"

He sighs "Anyways atleast it's just you." He answers, emphasizing the last part, his voice actually coming from further inside. The door seemingly opening on its own, immediately closing once she got inside. Possible moved by something else.