Big

You pull out your cell phone, and the entity hums, “A smartphone, so the electronic age… I can work with that, makes things convenient enough.”

Pretending to take a call as you flush nothing but water and head to the sink to wash your hands, you continue talking ‘on your phone’ “I really need to get a bluetooth… so the question of the day is ‘what kind of super hero would I be?’” You consider the question.

“Yes, it's easier for you to learn how to manage if it's something you want.” Wait… why does a ring need to take a breath to speak? “I can mimic almost any super power, but if it's something you truly desire, it's going to be easier for you to learn.”

You don't need more prompting as you wash your hands. You know what you want: “I want to be big, strong, and…” you trail off, as it's not your reflection in the mirror.

Instead, it's an old man in a tweed jacket. He's quite animated… but his voice isn't echoing off the tiles? “...Big strong and tough, a basic brick?” The man in the mirror nods, “We can do that. How big do you want?”

You blink a few times, the phone at the side of your head.

“Oh, the mirror.” He smiles, “This is about how I think of myself. I find visuals help ease people during a conversation, and if I use a mirror there's no danger of someone else sitting in the chair I'm not actually using.”

“How do you do that?” You ask.

“The same basic way you're hearing me now. I delete your perception of conflicting stimulus and add my choice of perception. I add my voice to your perception of the room, and you hear me. I delete your perception of your reflection, andd my own image, and you see me,” the man in the mirror shrugs.

That's disturbing… “The way you phrased that…” you consider.

“I could do a lot more, yes: I learned the ability from a rather nasty chap I took down who used it to make women think he was their husband come back early from war, and bed them. Using it to communicate is kind of like swatting houseflies with howitzers, but it is remarkably effecient.” He takes a breath, “Mind, I have zero interest in doing anything nasty here. Realistically, if I wanted to use this to harm you… I wouldn't explain it, would I?”

“I suppose not,” you nod slowly, “So how does this work?”

“From a practical perspective?” You nod, and he continues, “You describe your physical persona in as much detail as you see fit. I will try to imagine what you mean, visualizing it in the mirror. You let me know where I don't have it right, and I try again. Once we have it the way you want, stop and get something sturdy and wearable on the way home - an amulet, a bracelet, a ring, or similar - let me know what time you want to wake up before you go to bed, and I'll have it ready for you in the morning so you can try it out.”

“Tall. Muscled. Green eyes, red hair.” You start. You watch as a nude image forms next to the old man in the mirror. “Lighter shade of skin… no freckles…”

As the ring adjusts the image, he asks, “Have you given thought to an outfit?”

“With that body?” You smile, “Green spandex, full body stocking: I want to be tightly covered from neck to wrists, with no question that I'm strong, just from the appeared. I want to he intimidating.”

The image of the nude becomes one that's safe for work, and the man keeps prompting, “A symbol? Also, hairstyle?”

“An anvil on a yellow background… and something practical that's still feminine.” You consider, “A braid?”

“I'll make sure you don't need to worry about anyone grabbing it,” the man nods as the image shifts, the red hair braiding itself as the requested image forms.

A little more back and forth, then you have the image in front of you:

“Perfect,” you smile, “So it'll be ready tomorrow?”

“Indeed,” the old man waves as the image vanishes, “just make sure to pick up something suitable. I can arrange something if you can't, but it will delay things.”

“Oh, I have something already that will work…” you consider, as you turn off the water, “although I shpuld stop for a headset if we're going to have a lot of these conversations.”

“Probably wise,” your companion for now nods, “I'm guessing you have questions.”

“Oh Abyss yes,” you confirm, as tou dry your hands, “but they're not going to be a good idea even in this limited public. For now… I'm eager to get this running.”

“Just for clarity, because consent is important…” the old man continues as you turn away from the mirror, hands clean, “...my plan is to posess your body while you sleep. I will use some of that time to make the equipment to allow you to become a superhero. I will spend some of that time maintaining your body, so you don't miss the sleep. I will spend the rest of that time as I see fit, Piloting your body to my own purposes.”

You're not so foolish as to avoid asking as you step out the door, “And what are your purposes?”

He chuckles, “A good question, with a soft answer: To live,” the voice replies in your ear… in your head, really, “and to enjoy life. I'll eat, bathe, dance, date, mate… I will make sure to avoid children, I know how to be careful, and I can solve disease easily enough: I will absolutely keep your body healthy and whole, as I'm going to be using it too.” He pauses a moment, “I'm also going to be exercising your body a bit more than you have. You're going to need a new wardrobe in a few months. Is that a problem?”

Superpowers l, perfect health, and free exercise-based weight loss? “Sign me up. I do still have questions, though.” You head back to finish your shift.

“I'm in your ears, so to speak, until we part ways,” the being answers, “I won't betray a confidence, but I endeavor to be honest.”

“What's your name?”