Chapter Text
Thaumic Resonance
Introduction: In Which Thaumic Resosnance Is Explained by Mr.Boy (even though he'd really rather not)
(from Ethan's notebook, word for word as told by Mr. Boy in „Hero and Hero-support joint Sex-Ed" in the second day of Freshman year.)
„What you must understand is that actually it is not. Thaumic resonance, that is. Nobody really knows who and when named the phenomenon so, but the name preceeds the writer Terry Pratchett by several centuries, if not more.
Of course, everybody knows that „thaumic resonance" has really nothing to do with thaums – whatever those might be, and, even less, possibly, to do with resonance. But no matter how much scientists – mad or not – point that fact out, the name stays. Mostly because so far nobody has, in fact, proved that the phenomenon has no relation to thaumic resonance. And since nobody actually knows what causes this particular phenomenon, it is considered that „thaumic resonance" is as good a name as any.
So what is this „thaumic resonance" I speak about?
Imagine a superhero... or a supervillain – basically any person with superpowers. He – or she – has powers that are unusual from the viewpoint of ordinary human beings, and, in most cases, either rather uncomfortable or right down dangerous if not controlled. Of course, most of the time any… superbeing can control their powers. Remember – most of the time – because for every one of us there is something that can shake our control over our powers. What exactly – that is different for everybody… anger, joy, tears, laughter, loss, victory… Like I said, those things are different. The strangest case I have met was a hero who lost control over his powers when he smelled green apples.
But there is one thing that, without failing, crashes everybody's control. Sex. And do not think you are an exception, because you are not.
Now, if you, for example, start glowing during the… intercourse, it is, depending on your partner, either embarrassing or can really spice things up. In the end there is really no physical harm. If you, however, have superstrenght… Well, thaumic resonance is the answer.
Basically, the thing called thaumic resonance ensures that partners – lovers, that is – do not harm each other with their powers. Thaumic resonance creates a… for the lack of better words to describe it… thaumic resonance creates a bond, a connection that triggers the activation of a certain kind of hormone – superhormone, some name it – similar to the ones that are responsible for the activation of the supergenes that give superbeings their powers. In short – thaumic resonance activates the hormone that activates a gene that creates immunity to your partner's powers. Or, as some scientists theorize, imprints the "being" of your partner into your powers, so the powers, one may say, ignore your partner, create an exception for her – or him. Your partner ceases to exist for your powers. That is – some scientists say that. Other ones have other theories. And some say nothing at all. Nobody knows for sure.
Well, all this is, in truth, not especially important. Important is that the thaumic resonance exists. And is the reason why, for example, Commander does not crush Jetstream, and our young Will sits today here among us.
Anyway, please remember two things:
One – thaumic resonance is triggered by sexual act. So is the loss of control over your powers. To answer you immediate question, simple making out should be more or less safe. But be careful.
As much as is known, to activate thaumic resonance, penetration and exchange of bodily fluids is needed. For some reason oral sex does not work.
For your first time with somebody using power neutralizing units – more known as binding-bracelets – is recommended. The bracelets work on the same principle as our detention room here in Sky High. If you need the bracelets, ask Nurse Spex. Do not feel embarrassed. You can harm your partner very seriously otherwise.
Luckily, thaumic resonance gives you back control over your powers even while having sex with your partner. But only with your steady partner. That is one of the reasons why the relationships among superbeings are usually long-term.
Two – for the thaumic resonance to be triggered there must be some positive feeling towards your partner. That means you must care for them. She – or he – doesn't have to be the love of your life – but you must really and honestly like them.
So… I guess that's it. Any questions?"