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Featured January 24, 2021 Series: Complete Fantasy Science Fiction genderqueer powers nonbinary deep issues transgender and a little bit of snarky humor superhero alternate history lgbtq
Magnificent
By Novae Caelum
Jun 25, 2019
·
22,285 words ·
82 minutes
Story art by Novae Caelum.
From the editor:
Born into a superhero family, all Magnificent ever wanted to do was help save the world. But is the world ready for a genderqueer superhero? Magnificent will find out.
Novae Caelum generously made this novella free to read on Curious Fictions to help bolster nonbinary representation, which is still a very small part of traditional publishing. If you like it, please consider subscribing to Novae's work, or sending star a tip.
Author’s content note: This story is raw and hits on a lot of raw issues, including homophobia, transphobia, bullying, gender dysphoria, depression, and suicidal ideation. It also includes learning self-worth, coming into your own, acceptance by those you love, acceptance of yourself, finding your power, and soaring above all you’ve been through. It has a happy, triumphant ending. Please read with self-care.
From the author: All I ever wanted to do was fly with my superpowered family and help save the world. But I didn't get my own powers until bullies cornered me for not acting like the girl they thought I was and I had to defend myself. Having a secret identity is hard, but there's more than one kind of mask, and I can't wear my masks much longer. I'll soon find out if the world's ready for a genderqueer hero. | FREE to read!
12 Chapters
Chapter 1
Updated Jun 25, 2019 · 684 words (3 minutes) · 1 like · 600 views
"In 1983, when the world was busy trying not to blow itself up with nuclear war, we got the first substantial proof that humanity wasn’t alone in the universe."
Chapter 2
Updated Jun 25, 2019 · 1,144 words (5 minutes) · 32 views
"I would get powers someday. I’d get to fly around with Dad and Mom and take down criminals and supervillains. Maybe I’d even get to shoot spears of ice like Mom and my sister. I’d get to help save the world."
Chapter 3
Updated Jul 2, 2019 · 1,795 words (7 minutes) · 38 views
"But I didn’t like girls. I didn’t like boys, either. And I didn’t feel like I fit with the other girls, and I knew about transgender, but I wasn’t a boy. None of it fit. I wasn’t even fully human."
Chapter 4
Updated Jul 9, 2019 · 1,913 words (7 minutes) · 36 views
"Two months later, I told my parents. I had to. Because I couldn’t keep going out there as Magnificent Lass. I couldn’t wear the skirt. It grated on my soul like nothing ever had before. It had to change."
Chapter 5
Updated Jul 16, 2019 · 2,985 words (11 minutes) · 38 views
“Magnificent Person,” I echoed softly, my voice tight. “Yeah. That’s me.”
Chapter 6
Updated Jul 24, 2019 · 1,810 words (7 minutes) · 32 views
"But I wasn’t Magnificent Person here. I had to keep telling myself that. No one knew who I was, other than that I was with Benedita, whom they loved."
Chapter 7
Updated Aug 6, 2019 · 2,259 words (9 minutes) · 33 views
"'I’m a monster,' I whispered. I’d never said it out loud."
Chapter 8
Updated Sep 3, 2019 · 1,398 words (6 minutes) · 33 views
"No, Kid, I’m afraid you’ll give up and believe what the media wants you to believe. What you’ve told yourself for years, and not realize just how amazing you are. I’m damn scared you’ll decide you don’t deserve this gift.”
Chapter 9
Updated Sep 3, 2019 · 1,783 words (7 minutes) · 30 views
"I want you to live in this world without fear of your power. There’s nothing worse than to fear your own power."
Chapter 10
Updated Sep 16, 2019 · 2,240 words (9 minutes) · 29 views
“'So, this is definitely a shape-shifter thing.'”
Chapter 11
Updated Oct 6, 2019 · 1,750 words (7 minutes) · 1 like · 34 views
"When I looked in the mirror, sometimes I saw myself. And sometimes I saw so much more. A person expanded, without categories to tie them down."
Chapter 12 (Final Chapter)
Updated May 24, 2020 · 2,524 words (10 minutes) · 2 likes · 53 views
I’d stand between my world and anyone who wanted to beat it down. To beat anyone down, because everyone deserved to be loved for who they were.
Novae Caelum
Novae Caelum writes about things strange, beautiful, and queer. New works posted monthly.