Royal Cafe

**Royal Cafe** is a coffee shop in Wellston Town. As its name suggests, it is a high-end café with clientele from the upper crust of society.

## Plot

### Tyrants

Royal Cafe was the appointed meeting place Valerie chose for her reunion with her nephew Arlo. She reserved table for them and ordered a drink while she waited for him to arrive on the day in question. When Arlo finally made it, he was accompanied by his friend Remi. She was uncomfortable being surrounded by such a tall family in such a fancy establishment. Being introduced to Valerie did little to alleviate this, especially since Remi had a nagging feeling that they had met somewhere before. Arlo had brought her along in order to ease her concerns over the slow progress made by the Authorities in the EMBER case. Remi shared how her brother, Rei, was the murdered vigilante X-Static. Valerie offered condolences, but made it clear that she believed that Rei wasted his potential in choosing such a path. Her manner of speaking about vigilantes served to remind the horrified Remi that she heard similar words from a drug dealer that tried to kill her in Lewes. Unable to contain her shock, Remi stood up and shouted "YOU!" Arlo was startled, but Valerie herself calmly asked what was wrong. Remi decided to excuse herself to go to the restroom, leaving Arlo to try to explain that the outburst stemmed from grief. In the restroom, Remi wrestled with the thought that she might be sitting down for coffee with Volcan. With no sure proof, she put it aside for the moment and returned to their table to focus on the topic of their meeting.

After apologizing for losing her temper, Remi asked how the investigation into EMBER's murders was going. Valerie said that information was classified, an answer Remi remarked was disappointing. When Valerie answered that despite the lack of information, the Authorities were the most dependable force for combating crime. Remi countered this viewpoint clashed with the reality that many low-tier districts have been forced to combat crime with no assistance from the Authorities. Valerie calmly replied that some cases were more urgent than others, to which Remi angrily demanded to know why entire towns being terrorized by lone mid-tier criminals wasn't considered "urgent." She then asked why the burden of all of these cases couldn't be eased by collaborating with vigilantes instead of fighting them. Valerie denounced superheroes as unpredictable, impulsive, and likely susceptible to corruption. Remi insisted that they should be given the chance to prove their trustworthiness before being labeled as enemies of society. Eager to diffuse the tension, Arlo dragged Remi outside in order to chastise her. Remi asserted that she's only seeking answers, as planned. Arlo likened her methods to a personal attack on Valerie, adding that Valerie shouldn't be demonized just because the scope of her work extended beyond Remi's family. Arlo told her to march back in there and apologize for her behavior. Remi refused to do anything of the sort until he told her what Valerie's ability was. Confused by this condition, Arlo replied that her ability was the same as his. This caught Remi off-guard, as she vividly recalled Volcan's ability being something else entirely.

Remi apologized to Valerie once more for her hostility, adding that it was best if she went back to the dorms. Valerie accepted the apology with every grace, and even offered to ask her colleagues about the case of Rei's murder. Remi thanked her and turned to leave, which hid the look of concern that appeared on her face.

Arlo continued to try and smooth things over with his aunt, insisting that Remi was usually more agreeably than this. Valerie recalled Arlo mentioning that Remi was Queen of Wellston, and asked if Arlo was still the King. When he replied that he was recently dethroned, she asked when he planned to retake his title. Arlo mentioned that he was looking into other things, including Rei's death and the loss of a friend's ability. Valerie reminded him that pursuing matters the Authorities were already investigating was a waste of his time. She said she was shocked that Arlo would actually put aside regaining the top position in school, adding that his parents would surely not take the news well. Valerie warned him that familial connections could only get him so far in life, and to never lose sight of proving himself to those who could help him get ahead. Taken aback by Valerie's words, Arlo agreed to do so.

Exterior of the CafeA view of the interior of the CafeA view of the interior of the CafeRemi, Arlo and Val having a drink at the cafeA view of the interior of the Cafe
### Rebellion

The cafe made its return as the agreed rendezvous spot between Seraphina and Valerie, with Arlo acting as the mediator. It is shown bustling with customers. While Arlo and Valerie were waiting for Seraphina's arrival, they were talking about why Arlo's presence are necessary. He answered that Seraphina had no trust in Authorities and his presence helps her ease up. Valerie complimented her trust in Arlo. When Seraphina arrived, she exchanged greetings with Arlo, but refused to shake Valerie's hand. Ignoring this, Valerie commended Seraphina for her role in apprehending Spectre. However, since her crime were hard to ignore, she were instead given an offer: work with the Authorities in exchange for her freedom. Seraphina were baffled at the offer, wondering if the cooperation continues even after Spectre is dissolved. Valerie confirmed her assumption, while also trying to tempt her with monetary benefit. Arlo kicked her leg under the table, hoping she takes up on his aunt's offer. Seraphina pondered on what the Authorities had done to the people who opposed them, making up her mind to reject the deal. She only agreed to work together in order to apprehend Orrin, but wanted no part of it afterwards. Valerie argued that her crime is inexcusable. Seraphina retorted she worked with the Spectre out of desperation and the Authorities are equally to blame for not answering her call for help. Valerie refused her reasoning, and locked her inside the Barrier. Arlo tried to negotiate a third way only for his plea to fall on deaf ears. It is revealed that the customers were members of the Authorities all along, surprising Arlo. Valerie praised him for managing to bait Seraphina into their trap, stating this is all according to his plan. An enraged Seraphina demands an explanation, but Valerie threatened to imprison her own nephew if he's so much try to help his friend. Seraphina surprised everyone by breaking out of the Barrier and rewinding her injuries using her ability.

Afterwards, Seraphina defeated many of Authorities' members with ease. This spurred Valerie to use a strengthened Barrier on her. Arlo tried to tell his aunt to stop. Suddenly, Leilah appeared out of nowhere and punched Valerie. The commotion caused Seraphina to be freed from the Barrier. She rewound her injuries, while Leilah told her to get out. Before they escaped, Seraphina declared that the next time she and Arlo meet again, they will be enemies. Arlo were about to protest, but stops himself.

Later, the altercation at the cafe were broadcasted on the news, painting Seraphina and Leilah as the villains for attacking 'civilians' while commending the Authorities as the good guys.

## References

1. ↑ Chapter 203
2. ↑ Chapter 204
3. ↑ Chapter 323
4. ↑ Chapter 324
5. ↑ Chapter 325