Stardust 1: Falling Stars

**Started March 17th**

**Finished April 20th (4/20 eyyy)**

**Line Count:**

**Sky - 783**

**Geno - 192**

**Rosa - 161**

**Sunspot - 112**

**Takes place in May of 2045.**

## Day 1 - Sunshine State

A gigantic tower loomed over New York. The bright sun bounced off the massive structure. The tower had replaced the Empire state building back in the war. Nobody was let in without permission. Two women walked out of the tower. One adorned in a black coat and pants, with a hat on. She had long hair, with one side shaved and the other left ungroomed. The other had a long red jacket and an eyepatch. She was wearing a short-skirt. She had long pink hair that flowed all the way down her outfit. She looked up at the sky.

???: Hey, Jackie. Eyes forward. You’re supposed to be leading this operation.

Jackie: Sorry, Riley. It’s just hard to comprehend how that kind of rupture happened. Did we do something?

Riley: Doesn’t matter. All that matters is that we have this.

Riley held up a folder. Riley held out her hand. Jackie latched on. Lightning manifested around Riley, and she ran at mach speeds out of the city. Faster than a jet. Riley and Jackie gathered around an empty spot along the land. They watched cars go down the highway. Riley took out the file. She gave the file to Jackie. She reviewed them.

Jackie: This is all?

Riley: Yeah.

Jackie: Sky Sako...She really had been places, hm?

Riley: Yeah, she’s dead now, what of it?

Jackie: Yeah, “dead”

Jackie took out a match and set the files on fire. She threw them on the ground and let them burn.

Riley: So. dinner later?

Jackie: I think I could use some baby spinach. A light baby spinach.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

A girl and her family were pulled over on the side of the road. She was breathing heavily and mumbling to herself.

???: What am I going to do? I can’t be doing this! I just got my permit!

Her mom touched her shoulder.

Mom: It’s okay, just stay calm. You were only going ten over.

A cop was behind them. He walked up to the window. He knocked on the window. The girl frantically put her window down.

Girl: H-Hi officer.

Officer: How old are you, young lady?

Girl: I’m 16.

Officer: Can I see your permit then? Registration too?

Girl: Registration?

The girl’s father handed over the registration. She handed her permit and registration to the officer. Her hands were shaking. Her face was almost going pale.

Officer: You know how fast you were going, right?

Girl: I-I-I do.

Officer: How fast?

Girl: Ten miles over.

Officer: Where are you and your family off to?

Girl: ...Florida.

Officer: Where in Florida?

Girl: O-Orlanbo! I mean Orlando!

Officer: Look, you really want to drive, is that right? You wanna get that license so you can drive you and your new friends you make in the sunshine state all around, right?

Girl: I guess. I don’t know if I trust myself to drive friends around.

Officer: Good girl. No room for distractions.

The girl was getting more and more unsettled. She just wanted to drive away. Hell, she would drive into oncoming traffic to get away from this conversation.

Officer: Hmm, Sky Sako. I’m supposed to revoke your permit if I pull you over. But let’s keep this secret between us. I won’t log this one. Move along. Have fun in Florida! Don’t go crazy partying!

The officer gave Sky back her permit and registration. She took a deep breath and took a while to calm down. Her dad prodded.

Dad: You gonna get moving or what?

Sky: Can one of you drive now?

Dad: This happens to the best of us. Get back on the road. You think I decided to get out of the car and run away the first time I got pulled over?

Mom: The first time you got pulled over you went to jail. I’ll drive.

Sky’s dad grumbled as Sky’s mom got in the driver’s seat.

Sky’s mom: Don’t be so uptight, David.

David: You don’t need to coddle her May.

Sky got in the backseat and put in her headphones to shut out her parents arguing. She listened to rock and punk from old times. Back in the 90s and 2000s. All the stuff made in the 2040s sucked.

Sky was light skinned, with blonde hair tied into a ponytail that came down to her chest. She wore a white unitard, with a small zip up sweatshirt over it which had it’s sleeves pulled up. Her sweatshirt was orange with blue highlights. She had preppy dark red shoes. Her eyes were dark orange. Her dad had a beard and a hat on. He wore jeans and had a tucked in T-shirt. Her mom had a grey shirt with a green sweatshirt over it. One of her arms were replaced with a robotic arm. She had short dirty blonde hair.

Sky felt like she was going to fall asleep in the car. Even with punk blaring in her ear at full blast. Her dad tapped her leg. They saw the sign of Florida wiz by. Sky’s mom pulled the car into the gas station on the side of the highway. The family went into the big store there, Trader Hall’s. They went inside. Sky looked around at all the various knick knacks. She saw a necklace with the celestial sun on it. She liked those kind of things. She bought it on her way out. Her dad bought some beer and for Sky some candy and drinks.

David: They never said anything about drinking and driving in the passenger’s seat.

Sky: Very funny, dad.

They got back in the car and started driving. Sky put on her new necklace.

May: I like the necklace choice Sky. Completes your look.

David: Yeah, whatever she’s going for. That hippy sun freaks me out.

Sky: It’s not a hippy sun! It does remind me of one of my favorite bands though.

David: Godhand?

Sky: Yeah, it’s their symbol.

They drove further into Florida. The palm trees whizzing past their window, and the sun’s heat beating down on them. The hot air when they stuck their hands out the window. They got into Orlando, they owned a house close to the ocean. They parked and everyone got out. They took the bags out of the car. Sky could barely lift one. They got their bags into the house. Sky went into her new room. It felt empty compared to her old room. It didn’t quite feel like home yet. But she could adjust.

David: Hey Sky, can you go and grab some ice from the fridge? You remember the convenience store we saw not far from here.

Sky: I got it.

Sky left the house and walked down to the convenience store. She felt like she needed to be careful in a place like Florida. Even if she was walking down the street to a convenience store. She walked in and grabbed a bag of ice. She put it on the counter and slid it over to the clerk.

Clerk: That’ll be 1.39.

Sky gave the money.

Clerk: Hey, you look like someone I know.

Sky: Probably mixed up. I just moved here.

Clerk: Hey, you look like that superhero! She’d be in her like, 40s now. But you could totally pull off a cosplay or something.

Sky: Thanks? I guess.

Sky left the store with the ice. She shrugged off that weird guy. She looks nothing like a superhero. She still felt like a little girl. Nothing special about her.

## Day 2 - First Day Of School

Sky woke up in the morning, after her first day of sleep at the new house. She took out her phone and asked her voice assistant app

Sky: Any soccer fields nearby?

Phone: Three soccer fields found nearby, route to the closest one?

Sky: Yep.

She yawned, stretched and stepped outside.

Sky: Hey dad.

David: What’s up, honey?

Sky: I think I’m going to go to the soccer field.

David: Are there even any nearby?

Sky: Yeah, Gideon said so.

David: Your tech really makes no sense. What phone are you on anyway?

Sky: It’s the Automata 136! I think it rolls off the tongue!

David: You should’ve been around when those things first came out.

Sky left and went on a run to the soccer field. It was half-a-mile away. She entered the field and grabbed a soccer ball. She did simple drills by herself. Ending with a run around the field. She planned to join the school team once she got into school. Which was tomorrow. She stopped and got a drink. Someone came over to her.

???: Hey, you’re training?

Sky: Yeah. You can use the field if you want.

???: Well, I was wondering if you wanted to train together.

Sky: Uhm, I guess I do need a training partner. I’m Sky? What’s your name?

???: Audrey. I haven’t seen you around here. You new?

Audrey was dark-skinned. With baggy sports pants and a short black top. She wore orange arm tights and orange shoes. Her hair was tied into cornrows.

Sky: I just moved here.

Audrey: Show me how good you are.

Sky: I guess I’m not bad.

Audrey and Sky stood off across from each other. Audrey was standing in front of a net.

Audrey: Try and shoot into my goal.

Sky: Sure. I can try.

Sky ran at Audrey and shot the ball directly at the goal. Audrey tucked her legs together and blocked the soccer ball. It went flying away. Sky ran over to it and kicked it back at Audrey. She blocked it with her hands and kicked it away.

Audrey: Come on! That was strike two!

Sky: You didn’t say we were playing like that!

Audrey: Hey, I only get three shots on you too!

Sky shot the ball at the side of the goal. Audrey jumped to the ground and blocked it.

Sky: Wow, you really are devoted to the game.

Audrey: I just do what it takes to win. No matter what.

Sky: Hope I’m on your team then. You shoot at me now!

Sky stood in front of the goal. Audrey shot at Sky. Sky easily blocked it.

Sky: What was that? I thought you’d do anything to win!

Audrey: Oh well, my bad.

Audrey shot again. The ball went towards Sky’s face. She blocked it.

Sky: That’s better.

Audrey: Alright. Now let me show you.

Audrey got the ball back and kicked it at Sky. As she kicked it, it spiraled. It went to one side and flew in an arch through the air. Sky couldn’t block it at all, and it flew past her into the goal.

Sky: Dammit! What was that?

Audrey: My special move! You like it?

Sky: Yeah, I need a move like that!

Audrey: Work on something. Make it up alone though, don’t trust anyone.

Sky: Why’d you show it to me then?

Audrey: You look like you’d keep a secret. A skinny girl like you should know how to keep secrets.

Sky: I kinda suck at secrets. But I’ll do it for you.

Audrey: Cool, We should do this again sometime. You aren’t bad. And I bet I could teach you some things.

A big car rolled up. A bunch of people Audrey’s age popped out.

???: Hey, Audrey! Let’s go!

Audrey: Yeah I know!

Audrey: Nice meeting you Sky. Friend me on snapshot.

Sky: Yeah. Sounds cool.

Sky walked home. A little tired. She had felt like she had met someone cool. Audrey was nice and approachable. She seemed a little rude and mean-spirited. But maybe Sky had to get to know her better. She made it home and ate dinner with her parents. She played video games and caught up on her backlog of shows before going to bed. Tomorrow was the first day of school.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Luckily for Sky, her school was close by. As a matter of fact. Most things were close by to her house. She needed the exercise anyway. She got to the school. She looked at the school sign. She looked closely. It was obvious the new school sign was plastered over an old sign. She saw the faded letters G and S under the new name, “Orlando Public Workshop Tech”. Or, as it was spelt on the sign, OPWT. Everyone called it OPW though. Sky anxiously took out her school schedule. Her first class was history. She frantically looked around for the class, until she found it and got in. People who were already in the class gave her a weird look.

Teacher: Ah, and you must be our missing student. Sky Sako. Take a seat.

Sky laughed nervously.

Sky: H-Hi.

Teacher: Anyway. We’re going to be covering the meta-mutant civil war. Which was one of the biggest recent events in modern history. After building pressure, the civil war erupted in 2022 and went to 2025. I was alive for that event. It’s hard to explain in words. One of the main causes is attributed to a terrorist group that had no particular name. But was led by a girl named Terra Lorenz. Lorenz let metahumans out of their containment camps. Which, I’ll be honest. It was wrong that they were jailed up like animals. But Lorenz let them out all at once. Causing a huge economic crisis. Every single one of them was looking for homes and jobs. The president tried his best to give them homes. But there were millions. After protesting from both sides, and an election being bombed by metahumans, the war began. Most metahumans were jailed up again after the war. Now metahumans can’t use their powers. What is using meta powers like anyway?

A kid put his hand up.

Teacher: Hmm, Nathan. Right, I’m not very good at names.

Nathan: Using meta powers is supposed to be like shooting off a gun in public. It’s even more unpredictable than a gun. Nobody knows what powers a metahuman may have.

Teacher: Yes. It’s considered worse than shooting off a gun. Here, we have a model of the glasses people would wear to tell if metahumans were around. Pass them around.

The teacher gave them to Sky first. She put on the glasses and looked at the teacher. She saw stats appear. They read how powerful her teacher was. The stats read ATK: 2,000 DEF: 2,000 SPD: 1,000 POW: 0 INT: 1,500 SKL: 500 and finally gave TOTAL: 7,000. She looked to her side and saw her classmates. With all kinds of varying power levels. Sky really enjoyed learning history. Especially history this close. Even though she knew lots about the topics. She had watched lots of documentaries about it.

Sky met the rest of her teachers throughout the day. At lunch, she signed up for the soccer team. She found Audrey and a bunch of her friends.

Audrey: Hey! Sky!

Sky: Hey.

Sky sat at her table.

Audrey: Guys, this is Sky. She’s also joining the soccer team.

???: Hey Sky, I heard you’re good. I can’t believe a skinny girl like you blocked some of Audrey’s shots.

Sky: I promise, Audrey’s no slouch.

Audrey: We should have a practice game sometime. Wouldn’t that be cool?

Sky: Yeah, I guess so.

Audrey: When are you free?

Sky: Well...not tomorrow. I’ve got my first day on the job. But maybe the weekend.

Audrey: Job? Where do you work?

Sky: Well, it’s a paid internship at a place called Kunai industries.

???: I heard they give awesome bonuses.

???: Yeah, and I also heard their assholes over there.

Sky: I bet I can take whatever they have in store for me. I want to buy a car soon so maybe I can move out of my parents and start living by myself.

Audrey: Why are you in such a rush?

Sky: I don’t want to rely on them for everything. I want to make my own life. Maybe as a singer or part of a band.

Audrey: A singer? You can sing?

Sky: Uhm. Well. N-not here.

???: Don’t put the spotlight on her! Come on!

Sky: Well I would, but I’d need an instrument or something.

Audrey started banging her silverware on her lunch tray.

Sky: A guitar. Oh, and a place anywhere but here.

Audrey: I’ll get a note out of you someday.

Sky: We’ll see about that. Maybe at one of my concerts when I’m famous.

Audrey: I hope so, then I can get free money.

Sky: I don’t give handouts!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Audrey and Sky split ways on their way back from school. Audrey went back home. She went downstairs. She had huge barrels filled with some sort of precious metal. There was a blade hung up in the middle of her room. It glowed with some sort of power. She picked it up off it’s stand and walked off

## Day 3 - Kunai Industries

Sky was awoken by her alarm early in the morning. She felt very anxious.

Sky: Alright Sky...You’ve got this. I need this job, it can’t be too hard.

Sky had ended up skipping school that day. She and her mom drove to the building she would be working at.

May: Now Sky, this place could be dirty work. But at the same time there’ll be guys there that want to step all over you. Do you think you want to work there when you get older?

Sky: I wasn’t kidding when I said I wanted to be hired there. If this whole singing gig doesn’t work out, this is the next best thing. I get to experiment and try out the next cybernetic tech. Just like your arm, mom! They said that they’ll be able to make something stronger than a meta by the end of the decade!

May: We’ll see about that. Personally, me and your dad are against robots and humans becoming one thing. What’ll happen to our humanity then? People will end up stepping on each other to get better. They’ll be comparing robotic dick sizes!

Sky: Haha, that’s one way to put it.

May: Good luck on your interview hun. Do you feel ready?

Sky: Yeah. Our training’s gonna pay off.

May: Remember. What are your questions?

Sky: I’ve got em right on my hand.

May: No, you have them on this card. Here.

May handed Sky a card with the same questions she wrote on her hand on it,

Sky: How did you…?

May: I’m your mother. I have psychic abilities.

Sky: Of course you do.

Sky parked at the corporation. She got out of the car. Her mom got in the driver’s seat.

May: Good luck, hun.

Sky went into the building. “Kunai Industries”. She went to the second floor. Where her interview was to be had. She had dressed herself in a white vest with a grey shirt under. She wore long grey pants and her normal shoes. There was no way she was fitting in heels. She walked in the door. To see a man contently sitting down. He had the name Lenny Black on his door.

Sky: Good morning Mr. Black.

Mr. Black: Good morning to you Sky...Sako, correct?

Sky: That’s me. Nice to meet you.

While Sky made herself sound content, Mr. Black could still see that she was a little worried.

Mr. Black: Okay. Let’s get this interview on the road. So, why do you want this job?

Sky: Well, first, I’m really interested in what you do here, and I think I have the skills to do whatever you want me to do. If it’s behind the desk, then okay. If I have to do more strenuous work, I promise I can do that too, even though I look weak.

Mr. Black: I’ll take your word for it.

Sky: I know you move chemicals and stuff around. Or log things on your databases. I can do both.

Mr. Black: An internship entails doing well, basically whatever we tell you to do. You won’t be doing anything too important.

Sky: Yeah, I get that. I want to get this job now, so maybe I can shoot for higher positions later on.

Mr. Black: So you really are interested in what we have to offer?

Sky: Yeah. I wouldn't choose this job otherwise.

Mr. Black: Okay. So how did you learn about us?

Sky: Well, my mother has a prosthetic that was fashioned by your company. It was a prototype. She got me into that kind of stuff. Enhancing the body with cybernetics.

Mr. Black: So it’s deep rooted, is it?

Sky: I guess it is, yeah.

Mr. Black: How do you think people would describe you, Sky?

Sky: Well, I guess if I were to sum it up in one word maybe it’d be hopeful, inspiring? I want to bring light to people’s day. I like to make them feel happy. I hope I can bring light to this place.

Mr. Black: That’s very reassuring. Let me get to know you. What hobbies do you have?

Sky: Hobbies? Well, I like to play guitar, I just recently moved so things are crazy but I hope to play somewhere. Like at a local restaurant or something? Oh, and I play soccer at school.

Mr. Black: Very nice. You really seem like you’re getting places, and you’re trying hard. Your first day is tomorrow. I hope you achieve all those goals you set for yourself.

Sky: Wait, really? Thank you sir! I can’t wait to start!

Mr. Black: I like your energy.

Sky walked out of the place and to her car. Her mom was waiting in there for her.

May: So?

Sky: I got the job!

May: Hey! I knew you could do it hun! Tell me all the details on the way home.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Some of the day went by. Sky was at her first soccer tryouts. Everyone was expected to do a run around the field before coming back. Sky was running next to Audrey.

Audrey: So, Kunai industries?

Sky: Oh yeah, that’s where I’m working now.

Audrey: Cool. I heard that the head of the company is a dick though.

Sky: Good thing I’m not really working under him. Well, I guess I am. But it’s just an internship.

Audrey: Yeah. Guess he wouldn’t harass you of all people. Actually, there’s a party happening this weekend. Sounds like a good way to meet some of the kids from the school.

Sky: Yeah. I guess so. Uhm, what’s happening at the party?

Audrey: It’s a party dude. Anything could happen.

Sky: Well, I just want to make sure nothing bad happens. Y’know. Nothing illegal.

Audrey: Can’t promise anything. But I know it’ll be fun!

Sky: Well, I guess that’s as much of an answer I’m going to get out of you.

Audrey: So, you going?

Sky: I’ll ask my parents.

Audrey: I’m telling you, it’s going to be schway. Don’t cheap out on me!

Sky: I won’t, I won’t.

## Day 4 - Miss Gao

Sky walked into her first day of work. She didn’t know what to expect. But she was excited. She took the elevator up to floor 5, which she was supposed to punch in at. As she was going up the elevator someone walked in with two guards around her. She was a short girl, maybe Sky’s age wearing a fancy blue kimono and heels. She had a belt around her waist, keeping down her kimono. Which went a little past her waist. Over this she wore a long dark pink haori. She had short white hair with some red highlights. And she had earrings and tons of jewelry on her. Her eyes were a baby blue.

Sky: Oh, Hi. I’m new here, who are you?

Guard: Miss Gao. Why is this woman talking to you?

Miss Gao: I can speak for myself pig! I doubt she would want anything out of me. My name is Rosa Gao. Who are you?

Sky: Oh, I’m Sky. Um, Sky Sako.

Rosa: Sky Sako? Sure. I’ll just call you sky, got it?

Sky: Do you work here?

Rosa laughed.

Rosa: Of course not. I’d prefer not to be a slave to a company. Well, unless I was the slave keeper.

The elevator opened, water was spilled on the floor in front of them. The guards picked Rosa up and she sat on their shoulders. They held hands, making an arm throne.

Rosa: Hey, what are you doing walking on your feet?

Guards: What? Miss Gao, beg our pardon. But isn’t that how most people walk?

Rosa: Walk on your knees!

Guards: B-But our knees will get wet.

Rosa: Yeah! That’s the point! Walk on your knees, pigs!

The guards got on their knees and carried Rosa out.

Rosa: Don’t drop me!

Sky walked over the water. Extremely confused by the Rosa girl. She punched in at her designated time and went to Mr. Black.

Sky: Good morning Mr. Black. What have you got for me?

Mr. Black: You need to move some chemicals. Go downstairs, and you’ll find them ready for you. Be very careful with them.

Sky: Okay!

Sky went downstairs and saw some big green barrels.

Sky: Well, I did say I could do anything.

She put the barrels on their carts and moved them out. She saw a map that showed where she had to take them. It was a couple blocks.

Sky: How many do I have to take?

???: Yeah, it’d really suck to take that many at once, huh?

Sky turned around to see another woman. She was tall and had long blue hair. She wore a white top and jeans. Her eyes were dark blue. Nearly black. She had a nametag, “Amala”. What kind of name is Amala? Sky thought.

Sky: You work here too?

Amala: That’s right. These barrels aren’t going to move themselves. Must be nice to have help. I have to move every single one of these fucking barrels everytime more come in. And fuck, my back’s acting up today. What’s your name, twig?

Sky: I’m Sky. Sky Sako.

Amala: Sky Sako? You don’t need to announce your entire name to me. Amala’s a short simple name. Fuckin’ hate my parents for naming me it though.

Amala put two barrels on her cart effortlessly. Sky pushed her barrel onto her cart and started pushing.

Sky: How long have you been doing this?

Amala: Bout’ 4 months, why?

Sky: You pick those things up like their dead weight!

Amala: I must have a lot of practice.

Sky pushed her barrels slowly. Amala went ahead of her. Amala went back for another round once Sky got to the place to drop them. Sky dropped hers, and Amala dropped her four,

Amala: Three more. They're all yours.

Sky: Hey wait, is there anything I should know?

Amala: Oh, make sure they aren’t left in the sun.

Sky moved her barrel into the shade.

Sky: Yeah. Got you.

Sky moved her three barrels over in an hour. She was exhausted.

Sky: What’s even in these barrels?

Guard: Fructose, enzymes, phosphorylcholine, oh, and-

Rosa: Hey! Shut up! You talk when I ask you to talk!

Guard: Sorry…

Rosa: Hey, fodder. Can you help me for a sec.

Sky: Well, I don’t know if I-

Rosa: Gao Garment is part of Kunai Industries. We’re partnered with him. You basically work for me.

Rosa: This color, or this color?

Sky: Can’t one of your guards tell you?

Rosa: Of course not! They aren’t allowed to have emotions, or their own thoughts.

Sky: ...Well I like that orange color.

Rosa: Ah, good choice. The sunburst orange might really pop. Here, come with me. It’s definitely better than whatever you’re doing there.

Rosa dragged Sky away to go look at more pieces of fabric.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rosa: Hmm.

They were at a fabric store. Rosa was looking around at all the different fabrics. Sky looked up at one of her guards.

Sky: So you just follow Rosa around everywhere? What are you exactly? Her butlers?

One of the guards looked down.

Guard: She once made us lick ice cream off the ground, this is my cry for help, that little girl is fucking insane. Save yourself before she pulls you in too!

A store clerk came behind the guards.

Store clerk: Ah, those are the nicest tuxes I’ve seen in a long time. But what would you say if we had something better?

Sky went over to Rosa.

Sky: I think your guards are-

Rosa: Oh their doing fine. Hmm. This color or this one.

Sky: I like the Snow white.

Rosa: Good choice.

Sky: Why did you even take me out like this? What’s the point?

Rosa: We’re the same age. I need someone who has my same eyes. You do have decent taste. I have no idea why you decided to be a corporate slave.

Sky: I want to work my way up. Or maybe be a musician.

Rosa: A musician? Drop a note!

Sky: W-Well not here.

Rosa: What if you go to get picked up by a record company? They ask you to drop a note, what do you do?

Sky: If it meant I’d get my own label then I’d do it. But I don’t think you can do that.

Rosa: I’m gonna make my own record company just so I can get a note out of you.

Sky: Sure.

Rosa walked outside with Sky. The guards got in their car.

Rosa: Hmm, I think I could use some Big Belly Burger. Drive us!

The guards drove Sky and Rosa to Big Belly Burger. Rosa ordered her food.

Rosa: What do you want?

Sky: Me?

Rosa: Did I stutter?

Sky: Uhm, I’ll get the vegan burger please.

Rosa: And two drinks for me and my company fodder here!

Rosa took out a credit card and swiped it.

Sky: You have a credit card?

Rosa: Yeah, you don’t?

Sky: I’m not old enough to have one of those.

Rosa: Don’t let age hold you back! I’m one of the heads of my company!

Sky: Aren’t you part of the family that owns the company?

Rosa: Well...Yeah.

Sky sat down with Rosa.

Sky: You seem uhm, kinda isolated, Rosa.

Rosa: What do you mean? I have anything I want.

Sky: Did you drag me along all day because you were just lonely?

Rosa: Don’t ask shit like that.

Sky: Hey, we can be friends. Even though, well. You need some kinks worked out. Like those poor guards of yours.

Rosa: Oh shut up! They get paid top dollar!

Sky: I hope nobody gets mad that I left to help you.

Rosa: Don’t be so worried! This is Florida! I heard that this is where the ballers go to ball! Loosen up.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky went back to Kunai Industries and punched out for the day. The day wasn’t as she expected it. Hopefully things get better. But by the way that other worker acted, she doubted it.

## Day 5 - Ballers go to Ball

Sky got home from school and sat down in her room. She went under her bed and took out some old movies from the 2010s. Mr. Untouchable, dawn of justice. That was the one movie she hadn’t watched. Most superhero movies weren’t made very much anymore. Since that kind of stuff was looked down upon. But Sky loved it. Even though she knew her parents didn’t approve. Good thing they were both at work. She put the disk in her PS7. By the end of the movie she had fallen asleep.

Movie: The Sentinels! Coming to a theater near you July 9th!

Sky saw a bunch of actors get on screen. She was sparked awake by something that looked off. But her phone started ringing. She let the commercials play in the background. She picked it up.

Audrey: Hey Sky, you coming to the party!?

Sky: Oh yeah, where are you guys at?

Audrey: Same neighborhood as you! We’re on the beach! Come on! It’s so schway! Bring a bathing suit!

Sky: Yep!

Her parents had said it was fine if she went. They trusted her. Sky looked around and changed into her bathing suit. It was an orange top and purple tights that went down a bit past her knees. She walked down the block. She walked into the beach. To see Audrey and a bunch of other kids partying. She guessed this was her chance to “meet” people.

Sky: Hey guys!

Audrey: Hey! It’s the girl of the hour.

Some people murmured about her, a nice looking guy came up to her and fist bumped her. An asian kid came up to Sky. He had black hair, a grey jacket with kanjis on it and it’s sleeves pulled up and a grey shirt. He also had some japanese tattoos on his arms.

???: Name’s Ben.

Sky: I’m Sky. Nice to meet you.

Ben: Yeah yeah, likewise. You new here?

Sky: Yeah, I moved here like a week ago.

Ben: Cool. I’ve lived here my whole life. Not a lot of sunshine in the sunshine state, to be honest. But don’t let that stop you.

Sky: I-I won’t. Whose party even is this, actually?

Ben: Oh, it’s Audrey’s. Her parents are out of town. Like always.

That always meant something bad was going to happen. Sky went into the water with Audrey and her friends. Trinity and Rena.

Sky: Wow...Florida water is so warm…

Rena: Where are you even from, Sky?

Sky: Me? I’m from Upstate New York. It was more suburban than the city. New York City gave me tons of anxiety.

Trinity: That place is always cold, too.

Sky: Yeah, and Florida’s super hot!

They eventually got out of the water, and Sky looked at some drinks.

Sky: What’s in this?

Ben: Horse Semen.

Sky: What?

Ben: What?

Sky: What is it?

Ben: A special liquid that is definitely not whiskey I took from my house. Try some.

Sky: Uh, nah. I’m good.

Ben: Come on! It’s a party!

Sky thought about Rosa’s words. “I heard that this is where the ballers go to ball! Loosen up.”

Sky: Okay, okay. Only one though.

Sky poured herself a drink. She drank it. It tasted kind of bitter.

Sky: How do people even like this?

Ben: It isn’t that bad.

Sky: I guess.

Sky drank more. It wasn’t that bad. She went up to Audrey’s house after she dried off. She realized it was kind of weird. But she always liked exploring people’s houses. She used to feel like a spy. She walked throughout the house. A bunch of sporty kids were sitting around, drinking and laughing.

???: Hey! You’re part of the soccer team, huh?

Sky: Oh, yeah I am.

???: What? You want to get with her dude?

???: No! I was just being nice!

Sky: What do you guys do?

???: Football.

Sky: Nice.

Sky looked at the basement. That was always where the cool stuff was. She went to open the door. The kid who just talked to her stood up.

???: Hey! What are you doing?

Sky: I’m going to check out what’s in the basement, of course.

???: I wouldn’t go in there.

Sky: Why not, I don’t even know you.

???: Name’s Geno. Now you know me.

Geno was black with a red hat on, and a white zip-up hoodie along with a red T-shirt. He had baggy black pants that went a little past his knees.

Sky: That’s not how that works.

Geno: You wanna go in there? You totally can, but if you are going to, then I should probably go with you. Wouldn’t want anything bad to happen.

???: Yeah Gene, get it!

Geno: Shut up!

Sky: Just ignore them.

Geno: Oh, and I also wanna see what’s down there. Heard there’s some voodoo shit.

Sky: Voodoo shit. Really?

Sky and Geno went down the stairs. Geno found the lightswitch when he got to the bottom. He flipped it.

Sky: Woah…

The lights flickered on slowly. There were huge barrels filled with some sort of precious metal. There was a blade hung up in the middle of her room. It glowed orange.

Sky: Woah, what’s that blade? Looks like a weapon straight out of a superhero movie.

Geno: And all these jewels…

They heard lots of commotion outside.

Geno: Oh-we should probably go see what that is.

Sky: We don’t want anyone coming and looking for us.

Geno: Oh yeah, probably don’t tell anyone about this.

Sky: About what?

Geno: Us hanging like this. I don’t want to come off as a player.

Sky: I doubt that’s it. But my lips are sealed. Can you text?

Geno: Sure.

Geno took out his phone. Sky’s phone scanned his.

Sky: Got your contact.

They went back upstairs, to see two girls standing on stools drinking and trying to balance.

Geno: Oh god. They’re at it again.

Geno went back inside. Acting like this was a normal thing. Sky realized it was Audrey up there, against another girl. It wasn’t long till the other girl fell, and some of her friends caught her. Audrey jumped down.

Audrey: I reign supreme! Oh, hey Sky. You wanna try?

Sky: Eh...definitely not.

Audrey: Well then. Did you want to come with us to check something out? It’s like this abandoned business building.

Sky: I guess that could be fun. Hey, actually I had a question.

Audrey: What’s up?

Sky: Uh, where’s the bathroom before we go.

Audrey: Oh, past the living room and to the left.

Sky opted out of asking about the sword. Maybe it was private, and like Geno, maybe Audrey wanted to keep her image. Sky didn’t understand. But it was what it was.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky, Audrey, and Ben went to the big building. They hopped a fence and walked around. This felt wrong to Sky. But she went with it. It was going to be fun.

Ben: Hey, check this out. It’s here.

Ben shined his flashlight. A big abandoned business building was there.

Sky: Woah…

Ben: You wanna go in?

Audrey: Ladies first.

Ben: You wish.

Sky: I-I’ll go in first.

Sky stepped in. She heard something creak and jumped out of the way. A little slab of wood fell down.

Sky: Jeez. This building looks unstable.

Ben: Let’s check it out.

Ben jumped in and looked around.

Ben: Echo!

His voice echoed through the building. It creaked again.

Sky: Ben!

Her voice echoed too.

Ben: Sky!

Sky: This place feels like it’s going to fall down.

Audrey: Don’t be so scared. Maybe we can find some cool stuff.

Ben: Yeah, check this.

Ben shined his flashlight at a sign. “Kunai Industries foreclosure”

Sky: That’s the company I work for...What if they find out we were here?

Audrey: This place’ll fall down before they even find a trace of us.

Ben: Check it out. Barrels.

Sky: Hey, those are the barrels I have to move.

Ben: And there’s old robot parts.

Ben picked up some glasses and put them on.

Ben: Hey, these are those old power level glasses. Damn Sky, you’re stronger than you look.

Sky: Am I?

Ben: Hey, what the...Guys. There’s one more guy here.

Audrey: What do you mean, one more guy?

Ben: He’s at...45,000

Audrey: Yeah, and? What am I at?

Ben: 15,500.

Sky: Hey, that’s a lot, actually.

Audrey: Alright Ben. Haha. Very funny. You’re probably scaring the piss outta Sky.

The building creaked again, and something grabbed Ben’s leg. The floorboards began to crack, and they broke under the hand’s force. Ben was pulled under.

Sky: What the…Ben!

Someone burst out of the ground. It was a man wearing some plated armor. It was dark, but his face was illuminated. His eyes glowed white.

Audrey: Run! Get the fuck out!

Sky: What about-

Audrey: Who cares?!

They both ran out of the building. Before they could even get to the door the man appeared in front of them. He punched Audrey across the building and through the wall. Sky went to scream. But he grabbed her by the neck and threw her against the wall.

???: What are you doing here?

His voice came out distorted. He kicked her. Sky’s wind was gone. She could barley talk. She was leaning up against the barrels.

Sky: ...please…

???: Never come here again.

He held out his hand, it glowed. He shot a blast of light. Right at Sky, and the barrels. They exploded. He was blown back by the explosion. He was blown out of the building. It crumbled to the ground.

## Day 6 - Burns

Sky opened her eyes slowly. She felt the sun beating down on her, but felt the warm, comforting ocean water of Florida at the same time.

Sky: Where…? Was it a dream?

Sky moved her arm up to block the sun. But her arm didn’t move at all. As a matter of fact, she could barely move at all.

Sky: Nope...it wasn’t. No…

Sky’s mind started racing. Her parents were probably worried sick about her, and what about Ben and Audrey, what happened to them? But she couldn’t move.

Sky: Help! Someone! Help!

Nothing. She wasn’t exactly at a public beach. She just laid there, and tried to remember what happened. She went somewhere she wasn’t supposed to be. She heard police sirens. A first responder ran onto the beach.

Responder: Here she is! Get me some help here!

Sky was lifted onto a stretcher. She said nothing. She had no idea what she would say. She was put into an ambulance. A cold towel was put on her head.

Responder: She’s got a fever, broken arm, and a couple burns. Just...Go easy on her.

A cop was sitting next to her with a notebook. She flipped through it to a new page.

Cop: So, let’s start. Do you remember your name?

Sky: Uh, I’m Sky Sako.

Cop: How about this? Do you remember what you were doing last?

Sky didn’t want to tell a cop what happened. But she had no choice. She’d have to tell her parents anyway. Maybe It’d get her less grounded.

Sky: I...was at a party, With my friends. Everything was fun for a while. Then I went to an old abandoned building with my friends. Something went wrong, someone attacked us.

Cop: Someone attacked you? Any description you can give?

Sky: N-No. He had glowing white eyes and some sort of light power. I don’t remember what he looked like. I think he was foreign…? He had curly hair.

Cop: You know how you ended up on the beach?

Sky: I have no idea. He hit me with a blast, then everything went dark. I thought I died. I was helpless.

Cop: There’s one vigilante we know about that fits that guy’s description. Sunspot.

Sky: Sunspot? Why would he beat the tar out of me and my friends?

Cop: Maybe you were trespassing. Who knows? That guy’s always been shady. A bit of a menace. We probably won’t be finding him too quick because the place he attacked you in it fell to the ground. He probably found a new hiding spot now. Which I suppose means that this is our best chance to catch him.

The ambulance stopped at Sky’s house. Her parents ran out and looked at Sky in the ambulance. She was bandaged up and put in a cast. She got on her feet. She nearly fell upon hitting the ground. She limped inside, the cops left. She sat down in silence for a second with her parents looking at her.

David: We told you not to do anything illegal, and what did you do?!

May: David. Not now. Can’t you see she’s traumatized?

Sky: No, no. Dad’s right. I did something stupid. This happened to me. If you want to take stuff away, so be it. I’m laying in bed anyway.

David: We aren’t going to take anything. We just want you to know that what you did was stupid. Just, lay down.

Sky: Yeah.

Sky moved to her room and closed her door behind her. She laid down.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

???: Are we ready for the next shipment?

Audrey: Yes. I’m protecting the payload. You guys stay back. It’s only supposed to be me.

Her friends hid. She waited in front of the big crate. A tall man in a tux came into the base. There were two mafia guys with guns behind him.

Tall man: Ah, nice to see you here. The steels all safe and sound?

Audrey: Of course. You shouldn’t expect anything less from us.

Tall man: Good. Everything’s right.

They handed Audrey a suitcase. They opened it in front of her. There was thousands of dollars stacked. She took her suitcase.

Audrey: Good.

Tall man: Now, let’s get this out.

Audrey: Hey, wait a second. You guys have been good to me. I have a bonus prepared for you. Free of charge. Here. I wouldn't want this to get dirty.

She handed the suitcase to one of the men behind the tall man. She went off and grabbed a big bag with more steel in it. She took out the steel and showed it to them.

Audrey: Pretty, isn’t it.

Audrey threw one of the jewels at the suitcase with money in it. The suitcase exploded. Killing the guard who was holding it.

Audrey: I knew it. You were trying to sell me out! That money was fake as fuck!

Tall man: It seems you weren’t very honest either. You brought company, and it seems I can’t pay for the soul steel anymore. I’ll just have to take it!

The tall man took out a gun and the guard behind him fired at Audrey. Her sword glowed. Audrey disappeared out of thin air. She turned into a ghostlike being. She walked through the guard and stabbed him in the back. She kicked him on the ground. She put her blade to The Tall man’s neck.

Audrey: Guess what? No more bonus for you. As a matter of fact. I think you should lose something for this transaction.

Audrey looked at the man’s hand.

Audrey: Nice rings. That would be a good way to pay.

Tall man: Please! I have the money! Just leave me alone! Don’t you dare touch any of my rings!

The tall man screamed out in pain.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

The lady cop from earlier was helping with the search party.

Lady cop: We think we’ve triangulated his location. Everyone be careful. This is a big mission.

A group of cops were traveling through the sewers of Florida. They were coming up on a little divet in the pipes. A perfect place for someone to hide. Sunspot peeked around a corner. His eyes glowing as normal. He wore a white and black attack suit. He had a white chestplate in the center of his suit. He was Mexican-American with black curly hair. He smirked and teleported behind a cop. He grabbed them and teleported away. He slowly whittled down their numbers until there were about five left. He teleported in the middle of them.

Lady cop: There he is! Fire!

The group of cops shot some sort of special guns at him. He made a huge light blast. Encapsulating all of them. But they weren’t blinded. They were wearing some sort of special gear. His blast diminished their bullets. The lady cop shot again at him. He got hit on the shoulder. He looked at the gash from the blast. All the other cops shot their guns at him. He teleported away.

Sunspot: Very funny.

He made a huge blast of light shine through the tunnel. Lasers of light came from his eyes. He blasted through a couple of the cops. Burning through their armor and burning holes in them. He grabbed a cop and threw him into the sewer water and heated it up. He teleported in front of the lady cop.

Sunspot: You shouldn’t have came here. Now you’ve seen my face.

Lady cop: What are you going to do?

Sunspot: I gave all of them second degree burns. I could make it a third. But I’m feeling merciful today.

Sunspot grabbed the lady’s gun and held it to her body.

Sunspot: This won’t kill you. But it’s not going to be a love tap either.

## Day 7 - A Deadly Fever

Sky: Ugh, why won’t this fever go away?

Her mom walked into her room.

May: Do you think you want to go to school today hun?

Sky: Yeah. I think I can go. I don’t even think I’m that sick.

May: That’s good. Let me just check your temperature.

May stuck a thermometer in Sky’s mouth. She felt like a little kid.

May: Shit...You’re at like 102! Of course you aren’t going to school!

Sky: You’re thermometer must be wrong, because I don’t feel that bad. Sure a little hot. But beyond that I feel fine.

May: You have a 100 degree temperature! That’s dangerous!

Sky: But I feel fine!

May: You know, if you feel fine, then go to school. See if I care. Take the thermometer with you. If your fever gets any worse, I’ll come and pick you up.

Sky: Okay.

Sky got up and walked to school. She felt a little hotter than normal. Even though her fever had worsened, she felt like she had gotten better. She went to her classes. History class was last.

Teacher: Today we’ll be moving to an important figure after the civil war. Nick Fury. Who assembled the new world order. He even got rid of President Jayden Bordon. Well, people weren’t too fond of him after the war. Even though he had stayed president for a long time.

Sky sat through history class. Paying half attention. She thought about Sunspot. Who was he? What happened to Ben, what about Audrey? She didn’t see her at lunch. She walked out of class once it was over. Geno, the kid from the party came over to her.

Geno: Hey, what happened to you? There’s rumors flying around.

Sky: What kind of rumors?

Geno: Well, you didn’t hear this from me. I’m not a squealer, But people are saying that you did something illegal with Audrey.

Sky: Something illegal? Like what?

Geno: I dunno. Something about drugs. Their saying you got into trouble there. That’s how your arm broke.

Sky: Well, it wasn’t that. But it was something kind of...unbelievable. Maybe worse than dealing drugs.

Geno: Well...What was it?

Sky: I can’t tell you here. We can meet after school if you’re curious. I need to get this out of my system.

Geno: Uh, okay then.

Sky: We can meet in the gym. How’s that sound?

Geno: Well, school’s out now. Let’s go.

Geno and Sky went down to the gym. It looked like Geno was trying to avoid people. There was nobody there.

Geno: Let’s talk,

Sky: I mean, you were at the party. I went with Ben and Audrey to-

Two huge men walked into the gym. Sky stopped talking, She realized it was Rosa’s guards.

Guard: We have special orders, Sky.

Sky: Special orders? For what?

Guard: We must bring you to our master!

Sky: You know, this probably sounds pretty suspicious to this guy next to me.

Geno: Who are these guys? Sky?

Sky: Their guards of someone I know from work. They interrupted us.

Guard: We can’t disobey an order. We must go! Or she’ll make us dress up like an elf and sing a love song to a girl in this school!

Sky: What? She’d do that?

Guard: She’ll do anything that humiliates us.

Geno: Okay, Sky. Tell these guys they can leave. We were talking.

Rosa: Guards!

Both of the guards walked over.

Rosa: No! Guard!

They both looked at eachother confused.

Rosa: Alright, you’re Lefty, you’re Righty.

Lefty: But I want to be Righty!

Rosa: Fine, you’re Righty.

Righty: Yay! So which one of us did you want?

Rosa: Uh, both of you of course! Come on Sky! Let’s go!

Geno: Okay, can someone explain to me what’s happening?

Rosa: Who are you talking to?

Geno: You of course, Chunky Monkey.

Rosa: What’s that supposed to mean?

Righty: Don’t you dare talk to Miss Gao like that!

Righty violently grabbed Geno on the arm.

BANG!

The next moment Geno palmed Righty right in the stomach. Righty somehow went flying halfway across the gym. There was a gust of wind that went around Geno.

Sky: Geno! It’s not a big deal! What was that?!

Geno: This didn’t look like it was going well! I didn’t want to hit him that hard!

Sky: Okay, this might be work related! We’ll talk later!

Geno had a feeling that was a lie. Righty got up and walked out with Sky, Rosa and Lefty.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Rosa got Sky in her limo.

Sky: I don’t have work today, plus my mom’s probably going to have me call in sick.

Rosa: Why?

Sky: Feel my hand.

Rosa grabbed Sky’s hand.

Rosa: Jeez! You feel like a heater!

Sky: I have a fever. But I feel fine.

Rosa: You should probably get it checked out. Not that I care, just, if you don’t want to die of heatstroke. You do live in Florida.

Sky checked her temperature. She looked at the thermometer.

Sky: Holy shit…

Rosa: What’s it say?

Sky: 109…

Rosa: You’re lying.

Sky showed her the number.

Rosa: Then you need an ambulance!

Sky: But, I feel fine. Honest!

Rosa: Well atleast take these.

Rosa gave Sky some pills.

Rosa: These will bring the fever down.

Sky: Okay, okay. I’m surprised you’re worrying so much.

Rosa: Shut up!

Sky took the pills.

Sky: Does that make you happy?

Rosa: I guess so.

Sky: Good then. We should be fine. Where are we going?

Rosa: Oh, we’re going someplace where you can tell me what happened to you yesterday.

Sky: Oh yeah.

Sky told Rosa about what happened.

Sky: And then, he knocked me into those barrels that are at Kunai Industries. The ones I was moving. They exploded. From there I lost consciousness. I thought I was dead for sure. Then I woke up at the beach.

Rosa: Well...What are you going to do about it?

Sky: I think...I think I want to find that guy. The vigilante guy. But I have no leads.

Rosa: Well, let me give you one. That guy’s name is Sunspot. He’s a vigilante in this city.

Sky: What? How do you know that?

Rosa: I’ve got connections.

Sky: He has to be the reason I survived. I want to talk to him.

Rosa: Well he’s pretty hard to find, just so you know. From what I heard, he’ll probably beat the shit out of you before you can even say something. He’d beat you like a red-headed step-child.

Sky: Ha, true…

Righty: Where are we going, Miss Gao?

Rosa: Just keep driving!

Sky: Ugh, shit, maybe that fever is kicking in. I feel a little hot.

Rosa: Those pills were supposed to...Holy shit…

Sky: What?

Rosa: Why the hell are you glowing?

Sky: Glowing?

Sky looked at her hand. She was glowing. It was almost like shining a flashlight in her face when she looked down. Her hair started defying gravity. It floated up in the air. Her ponytail touching the top of the limo.

Righty: What’s going on back there?

Rosa: Pull off somewhere...Pull off into a trail!

Sky: Why am I glowing?! What is happening?!

Rosa: I don’t know! Stop yelling!

Sky: I-I can’t see!

Rosa: You what?

## Day 8 - Hobo In the Woods

Sky and Rosa went into the woods. Rosa had led her.

Rosa: Ah, I have a great idea.

Rosa took out some sunglasses and put them on Sky’s face.

Sky: Hey, I can see again.

Rosa shielded her eyes.

Rosa: God, you must be so bright you blinded yourself.

Sky: What even is going on? I don’t understand!

Rosa: I don’t either! Do you know anyone who might?

Sky: This is kind of a long shot. But maybe that girl at my work?

Rosa: Who? That slave Amala?

Sky: Yeah. Her.

???: Hey! All of you! What are you doing here?!

Rosa: Why are you yelling at me?! Me of all people! You should be bowing!

???: ...Why is your friend glowing?

The women before them had a burn on the side of her face, running by her eye and hiding behind her short black hair. One of her arms was burnt bad. She had wraps running up her forearm. Only leaving her shoulder down to her elbow exposed. Her other arm was just bare skin. She wore a green and black viking tunic with no sleeves and a black scarf and a belt with a waist bag at her side. She had long black boots on. She was using a big wooden stick as a cane. It was just a bit taller than her.

Rosa: What’s a homeless viking doing here asking us questions like that?

Sky: Please, don’t listen to her.

???: You can’t be...You’re gone. Someone tell me what’s going on!

Sky: Something happened to me! Now I’m like this! Can you help me?

???: She doesn’t recognize...How are you here? Why are you so young?

Rosa: Those aren’t the questions she’s asking! How about you help her?

???: Okay, okay.

Rosa: What’s your name, hobo?

???: My name’s Kara Acosta. Not hobo. You spoiled brat.

Righty: How dare you insult Miss Gao!

Kara: Shut up.

Righty took Kara’s staff and banged it against his knee. But the stick didn’t even bend.

Righty: What’s this stick made of?!

Kara: Wood, obviously.

Sky: Are you going to help?!

Kara: To be honest, I don’t think I can.

Kara put on some glasses.

Kara: Your body seems to be adjusting to your new powers. If I were to stop it, well. You would probably die. Here, sit down.

Kara brought them over to a bunch of stumps. Everyone sat down.

Kara: Look, I don’t know who any of you are.

Kara gestured towards Sky.

Kara: Especially you, You’re confused. I can help. You are a metahuman now.

Sky: A metahuman?

Kara: Right. Just like Sunspot, and many others.

Rosa: Well, it was nice knowing you.

Sky: What?

Kara: I see what your friend means. Things aren’t going to be easy from here.

Sky: Shit…

Kara: People are going to try and hurt you. Go after you. So do your best to hide your powers.

Sky: Are you a metahuman? Why are you here?

Kara: Me? I’m not a metahuman.

Sky: Then what are you? A nomad or something?

Kara: Well, what I am doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you need help.

Sky: So I have powers? What kind of powers?

Kara: It’s called Capacity Inducement. You are empowered by the sun. By heat. You’re lucky to have ended up in Florida. If it doesn’t escape me, you should be able to fly.

Sky: Fly?! O-okay. This is a lot to take in. Just give me a second. What’s going to happen to my job? School? Soccer?

Kara: I’m sorry, Sky.

Rosa: Hey, when did she tell you her name?

Kara: Uh, you said it. Remember?

Rosa: Did I? Maybe I did.

Kara: I’m not the kind of person to push you off a building to get you to fly. Actually, who am I kidding?

Sky: What?! You want to throw me off a building?!

Kara: You are raw potential, kid. Do you like superheroes?

Sky: Uh, that’s a weird question. But I do. I love them.

Kara: Well, you could be a hero. Kids could look up and see you, and cheer. Think about that. You could be a hero.

Rosa: You must be stuck in the past. Heroes aren’t accepted. You’re a hero if you pay your taxes on time.

Kara: That way of thinking is what’s wrong with this world. A war happens and everyone loses hope in metahumans. Even though they had been relying on them for years and years. Not just years, Centuries. It’s not right! Your powers are a hero’s power. Trust me.

Sky: A hero’s power...I love the idea and all. I could save people.

Kara: You could do a lot more than just save people, communities. The world.

Sky: I...Is that who I am? I have a job, a life. How would my parents react?!

Kara: It doesn’t matter. Things are bigger than that now. Here, we should try it, Getting you to fly.

Sky: Being a superhero...That’s not who I am though. I can’t really save people. What if these powe-

Kara: Listen! I know you can do it!

Sky: How?!

Kara: I just...I just know!

Kara put her hand on Sky’s shoulder.

Kara: You can do this!

Sky: No...no.

Kara: what do you mean no? Listen!

Sky: Stop it! Stop pressuring me like this! How am I supposed to know how to save even one person when I can’t even see straight!?

Kara: I mean-

Sky: Shut up!

Sky pushed Kara off of her. Burning her on the shoulder. Everything around Sky changed colors. It all became inverted. As she yelled at Kara she disappeared, taking everything that was engulfed by the barrier. Including Kara’s arm. She lurched back, holding her missing arm.

Kara: Maybe I was too harsh.

Rosa: What...? What just happened?!

Kara: We need to go into the city.

Rosa: No you don’t. I need to. You keep eating shit in the woods.

Kara’s arm quickly regenerated. But the burn she had received from Sky remained.

Rosa: What the hell are you?

Kara smiled at Rosa.

Kara: Like I said. It’s not important.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky reappeared in her house. She looked at the time. The energy field around her disappeared. Nobody was home. She looked around her. She had taken Kara’s arm, and part of a stump. She was in shock for a second. She wasn’t supposed to be able to teleport. She jumped at the sight of Kara’s arm. She had no idea what to do. She went to pick it up. She went into her kitchen and grabbed a paper towel and picked it up, gagging. She threw it in her closet. She was confused that it wasn’t bleeding. She threw the stump she had taken with her outside and cleaned the wood chips off her floor.

Sky: Why was she so pushy? What was she talking about? Heroes aren’t even allowed anymore.

Sky looked over at some of her posters on her wall. It was a picture of an old band. A band of superheroes called Conforming Soul. The band’s singer was a punk rock girl who could fly. She saw her flying above the stars in the poster. It wasn’t real, clearly. But Sky couldn’t help it.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

She walked up the stairs of a small office building. She got to the top of the building.

Sky: Deep breaths, deep breaths. Okay. We’re just going to hop across. Hop across, hop across.

Sky ran and jumped across one building to another. The next building was higher up than the other.

Sky: You can do this. Come on.

She ran and jumped again. Sky reached for the side of the building. But she missed. She was floating upward.

Sky: What the…Shit! Shit! No...no...Calm down.

Sky took a couple deep breaths and she started to fall. She landed at a very high up bar for rich people. She pushed off an umbrella, and rocketed through the air. Her cast flew right off. Her arm had healed.

Sky: I can fly...I can fly!

Sky took in the air. She looked ahead. She looked up. Getting closer and closer to the stars. She threw off her sunglasses. She could see clearly.

Sky: Yeah! Woooo!

As she flew across the air she started to lose control. She started falling.

Sky: Wooooo! Wooooaaah shit! Shit!

She landed face first on the beach. Sand was all in her hair. She sat up with a groan and spit out some sand. Everyone was looking at her.

Sky: What are you looking at?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kara sat down on a stump in front of a fire, she sat weirdly far away.

Kara: Sorry Sky. I shouldn’t have been so pushy.

Kara heard something run by behind her. She turned around quickly.

Kara: Someone there?

A white-tailed deer was looking at her behind the trees.

Kara: Oh, Sorry.

The deer came over to her. She patted it on the head.

Kara: I need to help someone. But I don’t know how to. Maybe I really have become more cynical since Lionheart passed.

The deer ran out of Kara’s clutches.

Kara: Yeah, that totally makes me feel better.

Leaves kicked up around Kara and knocked her down. A streak of blue lightning came around her. A girl in a tactical mask slammed her on the ground. She was vibrating at superspeed, so her face was unrecognizable. Her eyes were glowing blue. She picked up Kara and punched her across the face.

Kara: Ugh, what the hell?

The speedster ran around the woods. Kara grabbed her staff and timed it. She swung at the speedster as she ran at her. The speedster caught her staff and threw it away. The speedster threw a punch at Kara. She caught it and flipped the speedster on the ground. The speedster vibrated more and went through Kara and grabbed her by the back of her neck and slammed her face in the dirt.

Kara: Who the fuck are you?

Speedster: Stay away from Sky Sako.

Kara: Why do you care?

The speedster picked her up and slammed her on the ground again. Kara bled from her cheek.

Speedster: Stay away from her. Never speak to her again, and we won’t kill your daughter.

Kara: You don’t even know who she i-

The speedster took out a picture of Amala.

Speedster: We know about you, Kara.

Kara: What makes you think I’d even care. I’m dead to Amala.

Speedster: We remember how you acted upon learning of her death. We remember how you acted at her funeral. You're dead to her. She is very alive to you.

Kara: You really know a lot, huh?

## Day 9 - Star Talk

Mr. Untouchable was behind an odd looking woman. Choked to death.

Sky: ...stop, please!

A burly man appeared in front of Sky. She was curled up in a ball on the floor.

Sky: ...dad

Sky’s mother appeared behind her.

Sky’s mom: Stop! She’s not to blame!

Sky’s father raised his fist and grabbed Sky’s mom by the hair and threw her to the ground.

Sky’s father: You raise your voice at me?!

Sky: STOP!

Sky summoned her power and was startled awake. She looked at the time. It was almost time for school.

Sky: What was that dream? My dad isn’t like that. Hell, that didn’t even look like him. Mom didn’t look like herself.

Sky looked down at her hand, she was glowing again.

Sky: Shit, turn off! Turn off!

Sky heard her doorknob start to jiggle.

Sky: Uh, mom! Don’t come in! I’m uh, getting dressed!

May: Come on Sky, I changed your diaper when you were a kid.

Sky: Just don’t come in! I’m getting ready!

May: It’s alright Sky, I’m here if you want to talk about your, ahem. Teen problems.

Sky: It’s not like that mom! I’ll be out in a minute!

May: Okay, okay.

Sky got changed and distracted herself from her powers. She realized they turned off.

Sky: Damn, that worked.

She also realized that her cast was off. Her mom would be suspicious if her arm just healed out of the blue. So she had to make her own cast and would come up with an excuse later.

Sky walked out of her room.

May: You need a ride to school?

Sky: Nah, I’m good. I can walk.

May: Are you sure?

Sky: I need the exercise for soccer anyway.

May: Okay okay.

Sky walked out of the house. She remembered that it was the last day of soccer tryouts that day. She was worried, but also excited. She hoped her powers wouldn’t get in the way. As she walked to school she took off her cast and put it in her backpack. She sat through school for the day. She walked out of school and went to soccer tryouts. She saw Audrey at tryouts.

Sky: Audrey! Hey! I haven’t seen you in a while!

Audrey: Oh, hi Sky. We should probably talk privately for a sec.

Sky: What’s up?

Audrey: After the party, you know. What happened to us, and Ben. My mom’s one of the cops who went looking for him.

Sky: Okay.

Audrey: She went missing.

Sky: She went missing?! Jeez, sorry.

Audrey: I’ll make it through. I just wanted to let you know. What about Ben? You seen him?

Sky: No, I haven’t

Audrey: Fuck…

Sky: Sorry.

Audrey: Don’t be sorry. Let’s just do these tryouts. Hope you make the team.

Sky: Same to you.

Sky and Audrey did their run around the field. They played a game against a randomly picked team. Audrey and Sky were on separate teams. Someone kicked the ball across the field, and at Audrey, who was goalie. Audrey blocked it. Another kid kicked it back at her. She dived for the ball and blocked it. It rolled over to Sky, giving Sky the opening to shoot and get a goal.

Audrey: Nice.

Sky shot across the field at one of her teammates. He got the ball and shot it across the field to another teammate, getting closer to Sky’s goalie. He shot it back at Sky. But she missed it, leaving an opening for one of Audrey’s teammate to get the ball and score a goal. The tryouts ended shortly after.

Sky: Good game.

Audrey: Yeah, same to you.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky was walking from school. She was happy with the day. She trailed off from the way back to school and went into the woods. She made herself light up.

Sky: Wow…

She put out her hand and closed it. She made a bunch of energy go into it. She threw it like a ball. It blew a chunk out of the tree.

Sky: Oh my god…

She closed her hand again. She tried holding out her hand a different way. She made a beam fly out of her hand. A small line of energy. She did this again and waved her hand through the tree. She did this over and over again. She eventually sliced it in half. It fell down with a loud thud,

Sky: Shit! That might’ve been a bad idea.

Geno: Yeah, what did you expect?

Sky: Ah! What are you doing here?! How much did you see?!

Geno: I want answers. You were going to tell me what happened, then you go off with a creepy spoiled bitch. You said it was work. It wasn’t! Now there’s this! You can take down a tree now?

Sky: How do you know whether or not it was work?

Geno: Your friend posts online like a million times a day!

Sky: Okay, okay. I’ll give you answers. You just can’t tell anyone anything.

Geno: Okay.

Sky: But I also want answers from you. When you shot one of her guards halfway across the gym wasn’t very natural either. Especially because those guys have to weigh over 200 pounds!

Geno walked over to a tree. He held back his hand and pushed his palm into the tree. It snapped through the middle.

Geno: Lucky for me, I can suppress my powers. I can hide that I’m a meta. The longer I hide it, the stronger it is. If I hadn’t blasted back that guard, I could probably split this tree in half.

Sky: Showoff. I can’t believe there’s another meta this close.

Geno: There has to be a good amount of them hiding in plain sight.

Sky: No way…

Geno: I found out about my powers when I turned 12. I never told anyone about them. I may or may not have used them a good amount of times before though.

Sky: I’ll tell you what happened to me then. Like I was saying yesterday, I went with Audrey and Ben at the party. We went to an old abandoned building. Which turned out to be the base of some vigilante called Sunspot.

Geno: Sunspot?! He’s not just “some” vigilante. He’s Florida' s vigilante. You saw him?!

Sky: Why are you so excited?

Geno: Well, I do kinda look up to him. He’s pretty much a badass that takes rules into his own hands.

Sky: I wouldn’t call him very just. He beat the shit out of my friends. Audrey ran for it, and I was blown up! I thought I died. But I woke up the next day on the beach. With a broken arm and a fever over 100! It was so bad that I literally started to glow.

Geno: Glow?

Sky: I was glowing. It was probably part of my power.

Geno: He must’ve saved you. Who else could’ve?

Sky: Maybe. But he was the one that beat me to shit!

Geno: Look. I don’t know Sky. But he doesn’t just kill people because it’s fun. History class is a huge wash anyway.

Sky: What do you mean?

Geno: That girl, Terra. After the war she supposedly jailed up metahumans again, right?

Sky: Yeah, it was kind of unfair.

Geno: It was bullshit! Why should metahumans suffer?

Sky: Maybe because they also acted like animals to humans.

Geno: So what about humans? Should they be put away?

Sky: ...

Geno: Either way, where would these metas be held anyway? There’s no such thing as meta containment camps anywhere in the world. Except for this place in France.

Sky: How do you even know?

Geno: I looked it up. Searched far and wide. Metahumans are my people.

Sky: I think their also called Mutants.

Geno: Yeah yeah. So where the hell are all of them being held?

Sky: I have no idea. Why are you asking me?

Geno: Sorry, just thinking out loud.

Sky: Look, I just got my powers. I learned some stuff yesterday. I don’t want to go crazy with them. I could get in trouble anyway.

Geno: What are your powers?

Sky: I think they're like Sunspots. I can manipulate light. I can also fly. Someone I met called it capacity inducement.

Geno: Capacity inducement…

Sky: I think I’ll just practice them in private. Even though I do kind of want to meet Sunspot.

Geno: Meet him?

Sky: If he really was the one to save me, I want to know why. Plus, maybe he knows something about my powers.

Geno: You think he’s the key?

Sky: I guess so.

Geno: Well, there’s something you can use your powers for. You need those powers to find him. He probably doesn’t want anyone getting up in his grill. But you can protect yourself with those powers. At least defend yourself long enough to get some questions out of him.

Sky: ...I guess you’re right.

Geno: Your a meta now. It’s basically like changing your race to white.

Sky: Sure. Let’s go with that.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

A couple school administrators were sitting down deciding the soccer team lineup.

Administrator 1: Okay, our last two. We can only decide on one.

Administrator 2: Sky Sako plays well. But she doesn’t seem to have the best coordination.

Administrator 1: Audrey Gorath has solid defense and good offense. Her “secret technique” seems to serve her well though.

Administrator 2: Could really screw over another team too,

Administrator 1: Well, Audrey it is.

Audrey: No, no it isn’t.

Audrey walked into the administrator’s room.

Administrator 2: You aren’t supposed to be in here, Miss Gorath.

Audrey: Nah, I just wanted to come in here to say pick Sky over me. I’m not joining the team. She’s a better choice anyway.

Administrator 1: You’re quitting?

Audrey: Yup.

Administrator 2: Why?

Audrey: I need to distract her.

Administrator 1: What?

Audrey: See ya.

Audrey walked out. The administrators looked at eachother, baffled.

## Day 10 - Sacrifices

Sky went into work. She went down once again to move the barrels.

Sky: (This is my chance. I might be able to learn about what those barrels really did to me. How would they have even made me a metahuman?)

She went down to the lowest level. To see more and more barrels had piled up over the days. Guess that meant she could investigate them more. She went over to a barrel and looked around, It was green. That was all there really was to say. But she needed to find some sort of text on it. She looked around on the barrel.

Amala: What the hell are you doing?

Sky: U-Uh…

Amala: Pick up the barrel, don’t makeout with it, Fuckin weirdo.

Sky: Y-yeah,

Amala: What’s so interesting about the barrel anyway?

Sky: Nothing! It’s nothing. I was just looking for...a shipping address maybe?

Amala: Why?

Sky: We could get paid something extra if we brought the barrels somewhere else other than a random alleyway.

Amala: They go in the random alleyway so the sun doesn’t fuck them up. Then a truck comes over later and gets them. No more work needs to be done.

Sky: Yeah.

Amala came over and picked up a barrel with one arm.

Amala: Now help me move these. God, you remind me of someone I know. Annoyingly persistent on doing the “right” thing.

Sky: Let’s just move these.

Amala picked up another barrel. Sky saw some numbers on the bottom. “32854” She started repeating these numbers in her head.

Sky: A zip code…Hey Amala, how are you so strong anyway?

Amala: I’m a badass. That’s why.

Amala moved more barrels then Sky as always. She moved as many as she could. She kept the number in her head. 32854. She eventually went upstairs. She had to do some labels.

Mr. Black: Sorry we made you do so much work Sky. We heard about you calling in sick a few days ago.

Sky: Oh, it’s fine. I feel good as new!

Rosa came over to Sky.

Rosa: Hey Sky, how does being a corporate slave feel?

Sky: I could get used to it.

Rosa: Of course you could…

Sky: Hey Rosa, I have something that I might need help with.

Rosa: What?

Sky: Can you look up the zip code 32854 and see if there’s any factories that would take those barrels? I want to know where they go. Maybe I can learn a little about, y’know…

Rosa: Fine, but only because you have good color theory.

Sky went home after work. She sat down to watch TV with her family.

May: Hey Sky, look at this! You made the team!

Sky: I what? Oh yeah! Awesome! Who else made the team.

Sky took her mom’s phone to see.

Sky: Hey...I’m surprised that Audrey didn’t make the team. I saw her at the game a couple days ago. I wonder what she’s doing.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Audrey was sitting in her basement watching a video on her phone. It was a video of her and Ben. They were dancing somewhere in the park. Audrey stepped over and tripped over Ben.

Audrey: God! You suck at this.

Ben: You suck just about as much as me. C’mon get up.

Ben pulled Audrey up and pulled her into a dip. She got up and did a twirl holding his hand.

Ben: That should be our move,

Audrey: Including the trip?

Ben: Yeah.

They kissed each other. Audrey heard the camera that was recording them move.

Audrey: Hey! You’re fucking recording this?! Get the fuck out! Delete it!

Audrey ran over to the person holding the camera and took it and shut it off. Whoever was behind the camera was laughing.

Audrey turned her phone off as the video ended. One of her friends came out.

Trinity: How many people did you want again? Do we want to bring the Celestials into this?

Audrey: That crazy fucking gang? No. Get as many people as you can though.

Trinity: We are. Don’t worry Audrey.

Audrey: Thank you.

Trinity left. Audrey took her blade off of it’s stand.

Audrey: I should’ve saved you, instead of running.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

A middle-aged cop walked on top of a building. He lit a cigarette and sat down. Something moved close by. He looked over and stood up. He moved closer to the source of the sound. Audrey stepped out of the shadows.

Audrey: Hey there, Mike.

Audrey squinted at his nametag.

Mike: Uh, hi.

Mike saw Audrey’s sword on her side.

Mike: Who are you?

Audrey: You don’t know who I am? I thought you had info on almost everyone in the criminal underground?

Mike went for his gun. He pointed it at Audrey.

Audrey: Shoot. I dare you. Blow my brains out.

Audrey grabbed his hand and put his gun right up to her head.

Audrey: You’ve never even killed anyone, right. Ol’ Sunny does that for you.

Mike: What the hell do you want?!

Audrey: Tell me where his new hideout is.

Mike backed up and held up his gun and fired it. Audrey became transparent as soon as he shot. She turned back to normal and sliced his gun’s barrel off. She caught his finger in the slice.

Audrey: Whoops. So, you gonna talk now?

Mike stood up and grabbed Audrey. He drove her off the building. She grabbed him and slammed her sword into the side of the building.

Audrey: Well, now this fall won’t kill us. But it’ll definitely break your legs.

Mike: Stop! Look, I’ll tell you!

Audrey dropped him.

Audrey: Well, now you definitely will. You can’t move.

She pulled her sword out of the side and fell a bit more before stabbing it back into the side of the building. She landed next to Mike.

Audrey: I know Sunny doesn’t like people giving out his info. I bet he’s making sure you keep your mouth shut. But he has something I want.

Mike: What?! Money?! I can give you plenty of that!

Audrey: Something more important than money. Something that belongs to me. Now talk before I burn your legs off.

Far down the road, Geno was standing there. Recording with his phone. He zoomed in, and was picking up audio.

Geno: She really is a crazy bitch...Should I…? No. I’m drained. She’ll kill me. Sky needs to see this.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky was sitting on her bed. She was playing a tune on her guitar to calm herself down. She got into a rhythm, playing a full on tune for a song. Her hands calmly and precisely placing themselves to get the perfect note, offering Sky a sort of harmony. Until her phone rang. She groaned and put down her guitar. She picked up the phone.

Geno: Sky! Sky!

Sky: What?

Geno: Audrey’s gone full crazy bitch! Just...watch the video I’m going to send you.

Sky: What do you mean crazy bitch?

Geno: I always expected something was wrong with that girl. I especially thought it was weird that you went with her and Ben.

Sky: Why?

Geno: They used to date. I dunno if they still do, but just watch the video.

Sky looked at the video. She saw Audrey torturing Mike. She stabbed Mike in the leg. Sky’s heart sank. She had to turn the video off.

Sky: Geno, what the hell was that?!

Geno: It’s real, I promise.

Sky: No…

Geno: She had that sword we saw.

Sky: You recorded it?

Geno: Well...yeah,

Sky: That guy in the video...He was hurting. He was being tortured!

Geno: Yeah, we should do something about it.

Sky: Did she kill him?

Geno: I dunno, probably?

Sky: You could’ve intervened, couldn’t you?!

Geno: She would’ve killed me!

Sky: Bullshit! You’ve been saving your power for almost two days! You could’ve helped him!

Geno: Look Sky, sure your morals are supposed to be all high and mighty, but we need to track her down and take her down. We can do it together.

Sky: I guess I need you…

Geno: I’m sorry I didn’t intervene. But if I did we wouldn’t be able to do it like this, Trust the process. We have to make sacrifices.

Sky: Is this really what it’s like?

Geno: We’ll meet up tomorrow after school, capiche?

Sky: Ok.

Sky hung up. She watched the video again, this time the whole thing.

Audrey: I know Sunny doesn’t like people giving out his info. I bet he’s making sure you keep your mouth shut. But he has something I want.

Mike: What?! Money?! I can give you plenty of that!

Audrey: Something more important than money. Something that belongs to me. Now talk before I burn your legs off.

Sky: This is really Audrey? She’s so brutal...What kind of person would do that? How twisted do you have to be?

All that Sky knew was that she was the only one that may be able to do something. She got out of bed, and snuck out the window.

Sky: I’m inexperienced, but Audrey knows me. She doesn’t expect me to know about her.

## Day 11 - Steel of the Soul

Audrey was walking into school. Sky ran up next to her as she took off her fake cast.

Sky: Hey Audrey.

Audrey: Oh, what’s up Sky?

Sky thought to herself, how was she going to go about this?

Sky: Did you hear about that police officer that was found dead yesterday?

Audrey: Police officer found dead? What about it?

Sky: I saw it on the news. It’s just, I know Florida isn’t the greatest place. But police officers being killed?

Audrey: Well, things suck. They go bad. Sorry.

Sky: Yeah, they really do? You’re acting like it’s a normal occurrence.

Audrey: The criminal underground doesn’t sleep. So as the superheroes of the ages say, crime never sleeps.

Audrey walked away.

Sky: Damn…I need to get her to say something without seeming too on the nose. She’s smart. I have to be careful.

Audrey: Hey Sky! Come here!

Sky’s heart sank. She thought about what she might’ve done to that police officer.

Sky: Y-Yeah?

Audrey: Why are you acting so weird?

Sky: I’m acting weird? What do you mean I’m acting weird?

Audrey: Oh! I know!

Sky: (Shit)

Audrey: Your first soccer practice is today! That’s it!

Sky: (That was today? God, I had been so distracted by everything else…)

Sky: Oh yeah, I am kinda worried about that I guess. I hope the people on my team are nice.

Audrey: I bet they’ll be cool. Most people in the school are pretty cool.

Sky: (How is she acting so normal?)

Audrey: You know that if you miss the first couple games you might end up off the team? They don’t want anyone who isn’t willing to commit.

Sky: Yeah. True. I’m making it.

Audrey: Well, see ya. We can talk later.

Sky went to her classes as normal. She went to her science class. Sky felt like she wanted to throw up thinking about what Audrey did. She remembered. She saw her stab her sword into the officer’s leg. He screamed about it being hot. Screamed at her to stop. Is this what superheroing really was? They're supposed to step in for people who don’t have the strength to protect themselves. Sky guessed that she couldn’t really do too much to save others. She wasn’t that powerful. She looked back at Audrey, who was in her science class.

Teacher: Now, is it really possible to genetically enhance a human? Or even the human brain itself? Well, thanks to recently discovered science, there is!

The sun was getting pretty bright outside of the window, Sky noticed.

Student: Hey Miss C, can you close the blinds?

Teacher: Oh, yeah of course. The sun is weirdly bright out today, isn’t it cla-

The glass of the windows shattered open. There was a huge gust of wind coming in. The teacher looked forward. The sun hadn’t gotten brighter.

Audrey: Holy shit…

Sky: It’s Sunspot…

Sunspot was glowing so brightly that nobody could even see him clearly.

Sunspot: Who killed Mike Shurue!?

Sky: How does he know?

Sunspot blasted into the school. Right into Sky’s science class. He was just a huge bright glowing ball.

Audrey: (Shit, I might have to call my soul blade…)

Sunspot: I know one of you killed him!

Sunspot looked down at Sky. He recognized her and grabbed her by the neck. There was mass chaos all around him. People screamed as he picked up Sky. The teacher grabbed a handgun from under her desk, She screamed and unloaded the clip. The bullets dropped to the ground as soon as they got to Sunspot’s barrier.

Sunspot: You...I remember you.

Sky’s heart was racing. She was horrified that he was going to choke her to death, Her powers activated almost instinctively. She lit up, just like Sunspot. He still held onto her neck. She felt her consciousness fading, and her skin started to seer. Sunspot suddenly winced out in pain and dropped Sky. Audrey had hit him with a fire extinguisher. Everyone saw him. He immediately lit back up and flew away.

Teacher: Everyone evacuate! Run!

Audrey helped Sky to her feet as she coughed from being nearly choked to death, She grabbed her and helped Sky hold her up as a crutch. They ran out of the school.

Sky: Why the hell is he here?!

Audrey: I dunno! What makes you think I would know?

Sky: Drop me, I can walk.

Audrey moved away from Sky. As everyone was escaping Sky pushed Audrey into the bathroom.

Sky: Stop acting like you know nothing!

Audrey: What?

Sky: See! You’re doing it again! You killed that cop! That’s why Sunspot just attacked us! You made him attack the school!

Audrey: What the fuck are you talking about?!

Sky took out her phone. She showed Audrey the video of her with the officer.

Audrey: Oh, him. You weren’t supposed to find out, Sky.

Sky: Well I’m sorry. But you’re a murderer. How can you live with that!?

Audrey: I’m the leader of an underground crime syndicate. You think one life is going to be a problem? He took someone that meant everything to me. This is personal. It’s none of your concern.

Sky: It’s all of my concern! I’m the one with the power to stop you!

Audrey: With your superpowers? That’s old news. Metahumans are irrelevant.

Sky: I have to stop you Audrey.

Audrey: You're just an inexperienced privileged city girl.

Something broke through the door of the bathroom. It was Audrey’s sword. Sky jumped out of the way as it came to Audrey’s hand. She held it out and shot a blast of fire at Sky. Sky balled up and freaked out. But she didn’t fall to the ground. She floated. She realized that she was untouched.

Sky: Woah...What is this?

Audrey came right up to Sky and slashed her sword across Sky. Sky got a huge gash and went flying back. Audrey stabbed forward. Geno jumped seemingly out of nowhere and held out his palm. As soon as her blade got to Geno he blasted it back with his powers. Audrey jumped out of the way.

Sky: Who even are you?!

Audrey: I’m Audrey Gorath. This blade is special. It’s made out of a high-grade steel. Soul steel. You wanna buy?

Geno: Holy shit…

Sky: What’s wrong with you?

Audrey: I sell shit, what’s wrong with that? It’s my business! Now I would leave. This place is going to burn down. Or atleast get out before the cops get here.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky and Geno ran away from the school.

Geno: You know there’s a process in place for these things?

Sky: I don’t really care. We have to find some way to stop Audrey.

Geno: Why?

Sky: What do you mean why? I’ve never felt like this before. I have power to stop her from doing whatever she’s doing! Why wouldn’t I use it?

Geno: Because you don’t have to. It’s not like you’re making much of an impact.

Sky: I don’t care how much of an impact I’m making! I could stop Audrey from killing more people.

Geno: I dunno, it’s just. You’re suddenly acting all high and mighty. You just got your ass slashed by her. You can’t even win.

Sky: Just let me do it! Let me try! Let me be a hero.

Geno: Sure. A hero. How are we going to start?

Sky: I’m going to go home. My parents are going to be worried.

Geno: Being a hero isn’t going to make you feel better about whatever you wanna feel better about. Why do you want to do it so bad?

Sky: I’ve been trapped in the rhythm of work, school and then more work and school. How am I going to make a difference doing that?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky went home. Her parents were very worried for her when she came in. She made the excuse that she got her wound from falling debris. They eventually backed off.

May: Look, Sky. School’s going to be closed for a while probably...So soccer will be put off. Should I call you out of work?

Sky: No. I already called in sick once. It’s alright.

May: You’ll probably be known as the one that goes in and gets hurt all the time.

Sky: Eh, I need a reputation as something. Maybe they’ll think I’m cool.

May: Are you sure you’re okay?

Sky: I’ll be fine, Mom.

She went into her room. She sat down. She looked at the old comics of heroes.

Sky: What was it like in 2020? It must’ve been so cool…I can’t let heroes die. Not like this.

## Day 12 - Scuffle in the Sewers

Geno and Sky met up at the park.

Geno: So why are we doing this again?

Sky: Do you seriously not want to do this?

Geno: Well, I don’t want you to be killed.

Sky: Alright, let’s go.

Geno: What the hell are you saying?

Sky: What do you mean what do I mean?

Geno sighed.

Geno: Throw a punch.

Sky: Seriously? I know how to throw a-

Geno: Throw a punch.

Sky: Hold up your hands. I’m not going to punch you in the face.

Geno sighed and put up his hands. Sky punched him in the hand quickly.

Sky: There you go, that’s how you punch.

Geno: No that’s not.

Sky: Fine. Show me how to throw a punch.

Sky held up her hands. Geno punched her in the face. She stumbled back.

Sky: What the hell?!

Geno: You seem so serious about being a big old hero. But guess what? You can’t beat Audrey if you can’t throw a straight punch.

Sky: Ugh, okay, okay. I know what you mean.

Geno: Do you even? If you think you can beat Audrey in a fight, then beat me in a fight.

Sky: Beat you in a fight? What?

Geno: You think I’m joking?

Geno unleashed his power. Wind blew around him, his sweatshirt flapping in the wind.

Sky: Geno! Don’t be crazy!

Geno: Protect yourself!

Geno shot a gust of wind at Sky. She went flying back and slammed into the fence.

Geno: Come on! You were almost a natural against Audrey!

Sky closed her hand and brought energy into it. She let it out at Geno. He dodged to the side of the blast.

Geno: That’s definitely not light energy! Your blasts are slow as fuck!

Sky ran up to Geno. He fired more wind at her, keeping her back. As she was sent back she jumped in the air, as she flew back she activated her flight. She loosely flew in the air and shot blasts at Geno. She flew down at him. He fired another gust of wind. Sky put her hands together and shot a straight blast at Geno. He stopped his gust of wind to dodge out of the way. Sky landed right next to him and decked him in the face. He fell on the ground with a thud.

Geno: Shit, you have a mean right hook when you really try.

Sky: I told you I knew how to p-

Geno lined up as Sky talked and slammed his palm into her stomach. Sky went flying back and slammed into the fence. She bounced off of it and fell down, coughing from the hit.

Geno: Talking in a real fight is a shit idea.

Sky slowly got to her feet.

Sky: What about her sword? I don’t know how good our flesh will protect against her sword.

Geno: Well, I have an idea for you.

Sky: What’s up?

Geno: You remember when you glowed?

Sky: Glowed? Like when I first got my powers? And from time to time when my powers act up..

Geno: Your powers had better not act up on this mission. Either way, you could glow to blind the shit out of her. Like Sunspot does.

Sky: Oh yeah, he did. He’s probably way more skilled than me. I couldn’t do it myself.

Geno: ...There were times when you did it passively. How did you feel when it happened? When you glowed?

Sky: I guess I was feeling tense. Usually when I was thinking about my powers.

Geno:Think of yourself as a battery I guess. You need more energy. Can you get it?

Sky remembered what Kara told her. “You are empowered by the sun. By heat.”

Sky: I’m powered by the sun.

Sky tried opening herself up to the sun as an energy source. She pulled in energy around her, and nearly blinded poor Geno.

Geno: Jeez! That’s bright enough!

Sky was glowing as bright as the sun.

Geno: Do you know how to turn it off?

Sky: Nope…

Geno: Ugh, let’s just plan the stakeout mission.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Geno and Sky looked over at Audrey’s house.

Geno: Well?

Sky: You first.

Geno: True, pros always go first.

Geno went forward.

Geno: Nobody's home.

Sky: Good.

Geno easily broke the lock to Audrey’s house. They moved towards the basement. Geno opened the door.

Geno: Her parents must never really be around.

Geno and Sky made their way downstairs. Geno looked around, so did Sky.

Geno: Her blade’s gone.

Sky grabbed a piece of soul steel that was on the ground. It was light, and shined with a green glare.

Sky: Wow, what really is this stuff?

Geno: Expensive, you should watch out for booby traps too.

Sky: You really think there’s traps here?

Geno: There’s no way Audrey is that stupid.

Sky: True.

Geno: Hey...Look at this.

Sky: What is it?

Geno: It says it’s a CI Tracker.

Sky: CI?

Geno: Looks like there’s three dots.

There was a blue dot, and two yellow dots. One yellow dot was right next to the blue dot.

Geno picked up the tracker.

Geno: Looks like there was a stand for two.

Sky: That’s so weird..

Geno: Wait, you go upstairs.

Sky: Why?

Geno: I’ll be right behind you.

Sky went for the stairs.

Geno: Stop.

Sky: What?

Geno: This thing is tracking you. Guess who you said had similar powers to you?

Sky: Woah...So she’s using that as a means to track Sunspot? So that means...I can meet Sunspot. Maybe I can talk to him.

Geno: Two birds with one stone.

Sky: Are you ready?

Geno: That’s a question I should be asking you.

Sky: Yeah, let’s go.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

They looked into a sewer pipe.

Geno: Goddamnit.

Sky: Well, we have to go, don’t we?

Geno: You aren’t disgusted by going in there?

Sky: As long as there’s no crocodiles in there.

Geno: There’s no crocodiles in there, alligators are in there.

Sky: What’s even the difference?

Geno: Well crocodiles have their fourth too-

Sky: Shh, I hear something. Come on.

Sky started pulling Geno in slowly.

Geno: You just didn’t want to hear the crocodile thing!

Sky: We can see him on the radar now.

Geno and Sky quietly moved down. Both covering their noses. Geno suddenly put his hand in front of Sky. They saw Audrey crouched down. She went down a flight of stairs.

Geno: How did we catch up?

Sky: Sunspot’s close.

Sky and Geno went over to the flight of stairs.

Geno: Maybe that’s his base.

They heard Audrey slam her sword into a door. It heated up with flame. It sank into the metal door. She made a hole in the door and went in.

Geno: Shit...Is she gonna face Sunspot by herself?

Sky: Is she crazy?

???: So you did.

Sky and Geno turned around. Sunspot was standing there.

Sunspot: You were the one who killed Mike…

Sky: Mike? No no! This is a big misunderstanding! I didn’t do that!

Sunspot lit up quickly. He blasted towards Sky and Geno at blistering speeds. He fired two blasts of light straight into them. Sky and Geno went flying down the sewer.

Sky: I didn’t kill him! I promise!

Sunspot picked up Sky with one hand and slammed her into the wall. Cracking it. Sky’s wind was knocked out of her.

Sunspot: I see it everywhere...Just another meta praying on the weak. Every human is weak to you. Right?

Sky: I’m the one you saved from the building! You brought me to the beach!

Sunspot: I didn’t put you on the beach. I delivered you to the authorities. Clearly you brought yourself to the beach.

Sky: I couldn’t have done tha-

Sunspot slammed her against the wall again.

Geno came from behind to palm Sunspot right in the spine. He stepped to the side and grabbed Geno’s wrist. He dropped Sky and made a small ball of energy appear in front of Geno. He blasted him across the way and into the wall. Sunspot looked down at Sky and laughed. His power dimmered.

Sunspot: Haha, I made you. Isn’t that right? I’m the reason he’s dead.

Sky: I would be.

Sky coughed,

Sky: If I killed him.

Sunspot: We’ll figure that out for ourselves.

Sky: Look! It was a girl with a sword. She’s part of the criminal underground! Does that sound like a lie?!

Sunspot: I thi-

Sunspot was stabbed through the back by Audrey’s sword. Audrey took her sword out and threw him into the sewer’s water. Sky got to her feet and looked at Sunspot. She was petrified.

Audrey: So you came after me?

Sky: You needed to be stopped.

Geno fired a couple wind blasts at Audrey. Geno jumped into the air and walked on air. He jumped down and kicked Audrey in the face.

Audrey: That was a mistake.

Geno went for another kick. But Audrey pressed a button on her sword. Both of them were electrocuted, and tripped to the ground by wires around their legs.

Geno: When did you get the time to put tripwire on our legs?

Audrey: My house, you were wondering why there were no traps. Right?

Sky’s powers flared up. Her hair went zero gravity. She burned the wire right off, it fell on the ground, in half.

Audrey: Nice. But I’m a better fighter than I am a soccer player.

Sky: That’s fine, because I’m a better soccer player then I am a fighter.

Audrey: ...and?

Geno: You’ve gotta work on your one-liners.

Sky shot a couple blasts at Audrey. She blocked one with her sword and dodged another. She hit the last back at Sky with her sword. Sky tried to block but was sent backward. She flew in the air and brightened herself up. Nearly blinding Audrey. She came down at Audrey and hit her in the face with both of her legs. She caught herself in the air. Her powers suddenly faded away and she fell in the sewer water.

Audrey: Out of juice already?

Sky: (Shit...No Sun.)

Audrey held her sword above Sky.

Audrey: To be fair, I wanted to be friends.

Audrey’s sword lit on fire. Sky saw the energy, and used it. She shot a blast into Audrey and scrambled to her feet. Sunspot was still alive. He took a bottle containing raw light energy out of one of his pockets. He harnessed the power and healed the wound he took from the sword. He had expended lots of energy.

Audrey: So I can’t even use my sword’s power?

Geno fired a blast of air at Audrey. She was blasted into the wall.

Audrey: Piece of shit!

Audrey electrocuted Geno again. Sky watched the electricity flicker. Something came up in her head. A memory.

Sky: Electro CI!

A lightning bolt came down and hit somebody who was flying in the air. He was blasted through a house. Mr. Untouchable flew down and they left with a blonde-haired girl. Sky flashed back to reality.

Sky: What the hell?

Audrey slashed at Sky. She ran away.

Audrey: Running?

Sky picked up the electrocuting wire that she burnt off. She held it up like she was going to throw it.

Audrey: Dumbass!

Audrey electrocuted Sky. She took in the electricity as energy. As she saw in her vision and fired it out as a lightning bolt right into Audrey. She was slammed into the wall. She dropped her sword. She went for it. But Sunspot put his foot on it. Sky went over to Audrey. But Sunspot put his hand out.

Sunspot: You killed Mike?

Audrey: Well, it’s complicated.

Sunspot kicked Audrey’s sword up and slashed at her. He slashed her across the face. She lurched back and covered her eye. Blood ran down her face, and she was clearly seething with anger from the blow. But was in so much pain she could barely move.

Sunspot: That man downstairs. What does he mean to you?

Audrey: Ben...I care about him. We care about each other.

Sunspot: You’re even afraid to say you love him. I loved that police officer. The one you killed with no remorse.

Sunspot lifted the sword.

Geno: Sunspot! That’s not how you do things! Isn’t it!?

He stopped.

Sunspot: ...Sorry for blaming you two for Mike’s death, I owe you one.

Sky: I-

Sunspot: Leave.

Sky: I just had one more question!

Sunspot: What?

Sky: Why did you change your mind so quick?

Sunspot: We shared a vision. The electrocution one. With Mr. Untouchable. I can trust you, I guess.

Sky: Will we-

Sunspot: That’s enough. Go.

Geno: Gotcha. Can one of you help me up?

Sunspot burnt off the wire around Geno’s legs.

Sky: What are you going to do with her?

Sunspot: She’ll be with her beloved.

Sky and Geno left in silence. They walked out of the sewers. Sky looked at herself. She was wet with sewer water.

Sky: Ugh, I can’t go home like this.

Geno: You could stay at my place.

Sky: Uhm, Isn’t that kind of...A no no among parents?

Geno: Don’t worry my parents are out of town. Plus I wouldn’t make any moves on you. You’re too...uh.

Sky: Too what?

Geno: Kinda flat.

Sky: Flat? My personality is not flat!

Geno: Yeah, your personality.

Sky: I’ll just tell my parents that I’m going to stay at a friend’s house. Who is definitely a girl.

Geno: Yeah.

Sky texted her parents. She went over to Geno’s house. She went to sit on his couch.

Geno: No sitting! This is a good couch!

Sky: Okay okay. I guess I’ll just stand up and freeze.

Geno walked over to his fridge and grabbed a drink.

Geno: You want a drink?

Sky: Sure.

Geno grabbed Sky a drink. They went on his deck, and sat in silence for a while.

Sky: I guess I romanticized being a superhero so much...What was I doing thinking things are like they are in TV shows?

Geno: Yeah, maybe I was a little harsh on you. Guess it’s not bad to help out the needy every once and a while. Don’t expect me to go around handing out sandwiches though!

Sky: Yeah. I couldn’t see it. Isn’t it your duty, you know, as a football player.

Geno: Eh, not really. I didn’t mind the hero thing. Plus you got the answers you wanted.

Sky: But now I have to ask more questions. Why did I get moved to a beach? Are me and Sunspot really that connected?

Geno: I dunno. It’s crazy though.

Back at Sky’s house, Kara’s disembodied arm crawled out of Sky’s closet. It started shuffling around her room for something.

## Day 13 - Little Brat

A woman opened the door of her crappy apartment and walked out onto the sidewalk. She was covering herself with a sweatshirt. She had short, shoulder length hair. She took a secret route through the alleyway. She pressed down on a block. A switch next to a door turned green and she walked into a bar. A bar where all the criminal underground’s criminals hung out. She took off her sweatshirt and hung it up. Only wearing a white tank-top under it. There was something very different about her. From her neck down, her skin was coated in metal. She sat down at the bar.

Bartender: Afternoon, Jules. How’s the day been so far?

Jules: Good. Bought a tanning booth with some excess money. I don’t tan well, but it feels pretty good.

Bartender: You mean, Mai did? Right?

Jules: I make her a shitton of her money. She’ll do almost any favor I ask.

Bartender: True, true. You're normal?

Jules: Yeah.

Jules looked over at the news board.

Jules: Damn. They took down Audrey. Who did it?

Bartender: Trust me, I’m not shittin you. It was Stardust.

Jules: Stardust is back in town? She must be an old hag.

Bartender: I bet she is. You’d better get her while she’s hot though. Everyone’s going to jump on her.

Jules stood up on her bartender chair.

Jules: Hey! Everyone! Just wanted to let you know! Stardust is mine! If I can’t get her, nobody can! For Red Sun!

A bunch of random people put up their hands.

People: Red Sun!

Bartender: Don’t be surprised when people get in your way.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky was sleeping on Geno’s couch. She looked around. Thinking about yesterday’s events.

Sky: God...It feels like everything that happened was a dream.

Sky looked at her sun necklace and looked outside. It was so beautiful.

Geno walked out behind her.

Geno: What’s up?

Sky: Morning.

Geno went over to his fridge and cracked some eggs on the stove.

Sky: Didn’t everything that just happened feel like some sort of dream?

Geno: What happened?

Sky: You know. That battle with Audrey.

Geno: We fought Audrey? I thought you guys were pretty good friends.

Sky: Hey! You know it happened! You were there!

Geno: I was in your dream. I’m honored.

Sky: Oh shut up!

Sky punched Geno in the arm.

Geno: Ow. You do have a pretty good right hook.

A couple guys walked into the house.

Geno: Matt! Dom! What the are you doing here?

Dom: You know that football practice is still happening? Right?

Geno: It’s not, don’t pull my leg.

Matt: Oh shit! Sky’s here!

Dom: Sky’s here?

Geno: Oh god, come on guys.

Matt: What other reason would a girl like her stay the night? Come on! She’s your type!

Geno: We aren’t dating!

Dom: Come on! Don-

Sky: What if we are dating? What’s wrong with that? Why do you have to be such dicks?

Geno: Sky...

Matt: Nah, I guess she’s right. We shouldn’t be dicks!

Dom: Either way, we were stopping by to tell ya next game is in three days. We’ve got one practice tonight.

Matt: Yeah, see ya then!

They left.

Sky: Why do you let those guys pick on you?

Geno: They're not picking on me, that’s just what guys do.

Sky: It seemed like you were pretty uncomfortable with them being annoying though.

Geno: They're sometimes annoying. But it’s all in good fun. Do you want some eggs?

Sky: Sure. I’ll probably go home after.

Sky ate some eggs at Geno’s house and then left shortly after. She went back home.

May: Hey Sky! How was it?

Sky: Oh, I had fun!

David: Jeez, looks like you got nailed in the face. What happened?

Sky: Oh, we were playing soccer and I got hit in the face. My fault!

David: You should be careful with that arm of yours. Hey, where’s your cast?

Sky: I-I

May: Don’t worry. We made lots of casts in our days. Besides, I was a medic in the war. Who were you hanging out with anyway?

Sky: My friend, uh, Audrey. We met at soccer. I feel like we’ll probably drift apart considering I made the team and she didn’t.

David: What? Did she seem disappointed?

Sky: I dunno. She’s a little weird.

David: Well, don’t forget that you have work today.

Sky: Oh yeah, I’ve got the afternoon shift.

David: Yeah. You wanna drive?

David gave Sky the keys.

Sky: Yeah, let’s go.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Rosa was in the back of her limo. Lefty and Righty were driving her around.

Righty: Where would you like to go now, Miss Gao?

Rosa: We have one more stop to make...The ice cream store!

Lefty and Righty just looked at eachother, annoyed.

Rosa: Let’s go!

Righty: Yes, yes.

Lefty: We get ice cream too?

Rosa: I dunno. Do you?

Righty: Well, if you deem it so.

Rosa: Maybe if you...hmm...Can get a video of a monkey pogo-sticking at a zoo.

Righty turned the limo and went down a long street.

Lefty: Hey, what’s that?

Rosa laid down in the backseat of the limo.

Rosa: Ahhh...You did good Rosa, you did good.

A figure landed right in front of the limo. She put out one hand, and the limo slammed into it like it was a brick wall. Jules walked out from the side. Lefty and Righty climbed out of the car. They saw Jules on the other side. She glared at them and dragged an unconscious Rosa out of the car,

Righty: Miss Rosa…!

Jules: Free yourself, Why should this pest have control over you?

Lefty: She’s kind of right. If there’s no Rosa around we’re free. We can do anything. We can go get our own ice cream!

Righty: Damn, your right.

Jules watched Righty and Lefty walk away.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Jules had Rosa tied up in a nice beach house. She was wearing her sweatshirt again.

Jules: Damn, this is a nice place. Wish I could swim.

Rosa: Ha! You can’t swim!

Jules: Ah, you’re awake.

Rosa: Holy shit. Who are you?

Jules: Doesn’t matter. You wouldn’t know me. I know you though. Your bodyguards didn’t even care to protect you,

Rosa: They didn’t? You wouldn’t believe what I’m going to do when I get my hands on them!

Jules: Well, that attitude is why you got yourself left behind.

Rosa: They wouldn’t leave me behind. You’re lying!

Jules: No. They did. You were unconscious the whole time.

Rosa: They left me behind...Why?

Jules: I’ve heard things about you Rosa. And I saw the way you acted in the car. Like a fucking three year old.

Rosa: Don’t give me that! I’m above you. Just some lowly thief trying to scrape by. I have it all!

Jules: You have it all? Nobody likes you. Your guards hate you because you toture them, your parents never talk to you.

Rosa: You know nothing about my parents!

Jules: Really? As a matter of fact, they’d rather talk to me then you. Then there’s Stardust. She hangs with you out of pity. What did you ever do to show your even a good friend?

Rosa was almost crying.

Rosa: H-How do you…?

Jules: It’s 2045. A little research goes a long way. Now. I need you to send a message.

Rosa: You didn’t want me?

Jules: No. I want Stardust here. I need her here.

Rosa: No! I’m not doing that!

Jules: Oh you will. Trust me.

Rosa: You can’t make me!

Jules: Spoiled fucking brat. You were born rich. I had to work for it all.

Jules took off her sweatshirt. Rosa was surprised to see her metal skin.

Rosa: What kind of freak are you?

Jules: Nobody wants to look at a meta. I’d be shot on the street. Now, let’s talk.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky was making labels for the company. A nice worker came by.

Worker: Thanks for these labels, Sky. You’re a real hard worker.

Sky: Oh, it’s nothing.

Sky looked at the time. It was break. She went over to the break room and looked at her phone. Something came up on her feed. She saw Rosa.

Sky: What the…

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Righty and Lefty were sitting at a bar and watching the football game. A team got a touchdown and a bunch of people raised their drinks and cheered. They downed their drinks. Lefty and Righty cheered too, even though they didn’t know exactly what it was about. The TV suddenly changed.

Righty: What’s Miss Gao doing on the tv?

Rosa: I-I am calling upon Stardust. The o-one who beat Audrey Gorath.

Jules grabbed the camera that Rosa was on.

Jules: I could do many things to Rosa here. But I’ll just say I’m going to kill her. How’s that sound? Come to 3120 NE 47th St. If anyone else comes, I’ll kill them on the spot.

Lefty: Oh no...Miss Gao.

Righty: Do we really want to help her though? I think I like having a real life for once.

Lefty: She’s our responsibility.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky: I can’t just leave work like this. What am I gonna do? Goddamnit...Rosa needs my help now!

Sky looked around. She opened a window and slipped out. She jumped out.

Sky: Come on! Fly!

Sky stopped right before she hit the ground. She flew back up the window and closed it.

Sky: Just made it. I hope I don’t lose my job over this.

Sky thought about what Jules could’ve been doing to Rosa. Had her name already been spread out there? Who was Stardust anyway? She guessed that’s what they were calling her. She looked up the address on google maps. She followed the route. Her heart beating out of her chest. It was into the afternoon. The sun was still up. But it would soon set. Sky touched down on the ground. She looked around the house. She walked into the garage, she saw Rosa on a chair. Tied down. Sky came over to her.

Sky: What happened?

Rosa: She got me so she could get you. Sky, I’m sorry.

Sky: It’s okay, we’re gonna get you out of here.

Jules walked up behind Sky.

Jules: Looks like the cavalry arrived.

Sky turned around and jumped back.

Sky: She can turn her skin metal…?

Jules: It’s always been like this. It’d be a luxury if I could turn it off.

Sky: Just...Let me take Rosa and leave. What do you want?

Jules: Your young? You one of those rare kids that looks exactly like their parent?

Sky: What?

Jules: Ugh, doesn’t matter. You fit the description.

Jules walked up to Sky.

Sky: Hey, back off!

Jules lifted her hand.

Jules: Not gonna happen.

She threw her punch. Sky dodged under and punched her. She winced in pain as she felt her hand snap and pop.

Jules: You’ve got a nice right hook.

She clenched her busted hand again and swung at Jules’s face. She actually felt it, since her face was the only thing that wasn’t metal. She laughed, and grabbed Sky’s arm. She started squeezing. Sky was struggling and wincing. Her hand got more and more numb. She lit herself up and flew up. She fell through a thin wall, bringing them into another room. Sky found she had nowhere to fly. She shot some light blasts at Jules. Nothing. She just walked forward at Sky. She backed up the closer and closer she got.

Sky: (No random flashback to give me a metal cracking power?)

Sky put her hand in an outlet and conducted a lightning bolt through it. She put out her hand. Jules stopped in her feet, examining Sky. Sky shot her lightning bolt, and Jules put out one of her hands, and positioned her other hand facing right at Sky. The lightning bolt conducted through her hand and shot out her other hand. It blasted right into Sky. Sky was blasted back, she was thrown through a glass door.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lefty and Righty ran into the garage. They saw Rosa stuck to the chair.

Rosa: Lefty! Righty! Your back!

Lefty: You know, we can still choose not to help her.

Righty: True...True.

Rosa: Look I’m sorry okay! I’m sorry for the way I treat you guys! I’m kinda a shit person, honestly. It was because of me that Sky’s…

Lefty and Righty set Rosa free.

Lefty: Look, shush. We’ll take care of her.

Rosa: How?

Lefty and Righty locked arms and started spinning like a top, with their arms out, they started spinning like a helicopter’s blades. They spun through the house and towards Jules. She walked through the glass door and looked down at Sky.

Jules: You look good with your face in the sand like that.

Jules turned around to see the blades of death spinning at her.

Lefty & Righty: Prepare to die!

Jules stepped to the side, and Lefty and Righty spun into the pool.

Lefty: Help! Our biggest weakness! We can’t swim!

Jules: Lady Atlas will be pleased.

Rosa slammed a pole into Jules. She fell into the pool. She was stuck at the bottom.

Rosa: Mom’s gonna be mad.

Rosa jumped into the pool and helped Righty and Lefty out.

Righty: You helped us?

Rosa: Hey, hopefully you’ll help me next time.

Lefty: We’re sorry Miss Gao.

Rosa: Don’t be sorry.

Rosa helped Sky up.

Rosa: Sky!

Sky: Y-Yeah?

Rosa: Good, you’re alive.

Jules started pulling herself out of the pool.

Rosa: Shit! Go Go!

Lefty grabbed Sky and they ran for the exit. They jumped in the car. They drove to Kunai industries. Sky got up.

Rosa: Can you stand?

Sky: Yeah...My hand is done though. Guess I do need that cast after all.

Sky and Rosa walked into Kunai Industries. They saw Amala loading barrels.

Amala: Holy shit, Sky. Your bosses were looking for you, they were pissed!

Mr. Black came down.

Mr. Black: Sky! Where did you go?!

Sky: I-I

Amala: She was helping with barrels. And look who she found.

Mr. Black: Rosa! Oh thank god you’re okay! Who helped her?

Rosa: They found me, and beat the shit outta that freak.

Mr. Black: Awesome. Your shift is over anyway Sky. You can go home.

Sky: Cool.

Lefty and Righty: So what do we do now?

Rosa: I think we should…

Lefty and Righty were ready for something horrible.

Rosa: Eh, I dunno. You guys pick. After we bring Sky home.

Lefty and Righty: Yes ma’am!

## Day 14 - Devil Arm

Sky was laying in her bed, she had trouble sleeping the previous day. She felt stirred up after being shot with a lightning bolt. Her hand was shattered from yesterday. She was now in her cast for a lot longer. She hoped it would heal sometime soon.

Sky: Ugh...I need to learn more about my powers. Maybe I should start working out more…

Sky picked up her guitar with one hand. She tried stringing it with her other hand. But she winced in pain.

Sky: Dammit...What was she even made of?

May came into the room.

Sky: Oh, hey mom.

May: What’s up today, Sky? You’ve usually been to the moon and back by this time of day.

Sky: Eh, not feeling it.

May: How’s the arm?

May put her hand on Sky’s arm.

Sky: Ow…

May: You never really complained.

Sky: I...Dunno. Just hurts today. Maybe because I’ve been all over the place. It’ll heal anyway.

May: Right. You have been moving a lot. Plus you took off your cast. You need to be more careful. School’s still out anyway. I’ll let you rest. You’ve been through a lot.

Sky: Mhm.

May: Me and your father might go out to dinner. We won’t be gone long.

Sky: I can stay home by myself mom.

May: I know, I know.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

May and David were out at dinner.

May: Ah, nice to get some time to ourselves, isn’t it?

David: At this point we get all the time to ourselves. Sky’s been doing her own thing for a while. She always seems to get hurt or into weird situations. I just hope she isn’t being stupid.

May: Hey, we were crazy as kids too.

David: Yeah, those were simple times. Then we went into the war.

May: Don’t let the war hurt you anymore. That’s behind us. We won, y’know.

David: Not without losing a few comrades. We both killed a lot of those damn metas.

May: Metas aren’t all evil.

David: Metas are the reason you have that prosthetic. How can you say that? I don’t feel any sentimentality towards them.

May: Well, agree to disagree.

David: The report about Sky led back to Sunspot, you know. She saw him. I never asked because I didn’t want to bring memories back for her. We can’t have our daughter be affected by metahumans. We don’t want her to lose an arm over it.

May: What is it with you and my arm?

David: You get me, right?

May: Sky will be safe, don’t worry. She’s doing fine for herself.

David: I bet we could stop Sunspot.

May: That’s not our gig anymore.

David: I’m just saying. We could stop him. He’s nothing compared to what we took on in the war.

May: You aren’t exactly in war shape. You’ve got a dadbod now.

David: I bet he does too.

May: ...You know what? If I agree to talk about taking Sunspot down later, then can we talk about something normal? Like what food you wanna order.

David: I already know, the crispy chicken covered in gravy.

May: Fatass…

David: I’m watching my weight! I’m getting the 1 pound instead of the 2 pound.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky had fallen asleep. She woke up, kind of feeling like crap. She looked around and wiped her eyes. She decided to get up. Her parents were still gone. She grabbed a drink and went back into her room.

Sky: I need some time to myself…

As soon as she stepped in her room, she dropped her drink. It spilled on the ground. But she was more concerned of what was on the ground.

Sky: What the hell…

She went over to Kara’s disembodied hand. Which had dragged itself around her room. It wrote something down on some notebook paper. She realized her pencil cup was knocked over. She looked at the hand. There was a note on the paper, Written by Kara.

“I’m sorry I was so pushy. I thought you were someone I knew. It’s just...been so long. If you want to know more, get some answers, then talk to me, please. I have so much I can teach you. Your powers, I’ve seen them in action. I can help you learn more about them. I’m putting something on the line talking to you. Please, don’t let this old lady down. Let me gaze upon your eyes once more. And give me my arm back, please. It annoys me having to control an arm many yards away from me.”

Sky read the letter again.

Sky: What does she want from me? I don’t know who she thinks I am, but I’m not that person.

Sky grabbed the arm again and threw it in her closet and locked it. She took the letter and hid it away.

Sky: Who even is Kara? Her full name was Kara Acosta, right?

Sky searched up her name. She saw the first article. “Kara Acosta, history’s first immortal woman?”

Sky: Immortal?

She scrolled through the article. There was a black and white picture that said it was taken in 1910. The person in the picture was surely Kara. She had her iconic burns.

Sky: What the hell? This can’t be real.

“According to various sources, she was around at least since the vikings were around, mind blowing!”

Sky: There’s no way that’s real…

“Kara is also part of the superhero team, the Sentinels. Which is led by Mr. Untouchable.”

There was a video of the Sentinels fighting in 2020. It was chaotic. There were portals appearing all over the place. Mr. Untouchable was in the air. There were two alien-looking people. They fired a huge laser. Kara was on the ground with her staff. She jumped out of the way, a building fell ontop of her. She burst out and shot some sort of gun at them. Charged with red power. One of them knocked her back into the building. Sky couldn’t contain her curiosity.

## Day 15 - Pandora’s Box

Sky flew slightly above the woods. She landed on the ground and powered down. She started walking down the road. She remembered there was a sign right before the place. She walked and walked. She saw cars going down the street, and decided not to use her powers. She saw it, a sign, and an entrance into the woods. She went in there.

Sky: Okay, work at 1. But I have time. I just want to talk to her, on my own terms.

Sky walked through the woods.

Sky: Hey! Kara! Where are you! I know you’re around here somewhere! Come on! Come out!

Kara walked out from behind a tree.

Kara: Sky. It’s so good to see you.

Sky: Hi.

Kara: You saw my message?

Sky: Yeah. It was creepy.

Kara: I meant everything I said. I saw too much of someone I knew in you. We got off on the wrong foot. Is there anything you want to talk about?

Sky: Well, yeah. There is.

Kara: What’s up?

Sky: Who are you? What are you?

Kara: Well that’s a big question to start off with.

Sky: Tell me. I read an article that said you were immortal, and were from viking times!

Kara laughed.

Kara: Viking times? You insane?

Sky: In a world like ours, it’s not that insane.

Kara: That’s outrageous. I was born 5,000 years ago. I think I’m going to have to talk to the writer of that article.

Sky: 5,000 years?!

Kara: Yeah.

Sky: How do you even…? How can you even comprehend that?

Kara: I was born in 3356 BC. As you would call it. I met Otzi the iceman. Killed him actually. It was an accident. And his name was Antonio! Not Otzi. Such a dumb name.

Sky: How do you remember?!

Kara: I watched the world grow. Since basically the stone age to now.

Sky: Oh my god...Then why are you wearing that cloak? How old is it…?

Kara: 1,088 years old. It’s fine. I wash it. Holds up pretty well.

Sky: Look...How are you alive?

Kara: You said it yourself. I’m immortal. I was born at a lucky time. Metahumans and magic were finding their own ways. I drank from the fountain of life.

Sky: That’s a thing?

Kara: Correct. Well, it was a thing. It was burnt down, sadly.

Sky: You...Grew your arm back too.

Kara: That’s the perk of my immortality. I can heal any wound quickly. Well, besides my burns.

Sky: Oh my god...Whoever I remind you of must’ve been pretty special to you. Right?

Kara: She was like you. She acted just like you when I told her about myself. Super happy-go-lucky too.

Sky: I’m not really happy-go-lucky.

Kara: I bet you were. Maybe you will be when you get older.

Sky: How do you even know stuff about me?

Kara: Well, that’s a long story. I had a friend who had powers like yours.

Sky: Capacity Inducement?

Kara: Yes. Here, can I take you to brunch?

Sky: Me? Why?

Kara: I want you to feel comfortable. We can talk about anything you like. My home is not too far in the woods.

Sky: I have work though, don’t keep me for too long.

Kara: Yes. Of course.

Sky walked with Kara.

Kara: You haven’t had your powers for long. You must be confused.

Sky: Well, it’s weird. I feel like I’m useless even with my powers. When I got them, I thought I would be able to make a big difference. Turns out that-

Kara: Nobody accepts you. At least anymore.

Sky: Well, I wouldn’t really know. But it doesn’t seem like anyone wants metahumans around anymore.

Kara: Since the war, it’s been like that. I lost great friends in the war. I feel like those people would have swayed the war.

Sky: The war sounded horrible. Was it really that bad?

Kara: 20 million mutants and metas died. 100 million humans died. I knew the girl who dealt with this. She felt like she started the war. I mean, she did.. She had 120 million lives on her conscious. She almost…

Kara trailed off.

Sky: She almost what?

Kara: Here we are.

Kara had a small house in the middle of the woods. She led Sky in.

Kara: Do you want something to drink? Tea?

Sky: God, it’s cold in here.

Kara: Yeah. That’s how I like it. Do you want some tea?

Sky: Uh, sure.

Kara made some tea while Sky sat down and looked around. She set her backpack down. She saw lots of things hung up on the wall. A golden lion head symbol was hung up on the wall, right above Kara’s fireplace. Kara gave Sky some cold tea.

Sky: You don’t have like a microwave in here?

Kara: No, actually. I don’t even have power. I won’t lie, I did like when things were simpler.

Sky drank the tea. Not what she liked. But she didn’t want to complain.

Sky: You can really answer my questions?

Kara: Yes. of course.

Sky: Uh, I got my powers from some barrels. With something in them. Do you know what was in them? Who would want them?

Kara: Probably…Hmmm…

Kara thought for a second.

???: Kara.

Kara: Yeah Sky?

Sky: That wasn’t me, Kara.

Sky was looking at the women who just stepped into the house. She was wearing a blue vest that had the word DRU on its front. She had short brown hair and a skin tight black suit under her vest which was glowing blue in some areas. She took a remote out of a pouch on her belt.

Kara: Hey! Do-

She pressed on the remote, and the floor opened under Sky and Kara. They started falling.

Kara: Fly! Sky!

Sky activated her powers. She reached for Kara. But missed. She had to follow now. She went to the ground. Kara was on the ground, both of her legs shattered. Sky landed next to her gently.

Sky: Kara! I’m sorry I didn’t-

Kara: Save it! Save it. Ugh, this is gonna hurt.

Kara grabbed one of her legs and snapped it back into her place. Her bones cracking with every motion, ligaments snapping. She did the same to her other leg.

Sky: Ugh, I’m gonna throw up.

Kara: That was Violet.

Sky: Whose Violet?

Kara: She’s...I can’t say.

Sky: Why not?! She just dropped us like 30 feet down! What is this place?

Kara: Pandora’s box. It’s Violet’s weapon of choice.

Sky: A weapon is this place? It looks like a maze!

Kara: Yeah, it does.

Violet’s voice was heard through some sort of speaker.

Violet: Hello Sky Sako. We told Kara not to meet with you. But she did. Because that’s what she does. She thinks she is smart. You have no idea what you’re talking about Kara. Or what you’re dealing with,

Kara: We don’t need to hear it!

Violet: You want to keep her safe? Is that it? I’m part of D.R.U.

Sky: D.R.U? What’s that?

Violet: Why would I tell you? We are here to kill Kara. She decided to get involved.

Sky: You weren’t even supposed to meet me? But you did anyway…?

Kara: I did. I wanted to-

Sky: Who am I to you? What am I to you? Tell me!

Kara: You’re uh…

Sky: Tell me! Come on!

Kara: Violet’s right. I don’t know that much. But you look just like her! You look just like one of my old friends! Exactly like her! She died...A long time ago now. To you.

Sky: W-Well, I’m not her. We’re probably nothing alike.

Kara: You wanna see? If we get out of here, I can show you.

Sky: I-I...I’m going to go home once we get out of here. I’m someone else to you. You weren’t supposed to see me. For some reason. If you aren’t supposed to, then we should stay away from each other. I get the feeling of wanting to see someone you can’t. But I can’t let you get hurt because of me.

Kara: Let’s get out of here, then. If that’s how it’ll be.

Sky: I should just be able to fly over these barriers.

Sky flew up. She saw that the barriers were touching the ceiling.

Sky: There’s no way we’re flying over these

Kara: We have to make it through.

Kara walked Sky through the maze. This time both of them were more quiet, Kara seemed like she knew the way, somehow,

Violet was outside. Waiting. She grabbed the handle of the floor that had dropped them down. She pressed a button. The huge room shrunk into a suitcase. She picked it up.

Kara and Sky suddenly fell down. As the room moved around. They landed on what used to be the wall. Now it was the floor.

Kara: We’ll have to scale this wall.

Sky: What happened?

Kara: I’ve been trapped in here before. Violet has shrunken the box.

Sky: What? What’s that even mean? How are we not dead?!

Kara: I don’t know the tech, It’s very advanced. Everything’s like this because she picked up the case.

Sky: So what do we do?

Kara: You’ll have to lift me up.

Sky: Ugh.

Kara: I’m light. Don’t worry.

Sky grabbed Kara’s arm and flew up. Kara let go and fell once Sky lit up.

Kara: You’re lighting yourself on fire when you fly!

Sky: Yeah? What about it? That’s just how my powers work.

Kara: It doesn’t have to be like that. You can suppress your powers, sorta. Keep that heat inside of you.

Sky summoned her powers and kept it in. It was like holding her breath, it felt odd. She lifted Kara over. She let the heat out. Kara let go again. She fell down. But was okay.

Kara: Just, work on that. Please.

Sky: Yeah yeah...Hey...Wait. Couldn’t I just do what I did when I first met you?

Kara: What?

Sky: When I teleported away. I ended up in my house.

Kara: Oh yeah.

Sky: You really just wanted to spend more time with me. Didn’t you?

Kara: I didn’t think you could use the power correctly. Honest!

Sky: Sure. Let’s just make it through this maze. Unless you can show me how to use that power. Or, uh. Explain it.

Kara: I don’t really know how to be honest.

They made it through the rest of the maze. There was a big bright white light.

Kara: Let’s go.

Violet was in a helicopter. Flying away from Kara’s house. She was writing down notes. She had her glasses on. She saw Sky and Kara making it through the maze. She got excited. They walked into the light. The suitcase expanded rapidly into a huge maze. Sky and Kara walked out. The helicopter blew up and everyone was falling through the air. Sky grabbed Kara’s hand. The suitcase went back to it’s normal form and split into pieces and covered over Violet. Making armor around her. She hit the ground. Untouched. Sky got to the ground with Kara. Violet was looking at them from a distance.

Sky: What are we going to do?

Violet came up to them.

Violet: Stay where you are! I want to talk!

Kara: I doubt it!

Kara took out her staff.

Sky: You can’t take her!

Violet: You two performed well in the maze. Well, Sky did. You actually did worse then last time, Kara.

Sky: What do you want from us? Why do I matter so much to you?

Violet: You’re our responsibility.

Sky: What’s that supposed to mean?!

Violet: If you all come with me right now, I won’t kill you right now. How does that sound?

Sky: You said you can’t kill me!

Violet: But I can kill Kara!

Sky: Back off! Just let us go!

Violet backhanded Sky. She went flying and landed on the ground. Violet slammed her suitcase on the ground and stepped in it. It split into two huge gears with gun muzzles going across the front of one of them. She shot a barrage of missiles at Kara and Sky. Kara took out a pistol and shot a couple missiles out of the air, Some went for Sky. She jumped in front of Sky and shielded her, She was blown to smithereens in the process. Violet looked through the smoke to see Sky laying there.

Violet: Brilliant.

Kara was standing behind her. Holding Sky.

Sky: How are you…?

Kara: You cannot kill me Violet. As long as you try, this girl will be under my protection.

Half of Kara’s hair had changed color. It was half-white and half-black.

Violet: Ugh, I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not, but I like a challenge. Killing something that’s unkillable, well. That’s a challenge a girl like me is worthy of!

Violet shrunk the suitcase. It turned into a minigun this time. She shot a barrage of bullets directly at Kara. She made a shield in front of herself with magic. Violet then shot a big missile out of the suitcase. Kara flipped over her shield and used her staff to slap it back at Violet. She made her suitcase come to her as armor. But was blown back before she could be fully covered. The suitcases pieces blew all over the place. And Violet laid on the ground.

Kara: Surrender.

Violet: I won’t be controlled by you.

Violet’s suitcase came over and wrapped itself around Kara’s legs. It flipped her over. Violet stood up. Sky crawled over to her bag. Which Violet must’ve taken. She pulled Kara’s arm out of it. Sky flew up in the air. Kara shot a couple shots at Violet. Who held Kara down with her foot.

Violet: I bet we could’ve been good friends. You must have years of knowledge to share.

She made the suitcase turn into two cannons that went on her arms. She fired right into Kara’s face. Splattering her body across the desert. Sky’s heart sank. She went to scream. But Kara’s arm did a thumbs up. It made itself into a fist. Violet watched as Kara’s body reformed. She reloaded her guns.

Violet: I’m going to obliterate you.

Sky flew in the air and spun around quickly and threw Kara’s hand. It punched Violet right in the face.

Violet: Ugh?! What the hell?!.

Sky shot a couple blasts at Violet. They did nothing.

Violet: You need to shut up.

Violet aimed her guns at Sky. The shot rang across the desert highway. Violet put her hand up to the hole in her head. She groaned and fell on the ground.

Sky: Oh my god…

Kara: Sorry you had to see that.

Sky: It’s...It’s alright.

Kara: Look. You need answers. Let me give them to you.

Kara kneeled and put her hand on Sky’s shoulder.

Kara: She’s part of some sort of organization called D.R.U. I just call them dru. All caps.

Sky: DRU?

Kara: Yeah. I still dunno what they're all about. But it’s top secret. I’m going to take pandora’s box. Maybe I can learn something.

Kara grabbed Violet’s suitcase.

Kara: Let’s go home.

Kara walked Sky back to her house.

Kara: Can I show you who you were to me?

Sky: Uh...Sure?

Kara opened a drawer and took out a picture. She showed it to Sky. It was Kara at some sort of breakfast place. With a girl smiling and posing for the camera. The girl looked exactly like Sky. Maybe a little older. Sky shuddered looking at her.

Kara: See, the resemblance is uncanny. She had the same powers as you. She died.

Sky: Can I ask how?

Kara: She died in a mission. In space.

Sky: A mission? A Sentinels mission?

Kara: Well...Yeah. She was one of the originals. It was very sad to see her go.

Sky: How many of there are you?

Kara: Sentinels? Me and another girl. Freya. We’ve separated since then.

Sky: I’m sorry you had to go through all of that.

Kara: It’s no biggie.

Kara took her other arm and went to throw it in her fireplace.

Sky: Uh...Hey! You think we can keep that arm? We never know when you might need me.

Kara: Good idea. Here. Keep it.

Kara threw her arm over to Sky.

Sky: Thanks.

Sky took out her phone and looked at the time.

Sky: Shit, I’m almost late for work! It’s almost 1!

Kara: Close your eyes.

Sky: What?

Kara: Envision the place you want to go. Make your powers manifest. Let that light out, instead of keeping it in. Now, I’m going to give you a boost.

Kara’s hand glowed red. She shot a bit of energy Sky’s way. Everything around her started to turn the opposite color that it was. Sky disappeared in a flash. She landed in an alley outside of Kunai Industries.

Sky: God…

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Violet laid on the ground. The gunshot in her head was still blazing red. A streak of lightning ran by and picked her up.

## Day 16 - Toasters Toast Toast

Rosa was in a huge, beautiful mansion. She was typing on her computer. A facility came up on the screen.

Rosa: Jackpot…

She wrote something down in her phone and swung off her chair. She took an elevator to her main floor and laid down on her couch. A lit fireplace at the front of the room. The house was completely empty. She looked around. Wondering where her guards were.

Rosa: Hmmm. Well I guess I should tell Sky about this.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky was in the stands at the football game. It was the day the school finally opened back up. But the students still had the day off. She was watching Geno’s team, the Orlando Ocelots, play against an away team.

Sky: Come on! Let’s go! Don’t let them get past you!

Geno was throwing for the team. The play went and he backpedaled. He weaved out of the way of everyone who came running at him, and threw the ball across the field. One of his fellow team members caught the ball, and got a touchdown. It was a clean pass. The teams went again. They elected for an extra point. Another team member kicked the ball across the field. But missed. They went on the defensive. They defended the other team, but were overrun. They threw the ball to another player on their team. Geno tried to grab the ball out of the air but fumbled it. The team started close to the end zone. They went, and Geno and another teammate blitzed him. They tackled him to the ground. Geno’s team was on the offense. He went out in the field. He was much taller then the guy defending him. He jumped in the air and caught the ball. He was tackled by another player. As he fell to the ground he threw it to another teammate. Who got the touchdown.

Announcer: Orlando Ocelots win!

Sky cheered for them. She was impressed by Geno. She came down and saw Geno. Him and his team were celebrating with each other.

???: Geno! You were a badass back there!

Sky came over to him and hugged him.

Sky: Geno! You were awesome!

Geno: Thanks…

She jumped off of him. She blushed and rubbed her head.

Geno: Hey. My parents are out of town. Celebrate at my house?

Everyone on the team agreed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

There was a party being thrown at Geno’s house. Everyone was drinking left over beer from Geno’s parents basement. Geno’s team was watching TV, drinking, and just partying.

Sky was sitting on the balcony. She was happy that everyone else was happy. Geno came out.

Geno: Not going to party?

Sky: I don’t really want to drink.

Geno: You know, it’s a party.

Geno led Sky into the house,

Geno: You’ve gotta get loose.

One of Geno’s team members came up, Zach. So did two others. Dom and Matt from earlier.

Zach: Come on! It’s a party. You're from the city.

Matt: I thought people from the city knew how to party.

Sky: Fine, one drink. But that’s it. I’ve drank before. There’s no way it’s that bad.

Sky grabbed a beer and drank.

Sky: See? Kinda tastes like shit though.

Zach: Hey, to Geno and this awesome ass party!

Everyone clinked their drinks.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky was on her 2nd beer, Zach and Geno were watching her grab another.

Zach: Hey, she’s hungover. It’s your chance.

Geno: Oh fuck off.

Zach: Well if you aren’t going to shoot your shot I’m going to shoot mine.

Geno: What? You like her?

Zach: Girl has been drinking like she’s been doing it since she was 5 years old.

Zach went over to Sky.

Zach: Hey Sky. Can I show you something?

Sky: What’s up?

Zach: Come on, I think you’ll like it.

Zach took Sky outside, over to his truck. He jumped in his front seat. Sky went around to the passenger side. She saw he took out a guitar. She was interested, so she jumped in his truck, it had a bench seat.

Zach: I heard you played.

Zach played a riff on his guitar.

Sky: Hey, is that Conforming Soul?

Zach: Yeah, you know them?

Zach handed his guitar to Sky.

Zach: Here, play something.

Sky played the same riff. But worse.

Sky: Hey, that was crap, let me try again.

Zach: Nah, it’s fine. I think your a little buzzed.

Sky: You think so?

Zach: Y’know, Sky. I always looked up to you. You were always cool.

Sky: Yeah, we could totally ditch this lame ass party.

Zach: Sure. I mean, we’re already pretty far away from everyone. Not like anyone’s going to walk in.

Zach slowly pushed Sky down on his seat. He kissed her on the neck. Her powers activated slowly.Her power was burning away the alcohol. She realized what was happening.

Sky: Hey, hey! Stop!

Sky pushed Zach off herself. Her voice suddenly sounded normal.

Sky: Hey...Fucking creep!

Zach: You weren’t hungover? Why were you…?

She went inside.

Geno: Hey, what happened?

Sky: Your friend is fucked up. He tried to take advantage of me.

Sky noticed that some of the guys there were smoking blunts.

Sky: You aren’t going to stop them? They brought weed!

Geno: I don’t wanna dull the party.

Sky: It’s just...These guys don’t seem to give a shit about you. Or your friends.

A bunch of girls and guys walked in.

Dom: Hey! You guys made it!

Sky: What...Look! Now their inviting their own people!

Geno: ...Calm down. I’ve got it handled.

Geno turned towards the new people.

Geno: Guys! Welcome! How’s it going?

Geno turned to Sky. She was gone.

Geno: Sky?

Sky walked into the backyard. She lit herself up, and flew away.

Sky: He’s such a dumbass.

She flew over the woods. When she felt her phone go off. She floated in the air and answered it.

Sky: Hello?

Rosa: Sky! Sky! Guess what?

Sky: What’s up?

Rosa: You don’t sound very excited. This is a huge breakthrough. I found where the barrels are!

Sky: You did? Well let’s meet.

Rosa: Meet me at Big Belly Burger. We’ll decide on where to go from there.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky walked into Big Belly Burger. Rosa was sitting there. With her guards eating some burgers.

Rosa: So, the place isn’t too far from here. It’s some sort of facility, just some place where rich people bring their goods so they can be sent somewhere. Maybe we’ll be able to find some more stuff about your you know what.

Sky: Yeah. Well, what are we waiting for?

Rosa: Right! Let’s go!

Sky: Alright.

Lefty and Right got into their drivers seat. They started driving.

Rosa: Alright Sky. What the hell’s the problem? You’re looking all mopey. Like a dog who can’t find it’s mom!

Sky: It’s just...Before I was here I was hanging out with Geno.

Rosa: Oh yeah, that asshole.

Sky: I’ve seen the people on his football team. They don’t give a single shit about him. One of them tried to take advantage of me while I was drunk!

Rosa: You still drunk?

Sky: No!

Rosa: Well, Geno’s a dumbass. That’s it.

Sky: He’s going to get himself in trouble with those people.

Rosa: To be fair, he’s going to get himself hurt if he keeps hanging with you too.

Sky: Well...That’s-That’s true. But he still should choose better friends. The difference is that I’ll look out for him if he gets hurt.

Rosa: Plus, there’s no way every player on his football team is a dick. How many of them do you even know the name of?

Sky: Well-Like three. But he still needs to deal with the ones that invited their own people to his house!

Rosa: I’ll believe it when I see it. Look. Get your head in the game. We can’t worry about Geno.

Sky: I already told you all that stuff about Kara, right? She told me so much.

Rosa: Yeah. You kept me up all night.

Sky: These chemicals are where it started. Maybe it’s where this mystery ends. Me and Sunspot getting the same memory flashes...someone who looked exactly like me in the past...Why is this all happening?

Rosa: Your powers did some crazy shit to you. We’ll find out why it’s happening.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

They pulled up on an old looking storage building.

Sky: God. This thing looks like it was built in the 2010s.

Rosa: Probably older.

Sky: You should be careful. Maybe you should stay back.

Rosa: I’ll be fine.

Lefty & Righty: We’ll protect Miss Gao.

Lefty and Righty stood guard around Rosa.

Sky: Of course, doors locked.

Sky brought upon some of her power and held her hand forward. She blasted the door open. Lefty and Righty went first. There didn’t seem to be anyone in there. The lights were off.

Sky: Good thing the roof is made of glass.

She took in some sunlight and brightened herself up. They looked around.

Sky: You said the barrels come here. I wonder if they'retheir sent somewhere from here.

Lefty and Righty went deep into the facility.

Sky: Be careful! Rosa, stay close.

Rosa: You know I have a superpower of my own, right?

Sky: No you don’t...? Do you?

Rosa: Yeah, I have the power to solve any problem.

Sky: Seriously? Money?

Rosa: It’s money.

They suddenly heard someone be slammed against something.

Sky: Your guards! I’ll go check it out.

Rosa: Hey! I can help!

Sky went where she saw Lefty and Righty go. She saw them trapped in a cage.

Lefty & Righty: We’ve been led into a trap!

Rosa: Hey, what’s this?

Rosa picked up a rubber duck on the ground.

Righty: No! Don’t do it!

A cage fell on top of Rosa.

???: You fell for the old rubber duck trap. Hilarious.

Sky: Who are you?!

???: Oh, there’s more of you? Dammit. I really need to get my eyes checked.

Rosa: You also need to get your weight checked. Jeez.

A tall, big man stood above them. He had a beard and a receding hairline. His hair was slicked back. He wore glasses, which he was cleaning with his labcoat. He had a bulletproof jacket on under this, jeans, and big work boots. One of his arms was replaced with a prosthetic,

???: I am Toast. Professor Toast.

Sky: Professor what…?

Toast: Professor Toast! Who do you think you are?

Sky flew up to Professor Toast. She saw a bunch of barrels behind him.

Sky: Oh my god...Do you know about those barrels?

Toast: They’re Their my barrels. So sure. I’m part of a special project. You weren’t supposed to be in here. Actually, you would be a great test subject.

Sky: Test subject?

Toast: Well, you are here for that, right? Otherwise, you’d be snooping around.

Sky: We are snooping around. Those chemicals gave me powers! I want to know what this is all about. Where do you send those chemicals?

Toast: Doesn’t matter. Why do you care?

Sky: I want to find out about myself. These powers are mine now. They'reTheir a part of me.

Toast: Who cares? I know much about your powers. How they operate, how to use them, how not to use them, and more.

Sky: Look, you seem like you’re busy. But can you please talk to me?

Toast: Your motivation seems pretty weak. You are interesting, you proved useful to my research.

Toast was writing things down on a clipboard while talking to Sky.

Sky: What is going on? Why are you here?

Toast: Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answer to.

Toast pushed Sky back.

Sky: Please!

Toast pushed Sky down. She fell on the ground.

Sky: Okay, okay. We’ll leave. Just let my friends free!

Toast: Hmm, let me think about that. No!

Sky: Okay, now things are going to get personal.

Sky flew up to Toast.

Sky: Let. Them. Go.

Toast laughed at Sky.

Toast: Sorry, it’s funny when you try to and threaten me.

Toast put his arm forward, and his hand flew off of his arm. Sky was blasted down. His robotic hand rocketed forward and slammed Sky into the wall of the building. It cracked as she flew into it. She thought to herself as she was driven into the wall. Everytime she did this, it always resulted in her getting hurt. Or worse, one of her friends getting severely hurt.

Toast: Like I said, I know your powers in and out. I can control you like a puppet!

Sky grabbed the arm, still rocketing into her and tried to rip it off of herself. She brought it just a little off her chest, she flew out of the way of the arm. She landed on the ground. The arm flew back over and punched her into the face. It came back around. She flew out of the way and flew to Toast and punched him in the face.

Toast: Wow, your right hook is superb!

Toast took out a gun and shot Sky in the stomach. Her heart sank as she saw him pull it out. She held her stomach and fell on the ground in shock. She looked down and realized she was fine.

Sky: What the hell…? What just-

Toast: Magnificent! You really are something special! It must be my lucky day!

Sky: What are you talking about?!

He went to shoot again. But the gun was knocked out of his hand. The windows above them shattered. Someone jumped through the window.

Geno: Don’t be such a dumbass next time!

Toast: Is my eyesight really that bad?! Now there’s another one of you!

Toast kicked Sky in the stomach and threw her down. Geno caught her. Bridal carrying her.

Geno: You alright?

Sky was blushing madly.

Sky: Y-Yeah.

Geno dropped her on the ground.

Sky: Ow! Hey!

He fired a blast of air and kicked Toast in the face.

Toast: Very good! Very good! Arthur!

Arthur landed in front of Geno.

Toast: Arthur! Kill this piece of shit! He won’t help my research at all!

Arthur: Yep.

Arthur lit up, instead of Sky’s yellow, he had a green glow to him. He fired a blast of light at Geno. Geno dodged and shot a huge blast of air at him and Toast. He made a barrier of light, he was pushed back slowly. Geno did a backflip and landed right next to Sky. He picked her up. He helped Lefty and Righty out of their cage by bending the bars, and then they got Rosa out.

Geno: Anyone got anything flammable?

Rosa: Well, my lucky necklace i-

Geno ripped Rosa’s necklace off.

Rosa: Hey! Dick!

Geno jumped in the air and threw the necklace as hard as he could into one of the barrels. They exploded right next to Arthur and Toast. They ran away. As Arthur walked out of the fire with Toast right behind him.

Arthur: You should’ve called me sooner.

Toast: Idiots!

Everyone stopped and looked at Toast.

Toast: Orlando will be going down in 5 days! Don’t kid yourself! Your worlds will crumble to the ground in 5 days! It will literally rain hell on this godforsaken place!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

They sat down in Rosa’s limo.

Rosa: I’m only letting you ride because you’re Sky’s boyfriend! No other reason!

Sky: Don’t listen to her. She’s just mad.

Sky laid down in the limo to support her wounds.

Sky: He’s really going to take down Orlando? What does he mean?

Rosa: I doubt he could even do it.

Geno: I think he could. That Arthur guy had some serious firepower.

Sky: Is the party still going on?

Geno: It’s over. Maybe you were right. A lot of those guys don’t give a shit about me. The ones who do are just like me. They don’t want to be outed.

Sky: Screw popularity. I bet when we go back to school I’ll be called a whore and stuff because a guy tried to screw me.

Geno: I dunno if I really want to go home. Shit’s a mess.

Sky: Are you asking for help?

Geno: Nah, I just need someone to complain to.

Sky: Even though my back’s damn near broken, I’d be more than happy to help. I shouldn’t go back to my parents more injured anyway.

Geno: Hey, if you’re willing to. That’s what friends are for.

Sky: Yeah. Right.

## Day 17 - Diamond Storm

Sky: Is that Toast guy really going to do something that bad in five days? There’s no way. He said something about raining hell...Does he have a bomb or something? He has to have answers. He might know about her and Sunspot’s connections. Maybe he caused those weird memories to come to her.

Sky knew she had work that day. But she trusted Toast’s words. Maybe she could talk to Sunspot. He knew a lot about Capacity Inducement. She knew he had been around for a while. He seemed to have similar powers to her. She had also been consecutively getting her ass kicked.

She decided to go to the sewers the same way her and Geno went in before. She went through the sewer quietly.

Sky: Do I hear brooding? Sunspot…? Where are you?

Sky went to the same place by where she had fought Audrey. She went down the stairwell. She saw some sort of canister with a light over it. She held her hand over it. She saw a code next to the light. The light was yellow. Yellow meant “Energy needed”

Sky: Energy?

Sky put a little bit of energy into the canister. The door opened. She pulled it open. It felt like it weighed a ton.

Sky: Woah…

She looked around the hideout. She saw a bunch of weights. Along with a camera system. It monitored the sewer system. A robotic voice spoke up out of nowhere.

???: Welcome Mateo. Please enter password to view information.

Sky: What the...What is that thing?

???: I am SPNCR. Your lifelike robotic assistant.

The name SPNCR went across the camera screens.

Sky: Woah...Can I ask you questions?

SPNCR: You may only ask limited questions. The rest of my data cannot be accessed without a password.

Sky: Um, is Mateo Sunspot’s real name?

SPNCR: Any data about Sunspot may not be accessed without a password.

Sky: Damn…

Sky looked around. There was lots of gear as well, armor, and metahuman glasses. Sky went and took a closer look.

Sky: Woah, what is all of this?

Sunspot: It’s mine. Don’t touch it.

Sky: Oh! Sunspot! Hey!

Sunspot: Don’t “hey” me. Get the hell out of here.

Sky: Remember? I helped you with Audrey. I-I want your help!

Sunspot: Get some help somewhere else.

Sky: You know we have the same powers! Capacity Inducement! I’m so confused with these powers! Whenever I try and do something right with them I end up being beat to shit! I look up to heroes. Like you, you’re a hero too. I was given the power to help people, and I can do nothing with it. Please, show me how to use these powers. The right way.

Sunspot: Go. Away.

Sky: Have you heard of Professor Toast?

Sunspot looked at Sky. Confused.

Sky: So? Have you?

Sunspot: Yeah.

Sky: Well is he a real threat? With a name like toast, you wouldn’t think so.

Sunspot: Professor Toast is not a joke.

Sky: How do you know?

Sunspot: You’re dragging it out of me! He fought me! I lost.

Sky: So, is it possible that he could be attacking Orlando in five days?

Sunspot: He’s attacking Orlando in five days?!

Sky: ...Yes?

Sunspot slammed his hand into the wall.

Sunspot: Shit! Alright! We need to get that meta kid you know first.

Sunspot: SPNCR! Look for any recent shipments of Capacity Chemicals.

SPNCR: Of course, Mr. Costa.

Sky: So that’s your name? Mateo Costa?

Sunspot: What-how did you find out?

Sky: The robot said Mateo.

Sunspot: If you say my name in public, you die. We have bigger problems to deal with right now.

Sky: Where are we going?

Sunspot: We aren’t going anywhere. I’m going to track Toast.

Sky: So you didn’t even listen to my speech about learning more about my powers?

Sunspot: Your powers are your problem.

Sky: We’re connected! We had the same memory back there! When we fought Audrey! You know it! You need me as much as I need you!

Sunspot: No, you need me. I don’t need a little bitch girl who thinks she’s special following me around.

Sky: Listen, I want to learn. I want to make a name for myself. Let me help, please. I thought we were cool after I beat Audrey. You said you trusted me!

Sunspot: Godammit! If you can show me you’re not an absolute pussy in a fight, then maybe I’ll consider taking you along! We don’t have time for this! We have five days! We need to find out what the fuck Toast is going to do!

Sky: Ugh, am I going to have to beat you in a fight?

Sunspot: No! That would be so unfair. You need to stop a bank robbery.

Sky: What? A bank robbery?

Sunspot: Baby steps. You’ve clearly been taking on enemies too strong for you. So do this, or it’s hasta la vista baby.

Sky: Fine, I’ll take you up on that offer. Do you expect there to just be a bank robbery happening right now?

Sunspot: SPNCR. Scan for bank robberies.

SPNCR: There is a bank robbery happening on 45th. Would you like to go there?

Sunspot: Set a course.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky was standing a building away from a bank that was planned to be robbed.

Sky: I should’ve kept my mouth shut…

Sunspot: It’s just a bank robbery. It’s easy. Now go. Don’t show your face either. Brighten up. Mentally and physically.

Sky: Alright Sky. You can do this.

Sunspot: I would get them before they get into the bank.

Sky: Where are they?

Sunspot: I dunno, do it yourself. This isn’t my bank robbery to stop.

Sky: Alright. I know.

Sky ran across the street. She went into the bank.

Sky: Everyone get out of here! This bank is going to be robbed!

Everyone in the bank looked at Sky. Some of them snickered and went back to their business.

Sky: Dammit…

Sky went outside.

Sky: Can’t I just call the cops…?

Sunspot’s voice was over coms.

Sunspot: You want a cop to die? You don’t know what might happen. Hey, look sharp. Van on your left.

A van slowly rolled up next to the bank. Sky looked closely. She saw a driver look for people around. A man in a black mask jumped out and aimed a gun at Sky.

Robber: On the ground! Now!

People in the bank heard this, They started to panic as three other robbers went in. Sky lit her hand up and threw an energy blast at the robber. His clothes were set on fire. He patted them down. Sky punched him in the face, knocking him out. She went into the bank.

Sky: Everyone! Hands up!

The robbers looked at each other confused. One of them raised his gun at Sky.

Sky: Shit, shit!

Sky brightened herself up. Everyone looked away, blinded. She flew at one of them and slammed him into the wall. She knocked his gun down. She shot a blast of energy at another. He flew through the glass at the bank teller desk. The other put his gun’s barrel to the head of one of the hostages.

Robber: One more move and I’ll kill her!

Another one of the robbers grabbed his gun and pointed it at Sky. She instantly froze up. Her head started splitting. Everything around her turned an inverse of whatever color it was. The robber got confused and shot at her. The bullet bounced off of the force field. Sky got a sudden memory.

Sky: Diamond storm CI!

A bunch of small diamonds came at some sort of demon. They did nothing at first. He laughed and walked forward at Sky. Ssomeone came from behind and stabbed him infrom the back. She flipped him around and slammed him on the ground.

???: You’re going to love this.

Sky looked at the robbers in the present. A bunch of diamonds appeared around her. They flew into the robbers at blistering speeds, knocking them out.

Sky: Holy shit...Uh...Let me help everyone.

Sky helped people up.

Sunspot: Cops. Get the hell out of there.

Sky: Uh...Bye.

Sky ran out and flew up. She went up ontop of a building. Sunspot was there, holding his head.

Sunspot: That memory...How are you always the main one in it? You know since I blew you up you’ve been the only one I’ve seen in the memory. The hell does that mean? These memories only happened when you showed up.

Sky: ...That means I had my same powers...What the hell. Kara said I was dead.

Sunspot: You don’t look very dead to me.

Sky: Obviously!

Sunspot: Look, we’ll get answers to this stuff later. We have to go and take care of this.

Sky: So I can go?

Sunspot: Look, you might be useful cannon fodder at the very least.

Sky: Where are we going anyway?

Sunspot: The Criminal Underground.

## Day 18 - No More Heroes

Sky and Sunspot were walking down an alleyway.

Sky: Wouldn’t the criminal underground be, y’know. Hidden?

Sunspot: Not necessarily. Well, it is. But I know the way in.

Sky: How?

Sunspot: Why do you think I became a hero?

Sky: Were you in the underground?

Sunspot: Doesn’t matter. The past is the past.

Sky: How did you even become a vigilante…?

Sunspot: All that you need to know is that I’m a threat to everyone. Maybe even you.

Sky: We’re partners now.

Sunspot: We’re two very different people with similar goals. Okay? This place is dangerous enough as it is. You want to get answers about yourself, right? More importantly, Toast threatened to rain hell on Orlando.

Sky: Are you even sure he’s that big of a threat. With, y’know. A name like that?

Sunspot: So if there was a say...Terra Toast. And Terra Toast broke free all metahumans, causing a massive disturbance across the country, and even the world, she wouldn’t be a threat because her name was Toast?

Sky: Well, I guess you have a point.

Sunspot: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Didn’t he beat the shit out of you?

Sky: Yeah…

Sunspot: Sure it might not mean much, but he has power over us. Over everyone in the world.

Sky: In the world?

Sunspot: Shh. We’re going in.

Sunspot and Sky went into a large parking garage, They went into the elevator. Sunspot pressed a bunch of buttons in a certain rhythm. The green words at the top of the elevator turned red and read “are you sure? Press 1.” Sunspot pressed 1, and the elevator went down. The elevator went down and opened. Sky and Sunspot walked into a futuristic looking bar. It was called “tombstone”.

Sky: Isn’t this kind of a bad idea? Won’t people try and kill you?

Sunspot: Not here. This bar is really peaceful for having a bunch of people who hate each other right next to each other. If you kill or even fight in this bar, both offenders are killed. It’s what they agreed to.

Sky: couldn’t a hero walk right in here then?

Sunspot laughed.

Sunspot: There’s no more heroes.

???: Hey, Mateo. Haven’t seen you in a while. Where have you been?

Sunspot: You know where I’ve been.

???: Yeah yeah. You coming back after that whole Mike thing? Sucks he was taken out by such a bottom of the barrel rookie.

Sky was just sitting there.

Sunspot: Sky, don’t sit there like a kid. Make yourself at home. Talk to people. Marcel here doesn’t really bite.

Sky: Right.

Sky left Sunspot and looked around. She was still threatened by the large presence of thieves. People that would kill people she loved just for a little bit of money. Someone tapped her shoulder from behind. She turned. It was Jules.

Jules: Damn, you’re the last person I thought I would see here.

Sky: J-Jules. Hey.

Jules: Don’t act all scared. I can’t hurt you. Why don’t we talk?

Sky: Talk? Alright. I guess.

Jules and Sky sat down at a booth.

Jules: Must be weird, I tried to kill you a week ago.

Sky: Yeah, it’s really weird.

There was a bit of awkward silence.

Sky: Is it uh, possible to turn off that skin?

Jules: This isn’t a video game. I’m stuck like this. Always been like this.

Sky: That sounds hard...How do you deal with that?

Jules: I’m not looking to tell my sob story. Long story short, nobody wants to play basketball with someone who could throw the ball a town over, and on top of that, They wouldn’t want to hit me either. Great for protection, not great for friends.

Sky: You’d totally do great online!

Jules: Online isn’t my thing. This is. This place is where I’ve met some of my best friends, and it’s got the best drinks in the country. Only accessible by yours truly. To be honest, I’m surprised that Sunspot even decided to bring you in here?

Sky: How do you know he brought me here?

Jules: You wouldn’t know the code.

Sky: I don’t want to pry, but was Sunspot a criminal once?

Jules: Yeah. He was with us till the end. He did things similar to the way he does them today. Just a lot more killing. He made a shitton of money too. He climbed to rank 20. But then he met that cop. Mike. They hit it off. Some of us thought he’d come crawling back after Audrey killed him. But nah. He did end up taking lots of us down. I think he’s hunting us.

Sky: ...What happened to Audrey?

Jules: Bitch got sent to Alcatraz. She’s the only human there to my knowledge. Won’t be long till she’s raped and murdered.

Sky was left silent. Was the world really this dark?

Jules: What? Did that scare you? If you want to be a “hero” or a vigilante like Sunspot then you need to know these things. Or it’ll be you going to Alcatraz.

Sunspot came over to Sky.

Sunspot: Hey, I’ve got someone who knows about Toast. You’ll want to hear this.

Sky: Alright.

Jules: Sup’ Mateo.

Sunspot: Jules.

Sunspot and Sky left. They went over to a booth with a women standing in the middle. She was asian, and wore a red and black kimono that went down to her thighs. She wore high heels and leggings as well. Her hair was long and blonde. She was also tall, giving off a bit of authority over all of her goons sitting around her.

Sunspot: Hello Nakano. What brings you to Florida?

Nakano: Red sun is just stopping in Florida for a little while. We’re enjoying the weather. Florida has the finer things. What brings you to my booth, Sunny?

Sunspot sat down. Sky sat next to him.

Nakano: Even Stardust came with you. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Sunspot: You might have her confused with someone. That’s Sk-

Nakano: She can speak for herself. Can’t she?

Sky: I’m S-Sky.

Nakano: New here?

Sky: Yeah. Do you think you could help us out?

Nakano: Assertive. I like it. What can I do for you two?

Sunspot: We want to know where we can find Professor Toast.

Nakano: Toast? Why would you want to know about him?

Sunspot: He has plans. I want to stop him.

Nakano: Here I thought you were coming back to us...Oh well. I would like to work with you again, Sunny.

Sunspot: Don’t change the subject. You know where he is. Spill.

Nakano: You know I don’t give information without something that may help me out as well.

Sunspot: What do you want? Name your price.

Nakano: I don’t know. How much do you think?

Sunspot put 5k on the table.

Sunspot: That enough?

Nakano: Hmmm...I dunno…

Sunspot: Talk already.

Nakano: Okay, okay. Toast has been moving around a lot. But he tends to be jumping between factories. He is taking some sort of barrels. I know a place where he’ll most certainly be.

Sunspot: Where?

Nakano: There’s a meeting in two days. At B.L.A.D.E tower. 23rd floor.

Sunspot: That’s great and all. But you’re telling me that we’ll have to break into a B.L.A.D.E tower?! I can do lots of things. But not that.

Nakano: Well let me cut you a deal. Nobody here likes B.L.A.D.E. I will offer you my services, not free of charge, of course. To distract B.L.A.D.E while you get in.

Sunspot: ...Sounds like a deal. You’d better be worth it.

Nakano: I promise, I’m a treat to have around.

Sunspot: You listen to me though. No killing.

Nakano: I haven’t heard that in 20 years.

Sky and Sunspot left.

Nakano: And Sky, don’t let Sunny push you around.

Sunspot: So, that’s the plan. We’re going to ambush Toast in his meeting. Stop him from doing whatever he’s doing.

Sky: Shouldn’t we try and figure it out?

Sunspot: We’ll learn directly from him when we take him down.

Sky: A-Alright.

A guy was leaning against the wall. He had a hood over his head.

Guy: Everyone! Get them!

He split in two. And a bunch of other criminals jumped out. Sky instantly tried Diamond storm again. She hit a couple guys. A big guy ran at her and threw a punch at her. She ducked under and punched him in the face.

Sunspot: Nice right hook.

Sunspot brightened himself up, blinding everyone.

Sunspot: Don’t let them see your face!

Sky brightened up too. Sunspot teleported in front of three guys in rapid succession and took them down. Sky flew at a guy and shot a blast right into his face. He fell down, hitting the ground hard. A big guy came in and punched Sky. She went flying back. Two guys at the end of the alleyway took out guns. Sunspot teleported in front of Sky and created a sun. He shot it down to end of the alleyway. It sucked up all the bullets and knocked out the two guys.

Sky: God...Are they okay?

Sunspot: The worst they’ll get is 3rd degree burns. Hey, you didn’t do that bad. I’ve only worked with Mike, so I guess it was hard for me to convince myself to help you.

Sky: Is that a good job?

Sunspot: Ha...No.

Sky: Can I call you Mateo?

Sunspot: As long as you don’t call me Sunny.

Sky: Ye-

A bullet came from out of nowhere and hit Sunspot in the chest. His armor protected him.

Sky: Mateo!

Sunspot: Katniss! Come out!

A girl jumped down. She was holding a rifle. She had something that looked like cat ears implanted into her head. She wore a camo vest and had a satchel on her hip. She wore a black zip up suit under her vest. She had tied back black hair,

Katniss: Hi Mateo! What are you doing here?

She gasped.

Katniss: Are you coming back!? Y’know after that little incident with Mike.

Sunspot: No Katniss. I’m not coming back.

Katniss: Awww...That’s too bad. Hey, did you ever see this video?

Katniss showed Sunspot the video of Mike being killed.

Sunspot: Yes. Now put that away. I don’t need to play your games.

Katniss: Well, I didn’t come over here for no reason.

Sunspot: Ugh, why did you come over here?

Katniss: I know who took the video.

Sunspot: ...Who?

Katniss: His name is Geno. Little black kid. He took the video. Could’ve totally done something about it too. You know, because he’s a-

Sunspot: A supe. He could’ve saved him, couldn’t he have?

Katniss: Bingo.

Sunspot’s facial expression changed. He turned around. He went to walk past Sky.

Sky: Mateo...What are you doing?

Sunspot: I’m going to get justice.

Sky: It wasn’t Geno’s fault! He knew Audrey was going to kill him!

Sunspot: I saw what that kid could do. He could’ve saved him.

Sky: Stop it! You didn’t kill Audrey! You know you won’t hurt him!

Sunspot: I’m not going to kill him.

Sky: Whatever you’re going to do, it’s not good. Just leave him alone!

Sky grabbed Sunspot’s arm. He threw her off of him.

Sky: I-I...Just leave him alone!

Sunspot: So what about Mike? I loved him too. So what am I supposed to do?

Sky: Just…Don’t-

Sunspot: Go away.

Sunspot held his hand up at Sky. He generated an energy blast. He fired at Sky. She jumped out of the way.

Sky: Listen! I thought we were good! We can still wo-

Sunspot teleported in front of Sky and grabbed her by the neck. He threw her on the ground. She realized Katniss had already left.

Sunspot: I’m not going to kill you. But if you continue to-

Sky threw Sunspot off of her.

Sky: You aren’t going to hurt him. I have to protect him.

Sunspot: It is what it is.

Sky fired a bunch of blasts at Sunspot. He teleported out of the way and then teleported behind Sky. He fired a blast straight into her. She moved out of the way and threw her own blast. Some of Sunspot’s armor burned. She shot another blast. He teleported behind Sky and grabbed her by the back of the neck. He slammed her on the ground and dragged her.

Sunspot: Go away! Do you think I want to kill you?! I’m fighting for justice. Fighting for what Mike wanted! What he upheld! Geno won’t die! He needs to be taught a lesson. Just like Audrey was.

Sky: He’s not a bad person!

Sunspot: You think that’s what this is about? People are complicated! Audrey killed him. He didn’t even think to go and stop her!

Sky: ...

Sunspot: Don’t come near me, again. I’ll deal with toast on my own. You’d slow me down an-

Sunspot was hit with a red energy blast. He was fired back. He threw Sky in the air as he was blown back. Someone jumped in and caught Sky.

May: You’ll be oka-Sky?

Sky: Mom?

May put Sky down.

Sky: Hey! Don’t!

May put her hands together. Her prosthetic lit up electrically. As Sunspot stood up she jumped at him and landed her punch with her prosthetic. Sunspot was blasted back. He went to shoot a blast. But it was weakened. May blocked. She reached over and slapped Sunspot down. He tried to teleport. But it was no use. He used all of his power and shot a lasers out of his eye. He burnt May’s prosthetic. He summoned more power and made a small sun. Before being shot in the back again. He fell on the ground. May kicked him in the face. Knocking him out.

May: We’re sorry for not being there, Sky. But we got him.

Sky: You didn’t need to capture him! We had to-

May: Shh. He was beating the shit out of you in an alleyway. I don’t know what he told you. But we need to go home. We have questions.

Sky: I-I…

May picked up Sky. David jumped down and put the safety on his gun off. It was some sort of meta-dampening rifle. He put cuffs on Sunspot and dragged him away.

## Day 19 - It All Goes Wrong

Sky woke up in her bed. She sat up. Her head hurt.

Sky: Ugh...What day is it?

It was the 19th

Sky: I slept through a whole day!? And...oh no...Mateo. What the hell happened?

Sky tried to get up, to find that she could barely move. She had a collar on her neck. It dampened her metahuman powers. She tried to light herself up. Nothing.

Sky: No no no! I need to get out of here! I need-

May walked into the room.

Sky: Mom! What did you do to me?! What’s happening?!

May: I’m sorry we didn’t notice sooner. You could’ve told us.

David walked in behind her.

David: If you explained that you were sick, then you should’ve said something. It explains the broken arm, and all the other injuries.

Sky: Sick?! What do you mean?

David: We’ve got B.L.A.D.E searching the house. Your rooms up next.

Sky: What? What did I do?!

May: You know it’s a big deal to be caught like this.

David: Your young, so maybe we can snuff out your meta DNA before you get too adjusted to it.

Sky: What?! That’s not how it works!

David: You’ve been causing commotion all over the city. Flying all over the place. We didn’t expect it to be our daughter though.

Sky: You need to let me out! Something bad is coming in 2 days from now! J-Just let me go!

May: Are you really going to play into the hero fantasy? I’ve seen it before. A crazy girl with powers. Thinks she can save the world. People like that ended up killing people. Lots of people.

Sky: I-I wouldn’t kill anyone! You know that!

May was starting to cry.

May: I-I know. But I’m-we’re going with our gut here.

David put his hand on May’s shoulder. They walked out of the room. Two people walked into the room. One was an asian women who was covered in a black stealth suit with a dark red accents. She had one side of her head shaved, and the other with black hair that went down to her shoulder. The guy behind her was also asian, with a grey shirt tight to his body. He wore a belt with pockets on it and jeans. The sides of his hair were mostly shaved, with the top of his head was a full head of hair.

Sky: Who...Are you?

???: I’m Kabuto. We’re searching your room.

Sky: You can’t just search my room!

Kabuto: This place is government jurisdiction. Due to your metahuman powers, we’re allowed to search.

The girl pulled Kara’s disembodied arm out of the closet.

Kabuto: Look what Petra found.

Petra: What is a disembodied hand doing in your closet?

Sky: I-I

Petra: I don’t have time to mess around. Tell me.

Kabuto: Hey, ease up on her. She’s already scared as it is.

Petra: We don’t have time for that. Talk. Now.

Sky: None of you are going to believe what I have to say.

Petra: I’m very open-minded. Trust me.

Sky: I-It’s my friend’s arm…

Petra: What? Explain.

Sky: She has regeneration powers. So she...gave me one of her arms.

They both looked at Sky.

Sky: I know, you don’t believe me.

Petra: You’ve allied yourself with a demon.

Sky: I what? What are you talking about?!

Kabuto: No rotting. Not even dripping blood. That’s a demon alright. Doesn’t matter whether or not you knew kid.

Petra: Let’s go.

A tall man was standing outside of Sky’s room. Blocking it off. He had a black jacket on and a mask over his face. He also had a red and black hat. His hair was short and black. He jumped out of the way when Petra touched his back.

Kabuto: Calm down Jaune. She won’t kill you. Probably. Alright. Time to do a little interrogating.

Kabuto went back into Sky’s room.

Kabuto: Alright Sky, where on the doll did Sunspot touch you?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sunspot was tied up in the middle of a room. A man turned on the lights. The entire room was emptied of anything. He walked in front of Sunspot. He had blonde hair that was tied into a big bun. And wore an old looking kimono. He had some red armor covering himself. Sunspot realized his powers were free. He took in some of the light and brightened up. He held up his hand quickly and shot a small sun at him. He was engulfed. He brushed off his kimono and walked out. Barely scratched. The man in front of him stabbed him in the shoulder with a katana.

???: This is a cage. None of us can get out. So you can stay in here and answer my questions. Or we can do this the hard way.

Sunspot: Who the hell do you think you are…?

???: Emeric Gleeson.

Sunspot: That’s a dumbass name…

Emeric: I have two options for you. Option one, I could break you free from your constraints and we can fight. Option two, I can sit down with you and we can have a talk about well, you. Make your choice

Sunspot laughed.

Sunspot: How about option 1?

Emeric: Option 1 it is.

Emeric set Sunspot free. Sunspot instantly elbowed him in the face.

Emeric: That was dirty. You’re going to have to pay for that.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky was allowed to go to school that day. But she had to come home. Or she would be looked for. She walked through the halls. With a metahuman power dampener on her. People walked past her and whispered to themselves. Everyone avoided her. Even teachers. Geno came over to her at lunch.

Geno: Sky, I really did want to thank you for helping on-

Geno looked at the collar around her neck. And the noticeable lack of people around her.

Geno: Sky...What happened…?

Sky’s tears started hitting the ground.

Geno: Do you want to talk about it?

Sky: We have 2 days.

Geno: Look, I’ve been trying to find info about something. But I couldn’t get any lead-

Sky wrapped her hands around Geno and cried on him.

Sky: I-I failed! Sunspot got captured, I’m being interrogated, and nobody believes me when I say something’s coming in 2 days! My parents think I’m sick! They think my powers are a virus!

Geno had no idea what to do. He hugged Sky back.

Geno: Uh...I’ll help whatever way I can, okay?

Sky: Thank you…

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky had to go work that day. Everything was quiet. She remembered that she had missed work. But nobody said anything about it. Sky kept her head down and did her work. Sky looked and saw a sign up. “Workplace evals 7/19/2045”

Sky: 19th...That’s today…

Sky heard someone walk into the office. It was a man in a tuxedo suit. He had long black hair and a black and white suit. He was yelling at Mr. Black.

???: I don’t want D-list punks working here! I want hard workers! Hard workers who will benefit this company!

Mr. Black: I understand your concern Mr. Kunai. But all of our workers here are indeed very hard working people. I promise you!

Mr. Kunai: Let’s make sure of that. You're not the one evaluating these people.

Mr. Kunai went around. Looking at the employees in the building.

Mr. Kunai: Everyone prepare their best work for me to review! Now!

Sky went looking in her work folder for something presentable.

Sky: So bossy…

Mr. Kunai went looking around at people’s work and evaluating them. He walked past Sky, but something caught his eye.

Mr. Kunai: What the...What’s a metahuman collar doing on this girl?

Mr. Black: Well she wa-

Mr. Kunai: This is the one who missed work a couple days ago? Hey, speak up. Why did you miss that day?

Sky: O-Oh. Well I...I uh…

Mr. Kunai: You know...I heard about you. You apparently wanted to really become part of this company.

He grabbed her by the collar.

Mr. Kunai: But we can clearly see that it was a bad idea to let an animal out of its cage…

Sky: Don’t touch me like that!

Mr. Kunai: Get this one the hell out of my face. I don’t want to see her again.

Sky: What’s your problem? What’s wrong with me?

Mr. Kunai: You’re subhuman. I dunno who the hell let a meta into my company, but I’ll make sure that it won’t happen again. A metahuman...and a little black girl. Escort yourself out of here. Fucking waste of space.

Mr. Black: Mr. Kunai! Don’t you think that’s a little mu-

Mr. Kunai: Shut your mouth.

Sky walked out. She was ready to tear the place down. She got in the elevator. She started crying. Her head started hurting again. It wasn’t long until her brain was splitting.

???: Take a deep breath.

Sky complied.

???: Now let your power coarse through you.

Sky tried to calm down and she lit up with her power. But she lost her spark.

???: Alright. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath and raise your hands up in the sky. You are here, in this moment. Think about a great place. Like a beach. You see palm trees. You see the tide coming in.

Sky slowly let her power take control. She lit up like a light.

???: Now. Rip your enemy to pieces. Rip and tear until it is done.

Sky looked up in the elevator. She realized there was someone standing there offering their hand. It was Amala.

Amala: Get up.

Sky grabbed her hand. She pulled her up.

Sky: Hi Amala.

Amala: You get fired?

Sky: Yeah...That guy up there…

Amala: A horrible dick? Leaning a little bit on the racist side?

Sky: Yeah...You know him?

Amala: Heard of him. Lucky for me he doesn’t come down here. Just don’t go home and cry about it. Don’t let a little dick like that scare you. He’s obviously compensating for something with all those huge skyscrapers.

Sky smiled and chuckled.

Sky: Yeah…

Amala: Hey, I can break that collar off if you want.

Sky: I-I don’t want to break anymore rules.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky went home. Still a little distraught. Everything was going wrong. She had no idea what she was going to do. She stepped in her house. Her parents were sitting there. With somber looks on their faces.

David: Hey Sky, can you come and sit with us?

Sky: What now?

Sky went over to them and sat down.

May: Well, we don’t know how to put this lightly, but you were taken off the soccer team.

Sky: Oh...That sucks.

David: She took that well.

May: I’m sorry hun. Maybe we're a little too harsh. We shouldn’t have given B.L.A.D.E jurisdictions here.

Sky: Wait...You gave them jurisdiction? You let them search my room?!

David: It was for your safety.

Sky: You know what?! No! It was for your safety! Because you’re scared of me! You act like I’m going to destroy the world! Like I’m some ghost who possessed your daughter! Sky is still here! It’s me! These powers are me! If you can’t accept that, then why do I stick around?! Why should I walk around like a dog? Today was the worst day of my life! I was fired from my job because of this! I was even more alienated at school because of this collar!

David: Sky…

May: Sky, we can take it off. That’s now ho-

Sky: You let that war shape you.

Sky walked out of the house. She slammed the door in their face. She got in her car and fired it up and drove away. As fast as she could.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Professor Toast was on a spaceship above Earth. He looked down on Earth. Arthur was looking in test tubes. The test tubes were all hooked up to one singular tube in the middle of the room. Which was sealed off.

Arthur: They'reTheir all going to be like me…?

Toast: Correct. All my life I’ve been called weak, Arthur. I’m going to show the world that you don’t mess with me.

Arthur: Are you sure that it might be a little much to threaten Orlando like that? A big city?

A women walked into the room. She had a clipboard.

Toast: Jane. Greetings.

Toast bowed to Jane.

Jane: Hi Toast. Orlando threatened B.L.A.D.E, Arthur. They hoarded the capacity chemicals. So we had to find them. Found them we have. We’re going to show them our new power. We’re going to burn down the criminal underground base there. Hopefully snuff out any other metas around there in the process. Project Nexus stage 1 is a go.

Toast: Finally.

## Day 20 - Reignite The Spark

Kara felt her arm start to burn. But it wasn’t her arm. She could feel her other arm was somewhere else. Not Sky’s house. Something might have gone wrong. She stood up and opened her door. A sudden gust of wind pushed her back.

Kara: What the…

Kara went to open the door. But it was blasted open, and she was blown back from the door. The speedster from earlier looked down at Kara. She stopped vibrating herself. It was Riley. The one who helped destroy the old Sky’s records.

Kara: Who the hell are you?

Riley: You did the one thing we told you not to do. You know, I don’t love scaring the shit out of people, you know? But you showed her that picture.

Riley pushed Kara aside and looked around her room at super speed. Throwing around miscellaneous objects. She held up the picture that she had with Sky.

Riley: Nice picture.

Riley vibrated her hand so fast that she turned the picture to ash.

Riley: Now.

Riley slammed Kara into her table as she was getting up. She started vibrating again.

Riley: I’m going to have to break your atoms apart.

Kara took out her gun and shot at Riley. Riley easily dodged the shots and punched Kara in the face. Kara’s face was nearly shattered from the punch. She was hit so hard her face was showing bone. Riley’s hair turned halfway white. She regenerated quickly. Riley grabbed a poker from Kara’s fireplace.

Riley: Let’s see how many holes I can make.

Riley dashed into Kara and stabbed her at super-speeds. Stabbing through her over and over again. Riley slashed at Kara’s head. She kicked up her staff and blocked, as her wounds healed she backhanded Riley. Riley sped away and stabbed the poker up her back and out her chest. Kara coughed up blood. Riley vibrated her hand into Kara’s stomach and pulled out the bloody poker. She held Kara on the ground and bludgeoned her with the poker. She peeled away Kara’s skin. Smashing her skull in. Kara stabbed the poker into her brain. As she chipped away at Kara’s skull there was a surge of red demon energy. Blowing Riley away. Kara’s hair was fully white, and she was surging with some sort of red energy. Riley ran away and then came back behind Kara with some sort of energy sword. Kara turned around. She saw Riley running at her normally now. Kara moved to the side and trapped Riley’s arm. Kara brought her leg up and put it over Riley’s face and brought her to the ground and broke Riley’s arm. Riley vibrated rapidly and got to her feet. Kara took out her staff and slammed Riley across the face with it. She spat out blood and fell on the ground.

Kara: You shouldn’t have burnt Sky’s picture.

Kara took out the remote to pandora’s box. She pressed the button on it. Sending Riley down into one of it’s traps. Kara sat down and caught her breath. As the rest of her body healed itself.

Kara: She almost had me…

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky: Amala. Can you get this off.

Amala: So now you want it off?

Sky: Yeah. I’m done. I’m not going to be treated like a rabbit animal.

Amala: Me and you both, kid.

Sky: I-I never asked. Are you a metahuman?

Amala: Me? No.

Sky: How can you lift those barrels then?

Amala: I’m a wonder of technology.

Sky: You’re...A robot?

Amala: Ugh, this is gonna hurt.

Amala grabbed a knife and cut some of her skin off.

Sky: H-hey! What are you doing?

Under Amala’s skin was metal, there were green lights around it. Her skin was slowly rebuilding itself.

Amala: If it wasn’t for that, then I’d be a brain in a jar.

Sky: What do you mean?

Amala: I’m immortal.

Sky: Oh. How many years?

Amala: Uh...I have no idea. I was born in medieval times. I think.

Sky: Wow, cool!

Amala: You’re taking that a lot easier than I thought.

Sky: I...actually already know an immortal.

Amala: Really?

Sky: Yeah.

Amala: She got a face only a mother could love? A motherly persona over a pushy crazy bitch one?

Sky: Do you...Know her?

Amala: Yeah. Kara.

Sky: Oh, so maybe you could meet.

Amala: Nah, I’m good.

Sky: What do you mean?

Amala: I mean I want nothing to do with her.

Sky: Oh...Look. Sunspot is trapped in prison, and ah-crap! There’s no way we can even make that meeting! And tomorrow...That’s the day something bad is going to happen.

Amala: Something bad is a pretty shitty description. What do you mean?

Sky: A B.L.A.D.E professor threatened to rain hell on Orlando!

Amala: So B.L.A.D.E’s threatening Orlando now?

Sky: Y-Yeah. But I can’t do anything about it at this point.

Sky sat down.

Sky: What the hell do we do…? Even if we tried, I don’t have the power to get through.

Amala: Last time I tried to get into a B.L.A.D.E facility the entirety of San Francisco was destroyed.

Sky: Not helping…

Kara came in.

Kara: Sky...Let me…

Sky: Kara? How did you find me?

Kara was looking at Amala. She was speechless. Amala came up to her and punched her in the face. Kara had a new stab wound in her stomach. Her tunic was ripped up from the fight with Riley. Her stomach was also burnt from prior experiences.

Kara: Okay, Amala. Not now! We have bigger things to deal with!

Sky: Kara, your stomach…

Amala: Don’t worry. It’ll heal nice and good for fuck face over here.

Sky: Don’t be rude.

Kara: I went to your house. I got to meet the sword of one of B.L.A.D.E’s soldiers. So I came here. This was your work, right?

Sky: Was my work.

Kara: So what happened?

Sky: I was with Sunspot. He was captured. Then I was too. B.L.A.D.E was searching my house. They took your arm.

Kara: That’s what made me come here.

Sky: I had to escape. My parents were treating me like I was sick. But something’s coming. We have to do something about it.

Amala: Doomsday. Via our favorite band. B.L.A.D.E.

Kara: Great. What do we do?

Sky: That’s the problem. I have no idea...What does a 16 year old girl do with that kind of information….?

Sky put her hands on her head.

Amala: You get the fuck up.

Sky: What?

Amala: Stop being a pussy and stand up. If some bad shit’s going to happen. You look forward to it instead of laying down and crying about it. Did crying ever get anyone anywhere? So get the hell up and become more powerful. You were crying about not being powerful enough.

Amala grabbed Kara’s phone.

Kara: Hey!

Amala pulled up an old video, from 2020. It was of Sky, the “old” Sky fighting. She was firing huge blasts of energy at her enemies.

Amala: Plant your damn feet. Now train. Whatever this B.L.A.D.E chickenshit scientist has for you is nothing to you. Because you have skill on your side, and power.

Sky: Amala…

Amala: Me and Lady Deadpool here are going to have a chat. While you train your ass off.

Sky watched the videos back. They were fighting some demons of some sort. The old Sky was firing off huge blasts of energy while staying extremely bright. Much brighter than Sky usually was. She started by trying to summon more energy into her blasts. She shot blasts over and over. Trying to bring in more energy as she was. Night came upon them. Sky started to do different techniques. Like diamond storm and electro CI. Because they didn’t feed off the sun. Sky learned to control her energy consumption.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Toast pressed a button in the middle of the room. There were tons of test tubes with people in it. They were all running programs in their brains. Teaching them about their powers. Their test tubes opened into the vacuum of space. As they all fell out they lit up and flew towards Earth. A small army of Capacity Induced soldiers. Led by Arthur.

## Day 21 - Rain Hell

Sunspot was beaten to a pulp. He has slices all over his body. Emeric put his sword in it’s sheath. He kicked Sunspot into his chair.

Emeric: You really feel like you have to punish yourself like this? Is this because of your failure as a boyfriend?

Sunspot grabbed the chair and swung it over his head. Emeric sliced the chair in half and kneed Sunspot in the chest. He fell on the ground. Hard this time. He could barley stand up. Emeric held him down.

Emeric: You’re going to answer my questions.

Sunspot: Why is B.L.A.D.E targeting Orlando?!

Emeric: Will you answer my questions if I answer yours?

Sunspot nodded.

Emeric: It’s a criminal hotspot. The criminal underground loves the sunshine state.

Toast got into an elevator. He was shot down a huge elevator that went from Earth to space. He looked out the window, seeing his capacity soldiers descend onto Earth.

Emeric: Plus, there is a very dangerous criminal living here. He is cunning, and very powerful.

Sunspot: Let me guess, a meta?

Emeric: Well, he is a metahuman. But that’s none of your concern.

Sunspot started laughing.

Sunspot: Just another bias attack on metahumans.

Toast’s soldiers looked down upon Florida.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Amala: Is that it? That’s duller than the last one!

Sky held both of her hands out and shot a large blast. Amala blocked it with her arms, and was pushed back a little bit.

Amala: Nice.

Kara: It’s funny, you could actually kill me Sky. Amala really can take a hit.

Amala: Yeah, what am I doing? You should’ve switched spots with me. Then you’d finally die.

Sky: Can you guys just stop arguing for a minute! Look up!

The sky was turning red. Sky saw the capacity soldiers coming down upon Florida. It truly did look like it was raining hell.

Amala: There’s over 50 soldiers there…

Sky: 50 soldiers...How are we supposed to combat that?! What do we do?

Amala: We’re not their targets…Sky! Where is a shitton of crime happening?!

Sky: Well...The criminal underground I guess.

Amala: They have to be going after criminals.

Sky: They'reTheir going to kill them all…

Kara: So we warn them…?

Sky: We can’t just let every single one of them die. Let’s go.

Amala: You really remind me of someone I know. Let’s go.

Sky summoned her power and flew up in the air. She blasted off, much faster than before.

Kara: Hey! Don’t go so fast!

Amala: Just power up!

Kara: My power isn’t infinite. I have to wait until I can move fast again.

Amala: So what? You’re just going to sit here and be useless?

Kara: I don’t want to hear that. We’re both immortals. We can help the world. What do you do? You sit here and lift barrels up and down. Because that’s all you think you’re good for! You are better than that Amala!

Amala: We’ve had this conversation before. I didn’t ask to be immortal.

Kara: I’ve heard that a million times. We can’t change the pa-

Amala punched Kara in the face.

Amala: We can either settle this right here, or wait another 100 years.

Kara: Can’t you see what’s happening?! Now is not the-

Amala punched through Kara’s stomach. Kara spat out blood as Amala took her hand out.

Kara: Not now! Look, we have to find a way to slow that scientist down. Are you with me? We can settle this a different time! Not now!

Amala: Fine.

Kara: Then we have to go up there.

Amala: Space? Sounds like fun.

Kara: Not really.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky: Mateo didn’t want anyone to die...That’s what things should be like...Their criminals. But why should they die for acting out of desperation? It’s the only option they ha-

Sky was close lined as she was flying. She fell to the ground and slid across it hard. Arthur was standing across from Sky.

Arthur: Sorry Sky. We can’t have you doing anything rash.

Sky: Why are you doing this?

Arthur: Well, why B.L.A.D.E’s doing this doesn’t matter. Not to me. I’m a forward thinker. I’ve devoted my life to the nexus program! I worked for this power! What about you? You’re just a scared little spoiled city girl who got caught in an explosion. You are asking for my motivation. My motivation is science.

Sky: That’s not enough of a motivation to kill hundreds.

Arthur: Yeah, and I don’t care.

Arthur made a bunch of diamonds appear around him. They were all green. They flew at Sky. She did the exact same thing. Tons of little diamonds smashed against each other in the air. Arthur caused a gust of wind by flying close to the diamonds. Sky was stabbed by tons of little shards. She blew them off of herself by lightning up and firing a huge blast at Arthur. He was blasted back through a truck. He stood up and coughed.

Arthur: Your power is extraordinary. But I can’t have you getting in the-

Sky flew at him and punched him in the face. She stepped over him and flew back to where her and Sunspot went to get into the underground.

Arthur: Nice right hook…

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kara took out some sort of stone.

Kara: Take my hand.

Amala: You know I don’t even have to take your hand.

Kara: Okay, it works better if you take my hand. Happy?!

Amala laughed.

Amala: I really piss you off don’t I?

Kara: You don’t bring out the best in me.

Amala: All the more reason not to grab your hand.

Kara: Stop being a dick! Let’s just go!

Kara activated the stone.

Kara: We’re going to Volantes. Come on.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Two capacity soldiers landed in the middle of the road. There was a small scale hideout of criminals. They were playing cards.

Criminal: Eh? You two want to play?

The soldiers scanned the area. No sign of emotions. They held up their hands and shot a huge blast of light at the criminals. They were instantly incinerated once hit by their blasts. Many ran for the door. But to no avail . The soldiers walked away. For a car to stop in the middle of the road and beep at them.

Rosa: Who the hell do those guys think they are?!

Rosa got out of the car.

Rosa: Hey assholes! Clear the road!

Lefty and Righty got out of the car. The soldiers fired blasts into the car. Totalling it.

Rosa: Shit...Maybe that was a bad idea.

Lefty: Don’t worry! We’ve got this!

Lefty walked up to the soldier. He nailed him in the face. As Righty punched the other in the face and grabbed him. Lefty and Righty slammed both of them together. Both of the soldiers began to light up.

Righty: Ah! Hot hot!

They both dropped them and were blasted back by them.

Lefty: Maybe this was a bad idea!

Rosa: Shit...That’s the hell Toast was talking about. We have to find Sky!

Righty: Sky! Right!

One of the soldiers flew right in front of Rosa and backhanded her into a building. They both flew off. A bunch of debris started falling above her.

Righty: Miss Gao! No!

Righty and Lefty ran across the way. But they were going to be too late. Before the debris fell. It stopped in midair.

Righty: What?

Geno was standing there. Using his powers.

Geno: Assholes! Grab her!

Righty and Lefty picked up Rosa and moved her out of the way. Geno strained and dropped the debris.

Geno: And that’s why you don’t walk or drive around in the ghetto.

Righty and Lefty shook Rosa. She was okay.

Rosa: God. That smarts...Oh. Hey Geno.

Geno: Rosa.

Rosa: Look, today’s the day. We have to find Sky.

Geno: Yeah, that’s what I was trying to do.

Rosa: Well, I guess we have no choice. Temporary truce?

Geno: Truce? For what?

Rosa: Just shake on it. I don’t like you that much. Too much of a big scary dude. I don’t know what Sky sees in you.

Geno: Ouch...Wait what?

Rosa: Come on! Let’s go!

Geno: That’s why I don’t like you! So bossy!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky landed right next to the criminal underground’s entrance. As she went into the parking garage she absorbed power from the sun. It was going to be dangerous. She entered the code she remembered Sunspot entered. She went down to the underground. She had no idea what she was going to see. She burst into the underground. She ran out frantically.

Sky: Everyone?! Are you oka-

The bar went quiet. Everyone looked at Sky, confused.

Sky: Uh…

Jules stood up and went over to Sky.

Jules: What the hell are you screamin’ about?

Sky: B.L.A.D.E is go-

The elevator dinged.

Arthur: Too bad capacity could only fit 20 of us.

Arthur walked out of the elevator. His mindless soldiers followed him. They began to shoot blasts through the bar. Many criminals jumped into action. Attacking the soldiers. The soldiers blasted the heads off of almost any criminal that came at them.

Sky: What...What the…

Jules ducked under a table with Sky. There was now a shootout. Multiple criminals with guns were battling against the might of the soldiers.

Jules: Sky! What the fuck is going on?!

Sky: I-I…

Arthur picked up the table they were hiding behind.

Arthur: You led us straight to them. You took the bait. Why did you want to save criminals anyway? Their a worthless waste of space to society!

Sky got up and pushed Arthur back. Her tears were flying upwards just like her hair.

Sky: Because society made them this way! I can see that! Maybe I’d be just like them if I spent another day with that damn collar on! It’s unfair the way you treat them!

Jules wiped Sky’s tears away.

Jules: You know, I’m a criminal because people look at me and say, “damn that’s hideous.” Nobody wants to see a metal iron woman walking around. Isn’t that right?

Arthur: It is right. You have to adjust. This is the wrong way.

Jules: Who are you to tell me what way is right and wrong?

Arthur: I’m a deity now! Who would stand before me? Who would fucking dare?!

Jules punched Arthur in the face. He lost some teeth in the process.

Jules: I thought gods don’t bleed.

Arthur fired a ton of blasts everywhere. Killing a couple metas. He fired at Jules. She ducked under his blast. Sky flew in and punched him square in the face.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kara and Amala were going up on the elevator. The same one Toast had taken.

Kara: Who knew it was this easy.

Amala leaned against the side of the elevator and looked out at the vacuum of space. She looked down at Earth.

Amala: Wow, how insignificant we are.

Kara: It truly is remarkable. I went to a planet once, actually. It was beautiful. Had hills and mountains all over the place. There was a civilization there. They were afraid of us.

Amala: Sorry. That wasn’t an invitation to share your life story. Guess it’s better if we stay quiet.

Amala and Kara went up in awkward silence for minutes. Till they made it to the ship in space. It was a small ship.

Kara: How do we get in?

Amala grabbed the double doors to the elevator and tore them open. They walked out into the testing chamber room.

Kara: So now what?

Amala: We shut this shit down.

They went to the testing tube in the middle of the room. Kara looked down. There were multiple tubes going into the testing tube.

Amala: So we tear these tubes out, right?

Kara: I guess so.

Amala went to tear the tubes out. Kara looked down at a blueprint next to the testing tube.

Kara: Amala! Wait!

Amala: How about you shut up.

Kara: Amala seriously! Stop!

Kara looked at the blueprints.

Kara: We can’t do this.

Amala: Why not? You know we have to, right? What is Sky’s dealing with those monsters right now? You know she can’t handle them!

Kara: I-I...There has to be a better way. This could kill her!

Amala: Why the fuck do you care?

Kara: I-

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky was blasted into the wall by Arthur. Jules punched Arthur in the stomach. He barley fell back and flew in the air and kneed Jules in the face. She fell back.

Arthur: Like I said. You are a worthless space of society.

Arthur made a ball of energy. He fired it into Jules’s face. Sky screamed out and flew at Arthur. But it was too late. Jules’s face was nothing but a red streak across the ground. Sky was crying now.

Sky: What the fuck is wrong with you?!

Arthur: You need to get out of my way.

Arthur kicked Sky down. He charged up a blast directly in front of her.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Amala kicked Kara down.

Amala: Stop being so selfish! You want to save the world! But you don’t even give a shit about the people in it! You care about your people and your people first! You never changed! That girl down there, she could be dead now! Because you were too late!

Amala ripped out the tubes connected to the testing tube. Capacity chemicals spilled out. Burning the floor. It flew out and burned Kara on the arm. She fell down as she was burnt. The ship began to tip, and the testing tube started to light up. As the ship turned the testing tube fell out of it’s place. One of it’s small tubes wrapped around Amala’s leg and pulled her with it. The tube fell at Kara and knocked her down. It knocked her down the elevator shaft. Kara was in between the testing tube and the top of the elevator shaft.

Kara: Ugh...Great.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

As Arthur charged his blast, he suddenly ran out of energy. So did Sky. Sky jumped up and punched Arthur in the face. She ran away. She saw the soldiers who lost their powers feel their heads. They all looked at Arthur. So did the remaining criminals.

Soldiers: You...you did this to all of us...You did this to us!

Arthur: I-I! I didn’t do this! It wasn’t me who made you this way dumbasses! It was Toa…

Arthur was dragged down by the reawakened soldiers. He was beat to death by them. The criminals aimed their guns ats the soldiers. They unloaded into them. They fell like flies.

Sky: Oh my god.

Sky nearly threw up watching it. She got in the elevator and went up. She walked out of the garage.

Sky: Oh my god…

Sky ran for it. She stopped at a building. She tried activating her powers. Nothing. She saw a limo pull up. Rosa’s limo.

Rosa: Get in!

Geno: I can’t believe you just got another limo!

Rosa: It’s what I do!

Sky: H-Hi guys, I’m sorry I couldn’t find you.

Geno: Sky, are you okay?

Sky hugged Geno.

Sky: Not really…

Rosa: Well bitch, I think I have something that’ll make you okay.

Sky: What is it, Rosa?

Rosa: Shh, I’ll show you in a second.

The car went over to an old warehouse. They went inside.

Rosa: I...uh really wish I could’ve gotten this to you before the apocalypse. But it’s better then never.

Rosa laid something on a table for everyone to see. It was a suit.

Sky: Oh my god…

Rosa: Say hello to your superhero suit Sky! I’d rather you look like a badass while kicking ass rather than like...that.

Sky’s clothes were dirty and bloody.

Sky: Yeah…

Rosa: Well, try it on.

Sky grabbed the suit. She went somewhere nobody could see her and changed.

Sky: Nobody look!

Sky put on the suit. Her spirits were raised a little. The suit was tight to her. Like spandex. She walked out into sight. The suit was white and accented with blue. At her waist there was imagery of a sun. With the sun’s rays or “points” going up throughout her suit. Around her waist she had a orange sash that blew in the wind, like a scarf. Her knees were slit open and were accented with orange. Her red shoes were the only thing that stayed the same.

Geno: Damn…

Rosa: I know, my craftsmanship skills are almost frightening.

## Day 22 - Step 1

Kara and Amala washed up on the shore. Kara got up. She snapped her bones back into place and let herself heal. Amala got up. She instantly jumped out of the water.

Amala: Did I get any in me?!

Kara coughed up some water.

Kara: Probably.

Kara dragged the testing tube onto the beach.

Kara: Uh...How long were we out?

Amala: How am I supposed to know?

Kara: Look.

Amala looked in the tube. She laughed at Kara.

Amala: You dumbass! Oh that’s amazing!

The testing tube was empty.

Kara: Ugh...Let’s go find Sky.

Amala: Hey! We stopped the capacity attack! I think it’s about time we settle this like a loving family.

Kara: What the hell is there to settle?

Amala: A thousand year old dispute.

Kara: Be honest. You just want to feel right. I can help people, inform historians with my immortality. What even are your ideals for it? It sucks and you just wish you could die? You just want to prove yourself right so you can go back to being a pile of self-pity.

Amala: Well, I’m too old to have a conscious anyway. My very human brain forgot about it...Say, how many years ago?

Kara: ...1,024 years ago.

Amala: So yeah, after I smash your head in, maybe I’ll jump off a bridge or something. I don’t know. All I know, is that you piss me off.

Kara: That’s not a very good reason for-

Amala disappeared. She phased back into existence behind Kara. Amala had a blade, which she stabbed through Kara’s back.

Kara: Free sword, can I keep it?

Kara turned around and shot at Amala. She got hit in the face and fell back. She jumped up and spat out the bullet. Kara spun her staff and hit Amala in the chest. She rolled backward and stood off against Kara.

Kara: You know I’m sorry, right?

Amala: You aren’t.

Kara: you’re right. At this point I’m tired of being sorry.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky’s phone went off. She picked it up.

Sky: Uh, whose this?

Nakano: You know who I am, Sky.

Sky: Nakano? How did you get my number?

Nakano: Doesn’t matter. What does matter is that I need your help, and you need mine.

Sky: Why do I need your help?

Nakano: Because you want to break into B.L.A.D.E tower. You’ll be able to get out Sunny. How does that sound?

Sky: Well, what’s the catch? You must want something.

Nakano: Of course! I want revenge. They need to understand that nobody messes with the Red Sun! They killed one of my own, Jules. I think I was the only one to admire her beauty. Look Sky, I admire your power. We give homes to people that don’t have them. I’m open to you joining us.

Sky: Not interested, sorry.

Nakano: Well, I have people. I will distract B.L.A.D.E security. You’ll slip in. There is a package delivered to you. Well, your little hidey-hole. You’ll find B.L.A.D.E uniforms and fake ids. You also have authorization to the 50th floor. Where he’s being held.

Sky: Did you really cover all the bases like that?

Nakano: Should’ve. You aren’t a spy anyway. So once you get to Sunspot, break him out with your power. That’s all you really need to do. This is me playing ball, being friendly. You’ll go along if you know what’s good for you.

Sky got off the phone and explained the situation to her friends.

Rosa: Does she really expect us to believe that she has our interests in mind?

Geno: I say we go for it.

Rosa: What?

Geno: We’ve got no better options. That toast dude is still at large. Sky’s grown in power, but I dunno if your powerful enough to take him out, and neither am I.

Sky: We have to try.

Sky texted Nakano. “When?”

“Whenever. We have eyes all over the place.”

Rosa opened the package sent to them.

Rosa: There’s only two here. Guess I know what this means.

Rosa handed the suits to Sky and Geno. Sky and Geno changed. Sky wore her superhero suit under her suit.

Rosa: Hey, you’d better not take that suit off.

Sky: Not until the very end.

Lefty: We should also come! We have suits too! Nobody would notice!

Rosa: You should stay back, protect me.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky and Geno went in. They scanned their fake ids. To their surprise, they were authorized in. They saw a sign go red. A bunch of guards ran past Sky and Geno.

Sky: I wonder what it looks like out there.

Geno: Not our problem, I guess. So all we do is take the elevator?

Sky: Guess so.

They got into the elevator. They were sent up to floor 50.

Geno: So this is the jail floor?

A man in a tux walked past them.

Tux man: Hey, what are you two doing here?

Sky: W-Well we were just um…

Geno: We wanted to see Sunspot’s cell. Wanted to see the show. Y’know?

Tux man: Eyy! I was just checking it out. Cell 12. Don’t waste too much time.

Geno: Yes sir.

The man in the tux walked away.

Geno sighed.

Geno: Don’t blow our cover. Come on, let’s go.

Geno and Sky went over to Sunspot’s cell. There was a camera to see what was happening inside.

Sky: Oh my god...Mateo. Oh yeah, Geno. Be careful of him. He’s kinda mad at you.

There was a guard next to the cell. He was looking at them.

Guard: Mateo? What?

Sky punched him in the face. She knocked him out.

Geno: Nice right hook.

Sky searched the guard’s pockets.

Sky: Hey, a key.

Geno: Guess we had to beat him up anyway.

Sky went to unlock the cell. A sword was stabbed through the cell’s wall. Sky jumped back. Gleeson broke through the cell. He looked down at Sky and Geno.

Emeric: We have visitors.

Sky shot a blast at Emeric. He tanked the blast.

Emeric: Sorry. But we aren’t accepting visitors right now.

Geno activated his powers. Emeric backhanded him into the wall and then roundhouse kicked him. The wall cracked. Sky used diamond CI. The diamonds chipped off of Emeric. He kicked her in the stomach. Sky put her hand to the screen next to a cell. She syphoned it’s electric energy and shot a lightning bolt into Emeric. His armor was electrified and he lost movement.

Emeric: Nice. Very creative.

His arms were immovable. But his legs were not. He kicked Sky in the stomach and then turned into a kick. Which hit her in the face. She was slammed against the wall. She tried lighting up. But Emeric hit her across the floor. The lights in the jail room turned red. All of the cells opened. Lefty and Righty were in the control room with Rosa. They went to fight Emeric.

Rosa: Hey, guys, Promise you’ll come back.

Righty: Well of course we will!

Righty came behind Emeric and got him into a chokehold.

Righty: Get Sunspot! We’ve got this one!

Sky went into Sunspot’s cell. He was sitting there. Tired.

Sky: Mateo, we have to go, now!

Sunspot: What the hell are you doing here?

Sky: Doesn’t matter, let’s go!

Rosa came out into the cells as Sky dragged Sunspot out of his cell. Geno helped him stay up. Rosa looked down the hall. Lefty and Righty were wrestling Emeric to the ground.

Lefty: We’ve got this! Complete the mission!

Emeric’s power returned. He threw both of them off of him. He took his sword and stabbed Lefty through the back as he was laying on the ground.

Rosa: No!

Rosa went to run towards her guards. Geno grabbed her hand.

Geno: We can’t face that guy! He’s too powerful!

Rosa: We can’t let them die! We can’t!

Emeric stabbed his sword through Righty’s stomach. The jail sectors began to be shutdown. Barriers were blocking off the exit. Sky flew forward. Geno held Rosa and blasted himself forward. He grabbed Sky and pulled her out as the barrier came down.

Sky: Mateo! You have to fly to get out of here! Come on!

Sunspot: I-I can’t.

Sky fired a blast at the wall. She made a hole, they looked down.

Sky: God that’s a big fall…

Geno: Hey, I can’t even fly. This is gonna suck for me.

Sky: Here, give me Rosa.

Geno handed over Rosa. Sky carried her down. Her and Sunspot flew down. As Geno got onto the side of the building and used his powers to slide down the side. They got to the bottom and began to run. B.L.A.D.E was on them. They got past a certain point and they stopped. Sky looked behind them. She put down Rosa. Who was still distraught.

Sky: Hey, they stopped!

Geno: Yeah, why did they stop?!

Sunspot: ...Look.

Professor Toast was standing behind them.

Toast: Project Nexus has given back glorious results! I thank you all for your contributions.

Toast was standing around a bunch of capacity chemicals.

Toast: I’ve been soaking this up for so long. Now it’s finally time…

Toast lit a match and threw it into the chemicals.

Toast: Now, for the last step in step 1!

The capacity chemical barrels around him exploded. Everyone shielded their eyes. Toast laughed maniacally as he walked out.

Toast: Yes! It feels great! I want all the power!

Toast blasted into Sky and hit her in the face.

Toast: Haha! Nice right hook Toast!

Toast flew forward and punched Sky again. She stopped herself and shot a bunch of diamonds into Toast. They stabbed into him. But he shrugged them off. He went above Sky and slammed her into the ground. She lit up as bright as she ever had and shot a huge blast into Toast. He went flying into the air. Sky flew above him and pushed him all the way down to the ground. She dragged him across the ground. His arm flew off and grabbed Sky by the neck. He punched her in the stomach. Geno jumped over Sky and kicked Toast in the head. He did a flip in the air and kicked him again. Sky syphoned energy from his arm and fired a lightning bolt into him. Giving Geno the chance to get in a wide stance and palm Toast in the stomach. He fell to his knees as Sky slammed him on the ground.

Sky: That’s enough, Toast. You’re done.

Toast: I...I have to end the first step. I was only a means to an end. I gladly fulfilled my role. I hope Jane applauds me.

Toast began to light up extremely bright. Blinding both Sky and Geno. They jumped back.

Sunspot: No...Everyone get back! Get back as far as you can!

Toast lit up so bright. The energy in him building up. He caused a huge explosion of light.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sky, Rosa, Geno and Sunspot were all sitting in the middle of the wasteland close to B.L.A.D.E tower. They had started a fire. They sat in silence. Sky tried to lighten the mood. She took out a new guitar. She looked up at the sun. She played a tune.

Sky:
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit

But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the Almighty
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look? Ooh
Some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fulfill the book

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Redemption songs

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind
Woah, have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time

How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fulfill the book

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever had
Redemption songs
All I ever had
Redemption songs
These songs of freedom
Songs of freedom

Geno: ...Where the hell was that all the time I knew you?

Sky: I dunno. I felt like it was time.

Sunspot and Rosa had fallen asleep.

Geno: Guess you lulled them to sleep. So uh...After all of this. How do you feel?

Sky: I uh...I hope things are going to turn out okay. I’m not certain though. There’s the nexus thing, my old self, those memories, DRU. So much I don’t know. I’m scared. To be honest.

Geno: You sing when you're scared?

Sky: Hey. I can’t be scared forever. One of these days we’ll figure this out. Maybe things will be better then.

Geno: Let’s hope so.

Sky yawned and quickly fell asleep. She fell asleep hugging Geno. Her head on his chest. He didn’t move, and repositioned himself to fall asleep.