My World, My Justice Ch. 9

-Victoria Dallon, Glory Girl-

Victoria couldn’t help but feel a mix of surprise and skepticism when her family told her about the big PRT PSA event. The director’s sudden interest in showcasing independents seemed out of character, but she wasn’t about to question a chance to boost their image—and maybe catch up with Dean.

Aunt Sarah had practically glowed at the opportunity, and even her mom had given her wholehearted approval. So here they were, most of them anyway, playing nice for the cameras.

As her aunt and Crystal handled the PR circus on stage, Victoria seized her chance. Dean was here somewhere, and she was determined to find him. They’d barely had a moment together lately, between the chaos of their hero lives, the gangs trying to ignite a war and the mundane pressures of school.

She slipped away from the limelight, though not without indulging a few fans on her way. A couple of autographs here, a selfie or two there, it wasn’t like she could just ignore her adoring public, right?

Her search led her to the newest Ward, Mapleor Kaede. She had a public identity, just like her. And the new girl was supposed to be guiding people around, but...

“Hey Maple,” Victoria called out, waving a hand to catch her attention. “What’s with the, uh...” She gestured at the small mountain of toilet paper rolls at Kaede’s feet, unable to keep the bewilderment from her voice.

Maple’s face lit up with a mixture of excitement and confusion that was uniquely her. “Oh, hi Glory Girl! Isn’t it great? Everyone’s been so nice, giving me all this toilet paper!” She scooped up an armful of rolls, beaming. “I’m not sure why, but it’s fun! Want one?”

Victoria felt a pang of sympathy mixed with secondhand embarrassment. She knew all too well about the mocking behind this ‘generosity‘, but Kaede’s genuine joy was hard to burst.

“That’s... really something, Maple,” Victoria managed, forcing a smile. “Listen, have you seen Gallant around? I heard he was here today.”

“Gallant? Oh!” Kaede’s eyes widened as if remembering something important. She promptly dropped all the toilet paper, sending rolls bouncing everywhere. “Oops! Um, he went that way!” She pointed enthusiastically towards a blue tent marked with the PRT logo and ‘Authorized Personnel Only’. “To the secret tent! At least, I think it’s secret. Should I have said that? Oh, well!”

Victoria couldn’t help but chuckle. “Thanks, Maple. You’re a real... character, you know that?”

“Aw, thanks!” Kaede beamed, already distracted by trying to gather up the scattered toilet paper. “Have fun with your boyfriend! Oh, was that a secret too?”

“Not exactly,” Victoria said, already turning to leave. “See you around, Maple. Try not to get tangled up in all that, okay?”

“Okay!” 

Victoria shook her head, amused, and made her way to the tent.

She stepped into the tent and immediately froze, her jaw dropping at the sight before her. Mountains of toilet paper rolls filled the entire space, forming towers and pyramids that seemed to mock the very concept of dignity.

In the center of this papier-mâché nightmare sat Gallant and Vista on plastic chairs, their heads hanging so low they might as well have been inspecting their shoes. The metaphorical storm cloud above them was almost visible, and Victoria could practically taste the despair in the air.

“Hey, you two,” she called out, trying to inject some life into her voice. “The party’s outside, you know.” But her words might as well have been aimed at statues; neither cape so much as blinked.

She felt a pang of sympathy. The one-sided loss against the Toiletnator had clearly done a number on their self-esteem, and the public’s reaction hadn’t helped. She hadn’t realized people would be so... dedicated to rubbing that loss in their faces. The images of Dean and Vista trapped in giant balls of toilet paper had spread like wildfire, turning them into laughingstocks in the cape community. Unlike the oblivious Maple, these two were acutely aware of their newfound infamy.

She would probably feel just as awful if she got beaten that badly by a joke villain or how she’d handle being on the receiving end of such humiliation.

“Well, well, if it isn’t our knight in shining aura,” a familiar voice quipped from behind a leaning tower of rolls. Clockblocker stepped into view, his mask somehow conveying both amusement and concern. “Come to rescue our fallen comrades from the depths of despair? Or just to add to our impressive paper mache collection?”

Victoria rolled her eyes. “Very funny. What’s the situation here?”

Clockblocker gestured dramatically at the catatonic heroes. “Behold, the aftermath of the Great Toiletnator Tragedy of 2011. Our brave warriors, felled not by villain most foul, but by the cruel laughter of the masses.” He paused, then added in a more serious tone, “Shadow Stalker’s been having a field day on PHO. Let’s just say she’s not exactly team morale officer material.”

“That bi—” Victoria cut herself off, her aura flaring for a moment before she reined it in. “Of course she is.“ she finished, grinding her teeth.

Clockblocker nodded sagely. “Indeed. Though I must say, the memes are quite impressive. Did you see the one where they photoshopped Vista’s head onto a roll of—”

She just shot him a very unamused look.

“Right, right. Too soon. My bad.” He held up his hands in mock surrender. “So, Glorious One, any ideas on how to pull these two out of their funk? Because I’ve tried everything short of literally freezing them in time and hoping they snap out of it when they unfreeze.”

Well, she was his girlfriend, even with their regularly break ups. So, obviously, she would try to come up with a way to cheer him up and rebuild his shattered self-esteem, along with Vista’s.

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

-Daniel, True Might-

I went to the event since I gave my word.

What I didn’t expect was to be swarmed by media vultures, like I’m some A-list celebrity or scandalous politician. It’s as if they were lying in wait for me, which earns me more than a few envious glares from the other capes.

Armsmaster, even with that fancy helmet of his, can’t hide his jealousy even if he tries.

After the barrage of questions, it’s pretty clear why I’m suddenly the golden boy. Despite being fresh meat on the cape scene, I’d crushed Earthshard—one of the Empire’s heavy hitters—and shrugged off Purity’s light show like it was a cheap firework. And she’s supposed to be second only to Legend in raw power.

Plus, shocker of shockers, most of the city hates Neo-Nazis. Especially the African-American and Hispanic communities, you know, the Empire’s favorite targets. So watching one of their superior capes get brutally beaten? It was cathartic.

With something like that, impossible to jump into fame and being the talk, which yeah. My efforts paid off big time.

Which, of course, I enjoyed by letting the cameras have a field day with me and striking a lot more poses because the PRT, which didn’t come as a surprise in the slightest, strictly controlled if not banned interviews.

The event itself is your standard fare. Downtown park, food stands, souvenir tents, the works. There’s a main stage that looks like it was built for a small rock concert, with a few smaller platforms scattered around. Given it’s a PSA thing, I’ve got a pretty good idea what kind of very simple or dumbed down shows they’ve got lined up.

I’ve got my own list of PRT-approved talking points, which—surprise, surprise—sound just like the crap I usually spout. I’m pretty far down the lineup, so I’ve got time to kill.

I crumble the pamphlet and toss it away before I wander over to one of the smaller stages just in time to catch “Captain Tooth Decay” terrorizing a bunch of kids. He’s cackling like a discount movie villain when “Knightbrace” swoops in to save the day. After an overly dramatic battle, Knightbrace launches into a lecture on proper dental hygiene. 

Dumb but adorable.

Bored out of my skull, I decide to liven things up. I casually stroll over to a PRT truck and hoist it over my head with one hand. The crowd goes wild, phones out, capturing every second.

The PRT agents? Not so thrilled. 

Which in turn made me happy cause it was funny to see their faces.

But I quickly lose interest in them and focus on the crowd and my eyes quickly spot a little boy, who can’t be more than eight, staring at me with wide eyes of admiration. Perfect.

“I spot a young justice seeker!” I boom, pointing at the kid. “Care to test your flames of justice against my glorious justice?”

The kid’s face lights up like Christmas morning as I pick up a nearby table and chairs and sit down for an arm-wrestling match. 

I make a big show of straining against his tiny arm, letting him slowly push me back with all the strength he could muster. The crowd’s eating it up though, cheering the kid on.

Finally, I let my hand hit the table with a dramatic thud.

“BY LADY JUSTICE!” I bellow, looking very shocked. “YOUNG HERO, YOUR MIGHT IS UNMATCHED! TRULY, THE TORCH OF JUSTICE BURNS BRIGHTER IN YOUR GRASP THAN IT EVER HAS IN MINE!”

The kid pumps his fists in the air, absolutely ecstatic. “DID YOU SEE THAT?” he screams, bouncing with excitement. “I beat a real hero! I’M THE STRONGEST!”

And the crowd gives him a round of applause.

As he runs back to his smiling parents who congratulate him, I can’t help but grin behind my mask. Sure, it’s all an act, but making a kid’s day? Definitely worth it.

As the kid’s excited shouts fade into the crowd, I notice a few more children eyeing me hopefully. Well… why not? I’ve got time to kill before it’s my turn on the stage.

“Who else dares to prove the shining path of justice against True Might?” I ask out loud, striking a dramatic pose. “Step forward, young heroes-in-training!”

And immediately a line forms up.

I spend the next half hour “losing” arm wrestling matches to kids of all ages, each time hamming it up more than the last. By the time I “lose” to a tiny girl with pigtails, I’m sprawled on the ground, pretending to be knocked out.

“SO MUCH JUSTICE IN YOUR HEARTS!” I groan, one arm flung over my eyes. “TRULY, THE NEXT GENERATION OF HEROES IS HERE!”

The kids are loving it, their laughter echoing across the park. Parents snap photos left and right, as more people are forming around. Pretty much stealing the spotlight, although the PRT quickly comes to disperse the crowd and redirects them to other parts.

No wonder they aren’t that much liked or that the reputation is on the floor.

As I pick myself up, dusting off my costume, I catch sight of Lady Photon approaching. And she looks pretty amused.

“You’ve got quite a way with the kids,” she says with a smile. “It’s refreshing to see.”

I give enthusiasm before extending an open hand. She takes it in a firm handshake, and she sure has a good grip.

“Well met, noble Lady Photon!” I boom, trying and failing to suppress the cringe. “Together, we shall guide these young colts on the path of justice!”

I mentally sigh. And here I was, actually enjoying myself for a moment. Back to the show, I guess.

Lady Photon’s lips quirk into a small smile, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen people this... energized. You’ve really lifted their spirits.”

“Of course! It’s our sacred duty as heroes!” I exclaim. “To bring light to the darkness, to help people find their wings and soar above their troubles!”

Lady Photon tilts her head, as if she is studying me. “You’re certainly... committed to your image. It’s admirable, in a way. But don’t forget to take care of yourself too. This life... it can wear you down if you’re not careful.”

This would be one of those special moments where I break character to have a serious moment, but sadly, it’s literally impossible for me.

“Fear not, Lady Photon!” I declare, my voice resonating with conviction. “For my dedication to justice is as boundless as the open sky! No stone will be left unturned until all villains face the mighty hammer of justice.”

Lady Photon’s expression softens slightly, a hint of maternal concern creeping into her voice. “Just remember, it’s okay to come back down to earth sometimes. We all need to catch our breath now and then.”

I give her a thumbs up, internally rolling my eyes at my own ridiculous response. “Your wisdom shines as brightly as your powers, Lady Photon! Rest assured, this paragon of justice knows when to stable the mighty steed of my glorious crusade!”

She chuckles, shaking her head, a mix of amusement and exasperation in her eyes. “Well, at least you’ve got the spirit. Listen, True Might, I actually came over to talk about your fights, especially your victory against the Empire. It isn’t a bad thing, but you’ve stirred up quite a hornet’s nest. They don’t like taking insults. It’s possible they might retaliate in force.”

Hah, worried about me. I can appreciate the sentiment, but the Empire can’t really do much against me.

“Fear not!” I declare, hamming it up to eleven. “With the virtue of justice...” I raise my right fist. “And the integrity of the creed!” I raise my left fist before flexing my muscles. “No evildoer shall ever bring harm upon this body blessed by Lady Justice!”

Really, brain? Really?!

Her expression turns serious, her eyes searching mine. “I see you’re set in your ways. That’s a good trait to have. But in case you need any help, you can always count on New Wave to back you up.” She hands me a small card with a number.

Oh, is this a recruitment pitch?

Well, I might fit with their family-friendly reputation. Or maybe they want to recruit the rising stars to save their stagnating career?

Either way, I want to be independent and solo for now.

“I will cherish this token of gratuity, friend Lady Photon!” I thump my chest with a fist, feeling mentally exhausted by my own voice.

“My name is Sarah,” she says with a warm chuckle, though there’s a hint of something else in her eyes. “I’ll see you around. And stay safe out there.”

As Sarah walks away, I notice the crowd starting to shift towards the main stage. Suddenly, a frantic worker comes running towards me, waving her arms like she’s trying to land a plane.

Oh, I guess it’s my turn to enter the stage.

And I don’t know what to say... I should have bought that Performance Talent from the company. But with this speech of mine, I should do well enough.

“Where were you?!” the worker hisses, panic evident in her eyes. “Did you at least read the script in your pamphlet?!”

I merely blink. Wait, that pamphlet actually had the stuff I needed to memorize?

The worker’s face falls as she realizes I’m completely unprepared. “Okay, okay, we can delay this a little. Please read this quickly,” she says, shoving a crumpled sheet of paper into my hands. “It’s a very simple play. The others are ready.”

Wait, I’m performing in a play? Shouldn’t this have at least one rehearsal?!

She starts pushing me towards the stage and failing.  I don't want to do something stupid, I want to keep some dignity here!

However, my phone rang with another loud notification.

New mission alert!

Dressed to impress

The first impression is always the most important as your first public appearance, but there is nothing stopping you for a second, third or fourth. EVERYONE deserves a good show, don’t they?

 Rewards:

-Based on how well you perform.

Failure to comply:

-Even MORE crippling cape speech.

Very well woman, lead the way!

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

As the fake smoke billows across the stage, I watch a man in tacky orange clothes, clown-sized shoes, and a ridiculous giant cigar hat stumble into the spotlight.

“WAAAAA IT’S NICK O’TEEN!” “BOOOOOOOOOOO!”

The kids shout, jeering at the cartoonish villain. 

“Hehehehe, hello kids,” the actor cackles in the most over-the-top evil voice imaginable. “I’ve brought an amazing gift for all of you!” He pulls out a comically large cigarette package, offering it to the audience. “C’mon kids, if you want to grow up fast, take one of theseeeeee. Muhahahahaha!”

He even used the ‘Muahahaha‘ laugh. No wonder the PRT picked me for this gig. 

The kids boo even louder, their righteous indignation rising to a fever pitch.

“That’s your cue, go!” The worker whispers to me loudly, giving me a not-so-gentle shove.

Welp, show time. 

I stride onto the stage, puffing out my chest and striking my most heroic pose that comes to head. “HALT, EVILDOER!” I bellow, my voice echoing through the park. “YOUR NEFARIOUS SCHEME ENDS HERE!”

Nick O’Teen whirls around, his face twisting into a very exaggerated surprise expression. “Oh, no! It’s True Might! Kids, quick, take a cigarette puff before he stops me!”

I leap forward, careful not to actually hurt the poor actor as I ‘fight’ him. “CITIZENS OF BROCKTON BAY, FEAR NOT! FOR THE LUNGS OF JUSTICE SHALL NOT BE TAINTED BY THE FOUL STENCH OF VILLAINY!”

I grab Nick O’Teen by his garish collar, shaking him firmly but carefully. A cascade of prop cigarettes rains down from his costume, eliciting wild cheers from the crowd. When the last cigarette falls, I release him, letting him crumple to the floor in an overly dramatic heap.

Nick O’Teen scowls up at me, his painted-on frown almost comical. “Curse you, True Might!” he snarls, crawling away before leaping to his feet with surprising agility. “You won’t stop me this time! For I am not alone in my nefarious plan!”

He gestures grandly toward the other side of the stage. “Behold, my dastardly allies have arrived!”

More smoke billows across the stage, and a figure emerges from the haze.

“BOOZEHOUND!” Nick O’Teen announces with villainous glee.

A man lumbers onto the stage, his costume a bizarre amalgamation of beer barrels forming a crude armor. A comically large bottle symbol is emblazoned on his chest piece. The kids boo and jeer, their enthusiasm for my performance growing.

“AND DOPEY DAN!”

From the smoke leaps a man in a skin-tight suit covered in swirling, psychedelic patterns. He brandishes an oversized, cartoonishly dirty syringe. The kids’ boos reach a fever pitch.

“AND TOGETHER,” Nick O’Teen declares, “WE FORM THE VICE SQUAD!”

The trio strikes an over-the-top evil pose as fake fireworks explode behind them, showering the stage in sparks and smoke.

I have to hand it to these guys - they really went all out with the costumes and effects. It’s almost enough to make me forget how ridiculous this whole situation is. Almost.

“GASP!” I exclaim, making sure my shock is audible to the back row. “THE NEFARIOUS VICE SQUAD! YOUR EVIL KNOWS NO BOUNDS!”

I strike another heroic pose, fists on my hips, chest puffed out. “BUT KNOW THIS, VILLAINS! YOUR ATTEMPT TO CORRUPT THE YOUTH OF BROCKTON BAY SHALL FAIL!”

Boozehound stumbles forward, pretending to be drunk. “*Hic You can’t shtop ush, True Might! We’ll make sure hic* every kid in the city getsh a taste of our evil vices!”

Dopey Dan waves his comically large syringe. “Yeah, man! Once we’re done, they’ll all be trippin’ like us!”

I shake my head dramatically. “YOU UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF HEALTHY CHOICES!” I break my pose and raise my fists. “BEHOLD, THE STRENGTH OF A HERO WHO SAYS NEVER SAY YES TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL!”

But first I face the audience, my voice dropping to a stage whisper. “Young citizens, will you stand with me against this tide of temptation?”

The kids roar their approval, along with their parents, and I turn back to face the ‘Vice Squad.’

“YOU HEAR THAT, VILLAINS? THE VOICE OF BROCKTON BAY’S FUTURE SPEAKS, AND IT SAYS...” I pause for dramatic effect, then thrust my fist skyward. “NO TO VICES, YES TO JUSTICE!”

With movements that would make a professional wrestler proud, I launch into ‘battle’ against the Vice Squad. My exaggerated punches and kicks never actually connect, but the actors sell every blow like they’re auditioning for a summer blockbuster.

I square off against Boozehound first, my voice booming across the stage. “YOUR INTOXICATING INFLUENCE ENDS HERE, FIEND!” With a careful move, I ‘rip’ the beer barrel armor off his chest. A shower of colorful, empty plastic cups rains down on the audience, who snatch them out of the air with glee.

Next, I turn to Dopey Dan. “AND YOU, PUSHER OF POISON! FEEL THE STING OF SOBRIETY!” I grab his comically large syringe, making a show of straining against its ‘weight’ before snapping it in half with my ‘super strength’ and the crowd goes wild.

Finally, I face Nick O’Teen once more. “AND AS FOR YOU, MERCHANT OF LUNG DESTRUCTION...” I grab him by his ridiculous collar, lifting him off his feet. “IF YOU WANT TO GO UP FAST… TAKE ONE OF THESE!” With a theatrical spin, I send him ‘flying’ across the stage.

And so the nefarious Vice Squad lies defeated, groaning dramatically as they crawl off stage. I stand tall, hands on my hips, surveying my handiwork.

“CITIZENS OF BROCKTON BAY!” I announce, my voice filled with triumphant cheese. “THE DAY IS SAVED, BUT THE BATTLE AGAINST THESE VICES NEVER ENDS! WILL YOU JOIN ME IN STAYING STRONG, STAYING HEALTHY, AND STAYING HEROIC?”

The crowd erupts in cheers, kids jumping up and down with excitement.

It’s ridiculous, sure, but seeing these kids so fired up about making good choices? I can’t say I don’t enjoy this. Just like that impromptu PSA I gave to those other kids a few days ago. So I keep my megawatt smile plastered on and wave at the crowd, basking in their applause and cheering.

For a moment, I almost forget that we’re living in Earth-Bet, a world that’s basically grim-dark incarnate, existing on borrowed time. But hey... small details, right?

As I continue my heroic posturing, my eyes catch sight of a Japanese person who sticks out like a sore thumb in the crowd.

How do I know this person is Japanese? Simple. 

They’re wearing the most cliché ‘incognito’ outfit I’ve ever seen outside of the media: a long raincoat, oversized bucket hat, sunglasses, and a face mask. It’s like they walked straight out of a comic panel.

Wait, a minute....

I look closer, taking in the muscular build barely hidden by the coat and the unmistakable rabbit-ear-like tufts of hair peeking out from under the hat. No way, that’s Mirko.

She looks so out of place, trying to blend in with all the subtlety of a neon sign. It’s... adorable, really. Sneaking into a cheesy PSA event like some kind of overeager fan.

I wonder why she is here.

For a moment, I’m tempted to call her out, to see how she’d react. 

But the manager on stage is quietly shouting me to leave the stage waving his clipboard.

“CITIZENS OF BROCKTON BAY!” I shout, addressing the cheering crowd one last time. “REMEMBER! A TRUE HERO KEEPS THEIR BODY AND MIND CLEAN AND HEALTHY! BECAUSE ONLY TOGETHER JUSTICE SHALL PREVAIL AGAINST THE FORCES OF EVIL!”

And so I leave the stage, leaving behind a loud round of applause and whistling.

And also the worker are clapping including the support actors.

Although the ringing of my phone gets most of my attention which I quickly pull out to check.

Mission Complete!

• Impress the city populace

• Impress Lady Photon

• Give Emily Piggot a headache

Rewards:

• 3 credits

• Maintain the same level of crippling cape speech lmao

 Okay, fuck you for that one.

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

-Emily Piggot-

Emily Piggot’s scowl deepened as she surveyed the hero PSA event from her vantage point. The whole spectacle was nothing more than a waste of time and resources in her eyes—just another opportunity for those narcissistic capes to flex their muscles and stroke their fragile egos.

While the city was distracted by this pageantry, she knew the gangs were likely using this time to plan their next move or carry out their illicit activities. Yet, her phone remained frustratingly silent. No reports of suspicious activities had come in, which only made her more uneasy.

The PSA event had only been green-lit because it was a direct order from the Chief Director herself. Otherwise, Emily would have consigned the idea to the trash without a second thought. Despite being allocated ample resources and additional personnel to organize it, she remained baffled as to why this circus had been thrust upon her. Not that it changed her opinion of the whole affair.

One detail, however, grated on her nerves more than anything else: she had been forced to invite the new walking disaster in town. Emily had vehemently opposed this decision, recognizing that it would only embolden that reckless idiot and send the wrong message to the populace. It was practically an endorsement to the city’s independent capes and potential new triggers who foolishly believe they know better than them.

His latest “heroic” escapade had left an entire city street in ruins, and he had the gall to dump all the reconstruction efforts on them. Even with access to Tinker teams for restoration, they couldn’t afford to deploy them at every turn just to clean up after some loose cannon.

Despite her objections, she had been told to fall in line, and she had to acquiesce, much to her chagrin. The Chief Director had turned a blind eye to the fact that the brute’s actions had provoked the Empire into launching more attacks on ABB territory in a desperate bid to save face, which resulted in more casualties, both criminals and civilians.

There was, however, a sliver of satisfaction in all this chaos. The reckless attack had been a resounding slap in the face to Kaiser and his band of neo-Nazi thugs. Their so-called Übermensch despised them, so at least some good had come from that debacle.

Emily’s brooding was interrupted by the shrill ring of her phone. She glowered at the device before answering, already bracing herself for more bad news.

“Director,” came the nervous voice of one of her subordinates. “We’ve got a situation.”

Emily’s jaw clenched. “Spit it out. What’s gone wrong now?”

“The Case 53 effigy, ma’am. It’s... it’s been stolen.”

There was a moment of deadly silence as Emily processed this information.

“Run that by me again,” she gripped her phone tightly.

She could hear her subordinate gulping before continuing. “The transport vehicle was… broken in. The containment unit with the Case 53 effigy is gone.”

Emily pinched the bridge of her nose, a headache already forming behind her eyes. She took a deep breath before responding.. “I want every available agent in that district to turn every stone. Find that effigy, and find it yesterday. Is that understood?”

“Yes, ma’am. R-right away, Director!”

“And Johnson?” 

“Yes, Director?”

“When this is over, we’re going to have a long chat about transport security protocols.”

“...Understood, ma’am.”

Now, on top of everything else, they had to deal with another Case 53 on the loose in Brockton Bay. 

She truly hated her life and this cursed city.

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

Bonus Scene: Actions have stingy consequences.

-Lisa Wilbourn, Tattletale-

Coil’s unnerving silence had stretched over the past couple of days, a double-edged sword that Lisa couldn’t help but think about quite frequently. On one hand, it bought her enough time to craft a good excuse for her failure to extract information from the new guy. On the other hand, it was nerve-wracking, as she didn’t know what the snake bastard was planning.

Lisa’s lips thinned as she remembered how shockingly useless her power came to be against the new cape. Not even a whisper of data beyond what her own eyes could already see. It was like trying to read a blank page. It would have been preferred if she got a jumbled mess instead of nothing, and the frustration gnawed at her.

What truly unsettled her, though, was how the blonde guy had sensed her probing. That awareness spoke of either preparation or an innate ability to detect thinker powers. Either option spelled trouble for her.

At least the idiot seemed to lean towards the more heroic goodie-two-shoes side. Small mercies, she supposed, because she also saw how brutal he could be against villain affiliated capes.

The lack of jobs left the Undersiders in a state of restless boredom, confined to their hideout like playing games or sleeping while waiting for their next payday. While it was too soon, Lisa knew that if the situation kept the same, someone would do something, either Rachel or Alec. Mostly Alec because he was a prick.

Turning back to her computer, Lisa scrolled through publicly available images and the other she was able to take while undercover. But that only caused her frustration to mount. Every covert picture taken of True Might resulted in a useless, blurred mess. While the others were of HD quality, she couldn’t extract anything from them as well. It was as if the universe itself conspired against her and made her fail.

It was impossible to not suspect something else was at play.

The loud bang of the hideout’s door being kicked open jerked Lisa from her thoughts, her hand instinctively moving towards the gun hidden under her desk. She relaxed marginally as Alec and Brian strode in, still in costume, but the sight of the PRT-branded strongbox soured her mood.

Regent’s eyes found hers, and she knew that his smirk was growing wider beneath his mask. 

Alec feeling smug. Broke into a PRT vehicle. Stole cargo deliberately to provoke you. Aware of new rules, chose to ignore them. Seeking reaction, because it would be hilarious.

Knows you’ve figured it out. Waiting for your reaction..

Figures.

The PRT’s incompetence was legendary, but she knew better than to underestimate them. Sooner or later, they’d either break their own rules for payback or sic one of Brockton Bay’s numerous independent capes on them. Neither option was appealing.

She fixed Brian with a pointed look. “Why did you help him?”

Brian let out a weary sigh. “He’d already smashed the window before I could stop him. Had to think fast.”

Brian is frustrated with Regent’s impulsiveness. Used darkness to cover their tracks, and hopefully blind the cameras. Carried Alec during the escape. Confident they weren’t seen or followed.

At least he had the sense to clean up after Alec’s mess. Small mercies again.

Alec sauntered over, dropping the strongbox on the table with a loud thunk before taking off his mask, revealing that smirk firmly in place.

“What’s that?” Rachel’s gruff voice cut through the tension as she emerged from her room, likely drawn by the noise.

“No clue,” Alec grinned, twirling his scepter. “But it’s gotta be good if the PRT was hauling it around.”

Before Lisa could react, Alec brought the scepter down hard, cracking the lock open.

“Goddammit, Alec!” Lisa hissed, shoving past him to inspect the box for any hidden security measures. Finding none, she shot him a venomous glare. “Are you trying to get us killed?”

Alec just shrugged, still grinning.

Lisa bit back a retort, focusing instead on the box and then its content. She carefully lifted the lid to reveal a wooden carving nestled on a red pillow.

Rachel peered over her shoulder. “Is that a wooden toy?”

“Decoy, maybe?” Brian suggested, leaning in for a closer look. “Seemed too obvious to be anything important.”

PRT involvement suggests parahuman connection. Possible power-imbued object?

Lisa didn’t think so. There were better ways to set baits.

However, she noticed Alec’s hand reaching for the effigy.

She slapped his hand away before snatching the effigy for a closer look, her fingers tracing over its rough edges. Despite its shoddy craftsmanship, she scrutinized every inch, searching for hidden tech or alterations.

After a frustrating minute, she came up empty. It was just... junk. Recent junk at that, ruling out any historical significance.

Why would the PRT even carry something like that in a safe box?

In a fit of annoyance, she hurled the effigy at Alec, who blocked it easily.

Not upset about worthless loot. Satisfaction from provoking you. Mission accomplished in his eyes.

However, the lights in the room began to flicker wildly. Everyone tensed and exchanged looks. Suddenly, an eerie purple smoke started seeping from the floor, filling the room with an alarming speed.

“You fucking idiot!” Lisa shouted at Alec, her anger momentarily overshadowed by the potential threat that the idiot invited to their hideout.

Her team fell into defensive stances, ready to face whatever was about to emerge from this unnatural fog as they couldn’t escape, as the fog also blocked the door.

But before anyone could act, a powerful gust of wind whipped through the room, gathering the smoke towards a single point–the discarded effigy.

She focused her power as the smoke coalesced into a humanoid shape, slowly rising from the floor.

“Those who dare to rouse me from my serene slumber and pilfer the belongings of others without their explicit permission….” 

An ominous voice reverberated through the room, setting everyone on edge.

“Shall incur the stingy wrath of…. COUNT SPANKULOT!”

The smoke dissipated, the lights stabilized, and there before them stood... a tall, pale man in a bargain-bin vampire costume, complete with a ridiculous cowlick.

Not really a vampire or a count. Enraged. Case 53, imprisoned in effigy by PRT. Intends to administer a thorough spanking to us and all ‘naughty’ individuals worldwide.

Wait what?

Before she could even process the absurdity of what was happening, the garbage-bin vampire’s long hands shot out and seized the collar of her costume, forcefully pulling her towards him with a startled yelp.

She stumbled and ended up bent over his lap.

She quickly looked over her shoulder and saw his hand raise high in the air before swiftly bringing it down.

Oh, you have to be kidding me!

“W-Wait! Ouch! Ow!”

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AN: The Undersiders have been naughty teens.

Also that scene was inspired by the british PSA commercial but expanding upon it. I have to thank the guy who posted it on the QQ forums. Wouldn’t have occurred to me otherwise.