by Drew Hayes
Now that kicked Tori back a few mental feet. “Hang on, there are worlds where Lodestar dies?”
“Of course not. In so far as we were able to detect, no one has ever successfully killed a Lodestar. But the power is a mantle. A mask, like the ones we wear. Lodestar never dies; however, the person filling that role is vulnerable. If she goes too far into her own power, or loses her will to fight, there’s no way back. It moves on, shifting the mantle to a new wielder. Like if your meta-suit could find a new wearer after you had a heart attack in battle.”
“Sounds terrifying,” Tori admitted.
Ivan nodded. “Which is why I would greatly prefer not to directly cause the death of the current Lodestar, the woman who helped me gain my freedom and my family. One of the many reasons I place such emphasis on self-control. Lessons my apprentice took well, based on her performance tonight.”
For the first time in several minutes, Tori touched the beer to her lips. She’d wanted something to think about besides her kidnapping, and on that front, Ivan had more than delivered. Bad as her own upbringing had been, she at least hadn’t been locked away and forced to kill for survival. The memories of Deacon still kept flickering to the surface, but they weren’t as powerful now that Tori knew it was okay to be rattled. Even Ivan still visibly felt the weight of his first kill, and she certainly wasn’t going to fare better than someone who’d had decades to deal with it any time soon.
“Thanks. For the compliment, for sharing, and for never letting me feel like I was in there alone. My big question now is: what’s next? I can’t go back to being another face in the crowd, not for a while, if ever. But I don’t want to run and hide here on the island, either.”
“Let me ask you this: if there was no fame or kidnapping to deal with, where would you be?”
“Work. Or barring that, home with my friends. Maybe working on my suit—though honestly, this last day has me thinking that it might be time to break ground on some new tech. Things that are portable, that I can carry with me at all times, just in case... of... huh.” Abruptly, Tori stood from the table. “I actually think I know what I want to do. Can you get me a meeting with Wade in a couple of days or so? And yes, I used that name on purpose.”
“That’ll be up to Wade’s schedule, but you’ll get an audience when he has a window,” Ivan said. “Dare I ask what sort of idea you’re pondering?”
It was Tori’s turn to smile, though hers was more mischievous than terrifying. “I think I just hit on a way to turn this kind of fame into an opportunity. Figured it was only right I give our leader the first bite at the apple.”
Chapter 38
For the most part, it was a quiet drive home. Tori had spent a few hours at the volcano lair, taking advantage of the privacy and lack of distractions to work on some initial designs and inquire into material availability. The guild’s network of underground suppliers had been diminished by their public outing, but not wiped out completely. While some of the more exotic components might take a bit, there was plenty to get started on what she considered the more simplistic options.
By the time Tori crossed back over to Ridge City via the country club and caught a car back to her apartment, it was the dead of night. Even the bars were closed as they rolled along the quiet streets. Tori watched the light posts go by, ignoring her body’s desire to shiver when they passed isolated stretches. She wouldn’t give this new fear any purchase. Her life was too dangerous to be afraid of something as simple as walking down the street. It helped to remind herself that, if she’d been willing to accept the consequences, escape had always been an option. Next time, she wouldn’t have to make that choice, though. Next time, she’d be ready as Tori.
As the car pulled up, she noticed a figure waiting in the shadows not far from her building. Too public for a fellow villain, oddly shadowy for a cape. Maybe someone had decided to take a run at her already, while she was a hot commodity? Tori expected to feel no more than exhausted at the proposition, but an ember of rage quickly took light. This shit was not going to fly, and if she’d learned anything from the guild, it was the importance of sending a message. Maybe some broken bones and pulped testicles would give the next dipshit pause.
No sooner was she out of the car than the figure was moving, however. The shock of copper hair gave away the surprise seconds before she reared back for a punch.
“Fucking hell, Donald! I thought you were another damn kidnapper.”
“So you were coming toward me?” Donald emerged fully into the light, clad in his old civilian clothes. Slacks and a wrinkled plaid button-down made him look like the easier nighttime target. Once upon a time, that would have been an accurate impression, too, but months with the AHC had affected Donald. From the width of his shoulders to the way he stood straighter, being a cape was changing him. Into what, Tori suspected she’d have to wait to find out.
“Sorry, I’m not here to scold. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. And that you got home safe. And to say that I’m... I’m sorry, Tori. You’re my friend, you helped me when I needed it most, and I couldn’t be there to return the favor.”
Occasionally, she wondered if it was wise, having a friend on the other side of the line. Donald was a liability, someone who could turn on her once he learned the truth. The more she saw of Fornax and Lodestar’s odd dynamic, the more Tori had begun to suspect that these things might be inevitable. Ultimately, it didn’t really matter. Donald was her friend, and even if this appearance was creepy as shit, it obviously came from a place of concern.
“Hey, buddy, little perspective: the motherfucking Alliance of Heroic Champions, including all three members of the Champions’ Congress, worked together to save me as fast as they were physically able. I know you’re having a good debut year, but in no way do I hold you to a higher standard than Quorum or Professor Quantum.” Tori crossed the rest of the distance between them, gently taking his hand. “No one expects you to save the world yet, Donald. Just keep doing the best you can with the power you’ve got. That’s all anyone has the right to ask.”
He met her eyes for a long moment before glancing away. “Sweet lord. I came out here to apologize, scared you instead, and now you’re comforting me after a day of being kidnapped.” Donald sighed, shaking off some of his reticence. “I wanted to tell you not to worry, that we’re going to make sure you’re covered—not just at home. We’ll—”
“Hard pass.” Tori cut him off, but didn’t let go of his hand quite yet. She didn’t know how it would go over, but she could always elevate to a firm sell if the amiable approach failed. “Donald, for a multitude of reasons, some of which will become clear soon, it is vital that the AHC not put a protective detail on me. The New Science Sentries can stay, since they’re already moved in and I don’t hate the idea of our home being protected, but in no way, shape, or form do I want capes on my tail every time I leave the house.”
“Tori... you’re a target now. You’re famous. Even if it won’t actually hurt the AHC, there are people who will go after you because they think it makes us look bad. I’m not trying to scare you more; I just want you to understand that it’s dangerous. You’ll need protection.”
“I’ll have it.” Tori released Donald’s hand, jamming her index finger into his chest. “But not from the Champions’ Congress, not from the normal patrol capes, and yes, Donald, not from you. This is my life, and if the AHC can’t respect that, then you’re not giving me much more agency than those kidnappers did.”
Though Donald looked like he’d been slapped, he made no counterargument. “I don’t want to force myself into your life. If that’s how you feel, I’ll stay away. I’m sorry, I just wanted to make sure you were safe.”
Before he could turn, Tori grabbed his shoulder. “Hang on there, drama king. Cyber Geek doesn’t have permission to tail me, but my friend Donald is still welcome to come around. Just call first, and leave the shadow skulking to the criminals. Do pass what I said on to the capes. I’m serious about that.”
Despite smiling as she stopped him, Donald’s smirk faltered at her order. “I’ll pass the word along. But... well, I don’t really have the authority to tell everyone else what to do.”
“That’s fine. I have plans if it comes to that. So long as you can respect the boundaries, I don’t hold you accountable for whatever else the AHC does.” Tori dearly hoped Donald remembered that sentiment if the tables were ever turned and he learned about her organizational ties. “In fact, let’s do lunch next week. By then, I might have something fun to show you. Until then, I think one of us has a city to save.”
It didn’t escape Tori’s notice that Donald hung around on the street until she was through the door, but he was gone by the time she looked out the window again, so they seemed to have reached an understanding. Tori was feeling quite pleased with herself as she ascended the stairs, mentally replaying the conversation and unable to catch any major slip-ups or reveals.
Her good mood evaporated as she arrived on her floor to find Kyle leaning against the stairwell, a pile of empty test tubes accumulated by his side. His eyes were fluttering open as she put her last foot onto the wooden floor, the creaks calling Kyle out of slumber’s clutches.
“Hrugh?” Kyle shook his head, slowly moving to stand. For her part, Tori kept on walking, making a beeline for her apartment. She felt like she’d made good progress, only to hear her name from a few feet away. Damn speedsters. “Tori? Tori!”
“Oh holy fuck, I do not have the energy to do this twice.” She whirled around, catching Kyle by surprise. “It’s fine that you didn’t protect me; that’s not your real job, and we both know it. I don’t care that you weren’t there at the rescue; nobody was going to do a better job than Lodestar, anyway. You don’t owe me an apology or an explanation. I’m the penance case you got stuck with after a fuckup, and no one actually expected any of this to happen. We good now? Because it’s a few hours from sunup and some of us have had a real shitberg of a week so far.”
It was only as she spoke that Tori truly looked at Kyle, noticing the sway in his posture and his wavering vision. By the time she was winding down, Tori had a hunch, but it wasn’t until he finally spoke that she got confirmation.
“You... do not like us.” Kyle seemed almost relieved by the words, slurred though they were.
That definitely sealed it: Kyle was drunk. A quick look over at the test tubes gave Tori a working hypothesis, one that was easy to check. “Did you get liquored up on some kind of hooch for people with super-speed metabolism?”
Her response was Kyle lifting a finger to his mouth and blowing out sloppily, in what was probably supposed to be a “shhh” gesture. “Don’t tell the others. This is such an Ike move.”
“Is that why you’re drinking in the hall? Didn’t want your friends to find out?” Now that she knew he might not be out here for her, Tori’s annoyance level sank considerably. A drunk night during a hard week was hardly something she had room to get judgmental about.
“Started out at the roof pool, watching the stars.” Kyle looked around, knitting his brow in concentration. “Crud, when did I get down here?”
“No idea, but let’s get you home.” Taking his shoulder, Tori guided Kyle down the hallway and the short walk to his actual door. She moved to knock, but it slid open before her fist was even fully raised.
To Tori’s surprise, it was Ike waiting at the door, looking up at the both of them. “Thanks. I was going to peel him off the floor within the hour if he didn’t come in soon. Come on, you bossy cock, let’s get you some water.”
Ike led his taller teammate inside, laying Kyle on the couch, then teleporting to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. Tori watched him work, realizing that this was the first time she’d been around Ike or Presto without a constant torrent of noise pouring from his mouth.
“Does this happen a lot?”
“Maybe twice a year,” Ike replied. “Austin is the team leader, but Kyle’s got a lot of responsibilities that weigh on him. Every now and then, it gets to be too much and he tries to go wild. Once caught him listening to old techno music on the beach, attempting to get drunk off stolen wine coolers. Much of a pain as Kyle can be, all that uptightness comes from a desire to be good at this job, to be a real superhero. Occasionally, that thought makes him more tolerable.”
It was strange to see Ike so matter-of-fact, a complete swing from the crass personality he usually donned. Unnerving, too, because Tori hadn’t really considered him past that depth. She’d taken his surface level for the real thing, a mistake no self-respecting villain could rightfully excuse. Perhaps this night was a happy accident; better to know about a threat than to be caught unaware.
“What’s your role, then? Austin’s the leader, Kyle is the clear second. Seems like you and Ellie would have parts to play as well.”
“I’m the scapegoat. She’s the tits.” The words were delivered almost neutrally, save from a touch of fire in Ike’s voice toward the end.
“Wow. Sorry, I thought the ‘piece of shit’ thing was more of an act. My bad.” Tori looked toward the door, but Ike teleported over, offering her a water bottle as well.
“You think I picked those roles?” Ike asked. “Don’t ask a question you don’t want answered. What I said was the truth. You could find any number of metas with adequate powers to fill my spot. I’m on this team because no one will ever really like me, so if something ever goes wrong, I’m the one who takes the heat. I’m not being cute, or funny. This is the job I have.”
She accepted the water, eyeing Ike uncertainly. Tempting as it was to head home, learning more about the capes down the hall was probably an opportunity worth pursuing. If she was stuck with them anyway, understanding their inter-team dynamics couldn’t hurt. “Why take a job like that?”
The question earned her a genuine laugh out of Ike, a harsh bark that trailed off quickly. “Look at me, Tori. I’m short, not personable, and at my best, I’ve got a plain face. Despite a power that kicks all kinds of ass, I’m never making it to the big leagues on my own. Does playing the scapegoat role suck? For sure. Is it also my only chance at touching true greatness? Hell yes.”
“And Ellie?”
Ike’s face darkened for a split second. From his pocket, he produced a cell phone, cycling through the pictures until he stopped on one of a younger Ike and a dark-haired woman smiling on a beach. Actually smiling, in Ike’s case. There was something familiar about the woman, too, though Tori couldn’t quite place it.
“That’s before she made the cut. Before the ‘profile enhancements’ deemed necessary for someone representing the New Science Sentries brand.”
Holy shit. Now that Tori looked closer and squinted, she could see the resemblance. It wasn’t easy, though. Cheeks, lips, chest, hair, everywhere she looked, there were only hints of the Ellie she knew now in the picture. The woman had practically been rebuilt with plastic surgery, despite how natural she still looked. An advantage of Professor Quantum’s tech, no doubt.
“She agreed to this?” Tori asked.
“It was a chance to be on the New Science Sentries, a team founded and funded by the world’s first superhero. Yeah, she took the deal. We’d spent years trying to earn the opportunity. Eleanor became Ellie, who then took the title of Plasmodia. Or did you think her costume’s cut was a coincidence?”
The more Tori saw of Professor Quantum’s team-building methods, the gladder she was that there were other capes in the Champions’ Congress. If Beverly’s family history hadn’t already clued Tori in to the fact he was a bastard, this certainly would have tipped her suspicion.
“I suppose she had her reasons, just like you did,” Tori said at last. “As for me, I need to rest. Take care of Kyle, and try not to let him drink in the hallway like that. I’ll see you all around.”
“Something tells me you’ll be seeing us all sooner than you might think.”
She was back into the hallway as she heard Ike’s words, and by the time she
turned to investigate, the door was shut once more. Too wiped to sincerely care, Tori trekked down the rest of the hallway, turned the lock, and stepped inside.
After days that felt like years, Tori was finally home.
Chapter 39
The high-pitched whine puttered out, echoing through the office’s vast space for several seconds before fading completely. Setting up shop in a hidden cave lair had many privacy benefits, but the acoustics weren’t anything to sneeze at, either. A pale, gaunt hand scratched out the final bits of the message as the sound turned into a ringing in the ears, before finally transitioning into a persistent memory of a noise.
It was the final transmission he’d expect until the arrival neared. Once they were moving, non-emergency communication would be too risky. Even this had required years of research to create specialized concealment equipment, and worked largely because few even bothered to scan for these sorts of signals. The longer he could keep his presence, and plans, a secret, the greater his chances of success. Time had taught him patience, a very useful skill, especially when one played a game that ran for decades.
On this occasion, patience was hardly required. About a month. That was how long he had until the party could properly begin, based on travel calculations. One month to get everything in order. Much of the groundwork had already been laid; being thought dead for decades made it possible to work easily unseen. The big players were accounted for, as they had been since the plan’s initial conception. It was the newer, smaller fish that represented the capacity for chaos. Some chose to ignore fresh metas, believing the true challengers aged into their power. But the world was not a fair place, and some were born with more strength than others. Being experienced, he’d seen too many undone by such hubris.