SuperNova: Heroes of Arcania

by Liz Long

  He brought his arm up and aimed his gun at Amber. Her hazel eyes grew wide with fear as he mumbled something at her. Lackey’s torso twitched and his finger inched to the trigger. I took off in a sprint, blood pumping hard as I pushed myself to beat his bullet. I lunged forward, slamming my body into Amber’s as a shot rang inside the gymnasium. The bullet hit my shoulder and bounced off into a stage light, shattering red glass everywhere. A girl screamed and the crowd exploded.

  Amber and I fell to the floor in a heap, my arms around her shaking body. The bottoms of dresses swirled over our faces as girls ran. The panicked crowd knocked over the gunman; he scrambled for the gun that ping-ponged between frantic high heels and tennis shoes. Amber panted, her throat choking with tears.

  “Oh my god,” she said. “Why is this happening to us?”

  Because I hit Fortune where it hurt.

  Guilt knotted in my throat. I’d woken a sleeping dragon and now my friends would pay the price.

  Instead, I got up, yanked Amber to her feet. The gunman also stood, momentarily checking his gun and I took my chance. Elbowing a student out of my way, I ran to the thug and pulled my arm back. He looked up in time to see my fist; the force behind my blow snapped his head to the right and he dropped like a sack of flour, motionless on the floor. I grabbed the gun; I didn’t want it, but he couldn’t have it, either.

  “N-Nova?” Amber stared at me, dazed by the chaos and my mask. She grabbed my shoulder, yelled into my ear. “We need to run, let’s get out of here!”

  I shrugged her off, ignored her shouts and looked for the faces I needed. Seeing neither Cole nor Penelope, I didn’t know what should be done next. Amber’s nails clawed into my arm; her face wet with tears, she might’ve been on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I pried her fingers off me.

  “Amber, run,” I said. I looked into her watery brown eyes and spoke firmly again as her face turned questioning. “I have to stay here and help whoever I can.”

  “You’re staying?” she asked, panic building in her eyes.

  “I have to help. I don’t want anyone else to die.”

  Something about my answer clicked for her. She grew solemn. “It’s really him? He’s here somewhere?”

  “It couldn’t be anyone else,” I replied.

  She grew quiet, her hands dropping to her sides.“Can you stop him?”

  A body crashed into us; I steadied Amber, not wanting to lie. “I can try.”

  At my tone, instead of turning to bolt as I expected, her back went rigid and she stood tall. Something changed in Amber’s eyes. She took a deep breath, a sudden calm washing over her.

  “What can I do?” she asked.

  I searched her face, finding determination. I nodded at her; she could actually help, provided she stayed out of harm’s way. “Call the police and make sure they’re on their way. Tell them it’s Fortune. As soon as you do that, get everyone out. The less people to trap in here, the better.”

  Amber’s face paled at the thought of hostages, but to her credit she stayed strong. Whipping out her cell phone like she did a hundred times a day, she jabbed three numbers in. Then she turned to the crowds, shouted at people to get out as she told the operator to send everyone to the high school.

  I watched her march out, urging others and helping another girl up. A smile flitted across my face, proud of my friend. She managed to get out into the hallway and I relaxed, knowing she’d make it out of the building.

  Any humor on my face fell at a nearby cackle, the creepy sound mixing in with the students’ panicked cries. Goosebumps erupted on my skin.

  Fortune is here.

  A tall shadow entered the doorway before he did, slinking in. With the lighting behind him, his shadow loomed, spindly fingers reaching for me. Jagged blue rivulets of light flashed and my blood ran cold at his laugh. I glanced in either direction, wondering if I could slip away. When Fortune came into view, I noticed his slick black suit; he’d exchanged the black tie for a white one. He swaggered into the gym.

  “Oh good, you are here,” Fortune said, zeroing in on me. He ignored the last few kids fleeing from the gym. He gave me a once over and smirked. “Nice dress.”

  I steeled every nerve, trying to sound nonchalant. “Thanks. I see you also dressed for the occasion.”

  He fingered the tie against his chest. “It’s nice, right? Versace.”

  “I never doubted you had expensive taste. Explains all the money you like to take.”

  Fortune sniggered. “I enjoy nice things.”

  He glanced at a group of students crowding the side door to get out. His hand twitched by his side. I cleared my throat to keep his attention on me. “You know, we could’ve put something on the schedule if you wanted to see me.”

  He turned back to me, his lips pursed in a half smile. “My way is more fun.”

  “How did you know I was here?”

  Thin shoulders shrugged. “Didn’t. You seem to show up whenever I want to cause trouble.”

  “Hashtag sorry not sorry.”

  He hesitated a split second, not understanding teen speak. Before I could get too pleased about it, Fortune waved a hand at me. “Your hand has been played, girl. I’m almost impressed you’re only in high school.”

  My teeth ground together in annoyance. “I’m more than some girl.”

  “I suppose I’ll give you that,” Fortune said, taking a step forward. I shifted my weight, freezing when he shot a look at me. He raised an eyebrow as though debating, a grin spreading under his mask. “You’re not a bad opponent.”

  “This is between you and me,” I said, changing tactics. “Leave everyone else alone. Don’t make them pay for what I’ve done to you.”

  “I didn’t do this for you, darling,” he said. Goosebumps raised on my arms as he spoke. “I’ve come for someone else.”

  “You’re not leaving with anyone.” I raised my voice at him. “In fact, you’re not leaving. You’re going to pay for your crimes.”

  “Oh god, do you know how ridiculous you sound?” The dark blue color stood out so coldly against the whites of his eyes as they rolled upwards and back to me. “You won’t kill me.”

  “You won’t kill me, either.” The words slipped, left my mouth in a bratty, teenage voice. I could’ve smacked myself for it.

  “Is that so?” Fortune only raised an eyebrow before waving his hand near my face. I reacted without thinking, jumped backwards as a thin bolt of blue light left his palm. It struck at the floor at my feet with a sizzle as his lips formed a thin smile. “Sure about that?”

  After forcing my bladder to control itself, I vowed not to jump again like a scared cat. “You only use that power because you don’t want to fight.”

  “Well, yes. I play to my strengths, I thought that was obvious.”

  I started forward and he wagged a finger at me. A blue light glowed on his fingertips. I planted my feet again.

  “I’d prefer if you stay right where you are,” Fortune said. “I’ve seen how you treat my friends with your strength and I don’t want to kill you yet.”

  “Oh yeah? How come?” I glared at him, jutted my chin out. I hoped he’d see it as tough, when really, it was to keep my teeth from chattering in fear.

  “You could be useful.”

  “You are beyond mistaken if you think I’d ever join up with you.”

  “Everyone can be…persuaded.”

  You’ve already taken everything from me. My mouth clamped shut against the confession, not wanting him to have any more clues on my identity. Wanting to get the subject as far away from me as possible, I said the second thing that came to mind.

  “What happens if I kill you?” The tone I used made the right corner of my mouth curl up in a smile I didn’t know I had. At least my subconscious has some bravery.

  The smallest blue sparks erupted from his fingertips. “You’re awfully confident for a high schooler in a prom dress.”

  My hackles rose. “Your luck has run out.”

&nb
sp; “My girl, you’re a walking cliche. You need to work on that if you want to keep up with me.”

  “You think you’re so great just because you have some wicked superpower. Big deal.”

  His lips pursed together in annoyance as he approached me. “They are not ‘superpowers.’ They are gifts.” Then his tone switched, turned condescending while he gave a know-it-all smile. “Or didn’t your parents teach you anything?”

  “They’re not gifted.”

  “Gifts are hereditary. Someone in your family had a bit of talent they didn’t share.” His sly tone indicated he thought he was tricking me, trying to turn me against what I knew.

  I refused to speak, not wanting to hand over any information he could further use against my parents. I wouldn’t give him easy access to my family. My silence made him laugh, which stumped me more.

  “My mother taught me everything,” he said conversationally. “We have a grand time together.”

  Penelope’s words rang in my memory, about Fortune being a mama’s boy. He’d used present tense referring to his mother; I filed that little tidbit away. I waited for comebacks to zip through my brain; instead, I came up with nothing. Fortune laughed again at my speechlessness. One more thing in his giant “Win” pile. Starling’s face flashed in my mind and I wished I could set him on fire.

  “It doesn’t matter,” I said.

  Better plan, Nova. Get the subject off your parents.

  “Of course it matters.” There was that sly smile again, like a fox in a hen house. It irked the crap out of me. Fortune didn’t seem to notice my disgust.

  “Are you going to kill me now? Zap me like everyone else?” I asked.

  He shook his head. “No. You one-upped me at the bank. That makes you special. I want to play a game with you.”

  When he didn’t elaborate, I got even more creeped out. Against my better judgment, I made a show of glancing around. It was more more for my benefit than his. “Where are your buddies?”

  “Around.” Fortune tugged at his jacket lapels and made a brushing off his jacket. He looked at the nearby doors. “Where are yours?”

  I stayed very still, not even daring to think about Cole or Penelope.

  Fortune cracked another grin. “I haven’t met a Timekeeper. He’s useful, isn’t he?”

  My knees threatened to buckle underneath me. He knew much more about us than I’d suspected, his men remembering more than I’d guessed. I couldn’t, under any circumstances, let him have Cole. A Timekeeper was rare, he’d said as much. Fortune would torture Cole until he had no choice but to work for the guy.

  Against people like me.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked.

  Fortune snorted. “Ironic, really, that what I’m ‘doing here’ is saving both our secrets. Did you know someone saw us at the bank?”

  “What?” I asked, sure I hadn’t heard him right.

  “I’m looking for the witness.”

  My heart sank and my question came out on autopilot. “What witness?”

  I knew before he answered me. He sneered beneath the mask. “Some punk named Wheeler. I’ll make sure his story never gets out.”

  My hands curled into fists. “Get out of here before I crush your skull into the cement walls.”

  Fortune’s head tilted back as he let out a cackle. Snapping upright, his long legs closed the gap between us. I managed to remain in place, feeling like I’d upchuck any second. In what seemed like one fluid moment, Fortune came face to face with me. He leaned in, his tall frame looming overhead. Lightning crackled on his hands, currently down at his sides.

  “He’s your friend,” he said, referring to Henry. He towered over me, winking behind his mask. “That’s good to know.”

  Inside, even my organs trembled. Outside, I kept up the stare, dared him to come close a little closer. My fist wanted to meet his face; I wanted him to see stars. I stayed still, knowing he’d light up at any sudden movement. I didn’t want him to electrocute me. It might not kill me, but it would not be fun.

  Even so, the look on his face kept me from speaking. It made fear rush through me, this gut feeling that Fortune’s plan wasn’t so straightforward. That I could do nothing with my strength until I knew how to stop him.

  His smile had no goodness or humor. “I think you deserve a taste. Just enough, in case you were wondering if Unbreakables felt pain.”

  “No—”

  I took a step back and Fortune’s arm came up. His left hand came up inches from my right side and electricity shot out of his palm. It seized hold, the shock cutting through me like a lightning bolt. I gasped and dropped to the ground. I writhed in pain, jerking from the volts to my nerves.

  My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth; I couldn’t speak. The shockwaves lasted a few more seconds, the fadeaway leaving me ill and sore. I forced myself back on my feet, hoping I didn’t puke. I stayed several feet away from him; he didn’t so much as twitch, watching me the entire time with a smirk.

  I clutched at my side, fingers worrying at the burnt hole in my dress. “Jerk.”

  “Sorry about the dress, but you deserved a lesson,” Fortune said in a low tone. “I’ve had my fun now. See you later.”

  “What do you mean?” Even I couldn’t miss the tremor in my voice. I swallowed hard, the knot in my throat painful and unmoving.

  “If you couldn’t tell, I prefer to plan ahead. I didn’t come here to set your precious school dance on fire, but it was a fun bonus. I have what I want. Now it’s your turn to play. I’ll expect your move soon.”

  Fortune backed away, midnight blue eyes never leaving mine. When he reached the double doors, he had the gall to give me a farewell wave. Still twitching, I hobbled after him, nearly making it to the doorway. I was within arm’s reach of Fortune when I froze mid-step. Unable to move, I watched as a figure emerged from the hallway to stand next to Fortune. A blond crown shone in the backlight.

  My heart sank as the shape came to us. How could Cole have joined—no. Oh, no. I could still see and hear, so time hadn’t stopped. This couldn’t be Cole. The hold released on me, but I remained floating a few inches in the air. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t leave the spot I floated on.

  This wasn’t a Timekeeper’s power. It was the gift of a Telekinetic.

  Penelope’s tiny frame stood in front of me, her right arm reaching out to hold me in place. She kept my lips tight, wouldn’t let me speak. Her face remained passive, pale eyes coldly looking me over without any recognition. Footsteps thundered behind me.

  “Penelope, no!” Cole yelled. “You don’t have to go with him. You’re stronger than that!”

  He reached me, fully intending to tackle her, but she held up her other arm and held him in place too. He floated next to me, failed in any attempts to freeze them, helpless against her mind. Fortune grinned in approval as Penelope narrowed her eyes at her brother, her words twisted into a slight snarl.

  “You’re not the only one who can put people in their place, bro. I’m not going because he’s making me. I’m going because I want to. Isn’t it what you always expected?”

  Her face twisted with emotion, but I didn’t understand the look between them. Penelope and Fortune backed away to the doors leading outside to the parking lot. She paused at the doorway, looking back at us. At the last second, Penelope let her mind go and Cole and I dropped to our feet. We ran to her and her arms moved outward, throwing her gift at us.

  Cole and I flew backwards, crashing into the other side of the gym against the cushiony mats on the wall. We stood up and looked to the exit—their shadows had just slipped through the doors. My whole body still buzzed with Fortune’s parting gift. I lifted a hand up and patted my hair, sure it was standing on end.

  Cole reached out, pulled me into his arms. I allowed myself a moment’s reprieve, his warm embrace bringing me little comfort. This was too much to bear.

  I pulled away to take everything in. We were both a mess. My side ached from where Fortune za
pped me. With my ripped dress and hair askew, his blue tie long gone and blood across his cheek, we looked battered and beaten. Cole had a stunned look on his face, but when our eyes met, it melted into anger.

  “She wouldn’t do this on her own,” he insisted. “Something’s wrong. I—I mean, we—have to save her.”

  I said nothing, unsure what to believe. My silence didn’t reassure Cole and his shoulders drooped. I put my hand on his arm, looking for Henry to pop out from behind a doorway. No way would he have run from something like this, not when he could have the story of a lifetime. Not when he was his own key witness. I didn’t like how Fortune had dropped that little bomb on me. I craned my neck, searching for any sign of my best friend.

  Instead, when Cole looked up at me, his face shone real fear. “There’s more.”

  “What is it?” I shot him an impatient look, my head still swiveling at the doorways and exits.

  “They took Henry with them.”

  “What?” I staggered into his arms, the shock of his statement hitting me like a brick to the chest. “No.”

  “He stole them from us, Nova. Pen and Henry are with Fortune.”

  The world fell out from under me as everything faded to black.

  Students screamed as they raced out of the school gymnasium. Beneath my fluttering lashes, bright colors flashed. I realized I was on the floor, someone’s strong arms around me. My boyfriend, Cole; he’d caught me before my head smacked to the floor when I passed out.

  “Nova, please,” Cole begged. “I need you to wake up.”

  “Cole,” I mumbled.

  “Fortune took Henry and Penelope,” Cole said, repeating the second worst sentence I’d ever heard.

  Another scream pierced the air, my eyes popping open. I jerked upright, seeing Cole’s only slightly relieved expression. Forcing myself to snap out of it, I tried to focus on our surroundings.

  I glanced around, barely taking it in. Homecoming dance decor was strewn all over the place, the string of tiny white lights slung across tables and floor, many of the bulbs broken into a thousand pieces.