by C. C. Ekeke
Jamie shrugged. “Weredragons are a thing. And they come in harems.”
An hour later, Quinn sat in a conference room with the Extreme Teen members J.R. McAllister, aka Roadblock, and Joven Santos, aka Cyberpunk. Roadblock was hulking rocky muscle, like some statue with a moving mouth and human eyes. Creepy. Now eighteen, Roadblock was two years from aging out of the Extreme Teens.
Cyberpunk, short and skinny, had a shock of black hair. His lower body was sheathed in gold metals patterned in dark circuity veins. More machine than boy. Quinn fought down interest to ask about Cyberpunk, refocusing on Missy Magnificent.
“We loved Missy on the team.” Roadblock's voice was like stones colliding.
Cyberpunk nodded, golden eyes glittering. “She threw me this huge surprise party in NYC for my thirteenth birthday.” He smiled recalling that. Quinn instinctively smiled back, tickled by his nostalgia.
Roadblock nodded, rubbing his massive hands. “She was like a big sister. But fame broke her brain.” His chipper mood sobered. “I’m glad she’s gone.”
Hearing this surprised Quinn. “Really?”
“Oh yeah.” Cyberpunk shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable speaking ill about Missy. “Katie wasn't happy on the team anymore. Was no longer reliable on field missions.”
Quinn shivered. Besides seeing the Extreme Teens in action during her Vanguard interviews, she’d watched YouTube clips of them fighting D.A.R.K., Power Posse, or Warcry. A pack of adolescents battling such dangerous threats, supers or not, had never sat well with Quinn. It was a miracle none of them had been killed. “How was working with Missy on non-superhero projects?”
Roadblock grinned at his friend. “Collaborating on her pop album was fun. She loved that.”
“Not a good singer, though,” Cyberpunk remarked frankly.
The next interview was Sunrider, who’d won a reality contest to replace Missy on the Extreme Teens. Born Bethany Sabins, Sunrider was slim and sunkissed with bleach-blonde hair and cover girl good looks. After greeting Quinn, she charmed the reporter into taking a selfie, one of Extreme Teams habits during battles or public appearances. “#SuperheroSelfie!” Sunrider declared, snapping a photo with her big smile.
“She inspired me to be a hero,” Sunrider said when asked about Missy. “Missy was amazing.”
Though she spouted bland platitudes, Quinn liked the girl’s laid-back hippie vibe. Missy Magnificent’s polar opposite. “Missy has called you a pathetic, bootleg imitation of her. How’d that make you feel?” Yes, the question was meant to trigger, but Quinn wouldn’t sugarcoat Missy’s disdain.
Sunrider’s smile dimmed for a half-second. “It hurt my feelings,” she explained, measuring her words. “I also know it came from a place of pain. I wish Missy well on her new journey.”
Sunrider’s media training impressed Quinn. That reply made the teen superhero look empathetic while highlighting Missy’s demons. The reporter felt good wrapping these interviews on that note.
“Bethany.”
Quinn turned and flinched at the new arrival.
Sunrider beamed. “Luke! Thought you were in Seattle with the others.”
Blur stepped into the conference room like he owned it. His violet aerodynamic suit was covered in various endorsements like some NASCAR suit on steroids. His spiky black hair was windblown from running. Blur graced his teammate with a smirk. “We kicked ass, took them down. When I heard Quinn Bauer was here, I ran as fast as I could. Which is, you know, very fast.” Blur turned to Quinn with a strange expression. “Can we chat a minute?”
Quinn never got a chance to decline before a whirlwind enveloped her, hallways streaking by superfast. The next moment she knew, Quinn found herself on the OWE Tower rooftop.
Just like at Carmelo’s a few months ago, Quinn’s knees buckled under a gush of nausea. “Holy rolly moly!” She struggled to recover her scrambled wits.
Blur stood over her, unsympathetic. “You ruined everything!”
Quinn looked up, momentarily lost. Then she remembered. “This again?”
Blur ranted on like she hadn’t spoken. “Mikaela and I would be together if she didn’t listen to you!”
Quinn climbed upright. It was bad enough that this arrogant little brat had snatched her away without permission. But while she was working? “Luke…” Quinn barely suppressed her budding rage. “I’m not doing this. Take me back downstairs.”
Blur folded his arms defiantly, a scowl on his handsome features. “Maybe I leave you up here?”
Quinn gulped at the threat. Yet she wouldn’t cave to him. “Real mature. What will Mikaela think?”
“Make her give me another chance!” Blur exploded.
“Tell her yourself,” Quinn threw back. Did he think Seraph was her puppet that she controlled?
Blur dropped his hands and sighed. “She won’t return my calls or texts.”
Quinn was ecstatic hearing that. Good! But Blur wouldn’t like her celebrating. She groaned at what she was about to do. “Do you love her, Luke?”
Blur’s petulance bled away, revealing sincere yearning. “More than anything,” he admitted quietly.
That reached Quinn. “Then give Mikaela space.” She spoke from a sympathetic place. De-escalate and conversate, as her Uncle Alonzo always said. “If you love someone, set them free.”
Blur looked insulted. “That’s stupid. How can I love them if they’re gone?”
Quinn rolled her eyes. Not a Rhodes scholar, this one… “It shows you care more about their needs instead of just your own.”
Blur pondered this, wind tousling his spiky black hair further. “Fine,” he grunted, one abrupt word to end the discussion.
Another whoosh of motion, and Quinn found herself back where she’d been minutes earlier. Now her stomach was so queasy, she nearly painted the conference room walls with her breakfast.
Colin jumped back in shock, then studied Quinn across the conference room with worried eyes, which she waved off.
Blur shooed Sunrider off despite Quinn not being done with her interview. On a positive note, he decided to give an interview. “Jamie will handle any release forms if it’s a problem.” A Blur cameo for this profile would be HUGE, as the early parts of Missy’s and Blur’s careers were inextricably linked.
“We dated a few years,” Blur answered, nonchalant while manspreading in his seat. “It was our first relationship. Despite what haters might say, we loved each other. Just like me and L.U.N.A.”
Bull caca, Quinn fumed, knowing his relationship with the Korean popstar was a showmance to boost her music career. “When did you decide to end things with Missy?”
“Her OD’ing...” Blur looked haunted. “Scared the shit outta me.” He cringed at the slipup. “Sorry.”
Quinn had to smile at his boyish reaction. “You're fine."
Blur continued, elbows resting on his knees. “When I first met Katie”—his expression turned affectionate— “she was the happiest person in the world and came from nothing. After becoming Missy Magnificent, getting millions of fans and crazy rich.” Blur’s affection evaporated. “She was miserable, no matter how hard I tried.”
Quinn’s heart ached hearing this. She supposed a devastating celebrity breakup was like a plane crash while the entire world watched. “Have you and Missy been in contact since her departure?”
Blur shook his head. “The day Missy quit was the last time we spoke,” he answered. "No marriage or secret babies."
Jamie Goldstein reappeared from the side, mouthing animatedly to wrap things up. Quinn got in one last question. “What would you say to her if you could talk today?”
Blur looked directly at Colin’s camera, sadness dominating that pretty face. “I’m sorry if I’ve caused you pain.” The longing in his words was more tidal wave than undercurrent. “I wish you the best with all my heart. I'll always treasure the time we shared and hope you did also.”
Quinn would’ve found those words incredibly sweet…if intended for Missy Ma
gnificent. “Thanks for your time, Blur.” She rose.
Blur returned her handshake, avoiding Quinn’s accusing glare.
“So,” Colin prodded as they exited OWE Tower later. “What did you and Blur discuss in private?”
Quinn knew she had to say something, just not the truth. “How much I hate speedsters.”
Chapter 18
“Why are we here?” Hugo grumbled.
“Enjoying your days off,” Simon replied, so bright and shiny, he was begging to get slapped. “With school activities.” The pair sat in the nosebleed seats of Paso High’s football stadium, packed with rowdy students despite today’s overcast weather.
Hugo adjusted his short-sleeve Henley idly, already over this. “I could be training at the junkyard.”
“Or…” Simon gestured at the football field. “Enjoy powderpuff action with your boys!”
On the field were two female teams about to play flag football. Cheers (regular cheerleaders), tennis, and volleyball versus Songs (dancing cheerleaders), softball and basketball. Ticket sales went to Paso High Cheer Groups.
Hugo reclined back, considering his situation. “I paid five dollars. Guess I’ll stay,” he decided. “Especially since everyone’s mad at me.” Things remained awkward between Hugo and the other Fab Phenoms. He’d boycotted dance practice in protest to getting booted from their next performance, causing more hurt feelings all around.
“Not everyone.” Simon popped jellybeans into his mouth. “Okay, Wale’s always mad. Everyone else misses you. They just feel you’re unreliable.”
Hugo exhaled heatedly. “Because of my internship…which they don’t know about.” Three days had passed since Lady Liberty made him take time off. Hugo’s injuries had healed soon after his disastrous mission. But his pride remained wounded.
“My internship,” Hugo continued, “is going to be my career.” Time off reinforced his desire to be a superhero. “But not as an…assistant.” He shook his stubbly head.
“Tell your boss,” Simon pressed.
“How, after everything she’s done for me? What if she forces me to stay in that role?”
Simon processed this, elbows on knees. “A wise man on the Interwebs once said, there aren’t rewards for settling on what you don’t want.”
“You’re right.” Hugo smiled, showing teeth. “But my boss is really intimidating.”
Simon made a face. “Little bit!”
Hugo then spotted Raphael and Brent marching up the bleachers. He gave Simon a warning look to table any superhero talk.
“We’ve got snacks,” Raphael announced, carrying bags of candies. Greetings were exchanged. Hugo stood, giving Brent a handshake/side hug. At least they were back on good terms.
On the field, a coin toss from Jonah Clark, the school mascot, was about to happen. Captains from both teams approached center field. From one side came McKenna Phillips from Cheers and Brie from tennis.
On the other side, Chandra Jones and Jordana from softball approached.
Hugo’s insides curdled. Thankfully, Taylor from Songs wasn’t playing, or she’d be on Jodie’s team. Sometimes Hugo missed being a dateless wonder.
Simon clapped his hands. “This looks exciting!” Hugo glared at him.
The four girls stood inches apart. Brie and McKenna wore Bearcats football home jerseys, sporting high ponytails. Jordana and Chandra wore Bearcats football away jerseys. While Chandra wore smaller braids, Jodie’s longer cornrows spilled down her back. The softball duo sported red paint on their cheeks, ready for battle.
Hugo couldn’t help dialing up his hearing to eavesdrop. McKenna, bronzed and buxom with lazy coppery curls, bantered playfully with Chandra.
Jordana gave Brie a smug half-smirk. “What’s popping?” Her greeting sounded like a challenge.
Brie folded her arms with a scornful eyeroll. “Is someone talking, Mac? I just see a blowup doll beside Chandra.” She and McKenna cackled.
“Why so mad, Breezy?” Jodie taunted, arms spread.
Brie’s nostrils flared. “You know the reason.”
“What’s the reason?” Jodie prodded.
“You know what you did, Jordana.”
Jodie stopped smiling. “What's the reason?”
McKenna frowned, stepping between them. “Let’s toss the coin—”
Jodie yanked her aside, getting in Brie’s face. “What. Is. The. Reason?” she demanded loud enough to catch without superhearing, drawing interest from players on both sides of the field. “Or should I say it?”
“One word and I’ll kick your ass!” Brie exploded, pointing at Jordana.
Hugo guffawed, drawing looks from Brent and Raphael. Jordana and Chandra laughed raucously. Even McKenna giggled. Despite the six-inch height advantage, no one saw Brie beating Jodie in a fight.
“Keep talking, bitch!” Jordana made a “yap yap” hand gesture as Chandra pulled her back. “You’ll get more than another soda bath!” Brie and Jordana started snarling obscenities at each other, until McKenna and Chandra finally ordered them back to their sides.
The crowds buzzed at such open animus. Hugo guiltily dialed his hearing down to normal.
Brent was cringing. “Wow! They really hate each other.”
“Let them fight! Let them fight!” Simon cried, starting a small chant in their section. Hugo wanted to throttle him.
Once the game began, Hugo soon got swept up in the competitive event, cheering for Jodie, superhero woes temporarily forgotten. Moments where he got to be a normal teen were welcome.
By the second half, Hugo noticed Brie's team targeting Jordana with intentional tripping or shoves from behind. If Jodie was blocking some opponents, they’d claim that she’d shoved them to get her fouled. During a timeout, Brie’s lackey Kendall ran across the field to the Songs’ team during a timeout and poured ice water down Jordana’s back.
Jordana’s team angrily protested to the referees, who kept missing these underhanded tactics.
Hugo sat there seething while Brie gloated and high-fived her teammates. Of course, she was behind this. And Hugo couldn’t protect Jordana.
Even Brent, Brie's friend, looked disgusted as she paraded before the bleachers, hands raised in victory. She faced the raucous crowd with an exaggerated bow—exactly like Hugo after his Fall Fling dancing. Brie straightened up, tossing her auburn mane back with a military salute. This drew massive cheers. Briseis scanned the crowd, locking eyes with Hugo. She winked and smirked, then turned away dismissively.
Hugo felt like ice-cold water had been poured down his back. She’s mocking me by hurting Jodie.
Simon, Raphael, Brent, and some others turned toward him. If only he had the power to teleport.
“That chick’s one kettle away from full bunny boiler,” Simon commented.
Raphael leaned close. “They’re fighting over you?”
Hugo nodded without meeting his stare, too angry to speak.
Raphael snorted. “So much for hos over bros.”
As for the game, Jordana’s team was up by two touchdowns. The Cheers team had the ball, Brie as quarterback scanning for open receivers. Meanwhile, Jordana zigzagged around the offensive line before bursting into a sprint.
She ducked low and spear-tackled Brie, folding her in half.
“LORD!” Hugo yelped, hearing the air driven from Brie’s lungs. Both girls landed in a tangled heap.
The stadium erupted. Miguel and Brent howled, clutching each other. Hugo joyfully high-fived Simon. All gameplay stopped as both teams ran to their respective teammates.
Jordana wasn’t done, mounting Brie with one knee on her ex-BFF’s stomach. “Your cyberbullying and hazing stops,” Hugo heard Jodie say as she dug her knee deeper. “Or I’ll snap your bony ass in half.”
“Fine, I’ll stop!” Brie squealed.
Teachers stepped in and ejected Jordana for tackling in flag football. That earned massive boos. Jodie looked unbothered, strutting off the field like a boss.
“Bullshit,” Sim
on bellowed through cupped hands.
Hugo watched Brie curled up on the turf clutching her stomach in anguish. Teammates gathered around to help her up. And Hugo’s glee drowned under an ocean of guilt.
“Gotta go,” he told his friends, exiting without further explanation. He had to fix this somehow.
Hugo found Jordana in the boys’ football locker room pacing like a caged lion. Jen Thomas sat on a bench speaking quietly. Hugo stiffened in alarm, since the ginger-haired girl was still tight with Briseis.
Jodie’s eyes bulged. J-Tom popped to her feet in den mother mode.
“J-Tom.” Jordana motioned her friend to leave. “I got this.” Jen leveled a hostile glare when departing.
Hugo ignored her, focused on Jodie. “You okay?” he asked once they were alone, hands in pockets.
Jodie stopped and gave him a surly look, which was quite intimidating with her all sweaty and wearing cornrows. “Peachy.”
“Listen—” both stated simultaneously. Hugo chuckled.
Amusement cracked Jordana’s dour mask. “You first,” she said with a sweeping gesture.
“Sorry I ruined your friendship.” Hugo didn’t care if she accepted his apology or wanted him back. As long as he expressed his truth. “I don’t regret getting to know you.”
“Bogota…” The anger left Jodie's face, revealing a vast fatigue. Hugo knew the feeling. “My friendship with Briseis was on life support. I was over managing her Mommy issues…reassuring her that she wasn’t fat…and how nasty she’d become. Especially when her and Spencer hung out.” Jodie stared at the floor. “Brie found out you were tutoring me and went psycho over my so-called disloyalty. When she tried ordering who I can’t be friends with.” She looked up at Hugo again, eyes watery. “I pulled the plug.”
That left a bitter taste in Hugo’s mouth. “So I was just revenge?”
“No…freedom.” Jordana’s sad little smile gutted Hugo. “Sorry I freaked out over Abby. And…” She shuffled forward nervously. “And how I acted before you saved me.”
Hugo flinched from her. From before his powers. “Don’t,” he snapped, harsher than planned. Hugo held no nostalgia for that time. “It’s okay.”