“Turn on the news.”

“Hm? Why?” I asked. Rache had called me out of the blue on a Thursday afternoon, just as I was getting ready to go out for training, and that was all she'd said as a greeting.

“Don't ask questions.” The way she bit out the words made me shiver. I walked over to my desk and opened my laptop, quickly navigating to the Samaris Sun website and their livestream.

“--people have died and ten are wounded after a terrorist attack by NBR forces,” a news anchor pronounced grimly. “The attack on the Samaris First Bank also saw an estimated three million dollars in cash and bonds stolen. According to the branch manager, the unusually high amount stored at the bank was due to maintenance issues with its armoured car contractor. Paladin-Garda has not replied to these allegations at this time.”

“In a statement to the public,” the anchor continued. “NBR spokesperson Tristan Lommond called the vicious attack: 'a triumphant first blow against the hypercapitalist leeches draining us dry' and promised 'months of proletarian rage'. NBR claims three Duos and a Trio, plus numerous unempowered members. Ritter Co-Captains Iustitia and Themis assured the public that the terrorist threat is well in hand and resources are already being diverted to crush it swiftly. The Chief Duo also promised an expansion of the yeomanry, with recruitment quotas increasing each year.”

I sat there stunned as the anchor continued on to a story about some local aquarium and their new exhibit of the last manatees. It washed over me like white noise. I could hardly believe it, a terrorist attack in Samaris of all places? This wasn't the 2000s when that was a regular thing. A shiver went up my spine, this was why I had to be a hero.

“We need to step up our schedule,” Rache spoke flatly, breaking the silence. “We're training daily now. Where do you go to school?”

“Excuse me?” I balked. What the fuck was--

“Look,” she snapped, interrupting my thoughts. “Communists are like weeds. When one shows up you've got to stamp it down. Five people died, Tess.” My stomach churned. “Six more weeks, plus whatever's left of this one,” she muttered, sounding like she was talking to herself.

“Three days,” I offered helpfully.

“Two,” Rache barked back. There was a beat of silence, then she spoke again sheepishly. “Weeks start on Sunday. Anyway, daily training. I was thinking I come get you after I'm out of class, then we do a warmup run to wherever. So, spill it.”

“Just tell me where to meet,” I countered. Even though we knew each other out of costume, this felt...too close for some reason. “I'll jog there myself.” I heard a click that could only be her tongue.

“Definitely not,” she said with a hint of humour. “You'll run yourself ragged getting there. I'm coming to make sure you aren't going too hard on the warm up .” I frowned, but couldn't really disagree. Even with her setting the pace, I tended towards pushing myself. Why wouldn't I though, with Fusillade leading the way?

“Can't I tell you a place nearby we can meet and then we go from there?”

“Could,” she replied shortly. “But that not only wastes time, it's pointless because I could still figure out which nearby school is yours.” Her sharp point made my cheeks flush red as it took apart my arguments.

“Okay,” I said with a sigh. “Cogswell Junior High.”

“For real?” Rache asked, sounding surprised. “I go to Vernon High a block over.”

“Seriously?” I'd be going to school with Rache next year? I wasn't sure whether to be excited or terrified.

“Yeah.” She sounded happy about the news at least. “Okay that's perfect. Hey, actually, what grade are you in there?”

“Nine,” I replied flatly. What was the harm in admitting it at this point?

“Oh, that's actually rad,” Rache was starting to actually sound excited at this. It was a little contagious. “You coming to Vernon? We wouldn’t need to train in the park anymore; it has a great gym, since it's the Yeoman's school.” I smiled.

“That's uh, part of why I wanted to get in there,” I said with a blush. “Um, my parents went for it 'cause it was close.”

“Makes sense.” I could see her nodding along with the logical decision. “Anyway, good news for the future after you're in.” After I was in ? “Anyway, see you in thirty for training.”

“I--” I started, then considered it for a moment. “If um, if we're switching to every day...” I winced as I rolled my stiff shoulders. “Can we...can I have one extra rest day before we get started? I just don't want to, you know, hurt myself.” There was a pause, long enough that I started tapping my foot.

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“Alright,” Rache said with a quiet sigh. “Twenty push-ups, twenty-sit ups, three minutes of planking. You need to keep on your basics.” I grinned despite the preemptive twinge from my tired muscles.

“Yes ma'am,” I said with a note of tired cheer.

“Don't call me that,” she snapped, then softened her tone. “Rache is fine.”

“Uh, okay, Rache,” I said, taken aback. “So, how was your day?”

“What?” I winced. “Fine, I guess. It was just school, you know?” I sighed with a little bit of relief.

“Yeah I feel that,” I said lightly. “Last time I actually paid attention was when you guys visited.”

“Hm?” I heard her hum, then gasp. “You asked the question that pissed off Dad, holy shit!” She let out a guffaw that sounded oddly humourless. “Oh man, that was a good one. Ahh, god.” Rache sighed. “You're pretty smart, I'll give you that. Hell of a lot smarter than he was.”

“Wait.” A puzzle piece I didn't realize was missing fell into place. “Bulwark was your dad?”

“Oh you didn't know?” I shook my head silently, then realized she couldn't see.

“No, I'm so, so sorry Rache.”

“Hmm?” She sounded confused. “I told you it's fine, I'm over it. Hero work's dangerous, and he knew the risks as much as me. And I guess, now, as much as you.” I shivered and nodded my head.

“I guess,” I replied. “I uh, don't wanna die though.”

“Me neither,” Rache replied. “But you have to accept the reality of it. Don't worry, it gets easier.” I took a deep breath, held it for a little while, then slowly let it out.

“Okay,” I said. “Okay I'll uh, try.”

“Do that,” she said. “Alright, go get your training done. See you after school tomorrow.”

“ 'kay. See you.”

The line clicked dead and I let out a little sigh. Rache was cool, more than that she was amazing . That just came hand in hand with being terrifying too. She was so intense about hero stuff, and that was fair! I'd just seen on TV why heroes were so vital to the world. It's just the reality of it was finally starting to sink in.

I remembered waking up an hour after getting home, running to the bathroom, and throwing up. I remembered waking up the next night in pain, going to the bathroom, and seeing blood in the toilet bowl. I knew it wasn't my cycle, and it scared me. Limping through school on Monday had been the worst, and I ended up leaving 'sick' halfway through the day.

I kicked off my shoes and walked upstairs to my room. I rolled into bed and grabbed a large, stuffed seal. Leo, my oldest friend, squished against my chest as hugged him tightly. My knees curled up and my breath came in short, sharp gasps. Was I really cut out for being a hero when I was still scared from my first night out?

I definitely wasn't good enough to be Rache's partner. My power was no good for teamwork, like any Solo's. She deserved better, needed better so she could survive. I wouldn't be able to support her like a Duo should. I should give up now, just call her back and call everything off. I'd slip back into being Tess the annoying kid instead of Mercurial the superhero.

It'd be better for everyone that way. Rache would be able to get a new partner who could actually work with her and knew how to fight and didn't balk at the slightest touch. One that was actually strong instead of a wimp that couldn't even be whipped into shape. That way, villains like Mephisto could be stopped without issue.

But...I took down Mephisto. Not alone of course! Rache had been clear that she and Bulwark had done most of the prep work. Still, I'd jammed a taser in his gut and made sure that Fusillade could make the arrest. I'd...I'd helped, hadn't I? I found the phone in my hand, ringing with a number I didn't remember dialing.

“What's up?” Rache's voice came through, sounding a bit annoyed.

“Am I helpful?” I blurted quickly.

“What?” I winced and took a deep breath.

“Sorry I...” I paused a second to gather my thoughts, though it helped little. “I just...I know I'm dead weight and can't really throw or grapple or whatever but...I helped? With Mephisto it...I didn't get in the way? I didn't--”

“Uh what?” Rache sounded totally confused.

“You said,” I gulped. “Bulwark and you did most of the work and um, you're right. That's like...yeah, I wouldn't have been able to get him without you but I helped. Right?”

“Yeah.” The casual confirmation was like a warm balm. “What do you mean? You're the one that took him down, dumbass. You did a little more than help . You just couldn't have done it without me, us.” I nodded eagerly.

“Of course not,” I agreed. “Thank you Rache that-- you don't know what that means to me.” I was breathing deeply, my eyes stung.

“It's all good dude,” she replied, cool as ever. “And we're gonna make sure you keep doing cool stuff like that by working our asses off.”

“Hell yeah!” I crowed, then winced. “Sorry.”

“Nah, hell yeah,” Rache echoed, a little quieter. “That it?”

“Yeah, sorry to bug you.” I chuckled.

“I told you it's cool,” she replied smoothly. “It's...part of being a Duo. Your partner calls, you answer. You could be making out under the bleachers and when you hear that ringtone you've gotta push her off and answer.” I gulped. The imagery niggled at me.

“Okay,” I said quietly. I nodded and tried again, more firmly. “Okay. I...I'll do it. Hmm, I should figure out a ringtone...” Rache giggled.

“Have fun with that,” she huffed lightly. “I got you night one.”

“What is it?” I asked eagerly. I had to know.

“Nope.”

“Come on!”

“Nuh uh.”

“Please!” I begged.

“Good night Tess,” Rache said. She didn't sound mad, but... “See you tomorrow.”

“See you then,” I replied, and the line clicked off.

I sighed and rolled onto my back, letting Leo go. I must have been the luckiest Empowered girl on the planet to have Rache helping me. An incredible hero, amazing mentor, and...friend, at least I hoped. One day we could call one another 'friend', maybe after a few takedowns together. I glanced over at the clock and frowned. That late? Had I missed dinner? I rose and crept from my room. The house was dark and I padded downstairs.

A note stood out under a lit kitchen lamp. I snatched it up, read it, and sighed. Just my parents going out for the night, not unusual. Weird that they said they called, I definitely never heard them. Oh well. I grabbed some mozzarella sticks from the freezer and tossed them in the vect-oven. I poured a glass of milk while I waited, then pulled them from the glorified toaster oven.

I sat at the dinner table and clasped my hands for a second out of habit before digging in. The meal was nothing special, but satisfied my rumbling stomach. With that done, I quickly washed my dishes before heading upstairs to shower and get ready for bed. Before long I was under the covers and cuddling Leo again. Childish but...I could let it slide this time. From tomorrow onwards, I'd be training every single day to be a hero.

And I couldn't wait.