Tires and metal screech on the road.

Juniper froze.

Bright flickering headlights assaulted her eyes through heavy fog, too bright and too sudden.

She tried to run, but her legs felt like they were stuck in sludge. She was too slow, the ground itself was keeping her in place. Moving through the street, her foot caught a step on an impeding object, and she fell.

The roaring engine of the car raises its temperature, like a predator marking his prey.

“Juniper!”

A lady shouted at her, she looked like a hologram, a figment, a specter, a fractured person. Her voice sounded like a string of numbers warped to imitate the resemblance of speech.

She screams, but nothing leaves her mouth.

The car rams into her.

She felt herself crushed by its weight as it exploded on impact. Her ribs turned in on themselves, crushing her, as her limbs twisted and bones shattered. She was thrown into the air like a weightless doll, slammed into the tar of the road.

The pain is unbearable, hot, and compounding. Pulsated like a throbbing heartbeat.

She couldn’t move. She couldn't breathe. She couldn’t speak.

“Juniper!” the voice called out again. Warped and distorted. Mechanical and almost inhuman, layered in ways she could not understand.

The car made a U-turn, coming for her again.

Its headlights came to life. Light beams fixated on her body, cutting through an endless haze of mist.

Crawling brought her nowhere, her arms were also useless. Her legs were done.

She did nothing, waiting for her inevitable demise as the wheels spun closer.

The car rolls over, and it consumes her.

***

[Juniper! ] Sys-chan's voice rang like an alarm clock. [[Wakey, wakey. Though there aren't any eggs and bakey here. (ᵕ,—ᴗ—,)] she sang it to a tune.

Juniper struggles to open her eyes, her eyes felt like they were sewn shut, her senses muffled. She struggles, hoping to wake herself. Her head spins as her vision finally comes to resemble a sliver of non-fiction.

As focus returned, first in the shade of gray, then bleak reality. Her limbs were unresponsive. The sterile smell of sharp chemicals hit her nose. Fluorescent lights lit the dim room, humming like an old microwave.

Pain flared up in her stomach–she looked at it with surprise. Tapping the places she was shot with her stiff hand. There were tightly wrapped bloody bandages around her torso. Memories of the bank replayed, the girl in her arms, gunfire, pain, a misunderstanding.

“Sys-chan, what happened?” she forced it out of her mouth. Her mouth was dry, she was thirsty.

[Red alert! You got shot, patched up, and have no idea where the hell you are.] She chirped, sounding like an alarm and intercom at the same time.

She groaned as she lifted herself. A metal table stood next to the bed she was on, with lots of surgical tools. There was a tray too, holding several bullets, glinting in red with blood–her blood.

There was a drip of fluids injecting itself into her body. An amalgamation of medical machinery monitoring her. She tries moving her arms but the medical tubes restrict her. She didn’t fancy the idea of being operated without her consent.

She didn’t like being played like a lab rat. This was not a hospital.

The walls around her screamed “sketchy lab” not “surgical room.” Her breath became unpaced.

She yanks out the Medical tubes, wincing as her body is stuck with sharp pains, needles left a sore sting, climbing out of the bed. The surgical gown around sat awkwardly, hanging loose.

Ditch worthy but her original clothing was nowhere in sight. And her phone was at home. She couldn’t contact her brother if she wanted to.

Answers right now.

She stumbled towards the exit, her legs felt like old lead, and every step was painful. A long hallway greeted her. Dozens upon dozens of doors, unfamiliar, it resembles a facility more than anything.

What the fuck was this place?

Walking like a cripple she makes her way down the long hallway, half-limping, half lurking. It was cold, night time and suffocating. Sudden footsteps behind her made her jump.

A door opens and she freezes.

A woman had stepped through–no a fucking giant ducking under the frame of the door. Seven feet tall easily, a body blessed with hyper-lean muscle, hidden by an enormous tracksuit.

Her hair was ebon black, flowing beneath her back, in a long ponytail that went just above her waist. Despite being taller than a small tank, her face was youthful, delicate olive brown skin.

She was smiling at her. Such a big mouth she had, such big teeth.

The giantess waved. “Hey,” she started, her voice was sweet and warming. “ aren’t you supposed to b–”

Juniper bolted like a devil.

Pain filled her ribs, but she refused to stop. She didn’t care if the person was nice. Giant fucking cape. Hell no–

“Wait!” she called out, practically crawling behind her in pursuit. “I know I’m scary, but I promise I don’t eat people.”

Not helping.

Juniper pushed further into the hallways, ignoring her pain. She didn’t know where she was headed, better than being stomped by a giantess.

[You’re running on fumes Junie, you ain’t winning this race! That’s one big lady though, I don’t wanna be crushed by her thighs.]

“I’m running for my life here, and you’re making a joke Sys-chan, you’re making a joke!”

[tee-hee( •̯́ ₃ •̯̀)]

Turning into a corner, Juniper stopped dead in her tracks.

Blocking her path in the hallway stood a red-haired woman, her attire sleek back–part-military, half-spy, with a dash of a femme-fatale, heels long and sturdy. Definitely a weapon.

She clearly was an authority figure, something about her screamed stern mother, the type kids feared but obeyed without question.

Her sharp eyes scanned Juniper like the anomaly she was, a striking gaze in her eyes.

“Anne said nothing about a healing factor,” she murmured, her arms crossed. “Just a few hours ago, we were convinced you were dead. Now look at you–all riled up.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Juniper retreated back but stopped. Thinking about the looming Hulk in the other direction.

“Who are you? What is this place? Why am I here?”

“One little thing at a time, Juniper.”

[The cat’s out of the bag, they know your name.]

What now? What else did they know? How long until every criminal in the city knew her name?

[Don’t panic.] sys-chan advised she was like a small angel or devil sometimes. [Play the long game. Work the cards you were dealt with.]

Juniper did a heavy exhale and readied herself. “Where the fuck am I? Answer me!”

The mysterious woman smirked. “Welcome to Camp Bell Brigade.”

Her stomach dropped.

OBB. operation black brigade, these were Annemarie’s people, vigilantes, sanctioned outlaws.

“I need to go.” her voice broke. “I’m done, I’m not dealing with this.”

Her eyes sharpened. “Your siblings… Annemarie said you were concerned about them.” she moved closer, her heels clicking. “You can relax. Your brother has been informed about your predicament, full disclosure and all. He’s very cooperative If I may add.”

Juniper froze in place.

Her words were like a blizzard. Her pulse accelerates like a tornado. Cooperative?

This was a veiled threat. Her family had turned into leverage. She was the target.

“Why am I not in a hospital?!” she demanded.

“Same reason you’re not rotting in a prison cell for criminal negligence.” The woman tossed her red hair back, her smirk widening. “I called in a few favors and twisted a few arms. Political strings, maybe some bribery—possibly a threat or two to the right people.”

The woman turned as she explained. “SCRA was ready to take you into custody as soon as you leave the hospital.” Her voice became sharpened. “I intervened. Used some ‘political points.’ brought you, made you sure walked out in one piece. Did you a favor? ”

Annemarie. Her lure was definitely a setup, they’ve wanted her to here from the start.

Why?” she hissed. “Why did Annemarie lure me out? Attack me? Push me into a corner.”

Her smirk disappeared.

“I asked her to bring you here.”

She blinked. “Huh?”

“I instructed her to bring you here,” she said, her tone became

disappointing. “But like always, she gets carried away, draws things out to indulge in her ‘hunts.’

Her sadistic plays.

Perhaps she has a few screws loose after all.

“And. What do you want from me!” she shouted. “I never asked to come here. I don’t want anything to do with any of you.”

She exhaled through her nose, mouth shut, thinking.

“Whether you want to or not is your choice,” she started.” I’m going to make you an offer Juniper Pinewell. You can take it–or you can struggle your own way.”

She hardly had time to respond, when heavy footsteps echoed behind her. Her eyes went wide.

The giantess appeared behind her– ducking to get around the corner, her long ponytail swinging, like a horse mane.

“Everything okay, Eve?” she questioned, her stature did not match the cuteness of her voice. Hard as it was for Juniper to admit.

“We’re quite fine, Francesca. Just trying to talk to our new friend.”

New friend?

“Okey-dokey, then.” she brought her large finger to Juniper’s face. “You sure you’re okay, you came in here half dead.”

She nodded, terrified stiff.

Francesca retreated walking back the way she came. The ground trembled beneath her footsteps.

Juniper’s heart dropped.

This wasn't a conversation. This was recruitment.

“You don’t need to fear her,” Evelyn said, her tone casual. “Francesca’s the kindest heart out of us all.”

The tension didn’t ease, Francesca could scare her straight if she wanted to.

“What is this offer?”

“Join my crew.” Evelyn leaned against the wall, her eyes locked on Juniper’s. “Officially, you’d work under me–salaries and expensive bonuses for risking your life. You’d be considered a shadow cape, working in the shades of the dark to serve mankind. Unofficially, you’d be a government agent, same as the big two.”

“What’s the catch here? What do you want me, a recluse.”

“There’s something only you can do I believe, that's why I need you.” she paused. “Think about your brother Juniper, you'd get him the care he needs without disrupting your life or position.”

So she simply sought to use her after all.

“What if I refuse?”

Her expression hardened. “Within the week every branch of Cape government will make a visit to your apartment.

Her heart skipped a beat.

“I read your profile. I know about your current circumstances and past. Trust me when I say this. Avaree Reyes will be the least of your worries.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat, and balls of sweat trickled down her face.

“Big two?”

“Sovereign Initiatives of Capes and Paragons of Pacifica.” Evelyn’s voice dropped. Juniper’s eyes widened. She’d be conscripted by them by law or placed under government supervision. Her siblings would be taken away permanently. “There’s also the other two others, no doubt, your life will be thrown even further upside down if you don’t work with one of them.”

“I can’t accept it.” Juniper scowled. “In fact I refuse! My whole idea was to go independent but Anne went ahead and ruined everything!”

“Don’t be a naive little girl.” Evelyn’s eyes sharpened. Her voice lowered, becoming almost empathetic. Do you know what happens to independent capes? Do you know the risks you'd be putting on your family members, and people you know? It’s a zero-sum game. The only independents that make it are the powerful ones, and you're far from it– at least for now.”

Juniper stiffened.

Her rage ignited. Her hair lifted into the air and the atmosphere thickened.

[Gravity Distortion leveled up 1 → 2.]

“So what?!” Juniper screamed.

The sudden overwhelming pressure ejected away from her. Evelyn didn’t flinch–but her eyes intrigued.

“Stop using my siblings as leverage!”

“I understand. You’re confused and overwhelmed. Angry.”

Juniper saw red, her vision narrowed.

The dim lights of the hall flickered on and off. Circuitry in the wall started sparking. Glass cracked under the weight of unnatural gravity.

Evelyn moved even closer.

“So Annemarie spoke the truth,” she said. Fascinated. “You can in fact steal powers. An amazing prospect.”

“Years ago, a cape with a similar ability, appeared and disappeared,” she murmured to herself. “Never appeared again.”

Juniper’s glare ignited.

“Enough!” her voice amplified.

The dim lights burst, the hall plunged itself into twilight and the glass rained down. The walls threaten to cave in.

[Calm down Juniper] Sys-chan's voice cut through the chaos. [you’ve been through no uncertain hell – don’t stake it all on an outburst.]

Her AI companion was right. This place with filled with capes most probably. The one called Francesca could flatten her like a pancake.

The rage itself was hard to control

She focused, concentrating on the feeling of dragging down the world with her to match her feelings. The floor trembled, and several objects cracked.

Evelyn approached despite being affected, she pushed through the pressure–deliberately.

“Stay back!” Juniper warned, voice wild.

She didn’t.

She brought her fist out, ready to swing at her face.

Eveylyn’s arms wrapped around her.

Juniper blinked in surprise. What–?

She resisted initially, trying to make Evelyn feel the pressure up close. But her arms were firm almost too gripping.

“Are you okay Juniper?” Evelyn whispered in her ear. “Do you need a hug?”

“I”

“It’s okay,” Evelyn said softly. “No one will hurt you here, you can let go.”

She shook her head, some part of her was determined to fight the welling-up feelings

.

A single tear dropped, and then the whole dam broke.

“It’s so much all at once,” she choked up. “ All of it, it’s all so much.”

“I know the feeling,” Evelyn said. “I know.”

“No one can help me. My grave is dug.”

“That’s not true.” Evelyn’s voice softened even more. “We can help. If you give us a chance.”

Her tears flowed endlessly. Why couldn’t she stop, why didn’t it stop?

“I don’t want to deal with this,” Juniper sobbed. “I just wanted to play games in my room… I hate people.”

Evelyn didn’t let go.

“It’s okay.”

Her words were comforting, why was it comforting?

She sobbed uncontrollably like a toddler crying for the first time in years.

“You clearly need time to process things,” Evelyn said.

She didn’t respond. Just kept on crying.

She was nudged towards a chair, which Evelyn made her sit on. Her legs were overclocked, barely able to walk, she was weak and hungry and there was weight she couldn’t lift.

“Drink.” Evelyn handed her a glass of water. “You’re dehydrated.”

Juniper stared at it reluctantly but obeyed. The liquid was cold against her throat but did nothing to soothe her pain.

A man in heavy armor stood casually at the door frame. A samurai-like helm, tucked between his arm, he had sharp features and a chiseled jaw, his dark hair complemented his handsome features.

“This is John,” Evelyn pointed. “He can take you home right now if you want.”

Home. For how long?

She nodded at the man, but their eyes met briefly, looking into the other.

“Before he takes you, Are you sure you want to leave?” she asked, quietly.

“What do you mean.”

“You were shot multiple times. We all know the state you were in.” she crossed her arms. “Regeneration or not–you’re still human.”

“I need to get home, my body will be fine.”

“For now, how about tomorrow, your body will be going through hell. You might heal fast but you're not invincible. An extra bullet and you were gone. Think about it.”

Her hands tighten on the supports of the chair.”I’m fine.”

“But are you really?”

Juniper looked away. Her body hurt like hell. But she can keep walking, if not for her then for her siblings if not for her siblings then for Kanako's sake. Bullets blood, fear, nightmare. She didn’t care right now.

“Well then, I won't force you.” she exhaled sharply, rising to her feet.

The armored man at the door greeted her.

“Hello, missy.”

She knew that voice. Unmistakable.

Metal Ronin.

Of all the capes to escort it was him. A ruthless killer. He was known as infamous for hunting criminals like animals. Somehow he would be her ride home. Like some devil, acting like a chauffeur.

Evelyn, approached her, holding her shoulder. “Were showing you trust here Juniper? You know our names, that isn’t given lightly.”

Trust. The word felt like a trap.

“So I can go?”

“Yes, but go home and think.” Evelyn started. “Three days. And I’ll change my mind about helping you.”

“You’re not a kid anymore, Juniper.” Evelyn’s tone was heavy now, almost mournful. “And people like us? We don’t get to get to live a peaceful life.”

she knew it was true bu-

“I’m going then.”

“Remember three days.”

‘I’ll be here if you need me.”

She forced herself from the chair, legs wobbling. She steadied herself. Limping towards the ruthless vigilante.

She has finally reached the point of no return, could she bare to trust these people?