When they landed at the hospital, Juniper wasn’t prepared for the spawned chaos she saw. Ambulances were clogged up together,their sirens briefly stopping until medical payload was hauled off, then they would struggle to get out again, blaring in the chaos.

There were easily a hundred civilians crowding the space, everyone in a state of panic, some people crying. The Smell of blood, sweat and antiseptic aids irritated her nose.

Amber clung to her, hand gripping. She seemed at ease now, less trembling.

She stared at the guards patrolling outside–they seemed more than the actual hospital staff. It look like militarized zone, all that were lacking were the heavy vehicles, somehow they made things seem worse, instead easing the situations.

“We’ll wait here,” Emery said “I know someone who can cut through the mess. Just... stay put.”

Juniper gave her a nod, her shoulders tense. Amber didn’t let go of her hand, her small fingers curling tighter around hers.

She felt a little sad, for a moment she thought she was developing a bond with her.

“Do you miss them too?”

The question came soft but sudden.

Juniper got really stiff, taken aback. Looking down at Amber, chest tight.

“Your parents,” Amber said, eyes innocent.

How…why would she ask that?

[Isn’t it obvious? Haven’t you felt there is something off about her? I think there’s an opportunity here.]

Sys-chan’s voice penetrated her thoughts. Juniper froze, her mind racing. Was Amber a cape? Could she read thoughts? And was Sys-chan suggesting she mimic the powers of a kid?

“I can hear your thoughts,” Amber whispered. Then she smiled—a small, fragile thing that seemed almost too bright for the moment. “Some of them.”

Juniper observed face. Noticing something she hadn't paid attention to before. Her eyes were very sharp, and yet behind cute eyes– lay something else, loss, pain, something far too heavy.

She shook her head, she couldn’t afford to get attach. But…

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“Can you…show me please?” Juniper asked, voice disjointed.

Amber bopped her head. She touched Juniper’s palm, her hand turned over gently. Her fingers were featherlight and fragile.

Amber gaze settled, almost possessive, domineering. “you're worried. About your brother. Your sister. Someone you like.” She paused, and Juniper’s breath hitched. “You’re uncertain about your future. You don’t see yourself living years from now. You’re scared. You know things…you’re not supposed to.”

[Juniper get out the crystal ball!!!]

Then, a sharp tingle shot up Juniper’s arm, followed by a familiar sensation.

[Mimicry skill activated.]

[Mimicry Analysis...]

[No cape power detected: unknown alternative power source. Mimicry is not designed to replicate non-standard deviations. Suggest user experiment with different power emulation methods.]

The system's words echo in her head..

What the hell is this?

[It’s as it says, Jun. She’s not a cape. Her power comes from somewhere else. A bit spookier…]

That send Juniper’s mind away. Where did capes even get their powers from? Most occurred under duress or severe trauma however. The more in depth information was classified behind authoritative walls. It never occurred to her beyond the aliens, that there may be more layers to the cake.

[You’ve got some powerful pals now, Jun. Maybe it’s time to ask questions. My knowledge is limited to what you know, remember? I’m working with outdated data here. Help me, help you.]

Before she could respond, Amber’s voice broke through her thoughts.

“I can hear her too,” the girl said softly.

Juniper jerked back. “What?”

Amber smiled again, this time with genuine warmth. “The thingy in your head. She has a nice voice.”

[Oooh, this is getting fun!] Sys-chan’s tone practically danced, each word echoing in Juniper’s mind like an enthusiastic trumpet solo.

Amber nodded solemnly. “She’s funny too.”

Juniper felt her head spin. “You—”

Amber lunged at her giving her a hug. She didn’t know how to respond.

[Go on, Jun. Just once. You know you want to.]

Juniper wrapped her arms around the girl, a part of her aching at how small she felt in her grasp.

The moment was shattered as Emery appeared.

“I hate to ruin the Heartfelt moment,” Emery said abruptly, “but I’ve got a doctor who’ll see her now.”

Juniper pulled away, her heart still racing. She took the phone to her uncle had given her. Putting her own number through the contacts. “Here, Call me if you need anything, okay? I’ll try to help.”

Amber nodded, waving shyly as a nurse guided her inside.

Juniper stood watching until the doors swallowed the girl.

“They didn’t ask stuff, like where her guardian was.”

“They, did but we are in a escalating crisis, rules are going to be broken. Don’t worry about she’ll be fine.”

Juniper stretch herself, her cut arms, her partially heated legs and her sore neck.

“Now that that’s handled,” Emery said, tugging at Juniper’s sleeve, “come with me.”

“What? Why? Where are we—”

Emery didn’t wait for an answer. Her grip was firm, almost too much so, as she launched them both into the sky.

Juniper scream tore through the air. “Waaaaaaiiiittttt!”

“Shut up!” Emery snapped, though there was an edge of amusement in her tone.

The city blurred beneath them, her thoughts drifting like the wind.