I stood outside the Ardmore, fiddling with my belt. Amy had dragged me to the thrift store this morning to find a pair of decent slacks, and we’d spent an hour trying to find something that fit my frame. In the end it had been a compromise between leg length and waist size, hence the belt cinched tightly around my hips.

  She hadn’t been happy about the results of my meeting with the foster family. It had been a little bit of a fight to get Amy to give up on fostering and come around to the idea of emancipation. I’d worn her down eventually though, and she’d reluctantly agreed it made sense. At least we agreed living together was better than sending me to live with people like that.

  My teeth groaned as I clenched my jaw. I was just distracting myself at this point, reluctant to head into the fancy looking club and presumably get kicked out when they saw me; that or have a disastrous meeting with Carol and Sarah. I wasn’t exactly ready for either of those, but didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. I took a deep breath and pushed through the door, striding up to a bored looking waiter.

  “Good afternoon,” he greeted me, staring down with a look of mild irritation. “Welcome to the Ardmore, are you a member?”

  “No, but I’m here to meet someone,” I replied flatly. “The table is under Bulwark Law.” He narrowed his eyes, then looked down, eyes flicking back and forth as he read something.

  “Ah, apologies, please come this way,” he said, straightening up a little.

  I followed him into the club, eyes scanning the place. It was way out of my league, with décor and paintings all over that probably cost more than the totality of my bank accounts. Small wonder it was an entire firm that kept a table here, it probably cost them an arm and a leg. The waiters were well dressed, with white button up shirts and black bow ties; and every piece of cutlery I saw was silver or gold. I squared my shoulders and tried not to look too shitty.

  He led me to a corner table near the back, where Carol and Sarah were already waiting, chatting quietly. They turned and smiled at me when I came over. I hung my jacket on a rack beside the table, adjusting the collar of my shirt. Then I took a seat at the opposite side of the booth, thanking the waiter when he set a menu down in front of me. He quickly left us alone, and I picked at my thumbnail, glancing between the two heroes.

  “Good afternoon Lia,” Sarah greeted me with a genuine looking smile. “So glad you could join us. How are you feeling today?”

  “I’m okay,” I said, not really wanting to rehash the bullshit of yesterday. “A little tired but fine. How are you?”

  “Oh, much the same,” she replied. “Never a dull moment in Brockton Bay, right?”

  “Yeah,” I sighed, leaning back.

  “Well they say the tea here brings one back to life,” Carol said, pouring some into a cup. “Cream and sugar?”

  “Sure, why not?” When in Rome and all that. I took the cup and sipped it, smiling at the pleasant, light taste. “Pretty good.”

  “Isn’t it?” Sarah said, pushing a small plate of finger cookies my way. “Try their biscuits, incredible stuff really.” I eagerly grabbed one and took a bite, humming happily at the sweet flavour, with just a hint of spicy cinnamon underneath.

  “God,” I said, swallowing. “That’s fantastic. Things must cost a fortune.”

  “Don’t worry about that, it’s an occasion,” Carol said. “It’s good to celebrate success, don’t you think?” Oh, this was about Cricket.

  “Yeah, I guess,” I replied cagily, glancing around the room. We were far away from any other patrons, and the booth was pretty well walled off. I couldn’t hear what other people were talking about, so it was probably true that they couldn’t hear me. Safe...ish.

  “Rest assured, this club is discreet,” Carol said, like she read my mind.

  “Trust that my sister would make it a legal nightmare if they weren’t,” Sarah added dryly.

  “Alright,” I said with a nod. “How’d you hear about it?”

  “The PRT announced Cricket’s capture yesterday morning,” Carol explained. At least she kept her voice low. “Considering the state she was in, and that they mentioned a pair of vigilantes were involved in her arrest, I took it for granted that you were involved.” I winced.

  “Sorry,” I said, looking down at the table.

  “Oh don’t apologize,” she said with a sigh. “This is a violent business.”

  “It’s not a bad idea to be cautious though,” Sarah said. “Make sure that what you’re doing is legal before executing. You know it’s not uncommon for newer teams to take on counsel for consultation?”

  “Really? Huh.” It made sense, clearing things by a lawyer first. Maybe I ought to talk to Samuel...though he wasn’t exactly above-board. Who else though? “Well whatever, it all basically fell under self-defense anyway.” I clammed up as I spotted a waiter approaching from the corner of my eye.

  “Good afternoon ladies, sir.” Sir? “How are the biscuits and tea?”

  “Wonderful as always,” Sarah said, offering him a smile. “I think we’re ready to order.”

  “Absolutely, how about you first young man?” He turned to me, a well practiced smile on his face.

  “I’m a girl,” I retorted, trying to keep my tone level. “And I need a second.”

  I ignored his hasty apology and turned my attention to the menu. Why had that gotten to me? It was a fair mistake, with my buzzed hair and scrawny frame; but there was a weird tension in my chest. He’d just mistaken me for a guy and…fuck me. I barely suppressed a groan as I recalled the other set of memories stuck on me like a tumour. God, maybe I should reconsider this hair and…

  No, fuck her. Didn’t ask for her memories and feelings. Besides, I was actually born a girl, so it was fine. I forced myself to study the menu, wanting to think about anything else. The prices were stupid, but considering the place it wasn’t that off. Definitely wouldn’t be coming back with Amy though.

  “Have you decided miss?” the waiter asked once Carol and Sarah had ordered. He looked worried, should be after that shit.

  “I’ll try the Monte Cristo,” I said, setting my menu down. It wasn’t the cheapest thing, but wouldn’t break the bank either.

  “A fine choice,” he said with a nod, then scampered away.

  “Dick,” I muttered.

  “I’m sorry about that Lia,” Sarah said, at least sounding genuine.

  “It’s fine, forget it.” I sure wanted to, but I had a feeling I wouldn’t for far too long. “Anyway, how have you guys been?”

  “Oh, alright,” Sarah replied lightly. “Wishing the weather would decide what it’s doing so we can pick either winter or summer costumes.”

  “Mm, yeah it’s getting colder,” I said. “Nights especially.”

  “You’re not protected against the cold?” Carol asked.

  “No, why would I be?”

  “Victoria’s field protects her against the elements,” she said. “Yours must function differently.” I shrugged.

  “I guess,” I hedged. “I’m more focused on what it does keep out, basically everything that could hurt me.”

  “Sounds ideal,” Sarah said. “Or at least functional. But enough about work, I’d like to know more about you.” I blinked.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  “Uh, okay?” I looked between them. “What do you want to know?” Amy had warned me about this at least.

  “I’m curious how you met Amy,” Carol began. Her voice gave no hint to how she felt. “I recall you were classmates, but how long have you known each other?”

  “A few months,” I admitted. “Didn’t really know her before May. We uh, had lunch after I helped her with a lab. Vicky was there, she can confirm that. Then I told you about meeting at the hospital and stuff, and after that we hung out a few times and uh...June happened.” There was a moment of awkward silence before I cleared my throat and continued. “Since then we sort of stuck together.”

  “After something like that, I think I can understand,” Sarah said.

  “I’d like to know more about June,” Carol said, not sounding satisfied.

  “In public?” I asked, arching a brow. She folded a privacy screen out from her side of the table and slid it across, blocking out the rest of the restaurant. I eyed her. “I feel like ‘no’ isn’t a viable answer here,” I said dryly.

  “You’re under no obligation to share,” Carol said flatly. “But there were three people involved in what happened to my daughter. I’ve spoken about it with two of them, but I want a complete picture. Given your...other ability, you might be able to explain things more thoroughly.”

  “Carol this isn’t—”

  “Be specific,” I snapped, cutting off Sarah. I gripped my knees tight so I wasn’t at risk of breaking the furniture. “You want to know what? That Victoria’s okay? That Amy’s healing people fine?”

  “I want to know what part you played in making it happen,” Carol said sharply.

  “Making it—” I bit my tongue so I didn’t tear her a new asshole. I took a few deep breaths before finally meeting her eyes. “I went out there and made sure both of them made it through intact. My part wasn’t making it happen it was making it stop. You seriously think Amy and I would be together if I started that shitshow?” My cheeks were burning and I could feel sweat dripping down my back.

  “I think what my sister means,” Sarah said diplomatically. “Is that knowing what you knew, why not bring it up earlier to prevent it?”

  “A couple reason,” I said, still tense. “First, Coil, because we all know what happened to Dinah Alcott. Second, my thing, it’s...weird and no I’m not explaining that.” Eat shit. “I did everything in my power, that’s just not a lot.” Carol started at me silently for a moment, then gave a single sharp nod.

  “Thank you.” I blinked in surprise. “I don’t know what you’ve been told about me, but I know sometimes I come across as...overly intense. I care deeply about my daughter, daughters. I want to be sure the people in their lives actually care about them and won’t spin a story to get on their good side.” I wasn’t sure how much I believed her, but she sounded genuine at least.

  “Okay,” I said. “You want to know I mean it? Fine. I love Amy, like really. I know I’m a teenager, but I seriously mean it. Don’t know how much more I can really say…” I trailed off and shook my head, cheeks burning. I felt like an idiot, saying this crap in front of Amy’s family, but I meant every word and wanted to make sure they knew.

  “That’s…good,” Sarah said hesitantly. “I suppose it’s just a little surprising, since you’ve only known each other a short time.”

  “Does that matter?” I countered. “I know she’s messed up, but all of us are. I don’t even know if she’s done anything worse than I have, fucked up as that is to say. She cares, she’s trying to do good, and I love her for that.” And I wasn’t about to stop.

  “Thank you,” Carol surprised me again. “Amy needs someone good who believes in her. I’m under no illusion that it could be me, and certainly not Victoria any longer. It’s...it makes me hopeful that she might get better.”

  “You’re welcome, I guess,” I said with a shrug. “But I’m not doing it for you.”

  “Nor should you,” she said, nodding. She reached over and folded back the screen into the side of the table. “Now then, shall we enjoy lunch?”

  “How’d it go?” Amy called out as I walked into the apartment. Her head poked up over the back of the couch, looking at me with wide eyes. “You look...intact.”

  “Did you think we’d get in a fight?” I asked dryly.

  “I wouldn’t put it past you if Mom said something…” she said, turning back. I took off my shoes and strode over to the couch, hopping over the back and landing next to Amy.

  “No fighting,” I assured her. “It went...honestly I think it went really good. They seemed, I don’t know, satisfied I guess.”

  “Yeah? Are you going to work with them?”

  “They never brought it up,” I replied. “I don’t think it was what you thought, Amy.”

  “Huh.” She pursed her lips and frowned. “That...doesn’t make sense.”

  “Maybe they actually just wanted to get to know me?” I offered. “We are living together and like, I told them I love you and stuff.”

  “You—” She cut herself off with a sharp inhale. “Of course, no, that’s fair I just...sorry.”

  “You don’t have to say it,” I whispered, resting my head on her shoulder. “But I will.”

  “Okay,” Amy breathed, her tension easing slightly. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine,” I said, stretching up and pressing my face into the crook of her neck. “Really. You’re here right?”

  “I am,” she said, nodding. “Not going anywhere.”

  “Good,” I said, nipping her neck and giggling at her little yelp. “Neither am I.”

  We cozied up on the couch for a lazy, lovely evening.

  “Okay, try to avoid too many head shots,” Lafayette said, leaning on the ropes from outside the ring. “Joy, watch your guard. Lia’s a slippery little thing, she’ll find any hole in it.”

  “Thanks for the help,” I said dryly, slowly swaying from side to side with my gloves raised. Mine had nearly twice the padding of Joy’s, since she couldn’t do any real damage to me but boy could I dish it.

  “You think you need coaching against her?” Lafayette retorted. “Remember what we talked about with jabs Joy, and distance.”

  “Got it,” Joy replied with a curt nod. Her eyes were wide, though half hidden behind her the headgear protecting her. “Uh, go easy Lia?” I snorted and shook my head, stretching out a glove towards her.

  She touched one of hers to mine, then we retreated to our corners. Lafayette wanted us to treat it like a match, playing by silly rules we’d never find outside the ring. That was fair enough, we were on the same team after all. Between each other, we could have respect, rules. When Lafayette heard about my blow up at Joy the last time we were out, she arranged for this right away; something about bashing out the hatchet.

  I still felt a little bad, but I’d apologized already. No reason to go easy on her, especially when a bad guy wouldn’t. I wouldn’t hurt her of course, I wanted my teammate intact, but I didn’t want to lose either.

  Rising on the balls of my feet, I skipped towards the center of the ring. Joy was more hesitant, shuffling forward with a tight guard around her midsection. She had more than a few inches on me, and definitely had reach, but her movements were stiff. I approached with my hands on either side of my head, high, bobbing slightly.

  A jab lashed out and bounced off my glove. I was surprised at the force behind it, despite it not being too fast. Joy was stronger than she looked, or I was really just that weak. I wasn’t taking the opportunity to find out. When her next jab came, I blocked it and hooked my right fist around, driving her elbow into her side.

  She huffed, skipping back a step. I followed without hesitating, knowing where my advantage was. Two jabs at her left, then a quick feinted step the opposite way put her off balance. I struck, slipping an uppercut between her too-wide guard and driving it into her sternum. The blow bent her over, and I hooked my fist to strike her jaw, or at least the guard.

  “Bell!” Lafayette called as Joy fell to the mat. I stood panting, blinking sweat from my eyes as I lowered my fists. “Lia, check on your teammate!”

  “Right!” I knelt down and shucked my gloves, reaching a hand out to Joy. “Hey, you okay?”

  “Hard...to breathe,” she wheezed, weakly pushing herself off the mat. I helped her to sit up as Lafayette came over and unbuckled Joy’s headgear.

  “Look at me,” she said firmly, thumbs pulling down on Joy’s eyes. “Look left. Right. Up. Down. Roll ‘em.” She nodded. “Okay, no concussion. Lia, thought I told you to avoid head shots.”

  “Only sent one,” I said with a shrug. “Sorry for the gut punch though, know those hurt. You okay?”

  “Fine,” Joy huffed. “Hurts more I didn’t even hit you.”

  “I didn’t give you a chance,” I said, offering a hand. She took it and I helped her to her feet. “Those long arms would keep me out if I did.”

  “She’s right,” Lafayette agreed. “Footwork needs some practice too, we’ll tackle that next time. Solid work today, both of you.”

  “Thanks Laffy,” Joy said, a grin growing on her face.

  “See you what, Friday?” I asked.

  “That’s my next afternoon off,” Lafayette said with a shrug. “Oh, Joy, take out the trash when you get home would you?”

  “Sure thing.”

  We left the gym and headed to the bus stop, chatting a bit more about boxing. Joy was a quick study, and with how well she and Lafayette got along it was no surprise she was picking things up. Good thing too, we were going out Wednesday for another patrol. With any luck, we’d keep chipping away at Wotan’s Wolves til they were annihilated.

  “Sorry again, for ditching you the other night,” Joy said as we waited at the stop.

  “I told you, don’t sweat it,” I said evenly. “You said you were taking down the guys who were escaping?”

  “Yeah, one of them got his hands free, don’t know how.” She sighed and tugged at the end of her braid. “Found him helping his buddy. He got a couple punches in before I put him down.”

  “In the future, let’s stick together,” I replied. “I know you were just taking cover at first, but you should have come right back out to engage.”

  “But they would have gone free!”

  “And I might not have taken such a beating to Cricket,” I countered. “We’ll never know. Point is, capes are way more valuable targets than regular people. They can do more damage, to us and everyone else.”

  “Maybe I could have hit them with a couple waves,” Joy murmured. “But what if they’d gotten free and ambushed us?”

  “We’d deal,” I said simply. “No hard feelings about it, promise. But hell, even a shout would be great, just let me know what you’re doing.”

  “What about radios?” she asked. “Like, army uses them right?”

  “Expensive,” I said. “Plus I don’t know how to like, use them beyond walkie-talkie stuff. I think we’ll be close enough usually that we won’t need it.”

  “Well, I’ll try and keep it in mind.” Joy said. My bus pulled up and I started to board. “Hey Lia?”

  “Yeah?” I asked, turning my head.

  “Let’s knock ‘em dead.”

  “Let’s,” I replied with a smirk.