Two shots rang out into the cold night air, and the door’s lock shattered as the rounds impacted. I kicked it in and charged inside, pistol raised. A figured stumbled out of a room in front of me and I bellowed at them to raise their hands. They whirled, then scrambled backwards so quickly they fell on their ass, hands in the air.

  I pounced and smacked them twice with the butt of my pistol, then rose and ordered J-Dog at the rear to bind them. I poked into the room they’d come from, but it was empty so I kept leading my team through the hallway. Ahead there was a room lit by fluorescent light, and I could see shadows moving inside. I bumped a fist against my head twice to get my team to follow, then raced inside, pistol raised.

  Bullets struck me as I yelled above the din to drop their weapons. They didn’t, but a split second after they began firing Nadir dropped them instead. We descended on the two of them, men with shaved heads and tattoos on their arms, binding their wrists together and forcing them on their bellies. Zeke and Jeep stayed behind to guard them, and the room which seemed filled with drugs, while Nadir and I swept the remaining two rooms. Once I was satisfied we were clear, I returned to the drug room and put my gun in its new holster.

  “Well well well,” I said, picking up a baggie filled with little white crystals. “Looks like we were right on the money, or the drugs anyway.”

  “They were cutting it,” Jeep said, gesturing to a scale beside a box of baking soda. “Ay white boy, you selling soap or meth?”

  “Fuck you n—” The skinhead wheezed as Jeep drove a boot into his stomach.

  “Jeep, no abusing the prisoners unless it’s funny or they deserve it,” I said flatly.

  “He deserved it,” Jeep replied.

  “Agreed,” I said with a nod, looking at the curled up Nazi. “Well you’re shit out of luck, buddy. Jeep, you and J take them out front. Zeke, go with and call up the cops. We’ll check out the rest of the house and see if there’s anything else.”

  For all my fear around being in command, it seemed to be going well. Everyone was working together smoothly, following orders, and not even fighting me on it. That, plus finding a backpack full of rolls of cash, had my spirits high as we left the house with our prize and joined the rest of the team on the front lawn.

  “Man these some lippy motherfuckers,” Jeep spat as the cops rolled up. “Think booting one of their heads would have taught them but no.”

  “Cool it Jeep,” I said as the only mostly-conscious one spat invectives. “Not our problem anymore, you know?” I turned towards the cops and raised a hand as they got out. “Hey, it’s Amaranth. Busted a drug house, evidence is inside, suspects out here.”

  “Goddamn,” one of them said, scratching his chin. I saw his gaze fall to my hip. “You got a permit for that?”

  “I’m deputized going after these guys, don’t think I need one,” I countered. That probably wasn’t right...would they know that? They weren’t heroes.

  “Sounds right to me,” the other shrugged, stepping onto the lawn. “Long as you’re busting up bad guys.”

  “Mind if I take your statement?” the first officer asked.

  “We’ve got places to be,” I said, shaking my head. Untrue, but frankly...I didn’t see the point anymore. If the orgy of evidence behind me wasn’t good enough, the fuck good we words worth? “Can’t linger, or we’ll spoil the surprise. Take care of yourselves.” I turned to gather my team, then paused as blinking green and white lights raced up the road and pulled to a stop outside the house.

  “Amaranth!”

  “Clockblocker?” I cocked my head as he hopped out of the van and ran over. “Hey dude, haven’t seen you in...a while.”

  “What are you doing?” Clockblocker asked. I looked over my shoulder at a cop heading into the house, while my team helped get the suspects in the back seat.

  “Is that like, rhetorical?” We shared a chuckle and I shook my head. “What are you doing out here? School night isn’t it?”

  “New rule, anytime you’re doing something we send a team,” he replied, making me grimace.

  “Fun,” I said dryly. “Working a late shift then?”

  “Last one before the semester starts,” Clockblocker said, looking over his shoulder and gesturing to an empty corner of the yard. “Can I talk to you for a second?” I frowned, but nodded. There wasn’t anything he could do really, so I followed him over.

  “What’s up?” I asked.

  “Who are your new friends?” he said, voice low. “What kind of thing are you running here?”

  “My team,” I replied, shrugging. “Like you have yours, or New Wave has theirs.”

  “PRT called it a vigilante gang,” he said flatly.

  “Hey, if you didn’t notice, I’m still calling the cops,” I said, jerking my thumb at the squad car. “Still cooperating. We just work differently.”

  “More aggressively.”

  “Can you really blame us?”

  “PRT does.

  “Well fuck ‘em,” I spat with enough venom to make him flinch. “For all the shit they said, how many Nazi capes did they take down? Christ Clock, they couldn’t even hold one that we handed you on a platter. It’s not working. It hasn’t been working for longer than either of us have been alive. Werwolf is a fucking cancer and it needs to be dealt with before it grows back worse.”

  “That’s…” Clockblocker glanced at the house, and my team around it. “Look it’s not that I don’t get it but—”

  “But nothing,” I cut him off. “They’re not getting off anymore. If you guys won’t get rid of them then we will.” There was a tense pause.

  “You know we intercepted some communications from Werwolf,” he said quietly. “They referred to you as a ‘yapping rat terrier’. I don’t know if you’re having the effect you think.” My eye twitched.

  “I show them a fucking rat terrier,” I growled. “I’ll rip them out of their dens with my hands if they want. If they aren’t taking me seriously, they’re going to pay for it. Thanks for telling me, I guess.”

  “Amaranth you…” Clockblocker sighed. “There’s no talking to you. Never has been I guess.” My cheeks burned despite myself.

  “Sorry,” I muttered. I chewed my lip. “I...I miss you guys sometimes, you know?” They just wouldn’t associate with me anymore, considering how things were.

  “I...can’t say I miss you a lot,” he replied. “But it was nice having someone around to take all the heat off me for cursing.” He chuckled and I sighed.

  “We’re going to head out now,” I said. “It was...it was good to see you again Clock. Stay safe.”

  “Amaranth, just...take it easy, okay?” Clockblocker said as I turned my back.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  I didn’t answer, because I couldn’t bear to tell him that wasn’t an option anymore.

  “Good luck,” Joy said, squeezing my shoulder. “You got this.”

  “Gonna go fine,” Zeke reassured me with a nod.

  “Thanks guys,” I said, taking a deep breath. “Okay, see you later.”

  I got out of the car and looked up at the courthouse in front of me, awnings dusted with the remains of snow. My mask was already wrapped around my head, drawing more than a few stares from people around me. I ignored them and headed up the steps, eyes flicking about, looking for Miss Stanford. I spotted her at the top and made a beeline, checking my shoulder to make sure I was relatively safe.

  “Hello Amaranth,” Stanford greeted me with a smile. “How are you feeling?”

  “Nervous,” I said honestly. “Excited I guess, I don’t know.”

  “Understandable,” she said, nodding. “Don’t worry, everyone in the room is either cleared to know your identity or already does. I think this will go well.”

  “Hope you’re right,” I sighed. “Okay, let’s go.”

  I followed her inside, tense and alert. Even though I was with Stanford, well dressed and professional as she was, it felt like every eye was locked on me. A PRT officer standing beside a cop at the metal detector greeted me, and I offered them a nod in reply. That was at least all the confrontation we had, despite the attention I was attracting.

  God it felt weird going around masked up and unarmed, especially when so many people around me were. Granted they were cops and stuff, so it made sense, but it had my hackles up. I just had to tell myself it would be fine. If anybody wanted to target me, this was probably the worst place to do it. If the heroes wanted to capture me...good luck. Unless I was getting hit by confoam the second I walked into the room, they’d have a hell of a time.

  “Here we are,” Stanford said, stopping outside a door. “Are you ready?”

  “As I can be,” I said, squaring my shoulders.

  We walked through the door into a courtroom. I guess that shouldn’t have surprised me but it seemed just...normal, mundane. The judge was seated at his bench, reading some notes it looked like. There were a couple suited people up there already, lawyers probably, chatting quietly between themselves. A bailiff went over to the judge and spoke quietly, making him raise his head as we walked towards the bench.

  “Viola, good to see you,” the judge greeted her with a smile. “And this is Amaranth I take it? Or do you prefer your real name, young lady?”

  “Amaranth is fine.” Stanford elbowed me and I cleared my throat. “Sorry, Amaranth is fine your honour.” I got a minute nod and barely suppressed the urge to roll my eyes.

  “Counsel, are you ready?” he asked, looking at the lawyers.

  “We are your honour,” one of them said, nodding.

  “Alright, lets get this under way,” he said, clearing his throat as we sat. I glanced at the bailiff and noticed he had a PRT badge. “This court is here today to hear arguments regarding the emancipation of Amelia Carina D’souza, also known by the pseudonym Amaranth. As this case involves a parahuman youth, formerly a member of the Wards organization, all testimony and records will be sealed and the strictest confidentiality must be maintained. Miss Stanford, would you care to introduce your client to the bench?”

  “Of course your honour,” Stanford said, rising from her seat. “I am here today representing Amaranth as a member of the Youth Guard and her advocate. As you yourself noted, your honour, Amaranth was formerly a member of the local Wards. She lost her family during Leviathan’s attack and was in the care of the PRT until October this year when she left by her own choice. Since then she has been living independently, maintaining an adequate academic record while continuing to work as an independent hero.”

  “Amaranth’s circumstances are unusual, even for a parahuman youth,” she continued. “Despite that, I have seen her try to make the best of them. She is a highly independent young woman with both the ability and means to sustain herself. I am hopeful the court will see that today as well and make the decision in her best interest.” She sat and offered me a smile.

  “Thank you Miss Stanford,” the judge said with a nod. “Mr. Wexford?”

  “Yes your honour,” one of the lawyers said, standing. “We’re here today representing Amaranth’s current legal guardian, the PRT. We have no factual dispute regarding the circumstances around Amaranth’s emancipation. However, we do not believe emancipation is the appropriate outcome for her.” I sighed as he made his argument, drumming my fingers on the table.

  I should have known they’d be against it, but the stupid things they were dragging out as ‘proof’ were a slap in the face. Like therapy, which they’d forced me into, and my going out alone as if that was crazy for a cape. At least they let me swear in and argue for why I’d been going out despite everything, and the judge nodded like he agreed.

  The hearing dragged on for a while, with lots of back and forth between the lawyers and Stanford. I was called up a few more times, asked about what I was doing for income. I didn’t lie, told them outright I was living off Shatterbird’s bounty and my inheritance. Even Stanford seemed taken aback when I totaled what I had; frankly I was too. How many teenagers could say with a straight face they were a millionaire?

  When my hero work came up, the PRT was quick to point out how reckless I was. I countered with my building a team, cooperating with both police and PRT, and tackling a threat that had vigilantes deputized.

  It took over an hour to go over everything, from therapy, to conduct, to improvement in conduct, to my goddamn report card. Finally though, the hearing adjourned and we were let out for the day. I was still tired from the late night raid yesterday, or this morning really, and still on edge.

  “Care for a coffee?” Stanford asked as we walked down the courthouse steps. “I’m parked just up the street here. There’s a nice place not far away.”

  “I’m alright,” I replied, shaking my head. “Going to get a ride home with a friend.”

  “If you’re sure.” She glanced around the near-empty plaza at the bottom of the stairs, then lowered her voice. “Can I ask if something happened, Amaranth? You mentioned you moved, is everything alright?”

  “Yeah, yeah I’m fine,” I said quickly.

  “And how is Amy?”

  “She’s…” I took a deep breath. “She’s probably fine too. We’re...not seeing each other.” I felt my throat tighten at the look of pity she gave me.

  “I’m truly sorry to hear that,” Stanford said. “If you’d ever like to talk, well, I know a middle aged woman might not be the ideal confidant but I understand the ins and outs of relationships.” She sighed and glanced at her watch. “We should hear back regarding this soon. Two months at most, but I doubt it will take that long in your case.”

  “Parahuman privilege?” I asked, trying to follow the change in subject.

  “I’d hardly call it privilege,” she countered.

  “Me neither,” I sighed.

  “This...team you mentioned, you’re not part of a gang are you?”

  “No, we’re...I guess we’re vigilantes,” I replied, shrugging. “I keep them in line, don’t worry. And like I said in there, we work with the cops, it’s all on the level.”

  “I suppose they admitted as such,” Stanford said. “Please keep it that way. I’ve told you before, emancipation is a double edged sword. You’re granted the privileges of an adult, yes, but also the responsibilities. If you’re tried, you’ll be tried as an adult, jailed with adults.”

  “I know,” I said, nodding. “I’ve always been ready for consequences, Miss Stanford.”

  “You always were—”

  Gunfire tore through the air and I felt rounds strike my projection as screams rang out. I twisted, reaching for my gun and cursing violently when I came up empty handed. The screech of tires drew my eyes as a black muscle car raced off down the road. I cast my eyes about for Stanford, then felt my stomach drop as I looked down.

  “Stanford!” I shrieked, dropping to my knees. I pressed my hand to a blossom of blood on her chest. “Fuck, hold on, medic!” I looked around frantically, waving at a cop racing down the steps towards me. I felt fingers brush against my arm and saw Stanford looking at me, mouth moving, no words.

  Her head lolled to the side and I screamed until my throat was raw.

  “Jesus, Amaranth I’m sorry,” Nadir said, wrapping her arms around me. “I’m so, so sorry.”

  I was still sitting on the steps of the courthouse, a blanket around my shoulders. They’d taken Stanford away a few minutes ago...in a white sheet. A choked sob escaped my throat and Nadir hugged me tighter, rocking slightly back and forth. It was cold outside, but I felt colder.

  “Can I ask what happened?” Nadir said after a few minutes.

  “I don’t—” I choked and sniffled, shaking my head. “It was just...she was talking to me, we were walking out. I didn’t see it, didn’t see anyone.”

  “Amaranth!” I jerked at the sound of Miss Militia’s voice. She strode over, power rapidly flickering.

  “Miss Militia,” I said hoarsely, sniffing and shrugging Nadir off. I wiped at my eyes and took a few deep breaths.

  “I understand your Youth Guard advocate was shot, can you tell me what happened? Who it was?” She sounded almost frantic. I felt a bubbling anger in my chest.

  “Who do you think?” I said, gritting my teeth.

  “Werwolf,” Miss Militia said, voice as cold as the weather. “Do you really think they’d be so brazen?”

  “Who else?” I demanded. My chest was thawing as my anger roared hot. “They— Fuck, they killed her.” I choked back a sob, shaking my head.

  “Can you offer any details?” she asked. “I know it’s hard Amaranth, I know, but anything you can remember may help.” I shook my head helplessly. “Look at me.” I raised my head and saw she was squatting down, eyes burning into me. “Amaranth, I know how you feel, but do not take revenge. We will deal with this.”

  “You want me to back off?” I spat. “Are you fucking kidding?”

  “No,” Miss Militia said firmly. “You’re hurt, but you can’t take it out on people, not even criminals. They’ll be brought to justice, mark my words Amaranth, but let us handle it.” She rose and walked away, leaving me in the cold again.

  “What are we going to do?” Nadir asked quietly, after she’d gone.

  “The only thing we can,” I said numbly, rising to my feet. “The only thing I’m good at.”