Time heals all wounds. Or those wound can fester. The infection can burrow deep onto the bone slowly killing you from the inside. Emotions can have the same effect.
After her father's death Lyra kept to her training schedule minus an instructor. Sorrow had festered into rage as her fist cut through the air in methodical movements. The wooden dummy spun the the left and right with each targeted blow. Stepping back, glaring at the offensive statue, Lyra shot out a round house kick taking the head clear off. The body tipping over soon after the head hit the ground. It had only been a month but Lyra felt stronger, more powerful. She left the pieces where they lay and headed home.
The house was empty when she arrived. With school starting soon Lyra knew her mother would be busy laying out the last details of her lesson plan. Their had slightly shifted in the past month. But she didn't blame her mother for that. There was still quality family time mostly forced down Lyra's throat. But everything just seemed quieter. Lyra hadn't been much help nor did she allow herself to be a burden to her mother.
They had a good long talk after everything had settled down from the burial. Lyra didn't hold back any emotions about her father's death. All of it seemed unfair. She didn't know who to blame. Did she blame the police force for doing such a sub par job? Did she blame the criminals for their violent and dishonorable activities? Apart of her blamed her father for his own death. He knew the risk every time he went out there. He knew the chances that the worst could happen and he might not come back. But he did it anyway. He took that chance and now she was suffering for his actions. At the time when Lyra was innocent, she didn't consider these consequences. The only thing that mattered was that her dad was doing the right thing. Now all she could see was the selfishness in it all. Villains and heroes alike, all of them selfish.
Lyra checked her phone to see there were no calls or texts. That was another consequence she didn't expect. After finding out from the news almost everyone had abandoned her. She didn't blame them either. Who would want to be associated with the daughter of a vigilante? A couple tried to stay by her side. But the uncomfortable silence pushed them, including her boyfriend, away.
Honestly Lyra was tired of talking. She was tired of the same conversations with no end, no solution in sight. They didn't have the answers for her. People could only give generic responses with no real answer. The only person that might know what she was going through was next door. But that bridge had been thoroughly burned down on both sides.
"Lyra sweetie" Her mother called from down stairs. "Can you come down a minute? We have company."
Understanding the hint Lyra grabbed a jacket from her closet. She still had the hand cuffs around one of her wrists. They had decided it was just simpler to hide the accessory than to think of an excuse. She headed down the stairs and into the living room where her mother and unknown woman were waiting for her.
"Hello Lyra, It's very nice to meet your acquaintance. My name is Mrs. Powers." The woman offered her a handshake. Lyra took the offer suspiciously glancing at her mother for guidance. "If you would like to take a seat next to your mother we have much to discuss." Lyra sat on the couch next to her mother who gave her a reassuring smile. Mrs. Powers sat in the chair across from them setting a couple of folders and brochures in front of them. "Now then let's begin."
Pulling up in the driveway from his driving lesson, Warren and his mother got out of the car to head inside.
"Setting aside that little incident in the beginning" Mrs. Peace nudged her son. "You did great. Getting your license should be a drive through the park."
Warren smiled at his mothers encouraging words. He was feeling pretty confident about the whole thing.
"Doesn't really matter." Warren played it off jokingly. "Still have to take the bus to school."
"I could always take you." She teased. Both shared a laugh as they walked down the sidewalk.
A loud crashing noise pulled their attention towards their neighbor's house. Neither had noticed the suspicious black SUV parked in the street in front of the house. The front door flew open with another loud crash coming from inside. Principal Powers speed walked out of the house to the waiting car.
Warren had a confused smile on his face. Never head he seen the woman move so fast in heels. What could possibly have her running away?
His question was answered as a flurry of papers poured out of the same door. Lyra stormed out onto the front yard yelling while picking up a few papers and throwing them at the moving vehicle. Mrs. Wilson rushed to her daughter's side trying to calm her . Lyra pulled away and returned to the house leaving her mother in the middle of the yard.
Mrs. Wilson, a hand on her hip and the other on her forehead, looked around at the mess. Warren and his mother headed over to aid in the task of picking up the papers. The Sky High head letter was on every paper Warren grabbed from the ground. Mrs. Wilson invited them in and set the papers down on the table. Warren heard the sigh coming from Mrs. Wilson as she closed the sliding door to the back yard.
"Would the two of you care for something to drink?" Mrs. Wilson opened the fridge pulling out a couple bottles of water.
Warren took a sip eyeing the papers while the parents talked about the hot topic.
"How did they find you?" His mother asked.
"After Clint's death" Mrs. Wilson sighed again. "They think it would be more beneficial for Lyra if she attended their school this year."
"And Lyra didn't take the news well." Mrs. Peace nodded at the broken items on the floor.
"No she did not." Mrs. Wilson snorted in exhaustion.
Warren could relate to her feelings. He wasn't too happy about being forced into this school. But he had always known he would be going to Sky High. He had years to accept it. Something didn't sit right with this. Why were they pulling her out now at her second year of high school? Why hadn't she started freshmen year like the rest of them? Why did they want her now? What was so special that her parent kept her hidden?
As the adults continued their conversation Warren moved from the kitchen out to the backyard. He walked from the yard and and into the woods. Once out of sight he took off in a light jog to the only place he knew she would be. He hadn't been there since Lyra found him hiding in the cabin. But he knew exactly where to go. It was time for some answers.
Lyra stood in the middle of her make shift arena with three hanging punching bags spread around her. Without warning she started her assault. Every hit, slam, kick, and elbow was precise as she bounced from one to the other. She didn't halt until one of the bags opened at the seams pouring out its contents.
"You shouldn't be here." Glancing behind her shoulder, Lyra heard him before she saw him.
"Bit of deja vu don't you think." Warren walked into the clearing. "Now how is it an ordinary girl like yourself got an invitation to the prestigious Sky High Academy?"
"More like forced enrollment" Lyra headed to the cabin with the intent of ending the conversation.
I line of fire blocked her escape route. "That didn't answer my question."
"You sure are curious about someone you want nothing to do with." Lyra turned to face him. "Why do you care?"
"I don't" He eyes her suspiciously as she casually strolled over to him. In truth he did care. He wanted to know what he had been missing since he met her. "Just answer the question."
Lyra slipped a small chain from around her neck stopping right in front of him to look him in the eye. "Which one?"
"Why are you attending Shy High?" He demanded the answer.
"Oh" Lyra tilted her head to the side. "But I thought you wanted to know what was with the cuffs."
The fast dull clicking sound echoed around them. When Warren looked down he saw an iron ring around his wrist while the other was still secured to her.
"What the-"
Faster than he could look up a fist was flying straight for his face hitting him in the jaw. Warren stumbled back taking Lyra with him. Another strike, a kick to the side, barely missed when he used his free elbow to block it.
"What the fuck?!" Warren shouted nearly evading the oncoming attack. "I didn't come here to fight."
"And I didn't come here to be followed." Lyra grabbed his shoulders elbowing him in the stomach causing Warren to hunch over. "But here we are." She leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Now what are you going to do about it."
Any patience Warren had was drowned out by Lyra's taunting words. Lyra jumped back as much as the short chain would allow as Warren stood up straight ready to ignite. He called on his flames to engulf his arms. But when he looked down there was nothing happening. He tried again and... nothing.
"Sorry matches." Warren looked over to see Lyra with a wicked grin. "No fuel for that bonfire." She lifted the wrist that was attached to the cuffs jiggling them in front of him. "Guess you're gonna have to rely on your other skills or... lack of skills."
Warren yelled every obscenity in his vocabulary as he lunged for her. Lyra side stepped every move he made with ease. Where Warren might had bested her in brute strength, Lyra's strongest weapon was her agility. Every time he missed she would counter with a hit.
Warren's head was spinning. He wasn't sure how much time had past. But he could taste blood. Every time he breathed as shooting pain from possibly two broken ribs cut the oxygen short. Lyra was off to the side of him in a defensive stance ready for the next move. If she was winded she didn't show it.
"Ready to admit defeat?" She asked calmly.
Did she really think he couldn't take a hit? The audacity of the question gave Warren a second wind. With the last of his energy he pulled the arm attached to the cuffs bringing it and Lyra towards him. Swinging with his free arm Warren aimed for her jaw. In a blur Lyra bucked from his sight spinning under their arms, grabbing his cuffed wrist and taking it with her as she appeared behind him. She twisted his arm behind his back forcing Warren to one knee.
"That's the problem with supers. You rely completely on your powers." Lyra twisted harder causing him to grunt in pain. "But without it you're more helpless than an infant. You're nothing special. You are all just a bunch of babies with a god complex."
Lyra's little speech distracted her when Warren rolled to the side taking her with him. Lyra tripped over his body as she went face first into the dirt. They wrestled on the ground, trying to untangle limb from limb, as Warren got the upper hand. Swinging blindly he fists collided with her jaw, stomach, and sides. The pain triggered an automatic reaction as Lyra kicked at him as much as she could while he struggled to stay on top of her. A lucky shot landed as her heel connected with his groin. Warren fell to the side clutching his groin as Lyra scrambled from under him. Both were breathing hard, but neither of them moved. The adrenalin had finally wore off and both teens were bruised, bloody, and exhausted.
After a minute Warren rolled onto his back turning his head towards Lyra "Truce?" He breathed out.
"Truce" Lyra nodded before mimicking his position on the ground.
"So I guess I got my answer about these." Warren lifted his arm shaking his wrist with Lyra's arm dangling from the other end. "Power blocking shackles." He laughed at the statement.
"If you want to get technical they are called neutralizing restraints." Both laughed out loud. She breathed through her nose trying to steady her lungs. The comforting campfire smell invaded her nostrils. It was funny how the cuffs didn't alter Warren's scent. Lyra lazily brought her free hand to her neck. She shot up in a panic frantically searching her chest with both hands. "SHIT"
Warren watched her from the corner of his eye. "What?"
"I lost the key."
FUN FACT: That fight scene was a dream that inspired this story.
The two teens slowly made their walk of shame back to Lyra's house. Their hairs were a complete mess with twigs and leaves sticking out. There was dirt covering their clothes. Lyra suffered a split lip with a bruised jaw and Warren left eye was almost swollen shut with a line of blood trailing down his face from a cut on his temple. Both felt the way they looked.
Their parents were waiting for them on the patio sipping tea at the table. The teens finally caught their attention as they reached the steps.
"Well look what the cat dragged in." Mrs. Wilson joked. Neither woman looked to be concerned about their children's appearance.
"Hi mom" Lyra waved with her cuffed hand showing the parents the situation.
"What in the world is going on there." Mrs. Peace couldn't help but smile at the predicament. "Oh Warren, did you really need to drag her back in restraints?"
"Didn't really have a choice in the matter." Warren rolled his eyes.
Mrs. Wilson shook her head and fished out a spare key tossing it to her daughter. Lyra quickly unlocked Warren's cuff reattaching it to herself. Warren rubbed his sore wrist and flopped into the chair next to his mother. Lyra and her mother took the seats across from them.
"Aww sweetie did you have to rough him up that bad?" Mrs. Wilson acknowledged Warren's appearance. Lyra shrugged her shoulders looking away.
"No worries" Mrs. Peace interjected. "My boy could use a good kick in the ass every once in a while."
"I didn't get my ass kicked." Warren steamed.
"Not from what I saw." Lyra sneered.
"Don't you think you had an unfair advantage?" Before Lyra could defend herself her mother snapped. "And don't think we won't be discussing the whole fighting without provocation thing later. We had a deal if you remember."
"He deserved it." Lyra barked at the same time Warren snapped. "I can handle myself."
"Be that as it may your training was not meant to be used in this manner." Mrs. Wilson deliberated. "I think reparations are in order."
Lyra dropped her head back groaning in aggravation. Sluggishly she got out of her seat and walked around the table, using the key to unlock her iron rings. Warren eyed her suspiciously as she came closer. The chair squealed as Lyra pulled his out while Warren looked to the adults for an explanation.
"What is she-" The question turned into a high pitched yelp of surprise when Lyra settled herself on Warren's lap. Warren lifted his hands in surprise hesitating on where he could put them. The fact that a girl, Lyra no less, was sitting on his lap right in front of their parents was probably the most embarrassing thing in his life. "Get off of-"
"Shut Up." With no further instruction Lyra placed her cooling hands on the sides of his face cupping his cheeks with care. But it was her intense glare that silenced him.
Softly a light hum came from the back of Lyra's throat. The sound vibrated through her fingertips, flowing over him in one continuous current. Warren instantly relaxed against her allowing this peaceful feeling to surround him. His eyelids were heavy as he slowly blinked a couple of times almost missing that something had changed. Warren fought to keep his eyes open as he stared at her face.
That's when he caught it. The cut on her lip was gone. Gradually the dark bruise on her jaw dissolved into her near flawless complexion. Then he felt it. Carefully the bone and muscle in his ribs moved back into place. The blood that had collected under the skin of his eye was dispersing. The slight sting of mending flesh from the small cut subsided. She was healing him.
Warren kept his eyes on Lyra as he struggled to keep focus. Calm. Peace. Serenity. These emotions flowed through his. These feeling were abruptly cut off as Lyra strapped the cuffs back on her wrist leaving him chilled.
"You... How?" He stammered.
"Well when a man and a woman love each other." Lyra joked sarcastically. "Nine months later" She gave a double thumbs up pointing at herself.
Lyra peeled Warren's hands off her hips, he didn't even remember grabbing her, and moved back to her seat.
"My lord Lyra you got your father's humor." Mrs. Wilson chuckled. "But yes that is where it started." The group settled in for the story. "Clint and I met through work. Clint was a field agent and I preferred desk work. When things became more serious I had to tell him something. You see.. I have certain abilities. I can transfer energy into words that I write transforming them into the item." Warren quirked an eyebrow in confusion. "Here let me demonstrate."
Mrs. Wilson walked into the house and came out with a piece of paper and a pencil. After writing a word she picked up the paper and poured a clear liquid into a glass. When she held up the paper the word WATER was cut out.
"The more specific the word the better quality the item. I wonderful quality in the field but it was too fast paced for me." Mrs. Wilson took a sip of the water. "Now Clint didn't care. It didn't change his opinion or feeling for me at all. When we had Lyra we thought she might have gratefully taken from Clint's side. At the age of seven she came into her abilities. But the power was too strong for her to handle." Mrs. Wilson lifted Lyra's hand to point out the words etched in the metal. "I made these cuffs to neutralize the effects of her powers. Certain people like to use people like us for personal reasons. These hide her abilities from anyone's sensors. But a recent power spike caught the high school's attention. They gave us a choice. Go to their school and under their protection or wait for the next group to find us and they might not ask as kindly. Which reminds me."
Mrs. Wilson got up and went back into the house muttering to herself. Reappearing she tossed something shiny in Lyra's direction. Lyra squealed in excitement unlocking her restraints and slipping the new bracelet on her wrist. She inspected it with with glee.
"I'm so forgetful nowadays." Mrs. Wilson smiled at her daughter. " That's tungsten, Much stronger than the old titanium one. It should neutralize the effect better than the hand cuffs. Now you can go to school without looking like a prisoner."
"But that doesn't explain why she has to wear it." Warren leaned in watching as Lyra spun the new accessory on her arm like a child. "It's only a simple healing power."
Lyra and her mother shared a cautious look.
Gonna take a little break to decide the way this story will go. Debating on staying with the movie's storyline or an origional idea. But i do have an idea.