Spectrum 3

Three days had passed since Riley had washed up on the beach in an unknown city. She still had no clue where she was, and considering the circumstances finding out was the last thing on her mind. After concluding that she couldn't go home, not with her new dangerous and largely unknown abilities putting her parents at risk she'd decided to live on the streets, at least until she'd fully understood what she was capable of.

But living on the streets was hard. Finding the bare minimum to survive was always an ordeal. She had to root through garbage just to find food. Drinking water at least she could find at a local park to ensure she wouldn't die of dehydration. She'd also attempt to clean herself clean using water from the wishing fountain there. She'd procured herself a pair of pink flip flops, which she was ashamed at knowing she'd stolen from a child at the beach when they weren't looking along with a towel she used as a blanket.

Her home became a cardboard box she'd set up in the park, hidden among the trees and foliage. She avoided people, even though a part of her screamed at her to reach out and ask for help from anyone. But she ignored it, firmly believing she was dangerous now, and was better off alone.

Overall she was miserable. But tried to see a silver lining by deeming her situation to be infinitely better than being on that ship, in that lab with all those people looking at her like a lab rat.

Currently Riley was walking into the city, keeping her head down and trying not to drawn attention to herself. Though the occasional passing patron's eyes did linger on her for a moment before she'd scurry off. She made her way into a local convenience store. The man behind the counter looked up from his magazine, eyes meeting her for a moment in acknowledgement before drifting back down. Riley browsed the selection of food and snacks, finding some refrigerated sandwiches and energy drinks. She grabbed one of each, checking the price before going up to the counter.

The man set his magazine down and looked at her. Riley tried not to fidget as she set the stuff down on the counter and produced a handful or quarters. She'd gotten them from the wishing fountain in the park. "Just these please," she said politely.

The man nodded before scanning the item. But he paused as he was about to take the coins. Looking at her intently. "Shouldn't you be in school kid?" he asked her with an arched brow.

Riley froze, stomach dropping as he began to look over her state. Dirty, probably a little thin, and wearing some strange white body suit. Riley saw his hand reach out for a phone and she panicked. "Keep the change!" she shouted as she snatched up her things and ran out of the store. She took off down the street, ignoring the man's calls to come back.

His concern and compassion was admirable. But unwanted. He'd probably call the police, which was the last thing she needed.

She ran and ran, weaving through foot traffic blindly until she couldn't run anymore.

She stopped, panting and gasping for air, squeezing her drink and sandwich tightly in her hands. That had been too close.

She took deep breaths to slow her racing heart before taking a seat on a bus stop bench. She set her drink down beside her before unwrapping her sandwich. She paused, mouth watering and stomach growling insistently before she took a bite out of it.

Bologna never tasted so good.

She moaned in pleasure, the sandwich tasting like the best thing she'd ever had. She devoured it ravenously in a few bite before licking her fingers. Her stomach quieted slightly, not fully satisfied but sated for the moment. She grabbed her drink and opened it before taking slow sips. The people around her came and went about their business, not paying her any mind as she drank her energy drink and listened to the background noise of the city.

Suddenly a screech of wheels and a loud crash cut through the sound of the city. People all around her gasped. Riley leapt up, startled and confused before looking around and spotting a traffic accident. It appeared a car had run a red light and collided into the side of a smaller car. Riley winced and looked on in worry, hoping the people inside were ok. The frame of both car were damaged, with the one being hit in the side suffering the worst of the damage. Other people started rushing up to the cars while some pulled out their phones to call the police.

Then a new sound began to fill the air. It came from the sky, a faint roaring and booming sound in the distance that was getting louder and closer.

And then someone pointed skyward and let out a gleeful shout. "Limelight!" Riley gasped before she finally saw the golden streak descending from the sky. She stared up in awe as the purple and gold clad heroine hovered in the air above the street, taking in the situation before lowering herself to the ground. She briskly strode over to the two cars. People backed away from the immediate area around the vehicles but remained close to watch her work.

Riley couldn't help herself as she walked down the sidewalk to get a closer look. She'd never seen the heroine in real life before. Only in the news. She was still amazing. She watched as she used her super strength to rip the doors of the cars and get the people out, which she would follow up by wrapping her golden locks around them to begin the healing.

She did this with both cars and the people inside of them. She fixed a broken arm and healed a shallow cut and bruise on another's forehead. The people around her cheered, including Riley. She now knew what city she was in. But she remained watching Limelight, smiling in happiness at the chance to get to see her up close.

And as she watched her, her hair and eyes began to change. They both became an amber color.

More people began to gather around, the taller ones began blocking Riley's view and nudging her out of the way. Riley jumped as high as she could, trying to keep Limelight in her sight. She leapt up and down repeatedly, leaping over the heads of the adults before with one last jump she finally saw Limelight again.

But she didn't go back down.

Riley blinked, looking down at herself to find her feet off the ground. She was somehow hovering in the air. Then she began to drift upward. Riley began to panic, grabbing onto a streetlight in an attempt to pull herself back down the ground. But her body kept going. She held on as tightly as she could, but eventually she lost out to the unseen force pulling her into the air.

She wheeled her arms about and let out a shout of terror and surprise as she got higher and higher. Body rolling through the air uncontrollably. She had no idea what to do. People on the ground took notice as they began taking pictures of her and pointing and talking in awe.

"Someone help!" Riley shouted as the ground got farther and farther away. She feared the worst. She feared that she'd keep drifting forever, like a balloon that gets lost in the sky until she stopped. She froze as she felt a hand wrapped around her ankle. She angled her body to get a look.

Her eyes became the size of dinner plates as she looked into the masked face of the superheroine.

Limelight held onto Riley's ankle. Having noticed the floating girl when she shouted in panic. She'd been momentarily stunned at the sight of the adolescent drifting off into the sky before flying up and grabbing hold of her. She pulled her down, to eye level to get a better look at her.

The girl stared at her in wonder, mouth slightly ajar and eyes wide. Her hair and eyes were an amber as she now floated in place before her. Limelight cocked her head to the side. The girl looked familiar. She swept her eyes up and down, taking note of her dirty appearance, strange clothing, and thin body.

"Are you ok?" she finally asked. The girl nodded slowly. Limelight kept staring at her intently, wondering who this strange super was. "Do you need some help sweety?"

Riley blinked at the question. A part of her wanting to say no, that she was fine, that she was ok and Limelight didn't need to worry.

But that would be a lie.

She was not fine. She was not ok. She was alone, hungry, scared, and she'd been through hell. She hadn't received any kindness or shred of compassion since the start of her ordeal. But now, as she stared into the concerned face of the superheroine she admired all that pent up emotion, all that frustration, grief, and sadness broke free.

She sniffled, the damn breaking inside of her as she surged forward and threw her arms around Limelight. She buried her face into the older woman's shoulder and began to cry.

Limelight froze up in surprise as the girl embraced her. But her shock gave way to concern as the girl began to cry into her shoulder. Her whole body shook with sobs. She didn't know what else to do but wrap her arms around her and hold her tightly against her.

"Hey, it's ok," Limelight whispered to her soothingly. She rubbed her back and her hair as the girl continued to cry. The people on the ground kept taking pictures, and reporters were starting to gather. Limelight looked down and frowned, turning her body to shield the girl from the cameras. They were drawing too much attention. She needed to get the girl to a quiet and safe place so she could find out what was going on.

"Hey," Limelight said quietly to get her attention. The girl looked up, eyes still wet with tears and cheeks red. "Hold on to me as tight as you can. Ok?" The girl nodded, increasing her grip on the heroine. Limelight did the same as she gathered her energies.

And with a golden flash and a gust of wind she was gone, flying across the city faster than anyone could see. Riley could hear the wind in her ears and could feel them moving. But she kept her face pressed into Limelight shoulder. The older woman made her feel safe.

Limelight flew through the city in a golden and purple blur before landing on the balcony of her home.

Limelight entered her penthouse apartment with the girl in her arms. Normally she'd never bring a civilian to her home. But whatever this girl had been through made her throw caution to the wind. She needed to feel safe and Limelight felt that she had to protect her. The girl continued to weep, holding onto her tightly. Limelight smiled before taking a seat on her couch, holding the girl in her lap and just providing her with whatever comfort she could.

The girl eventually stopped crying, the tears finally stopping as she sat quietly in Limelight's arms.

"Better?" Limelight asked her. She nodded. Limelight smiled, running a hand through her hair, only to find it covered in rest of her looked to be in bad shape too. Limelight pursed her lips before deciding on the next course of action. "Let's give you a bath," she suggested.

"Ok," the girl muttered. Limelight smiled as she got up and carried her to her bathroom. Her bathroom had a large tub and shower. Limelight turned on the water, adjusting the temperature to a comfortable warmth before adding bath salt and some bubble soap. As the tub began to fill she set her guest down.

"Get undressed and get in the tub. I'll be back in a sec. Ok?" The girl nodded as Limelight turned and left the room.

Riley did as told, undressing and throwing her flip flops and white body suit onto the floor before getting into the warm bath water. It was divine. The heated water soaking into her body and bones and washing the grime of the city away. She felt immensely better.

Limelight eventually returned, wearing a two piece purple bikini as she found her guest laying back in the warm water. Limelight smiled, turning the water off before sitting at the edge of the tub. She grabbed a bottle of shampoo before beckoning the girl over. The girl sat in the water before her as Limelight began to lather her hair.

Riley sighed, the superheroine's fingers feeling amazing as they ran over her scalp. It had been so long since she'd received a gentle touch. She didn't realize how much she could miss it.

"So what's your name?" Limelight asked.

Riley opened her eyes, sinking into the water shyly. "Riley."

"Riley?" Limelight repeated for confirmation. Riley nodded. "That's a nice name." After giving her scalp a thorough scrubbing she grabbed the detachable shower head and rinsed her hair off. Then she proceeded to condition her hair. She scrubbed Riley's arms and back, letting Riley do the more intimate and private areas herself.

Soon enough Riley was standing outside the tub, a borrowed purple bathrobe that was much too big but still very comfortable wrapped around her. Limelight smiled and nodded in satisfaction before going to her room and changing back into some casual house clothes. She removed her mask as well, it wasn't like Riley knew her anyway. And she felt she could earn her trust more easily if she could see her face.

She took Riley to the kitchen and sat her down on the table. "Hungry?" she asked. Riley nodded. Limelight gave her a smile as she pulled out some bread, peanut butter, and jelly. Riley sat in silence, watching and almost drooling as Limelight prepared three sandwiches for her.

As soon as Limelight set them down before her she snatched one up and began to dig in.

"Hey slow down," Limelight told her gently. "You'll make yourself sick. I have plenty of food," she assured her. Riley obeyed, slowing her pace down as much as she could. Limelight got up from the table and got a glass before pouring her some milk. She set that down in front of her. Riley grabbed the glass and chugged it down.

Milk! It was the best thing she'd ever had.

"Want more?" Limelight asked. Riley nodded shyly. But Limelight only smiled as she took up the plate and prepared more sandwiches. When Riley finally had her fill she sat there at the table, feeling more content and safer than had in weeks.

"Ok Riley. Now I'm going to go-"

"No!" Riley cried frantically. Limelight blinked as the girl looked at her, nearly on the verge of tears again. "Please don't leave me," she begged. Limelight's heart went out to the girl.

"Riley I'll be back. I won't be gone long. I promise," Limelight said as gently as she could. "Besides, this is my house," she pointed out. Riley stared at her, eyes still begging her to stay. But she gave a nod. Limelight caressed her cheek. "Be back before you know it. Help yourself to whatever is in the fridge or watch some TV."

In a golden blur Limelight was gone. Zooming out the window and over the city.

Riley remained in her chair. Feeling sad and alone again. She tried to tell herself to stop being a baby. That Limelight would come back like she said she would. But she couldn't help but tremble. Limelight had become like a lifeline. Being the first person in what felt like forever to treat her like a person, to show her kindness, and compassion.

Riley didn't know how much time passed. But soon enough Limelight returned. She had some trash bags with her. "Come here Riley," Limelight said. Riley did as told, finding Limelight had brought her some clothes. "It's some of my old stuff. Flew to my parents' house. My stuff won't exactly fit you."

Riley sat on the couch as Limelight sifted through the clothes and found her an outfit. Much of it was pink. Not exactly Riley's favorite color. But at the moment she didn't care. Soon enough she was dressed, wearing a pink blouse with pink jeans and a denim jacket with an 'R' on it. Riley looked down at herself, finding that she looked like a normal teenage girl again.

"Not too bad," Limelight said in satisfaction. Riley looked up and blushed, staring into the kind grass green eyes of the heroine. "Alright Riley," Limelight said as she gestured to her couch. Riley took a seat as Limelight sat beside her.

"Now I have some questions for you. And I'd like you to answer me honestly. Ok?" she said gently, but with a tone that indicated she wasn't playing a game. Riley nodded in understanding.

"Now what's your full name?"

"Riley Andersen."

"Where are you from?"

"San Francisco."

"Do you have a family? Parents?" At this question Riley paused. She looked away. "Riley?" Limelight asked. Riley nodded. "Did you run away?" Riley shook her head. "Ok Riley, now I know this might be hard. But I need you to tell me what happened to you. Ok? Everything. I need to know why you aren't with your parents. And how you ended up here in Corona. Can you do that for me?" Riley nodded.

With a shaky breath she turned to Limelight and began to tell her everything. From her trip to Berk, to her stop in the airport in Colorado, to the kidnapping, to the experimentation, to the escape, and lastly her time on the streets. At the end of it Limelight held her in her arms, injustice for the girl flaring and mind spinning as she realized why Riley looked familiar.

This was the missing child Jack had told her about. The one he'd spent one on one time with in Berk. The one who was supposedly a big fan of hers. Jack had been told of her disappearance, and as soon as he heard he'd gotten Hiccup to delve into it. So far they hadn't picked up anything. But here she was.

Limelight cupped Riley face and tilted it up to look at her. Riley sniffled, trying not to cry. She was so tired of crying. "Riley. We need to go to the police. Your parents are probably worried sick."

"No!" Riley shouted as she leapt out of her arms. Limelight stood up as Riley backed away. "I can't. I can't go back to them. I'm dangerous," Riley said as she gestured to herself.

"Riley-"

"No! Please don't make me! They'll be terrified of me!" Riley shouted as she shook her head in rejection.

"Riley, they're your parents. They'd love you no matter what. And I know that they miss you," Limelight insisted.

Riley stood there, the desire to see her parents tugging at her heart. "Do you really think so?"

"I know so," Limelight said with a firm nod.

Riley hugged herself, rubbing an arm self consciously as she mulled it over. She was still scared of what her parents would think. Would they be horrified? Would they be afraid? Or would they not care? Would they still love her like they used to? Treat her like they always had?

"Tell you what," Limelight chimed in. Riley looked up as the superheroine bent down and extended a hand, pinky out. "I promise that I'll return you to your parents myself. I won't leave your side until then," Limelight offered. Riley stared at her, wondering if she was being serious.

"And when I make a promise, I never break it. Ever," Limelight added. Riley continued to stare at her. She could see the truth in her eyes. And the smile put her at ease. Slowly she raised her own hand before curling her pinky around Limelight's.

"Ok," Riley said.

"Ok," Limelight said with a nod. She looked out the window, taking note of the sun beginning to set. "I suppose this can wait till tomorrow," she reasoned with a shrug. She extended a hand toward Riley. Riley reached out and took it before being led to Limelight's bedroom. Limelight got her some pajamas to wear before tucking her in. She stayed with her until Riley fell asleep.

Limelight sighed. This girl had been through hell. But now her nightmare was over. She stroked the girl's hair as she began to snore.

She and the girl had formed a connection and Limelight was determined to see her through this ordeal until the end.

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