As it turns out, being able to conjure the dead isn't particularly useful when it comes to fighting crime and whatnot. Really, at this point, it was just embarrassing.
A reporter from The Indianapolis Star came to the Academy last week, to interview its 13 year old members after their most recent mission. Pogo bought copies for the kids to read this morning, after the issue came out, which led to Klaus discovering that his section had been almost entirely cut out. Not that Klaus cared what the world said about him. In fact, he couldn't wait to grow up and escape the public eye. His interview practically being erased was just the crowning insult, is all.
He hadn't forgotten Luther's snide remark after their last mission: Good job, guys. Well— he'd glanced at Klaus— good job, most of you. Luther's face as he had made this insulting remark was stuck in Klaus's mind; the smug grin, the idiotic domino mask that Luther was so delighted to get to wear.
Five never shut up, either, but at least he had interesting things to say. When Five wore his mask, Klaus found him to be almost sinister-looking. But really, Five wore his mask carelessly. He worked well on missions, but Klaus knew that Five was probably planning out his next chemistry experiment the entire time. Then there was Allison, who wore her mask like she was making a fashion statement, and she was— the tabloid magazines just couldn't get enough of her. Diego was proud to wear his mask, and proud of what it represented. Ben wore his mask like he was hiding behind it. To Klaus, his own domino mask was just part of a stupid costume; one that was cool to wear the first time, but got old fast.
The team had gone to rescue 300 people from a cruise ship that had caught fire 100 miles off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean; their most ambitious mission yet. Dad had been waiting for an event like this to occur; his big aspiration was for the Academy to get to the scene before the 'professionals', and leave the world astounded by the Academy's greatness— And to think, they're just six kids! The Umbrella Academy had made a good first impression, but it wouldn't do for the public to have any doubts, according to Dad.
As usual, Diego, Luther, and Five had made the biggest contributions, though Ben and Allison had certainly pulled their weight, as well. But, really, what was Klaus supposed to do? Summon up the ones they couldn't save and offer his condolences?
If only cracking jokes counted as a superpower, Klaus thought ruefully. He found himself crumpling up his copy of The Indianapolis Star and letting it fall to his bedroom floor. Klaus was supposed to be training with the others right now, but he'd faked an injury, and Dad had permitted him to take a 10 minute break.
Now, he was sprawled out on his bed and nursing the bottle of gin he had stolen from Dad's liquor cabinet this morning— In the midst of the buzz and excitement about the news article, it had really been all too easy for him to slip away from the others after breakfast and grab it. He supposed that he'd have to sneak out tonight and dispose of the bottle in a neighbor's recycling bin. Maybe he'd go to Griddy's Donuts afterwards, or blunder around at a park.
A knock on his bedroom door startled Klaus out of his thoughts. Quick as thought, he tucked the half-empty bottle under his blankets, out of sight. "Yes?" He glanced at the alarm clock on his nightstand. Were his 10 minutes up already, and someone had come to fetch him?
But it was Vanya at the door, and she hadn't been training with the others today. She'd been doing… whatever it is she does. Number 7 lived in her own world most of the time.
Vanya hesitated before stepping inside Klaus's bedroom. She looked around apprehensively, and it occurred to Klaus that this was the first time she had come to his room that he could remember. "What… what's up?" He asked.
Vanya's peaked face turned red. "I read the article. I thought that, I don't know…" Her eyes landed on the crumpled newspaper at his feet.
"Oh, that," Klaus said as nonchalantly as possible, "That's nothing. It's fine. I'm fine."
"Oh."
The two siblings stared at one another, neither knowing what to say next.
Vanya shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "Okay. I just wanted to, like, make sure that you were okay." She started to back out of the room.
Klaus sat up. "Vanya?"
She paused. "Yeah, Klaus?"
"I, uh, appreciate it. It was nice of you."
A small but genuine smile appeared on Vanya's smile, as though Klaus had just made her day. "Of course! You're my brother."
A wave of sadness washed over Klaus— He never saw her look happy like this. He rarely interacted with Vanya, rarely thought about her; they lived under the same roof but in very different worlds. But in that moment, Klaus realized that they perhaps had more in common than he'd imagined.
"Wanna go to Griddy's with me tonight?" He found himself saying. "My treat."
Now, Vanya looked surprised, but pleasantly so. "Yeah! I'd like that."
Heels clicking down the hall, coming closer and louder, caught the siblings' attention.
"Klaus!" Mom called from the hallway. "Your father sent me to inform you that it's time for you to resume your training out in the courtyard."
"Coming, Mother!" Klaus shouted back at her. He gave Vanya a smile and told her quietly: "Meet me in the hallway at 10:30. Be quiet."
"I will!" Vanya promised.