Back to school, Eureka! Who knows what's going to happen? Well, there are some good times and bad times, and this is going to be a mixture of the two. This is also going to be the beginning of Eureka's entrance into the battlefield.

There's a little surprise waiting...!

Chapter 5 – Elphaba, the Wicked Witch

After a quick shower, Eureka slid into her school clothes – a light blue blouse and beige pants that stopped below her knees, simple white socks and her only-for-school shoes. She had packed her books into her messenger bag and was reading through her script – for Wicked – before exiting her bedroom for breakfast.

Tony, Steve and Bruce were eating a plate of eggs and bacon, while Tony was inhaling his coffee as he watched the morning news on the hologram T.V. Eureka sat down at the spot with the plate of breakfast and savoured her food, every bite meaning a mouthful of luxury to her.

As soon as she finished, she went over to the windows and looked across the city while punching the speed dial to call Armada. The other line picked up almost immediately.

"Hello? Euri?" Armada's voice beamed with happiness.

"Hey, coming to school together?"

"I'd love to but Tao has something to do early with the drama club – you're not included, though – and I have to come with him, to help with some stuff."

"Bummer," Eureka flat-out sulked, "Because it'd be disastrous if they saw me alone. I'd be like a zebra on a sidewalk – the lions will jump right at me."

"You have the superheroes with you, right? You'll be fine, I suppose."

Eureka looked back at the three men, too occupied on something to notice her. "Yeah but it's not like they're going to walk me over to my class."

Armada chuckled, "Fine. I'll pick you up at the gate as soon as I'm done, 'kay?"

"Okay. See ya, Ginger."

"Bye."

As she hung up, Tony finally uttered a word, "Your friend's not coming?"

"Nah, too busy with something," Eureka replied, "Let's go. I don't want to be late; I have a perfect attendance."

Tony got up slowly, stretching as he walked over to the elevator. "Sure, sure."

The ride to school was quite, except for the songs played on the radio and the faint sound of the engine. Eureka stared out of the window, watching the scenery blur before her, while Tony was busy with his own business – he was on the phone with someone he called "Pepper". Who would have that kind of name? Oh, it could be a nickname...

Tony hung up and slumped into his seat. "So, when do I pick you up?"

"Eight o'clock, at Jukebox Restaurant. It's next to my school," Eureka replied, still staring out the window.

"Eight? Isn't that late? Part-time job?"

"Yeah, after the rehearsal at the theatre."

"What rehearsal?"

"For the school play."

"Musical?" Tony turned to her, eyebrow arched.

"Yeah."

"So you sing well?"

"I guess so... And I also sing at the restaurant; it's part of the job."

"Cool."

As soon as Eureka caught a sight of the school at the corner of her eyes, she told Happy to stop a few paces from the main gate. "The gate's not here," Tony remarked.

"I know," she gathered her things and before closing the door, said a farewell to Tony, "But I'm not fond of what's gathering there."

Eureka walked the rest of the way, making sure Tony hadn't followed her. Surely enough, the car moved in a snail speed, trying its hardest to not get noticed. Eureka pretended to not notice, chuckling at the failed effort. People never listen, she thought to herself.

As she had expected, the gate was swarmed with the Snob Gang (as Eureka likes to call them). It was a group of flies who makes judgement on people and then decides to make their life a living hell in school. Eureka sees no goal in their action, but she was sure it never and never will have one.

She had expected mocks and water balloons as usual, but today was different.

Well, not that different but the target wasn't her. It was Billy Kaplan, her classmate and lab partner. Kessler, one of the group's largest people, was poking him hardly and giving names while another person searched through Billy's messenger bag and after getting his hand on his wallet, Kessler decided to let Billy go. He threw his messenger bag at him and left, laughing like hyenas.

Catching sight of Eureka, the dark haired boy hurriedly walked over to her, smile suddenly forming on his face at the sight of her friend. "Morning, Euri!"

"Why didn't you beat them senseless?" Eureka scrunched up her nose in disagreement, "It's not like you can't throw a few punches of anything." Eureka was aware of his powers, but it looked like he wasn't aware of Eureka's knowledge, so she kept quiet about it.

"I act heroic, Euri. I don't like starting fights," Billy said, "Besides, if I do something, they're going to make it worse."

"Those cowards..." Eureka frowned. Soon, her face turned to Billy, not smiling but it was still friendly, "I'll buy you lunch later. That okay?"

"That's nice, but you don't have to," Billy declined the offer kindly.

"Why? You usually push lots of orders to me."

"Well..." Before he could tell her, a tall blond walked over to them, smiling broadly. Eureka had seen him around Billy often but has no idea who he was or his relationship with Billy. Could it be...?

The blond patted Billy on the shoulder. "Hey, Bee!" He then turned to greet Eureka politely. "Good morning!"

"Who's he?" Eureka asked.

Billy was now blushing like a girl. "Umm... well, my boyfriend..."

Eureka's eyes widened, a grin spreading across her face. "Oh. My. God! Why didn't you tell me! He's hot!"

"Euri!" Billy's face was scarlet. The blond was chuckling at Billy's reaction.

"Hey, big guy! Your name?"

"Teddy Altman," he answered.

"Right, Teddy. You take care of Princess Billy or I'll kill you, 'kay?" Eureka was laughing like an idiot now, and Billy was trying to stop her but failed.

"I will," Teddy's voice was firm and sincere, and Eureka immediately knew she could trust him.

She then patted Billy on the shoulder and gave him an encouraging smile. "Well, the third wheel will go now. If you need any help, just ask!" Billy and Teddy waved her goodbye as they parted ways. While jogging excitedly to the school building, she could see Armada approaching her, looking like he had ran a full course marathon. "What's with you?"

Armada stopped to catch his breath, panting heavily. "I... ran... here... just... as... I... promised!"

"Dude, the theatre's not far from here. How come you look like crap?"

"You know me...!" Armada snapped. Right, Armada has a low stamina to begin with, anyway.

Eureka grabbed his arm and dragged him to the school. "Let's get going then, Gingerbread."

At school that day, there were no sign of the Snob Group and Billy was perfectly safe with Teddy with him. Apparently, Armada was aware of their relationship not long ago and that irked Eureka, since she was much closer to him than Armada was. But deep inside, she was happy for his friend, that he found someone who cares for him. Still... she's jealous, much to the fact that she's single and desperate.

The rehearsal went swiftly, too. Tao – also known as the Spartan Club Leader – was still as loud as ever but the performance was better than before, so no one minded his harsh ways of directing. Even though he was very strict, his methods were proved to be successful and he has a soft side for ladies too, and Eureka respected him for that.

By the time they had finished, it was five o'clock. Eureka headed straight to the restaurant and changed into her uniform. The day was like every day, with customers coming and going, and no complaints, whatsoever. The customers were nice, too. They would always find the time to chat with Eureka, giving her tips or even small presents; they were very fond of her, for her sweet personality (?) and looks.

When the clock strikes eight – which was the end of Eureka's shift – she got ready for the usual night show. She wore the usual stage garment, which was a red dress with black frills and matching ruby slippers (ruby slippers... she felt like Dorothy).

As soon as she got on stage, the audience cheered for her, not wanting to wait her singing voice...

Tony stopped at the said restaurant, Steve tagging along with him. Bruce had wanted to come too, but Fury had contacted him to investigate something at the laboratory. Steve had heard from Tony that Eureka sings at a restaurant as her part-time job and was at a musical, so he wanted to see her perform.

"Tony, what are you doing?" Steve asked as he saw Tony flirting with some ladies at the street. Tony heard Steve and soon waved the ladies goodbye, leaving them with a name card. Steve glared at Tony, but Tony looked at Steve, confused at what's making the super soldier angry.

"What? They talked to me and I just talked back."

"You gave them your name card," Steve said accusingly.

"Well, yeah. They asked for it."

"Ms. Pott's not going to be happy."

"Tell me how much you want to keep you quite," Tony said as he pulled out his wallet.

Steve rolled his eyes and dragged the brown haired man to the restaurant. They were greeted with the cheers and claps of the customers, who were watching a girl singing soulfully on the stage, accompanied by some background singers and instruments such as drums, piano and a guitar.

Eureka looked happier than ever when on the round stage, smile plastered to her face as opposed to her usual poker face or mischievous smirk she always show around other people. When she finished performing, she took a bow and everybody cheered for her.

Steve and Tony sat down at an empty table. When a waiter approached them, Tony waved him away, not wanting to order anything. "Admit it, she's good." Tony said.

"Yeah, I guess she was," Steve agreed.

Eureka appeared soon at the "Staff Only" door, her messenger bad hanging from her shoulder and her monthly pay check in her hand. She walked over to Steve and Tony, who waved at her. "Been waiting long?" Eureka asked, the same apathetic face as everyone had been used to.

"Not really," Tony answered, "Nice singing, by the way."

"Gee, thanks," Eureka gave a small smile, "Should we go now?"

"Sure," Tony and Steve got up and left the restaurant with Eureka.

Tony went into the car, followed by Steve and lastly by Eureka. But before she could get in, a large hand grabbed her shoulder. She turned around to see the face that she had been expecting: the debt collector.

Eureka's face dropped to a frown. The man was somewhere in his thirties and his head was balding. He wore white tuxedo with a flashy blouse underneath, looking smug and mean with his broad grin on his unshaven face. His pot belly was what disgusted Eureka the most. She had thought about kicking it many times before but never had she done it.

Steve poked his head out the door. "Eureka, what's wrong?"

"I see you got your money now, eh?" the man said, "Care to give it back?"

"Technically, this is not your money," Eureka glared, "And didn't I just pay you last week?"

"Your dad's debt keeps on increasing, dear," the man's laugh was full of greed, "So we just want to get out money back faster, else we run out of it. Understand? Now hand me it!"

Eureka gave a sigh of defeat and just shoved the small manila envelope to the fat man. The man grinned at the sight of money and waved the envelope in farewell. "Drive," Eureka commanded Happy, and he did it immediately.

Steve and Tony looked at her, a mix of confusion and bewilderment. "What the hell was that?" Tony asked incredulously.

"Debt collector," Eureka replied shortly, looking out the window as she would usually do.

"Yeah, but the hell's his attitude?"

"Isn't that what they're supposed to do? Force people to give them their borrowed money?"

"But it's not like you made the debts! Seriously, what's with your dad –"

"Say something about him and you're dead, Tony Stark!" Eureka warned Tony with cold eyes. Tony fell quiet, looking blankly at Eureka, who had retreated to her window once again. "Sorry but even though he's not a good dad, I still respect him. He's still my dad and that's never going to change. Talking bad about him is just the same as talking bad about me, so I'm not doing this for him. Honestly, I bad mouth him in my mind all the time, but never in public."

Steve seemed to understand her feelings. "You're a good girl, Eureka."

"You make me sound like a dog," Eureka said flatly. Steve laughed at the comment.

"That's not what I meant!"

"I know." Eureka felt herself smile.

The ride home was peaceful, with the three of them listening to the radio playing night songs all the way. However, the radio was suddenly interrupted by something unexpected. "We are sorry for the interruption," said the lady, "but we are broadcasting live from New York. A group of robots are invading the city and –"

Before the lady could say more, Tony's car flew into the air, spiralling before stopping a few meters away from where they were.