Arc 1. Spark

1.1

3 days after the Winslow High Fire

I jogged up the steps of my home and got to the door, checking my watch. 7:15. A good forty-five minutes on my run. I take my small towel and wiped my head of sweat as I opened the door

It was Friday and three days since I triggered at the school. Due to school being burned to the ground, I was able to spend my time at the house while dad spent the day after I triggered with me before he went back to his job. While at the house, I decided to kill the boredom and spend some time cleaning whenever I'm not running, sleeping, or cooking. I never knew a ceiling fan could get so much dust!

I walked inside and I spotted dad at the table sipping coffee and eating leftover lasagna. He looked up and smiled. "Morning kiddo."

"Hey dad." I walked past him to get a water bottle from the fridge. I undid the cap and began to hydrate.

"Enjoy your run?" He asked, lifting up the paper.

"It was good." All of my runs were good. It was a good distraction. I took another sip and sat down across from him.

"So Dad." I looked up and he was staring at me. "Wanna talk about it today?" His eyes softened as he set down his cup and sighed.

"Guess I can't run from it forever."

No kidding, your daughter is a parahuman who burned down an entire academic institution.

"Yeah...I...would like to talk it over with you first."

"Mind taking a shower first? You must be sweaty."

"Sure." I finished drinking the entire water bottle and went upstairs into the bathroom. I shed off my workout clothes and started the water as I felt the hot water wash over me.

I am a parahuman. A parahuman that can release powerful flames that are harder to put out than they had any right to be. During my time in the locker, I...I screamed and clawed at the walls, I couldn't breathe. I know I hurt myself in there...though the injuries were gone later...cut hands, my voice was hoarse by the end…

I felt so alone at that point...After that I don't remember anything...just emotions...despair was one, desperation was another…

There was also anger...rage.

At everything really. At the school for abiding by it, at me for being so helpless, at...at my dad for being useless, at Madison, at Sophia…

At Emma.

I just wanted the whole world to burn for an instant…

I got my wish...sort of anyway.

And now I have the chance to join the Wards and by proxy the Protectorate. I can finally become a superhero. One of my childhood dreams really.

Best of all, one of those heroes, Miss Militia, is going to have Emma and her cronies punished. Finally! Something would get done. Something would stick.

I shook my head as I lathered my long hair in shampoo. Being vindictive isn't a heroic attitude. They will get justice served to them in time, once I give Miss Militia names. And I can finally move on from those dark days in Winslow and focus on the brighter horizons of being a superhero.

I finished my shower and dried up, getting dressed in jeans and a black tank top. I got downstairs and sat on the couch where Dad was sitting.

"Okay then." He smiled as he had the application forms in front of him. "Let's talk this out." I turned towards the clock, seeing that it was twenty till eight.

"You don't mind being late for work?" I asked in concern.

"This is your future we're going to be talking about here. Being late is the least of my concerns." He replied as he sat back. "Okay. So...wanna talk on the good and bad of the Wards?"

"Pros and cons?"

"Yeah." He sighed. "Wanna get the cons out of the way Taylor? I have some things I wanna get off my chest. Things that have had me worried for you."

That's Dad. Always worried. Then again, better if he was than be neglectful or just not care at all.

"Sure. Go ahead." Dad readjusted his glasses and leaned forward.

"Okay. Protectorate HQ is almost a two hour drive from here with normal traffic. Coming and going every day is a four hour commute. Just by that you may have to stay over there more often than here depending on the hours they give you. , which means...I may not see you much anymore." Danny had a sad look in his eyes, and I felt rather guilty. Ever since Mom died he has always been so busy and we haven't had time to interact. Maybe he was working overtime a lot to distract himself. I can't read minds but that's a hypothetical guess at the least.

"Dad, I will stop by." I place a hand on his. "It'll be like...college right? Students come and go all the time." I offered him smile and he returned it.

"Oh sweetie…" He wrapped me in a hug and held me tight, and I felt warm. Very much so. "It's not just that though. I mean, you will be fighting crime, but also villains. Bad capes." He separated from the hug. "And...I won't be able to protect you. I know you have super powers now and with training you can improve but…"

"Dad, it's okay. I can handle it."

"I'm just gonna worry. Hell, I may not even sleep at night." He brought a hand to his face then chuckled ruefully. "You're gonna give your dad sleep deprivation and anxiety issues."

I looked away from Dad and down at the floor. "I can make a difference. I can make an...effect on people. I can set an example of doing what's right. I want to be a superhero. If...If I can stop other people from bullying...stop them from what happened to me…"

I felt a hand on my shoulder and saw Dad looking on me with pride. "Yeah...I can understand. Besides, you also get a full ride to Arcadia High. Like what you always wanted."

"Yeah…" I felt so relieved to know that I would be getting into the best school in the city on a free scholarship, yet some part of me feels guilty. I triggered, burned down an entire school, and get a free ride into another? What about the other students? Where would they go? Would they have to go to school out of the city? Arcadia is notorious for it's low admission because everyone and their mother wanted to go there, and Immaculata is a private Catholic school, and many in Winslow are not fans of school uniforms and attending a Theology class. In return for me going to the best school, hundreds of other kids are gonna get held back or have to go to a school they don't like. If they'll even be accepted this late in the semester.

Geez.

"Besides, isn't it a fresh start?" Dad continued. "No Winslow means no bullies, which means you will come into Arcadia with a clean slate. You can make new friends." He smiled brightly and I nodded, slowly forgetting of my earlier guilt. I kept back the niggling thought that it might be just as bad. New kid from burnt down Winslow showing up like a piece of driftwood. I could almost see the blood in the water for people like Emma or Sophia.

Maybe he was right…maybe now, I can make my own Taylor, one better than the one at Winslow.

"I also don't see why you don't want to tell me names." Dad asked. "I get telling them to Miss Militia, but why not me kiddo?"

"Because if I told you, you may do something you may regret." If I told him that Emma was in on the bullying ring, that could ruin anything left of a friendship between him and Emma's dad Alan. Alan was a good guy, but he was the type of father who believed that his child could do wrong. Plus Emma soaked up the 'daddy's little princess' image back when she and I were friends. Plus Alan was a lawyer. You don't screw with lawyers unless you have leverage...lots of leverage. Or a really good lawyer of your own. Fact is he'd always be stronger in any legal fight. He knew other lawyers, police, judges. Everyone hates lawyers til the day they need one. After that they knew to keep that connection happy. Who knew how many influential clients Mr. Alan had built up over his years as an attorney. But once Miss Militia got involved, then Emma can get screwed nice and royally for stabbing me in the back. And there was nothing her dad could do about it. "Don't worry...you'll hear eventually but...I just wanna tell Miss Militia first.."

I could tell he was someone hurt by it. Much as he tried to hide it. "Those bullies hurt my kid. Tough to ignore that and not have your parent not fight for ya." He mumbled to himself. I leaned against him.

"It's okay dad. That's all in the past now." I couldn't help but grin softly. "Besides, once I'm a hero, I will be sure to get you a nice house up in the nice part of town. Or maybe grab you a good retirement home in Aspen, Colorado or down in Florida."

Dad chuckled, but he looked touched. "Don't worry about me kiddo, I'll be just fine. Just focus on yourself." He looked back at the application form. "Well, needs both of our signatures." He had two pens out and handed one of them to me. "Together?"

I smiled. Signing a form allowing me to become a superhero is now an activity. A one-time thing, but one I will remember forever.

"Together."

And we signed the first page-

"Your cursive needs work Taylor."

My hand met my face. There goes the heartfelt mood...before I laughed a little. "Yeah sure. I'll see if there's any cursive teaching course at Arcadia."

"You'll need that for autographs and making signatures. It's a neat skill."

"One that's outdated." I snarked playfully.

"Just keep signing. I'll give the call to Miss Militia." Dad went up to grab a wireless phone as I smiled, turning back and signing my name along the lines.

(X)

I rode in shotgun as Dad drove up to the checkpoint on the bridge leading to the Protectorate Headquarters. My hands were gripped together and a grin was splitting my face in two. I looked stupid I know but…

I'm gonna be a superhero!

My dad stopped at the checkpoint and talked to the guard, saying that a "Miss Washington" was going to meet and greet him and I. Turns out Miss Militia was out on patrol and Miss Washington was going to be the one to take care of us today.

I...wasn't too happy about that to be honest. I wanted Miss Militia to hear it directly. But I could understand.

Before long the gate before us opened and Dad drove on through.

"Careful there. You might explode with all the excitement in you!" Dad smiled at me. True, this was the first time in a long time I've been so happy. No more bitch trio. No more Winslow.

It felt like the new beginning I so desperately wanted it to be. I was as giddy as a kid at christmas. It must have shown even if I didn't say anything. Dad could only laugh as we drove around the lot and parked the car. We got out and made our way to the front door, waiting for us already was a dark skinned woman with straight obsidian hair. She seemed middle eastern. At least I guessed so. She was dressed in blue business clothes carrying a tablet. Blouse, skirt, glasses, high heels and all. She looked happy to meet us as we walked up.

"Miss Washington I presume?" Asked Dad as he offered his hand and she shook it.

"Hannah Washington. Protectorate assistant to Superheroine Miss Militia. It's a pleasure to meet you two." She looked at me next. "Taylor Hebert?"

I nodded her way. "Hi" I squeaked out. I maybe sounding a wee bit over-excited...but damnit I deserve this day.

"The Protectorate offers its sincere gratitude and thanks to you for joining." She shook my hand. "Any helping hand is needed. Now then, let's go to my desk, we can talk there." She led the way for me and Dad through the white hallways and we placed ourselves at a desk just outside a plain foggy glass door that had the plaque of "Miss Militia" on the front. We took our seats, me and Dad sitting across from Ms. Washington.

"Now then, may I see your application form? Dad nodded, holding out a file he'd brought in from outside. Hannah smiled as she took it.

"Alright." She leafed through the pages making sure everything was filled out. "Now just to make certain "Your name is Taylor Hebert correct?"

I nodded, then snapped out a reply fidgeting in my seat. "Yeah."

She smiled. "Its alright hun don't worry. Now, street address is 38 Lincoln Road, House Four B zip code 00792?"

"Correct." Her dad said.

"No known allergies to medication?"

"None that we know of." My dad answered again. I was more than happy to let him field the questions. I was never any good at this sort of thing.

"You grant permission for Blood Transfusions, Medical Treatments and the use of the Superheroine Panacea's method of healing in the event of emergencies?"

"Of course."

"Taylor's Blood type is Type B positive correct?"

"Yes."

"You consent to her undergoing a medical examination as part of her admittance into the wards."

"Yes."

"You have medical insurance that covers Taylor's expenses?"

"As part of my job yes." He answered, reaching into his pocket to pull out his wallet and then, pull out a card. "Here."

She took the card, jotting down the card and policy number somewhere. "Alright. Quite frankly, our medical coverage is, Mr. Hebert, far more extensive and...well...better than yours to cover any injuries Taylor might receive. Do you consent to us placing her under it?"

"That depends, not to be insulting or anything but to the terms stipulate that she can't be dropped because of some pre-existing condition? My Jobs insurance has that clause but once she goes under another insurance company they withdraw coverage. I don't want to switch policies only for her to end up getting dropped because she had her tonsils taken out when she was twelve."

"Dad!" I complained. No one needed to know that! I sounded like I had a cold with a runny nose for a month after that.

She was smiling. It didn't seem fake but I couldn't be sure after Dad's words. "No offense taken. I understand completely. And no. Believe me that our insurance doesn't drop its parahumans under any circumstances. Nor do the premiums go up. Taylor will be covered even if she had a hundred pre-existing conditions."

If that's the case then yeah...as long as I get to read over it first.

"Of course. I don't have a copy on me but by the end of the day I'm sure I can find you one."

Dad nodded. "Thanks"

"If there are no further concerns that is most of the preliminary questions I had to make sure of. There would only be one thing left to handle." She looked to me, her eyes were kind. "Taylor, hun, if you feel comfortable now I need to take your statement on the bullies now so I can pass it to Miss Militia when she gets back tonight."

I fidgeted in my seat. "I...can I wait for Miss Militia?"

"You can." She assured me. "But she won't be coming in until later tonight hun. I promise that everything you say will reach her ears as if she was sitting right here. I can even record this conversation for her if you'd like."

Dad's hand rubbed my shoulder "It's okay kiddo."

It wasn't. For so long there'd been nothing I could do. I couldn't fight back, I couldn't complain. I couldn't do anything except sit there and take it. And the fear that this would just be more of the same, another disappointment, another set of nice sounding words that led nowhere...it reared back up and almost choked me.

But no. It couldn't be like the other times. Miss Militia promised me. She promised and she was a hero. It wasn't going to be like the other times.

"They...they..."

"You don't have to say exactly what happened if you don't want to hun." Miss Washington assured me. "We have investigators that can fill in the blanks pretty well if you don't want to talk about it. You just have to give us names and we'll do the rest."

I nodded, shivering as the memory of the locker returned. The smell and the dark and the pain. My cut hands, the heat and the smoke and the screaming….

I don't want to go back there and I'm so glad I don't have to.

"Madison Clements." The first name slipped past my lips and I saw her write it down. I stared at her hands, not trusting myself to look at her face and keep myself from tearing up as I tried to push the locker away. "Sophia Hess."

Her hands didn't move.

"I'm sorry hun could you repeat that?"

"Sophia Hess." I repeated, louder. My heart thumping in my throat.

Please write it down…

She did.

"And Emma Barnes."

"What?"

This time the voice was my Dad's.

"Yeah…" I repeated, looking down. "Don't know what happened. Just came back one day and she was...different. She just changed on me...Hanging out with Sophia and Madison and she…"

Dad placed his arm around me. But he was stiff, tense like a coil ready to snap. I could feel him trembling.

He was still friends with Mr. Barnes I knew. They still talked every once in a blue moon on the phone. Mr Barnes would call to catch up, Dad would call for some small advice on dealing with the docks that might have some legalities to get around...Hope I didn't just break his friendship like mine had been broken with Emma.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

I shrugged. "I don't know."

I didn't really, now that I thought about it. Because I didn't want him to fight with Mr. Barnes? Because I didn't want him confronting Emma to fight my battles? Didn't want him to know how messed up my school life was?

It all just seemed so...small now….so stupid.

Miss Washington cleared her throat. "Would these be all of them hun?"

I nodded.

"Alright. Miss Militia will hear about this the second she gets back I promise. For now how would you like to meet some of your teammates?" She smiled an obvious change of subject. Either to put me at ease again or to dispel the tension. Either way I was grateful.

"Sure." I said putting forward my best smile, weak though it might be.

Miss Washington smiled, "Great." She stood up, leading us away from her desk and down the hall.

"The wards have already heard that there was a chance they would get a new teammate; they've been somewhat excited at the prospect." She said.

"Are they all here?" I asked, suddenly anxious at the thought of meeting all the wards at once.

"No, Vista and Kid Win are on base as far as I know, the others are either on patrol or in school."

I went over their names in my head based on what I've heard in the news and from what I have read on Parahumans Online. Kid Win's a Tinker who rides a flying skateboard and uses lasers in his weaponry. Vista is what they call a Shaker, a very high ranking one. She can manipulate space. Making distances greater or shorter depending on what she wanted. At least that's what I heard. She couldn't get past the Manton effect though. Not sure how true it was. PHO was only half right at the best of times.

We entered the elevator after leaving Miss Washington's office and rode it up to the third floor. There we got off and before us was a Tinker-tech door with the word 'Wards' Engraved on the side vertically.

Hello future dorm.

Miss Washington swiped her keycard next to the door, allowing it to open and we entered, and I took my time observing the surrounding area. A kitchen with not one, but two fridges. A nice circular couch with a coffee table in the center. A giant TV. And a stairway leading up to a second level overlooking the residence. I noticed how several doors looked different from each other due to stickers and various posters or artwork.

One of the doors opened and there was a rather young looking girl, probably no older than thirteen or so.

"Hey Miss Washington? Is-" Her eyes lit up all of sudden as she rushed for the stairs...and then...not really sure what happened. One second she's standing up there, at the top of a dozen stairs, next she's on the ground floor coming at us.

Vista.

"Yes Missy, this is our new recruit." Miss Washington looked at me with a smile. "Taylor, I would like to introduce you to Missy Biron, hero name: Vista."

"Nice to meetcha!" Missy seemed almost too giddy to see me? Was she always this peppy and happy? I smiled back and shook her hand as she held it out.

"Hi...ummm." I hesitated. I was never any good at this sort of thing.

Luckily she didn't seem to notice my awkwardness and went straight to looking at my Dad.

"That your dad?" She asked. Dad nodded.

"Yep."

"So, what's Chris doing?" Miss Washington asked. Chris? Was that Kid Win? That was the other Ward here according to Hannah.

We heard another door open up top. "What's all the noise going down there?" A brown haired youth around my age, maybe a smidgen younger. Couldn't tell. He had some headgear around his head with various microscopes and magnifying glasses and...were those holograms?

That has to be Tinker Tech if I have ever seen it.

"Chris! She's the new recruit joining us!" Missy yelled looking over her shoulder to smile up at him.

"What really? So she decided to join?" Chris walked down the stairs, wiping his hands with a rag of sorts. He pulled off his head gear, the faintly glowing bits winking out as he smiled the holograms of himself winked out as they did.

"That is so cool." I was gushing. Half of me wanted to be embarrassed but the other half of me that had just witnessed the awesomeness of holograms straight out of a sci fi movie was in too firm a control to let it bother me overmuch. Chris grinned a bit puffing up at the praise..

"You think holograms are cool? Just wait till you see what other toys I got in store." He gave me a wink, and there was a light "ahem" from Hannah, making us turn. She was giving Chris a look.

"Oh." He finished wiping his hand and offered it. "Chris Gale. Cape name Kid Win."

"Taylor Hebert. Cape name...no idea." I blushed a little as I shook it. I can't believe I hadn't thought up a cape name that's like...the most basic of the basic!

"Don't sweat it. Took Vista weeks to get her cape name set in stone. And it can still pass for a normal name to boot." He noticed my dad. "Mr. Hebert I presume?"

"That's right." He offered his hand and Chris shook it.

"Nice ta meet-cha, your daughter is in very good hands with us." He stressed the very very hard.

"I'll count on that." My dad smiled but I noticed it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"She'll be fine." That was Miss Washington.

"Can't wait to see what you can do." Vista's enthusiastic words brought my attention back to her. She smiled. "I got a good feeling about you. You'll be a great addition to the team."

I heard Kid Wi-Chris mutter something under his breath. I got the feeling it was definitely not intended for my ears. He looked to the side. "That's what you said last time and look how that turned out."

"I'm sorry what was that?" Hannah spoke up loudly and suddenly with a smile...that...didn't seem kind.

"Oh! Uh, nothing. So, want me to introduce ya to your new room and stuff?" Chris gestured for me to follow. He looked at Dad as well. "And you're welcome to come along too Mr. Hebert." He nodded and me and Dad followed Chris up the stairs...with one step courtesy of Missy.

"Thanks!" Dad gave Missy a thumbs up. "This will help take some wear off my knees." He laughed a little as we walked over to the room farthest on the right. I noticed the keycard lock and I rummaged through my pockets and swiped it. With a green flash and click I opened the door and took it in.

It was spartan, for now, but I saw the nice Queen size bed. The desk with what looked like the latest in line of computers. A mirror closet and cabinet drawer and-

"Personal bathroom! Oh thank god!" Okay, I looked stupid but thank God and Scion combined I won't be sharing bathrooms. I have heard horror stories of shared bathrooms in dorms…

Dad laughed and squeezed my shoulder affectionately. "Guess we will need to do some shopping and moving." He looked at Miss Washington. "I...hate to ask but...do you think you can get some guys to help out?"

"We can provide a moving van." She assured. "And I think Chris and Missy would be more than happy to help you move Taylor's belongings into a moving van or truck. Time for you three to get well acquainted if you will."

"What about the others? Our patrol schedule?" Chris quirked an eye Hannah's way.

"Clockblocker has earned a double shift, several, with no overtime...at least according to Armsmaster." She chuckled. "Aegis has also expressed an interest in such. He'd appreciate it. If nothing else Gallant can pitch in a little more too."

"Sure, if you can get him to stop sucking off Glory Girl's face every ten minutes." Missy giggled.

Wait...what?. Glory Girl of New Wave and Gallant? An item? I couldn't keep the snort and the grin off my face. I like her even more!

"Is this about Miss Militia getting on my case again about me getting more exercise!?" Chris was glaring. Hannah smirked.

"Now then, I believe we can put off some things until we can finish moving in Taylor properly. I will call for a moving company to come by your residence Mr. Hebert. How does later today sound."

"How bout...tomorrow morning?" He asked. I was almost stupid. I almost asked why if we were just heading back home after this but managed to stick my foot in my mouth in a good way by shutting up.

This was all happening just as fast for him...faster even. The least I could do was give my dad one more night before I took half my stuff out...

"Of course. I understand completely." The woman nodded with her usual smile.

"Uhh, how much for the van if I may ask?" He ventured, clearing his throat.

"Its on us of course. Don't worry about anything Mr Hebert." Hannah said softly. "We'll do all we can to help Taylor feel at home here. She's among friends now."

I felt warm inside at that statement. Friends. Missy was definitely friendly enough, and with her powers moving will be done in a sinch...inside the house and away from prying eyes of course. Chris was sulking about it but took it in stride.

"In any case, Chris get cleaned up. Missy get your belongings. I will make the appropriate calls and-" She felt her phone ring and she answered. "This is Washington."

She seemed...very intent on the phone call. "Okay. Got it. Have her meet me by my office." She hung up. And her cheery mood? Gone. Her eyes were hardened and sharp. What gives?

"Miss Washington?" I asked curiously. She smiled back at me.

"Just a surprise appointment I need to tend to for Miss Militia ASAP. Missy, will you be so kind as to escort the Heberts out front with Chris? You can consider yourselves free for the rest of the day." She got in her phone and looked to be texting.

"Sure thing!" Missy chirped. Miss Washington looked at me and Dad.

"Sorry to leave you so soon, but, I really must tend to this.."

"You've done more than enough for us. You just handle your business. It was a pleasure meeting you." Dad smiled, holding out his hand.

She shook it..

"I'll be done with with my appointment and other matters before long. If you need me call me on my number. The men will arrive tomorrow morning Mr. Hebert. Would nine-thirty be alright for you?"

Dad's nod didn't come for a moment and when it did, it was a stiff, jerking motion. Like he had to pry his head loose enough with a crowbar to make it happen. Hannah nodded and left the room.

"Well." Chris clapped. "Guess it's only fair I escort ya out."

"Thanks for coming by! Tomorrow night we'll introduce you to Aegis and Clockblocker and Gallant and Browbeat!"

I smiled and nodded. "Of course." I looked up and dad. "Well, better head home." We turned, the Wards walking by our sides. We went down the elevator and walked out. Missy was chatting the whole way, talking about her teammates, how they practiced, how Armsmaster, Battery, Velocity and Miss Militia would train and "grade" the wards on their performance, what each prefered to see. Before long, we were outside and walking towards the car.

"Well...we'll see you tomorrow. You guys know our address after all." Dad said, looking at the heroes in approval.

"Yep. We'll see ya there Mr. Hebert."

"Just call me Danny. Mr. Hebert just makes me feel old." Danny chuckled as he opened the door for me.

"I'll see ya tomorrow Missy, Chris." I said as I got inside. She nodded and smiled.

"'Kay!" She gave me a thumbs up as dad closed the door. Dad turned on the car, waved once more and then we were gone.

I turned my head away and looked out towards the city as we rode along the bridge. I felt a hand clasp with my own.

"Thanks for understanding kiddo…" Dad said softly as we looked at each other.

"If I was in your shoes I'd be the same way Dad." I thought of more. Tonight and tomorrow morning. After that, I probably won't be able to see Dad for a while.

"As long as you promise to call me every night before bed. I think I'll be able to refrain from driving my car through the front door of PHQ."

"Dad!" I laughed.

"I'm serious." He grinned. "Every night. And I reserve the right to drive my car through the front door of PHQ anyway if I hear you sprained your ankle or get a cut or something on one of those patrols."

"Can you at least rent a pick up? If you're gonna drive your car through a door might as well make it a big car. Leave an impression. Our car just isn't Front door material."

His smile got a little wider. "And no dating superheros."

"Oh my god." I shook my head and covered my face with hands. Was he going there? Really?

"I'm serious. You're entering a job. Keep things professional. You're not allowed to date til after you're married."

I couldn't help but chuckle as I looked at him with a sad smile. Then I wrapped him up in a hug.

"I'm gonna miss you." I muttered into his chest.

"I'm gonna miss you too sweetheart." He whispered back. "And you just remember I'm a phone call away no matter what happens. Armsmaster himself won't get in my way."

"I'd like to see him try to take on that Hebert dockworker rampage." That made the two of us laugh.

I wonder how mom would feel if she was still alive. Would she be approving of me being a superhero? Or be all Smother-Mom and be very protective of me? I wouldn't know, but that isn't important. All that matters is me and Dad right now.

"Wanna do something tonight?" He asked rhetorically.

"Do I ever." I smiled back. "Board games? Movie?"

"Lets live dangerously! We'll do both! And have unhealthy ice cream while doing it. And cookies too!"

"You want blackjack and hookers on the side with that order?"

"Not until you're married. And even then not only No but Hell No.."

(X)

The next day.

We entered the Wards room once again. I carried my backpack with my most personal stuff in it and held a box in my hands. Missy was using her power to shorten the distance between elevator door and Wards-entrance door. And damn near everything in between. Only reason she didn't do the same for the drive is because one of the drivers almost got into an accident when he was suddenly five feet away from a red light.

I heard grunting outside and saw Chris pushing a cart with several boxes on it. "Why do I the grunt work!"

"Because you're a superhero." Missy snarked as she used her power to shorten the stairs. "And male. As such you are naturally relegated to the status of Beast of Burden."

"I'm not Aegis or Browbeat you know!" He carried a full plastic box of my clothing, struggling to carry it. "Jeez, you pack how many clothes in here?!"

"Not alot." I half lied with an amused look on my face. Dad entered with another box and offered me a sad smile.

Last night...was a blast. We watched some old childhood movies of mine, personal favorites. Dad even showed me an oldies movie he liked. All while making ice cream cookie shakes. I last remember falling asleep on my couch, yet woke up in my bed.

I felt a bit guilty inside. What could he be feeling? He hasn't bonded with me since mom died, and work took over his life. And then the bullying and the trigger and the ones who caused it all. I can't help but feel bad for causing him this much grief but it seemed like he didn't even care that I was.

And I welcomed it. He's my dad, and I'd do the damn same for my kid too.

"Girls and clothes…" Chris grumbled as he began walking up the stairs with me, with no Missy power aide to boot. I deposited my stuff in my room along with Dad and we continued to move stuff up and up until the cart was empty. Chris plopped down on the couch, beat.

"Thanks Chris." I smiled. He waved but didn't answer.

"You really need to work on cardio." Missy taunted with her smile. "I mean look at me. I'm not even winded."

"Oh excuse me Ms-I-can-cross-two-hundred-feet-of-empty-parking-space-in-half-a-step! Besides I'm a tinker, not a soldier. Let Browbeat and Aegis work on cardio. I'll make something to work on Cardio for me while I sit comfortably on this couch. Not working on Cardio"

"I...take it you wouldn't wanna join me on some morning runs I'm planning on starting?"

"Not only no but Hell no." He barked, unwittingly mimicking the line my dad said somewhere last night.

"Okay." I laughed but then sighed as I turned towards dad. "Well…" Me and him walked down the stairs together. Down there, Miss Washington was waiting with a smile. We got down to the stairs, and I sighed.

"I guess this is goodbye for now." I said, looking up at him, his hands in his pockets.

"Yeah...if you have free time, or if you ever need some time away. You know where to go. Door's always open kiddo. No matter when or why you wanna use it." He smiled as he removed his glasses, wiping his eyes. "Damn...I should really invest in getting a cellphone…"

"I'm gonna be getting a plan soon. Do you want me to include yo-"

"You don't need to. Remember what I said this morning." He gave me that look.

"Put it in a 401k and invest wisely." I recited from him. "So, call you every night, and I'll give you an update on what I did for the day...nonclassified stuff of course. Can't have you driving through the front door right?

"Naturally." Danny laughed as he placed his glasses back on and brought me into the tightest hug I have imagined. "Be safe." He Looked at me dead in the eye. "Don't talk to strangers. Never go in alone without help." He grasped my shoulders. "Promise me?"

"I promise." I smiled. Then I tackled him in a hug and he took it.

"Well…" He muttered as we still were together. "The bird's gotta the leave the nest sometime." He smiled sadly. "I never knew it would be…" He shook his head. "Taylor. I just wanna let you know. I am the proudest dad in the world right now. And your mom would be too."

I felt his shoulders shudder lightly and a sniffle. Damnit now you're making me cry!

We separated and kissed. "Love you Taylor."

"I love you too dad." He walked over to Hannah's side.

"Call me tonight! Or I'm going to have Miss Washington here annoy you. Or I will make good on my deal to drive through the front lobby."

"Yes dad." I laughed, wiping my eyes of tears. And Danny left with Miss Washington through the door.

And that was that. I am now a resident of Protectorate Headquarters, member of the Wards. A superhero.

I sat on the couch and took in a deep sigh.

"Immasupehero!" I laugh giddilydly as I kicked my legs out. I knew Chris was looking at me odd but I don't care.

"Immasuperhero!" I repeated, wrapping a couch pillow and hugging it deeply. This was the beginning of something great! I just know it!