Santana let out an irritated huff as she flicked through the rack of shirts. Shopping for fire-proof clothing had always been a pain when she was a child, but now that more stores were selling to augmented individuals, finding clothes that didn't require her to 'fix' them was getting easier. She picks out a top that didn't look like it was made for a fifty year old woman and studies it, before placing it back. She sighs and looks around the store for something that would take her mind off her shitty day.

From getting told off by Charlie, to the slushie bath that she had needed to endure, her life at this moment in time sucked. Having to try out for a team that she had led for the past two years, stung. Especially since her old position as the captain of McKinley's hero team, the Titans had been handed over to Charlie. The gossip at school was that Figgins and Beiste had practically forced Charlie into the role.

Which was why a little retail therapy was in order, then she could go back to attempting the impossible task of impressing Charlie enough to actually teach her something useful.

"If it isn't the former Captain of the Titans."

Santana closes her eyes and counts to five, trying to get control of her growing frustration. She really couldn't seem to catch a break today. "Fievel," Santana said as she finally turned to look at Sebastian Smythe and a few other members of Dalton's all-male hero team. "You're a bit far from your cult don't you think?"

"We've been hearing some rumors so we only came to check it out," Sebastian says. "You know, the ones that said that you got kicked off the team, and that you got a new coach who is going to let level 2's join the team. I mean McKinley came dead last all the time, but come on now. It's like you're trying to make us look better than we are."

Santana scoffed, "You want a rumor that you can take to the bank Fievel? This year McKinley is going all the way to Nationals. That's not just a promise Sebastian, it's a goddamn spoiler." With that Santana tries to push past them so she can just go home. But Sebastian is suddenly in front of her again and she scowls. Super speed was a shitty superpower.

"Come on now Santana, we both know that you're the only person at McKinley who is probably going to be someone, so instead of trying to carry the entire team by yourself, you come to a school that will appreciate your talents. Where we can showcase your abilities."

"You want me to come to Dalton? And what pretend to be a boy? Dalton's team is an all boy team." Santana waved her hand before Sebastian tried to make promises that everyone knew he wouldn't be able to keep. "Dalton Academy has never made it past regionals. So I still would be on a losing team regardless. But as I said, I'd have to be an idiot to join any new team when I already said we're going to win the entire thing this year. Now move, I have shit to do and you're in my way."

"You think we're going to fall for your little publicity stunt? Why the fuck would a level 5 come to a shitty school like McKinley."

Santana stopped as it all began to make sense. Dalton wouldn't cross state lines for a rumor. Well, Sebastian certainly wouldn't. "You're scared."

Sebastian inhales sharply and glares at Santana, "Of a bullshit rumor? I'm the fastest man alive."

Santana snorted, "I don't really see what that has to do with anything. Nor is it something that I'd be caught saying. If you're so certain that her level isn't warranted, then prove it. Challenge her to a fight at the inter-high. I mean just imagine the glory if you bring down a level 5. You'll be able to write a ticket to whatever hero firm you want." Santana smirked inwardly when Sebastian pauses. She had him, it had all but guaranteed a McKinley win. The exhibition had the biggest allotment of points. Charlie winning that would guarantee that McKinley would make it to Sectionals.

"Don't think that's going to work on me Santana, I saw what your captain could do, the fact that she shattered someone's arm," Sebastian said with a scoff.

"Quinn isn't the one that's competing," Santana said.

Sebastian blinked, "The other one with super speed? The one that is missing her arm?"

Santana nodded, deciding not to let Sebastian know that Charlie's arm had grown back or that her powers weren't superspeed. She wasn't quite sure how Charlie's arm had grown back and she also wasn't quite sure how Charlie had moved that fast. It's not like Charlie was openly sharing that information either. "Yep that one."

Her words are met with laughter from Dalton Academy and even Sebastian grins. "You know what, maybe I will. How difficult could it be to beat a one-armed speedster?"

Santana rolled her eyes and walked around the Dalton crew, and headed out of the store. Stopping and groaning at her luck. "You."

~ O ~

"I can't believe that your parents let you and Charlie get matching tattoos," Rachel said shaking her head. They had just dropped Charlie off to get more work done on her tattoo, before arriving at the music store.

"You're assuming that we asked our parents for permission." Quinn's lip quirk upward when Rachel twists to look at her.

"But you're both underage—I thought that you would definitely need a parent's permission."

"We were visiting our grandparents, who live down in New Mexico, and we asked them. They said sure, and then took Charlie, Brittany and I to get our first tattoo. Now we're not allowed to visit Grandma Rose and Grandpa Greg without a responsible adult present."

"And who qualifies as a responsible adult in your family."

Quinn snorted, "My mom is the only responsible one. Frannie doesn't care what Charlie and I do. Brittany well, Brittany is usually the one pushing us to do it cause it'll be fun. Charlie is well Charlie."

"And you?" Rachel prompts.

"Well it's generally my idea," Quinn admits. "I wanted to get a tattoo. So we got a tattoo. Tip if you do want one, never ask permission with a parent that you know will say no. That way when you inevitably get in trouble with them, you can point out that they never told you no."

Rachel gasped dramatically, "Quinn, are you secretly a villain?"

Quinn laughed, "I may have been accused of that before," Quinn admits. "But don't worry I realized what a pain taking over the world would be, at a young age. Had to give up that dream."

Rachel rolled her eyes, and is about to press Quinn on her delinquent lifestyle when she spots the sheet music to a song that may be perfect for the audition. She rushes over to it and studies the first few notes, and quickly turns to look at Quinn. "You wouldn't mind if I—" Quinn nods enthusiastically and she can't help but smile. Rachel moves over to the piano that's for sale, and plays a few notes.

'There's a fire

Starting in my heart

Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark'

Quinn glances down at her hands, each note created a tingling sensation in her hand. She suspected that if she used her powers at this moment, it was possible she would lose control. She felt powerful, like she might be able to survive a sparring session with her grandma. That she might win. She's about to urge Rachel to continue, when another interrupts them.

'Finally

I can see you crystal clear

Go ahead and sell me out and I'll lay your ship bare'

Both Rachel and Quinn turn to the voice that had just cut in, and immediately Quinn steps forward when she spots a group of teenagers approaching them. But she's confused when they randomly begin to harmonize. She looks at Rachel who is blushing deeply, and looks back at the douche bag.

'See how I'll leave

With every piece of you

Don't underestimate

The things that I will do

There's a fire

Starting in my heart

Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringin' me out the dark

The scars of your love

Remind me of us

They keep me thinking that we almost had it all

The scars of your love

They leave me breathless

I can't help feeling—'

"Okay, what the hell is going on," Quinn interrupts, before they can finish the song. The random harmonizing was weird.

Rachel immediately turned to Quinn, wondering why she didn't know who Jesse St. James was, when she remembered that Quinn's new to the area. "This is Jesse St. James, the captain of Vocal Adrenaline, he's managed to take Carmel to Nationals every single year since he was a freshman. His abilities are sound based like mine are."

"Vocal Adrenaline? Everyone of these people have sound based abilities?" Quinn blinked, that was rare. She didn't know that music based abilities were so common.

"Uh, no, after he took them to nationals he got to rename the team," Rachel whispers to Quinn who only looks more confused.

"Oh so he's an egotistical jackass," Quinn tilted her head. "Got it. Why is he here?" Quinn asked Rachel. "Isn't Carmel High pretty far from here? Like all the way across Ohio far? Is this the only mall in Ohio?" Quinn questions. She blinks, "Seriously Rachel, is this the only mall in Ohio?"

Rachel smiles, she could see how someone from LA would think that. "No, but you're right it's a bit weird that they are here. Carmel is in Akron."

"Everyone's been talking about McKinley—" He turns to look at Rachel, "I'm sorry I don't know who you are."

Rachel swallowed, "Rachel Berry," she mumbles, flushing.

"Everyone has been talking about McKinley—I'm sorry I didn't know someone with your abilities went to the school. Are you new to their hero course? Your voice—Carmel could use someone like you."

"Akron's like 3 hours away," Quinn said, stepping between Rachel and St. Jackass. "So apart from the fact you all clearly don't have any lives, why are you here?"

Jesse tears his eyes from Rachel and flicks them towards Quinn before looking back at Rachel. A smile crosses his face, as he straightens up, "We're probably not the only team that drove up to check you guys out. Who wouldn't be curious to see Quinn Fabray the new captain of the McKinley Titans."

Quinn blinked and turned to Rachel, "Is this normal? Like how the fuck did they find us?" She whispers, flicking her eyes toward Jesse. Also Charlie had just been named the captain like a few hours ago, how the fuck did they already know about this.

"JBI runs a very successful blog?" Rachel shrugs not quite sure how they were found. "Maybe we should just leave," she whispers back to Quinn.

Quinn straightens up, "Look, I don't know where you get your information but I'm not the new captain of the Titan's that would be the identical twin. I'm sure if you leave now you can do this whole song and dance thing in front of her, I'm sure she'll be your biggest fan," Quinn stated, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Didn't you shatter your sister's arm?" Jesse asked a look of confusion on his features.

"Again why don't you go upstairs and ask her, again she's probably at the food court if she's done with her tattoo." Quinn snapped, but when Jesse doesn't move she lets the temperature drop around them. It was their only warning to back up.

Rachel immediately wraps an arm around Quinn's arm, and pulls her along. "Come on Quinn, I can't get banned from this store. We can come back later, we'll just have to buy Charlie a burger or more pizza."

Quinn took her eyes off Jesse and nodded at Rachel. "Sure, let's go find her—"

"Rachel, Vocal Adrenaline was practically built for you. You'd be the star and you'll have your pick of any firm you want, let alone all of the top schools."

Quinn immediately turns ready to freeze the douchebag when a familiar voice distracts her, and she turns to spot Santana and Charlie. Quinn points to Charlie, "There she is. I'm sure she'll appreciate your little performance."

Jesse finally turns and spots Santana Lopez and Sebastian standing with Dalton Academy, and there with two arms was the other twin. He flicks his eyes to Quinn again before he immediately leaves the store to make sure that everyone knew that Vocal Adrenaline was going to be the team to go Nationals.

~ O ~

Charlie sipped on her milkshake as she looked at her phone, changing the song and increasing the volume, tuning out the noise that was beginning to seep through her headphones. Hopefully when she didn't engage they'd leave her alone.

"This is the level 5 speedster?" Sebastian asked, glancing at Charlie up and down. She didn't have the proportions of a runner. She hadn't appeared to be that fast on the television. He turns his attention to the milkshake in Charlie's hand and using his speed places he swipes it from Charlie's grasp.

Santana flinched, when Charlie looks at her now empty hand and then looks up at Sebastian. They weren't friends, but everyone at McKinley knew that Charlie liked food to a disturbing degree. And she was certain that Sebastian had just committed a cardinal sin in Charlie's mind. Well, if Charlie murdered him it would mean that Dalton was out.

Sebastian smirks as he takes a sip of Charlie's milkshake before gagging, he'd never tasted anything this sweet before. It was like Charlie had just taken all the sugar packets and dumped them into the milkshake. "How the hell can you drink this?"

Santana immediately intervenes, an unsanctioned fight could cost McKinley, and she places a hand on Charlie's arm stopping her. "You'll get your hands on him at the Inter-high."

Charlie frowned, "What does the Inter-high have to do with this asshole stealing my milkshake?"

Santana gripped Charlie's arm tighter, to prevent her from engaging. "This is Sebastian, he's the Captain of Dalton Academy's Warblers. He came to antagonize the new captain of the Titans."

Confusion crosses Charlie's face, "Isn't Dalton super far away?"

"Yes," Santana answers quickly, "They heard that you became the new captain of the Titans, they wanted to check you out, and possibly get you to react so McKinley gets banned," Santana explains. "So why don't you just wait until the Inter-high."

Charlie narrowed her eyes, "But that was my afternoon snack," she mutters to Santana.

"I'll buy you another milkshake," Santana rolls her eyes.

Charlie pauses at the offer, "And a burger and fries too?" Charlie asked.

Santana turns to look back at Sebastian, groaning when she spots Jesse St. Jackass making a beeline towards them with Vocal Adrenaline. "I will do that and I will personally make you some really good food for lunch tomorrow if you don't kill Jesse St. James and the rest of Vocal Adrenaline."

"Who?" Charlie asked looking up in the direction that Santana was looking in. She spots Quinn and Rachel who were making their way towards them. "Is this normal?"

"No. Akron is like 3 hours away, Westerville is like 2 hours away. They came here to check you out because they're terrified of you," Santana explains to Charlie.

"Well at least we won't look bad for fighting against a cripple," Jesse said, before extending his hand. "Jesse St. James."

Charlie stared at Jesse's stretched out hand, before snubbing him and instead focused on Santana. "A burger, fries and a milkshake now, and lunch tomorrow. It had better be good."

Before Santana can make a promise, both Rachel and Quinn finally catch up, "The Warblers as well?" Rachel asks in surprise.

Santana scowls at Rachel before deciding that at this moment they were all on the same team, which was keeping Charlie calm so she didn't do something that would get McKinley banned from competition. "Yeah, let's go and get some food, and I promise tomorrow I'll bring in the most delicious thing you've ever eaten. But right now you're the only member of the Titan's. That means your actions are now a reflection of McKinley. Of your team. So while I understand wanting to beat Sebastian's face into paste, just wait until the Inter-High."

"What Santana fails to mention is that McKinley has never made it past Regionals. It's not too late to make the right choice," Jesse stated. "You can be the missing piece that propels Carmel High to a National title. You won't have to carry this team on your back, and once we make it to Nationals, all the hero firms will know who you are. And I'll even let you have the exhibition match with the pro hero. I hear this year it's one of the 4 Horsewomen."

Charlie perked up at the name drop, "Wait, what?"

Quinn's face breaks into a massive grin at Jesse's mistake. Now she wouldn't have to trick Charlie into kicking his ass for her.

Rachel nodded surprised that Charlie hadn't heard about it. But then again it was Charlie. "Nationals are televised to all of America. Most of the major Hero Firms are there, judging and scouting for talent. It's a massive event Charlie, and once the tournament is over, they vote for the MVP. That MVP gets to have an exhibition fight with a professional hero. This year it's going to be one of the 4 horsewomen."

Charlie nods at Rachel's explanation. "I see. Well, now that I understand what the stakes are. McKinley is going to Nationals. We're also going to win at Nationals. Thank you, for motivating me." Charlie flashed a smile at Sebastian and Jesse, before tossing an arm over Santana's shoulders. "I was promised food."

Santana looks at the arm that's around her shoulder and shrugs the offending limb off her shoulders, "I'm not made of money Smurfette, so you're getting a normal sized meal."

"As long as the burger has bacon on it," Charlie responded.

Quinn nods at Rachel, "Let's go back to picking out your tryout song, and so we're clear. Charlie's hands might be tied, but mine aren't. If you start harassing us, I will defend myself." Before Rachel can protest Quinn pulls her back to the music shop.