Missy wheezed as she desperately threw herself out of the way, barely avoiding the blade of the Naginata that had been swung at her. She rolled on the ground, stood up, and attempted to rush forward again, only to find herself blocked by the blade of the Asian polearm. There was a brief exchange of blows between Missy and her opponent, sparks flew as metal clashed with metal, but she was so focused on the blade she forgot about the rest of the weapon. That was why she was slow to react when the long wooden handle of the Naginata batted her katana aside. Left unbalanced, Missy was open to the thrust that jabbed her in the belly. Thankfully it was just a light tap but Missy knew from experience how bad a hit to the stomach could hurt.

"Break time Missy," Minako, who had barely started sweating, said as she withdrew her weapon.

Grateful for the retrieve, Missy took the time to catch her breath before taking a sip from a nearby bottle of water. Not only was her body and lungs burning, but there was sweat everywhere. She felt absolutely grimy and sadly for her there was still more to come.

Minako pushed her, in a different way from Shinji, but she pushed her just as far in her way. Sparring with Minako pushed Missy to her limits and then even further than that. The woman was also prodding, testing, and pushing to see how far Missy could go in a single session, only ever dialing it back once it started to border on abuse.

It was harsh treatment, but that was what Missy had asked of her. Minako shouldn't treat her easily if the Villains wouldn't. Still, it was very clear that the woman was holding back a lot.

"Trying to close the distance is a good idea since I have the reach," Minako explained. "But you need the speed and endurance to pull it off. Otherwise you're doing my work for me and running into my strikes."

Missy nodded as she looked at the blades she held in each hand. Blunted, but otherwise an exact copy of her real weapons. Without Theia, reach was always going to be an issue for her with these smaller blades and her own shortness. Almost everyone she was going to fight would be taller and stronger than her, but that was why she was sparring with Minako. To find a way to overcome her natural disadvantages or at the very least better cope with them.

Still, things would've been a lot easier with Theia around.

"Hey Minako… could you show me another one of your Personas?" Missy asked.

"Sure… I think you're ready for this one." Minako took out the spare Evoker she kept on a nearby table. She lifted to the side of her head and pulled the trigger. "Orpheus."

It was a feminine shaped Persona with long brown hair, a golden torso, and a giant heart-shaped lure. It was far from intimidating… but just like Minako there was something comforting about being in its presence.

"This is my Persona," Minako informed her. "Like Theia is yours. They're my first and were with me from the beginning of my journey… all the way to its end."

"What was your journey like?" Missy ventured.

At that, Minako paused. She looked hesitant to answer and struggled to speak before she found her answer. "Difficult. Very hard. I wouldn't trade it for the world, but sometimes I wish it didn't have to take so much out of me."

"Oh…" Missy's eyes wandered to the ground. Minako was like the strongest woman she knew. If her journey was that hard on her, probably even worse than she was letting on, then what was Missy's going to be like. Would she even succeed in the end?

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Minako said, a fake smile plastered on her face. A lie… but one that Missy would be willing to accept for the time being. "You ready to continue training."

Missy nodded, glad to end their current conversation. "Yep."

"Then another round of the basic exercises. After that stretch and wash up. Still have to go to that Medhall tour with your parents today."

That was something Missy was actually looking forward to.


Hours later, when on that planned tour for Medhall, Missy realized that she had a pretty packed schedule. School, hanging with Theo and Igor, helping Parian out, and now possible work with Medhall. The tour itself was bound to be interesting, especially since she had been invited to bring a bunch of friends with her and well…

"You really going to work here Missy?" Clara asked as she looked around at everything around her.

"Depends on the terms of their Contract and what they offer," Brandish replied as she turned an eye towards Shinji. "Including monetary compensation of course."

"Kid needs to eat," Shinji grunted. "And this place can afford it."

"Medhall is responsible for much of the tourist and tax income the city gets," Dinah informed them. "My Uncle sees them all the time."

Minako simply smiled as she observed everything from the back of the group. Missy would've liked to walk alongside her but with the stink eye her mother was giving the woman it probably wasn't worth the hassle.

"As you can see Medhall boasts the most up to date technology in the medical field and is constantly striving to make advancements," their assigned tour guide quoted off what was likely a memorized script in their head as she led them down a hallway deep within the facility. "And to your right is our Research and Development department. It's where we develop and test many of our pharmaceuticals."

Behind a giant glass wall were a bunch of people in lab coats and a whole lot of complicated looking machinery. Each worker within moved with organized and professional purpose.

"Ooh," Clara pushed her hands against a glass as she watched the researchers. "You think they're making a super virus in there?"

Dinah shook her head. "Clara. No…"

"If they did, they wouldn't be making it here," Minako replied casually. "Not in public. Probably a secret lab in the basement or something. Either that or an offsite facility. Maybe something water based since Brockton is on an aquifer."

Shinji nodded while everyone else there, apart from Clara, just stared at Minako weirdly.

"What?"

"Ahem," the tour guide interjected. "I can assure you that everything Medhall does is up to code and strictly legal. We have high standards even for the medical industry."

"Not hearing a no here," Shinji muttered under his breath and got an elbow from Minako for it. All that did was make him smirk though.

They were a nice couple.

"So this is the facility that my daughter will be working in?" Missy's mother asked as she gave Minako another dirty look.

"Details of her employment will be discussed with my superiors after the tour," the tour guide replied.

Missy just let her mother continue to pester the poor tour guide. It was a nice place, but her mother seemed very insistent on getting her to work here. Then again, the woman was always about climbing the workforce and getting into a high position. It was another point of contention between Missy's mother and her father, that the man hadn't been promoted in a while. The fact that he still had a job and somewhat stable income in Brockton Bay during a declining economy should've been enough to satisfy her, but nope always wanted more.

"Missy this would be a good place to work for," Dinah commented. "Even if it's only for a bit, the fact that it'll show up on your resume…"

"I just want to be a Hero, Dinah."

"Heroes need jobs too Missy. Look at Brandish, she's a lawyer!"

Brandish nodded. "Victoria is also planning to head to college after high school. It wouldn't hurt for you to consider your future career too Missy."

"Fine. Whatever," Missy grumbled. "I'll be a scientist I guess."

"If you do work here, can you see if they are making a super virus?" Clara asked.

"If I end up working here, I'll make one for you."


Medhall's cafeteria had good food. Not as good as Shinji's but better than Missy's own school. And Immaculata had pretty good food. Mostly because it was private and her parents paid for the tuition, she had heard horror stories from Minako about lunch served at Winslow and other public schools.

Missy was kind of lucky in that regard. Did any of those kids at Jack's shelter even go to school?

Anyway, Missy ate her fill and watched as Shinji gave it his reluctant approval after only a few minor complaints.

She looked around the room. It was surprisingly empty and quiet for how big it was. Probably just a slow day or something.

"What do you think about this place?" Missy asked Minako. Thankfully her mother was too distracted talking with Brandish to notice them talking. Missy's mother didn't really like the two of them together nowadays even if she didn't explicitly forbid it.

"They put on a good show," Minako replied.

Missy tilted her head. "Huh?"

"Can't always rely on appearances alone. Best to reserve judgment until you've learned more."

"Oookay then," Missy replied. She wasn't entirely sure whether that was a good or bad thing.

"We've been burned in the past," Shinji explained. "Gotta be careful about who you trust."

If Missy had been careful then she would've never run to their house to ask for a place to hide in when they first moved in, and she would've never given Dinah the time of day because the girl could be a stuck-up jerk sometimes. And then finally there was Clara, who was awesome but well… Clara. Sometimes you just had to give people a chance.

"They make a good point," Missy's father commented.

"Yeah. Sure. Whatever," Missy replied. As she finished eating she noticed a man with a very nice tailored suit walk into the cafeteria. The way he postured screamed of authority and she didn't need the nearby staff quickly deferring to him to know that he was someone in charge. He approached the table with Missy's parents being the first to seemingly recognize him.

"Mr. Anders!" Missy's mother was quick to stand up and greet the man. "When Medhall offered us this tour I didn't think that you would come to see us."

Anders? Oh Max Anders. CEO of Medhall. That was a big deal.

"I had some spare time today and I wanted to meet one of Brockton's newest Hero for myself," Mr. Anders replied as he eyed Missy. He looked at her strangely which was honestly something she had gotten used to from most people at this point.

"Uh… hi," Missy replied awkwardly.

"I Also of course wanted to greet the family that raised such a promising young girl," Mr. Anders said as he held a hand out.

"We are very proud of Missy," Missy's father said as she shook the man's hand. "And thank you for the tour."

"It's my pleasure," Max replied before turning to Carol. "It's wonderful to see you again Mrs. Dallon."

"Hello Mr. Anders," Carol replied neutrally. Polite but certainly not friendly.

"How are your children? I've heard Glory Girl has certainly kept herself active."

"They're well and Victoria has been performing her duties as a Hero. How's your son?"

"Ah Theo. As good as he can be. Anyway, am I safe to assume that you are the Biron's family legal representation?"

"You are."

"Well. Then I look forward to meeting with you later." Mr. Anders turned toward Missy this time. "And of course the Hero of the hour. Did you enjoy the tour of our facilities?"

Missy nodded. "It was cool. There were a lot of things I hadn't seen before."

"Well hopefully you'll experience more of our facility soon." Mr. Anders then finally greeted the rest of Missy's group. Politely and quickly acknowledging each of them before his eyes landed on Dinah. "It's nice to see you again. Has your uncle been doing well?"

Dinah bowed her head briefly and gave the man a polite smile. "He's been busy rewriting certain zoning laws on the Docks. Will we be seeing you at his next fundraiser?" Despite being Missy's age, well actually a year older at this point until Missy's birthday, Dinah was the most eloquent of their group. Not a surprise considering her family

"Unfortunately, I'll be quite occupied then. Do give him my regards."

"Of course."

"Mr. Anders, I've been wondering. Is there a reason why you invited us here?" Missy's mother asked in a hopeful and almost expectant tone.

"Well I wished to personally offer your daughter an internship and your husband a position at Medhall."

Missy's eyes went wide. She had expected the offer for herself but her parents too? They must really want her to work for them.

"Your hiring process is highly irregular," Brandish commented.

"I felt like certain exceptions had to be made for Brockton's newest hero and her family. Especially with the aid she provides to the hospitals."

"I don't feel comfortable. Using my daughter to my advantage," Missy's father replied and ignored the sharp glare Missy's mother shot him.

"You have an impressive enough resume and a position for an analyst just opened up. We can of course discuss this later, but I do hope you consider this opportunity Mr. Anders replied as a secretary suddenly ran up next to him with several fancy-looking envelopes. "Whether or not you do accept the position I also came to invite your family to a gala I am hosting."

"We'd be happy to accept," Missy's mother replied quickly as she accepted the invitation.

"Of course I hope your family already received your invitations in the mail," Mr. Anders said to Carol.

"We have," Carol replied.

"Though I believe your daughter is already coming with the Stansfield's?"

"She is."

"A good family. She has a good future ahead of her." He then turned to Missy once again. "I do look forward to seeing you there too. There is a limited occupancy though so I do ask that you only bring two guests with you."

"That's fine. Thanks," Missy replied, still trying to process everything.

"No, thank you. And have a good day, all of you," Mr. Anders replied before making his exit.

Now that they were left alone at the table, Missy examined the invitation in her hands before looking at Minako and Shinji.

"Not my thing," Shinji replied quickly. "Go take your friends. Minako and I'll be fine."

"We're going to have to get a proper dress made for you Missy," Dinah was quick to take command. "One for Clara too."

"Actually, I kind of have a dress being made," Missy replied

Dinah's mouth dropped while Missy's mother quickly swiveled her head in her direction. Everyone else there also had varying reactions of astonishment thrown in her direction.

"You had a dress made? Who? Where? How much was it?" the woman asked.

"Parian at her… uh store." Missy replied as she leaned back a little. Why was this such a big deal so she had a dress made. And… were those tears in Minako's eyes!? "I did her some favors so she's making me a dress."

Minako sniffled as Shinji patted her back. "I've spent so long…. Trying to get her to dress up. And it's finally happened. I'm so proud."

Oh come on. Missy wasn't that bad…

"Parian," Dinah had a thoughtful expression on her face. "I've seen some of her dresses. Really good, but they're all custom orders. Did she design it?"

"She helped with the design," Missy replied. "It'll be a bit of a surprise, but I think you guys will like it."


When Missy had invited Theo to hang out and just do whatever he wanted, she hadn't expected to end up in an arcade. Not that she minded, but it was a surprise that someone as well dressed and composed as he was would want to go to a place like this.

She simply stood and watched as he put in a quarter in the crane game and… got something on his first try!? Okay beginners luck. Missy was a pro on those things and even then she had issues getting it in one shot.

Theo then proceeded to get another rabbit on his second try.

Oh, now it was on!

Missy immediately ran up to the machine next to him and began playing too. Theo simply glanced at her as she put her hands on the controls and- was that a smirk!?

Oh, now it was really on!

It took three tries for Missy to grab a toy puppy. She glanced to her left and saw that Theo had already added two more toys to his ever-growing pile. She growled and immediately played more.

That was how they spent most of the day. Competing in the arcade, the blaring noises of the machines a constant backdrop to the games that they competed in. Theo ended up winning almost all of their contests, but it was still fun. Missy couldn't help but enjoy herself, in fact she was having the time of her life. So much fun that she didn't realize how much time had passed until the sun had set and they had to go through all their spoils.

"I think we have a problem," Missy admitted as she looked at the several piles of stuffed toys that were in front of them. Might've overdid it with the claw games.

"I don't believe it is," Theo said as he began to hand out the stuffed animals to people nearby. Missy decided to follow his lead and by the time they were done only two stuffed animals were left. A matching pair of ducks, yellow and blue, matching Missy's hair and Theo's clothing respectively.

Missy decided to take the blue one while Theo took the other. "Anything else you want to do?" she asked.

"I believe… A walk around your city's Boardwalk will suffice."

"Whaaaaat about visiting Minako? Haven't seen her… in a while?"

"I don't deserve to see her."

Missy paused and stared at him. It was the first time she had heard him be anywhere close to stern. "What did you do?"

"It's what I didn't do."

Yea that wasn't good enough an answer. "Could you explain?"

"No. I do not wish to," Theo replied politely but firmly. "Let's enjoy the rest of our day."

"… Okay."

They continued on their walk with the occasional person running up to Missy to ask for an autograph or a picture. As for Theo, some girls and a few guys did comment and swoon over how handsome he was but that was it. Nothing about his strange clothing, unnaturally pale complexion, or gray hair. Seriously it had to be some sort of Stranger power. There was nothing else that explained this.

"How do you and Igor hide from everyone?" Missy asked.

"It's not hiding, but rather. Letting humans see what they wish to see. People simply do not look further once you give them what they want."

"So who can truly see you? Apart from me and Minako?"

"Those with strong wills and minds. Often those with Personas. Though my sisters and I have found a few mundane individuals that have shown surprising perception. Actually in that case they wouldn't be so mundane, now would they?"

Igor mentioned that Theo had siblings. "How many sisters do you have?" Missy asked.

"Three of them. I am the second youngest and the only one who could be considered Male."

"Oh. What are they like?"

"I respect Margaret the eldest greatly. She is one of the most loyal of us to our Master and holds her duty with pride. The youngest Lavenza… is dear to me. Kind and compassionate."

"Aaand the last one?"

"… I resented her, I think. I performed my duty as an attendant. She abandoned hers to pursue her own personal quest. A pointless endeavor I had thought. Only to be proven wrong. She succeeded in doing what I never tried, what was forbidden of us." Theo sighed and looked at the ocean, a wistful look on his face. "I wish to apologize to you Missy."

"What for?"

"I saw being your Attendant as an opportunity to make up for past mistakes. Actually perhaps it's more accurate to say past regrets."

Past regrets seemed to be a common theme for people like Theo, Minako, and Shinji. As much as they tried to hide it from her Missy could tell that there were things that bothered them deeply.

"That's fine. Everyone has a reason to do things even if they're a bit selfish. I'm just thankful you're helping me," Missy replied honestly. There was a sudden gust of wind that made her shiver. She was tempted to use her Evoker when Theo took off his overcoat and put it over her shoulders. She wrapped herself in it, finding immediate solace in the warmth it provided.

Theo, without his coat, slowly approached the railing of the Boardwalk. He reached into his sleeve and took out a coin. "I recall a belief. In which a wish can be granted by throwing a coin in a fountain. Does that too apply to the ocean?"

Missy shrugged. "Wouldn't hurt to try."

Theo took that as permission and threw the coin overhead. It flew quite a distance, a small splash from far away being the only indicator that it had landed.

"And here I am. Harming your world by contributing to its pollution." Theo chuckled. "How rebellious I've become."

"I think you're a pretty cool guy Theo. Whatever you were like back then, I don't care. Just what you're like now," Missy replied.

Theo smiled. With his mood improved somewhat, they continued on their walk.

It wasn't the end of the day for Missy though once they finally split up for the day. She still had one more thing she wanted to do before heading home.


"What are you doing here?"

Missy glanced back at Viv, who had apparently just gotten back to the Shelter judging by the bags she had in her hands. Couldn't tell what was in them, but they were wrapped up very tightly. "Playing with the kids."

A couple of five- and six-year-olds shared a room. She got them a few simple toys and even started playing patty cake with one of them. They were sweet kids despite their appearances… but they wouldn't be innocent for very long in Brockton Boy.

"This is our place."

"Jack gave me permission. Already did some healing… Whatcha got there?"

"Nothing," Viv replied as she grabbed her bags protectively. "Don't cause us trouble."

"Mkay."

Missy turned around to play some more with the kids. It was fun. The kid was actually getting pretty good at matching her claps.

"Menina? what are you doing here?"

Missy glanced back. "Hey Jack. I'm playing."

"When did you get here?" Jack asked.

"Couple of hours ago. After I did some healing."

"Didn't call me?" He raised an eye at her. "Call for permission?"

Missy shrugged. "Lotta people show up here without warning."

Jack sighed. "If you're going to stick around then help me make dinner for the kids."

"Kay."