The sun had begun to set by the time Missy had finished giving her report to the PRT and went through a debrief with Jack and New Wave. She laid on her bed, thinking about her experiences of the day. Mostly the fight was the Empire and how she was going to deal with them.

Their Capes were experienced in battle and creative with their powers, making each one of them a threat. Even those with seemingly weak powers on paper like Alabaster or Cricket were just insanely dangerous with their body count as evidence. The worst part though was that you were never dealing with just one of the Empire's Capes. Without the Wards they actually outnumbered the local Protectorate, so chances were you were going to be fighting several of them at once when a Cape fight did happen.

Start beating up Stormtiger and then Rune comes to help. Trap Rune and suddenly Viktor with a sniper is there incapacitate or kill if he was feeling less merciful.

Each Cape was a puzzle to deal with for Missy and her arsenal of Personas and layering the puzzles on top of each other made it really hard to solve. At least while alone. Having Jack there as backup… probably should start working with the other Heroes more. Maybe see about getting her own team made.

"Missy!" her mother shouting, bringing Missy out of her thoughts. "Wear that dress Parian made you!"

Missy didn't mind wearing the dress but- "Why?" she shouted from her bedroom.

"Max invited us to dinner with him and his son. You know Theo. Didn't you two dance together?"

"Isn't this kinda sudden?" Missy asked. She was still kinda tired from her recent patrol and Cape fighting earlier today. In fact she had been planning to take a quick nap before dinner.

"Do you have any plans?"

"Well… no."

"Then get changed. And tell your father to hurry up!"

"Stop screaming, I hear you!" Missy's father shouted.

Missy groaned as she forced herself off the bed despite how sore she felt and began to get changed. Tonight was going to suck.

The Towers and the surrounding neighborhood were pretty much where all the rich and affluent people in Brockton lived, well outside the economic turmoil and Gang warfare that plagued the rest of the city. It was then no surprise that Max Anders, CEO of Medhall, would own the penthouse at the top of one of these buildings.

It was a very… nice place. Very fancy. The hallways were long with paintings and fancy urns everywhere, the ceilings were tall towering above them, the floors were a pristine marble in some places and a plush carpet in others, and even doors looked fancy and imposing. Missy's mother seemed to eat it right up and was happily asking questions to the butler that had greeted them.

Missy and her father on the other hand were less enthused.

"How much does that vase cost?" Missy asked her hand resting on the handle of her Evoker for comfort. Everything here looked fragile and very expensive. Those vases, those paintings, hell probably this damn floor they were walking on.

"More than I make in a year," her father replied honestly.

Eventually, and emphasis on eventually this place was huge, they were led to a room where Max greeted them. It was basically the stereotypical image of a rich person's study, with tall bookshelves and comfortable looking leather couches, one of which Theo sat on. He looked very awkward, which honestly? Fair considering the situation.

"It's wonderful to see you again Sandra," Max kissed the back of Missy's mother's hand. "I hope you and your family have been doing well."

"We've been wonderful Max. Thank you," Missy's mother replied. "How have you been?"

"Elated now with your company. I look forward to spending this evening with your family."

"Dinner will be ready in an hour and a half," the butler informed them.

"Plenty of time for us to chat then," Max replied before addressing Theo. "Why don't you show Missy around while her parents and I discuss certain things."

Theo simply nodded stiffly before standing up and walking toward Missy. He stood in front of her and hesitated for a brief moment before awkwardly offering her a hand. Missy stared at the hand, turned to her mother and Max who looked at her expectantly, and then looked back at the hand. She reached forward and carefully took it.

Theo's hands were sweaty and clammy as he led her out of the study. Warm but not very comfortable to hold. Once they were down a hallway and up a flight of stairs, seriously the Penthouse was several floors tall, Theo let go of her hand.

"I'm so sorry Missy," Theo apologized. "My… dad didn't give me any warning about this."

"That's fine. I didn't know till my mom told me to get changed," Missy huffed and crossed her arms. "Little warning would've been nice."

"You're wearing the same dress again?"

"I like it." Missy's eyes darted away, her face a bit bashful. "And I don't really have another dress."

"That's fine. It looks good. Really good."

"Thanks… so we're stuck with each for an hour and a half?"

"Yep."

"Waaaannaaaa go play Final Fantasy?"

"Er." Somehow Theo looked more awkward than he did before. "My Playstation's in my room."

"Cool. Where's your room?" Missy asked casually. She tilted her head in confusion when Theo turned red in the cheeks and began to stammer.

"M- Missy… it's my room."

"Yea… I hang out in Dinah and Clara's rooms all the time. We're friends aren't we?"

"We are?" Theo asked.

"… Yea? So what's the issue?" Missy asked. Yes Theo was a boy but it was just him and it wasn't like she was asking him out on a date or anything, not that she planned to. Besides, what could they even do in a boy's bedroom apart from play videogames? Do boy things? What did boys do alone in their rooms?

"… Could I just clean up a little before I let you in?" Theo asked.

"Go for it," Missy replied. Probably had to put away some underwear or something. She wouldn't want one of her bras lying around if she invited her friends over either.

Theo led her to a door that he quickly opened and closed behind him before she could peek inside. She waited outside patiently and tried not to comment about the sounds coming from behind the closed door. He was working reaaaal hard to get things clean.

It took a few minutes, and yes she checked the time with her phone, before he finally opened the door and let her inside. It was surprisingly… plain. Yes the walls, desk, tv, and bed looked fancy and expensive but that was it. No posters or any decorations that would've made this room distinct from any other place in his home.

Which was a shame. As much as she hated that house there was a reason why her bedroom's walls were a bright color and had posters, figures, and other Hero merch decorating the room.

"This is… nice," Missy replied.

"… Thanks." Theo pressed a button on a black rectangular machine connected to his large tv. "This is the Playstation."

"That's a Playstation 2?" Missy rushed forward, leaning over Theo's arm with her stomach so she could get a closer look as quickly as possible. "Wow they made it weirder than the first."

"Uh… yea." Theo carefully pulled his hand away.

The Playstation booted up, some images appeared on screen, and eventually the startup screen for the game inside would come.

"Final Fantasy X," Missy whispered as she grabbed the controller and sat down on the floor, her previous exhaustion forgotten. Theo slowly and carefully sat down next to her.

"Already put in a new memory card for you. You can start a New Game."

Missy immediately did so. Her brightened and an unabashed smile on her face formed as she finally had a chance to play a game she hadn't even known existed a few weeks ago.

Time went by in a flash and Missy had just watched Zanarkand being destroyed by Sin when someone knocked on the door to Theo's room.

"Come in!" she shouted before Theo could respond.

There was a notable momentary pause before the door opened and revealed Max on the other side. One of his eyes raised as he looked at the both of them. "You invited her to your room?"

"She invited herself," Theo admitted. "We're just playing games."

"Ah. A young woman with initiative. Have you been enjoying your… video games Missy?"

"Yep," Missy replied quickly as she watched as her character ended up in some sort of sunken and flooded ruin. "It's super cool."

"You're free to come by anytime you want to play. Theo enjoys your company and I wouldn't mind you two enjoying a shared hobby."

Missy turned to him for a brief moment to be polite. "Um. Sure thanks. I really appreciate it, Theo's been great." She then turned back to her game.

"Is there anything you need… dad?" Theo asked.

"Just wished to inform you that dinner will be ready in ten minutes. Please come down by then."

Theo nodded stiffly. "Understood."

Max left and Missy spent what little time she had left playing as much as she could. She nearly let out a whine when she had been forced to separate the controller from her hands. Okay she actually did whine once Theo had to snatch it from her, but come on! Her character just got knocked out by those weirdos in masks!

It was with great resignation that Missy finally arrived at the dining table and took the seat assigned to her. Apparently she had been given a seat across from Theo which was cool, at least she had someone to talk to.

"Any idea what we're eating?" Missy whispered to Theo as several house staff began to prepare the table for the first course.

"Something needlessly expensive. Caviar and Foie Gras I'm guessing," Theo replied.

"What do they taste like?"

"Salty ocean bubbles and weird meat cream."

"Oh ew."

Thankfully her and Theo's dishes were actually a bit different from her parents. More fried things that were actually really tasty though she did taste some Caviar when offered. It was… salty and fishy. Not exactly her thing. Least the rest of her food was good though.

"So Missy. There have been reports of you encountering the Empire today?" Max asked.

Missy nodded. Thankfully she had already informed her parents of this beforehand. They both acted worried when she told but at least it wouldn't lead to a freak out here. "Got into a fight with Rune and Stormtiger. Had Fang backing me up. Would've beat them too if it wasn't for Viktor."

"Missy. I'm sure they were just going easy on you," Missy's mother replied in such a condescending way. "They probably didn't want to hurt you."

"Yea no they definitely wanted to hurt me," Missy bit back. "I hurt them more though."

"Violence isn't always the answer. Maybe they would've been willing to negotiate?"

"They're Villains and Nazis, why should I talk with them!?"

"Sometimes there's another side you aren't hearing. Better than just picking a fight for no reason."

Missy just gaped at her mother. Another side? No reason? Nazis were Nazis and the Empire was terrible! How many people did they abuse and kill just because of the color of their skin!?

"I'm just glad you got home safe," Missy's father interjected between the two of them. "Your new Cape friend seems reliable."

"This new Cape. His powers are reminiscent of yours," Max commented.

Missy shrugged. "They are, but his Persona is a lot different and I'm pretty sure he only has the one."

"There are studies about how when a Cape triggers, the powers they manifest are often influenced by the other Capes in the area along with the circumstances of that Trigger. Perhaps your presence was strong enough for his powers to develop in such a way?"

"Huh…" That was actually interesting. Did the same thing apply to Personas? Did people who had the potential become more likely to manifest their Persona if around other Persona users. "Going to have to ask the PRT scientists about that."

"Why the PRT? Medhall would be perfectly willing to do the research itself."

"Aren't you guys a pharmaceutical company?"

"R&D has been branching out and we actually do have a division focused on Cape research and Trigger Events."

"That might be hard," Missy replied. "Most Capes I talk to are very sensitive about Trigger Events."

"You aren't with yours."

"Well that's just cause… It's different for me. I'm proud I protected Minako and had Theia punch Hookwolf. Won't ever let myself be that helpless again."

Max just stared at her with a strange, almost familiar look in his eyes, before taking a small sip of his wine. "You are resilient for a girl your age."

"Thanks."

"Theo could learn a lot from you I imagine."

"Uh…" Missy glanced at Theo who looked like he didn't want to be there. That was a bit weird for his own father to say especially since Theo was like two years older than her.

"She's been a good friend," Theo replied without quite looking his father in the eyes. "She's a very cool person."

"Then you have my permission to invite her here anytime you want," Max told his son. "If that's okay with you Sandra."

"Of course it is!" Missy's mother replied excitedly. "Missy would love to spend more time with your son."

Well okay then, just decide these things without her input. Honestly Missy should've just been used to it at this point.

"Missy's actually free this summer."

Wait a damn minute.

"Dinah invited me camping. I told you that," Missy told her mother.

"Well then after your Camping trip," Missy's mother replied.

"Isn't that her birthday?" Missy's father actually had the sense to ask.

"Well then I'm sure Theo would be happy to be invited! Twelve is a very important year for a young woman."

That's the first time Missy ever heard that! Besides, her birthday was already planned. "It was supposed to be a sleepover with Dinah and Clara," Missy told her mother..

Theo coughed. "I wouldn't want to impose."

"Nonsense. You can have your sleepover after your party," Missy's mother informed him.

"If you want I could talk to some people. See if we can get a good location for your daughter's party," Max offered.

"That's a wonderful idea Max!" Missy's mother looked outright giddy. "We can even invite more family friends with the extra space."

And like that Missy's own birthday became an event outside of her own control. Something that had just gotten hijacked by her mother. Honestly, what else could she have expected from the woman?

Missy just tuned out the woman's babble, tried to ignore it all and she could tell that Theo was doing the same thing. When dessert finally came she gobbled it all up and excused herself from the table. Theo followed closely behind her as she stomped her way through the halls.

"I'm sor-"

"No!" Missy spun back and glared at Theo. She jabbed a finger in his chest. "Stop apologizing. I hate it! It's not because of you." She waved her hand aggressively in the direction of the dining room. "It's because of her and your dad. Those dumb adults. Not us. It can't be us… it can't be my fault."

She shuddered and rubbed her eyes. Was it her fault though? Sometimes she just wondered.

"No one listens to me," Theo replied somberly. "Especially my dad."

"I know." Missy sniffled. "I thought being a Hero meant I could decide more things on my own. Now my mom suddenly realizes I exist and I hate it."

"I get that."

"You wanna just… run away? Minako and Shinji. They're my neighbors. Great people, we can just live with them," Missy offered. If they adopted him too then great! Now she would have an awkward older brother.

"I-I can't. Max is too powerful, knows too many people. I couldn't do it and I'd get into a lot of trouble."

And like that reality just had to bite back. Reality sucked. "Yea…Running to their house would just be dumb. I just wanna get away from all this."

Neither of them could though, they were both trapped. That was the harsh truth and it would be that way for a long time. That was just how it was for kids like them.

"You wanna keep playing Final Fantasy?" Theo offered. "Won't fix things, but if we're forced to spend time together anyway…"

"Sure," Missy replied as they walked back to his room. "Try to get your dad to get more games too. Tell him I asked, might as well get something from all this."

Going back to Theo's room and playing more video games didn't get rid of the bad taste in her mouth, but it did keep her distracted. That and Theo commenting on her gameplay, along with giving her advice which was very well appreciated. Plus it was just nice to talk with him about games and nothing serious.

At one point Missy decided to lay down on the floor and just watch as a long cutscene played. Once her back hit the carpet she let out a moan and spread her limbs slightly as she got comfortable.

Theo looked down at her, looking concerned. "You okay?"

"Sore and tired," Missy replied as she watched the tv screen. Wow, Aeon was really pretty. Kinda looked a bit like Suzaku actually if you squinted. "It's been a long day."

"Being a Cape seems rough," Theo replied. "Especially an Open Cape."

"Yep. Always got to deal with fans wanting autographs or people like your dad or all the people that want me to heal them. Do you know I had one girl ask me if I could make her boobs bigger? Like seriously!? Not a miracle worker."

Theo snorted. "If you could I'd bet you'd just make them balloons."

"I would! Stop them from asking dumb things from me. Why are girls so obsessed with how big their boobs are anyway?"

"Uh…"

"Right you're a boy. You wouldn't know."

"Well actually a lot of guys I know like them… bigger."

"Oh wow. That explains the magazine I stole from one of the boys at school. Seriously, it always leads back to boys!"

"Pretty sure I know a girl who likes them big too."

"Alright that too. Just people wanting to date in general," Missy conceded.

"You realize our parents are-…"

"Are what?"

"… Nothing. You said that you wanted to run away together. What did you mean by that?"

"You'll be the mature older brother and I'll be the plucky little sister. And we'll have parents that'll actually love and listen to us."

"Brother huh." Theo looked disappointed for a bit before smiling. He handed her the controller once the cutscene ended and even tossed her a pillow to put her head on while she played. "That sounds nice."

Dinah closed the door to her bedroom, alone, annoyed, and hurt. She had gotten dressed up, had her parents prepare a nice dinner, and had even cleaned up her own room just so she and Clara could hang out together that night. A nice night with just the two of them for the most part. Then Clara never showed up or even called to cancel. Didn't even pick up the damn phone when called.

It was embarrassing sitting at the table like that with her parents reassuring her and it hurt that Clara would just be so casual about blowing her off. Dinah thought… that she was worth more than that to her.

Missy was awesome, but she was going through a lot as an Open Cape. Being around her and helping her out was fun but… really stressful sometimes. Clara on the other hand just made Dinah happy to be around. She had thought that Clara felt the same, but apparently she was wrong.

If Clara did care as much as Dinah did then she would've come or answered her phone or called. Something.

"Fuck you," Dinah cursed before taking out her cell phone and calling her number again.

One last time, give her one last chance, give her one excuse as to why she hadn't come even though they planned this out. If that didn't work out, then fine. They'd just go back to what they were before that stupid dance. Just normal friends busy keeping Missy out of trouble.

Someone actually picked up and Dinah felt something catch in her throat.

"Hello?"

Oh Clara's Aunt. That made things easier.

Dinah cleared her throat. "Hi. It's Dinah. Clara and I were supposed to have dinner at my house tonight."

"Oh… Clara can't make it."

There was something sad in the woman's voice. Something that made Dinah's blood run cold.

"What happened?"

"My brother… her father. His car got run over by Squealer's truck. He didn't-"

Dinah was barely able to listen to the rest of what Clara's Aunt said before eventually dropping her phone. She didn't know how long she stood there with silence her only companion that night. She didn't know how long it was until she had finally sat down on her bed. She sat there staying in the same position even as her eyes grew wet and tears fell down soon after.

Dinah didn't try wiping her eyes. Just let herself cough, sob, and cry. Cry for what happened to her closest friend… and cry for realizing what a terrible person she was.