I plopped down on the couch next to Vista after changing into my track suit, letting out a deep sigh. The patrol with Autumn had gone off without a hitch, and that made me nervous in a weird way. I’d been gambling with the check-ins every minute, betting that Tattletale still wanted to avoid serious confrontations. Had I been right? No way of knowing, besides going back and trying again and...nah.

  “How was your patrol?” Vista asked after a moment.

  “Quiet,” I replied. “Hope yours is too.” She was due to go out next, with Crucible.

  “Thanks.” Vista said shortly.

  “Something wrong?” I cocked my head. “Is this about um, that dream?”

  “Dream?” She made a face, then cursed under her breath. “I told you to forget about it.”

  “I don’t think you did.”

  “Shut up.” There was a long silence, filled only by the whirring of the air conditioner. “It’s nothing, just a bad dream.”

  “I know,” I said gently. “I have them all the time. Want to talk to someone that gets it?” She pursed her lips.

  “It’s…” Vista frowned. “I don’t exactly...remember, you know?” I nodded. “I just...I woke up and I was so fucking sure that you’d died. I don’t know how, I remember a bright light but that’s it, and I think it was hot?” I swallowed hard and nodded again.

  “That sounds shitty.” And familiar. “Anything else?”

  “Sorry.”

  “Hey, it’s okay,” I said, reaching out and putting a hand on her shoulder. “I know this is like, stupidly obvious, but it wasn’t real okay?” Not for her. “After all, I’m right here.”

  “But what if it was real?” she asked, looking at me with wide, terrified eyes. “What if you...what if you die soon?”

  “Since when are you a precog?” I asked, trying to keep my voice from shaking. “I thought bad predictions were my schtick.”

  “Lia I’m being serious.”

  “So am I,” I countered. “I don’t think you churned out a new power overnight, no offense. I’m sorry about the dream, that really sucks, but that’s all it was.” I offered a weak smile. “Besides, takes more than a little flash of light to kill me.”

  “I...guess.” She sighed and shook her head. “I guess you’re right. Sorry to bother you with this kiddy bullshit.”

  “It’s not kiddy,” I retorted. “Unless you think me and Amy having bad dreams is. We’ve all been through hell the last couple months, it’s going to stick around for a bit, you know?”

  “Wish it wouldn’t,” she mumbled.

  “Same,” I agreed. “But if you need to talk about it and don’t want to with Yamada, I guess you can talk to me.” Since, somehow, she remembered our deaths. What the fuck was my power?

  “Thanks,” Vista said, giving me a shaky smile. “I don’t want to bug you though, so...I’ll try not to.”

  “Never a bother,” I said, patting her shoulder. “Anyway, I’ll let you get to patrolling. It’s pretty quiet out there, but keep an eye out for the Undersiders; they’re still pissed about Skitter.”

  “Got it,” she said, grabbing her helmet from the coffee table and rising. “Have a good night, Lia.”

  “Stay safe out there Vista,” I said, waving as she headed out.

  I sighed and grabbed my mask and hood, then headed to the stairs. I walked slow, wanting some time to think before hanging out with Amy. Vista remembered...something. More than she was letting on? No, I doubted it, she didn’t have a reason to lie to me. If anything, she’d have described any visceral detail she remembered. But how did she remember anything?

  My power, or something to do with it. My passenger? Could be, but this had never happened before. Hell if anyone should have got something from me, wouldn’t it be Gallant who shouldn’t be alive, or Amy who should be… But they hadn’t been around me when I died, not for real at least. But Amy, maybe she’d know more. I never asked if she saw anything when I died under her touch.

  More questions and fewer answers than ever. I wasn’t convinced a passenger could even do something like this. What other powers that I’d been forced to know about compared? There was Coil with his split timelines, but they ended if he died in one. He hadn’t come back after Taylor put a bullet in him, after all.

  Dinah was maybe closer, since she could literally see the future; at least as far as I knew. Obviously she couldn’t do Endbringers or the PRT would have her on retainer, so that was a big difference. Then again, I couldn’t either, at least not with any apparent precision. I could ballpark, which was more than she could though. And anyway, she saw multiple timelines and odds, maybe not as close as I thought.

  What about time-travel? Clockblocker could stop a person in time and space, but only for ten minutes at most. One of Bakuda’s bombs had made a time bubble that trapped Dauntless in it, I recalled hearing about the memorial. Freezing, not looping. Vala could accelerate the effects of time, also not the same. Looping, looping...Grey Boy?

  One of the Nine, but obviously not the ones I’d fought. I didn’t really know much about him, and didn’t want to dig too much into the other set of memories right now. But he’d done something with that, trapping people in looped time. Only for a short loop though, at least if my brain wasn’t fucking with me. Not days, not a week.

  I knocked on Amy’s door, no closer to an answer than I’d been before. To be fair, I hadn’t even considered why I jumped back in time. I chalked it up to my shitty parasite and tried to not engage with it. Now it was doing weird things, and that had me a little worried. There wasn’t much I could do right now, I’d just try and avoid touching people when I was dying.

  “Hey,” Amy greeted me with a hug, pulling me inside. “Good to see you.”

  “You too,” I said, embracing her briefly before breaking it to take my mask and hood off. “You have a good day?”

  “It was fine,” she replied with a shrug, turning and heading towards the kitchen. I could smell something good cooking. “Been thinking about what you said not long ago, about rebranding.”

  “Oh yeah?” I asked, joining her. “I think Pandora’s a pretty good name.” Her head whipped towards me.

  “How do you—” She groaned. “Well, I guess that answers the question of do I do it or not.”

  “You don’t have to,” I said quickly. “Just because I remember something doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.” As I’d been so brutally reminded.

  “But that’s the name I was going to pick,” Amy countered. “So like...I don’t know, feels like my mind’s already made up.”

  “Why ‘Pandora’ anyway?”

  “Mm,” she hummed thoughtfully, staring at the counter. I reached out and put my hand on her back, and she leaned into me. “I guess… Well, do you know about her story? Opened up the box and let every evil out into the world? That’s what my power feels like, like any time I use it I’m about to slip up and…” She trailed off and I rubbed her back gently.

  “I’m sorry,” I apologized, leaning my head on her shoulder. “But you remember like, what’s left in the box right?”

  “Hope,” she said glumly.

  “Sounds pretty perfect for the most dangerous healer around, no offense.” She let out a sharp, almost pained bark of laughter.

  “Yeah I guess,” Amy sighed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to dump this on you, I just wanted to have a nice dinner and stuff.”

  “Well what’s on the menu?” I asked lightly, stretching up and kissing her chin. “Smells pretty good at least.”

  “Just a frozen lasagna,” she said, voice low. “I can’t really cook anything.”

  “Hey, sounds good to me,” I said, letting my hand slip from her back. “I think a nice dinner with you sounds gr—” A sharp rapping at the door cut me off, and I frowned.

  “Who the hell?” Amy muttered, turning the oven off before she headed to answer the door. I masked up as she opened it. “Hel— Dad?!” Oh shit was that tonight?

  “Hey sweetheart,” Flashbang said gently, taking a step inside the apartment and looking around. “How are you doing?”

  “Um, fine, come in,” she replied, gaze fixed firmly on the floor. “We were just going to have dinner, do you...wanna join us?” He looked up and met my eyes.

  “Ah, hello Amaranth,” he said. “I’m sorry to intrude.”

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  “No intrusion sir,” I reassured him. “I don’t think the two of us could handle a whole lasagna anyway, right Amy?”

  “Uh, yeah,” she said with a nod.

  “I did want to have a private conversation,” Flashbang said slowly. “A family discussion, of sorts.” Amy flinched.

  “Amy?” I asked.

  “Can she stay?” Amy whispered. “Sorry I—”

  “If you’re alright with it, I suppose,” he sighed. “Amaranth, you’re alright with unmasking to me?” I shrugged, taking off my mask and hood.

  “Would have probably happened sometime,” I replied, sticking out a hand. “Amelia, call me Lia or things’ll get confusing.” He chuckled and grasped my hand tightly, giving it a quick shake.

  “Lia then,” Flashbang said, removing his own helmet. “Only fair you call me Mark.” It was my turn to flinch badly.

  “Hey,” Amy murmured into my ear, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “It’s okay, just…” She sighed and looked up at her dad. “Can she use your middle name instead?” He blinked.

  “I...suppose?” he said, scratching his chin. “I’m not a big fan of ‘Alphonse’, but I guess you could call me Al if you wanted to.”

  “N-no,” I shook my head, letting out a shaky breath I’d been holding. “Mark’s fine just...it’s fine.” It wasn’t him.

  “Well my full name is Markus, but only my dad calls me that,” he said. “But if you’re sure… Anyhow, uh, you two are friends?” Amy turned around and fled to the kitchen, muttering something about the food burning. I flushed and nodded hesitantly.

  “We’re um…” I took a deep breath. “Amy’s my girlfriend.”

  “Oh you’re…” Mark cleared his throat and looked aside. “I uh, I didn’t know Amy was attracted to women.”

  “Sorry,” I apologized. “It’s a new thing, um, yeah.”

  “No need to apologize,” he said quickly. “There’s nothing wrong with that it’s...just a bit of a surprise is all.”

  “Food!” Amy said, a bit loudly as she set a pair of plates down in front of us. “I’m just going to get mine, please dig in.”

  I, for one, was happy to start stuffing my face instead of shoving my foot down my throat. I had never been around to meet Mark properly, and this awkwardness was telling me that had been the right choice. But I was here now, Amy wanted me here. Really it was the least I could do, she helped me a hell of a lot.

  Before long, Amy joined us and we shared a surprisingly quiet meal. Then again, Amy wasn’t much for idle chatter when we ate together, and Mark was...I was pretty sure he had depression but he seemed fine right now. Still, he didn’t broach whatever topic he wanted to talk about, so I just got to enjoy Amy’s cooking. It was basically the same as every frozen lasagna I’d eaten before; palatable but that was about it.

  “So,” Mark began, the first to clear his plate. “Have you two been together long?” Amy made a choking noise and I forced a smile on my face.

  “Just a week,” I replied. “Like I said, it’s a new thing.”

  “I see,” he said. “Do you mind if I ask how that happened?”

  “Dad!” Amy hissed.

  “It’s okay,” I assured her, gently bumping my foot against hers under the table. “If you’re okay.” She flushed, but nodded. “I uh, I don’t know how to say this well, but you know we were nominated for the Nine. I helped keep her safe during that, and we started hanging out because…” Because who the fuck else understood that? “Because we liked each other’s company I guess.”

  “She’s my best friend,” Amy mumbled, poking at her meal. “I like her, Dad.”

  “I’m happy for you,” Mark said, smiling as he gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Really hon.”

  “How are you doing?” I asked, trying to get away from the topic we both found a little uncomfortable. “Like, things have been rough, has New Wave been okay?”

  “Never better,” he replied. “Well, that’s a bit of a white lie, but things are turning around I think. Tough times and all that.”

  “No kidding,” I agreed. “Victoria got healed, right?”

  “Oh, a while ago now,” Mark nodded, apparently not noticing Amy flinch. I suppressed a wince and took her hand. “Scapegoat was the hero who did it. Complained about what he was replacing, but it seemed to go off perfectly.”

  “That’s great,” I said, squeezing Amy’s hand.

  “Do you know how she got hurt?”

  “I—”

  “Me,” Amy’s low voice cut me off. I glanced and saw her eyes were crowded with tears. “It’s my fault, all of it.”

  “Hey, Amy—”

  “What do you mean?” Mark asked, his voice not quite as gentle as before.

  “I fucked up,” she said, squeezing my hand tightly and taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry, it was my fault she got hurt. I…” She swallowed hard. “I made her love me.”

  “What?”

  “I’m sorry,” Amy apologizing as tears began to fall. “I’m a monster, I was in love with my own sister and I forced her to love me back. I’m sorry I made you come here, I’m sorry I… I’m sorry.” She sniffed as Mark stared silently.

  “She fixed it,” I added when neither of them spoke. “I...I was there, I know Victoria’s okay. It was messed up, but Amy was—”

  “Amaranth,” he cut me off coldly. “I’d like to speak with my daughter, please.” I snapped my mouth shut and nodded. He sighed and shut his eyes. “I’m sorry Amy this is just...difficult.”

  “Sorry,” she whispered.

  “I take it that’s why Victoria was in...a state when she came home from the search for you?” Amy nodded and he pursed his lips. “I see. Amy...why?”

  “I’m not a Dallon,” Amy began, her voice brittle. “I never was. Mo— Carol knew, understood how dangerous I was. I did too. I’m Marquis’ kid, I know how bad he was and I know I’m worse. I was always going to turn out like this, but I’m sorry I hurt Victoria doing it.”

  “I came here to invite you home,” Mark said hoarsely. “I… Your mom and I both want you to come home, Amy. But this, we’re going to have to talk.”

  “I’m sorry,” Amy said again.

  “I am too,” he said. “Victoria never told us. I need to talk to your mom, then we all need to have a talk. As a family.” Amy sniffled.

  “I’m not family,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m a Lavere through and through, just like Marquis.”

  “You’re mine and Carol’s daughter,” Mark countered. “Marquis may be responsible for you being born, but we raised you. I...god I don’t know what to think, if I’m honest, but you’re still my kid and I care about you Amy.” Her lower lip trembled and the dam broke. Her hand squeezed mine hard enough that it would have hurt, if not for my projection. Mark reached out, but pulled away when she shrank back.

  “That’s really good of you, Mark,” I said, offering a shaky smile. “I um, I’m glad you guys still care.”

  “Of course we do,” he snapped, then sighed. “I’m sorry Lia, this is…”

  “I get it,” I replied. “I mean, maybe not exactly, but I knew what Amy did too and I care about her a lot. So it’s good to hear her family still cares.”

  “Thank you,” he replied. “Amy?” She wiped her eyes.

  “I don’t know,” Amy mumbled. “I don’t… Victoria’s never going to want to see me again. S’why I’m here, I can at least give her that. I’m going to get a place through the PRT, a bonus for doing their healing.”

  “I think we’d be more comfortable if you were home.”

  “Maybe you and Mom,” she said. “But it doesn’t matter if Vicky’s miserable.”

  “Amy—”

  “Hey, um.” I cleared my throat. “Maybe it’s not the best time? I mean, it was kind of a surprise, and it was pretty heavy. Amy, you could give him your phone number, talk later when you’re feeling better.”

  “Is…is that okay, Dad?” she asked, looking up at him.

  “If it’s what you want, I suppose,” Mark said flatly. “I’d rather get it all sorted out now but...maybe it’s for the best. You have a new phone number?” Amy gave it to him and he offered her a smile. “Thanks sweetheart, sorry to interrupt your dinner. I’ll leave you two...alone now.” He rose from the table and donned his mask again, offering his daughter a sad smile. “Amy, before I forget, thank you.”

  “For what?” Amy asked glumly. “Just messed things up…”

  “You healed me,” he said. “Not just from Bonesaw but...entirely. I’m better now, thanks to you.”

  “Are there any side effects?” she replied instantly. “How do you feel about m—”

  “I care about you Amy,” he cut her off, his smile faltering. “But I’m your father, I’m supposed to. You didn’t make me feel any way, that’s just part of being a parent.”

  “Okay,” she practically whispered.

  “Give me a hug before I go, hon?”

  She got up and joined him by the door, giving him a long, tight embrace. He whispered something in her ear, gently running his fingers through her hair. Her shoulders shook and she nodded firmly, stepping back. With that, Mark left us alone and Amy wandered back to the table, grabbing the plates and clearing them before I could even ask. I joined her in the kitchen, wordlessly starting on the dishes; she’d cooked after all.

  “Hey you don’t have—”

  “Are you okay?” I interrupted. She pursed her lips.

  “No,” she croaked. “Could… Can you stay?”

  “Stay like…”

  “The night.”

  “Um.” I froze, eyes widening. “I guess? I sort of need to call someone soon, but after that I can come back. Is that okay?”

  “I guess,” she murmured, looking away.

  “It’s with the heroes, important,” I explained, slipping an arm around her back. “But I’ll come back, okay?” She leaned against me.

  “Promise?”

  I turned and pressed a kiss to her cheek, then lips before pulling away and offering a smile. She returned it, then shooed me away. With a sigh, I grabbed my mask and hood, then headed back to my quarters where I’d left my phone. Not the smartest, but nothing was happening for at least another day. Now I just had to let the heroes know that. I wasted no time when I got to my room, dialing Miss Militia right away.

  “Amaranth?” She sounded surprised when I called. “Is something the matter?”

  “Not quite,” I said. “Can you patch me through to Defiant, or give me his number? I need to talk to him ASAP.”

  “I believe he’s flying right now, but I’ll see if he’s available.” The line clicked and beeped twice.

  “This is Defiant,” he answered a little more than a minute later. “What do you need, Amaranth?”

  “To talk,” I said. “Are you in Brockton Bay?”

  “Five minutes from landing,” he replied. “What’s this about?”

  “The next Endbringer attack sir,” I answered. “I think I know roughly where and when it is.” There was a long, pregnant pause.

  “I’ll join you shortly,” Defiant said. “You’re in your quarters?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Stay put,” he ordered as the line clicked off.

  I did, against my better judgment. Sure I knew he’d believe me, between the lie detector and his own predictions, but it didn’t make this less intimidating. I sat idly in the common room, staring at the blank TV until I heard the alarm warning of a visitor going off. I stepped around the corner and found Defiant making a beeline towards me. He paused, staring quietly for a moment.

  “Explain,” Defiant demanded.

  “Tomorrow,” I began shakily. “I think Behemoth is going to attack Northern India. I don’t know exactly where or what time, but I’m pretty sure he’s targetting energy infrastructure.” A dam, a nuclear power plant...it added up. “Dams, power plants, that stuff.” He stared at me silently for a moment and I sighed. “Run it up with Dragon, do whatever checks you have to, just please listen.”

  “Dragon?” he said, cocking his head. “On speaker please.”

  “Apologies,” I heard Dragon’s voice come from Defiant’s suit. “It fits the pattern of earthquakes we’ve seen on the subcontinent, tracking roughly north. Amaranth, how did you—”

  “I remembered,” I said simply. “Sorry, I wish it came with like, a date.” Or any kind of precision.

  “That you can predict it at all is tremendous,” Dragon replied. “I’m sending a report to the local heroes on possible attack targets.”

  “We’ll make sure this is taken seriously,” Defiant added and I let out a sigh.

  “Thank you,” I said, shoulders slumping.

  “Will you make a sworn statement?” he asked, and I shrugged.

  “Do I need to?” I said. “We’re gonna know pretty quick if I was right or not.”

  “It would have the Protectorate to take your predictions more seriously in the future.”

  “I’ll pass this time,” I sighed. “I just...I want to take it easy before having to fight him.”

  “You’re sure?”

  I nodded, and he didn’t press me anymore. He left a minute later, and I did soon after. Tomorrow either there’d be an attack or nothing, and I wasn’t sure which option I preferred. I trudged back to Amy’s place, and despite my nerves at staying the night I was looking forward to it. I knocked and she took me inside silently, leading me to the couch. We settled with her practically laying on me, head against my chest.

  I shut my eyes and smiled, happy at least for a moment.