“We’re dispatchers for the SDN.” Answered Mandy, “This is the Parr home, right?”

“Violet, who’s at the door?” Came a woman’s voice, before a woman with auburn hair appeared behind the girl, “Who’s this?”

“You’re Helen Truax,” Asked Robert, looking at her, “right?”

Helen paled, before she tried to shut the door, which Robert prevented by putting himself between the door and the door frame.

“Ma’am, trust us, we’re not here to fight.” Grunted Robert, “At least give us five minutes.”

The pressure on the door lifted, allowing Robert to push the door open, “Five minutes.”

“We’re dispatchers working for the SDN,” Said Mandy, choosing to leave out that she and Robert were also heroes, “we’re hoping—”

“We’re not interested.” Helen shut the door in their faces.

“Okay, that wasn’t five minutes.” Said Robert, looking at Mandy.

“Well, they do frequently relocate,” Sighed Mandy, walking back to Robert’s car, “it makes sense that they’re jumpy.”

“Yeah, I just didn’t expect her to shut the door without hearing us out.” Mused Robert, as they got into the car, “Does this mean we get to keep Mr Incredible’s car?”

“No, Robert.”

I

Helen kept herself busy with household chores, those dispatchers turning up to, presumably, recruit her and Bob for hero work.

“Another save by Blonde Blazer and Mecha Man,” Helen glanced at the TV, which Dash probably left on before she sent him to do his homework, “Despite the scepticism of many, myself included, the SDN has restored the image of Superheroes around the world, with their latest team, the Z-Team, taking down Red Ring and Shroud in a climactic battle at the SDN headquarters in Torrence, a battle that saw the return of Mecha Man, as well as Track Star, loaned the powers of Blonde Blazer.”

Helen watched as footage from the battle played out, she recognised Punch Up, a villain that had almost beaten Bob back before the ban.

“The Z-Team is the flagship result of SDN’s Pheonix Program,” Continued the newscaster, “the most famous member being Prism, a pseudo influencer who live streams most of her patrols, and her regular torment of the Z-Team’s dispatcher, who was in the news recent for being hit by a bus three times over a four-day period.”

The footage changed to one of the dispatchers that visited their house a couple of days ago, just as he crossed the road, and was ‘body’ slammed by a bus, sending him skidding a few feet, coming to a stop outside a door, before he got up, brushed himself off and nonchalantly sauntered into a bar. The scene then changed to Blonde Blazer, with Mecha Man crouching in front a child a few feet behind her.

“The SDN has started to recruit older heroes, like Mr Incredible, Frozone, Elastigirl, Gazerbeam and Plasmabolt to work as dispatchers,” Said Blonde Blazer, “their experience would be a great benefit to the younger heroes.”

“I understand that some of SDN’s dispatchers are former heroes themselves?”

“And current,” Confirmed Blazer, “Those of us that have secret identities work for SDN at various levels.”

“Mainly because the actual pay we get in the suit is crap!” Yelled Mecha Man, after he’d sent the child over to their mother, “I get paid twice as much while working in the basement!”

“We actually work at SDN as civilians because it’s easier to respond to a crisis if we can reasonable explain why we vanished for a few hours.” Corrected Blazer, giving Mecha Man a look, “He just likes to complain.”

“How do they know if you’re telling the truth?” Asked reporter.

“We use timesheets and track our comm links during the period in question,” Answered Mecha Man, “I did have to deal with one of mine going out for a sandwich while there was a fire going on downtown.”

“I understand that you work closely with the Z-Team?” The reporter redirected their attention to Mecha Man.

“I do,” Mecha Man looked slightly embarrassed, “Although… it is a bit weird to work with a guy I put behind bars… after I cut two of his fingers off.”

“You also burnt off Flambae’s eyebrows,” Added Blonde Blazer, “although that could be argued as self-defence.”

Helen put the laundry basket down and watched the rest of the interview, before deciding to bring the matter up with Bob that night.

I

“Still think this is a bad idea?” Asked Courtney, glancing at Coupé.

“They’ve been retired so long that they won’t know how to work the most basic of equipment.” Said Janelle, “How did we get stuck with Gazerbeam of all people?”

“Because Robert and Mandy were going to handle Lawsuit and Mrs Stretch Armstrong and Prism and Flambae got the only cool one?” Responded Courtney, getting a smirk.

“Heh, cool one.” Janelle chuckled to herself.

“Say, did Sam ever get back from that special assignment?” Asked Courtney, looking at Janelle.

“I know that both Mecha Man and Blonde Blazer have brought up their concerns.” Answered Janelle, “Waterboy and Phenomaman have been dispatched to look for him.”

“Somethings not right.” Said Courtney, “I don’t know why, but my gut’s telling me something’s wrong.”

“It’s probably all those processed foods you’ve been eating.” Responded Janelle, “It’s giving you indigestion.”

“Are you fucking--?”

“We’re here.” Said Janelle, bringing the car to a stop.

“Great.” Muttered Courtney, as the pair got out of the car and walked to the front door, “So, how’re we doing this? Direct or acting like Jehova’s Witnesses?”

Janelle raised her fist and knocked on the door. After a couple of minutes, the door opened and a older, somewhat muscular man with blond hair stood in front of them.

“Can I help you?” Asked the man, looking between Courtney and Janelle.

“…Simon Paladino?” Asked Courtney, after a moment.

“No, I’m his partner, Jack,” Said the man, looking at them, “he’s away on a business trip.”

Janelle frowned, before Courtney gasped, “Gamma Jack.”

Jack’s face started to sour, “I’m not interested in talking to journalists.”

“We’re with the SDN.” Janelle, before looking at Courtney.

When the other woman didn’t move, Janelle flicked a knife at her, jolting Courtney out of her silent hero worship, “Oh, right.”

Courtney vanished, getting Jack to raise his eyebrows.

“I can see where you’re standing on the grass.” Said Jack, as Courtney reappeared, “Which you’re not supposed to be standing on, by the way.”

“Sorry, you were my favourite hero back when I was a kid.” Confessed Courtney, “Broke my arm in three places after I jumped of my house roof trying to fly.”

Jack frowned, before he looked at Janelle, “Is she usually like this?”

“No,” Answered Janelle, “this is new.”

I

“I hate being incognito.” Grumbled Alice, as Chad knocked on the door.

“Well, you were warned that we had to keep a low profile and you still chose to come.” Said Chad, before impatiently knocking on the door again.

“Alright, alright, I heard you the first time!” Yelled a man’s voice from inside the home, before the door swung open and a black man looked at them, “Can I help you?”

“Mr Lucius Best?” Asked Alice, looking at him.

“And if I am?” Asked the man, giving them a suspicious look.

“We’re with the SDN, who want to recruit you as a dispatcher.” Said Chad, “We, being actual heroes, took some valuable time from our incredibly pack schedules in the hopes of recruiting you.”

“You really want to be here, don’t you?” Asked Lucius, looking at Chad, “Chase has already convinced me.”

“I’m sorry, what?” Alice blinked, before Chase hobbled out of the sitting room.

Cross was sitting beside the door that led out of the prince's chamber. His back was against the wall, and a knee brought up so he could comfortably rest his arms on top of his leg. He allowed himself to smirk as his charge grimaced as he tried to stretch his aching limbs.

The training Cross was subjecting Epic to was difficult, and it often left the other one feeling stiff and bruised. But with each passing day, Epic became a little bit better at dodging and parrying attacks. He had yet to land a hit on Cross, but Cross would have been a terrible guardian if a novice like Epic could successfully land a hit on him.

The comfortable silence of the day winding down was shattered. A panic screech echoed off the corridor walls, causing the guardian to jump to his feet. Magic quickly condensed into a large red sword, and he took a defensive position standing between the door and his charge.

"What was that?!" Epic asked, as he twisted around so he was facing the door and his guardian.

"I don't know..."

There was a brief pause before the screaming continued.  The guardian did not have much time to decide what he was going to do. The scream came from a room close by, and the only rooms located in this area were various private chambers. The King's and Prince's room being the biggest target for any assassin. Whatever was happening, would likely result in harm to his charge if he was not careful.

"I'll go investigate. Stay here and bar the door… Sire." Cross replied, almost forgetting propriety.

"Woah, I'm not hiding here while you put yourself in danger."

"Sire, please..." Cross began, trying to figure out how to best convince his charge this was safer, after all only his life was disposable.

"I'll go with you!" Epic declared, as though Cross not planning to investigate a potentially dangerous situation where multiple assailants could be preparing the prince’s demise. "We've already established I'll be safer with you by my side."

Cross took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose as his own words were being thrown back at his face.  He briefly thought about the pros and cons about allowing the prince to follow.  Being locked in the room would mean Epic could be stuck if the assailant managed to successfully overwhelm him, but it screamed idiotic to allow the other to follow him. But perhaps it was better that Epic come with him, after all, Epic would likely decide to follow him regardless.

"Fine, but you will stay close to me sire." The guardian conceded.

"Of course."

Slowly opening the door, Cross quickly surveyed the hallway. He saw that there were various servants anxiously whispering to each other, confusion clear on their faces. He deemed the immediate hallway as safe enough, despite everything. With a quick gesture, Epic diligently followed him as he opened the door. The closest of the guards that was on duty was a captain. The captain noticed the guardian and prince, and immediately stood at attention.

"Captain, are you aware of what's happening?" Epic asked, half shielded by Cross, who stood between him and the direction the chaos seemed to be coming from.

"NO SIRE, BUT I SENT PAPYRUS TO CHECK." The captain said.

A few moments later, Papyrus appeared, rushing towards them. "CAPTAIN!" He shouted, before freezing as he realized the prince and guardian were present.

"PAPYRUS! STOP GAWKING, TELL US, WHAT HAPPENED?" The captain demanded, drawing the startled guard's attention back to himself. Papyrus swallowed nervously, as he stared at Epic. "THE KING IS DEAD MY LORD...." The sudden movement prompted Cross to tense ready to strike if the other were to attack, but the tall skeleton fell to one knee with his body facing the prince. "LONG LIVE THE YOUNG KING."

Epic stared at the guard, feeling sweat begin to condense on his skull. His father couldn't be dead, he was in good health. It felt impossible to draw any breath and he could practically feel his soul beat in his throat. The pregnant silence was finally broken by Cross.

"Explain." Cross commanded.

"GUARDIAN, NO ONE KNOWS WHAT HAS HAPPENED YET. THE ROYAL HEALER, SCI, IS CURRENTLY IN THE KING'S CHAMBER" Papyrus reported. "THE KING HAD BEEN ENJOYING HIS EVENING TEA. HE FELL TO THE GROUND AND APPARENTLY STARTED TO SEIZE. HE...HE DIED BEFORE THE HEALER COULD HELP."

"THAT SOUNDS LIKE A STROKE." The captain said.

Epic's eye light was completely extinguished as Papyrus recounted what had happened. The prince and guardian had their suspicions.  The symptoms sounded like cyanide poisoning.  It was likely that a poison was slipped into the tea or pastries the King would like to indulge in. Neither would be certain which poison it was that killed the King, but Cross was willing to bet his blade that the smell of bitter almonds clung to the tea and treats. The scent of almonds could be easily ignored considering the King enjoyed a sweet fragrant tea and occasionally had toasted almond pastries.

Taking a deep breath, Epic gathered his thoughts. "Captain, may I have your name?" He asked.

"BLUE, YOUR MAJESTY."

"Blue, no one leaves the palace until I order. Compile a list of everyone who had access to the King and his food in the last day. I expect a report tomorrow morning. You both are dismissed." Epic ordered, his first order as King.

"OF COURSE, YOUR MAJESTY." Blue bowed before hurrying off to follow through with the order, Papyrus close behind to assist his captain.

Epic took a deep breath, before turning heel towards the King's chambers. He did his best to remain calm, but his hurried walk betrayed him compared to how calm Cross appear to be,. However his stoic appearance belied the racing frantic thoughts. Cross tried to recall who would have benefited from killing the King?  A few names came to mind, but he would need evidence to determine if they would have attempted to murder the King.  He would probably have a better idea of who would want the King dead, if they were able to determine what the killer was gaining.  After all, if the King was murdered, then what was stopping the killer from targeting the prince next? Since the King was likely poisoned, Cross planned on making sure Epic's food was even more strictly monitored.  It would not be surprising that the killer would attempt the same trick.  He would need to vet loyal food tasters and chefs. In the meantime, Cross would have to taste test all of Epic’s food until they were sure the food would not be tampered with.  The guardian was so caught up in his own thoughts he almost missed what his charge was saying to him.

"Cross, please, I think you would be able to protect me just as effectively from, perhaps, a few feet away… I doubt I'd be in anymore grave danger if you just took a step or two back."

Cross paused, realizing that he was crowding into Epic’s space. Part of him wanted to argue that Epic needed to be even more wary now considering there is probably a killer amongst them, but it was clear that tension and stress thrummed in the prince's marrow. Even if he did not want to move back, Cross was more than capable of protecting Epic from a foot or two away if it meant easing a tiny bit of the other's tension.

As Cross took a step back, Epic gave his guardian a small grateful smile when the other complied without complaint.  It was clear that Cross wanted to object, but the clench of his jaw showed that he restrained himself.  Normally the close proximity was welcomed, but Epic’s anxiety felt like it was strangling him.  The feeling of claustrophobia was only made worse by Cross’s natural insistence of being practically attached to him during any perceived threat.

When they had finally entered the King's chamber, they were greeted with a weeping yellow dinosaur monster standing in a corner of the room by the table.  The bed was surrounded by a few guards, while Sci and the King’s advisor, Gaster, spoke in hushed tones.  The King’s own guardian, Retold, face was hidden underneath his hood, as he stood by the head of the bed.  The older guardian almost blended into the background, it was as if he were a statute.

Epic cleared his throat, and everyone fell silent, all eyes directed at his presence.  Cross twitched, his hand clenching the hilt of his blade as he glared at everyone. There was too much attention on his charge, but there was nothing he could do about the collective shock the others were probably feeling upon seeing the young King.  Gaster was the first to recover.

“Sire… Your majesty.” He corrected, bowing to Epic.

“Gaster,” Epic greeted, eye light not leaving his father’s corpse. 

If he did not know what had occurred, he would have assumed that the other was just asleep.  But the lack of chest rising and falling, and the loud snoring, would have immediately alerted everyone to the fact that no life resided in the body. The only thing that kept the body from dusting was the continual magic pouring into it by the healer. If the servant girl had not been present, then there would not have been a body to preserve for investigation.

“Tell me, what happened.” He said, dragging his attention solely to Gaster.

“The former King felt weak during his tea and when he tried to stand to go to his bed, he fell to the ground and began to seize.” Gaster said. “So far we suspect a stroke.”

Neither Cross nor Epic commented on the fact that the story was almost identical to what Papyrus had reported.  They took note that there seemed to be consistency with the fact that the “illness” that befell the King was sudden and his health had rapidly deteriorated.

“Were there any witnesses?”

“Just the servant girl.” Gaster said, pointing to Alphys who looked even more panicked now that the royal advisor and young King briefly stared at her.

While Epic and Gaster continued to converse, Cross took the opportunity to inspect the King’s last meal. He expected to find a shattered teacup, perhaps food scattered on the floor, but the table had been completed cleared. There were no signs of broken teacups, puddles of cold tea or ruined food. His brow ridge narrowed, and he turned to the dinosaur monster.

“What happened to the King’s supper?” He growled, with a glare that caused even the most confident of monsters to falter with fear.

“T-they t-took it all a-away…” She whispered, terrified of the guardian’s legendary wrath against those who may harm their charges.

“They!? They who?” Cross demanded.

“I’m sorry! I don’t know! Please don’t kill me…” Alphys was quaking in fear, tears clouding her vision.

Cross blinked, she was shaking like a leaf and clearly terrified.  Considering she was the last person to see the king alive, it was not shocking.  Anyone would be suspicious of her, and there was no reason to assume she would not be accused of murder. In fact, she probably believed one of the two guardians in the room would likely be her executioner for a crime she did not commit.

“I won’t kill you, but I want the truth. Who took the King’s evening tea away?” Cross asked again, trying to be less intimidating this time.

“I d-don’t know… The K-king had finished his tea like usual b-but said he didn't feel right… W-when he attempted to stand, he f-fell, hit the table a-and pastries fell to the ground… I-it all happened so f-fast, and when I w-went to him I s-saw he was seizing." Alphys stuttered, looking at her feet as she tried to calm herself as she recounted the events. "I s-screamed for help, and t-then were soldiers trying t-to maneuver the K-king into his bed… At some point the r-royal healer was there t-trying to help… I guess s-someone else was told to c-clean everything up.” Her voice barely a whisper. “I d-did n-nothing wrong, p-please believe m-me.” She begged.

Cross gave a noncommittal hum. “What is your name?”

“A-Alphys, sir g-guardian… S-sir.”

Nodding, the guardian committed her name and face to his memory before returning to his charge’s side.  Epic and the royal advisors were now discussing funeral rites and the coronation.  Cross’s mismatched eye lights drifted towards the older guardian, who still remained perfectly still.  His soul hurt in a brief moment of sympathy knowing that the price of being a guardian was about to come due for the other.  All guardians knew the price of their failure, and they were prepared to face the payment, hopefully they each would face it with dignity.

The evening dragged on as arrangements were made, and the morning light had begun to filter in.  Everyone else had slowly filtered out of the former King’s chamber.  The only one who remained was the older Guardian.  He spent the whole night impassively observing the events unfold in front of him.  In fact, Epic had almost forgotten about Retold.  He knew Retold had always acted more like a shadow in comparison to his own guardian, quietly observing the world, but this was not normal for the other.

“Retold?” Epic asked, looking at the hooded guardian with concern, repeating his name a few times to get his attention.

Retold’s eye lights flickered as he came back to the present. Epic assumed he must have been in his head all night since it never took this long to get the other’s attention. He guessed it was probably caused by shock that kept Retold from reacting all night.  The guardian had been close with his father for as long as Epic remembered.  It should not be surprising that the other was reacting so differently. At least he appeared more alive than he had in the last few hours.

“Your majesty?” His voice flat, devoid of any emotion, shocking Epic.

The lack of any type of emotion made chills travel down Epic’s spine. While his father was alive, Retold had always had a hint of levity during tense moments like these. He always seemed to believe humor helped make the best of any situation. The stark difference between the monster before him and the monster from his memory made Epic uneasy, like something bad was going to happen.

“Retold, can you recall anything else?”

“I apologize your majesty, but I do not.”

The silence was deafening. Epic didn’t know what to think about Retold's hunched shoulders and averted eye lights. His body language was unlike anything the young King had seen from the older guardian. Everything about the other felt wrong.

Retold bowed as he spoke, “Forgive me, your majesty. I have failed my duty to protect your father.”

“Well, if it was a stroke, no one would be responsible for his death.” Epic attempted, but it just caused the two Guardians to give him a look of disbelief, knowing the young King had already concluded otherwise.  Epic raised his hands in mock appeasement. “Fine, based on the circumstances, it does seem to be murder… But there is no proof currently.”

 “I believe you or Cross will find proof at some point your majesty.” Retold attempted to encourage Epic, but the lack of affect left it falling flat.

Epic frowned, catching the fact that Retold did not include himself in the list of those who would discover proof of his father’s murder. Of everyone in the castle, he expected Retold to be the most anxious to begin investigation. The older guardian had always taken the attempted assassinations investigations seriously.  He would act as the King's judge and executioner after presenting his findings to the King.

“It almost sounds like you are not planning on helping us… You are going to help, aren’t you?”

“No, your majesty. My duty is over." The look of confusion prompted Retold to continue. "My life was forfeited the moment the King died.”

Epic immediately wanted to argue otherwise, but he knew that fact. Gaster had explained the duties of a guardian when he had finally been assigned one of his own.  However, he never really thought much about what that would mean in practice. It struck him, "until our deaths" always meant that the guardians would follow their charge's, even to their own death. He had just been willful ignorance of what the oath actually entailed.

Retold will dutifully follow his charge to the grave and Cross would dutifully follow him to his own grave.

“Yeah, no.” Epic blurted out.  The hooded skeleton and the monochromatic skeleton tilted their head.  Both were absolutely confused as to what Epic seemed to be objecting to. “No, I forbid you from killing yourself.”

The two guardians exchanged a look, before Retold took his hood off, revealing a small, appeasing smile.  It was the most the other has expressed all evening.

“As much as I appreciate the kindness you have extended me, your majesty, this is the way.” Retold said as gently as he could, talking to Epic as he did when he as a baby bones. “The way of the guardians cannot be overruled, even by a King...”

Epic would attempt to intervene, but Cross stopped him by placing a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s late, sire. You have been up all night; you should go try and get some rest.”

Retold bowed for Epic for the final time, before he pulled his hood back over his head.  He was once again hidden behind the shadows the hood granted him.  Cross could tell Epic wanted to say something to him, but waited until they were out of the King’s chamber to shake the guardian off his shoulder.

“You are going to let him kill himself?!" Epic demanded. "You’re a guardian, you have to know of a way to convince him that this is ridiculous?”

“I am a guardian, so I know better than anyone what our duty is and what is expected of us. We all have a price we must pay sire… This is our price for failing our duty.” Cross softly murmured. “It is a price we all abide by, there are no exceptions.”

“Even you?”

“Yes sire, there are no exceptions.”

Cross watched as the distress flickered through Epic’s expression.  He could almost pin the exact moment when the other had truly felt the weight of the truth that all guardian’s lived by.  The exhaustion was clear in Epic’s stance, and the understanding that Cross would end his own life upon Epic’s own untimely death did not help.  Epic almost would have preferred to not have realized that Cross would loyally follow him in death, if it meant that Cross would die by his own hand.

“Go inside and rest sire, I’ll be back soon.” Cross said, as he ushered Epic back to his room.

“Where are you going?”

“I have a duty that I must attend to.”

Epic wanted to demand an explanation, but he could feel Cross's anguish, even as he desperately tried to hide it behind his stoic appearance. The young King was smart enough to at least infer the duty was linked to Retold.  He may not know what Cross needed to do with Retold, but it made sense there may be traditions unknown to him regarding how a guardian forfeits their life. Although, he would have to wait for Cross's return if he were to get actual answers to some of his new questions.

Cross returned to the King’s room; the other guardian remained where the pair had left him.  Although his face was obscured, the younger guardian knew he was being watched. With each step Cross took toward the Retold, the weight of what was about to transpire settled in his marrow.  His soul ached with regret, but this was the least he could do for his fellow guardian.

“Cross.” Retold said, acknowledging the other guardian, when he finally stood in front of him.

Cross said nothing, and swiftly dispatched his target.  The lack of resistance and the precision did nothing to prevent the splattering of magic being released.  Retold’s dark purple, almost black, magic splattered onto the white of his uniform.  It soaked into the walls and floors, sparking with streaks of violet energy that reeked of ozone.  The death would be seen as merciless but Cross tried his best to take comfort in the fact that Retold’s death was quick and painless.  At least it was better than having the older guardian kill himself.

Bending down, Cross moved to collect the hidden blade that Retold kept on his person. It was covered in dust and magic. He respectfully removed it and stored it in his inventory.  He would decide what to do later with the blade later, but the younger guardian briefly considered using the blade himself. It could be a way for him to honor his fellow guardian.  With the blade collected, there was nothing left for him to do but return to his king.

When Cross finally arrived back at Epic’s room, he found the young King pacing his room despite the exhaustion that the other would be experiencing.  Epic had too much anxious energy that prevented himself from changing into something more comfortable while he waited for Cross to return.  Although, he was so caught up in his own head it a few minutes before he realized that Cross had returned.  The sight of magic staining the white of Cross’ uniform had him freezing.

“Cross, what did you do?” Epic finally managed to ask, his voice hoarse in his distress.

“What I had to do.” Cross replied, not expanding on what he meant and refusing to look at Epic.

“Your brother’s going to be fine.” Violet turned and looked at Robert, at Mecha Man, “We’ve got people we trust watching him and, even if he does have the issue that Track Star has, it’s early enough for us to figure out a fix.”

Violet gave him a meek nod, she knew that all her classmates, including Tony, would kill to have Mecha Man, the powerless Superhero, talk to them. But, with what Dash could be at risk of, she found it difficult, and having the urge to throw up wasn’t helping either.

“Your parents,” Said Robert, sitting down across from her, “said you have a few… problems.”

“L-like what?” Asked Violet, looking at the man.

“Your teachers have told them that you stutter,” Said Robert, “and your Mom has said that your force fields are hit a miss at times, especially if you’re feeling pressured. In fact, the only power you don’t have a problem with is turning invisible.”

“I-I j-just want t-to be normal.” Violet tried to sound less like herself, since this was Mecha Man she was talking to, the only hero with enough bravery to go out without powers and do the right thing.

“Violet,” Said Robert, “you are normal, having powers, not having powers, neither of those things choses what normal is. I’m going to tell you, what I told one of my team, you don’t have a stutter or a problem controlling your powers. You have a confidence issue.”

“H-how a-am I s-supposed to be con-confident w-when I-I’m l-like t-this?” Asked Violet, getting a sigh from Robert.

“Violet, to be confident, you need to be comfortable with yourself,” Said Robert, “so, I want you to tell me one thing that you want to do, that you’re scared of messing up.”

Violet blinked, before her mouth moved on its own, “Prism’s autograph.”

Robert froze, before slowly nodded, “Okay…, I thought it was going to be something a bit more risky, but, hey, Prism loves having her ego stroked.”

“Hey!” Prism called over from the other side of the floor, “Fuck you, Roberto!”

“She’s joking.” Said Robert, getting to his feet, “Alright, let’s—”

One of the computers started wailing, cutting Robert off. Obviously recognising the tone, Robert paled and bolted to the computer.

“W-what’s going on?” Asked Violet, as Prism rounded the office space and guided her out.

“Don’t worry about it.” Said Prism, obviously knowing what it was, “Let’s go to the gym and other recreational shit.”

Robert, now with Mandy and Brainbook joining him.

“Who is it?” Asked Mandy, as Brainbook looked over Robert’s shoulder.

“Waterboy,” Answered Robert, as Brainbook frowned, “his vitals just spiked, then they stopped.”

“They stabilised?” Asked Mandy, glancing at Robert.

“No,” Corrected Brainbook, “they stopped. As in, the monitoring system isn’t detecting anything to monitor.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.” Said Mandy, frowning.

“It’s the same thing that happened with Pom-Pom, Bullet Train, Quake and Inferno.” Said Robert, turning his chair around, “I’m going to check on Phenomaman, see if he can find Waterboy.”

“I’ll handle that,” Said Brainbook, “you keep trying his comm, the monitoring software could simply be damaged.”

Robert frowned, before nodding and turning back to the computer.

I

“Sweet Talker, Pom-Pom, Bullet Train, Thunderbolt, Echo, Quake, Inferno, Boomerang, Waterboy, and, now,” Robert tried not to wince as Daniels listed off their MIA heroes, “Phenomaman. All missing in action, after being sent to an island in the middle of nowhere.”

“It’s near the Easter Islands,” Said Evelyn, resting her goggles on her head, “but, given that their vitals spiked and then, just as quickly, stopped, we may be looking at a trap situation.”

“We’ve also failed to contact Universal Man, Psycwave, Blazestone, Downburst, Vectress, Blitzerman, Apogee, Phylange, Everseer, Macroburst, Gazerbeam, and Hypershock,” Sighed Robert, “we managed to recruit Tradewind, but he went AWOL.”

“But, we have found Gamma Jack, Stormicide, Frozone and the Parr family.” Stated Mandy, “We also have leads on Plasmabolt and Fironic.”

“Two of your… ‘additions’ are children.” Said Daniels, raising an eyebrow.

“One of whom has the same problem Track Star did.” Added Evelyn, leaning back, “I fitted an inhibitor cuff to him, until we can figure out a fix.”

“So,” Said Daniels, frowning, “more bad news.” He glanced at Mandy, “Any more for the second round of the Phoenix Program?”

“Yes,” Mandy seemed to be more than eager to change the subject, “We’ve managed to collect Bulbox, we offered placement for his daughter at a school not too far from here.”

“He’s a super?” Asked Daniel, getting a nod from Mandy, “What about this… daughter?”

“She’s…, got powers,” Said Mandy, after a moment, “She’s roughly the same age of the oldest of the Parr kids, Violet.”

“Two flowers,” Mused Daniels, “is there going to be a third for this ‘bouquet’ you’ve started to build?”

“Oh, I didn’t mean,” Mandy tried to cover, “I just thought that they might make good friends.”

“Might be worth seeing about organising lessons, for them,” Suggested Robert, “teach them how to control their powers, just as a precaution.”

Daniels sighed, “Which means we will have to do a Psych-Eval on them. Speaking of,” he pulled a file from his desk, “I have some concerns about one of the dispatchers you’ve brought in.”

“If this is about Gamma Jack’s… opinion, we’ve already taken that into consideration.” Said Mandy, sitting up, “He didn’t allow it to colour his opinion on the training simulation and—”

“It’s actually about Robert Parr.” Interrupted Daniels, “It took a while, but Cummings managed to get him relaxed enough to talk. Parr has some deep-seated fears about keeping his family safe, believing that if he isn’t strong enough to protect the public, he would not be strong enough to protect his family.”

“Shit,” Swore Robert, leaning forwards, “I can talk to him, see if I can help.”

“While that is noble, Robert,” Sighed Daniels, “you are not an officially licensed psychologist or counsellor, which reminds me, CSPP need an address to send your diploma to.”

“You went to university?” Asked Mandy, looking at Robert.

“Started, I only finished recently.” Answered Robert, before looking at Daniels, “Bob might be more open to me than anyone else, he was able to figure out my identity within thirty minutes of meeting me outside of the mask.”

Daniels frowned, but said nothing.

“There also the issue of how we’re going to address nine of our heroes suddenly going missing.” Added Evelyn, “I mean, if I was trying to erase heroes from the world, I’d ruin their reputations to the point of all of them giving up.”

“We don’t need you to run another Screen Slaver program, Evelyn.” Said Daniels, glancing at her, “But, you do bring up a good point.”

“Let me bring up Waterboy and Phenomaman with the Z-Team,” Said Robert, getting up, “they’re both part of the Z-Team and, if anyone else were to tell them…”

Daniels sighed, before nodding, silently dismissing Robert and Mandy.

“Well, if they’re going,” Said Evelyn, getting up, “I’m going to pick apart that piece of tech that Robert brought back from that Kronos gang bust.”

Daniels nodded, before looking at a file, “Evelyn, while you’re at it, see if you can find Buddy Pine.”

I

Helen blinked at the heroes in front of her, she’d been given six heroes as her ‘dispatchees’, as Robert called them, the first one was Voyd, a young woman who could create portals, she reminded Helen of Violet, with the confidence issues she had, the second was He-lectrix, a musician that could control and absorb electricity. Krushauer, the third hero assigned to her, had telekinetic powers that allowed him to ‘crush’ objects, he also had superstrength and superhuman durability. The fourth hero, Brick, was similar, as she also had superhuman strength and durability, she could also jump large distances and her file said ‘metamorphosis’, whatever that meant, Brick’s main problem was that, while she was a strong as a sack of bricks, she was as smart as a sack of bricks. Screech, Helen’s fifth dispatchable hero, could fly, see in the dark and release a supersonic screech, although he also seemed to be nocturnal, which was something to work on. Reflux, the last hero Helen had been assigned, had a molten stomach and regurgitation, which more or less translated to that he could throw up lava and not get hurt.

“S-sorry if I-I was too, y’know, over eager,” Voyd tried to laugh, “b-but you’re… you, a-and I-I’m me, s-so…”

“That’s… alright, Voyd.” Nodded Helen, “It’s alright, you don’t need to apologise.”

“Yeah,” Snickered He-Lectrix, “leave that for Reflux.”

“It’s a genuine medical condition.” Said Reflux, just as Mecha Man ducked his into the room.

“Hey,” Mecha Man’s voice of everyone’s attention, “it’s past clocking out time, so you can all go home for today.”

“Why’re you suited up?” Asked Helen, getting up.

“Press conference,” Answered Mecha Man, looking around, “the uppers think I’m a safe bet, since I don’t have powers, so the crowd might listen to me more than the others.”

Helen blinked, “Okay, good luck, I guess?”

Mecha Man nodded, before leaving the room. Looking at the clock, Helen sighed, “He’s got a point, let’s head home and resume tomorrow.”

I

Courtney carefully spooned some mashed-up apple and banana into Robin’s mouth, the baby, caught mid-giggle, gummed on the food, just as she heard the front door open and close.

“How’d the press conference?” Asked Courtney, looking towards the door.

“The less said, the better.” Grumbled Robert, hanging his coat up, “Mandy’s making sure Sansweet’s still alive.”

“The asshole behind the lawsuit that made heroes illegal?” Asked Courtney, twisting to look at Robert, “Why was he there?”

“No idea.” Sighed Robert, before focusing on Robin, “Now, why do you let Mommy feed you, but not Daddy? Huh?”

Robin squealed and knocked her bowl to the floor, laughing as she reached for Robert.

“Sansweet’s not going to sue.” Mandy’s voice from the door made them look up, “Brainbook and Daniels somehow managed to convince him not to.”

“Daniels probably offered to throw him off the roof.” Said Robert, picking Robin up, with the baby grabbing his nose.

Mandy looked around, “Where’s Bertie?”

“BOO!” A small boy appeared behind her, making her jump, “I gots you, Momma.”

“Yeah,” Laughed Mandy, picking him up, “you did.”

“He’s managed to get turning invisible down,” Said Courtney, getting up, “especially when it’s bathtime.”

Bertie, freezing in Mandy’s arms, looked at his mother, and vanished, turning Mandy invisible in the process.

“You do realise I’m going to help bathe you, right?” Came Mandy’s disembodied voice, before the bathroom door opened and the two of them reappeared, with Courtney joining them. Robert, not for the first time, wondered if Bertie and Robin liked having two Moms.

I

“An SDN press conference went awry last night, after Oliver Sansweet, a former president of the Municiberg Bank, who sued Mr Incredible for quote-unquote ‘saving’ his life fifteen years ago, tried to go head-to-head with Mecha Man, who’s last press conference ended with him throwing a journalist out a window.”

Helen reached over and turned the TV up.

“As the footage shows, Mr Sansweet brought up Mr Incredible’s actions against him, as well as bringing his lawyer with him.” Said the news caster, as Sansweet and his lawyer stood and postulated, “Mecha Man had this to say;”

“For someone who was suicidal,” Mecha Man’s voice was his signature mix of cold and dry sarcasm, “you really found the will to sue a guy, when you could have done us all a favour and gone back up to the roof and thrown yourself off.”

“Mr Sansweet then threatened to sue Mecha Man for harassment and slander, which produced this response;” Helen watched as Mecha Man sauntered off the podium and up to Sansweet, and punched him square in the face, before dragging him to a stairwell and returning without him a second later, “SDN has already closed it’s ranks, with the rehabilitated villainess Prism ‘offering’ to ‘flash’ Mr Sansweet, which is what she calls blinding someone. SDN has also refused to cover Banks, Insurance Firms, and Chain locations, with Mr Gilbert Huph protesting the decision, claiming SDN had ‘poached’ Insuricare’s employees and customers.”

Helen didn’t find that surprising, since Bob had mentioned the Insuricare often refused to pay out on their policies, which was why Bob had been temporarily seconded by the SDN upper management to help set up the SDN insurance office. Allison and Jack had gone with him, since Allison was good with computers and Jack was, somehow, very proficient with legal paperwork. He’d suggested that he go into SDN Legal, since he was a fully licensed attorney, which was a shock to the rest of them.

“You’ll never guess who turned up to work today.” Bob’s voice made Helen look towards the door.

“Sansweet?” Guessed Helen, making Bob shake his head.

“No, Gazerbeam.” Bob put his brief case on the table, “Apparently, he heard that SDN were looking for him.”

“Jack must’ve told him.” Reasoned Helen, looking at the folder with her heroes files in it.

“No, Jack was as surprised as we were,” Said Bob, “but he’s on board, which I think is great.”

Helen looked at Bob, since starting at SDN, he’d started to lose weight, and he seemed much happier in himself.

“How’s getting to know your team going?” Asked Bob, making Helen sigh.

“Voyd’s a lot like Violet, if they were closer in age, I would suggest they spend some time together,” Said Helen, “He-Lectrix seems a bit haughty, but he’s a guitarist in a band, Reflux seems nice, but I wouldn’t put him out on… heavy calls, you know? Krushauer can, well, crush things, but he can’t reverse the damage, which could be a problem. Screech is, well, interesting, to say the least, but he’s primarily nocturnal, meaning he’s more or less useless in the day, and Brick’s… she’s…”

“As dumb as her name implies?” Violet’s voice made them jump, before she appeared at the table.

Violet looked different, the main difference was that she had her hair tied back, but she seemed to be slightly uncomfortable.

“The only one I didn’t have the pleasure to work with was Mecha Man Prime.” Continued Helen, “Since he died when I was just starting out.”

“Yeah, I heard he was a great guy.” Said Robert, his eyes falling to the carpet and spotting a baby, “Whoa, where’d you come from, huh?”

Helen frowned, before looking under the table, “Jack-Jack?”

“Is that his name?” Asked Robert, looking at Helen.

“Yeah, I thought I left him in his crib.” Frowned Helen, before sighing, “Give me a minute, I’m going to put him to bed.”

The pair watched Helen pick the baby up, before she vanished upstairs.

“She’d make a good mentor.” Said Mandy, looking at the stairs.

“Most parents have that skill,” Responded Robert, “Honestly, I thought she wasn’t going to let us in.”

“Why?” Asked Mandy, looking at Robert, “Because of last time? Or because all of us ignored the Superhero Ban to the extent that the Deavors stepped in and founded the SDN?”

“Both, I think.” Said Robert, “Dad was killed just before the ban came into effect, I was just lucky enough that LA loved Mecha Man more than they did the law.”

“To the extent that they’d ignore you beating a guy while you were injured.” Snarked Mandy, giving Robert a smile.

“Hey, if that asshole had talked about your family that way,” Responded Robert, “you’d probably have had the same reaction.”

“Yeah, that’s true.” Said Mandy, as Helen rejoined them, “Mrs Parr.”

“Sorry, about Jack-Jack,” Apologised Helen, “I don’t know how he keeps getting out of his crib.”

“It’s fine,” Dismissed Robert, “You’re probably wondering how we found you.”

“Yeah,” Helen nodded, “I was under the impression that the SDN was invite only.”

“It is.” Said Mandy, leaning forwards, “Do you remember a Heroine called Stratogale?”

“She’s alive?” The dispatchers didn’t miss the hope that coloured Helen’s voice, “I heard that she got sucked into a jet engine.”

“Almost was,” Nodded Mandy, “fortunately, Mecha Man was also at the scene, but she’s working as a dispatcher at the SDN, since flying makes her…”

“Nervous?” Supplied Helen, getting a nod from Mandy.

“She’s seeing a licensed therapist, and she’s helping younger super-powered individuals learn to control their powers,” Said Mandy, “she’s actually the one who vouched for you, as well as a number of other heroes, which we’re still trying to track down.”

“Track Star,” Said Robert, looking at Helen, “he’s also vouched for you and Mr Incredible… he’s also the reason we have your husbands old car.”

“The Incredibile?” Asked Helen, frowning, “The mechanics said it was destroyed.”

“Well, that was a fucking lie.” Said Robert, bluntly, “Please excuse my language, but SDN managed to outbid some idiotic collector for it.”

“I’m… sure Bob will be happy to heat that.” Said Helen, as the front door opened.

“I’m back.” Robert leaned around the chair blocking his view to the door and looked at the massive blond man in the doorway.

“Bob,” Helen got up, “these two are Robert and Mandy.”

Bob looked at them, before he looked at Helen, “We’ve got new neighbours?”

“No, they’re,” Helen glanced at them, “with the SDN.”

I

“This’ll be where you’re working,” Malevola silently watched Allison look around the office, “We’re working on getting some of your older colleagues to help but—”

“Clara!” Allison darted towards one of the dispatchers, enveloping her in a tight hug, “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you.”

Clara, returning the hug, laughed, “Well, I did suggest you and the others be recruited.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to see Deborah and Roger.” Grinned Allison, “Oh, Lucius got married.”

“He did?” Clara started to float, before she quickly grounded herself, “Who’d he marry? It’s not Blazestone, is it?”

“No, he married a normie,” Answered Allison, “her name’s Honey, last I heard, she’s constantly hiding his suit.”

“What about Bob and Helen?” Asked Clara, “Sam mentioned seeing them at a store getting a crib.”

“Sam’s here too?” Allison looked around for him.

“No, he’s… missing,” Winced Clara, “Mecha Man and Blonde Blazer have Waterboy and Phenomaman going to the island that his ‘special assignment’ was supposedly on.”

“O-oh.” Allison swallowed before looking around, “Have you heard about anyone else?”

“Frozone, Plasmabolt and Fironic have accepted the offer,” Said Clara, “We’re still working on Bob and Helen, and Coupé and Invisigal managed to recruit Gamma Jack.”

“Ya-what?” Allison looked at Clara, “Mr Megalomaniac?”

“I preferred ruthless, but, I suppose that works.” Jack’s voice appeared behind her.

Like the rest of them, he’d aged, his thick blond hair was shorter and had grey flecks, he wasn’t as toned as he used to be and he’d grown out a beard, but what drew Clara and Allison’s attention was the wedding ring on his left ring finger.

“You got married?” Asked Allison, frowning, “What’s her name?”

Jack blinked, before squinting, “Stormicide?”

“Allison,” Corrected Allison, before stepping away from Clara, “you remember Clara.”

“Stratogale,” Jack had a fond half-smile, “we never did have that race.”

“No, we didn’t.” Clara gave a half-hearted smile in return, before sitting down, “Things are still being set up here, but the turn out isn’t what we hoped.”

“What do you mean?” Asked Jack, sitting in a chair across her and Allison taking the seat next to him.

“Well, we tried to find twelve heroes before you, you know, Universal Man, Psycwave, Apogee, Phylange,” Clara listed off, “but, there no trace of them, a-and I don’t mean that they’ve gone to ground or-or been relocated, they’ve just… vanished. We even used that supercomputer Technowizard made and the government databases, they just, vanished. We briefly got in contact with Vectress, but she vanished too, Tradewind, I mean Sam, joined, but he’s disappeared.”

“Seriously?” Asked Jack, “Wait, you said ‘island’?”

“Yeah, Sam got this ‘secret’ assignment that was on some island,” Nodded Clara, “one of the janitors found some notes in his handwriting, something about a ‘top secret’ matter that needed ‘special’ skills. I brought it up with Blonde Blazer and Mecha Man, who then dispatched two of their own to the island in hopes of finding him.”

“Simon mentioned that he was going overseas for a business trip.” Said Jack, leaning back in his chair, “Said we wouldn’t be able to talk for a few days.”

“You’re still in contact with Gazerbeam?” Asked Clara, frowning.

Jack fiddled with his wedding ring.

“You’re married to Gazerbeam?!” Exclaimed Allison, “When the hell did that happen?!”

“A small register office about ten years ago.” Said Jack, “Our anniversary is next week.”

The two former heroines stared at the man, before Clara got up, “I-I’m gonna get some coffee, because I’ve got to be dreaming.”

Allison and Jack watched her leave, before Jack looked at the woman, “Did you know they’ve got Mecha Man?”

I

Robert looked at Bob, who was frowning at him.

“I understand that what we’re offering is…” Mandy looked between Bob and Helen, “strange, but it’s the same offer we—”

“Mecha Man.” Bob snapped his fingers.

“Sorry, what?” Asked Mandy, looking at Bob.

“Bob?”

“Look, the scar on his jaw,” Bob pointed at a faint scar along Robert’s jaw, “he got that when debris from Bomb Voyage caught him when he was out of his suit.”

Helen focused on the scar, before she sat back.

“Are you usually in the habit of out secret identities,” Asked Mandy, as Robert pinched the bridge of his nose, “or is that a new thing?”

“It’s new.” Said Robert, looking at Mandy, “It was one of my first jobs in the suit.”

“How come you didn’t say anything?” Asked Helen, getting a sigh from Robert.

“We didn’t want to pressure any of you into this,” Said Robert, “we’ve actually had to track down most of the supers that went into hiding. We’re still looking for Fironic and Plasmabolt, but every time we try and get in contact with our codenames, we’re met with silence. I managed to track down Stratogale and we worked from there.”

“Who else have you tried?” Asked Bob, looking livelier than he did a few minutes earlier.

“We managed to recruit Tradewind,” Said Mandy, “but he’s gone… missing, we’ve got two of ours looking for him right now. We’ve managed to locate Stormicide, and we’ve got people out looking for Gazerbeam and Frozone.”

Robert looked towards a chair, before he stood up and walked over to it, when he got within a foot of it, his arm shot out and grabbed something, a moment later a teenage girl appeared and a small blur shot towards Robert, who, acting on pure instinct, raised his foot and let it barrel into the bottom of his show.

“For god’s sake,” Groaned Helen getting up, “you two are supposed to be doing your homework!”

“I didn’t have any.” Said the source of a blur, which turned out to be a ten-year-old boy.

“I’ve already finished it.” Protested the girl, before Robert let go of her arm, “How’d you know I was there?”

“I actually thought you were someone else.” Said Robert, walking back to the couch.

“One of our heroes goes invisible every time she holds her breath.” Explained Mandy, “Robert’s her dispatcher.”

“You’re Bus Guy!” Gasped the boy, zipping around Robert.

“Dash!” Reprimanded Helen, just as someone knocked on the door.

Quickly making sure everyone was behaving, Helen got up and walked over to the door and opened it. Lucius stood in front of her, looking tired, before an old voice said, “About fucking time someone opened the door.”

Chase shuffled inside without waiting to be invited, “It’s the start of winter and it’s cold as a motherfucker out there.”

“Chase.” Scolded Mandy, as Robert stood up.

“Is this another one of your dispatchers?” Asked Helen, looking at Robert.

“Sort of,” Answered Robert, “he’s also one of the people vouching for you.”

Bob frowned, looking at Chase, “I’m sorry, I’m having trouble remembering.”

“Oh, that’s it?” Scoffed Chase, “First this bitch doesn’t recognise me and now you two? What? You not see someone for fifteen fucking years and then you don’t fucking remember them?!”

“Could you please stop swearing?” Asked Helen, trying to remember who he was.

“Alright,” Chase struck his running pose, “this jog anything?”

“Track Star?” Bob was on his feet, “How, when, what happened?”

“Yeah, why do you…?”

“Look like black motherfucking Einstein?” Finished Chase, “My powers let me move fifty times faster than the average person, wasn’t ‘til I looked like this, that I realised that they made age fifty times faster too.”

“Oh, god.” Helen’s hand covered her mouth, before she looked at Dash, “Is… is that the same for all speedsters?”

Robert catching on, looked at the boy, “We… we can do some tests back at SDN, just to make sure.”

“We only noticed because I sent them together.” Added Robert, “Which is all manners of fucked up.”

“Did…” Invisigal’s voice spoke up, “did any of them have a tablet appear in their things before they went?”

Robert frowned, “Phenomaman had one turn up, it’s why he and Waterboy were dispatched.”

Invisigal put a bag on the table in front of her, “I found this in my locker this morning, I thought one of you guys had put it there.”

Mandy walked over to the object and picked it up, “It’s the same type as the one Phenomaman was given.”

“How did it get in?” Asked Coupé, giving the object a suspicious look, “You need an SDN keycard to get into the locker rooms.”

“I’ll check with security.” Said Mandy, getting up, “Maybe we’ll be lucky and catch whoever it is.”

Robert gave a nod, before looking at Invisigal, “We should take the tablet upstairs, know what we’re dealing with. Prism, Flambae, can I trust you with Violet and Rose?”

“Fuck yeah.”

“What do you think, bitch?”

I

Violet didn’t know what to make of Rose, except she was the daughter of a former villain.

“So,” Said Prism, loudly over the speakers, “we know your powers, time to show us if you can use them!”

“Is she being serious?” Asked Rose, getting a shrug from Violet.

“First up!” Yelled Prism, as a robot appeared from the floor, “One bitch-ass opponent!”

“So,” Rose looked at Violet, “what can you do?”

Violet responded by turning invisible.

“Seriously?” Asked Rose, before a beanbag hit her side, “Oof.”

The next beanbag was intercepted by a forcefield, before Violet reappeared.

“You can make forcefields?” Asked Rose, getting a nod from Violet, “Why the hell didn’t you lead with that?!”

“Because they’re—” A beanbag hit Violet in the face, “spotty.”

“That’s an understatement.” Said Rose, before holding her hand out and firing a sonic blast at the robot, “How do they work?”

“I-I don’t know.” Said Violet, “We kinda had the whole thing of not using our powers and, I didn’t—”

“Practice?” Asked Rose, before looking at the robot, “Think you could throw a forcefield ball at it?”

Violet frowned, before making a ball and lobbing it at the robot, with Rose hitting the ball with a sonic blast to speed it up. Up in the observation room, Prism and Flambae watched as Rose helped Violet become more comfortable with her powers.

“Well,” Daniels’s voice made them turn around, “I was certainly expecting a bigger mess.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Asked Prism, as Violet lifted the robot up and threw it at Rose, who shattered it with a sonic blast.

“Increase the number of robots.” Said Daniels, folding his arms.

“Okay.” Shrugged Flambae, twisting a dial.

Down in the training room, the two girls stopped when twenty robots suddenly appeared.

“Nothing changes,” Said Rose, confidently, “just the same buckets and bolts, just a different number.”

Violet, swallowing, nodded, before she and Rose started to repeat what they were doing. The first five went down easily, with Violet using her fields as buckets and throwing the remains at the others, before she, unintentionally, launched her forcefields as discs at the robots.

“You can do that?!”

“I guess?!”

“Great!”

Five more robots fell, before twenty more robots appeared behind the remaining ten.

“Oh, shit.” Said Rose, as the pair were bombarded by beanbags.

Violet raised a forcefield, which turned into a dome, as Rose backed up.

“The forcefields, they are one way, right?” Asked Rose, getting a shrug from Violet, “Okay, I hope this works.”

Rose fired a sonic blast, which bounced off the inside of the forcefield and rang both girls ears. They held for another thirty seconds, before both of them passed out.

I

“I think she’s waking up.” Violet groaned at the bright light.

“What happened?” Asked Violet, as her eyes adjusted. Looking around, she noted that she was in the infirmary, her parents and Dash were beside her, with Rose occupying the bed across from her.

“Rose,” Said Robert, drawing Violet’s attention from her family, “let loose a sonic blasé while the two of you were encased in your forcefield. You both had about 100 decibels pounding you for a total of thirty seconds.”

“It that why my head hurts?” Groaned Violet, trying to sit up.

“Pretty much.” Confirmed Robert, before glancing towards the door, “Violet, I’ve discussed it with your parents and, since it may help you learn to control your powers, you’ll be here as a part-time dispatchable hero.”

“What?” Asked Violet, looking at Robert.

“You’re going to be placed with Clara, until we’re satisfied with your progress and move you to another team.” Explained Robert, “After that… we’ll probably discuss who we’re going to place you with when it happens.”

I

“Now, behold.” Violet wasn’t sure what to make of Galbaki, she wasn’t very big in terms of fashion, but she’d seen her parents’ suits and they didn’t look like… underwear, although that would be being generous. Rose’s suit was sky blue fading into white with a speaker symbol on the chest, Rose had taken one look at it and said it looked like a sports bra with a pair of bikini bottoms attached by pieces of string and that wasn’t even covering the stiletto heeled combat boots he’d given her.

“Light and breathable.” Said Galbaki, “Seamless and seductive…”

“She’s…” Clara spoke from the doorway, “she’s fourteen.”

“She had much growth and development,” Galbaki paused dramatically, “ahead of her.”

“What if someone shoots me in an area that’s uncovered?” Asked Rose, “I’m, I’m not bulletproof.”

“Yes, but,” Dismissed Galbaki, “with your forcefields—”

“She,” Clara pointed at Violet, “generates forcefields.”

“Oh,” Galbaki didn’t look happy, “oh well, onto her suit then.”

“If it can be called that.” Muttered Rose, as Galbaki pulled the cover off the other mannequin.

Violet felt the sudden urge to throw up, or turn invisible. Her own suit, if it could be called that, looked more like a racy swimsuit, it was solid purple and it literally looked like a pair of bikini bottoms with a six inch wide strip of silk that wrapped around her chest and finished as a cape, with a stylised ‘UV’ on the chest and cape. Like Rose, she had stiletto heeled boots, but unlike Rose, the boots went up to her thighs.

“What the fuck is that?” Sputtered Clara, “They’re fourteen, why the fuck would a child wear glorified lingerie?!”

“They’re going to grow and develop.” Said Galbaki, “They should at least try them on, before outright rejecting them.”

I

Clara sighed as she watched Violet and Rose train, they were wearing the basic training suits instead of their Galbaki ones. The fashion designer had insisted on taking pictures of the girls in their ‘suits’ before he left, something about showing up Edna Mode, Gabriel Agreste and Audrey Bourgeois, the dispatcher had thought it fortunate that the girls were wearing masks, since she could tell that both girls felt completely humiliated. The pair worked well together, especially once Violet managed to control the phasing of her forcefields. From what they could gather, Violet’s powers were psionic, which provided the question, how developed were her powers? Was she limited to forcefields or could she use telekinesis or telepathy? They knew that Violet could form multiple forcefields at once, since she’d torn a robot apart in the training session immediately after the suit reveal.

“How’re they doing?” Asked Daniels, getting Clara’s attention.

“They’re progressing,” Said Clara, looking from Daniels to the two girls, “I’m still trying to figure out how I’m going to suggest Violet expanding her abilities to Helen, but it’s starting to appear that Violet is only using a fraction of her powers.”

“Hmm.” Nodded Daniels, watching the girls, “I don’t suppose you seen the suits that Galbaki made for them?”

“You mean the barely one-piece lingerie that show more than they cover?” Asked Clara, getting a nod from Daniels, “He knows that they’re just kids, so why make it look like something that belongs in a strip club? They’re fourteen and he gave their suits boob windows, and before you say ‘Malevola wears something similar’, she’s a six-foot tall demon who can break people like twigs.”

“We’ve already reapproached Edna Mode.” Said Daniels, “We’ll show her the suits and see if she’s now willing to help.”

“Right.” Clara’s shoulders slumped, before she realised that she was floating, “I’ve got to stop doing that.”

“Hmm.” Daniels started towards the door, “Oh, by the way, Thunderhead’s back.”

“Really?” Asked Clara, as she observed Rose using her sonic blasts to launch herself into the air, while Violet used her force fields to make a set of steps appear in front of her, before she made a half-dome and used it like skateboard, “As a hero or as a civvy?”

“Civilian.” Answered Daniels, “Apparently, Scott threatened to divorce him if he almost died again.”

“Okay.” Said Clara, as Violet made Rose into an unconventional catapult, by having Rose launch her but hitting the underside of her forcefield with a sonic blast.

“Oh, by the way,” Said Daniels, just before he left, “Mr X has been in contact.”

Clara stiffened, before looking towards the door, only to find Daniels gone.

I

Helen sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, Voyd had accidentally opened a portal into a sewer, Reflux had sealed He-Lectrix in a container unit, Brick had destroyed a wall at a bank and Screech had flown into a powerline that cut out the power to half the city, which had to be fixed by He-Lectrix acting as a power source until it could be fix.

She glanced at her husband’s desk, Bob had to be sent on a call today, viewing some of his team in the field, he didn’t like observing, but he did help out when needed. Of course, his team consisted of four people, Bulbox, a man whose powers were similar to Bob’s, Velocity, a speedster that didn’t suffer from the condition that Dash and Chase had, Megaton, a radiokinetic woman with powers similar to Gamma Jack’s, and Screensaver, one of the heroes who didn’t have powers, but used her tech and martial arts training to help.

She and Bob had gotten into an argument after they got home, Bob was all for going on missions, which cause Helen to accuse him of wanting to relive the glory days, their argument stopped when Violet showed them the suit Galbaki had made, which looked like a six-inch wide length of silk that wrapped around Violet’s torso. Violet didn’t like it, and she told them the Clara and the other SDN higher-ups didn’t like it either, with Bob telling them that he was going to pay a visit to Edna and see if she’d be willing to help.

Helen thought about her own team, but they were usually kept out of the field when she wasn’t dispatching them, the Z-Team, as well as some of the other loaned heroes, had made a positive impression, with Invisigal and Golem foiling a bank robbery by tripping the ringleader into the living dirt that was Golem.

“Strange to see a buncha ex-cons doing good, ain’t it?” Asked Chase, appearing above the cubicle wall.

“It is strange,” Admitted Helen, “but, wouldn’t Torrence be in danger, since they’re here?”

“Nah, Red Ring was taken down five years ago,” Dismissed Chase, “back when Robert took out Shroud. Of course, hearing a dispatcher beat the shit out of a super villain made most crooks turn their lives around.”

“Not all of them.” Said Coupé, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

“What’s got you fucking smirking like that?” Asked Chase, giving her a suspicious look.

“Nothing.”

“Can someone please explain why Retardant is stuck to the ceiling?” Blonde Blazer’s voice came over the headsets.

“What fucking moron chooses a name like ‘Retardant’?” Asked Chase, “Don’t he know the short hand for that is?”

“He was spying on the girls while they were trying the suits Gallipoli made for them.” Said Punch Up, “Chad and me dealt with him.”

There was an extended silence, before they heard Blazer sigh, “He’s glued to the ceiling tiles, isn’t he?”

“Yep.” Punch Up and Flambae sounded a little too proud of themselves for gluing the, previously unknown, voyeur to the ceiling.

“I can run down there,” Said Chase, “I got a step ladder pretty close.”

“And make your implant explode?” Asked Invisigal, “Yeah, no, Robert wants you are Bertie’s eighteenth.”

“I want Chase to outlive all of us,” Said Mecha Man, “Just have him surviving off pure spite.”

“You mean he isn’t already?” Asked Malevola, “He’s what, 2000?”

“Nah, more like eight.” Disagreed Sonar, getting a groan from Chase.

“I wasn’t going to use my fucking powers, assholes,” Said Chase, “I was going to pick it up and walk it down to Blazer.”

“Chase, she can fly.” Said Mecha Man, “I’m coming back, apparently Bertie’s school’s trying to contact me.”

I

Organa silently watched as the children walked into Western View, she made sure Xander was at home, since she wasn’t entirely sure on what her gas would do. Many would call her cruel, or sub-human, for pumping a school full of an experimental gas, just to see what it could do. She hoped that it would turn the people inside into monkeys or chimps, but she’d found some gas in an abandoned lock up not far from the NSA and SDN.

Part of her wondered if SDN would send Elastigirl, but decided not to get her hopes up. Sighing, Organa pressed a button on her wrist, triggering the canisters she’d planted in the schools air vents. Slowly, but surely, the windows became opaque as the gas filled the rooms, for a moment, Organa wondered if she’d just killed a school full of children.

“What did he put?” Asked Snotlout, looking for a reason to throw his form away.

“It's probably something stupid.” Dismissed Astrid, going back to Stormfly as her dragon started grumbling, “You’re getting as bad as Toothless.”

“He's ticked the box saying that he's pregnant.” Said Gobber, making Astrid freeze, and Snotlout and the twins burst into laughter.

“Hiccup's having a baby?” Laughed Tuffnut, “How?”

“Astrid's been spending a lot of time with him.” Suggested Ruffnut, waggling her eyebrows at Astrid.

“Shut up.” Snapped Astrid, giving Ruffnut a glare.

“Astrid, why weren't you using protection?” Demanded Snotlout in mock outrage.

“Protection from what?”

The twins and Snotlout’s laughter died down, for the total of five seconds, as they looked at Hiccup and burst into harder laughter.

Hiccup blinked, before looking at Fishlegs, who was trying not to laugh, Astrid, who was glaring at Ruffnut, and Gobber, who was holding a form.

“Is… everything okay?” Asked Hiccup, as Gobber looked at the form and at Hiccup.

“How long have ye been expecting?” Asked Gobber, getting fresh laughter from Snotlout and the twins.

“Expecting what?” Asked Hiccup, “Guys?”

Sighing, Astrid left Stormfly, the Nadder complaining as she walked away, and took the form from Gobber and showed it to Hiccup, “Apparently, you’re pregnant.”

Frowning, Hiccup took the form and looked at it, quickly locating the pregnant tick box, right next to the ‘amputee’ tick box, “O-oh! Right, sorry.” Hiccup licked a finger and quickly rubbed out the mark and quickly ticked the correct box, “Toothless was creating, so I just…rushed it.”

“So, you’re not pregnant?” Asked Snotlout, getting a sigh from Hiccup.

“No, Snotlout.” Answered Hiccup, as Astrid went back over to Stormfly to finish her bath.

That should’ve been the end of the discussion, and most of them thought it was, except the whole situation had tickled the combined half-braincell that the Thorston Twins shared.

P

The next time it was brought up, they were on the brink of war with the Lava Louts, a tribe of Vikings to the south of Berk. The Hairy Hooligans had been discussing their options, when Ruffnut and Tuffnut proposed a plan, which they said wasn’t going to take long.

“-Step number 879--” Continued Tuffnut, as the Tribe tried not to fall asleep.

“The most important step.” Interrupted Ruffnut, getting a sigh from Stoick and a groan from Hiccup.

“-Astrid gets Hiccup pregnant.” Finished Tuffnut, getting a stunned silence from the rest of the tribe.

“I’m sorry?” Asked Stoick, frowning at the twins, “What was that last one?”

“Astrid gets Hiccup pregnant.” Said Tuffnut, looking up at the chief.

“You mean Hiccup gets Astrid pregnant, right?” Asked Alvid, frowning at them.

“No, Astrid gets Hiccup pregnant and he gives birth.” Answered Tuffnut, as Astrid opened her mouth.

“No,” Hiccup stopped her from talking, “no, let them think it through, I want to see how long it takes them.”

Astrid didn’t look very happy about it, but did as Hiccup said, before everyone watched the twins leave the mead hall.

“They… they were serious.” Said Phlegma, incredulously, “Those mad sheep thieves were actually serious.”

“They’ll lose interest and find something new to poke fun at soon enough.” Dismissed Stoick, “Hiccup, I want you, Astrid, Snotlout and Fishlegs to go to the other tribes, see if they are either willing to aid us or, at least, stay neutral.”

Hiccup nodded, “Okay, Astrid, go to Berserker Island, Mala and Dagur should be willing to hear us out. Fishlegs, I want you to go to the Bog Islands, Camicazi’s not going to want to listen to anything I, or Astrid, say.”

The pair nodded, before leaving.

“Snotlout, we’re going to hit multiple tribes, I want you to go to the Meathead, Uglithugs, and the Glums, you have the best relationship with them.” Ordered Hiccup, “I’ll go to the Outcasts, Murderous and Hysterics.”

“What about the other tribes?” Asked Hoark, getting Hiccup’s attention, “We have other riders that can go to them.”

“They’ll be needed here,” Said Stoick, “we’ll need them close if the Lava Louts decide to attack us while Hiccup and his riders are gone.”

Hoark didn’t look happy, but he nodded, prompting Hiccup to grab Snotlout’s shoulder and leave the hall.

P

The meetings with the other tribes hadn’t gone well, the Berserkers, Outcasts, Bog Burglars and Meatheads stood with Berk, while the rest stood with the Lava Louts, with three other tribes remaining neutral.

Hiccup thought the fact that they were at war would make the twins take things seriously, but he soon found himself mistaken, since Ruffnut proposed a plan to get the war to end quickly, which was somewhat plausible, until Ruffnut finished.

“-and, to cap it all off, Astrid gets Hiccup pregnant.” Said Ruffnut, making the gathered Tribes go silent.

“I'm sorry?” Asked Heather, who was standing in for Dagur, who was trying to get the Hysterics to switch sides.

“Astrid gets Hiccup pregnant,” Clarified Tuffnut, as if Heather was stupid, “Astrid puts a baby in Hiccup, what's so difficult to understand?”

“I...” Heather tried to find the words, “don't think that's gonna happen.”

“Oh, Heather,” Scoffed Ruffnut, “you're so innocent.”

“No, I mean—” Heather tried to explain, only for Hiccup to cut her off.

“Ignore them, Heather,” Sighed Hiccup, “we're pretty sure they’re stupid and don't know how reproduction works.”

“It’s a wonder that they survived this long.” Agreed Thuggory, leaning against a table, “Odin knows we would’ve thrown them into the sea.”

Heather gave a hesitant nod, deciding to drop the subject. Of course, that didn’t stop Hiccup from stumbling across Tuffnut and Dagur a couple of hours later.

“-and once Hiccup has had Astrid's baby—” Said Tuffnut, completely oblivious to Hiccup standing in the doorway.

“I'm sorry, once Hiccup has had Astrid's what?” Interrupted Dagur, looking up from his knife.

“Astrid's baby,” Answered Tuffnut, “well, he's not pregnant yet, but he will be.”

“O...kay?” Said Dagur, before spotting Hiccup, “Brother! You are a ‘brother’, right?”

“Yes, I’m a guy, Dagur.” Sighed Hiccup, deciding to walk further into the room, “Gothi, Dad, Gobber and my Aunt can attest to that. How’d it go with you?”

“Uncle Nutjob agreed to switch sides,” Said Dagur, “apparently you, Snotlout and Astrid burning that pirate fleet shocked some sense into him.”

“I’m just glad I didn’t have to fight him or Baldur.” Confessed Hiccup, his eyes going to a bandage on his right arm, “Like I did Viktor.”

“Viktor was an ass, I’m pretty sure Vicious is glad he’s dead.” Said Dagur, waving a hand, “Besides, there’re hundreds more left.”

Hiccup sighed and gave Dagur a nod.

P

“Do you think we should pretend I am pregnant?” Asked Hiccup, glancing down at Astrid a few months later, “See if it gets the twins to stop.”

“It won't.” Sighed Astrid, as she stopped tracing invisible patterns on Hiccup’s chest, “I’m pretty sure it’ll just encourage them.”

“Okay,” Said Hiccup, adjusting himself so he could look at her properly, “what would you suggest?”

“I break the barriers of biology and get you pregnant?” Joked Astrid, before sighing, “You never explained why Camicazi didn’t like us.”

“There was a betrothal agreement,” Said Hiccup, his thoughts turning to his friend, “Dad and Spitelout hammered it out with Bertha, then the Dragon war ended, and the Tribe was suddenly less willing to lose me, and the agreement was broken.”

“And Camicazi didn’t take it well.” Said Astrid, as the conclusion appeared in her mind.

“Yeah, she… she thought that I suddenly decided that she wasn’t good enough or that I didn’t want to go through with it.” Said Hiccup, staring at the ceiling of their tent.

“Would you?” Asked Astrid, sitting up, “Gone through with it?”

“If I hadn’t shot Toothless down, probably.” Confessed Hiccup, “Gods, things would’ve been so different.”

“We wouldn’t be a thing.” Said Astrid, hollowly, “And Camicazi wouldn’t be a prisoner of the Lava Louts.”

“Yeah.” Hummed Hiccup, before lying down on the bed.

“We might not even be at war.” Said Astrid, lying back down and resting her head on Hiccup’s chest.

Hiccup chose not to dwell on that thought.

P

“Okay, how do I look?” Asked Hiccup, adjusting the two pillows he’d shoved under his shirt.

“I don't know,” Said Astrid, tilting her head, “it's not really giving pregnant vibes, just... fat.”

“Lassie,” Said Gobber, from his spot at a table, “there's a fine line between pregnant and fat.”

“How the heck do you know?” Asked Astrid, getting a small smirk from Hiccup, who knew Astrid really hated swearing.

“Gobber asked Valka if she was finally putting on some 'winter bulk' when she was carrying Hiccup.” Said Stoick, “I honestly thought that she was going to kill him, especially since she knocked Gordon’s teeth out.”

“Gordon,” Said Hiccup, “as in Gordon the Gummy?”

“He was originally Gordon the Grievous.” Supplied Gobber, “Let it be said, that woman threw quite the punch.”

“Oh, so that’s where you get it from.” Said Astrid, looking at Hiccup, “Since you knock three of Snotlout’s teeth out when you punched him.”

“Of course he’s got a decent punch on him,” Scoffed Gobber, “half of his struggles in the forge are just theatrics, he capable to lifting a Warhammer with one hand.”

“And the first thing he did after losing a leg and waking up from a month-long coma was ride the fastest dragon in the world,” Added Stoick, “and what you told us about that brief war with the Dragon Hunters, he was more like a force of nature than a person.”

“And he practically ended our most recent war.” Said Gobber, “Facing and killing both Logan the Cruel, and Lincon the Kin-slayer in single combat.”

Hiccup’s thoughts went to how the Hooligan/Lava Lout war ended, they’d torn though the Burning Ilses defences, sacking and burning the garrisons and taking the villagers away from the fighting. Hiccup, after all his previous feats in the war, had been named as a sword master, and fought Logan during the sacking, taking his hand and then his head. Lincon had arrived just as Hiccup removed his son’s head.

Lincon had killed his brothers and their children in order to claim the chiefdom of the Burning Ilses. Defeating him had been fairly easy, with Hiccup using Inferno to take the top half of his head, leaving him with just his lower jaw and tongue.

“Maybe you should lose a pillow,” Suggested Astrid, jerking Hiccup from his thoughts, “make it look like you’re in the early stages.”

“That…” Hiccup thought it over, “could work.”

P

A week later Hiccup was sitting in the mead hall, in full view of the doors, with a pillow shoved up his shirt. Part of him wondered if it would work, then he saw Ruffnut and Tuffnut in the doorway from the corner of his eye, who, upon seeing Hiccup with a 'baby' belly, ran off.

Hiccup quickly removed the pillow and stuffed it under his seat, twenty minutes later, Ruffnut and Tuffnut returned with half the tribe, and a significant number of their allies.

“See?!” Cried Ruffnut, pointing at an obviously not pregnant Hiccup.

“What?” Asked Hiccup, looking at the crowd.

“Where is it?” Demanded Tuffnut, looking around Hiccup.

“Where is what?” Asked Hiccup, feigning innocence.

“The baby bump!” Yelled Ruffnut, joining Tuffnut in looking for the ‘missing’ bump.

“What baby bump?” Questioned Hiccup, raising an eyebrow.

“Your baby bump!” Snapped Tuffnut, looking at Hiccup.

“My…” Hiccup did his best to look confused, “I don't have a baby bump.”

“Yes, you did!” Cried Ruffnut, as the crowd left, grumbling, “Where is it?”

“B-b-b-but- he- there—” Stammered Tuffnut, looking after the crowd, as Hiccup discreetly shoved the pillow back up his shirt after everyone left.

“Oh, you mean this bump?” Asked Hiccup, making Ruffnut and Tuffnut’s attention, with them staring at the bump, “Me and Astrid got careless.”

“Why are you telling us?” Asked Ruffnut, looking at Hiccup suspiciously, while Tuffnut look awed.

“Because...” Said Hiccup, removing the pillow and held it up to them, “no one will ever believe you.”

Tuffnut looked between Hiccup and the pillow in a shocked silence, while Ruffnut glared at Hiccup and sneered, “You sick bastard.”

“Bold words, coming from the two idiots who think born men can get pregnant.” Deadpanned Hiccup, giving them a flat look.

“Our uncle Pregnut got pregnant!” Snapped Ruffnut, crossing her arms.

“Because, believe it or not, you’re Uncle was born a woman.” Said Hiccup, “I would ask if you actually paid attention to Gothi’s healing lessons, but obviously you didn’t.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Demanded Ruffnut, as Tuffnut looked confused.

“Men’s pelvises can’t accommodate giving birth,” Explained Hiccup, know this was just going to go in one ear and out the other, “they’re too narrow, women’s pelvises are shallower and wider so they can accommodate giving birth.”

“What?” Asked the twin, looking dumbfounded.

Sighing, Hiccup rolled his eyes, “You know what, never mind.”

Without waiting for a response from the twins, Hiccup left the mead hall, leaving the twins in a stunned silence.

“He’s right.” Said Tuffnut, after a moment, “No one is going to believe us.”

The pair watched Hiccup walk to the docks, grabbing a torch as he went. Silently, they followed the rest of the tribe to the sea of longboats that carried their dead, Big-Boobied Bertha, Chieftess of the Bog Burglar Tribe, Mogadon the Meathead, Chief of the Meatheads, Phlegma the Fierce, Starkard, and several other warriors had been lost throughout the three year long war. They’d been unable to hold funerals for them because the Lava Louts always made sure to keep a garrison of warriors behind to collect the bodies.

The dead were all wrapped in canvas salvaged from the sails of sunken ships, and had been doused in some flammable liquid Hiccup had accidentally made while trying to make whiskey, a drink from the south.

Dragons pulled the boats out of the docks, with Stoick, Hiccup, and the other leaders and Chiefs fired burning arrows into the boats, followed by the rest of the warriors. Hiccup sighed as they all watched the burning sea, he felt Astrid appear next to him.

“How’d the prank go?”

“They fell for it.” Answered Hiccup, “But, they did keep morale up, even if we were the butt end of the joke.”

“Yeah.” Murmured Astrid, before glancing at the twins, “Looks like Fishlegs and Snotlout are trying to get close to Ruff.”

Hiccup let out a quiet snort, “Really? With what happened to Snotlout?” When he got a nod from Astrid, he sighed, “Well, I wish them luck, Ruffnut is as dense as a boulder.”

Feeling Astrid sigh, Hiccup wrapped an arm around her.

“We should probably help Fishlegs.” Said Astrid, getting a chuckle from Hiccup, “I’m pretty sure everyone would listen to Hiccup the Heartless.”

“I really don’t like that name.” Muttered Hiccup, before sighing, “That can wait. Let’s just…”

“Relax?” Asked Astrid, getting a nod from Hiccup, “That sounds good.”

A horn being blown drew their attention, where they saw half the crowd heading to the mead hall for the funeral feast.

“You know,” Said Hiccup, after a moment, “we probably should head up there, get some of the good food before Gobber eats it all.”