SuperNova: Heroes of Arcania

by Liz Long

  After Nova got Andy out of the way, the driver hit the brakes in time. Miraculously, Nova came out without a scratch.

  “When the car hit her, I thought she was done for. They’re both lucky if you ask me,” said Ashley Donovan, sophomore.

  Andy Vicker would sure like to express his gratitude:“I can’t thank Nova enough. I don’t think I’d be alive right now if it wasn’t for her; at the very least I’d be badly hurt. I owe her everything, but maybe I can start by taking her out to dinner.”

  Just goes to show ya, kids: Don’t text and drive. And if you need any saving in the future, let’s hope our very own Nova Benson is around to help out. Next time you see her in the hallways, do yourself a favor and say hello. She might just save your life.

  I lowered the paper, looked at Henry in shock. “I can’t believe you wrote this.”

  He sighed at my reaction. “Yeah, I did. I thought you’d be excited or grateful or something. Not pissed off. I thought being popular and getting Andy’s attention was everything you wanted, like before. This is guaranteed to get you there. Andy wanted me to tell you he was serious about that dinner, by the way.”

  I became uncomfortably aware of Cole and Penelope behind us and I cleared my throat. “Maybe that’s what I wanted last year, Henry, but not anymore.”

  “Why not?” he demanded to know. “I mean, I know after everything that happened last spring, some things changed, but I thought this would help get you back into the swing of things! Everyone’s talking about what happened. I just managed to spin it in a good light.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked. My eyes narrowed. “You think if it weren’t for your help, they’d think I was a freak?”

  Henry’s mouth dropped open. “What? No, of course not! I mean…” he trailed off, searching the sky for an answer. “I want people to know the real you. I’m sorry, Nova, I guess I didn’t think it through. I thought you’d be happy.”

  My heart dropped at the words, at my best friend’s good but ridiculous intentions. Henry had meant well. He’d done a stupid thing, but his heart had been in the right place. I couldn’t fault him for that.

  “It’s too late to put something else in its place, isn’t it?” I asked. When Henry nodded, I sighed in a resigned way. “All right. If people are going to talk about it, I’d much rather them think I’m a hero than some puddle of sad girl. I’m so tired of everyone waiting for me to snap.”

  “I know. It’s kinda why I thought it would be a good thing. I should’ve asked first and I really am sorry,” Henry said. We shared a smile and Penelope sniffed in a haughty way.

  “You two get along much better than Cole and I do when we fight,” she said. She stood up, motioning to Cole to join her. She was ready to go, therefore they had to leave. I would have to be careful not to refer to her as Princess Penelope.

  Henry and I both stood up, too. “Keep the paper,” he said to me. “I’ll see you in the morning; we’ll walk in together so you don’t wuss out on me and hide all day.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. He knew me too well; I’d already considered it a moment ago. The three of them stepped off the porch and turned to me.

  “You owe me one, Henry.” His hair flopped into his eyes with his emphatic nod. I addressed the siblings. “And thanks for the company tonight, guys. It was…fun getting milkshakes with you.”

  Cole and I shared a look. I shook my head a little in an effort to tell him not to tell Henry anything. He’d given me a slight nod, so I hoped we weren’t secretly agreeing to different things. I was almost worried to let Henry and Cole spend time together alone, afraid that Cole might let slip our secrets to Henry “I Love Big News” Wheeler.

  We all said our goodnights and the three of them walked away. Knots in my stomach formed as I thought about everyone reading tomorrow’s front page.

  I took a long, hot shower, unable to sleep after what I’d learned. When I finally dozed off, I had nightmares of Fortune, standing in the school’s hallway and laughing at the newspaper in his hands. Three fitful hours later, when my alarm went off for school, I accidentally crushed the clock in my bare hand.

  “Ugh, not another one,” I mumbled.

  I dragged myself out of bed and into the bathroom. Bleary-eyed and grumpy, I sighed as I untangled the knots in my bedhead.

  “Last night had to be a dream,” I mumbled to my reflection as I washed my face. “There is no way some race of people with superpowers are running around the world.”

  And I hadn’t possibly been saved by Penelope and Cole, only to discover I was some sort of freak. Right?

  As I got up and ready for the day, questions swirled in my head so fast I could barely keep up. How was it possible that gifted people hadn’t been exposed to humans? Fortune had to be gifted, but didn’t that make him even more dangerous? How was I one of them? And why is none of this on the Internet?

  The more I thought about it, the more ridiculous it sounded. I must’ve hit my head when that attacker last night threw me across the building. I imagined his speed. I had to have; what kind of freak show was I if all of this was real? I couldn’t have possibly agreed to let Cole and Penelope help me fight Fortune.

  Gifted. No way.

  Head still spinning, I absentmindedly shoveled pieces of breakfast pastry into my mouth as I shuffled to school. I’d nearly managed to convince myself that I’d imagined the whole thing when the Warners found me a block over. Cole’s hand went up in a small wave before he jammed it back into his front pocket, his expression unreadable.

  I didn’t dream it.

  My stomach turned, breakfast now forgotten. I shoved the remainder in a nearby trash can, speeding up to cross the road and get to school. The siblings made a beeline for me, Cole’s amber eyes not leaving me. Penelope, as usual, had her giant porcelain doll eyes on everything else.

  “Get any sleep last night?” Cole asked me in a hushed voice.

  “Not really.”

  My flat response had him glance at me, concern in his eyes. “Are you okay?”

  My lips pressed together to prevent my immediate response. “Just nervous about Henry’s little stunt.”

  It wasn’t untrue; my stomach was already tied in knots at not knowing the reaction to Henry’s stupid article. Ignoring how cute Cole looked today, I gave him the side eye, quickening my pace to get inside. The way I figured, we couldn’t discuss gifted-type things with so many ears around. I knew I could only deter him for so long, but I was mad at myself for agreeing to let them get involved. My solution: I’d push off the conversation for as long as possible.

  We managed to step inside the front door into the rush of bodies. Cole seemed to understand my thinking and took my elbow. He gently pulled me to one side. I slowed to look at him, though I couldn’t stop the little stomach flip at the contact. Ignoring it, I scowled at him.

  “Cole, I don’t have time to talk right now,” I said, trying to get out of the conversation. “I can’t be late for class and I’m already going to be dealing with plenty today thanks to Henry’s quest for a Pulitzer.”

  As though on cue, Henry interrupted us, though this time I was quite happy to allow it. Penelope also sidled up to us, rustling around in her backpack. Henry grinned from ear to ear, light glaring off his glasses. He shoved them back on his nose impatiently, waving a paper in his free hand.

  “Nova!” he called over the heads of other students. He fought his way through the swarm of bodies, barely glancing at the Warners. He was beaming. “You’re a hit.”

  “You mean your story is a hit,” I corrected him. I tried to sound sincere. “Congratulations, that’s great for your portfolio.”

  Henry shook his head, annoyance clear. “Forget the portfolio, Nova, you’re a hero. People are talking about it all over school!”

  I couldn’t hide my grimace and Henry’s face fell. Guilt sliced through me, though I couldn’t help but think of how much I didn’t want any of this.

  Cole shrugged at his reacti
on, not looking the least bit offended. “Nova’s having a bad morning.”

  Henry glanced at Cole, surprised. “How would you know?”

  “Is it not that obvious? I’ll dial it up a few notches,” I interrupted. Putting a hand up to both of them, I shoved my way through other students, leaving them both behind as I raced to my locker. Penelope snickered.

  As I made my way down the hall, I couldn’t miss the many glances in my direction. Several groups of people eyed me as I passed, their whispers dying in my presence. I could swear their conversation picked back up when they thought I was outside of hearing distance. I wondered if they thought me to be a freak. Then the spell broke.

  “Hey Nova,” someone shouted from across the way. “Way to go!”

  Someone else chimed in. “Yeah, she saved Andy’s life!”

  Soon the stares became smiles; my eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I spun the combination on my locker. Were they messing with me? Maybe Henry bribed them all.

  I slammed my locker shut. Turning around, I smashed into a broad chest. I glanced up to see all six feet three inches of Andy Vicker grinning down at me.

  “If it isn’t my savior,” he said.

  “It’s not nice to poke fun,” I said, irritated. I moved to step around him and he held up a hand.

  “Whoa, whoa, Nova,” Andy said, shaking his head. His hair fell around his eyes and he brushed it away, well-aware of how adorable it made him look. “It’s not like that at all. I’m not making fun of you.”

  My defensive posture faltered. “You’re not?”

  “Of course not!” Andy leaned in and I caught a whiff of his cologne. “Nova, I don’t know how I’m going to repay you, but I will. I promise.”

  I got caught up in his blue eyes, at the bright smile he offered. A little piece of me remembered the way I’d felt last spring when he looked my way. “O-okay. I mean, I guess.”

  “Can I start by carrying your books?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh, motioning to my bag. “I think I’m covered, but thanks.”

  “At the very least I’ll walk you to your first class,” he said, not taking no for an answer.

  His hand moved to the small of my back, ushering me forward. As I turned away from my locker, I spotted Cole looking over at me. He looked surprised and I couldn’t place the feeling in my gut.

  Andy and I walked down the hallway together. Students shouted out more congratulations about my heroism; a few jokers asked if I could save their lives when the time came, but I ignored them. Part of me was still in wonder at having Andy’s attention. I’d forgotten what it was like to feel popular, to be under his spell. His hand stayed on my back, fingers grazing my hip every so often. He’d shoot me a smile every few seconds, sending old Nova into a tizzy. I’d wanted this for nearly a year. Despite the ridiculous circumstances of how it’d come about, I temporarily let myself enjoy it.

  I glanced back through the crowd and spotted Henry, walking behind us with the Warners. Henry gave me a grin, along with a look that clearly said I told you so. Cole, on the other hand, wore a sour expression. He was mad at me for snapping at him and now enjoying all the attention. I’ll have to apologize to him later.

  The rest of the day was like something Old Nova would’ve dreamt of, full of congratulations and appreciation. Andy had apparently told half the school, while Henry had the other half reading the newspaper. I ignored Henry’s text to check the newsfeeds, perfectly content to stay offline.

  I couldn’t bear lunch in the cafeteria today. Too many people would swamp me for details; they’d been driving me crazy in the hallways between classes. I snuck out to the parking lot, eating a spare granola bar stashed in my bag. When I walked into government class after lunch, Cole was already sitting at our table.

  I slowly made my way over, unsure if I should swallow my pride and apologize for snapping at him. It wasn’t his fault I wasn’t taking things well. I slipped into my seat, dropping my bag to the floor. I turned to him, eager to get it out in the open.

  “Listen, I’m sorry about this morning,” I started, but he cut me off.

  “No problem. Don’t worry about it.”

  His shortness confused me. “Are you mad? Look, it’s just a lot to take in at one time—”

  “I said it’s fine,” he interrupted.

  Before I could try again, the teacher cleared her throat and began class. Frustrated, I sat there for thirty minutes without taking a single word in. She could’ve told us the meaning of life and I wouldn’t have heard a thing. All I could think about was Cole fuming next to me, and wondering if I needed to make it up to him somehow. I inwardly groaned; there was only one way he’d forgive me.

  I scribbled a question down on my notebook. When the teacher wasn’t looking, I shoved it at Cole’s elbow. He glanced down to read it.

  I have lots of questions if we’re going to be superheroes.

  His face softened. I kept my eyes on the teacher to avoid getting in trouble, but kept him in my peripheral vision. Cole sat there for a few seconds and I wondered if he’d forgive me. Disappointed, I reached out to pull my notebook back and his hand shot out to stop me. His fingers rested on my hand, squeezing gently. My skin tingled where we’d touched; I pulled back so he could write on the paper.

  I want to help. Any way I can.

  OK. Tonight? I added a smiley-face.

  A smile tugged at his lips; when he glanced at me to see me looking, he attempted to look serious again. His pen moved to reply.

  U sure? When I nodded, he scribbled again. Game on.

  I texted Nova that night asking for her to come over to my house. I paced the living room the moment I sent it. I was a little nervous to hang out with her; she’d looked pretty happy on Andy’s arm earlier today. But maybe this was better, for me to get to know her in her element. She’d be able to be herself, which is something I knew we both wanted.

  I was so busy thinking that I didn’t even notice her slip into the backyard. She tapped on the back patio door and startled me. Dressed all in black, she skulked in the shadows to avoid being seen.

  “Hey,” I said, allowing her entrance. “You’re good at being quiet.”

  “I’ve had a few nights of practice.” She grinned at me and followed me downstairs. Penelope sat on the couch, turning off the TV when she saw us.

  “Do you know how to fight?” she asked Nova without any greeting.

  Nova looked surprised, but shrugged. “I mean, kind of; I’ve watched a few tutorials.”

  Penelope laughed. “You can’t go out and fight crime without knowing how to properly fight.”

  “Even though I’m an Unbreakable?” she asked, skeptical.

  “What was your plan to fight off that Runner who had you by the throat?” she asked, reminding Nova of what was probably becoming a sore moment in her budding career.

  Nova huffed, raising an eyebrow at her. “Okay, so what do you suggest?”

  I motioned to a door. “We can help.”

  They followed me into the garage that also doubled as a home gym. One side had enough room to park a car, but the other side had a few weights and other gym equipment.

  Nova lit up at one of the pieces. “Now that I don’t have.” She motioned to the heavy punching bag, making a beeline for it.

  I laughed, loving the way she jumped right into things. I went over and stood behind the bag, holding it steady for her. “Go ahead, give it your best shot.”

  Nova gave me a doubtful look. “Maybe not my best shot.”

  “Sure,” I said, slapping a hand on the bag. “It can handle whatever you’ve got.”

  “You should move…”

  I laughed. “Maybe I can handle whatever you’ve got.”

  I hadn’t thought before speaking, immediately chastising myself for such a cheesy line. However, those lips of hers curved upwards, giving my insides a warm glow. The sparkle in her eyes made me certain I’d take a thousand hits if it meant making her happy.

  “Hi
t him already,” Penelope piped up, spoiling the moment.

  “Okay, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Nova said.

  She pulled her arm back and released, letting her fist fly straight into the bag. The vibrations hit me hard in the stomach. I grunted as the impact sent the punching bag swinging back. I let go, struggling not to drop to the ground or double over. I managed to stay upright, hand on my stomach, but there was no hiding the watery eyes.

  “Good punch,” I choked out, shooting her a thumbs up.

  Penelope laughed openly, clutching her side. I gave her a dirty look, but she wasn’t the least bit threatened. Nova put a hand over her mouth, apologizing. I waved her off, trying to get the embarrassment off me with another idea.

  “Pen, why don’t you show Nova a few self-defense moves Dad taught you?” I suggested.

  Penelope smirked. “Sure, do you want to be the attacker?”

  I shook my head, still clutching my stomach. I tried to look cool as I eased back to a stool in the corner. “Nope. You two go ahead.”

  Penelope proceeded to show Nova a few basic moves. I jumped in when explaining how to break a chokehold, though admitted it would be different when the real thing had you by the throat.

  After a half hour or so, the girls got tired of practicing. Penelope could hardly contain herself, bouncing a little.

  “Okay, so now that we’ve had our first training session, can we go?” She glanced at Nova, jerking a thumb at me. “Cole said we shouldn’t go until we make sure everyone can handle themselves.”

  “Not that you can’t,” I said to Nova, not wanting her to get the wrong idea. “I just meant that we should all know the basics. Dad taught us a few things everyone should know, especially when they’re downtown.”

  Nova nodded in understanding. “I get it. And I’m glad you did, it’s much easier to train with other people. But why did your dad teach you all this stuff if you’re gifted?”

  “So we don’t have to use our gifts,” I answered. “If something were to happen out in public, Dad wanted to know we could handle ourselves without exposing our secret.”