Burn Out

by R. J. Ross

  “Mine’s better,” Ruckus says, standing and showing off her stomach, as well.

  “In your dreams, it is,” Doris says. I roll my eyes, because this is the most ridiculous argument I’ve heard in… minutes. “Either way, I don’t feel like pretending to be a chick that’s pretending to be me.” She glares at Skye, pointedly.

  “Look! Look! Floaty hair!” Ariel says with a brilliant smile as she photobombs the screen. Her hair is up, just like a troll’s. I turn away, trying not to laugh.

  “I LOVE IT!” Skye squeals. “Let me do it, too! I want to do it!” She starts shoving at her hair, trying to get it to stand straight up. “I need the SUPER power hairspray! Give me a moment!” she races off screen, and I hear things being thrown in the background.

  “Oh for crying out loud,” Doris says, rolling her eyes. “Skye, we don’t have time for you to super glue your hair!”

  “Sure we do, Ruckus still needs to get dressed,” Skye says coming back into view. It looks like she found what she wanted.

  “We’ll be there in ten,” I say, glancing at Ruckus, who yawns loudly and heads off for her room.

  “She seems happier,” Doris says.

  “She’s been helping with the police near the border,” Dolly says with a little smile. “Of course, working with Jimmi is a HUGE help, too!”

  “Hey, hey, is Vinny in town?” Skye asks me as she floats upside down and sprays her hair with a gigantic spray can. “We want him to come over and barbecue for us! I love KC style barbecue! Does that make me a traitor to Texas?” she asks Ariel, who shrugs and shoves at the strand of water hair that keeps falling in her face.

  “I like barbecue any way I can get it!” Ariel says. “We can swim in the lake and make him cook for us!”

  “I actually agree with that,” Doris says. “You can talk him into it, right, Jimmi? We’ll provide the meat.”

  I scowl, feeling irritated. “Ask him, yourself. He won’t even take me to a stupid movie.”

  “Huh… I’m going to just ignore the obvious teenage angst and pretend I didn’t hear it,” Doris says. “Skye can talk him into it.”

  “I’ll kidnap him!” Skye says happily. “Oh, oh, we should have Jimmi lure him out and then we’ll grab him!”

  I glare at them both, because I’m almost positive that Skye is being as terrible as Doris is, right now.

  “No, that won’t work, because that’s WHY Jimmi’s being all angsty right now, and Doris is ignoring it,” Ariel says, innocently. “You need better bait, right?”

  “You’re ALL terrible,” I say as Ruckus starts roaring with laughter in her bathroom. “You even made RUCKUS laugh, and that just PROVES how horrible you are!”

  “You’re killing me, over here!” Ruckus calls out, she’s laughing so hard.

  “We win!” Ariel says, high-fiving Skye. “She DOES have a sense of humor! Doris, you owe us one seventies dress up night!”

  “I’ll do the sixties, but seventies is pushing it,” Doris says. “Darn it, Ruckus, you just ruined my weekend. I’m never going to get rid of those stupid fish shoes.”

  “Seventies is funner!” Skye declares. “But we’ll meet you there in ten! I want to get autographs!”

  “I need to get some, as well,” I admit. “I promised Whitney one.”

  “Then we should sneak in, in civvies!” Skye says, posing, now that her hair is standing straight up.

  “With your hair like that?” I ask. “Wear a mask.”

  Doris reaches out, touching the top of Skye’s hair and snorting. “Did you steal that from Mega?”

  “How’d you guess? I spent the entire day before the wedding trying to get this!” Skye says proudly, “I thought it was a waste, though, because Amara wouldn’t let me do my own hair for the wedding. But now! Now I have a reason to use it!”

  “Time to go, ladies,” Ruckus says, heading out the door.

  “We’ll see you there,” I say to the Darlin’s.

  “Don’t worry about Vinny, sweetie,” Ariel says, “there are plenty of cute boys your age!”

  “BYE, Ariel,” I say, storming out of the room.

  “You should have never joined this group,” Ruckus says, sympathetically, “we’re all doomed to be single for the rest of our lives.”

  “Speak for yourself!” Dolly says. “I’ve got a date with Rochester this week!” We turn and stare at her in shock as she gives us a smug smile.

  “Dating a guy that can read your mind with a touch… yeah, I think I’ll stay single,” Ruckus says as we head for her extended cab truck. Dolly has to jump to get into the cab, since she’s so short. I get in the back, cheating with a tiny bit of flight to get in, myself. I’m not that much taller than Dolly is, to be honest, I just don’t want to admit it.

  Ruckus turns on the radio, and rock music starts blasting. Dolly reaches out, changing the channel to oldies, and the two glare at each other until I bring out my phone and tap on it. Shakira starts blaring over the speakers, and they both look back at me. I wave at them, smiling as cutely as possible. They both groan, before Dolly giggles.

  “We should have never let her sync her phone with the radio,” Ruckus says as she starts driving to the filming area. There are guards blocking off the area, and several temporary fences. There are fans all around, but they’re not looking past the fence, they’re swarming around the three Deadly Darlin’s, who are FAILING to look like norms. Doris isn’t even trying.

  “So, we’re here to meet the actresses playing our VERY most favorite super villains!” Skye is explaining to the guards. “I’m Skystep’s BIGGEST FAN EVER!”

  “That much is true,” Doris says.

  “SKYSTEP!” a little girl yells, waving a picture in the air. “Sign my poster?”

  “Who is this… Skystep that you speak of?” Skye asks her, RIGHT after claiming to be Skystep’s biggest fan. The little girl starts giggling like crazy, even as Skye skips over to her and holds out a hand. “Pay me for it!”

  “We’re not going to get autographs this way, are we?” I say as we get out of the truck. At least WE look like norms… sort of. Luckily, everyone is too busy cheering for the Darlin’s to notice us. I look over at the guards, seeing them just standing there, watching, except for one, who’s telling the director that we’re here a little early. He doesn’t seem surprised, in fact, he even turns and salutes me and my partners.

  “Black suit?” Dolly asks.

  “Black suit,” I agree, touching two fingers to my forehead in a salute. He grins, and motions us over.

  “Anyone that wants an autograph has to pay for it!” Skye declares, jumping into the air and posing. “We accept all things shiny, bouncy, or sweet! Line up riiiiiighhht…” she turns in a circle, and then points at a random child, “behind that cutie, there!”

  The crowd rushes forward, only to slow down as Ariel says, “And anyone that knocks someone over doesn’t get an autograph, got it?”

  “You’re too nice,” Doris says.

  “There are little kids in there! My sister would HATE me if little kids got hurt,” Ariel tells her. “I’m on Santa’s GOOD LIST!” she declares, posing.

  “You traitor!” Skye and Doris say in tandem.

  “I’ve got an in,” Ariel says smugly.

  “Whatever, super villains shouldn’t be on the nice list, anyway,” Doris says, heading for the line and pulling her marker out. “Payment first,” she says, holding out a hand to the boy. He starts digging through his pockets, and pulls out a piece of candy, holding it out. “Payment accepted,” Doris says, signing what he holds out to her.

  I head for the black suit, along with Ruckus and Dolly, but people are starting to notice us. “Hello, Nemeses,” the black suit says quietly as we get to him. “We have everything set up, so if you’re ready to come on in, I can lead you.”

  “Thanks,” I say, glancing back, “What about them?” I ask.

  “We’ll lead them in when they’re not playing,” another of the guards says, looking amused.


  “Are ALL of you black suits?” Ruckus asks.

  “On orders of Voltdrain, himself,” he says.

  I let out a heavy groan. “Papa is overly protective,” I complain.

  “He just wants to make sure everything goes well,” the black suit says.

  “Skye, we’re going on ahead,” I whisper in her direction.

  “Okayyy! We’ll be there soon,” Skye says, waving us away. “Who’s next? I like candy best, okay? So fork it over!”

  We head into the filming location, looking around. Before I can say anything, I hear someone squeak with excitement.

  “You’re her! You’re VOLTDRAIN’S DAUGHTER!” the actress that’s going to be playing Doris squeals, racing straight for me. I slap my mask on, quickly. The other two follow suit. It must have been the eyes that outed me.

  “Doris was right,” Ruckus says, “she IS too skinny.” I can’t reply, because the actress is digging out her phone and wrapping an arm around my shoulders to take a selfie.

  “I can’t believe you actually came to see us!” she says. “Smile!”

  I smile, feeling a bit awkward, but trying to hide it. She snaps the picture. “Um, hi,” I say. “You DO know what we’re here for, right?”

  “I heard from the director that the Hall is paying big money to make the movie take LONGER than it should, but I really don’t care. This is SO AWESOME! Are the Deadly Darlin’s coming soon?”

  “They’re outside, signing autographs,” Dolly says, only to let out a little “Eep!” as the actress latches onto her and repeats the selfie process.

  “I really should be in makeup right now,” the actress says, “Phoebe is AMAZING, but even she needs extra time to add the muscles for me.”

  “Phoebe?” I repeat, wondering why the name sounds so familiar.

  “Phoebe Woods,” she says. “She was a famous horror movie actress, but she’s gotten into the special makeup effects side of the job now that she’s getting older. Her work is absolutely beautiful, which was surprising. When I heard that they had hired her, I thought it was the Hall—er, not that the Hall meddles with…” she trails off, looking guilty.

  “They do,” I say, sighing, because I can see what happened already. I know all about Phoebe Woods. I was in Central when she kidnapped Max’s little sister, and the gossip level is strong on the school commlink. I heard all about how she tried to break into the Hall to talk to Star Born. “I’m not sure that’s the best idea…” I admit, because I vaguely remember Skye being in the middle of the Phoebe Woods thing, and there’s always the chance of her remembering. An unhappy Skye is not what we need right now.

  “Burnout,” the black suit behind us says, “they’ve finished their autograph session and are ready to come in. Should we warn the workers?”

  “Oh! We need to strip down to uniform,” I say, glancing at my partners, “Should we get autographs before the gig starts?”

  “We’d better, otherwise Skye will be pouting for a week,” Dolly says, sighing and doing a quick turn to change. She has the outer dress bagged in a blink, so Ruckus and I follow suit, as well.

  “Do you actually get along with the Deadly Darlin’s?” the actress asks, looking surprised.

  “Of course not!” I say, “We are their nemeses! We will not rest until they have turned to the good side!”

  “Huh,” she says, “you really need to work on your acting skills. Especially you,” she adds, pointing at the black suit, who takes our bags, “that expressionless look isn’t fooling anyone.” I glance back to see him grin, since he’s been called out.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about, ma’am,” he says.

  “Everyone, hands up!” I hear Skye say from above, “And all of you actors get in a line so we can get your autographs, got it? I spent a lot of time sneaking around to get these posters, so you’d better make sure it’s legible! Or at least pretty!”

  “She’s robbing autographs,” Ruckus says as our actress friend runs off to join the line.

  “Oh, good idea!” Dolly says as I dig through my pockets to get out something to write on before running over to join them.

  ***

  *Walter Colleck’s Mansion*

  “And this is where we’ll be living, for now,” Walter says as he opens the door for Lydia to get out. He takes her hand and she steps out, wrapping her arm around his. Davis gets out of the back seat, heading for the trunk to get his bags. “Don’t worry about that, Davis, someone will take care of it, later,” Walter says as he heads for the mansion where they’ll be staying.

  “Oh, Walter, it’s magnificent,” Lydia says. “How much did you pay for it?”

  “I was the one that had it built, some… oh, fifty years ago,” Walter says.

  “Is this the only one you have?” she asks.

  “He just told you that he was old enough to build a mansion fifty years ago, Mom,” Davis points out, “and all you have to say is that?”

  “Davis, watch your manners,” Lydia says. “Of course that’s the only thing I have to say. Everyone knows that the supers live extraordinarily long lives.”

  Davis stares at her, and then shakes his head, giving up. Of course his mother knew what his father was, she had wanted to get him into Cape High in the first place, at least she had until they told her he would be going villain. She wants him to be famous, so she can cash in on that fact.

  “So, have you spoken with Richie?” Lydia asks Walter. “I know he’s troublesome, but he’s still family. We can’t just abandon him to the court system.”

  “Of course we can’t,” Walter says. “Darling, why don’t you go make sure the servants have set up Davis’s room how you want it? I would like to have a chat with our son. I want to personally show him around the place.”

  “Oh, that sounds wonderful!” Lydia says, practically cooing at him. “You two could use some bonding time.” She walks off, leaving Davis standing there with Walter Colleck, wondering just what he’s gotten himself into.

  “So, son,” Walter says, “now we begin your proper education. Follow me,” he orders, heading to the left of the mansion. Davis reaches up, pushing his glasses up his nose before chasing after him. He doesn’t say a thing as they approach a large, much less fancy looking building. “This will be your school, now,” Walter tells him, opening the door and motioning him inside.

  Davis feels a faint chill run down his spine, but he ignores it, and steps inside. It’s a laboratory, he realizes as he looks around. There are even cleansing stations and plastic shoe covers next to the door. “These are yours,” Walter says, picking up a smaller set of shoe covers and handing them to him, “as well as your labcoat, of course. I’ve been told that you enjoy both technology and chemistry, correct?”

  “Um… yes, actually, but…”

  “Who told me?” Walter finishes the question, smiling slightly.

  “That would be me,” a thin man says, walking up to them. “Hello, nephew, it’s good to see you again.”

  “Uncle… Richard,” Davis says. “ARE you Richard Penski? Forgive me for my cynicism, but for most of my life I thought someone else was you.”

  “I’m the real one,” Penski says, smiling, “but I understand why you’re paranoid. Walter and I have put together a syllabus for you that I think you might find enjoyable. Of course, I know your mother was thinking of sending you to college, but I’m sure that between the two of us and our new friends, we will come up with something better.”

  Davis looks around, watching the scientists for a moment. “Where did they come from?” he asks.

  “They, conveniently, were looking for new jobs just as I was planning out your education, son,” Walter says, placing a hand on Davis’s shoulder. “If they aren’t up to your standards, we’ll fire them.”

  “I see,” Davis says. “When do we begin?”

  ***

  *Skystep the Movie Set*

  “And this is our very own super,” the director tells our group with a proud exp
ression. “Crashtastic, I would like to introduce you to the Deadly Darlin’s AND the Nemeses. Ladies, Crashtastic will be playing the part of Century.”

  Skye stares at him. She completely ignores the hand that Crashtastic holds out, and walks around him, thoughtfully. After a second she takes his hand, making him lift his arm into the air. She has to float to do it, but I don’t think she even notices. “Is there, um, a problem?” Crashtastic asks her.

  “B,” Skye says, looking at us. A faint blush crosses Crashtastic’s face, even as the norms look a bit confused. “But not a bad level, really. You’re too skinny, but so is Doris’s actress, so I guess they just don’t feed you in Hollywood, right?” She has no right to speak, she’s as skinny as a rail, herself. “Soooo… where have I heard your name before?” she asks, frowning. “Do you know, girls?”

  “Not a clue,” Doris says.

  “Never heard of him!” Ariel agrees.

  “Don’t look at me,” Ruckus says.

  “Oh, oh, I know! He was the stunt man for the Liberty movie!” Dolly says, digging in her purse and pulling out a magazine. “He was the America’s Son actor’s stunt man, and they said he was pretty impressive. But I heard that you were really trying to get the role,” she says to him.

  “Well, they had already hired someone for it,” he admits, “but that actually turned out to be a good thing for me. Acting as Century is… it’s beyond my wildest dreams. Century is… he’s amazing.”

  Skye glares at him. When he doesn’t seem to notice, she walks over to Dolly, takes the magazine, rolls it up, and bops him on the nose with it. “Century is my NEMESIS!”

  “No he’s not, we are,” Ruckus says.

  “He’s my OTHER NEMESIS!” Skye declares.

  “She just bopped me on the nose,” Crashtastic says, rubbing the nose in question, “with a magazine, like a bad puppy.”

  “And I’ll do it again!” Skye says.

  “We can’t have you injuring our actors, Skystep,” the director says, looking panicked.

  “Oh, he’s a B-class,” she says, waving it off.