“Don’t you run away from me!” an angry voice yelled at her, sending another jolt of adrenaline through her body.
Fear gripped her tightly, but she tried her best to focus and felt a small measure of success as her key successfully slid into the lock on her door. Unlocking the door, she heard the crunch of gravel as someone steadily approached her.
Whipping her head around towards the footsteps, all she saw were shifting shadows. But even though she couldn’t see him, she knew he was there. Watching her. Coming closer. She needed to escape.
Chest heaving, she threw her backpack into the car and jumped in after it, slamming the door shut behind her as she did. Any comfort she might’ve felt having the door between her and him was a lie. What use was a car door against someone who could pick up the entire car with one hand? Wasting no time, she slammed her key into the ignition, luckily getting it on the first try and immediately starting the car up.
“Running away isn’t very mature Kira!” he yelled again, coming closer.
She knew if he really wanted to, he could’ve grabbed her before she ever made it to her car. Maybe he thought she was being dramatic. Maybe he thought it would change things. But it didn’t. Releasing the brake, she threw the car into gear and slammed on the gas. The engine revved to life as the wheels spun, struggling to gain traction for a split second before the car shot forward, shaking as she sped down the long gravel driveway.
Metal screeched on the asphalt as she hit the road, her car angrily beeping at her to buckle her seatbelt. She ignored it, too focused on escape. She had to get as much distance from him as she could before he decided to stop playing nice. It was her only chance.
- 50. 60. 70 miles per hour. The trees and houses zipped by as she raced down the winding country roads at over three times the speed limit. One wrong move and she was dead. A meat paste in a crumbled metal can on the side of the road until that got removed, and all that would be left of her would be a wooden cross with her picture on it where she died. Not the best option, but better than going back to that house.
A gentle rap on her window spooked her and she nearly lost control on the wet road before recovering. “Tch, Kira, be reasonable,” he said in that patient tone that always had a hint of condescension. Some people loved it, feeling reassured by his confidence. All she felt was fear and anger.
Slamming down even harder on the gas, she tried to outrun him, even though she knew it was pointless. He could fly far faster than she could drive. Still, she could try. She would try. She finally hit the straight away used by so many street racers. He’d brought her here so many times to watch races before he awakened, and then again to figure out his speed after. 80. 90. 100.
“What you’re doing is dangerous, even though I’ll save you.. I’ll always protect you, but it doesn’t mean you sh—”
“And who’s going to protect me from you?!” she finally screamed back, refusing to look at the man. Her question went unanswered.
“Fine. Have your little tantrum, but you know you’ll come crawling back,” he said in that voice only reserved for her. Love mixed with ownership and a sneer. Her window shattered as a gloved fist drove through it and grabbed her by the neck. “You are mine. You’ll always be mine.” His lips pressed against hers roughly as something paralyzed her, keeping her from moving. His powers. After what felt like an eternity but was less than a second, he released her, giving her just enough time to slam on the brakes to slow down before she crashed into something. Coming to a hard stop, her seatbelt dug into her chest, keeping her from slamming into the steering wheel. She hadn’t buckled it. She didn’t care enough about surviving to do so. He must’ve— Kira killed the feelings of affection bubbling up in her in horror.
It’s all a trick to get her to do what he wants. Don’t forget what he truly is. Don’t forget what he did. Don’t forget—
***
“Reee! Reee! Reee!”
Erika gasped as she bolted upright in bed, her body covered in sweat as her nightmare started to fade away. The dark shapes of her apartment greeted her, reminding her of the strange shadows in her nightmare until she turned on her lamp and banished them away. Chest heaving, she gripped her blanket tight as a memory of the last words he said to her came to mind. “You are mine. You’ll always be mine.” She could feel his hand wrapped around her throat. His chaffed lips pressed against hers without her consent. It made her body shake with fear.
Squeezing her eyes shut, she banished those memories. He’s not here. He doesn’t know where I am. He thinks I’m dead. She reassured herself. Her fear started to recede as her anger woke. Grabbing onto that emotion like it was a lifeline, she used it to smother her fear. “I’m no one’s property,” she finally whispered, opening her eyes again to take in her dimly lit apartment.
*Ding!* Controlling your fear has strengthened your willpower! You have gained 2 Wisdom! Congratulations!
With a mental flick, she dismissed the cheery status as she forced herself out of bed and started to get ready for the day. Pinpoint would be here soon enough.
***
“Pretty sure the bed’s more comfortable.”
With a start, Erika woke up to see Pinpoint leaning over her in a loose white shirt with a low neckline, the light in her living room shining brightly in the still dark morning. A pair of lightly tanned hills filled her vision, and she couldn’t help but admire the view for a bit before the hero pulled back with a smirk. As she did, Erika saw that the hero was dressed more casually than the other days, wearing a leather jacket and leggings instead of her normal workout wear.
“I was—” Erika tried to stifle a yawn, but quickly lost the battle. “—waiting for you. Must’ve fallen asleep.”
Pinpoint looked at her critically for a moment. “I see. Grab a jacket and your check from yesterday and let's go.”
In just a couple of minutes, Erika was jumping into the back of the now familiar black SUV, her check from Thatcher in her pocket. In the front seat, Keoni gave her a familiar nod while his silent partner just sat in the driver’s seat without acknowledging her.
“Take us to the bank first,” Pinpoint said as she got in and shut the door. Without acknowledging her, the silent driver pulled out from the driveway.
“The bank?” Erika asked, looking at Pinpoint curiously. A casual glance outside showed it was still dark, the sky only faintly brightening as the sun rose. “Aren’t they all closed?”
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“Just wait and see.”
The early morning traffic meant they made great time as they zipped through the streets and pulled into another building Erika had never noticed before even though it was close to where she lived. As they went down a ramp, a gate quietly opened in front of them, letting them in before the driver parked next to a pair of doors. As Erika reached for the door handle, Pinpoint stopped her.
“Wait, put these on,” she said, handing her a facemask and a pair of sunglasses.
“What? I have my facemask in my pocket, I don’t need—” Erika started to protest before Pinpoint fixed her with a look.
“Trust me, you’ll want these,” she said, putting on a similar mask and glasses.
Sighing, Erika did as instructed, slipping the mask and sunglasses on. The mask was… surprisingly comfortable. Though it seemed like a simple black mask, it perfectly contoured itself to her face as a cool gel layer stuck fast, securing it even though she looped the straps over her ears. As she inhaled, she felt the mask lightly press against her, indicating an airtight seal as a fresh, minty smell filled her nostrils. Exhaling, she expected to smell her own breath, but was pleasantly surprised when all she smelled was that fresh, minty scent again.
The glasses were even more surprising as they seemed to seal against her skin like goggles, the interior of the car still appearing normal despite the dark lenses in the glasses. As she looked around, a small series of displays popped up, not unlike the messages she got from her power.
PGD.v13.0142a online.
Charge: 100%.
Registered: Guest.
Please remain within 5 meters of your accompanying member.
Each new message popped up and was soon replaced with the other, until the instruction to remain near her “accompanying member” popped up. As soon as that message disappeared, a range and an arrow appeared, pointing towards Pinpoint. Looking at her sponsor, she saw her highlighted with a handy label that just read “Accompanying Member.”
“Follow me,” Pinpoint said. “And don’t ignore the instructions in the glasses.”
Sticking close to her sponsor, Erika quietly followed as she led the way through the glass doors and down a long, well lit hallway that ended in another set of glass doors that slid open as they approached and let them into a small room completely devoid of anything. After a minute of just standing there, Erika’s impatience got the best of her and she started to ask Pinpoint a question. “Wha—”
“Patience.”
Erika immediately snapped her mouth shut at Pinpoint’s terse tone. There was an edge to that single word that demanded she obey. She wasn’t sure how much time passed as they stood there. It could’ve been seconds, or it could’ve been minutes, but after some unknown amount of time a crack appeared in the featureless wall in front of them that slowly resolved into a set of sliding doors that opened with a faint hiss to reveal a well-dressed, attractive woman.
She looked to be in her late twenties or early thirties and Asian with that distinct local tan so many people had. Her dress accentuated her well, straddling the line between professional and evening wear, and the smile she wore could’ve disarmed a bomb.
“Good morning and welcome to the Bank, Ms. Pinpoint and her guest. How might we be of service?” she asked cheerfully.
“Good morning, Bank Representative. I am here to sponsor a new member to open an account,” Pinpoint said, gesturing to Erika.
Erika looked at her sponsor in surprise. “Wait, what?! There’s no way I have enough for this fancy bank!”
The Bank Representative turned to look at Erika at her outburst, though her smile didn’t even crack. “Understood, just a moment please.”
A few seconds passed as the woman stared at her with that friendly smile, but something about it unsettled Erika the longer the Bank Representative looked at her.
“A new account has been created for member number F201-438-X9651-001. Is there a name you could like to associate with this account at this time?” the Bank Representative asked, her unsettling gaze never leaving Erika’s direction.
Suppressing a shudder, Erika glanced at Pinpoint for guidance, only for her to shrug.
“Just Erika,” she finally said.
“Understood. Welcome, Ms. Justerika! Your current account balance is $0.00. Do you have any funds you would like to deposit at this time?”
Before Erika could respond, the text in her glasses changed as new words appeared to her left.
Member: Justerika
Account Balance: $0.00
As interesting as the display was, the name made her want to scream. “No, my name isn’t ‘Justerika,’ it’s just ‘Erika’!” she said grumpily.
“Understood. Your associated will be updated shortly.”
Member: Just Erika
Account Balance: $0.00
“Are you messing with me?! My name is fucking ‘Erika’!”
Member: Fucking Erika
Account Balance: $0.00
“Argh! Why—”
“Erika, it’s a robot. Just say ‘adjust member name: Erika’,” Pinpoint said finally, laughter in her voice.
“Adjust member name: Erika,” she grumbled.
Member: Erika
Account Balance: $0.00
“Great, now hand her your check and say ‘deposit,’ then ask for a debit card.”
Following Pinpoint’s instructions, Erika fished the slightly crumpled check Thatcher gave her out of her pocket and handed it over to the teller-bot. “Deposit,” she said in a clipped tone.
“Thank you! One moment please.” In just a few seconds, the readout on her glasses changed again.
Member: Erika
Account Balance: $15,783.26
“Your funds have been deposited! Is there anything else I can help you with today?”
“Can I have a debit card?”
“Of course! One moment please!”
Erika heard a series of mechanical sounds come from the bot, giving away its mechanical nature for the first time. After a few seconds, the bot reached into a carefully hidden pocket on its dress and pulled out a black card with a series of numbers embossed on it.
“Here is your card! Is there anything else I can help you with today?”
Out of the corner of her eye, Erika saw Pinpoint shake her head.
“No.”
“Understood. Thank you for your business and welcome to the Bank! Have a great day!”
***
“I like my old bank,” Erika grumbled, slipping off the sunglasses and mask Pinpoint gave her as they pulled out of the Bank’s parking structure into the morning rush hour traffic and holding it out to the hero.“Why’d we even bother with it? I could’ve just deposited the check at my normal place.”
Pinpoint shook her head at the offered items. “Keep them, they’re linked to you now. Make sure you bring them with you when you try to go to the Bank though. As for why we bothered, the Bank offers amenities beyond what civilian banks offer.”
“Like what? Some stupid bot teller?”
“More like the Bank is a neutral ground even villains respect and use. That ‘bot teller’ is as strong as some C-Class heroes and not the only one. No one violates the neutral ground of the Bank if they value their lives. Just follow the rules and you’ll be fine.”
“The rules?”
“There’s three: 1. No fighting within the Bank. 2. Bank members are not to be touched on Bank grounds. 3. Do not harm Bank personnel or property. There’s a little bit of wiggle room if there\s something you can’t avoid, like a monster or villain throwing you into the Bank on purpose, or someone you’re chasing trying to use the Bank as cover. It’s a bank, not a safehouse, so don’t bother trying. Got it?”
Erika nodded woodenly. Note to self, don’t fuck with the fancy hero bank.
“Great! Anyways, now that that’s dealt with, let’s—” Pinpoint was interrupted as something started chirping in her pocket. Frowning, her sponsor pulled out a sleek black smartphone and pressed it to her ear, though not before Erika saw the contact name “Dispatch” on the screen.
“I’m busy orienting my trainee. What’s up?”
Pinpoint nodded as whoever she was speaking to said something.
“I see, yeah that’s a good opportunity to get her feet wet. Send us the information and tell PD we’re enroute.” Nodding once more, Pinpoint hung up and turned back to look at Erika. Well it’s a bit early for you since you don’t have any gear yet, but you’ve just got your first dispatch. Ready to be a hero?”
Erika did not feel ready.