Thunder City, Maryland, USA, Spring 2013

  The following day, Dexter and Sarah sneaked out to an old, secluded construction site on the outskirts of Silver Ridge. It was a place they’d stumbled upon years ago while biking, and they’d remembered how deserted it was. Now, it seemed like the perfect spot to test whatever was going on with Dexter-away from prying eyes.

  Before they left, Sarah had cornered Dexter in the kitchen, crossing her arms with a serious expression. “Promise me,” she said, narrowing her blue eyes. “We don’t tell anyone. Not Jonah, not Lucas, not Emily. Definitely not your parents or my father Jacob.”

  Dexter raised his hands defensively. “I know, I know. You think I want people freaking out and treating me like a science experiment? Trust me, I’m not telling anyone.”

  Satisfied, Sarah grabbed her backpack and led the way to the site. Once there, Dexter stood in front of a large boulder while Sarah positioned herself a safe distance behind him, pulling out a notebook to take notes. “Alright,” Sarah said, clicking her pen. “Try what you did last night. Focus or… whatever you were doing when it happened.”

  Dexter glanced back at her nervously. “You really think this is a good idea?”

  “Nope,” Sarah replied with a smirk. “But if you’re going to shoot lasers, I’d rather know what you can do before you accidentally blow up the house. Now, come on. Power up or something.”

  Dexter sighed and turned back to the boulder. He extended his hands like he had the night before, concentrating on the memory of the energy blast. At first, nothing happened, and he felt a flicker of embarrassment.

  “Maybe it was a one-time thing,” he muttered.

  “Or maybe you’re just not trying to hard enough,” Sarah teased. “C’mon, Dex, think about something dramatic. Like saving someone or fighting a bad guy. Make it mean something.”

  Dexter rolled his eyes but did as she said, imagining the energy he’d felt before. He pictured the blast in his mind-its heat, its intensity. Slowly, a faint glow began to form in his palms, growing brighter as he focused. Then with a shout, he thrust his hands forward, releasing a cracking beam of energy that struck the boulder dead-center. The rock exploded into chunks, dust flying everywhere. “Whoa!” Sarah yelled, covering her mouth as she stepped back. “That was awesome! You’re like a human cannon ball!”

  Dexter stared at his hands, a mix of awe and disbelief on his face. “I… I actually did it again.”

  “Okay, now we know you can blow stuff up,” Sarah said, scribbling furiously in her notebook. “What else can you do? Try lifting something heavy.”

  Dexter looked around, spotting a large chunk of concrete debris. He approached it cautiously, kneeling down to grab it. At first, he expected it to barely budge-after all, he was just a 12-year-old kid. But as he tightened his grip and pulled, the chunk lifted off the ground like it was made of cardboard. Dexter hoisted it above his head with ease, a wide grin spreading across his face.

  “Super strength,” Sarah muttered, jotting it down. “Okay, that’s two. Anything else?”

  Dexter set the concrete down gently, turning to face Sarah. “I don’t know. What else should I try?” Sarah tapped her pen against her chin. “Speed. Run from here to that pile of bricks and back.” Dexter nodded and got into a sprinting stance, feeling a strange anticipation buzzing through him. When Sarah shouted “Go!”, he pushed off the ground- and instantly felt the world blur around him. He reached the bricks in a fraction of a second, skidding to a halt before racing back. By the time he stopped in front of Sarah, she was staring at him, jaw dropped.

  “That was insane,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’re like a freakin’ rocket!”

  Dexter panted slightly, though not from exhaustion-more from the shock of what he’d just done. “This… this is crazy, Sarah. I feel like I’m in a movie or something.”

  “Alright, superhero,” Sarah said, snapping him out of his thoughts. “We’ve got a lot to figure out. But first, let’s make sure no one finds out about this. Especially Jonah- he’d try to turn you into a one-man soccer team.” Dexter laughed, though his mind was still racing. “Deal. But Sarah… what if this just the start? What if there’s even more than I can do?”

  Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Then we better get to work, Dex. You might be the coolest thing to ever happen to Thunder City.”

  Dexter tosses the ball back and forth in his hands, his thoughts racing as he tried to make sense of everything. Finally, he turned to Sarah, his brow furrowed.

  “Okay, but why am I like this?” he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and concern. “Don’t you know how rare superhumans are Sarah? I’ve heard that there are, what? Six hundred superhumans in this whole city, maximum. That’s not even 0.03 percent of the population.”

  Sarah paused, tapping the pen against her notebook as she thought, “Yeah, superhumans are rare, but they’re not impossible,” she replied, shrugging. “Maybe it’s genetic? Or… I don’t know, maybe you got exposed to something weird?”

  Dexter frowned. “Genetic? No one in our family has powers. And if I was exposed to something, wouldn’t I know? Like, radioactive spiders or mutant experiments or something?”

  Sarah smirked. “Dex, not everything works like a comic book. Powers could come from anything-mutations, accidents, even random cosmic weirdness. Or… maybe it’s something we don’t even know understand yet.”

  Dexter shook his head. “Still, why me? Why not someone else? I’m just… a regular kid.”

  Sarah gave him a pointed look, crossing her arms. “Yeah, regular kids don’t catch speeding balls without trying or blow-up rocks with their hands. Face it, Dex-regular isn’t in the cards for you anymore.” He let out a long sigh, the weight of her words sinking in. “But what if this gets me in trouble? Or worse, gets us in trouble? People don’t exactly treat superhumans like they’re normal. Some heroes get lucky, but others… they end up as experiments or outlaws.”

  Her words calmed him a little, though the questions still swirled in his mind. “Okay,” he said finally. “But we need to be careful. This... whatever this is-it’s bigger than just us.”

  Sarah grinned. “Careful? Sure. But careful doesn’t mean we stop testing your powers. If you’re one of the rare ones, we need to figure out everything you can do. And who knows? Maybe you’re not just a superhuman, Dex. Maybe you’re something even cooler.”

  Dexter smirked despite himself. “Great. No pressure or anything.”

  Dexter crossed his arms, the weight of the conversation sinking in as he paced a few steps back and forth. “Okay, so you want me to become a superhero?” he asked, glancing at Sarah with a skeptical expression. “I mean, it sounds great as a fantasy you act out in a video game. But real life? You know the International Superhero Organization has a minimum age requirement of 21, right?” Sarah leaned against a nearby tree, smirking. “Yeah, I know. So what?”

  Dexter threw his hands up. “So, if I become a superhero anytime soon, I won’t be some ISO-approved, law-abiding hero. I’ll be a vigilante. You know what happens to vigilantes in this world? Best case scenario, they get arrested. Worst case? They tick off the wrong people and end up on a hit list.” Sarah’s grin faded, replaced by a thoughtful look. “Okay, you’re not wrong. But you’ve gotta think about it, Dex. You have powers. Real powers. If you don’t use them to help people, then what’s the point?”

  Dexter nodded slowly, the weight of the decision still heavy but slightly less daunting with Sarah by his side. “But if I’m going to do this, I need to be ready. No rushing in blind. If I’m going to be a vigilante, I’m going to be prepared.”

  Sarah grinned, already buzzing with excitement. “Now that’s the spirit! Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re ready. First thing we’ll need? A cool name. And maybe a costume.” Dexter groaned. “One step at a time, Sarah.”

  Sarah crossed her arms, her tone firm as she paced in front of Dexter. “Look, no matter what, you have to learn how to control your powers. Even if you don’t want to be a superhero right now, you can’t risk using them accidentally. You could hurt someone- or worse, give yourself away.” She stopped mid-sentence and squinted at him. Her head tilted slightly, and she stepped closer, pointing at his arms. “Wait a second… are you, like, getting muscular all of a sudden?”

  Dexter blinked, looking down at himself. He hadn’t noticed it before, but now that she mentioned it, his shirt did feel a little tighter around his shoulders and arms. He flexed experimentally, and sure enough, his biceps looked noticeably bigger than they had been just yesterday.

  Dexter sighed. “Okay..... I guess I’ll just wear baggier clothes from now on. Maybe layer up a bit, too. At least until I figure out how to explain this.”

  Sarah snorted, trying to stifle a laugh. “Oh yeah, because nothing says, ‘totally normal’ like a twelve-year-old suddenly walking around in oversized hoodies in the middle of spring.”

  Dex shot her a look. “Well, what else am I supposed to do? I can’t exactly show up to school looking like I’ve been secretly bench-pressing cars.”

  She smirked. “You could just tell everyone you’ve been working out.”

  Dex nodded again. “Compromise Baggier clothes and maybe I’ll start doing some push ups. Who knows? Maybe I’ll actually get into shape for real.” Sarah smirked, already imagining the chaos ahead. “Now that’s the spirit, Captain Thunder City.”

  Three hours later, Dexter wiped the sweat from his brow and plopped down on the ground, exhausted but exhilarated. The testing session had been intense-more energy blasts, running faster than he thought possible, and even lifting a fallen tree trunk that had been too heavy for two people to move. He was starting to get a handle on his abilities, though they still felt overwhelming at times. Sarah sat nearby, her notebook now filled with notes, sketches, and half-baked ideas for his ‘future.’ She was still scribbling furiously when Dexter looked over at her and smirked. “And by the way,” he said between breaths, “if I do become a superhero, my name is not going to be Captain Thunder City. That sounds stupid.” Sarah looked up, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, come on. It’s catchy! It’s got alliteration, it screams hero vibes, and it ties you to the city. What’s not to like?” Dexter groaned, leaning back on his hands. “Everything. It sounds like the name of a mascot for a theme park or something.”

  Sarah rolled her eyes. “Fine Mr. Picky. What name would you pick then?” He paused, thinking for a moment. “I don’t know. Something… cooler. Something sounds like me. Not, some cheesy name people will laugh at.” Sarah leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “Alright brainstorm time. What about… Power strike?” Dexter gave her a flat look. “That sounds like an energy drink.” Okay, okay, how about… The Velocity? Or Dark bolt?” Sarah suggested, clearly enjoying herself. “Dark bolt? Really? Dexter laughed. “What am I, a rejected video game boss?”

  Sarah stuck her tongue out. “Oh, sorry. I forgot I was clearly dealing with a visionary. By all means—what’s your flawless idea?”

  Dexter hesitated, then shrugged. “I don’t know. Something simple. Kind of old-school.” He paused. “Maybe… The Shadow. Like the pulp character.”

  Sarah blinked. Then she squinted at him.

  “…You mean the trench coat, creepy laugh, ‘I know what evil lurks’ guy?”

  Dexter winced. “That’s… one way to put it.”

  She smirked. “Wow. Didn’t have ‘1930s radio drama’ on my bingo card today.” A beat. Then she nodded. “Still—yeah. Actually? It works. Mysterious, intimidating, dramatic in a very you way. And hiding in the dark while everyone else panics is pretty on-brand.”

  Dexter considered that, the corner of his mouth lifting. “So… you don’t hate it?”

  Sarah rolled her eyes. “Don’t get used to this, but no. I kind of love it. Just promise me you won’t start monologuing in that gravelly narrator voice.”

  Dexter smiled. “No promises.”

  Sarah grinned, scribbling it down in her notebook with a flourish. “Well, look at you. Already sounding like a pro. Just wait until we actually put a costume together.” Dexter smirked, lying back on the grass and looking up at the sky. “One step at a time, Sarah. Let’s figure out how to keep me from being accidentally blowing up the house first.” “Fair enough,” Sarah said, snapping her notebook shut. “But when the world starts talking about the Shadow, just remember who was here first.” Dexter laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t expect me to give you credit in the interviews.” “Oh, you will,” Sarah shot back with a grin. “Trust me, you will.” After hours of testing his powers in more explosive ways, Dexter and Sarah decided to work on something simpler-something that required control. Sitting across from each other at a makeshift table made of an old crate, they locked hands for yet another arm-wrestling match. “Alright,” Sarah said, narrowing her eyes as she braced herself. “You know the drill. Don’t break my arm, superhero.” Dexter smirked, gripping her hand gently but firmly. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to go full Muscle-Man on you. Ready?”

  “Ready,” Sarah said, already leaning into the push. Dexter let her gain some ground, feeling the strength in her arm as she pressed against his. Even though he could win in an instant, that wasn’t the point of this exercise. Instead, he focused on applying just enough resistance to give her a real challenge without overpowering her. The tension in his arm was constant but controlled, like holding back a wave. “After a few more seconds of struggle, Dexter gently but firmly pinned her arm to the crate. “And… that’s game,” he said with a grin, letting go of her hand. Sarah pulled her arm back, rubbing it and pretending to glare at him. “You do know the point is to practice restraint, not humiliate me, right?” “Hey, I let you get further that time,” Dexter said, leaning back and crossing his arms “That’s progress, isn’t it?”

  Sarah rolled her eyes but smiled. “Fine. You’re getting better. At least you didn’t send me flying this time.” Dexter winced, remembering their first attempt earlier that day when he’d accidently used too much force and nearly tipped Sarah over. “Yeah, sorry about that. Guess I’ve still got some work to do.” “Okay,” he muttered to himself. “If I can pick up a boulder without crushing it, I should be able to handle something smaller. Right?” Sarah looked over, raising an eyebrow. “What are you talking about now?”

  Dex pointed at the ants. “I’m going to try picking one up. If I can figure out how to control my strength with something this small, I should be able to handle, well, anything.” Sarah blinked then burst out laughing. “You’re seriously going to try picking up an ant? What’s next, catching flies midair?” Dexter ignored her, carefully extending a finger toward the tiny insect. His movements were slow and deliberate, but as soon as he tried to lift it, the ant’s tiny body crumpled between his fingers.

  Sarah winced. “Yikes. R.I.P. Ant Number One.” Dexter frowned, staring at the remains of the ant on his fingertip. “Okay, that didn’t go as planned.” “No kidding,” Sarah said, still smirking. “Maybe start with something slightly less delicate?” “No,” Dexter said, his jaw tightening. “If I can’t control this, how am I supposed to trust myself with anything else? I need to learn control.” He brushed the ant off his hand and refocused, spotting another one. This time, he moved even slower, barely letting his fingers touch the insect. But as soon as he applied the slightest pressure, the ant of crushed again. “Dang it!” he said, sitting back on his heels in frustration. Sarah walked over and crouched beside him, looking at the ants and then at Dexter. “Okay, let’s think this through. You’re trying to use muscles that are used to lifting trees. Picking up an ant is, like, the ultimate test of fine motor skills. You’re basically trying to do brain surgery with a wrecking ball.”

  Dexter groaned, rubbing his temples. “So, what do I do? Keep killing ants until I get it right?” “No,” Sarah said, grabbing a nearby twig. “Try this first. Use the twig to gently nudge the ant onto your hand. That way, you’re not using direct pressure. It’s like a training wheel for your strength.” Dexter hesitated but nodded, taking the twig from her. He carefully guided one of the ants onto the back of his hand. For a moment, it worked- the tiny creature moved freely across his skin. But when Dexter tried to lift it with his finger, his grip tightened again, and the ant didn’t survive. “Ugh!” Dexter groaned, slumping down onto the ground. “This is impossible.” Sarah patted his shoulder. “Hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day, Dex. You’re not going master this overnight. The fact that you’re trying means you’re already of, like, 99% of people with powers.” Dexter sighed but nodded.

  As they walked back home, Dexter suddenly stopped, his brow furrowed as a thought struck him. “Wait a second. If I’m invulnerable… how do I get flu shots?”

  Sarah blinked, caught off guard by the question. “Uh… good point. That’s… kind of a problem.”

  Dexter frowned, looking genuinely concerned. “I mean, what if the needle can’t go through my skin? Do I just… never get vaccinated again? What happens if I need surgery or something?”

  Sarah tilted her head, thinking. “Well… the I.S.O. has—” She paused mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing slightly as she cut herself off. “Oh, never mind. You’re not officially on their radar yet, and I’m pretty sure they’re not handing out super-proof syringes to random kids.”

  Dexter raised an eyebrow. “The I.S.O. has what? Come on, don’t leave me hanging.”

  Sarah waved him off, grinning mischievously. “It doesn’t matter. You’re not their problem yet. But honestly, if your skin’s that tough, you might just have to… I don’t know, cut yourself first and then ask the doctor to inject you afterward.”

  Dexter stared at her, deadpan. “Cut myself? Seriously? That’s your solution?”

  “Well, yeah,” Sarah said with a shrug. “If needles can’t pierce your skin, you’re gonna have to think outside the box. Or get creative. Maybe you could use, like, a really sharp knife or something.”

  Dex groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Great. So not only am I a walking tank, but now I’m also my own surgical assistant. This just keeps getting better.”

  Sarah grinned. “Hey, look on the bright side. At least you don’t have to worry about paper cuts anymore.”

  Dexter shot her a flat look. “Yeah, because that was totally keeping me up at night.”

  Sarah laughed, nudging him as they started walking again. “Relax, superhero. If it comes up, we’ll figure it out. Worst case, you end up on some I.S.O. database for ‘superhuman medical anomalies.’ Could be fun.”

  Dexter sighed, shaking his head. “Fun for you, maybe. For me? Not so much.”

  “Hey,” Sarah said, her tone light but reassuring. “If you can survive hornets, energy blasts, and my terrible punches, you’ll survive flu season. Trust me.”

  Dexter smirked despite himself. “Fine. But if I have to explain this to Mom and Dad, you’re coming with me.”

  Sarah grinned. “Deal. Just let me grab popcorn first.”

  Sarah tapped her chin, her expression shifting from playful to thoughtful as they walked. “Okay, how about this,” she said after a moment. “We head to one of those anonymous I.S.O. offices first. You know, the ones where they let superhumans register secretly? We can register you as a privately accommodated superhuman.”

  Dexter stopped and turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “Privately accommodated superhuman? What does that even mean?”

  “It’s a way for people with powers to get access to medical services and other stuff without having to go public or register as an official hero,” Sarah explained. “Basically, the I.S.O. keeps your identity private unless there’s, like, an extreme emergency. They don’t even notify your parents unless you explicitly agree.”

  Dexter hesitated, the idea both intriguing and nerve-wracking. “And they just… let you do that? Walk in and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got powers, but don’t tell anyone’? Seems risky.”

  Sarah shrugged. “Well, yeah, they’ll probably ask a few questions, maybe do some tests to confirm you’re legit. But it’s better than nothing. At least they’ll have the right equipment to handle stuff like vaccinations or injuries without you having to ‘cut yourself first.’” She smirked at the last part.

  Dexter frowned, kicking a small rock down the path as he thought. “I don’t know, Sarah. Going to the I.S.O., even anonymously, feels like a big step. What if it draws attention? What if they figure out who I am?”

  Sarah stopped and faced him, her expression more serious now. “Dex, you’ve already got powers that most people would kill for—literally. If you don’t figure out how to handle stuff like this the right way, it’s only going to get harder to keep things under wraps. The I.S.O. is one of the few organizations that actually knows how to deal with people like you. They’re not perfect, but they’re better than trying to handle this all by yourself.”

  Dexter sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I guess you’re right. But if we do this, it stays anonymous. No names, no family ties, no nothing. Just… me and my powers.”

  Sarah nodded, her determined expression softening into a small smile. “Of course. We’ll keep it quiet. And hey, if it makes you feel better, I’ll go with you. You won’t have to do this alone.”

  Dexter gave her a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Sarah. But if this blows up in our faces, you owe me big time.”

  Sarah grinned, nudging him with her elbow. “Deal. Now let’s head home and figure out how to get you into that I.S.O. office without blowing your cover.”

  As they walked on, Dexter felt a mix of relief and unease. Registering with the I.S.O. was a big step, even anonymously, but Sarah was right—he needed to figure out how to handle his powers responsibly. And if this was the first step toward doing that, then he’d take it.

  The next day, after carefully dodging questions from his parents and teachers about his unusual energy and slightly bulkier frame, Dexter met Sarah at the edge of the school grounds. She’d convinced him to skip their usual after-school routine and head straight for the I.S.O. office.

  When they finally arrived, Dexter stopped and stared at the unassuming storefront. It was sandwiched between a laundromat and a discount grocery store, its glass door bearing a simple sign: I.S.O. Consultation Services. Walk-Ins Welcome.

  They stepped inside, and the contrast was immediate. The interior was sleek and minimalist, with neutral tones and soft lighting that gave it a calming atmosphere. A receptionist sat behind a desk near the entrance, typing away on a computer. She looked up as they entered, her friendly expression never wavering.

  “Hi there,” she said, her voice warm and professional. “How can I help you today?”

  Dexter froze, unsure how to start, but Sarah stepped forward smoothly. “We’re here for an anonymous consultation,” she said confidently. “Private registration.”

  The receptionist nodded, her demeanor entirely nonchalant. “Of course. Please fill out this form.” She handed over a clipboard with a simple questionnaire. “No names, no personal information required. Just a few details about your abilities so we can determine the best resources for you.”

  Dexter took the clipboard, glancing over the questions. Most of them were straightforward—age, type of abilities, approximate strength levels—but seeing it all written out made it feel real in a way it hadn’t before.

  He sat down in a nearby chair, Sarah next to him, whispering encouragement as he filled out the form.

  A few minutes later, Dexter handed the clipboard back to the receptionist, who scanned it briefly before gesturing toward a side door. “Alright, someone will be with you shortly. You can head through there.”

  Dexter nodded, his palms slightly sweaty as he followed Sarah through the door. They entered a small consultation room, furnished with a table and a few chairs, along with what looked like some basic medical equipment. A moment later, a tall, middle-aged man in a lab coat entered, carrying a tablet.

  “Good afternoon,” the man said, his tone calm and reassuring. “You can call me Dr. Okoro. I’ll be conducting your consultation today. No need to worry—everything discussed here is completely confidential.”

  Dexter nodded, feeling slightly more at ease. “Uh, thanks. So… what happens now?”

  Dr. Okoro smiled. “We’ll start with a simple discussion about your abilities and any concerns you have. Then, if you’re comfortable, we can do some non-invasive tests to better understand your physiology. The goal is to provide you with resources and advice tailored to your needs.”

  Dexter exchanged a glance with Sarah, who gave him a subtle nod. “Okay,” he said, his voice steadier now. “Let’s do this.”

  As the consultation began, Dexter felt a strange mix of apprehension and relief. For the first time, he was sharing the truth about his powers with someone outside his small circle—and as intimidating as it was, it also felt like the first step toward understanding what he was capable of.

  The testing process was thorough, lasting nearly an hour as the I.S.O. officials carefully evaluated Dexter’s abilities. The tests ranged from measuring his physical strength with weighted machines to testing his speed in a controlled area. They even simulated potential energy resistance with special materials to gauge the force of his energy blasts. Dexter was instructed to follow their lead, but every time he asked about the results, the officials deflected with calm professionalism.

  “I’m sorry, but we can’t share detailed information just yet,” Dr. Okoro said after one of Dexter’s questions. “For now, we’re only gathering data to ensure we can provide the right accommodations. All of this remains strictly confidential.”

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  Dexter tried to hide his frustration but couldn’t stop himself from muttering, “So I just do all this and don’t even get to know how it went?”

  Dr. Okoro gave him a patient smile. “I understand it might feel that way, but I assure you, this is all for your benefit. The more we know about your abilities, the better we can support you.”

  Meanwhile, Sarah sat in the observation room, biting her lip as she watched Dexter from behind a glass partition. She scribbled notes in her own notebook, trying to make sense of the high-tech equipment and the cryptic comments exchanged between the officials.

  When the tests were finally over, Dr. Okoro and another official escorted Dexter and Sarah back to the consultation room. Dexter slumped into a chair, tired but still curious.

  “Well?” Sarah asked, leaning forward. “What now?”

  Dr. Okoro cleared his throat and tapped his tablet. “Based on the results of today’s evaluation, we’ll be enacting special accommodations for you moving forward. These will include access to medical resources designed for superhumans, as well as additional tools to help you control your abilities.”

  Dexter straightened up, his eyes narrowing. “Wait, what kind of accommodations? What does that even mean?”

  Dr. Okoro offered a reassuring nod. “It means that, if you encounter situations requiring unique medical attention, or if you need assistance with your abilities, you’ll be able to contact us directly. The process will remain completely anonymous, and no one—not your family, not your school—will be notified unless you choose to disclose it.”

  Dexter exchanged a glance with Sarah, his unease still evident. “So… that’s it? You’re just going to keep tabs on me now?”

  “Not exactly,” Dr. Okoro replied, his tone calm. “This is entirely voluntary. If you choose to stop using our services, you may do so at any time. But given the rarity and complexity of your abilities, we strongly recommend you stay connected with us. Your safety—and the safety of those around you—should always come first.”

  Sarah nodded slowly, seeming to trust the explanation more than Dexter did. “That doesn’t sound so bad, Dex. It’s not like they’re forcing you into anything.”

  Dexter sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, I guess. But it still feels weird not knowing exactly what they found out.”

  Dr. Okoro smiled gently. “I understand your hesitation, but for now, all you need to know is that we’re here to help. If you ever have questions or concerns, you’ll have a direct line to this office.”

  The doctor handed Dexter a small card with a nondescript phone number printed on it. “This is your contact number. Use it only if you need assistance or additional accommodations. And remember: this is your journey, not ours. We’re just here to support you.”

  Dexter took the card reluctantly, his fingers brushing against its smooth surface. “Alright,” he said quietly. “Thanks, I guess.”

  As they left the office, Sarah nudged him with a grin. “See? That wasn’t so bad. Now you’ve got the I.S.O. in your corner. If nothing else, at least they can handle your flu shots.”

  Dexter rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “Yeah, but next time, I’m bringing you into the testing room with me. No way I’m going through all that alone again.”

  Sarah laughed, throwing an arm around his shoulders as they walked off into the setting sun. “Deal, Shadow. Deal.”

  Once Dexter and Sarah got home, they were greeted by the sound of the television in the living room, where the local news was running a breaking story. They exchanged a glance before walking in to find Dexter’s dad, Evan Steele, sitting on the couch, his eyes glued to the screen.

  “Dad, what’s going on?” Dexter asked, trying to sound casual as he sat down beside him. Sarah perched on the armrest, just as curious.

  Evan pointed at the screen. “It’s all over the news. Uber-Man took down General War right here in Thunder City. They’re saying it was one of the biggest fights in recent history.”

  Dexter and Sarah leaned forward as the anchor on the screen spoke, standing in front of a scene of devastation downtown. The footage switched to a helicopter shot of Uber-Man hovering triumphantly over a battered General War, who was being restrained by high-tech cuffs as a specialized I.S.O. team moved in to secure him.

  “Authorities confirm that General War has been subdued and is now in I.S.O. custody,” the anchor said. “The battle, which took place in downtown Thunder City, caused significant structural damage, but no civilian casualties have been reported thanks to Uber-Man’s swift actions. This marks a rare intervention by the International Superhero Organization in Thunder City, a city that has long struggled with a high crime rate but has often been overlooked by larger-scale operations.”

  Sarah frowned, folding her arms. “No kidding. The I.S.O. barely even acknowledges Thunder City exists. Why now?”

  Evan shrugged. “Probably because it’s General War. The guy’s an international threat. If he showed up here, the I.S.O. couldn’t ignore it, no matter how much they usually stay out of Thunder City’s mess.”

  Dexter glanced at Sarah, her earlier words about the I.S.O.’s policies echoing in his mind. It was true—Thunder City, despite its significant crime problem, rarely received attention from major heroes or organizations like the I.S.O. The city was notorious for being left to its own devices, with only a handful of minor vigilantes trying to make a difference.

  “So what happens now?” Dexter asked. “Does this mean they’ll start paying more attention to the city?”

  The news anchor seemed to echo his question, though with less optimism. “While this intervention by Uber-Man and the I.S.O. is being hailed as a major victory for public safety, many residents are questioning whether this will lead to lasting change for Thunder City, which continues to face unprecedented levels of organized crime and superhuman activity.”

  Sarah scoffed. “Translation: probably not.”

  Evan sighed, turning off the TV. “Don’t get your hopes up, kids. This city’s been dealing with its own problems for decades. The I.S.O. swooping in once doesn’t mean they’re sticking around.”

  Dexter nodded absently, but his mind was elsewhere. The fight he’d witnessed—and the aftermath—only fueled his growing sense of responsibility. If the I.S.O. wasn’t going to protect Thunder City, then who would?

  The next day, Dexter and Sarah walked into Thunder City Academy, blending into the crowd of students bustling through the hallways. The towering brick building, with its retro-futuristic architecture, loomed over the campus like a symbol of both history and progress fitting backdrop for the diverse student body that filled its halls. The siblings navigated the morning chaos, exchanging the occasional quip as they made their way to their lockers.

  “Okay, first order of business,” Sarah said, flipping through her backpack. “Try not to blow anything up. Or, you know, accidentally lift a desk with one hand.”

  Dexter smirked, stuffing his books into his locker. “Relax, Sarah. I’ve got this. No powers, no slip-ups. Just a totally normal day for totally normal kids.”

  Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, ‘totally normal’ is exactly how I’d describe you, Captain Muscles.”

  Dexter rolled his eyes but grinned. “At least I’m not the one who brought a notebook full of superhero schematics to school.”

  “It’s called being prepared,” Sarah said, shutting her locker. “You should try it sometime.”

  Before Dexter could respond, a familiar voice called out, “Hey, Dex! Sarah!”

  They turned to see Jonah Novak, one of Dexter’s closest friends, jogging over with a wide grin on his face. His curly brown hair bounced as he reached them, practically radiating energy. Lucas Benson and Emily Parker followed behind him, both looking curious about the morning banter.

  “Did you guys hear about the Uber-Man fight yesterday?” Jonah asked, his excitement practically bursting out of him. “It was insane! He took down General War right here in Thunder City. I’m still freaking out about it.”

  Dexter forced a casual shrug, keeping his face neutral. “Yeah, we saw some of it on the news. Pretty wild.”

  “Wild?” Jonah repeated, throwing his hands in the air. “Dex, it’s Uber-Man! The guy’s practically a legend! Do you know how rare it is for someone like him to show up here?”

  “Yeah,” Lucas chimed in, adjusting his glasses. “Thunder City doesn’t exactly have a reputation for drawing top-tier heroes. Usually, we’re stuck dealing with, like, third-rate vigilantes.”

  “Or none at all,” Emily added, leaning against a locker. “Not that it’s surprising. This city’s a mess, and even the I.S.O. barely cares. One fight doesn’t change anything.”

  Jonah rolled his eyes. “Come on, Emily. Don’t be such a buzzkill. I mean, who knows? Maybe this is the start of something bigger.”

  Dexter stayed quiet, exchanging a subtle glance with Sarah. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for keeping secrets from his friends, especially Jonah, whose enthusiasm reminded him of his own when he first discovered his powers.

  As the first bell rang, the group split off toward their respective classrooms, Jonah waving dramatically as he headed in the opposite direction. “Catch you guys at lunch! And don’t forget—we’re still planning the next big game night! Emily, you’re bringing snacks this time!”

  Homeroom

  Dexter settled into his usual seat near the back of the classroom, his mind still buzzing with thoughts of the previous day. He glanced out the window, his eyes drawn to the city skyline in the distance. The scars of the battle between Uber-Man and General War were faint but still visible—a reminder of just how much danger Thunder City faced.

  His teacher, Ms. Caldwell, entered the room, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Alright, class, settle down,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “Before we dive into today’s lesson, I’m sure some of you are eager to talk about yesterday’s… eventful afternoon.”

  The room immediately erupted with chatter, students throwing out theories about why General War had targeted Thunder City and whether Uber-Man would ever return.

  Ms. Caldwell raised a hand, silencing the noise. “Let’s not lose focus, people. While the events of yesterday were significant, they’re also a reminder of why we must remain vigilant. Thunder City is no stranger to challenges, and it’s up to us to rise above them.”

  Dexter leaned back in his chair, her words hitting closer to home than she probably realized. He glanced at Sarah, who was sitting a few rows away, already jotting notes in her notebook. Her quick glance back at him seemed to say, don’t overthink it.

  But Dexter couldn’t help it. The more he thought about it, the more he felt the pull to do something—anything—to protect his city. He just wasn’t sure how to take the first step without risking everything.

  For now, he resolved to get through the day without any slip-ups. Being a hero, after all, could wait. At least until school was out.

  As the homeroom settled into its usual rhythm, Ms. Caldwell adjusted her glasses and scanned the room. “Alright, class, time to collect your assignments on the Principles of Engineering Design that were due today. Please pass them forward.”

  Groans echoed through the room as students shuffled through their backpacks and binders. Dexter winced, remembering how much effort he’d put into his own assignment, staying up late to finish the diagrams and calculations. He glanced nervously at Sarah, who rolled her eyes as if to say, Relax, you’ll be fine.

  Before anyone else could move, Adrian Muller stood up from his seat near the front of the room and approached Ms. Caldwell’s desk. He held his assignment neatly in one hand, his posture calm and composed.

  “Here you go, Ms. Caldwell,” Adrian said in his usual monotone voice, placing the packet on her desk.

  The teacher picked it up, her eyes skimming the first few pages. She barely glanced at the rest before nodding with approval. “Excellent work as always, Adrian. Full marks. 100%.”

  The class fell silent, a few students exchanging glances and muttering under their breath. Dexter clenched his jaw, feeling a familiar pang of frustration. Adrian always made it look so effortless, like he was barely trying.

  “Of course he got a 100%,” whispered Jonah from across the room. “The guy probably solved world hunger in his spare time, too.”

  “Quiet, Mr. Novak,” Ms. Caldwell said without looking up. Jonah mimed zipping his lips, but the amused smirk on his face didn’t go unnoticed by Dexter.

  Lunchtime at Thunder City Academy was a mix of chaos and routine, with students filling the cafeteria in waves, chatting loudly and scrambling to secure their favorite spots. Dexter and Sarah sat at their usual table near the window, where they had a decent view of both the courtyard and the main cafeteria floor.

  As Dexter picked at his sandwich, his attention was drawn to a small crowd near the center of the room. There, sitting with an air of effortless poise, was Ava Muller. Her long, natural red hair shimmered under the fluorescent lights, and her blue eyes sparkled with confidence as she chatted animatedly with her younger brother, Noah Muller, and a group of their friends.

  Noah, seated beside her, had his characteristic easygoing demeanor, his short blonde hair neatly styled. While Noah lacked Ava’s commanding presence, he was an accomplished athlete and a straight-A student in his own right. The two of them, though not nearly as intimidatingly brilliant as their cousin Adrian, still carried the Muller name with pride, and their popularity reflected it.

  Dexter nudged Sarah, nodding toward the group. “There she is.”

  Sarah looked up from her tray, following his gaze. “Oh, great. Let me guess—you’re going to spend the next twenty minutes pretending not to stare at Ava while she eats her salad.”

  Dexter flushed slightly, frowning. “I wasn’t going to stare. I was just… noticing.”

  “Noticing how perfect she looks? Or noticing how she’s way out of your league?” Sarah teased, smirking as she took a sip of her juice.

  Dexter sighed, trying to ignore her. “It’s not like that.”

  “Oh, please,” Sarah said, rolling her eyes. “Half the guys in this school have a crush on Ava Muller. You’re not exactly subtle about it.”

  Dexter shrugged, glancing at Ava again. She had a natural charisma that seemed to draw people in effortlessly. Despite being one of the most popular girls in school, she carried herself with a level of grace that made her seem approachable—at least, until you remembered her family’s incredible wealth and influence.

  As he watched, Ava leaned over to say something to Noah, who laughed and shook his head. Whatever it was, it seemed casual and lighthearted, like they were just two normal siblings. But Dexter couldn’t help but feel the weight of their surname. The Mullers weren’t just smart or popular—they were untouchable.

  “Y’know,” Sarah said, breaking his train of thought, “Ava and Noah might be straight-A students, but they’re not super geniuses like Adrian. They actually work for their grades.”

  Dexter raised an eyebrow. “And that makes them more relatable?”

  “Well, yeah,” Sarah said with a shrug. “I mean, sure, they’ve got money, looks, and the whole perfect family thing going on, but at least they’re human. Adrian’s basically a walking computer.”

  Dexter chuckled. “Fair point. But still, it’s not like I’m gonna go talk to her or anything. I’d just make a fool of myself.”

  Sarah grinned slyly. “You never know. Maybe she likes guys who can bench-press trees.”

  Dexter groaned, putting his head in his hands. “I knew you were going to bring that up.”

  Sarah laughed, but her teasing was interrupted by a sudden shift in the cafeteria’s noise level. Dexter glanced up to see Ava standing, her confident smile unchanged as she said something to Noah and then began walking toward the lunch line.

  “Now’s your chance,” Sarah said, elbowing him.

  “What? No way,” Dexter said, shaking his head. “I’m not just going to walk up and start talking to her.”

  “Why not? She’s just a person, Dex. And who knows? Maybe she’s into awkward, overly muscular twelve-year-olds.”

  Dexter glared at her. “Not helping.”

  Sarah smirked, leaning back in her chair. “Suit yourself. But if you’re too chicken to talk to her now, don’t come crying to me when someone else does.”

  Dexter sighed, his gaze drifting back to Ava. Despite Sarah’s teasing, he couldn’t shake the thought that maybe, just maybe, Ava Muller wasn’t as untouchable as she seemed. But for now, he decided to let the moment pass. There would be other opportunities—or at least, he hoped there would be.

  Sarah leaned forward on the lunch table, a knowing smirk spreading across her face. “Of course,” she began, her tone mockingly casual, “I should point out that Ava’s closest friends—Lyra Whitfield, Zia Vargas, and Mia Yang—all come from upper-class families. That’s the kind of people she surrounds herself with, Dex.”

  Dexter raised an eyebrow, his sandwich halfway to his mouth. “And your point is…?”

  Sarah rolled her eyes. “My point, dear cousin, is that Ava Muller isn’t exactly hanging out with the likes of us. Mia’s parents are some big-shot scientists. Zia’s family owns, like, half the fancy restaurants and docks downtown. And Lyra? Her family’s old money, like really old. They’re basically Thunder City royalty. Do you really think she’s going to look twice at a regular guy like you?”

  Dexter frowned, setting his sandwich down. “Okay, first of all, ouch. Second, Ava might come from a rich family, but that doesn’t mean she’s stuck-up or anything. She seems… nice.”

  Sarah snorted. “Sure, she seems nice. But let’s be real—she’s not exactly going to invite you to her family’s fancy gala or whatever. She’s used to a completely different world.”

  Dexter shook his head. “Not everyone’s defined by their social class, Sarah.”

  Sarah smirked but didn’t let up. “Maybe. But let’s not forget who you’re crushing on here. Noah Muller, her brother? He’s way more comfortable hanging out with middle-class kids—probably because he spends half his time on the field with them. But Ava? She’s the socialite. The girl practically has ‘elite’ stamped on her forehead.”

  Dexter sighed, leaning back in his chair. “You know, for someone who’s supposed to be helping me, you’re really good at making me feel like I have no shot.”

  Sarah grinned, clearly enjoying herself. “Hey, I’m just keeping it real. But don’t worry, Dex. If by some miracle Ava does notice you, I’ll be here to make sure you don’t completely embarrass yourself.”

  As Dexter sat at the lunch table, his gaze kept drifting toward Ava and her friends, who were now seated a few tables away. Despite Sarah’s relentless teasing, he couldn’t help but feel curious about what they were talking about. He’d recently discovered his enhanced hearing, and though he’d only tested it briefly, this seemed like a good opportunity to practice.

  Ava’s voice was clear and confident, carrying a hint of amusement. “So, my dad wants to throw another charity gala next month. He’s talking about renting out the Grand Skylight Ballroom again. Honestly, I think he just likes showing off.”

  Lyra Whitfield, seated next to her, laughed lightly. “Of course he does. But, hey, free food and fancy dresses. I’m not complaining.”

  Zia Vargas chimed in, her tone more practical. “Isn’t that the same gala where the mayor’s son spilled wine all over your dress last year?”

  Ava groaned, though her tone remained light. “Don’t remind me. That was so embarrassing. I had to get it professionally cleaned twice. But at least it gave my mom an excuse to buy me a new one.”

  Mia Yang, the most reserved of the group, leaned in, her voice quieter but sharp. “Speaking of dresses, have you seen the new boutique that opened downtown? I heard they’re importing custom designs from Milan. Might be worth checking out before the gala.”

  Ava nodded, smiling. “Oh, definitely. We should plan a day to go together. It’ll be fun.”

  Dexter’s enhanced hearing caught every word, but he found himself more intrigued by the dynamic between the friends than the content of their conversation. Ava seemed genuinely close with them, laughing easily and engaging in their banter without the kind of pretense he’d expected from someone so wealthy and high-profile.

  As he listened, though, something caught his attention—Noah’s voice, coming from nearby.

  “Hey, sis,” Noah said, leaning slightly into their circle. “You’re not dragging me into another one of your fashion excursions, are you? Because I’ll pass.”

  Ava smirked at her younger brother, tossing a napkin at him playfully. “Don’t worry, Noah. You can stick to your gym shorts and hoodies. No one’s expecting you to clean up for this.”

  The group laughed, and Noah rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “Good. I’ve got better things to do than listen to you argue about shoes.”

  Dexter found himself smiling at the exchange, though he quickly snapped out of it when Sarah nudged him hard in the side.

  “Dexter!” she hissed, glaring at him. “Are you eavesdropping on Ava’s table?”

  Dexter blinked, startled. “Uh… no? I was just… zoning out.”

  Sarah raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Sure, because zoning out totally involves staring at her table like you’re trying to read lips. Come on, Dex, you’ve gotta be more subtle than that.”

  Dex sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine, I might’ve been listening in. But I wasn’t doing anything weird. Just… practicing my hearing.”

  “Practicing your hearing to listen in on Ava Muller’s shopping plans?” Sarah teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Wow, what a heroic use of your powers.”

  Dexter groaned. “Okay, I get it. Bad idea. But I didn’t hear anything important, anyway.”

  Sarah smirked. “Good. Because if Ava or her friends catch you, you’re going to have a lot more explaining to do than just saying it was ‘practice.’”

  Sarah softened, though her smirk didn’t completely disappear. “Look, I get it. You’re curious about Ava. But trust me, there’s a big difference between noticing someone and actively listening in on their private conversations. You don’t need superpowers to make a connection—just be yourself.”

  Dexter frowned. “Yeah, because that’s been working so well for me so far.”

  “Hey,” Sarah said, poking his arm. “You’re a good guy, Dex. You don’t need to cheat to get someone’s attention. Just… maybe focus on mastering your powers before you start using them to figure out Ava’s favorite dress boutique, okay?”

  Dexter sighed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Alright, fine. No more eavesdropping.”

  Sarah grinned triumphantly. “Good. Now, eat your sandwich before you blow your cover and starve to death.”

  Dexter laughed despite himself, turning his attention back to his lunch. As much as Sarah teased him, he knew she had his back—and maybe, just maybe, she was right about figuring out his powers the right way.

  As Dexter scanned the cafeteria, his gaze fell on Adrian Muller, who sat at a table by himself near the edge of the room. Unlike his cousins Ava and Noah, who always seemed surrounded by friends or admirers, Adrian was hunched over a tablet, completely absorbed in whatever he was working on. A group of students passed by his table, throwing glances his way and whispering to each other.

  It wasn’t unusual for students to dismiss Adrian as just “the tall nerd,” despite his obvious brilliance. While Ava and Noah were the social stars of Thunder City Academy, Adrian didn’t bother with appearances or popularity. His clothes were plain, his posture slightly slouched, and his expression perpetually neutral, as if he found everything around him either mildly annoying or utterly unimportant.

  What set Adrian apart, though, was his presence. He was taller than most of the students, and even though he rarely engaged with others, he carried himself with a calm confidence that made people think twice before bothering him. Dexter had heard rumors about how Adrian had dealt with bullies in the past—stories of him using precise, effortless pressure-point attacks to disable would-be aggressors without even looking up from his work. Most students quickly learned not to mess with him, and those who hadn’t learned the hard way.

  As Dexter continued to subtly observe the cafeteria dynamics, he noticed Ava’s table shift their attention toward Adrian.

  “Seriously, what’s with Adrian?” Lyra Whitfield said, her voice just loud enough for those nearby to hear. She twirled a lock of her golden hair, glancing over at him. “He’s always so… robotic. Like, does he even talk to people?”

  Zia Vargas leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “Why would he? He’s too busy playing mad scientist or whatever. He probably thinks he’s better than all of us.”

  Mia Yang chimed in, her voice sharper. “To be fair, he is smarter than all of us. Doesn’t mean he has to act like a statue, though.”

  Ava, who had been idly scrolling on her phone, finally looked up and smiled faintly. “Come on, guys, leave him alone. He’s not hurting anyone.”

  Lyra rolled her eyes. “Yeah, but he’s so weird, Ava. You’re all, like, friendly and outgoing, and he’s just… cold. Doesn’t it bother you, having to share the Muller name with someone like that?”

  Ava didn’t respond to the comment, but instead stood up and walked toward Adrian’s table. Her movement caught Dexter’s attention immediately, and he leaned forward slightly to hear what was happening.

  Later at the hallways:

  As Dexter stood near his locker, still pondering his brief encounter with Adrian, the hallway erupted into laughter. He turned just in time to see Adrian Muller, his usual composed self, standing in front of his locker. Except this time, his face was covered in whipped cream from a pie that had been rigged to spring out as soon as he opened the door. The prank’s culprits, Lyra Whitfield and Zia Vargas, were giggling hysterically from the end of the hallway, clearly proud of their handiwork.

  “Did you see that?” Lyra whispered to Zia, barely containing her laughter. “That was perfect! The look on his face!”

  Zia smirked, nudging her friend. “I told you it would work. He’s so predictable. Probably didn’t even notice the string we tied to the latch.”

  Adrian stood still for a moment; pie still smeared across his face. The laughter of nearby students grew louder, and more people stopped to watch, their amusement building as Adrian silently wiped the whipped cream off with a handkerchief he retrieved from his pocket.

  *******

  Later:

  As Dexter and Sarah walked home from school, discussing the day’s events, a voice called out from behind them.

  “Hey, Dex! Wait up!”

  Dexter turned to see Emily Parker jogging toward them, her ponytail bouncing with each step. The pink-dyed ends of her hair glinted in the afternoon sunlight, and her usual cheerful grin was firmly in place. Sarah raised an eyebrow but said nothing, letting Emily catch up.

  “Hey, Emily,” Dexter said, slowing his pace. “What’s up?”

  Emily fell into step beside him, adjusting her backpack. “I was wondering… do you think we could do homework together at your place today? I could really use some help with the math assignment, and, well…” She trailed off, glancing down with an almost sheepish expression. “You’re pretty good at it.”

  Dexter blinked, caught off guard by the request. Emily was one of his closest friends, but she usually worked on her assignments with either Jonah or Lucas. This felt different somehow. “Uh, sure, I guess,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “I mean, if you don’t mind dealing with Sarah too.”

  “Hey!” Sarah interjected, glaring playfully. “I’m not that bad to work with.”

  Emily giggled. “I don’t mind. Besides, I know Sarah’s the real brains of the operation, right?” She gave Sarah a wink, earning a smirk in return.

  “Darn right,” Sarah said smugly. “Alright, Parker, you can tag along. But if you eat all the snacks, I’m locking you out of the kitchen.”

  Emily laughed, her usual easygoing energy making the moment feel lighter. “Deal.”

  When they arrived at Dexter’s house, they found the place quiet. Evan and Linda Steele were still at work, and the living room was empty save for a few neatly stacked books on the coffee table. Sarah immediately headed for the kitchen, claiming snack duty, while Dexter led Emily into the dining room to set up their homework.

  “Alright,” Dexter said, pulling out his math notebook. “What’s giving you trouble?”

  Emily sighed, plopping down into a chair and pulling out her textbook. “Honestly? All of it. I swear, Mr. Jensen’s explanations make no sense.”

  Dexter chuckled, flipping open the book. “Yeah, he’s not the best at making things clear. Let’s start with problem one.”

  As they worked through the assignment, Emily leaned closer to watch Dexter’s calculations, occasionally asking questions or cracking jokes about how impossible the problems seemed. Dexter couldn’t help but notice how focused she was, her usual bubbly demeanor tempered by genuine effort.

  “You’re actually getting the hang of this,” Dexter said after a while, offering her a small smile. “See? It’s not so bad.”

  Emily sighed in relief, sitting back in her chair. “Thanks, Dex. I don’t know how you do it, but you make this stuff make sense. I owe you one.”

  “No big deal,” Dexter said, feeling a faint flush of pride. “You’d do the same for me.”

  Emily grinned. “True, but I’d probably make you suffer through my terrible explanations first.”

  Before Dexter could respond, Sarah walked in with a plate of cookies and three glasses of milk. “Alright, brainiacs, snack time. Homework breaks are essential to mental health.”

  Emily lit up at the sight of the cookies. “Sarah, you’re officially my hero.”

  “Don’t mention it,” Sarah said, sitting down and grabbing a cookie for herself. “So, how’s the math marathon going?”

  “Better, thanks to Dex,” Emily said, nudging him playfully. “He’s a lifesaver.”

  Dexter shrugged, trying to play it cool. “It’s nothing. Just numbers.”

  “Yeah, yeah, humble hero,” Sarah teased. “Just don’t let it go to your head.”

  As they sat together, sharing snacks and laughter, Dexter felt a rare sense of normalcy. For a little while, it was easy to forget about his powers, Adrian Muller’s piercing gaze, or the chaos of Thunder City. Here, surrounded by friends and family, he could just be a regular kid.

  Even if only for a little while.

  As Emily reached for another cookie, she turned her attention to Sarah. “Anyway, Sarah,” she said, her tone casual but curious, “my little sister, Mia Parker, was asking about you the other day. She says you’re not hanging out with her as often as before. What’s up with that? You, Mia, Maddie, and Eric used to be the dream team.”

  Sarah blinked, clearly caught off guard by the question. She leaned back in her chair, fiddling with her glass of milk as she thought of a response. “Oh… yeah, I guess we haven’t been hanging out as much lately. It’s not like I don’t want to or anything,” she said, her voice careful. “I’ve just been… busy, you know? Stuff with school, helping Dex, and, uh… other things.”

  Emily tilted her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Other things, huh? Like what? You and Dex secretly plotting world domination or something?”

  Dexter coughed, nearly choking on his milk. “What? No! Definitely not!”

  Sarah shot him a look before turning back to Emily, her expression slightly defensive. “It’s nothing like that. I just… I don’t know. I guess I’ve had a lot going on lately, and it’s been harder to make time for everyone.”

  Emily nodded, though her eyes were sharp with understanding. “Fair enough. But you know Mia looks up to you, right? She’s always talking about how cool you are. Maddie and Eric, too. You guys were like the ultimate squad last year.”

  Sarah’s expression softened, and she sighed. “I didn’t realize she felt that way. I mean, I know we had a lot of fun back then, but…” She glanced at Dexter, who gave her an encouraging nod. “I’ll try to make more time. I don’t want her to feel like I’m ignoring her or anything.”

  Emily smiled, satisfied. “That’s all I’m saying. Mia’s a good kid. And honestly, she misses you. She told me the other day that it’s not the same without you around.”

  Sarah grinned sheepishly. “Alright, alright, I get it. I’ll talk to her soon. Maybe we can all hang out again, like old times.”

  “Now that would make Mia’s day,” Emily said, popping the last piece of her cookie into her mouth. “You, Maddie, and Eric showing up together? She’d probably faint.”

  Dexter chuckled. “Yeah, just make sure she doesn’t rope Sarah into one of her weird challenges again. I’m still trying to forget the ‘tree-climbing race’ incident.”

  Emily laughed, nearly spilling her milk. “Oh, that was classic! Mia was so mad she got second place!”

  Sarah rolled her eyes but smiled fondly. “Alright, fine. I’ll make plans. But if Mia tries to turn it into some kind of adventure movie, that’s on her, not me.”

  “Deal,” Emily said with a grin. “And I’ll let her know you’re back on the dream team. She’ll be thrilled.”

  As the conversation moved on, Sarah felt a small pang of guilt for letting her old friendships slip, but also a flicker of hope. Maybe reconnecting with Mia and the others could be a way to balance everything—her responsibilities with Dex, her schoolwork, and the normal life she’d almost forgotten she had.

  As the conversation wound down, Dexter gave Emily a quick, friendly hug, feeling grateful for her easygoing presence.

  “Thanks for coming over, Emily,” Dexter said warmly. “You’re always fun to have around.”

  As the door closed behind Emily, Dexter let out a small sigh of relief. The homework session had gone well enough, but the moment where he accidentally hurt Emily still lingered in his mind. He was lost in thought when Sarah’s voice snapped him back to reality.

  “Okay, Showtime!” Sarah said, clapping her hands together and grinning mischievously. “It’s time for your first test patrol as the Shadow. And before you start whining, I even prepared your costume.”

  Dexter turned to her, his brow furrowed. “Wait, what? A patrol? Sarah, I’m not even close to ready for something like that!”

  Sarah raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “Oh, please. You’ve been training for days, your powers are way better than you think, and you’re itching to do something useful. Plus, I’ve been working on this costume for hours, so you’re not backing out now.”

  Dexter groaned, running a hand through his hair. “You seriously made a costume?”

  Sarah grinned triumphantly and pulled a folded outfit from behind her back. “Ta-da! Feast your eyes on this masterpiece.”

  Dexter took the bundle and unfolded it, revealing a sleek, black outfit made of lightweight fabric. It wasn’t exactly professional-grade, but it was better than he expected for something Sarah had thrown together. The outfit had a high collar, reinforced stitching along the shoulders and knees, and a simple black mask that would cover his upper face.

  “Where did you even get this?” Dexter asked, holding up the costume.

  “Dad’s old tactical gear,” Sarah said with a shrug. “I repurposed it. Sewed a few things together, reinforced some areas—nothing fancy. But it’s lightweight, durable, and perfect for staying hidden in the shadows. Hence the name.”

  Dexter sighed, realizing she wasn’t going to let this go. “Fine. But if this goes south, it’s your fault.”

  Sarah grinned, clearly proud of herself. “Deal. Now suit up, Shadow. The city awaits.”