4.03

Alec breaks the silence, asking about my trigger event—the day I got my powers. Turns out, it’s pretty common for powers to manifest during one’s worst moments. Lisa explains the concept of “trigger events,” theorizing that many people have the potential for powers but need a severe push—a “fight or flight” response taken to the extreme—to unlock them. Alec notes this might explain the villain-to-hero disparity and the high density of powered individuals in third-world countries. Second-generation capes, like Glory Girl, get off easier, requiring less intense events to trigger their powers.

I brought up our origins, partly wanting to clear up any misconceptions they had about me, but I hesitated to share my own story, not wanting to ruin the mood further. Brian reassures me, and I set a condition: no revenge on the people involved in my story. I explain that I feel taking revenge myself or them taking revenge for me wouldn’t give me closure.

I then dive into the story of the three girls who’ve made my life hell. For a year and a half, they tormented me relentlessly, each trying to outdo the other in cruelty. It seemed to stop last November. One of the girls who sometimes joined in even apologized and befriended me, making me think the bullying was over. But after winter break, I found my locker filled with used sanitary products. The smell was rancid. Someone shoved me into the locker and locked it. I panicked, and my mind connected with the bugs around me. It was overwhelming—a new sense I couldn’t understand, filled with distorted sounds and images, thousands of them.

When I was finally let out, I lashed out, fighting and screaming. After figuring out my powers at the hospital, I was able to control the sensory input to some degree. My dad got some money from the school, but a lawsuit against the bullies was unlikely due to lack of evidence.

Alec is shocked that the bullying is still happening and suggests I use my powers to retaliate, even subtly. I refuse, not wanting to escalate things or get caught. I admit I’ve considered it but fear losing control. Alec suggests getting one of them to take revenge for me or going to someone for help, but I dismiss both options. I don’t trust the system, and I don’t want things to get out of hand.

Lisa jokingly suggests kidnapping their leader and dropping her off in the woods, but I point out the risks involved. Alec is frustrated that they assaulted me, and I’m not seeking an “eye for an eye.” He then questions why I’m even a supervillain.

“Escape,” I blurt out, surprising even myself. I explain that being a supervillain lets me leave my real-life problems behind, kick ass, make a name for myself, and have fun with friends. Brian appreciates that I trusted them enough to share my story, but he presses Lisa and Alec to share theirs. Alec refuses, and Lisa says she needs a few drinks before she can share hers. Brian volunteers to share his story, despite my protests.