5.03

A city-wide curfew announcement interrupts a shopping trip between Taylor and her father, Danny. They decide to leave early to avoid the rush but find a crowd gathered at the exit. Soldiers and two heroines, Battery and Shadow Stalker, are managing the crowd, creating a bottleneck as people gawk.

Taylor observes Battery and Shadow Stalker, noting their youth and the contrast between their public personas and their real selves. She feels a personal dislike for Shadow Stalker, knowing her history as a ruthless vigilante and her rivalry with Grue.

As they wait in line, they encounter Alan Barnes and his daughter, Emma, Taylor’s former best friend turned bully. An awkward exchange ensues, with Alan suggesting a future barbecue together. The conversation turns to the ongoing chaos caused by Bakuda’s bombings, with both Alan and Danny sharing stories of people they know who have been affected.

While their fathers talk, Taylor and Emma stare at each other. Emma gives Taylor a familiar malicious smile, triggering a surge of anger in Taylor. In a shocking moment, Taylor slaps Emma across the face.

Shadow Stalker intervenes, restraining Taylor with plastic wrist-ties. Danny explains that Taylor is still recovering from a concussion that has affected her mood, but Shadow Stalker insists that Taylor’s actions are dangerous and unacceptable in the current tense situation. She lectures Danny and orders Taylor to go home.

As they leave, Danny apologizes to Alan, who is sympathetic but suggests that Taylor should stay home from school longer. Emma, despite the red mark on her face, smiles triumphantly as she receives attention from Shadow Stalker.

In the car, Danny reassures Taylor that he’s not mad. He attributes her outburst to the concussion and her history with Emma. Taylor finally breaks down and confesses that Emma has been bullying her since they started high school, and that Emma was involved since the very beginning of the bullying. Tears stream down her face, which she blames on the concussion, but Danny suggests it’s more than that. He pulls over and holds her as she sobs, telling her it’s okay and that they have time.