Throughout the school day, Valeria had flashbacks of her encounter with Brigitte the Assassin. She had tried to run over Sai and her with a car, but instead of making a getaway, the woman had pulled around the corner and stood there, watching them with that smug look across her face. Was she trying to kill Sai? Me? Or was she up to something else entirely?

Valeria tried to mask her concern when she met up with Erin. She had a lot on her mind, and told her they'd need to cancel their meeting under the White Pine today..

"Did you find out any more information about the Midas Vault?" Erin asked.

"No," Valeria had replied. That seemed less important then facing a woman who tried to murder her. After school, Sai, James, Roberta and Jon met up with her at the bicycle rack.

"Want to come with us to the video arcade?" James asked.

"I can't. I have tutoring all afternoon." She felt bad lying to them, but she didn't know any alternative. Mounting her bike, she planned to ride off before they could protest. But Sai pedaled up beside her before she could leave.

"Can I ride with you?"

Valeria wanted to say no, but stopped herself. Sai was with her that day, and maybe he could help implicate Brigitte. She had promised to keep the whole ordeal a secret from Jada, but the idea of just letting Brigitte go unpunished didn't sit right with her. "Alright."

They pedaled off together, weaving between pedestrians. It was a sunny day in the city, with cars bustling back and forth along every street corner. She tried to enjoy the cool autumn breeze as it caressed her long black hair, but felt distracted as Sai pulled up beside her.

"So," he stuttered, "I've got a weird question I've been meaning to ask you. I could have sworn my lip was busted at the bowling alley. But when I got home, my face looked completely normal."

Valeria focused on pedaling. "I guess I overacted. It didn't look that bad, and I'm glad it healed okay."

Sai kept pace with her. "That's just it. It healed by the time I got home. That doesn't make any sense! That whole day didn't make any sense, honestly. I still don't understand how you beat up those guys all by yourself. Or how you were hit by a car without being seriously injured."

"You wouldn't understand," Valeria mocked. "I've always known how to handle myself."

Sai swerved to avoid a parked car. "Okay," he said, catching up to her, "now I call BS. Even the toughest gangster would take some damage after getting hit by a speeding car."

"I hurt my shoulder, didn't I?"

"It should have been worse than that. I think it had something to do with that suit you were wearing."

Valeria dismounted near the Pipino Residence. She stood by a stone wall, and when Sai pedaled over, she pushed him against it. "You can't tell anyone! Not your friends or your parents. Give me your word!"

Panicking, Sai asked, "Tell them what? I don't even know what I would say. Valeria is some kind of superhero?"

"Don't call me that!" She yelled, thrusting a finger at his face. "I'm not a hero!"

"That's it, isn't it?" Sai asked, a grin across his face. "You're a superhero. This is unbelievable! James would lose his shit it if I told him about this -"

Valeria's anger took over – and without thinking – she punched him in the face. He fell backward against the wall and clutched his nose, blood dribbling down his chin.

"What the hell, V?" he asked, his voice ripe with anger. "Are you freaking crazy?"

"Would a hero do that? Huh?!" Valeria yelled. There was more she wanted to say, but she stopped upon hearing someone clapping behind them. A weasel-like laugh followed, and she turned toward the person approaching them.

"Are the two lovebirds having a lover's quarrel?"

Valeria clenched her fists as she recognized the woman with short blonde hair, a crooked nose, and lopsided grin. "You!"

"Yes," Brigitte replied, a coy smile across her face. "It's me. So nice to see you again...protégé."

Clutching his nose, Sai stood beside Valeria. "We need to talk, V. This shit has gotten out of hand, okay? Like seriously, who goes around punching people for no freaking reason and - wait a minute," he said, noticing Brigitte, "you look familiar. So does that car."

The same red Ford Mustang - with its front end and windshield still busted - was parked in front of their house. Honestly? Valeria thought to herself. She didn't think of using a different car? With her fists clenched, she was tempted to throw a punch - but refrained. She had learned this lesson early at the detention center - no one will believe you're the victim if you swing first.

"You know this woman?" Sai asked.

"Yeah. She's the one who tried to run us over."

Sai took a step in front of Valeria and attempted to shield her. "V, go call for help! Now!"

While she appreciated the gesture - it was unnecessary. Valeria could defend herself better than Sai ever could. But it still felt good, knowing someone cared enough to put themselves in harm's way.

Brigitte removed a knife and waived it around with incredible dexterity. "You stupid boy. You have no idea what you're involved in -"

"That's enough, Brigitte."

Turning, Valeria noticed Frank standing behind them. You'd think she would be used to it by now, living with two powerful Rogues. And yet, he and Jada were still always able to pop up out of nowhere.

"Put that away," he said, his hand reaching for his dagger, "or I will end you, right here in the street."

Brigitte released another high pitched laugh as she sheathed her blade. "As you wish, Pip-squeak. Come on now, I'm supposed to teach the girl a lesson today, am I not?"

"After what she told me," Frank growled, "I'd love to teach you a lesson."

"Oooh," Brigitte cooed. "So scary. Maybe you should call your wife out here to fight for you, since we know who wears the pants in your relationship."

"Don't tempt me," Frank said. "Follow me into the house, now." He turned to Valeria. "Say goodbye to your friend."

"I could have handled her," Valeria whispered, a frown across her face. "I don't need you to save me all the time."

Laughing, Frank pointed at Sai and said, "I was saving him, not you. You've never needed my help, and don't worry - you're on your own with her in there." Turning to Sai, he removed his knife and inspected it. "I've always liked you, Sai. I'd like to keep it that way. But if you say anything about this to your -"

"I will handle this," Valeria hissed through clenched teeth. "Go inside, now."

Smiling, Frank sheathed his dagger and saluted her. "Yes, ma'am. See ya inside." Both he and Brigitte disappeared through the front door, leaving the two of them alone by the street.

"What the hell is going on?" Sai asked, his voice quivering.

"You wouldn't understand." Valeria took a deep breath, and walked up to him. She held his face in her hands and locked eyes with him. "Listen, Sai," she began, her tone sincere. "I'm sorry I hit you. I'm asking nicely now. Promise you won't say anything about me or my weird family. Okay?"

"Okay," he said, a smile across his face. "I promise."

With his face in her hands, she was tempted to kiss him. Even with a bloodied nose, she still found him attractive - maybe more so. And while it was tempting to indulge her lustful impulse, a different one took precedence. Revenge - no one hits her with a car and gets away with it. Leaning forward, she kissed his cheek and said, "Thank you." She released him and started for the door, but stopped when he addressed her again.

"Yeah?" she asked.

"I just gotta know. Are you really a superhero?"

"No, Sai," she said, leaning against the door. "Good night."

As she closed the door, she heard him mutter, "Okay, just checking."

             #

Valeria entered the house and found Brigitte, Jada, and Frank all conversing in the living room. Pacing back and forth with his fists clenched, Frank looked as agitated as ever. Jada, on the other hand, appeared calm with arms crossed against her chest.

"That's not what we agreed, Brigitte," she said, her tone pleasant. "Today's lesson was supposed to be disarming."

"She doesn't even have a blade yet, moron," Frank scolded.

"There's no need for insults," Jada said, eyebrows furrowed. "Apologize."

"Sorry," Frank said before muttering, "I'm not sorry."

Ignoring him, Brigitte walked over to Valeria. She removed a wooden knife from her pocket, dropped it on the floor, and walked away. "Pick up your weapon, protégé."

"Don't pick that up," Jada said. When Brigitte brought a hand to her face and yawned, she walked right up to her. "We are teaching disarming techniques today. You can teach her knife skills next week. Maybe you should write that down somewhere so you don't forget."

Brigitte yawned with disinterest again. "Whatever you say, Sovereign." She removed a handheld book and scribbled something down.

Valeria's eyes narrowed. She had watched Brigitte write in the same book after hitting her with a car. Checking her pocket, an idea took hold - but she only had a brief moment to ponder it before Jada addressed her.

"Listen up, Valeria. Brigitte will attack me with a wooden knife. You will observe two things. First is how she attacks. After you've observed classic knife attacks, I will demonstrate techniques to both avoid and disarm an opponent. Understood?"

Valeria watched Brigitte slash and stab at Jada with the wooden knife in slow motion before repeating them at full speed. One of the attacks was particularly vicious and caught Jada across the side of the face. She recoiled backward for a moment, but recovered and stood back at attention like nothing had happened.

Eyes bulging, Frank took a step toward Brigitte. "You twisted little –".

"Stop!" Jada exclaimed. "I'm fine. If you can't control your emotions, you will wait upstairs until we're done."

His face flushed beet red. "I can't believe you're just gonna –"

"Last I checked," Jada interrupted. "I was Sovereign, so I will do what I like. Leave us. Now!"

Frank exhaled, his shoulders slouching forward with defeat. "Fine, I'll be upstairs. Holler if you need me."

"Bye bye, Pip-Squeak," Brigitte taunted.

While he stormed up the stairs, Valeria turned toward Jada. She was surprised that Brigitte got the upper hand against her. Jada was supposed to be the most powerful Rogue - whatever that meant. But when their eyes met, Jada winked at her and it suddenly made sense.

She was hustling Brigitte.

Valeria had seen enough hustlers in her day. Whether it was basketball, pool, or gambling - she understood the game being played. She watched Jada crack her knuckles and neck before standing at attention. Brigitte didn't appear to notice, she was too busy taunting Frank as he went up the stairs.

"Shut up, Brigitte," Jada snapped. "I'm ready this time. Come at me full speed."

Smiling, Brigitte waved the wooden blade around with incredible speed. "You're sure you want me at full speed, Sovereign?"

"Did I stutter?" Jada barked. "I said come at me!"

Valeria watched the encounter with intense interest. Through her eyes, time slowed as the two of them danced around each other.

Brigitte swung the blade in a horizontal arc, but Jada stepped back and dodged it with relative ease. She tried a variety of different vertical and horizontal swipes, but Jada eluded each one. Growing frustrated, she lunged at her with a violent horizontal strike, but Jada caught her arm with one hand, and elbowed her in the face with the other. The blow caught Brigitte off guard, and she fell backward while dropping the knife.

Jada kicked the knife upward as it fell, catching it with her dominant hand. She pointed it downward at Brigitte, who lay on the floor covering her face.

"Holy crap!" Valeria exclaimed. "That was –"

"Shut up, girl," Jada interrupted. "I hope you studied what I did."

"Yes, Ma'am. I mean - yes, Sovereign."

Scowling, Brigitte stood and said, "You got lucky you –"

"You will not disrespect me in front of my protégé, or while in my house. Now," Jada said, cracking her knuckles, "I hope we can recreate that move in slow motion, unless I bruised your pride as much as your face."

Brigitte bit her lip. "Yes, Sovereign."

Watching Brigitte get her ass kicked made Valeria's day. She couldn't resist the urge to laugh, and a short chuckle escaped her lips.

"Something funny, protégé?" Jada asked, eyes narrowed.

"No, Sovereign."

"Good. Now pay attention."

Brigitte and Jada recreated different disarming techniques in slow motion. Valeria tried recreating the moves in tandem with Jada, and she marveled at the woman's strength and endurance for her age.

Twenty minutes later, Valeria was able to do some of the moves. It was easier since Brigitte only used slow attacks. As they practiced, Valeria should have focused on her technique and form, but didn't; her focus was somewhere else. She closed her eyes and heard Frank's instructions from the past.

Narratives: give people a story they want to hear, and you can both misdirect, and direct them in any way you see fit.

Valeria opened her eyes, and waited. It was time to apply what she had learned.

"You ready for full speed, protégé?" Jada asked.

"Yes, Sovereign."

"Very well. Proceed."

Brigitte stayed away at first, twirling the wooden blade in an amazing display of dexterity. Valeria anticipated her first strike, but still wasn't fast enough. Her shoulder burned as the wooden blade made contact twice. "Oww!" she cried out. "That hurt!"

Brigitte released a shrill laugh. "Oh, I'm sorry? Did I break your delicate package?"

"Stop stalling!" Jada commanded. "Again!"

Valeria bit her lip, waiting for Brigitte's next strike. Again, she failed to stop her in time as the wooden blade slapped against her chest and thigh. She let out a painful cry as she massaged her thigh. The blows really hurt, but that wouldn't stop her.

"Does the little Latin princess want some more?"

"One more time!" Jada ordered. "Don't disappoint me, protégé."

Valeria finished massaging her bruised thigh. Everything was ready - she was ready.

Brigitte lunged at her, and Valeria failed to stop her a third time. The blade connected with her shoulder and thigh again, sending shockwaves of pain throughout her body. A searing pain erupted from her cheek when Brigitte finished her combo with a slap across the face. The blows were brutal, and she nearly passed out, dropping to one knee. Brigitte's laughter echoed all around her, and her rage boiled to the surface.

"This girl is supposed to be the best protégé in years," Brigitte said, her tone sarcastic. "What a disappointm-"

Valeria lunged at her like a wild animal. Tackling Brigitte, she clawed and swiped at her with blind rage. "I hate you! I hate you!" she screamed while holding the woman's jacket.

Brigitte recovered and elbowed her in the face. Disoriented, Valeria rolled onto her back and howled with pain as Brigitte started kicking her torso. "You stupid, weak girl! How dare you low-blow me!"

"That's enough!" Jada yelled, restraining Brigitte. "That's enough for today. Brigitte, go back to Coterel."

Brigitte spat on Valeria, and turned to Jada. "Some teacher you are. Have fun with your weak protégé." She stormed off, leaving the two of them alone.

Jada crouched next to Valeria, and inspected her face. Her touch was gentle, her eyes soft with concern. Her formidable wall had come down, revealing a rare glimpse of vulnerability. She inspected Valeria's face like a nurturing mother and winced. "We need to get some ice on that eye before it swells up."

Sitting up, Valeria said, "I'm sorry I let you down, Sovereign."

"It's alright, girl," she said. "I thought you could beat her, but you can't win them all. You'll live to fight another day. I'll be right back."

Valeria kept up her wounded facade until Jada left, her grimace slowly replaced with a mischievous grin. She reached in her pocket and removed the object she had been focused on the whole time.

Brigitte's diary.

She knew Brigitte was a malicious individual who liked nothing better than wailing on a weaker opponent. But she had hustled her, just like Jada did. She had her own personal calendar and knew it was around the same size as Brigitte's diary. When she lunged at Brigitte, she pickpocketed her diary and switched it with the calendar in her own pocket. Brigitte was so preoccupied with causing harm that she didn't notice the switch.

Frank and Jada had taught her well.

Beaming with pride, she started flipping through the diary's contents. The sound of footsteps nearby forced her to stop, and she placed it back in her pocket. She would examine it later tonight.

"Well," Jada said, handing off a bag of ice, "I guess you deserve a break after what she did to you."

"What did she do?" Frank asked, descending the stairs. Noticing the bag of ice pressed against Valeria's face, his eyes went wide. "That evil bitch! I swear I'm gonna -"

"Stop, babe!" Jada interrupted. "I told you to never use the B word."

Sighing, his shoulders slouched forward. "I'm sorry. I just don't like seeing you hurt, kiddo. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Valeria said, a smirk across her face. "I'm tougher than I look."

The doorbell rang, and Frank left to answer it. He returned a moment later with their takeout food.

Jada looked over at Valeria and said, "You've been doing a good job with training overall, girl. As a reward, I figured we could watch a more modern heist movie today while we eat."

"Jeez," Frank said. "You've been really stingy with the remote lately. When do I get to choose?"

"You can pick the next one."

Valeria wondered why Jada was so insistent on picking their movie selections. The previous movies had a similar theme - male thieves seducing righteous characters intending to capture them.

"Ready for the movie?" Jada asked.

"Sure," Valeria replied, trying to remain nonchalant. "I hope it's not boring." But she didn't really care about the movie. She cared about the experience. Other kids might have groaned about eating dinner and watching a movie with their parents - but not her.

She had dreamed of moments like this, sitting alone in her cot at the detention center. Family dinners, backyard barbecues, birthday parties. But a year would go by, and she was still alone. She clung to hope as time passed, but started to wonder if she would be ready to join a family.

Frank and Jada were already eating as the movie started to play. Exchanging glances at both, Valeria knew she was ready. She was ready to be whole again and take on the world. She was ready for everything except the movie, because it would change everything she thought she knew - forever.