I only ever see my family during dinner every Tuesday. Right now they look exhausted more than usual, while I'm trying my best to hide my giddiness.
"Honey," my mother yawns, "You seem cheery, how was your day?"
My older brother reaches out his hand and the salt shaker zips towards his palm.
"What did we say about normal family time?" my father interjects.
"Dad, I'm tired," my brother slacks in his seat.
"Then why are you still using your powers?"
My brother just grunts. I eagerly tear into the fast food chicken.
"We hadth uhhh, team shportsh today," I lie but enthusiastically explain.
"Don't talk when your mouth is full," my dad almost snaps, but I didn't care this time.
I chow down some more before gulping down diet soda in one go. I guess I was also more exhausted than I thought.
"Sorry. It was uhm.. Dodgeball, yes. It came down to just me versus a team of six!"
"Guess we weren't the only ones who had an exciting afternoon," my brother leaned back.
My father glares at him sternly. No talks of our exploits at the table.
"That's great honey, how did it go?"
I'm not even sure if my mother is genuinely paying attention. I see her occasionally drift off. But I didn't care, I just needed to get this off my chest.
"The first three were easy. One of them was so fast but once he tripped, it was over!"
The speedster running circles around me, just as hard to catch as I was. I managed to disappear then reappear beneath him, tripping his legs and sending him careening face-first into the pavement.
"The other two, I managed to hit with a single bolt-ball! It was really funny actually seeing the ball bounce between them."
It felt so satisfying knocking out that pompous brat with one hit. At first I found it annoying how we have the same energy-based powers. But after making hers explode while she's charging up, I think it's clear who made use of it better. Unfortunately or fortunately, the explosion also caught one of the newbies I don't really know.
"The last three were a challenge. They were the best in the city. Two of them were great on their own, but a monster together! The other one was new, but his skill shot him up through the ranks in no time."
I gotta admit, it was scary facing my family. Mother was on full offense- blow after blow after blow. Dodging her wasn't too difficult, but she was relentless and when she hits, it HURTS.
Father was almost untouchable, deflecting my attacks and shielding my mother and my brother. He also made the city wouldn't be as damaged.
My older brother was the most challenging, having both our parents' abilities and trained by them both. It also helped that he was younger and full of vigor. He was quick and agile and caught me on numerous occasions before I disappeared and reappeared further away. But he was careless, often putting civilians in danger and earning some scolding from our father.
Something told me they weren't acting on full force seeing how young the new villain is. Maybe their orders were just to apprehend me. I used that to draw out the fight and wear them down before setting off an energy explosion and disappearing in the light and smoke.
It's jarring being physically attacked by family, but I'll take that interaction over none at all.
I finish my made up story only to find my mother dozing off leaning on her arm, my father scrolling through his phone, and only my brother just barely paying attention. It's a honestly a bit of a relief since I don't know how much I shared from my enthusiasm. Still I'm disappointed they're not really listening.
"Well-" my mother snaps up, "It seems like everyone's had a long day. Time to rest for tomorrow. We gotta get going, honey. Love you," she walks over and kisses me on the forehead.
"Sure," I answer dryly.
My brother pats my shoulder on the way out, "I wish you had powers. It would be really fun to fight with you."
My father glares at him again.
"What? Family time's over!"
I wait before I couldn't hear them outside the apartment before I get up and clean the table. As disappointing as this dinner was, my debut as a new villain was exciting in words I cannot describe. I got to outlast the city's best three heroes all at once!
I wouldn't mind facing them again if it means we get to spend time together. Even if that time is spent throwing and dodging each other's punches and energy bolts.
ns 15.158.61.23da2
