Herophobia by Alex Lane

Author:Alex Lane [Lane, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-02-03T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter thirteen

Cryokinesis: noun, mass noun; an ability possessed by certain Que Cum Virtute Judicium (Virts) to generate or manipulate low temperatures/ frost

“This really isn't necessary,” Quinn said, not for the first time. Not that I expect her to listen.

Unlike everyone else he had ever met, Rainbow didn't feel so much as a flicker of annoyance at his complaint. Even if I say it all night, I doubt she would mind. “It is,” she answered. “You're dealing with problems, and talking about it helps.”

“And talking to my friends didn't?” Of course it didn't. Kevin's an egomaniac, and Zoe is a control freak. And while Rain actually wants to help, not give me meaningless platitudes, I lied about what my real problem is.

“No. They don't understand.”

“And these people do?”

“At least they're Virts,” she muttered.

“And you're not?” Quinn asked wryly.

Rainbow glanced at him, uncertain. Then she looked away. “Relationships aren't really my forte. Since me giving someone a hug could leave them with broken ribs, physical contact is currently on hold. I can't risk messing up again.”

“They're not exactly empaths.” Not that an empath could help. Unless they can also control people.

She shrugged helplessly. “This was the best I could manage.”

Because she wants to help. Not exactly the reaction I was looking for when I tried to push her away. “So, you go to Superhero Support Meetings,” Quinn sighed. He already knew that. She had mentioned it before, but he needed something to fill the silence.

“It helps.”

“So you've said.”

She sighed, feeling a mix of worry and disappointment. Feeling guilty for making her feel bad, Quinn changed the subject. Weak.

“The name is insulting.”

Quinn knew a fair bit about SSMs, mainly since Rainbow had been trying to convince him to go to one for years, and they were one of Kevin's favourite subjects. The meetings had begun in the early years of the discovery of Virts, as a way for them to connect to others like them, trade stories, and talk to people who understood their situation. ARC had been quick to step in, managing and monitoring the meetings, and preventing any threats, such as a disgruntled citizen or an AFO. There was always an ARC representative in attendance, and access was strictly forbidden to non-Virts. Hence Kevin's obsession.

Originally, the meetings had been called ‘Virt support groups’, but the general public had made a mockery of the practice. ‘Superhero’ was a common derogatory term, and it seemed to be that much more venomous. A lot of people found the idea of a person with superpowers needing help amusing. Unfortunately, the name had stuck. Now even Virts referred to these group meetings by the term. The general public had a negative view of Virts being allowed to gather—it was a way for them to formulate plots against regular humans, if the AFOs were to be believed—and so the meetings were infrequent, strictly ARC and Virt only, and anonymous.

“I don't mind it,” Rain disagreed. “It's like there's a subconscious belief that the purpose of Virts is to use these powers for good, to save people.

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