Archenemies (Renegades #2)(43)

Nova’s brow tensed, and Adrian’s teasing smile faded. “But it’s still safe, Nova. I would never open that box, and I don’t even know for sure it would work. Besides, there are no other prodigies like me—at least, not that I’ve ever heard of.”

Nova hummed thoughtfully and, to his disappointment, pulled her hands away. “You might be right, but there are new prodigies every day. We don’t know what sort of powers will be uncovered next. Who knows? Maybe your dad’s chromium won’t always be invincible.”

Ruby, Oscar, and Danna let out simultaneous groans. Adrian looked up. Sterling had reached the final obstacle—a large, above-ground swimming pool full of nets, buoys, and robotic sharks. Though Sterling was a fast swimmer, the girl was quickly pulling ahead.

“If you think of anything else,” said Nova, “any possible weakness that box might have … will you let me know?”

“I will,” he said, smiling. “I promise.”

The girl climbed out of the pool and darted across the finish line. Sterling followed seconds later.

Jade, trailing a ways behind, came in seventh.

“Second place,” said Ruby. “That’s not bad.”

“Are you kidding?” said Oscar. “Any Renegade worth their alter ego would be proud to have that kid as a sidekick. Jade too. In fact…” He rubbed his chin. “I could use a couple sidekicks. Think your brothers would be interested?”

“What, to make food runs for you?” said Ruby.

“Among other important sidekicky things. It would really help clear my schedule for more damsel-saving work.”

Ruby snorted. “I helped save that barista too.”

“Yeah, but she was clearly thanking me, and I plan on milking it forever and ever. It’s like a constant reminder of the risks and rewards that come with true heroism.”

“The struggle is real,” said Danna, leaning across Ruby to steal one of Oscar’s fries.

The bleachers began to clear as the obstacle course was reset for the next group.

“We have an hour before Jade’s wrestling match, and then they both have archery,” said Ruby, checking the schedule on a flyer. She lifted her head, beaming. “Anyone want to go get matching face paint?”

“You read my mind,” said Oscar.

“Uh, you two go ahead,” said Adrian, recalling Oscar’s face when Ruby had grabbed his arm. “There was something I wanted to show Nova and Danna … uh … over there.” He pointed toward a cluster of vendor booths by the lake. “But we’ll meet you at the wrestling match, okay?”

Danna cocked her head at him, suspicious, but no one argued as Adrian headed toward the bottom of the bleachers and melded into the bustling crowd. When he glanced back, Nova and Danna were beside him, but Oscar and Ruby were nowhere to be seen.

“That was just a ploy to give them alone time, right?” said Danna.

“Yeah,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “Too obvious?”

“Subtlety doesn’t seem to be making much progress, so…” Danna shrugged.

“Hey,” said Adrian, snapping his fingers, “how was your medical exam?”

Danna beamed. “Cleared for duty. I’ll file the paperwork for reinstatement on Monday.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it,” said Adrian. “And you feel good?”

“Great. The scratches didn’t even leave scars.” She cast a sideways glance at Nova, her tone taking on a new edge. “No random fainting spells either, so … I guess I’m good as new.”

Nova seemed to pale, but covered it quickly with a look of concern. “That’s great, Danna.”

“Fainting spells?” said Adrian.

Danna shrugged at him. “Remember when Nova was in the med-wing, after the quarantine fiasco? I went to visit her and … weirdest thing, but I actually fainted. I mean … I never faint.”

“Classic case of overexertion,” said Nova. “You were still recovering from your burns, remember?”

Danna stared at her for what felt like a moment too long, before she smiled. “Right. Classic.” It seemed as if she wanted to say more, but she thought better of it. “Anyway, I saw a booth back there I wanted to check out. See you at the wrestling match, okay?”

She disintegrated into her butterfly swarm. A gasp arose from the people around them, children squealing and pointing as the butterflies spun into the air and whirled away.

“Speaking of subtlety,” Nova muttered as they started down a jogging trail. “I’d been wondering if she could do that in civilian clothing. I wasn’t sure if there was something in the Renegade uniform that allowed her to switch between forms without losing her clothes, or if it was a part of her power.”

“I wonder about those details sometimes too. Like, Simon can make his clothes disappear, and also small objects if he’s holding them—but he can’t touch a car or a building and make the whole thing disappear. It’s interesting to figure out the extent of someone’s abilities. Of course, that’s what we have training sessions for.”

“Could Danna carry an object around with her, do you think? Not just clothing?”

He pondered the question, trying to remember if he’d ever seen Danna disappear with a weapon, but she’d always been more comfortable in hand-to-hand combat. “I’m not sure. I’ll have to ask her when we start Agent N training next week. Wouldn’t make much sense to equip her with a neutralizer gun if she’s just going to lose it the first time she transforms.”