The Streets

He’d been gone 16 months. Felt longer and shorter all at the same time. He’d come back to see the school pretty much the same as it always had been, people a bit older, some new faces – but all in all, the same. He’d timed it well too – the team was down practicing under ‘Ro’s guidance. It was a good way to catch up on everyone all at once.



The team was being kept busy as they battled gigantic machines and legions of past enemies, the surge of them nearly overpowering them in places. The familiar white striped head had caught his attention first, watching as Marie bobbed and weaved through the masses, throwing punches like the best of them. She was always a source of pride to him – he’d taken her under his wing in ways and she’d blossomed. Now she was not that little scared run-away girl, but a fighter. And really, she always had been - she just needed it coaxed out. He nearly bit his tongue in surprise though when she focused on one of the tall machines and shot up in the air, barrelling through it. He’d never taught her that