TG

Heroics Headquarters had dealt with almost everything. Alien invasions. Supervillains. Runaway superpowered kids. Even a giant monster once. But nothing quite prepared them for Hazel Raven Hook. The headquarters doors flew open. A teenage girl walked inside wearing a hoodie, boots, and an expression that practically screamed don’t talk to me. A security officer followed behind her. “Hazel Raven Hook,” he announced. “Seventeen years old. Orphan. Multiple school expulsions. Property damage. Fighting. Trespassing.” Hazel raised a finger. “Alleged property damage.” The officer stared at her. Hazel lowered her finger. “Okay. Some property damage.” Across the room, several young heroes turned to look. One whispered, “Is she always like this?” Hazel immediately looked over. “Yes.” The kid jumped. Hazel smirked. “Great instincts.” Marcus Moreno stepped forward. “Hazel.” She looked him up and down. “Marcus Moreno.” “That’s me.” “Cool. Big fan.” Marcus smiled slightly. “Really?” “No.” The room went silent. Hazel shrugged. “I’m kidding.” Marcus wasn’t laughing. Hazel’s smile disappeared. “Okay. Maybe I’m not.” ⸻ Marcus folded his arms. “You’ve been brought here because your abilities could make you extremely valuable to Heroics.” Hazel scoffed. “Or extremely annoying.” “That too.” For the first time, Hazel looked slightly surprised. Marcus continued. “Your ability is Pain Transfer.” Hazel’s expression changed. She hated when people talked about her power like it was some cool party trick. “Yeah.” “You can take pain from another person.” “Yeah.” “And you experience it yourself.” Hazel’s eyes narrowed. “Are we done?” Marcus paused. “You don’t have to be alone anymore.” Hazel froze. For half a second, the attitude disappeared. Then it came right back. “Didn’t ask for a family.” Marcus quietly replied, “I didn’t say family.” Hazel stared at him. Marcus gestured toward the training area. “I said Heroics.” No one knows hazel power