This Supergirl Has No Powers

This Supergirl

Has No Powers

By

Sandra Corton

Copyright © 2015 by Sandra Corton

ISBN: 978-0-9943930-1-2

All rights reserved.

Published by Sandra Corton

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any forms or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design by Marianne Nowicki

Edited by Beth Vallely

To my friend Beth,

You are an editing genius to a creative mind.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – A new world

Chapter 2 – Gains and losses

Chapter 3 – The pinkie promise

Chapter 4 – The known truth

Chapter 5 – Sad farewells

Chapter 6 – Hello Zeke!

Chapter 7 – The Zeke takeover begins

Chapter 8 – Who’s in control?

Chapter 9 – Quill’s control time

Chapter 10 – Winter has arrived

Chapter 11 – Caz has seen the light

Chapter 12 – What’s next?

Chapter 13 – Strange occurences

Chapter 14 – Disasters, dilemmas, and love

Chapter 15 – Nasty or nice

Chapter 16 – Conclusions or confusion?

Chapter 17 – Return or death?

Chapter 18 – Change is never as good as they say

Chapter 19 – Surprises and dramas galore

Chapter 20 – Premonitions galore

Chapter 21 – An unexpected date

Chapter 22 – Birthday surprises

Chapter 23 – The trouble with another dimension

Chapter 24 – Which dimension again?

Chapter 25 – Mysteries solved and fights begun

Chapter 26 – The end is only the beginning

Epilogue

About the author

Other published books by Sandra Corton

Chapter 1 – A new world

5 years ago

Caspian

This was the last place that I wanted to be. My overly excited parents continued to drag me further into the room. I didn’t want anyone examining me, and I didn't want my powers tested. All I wanted was for everything to go back to normal, but I knew it never would.

I dragged my feet, hoping that it would slow me down, and keep me from the hands of this dreadful place. Oh, who was I kidding? Ever since I had become strong enough to twist metal into pretzels and fast enough to outfly a plane, my parents had been over the moon. At first, they were afraid of me, but now they just wanted to take advantage, and I was over it.

This was my chance to make something of myself, they kept saying. I replied that I was only freaking thirteen, what did they expect? I’ve been so angry since that letter arrived. It offered me a chance to test my powers. Depending on how skilled I was, they would then train me in using my powers.

I’ve been raging mad since its arrival, especially when my parents jumped at the chance. They just decided that they knew what was best for me, which was the complete opposite of the way they had acted earlier. When I had first gained my powers, my parents had been frantic for me to return to normal. For a while, they had treated me as if I didn’t even exist, as if I was a problem for a later day.

Of course, on that fateful day, everything changed. I managed to save my fellow classmates, and I still have no idea how it happened.

Some of my idiot classmates had messed around in the science lab at lunchtime. They were following some 'how to make a bomb' plan on the internet. They ended up blowing up both the science room and damaging the library above it. I had saved both their lives that day, as well as the people trapped in the library rubble. From then on, my so-called 'act of bravery' had become a focal point.

They had labelled me the golden boy of the town. Everyone wanted to be my friend and hang around with me. Girls wanted to sit next to me in class, and give me odd doe-eyed looks while continually sighing. It isolated me from all of them.

Now here I stood in a long line of excited parents and kids, with no chance of escape. Was I honestly the only one who didn’t want to be here? Some kids were even wearing costumes in the form of their favourite superhero. Perhaps, I was the only negative one here.

We entered a vast hall like structure, and my eyes widened. There were booths set up with large letters proclaiming their status from A to F, but I had no idea what they meant. Parents and kids shuffled along to the different booths when directed. In front of the booths, there stood a large, impenetrable looking table.

That was the first time that I saw her. She was the most striking girl that I had ever seen. Her hair was long and icy blonde, highlighted with pale blue strands that had an odd glow. When she looked up at the people before us, I saw vibrant grey eyes that completely captured my attention.

Take these to the booth marked D, and see West, she will tell you what to do from there, the girl ordered the people in front of us.

Her sweet voice surrounded me, and I could listen to her forever. Then she smiled, which set my heart to racing, and my teenage body responding inappropriately.

Hello, how can I help you? her voice washed over me once again.

For the first time, I realised that she had talked to me, or at least to my parents. Damn, my mouth froze up, and I must have looked stupid standing there like that.

Oh, hello, Winter, isn’t it, dear? Mum asked in a patronising voice, and I couldn’t help but groan.

Yes, my name is Winter, and welcome to Mangalow Academy, she smiled again, but it had a brittle edge. Still, it didn’t stop my heart from pounding even harder. Do you have your letter?

Yes, of course, Mum huffed a little, but quickly produced the offending paper proudly.

Ah, the Andersons. Hello, Caspian, she turned those eyes on me, and I wasn’t sure if I could stammer out a response.

It’s Caz, that was all I said, and I wanted to punch myself in the face for saying something so obvious and dumb.

Nice to meet you, Caz. Take these to the booth marked A. My dad, uh, Principal Mangalow has awaited your arrival, she handed me all the paperwork, but all I can recall is the way she had said my name.

Let’s go, Caspian, Dad clicked his tongue at me, but I didn’t want to move away from her.

Yeah, I’m coming, I muttered sullenly.

I realised that Winter had moved onto the next family, with barely an acknowledgement coming my way. Damn, that was such a downer. I had a bit of hope that we might have been attending the same school. I could only wonder at what awesome power she possessed.

Come on, Caspian, we shouldn’t keep the principal waiting, Mum dragged on my arm until I rolled my eyes and followed her. My last glimpse of Winter was of her handing papers to another guy who stared at her in a dreamy way.

Behind a large, daunting desk in Booth A, was a familiar, but even more intimidating man. This was the first ever superhero to go public; this was Maverick Mangalow. To everyone worldwide he was Strong Arm because of - you guessed it - his super strength.

He was a man whom I had been in awe of long before my powers had even showed up. His story was one for the legends, and many people spoke of it the world over. How he had saved the girl from the evil foes, only to fall in love with her.

All the girls used to gush about how fantastic Strong Arm was, and how handsome. For us guys, it had always been about his strength and power. Now as he smiled at me, I had nothing but fear. I wanted to run as far, and as fast away from this man that I could.

You have to love the irony of the world. Here I was, with massive, awesome powers that belonged to a hero, and not to a wimp like me. Why else was I here except that I had given in to my parent's whims, as I always did? Never in my life had I fought for anything, and knowing me, it wasn’t about to start now.

You must be Caspian Anderson, Strong Arm looked over me with those big grey eyes, which looked incredibly familiar. I saw a hint of blue flash in his hair, and my awe for him died, only for excitement to replace it when I thought about what Winter had blurted out.

Uh, it’s Caz. Are you Winter’s dad? the words hurtled out of me, and the instant stain of a blush crept up my face at my lack of tact. He merely smiled and nodded.

Yes, I am. I guess you already got to meet Winter today? he gestured outside, and I nodded eagerly.

She seemed nice, oh God, I sounded like such a suck up! What was wrong with me? Where did my anger at being here go?

Winter is…. well, she is just our little Winter. Now back to you, Caz. I heard that you rescued quite a few of your schoolmates recently? he peered at me with a kind and polite expression, and I stifled a groan. I wanted to talk more about Winter, not me and my stupid save the day moment. It didn’t seem like I would get the chance.

Hours must have passed while I was in that booth. Strong Arm tested every power I had, and then some. I ended up sore, exhausted, and back to despising this school. My parents were signing all the paperwork for my acceptance when I slipped out of the door unnoticed.

It shocked me when I saw that it was dark outside. I glanced quickly to the desk where Winter had been. Disappointment filled me when all I saw was an empty chair. She was gone; with the room practically bare, there was no reason for her to be there. Only a few parents continued to mill about, looking for their kids, I guess.

I found an exit door and decided that was the perfect place for me. Rushing out into the cooling night air, I sat down on the even colder concrete steps. I leaned my head against the railing and wondered what the hell was going to become of me now.

How did it go? Caz, right? the sweetest voice in the world startled me. My head snapped up, catching the top railing, and bending the metal with screeching ease.

Damn, sorry, I exclaimed, as I quickly straightened the metal bar back into position, but she just laughed in a carefree way.

I wouldn’t worry about that. North did a lot more damage than you just did over the years,

North? I asked in confusion.

He’s my brother. The eldest, bossiest pain in the butt that you could ever imagine, another tinkle of laughter fell from her mouth, and my thoughts fogged over just listening to her voice.

That’s right, there are five of you, aren’t there? I asked excitedly, and it surprised me when her face fell.

How did your turn with dad go? she changed the subject, as she waved her arm back to the hall, and I pulled a face.

Great, I grumbled, and that shocked her.

You don’t want to go to school here? she sounded a bit sad about it, as she sat down on the step next to me.

No, yes, I don’t know. Sometimes I just wish that I could be a normal guy again, you know? I tore at my hair in frustration, and her sadness only increased.

Be careful what you wish for, she said as she abruptly stood up, and started to go into the hall.

What do you mean? I asked as she left me, and I desperately wanted her to stay.

You’ll understand when you get to school. Just remember that this Supergirl has no powers, she pointed to herself, before closing the door behind her.

I continued to sit there in a state of utter confusion. What did she mean? She was a Mangalow; shouldn’t she have more powers than any of us combined? I shook my head, as I considered her words. She had been serious, and there was no joke in her voice at all.

Unfortunately, that was when my parents, mostly my mother, found me. She was so ecstatic that this was my new school. Delight filled her face, as she beamed at me. With my peace shattered, along with my thoughts, I only knew one fact; I wanted to know Winter Mangalow a whole lot better.

Over the next week, before school started, I thought about Winter a lot. Okay, that’s not entirely true; I obsessed over her. I went through my old superhero magazines that had anything about the Mangalows in them. It surprised me to find that Winter’s name didn’t appear a lot.

For all the other members of her family, their statistics about their powers filled pages. Things like how many lives they had saved, how many rescues they had made, and of course general knowledge about them. I could only puzzle over everything I had, or more to the point, hadn’t read about her.

Then one morning, I spied mum’s collection of gossip magazines, which she bought religiously once a week. The thing that caught my eye on the front cover was the picture of the Mangalow family out for dinner. Winter’s image stood out to me, and I had a desperate need to read that claptrap that I always told mum was a waste of money.

I snuck it away, and hid it, feeling stupid and embarrassed even as I did it. The article said nothing of Winter at all, only her name, and that she was the last child of the family. I had to roll my eyes at my own desperation. Seriously, I was becoming some sort of stalker!

My freedom was at an end a few days later. It was time to head to Mangalow Academy, and I remained uncertain if that was where I wanted to be. With my suitcases packed and waiting at the door, my nerves increased. With the whole town lining the streets and cheering, the town forced me into saying farewell to them all.

I’m not sure if my parents just wanted me out of the house, or if they genuinely wanted me to go and be a big superhero. They sure were keen to see me leave.

You see, Mangalow Academy was a boarding school, and I had apparently obtained the highest scholarship they had. Another eye roll from me, naturally. Scholarships should go to people who actually gave a damn. I was merely a cowardly guy who attained powers from who knew where and had never deserved them. That turned my thoughts to Winter and her parting comment to me. What had she meant?

Thoughts and fears stirred in my mind, as dad began the four-hour trek to the Academy, not that he seemed to mind. I spent the whole trip mulling over two things. Dread about starting not just any ordinary high school but freaking Mangalow Academy. The second was my obsession with the gorgeous Winter Mangalow herself.

Geez, the desperation oozed off me right now. I slapped my forehead and shook my head at my own stupidity. I’m sure Winter had all the guys hanging off her every word, while I would be nothing but background noise. I doubted that she would even recall my name.

Arriving at the Academy had my nerves flying around and increasing by the millisecond. Did I even know where I would stay? I mean, I knew it was dorm rooms. I remembered that from the brochure that Winter had initially handed me, but that was all that I knew.

I sighed with relief when there were heaps of other kids and parents wandering around looking lost. When I saw one of the elder Mangalow siblings helping people, I seized the moment. I dragged my parents and luggage over to him. My mother almost giggled when he greeted us, and I rolled my eyes for the umpteenth time that day.

It’s okay, I’ll look after that family, South, I heard her sweet voice, and I forgot what to say. I turned to see the girl whom I had pined over, for the last week.

You sure, Winter? South turned to her, while she smiled and nodded. Man, I could totally live for that smile.

Hello, Mr and Mrs Anderson. Hi, Caz, she pointed that smile at me, and I wanted to worship at her feet.

Oh, hey, Winter. Are you helping out again? I forced myself to say something, and I knew I sounded lame, making me angry with myself.

Not really, you just looked a bit lost.

She shrugged a little, but I swear I saw her blush the tiniest bit. Had she been waiting for me? That ditched the anger and left me a lot more hopeful. Then my stupid mouth clammed up, and we both went silent, with awkwardness surrounding us.

Oh, you’re that girl again. Excellent! I hope you know where Caspian’s dorm is, Mum sounded rude, and I stared at her.

Mum! I growled under my breath. Uh, I’m sorry, Winter, I stuttered out quickly.

Don’t worry. I’m used to it, Winter said, as her shoulders slumped in defeat. C’mon, I’ll show you where you’re staying, Winter told us, before leading the way.

That was mean, Mum, I whispered, while mum frowned. She was about to say something when Winter turned and pointed.

That’s your dorm, Caz. You get to stay in the Elite dorm, where only the ones with the most power stay.

I followed Winter and saw a small but classy brick building. It was also the only one where kids weren’t hanging around the front farewelling their parents. I tried not to look worried, but I had a horrible feeling that I would be in the Elite dorm all on my own. That was not something that I wanted at all.

I hate to say it, but this year you are on your own, Winter confirmed my fears. Nobody has anywhere near as much power as you possess. Look at it this way; at least you don’t have to fight for the bathroom. Here’s the key, and I’ll catch you later, she said it all so fast that I staggered backwards when she left.

I watched her walk away towards a spectacular house, which was near my building. Was I seriously staying right next to where the Mangalows lived? Yeah, by myself with nobody else. This should be just freaking fantastic! My anger returned now that she had left, or at least until I went to open the door.

Master Caspian, welcome, a tall, well-dressed middle-aged man held the door open for me, and then reached for my bags.

I could only stare at the foyer of this place. It was immaculate, beautiful, and lavish, but it was also a place for guys like me. I could see a lounge room with a huge television, a pool table, and game consoles off to the left. I smelled something delicious coming from what must be the kitchen, and my stomach grumbled. The foyer led to the upstairs area, which looked just as inviting.

Uh, hi, who are you? I asked stupidly, and my mother released a flutter of a laugh.

I am Dirk, and I am here to assist you in any way that you require, the man bowed politely to me, and I had no words to reply.

Caspian, didn’t you read the pamphlets I gave you? Mum chided me lightly.

No, because I don’t really want to be here, I crossed my arms and stared her down.

Fine, this is your personal butler. You also have a maid and a chef on hand, Mum stated proudly, and a bit snobbishly. This whole superhero as a son thing had gone to her head, I swear.

Okay, so where am I staying? I asked, and Dirk led me confidently up a set of polished wooden stairs.

Framed photos of previous occupants graced the walls, and I recognised most of them. On the landing, a bright hallway led to doors, we passed so many of them that I lost count.

We gave you the best room of all, Master, but if you wish to change, feel free to tell us, Dirk said with a flourish, as he opened a heavy wooden door.

I stepped onto the rich carpet, and I’m sure my mouth popped open when I took in the room. This was seriously the poshest room that I had ever seen. Everything had a wood panelled, luxurious feel. The bed was massive and looked cosy while a huge desk was off to the side. It had a modern computer atop it, with every type of stationary artfully arranged nearby.

A black couch sat in front of another television, with a few different games console and a ton of games. A bookcase took up another corner, near a comfortable looking recliner. Doors led off to unknown destinations, but they turned out to be less than exciting. Nothing but a closet, and a just as elegant looking bathroom.

Who was the last person to stay here? Dad asked excitedly, and Dirk suddenly edged away.

This room is not often used, Dirk answered, as he cleared his throat, and glanced unsubtly out of the window.

I stopped moving when I saw her. Literally, a house length away from me, I saw Winter. She climbed out of a window onto the roof, with a sad expression. Winter sat with her back against the wall before she pulled out a sketchpad and began drawing. She captivated me in her simple jeans and a t-shirt. I couldn’t drag my eyes away from her.

I’m not sure if this is the best room, Mum mused, and that got my attention.

No, its fine, I replied quickly.

She’s the wrong girl for you. Don’t get mixed up with that, Mum whispered in my ear, leaving me astounded at the way she kept acting.

Mum, I haven’t even started school here yet, I complained as I cracked my teeth together, which was something she hated.

Mum’s stern gaze penetrated through me, and for the first time, she appeared older to me. Her brown hair had streaks of grey, and the lines on her face were more pronounced. I turned to my reliable and quiet father, who grinned at me. He, at least, understood.

If you think you’re going to be okay, son, then we should start the long drive home, Dad said as he gestured mum towards the door.

Yeah, you have a long way to go, I replied with what I hoped was a casual shrug, where truthfully, I struggled to breathe.

My emotions overwhelmed me with a growing tightness in my chest and a deep dread encompassed me. I’d never felt so awkward, scared, and small. I was now going to be on my own. Sure, I had people to look after me, but they weren’t my family. I had never attended a boarding school before, so this moment threatened my known existence.

I glanced to the window and saw Winter caught up in her drawing. I decided that I would do this for her. She would be the reason that I stayed here.

You alright there, son? Dad asked his face etched with concern.

Yeah, as good as I can be, I tried to sound confident, but I’m sure that I failed. Dirk led us back down the stairs to the overstated and now fussy looking foyer.

I walked with them back to the car, which thankfully wasn’t that far. Mum started gushing at me, while dad squeezed my shoulder reassuringly.

Watching my parent's drive away struck me hard. I wanted to run after them, and demand that they take me home. Was there anything left for me there? Everyone stared at me wherever I went. A distance existed between people who used to be my friends. I crossed my arms over my chest and accepted the inevitable. I was stuck here, and this was to be my life.

I walked back to my posh dorm alone, with the yells and screams of other kids surrounding me. They actually had roommates. All I seemed to have was more isolation. I sighed and let myself back into the dorm where I knew I didn’t belong. I went to my room, crashed on my bed, and pondered how terrible life wanted to treat me.

A deep gong sounded, startling me out of my depressing doze. What the hell was that noise? I pushed to a sitting position and scrubbed at my eyes. Nothing looked familiar, where was I?

I blinked my eyes and forced down the panic that could cause the room to collapse around me. I tried to focus, but all I noticed were my suitcases. Everything flashed through my mind, and I groaned. Damn, I was at the Academy!

Footsteps on the stairs had me struggling to stand as I straightened my clothes. Excitement took over when I thought that it might be Winter coming to visit. A knock at the door only heralded Dirk, so disappointment filled me.

Sir, you have visitors, he gestured to the front door, so I quickly trotted down the stairs.

A whole horde of people stood staring at me as I opened the door, and I had to stifle a sigh. I got this same look from everyone at home. There were kids my own age, but some were older as well.

Hey, you’re Caspian Anderson, right? the bravest of the group finally asked, so I turned to him.

His blonde hair flopped into his face, which he constantly flicked back, and boy was that annoying to watch. I guess he was what you would call good looking, but the arrogance wafting off him was enough to floor me. I instantly didn’t like the guy, and I had no idea why.

Uh, yes, I answered, and the guy grinned.

Awesome, pleased to meet you, I’m Cole Parker.

The guy’s smarmy look perturbed me, as he offered his hand. I placed mine in his and wanted to pull it back straight away. Talk about wet fish handshakes, gross!

OMG! Don’t forget me. Hi, I’m Quill Kelly, the girl next to him twittered.

Geez, it was hard not to ogle her chest, which she flaunted for the entire world to see. She had long reddish hair in perfectly curled coils, and a face full of makeup. Sure, she was pretty, but she couldn’t hold a candle to Winter. Why couldn’t it have been her at my door? I would have much rather seen and talked to her than this mob.

Before I knew it, they had let themselves in. I heard the other kids ordering the poor chef around, and demanding food. I cursed my cowardly nature once again. What kind of superhero just let people walk all over them? Oh yeah, that would be me.

Chapter 2 – Gains and losses

Winter

I saw them all converge on the Elite dorm, and I sighed. I tucked the bag of choc chip cookies that I’d made him as a welcome present back into my hoodie pocket. He was the only one I could remember from that whole day of enrolments.

Just like me, he had looked like he wanted to be anywhere but at the Academy, and