His Only Hope

Inferior

Viktor stared at Allison, pain overtaking his shocked expression. "This wasn't about saving the world. This was about hurting me. Payback for-"

Allison stood up, cutting him off. "Go on," she tested, getting in his face. "Say her name."

"You know what? Maybe we should all just take a minute-" Allison held up a hand, cutting Luther off. "Okay," he said immediately, sitting back down.

"Did killing Harlan bring Claire back?"

Wrong thing to say.

"Did protecting him bring Sissy back?"

"It was just as personal for you-"

"I DIDN'T KILL ANYONE!" Viktor exploded, and you flinched back. Diego placed his hand on your back for a fleeting second, and you felt bad for not telling him about Harlan killing your moms sooner. You were just as at fault here as Viktor was. 

"But you risked everyone! Do you know what that felt like?! Watching you fight harder to protect the man that helped destroy my daughter than you ever did to bring her back?"

"I don't know how to bring Claire back." Five looked away as Ben stared at the scene intently. "Okay? No one does. But I was there for you. I tried! I was-"

"To what? Help me grieve?" She looked around, scoffing. "God, this whole family is so quick to tell me to suck up my pain and so worried about fixing yours!"

You didn't even know whose side to be on anymore. Allison had killed someone, but she was also in a lot of pain. 

"Somebody had to pay, because you never seem to," she hissed. "Destroy the world, kill Pogo, almost kill me and Eight, and for what? So we can all run around and clean up your mess? I'm sick of it."

"Take it easy, Allison," Five warned, and you felt a rush of gratitude. Somebody needed to calm them down before things escalated. Ben shushed Five, and you closed your eyes, anger rushing through you. This was not some show for him to enjoy!

"Okay, I-" Viktor began.

"Shut your mouth!" Allison screamed, her eyes glowing orange. You stood up as Viktor stumbled backward, choking. His mouth was unable to open. "Every time I build a new life for myself, you end the world and TAKE IT FROM ME!"

"How are you doing this without saying 'I heard a rumor'?" Five asked, his brow furrowed. 

"Just a little residual gift from Harlan," Allison said through grit teeth. 

"Well stop it!" You shoved her, hard, and her grip on Viktor seemed to break. He gasped for air, clutching his throat desperately. He coughed, trying to catch his breath, as Allison turned on you.

"Don't even get me started on you," Allison spit, her eyes cold and hateful. "The little Dud who didn't have powers. Think you're so high and mighty now, with your little shield gift? Too bad it's killing you."

"All right, Allison, enough!" Diego shouted, standing up as Five did the same. But it was too late - you straightened up, power gathering at your hands. You shoved her, sending heat through your fingers into her clothes. Her shirt sizzled as she smacked you, forcing you back. Viktor had stormed out by now. You reached up, feeling blood drip from your nose for the millionth time that week. 

Five flashed in front of you, taking a protective stance. "Enough, Allison," he said, his voice shaking with barely concealed anger. "Everyone needs to get their shit together, or we all die." He turned to look down at you. "You okay?" he asked in a gentler tone.

"I'm great," you muttered, not meeting his eye. "You guys continue."

"Sweet," Ben said with a smile as you walked off, unable to stand being in the same room as Allison for another second. "You guys fight just like us."