Shades of Gray

Maggi

Maggi had been watching Kadence for the last week in between classes. She had memorized her schedule. She knew when the best time for Samuel to talk to her. She had reported to him the day before on when he should contact her. She had set up the lair, lining the walls with a fireproof sealant, then the only thing they needed was someone with a fire power. She was patiently anticipating the text from Samuel that said that he got Kadence. He was to bring her to the lair and wait at the door. She'd then let them in and they'd go about their business. She felt her phone vibrate in her pocket and a large grin spread across her face. On our way. The three words that would change it all. She typed a quick response back and, now, all she had to do was wait for them to arrive. She watched the camera outside and burst up the ramp to pull them through the door. She could tell that Kadence was surprised to see Maggi there. Maggi had, however, wiped all memories of her name from Kadence's mind. She would recognize Maggi, but not who she was. 
"You! You were Sabrina's friend!" Maggi smiled. 
"That I am. I can't help but notice you don't know my name, though." She was baiting her. Making her want to know why she didn't remember. She could ask anyone at school, other than Dan and Henry, and they wouldn't know her name. Her face contorted in concentration. She shook her head. 
"No, I could have sworn I knew your name...I know everyone's name." Maggi's grin grew. 
"Doesn't matter at the moment, we need to get down to business. I'm sure Samuel here didn't tell you much, other than I need your discretion in this meeting place. No one but me can get in, but they can still bug the outside." Kadence nodded. "I want to talk to you about your power. I know you are aware that it isn't a rare power, which makes it ok that it is common knowledge. I want to recruit you to my new team of villains. We are set off to destroy Exodus once and for all, smothering all who worship at his feet. We will clear the way to a new world. One where we are sitting on top." Kadence's face grew more and more suspicious as Maggi went on. 
"I'm in, but would I get anything in return? I mean, other than world domination?" Maggi nodded. 
"I can give almost anything you desire. Just no romantic feelings or relationships. I'm doing this because you can do so many great things. You are made for greatness." She could see the shock on her face at the flattery. Maggi knew she rarely got it. Her household was full of over achievers and people who neglect if you don't reach their expectations. Which, Kadence rarely did. 
"That. I need to feel like I'm doing a good job. That I'm worth something. That and one hundred dollars." 
"Done. You'll be a great asset." Kadence was standing taller now. "Lets get down to business, now." She motioned for them to follow her down to the lower levels. "Now that there is two of you, we can begin training you in fighting tactics. I'll need to find another superhero who can fly, that way you can practice on moving targets, but for now, you will fight each other. I will need to see you here.....When do you two not have any cheer or soccer?" 
"Tuesdays and Thursdays." Samuel nodded along. 
"I'll need to see you two here on those days, if that works with you? I want you two to go on as if nothing has changed. Tell your parents whatever you need to. Say you joined a new club or something. I don't care what you tell them, just make sure to come in stuff you can move around and maneuver in. Eventually we'll move on to mental strength. Aka, protecting yourself against my power. There will, hopefully, be one other joining you soon. I just need to get her to agree." Kadence and Samuel nodded. Maggi paused to examine the way the interacted with each other. There was a palpable tension between them. It was almost as if they knew each other. She focused on Samuel's mind. She flipped through his memories until she found what she was looking for. She ran through it. It was like most memories, worn down with age. 
"Who is he?" Samuel shouted at Kadence. 
"I told you, he's just a friend! He's gay for heaven's sake!" Samuel shook his head. 
"If he's gay, why did I catch you two making out in the men's bathroom earlier this month?" Kadence sighed with exasperation.  
"I already told you! That wasn't me! You've met my twin!" 
"Yeah, but she had indigo in her hair! You don't!" Kadence sighed. Her eyes were overflowing with tears. "If you don't trust me, then we're over. I can't believe you'd think I'd make out with him while dating you! I know your past relationships haven't been the best, but I am different. I thought you knew that." She shook her head and walked away.
Maggi came out of the memory in a new light. 
"Are you alright?" Samuel seemed nervous. She realized she had been staring and smiled sheepishly.
"Yeah, sorry. Just spacing out." 
"What do I call you? I'm assuming since he referred to you as 'his employer' that we don't get to know." Maggi smirked. Kadence wasn't another dumb cheerleader. 
"You may call me The Echo." She knew she wasn't being all that creative. She could echo the memories of others, but it wasn't like she was a mimic. 
"Alright then, Echo, I guess you have the beginning of a supervillain team." Maggi knew that she was going to like Kadence already.