A Vigilantes Story

The Twins, Two Absolute Opposites

Hope Romanoff

"Well?" Regan said impatiently, her eyes narrowing as she fixed her gaze on me. "Are you coming, or are you going to stand there the rest of the day?"

I turned my head slowly, taking in the scene before me. Our little group, the best of friends, stood together. Newt had a reassuring hand placed on Max's shoulder, Max's head resting comfortably on Newt's shoulder. Scarlett, her hands nervously fidgeting in her tights, awaited my decision, and Regan mirrored her impatience, her arms crossed in front of her.

I drew in a deep breath and finally replied, "Yeah, go ahead. I'll be right behind you guys."

With a practiced wave of his hand, Max opened a portal that shimmered in front of us, leading through the wall. Max confidently strode through it, with Newt close behind, their connection evident to anyone who cared to look. Scarlett followed, and finally, Regan took her step through. The portal closed with a soft whoosh right behind her.

As the portal vanished, a sigh of relief escaped my lips. The background chatter of otherworldly beings was a constant reminder of our unconventional surroundings. I walked toward the same section of the wall where Max had placed his portal and, with a quick gesture, created my own portal. Stepping through it, I could feel the familiar sensation of being transported to another realm, and I closed the portal just in time.

My friends were now a bit ahead of me, their figures fading into the distance. I started to walk toward them, whistling the tune of "girls" by girl in red. It was a habit that helped calm my nerves in this strange place.

*CRACK*

A sudden, sharp sound shattered the tranquility. I spun around, heart pounding, but there was no one in sight. A bead of sweat formed on my brow as I scanned the surroundings. "Probably just some kind of animal," I reasoned, trying to reassure myself. Still, the feeling of being watched lingered, making me spin around every few steps, only to find emptiness each time.

Unable to shake the unease, I quickened my pace, heading back toward the house where my friends waited. As I reached the entrance, I dashed inside, slamming the door shut. My breath was ragged, and my heart raced.

Scarlett and Regan stared at me, their expressions a mixture of confusion and concern. Newt and Max were conspicuously absent.

"What's your problem?" Scarlett asked, her eyes filled with curiosity.

I tried to sound nonchalant, but my voice trembled slightly as I answered, "Ah, nothing. Just wanted to keep the cold air outside." I forced a nervous laugh, attempting to dispel the tension that had gripped me.

"Yeah, right," Regan scoffed, glancing next to me as if something unusual had caught her attention.

I couldn't decipher what she was looking at, and I decided not to question it at the moment.

"Where are Max and Newt, by the way?" I asked, attempting to shift the focus away from my odd behavior.

"Max is waiting for you upstairs, and Newt will probably be there too," Regan replied, irritation clear in her voice. "Those two are like a married couple on their honeymoon."

Scarlett and I shared a laugh, the familiar sound offering a momentary reprieve from the inexplicable tension that seemed to surround us.

"Well, enough chit and chatter, I'm heading upstairs. Cya later girls." I said.

I walked between them and took the stairs. I still felt like someone was following me, I decided to not think about it. I have something else to think about anyway, my brother. I don't know why he wants to talk so suddenly about our powers, but better now then never.