Sun and Shadow

Chapter 4 - Mom did what

"Okay, this is a lot to take in" Stef says trying to deal with all of this. "Especially with half of the back of the house gone."

"Sorry about that" Will says sheepishly. "I can take care of that." He pulls out a phone and dials a number "Hey. It's Will Stronghold. I need a repair team at my current location and a transport install team too. (pause) Window, side of house, backyard (pause) No, we can take care of that (pause) Great! Thanks!" He hangs up. "Repair team on the way. Layla can you take care of the yard?"

"Sure" Layla says with a smile and walks to the back of the house. Lena goes with her and sees the grass and bushes destroyed from where Will smashed into it. Frankie's tree wasn't touched. Layla holds out her hand the damage seems to disappear. The grass regrows and covers the holes, the bushes all repair themselves and in seconds you can't tell anything has happened.

"Maybe we should move to the kitchen to talk" Stef offers.

They all go and sit around the island. "Can you tell us more about this school Layla?" Lena asks.

"Sky High West is the Western US campus of Sky High. Like we said, it is a school for students with powers. You start with power placement. Which is MUCH better than we went through it. You get tested and scanned by some of best tech. When that is analyzed you get placed into your power level and trained accordingly" she tells them.

"Power level?" Mariana asks but she is really interested in the tech.

"Supers are classified into five power levels" Will explains. "Level 1 Powers are minimal. Very limited in general, but useful and demonstrable. Our friend Zach, the guy who glows, is a Level 1. He is currently working with a Search and Rescue team. Especially great in places with gas issues because his glow isn't flammable. A Level 2 Power is stronger and more useful, but not as broad in its use. Usually a Level 2 Power involves something more visible. One girl at our school could remove all friction from any surface she touched to about 20 feet. It was a great power, but limited."

"Level 3 powers are the most common" Layla Continued. "Many Supers you heard of are Level 3. Electro, Fist of Fury, and Ice-Cap are all Level 3 Powers. They are very useful, greater range and applicability. Level 4 powers are rare and their wielders are really impressive in scope and use. Both the Commander and Jetstream are Level 4 Supers."

"But they are the best heroes in the world" Jesus protested. "How come they are only Level 4, not 5?"

"It's not the Power Level that makes the hero" Will says sincerely "it's how they use it. My parents are Level 4, but they use their abilities to the max and they trained and are skilled. They are heroes because of what they do."

"WAIT!" Jude yells excitedly. "Your parents are the Commander and Jetstream!?!" Jude is suddenly starstruck.

The others are all looking at Will differently and he sighs. "I always mess up that secret identity thing" he groans. Layla laughs at him.

"Yes Jude" he says looking at the excited boy almost bouncing in front of him "they are my parents."

"Are you a hero too?" Jesus asks.

Layla smirks at Will and watches him squirm. "Yes. In costume, I am Sentinel" he answers but he is looking at Jude who suddenly is struck silent. Sentinel is one of the newest heroes but he is already known world-wide. He has averted natural disasters, battled bad guys, and works with the Commander and Jetstream. He is said to be stronger than the Commander!

"Oh wow" Mariana whispers also stunned.

Stef and Lena look at each other and their kids suddenly realizing how out of their depth they are. Stef has heard of Sentinel, who hasn't. He saved LA twice from evil Supers and was actually someone they could call for help.