Amelia was alone in the school gym, her muscles burning with exertion as she pushed herself to the limit. Sweat poured down her face, mixing with the determination in her eyes. She lifted weights, each rep a silent promise to herself that she would never be caught off guard again. The memory of the warehouse haunted her, but she forced it down, channelling her frustration and fear into raw strength.
She had asked Nezu for permission to utilize the gym and join the night patrols with Eraserhead. He had agreed, understanding her need to prove herself and regain her confidence. Now, she was preparing herself for the rigorous training ahead.
The clanking of weights and the rhythmic pounding of her feet on the treadmill were the only sounds in the empty gym. Amelia focused on her breathing, each inhale and exhale steadying her resolve. She would become stronger, faster, and more resilient. She had to.
As she moved to the punching bag, she remembered the way the villain's voice had surrounded her, mocking her. She struck the bag with a fierce determination, each punch a blow against the self-doubt that threatened to consume her. Her thoughts drifted to the little girl she had saved, and Mirko's encouraging words. She couldn't afford to let them down again.
"You're not saving anyone." The villain's words echoed in her mind, but she used them as fuel. She hit the bag harder, her fists flying in a blur of motion. She wouldn't let anyone take away her confidence again.
After what felt like hours, she finally slowed down, breathing heavily. She leaned against the punching bag, her body exhausted but her spirit unbroken. She had pushed all the equipment to the limit, just as she had promised herself.
Amelia wiped the sweat from her brow and took a long drink from her water bottle. She had a long way to go, but she was ready to face whatever came next. She was determined to be prepared for anything, to ensure that no one would ever be able to exploit her weaknesses again.
As she headed to the showers, her thoughts turned to the upcoming night patrols with Eraserhead. She respected him greatly, knowing his reputation for being a no-nonsense hero who got results. This would be her chance to learn from one of the best, to hone her skills and gain the experience she needed to protect others effectively.
That evening, after cleaning up, Amelia made her way to Eraserhead's office. He was waiting for her, his expression unreadable as always.
"Ready for night patrol?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.
Amelia nodded. "Yes, sir. I'm ready."
Eraserhead studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Good. Stay focused, and remember that out there, it's not just about physical strength. You need to be mentally sharp as well."
"I understand," Amelia replied, her resolve evident in her voice.
As they headed out into the night, the city was alive with the hum of distant traffic and the occasional bark of a dog. Streetlights cast long shadows that danced as Eraserhead and Amelia moved silently through the urban landscape. Amelia was serious, following Eraserhead like a shadow. No jokes, no smiles. Her focus was entirely on the mission at hand—getting people to safety.
They walked through the quieter parts of the city, areas that were prone to petty crime and occasional villain activity. Amelia's senses were on high alert, her ears straining to catch any unusual sounds, her eyes scanning every alley and rooftop.
Eraserhead led the way with a practised ease, his movements confident and assured. Amelia admired his composure, noting how he seemed to be aware of everything around him without appearing tense. She mirrored his behaviour, striving to learn from his every move.
A sudden noise caught her attention—a faint scuffle, the sound of a struggle. Amelia's head snapped towards the source, and Eraserhead gave her a curt nod. They moved swiftly, closing the distance with silent steps. As they rounded a corner, they saw a man trying to wrestle a purse from a woman. Without hesitation, Eraserhead's capture weapon shot out, ensnaring the thief and pulling him to the ground.
Amelia moved to the woman, checking to make sure she was unharmed. "Are you okay, ma'am?" she asked, her eyes searching for any others in need.
The woman nodded, tears of relief streaming down her face. "Thank you, thank you so much!"
Eraserhead handed the thief over to the arriving police officers and turned to Amelia. "Good work. Always check on the victim first."
Amelia nodded, absorbing the lesson. They continued their patrol, each encounter teaching her something new. She was serious, no jokes, no smiles. She wanted to get people to safety, to be the hero they needed.
Hours passed, and they handled several more incidents.
Amelia's body ached from the exertion, but she didn't complain. She was learning, growing stronger with each step. The memory of her failure at the warehouse still lingered, but it was slowly being replaced by the satisfaction of helping others, of doing her job well.
As the night drew to a close, they returned to the school. Eraserhead turned to her, his expression still unreadable. "You've done well tonight, Amelia. Keep this up, and you'll become a great hero."
"Thank you, sir," Amelia replied, her voice steady despite her exhaustion.
She watched as he walked away, and then headed to her dorm room. She was tired, but once more she would go out there and save more lives.