Super Bad

By Kai Strand

The world is in chaos. Violence and thievery reign. And with the supers still balanced, it's only getting worse. Without good versus evil, the supers care less and less. In order to restore purpose, the world needs its super heroes and its super villains, but the one who balanced them in the first place is missing. Sandra's concern over finding her brother Jeff, isn't her only problem. Her pathetic excuse for super powers has left her needing a new ankle. And though she's still very much committed to her boyfriend, Source, she's growing unreasonably attracted to Set, the boy who double-crossed Jeff by stealing his girlfriend. When Sandra is taken and held as bait by some kids who want to unbalance the super world, it becomes the inciting event that changes things for supers everywhere and forces them to answer the question, "Hero or villain?"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
• Release date: May 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781633557819

Kai Strand

When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The wind whipped Sandra’s long dark bangs in front of her eyes providing a veil between her grief and the rest of the world. Sun reflected off polished wood, nearly blinding her, yet she didn’t even squint. There was no need to see clearly. The image of two gleaming, mahogany caskets, perched side-by-side over the deep rectangular holes in the earth, was etched permanently in her mind.

Source wrapped his arm around her waist and rested his cheek against her bowed head. She leaned into his warmth, wondering if it would ever penetrate her current state of numbness.

How did this happen? Sandra whispered. She’d asked the universe the same question several times over the last couple of weeks.

Source shook his head as his thumb slid back and forth on her side. The motion irritated her. Just when she considered wiggling out of his grasp, he squeezed her tighter against him and croaked, Mystic.

I know who, Sandra snapped. She bit her lip, immediately regretting her outburst.

Another squeeze of silent forgiveness and Sandra let her tears fall.

They stood together, quiet and still. A flag flapped in the wind, the hardware clanking against the pole. The sound as hollow as her well of emotion. She wanted to fast forward time and be well and truly beyond this pain and confusion.

Sandra finished her thought as if there hadn’t been a long pause. I just don’t understand why.

I can’t make sense of it, either.

Her eyes scanned the now empty cemetery that had so recently been packed with mourners. It was nice so many...students came to the service. She choked on her words.

Especially the alumni.

I hear one came from as far as Ethiopia.

That was nice, Source whispered.

Speaking of academies... Sandra straightened her back and wiped away her tears. Mom and Dad should be back any minute. Let’s meet them at the road.

It was nice of them to participate in the dedication ceremony at the academy, Source said.

Yeah, well, Mom insisted. Sandra grabbed the crutches she’d leaned against the tree and plodded awkwardly across the lawn. The superficial conversation annoyed her. They talked about how everything and everyone was nice when there wasn’t one nice thing about the situation. She longed to ignite her lasers and shred her grief into ribbons, knowing an outburst wouldn’t help any more than the veneer of niceties did. My parents may not have known Gyro and Señora Valdez well, but Mom took a real liking to the Señora, and was curious about Gyro’s powers.

Source squinted down at his shoes. Sandra didn’t know if it was because he struggled to rein in his emotions or had to concentrate to keep her slow-as-snails pace. Yeah, it was really cool watching Gyro track Mystic, and Señora Valdez interpreting his coordinates. I’d hoped to ask them more about it, after everything was said and done.

Sandra blinked tear-filled eyes up at the sky, thankful for the breeze cooling her heated cheeks. We were supposed to collect Oceanus and go back home. Instead we get blown to kingdom come and... A sob choked off the rest of her words.

Source rubbed her back and Sandra stiffened against the chafe as her nerve endings flared to life. He was only trying to provide comfort, and she knew she’d be hurt if he wasn’t so supportive and affectionate. Yet she felt she didn’t deserve the extra care. Or maybe she wished she didn’t.

Can we go see Whisper as soon as we get back to the States? Sandra asked.

It’ll probably be about two in the morning, Source said.

I know, but what does that matter to her? She saved our lives, Source. I hate she’s in some strange comatose state now. Sandra leaned on her crutches, swinging her casted foot to and fro, staring up the empty road. Tomorrow I get my new ankle and I won’t be able to visit her for a couple of days. Please?

Okay. It’s fine. We can even stay the rest of the night if you want and just go to your surgery from there. Source stepped in front of her, balancing on the edge of the curb. He grasped her shoulders and stared her straight in the eye. Everything, everyone, will be all right. You have to believe that, Sandra.

Tears flooded her eyes again. She hated she didn’t believe him. I’m scared, Source. I’m afraid Whisper will never wake up. Or that I’ll never walk right again. I’m worried about Mom’s state of mind. I’m scared the world will never right itself, and all this violence will become the new normal.

Source drew a ragged breath and lightly dragged his thumb across her tear-stained cheek.

Closing her eyes, as though afraid to see the full truth, she whispered her biggest fear. I’m scared we’ll never find Jeff.

Chapter 2

Her vitals are strong. I’m certain Whisper will wake, given time, the doctor assured a bleary-eyed Sandra. Don’t you have an appointment of your own to keep?

Sandra glanced at the time and nodded. Source was unfolding himself from the awkward position he’d fallen asleep in on the window seat. The doctor, apparently doing morning rounds, had poked Sandra awake when she’d discovered her draped across Whisper’s bed.

Your procedure has been the talk of the hospital. Whisper’s doctor tucked a pen into the pocket of her lab coat. It isn’t everyday a Super has to get a joint replaced.

All thanks to my stunning lack of super abilities, Sandra mumbled, scrubbing her face with her hands, hoping to wake up more. Squeezing Whisper’s hand, Sandra marveled at how normal the girl looked. In her current condition she remained untouched by the pain, fear or grief of their ordeal. As if she simply slept.

Oh, are there other abilities that aren’t fully developed besides your healing?

Ignoring the doctor’s question, Sandra pushed up from the chair she’d spent the last five hours in. Source handed her the crutches.

Hobbling toward the door, Sandra asked, Can you make sure I’m told if there’s any change in Whisper’s condition?

Sure. I’ll make certain someone lets you know. Good luck! The doctor waved a cheery goodbye with Whisper’s chart.

Sandra paused in the doorway.

Source, are you coming?

He shook his head as if she’d broken him out of a spell and hurried after her.

While they waited for the elevator, Sandra glanced to make sure the doctor wasn’t around, and grumbled under her breath. Are there other abilities you lack?

Source kissed her knuckles. Ignore her.

He squinted at the door of the room they’d just vacated.

What are you thinking? Sandra asked.

I don’t know what I’m thinking. Source frowned. But I feel like I should be thinking something.

The doors to the elevator slid open.

Like what? Sandra slumped against the elevator wall.

Source’s frown deepened. I’m not sure.

A sly smile replaced his confusion and he stepped closer, tipping her chin up. Nervous to become the world’s next bionic woman?

No. Sandra’s gaze swept over Source’s face. Nervous to be the boyfriend of the bionic woman?

With an ironic chuckle, Source said, You’ve always been a more capable Super than me. What difference will it make?

Sandra swayed into Source when the elevator halted two floors up. Except for my lasers, I’m kind of a pathetic Super and you know it.

You can fly.

Sandra nodded. That’s right. I’ve always been a good flyer, but you can fly too, so I don’t see how that gives me a leg up.

The elevator doors slid open and Sandra pushed forward to exit, but Source didn’t budge from his spot in front of her.

I only hover. Besides, pathetic isn’t the word I would choose to describe you. Source wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her nose. Beautiful.

He dipped his head and kissed her neck. Sexy.

Straightening, he looked directly into her eyes. And tough. Those are the words I’d use.

His lips claimed hers until the ding of the elevator closing broke them apart and he leaped back to press the doors open button.

With a glint in his eye and a sweeping gesture for Sandra to precede him, Source said, Let’s get that shattered ankle replaced.

Chapter 3

Arching an eyebrow at his reflection and then waggling it comically, the boy thought, I don’t feel like I should be this good-looking. Aren’t good-looking people absurdly confident?

He ran a hand over the extensive bandages wrapped around his ribs, careful at first, because the amount of wrap indicated a severe injury. When he experienced no pain or tenderness, he jabbed gently with a finger. His poking grew more insistent until finally he realized there was no need for his ribs to be bandaged.

Holding his arm at eye level and angling his hand from side to side, he studied the odd device strapped around his wrist like a watch. A slight whirring noise emitted from within the plastic casing. It looked like an air fresher but had a motor.

He squinted down at the floor, thinking how odd it seemed for a floor to be made of marble. When he’d awakened and the grogginess had cleared, he’d discovered a tingling sensation in his feet. Being uncommonly tall, his feet had hung unsupported over the end of the bed until he lost feeling in them. He’d spun his ankles to force blood flow to his toes and heels before he stood to explore his surroundings. Not that the sparse furnishings, with surfaces completely devoid of stuff, offered a lot to explore. It was the unexpected shock of cold on his bare skin from the marble floor that had finally zapped his feet back to life again, but his first thought had been, Marble? Even with his feet now adjusted to the cool surface, it still felt foreign. He wiggled his toes and tried to grasp something, anything familiar.

Returning his attention to the mirror, he scanned the reflection of the room behind him. It was bathed in natural light from two windows high on the walls over the single bed, which was pushed into a corner. The walls had a fancy faux finish that made them look aged. The charm of it fit the old-time feel of the arched windows. Moldings along the tops of the walls gave the ceiling a beveled look. The more he examined the room’s reflection, the more he thought it might actually be old, not just made to look old.

As he examined himself again, turning his head to study his profile, the room’s heavy wood door creaked open and a gorgeous girl strode in, carrying a tray.

Okay, nice development.

He turned and leaned against the dresser.

Panic flooded her expression when she saw the empty bed. When she swung around and found him watching, a lovely smile, filled with relief, spread across her face.

You’re awake. Her voice was midnight-blue velvet.

The Florence Nightingale disposition didn’t fit her sexiness. Somehow he expected her eyes to challenge him and a throaty laugh to arouse him. Yet, as she set the tray on the bedside table, her posture was all nursemaid. As far as he knew, nurses didn’t have mile-long legs bared by short shorts. Or waist-length copper hair.

Not only are you awake, but you’re up, she continued. She strolled over and came to a stop directly in front of him. She rested one hand on his ribcage and the other on the bare skin above the bandages, and her gaze swept him from toe to head, finally meeting his with the challenging expression he’d somehow known to expect. You must be feeling better.

He didn’t move, just studied her face while she ran her hands over his chest and arms in a poor excuse of an examination.

She tilted her chin down to look coyly through her thick dark lashes. Her roving hands wrapped together behind his neck, her fingers twined into his hair, and she leaned her body against his. You feel better to me, at least.

The girl was living, breathing scenery. Her eyes, the color of a golden topaz, glinted with mischief. Silky skin begged for his hands to run over it. She was almost as tall as him, even in her sandals, reminding him of the legend of the Amazons. Her enticing scent of fresh-baked bread and crushed rosemary made his stomach rumble with hunger. Though for food, or for her, he wasn’t certain.

Squinting, he asked, Do I know you?

Chapter 4

Your surgery went remarkably well, the nurse said, as she tucked a freshly warmed blanket around Sandra, binding her from chest to toes. She pressed a button somewhere behind Sandra and the head of the bed began to rise. Tell me when.

Sandra’s tongue was still too thick to speak, so she grunted when she was sitting mostly upward, and the bed stopped.

They say you’ll be able to start moving your ankle this afternoon. The nurse patted her thigh as she hustled away and disappeared into the bathroom. Sandra only had time to blink before the woman reappeared carrying a glass and a pitcher. She set the pitcher on the counter, next to Source who seemed as enthralled with the woman’s actions as Sandra. But don’t do anything with it until then.

Sandra’s head felt as heavy and thick as her ankle and she couldn’t imagine wanting to move either of them.

Without even glancing her way, the nurse seemed to sense her thoughts.

As you come out of your funk, you’ll be tempted to wriggle that ankle around, but don’t you dare move it before the doctor comes in and tells you to. The nurse finally came to a stop at her bedside. She held the glass filled with water under Sandra’s chin and directed the bendy straw toward her mouth. Sip.

After two awkward attempts with flapping lips, Sandra finally captured the straw and drew in some water. The cool wetness soothed her parched throat. She sucked on the straw greedily, whining when the nurse tisk-tisked her and pulled it away.

You’ll make yourself sick.

When will the doctor be in? Sandra’s mother, Sarah, turned from the window she’d been staring out.

Sandra didn’t realize the drumming of her mother’s fingernails on the windowsill was annoying until it stopped. She took in her mom’s stiff posture, which was in direct conflict to her ever-relaxed father, standing at the foot of the bed. Source, who was across the room leaning against the sink, appeared to be somewhere in between their temperaments, as if he was there to keep the peace. She was glad they were there, even if they added tension to the room.

Later this afternoon. The nurse shooed Source aside so she could fill the plastic water pitcher. I don’t think you should expect to see him before, oh-say, four hours.

Sarah opened her mouth to speak, but before she could the nurse rounded on her.

He has to wait for the anesthesia to get out of your daughter’s system. Her words sounded more like a teacher scolding a Kindergartener, than a nurse dealing with a parent. She scuttled back to the sink and rummaged around in the cupboard below. Waving a bedpan at Sandra, she asked, Need a fresh one?

Source smirked and raised an eyebrow.

Sandra wished the bed would swallow her whole.

That’s fine! That’s fine! Frank interjected. We’ll just keep her company until the doctor shows up. Not a problem.

Sarah turned back toward the window.

Sandra’s dad swung his graying blond hair back from his face and winked at her. His ever-present Hawaiian shirt louder than his boisterous attitude.

Oh, please no, Dad, Sandra grumbled, imagining four hours of her mom’s peevish comments about the doctor, the nurse, the food, the facilities.

From the rigid set of her mother’s back and the far-off look, Sandra knew her mind was anywhere but inside the hospital. Since Jeff went missing, her mom had become obsessed with finding him. An uncharacteristic rebellion, or maybe it was resentment, flared in Sandra and she almost uttered a snarky apology for having surgery and wasting her mom’s time, but she bit back the comment. It would only escalate the tension in the room.

By the way, the nurse said as she backed out the door. They wanted me to tell you your friend woke up.

She did? Sandra tried to sit up, but the mummy-wrapped blanket kept her in place. When?

Just a little bit ago. The nurse winked. They have her under observation, so you wouldn’t be able to see her right away, even if you were mobile.

Is she okay? Sandra asked.

Well, I don’t know, but I’ll do what I can to get an update for you.

Sandra relaxed against the bed. Thanks.

She smiled at Source who still leaned against the counter by the sink.

He returned the smiled and winked.

So, how about a game of Gin Rummy. Frank clapped his hands and rubbed them together.

We aren’t betting! Sandra said, squirming out of her warm blanket.

What fun is that? Frank asked. How about flying lessons?

Sandra handed him the pitcher from the rolling tray, clearing it for their card game. I know how to fly, Dad.

Not at superonic speed. Frank waggled his eyebrows.

You think I could learn? Sandra asked.

Sarah spun away from the window. You will not be putting another child of mine in danger, Frank Tohler.

The room grew quiet. Though Tohler was Frank’s real last name, Sarah never used it. Before they got married, Frank changed his name to Mean and opened a bicycle repair shop so the Super community—villains, like him, and heroes, like her—wouldn’t know they were marrying.

I didn’t put Polar in danger, dear, Frank answered in exaggerated calm. Sandra felt the telltale tendrils of cool air that made up his power of relaxing the people around him. The air filled with the scents of sun and salt, like they’d been transported to the seashore. He did that himself.

Sarah’s eyes blazed. His name is Jeff. That’s the name we gave him when he was born. Do not refer to him by that godforsaken nickname. And don’t you dare chill me.

Frank’s power dissipated immediately. He set the deck of cards onto the tray. Maybe your mother and I should get a bite to eat. Will you two be all right for a couple hours?

Sandra nodded, watching her mom warily.

But, be prepared, Sandra. Gin Rummy this afternoon!

Sure, Dad. She forced a smile as her parents left the room. It collapsed into misery as soon as the door closed behind them.

She’s just worried about Polar. Source rolled the table to the end of her bed and perched on the side, taking her hands in his. We’ll find him and she’ll go back to normal again.

I hope you’re right. About both things. Sandra looked out the window at the cloudy, gray sky. I just wish I knew if he’s okay.

His warm lips brushed kisses over her knuckles. So, you’re willing to let Mystic keep him if she sends you a message assuring you he’s all right?

Sandra squinted. No!

That’s what you indicated. His mischievous look cooled her spark of anger. "You said you just wanted to know if he’s okay."

Smart ass. Yanking her hands away, she swatted him. Of course that isn’t all I want and you know it.

Source rested a hand on the bed, on the opposite side of her, so that he was leaning over her. The weight of him pressing against her hip was intimate even with two blankets between them. She wanted to pull him forward for a kiss, but his expression grew tense, so she did too.

While we were waiting for your surgery to finish, your dad told me they haven’t found any leads on Mystic. She’s disappeared.

Her head fell back against the thin pillow. Like the last time. When she took Oceanus.

Yep, Source said. And this time she has the extra cover of world chaos to distract the Supers from finding her.

What Supers? It’s not like any of them care, beyond us and Mom’s biggest fan, Don.

Source nodded and pulled at a thread on her blanket. Good to hear Whisper’s awake.

Sandra heaved a sigh and grinned. I’m so glad. I worried...

I know you did. His finger ran down her arm, leaving a path of tingles behind. But Sandra, there’s no telling what her being so close to a blast that loud will have done to her super hearing. Or her mind.

I’m sure she’s fine. That’s why she was unconscious for so long. So she could heal. Sandra’s tone didn’t sound as positive as her words.

Yes, well, I’ll visit her as soon as they allow it. Source assured Sandra.

They both shifted their attention to the window, as drops of rain pelted against the glass and ran downward, smearing the view of an already dismal day.

Chapter 5

The girl frowned as she studied his face. You don’t know me?

He raised his eyebrows. Would I ask if I did?

I’m Mystic. My closest friends call me Mysty. She examined him closely, as if trying to figure out if he was joking with her.

And who am I, Mystic?

She smirked and stepped away from him. Amnesia. I’ll be darned. I’m surprised really.

He watched her pace the room. She didn’t look overly concerned by his lack of memory. In fact, she looked rather happy or pleased somehow.

She spun to a stop in front of him. I’m sorry. It’s just that I wasn’t sure how to tell you...I’ve been fretting over it for weeks.

Tell me what, exactly? Still leaning against the dresser, he crossed one ankle over the other.

Sadness touched her expression. She wrapped a wavy end of hair around her finger. You see, the incident that hurt you also...

Yes? he prodded.

Polar... Her gaze met his. Your name is Polar Tohler. Does that stir any memories for you?

Her expression was hopeful. He didn’t believe it for a second. Crossing his arms over his bare chest, he replied, No.

Oh. Maybe... Mystic looked up at the ceiling, over to the window and down at the floor, all the while wrapping, unwrapping, and rewrapping the same hank of hair around her finger. Maybe the news will be easier for you because of the amnesia.

It seems I’ll never know, since it’s taking you so long to tell me.

Though he saw a glint of pleasure flash through her expression, her response was contrite.

Even with amnesia, you’re still such a bad boy. She stepped closer to place a hand on his arm. Polar. The incident that injured you...it killed your family.

Maybe she’d been rehearsing that line, or maybe the amnesia created a suspension of emotion, but nothing about her statement seemed genuine. Did it?

Yes, it did. She frowned and walked over to the tray of food. I’m sure the news will mean more to you as you regain your memories.

Will I regain my memory?

I would assume so. Patting the bed for him to sit, Mystic held out a mug to him. I’m here for you when that happens, Polar. Here, you need to eat.

His stomach growled in response to the mention of food. He pushed away from the dresser and took the mug. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, Broth?

You were unconscious. I had to spoon-feed you.

Holding the mug up, he looked down at his body. How is it that I’m so fit and healthy after having woken from being unconscious for...how long, exactly?

More than two weeks.

Reviews for Super Bad

[beverlyjean-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Have you ever dreamed of being a superhero? Of saving lives or of doing good in the world? Maybe being a supervillain and causing trouble is more to your taste. What if you could be a little of both? Fun, huh?SUPER BAD (SUPER VILLAIN ACADEMY BOOK 3) by Author Kai Strand has both superheroes and supervillains. After the supers were balanced there were no heroes or villains. This should have been great, right? Well, it didn’t work out quite the way they’d expected. The world is out of control, and the only way to solve the problem is to unbalance the supers. If they only knew how. Polar (Jeff) and Mystic are causing trouble of their own. Jeff’s sister, Sandra, and her boyfriend, Source, are searching for the answer and not having much luck finding it. SUPER BAD is loaded with action, humor, and romance, the superhero kind, which is a bit different because of the powers the characters have. You’ll see what I mean when you read the novel. Ms. Strand makes her characters come to life. They’re never dull and often do the unexpected. Sometimes they act like normal teens, if you overlook the flying and fire and other powers that normal teens do not have.Although this novel can stand alone, you might want to read the first two books in the series to make yourself familiar with the characters and what’s happened before. Either way, you’re in for an exciting ride with Jeff and the other superheroes. Told from different point of view characters you get to see inside the heads of the major players. Sometimes that’s a bit scary.So pick up a copy of SUPER BAD and see what teens with super powers are like. And do you really want to be one of them?The author provided me with an ARC of the novel for my honest review.###