Manhattan

It was a pleasant night out in the city of Manhattan. The sky was clear, the streets were as peaceful as New York would allow, everyone was having fun. This was the kind of night that many would enjoy. In particular, Adele Walters loved it when she could go out with her friends. In this case, her closest friend, Alicia Hill.

The two sat cross-legged facing each other at a table in the Blacksmith's Bar & Grill, considered one of the best of its kind in the borough. Burgers and brews, an American pasttime. It was their vacation off from being Protectors, and they spent it having as much fun as they could. With Adele being the daughter of The Watcher, and known as The Vigil, and Alicia being the daughter of Scratch and Rough Ox, taking on the identity of the former, they always had to live with expectations of following in their footsteps.

"It's nice to be here, without having to hear talks of 'responsibility' and 'sacrifice' and all that rubbish." Adele said.

Her accent mixed between English and American, a result of her background involving both countries. Alicia smiled at her, she too knew what it was like. That, on top of having to preserve the 'image' of her mother. Here they were just girls having a good time, nothing more than that.

"I get what you're saying." Alicia said. "They say we should be proud of our roots, but honestly that's just a lot of pressure."

"God, I know right?"

They laughed as they both took a drink of their alcoholic cider. Alicia finished hers with a quick downing. Adele smiled. With the flick of her wrist, time reversed, and their drinks were filled back to the top. They giggled. Just then, the manager Jackie Blacksmith was visible and he was less than impressed.

"Hey, hey! What have I told you about reversing time to get free refills?"

"Sorry, it's just a force of habit." Adele said.

"Alright, I'll let it slide. But that's because I like you. Don't make a habit out of it, you hear?"

"Yes sir." Adele said with a smile.

Blacksmith dismissed himself. They always were having to set up special policies for superpowered beings like herself. Someone who could reverse time to refill an alcoholic drink isn't exactly good for business. Adele tapped her heel on the ground as she took another drink. They had to be careful, they didn't want to get hammered.

"Man, I remember when you turned twenty-one." Alicia said. "We both graduated from the Young Protectors, and we could drink. We got so wasted, I can barely even recall that day."

"Well, some things are just more fun when intoxicated. But let's not do it too often." Adele said.

Having been friends since childhood, they both enrolled in the Protectors as part of the Young Protectors program at the same time. It took three years of being a 'Discount Protector' before they were recognized as real heroes.

Of course, that only meant Adele would have her father on her case even more. The need to please him had been something that originated since childhood. Now she's an adult, still trying to earn his approval. She thought it was funny how a family's legacy often meant so much.

They finished their dinner and paid the bill. The money they got from the Protectors allowed them easily afford places like this, it was a nice bonus to not have to worry about that sort of thing. Adele and Alicia walked out to front, where Adele's car was parked. It was a Mercedes, and contrary to what some accuse her of, it wasn't given to her by her family. She bought it with her Protector money.

"Shall I take you home?" Adele said.

"I don't exactly feel like taking the subway." Alicia said.

Adele smiled at her. They hopped inside the vehicle and they were off to the streets. The night was clear, there was no 'hero business' to worry about, everything was great. Adele felt disappointed somewhat that more days couldn't have been like this, and she knew that soon enough she'll be hearing from her father some more about the 'hero talk'.

As they drove through the streets listening to their favorite pop music, Alicia spoke up for a moment.

"You know, how long do you think we can keep this up?"

"What do you mean?"

"I just wonder how long we can be Protectors, living up to the legacy of our parents."

"Yeah, I've thought about that too."

"I mean, I can't keep wearing that ridiculous costume my mom wants me to wear. I mean, I know you're comfortable wearing your costume, but I'm not."

"Well, I just have more confidence. But yeah... I'm only doing this because I'm expected to."

"Well, we're both adults here. Surely we can make our own choices in life."

Adele stopped as a red light flashed. She turned to her friend, and prepared the explanation she's given herself in the past.

"Because, what else would we be? Clerks? Accountants? Secretaries? That would be a complete waste if you ask me."

"If guess you're right. I do love the money, at least." Alicia said.

Adele knew that many would kill to be in her position. Being a Protector was like being in an elite club that no one else gets to join. But even she desired a normal life. They didn't speak to each other again on the way back, where Adele dropped Alicia off to her apartment. She waved goodbye as she went home.

Before coming home, Adele decided that she would pay her mother a visit. It had been a while since she came over, and since her father was away she deemed this to be a good time. She could just talk to her about what she feels without the great Watcher coming in to speak about the 'importance of being a hero' and all that bullshit.

She parked in the garage, and left to the elevator. Her parents lived in a high-rise penthouse, a real swanky place that her father could afford. Not that her apartment was lacking, either. Her high heels clicked that floor as she made her way to the elevator. She pressed the button once inside, and it was a quick ride up to the top.

The door opened, and the sight of a happily surprised Kim Shepard came into view. They hugged before she invited her daughter inside. Adele took her shoes off and took a seat on her couch. A sigh of relief when she did, it was good to get off her feet for a little bit.

"What brings you here?" Kim asked.

"Can't a girl see her own mum?"

"True, but I was just wondering if you had anything on your mind?"

"Guess I wanted to talk to you before Dad gets home."

"About what, sweetie?"

"Well I was having a girls' night out with Alicia and she said she couldn't keep up the crimefighting business forever. I know what she means. Sometimes I feel like I only do this because I'm expected to."

Kim paused for a moment. This wasn't the first time she spoke of this, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

"Well, you know how Byron is." Kim said. "He views it as a responsibility for you to use your powers for good. Besides, what else is there? I'm sure you don't want to work a desk job."

"I wanted to be a supermodel." Adele said. "It's not like I don't have the looks for it."

"Life always makes turns you don't expect."

Adele placed her fingers on her chin. She could remember the days of old. When she was a girl in England, either splitting her time between the London penthouse or the Walters Palace located in West Sussex. Back then, she always dreamed of being a superhero, just like her father, who was often away as a member of the Protectors. If it meant being close to him, she would do it.

She thought to herself about those old days, and how the reality of life didn't match up with them. When she first discovered her powers, it was the happiest day of her life. Now she's starting to rethink that.

10 years ago...

Walters Palace, West Sussex

Adele Walters was a young girl with big dreams. Born to Byron Walters, part of the famed family of businessmen and bankers, and Kim Shepard, a woman from Wyoming with humble beginnings before rising up and striking it on her own, she felt the need to live up to that legacy.

Knowing that her father was the famed Protector known as The Watcher, part of the founding members of the Protectors and having stood as part of the pantheon known as The Seven, gave Adele a feeling she needed to be noteworthy herself.

At the moment, Adele was sitting in her room, watching dramas on her TV. She had her experience going to private schools and boarding schools, and she would always be the center of attention, which was natural considering who her father was. Right now, she was on vacation, and was using that time to relax.

"Adele, dinner's ready!" Aunt Maisie said.

"Alright, I'll be right out!"

She paused the show after a few minutes and headed to the dining room. It was there where she saw a lot of her family. Her mother Kim, her aunt Maisie, her uncle Harold, her grandparents Theo and Rosie, as well her cousins Emma, Bella, and Penelope, who she thought of as her sisters. The only one that was actually missing was her father, as he often had business to attend to.

"What's for dinner?" Adele asked.

"The classic Sunday Roast." Rosie said.

"I can work with that."

Adele sat down on her end of the dining table. Here she was with the people she loved, and she was having an incredible dinner. But the only thing she wanted was for her father to be there. She began to eat like everyone else, taking her time with her food to enjoy it the most.

A drink of cider, she felt the need to attend her business with mother nature.

"Excuse me, I need attend the loo."

"Yeah, of course." Kim said.

Adele nodded as she got up off the table. Without thinking, her arm accidentally hit her plate and her drink and it fell to the floor. It was loud, and everyone was caught by surprise. However, before it hit, the dishes froze in time to everyone's astonishment, but Adele's most of all.

"I don't know how I did that..."

"I suppose it's your father's genes." Harold said. "You picked them up. Still, I'd recommend being more careful from now on."

"That's wicked!" Emma said.

"Yeah, show us more." Penelope said.

"Turn back time and set it back to the table. Show us your power, sis!" Bella said.

"Um, okay."

She did her best to reverse time, not quite sure how it worked. The dishes came back to the table, making Adele feel excitement, During this time, her cousins were sure to capture the moment on camera. It set down, and it would've been a perfect save. Had it not been for the drink not landing right and spilling on the table.

"Well, at least we covered it with a cloth." Harold said.

"I'm going to attend my business with mother nature now, if you don't mind."

Adele ran out of the dining room and away from the commotion that would start over the revelation of Byron's daughter having his superpowers. Everyone in the diner looked at each other in shock.

"Blimey." Theo said. "I guess I should've saw it coming, but still, t'was a surprise."

"Well I think it's wonderful that Adele has my little Byron's special abilities." Rosie said.

"We'll see how she feels about it." Kim said. "She can be a superhero if she wishes, but not before she's old enough to make that choice."

"Yes, but you know how he's like." Maisie said. "Byron's always been wanting his daughter to have superpowers like him. He won't say it out loud, but it's quite obvious."

"Yeah, I agree." Kim said. "I feel like if he knows about it, he'll be paying much more attention to our daughter. But it might not be the kind of attention she wants."

"Well, ask her if we should tell him." Emma said.

"Yeah, it's her choice. If she doesn't want him to know, we won't tell him." Harold said.

Everyone nodded their heads. They would ask Adele if she wanted Byron to know about her powers when she got back. It was her choice, and that choice could potentially change her life forever.

10 years later...

Manhattan

With ten years of perspective added, Adele began to think she shouldn't have ever told her father about the power she inherited from him. Her whole life would've been different, away from Byron's shadow. However, there are some good things that came of it. She got to meet her best friend Alicia Hill, daughter of the famed Protector Emily Davis, better known as Scratch. A mixed bag, as some would say.

"What are you thinking about there?" Kim asked.

"Remember that day I discovered my powers at dinner, all those years ago? I'm beginning to wish my time manipulation abilities would also let me time travel. So I could change my answer."

"Oh, sweetie. You shouldn't dwell in the past. It's not good for you."

"I know, but both Alicia and I have been getting tired of being in our parents' shadows. I'm always 'Adele Walters aka The Vigil, daughter of The Watcher!' rather than my own person."

"But you were born as a Walters, practically unofficial royalty in England. Kim said. "Your grandparents were titled. You always had that on your head. Just putting that out there."

"Not if I didn't go out and seek it."

Adele sighed. She missed her family back in the UK. Aunt Maisie always had a special place for her in her heart, and though she was an only child, she never felt that way around her cousins. Her uncle Harold would always take her places she liked, and her grandparents Theo and Rosie loved her. That's not getting into all the friends she made in school.

True, she could've enrolled in the Protectors' UK division, but she wanted to experience life in America, the perspective her mother had, and where her father more commonly operated. New York was great, but it's hard to beat what you're familiar with.

"Just wondering. What was it like being an American in the UK for over a decade?" Adele asked.

"Took some getting used to, but I enjoyed it. Especially since that's where I raised you. Nothing can beat home, though."

"I feel the same way."

They had a little laugh. Adele spent the rest of her time at her mother's penthouse, and ended up crashing on her couch when she laid on it for a while. It was sudden, and Kim admired the beauty of her daughter, something she rarely got to see in these times.