This is the introduction for a book I have been writing for a while based on some of the characters I have created in City of Heroes. I am going to post the intro, and if there are some people interested in more I will post more. Keep in mind that this is a novel so it is going to be long. All right I hope you all like it.
Prologue
Cmon pops, throw me a curveball.
Sure thing, Michael. Here goes.
Michael pulled back to swing and turned on the pitch, hitting it right as it crossed the plate. The ball sailed high into the air, carrying towards the fence.
Nice swing, son, said Mr. Richardson as the ball finally fell on the other side of the fence, we should probably go get that ball and head home. It was a small field but Michael was still beaming.
Race you there! shouted Michael as he took off out of the park and ran towards where the ball landed.
Wait son it isnt safe to run off on your own in this part of town! shouted Mr. Richardson as he ran after his son. They turned the corner and there was the ball. Michael bent down and picked up the ball.
Michaels mom and dad had moved the family into this part of town a few months ago. Both his parents were teachers and had agreed that they could be best used in the inner city. They decided that it was a good way to give to the community.
I got it dad, lets go home and tell mom about said Michael as he lifted his head to find a gun in his face and his dad standing very still.
Sorry kid this will only take a second. Your dad was just about to give me his wallet and watch and I will be on my way, said a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt with a gun to the back of Mr. Richardsons head.
Mr. Richardson handed the wallet and watch to the robber. There. You have what you want now go and leave us alone.
All right then, you two have a nice day now.
It was then that Mr. Richardson grabbed the bat and swung it at the robbers back.
Way to go Dad! Hit him again! and Michaels dad did. He hit him in the stomach this time and the robber doubled over.
Big mistake pal. The robber picked up his gun and aimed it at Michael. As he pulled the trigger Mr. Richardson dove in front of the gun taking the bullet in his chest, puncturing his lung and lodging in his back.
Now look what you did! Man, I didnt want to shoot nobody. But you couldnt just let me walk away. Well I guess you learned a lesson. Damn, Im outta here.
Dad! Dad! Someone please help him! This is all my fault, I am so sorry dad! This isnt what I wanted! I was just trying to be brave!
But no one came to help. It was rough times in Paragon City, crime was at an all time high, all the politicians were corrupt, and there was no citizen who felt like it was there job to help their fellow citizens. Mr. Richardson died that day leaving Mrs. Richardson and Michael both heartbroken. Michaels mother passed away a few years after the shooting. Doctors said it was unexplainable, but anyone who knew the woman knew she just couldnt bear the pain of living on in the world that would not save her husband.
Michael of course blamed no one but himself for the whole situation. He blamed himself for hitting the robber, thus provoking the shooting. He blamed himself for not being able to stop the robber from shooting the gun at all. And when his mother died he blamed himself for that as well. What was a little boy of age 10 supposed to think when he saw his father murdered and his mother die of heartbreak when he was 14. Michael then moved in with his Grandfather, an inventor who lived in Wyoming. It was a very different situation to get accustomed to for Michael. Everything was so clean in Jackson Hole. It was a ski resort town next to the Tetons. It was a beautiful landscape unlike anything in Paragon City.
Grandpa Richardson had moved to Wyoming after retiring from his career as one of the militarys top weapons designers. Despite having worked with the military for 50 years, Grandpa Richardson did not have the attitude of someone you would expect from a military man. He was very calm, quiet, and kind hearted. He took in Michael and raised him up right.
When Michael was 18 he went to the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in Aerospace and Chemical Engineering and as soon as he graduated he went back to Wyoming to take care of his aging grand dad.
But Michael Richardson isnt the only man this tale is about. While Michael and his Dad were being robbed, a young man by the name of Raymond was playing with his best friend Franklin in London, England. They were playing a game of Cricket. Raymond was a few years older than Franklin, and a few more still over the young lad Michael back in the States. Raymond was 26 at this time.
Raymond and Franklin were in Raymonds back yard. Raymond through the ball toward the pegs and Franklin gave it a whack right through a second floor window of the house.
Raymond! shouted Raymonds uncle.
The two boys ran inside and up the stairs quickly.
Do not be displeased with Master Raymond, your majesty, it was I who hit the ball, said Franklin.
I am sorry Uncle, we will be more careful in the future, added Lord Raymond.
At this time it is important to make sure it is understood that Raymond Windsor is the nephew of the King and Queen of England. His Father is the brother of the King and his Mother was the daughter of an Irish cousin of the Queen. Unlike most fixed marriages, their marriage was actually a happy one and they really did love each other. Raymond had been made a British Lord after his mother and father had died in a car accident when Raymond was 17. He had been offered the title of Duke, which had belonged to his father but felt it better that the position be filled with someone of greater age and experience.
Well, needless to say your father will be having a talk with you Franklin, said the King, Now you are excused.
Thank you, your majesty, said Franklin bowing to the King, See you later Raymond.
Franklin left the room leaving only Raymond and his Uncle.
Raymond, you know that you are practically a son to me, and that the Queen and I have never once regretted having you stay with us.
Of course I know that Uncle. I also know that you wouldnt be talking like this unless you had a reason. You know that whatever you need of me I will do.
That is exactly what I wanted to hear. For a long time now we have been looking for a way to show that the Royal Family is still a part of how the country is run. We believe that having a person from our family as a high ranking officer in the Military will be a good way to show that we are not just figure heads. But of course, my son is the only child I have, and if he were to be well defeated in combat, then we would have no heir for the thrown. So, what I wanted to ask was
Would I be the member of the family to join the military?
Exactly. What do you say my boy?
I would be honored, to serve in our great nations military.
Splendid, you leave tomorrow morning, best pack quickly.
Raymond quickly said good bye to his Uncle and ran to his room, where Franklin and his father were waiting to see him. Franklins dad had already heard the news from the King, being the Kings butler did have its perks and had relayed the information to his son. Franklin was quite broken up.
I cant believe you are leaving after all weve been through, weve done everything together, your uncle even sent me to college with you at Cambridge! And now you are just up and going off to the military?
Oh come on now Franklin, its not like he is dieing, and besides now you may find yourself with some time to get a nice woman to marry, instead of gallivanting about as Lord Raymonds crony, said Franklins father who was more than happy for Raymond.
Your fathers right Franklin, this is wonderful news, I am finally doing something with my life, and ever since my parents died I have become stagnant, just rolling along with whatever the rest of the family wanted me to do. Now I can be in charge. Its wonderful news and I am sure I will see you again. Now please, help me pack, I have to get going first thing in the morning and I dont want to have forgotten anything.
After a few hours they had packed almost everything Raymond needed, and a few things he didnt. Unfortunately they fell asleep before they had finished and the next morning when the car to take Raymond away pulled up, they had to scramble.
Damn it, do I have everything? asked Raymond as he scrambled to close all his bags.
Yeah, I think thats everything, bye Raymond.
Goodbye Franklin.
Raymond ran down the stairs and out the door and as he opened the door to his cab Franklin appeared in the window upstairs.
You forgot something, here, catch!
Raymond caught the object and then stopped to look at it. It was a locket which had belonged to his mother, it had a picture of him and his parents inside it and inscribed in it was a message.
Never Forget Who You Are read Raymond quietly to himself. He then looked up to Franklin and shouted Thanks my friend, take care of yourself, and go find a woman for yourself.
Whatever you say Raymond, said Franklin as Raymond got into the car and drove off.
Greetings Lord Raymond, said the man driving the car, I am Lt. General Wilder, from now on, everything changes.
This is the introduction for a book I have been writing for a while based on some of the characters I have created in City of Heroes. I am going to post the intro, and if there are some people interested in more I will post more. Keep in mind that this is a novel so it is going to be long. All right I hope you all like it.
Prologue
Cmon pops, throw me a curveball.
Sure thing, Michael. Here goes.
Michael pulled back to swing and turned on the pitch, hitting it right as it crossed the plate. The ball sailed high into the air, carrying towards the fence.
Nice swing, son, said Mr. Richardson as the ball finally fell on the other side of the fence, we should probably go get that ball and head home. It was a small field but Michael was still beaming.
Race you there! shouted Michael as he took off out of the park and ran towards where the ball landed.
Wait son it isnt safe to run off on your own in this part of town! shouted Mr. Richardson as he ran after his son. They turned the corner and there was the ball. Michael bent down and picked up the ball.
Michaels mom and dad had moved the family into this part of town a few months ago. Both his parents were teachers and had agreed that they could be best used in the inner city. They decided that it was a good way to give to the community.
I got it dad, lets go home and tell mom about said Michael as he lifted his head to find a gun in his face and his dad standing very still.
Sorry kid this will only take a second. Your dad was just about to give me his wallet and watch and I will be on my way, said a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt with a gun to the back of Mr. Richardsons head.
Mr. Richardson handed the wallet and watch to the robber. There. You have what you want now go and leave us alone.
All right then, you two have a nice day now.
It was then that Mr. Richardson grabbed the bat and swung it at the robbers back.
Way to go Dad! Hit him again! and Michaels dad did. He hit him in the stomach this time and the robber doubled over.
Big mistake pal. The robber picked up his gun and aimed it at Michael. As he pulled the trigger Mr. Richardson dove in front of the gun taking the bullet in his chest, puncturing his lung and lodging in his back.
Now look what you did! Man, I didnt want to shoot nobody. But you couldnt just let me walk away. Well I guess you learned a lesson. Damn, Im outta here.
Dad! Dad! Someone please help him! This is all my fault, I am so sorry dad! This isnt what I wanted! I was just trying to be brave!
But no one came to help. It was rough times in Paragon City, crime was at an all time high, all the politicians were corrupt, and there was no citizen who felt like it was there job to help their fellow citizens. Mr. Richardson died that day leaving Mrs. Richardson and Michael both heartbroken. Michaels mother passed away a few years after the shooting. Doctors said it was unexplainable, but anyone who knew the woman knew she just couldnt bear the pain of living on in the world that would not save her husband.
Michael of course blamed no one but himself for the whole situation. He blamed himself for hitting the robber, thus provoking the shooting. He blamed himself for not being able to stop the robber from shooting the gun at all. And when his mother died he blamed himself for that as well. What was a little boy of age 10 supposed to think when he saw his father murdered and his mother die of heartbreak when he was 14. Michael then moved in with his Grandfather, an inventor who lived in Wyoming. It was a very different situation to get accustomed to for Michael. Everything was so clean in Jackson Hole. It was a ski resort town next to the Tetons. It was a beautiful landscape unlike anything in Paragon City.
Grandpa Richardson had moved to Wyoming after retiring from his career as one of the militarys top weapons designers. Despite having worked with the military for 50 years, Grandpa Richardson did not have the attitude of someone you would expect from a military man. He was very calm, quiet, and kind hearted. He took in Michael and raised him up right.
When Michael was 18 he went to the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in Aerospace and Chemical Engineering and as soon as he graduated he went back to Wyoming to take care of his aging grand dad.
But Michael Richardson isnt the only man this tale is about. While Michael and his Dad were being robbed, a young man by the name of Raymond was playing with his best friend Franklin in London, England. They were playing a game of Cricket. Raymond was a few years older than Franklin, and a few more still over the young lad Michael back in the States. Raymond was 26 at this time.
Raymond and Franklin were in Raymonds back yard. Raymond through the ball toward the pegs and Franklin gave it a whack right through a second floor window of the house.
Raymond! shouted Raymonds uncle.
The two boys ran inside and up the stairs quickly.
Do not be displeased with Master Raymond, your majesty, it was I who hit the ball, said Franklin.
I am sorry Uncle, we will be more careful in the future, added Lord Raymond.
At this time it is important to make sure it is understood that Raymond Windsor is the nephew of the King and Queen of England. His Father is the brother of the King and his Mother was the daughter of an Irish cousin of the Queen. Unlike most fixed marriages, their marriage was actually a happy one and they really did love each other. Raymond had been made a British Lord after his mother and father had died in a car accident when Raymond was 17. He had been offered the title of Duke, which had belonged to his father but felt it better that the position be filled with someone of greater age and experience.
Well, needless to say your father will be having a talk with you Franklin, said the King, Now you are excused.
Thank you, your majesty, said Franklin bowing to the King, See you later Raymond.
Franklin left the room leaving only Raymond and his Uncle.
Raymond, you know that you are practically a son to me, and that the Queen and I have never once regretted having you stay with us.
Of course I know that Uncle. I also know that you wouldnt be talking like this unless you had a reason. You know that whatever you need of me I will do.
That is exactly what I wanted to hear. For a long time now we have been looking for a way to show that the Royal Family is still a part of how the country is run. We believe that having a person from our family as a high ranking officer in the Military will be a good way to show that we are not just figure heads. But of course, my son is the only child I have, and if he were to be well defeated in combat, then we would have no heir for the thrown. So, what I wanted to ask was
Would I be the member of the family to join the military?
Exactly. What do you say my boy?
I would be honored, to serve in our great nations military.
Splendid, you leave tomorrow morning, best pack quickly.
Raymond quickly said good bye to his Uncle and ran to his room, where Franklin and his father were waiting to see him. Franklins dad had already heard the news from the King, being the Kings butler did have its perks and had relayed the information to his son. Franklin was quite broken up.
I cant believe you are leaving after all weve been through, weve done everything together, your uncle even sent me to college with you at Cambridge! And now you are just up and going off to the military?
Oh come on now Franklin, its not like he is dieing, and besides now you may find yourself with some time to get a nice woman to marry, instead of gallivanting about as Lord Raymonds crony, said Franklins father who was more than happy for Raymond.
Your fathers right Franklin, this is wonderful news, I am finally doing something with my life, and ever since my parents died I have become stagnant, just rolling along with whatever the rest of the family wanted me to do. Now I can be in charge. Its wonderful news and I am sure I will see you again. Now please, help me pack, I have to get going first thing in the morning and I dont want to have forgotten anything.
After a few hours they had packed almost everything Raymond needed, and a few things he didnt. Unfortunately they fell asleep before they had finished and the next morning when the car to take Raymond away pulled up, they had to scramble.
Damn it, do I have everything? asked Raymond as he scrambled to close all his bags.
Yeah, I think thats everything, bye Raymond.
Goodbye Franklin.
Raymond ran down the stairs and out the door and as he opened the door to his cab Franklin appeared in the window upstairs.
You forgot something, here, catch!
Raymond caught the object and then stopped to look at it. It was a locket which had belonged to his mother, it had a picture of him and his parents inside it and inscribed in it was a message.
Never Forget Who You Are read Raymond quietly to himself. He then looked up to Franklin and shouted Thanks my friend, take care of yourself, and go find a woman for yourself.
Whatever you say Raymond, said Franklin as Raymond got into the car and drove off.
Greetings Lord Raymond, said the man driving the car, I am Lt. General Wilder, from now on, everything changes.