Feb 21
Every great story has a great opening line. I read that somewhere; dont remember where. So, I figure for my story, is should at least have a pretty okay one. At least, I hope itll be a great story. I havent really written it yet. Ugh. Okay, need an opening line.
This is the story of a man....
Thats crap.
The city slumbered in an eerie calm....
No. Thats just not me. Damn, this is hard. Im no writer. This is just my journal. I should just write about whats going on an worry about the great opening line later.
I really hate bus stops.
Assuming you get one that isnt being defaced by Hellions (what are they doing - chipping at it - anyways?) You sit in this glass box and wait. And wait. And try not to make eye contact with the the homeless guy. And wait some more. Forever. I mean, how often have you seen a bus in Paragon City?
Ive lived here my whole life and in those 23 years youd think Id have learned by now not to trust something not protected by police drones. Right now I bet my bus is being picked apart by those Clockwork things. Man I hate those. Or its been hijacked by those Council Nazi guys.
You know, Id hoped things would get better. After the Invasion, when they put the walls up and those heroes started popping out of thin air, I figured the bad times were over. With the Freedom Phalanx and all these others, there sould have been plenty of good out on the streets to keep the city safe. But somehow, there are always more villains. Seriously, where are they coming from? You need an entire encyclopedia to just keep track of all the different gangs and psycho organizations that are ruining the city. Theyre everywhere, out on the streets, even. The cops cant handle them. It takes a hero and, even if you get one to stop and arrest a couple bad guys, it seems like a few more just show up in their place. Its like theres a hole in the Zig.
I met an escaped villain. Its kinda what started this whole thing. Not some lame Skull gang member, either. No, this was a real superpowered freak of nature. I was working at SuperMart when it happened. There was this loud crash and, I kid you not, ninjas broke through the door and started tearing the place up. This lady followed them, directing them to gather up hostages and block windows and so on. The he came in. He was totally bald and was dressed in the orange jumpsuits Ive seen Zig prisoners wear on TV. But it was his eyes that were his most memorable feature. They were wild and angry, windows in his angular face to a dark and tortured soul. Sometimes I wake up in the night, seeing those eyes. I let myself be herded into the group with the rest of the hostages, innocent customers and employees who could do nothing but cower, as the bald man began levitating large pieces of furniture and boxes in front of the doors. Finished, he turned to the woman and grabbed her fiercly. I guess hed been in the Zig for a long time. It was one hell of a kiss. But still so angry. Ive never been as scared as I was in that moment.
Okay, maybe when the Rikti invaded. That was really scary. And when my brother had his accident, I guess I was really scared then to. My point is, Ive seldom been that scared before.
A voice using a loudspeaker could be heard then. I guess the cops had arrived. The bald man broke away from his lady and smashed a hole in a nearby window. He began shouting his demands at the cops. Standard stuff. The lady joined him, looked like she was coaching him along when he faltered and couldnt think of things to say. The ninjas stood motionless. The bald man wasnt happy when the cops pointed out that it was just a matter of time before a hero wandered by or heard about this on their scanners. He spun on his heels and faced the group.
I need hostages, he snarled. He gestured in my direction and the ninja behind me slithered into action. He grabbed up the woman who was sitting next to me and her daughter. For a moment I felt a surge of relief that he hadnt picked me. Then I heard the screaming. The girl, about 12, maybe 14, was sobbing uncontrollably. Her mother was also in hysterics, begging that they let her girl go and take just her instead. Something, in that moment, clicked inside me.
I surged to my feet and brought both hands down on the ninjas back, hard as I could. He hadnt expected it and I was surprised when I discovered that he was a smaller man than I. My blow took him to the ground and winded him. I looked up in time to see the other two ninjas moving in to attack me, their reactions and movements instantaneous and liquid. One threw a shuriken which I barely dodged. Its razor tines nicked neatly through my sleeves and upper arm but only caused a scratch. The other leveled a kick at my torso. The impact stunned me, but I managed to keep my footing and lash out with my fists, but I hit only empty air. By this time the other had caught up and they began laying into me faster than I could take. When I lay on the ground, able to do nothing but groan, they stopped.
That was very brave, a voice sneered. I felt a vice grab every molecule of my body and I was raised off the floor to stare into the dark eyes of the bald man. His irises were black as pitch.
A regular little hero, he spat, who could very well have gotten everyone here killed with that little stunt. It was a very impressive try, I must say. You even managed to take down... Bob, here. He glanced at the ninja I had knocked down. There was a shunt sound and an arrow sprouted between the ninjas eyes. The lady checked her bow and glared at the other two henchmen. We dont tolerate incompetance, the bald man explained. And now, it it time for you to join Bob.
He raised a fist between us that inexplicably burst into flame. He reared back preparing a punch that would be the end of me when the doors rattled as something crashed into them. Startled, he turned to face the new threat. The doors burst open and an orange and black suit of hi-tech armour strode into the building.
Cease, Villain! Or face the wrath of...
The hero paused and looked around.
This is it? I came all the way from Croatoa for a couple ninjas and a guy in Pjs? Well that was a miscalculation.
The villains only hesitated a moment before attacking. The lady launched a volley of arrows, including some kind of net device. Most of the projectiles simply pinged off the metallic armour but the net caught him and wrapped around his lower body. The ninja shurikens were followed by kicks, and one even drew a sword, but all we similarly not effective. With a howl of rage, the bald man tossed me off to the side where I smahsed into a glass display case and let forth a stream of fire from his hands that engulfed the hero. When they had cleared, it almost seemed as if the helmeted head were yawning in boredom.
You call that fire? This suit was designed to withstand far more extreme temperatures. Observe.
There was a soft whirring sound and suddely the hero was engulfed in flames once more, which seemed to come from exhaust ports in his suit.
Now then, the armoured hero continued, his tinny voice coming through the flames, what to do with you lot. Frankly, this isnt even worth my time.
Let me do it, I growled. Everyone turned to look at me. I clambered out from behind the special items counter with the simple sword wed had on special that week clutched in my hand. It was a real bargain. The fire tanker began to talk but I stopped him with a simple, Please.
I could feel his eyes behind that shadowed visor. They must have seen something in me I didnt even know existed before that day because the fires slowly disappated from his suit and he answered, Okay.
Rules are simple, folks, he spoke up. The kid gets his shot and then we all go talk to the nice security detail.
If Im going back, Im taking you with me! the bald man shouted. Fire lanced from his palms and ignited the various packages behind me. I dont know what I was thinking. I charged straight towards him. An arrow sunk into my thigh but I didnt slow down. The ninja with the sword stepped into my path, his katana meeting my longsword. I plowed straight into him and simply bowled him over. As I passed I kicked his weapon out of reach. Nearing the bald man I leapt forward, arm raised to strike, and with a sudden gesture he froze me in midair. He sneered his usual sneer and steeped calmly forward. His hands became burning torches again.
This is familiar, he mused, where were we?
As I watched the fiery fist go back I remember asking myself why the hell I was doing any of this. Why was I risking my life? Why was I about to die? Was it worth it.
I knew the answer was Yes.
I also knew that I wasnt going to die that day.
I dont know where it came from, but I found the strength. I ripped my sword arm forward as hard as I could. I saw his wild eyes widen with shock as the tip of my balde scored a deep hit into his shoulder. He fell back and his hold on me faltered. I crashed to the ground only to pick myself up and square off against the somewhat stunned, but still deadly villains.
Okay, thats enough. The tankers voice broke the tension and caused us all to start. Whatever speakers he had in that thing could be impressively loud. I have places to be. All you villains get outside, nice and orderly now. The bald man started to object but the tanker blithely knocked out the nearest ninja with a single punch that sent the poor man tumbling. I said out, the suit growled. Sulkily, the villains shuffled towards the door, but not before the bald man told me hed remember my face and come for me when he next got out. Glancing over his shoulder to make sure they were following his orders, the tanker stomped over to me.
Not bad, kid. Youve got real potential. But Id seriously reconsider the hero business until youve had some training. For instance, you have an arrow in you. Thats not condusive to a long and healthy life. You should get that looked at. Good luck. And with that, he walked out.
I glanced at the arrow embedded in my leg. I decided it was too much effort to worry about it just yet. Right then, I felt rather inclined to pass out. Which I promptly did.
Holy crap, I can see the bus coming. Im going to wrap this entry up quick. Its been a few years since that day and Ive spent all my spare time practicing. The manager gave me the sword as a bonus and I have to say Im getting pretty good with it. Mom raised me to be tough and to stand up for what I believe in, but until that day I never really believed in anything. I had no purpose, and no direction. That day, everything changed. That day I learned what it is I was meant to do, and what I am going to be.
Today, I register to be a Superhero.
Feb 28
Its been a while since my last entry. Lots has happened, I guess, but its all been a really big blur to me. See, the problem is I still have my day job at the store, which is giving me shift work lately. My sleep schedules so screwed up I barely know what day it is, half the time. But, since I started this hero business I have to say Ive never felt better about myself.
Heh. Funny story about that though.
So I made it to the desk where you have to register your super identity. The guy behind it - self important old guy, kinda like at the DMV - looked me up and down and just sniffed. Sniffed! Like a snooty butler. I cant blame him, really. I was still in my work clothes.
Alright, whats your deal? he sighed, his voice laced with boredom.
I...uh... my deal?
What are your powers?
Well, I... um... I dont have any, really.
Oh, well then youll need to fill out the pink Natural Origin form, then come back. Next!
He waved me out of the line and dismissed me immediately before smirking at the colourful costume worn by the person behind me. I wandered over to the wall where all kinds of different coloured forms waited for whatever hero was stuck in this bureaucratic hell to fill them out.
There were two pink ones. Neither one said Natural Origin.
It was right about then that I started to feel tendrils of doubt creep up into my gut. What the hell was I doing? Im no superhero. I got in a fight, that I didnt even really win. I dont know if Im even very good with a sword, but that was going to be the whole basis of my character. I should just go home and give up on this whole thing. Maybe take my brothers advice and go back to school. Things sure worked out well for him.
I turned on my heels and was about to leave when a quiet voice next to me called out.
Its the one on the left.
I turned. A young woman was sitting in a chair. I cant believe I didnt notice her earlier. She was gorgeous - hey, Im a single 20-something; I get to look - dressed in a smart business suit and skirt with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. A couple stray bangs teased and framed her face as she glanced at me from behind slender glasses.
Huh, I spluttered.
The Natural Origin form. She glanced up at me again as she spoke and offered a kind, and perfect, smile. Its the pink one on the left. They should really make these things more clear.
Oh, uh, thanks.
She smiled again and went back to filling out her form. I went back to the board and picked up the pages she had pointed out to me. Non-Powered Waiver for Vigilant Service it read. I guess that made sense. I felt kind of stupid for not figuring that out for myself. I took one of the cheap pens, briefly wondering if anyone ever stole them, and looked for a chair to sit down in. It must have been a peak time for new heroes because the office was nearly full. The only chair was next to the lady who had helped me. Being somewhat shy, my timid gut constricted at the thought of sitting next to her but, with no other option, I found myself asking if the chair was taken. If she thought the line was lame she didnt show it and readily offered me the chair, which I gladly sank into as my legs turned to jelly.
I tried to work though the sheet, but it was a lot of boring legal stuff apparently determine if I was in good mental health and to say that if I got hurt on patrol because I lack any kind of power I wouldnt sue the city. I was also somewhat distracted by my neighbour and finally got up the courage to ask a question.
So, are you, uh, Natural?
Immediately my mind shrieked with the numerous possible ways that sentence could be taken badly and the possible implications. I could see, as she turned to face me, that she was also aware of them. Her eyes narrowed and seemed to bore right through me, then softened and she nodded.
Yeah, Im natural origin - she stressed the word origin - too. Whats your shtick?
My Shtick?
Yeah. Your shtick. What do you do to fight crime when you cant fly or turn into a rock?
Oh, I... I hit things with a sword, I guess. Im really new at this.
She laughed, surprisingly heartily.
I never would have guessed, she teased. Its okay. Most of us here are fairly new at this too. Thats why were applying for a licence. So, anything fancy about your sword? Is it a family heirloom or did you pull it out of a stone?
I bought it at SuperMart, I grimaced.
Man, those guys really do sell everything. So how does that translate to becoming a hero?
I dunno, I shrugged, feeling the weight of my thoughts echoing hers. There was a villain. He broke into the store and took some hostages. I kinda fought him, a little. It just felt... right. God, this sounds so stupid.
No, her voice was kind but stern. No its not. You were willing to help people who needed it when you could have been seriously hurt. That was a very noble thing to do. Do you think half of the people in this room would have done as much if they didnt have their mutant or mystical energy beams? I doubt it. What you did proves that you have every right to be here as they do, because youre a real hero.
I was stunned for a few long moments by her passion and her words.
Thank you, I breathed.
No problem.
We sat then, she glanced down and filled another box on her form.
So whats shtick? I asked.
I talk to people, she blandly answered, without looking up.
Huh?
I was a lawyer, and a pretty good one too. I made it my mission to put the bad people behind bars, where they belong. But ever since all these heroes started showing up, there isnt much for me to do. When a villain gets arrested, its because he was doing something wrong. Most of them dont get trials because there simply isnt a point. The ones that do come through the system are all boring, simple cases. Anyone could handle those. But I would walk down the street and see people being robbed or terrorized, and the heroes who are supposed to be protecting us just run right by. I decided that I could do more good on the streets than in the courtroom so I quit. Ive got enough savings lined up to last for a while. I opened up a little office where people can call me if they need help of any kind. Im going to make the streets of Paragon safer.
Wow. Thats really cool.
Thanks.
But,
Always a but, she rolled her eyes and faced me again.
You just talk to them?
Yeah.
With just... like, words?
Im really very good at it.
Isnt that dangerous?
Youre a shop clerk with three feet of sharpened steel, she pointed out a little crossly. I did this for a living. Everybody has buttons. You push the right ones, and theyll do just about anything you tell them. The trick is figuring out what those buttons are.
I didnt mean to offend. It just seems a little weird.
I know, she sighed. But its all I can do.
Well, if it helps. I think youre a great talker.
Thanks, she smiled her perfect smile. Listen, I have to go. You take care of yourself and maybe well see each other around sometime.
Id like that, I smiled back. A thought dawned on me, Wait, whats your name?
She flashed me her form, The Prosecution. Whats yours?
Uh... Tom, I stammered.
That doesnt sound very superhero-ey, she mused.
Im not very creative, I admitted.
Well just go with something that suits you. She looked me up and down, her arms crossed in thought. Call yourself The Blade. I have a feeling youll grow into it.
Thanks, Ill try that, um... the Prosecution.
She laughed at that and as she turned to walk away she tossed one final comment over her shoulder.
My names Selene. Bye Tom.
And with that she waltzed up to the counter and handed in her forms. I watched her answer a few more questions before shaking the mans hand and heading for the door. She gave me a small wave as she left.
I looked down at my paper and in the appropriate box wrote down The Blade.
March 20
Im really not very good about keeping this journal up to date. Its not my fault. Really! Being a superhero is really time consuming. Wait, I think I said this last time. Man, there arent words to describe how unoriginal I am.
I got my new costume today. On the one hand Im crazy excited about it, but on the other Im really bummed out. I dont have the money or influence to get a professionally tailored outfit from Icon. Frankly, it nearly broke me even using my employees discount at SuperMart. But what are you gonna do? If I want to be taken seriously as a real hero I cant go on fighting crime in whatever I happen to be wearing at the time. I have to do this right. I need to go on patrols and strike fear into the hearts of wrongdoers. I need to be recognized and, for that, I need a costume.
I just wish I didnt look like every stereotypical hero in the movies ripping off the style of iconic heroes from the early years.
Its a trench coat, basically. A really nice one; dark brown leather and very comfy. My mom gave it to me which, while a little embarrassing to admit, still makes me really proud that shes supporting my decision. She even splurged and had it sprayed with that leather protector stuff that actually makes it bullet proof and all that, which is a huge relief to both of us because Im really not a fan of getting shot. I remodeled her bathroom for her as thanks. Its a really fantastic coat. I went out and bought a wide brimmed hat to match it. I look very stylish, I think. I usually wear black underneath. I also picked up a mask-thing that covers my lower face. With it and the het you only thing you can really see of me are my glasses. I havent been able to afford contacts yet so Im stuck with those for now.
But aside from the coat Im also excited about my big purchase. I got a hand crafted sword made for me. Real steel and not a shoddy display model like my old one. Its a little heavier but its not like I rely on a lot of finesse anyways. Mostly I just swing it menacingly and hope they surrender at some point while I try not to hurt them too badly, or worse, kill them.
Thats been my major concern in this last month. What I do is very dangerous. Perhaps I have less potential for mass destruction than say someone who shoots fire but I often find that Im forced to literally stab people repeatedly until they fall over. That doesnt strike me as very heroic at all. Thats why Ive been trying to stick to Clockwork lately. Those gears have some kind of intelligence I dont understand, but Im reasonably sure that, even if I dismantle their bodies completely, they dont feel pain and Im not actually killing them. It makes it easier at night.
Oh hey, I have more good news. My buddy Steeves is a hero now too. He claims he found this book and reading it gave him magical powers. In his own words he remembered that I was a hero now so he decided to come join me. Its really hokey and is almost as silly as his costume, which appears to be the suit jacket that time forgot. Oh well. Its not the strangest thing Ive seen since I started this business. Its also awesome to know someone whos got my back when things get hairy.
I got infected with the Vahzilok plague. I was trying to save some hostages and one of the doctors shot me with something. The world spun and I started vomiting uncontrollably. I thought I was done for. As I reeled to the floor, distantly aware that I might have attracted some flies, I pulled out my phone and hit some buttons blindly. I saw boots covered in God knows what step into my line of sight and heard voices talking and laughing. The doctor in front of me leaned down and thumbed my eye open, commenting on my pupil dilation and remarking they should either move me quickly or use a stronger dose.
I sensed the syringe above me and knew I had to move. I summoned all my strength and threw my sword arm in the general direction of the crouching doctor. He leapt back, easily dodging the pathetic attack, but it bought me the space to roll to my knees and try to stand.
A cadaver kicked me in the face, smashing my nose with a sickening crunch. It didnt hurt as much as it should have. I think it had something to do with the disease. I was stunned, though, and tumbled onto my back. I tried to roll with it and regain my footing but my infected body just spasmed and refused to obey. I watched, horrified, as the undead and their masters gathered around me. I saw one still ready with a syringe of sickly green liquid and another fingering a meat cleaver dulled with dried blood.
I realized I was about to die. About to die and come back as a zombie.
For the briefest second that irrational part of my mind perked up. It could be fun, it suggested. What was left of my blurry consciousness beat it back into the corner with reason and legitimate fear. Then I realized there wasnt really much point to silencing my craziness since I was about to lose it anyways.
I thought of all the people in my life. My mom would be devastated. She always tried to support everything I did, so long as it was what I wanted to do. Shes such a great lady that I never wanted to let her down. My brother always warned me about the super hero business. The constant and never ending threats from so many groups and embittered him and the glut of new heroes left him unimpressed with their apparent inability to do anything about the villains. He also was adamant that my lack of real powers would one day get me killed.
I thought of The Prosecution, the girl I knew as Selene. At the time, all I could feel was regret that I hadnt had the nerve to speak with her again. Id found her building, a pleasant old brick 3 story in Kings Row with the name Paragon Street Attourneys emblazoned on the sign, but I couldnt bring myself to step through the door. I was afraid. Afraid of talking to a girl and yet here I was busting in on gang members about to be turned into a zombie. It seemed so ridiculous that I started to laugh in short choking breaths.
The Vahzilok paused. I guess they werent used to their victims having giggle fits on the operating table.
I kept laughing as a gaping hole was blasted in the wall with a thunderous explosion.
I laughed as bolts of mystic energy slammed doctors and zombies alike and scattered them like leaves.
I laughed as an olive green suit jacket floated protectively over me until all the enemy was vanquished. Then I sighed and let unconsciousness consume me as the hum of a hospital beacon activating filled the air. My last thought was Why didnt I think of that?
I awoke a couple days later in the uncomfortable grasp of a hospital bed. My Mom was watching the TV and rushed to my side when she saw me alert. Steeves flew in a few moments later followed by my brother. I thanked my friend from the bottom of my heart. It seems hed not only rescued me but hed secured the safety of the hostages Id meant to protect as well as tracked down some of the doctors and discovered an antidote to the wasting disease Id been infected with. Man, I wish I could be a hero like him.
As I lay surrounded by friends and family, I wondered if I was really meant to be a hero at all. Then Selenes words came back to me. It mattered that I got my [censored] handed to me. But it also mattered that I tried to do the right thing and that I knew I would do so again. Id just need to get better so that next time I wouldnt be beaten as soundly.
Comforted by this, Ive concentrated on recovering from my illness and Ive scaled up my training exercises. Next time, I will be the hero.
OOC:
It's been a while since the last update. Likely there'll be at least one in the next day or so. However, some characters have changed in the last few months, even going so far to be rerolled with entirely different powersets. I deliberated over what to do about it here for a good while.
One choice was to rewrite and repost the last three entires again, but that seemed uncessary considering there was only one really different change made:
- The two villains that break into SuperMart in part 1 are different. The lady Ninja Mastermind is fairly similar, but she's got storm powers instead of arrows. The male villain is even more crazy, older, wears a pink helmet, and is now a Mind/Psi Dominator instead of Grav/Fire. There is no romantic connection between the two. The male villain swears his revenge against the Fire tanker, not our hero.
Okay, I'm going back to writing.
((OOC: Ugh, this one got out of hand and turned out really long))
April 13
I want to tell you a story about my brother, Rene. We were born in a small town on the Canadian/American border just minutes apart. Hes the elder twin, and takes some measure of pride in it. Hes always had a superior attitude about a lot of things, but he was never mean about it. He just felt he knew more than others and should share his knowledge with them. He wasnt wrong, either. Hes a real genius. Thats just one of the ways were different.
Im not very ambitious. I lack follow through and am usually quite content with the way things are. My brother wanted to be an astronaut. I remember trying to help him study when we were six. Hed borrowed some astronomy texts from the library and while he poured over the numbers and names, I engaged in an imaginary battle, armed with my trusty water-pistol-laser-blaster and a plastic sword, with some unspeakably evil alien race bent on conquering our planet. Oh man. The irony of that just hit me. Man.... You see, I guess I got my dream. I mean, Im a superhero now. I dont think Im ready to tackle the Rikti just yet, but basically Im living my childhood game. My brother has not been so lucky.
Not long after that day in the living room, he had an accident. He was riding his bike and got hit by a car. He was hurt really bad, and his right arm was completely ruined and had to be amputated. Ill never forget sitting in that cold hospital watching my big brother struggle back to consciousness, and then break down crying. Hed always been so stalwart and tough. I was supposed to be the crybaby.
Over the years, he got used to his various prosthetics. Unfortunately, the injury kept him from entering the space program. He would never get to live his childhood dream. But that didnt stop his ambition. Faced with what he called substandard prosthetics, he set about designing his own. I think hes on his third model now, and it is a thing of beauty. Its likely stronger and more dexterous than any human arm. His personalitys improved since he started making them too. Hes just an inspiration to me because of his solid dependability. He reminds me of dad that way.
Thats why I was so scared when I nearly lost him again.
I was getting off the train in Steel Canyon today when I immediately smelled smoke. The Hellions have been setting fire to apartments and warehouses lately, no one is exactly sure why. My personal opinion is theyre jackasses who like to burn stuff. Scanning the rooftops for telltale signs of smoke, I felt my heart drop as I saw the blaze was in an old brick apartment building. My apartment building.
I dont think Ive ever run so fast in my life. A firefighter was outside on the street, tweeting his whistle and occasionally shouting into his walkie-talkie. He saw me approaching and grabbed up a fire extinguisher before running to greet me.
Thank god, a hero! he blurted.
My.. The... Fire! was all I could manage.
I know. Its a mess. The trucks been hit by clockwork and theyre not going to make it in time. I managed to get some fire extinguishers, but I cant get close enough because of the Hellions. Theyre just sitting in there, and they wont let people out!
I was frantically trying to get past him as he talked, barely listening to a word of it. My brother was in there. I had to know if he was okay. But the firefighters next words stopped me in my tracks.
They need your help.
In that moment, I think I learned what it really meant to be a hero. Until then, Id certainly helped a lot of people. Id show up, flash my blade at a few bad guys, arrest them, then run on home. Id put my life on the line, but Id never really had to give anything up. What I was doing out there at nights was more interesting and more fun than anything else in my life. But now my life wasnt the only one on the line. People I cared about needed me, and I wanted to go to them so very badly. But others needed me too. Maybe needed me more. How could I put myself over them?
My personality waged a tug of war in my mind in the space of a few seconds. Precious seconds that should have been used doing my job. In that moment of clarity I stopped being a stockboy who fought crime, and had to face the reality that I was now supposed to be a hero. I grabbed the extinguisher from the firefighter and ran into the blazing building.
It was hot! Incredibly hot. So hot that I immediately wished I could just run out and save my own sorry hide. Before I could move either forward or back, however, a bandana-ed form hurtled out of the smoke and tackled me to the floor.
Hey there, Cape. You bring the marshmallows? the Hellion grunted through his handkerchief. I groped for my sword, but the angle was wrong and I couldnt get it. The thug reared back and landed a sledgehammer punch to my cheekbone. I saw stars, and red. This evil man had helped set fire to my home and was now in my way. My grip on the fire extinguisher tightened and my arm snapped forward, driving the metal cannister into the thugs face. The blow knocked him off me and I scrambled to my feet, too preoccupied to make the joke Youre out cold or some other clever line. I raced up the stairs, taking them three at a time.
I helped the old ladies, I rescued a baby for her mother, I hacked and coughed as I ran up and down those stairs and hallways more times than I could count, stopping only when confronted by those damn Hellions. I may have let my sword swing a little harder than usual, let it cut a little deeper. They deserved it, and I didnt have time to play around. Finally I reached the door to my apartment. A loud crash from within drove me to not even pause at the door. I hit it full tilt and burst into the smoke-filled entrance.
Give it to me now! a voice roared from my brothers room.
As I flung the door open I saw a high ranking Hellion, a Damned, demonic horns flashing and flames licking along his arms as he gestured angrily towards my brother who was protecting himself with a wet blanket draped over his arm and a brandishing a fire axe.
Tom! he shouted when he saw me.
Hero... the Damned growled as he turned to face me, his arms blazing even hotter. I did what came most naturally.
I sprayed him with my fire extinguisher.
The Damned paused, a look of shock and disbelief crossing his face, before he was enveloped in my brothers blanket. Rene growled and grabbed the sopping mess with his prosthetic. With and superhuman effort he hurled the bundle through the window, sending the helpless Hellion and shards of glass to the ground four stories below.
Rene, are you okay, I rushed to his side.
Fine, he growled. [censored] singed my beard.
A shout came from the hall and we both spun to see a Hellion gesturing wildly at the door. More would be coming soon. I hefted my blade and began to move toward him, but my brothers heavy metal hand clamped down on my shoulder. His other hand shoved what looked like a belt into my free hand and quickly slapped the buckle..
Hang on! he yelled and suddenly I too was sailing through the now open window. My stomach lurched as I saw the ground below and anticipated the imminent painful rush to meet it. The scene from Hitchhickers Guide to the Galaxy flashed through my head as I lived the first and final moments of the startled blue whale.
But I didnt fall. The belt in my hand thrummed to life and I found myself gently floating down at what would have been a good walking pace. I turned my head to our apartment window and shouted for Rene. I heard more shouting, then a crash, and then my brother leapt from the broken window. We managed to catch each other as he fell, which nearly broke my grip on the belt that kept us afloat. In a few moments we were safe on the ground.
Rene, I gasped through my burned throat as the adrenaline started to fade and the pain began to set it. We have to go back in. There are people still in there.
No way am I going back in there, he answered, breathing heavily. Let the real heroes handle it.
I looked up and saw he was right. Reenforcements had arrived.
Heroes of all kinds fought the fire in their own way. I saw a tanker walk fearlessly through the blaze, a defender on the roof had summoned a localized storm, and fliers hovered around windows sending in powerful jets from their fire extinguishers. As we looked on an elderly man in a classically styled costume ran by and fired an arrow in through a window. There was loud pop and suddenly the flames that had been licking from it disappeared.
You boys alright? he queried as I slumped up to my feet. He was short and skinny, but his wiry frame seemed full of the vitality and energy of a man half his age.
Yeah, were fine.
Good. Glad we could make it here in time. Get yourselves checked out with a medic before you go. With that he sped off, readying what I assumed was another fire extinguisher arrow.
I helped Rene to his feet, and grabbed the belt from the ground. The two of us stumbled towards the street where a group of people had set up a chain for bringing buckets of water. I gasped as I saw who was directing their efforts. She was dressed in a dark blue suit and skirt, with her long hair tied back in a ponytail. Her face was smudged with soot and I was amazed shed gone that close to the dangerous fire. But then, thats what I would expect from a hero like her.
Prosecution! I shouted over the noise. She turned and pointed towards an ambulance.
Medics are over there if youre hurt. her attention was diverted away as three fire engines roared onto the scene, sirens blaring. Thank god, she breathed.
Rene gave me a knowing look, clapped me on the shoulder, then untangled himself and headed towards the ambulance clutching his metal arm. I hoped he hadnt damaged it, or hurt himself on the unforgiving metal that would have been heated up by the flames. But the medics could do more for him than I.
Selene, its good to see you, I stammered.
Im sorry, do I know you?
Its me, I pulled my mask off my face briefly. Tom. We met at the registration office.
Right! her face lit up with another perfect smile, despite how tired she looked. One second.
She turned back to the line of people, now more of a clump since the firefighters had things under control. She closed her eyes and let out a breath as if shed been holding it in. Suddenly, the crowd looked much smaller.
Thats a relief, she said as she turned back to me. So look at you! All decked out as the urban avenger. Hows the hero life been treating you?
Its been rough, I laughed. Its not exactly everything I expected it to be, and it hasnt been easy. But I really want to thank you for what you told me, Selene-
Prosecution.
Prosecution?
Im in costume.
Oh.
I know. Its just a suit. I get that a lot.
Well its a very nice suit.
I dont think people get the whole super-lawyer concept.
Yeah. Its a tricky one.
We lapsed into an uncomfortable silence amidst the din.
So howd you hear about the fire? she asked. You werent on our call list when we started asking for help.
I, uh, that was my apartment.
Oh no. She looked over her should, just in time for the entire west wall to collapse inward.
Yeah. Whats worse is I think they were after something of mine, or my brothers.
Listen, her stern but comforting look was back again. This was not your fault. Come back to the office with us. Well get you a place to sleep and tomorrow well help you track down the people really responsible for this.
You dont have to-
I insist.
I looked at her and she gave me a kind smile.
Ill tell my brother, I said.
Ill tell my boss, she replied.
What follows are the adventures of one of my Heroside characters. I modelled the guy after me and he's basically supposed to be how I would perceive myself in this universe. I haven't decided yet where this is all going, or how long I'll keep it up. I do know that it will feature some moments that stuck out to me as having potential for a great story, though it will likely steer away from most of the real missions.
I also haven't decided if they're all going be journal entries, like the first one, or if I'll switch out to a 3rd person narrative and save the journals for special occasions. All depends on how much time I have, I guess.
Anyway, most of the characters are mine (on Guardian, mostly) but there will likely be some appearances of friends and CoX franchise characters. All rights and whatnot go to the proper people. If this work of fiction mirrors events or people in your life, congrats, you might acidentally be me.
I hope you enjoy, and feel free to comment.
TG