ERA of Challenge #5: Infinity Soldier

ERA of Challenge: Infinity Soldier
Chapter I

The mountains of West Virginia have always afforded isolation to those who seek it. Infinity Soldier happens to be one of those people. For millennia he has jumped from time to time, arriving at important crossroads in the history of humankind. Sometimes to bear witness but often times to become actively involved. Now, in our modern age, Infinity has grown weary of the changes and has decided to isolate himself when not involved in a mission or patrol as to not develop a personal relationship with those around him. He remains focused, determined, hoping that his next jump will be his last.

Infinity Soldier is no normal hero, he is no normal man. Infinity is a construct of time. A being created to guide humanity on the right path if needed and observe historical moments if not. He has been everything from a shoe maker in the middle ages, to a general commanding vast armies in World War II. Today, this jump dropped him in Paragon City at the height of the Second Rikti Invasion. He fought hard as a hero among heroes to push back the Rikti Invasion and isolate them in what is now known as the Rikti War Zone. Once that was complete Infinity expected to be pulled away to the next battle, but nothing happened. He was still Infinity Soldier. There must have been more for him to attend to here in this time period. Thus, he made himself a home with other heroes in the Paragonian Knights. However, he never allowed himself to become too close, for he knew that one day he would once again be gone.

It is a chilly morning in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. There is a slight breeze from the northwest that cuts through the tall pines with a low whispering sound as if the mountains themselves were speaking. Deep in the woods is a small cabin with various pieces of junk on the small, unassuming porch. From the woods is heard the chopping of wood and the grunting of a man. Standing on the edge of the woods is a tall, well built man wearing nothing more than a pair of wranglers and boots. He swings a small hatch down on a log splitting it with one stroke. This continues for an hour until a large cord of wood is gathered and carried toward the house over the shoulders of this mountain man.

“Infinity Soldier, come in Infinity Soldier.” buzzes a small communicator attached to waistband of the man’s jeans. The man briefly pauses, but looks back up and continues his walk to the rear of the cabin.

“Infinity, this is Grae Knight. I know you can hear me. Please pick up.”

The man drops the wood to the ground with a gentle thud and picks up the communicator off his waistband. “What do you need Grae Knight?” Infinity responds is a stern, matter-of-fact tone.

“Hey old friend, Lady Grae and I are hosting a small dinner party and would love it if you would attend. “ Grae Knight said with a cheerful and inviting tone.

“No. I got something to do.”

“Come on, it will be fun” Grae Knight responded.

“No.” And before Grae Knight could respond Infinity had turned off the communicator. He knew Grae was merely trying to include him in his social gathering, but that never interested Infinity. He was here to do his job and then leave, as he had done hundreds, if not thousands of times before. Infinity reached down. Gathered up his wood and continued on his way to the rear of the cabin.

Solitude is his choice. Solitude is his life. Solitude is his curse.

((Thanks Deebs! He is a blast to play.))