《Protectors (HIATUS)》


 Prologue: The Age of Heroes

    2013


    Washington D.C.


    It was a bright day in the capital of the United States. The sun was shining as the clouds were few and far-between. The crowd of citizens awaiting the speech of president Arthur White lined up as far as the eye could see. What awaited on this day was important. For the first time in three years, the people of Earth can rest soundly.


    The Splisen War was won.


    The alien threat that invaded Earth was finally driven away from the Protectors, after three years of conflict. Now that the world can focus on repairing itself, the time came for the governments, and more importantly, the heroes, to address what happens next. What will become of the great Protectors of Earth? What will they do without a global enemy bent on destruction? These are some of the questions that have come up.


    The president stood forward, the crowd cheered. Beside him were the legendary pantheon of superheroes known as The Seven. That was to say, the seven who saved the Earth, working together as the last line of defense, and slayed the Splisen queen. Liberty, The Watcher, Spellcaster, White Raven, Shirokage, Valkyrie, and Big Thunder. These names were legendary in the eyes of Earth.


    "People of Earth." Liberty said as he rose to the air triumphantly. "I speak on the behalf of not only the United States, but all of humankind. The idea of a world where heroes operate on a completely separate manner from each other is no longer something that can be accepted. I speak this as someone who served in the Virtue Corps. in the days of the war, a time of unity from before unity was widespread, that the Protectors will remain as the Earth''s guardians, from any threat known to mankind."


    The public cheered loudly, which created an echo from the distance. President White was nervous about what he had to say following Liberty''s speech, but gathered together his composure. A month after the war was officially won, the agreement as to what would happen to the Protectors was a hot topic of the media. Now was the time to address that topic.


    "Yes, yes." White said. "Liberty has been the hero of the American people for longer than most of us have been alive, and I think we''ve reached an agreement that the whole world will be happy with."


    The Watcher, who unlike some heroes had a public identity as Byron Walters, came forward with what he was about to say. The English superhero had been out of the spotlight since the war was won so he could look after his newly born daughter. He practically had to be forced into attending this event.


    "When we started as the Protectors of Earth Initiative, we were created not by an individual, not by a decision of our own, but by the United Nations board of directors. Some believe that we should remain a government entity, but the truth of the matter is that it''s the heroes who make a difference in the field of superheroics, not the ones in the chairs. That being said, we''ve reached an agreement. We will continue to operate legally with the approval of the United Nations, but we are not a government agency. The Protectors from this point forward will be publicly available, and will be supported by ourselves."


    The crowd cheered even louder. That was what was hoped for in many discussions. The idea that the government would have control of the most dangerous individuals in the world had left some frightened, but this isn''t the case. The Protectors going public, no longer limited to just forty members, had also been what the citizens at large wanted.


    "The Protectors will set up bases of operation around the world." The Watcher spoke again. "New York, San Francisco, London, Geneva, Tokyo, Sydney. These are the ones we have planned so far. Of course, we will also have more, and the Protectors are free to operate wherever they wish. Consider the bases the home away from home, so to speak."


    "But the Protectors won''t be the only ones who defending the world." Spellcaster said. "The Order shall be an ally, for instance, and any other team who wishes to ally with the Protectors is free to do so. Recommended, actually."


    "We have reached a new era where the world has united to look out for each other." White said. "I must say that my father would be proud."


    "Likewise." Liberty said.


    Millions of people from all corners of the globe were tuning in or streaming the broadcast. It was known that this day would go down in history, where the world can celebrate Earth''s victory over the alien race. After three years of chaos and war, they were still alive.


    "This is the start of a new era." White said.


    "Yes," Liberty said. "Let it be known that from this point forward, the Earth will live in a new age. The Age of Heroes, one where those who possess courage and determination can rise up and unite with those like-minded individuals who wish to do the same. May the new age last from now to the beyond."


    The crowd cheered even louder. Numerous pictures were taken of the President with the pantheon of heroes. The picture would spread all over the world, and be used as a symbol of a new era for Earth. President White still had one more important thing to say to the world.


    "We will construct memorials across America in honor of the Protectors, and those who''ve fallen. I trust the other countries will do the same. Central Park will see the construction of The Seven Statues, in honor of The Seven, and we''ll be opening a museum displaying the history of the Splisen War. It''s important that we don''t forget the war, so we''ll be prepared for anything."


    After more talks were made about mankind''s future, the speech was done. President White was escorted back to the White House in preparations for their plans. He sat in the back of his armored limousine, speaking his advisor on the way home. The day was far from over, to put it one way. White''s advisor Michael Holland expressed concern over the fact that the Protectors wouldn''t be operating as a government entity, as his brooding eyes demonstrated.


    "Mr. President, I must express my worry that the Protectors acting on their own could lead to repercussions. Are you sure we should let them operate freely? The UN should discuss this."A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "What is there to discuss? If we try to make them agents of the government, we''ll be going against the idea of what being a superhero means. The truth is, no one wants to root for the government, a fact of life we must work with. They saved the world, and if we don''t show gratitude, there will be consequences."


    Holland was silent the rest of the ride over. There was nothing he could say in the situation that would give him what he wanted. The Cadillac pulled up to the White House, and the President went inside. He sat in his Oval Office, looking at the news articles across the internet.


    "The Age of Heroes" Declared by Liberty!


    The Protectors Go Public, What Could This Mean for the Future?


    Heroes Declare "We''re Not a Government Agency"!


    These headlines were by Almanac News were the big attention-grabbers of the public, and certainly they would be happy about it. White thought about how he was going to serve the rest of his term while maintaining the positive PR he currently has from helping America through the hard times.


    Michelle Robbins, his Senior Advisor stepped into the room, appearing as though she entered in a hurry.


    "Mr. President", Robbins said. "The preparations are complete. The C.A.S.T.L.E. Initiative is underway."


    "I''m sure it is." White said. "Let''s hope it''ll come soon."


    The Protectors weren''t the only organization that the UN created. They knew they needed an espionage, paramilitary, and intelligence organization who could deal with the paranormal, alien, and unorthodox. For many, it was high time one such organization had formed, and the preparations were now complete.


    "The next time some alien race decides that Earth is theirs to destroy, we''ll be ready to show them we don''t play around." White said.


    Robbins nodded. White had some long days ahead of him knowing that the public will be on him more than the usual. But at least everyone was safe, that was what really mattered.


    <hr>


    Five hours later...


    Protectors Tower, Manhattan


    The skyscraper that was once an office building had been turned into the Protectors'' official base during the war. This was where the Protectors met, what remained of them at least. Of the forty Protectors who fought in the Splisen War, there were five casualties. The Patriot, who was Liberty''s long-time comrade, was among them.


    "We won the war." Liberty said. "We won it all, they say. But we lost so much in the process."


    Arms crossed, Liberty took his time to grieve his fallen brother-in-arm. Valkyrie put her hand on his shoulder in an effort to comfort him.


    "There always must be sacrifices in war. If it wasn''t for him, we could''ve lost. Know that he died smiling."


    Hydroxus felt close with the other Protectors. He too approached Liberty with the intention of helping him through the loss of his brother.


    "For the longest time, I believed surface-dwellers to be savages who fought each other for the pettiest of reasons. I never wanted Atlantis to get involved in the drama above. But now I see I was wrong. You''ve proven to me that those on the surface are every bit as capable of courage and compassion as us down below."


    "It does bring solace to me that Charles went out with a fight, that he took the Splisen down with him, and proved a greater hero than I am. Yet I''m the one everyone looks up to as the ''real hero''. As a personal matter of opinion, the real heroes were the ones who gave all."


    The Watcher sat on the couch. He was texting his wife about the status of his daughter. That was what he cared about most at the moment. When she was born, he knew he had a responsibility to set the perfect example for her.


    How is little Adele doing over there?


    Perfect. She''s sleeping soundly right now. Aunt Maisie visited her earlier and she was so happy.


    And I''m happy too.


    His wife Kim Shepard was an American, a New Yorker via rural Wyoming. She was currently in London, where she birthed Adele Walters and where she was going to take care of her for the time being. At this time, Byron desired nothing more than to see his wife and daughter, and not get caught up in all the politics of the world.


    With thirty-five heroes, the uppermost room sure felt crowded.


    "This place is going to need some serious renovations if you ask me." Red Revolver said.


    "In time. Just like the other HQs we''re going to make, right?" Stasis said.


    "Especially since we''re goin'' public. We''ll have mates practically trippin'' over themselves once the numbers go up." Big Thunder said.


    The decision to not remain as a governmental entity was unanimous. No one wanted to be an agent of the UN, but a good compromise was needed. Being government approved, but a self-sustained organization of heroes will allow them the freedom to protect the innocent from the various supervillains and corrupted individuals that exist in the world.


    "It''ll be a fun time, I must say." Scratch said.


    Scratch sat cross-legged next to her husband, Rough Ox, as he rubbed her nylon leg. The sex symbol of superheroism, she was always the one who got the attention from others, which she didn''t mind. Having recently became a mother, Emily Davis would be sure to set a good example to her Alicia Hill, and alongside Julius Hill would make sure she has role models to look up to.


    "I must ask," Night Spider said to Scratch. "Have you considered retiring? After all, Alicia isn''t going to take care of herself."


    Scratch smirked at the spider-themed billionaire hero. Like he was the first to ever suggest that.


    "I''ll retire when there''s a need to. Alicia needs good role models. What better one than little old me? I don''t think a rich kid who uses company resources to dress like a spider at night is what I''d want my daughter to look up to, no offense."


    Night Spider crossed his arms. He could retort that someone who poses nude for the internet and fights crime in a form-fitting leotard with nylon pantyhose doesn''t make for the best role model either, but she sees her sex appeal as a compliment, so it wouldn''t have the desired effect.


    Big Thunder approached Shirokage, or Taro Hirano. He gave him a playful nudge on the shoulder, to which he didn''t react at all. Big Thunder smiled.


    "Ay mate, I hear you gotta son right? Is he gonna be part of this whole ''white ninja'' legacy ya guys got goin'' on here?"


    "Only if that''s what he desires."


    That gave him a good laugh. He knew that his son would want to take up his mantle, that''s what all hero kids want. At least he isn''t forcing it upon him, unlike some other heroes.


    Liberty came forth, his presence demanding everyone''s attention without having to say a word.


    "Alright everyone, listen up." Liberty said. "From this day forward, we will act as the Protectors, the world''s unified organization of heroes. It''s up to us to make sure this whole thing stays afloat, no one else is going to help us out if we fail. We are the heroes of Earth, so we have a standard to live up to. Can you do it?"


    Most of the voices heard responded with a resounding "Yes.", which gave Liberty hope that his dream of seeing a unified world since the days of old were finally going to come true. Liberty''s dream of a new era, of The Age of Heroes, became a reality, that he was certain. In the distance, the city shown that it was ready to rebuild and recover from the war.


    The sun set on New York. Some of the buildings were damaged, and repairs were being put in place. It saw its share from the Splisen attack, before the Protectors drove them away. While it wasn''t devastated like other cities were, there were damages. But during times of crisis, there were those who stood together and look out for each other, friend and stranger alike. Liberty always admired that he could find these bright moments in times of tragedy.


    A half hour later, the thirty-five heroes gathered together in front of the view. A camera was in place. This was a day that would go down in history, so of course a picture had to be taken. With everyone gathered together in one spot, the picture was shot. This could be known as the new start of the Protectors, after the Splisen War, they were going to remain as the global defense of heroes for all time.


    The Age of Heroes had begun.

 Chapter 1: Assault on the Outpost

    2035


    Somewhere in the forests of Aureus


    Aureus was a country located in Eastern Europe. The snowy mountain nation was considered unremarkable to the rest of the world. This however, made it a good base for certain organizations with agendas of their own to operate in. That organization was Mist, and the Protectors were there to shut down this particular operation.


    "Are we ready?" The Watcher said.


    "Ready as we''ll ever be." Blindshot said.


    The six of them moved through the forest, knowing that resistance will be met soon. The trees were tall, snow fell, and the sky was a bleak shade of gray. The Watcher, who had been spearheading operations against the terrorist organization for a while now, discovered the base through extensive research, and he assembled a team to shut it down.


    Blindshot, Amazon, Switch, Shirokage, and Red Revolver were ready to take the fight to Mist. They moved through the forest, getting ready for combat as they moved closer. Everyone wanted the task done as soon as possible. The cold and rigid environment wasn''t exactly their favorite to be in.


    The Protectors had to wear special winter gear made for these missions rather than their usual costumes, besides Amazon and Shirokage. The former in a blue-skinned seven-foot-two form that could resist heat, the latter as a white-clad mystical ninja that wasn''t affected by the cold. If all goes well, this mission will be over with quickly, and everyone can go home. That''s what they kept in mind during this attack.


    Red Revolver drove an advanced truck that Blindshot stood atop of, ready to strike. The Watcher flew, Switch rode on a metal plate, Amazon jumped from area to another, while Shirokage ran and bounced from tree to tree when it was needed.


    Mist operatives were seen in the distance, as they had multiple checkpoints in place, and they weren''t welcomed guests. The soldiers were black-clad, and wore helmets that concealed their faces. Their weapons were aimed, they had mounting laser turrets, and vehicles full of troops. For them, this would be routine.


    Now the fighting began.


    "Why don''t we give them our personal welcome?" Shirokage said.


    Blindshot smiled as he shot an explosive arrow at a troop transport, destroying it and the people inside in a quick strike. Amazon, the blue-skinned powerhouse, had no troubles tossing Mist operatives like rag dolls. The Watcher slipped through the battlefield with his time manipulation abilities, and the troops were unable to hit him as he took them out. Switch took out her share of operates with electrical blasts.


    "Just a few more left." Amazon said.


    "I''ll take care of them." Shirokage said.


    Shirokage jumped in the air as he released a fan of shuriken at his targets, most of them hitting what he aimed for. The remainder was taken out by his sword as he moved across the area and slashing them with the Blade of the Kage. That part was down.


    "Shall we proceed?" Shirokage said.


    "Yes. We''ll be done with this soon." The Watcher said.


    <hr>


    Mist Outpost: Aureus


    "Sir! The Protectors have found us!" A Mist operative said.


    "I can see that." Dr. Snow said.


    Dr. Snow was an English scientist who had been assigned to this area. Him and his subordinates had to prepare for the oncoming attack. However, Dr. Snow knew exactly what the Protectors were there for. The Red Crystal. He knew had to be sure that Protectors don''t get it from them.


    "I know why they''re here. It''s the stone. Let''s make sure they don''t get it."


    His subordinate nodded. Through the long and worn down hallways Dr. Snow hurried, he had to get the stone and get the hell out of there. And just in time, the Protectors began their assault on the base. He could hear the sounds of Mist troopers trying to hold off the attacking team. That made him hurry even further.


    <hr>


    Outside the Mist Outpost


    "My sources say that Dr. Carter Snow operates here. Let''s make sure we capture him, if possible." The Watcher said.


    A blockade was set up, consisting of several tanks. They held up at the front of the entrance, firing their blasts of concentrated energy at the heroes. Clearly a last line of defense.


    "Allow me." Amazon said.


    "No, I can handle this. I want to do some fighting myself really." Red Revolver said.


    "I know what you have in mind. I''ll get off now." Blindshot said.


    He grappled off the top of the truck with his grappling hook, leaving Red Revolver to execute his plan. It took the single press of a button to initiate the self-destruct sequence. With that in motion, he jumped off the truck and rolled to cushion his landing. The mobile bomb came straight for the tanks, and in one massive explosion they were all taken out.


    "Well now, I think that takes care of that." Red Revolver said.


    Just then, he saw multiple Mist operatives to the right. That was when he would make his move. The man took out his six-shooters and wiped them out before they got the chance to strike. He tipped his hat and smiled.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Not fast enough."


    Blindshot activated the infra-vision on his sunglasses. It gave him a good idea of how many operatives they can expect to encounter of the outpost. The red men lit up, even through the walls, and became easy to spot from their distance. Blindshot smiled.


    "Around forty are in there."


    "I''d say that''s an even fight." Amazon said.


    "Let''s just get this done, I''m dying to go home." Switch said.


    "Then let''s move." The Watcher said.


    The assault began. They moved through the front pathway to the entrance, taking out any Mist they came across. Shirokage began hopping from building to building up to the point where the outpost was. The entire place was on a hill, required some climbing to be done. Amazon powered through her enemies, throwing them away or slamming them to the ground, before moving on to the next.


    The Watcher attempted to fly into the building, but was blocked off by an energy shield.


    "Damn. They got a shield."


    "Aye, good thing for you I''m an electrician." Switch said.


    "We''ll hold them off while you work on it." Blindshot said.


    Of course, by ''electrician'', she''s referring to her powers over electricity. Regardless, a good electric shock at the source will be good enough to take down the energy shield. The Protectors fought off numerous Mist operatives while Switch looked for a breaker, or something that channeled electricity.


    Blindshot took down several operatives at a distance with his arrows, his skill with them being unmatched. Red Revolver handled several more who were rushing in, and he smiled underneath his handkerchief.


    "I would never use anything other than my trusty six-shooters."


    Numerous shots were flying at The Watcher. Extending his hand, he stopped them in place, and then returned them to sender like child''s play. They all fell subsequently. Shirokage took care of several more, moving through the area and slashing them with his sword.


    After several minutes looking for something to use, Switch found a generator beside the outpost. She smiled.


    "Found something." Switch said. "I think a little electricity should do the trick."


    "Yoshi! Do it quick!" Shirokage said.


    Switch fired a blast of sparks at the generators, which overloaded the machine and caused an explosion. The shield was down.


    "Alright everyone, let''s move in!" The Watcher said.


    Everyone did as they were ordered. The tall outpost was practically a fortress, with the stone building standing high up and the walls being thick. Clearly it had uses before Mist took over the place. Finding what they were looking for wouldn''t be easy.


    "I spot a man upstairs." Blindshot said. "He''s also carrying something that''s giving off heat. I think we might''ve found our target."


    "Sounds good to me. Let''s get him." Red Revolver said.


    Blindshot moved to the stairs, where he knew it would take him to Dr. Snow. He went up, going as fast as he could, and got closer and closer to the scientist. He was ready to fight if needed. His weapon ready, he turned the corner and stopped him dead in his tracks.


    "Freeze!" Blindshot said.


    "Alright, alright." Dr. Snow said with his hands up. "I know when I''m beat."


    Blindshot kept him in place as the other Protectors arrived. Soon enough, the six surrounded him, leaving him no possible way to escape. Blindshot could tell that he look strangely calmed, as his heartbeat was normal. Whatever this meant, he didn''t know. Nonetheless, he took the briefcase carrying the Red Crystal from him.


    "It took a while to plan this operation." The Watcher said. "But I''m sure it''s worth it."


    "It''s also worth it to meddle in our plans, isn''t it?" Dr. Snow said.


    "Enough. We''re taking you to prison, after we learn just what you''re planning to do with that." The Watcher said.


    Amazon grabbed Dr. Snow and handcuffed him. He wasn''t breaking out from that. They carried him through the outpost and out in the field. The Watcher pressed a button on his wristwatch. A blue, mid-sized ship named the Condor descended, slowly making its way down as the force of gravity was felt by everyone else. This was their ride home.


    "Hop aboard, everyone." The Watcher said.


    They entered the ship, and it took off to the skies in a moment''s notice. The mission was a job well done, as usual for someone like The Watcher. The ship flew in the sky. Everyone took a breather for a moment. A time to relax after an intense mission. Dr. Snow sat silently, as he awaited the questioning.


    The Watcher retreated to the captain''s quarters where he turned on the video messenger. It was time to report his success back home. With the press of a button, the messenger on his screen turned on. The other end was John Baen, a fellow member of the Protectors. He had his arms crossed, and looked satisfied that the mission was a success.


    "I take it you got what you came for." John Baen said.


    "Yes." The Watcher said. "Hopefully, at least. Our friend Dr. Snow was awfully calm when we captured him. I don''t like that."


    "I don''t like the sound of that, either."


    "We''ll be sure to get answers out of him. But anyways, we got the Red Crystal in our hands, so Mist just lost a massive source of power."


    "Excellent. See you back home."


    "Looking forward to it."


    Transmission ended. There was a long journey back to New York. Even with the advanced marvel of technology that was the Condor, it would still take roughly seven hours to reach home. They also made a stop in London on the way back. It was where Switch was based, so she had to get off first.


    The ship descended down to a landing pad located just outside the city. She smiled, eagerly awaiting her home. Once the hatch opened, she waved everyone goodbye.


    "Goodbye everyone, see you later!"


    Once that was done, the rest began their journey to New York. The Watcher signaled everyone to come inside the captain''s quarters, they followed suit. He crossed his arms and began speaking with the rest. They already knew what he was about to say, as they were feeling it too.


    "The way he surrendered... it just doesn''t feel right." The Watcher said.


    "Some bad guys know when they''ve lost, but yeah, I feel it too." Blindshot said.


    "Shall I have a little ''talk'' with him?" Amazon said.


    "No, Zeena." The Watcher said. "Not right now. We''ll make sure he answers us when we get home."


    "Yeah, best save the interrogation for the big room." Red Revolver said.


    "Be sure to welcome our guest." Shirokage said.


    "Why don''t you all relax down on the second floor." The Watcher said. "He won''t be going anywhere, and after a long mission like this it''s good to unwind."


    They nodded and went downstairs. It was a spacious part of the ship with places to settle down, eat, and have fun. There was a large flat screen with a built-in game console which also allowed them to stream Netflix. A place where the Protectors could be people, and take it easy. Shirokage grabbed his sword, and in a flash he was in his civilian attire. Now he was Tetsu Hirano.


    "How''s it been in New York, getting adjusted?" Red Revolver, or rather, Jackson West said.


    "It is different I must say. I''ve met some nice people, some... lesser people, but I''ve gotten to see the world as I wanted. Met a nice girl, too."


    "Interesting." Bradford "Blindshot" Redding said. "Can I ask her name?"


    "April."


    "Asian boy with a nice white girl? I can dig that reversal of stereotypes." Brad joked.


    Tetsu crossed his arms. "Always a comedian."


    "Well I''m dating an Asian girl myself, but you already knew that." Amazon/Zeena Steyn said.


    Zeena Steyn was a South African supermodel/superhero of German descent. It''s been known that she''s dating a Young Protector named Wingspan, or the Chinese-Japanese-American Madison Mei Miyamoto for a year now, who is fifteen years her junior.


    Tetsu took a seat on the couch and looked for a movie. His decision to be transferred to the United States was so he could view another side of the world. It wasn''t easy saying goodbye to his father, his other family, or the other Protectors he had grown accustomed to being around, but he just had to see a world outside of Japan.


    The others relaxed as well. It was a long trip home, so they might as well make the most of it. Soon they would be in New York, where they could sort out the situation and continue with their lives.

 Chapter 2: A Heros Legacy

    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.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    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 offand 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 thecrimefightingbusiness 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.


    <hr>


    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 famedProtector 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 hadbusinessto 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.


    <hr>


    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 famedProtectorEmily 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.

 Chapter 3: Hero Business

    Manhattan


    The Condor finally reached its destination. The bright and shining city of New York came into sight, with the lights filling the night sky. Having spent several hours relaxing in the second floor, most of the crew were ready to be on land again. The Watcher pressed a button, speaking directly to the second floor below.


    "We''re home now. Be prepared to land."


    Tetsu finished his movie just as everyone else had finished watching with him, or rather napping in the case of Jackson and Brad. The sudden voice on the intercom awoke them, and everyone was prepared to land. After a few minutes passed, they arrived above Manhattan''s buildings. They would be making their landing at the helipad located on near the Protectors Tower.


    After several more minutes, they landed. The ship''s hatch came down. One-by-one everyone stepped outside, stretching in relief that they finally touched the land again. The Watcher escorted their ''guest'' Dr. Snow outside of the ship. Blindshot turned to the older hero, with a faint smile.


    "Taking our friend to the lockup, I assume?"


    "He won''t be able to harm anyone where he''s going." The Watcher said. "We''ll get answers out of him, you can be sure of that. Afterwards, we''ll examine the Red Crystal to see what Mist planned to do with it."


    "Sounds good to me." Blindshot said. "So can the rest of us go home now? I feel like my wife has been missing me."


    "You''re free to leave."


    Everyone dismissed themselves from the area, leaving The Watcher to handle the task at hand with Dr. Snow and the Red Crystal. He didn''t like having to work overtime at the moment, he knew Kim was wanting to see him again. The Watcher escorted Dr. Snow to the Protectors Holding Area, located near the tower. The whole way over, Dr. Snow was silent. All he had on his face was a smile, one that made The Watcher feel weary.


    Once Dr. Snow was taken care of, The Watcher rode the elevator up to the top of the tower. He could feel the height of his position once he reached the top, something that never ceased to impress him. The doors slid open. Inside the skyscraper had been filled with various heroes and staff members, all going about their own business. The interior was black, a well-polished kind of metal on the walls and tile on the floors, with various computers everywhere filling the air with their light.


    He kept the Red Crystal inside the briefcase as he made his way to the office. It would be there he would uncover what Mist planned to do with the valuable gem. Awaiting him were fellow members John Baen and Cobalt, who were sitting on the table when he arrived.


    "Sorry I couldn''t have arrived sooner." The Watcher said. "It was a busy day for me, you see."


    "Yeah, I hear you." John Baen said. "But a job well done is just that."


    The Watcher set the briefcase down on the table, opening it to reveal the Red Crystal. It shined brightly, looking like a true candy-red gem that it''s every bit as beautiful as it was valuable. His two colleagues examined the stone closely. John Baen stroked his chin, before speaking.


    "The Red Crystal... if Mist kept a hold of this, they would have enough energy power to create a catastrophic weapon."


    "Good thing then that they don''t have it anymore." Cobalt said.


    "There was something odd about our ''friend'' Dr. Snow." The Watcher said. "He was so calm, not acting worried at all that he was caught. I suggest placing the Red Crystal under extreme containment. We need to assume anything is possible with this."


    "Of course." Cobalt said. "This thing has the potential to become a bomb. In fact, why don''t you work your magic on it, John."


    The sorcerer waved his fingers, casting a looping barrier around the crystal. The purple field spun around it, keeping it in place. The trade-off was that they couldn''t access it until removed, but it also meant that it wouldn''t explode if used as a trap. It wouldn''t be the first time a crystal like the Red Crystal was used for that purpose.


    "Well, once we look into the crystal and potentially reverse the affects, it''s better to keep it in a state of balance than to risk an explosion." John Baen said.


    The Watcher nodded. These crystals weren''t the average type of stone used for decoration or jewelry. The Red Crystal, like the others, had properties that allowed it to produce energy. This potentially made them into sources of power that could produce weapons of mass destruction. Weapons that would be very useful to an organization like Mist.


    He thought to himself how glad he was that he apprehended the gem when he could. Had Mist kept a hold of it, The Watcher shuddered to think what they would''ve done with such a source of power. He sat back, it was another mission completed, and any time he could prevent Mist from making a move was one he would take.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    "We''ll see what Dr. Snow was planning to do with the Red Crystal soon." The Watcher said. "For now, I would like to go home. I''m sure my wife misses me."


    "I understand that." John Baen said. "We should all get some rest. This is something we''ll take care of soon."


    The Watcher dismissed himself, waving them goodbye as he left. He desired nothing more than to return home after being away for so long. He moved through the pristine black hallways of the building, eagerly awaiting his departure from Protectors Tower. There would be another time to worry aboutProtector business, but now wasn''t that time.


    Byron changed out of his blue costume, and put on his regular clothes. He appeared as a middle-aged man dressed casually, someone who could blend in with the public. Though Byron Walters'' status as The Watcher was known by all, he could still seem like an ordinary person to those not paying attention, much like a Hollywood celebrity.


    Through the streets he drove in his luxury vehicle until Byron made it to home. It was time he got some rest. The car parked in the garage, and it beeped as he locked it. Then he rode the elevator to the top floor where he resided. As the doors opened, Byron was surprised to see none other than Adele sleeping on the couch. A pleasant surprise, but a surprise nonetheless.


    Kim ran out from the side hallway and hugged her husband tightly, which he returned the favor. They kissed, and she smiled at him. She was quick to notice that her husband was surprised to find his daughter in their home, it wasn''t usual for her to be there.


    "Isn''t she beautiful?" Kim said. "I never get to see her like this anymore."


    "I agree, but why did she come in the first place? Seems unusual to be fair."


    "She wanted to talk to me while you were away."


    "... What?"


    "She isn''t sure if she can continue being a Protector." Kim said. "Adele is having doubts that she can keep being a hero because that''s what is expected of her."


    "But isn''t that what she wanted?" Byron said. "When she revealed her powers, she wanted to be just like me."


    "But that was a decade ago." Kim said. "Things change, and she says she wanted to be a supermodel. It wasn''t the first time she and I had this discussion. She feels she''s in your shadow."


    Byron placed his finger on his chin and thought to himself about it. He wasn''t oblivious to how she felt, not at all. Adele would always say she was only being a hero because it was her job, and she never wants to take part in anything outside of it. That''s why it''s a rarity for him to see Adele in his home. But the last thing he wanted to hear was for her to say she wants to quit.


    "Supermodel, hm? To be fair, she dresses like one in her outfit. It''s a little embarassing." Byron said.


    "Her choice is her choice." Kim said. "A girl loves shoes, and she is no exception."


    "But anyways, she shouldn''t feel ashamed of doing the right thing. It''s not something you should be ashamed of. So many people out there want to be just like us, and she''s one of the few who actually can be one of us."


    "But she didn''t want to be one." Kim said. "Maybe at first, but she grew older and her interests changed. You aren''t the center of her world anymore, but the expectation of following you remained."


    "Don''t remind me..."


    "Ask yourself: If she didn''t inherit your powers, where would she be now?"


    He wasn''t going to answer that. Byron turned his attention to his daughter, he moved to the couch where she was sleeping. Kim didn''t like what he was about to do, but she knew he wasn''t going have her crashing at his home all night.


    "Time to wake up, Sleeping Beauty." He said as he poked at her.


    Adele sleepily opened her eyes, before suddenly jolting awake at what was in front of her.


    "Damn, I wasn''t expecting to crash out." Adele said. "Why didn''t you wake me, mum?"


    "Because you looked so peaceful."


    "You should probably go home now." Byron said.


    "Yeah, that''s what I was thinking too."


    Adele sat up, still recovering from her nap and being awoken so suddenly. She could remember the days when she was happy to see Byron return home from work. Now, it just seems to have less of an impact. She rubbed her eye before standing up, stretching her back out.


    "Well dad, I''ll see you soon when my vacation is over."


    "I''m looking forward to it." Byron said. "I love you."


    Adele didn''t respond. She moved across the living room, putting her heels back on, and then headed out the door. Before leaving, she waved goodbye, and went home to where she would go home and go back to sleep again. Byron sat on the couch, exhaling a deep breath in relaxation. The mission was exhausting, to say the least, but it was over.


    Now he had something else to worry about.


    It''s not easy for Byron to have to deal with being the target of his daughter''s frustration. But it was also a responsibility she held. To be a hero means having to do the right thing, not selfishly hoard the power to yourself. That''s what Byron has been trying to tell Adele for years.


    "Will she ever view me with admiration again?" Byron asked.


    "I''m sure things will change when she gets older."


    Byron stretched out, extending his arms in the air as he felt the relief. After all these years, he worries that he''s starting to feel his age. Kim sat with him, rubbing his shoulders to ease him of his pressure. Byron felt glad he could return home to someone who loved him.


    "How did the operation go?" Kim said.


    "Business as usual." Byron said. "We got the scientist running the Aureus outpost, he surrendered quietly."


    "Good."


    They put a movie on, giving Byron the chance to unwind and enjoy good company. After about an hour, he had a hard time staying awake. He was just so relaxed, he fell asleep on the couch. It wasn''t until a couple hours later where he awoke, due to Kim tapping on his shoulder.


    "I''m sure you would prefer to sleep on the bed."


    "Yeah." Byron said as he yawned. "Time for me to get some shut eye."


    Byron stood. They moved together as they walked to their bed. During the whole time, Byron still had it on his mind what Mist was planning to do. He thought about the entire mission. His operations against Mist were constantly on his mind, and he hoped that could bring an end to the terrorists as soon as possible.


    There will be another time to worry about that. For now, he just needs some rest. Byron fell asleep soon after his head hit the pillow, and he would deal with Mist when he was fully awake and recharged again.

 Chapter 4: History Lesson

    Manhattan


    Ezekiel Thompson awoke in his dorm room bed, rubbing his eyes as he yawned. It would be another day of school of Ezekiel, before he could do more exciting things. Not that he was opposed to learning, but as a current member of the Young Protectors, everything else just paled in comparison. He got ready for school. As a student of Monolith, considered among the most prestigious out there, he knew he had expectations to live up to, which put pressure on him to say the least.


    After having breakfast, he took a shower, washed his hair, and brushed his teeth. Ezekiel was ready. He headed out the door, just in time for class, like everyone else. Monolith''s interior was a clean white color, with both the walls and floors matching, giving the impression of an idealistic future that they wish to present. As he was walking, he felt a tap on his right shoulder. He already knew who it was.


    "Hey, how''s the whole''Protector'' thinggoing out for you, friend?"


    Zaky Malik. His best friend in school, who was always wondering about him ever since he joined the Protectors.


    "It''s alright." Ezekiel said. "Being able to fly? It doesn''t suck."


    It had been about a year now since that day. The day that changed everything for him, when a field trip to a Pennsylvania Museum of Protectors went wrong, and the Splisen Cube latched onto him. Now it''s grafted onto his spine, and is impossible for him to remove without the risk of death. The topic has surrounded him ever since.


    "It must be pretty nice going into Protectors Tower, hm?" Zaky said.


    "Yeah, I like it."


    "Way to make the rest of us jealous."


    He could always count on Zaky to ask him these questions. It was like knowing a Costumed crimefighter himself, something that not too many others can lay claim to, and naturally he wanted to know everything. They entered the first classroom, and a day of schoolwork was ahead of them.


    Most of these went without much of an issue. What he really looked forward to was history class. There they would hear all about how superheroes changed the world through their acts of courage, something that gave him inspiration as one of them.


    During lunch, he sat across from Zaky as they ate their sandwiches. He found it funny that ever since he got the armor, he still was a nobody in school. Ezekiel would''ve thought that it would mean more, but most just ask ''How''s that YP thing going'' if they bother to ask at all. The students of Monolith had their own lives to attend to, and they couldn''t focus all their energy on a student who''s got an alien device on their spine.


    At least Ezekiel could still look normal. The armor would only cover him when he willed it to, otherwise he appears ordinary with his clothes covering his machine on him. Zaky sat resting his head on his hand, staring at something in admiration. Ezekiel wondered what it was, and of course, it was Linda West hanging out with her friends beside the wall. The blonde beauty immediately captured his attention too.


    "You think we got a chance with her?" Zaky said.


    "Eh, let''s not think about it right now."


    Linda spoke to her friends Carly, Grace and Stella. From where Ezekiel sat, he could hear what they were saying, and it was hard not to feel excited. It was about the Protectors. He could feel his heart racing as they talked about their crush.


    "So, you could go out with one of those heroes. Who would it be?" Grace asked.


    "Hmm... I''ve always had this massive crush of Phantom. He''s just so dashing!" Linda said.


    They all giggled.


    "But wait, isn''t he dating that purple alien girl?" Stella said. "Might be hard to compete with that."


    "Yeah, I mean him dating another Protector? It''s just so hard to compare." Carly said.


    "A girl can dream, can''t she?" Linda said.


    Zaky tapped his shoulder, harder than the last time. Ezekiel already knew what he was going to say.


    "Hey, you''re a Young Protector right? I mean, if my remember right, Phantom is one of them too. You know him don''t you? Why not impress them with your knowledge, I''m sure she''ll like it."


    "Oh come on, Zaky. Yeah I know him, but that''s not a big deal."


    Ezekiel knew Phantom, or Jason McCoy, very well as a member of the Young Protectors. In his heroic alter ego, Ezekiel was known as Kid Mega, and Phantom acts as the leader alongside his girlfriend Aera. But that''s not something he wanted to impress people with. They knew better than that.


    "Your loss, man."


    Five minutes later, the bell ringed. Lunch was over, and it was time for history class. The best part of the day, if Ezekiel had to say so. He took his seat at the front of the classroom. Once class started, Ezekiel made sure to pay close attention. He wanted the chance to show off hishistory knowledge. Mrs. Wilkerson sat on her desk as she used her computer to show images on the projector.


    This one was about the Splisen War.


    "Good day, class." Mrs. Wilkerson said. "Today we''ll be discussing the Splisen War."


    "Sweet," Ezekiel said. "The time where great heroes rose up and banded together to save the world?"


    "More like the time all of humankind was nearly massacred by a psychotic alien race, the same kind that made the armor you fool around with after school."


    That kind of burned to hear something like that. He knew that the Splisen were genocidal, but he wanted to look at the glass half-full. It was what started The Age of Heroes, a time of unity where men and womenof all types banded together to save the people of Earth.


    "I was just saying that we drove them away, and it was because heroes like the Protectors were brave enough to stop them."


    "And think of the lives lost in the process." Mrs. Wilkerson said. "I know you weren''t around yet at the time to see horrors of what the aliens did to Earth, and you get to view it through rose-tinted glasses, but not all of us have that luxury."


    Ezekiel faced his head down, looking at his desk regretting that his teacher is talking down to him like this. The Splisen War must''ve been a sore spot for her, he assumes. As the class continued, he wrote in his laptop all the details he could. Even if he knew these things already, Ezekiel wanted her to think he was still a good student.


    "It all started in the year 2010, when a Splisen battleship hovered above the city of Bucharest, Romania for several hours. Its intentions became known when the ship fired upon the city in a single strike, decimating the municipality in one blow. In the hours leading up to the attack, it was wondered if the aliens came in peace. That gave us their answer."You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Ezekiel knew this, as did everyone else. The event that started the war was pretty well-known to all, as the destruction of Bucharest gave off an impression, to say the least. But you can''t explain the war without this important detail. Images of the destruction projected on the screen, showing the details of the catastrophic attack. The destroyed buildings, the people in panic, the fire that set the city ablaze. These were just some of the things that displayed just what the country that suffered most had to go through.


    "Of course, there was the Miracle of London." Linda said. "The event that changed everything around. Shouldn''t we discuss that?"


    "That''s for another time."


    Ezekiel could tell Linda felt uncomfortable after seeing those images, as it was a horrifying sight to behold. Those who viewed that would like to know the bright side of the conflict, but you can''t have the good without the bad. Class continued, she covered more about the war, moving through the timeline on her computer.


    "The topic of nuclear force was brought up right away, as you can imagine. North Korea was the first to try to nuke the alien menace, but to no avail. They learned the hard way that the Splisen can reflect their nukes back at the sender, and Pyongyang was annihilated by their own weapons. They refused to release any images, but one can get an idea of how hard they were hit just by the sound of that."


    All the talk about the war made his skin crawl. It''s as if Mrs. Wilkerson was trying to make everyone uncomfortable by only showing the negative sides of the war. She sat there, stoically looking at the computer screen behind her glasses. While the tragedy of war cannot be overstated, Ezekiel knew that this wasn''t completely despair.


    She flashed images of the Splisen. They looked both human and insect-like, with their humanoid bodies covered by their armor, while insectoid limbs protruded out of their backs. It was a similar manner to how his Splisen armor would generate those limbs when he wills it.


    "They were as deadly as they were heartless." Mrs. Wilkerson said. "Ezekiel, I''d be careful about that armor you have if I were you. Don''t want it to act out of line."


    "My armor is fine." Ezekiel said. "I have it under control."


    "I just think we''ve been a little too lenient with our standards." Mrs. Wilkerson said. "Now we''re letting aliens live on our planet, and we''re sending costumed folks to the cosmos to represent Earth. Have we learned nothing?"


    Ezekiel turned his head away from her. He didn''t know what Mrs. Wilkerson''s problem was with the situation, she apparently doesn''t believe in The Age of Heroes like he and others do. He sat through the lessons, more about death and destruction with barely a mention of the heroes that held them off. She also apparently had an agenda towards non-humans on the planet, even after they''ve proven they can do good like the rest of us, as she clearly referring to Aera. Earth sending in Protectors to help against alien threats before they could potentially reach Earth was essential, as well as useful for building relationships with other races. It had been a dream to join a Cosmic Protector team one day and see what it''s like to travel the galaxy, if Ezekiel was to be honest.


    Twenty more minutes of this, and it was over. Ezekiel thanked the stars he didn''t have to head more about Mrs. Wilkerson''s apparent agenda againstnon-normals.Two more classes that were completed without much difficulty, and the school day was done. Ezekiel was happy, practically giddy with excitement and smiles, because that meant he could go to the Young Protectors building in Brooklyn.


    Ezekiel practically ran through the hallways, dodging classmates as he made it to the front entrance. At the front, it looked like the doors to any old building, seeming rather drab as the bricks appeared worn down. But Monolith was more than just that. Ezekiel was glad to be here, but it was just so hard to be excited about school when he got to hang out with superheroes and be one himself.


    A voice was heard before he could suit up and fly. Zaky, of course. He sighed.


    "So, is that where you spend all your free time? And you go on special ''missions''? Aren''t you worried you''ll get killed one day?"


    "I can play a million questions later. But right now, I just kind of want to get out of here."


    "Yeah, go on to your little club and leave the rest of us hanging."


    "Okay."


    In a moment''s notice, the armor formed around him. It was a blue and black suit that completely covered every inch of his body, while a dark blue visor covered his face. In this state, as Kid Mega, he felt like he could take on the world. His wings extended, which projected a blue energy that allowed him to take off to the skies.


    "WOOHOO!!!" Kid Mega exclaimed.


    If there was one good thing about the Splisen War, it was that it created The Age of Heroes. Getting a nice suit of armor that lets him be a part of it was a nice bonus, too. Beneath his helmet, he was grinning. The skyline of New York drew increasingly further away. If he were to be honest, he would never ceased to be amazed by the sight of it. The buildings became smaller as he arose through the air, and then he zoomed through the sky to Brooklyn.


    Being able to fly definitely doesn''t suck.


    The Young Protectors building came into view, and he sped to the site where he would meet with his friends. It was a large, square complex with a gray color on the outside. While not as luxurious as Protectors Tower, it certainly was something that many dream they could reside in.


    Kid Mega landed just outside the doorway. He went inside, and the grin returned once again. The helmet retracted to reveal his face, just to make him more approachable. The indoor area was a pleasant view. A stone floor, stairs to more floors, elevators if one doesn''t wish to take the stairs, and young people like him hanging around the place.


    The room was spacious, wide and easy to traverse. It was meant to be this way so that no one bumps into each other by accident. Kid Mega moved through the complex, waving ''hello'' to Winter Witch and Redfire, who were playing air hockey together. He went to the elevator, and after a ding!he rode to the top floor where the command room is. Kid Mega wanted to see what was going on.


    Once the doors opened, he stepped out and saw Phantom and Aera together. They weren''t dressed in costume, instead appearing in civilian clothes. Phantom crossed his arms as he looked at Kid Mega.


    "Is it really necessary to be suited up right now, Ezekiel?"


    "I just feel more powerful this way, Phantom."


    "We''re not on the job right now. Just call me Jason."


    "Alright, Jason."


    Aera, the purple-skinned alien on Earth, looked rather disapprovingly at Kid Mega''s suit. He knew since they first met that she didn''t trust him, or rather, his armor. It belonged to the Splisen, after all.


    "Okay, fine. Powering down."


    The armor retracted back to the point on his upper-spine, and he appeared as his normal self again. He sat down on a chair beside him, and examined the room. The command center had a gigantic computer monitor in front of the room, meant for being in contact with the Protectors.


    "I was wondering if there were any missions for us?"


    "As a matter of fact, there is." Jason said.


    "Are you sure he should come along?" Aera said. "He still has school to attend."


    "School can wait, the innocent people of the world can''t."


    "I like that enthusiasm you got there." Jason said.


    "So what is it?"


    "We''re expected to get a call about an assignment soon. Why don''t you wait here until they do?"


    Ezekiel nodded. He sat on the chair and played around on his phone until incoming call was received roughly twenty minutes later. Once the monitor displayed the message, he smiled. It was Green Gadget, known by his moniker as The Emerald Android. He looked emotionless, the stoic sentient machine spoke through the monitor, ready to issue the assignment.


    "The Protectors have an assignment for you." Green Gadget said. "You are to infiltrate the Caribbean island known as SanPara¨ªso. The criminal organization known as the Black Mark have been using its resources to create their own narcotics, and have essentially taken over the area in this illegal operation. Find the source of the Black Mark''s dealings, and the mission will be complete. Do you accept?"


    "Of course we accept." Jason said. "Just give us a date."


    "Infour days. That is when you will strike. Be ready."


    The transmission ended. Ezekiel smiled, he couldn''t wait to bring the Black Mark to justice.


    "One of the first lessons learned: never go to drugs." Ezekiel said.


    "Apparently they never learned that." Jason said. "We''ll strike them when they do not expect."


    Aera leaned on Jason''s shoulders as a playful sign of affection. It was difficult for him to keep her up, since she actually had several inches on him in height and was super strong, but he pulled through regardless.


    "I''d say six is a good number for the mission." Jason said. "There''s three of us, which leaves three more to join."


    "Night Spider sounds good for the job." Aera said.


    "I would like Blazewing and Origami to join us as well." Jason said.


    "That settles it then." Aera said. "We''ll be sure to plan ahead for this."


    They nodded, and came down the elevator back to the bottom floor. There would be a day of planning needed to undertake this mission, so it was best to start as soon as they could. Ezekiel took the opportunity to relax. He sat down on the couch out on the bottom floor, and played some video games for the rest of the day.


    He knew it was best have an eased mind before undergoing a serious task.

 Chapter 5: Black Market

    SanPara¨ªso


    The ship known as the Eagle flew above the dark night sky over the Caribbean island countrySanPara¨ªso. On the inside, the ship was a comfortable mid-sized air vehicle that could carry the team while having room the spare. The time for comfort was about to end, they had a job to do.


    "It''s so beautiful." Aera said. "I wish it wasn''t such a dangerous place."


    "Yeah, that''s true for many places." Phantom said. "But we''ll hopefully make it better."


    "We got a job to do, let''s get it done with." Night Spider said.


    Phantom nodded. "Initiate stealth mode."


    The ship turned invisible, blending in with the night''s sky as they continued forward. Anyone who would look at its position would see nothing more than the night itself, the cloaking technology being that powerful. Soon the island''s trees were beneath them, and the time to land was now.


    Slowly yet steadily the Eagle made its landing in the middle of the grass. Kid Mega, Blazewing, and Origami were in their quarters at the time, but that was the unofficial signal to join the others in the control room. The room was large, and was at the front of the ship, appearing as a sleek white room with lights displayed on the panel where the buttons were.


    A hologram projected in the middle of the room. Green Gadget was about to brief them on their mission before undertaking the task. Everyone stood side by side, paying close attention to what he had to say.


    "The factory is located at the northeastern end of the island." Green Gadget said. "It''ll take roughly an hour to reach by foot from where you''ve parked. The Black Mark has the area under surveillance, so be careful."


    "Understood." Phantom said.


    "If the situation appears too dangerous, retreat. The Protectors can deal with them if what they''re doing is too much for the Young Protectors."


    "Um, thanks?" Phantom said. "But I think we got this under control."


    "Report the results of the mission when it is done. Good luck on the field."


    The transmission ended. Phantom crossed his arms, he didn''t like what Green Gadget said about retreating. The Young Protectors always were treated as though they couldn''t handle tasks that their older counterparts could do, which he felt was far from the truth. Nonetheless, they still had a mission to complete, and he would prefer it to be done as fast as possible.


    Phantom stepped forward and faced the members of his team, prepared to speak about their task. He cleared his throat before he started talking.


    "Alright, team. We got a task at hand, and we''re going to give it our all. The Black Mark thinks that they can get away with manufacturing narcotics at the expense ofSanPara¨ªso''s people. We''ll change that."


    "Sounds good to me." Kid Mega said. "Never was a fan of the drug business."


    "Yeah, let''s get this done with." Night Spider said. "Kinda don''t want to be here any longer than I have to."


    "We''ll be here as long as we need." Aera said. "Black Mark isn''t going to let up, so why should we?"


    "She''s right, they''re not going to give us the benefit of an easy win. Be ready."


    The ship''s main hatch descended to the ground, and it was time for the team to execute their mission. Phantom and Aera went out first, everyone else followed. The smells of the tropical environment were pleasant, the sky was clear of clouds, allowing the lights to be seen to their fullest extent. Aera looked to the sky in amazement.


    "It''s so beautiful."


    "Yeah, it is." Phantom said. "Think you can see your planet from here?"


    "I doubt it."


    They continued forward. With the press of a button on Phantom''s wrist device, the ship deployed a silver-gray dune buggy. The vehicle dropped and landed on its wheels, Phantom smiled. It will be perfect for traversing the roads, at least for those who can''t fly.


    "Not all of us can take to the skies, so Blazewing, Night Spider, and I will ride the buggy."


    "Shotgun." Night Spider said.


    The buggy drove off. Aera had natural flight, Kid Mega utilized the thrusters from his suit, while Origami lifted herself from the paper she could manipulate. The trip took an hour on foot, but it would only be twenty minutes before they would reach the compound.


    Phantom drove the buggy, and during the way over, Night Spider took the opportunity to speak.


    "So, these Black Mark guys are just selling drugs? Is there anything we should know about them that''s so important for us to shut them down?"


    "These people are manufacturing a special kind of drug called Override. Basically an injected liquid that takes control, or ''overrides'' your free will temporarily. Very useful for criminals out there to take advantage of, which is why we''re going to stop them."


    "Wish they would''ve told us that. You realize if we get caught, they''ll probably use it on us right?"


    "It''s only temporary. But still, let''s not get captured while we''re here."


    The journey was silent until their destination came into view. The factory was on an island adjacent to the northeast, connected to the land by a large bridge. The lights of the stronghold flashed in the sky. At the end of a cliff, the six of them stood examining the location.


    "The six of us are going to shut that factory down?" Origami said.


    "If we can." Phantom said. "We don''t exactly want Override to become a mainstream drug."


    "Sounds nasty to me." Kid Mega said. "Let''s shut ''em down."


    "Well, what''s the plan, Phantom?" Blazewing asked.


    Aera turned to Blazewing, noticing that he was consulting Phantom exclusively, not him and her. She didn''t speak, but frowned as Phantom stepped forward and spoke to the team.


    "Everyone, the factory must have an automated system that produces the drug. We''re going to shut it down. All we need is to get to the center, and find the computer system. I can take care of the rest, but we''re going to have to work together on this."


    "And how do we get inside?" Origami said. "I don''t think we''re invited guests."


    Before Phantom could speak, Aera stepped forward. She wanted the chance to weigh in on the plan as one of the Young Protectors'' leaders. Everyone looked at her curiously, and the young purple-skinned alien spoke.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "I could provide a distraction while the rest of you get inside, it''ll be easier if the attention is drawn on me. We''ll meet up once you''re all in."


    Phantom placed his fingers on his chin, and smiled.


    "Yeah... that could work. We''ll depart in twenty minutes."


    Aera nervously grinned. The others nodded before taking their seats on the grass, quietly awaiting the next part of the mission, the part where the real missions begins. Phantom sat by the cliff, looking off into the distance until Aera approached him. She wanted to talk to him.


    "Can we speak somewhere in private?"


    "Yeah, sure."


    She led him away from everyone else, where she could speak to him without alerting the other members. Phantom looked at her, wondering what she had to say. It took a brief moment before she spoke.


    "They all answer to you." Aera said.


    "Well, it''s because they see me as the leader. But you''re also the leader..."


    "Nobody can remember that. It''s that they all see you as a great leader, which you are. But I have the responsibility to also look out for them. It''s just not easy for me, you make it look so effortless and natural, but I''m not even from this world..."


    "Aera, it''s nothing against you. I think you have to remember that we''re a team, and we''re all of equal value. Your input is just as valuable."


    "Thank you, Jason."


    She leaned in and kissed him. Aera held tightly around him, and would''ve continued had it not been for Night Spider interrupting at just the right time.


    "Hey lovebirds, we got a mission here."


    Phantom broke away, attempting to look as professional as he could in this situation. Night Spider crossed his arms, of course they would kiss at any opportune time. It took a moment for Phantom to clear this throat, and then he approached the other Young Protector.


    "Yes, it''s time for the mission to begin. Let''s make sure everyone is ready."


    Night Spider kept his arms crossed as Phantom walked past him. Though one couldn''t tell behind his skin-concealing flexible black armored suit, he looked displeased that their two leaders Aera and Phantom would be making out in what was supposed to be an important mission.


    A few moments later, the team was gathered together, looking over the island-based factory. They were going to end the production of Override, one way or another. Phantom turned around and spoke.


    "We all know what our job is. We''ll make it quick, and be out as soon as possible."


    They nodded. Phantom also signaled Aera, she knew what she was going to do. This was the time for action, and everyone would have to play their part for the success of the mission.


    "Keep your communicators on, it''s imperative that we remain in contact as we''re split up. We''ll meet in the center, and attack as one."


    "Got it." Kid Mega said.


    "The mission begins now!"


    Everyone split up from there. Phantom and Night Spider ran to the buggy, and began driving it on the road to the factory. Kid Mega flew in the air towards the west while holding on to Blazewing with an appendage. Aera flew upwards above the bridge, ready to strike when the time was right. Origami flew to the east, and all the preparations were made for the attack.


    "When I give the order, that''s when Aera is going to start attacking. Which will be our cue to infiltrate." Phantom said.


    The buggy drove down the road. It was quite a long way over, as the roads were winding. On the drive, they didn''t come across any guards. Which was fine with Phantom, as he didn''t wish to fight until the time arose. They made a sharp turn left and the bridge to the island factory was visible.


    This was the time to attack.


    "Now, Aera!"


    In the distance were purple beams of energy being fired on the compound. She flew in the air, dodging shots as returned fire. The sound of an alarm went off, and fires lit up the sky.


    The mission officially began.


    Phantom drove the buggy down the bridge, which was a long way to say the least. He looked at Night Spider, who nodded at him. He was just as ready as him. Once they got to where the action was, the buggy came to a halt, and they jumped out of the vehicle, prepared for action.


    With the guards ready to fire upon them, Night Spider shot a web from his wrist device and propelled himself upwards above the armed criminals as he dodged their fire and dropped a smokescreen pellet on top of them. The guards blinded, this gave Phantom an opening to easily dispatch them, as he moved through the smoke and took them out with quick, successive strikes from eskrimas. One-by-one they fell, as Phantom jumped from one guard to the next.


    Aera descended downwards towards Phantom, and Night Spider glided down through his web gliders. They nodded at each other, knowing what was next. Aera shots an energy blast at the door, it exploded, giving them an easy entrance. She then grabbed Phantom, lifting him with ease as they flew inside the factory. Night Spider shot a web, lunging himself forward inside.


    "All workers, we''re being attacked! This is not a drill!" A voice on the intercom yelled.


    "Looks like our presence is known." Aera said.


    She let go of Phantom, as they were deep enough inside the factory to find the control room. Phantom spoke through his communicator, to signal the other members.


    "Team, it''s time we meet up in the center."


    "Got it." Kid Mega said.


    "Acknowledged." Origami said.


    The factory on inside appeared as an industrial network of machines that processed the drugs. Dark gray, they were drab and indistinct from one and other. They needed to find the source of where all of this was being made. In a moment, the other three arrived, bursting in the side passages.


    "I''d say we crashed the party." Kid Mega said.


    "Where''s the control room?" Origami asked.


    "It must be somewhere nearby. The control room would likely be at the top. I''ll search there."


    Just then, the southern corridor opened, and several mechs came through opening fire. They were tall, black, and had mounted guns on their arms. The six of them took cover behind the shipment cargo, hastily running behind the protection of the metal. Now they had to plan their next move.


    "It''s over, surrender now!" One of the pilots yelled.


    "Guess these guys must take this seriously." Kid Mega said.


    Kid Mega, Night Spider, Origami, and Blazewing were taking cover behind the left, while Phantom and Aera were behind the right. Quickly thinking of his next move, Phantom spoke to Aera, turning to her with his plan.


    "How''s about we do that secret move?"


    "Right now? It seems like a strange time for making love, but I''m open to your ideas."


    "Wait, what?!"


    "The secret move, correct? Rather bold, but I like what you''re saying."


    Phantom smiled, barely containing a chuckle. "No, notthatsecret move. The combat move, please."


    "Well, you should''ve specified that."


    Aera grabbed Phantom and flew upwards towards the mechs. She then threw him at the mech in the center, landing atop of it. Phantom opened the hatched, just as the pilot learned something was wrong, Phantom knocked him out in a single punch. He then took the control and shot down the mech closest to him. For the team, that was the time to attack.


    Blazewing lunged forward with his demonically-enhanced sword, slicing the arm off a mech with ease. Kid Mega finished the task with a blast from an arm cannon. Origami would take out another mech using her paper as steel-hardened razor-sharp projectiles to take out the pilot.


    Only one remained. Night Spider dispatched it by throwing an explosive web bomb to destroy the machine. With that done, it was time to shut down the factory. The six assembled together, and moved through the corridor.


    Phantom looked upwards, to the right there was what appeared to be the command center for the factory''s systems. It was a room on the ceiling that overlooked the plant. He knew that''s where he had to reach.


    "Aera and I will go up there, you hold the others off."


    They nodded. Aera grabbed Phantom and flew up the stairs to the control room. It was locked behind an impenetrable steel door. Not for long. Phantom began working on the computer, hacking into its mainframe while Aera stood guard. A few tries, and it was complete. The door opened, and the control room was accessed.


    "I''ll be on the lookout." Aera said.


    "Got it."


    It took a few moments for Phantom to find the controls to shut down the factory. When he did, it was a simple matter of pressing a few buttons on the panel to turn the factory into a giant dud. A sudden loud noise came as the machines stopped working. Phantom smiled.


    "Now to make sure it stays down."


    He took out a device from his utility belt. It was a small jammer that he forced into the panel. It was going to cause a reaction that would make the factory explode. Phantom spoke to the other members of the team through his communicator.


    "The place is going to blow in an hour, we best be heading out."


    It only seemed sporting that the enemies got a warning to retreat. He activated the intercom.


    "Attention to all Black Mark personnel, you have one hour to vacate the premises before the building explodes. This is your first and only warning."


    The other four were fighting off Black Mark soldiers as the message was broadcast. With the building set for detonation, the operatives began their retreat. Hastily they ran, abandoning the fight and fleeing for their lives. Phantom and Aera returned, and without a word everyone vacated the building by exiting the same way they came in.


    The outside became visible, and the buggy was parked just where they left it. Phantom, Night Spider, and Blazewing drove off in the buggy while the others flew off. They were headed to the ship. It was time to return home.


    "Well, I''d this was a job well done." Phantom said.


    "Yeah, let''s go home." Night Spider said.


    It wasn''t long until they made it back to the Eagle, parked just where they left it. The buggy was loaded onto the ship, and soon enough they took off into the skies. The team rested as the island nation shrunk in the distance. With the Override producing factory gone, they''ve went a long way to ensure the drug doesn''t fall in the wrong hands.


    "We''ll be home soon." Phantom said. "Rest up, we''ve earned this victory. I''ll file the mission report tomorrow."


    The Eagle flew into the sky, headed for New York. The trip would take several hours. It felt gratifying that the Young Protectors could score a victory, proving they''re more than just "discount Protectors" like some people treat them.

 Flashback 1: California Times

    Four Years Ago


    Indio, California


    Adele had just recently enrolled in the Protectors as part of the Young Protectors program, not long after her eighteenth birthday. It was what her father, Byron or The Watcher, had always wanted, ever since she discovered that she inherited his powers. As a special present for this milestone, Byron bought her a two-weekend trip to California, specifically to attend the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. For the past few years, it had been her dream to attend such an event, as a lover of all things music.


    After the first weekend was over, Adele spent time with her friends and fellow Young Protectors Alicia, Becky, and Kat. They all were having such a good time. The foursome were outside of the mall, having gone shopping for clothes. After spending two hours inside, they stepped out with new items at hand.


    All four of them were showing skin, as dictated by the weather. Adele was in short shorts and a T-shirt, Alicia and Kat were wearing sundresses, and Becky had daisy dukes. They were outside, headed to Becky''s car. Adele took a drink from her bottled water, the heat was definitely getting to her.


    "It''s just so hot out here." Adele said. "God, I''m just too English for this shit."


    The other girls laughed. It was hot for everyone, but England wasn''t exactly known for its sunny weather, and that''s where Adele had spent the majority of her life growing up. She downed what remained of the water and joined her girlfriends on the drive through the town.


    "We should get some drinks while we''re here." Adele said.


    "Umm..." Becky was about to speak.


    "Oh, silly me. That''s right, I forgot. You have to be twenty-one here. Funny, you can buy smokes and shoot guns at this age, but getting buzzed? Wait three more years. What a country."


    "It''s not that bad." Kat said.


    "I know, I''m just having fun at the expense of the government. Remember, I''m half-American. I have every right to complain about it as all of you."


    "Yeah, I guess I''m just used to it." Kat said.


    They drove off, exploring the Californian desert. It would be several more days before the next music weekend began. It was a fun time, just the girls having the vacation to themselves, with no one else to bother them about their responsibility. Adele felt grateful that her father would do this for her, just as gift for joining the Protectors.


    "It was nice of your dad to do this." Kat said. "Most people don''t get presents for joining the Protectors. My dad sure as hell didn''t give me anything."


    "Well, he always expected me to join." Adele said. "He wanted me to follow his legacy."


    "I think that''s what all superhero parents want." Alicia said.


    "Don''t think you''re a special case there, Adele." Becky said.


    It was true that all four of them were daughters of Protectors, comprising the Original 40. Alicia Hill was the daughter of Emily Davis and Julius Hill -- Scratch and Rough Ox, respectively, and joined taking up the legacy and identity of her mother. Rebecca "Becky" Maxwell was the daughter of the hero Don Maxwell, or Cyclone, and took the identity of Zephyr. Katherine "Kat" Blair was the daughter of Olivia Rowe, or Ms. Danger, and had the identity of Lady Dynamite.


    Of course, Adele''s identity as The Vigil would likely stand above them, due to The Watcher being more than a founding member, but rather, a member of The Seven.


    Just as they were nearing their destination, Adele got a text, and surprisingly it was from Alicia, in the same car. Adele was about to speak up, until she saw Alicia looking concerned. Instead, she silently read the text message, and understood why she wanted her to be silent.


    Can we speak alone when we get back to our room?


    They drove through the roads until they reached Palm Springs. This was where their hotel was located, a nice resort for them to stay in on their celebration as Protectors. The hotel appeared off in the distance, along with the various imported palm trees the state was known for.


    They parked at the front, carrying their bags inside the room they were staying it. The sun was still shining bright, and the heat wasn''t going away any time soon. This would be a perfect time to go swimming. Once they got into their room, everyone changed into their swimsuits.


    "You guys go ahead." Alicia said. "We''ll be right there."


    They nodded. The door shut behind them, leaving Adele alone with Alicia, who sat on a bed looking visibly saddened. Adele began to feel worried about her best friend, and spoke up.


    "What is it you wanted to talk about?"


    "I didn''t want to talk about it, but..." Alicia said, with a pause. "It''s my mom and dad. They''re getting divorced."


    "I have heard of that..."Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    "Yeah, I guess there''s no trying to hide it. Of course the word would spread that it was happening, but I hoped it wouldn''t. Dad said he was waiting for me to be a legal adult before they agreed to divorce. I guess it was so he wouldn''t have to pay child support."


    "Or maybe he just didn''t want you to be in a bad situation?"


    "Maybe." Alicia said, with a tear running down her eye. "I went on this trip with you hoping to just forget about it, drown it out with all the music you know. But honestly, I can''t just hold it in anymore. I''m telling you here because I didn''t want everyone else to get sucked into my personal drama."


    "Well, I''m sorry that this happened." Adele said. "I''ve met your mum and dad numerous times, and they were always so nice to me, and to each other. I guess we all have our issues."


    "Yeah, but to be honest I''m kind of jealous of you."


    "Really?"


    "I mean, at least your family is doing well. You''re all so happy, and everyone is together. I can''t say the same for me."


    Adele glanced away for a second, thinking of what she would say next. It''s true that her parents weren''t showing any signs of divorcing any time soon. But it wasn''t like everything was perfect with her own father, she''s had her own issues dealing with him on her own.


    She didn''t want to go too far into the details of her own life, as it was Alicia''s personal troubles at the moment, not hers, so she didn''t want to go into too much detail about it. Adele looked back at her friend, and spoke again.


    "No one is perfect." Adele said. "Honestly, everyone thinks my dad is the coolest man ever, but I think just about anyone else is cooler than him."


    "Wait, really?"


    "Yeah, I mean he only talks to me when it''s about being a Protector, keeping people safe, serving justice and all that nonsense. He barely spent any real time with me until I discovered my powers, and since then that''s all he wants to spend time with me for."


    "Well, that''s true." Alicia said. "But really, people like to think having superheroes as parents is so great, but I don''t think so. They have a completely warped view of what they want out of us. Don''t get me wrong, I still love my parents, but you know how it is."


    "I do." Adele said. "But it''s no secret that we were all pressured into becoming Protectors, risking everything to fight criminals, supervillains, and whatever else out there, just so we can live up to their ''legacy''. They never ask us how we feel about it."


    Alicia nodded. Adele could remember back when they were kids, just having fun together. They thought it would be so cool how one day they could be Protectors just like their parents. But the reality of the situation became clear. Adele also wondered what was going on between Emily and Julius, because they always seemed so happy together that it was surprising, to say the least.


    In any case, they were Protectors from here on out, and the only reason they were having this trip at all was as a gift for joining their ranks. After this, it''s not like they could just back out now. The path was set, and this would be their jobs. It beat working for minimum wage, that''s for sure.


    "We''ll have to mentally prepare ourselves for when the job begins." Adele said. "You know we''ll be Young Protectors after next week, and our first mission will begin soon. Maybe this will be the chance for both us to show our parents proud?"


    That didn''t exactly make Alicia feel better, and Adele could tell by the look on her face.


    "Mom wants me to wear that ridiculous outfit of hers." Alicia said. "She insists that if I''m going to carry the Scratch name, I''ll have to carry the image as well."


    Adele could barely hold back a laugh, but she didn''t want to upset her friend further than she already was.


    "Sorry to hear that."


    "It''s not that I have a problem with being sexy." Alicia said. "I know what you''re thinking, that I should appreciate my body because you appreciate yours. But I''m going to be fighting in that thing. Everyone is going to see me in a leotard so tight that mynipplesare visible. Do I really want to be known for that?"


    "Sorry if I can''t relate as much." Adele said. "I always did like myself better when I felt sexy, it never was something I was ashamed of. But if it bugs you so much, why don''t you just design a new suit?"


    "I''ll never hear the end of it if I did."


    Adele didn''t like to hear that her friend was having these issues. She often had to deal with her father''s lofty expectations in following his lead, and she never really considered that her friends had similar problems, on top of having to live with her parents divorcing right when she''s becoming a Protector. Adele always knew that Alicia struggled to feel comfortable with herself, she could barely stand changing in the girls'' locker room in school, so for her to have to become the next Scratch, considered in her day to be the sex symbol among superheroes, it wasn''t a good fit.


    This wasn''t something Adele wanted to think about on her fantastic California trip, but they would always be there for each other when they needed it. Adele moved over to Alicia and hugged her tightly, and kissed her on the cheek. It felt nice to help her friend out emotionally.


    Just then, Becky and Kat walked in the entrance.


    "Are you two almost done? It''s taking forev--" Becky said, before seeing what was in front of her. "-- Oh."


    Adele let go and turned away, red in the face. She realized that what she did didn''t exactly display the image she would want for her friends to see. Her hugging and kissing her closest best friend while wearing nothing but bikinis. Alicia looked similarly embarrassed.


    "Um, how long have you two been..." Kat said. "You didn''t have to keep it a secret from us, it''s okay."


    "Yeah, it''s perfectly fine if you two are--" Becky said before being interrupted.


    "Oh, for fucks sake, we''re not gay!" Adele exclaimed. "Not that there''s anything wrong with that, but it''s strictly platonic."


    "Then what was that?" Kat asked.


    Alicia''s face told Adele that she didn''t want her to tell them what was actually happening. Kat and Becky weren''t close enough compared to Adele for them to know and understand what she was going through, so Adele quickly came up with something on the spot.


    "That?" Adele said, quickly coming up with an explanation. "We... we were experimenting and practicing, for dating guys. Don''t tell me you''ve never done that before."


    "Yeah, whatever." Kat said. "Will you two lovers get to the pool already?"


    "Come on, why don''t we cool off?" Becky said. "And just to let you know, it''s perfectly acceptable for lesbians to be Protectors, so don''t worry about being discriminated. It was just a surprise, that''s all."


    Adele groaned. This was something she won''t forget for a while. They giggled and left for the pool again, with Adele and Alicia following soon after. Before heading out the door, Adele heard Alicia speak again.


    "Great, now people are going to think we''re more than just friends. Just what I needed, people believing things that aren''t true about me, which was already going to happen just by being Scratch."


    "Just relax." Adele said. "People forget about this quickly, just as long as we don''t continue that. It was just bad timing is all, any girl who''s had a friendship as close as ours would know what it''s like."


    "Alright, then let''s not get too personal from now on. Why don''t we just go swimming already?"


    Adele nodded. They walked out and went to the pool. For the rest of the trip, they would act as normal, trying not to think about the near future. They would be Protectors soon, but for now, they were just young women having fun.

 Chapter 6: On-Call

    Manhattan


    Bradford Redding, or Brad, was known as the billionaire playboy turned archer superhero Blindshot. Famous to most, he was practically a rockstar among others, and lived like a king. Despite there being many women who swoon over him, he was loyal only to one.


    It was morning. The sun shone brightly through the cracks of his blinds. In his penthouse, he relaxed on the couch watching baseball as his wife made breakfast. C¨¦cile Dumont-Redding, his lovely wife hailing from Paris, had been known for her skills in the culinary arts. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. Brad was kicking back and relaxing while he could. He would be heading out to the Protectors Tower later, away from his wife.


    "Breakfast is ready." C¨¦cile said.


    "Ah, thank you."


    She walked over to him with a plate of pancakes and eggs at hand. He stood up, and they kissed after she set them down. The statuesque brunette was clad in casual day clothing, she smiled at him before taking a seat next to him on the couch. Brad ate his breakfast as he watched his game, and noticed that his wife was trying to watch too, but looked confused in the process.


    "Forgive me, I am just getting adjusted to the things in America." C¨¦cile said. "It is difficult to learn how baseball works. Not used to it, I suppose."


    "It''s alright, most people don''t really get the sport anyways. They just watch it ''cause it''s fun."


    "Yeah, that makes sense."


    Brad sat for another hour and a half until the game was finished. C¨¦cile watched it with him for the first forty-five minutes, but left to attend her personal matters on the computer. With the game over, it was time to go to work. He looked lovingly at her as she browsed the internet. He was thirty-six years old, C¨¦cile was four years younger. She didn''t look a day past twenty-five.


    After getting dressed, they kissed once more before Brad headed out the door, waving goodbye as he went through the hallway. He drove out in his pristine white Audi out of the garage, and made it to the Protectors Tower in twenty minutes. The tower stood tall, its shining white image made it appear as the beacon of hope that it was known for.


    The garage gates opened, allowinghim into their headquarters. He drove down through the garage and parked the vehicle. There would be a day ahead of him, and he wasn''t sure if he would be going on a mission. After the Mist raid, he hoped to get some time off from the field, but the criminals of the world aren''t in the interest of giving him that benefit.


    Brad went up the elevator until he was at the top of the tower. The doors made a ding!sound they opened. The interior was wide, and had a clean, modern look to it. Every floor of the tower was pristine, with a sleek layout that made all the residents feel at home. The top was the best, in Brad''s personal opinion, because it had a spectacular view of New York City that he could look at all day.


    He moved through the hallways until he reached the main center, which felt sort oflike a living room given the cozy feel. It had built-in couches, chairs, clear glass tables, a coffee machine, and several TVs. If that wasn''t enough, there were stairs to take the members to another level, giving them their own private section. Just the sight of it made Brad smile, knowing that most people don''t get to be here.


    Other Protectors could be seen moving through the area, going about their own business. As everyone had a job to do, or would have a job to do, Brad didn''t wish to bother them.


    Contrary to what many like to think, being a Protector isn''t all just fun and games. It''s a career. One that involves ranks, chain of command, shifts, and mission control. It''s almost like any other job in that sense, and that job involves keeping the innocents safe from others.


    The office room came into view as he moved down the hallway. Inside of the room where The Watcher, Green Gadget, and Void speaking to Phantom. Evidently, Phantom was paying a visit to the Protectors Tower on the behalf of the Young Protectors. Brad smiled at the sight.


    "The Override factory was destroyed." Phantom said. "The Black Mark will be feeling their losses for a while, I''d imagine."


    "Not bad, and the six of you did it on your own? I am impressed." Green Gadget said.


    "Yes, good work." The Watcher said.


    "Thank you." Phantom said.


    Phantom gave them the file containing the full mission report, setting it on the table before stepping out. Brad looked at him, proud that he completed his task. As Phantom stepped out, Brad spoke to him.


    "Handled the mission well, hm?" Brad said. "Good."


    "Yeah, I wouldn''t expect anything less."


    "How old are you, twenty right?" Brad said. "You got a lot to look forward to. Won''t be much longer until you''re in the big leagues. Excited?"


    "Well..."


    "Well, what?"


    "Honestly, I feel at home with the Young Protectors. It won''t be easy leaving that behind, but I''ve heard that members who leave still work with them. I''ll try to do that as much as I can."


    "Heh, back when I joined there was no Young Protectors program. I can remember the day the program was announced, it was the most controversial thing ever. They thought it was so lame that they had to go through a junior program, now they''re wanting to stay as long as they can. Funny how it works."


    "To be honest, it''s needed. You don''t just join the Army without going through basic training."


    "Well we''re different."


    "Really? Because what superpowers do you have, being a good archer? No offense, because I don''t have any either."


    "Our superpowers are just being that damn awesome."If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Phantom couldn''t help but smile at that statement. It was a pretty good statement, he would admit, and it was uplifting to say the least. The way Brad would spout these lines, both in-costume as Blindshot and in civilian attire as himself, endeared him to other members.


    "How''s your wife? Any cultural differences involved with her being French?" Phantom asked.


    "Are you seriously asking me that when you''re dating an alien?"


    "Touch¨¦." Phantom said. "Speaking of which, I better be heading out now."


    "See you."


    They waved goodbye, just as Brad entered the office. He still kept the smile on his face, happy to see his fellow co-workers.


    "How''s our little friend doing since the mission?"


    "Dr. Snow has been behind bars, where he should be." The Watcher said. "Still keeping that same smile, however."


    "Hm." Brad said to himself as he placed his fingers on his chin. "When''s the interrogation?"


    "Soon. We''ll see what we can get out of him, and hope he cooperates."


    "The Red Crystal is safe inside the investigation room." Void said. "John has been working on the Crystal for the past couple of days now, reversing its effects."


    "Tried to bomb us, hm?" Brad said. "Good thing we got a sorcerer with us."


    "Technically we don''t know that yet." The Watcher said.


    "What else could it be then?"


    "Whatever it is, we''ll find out soon enough." Void said.


    "Why don''t you get suited?" Green Gadget said. "There could be some work to do."


    "Yes, of course."


    Brad nodded at them before leaving. He changed into his costume, where he was known as Blindshot. In a tight black outfit that allowed for maximum mobility when on the field, and he possessed sunglasses that can grant him infra-red vision, his costume was practical compared to what some others would go with.


    Blindshot stepped out of the changing room, ready for his work day. Being a Protector wasn''t always about fighting against criminals and supervillains. There would be a lot of downtime during these shifts, which was referred to as being ''on-call''. At least it meant he could spend his time having fun in the multi-billion dollar tower full of fun things to do.


    Naturally, there was no shortage of entertainment. Blindshot made it to his quarters, paying no mind to the numerous Protectors and staff members he passed by on the way. The Protectors Tower could fit thousands of people, which was perfectly needed, as there often would be countless individuals residing in the tower.


    Each Protector had their own room, which could function as a home away from home when inside. There were nearly a thousand of these rooms inside the tower. For some, this literally was their home. In fact, someProtectors had their relatives live with them in the tower as welcomed associates. Sometimes, Blindshot considered asking C¨¦cile to live with him in the tower, but he figured she would prefer not to get caught in his Protector life.


    Speaking of which, one such example came walking down the hallway. The big, husky Protector known as Crashbolt, or Anatoli Sokolov as he was off-duty, was walking down the hallway with his son Tristan and his daughter Eliza. Sokolov was of Russian origin, but has been a naturalized US citizen for decades. The kids ran down the hallway, happily screaming with joy as Sokolov moved with them. The sight made Blindshot happy as well.


    "Ah, my good archer friend!" Sokolov said. "How has life been treating you?"


    "Good, man." Blindshot said. "They love living here, right?"


    "They say it''s coolest thing ever to have a superhero father, and living in tower has shown them a new world! You oughta to see if wife would like to live here. Much safer, no criminal would be stupid enough to break into impenetrable tower filled to brim with powerful people!"


    "I always think about that big guy, but you know she''s already intimidated enough when she goes to the various meetings with me, and not to mention the outing. Might be too much for her, if you know what I''m saying."


    "Ah, yes. It''s not for everyone, I admit. Also, I can''t wait to go to Rocky Mountain Celebration! It''ll be here soon, be ready."


    "Of course, man."


    Sokolov had a giant grin. "Yes, brings a tear to my eye to see so many just like me. Everyone is there, from all corners of the world, and yes even the Young Protectors are invited. Haha!"


    "Yeah, it''ll be good times."


    "Say ''Hi'' to Mr. Blindshot kids."


    "Hi Mr. Blindshot!" Tristan and Eliza said.


    He smiled at them. Kids like these were part of the reason he became a Protector, apart from the inherent coolness that comes with it. They ran down the hallway, as Sokolov nodded.


    "Well, would love to stay and chat, but I got kids to spend time with!"


    "I hear you. Have fun."


    Sokolov laughed as he went down the hallway with his kids, ready to have some quality time out in New York. This was the time for Blindshot to be in his room, until duty would call or when his shift was over. The doors slid open, allowing him inside.


    The room was large, and hada sleek white interior, of course personalized to fit his tastes. Posters of various classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who were on the walls, he had a computer, a game machine, a flat screen, and a glass table. There was also a communicator to contact him, if he''s needed.


    He had spent several hours inside, watching movies and catching up on the current events. There were websites that he found interesting, such as Heroes and Villains Online, dedicated to costumed individuals like him. He even considers the idea of doing an AMA there sometime.


    "It won''t be much longer, maybe I''ll catch up with some other Protectors." Blindshot said to himself.


    His shift was just about over. This wasn''t a day he was needed for, most likely. Blindshot vacated his room and moved down to the center once again. There was an interesting sight. The Watcher speaking to his daughter, The Vigil. It must''ve been Adele Walters'' first day coming back from her vacation.


    "Remember, it is your duty to be someone for the others to look up to." The Watcher said as he was speaking to her. "There''s more to it than wearing a costume, having powers, and living in comfort, you have a thing that us older folks call ''responsibility''."


    "Yes, I know dad." The Vigil said. "I''ve been doing this for years now."


    "But only recently have you joined the main brass."


    "The Young Protectors wasn''t exactly a walk in the park either, despite what everyone else seems to think."


    Blindshot crossed his arms. Of course The Watcher would be talking to his daughter about responsibility. It''s the only time he pays attention to her.He moved closer and spoke to The Vigil when the opportunity presented itself.


    "Hey there, long time no see. Good vacation, right?"


    "Wasn''t long enough." The Vigil said.


    "I''m just reminding her that she holds a big responsibility, which she seems to forget." The Watcher said.


    "How could I forget if you''re always reminding me of it?"


    "Ease up on her, will ya?" Blindshot said. "She risks just as much as we do, I don''t think she''s going to forget any time soon."


    "Yeah, I suppose your right." The Watcher said. "She just doesn''t have the right attitude for it."


    "Don''t worry about it." Blindshot said. "Oh, and Adele, how''s your boyfriend?"


    "Great! How''s your wife?"


    Before Blindshot got the chance to answer, he was interrupted by none other than The Watcher, clearly shocked by that revelation.


    "Boyfriend?! You never said you were dating anyone!"


    "I just thought you already knew." The Vigil said. "Nothing wrong with it, I''m twenty-two."


    "Jesus, how did you not know?" Blindshot asked.


    "Because no one ever told me!"


    "Whenever you and I talk, it''s always about my ''responsibility''. So of course I never felt the need to tell you."


    "I''m going back to my office. You two can do whatever you wish, I just need some time to think right now."


    The Watcher stormed off, away from the others. The Vigil cracked a smile, looking at Blindshot with glee. He had to admit it was funny that he didn''t know his own daughter was dating.


    "We got off early, so I''d say that was lucky of you."


    "Yeah, though your dad won''t be too happy with me."


    "Ah, forget him."


    "Say, you want to have dinner at my place? C¨¦cile is an amazing cook, and I''m sure she''d be happy to have you over."


    "Yeah, I''d like that. I''ll come over at nine."


    "It''s a plan then."


    Blindshot would soon change back into his civilian clothing and return home. He informed C¨¦cile that they would be having a guest over via text.


    A guest? I could do with some company.


    Her response was just what he hoped for. Not much has happened today, but he was fine with that. Brad just wanted a good dinner with good people, and that''s what he knew he would get.

 Chapter 7: Double-Edged Sword

    Manhattan


    Tetsu Hirano had the day off. He slept in relatively late, waking up at around nine thirty in the morning. After that, he spent the day on his computer, reading up on Costumed activity. At the moment, he was checking out Heroes and Villains Online. It was the premier site on all individuals known as ''Costumes'', whether they be crimefighters or committers.


    The forums spoke of the latest events that reached the public. Whether it would be the destruction of the Black Mark factory in San Para¨ªso, the Japanese Protectors stopping a weapons trafficking operation in Asia, the Marauding Force pulling off a train heist, or most importantly (to him), the anti-Mist operation that shut down the outpost in Aureus.


    Yeah, those six Protectors completely shut those Mist guys down. Makes you think about what they could do with the whole organization.


    Dude, let''s be real. They could take over the world if they wanted to. It''s only because they''ve been playing nice that we''re still free.


    That''s just silly. They''re strong, but not that strong.


    Why don''t you try to take them and find out?


    This was a topic that would come up a lot. Tetsu knew that the Protectors were in it of itself, a superpower. One with jurisdiction beyond that of most governments, able to operate around the world, and possessing some of the most powerful beings on Earth, and certainly the best funding. It''s popular online to debate ''Could the Protectors conquer Earth if they wanted to?'' on both forums and news discussions.


    Tetsu checked the wiki site on HAVO. He scrolled down the list of current Protectors until he found his own alias. Once he saw Shirokage, he clicked it. There was a picture of him in his white ninja suit, armored and completely concealed in his mask and visor. His real name was listed as ''unknown'', which he was thankful for, as he doesn''t want the public knowing who he is.


    The rest of the details were what the public knew of him, such as where the Shirokage was, what his abilities were, his affiliations. They didn''t know everything, just what they could learn of him. Now that he completed what he wanted, Tetsu closed the window to the website, and considered what he would do later.


    He figured April would be up by now, so he decided to give her a call. Tetsu reached for the phone, and called her. A few moments later, she answered on the other end.


    "Hello?"


    "I see your awake."


    "And I see you''re not too busy on Protector missions to call me."


    "Good point. Want me to come over?"


    "Yeah, that''d be great."


    With the plans set, Tetsu left after roughly fifteen minutes. His one-bedroom apartment was close to the one April lived in at Greenwich Village that getting there was as simple as taking a walk, which he enjoyed. Tetsu took the time to admire that sights and sounds of the streets as he moved through the sidewalk. Just as he wanted, being in New York has given him a perspective of another side.


    The sun was shining brightly, and everyone had their own business. Little did they know that Tetsu was the Shirokage, and he was honestly happy about that. April''s apartment came into sight after fifteen minutes. He knew today was going to be a good day. Tetsu knocked on the door, and after a few seconds it opened. It was Darcy, her roommate.


    "Hey, Tetsu. Come on in."


    Tetsu smiled and nodded as he went inside. April was soon came of her room, and ran towards him. She looked so beautiful with her long red hair and green eyes. They kissed. He was glad to be back again, to see April and away from the line of his work. April signaled Tetsu to go with her to her room, which meant he she had something she wanted to share with him.


    Inside, April looked at Tetsu with eyes that appeared concerned. He already knew what she was going to say. It had been about a month since he told her the truth, that he was a Protector.


    "You know, I get worried about you." April said. "The whole ''white ninja'' thing is very dangerous, and I can''t believe your own dad made you do it."


    "He didn''t make me do it, the Shirokage lineage was something I chose to follow."


    "Like most kids, I looked up to the Protectors, but I never thought of being one. I never thought I would date one, either. Aren''t you worried you''ll die one day?"


    "You see, if I can make a difference, then I have the obligation to do that. It wouldn''t be fair if I lived as a ''rich kid'' socialite while my family fought to protect others."


    "You''re hopeless."


    Tetsu didn''t respond. She always would get worried about his safety, which was reasonable. Tetsu would say he can fend for himself. That''s what he was trained for, ever since childhood. April went out in the living room, as he followed behind her. She took a drink of tea and spoke to Darcy.


    "We''re going out, be back in a few hours."


    "See ya."


    Tetsu waved Darcy goodbye before they went out the door. They held hands as they walked to her car. It was a Japanese car, a Honda, one Tetsu had seen many times back in Japan. Tetsu took his spot in the passenger seat as April drove. Tetsu spoke again, the privacy makes for a good time to talk about the subject.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "You''ve never told anyone, right?"


    "Of course I didn''t tell anyone. That would be mean."


    "I had to be sure."


    "How long before your next super important mission, hero?"


    "Not for a little while, hopefully."


    "...''Hopefully?"


    "You never know when the world needs you." Tetsu said. "That''s what I''ve learned in life."


    "Yeah, you might be right."


    On the outside, Tetsu Hirano was a college student from Japan studying in New York. It wasn''t known to many exactly what his family is. The Hirano family was actually one of the wealthiest in Japan, owners of the business conglomerate Hirano. Unbeknownst to the greater public, they were also the holders of a legacy that is the Shirokage, and Tetsu was the latest one.


    Letting April know about this was a risky move, and one that made Tetsu worry. It wasn''t that he didn''t trust her, it''s that he didn''t trust anyone. That''s what his father would teach him. But it was something that had to be done, and it was inevitable. Taro couldn''t not tell Kaguya, and Tetsu couldn''t not tell April. They had been dating for nearly a year at this point, and a secret like that only made things more complicated.


    "Why don''t we get a burger?" April asked.


    "Yes, I could eat."


    A few minutes later, they pulled in at a burger place, named Big Kevin''s. Tetsu had been there before, he liked it. Had good meals, and it certainly wasn''t a McDonald''s place. They parked, and held hands once again as they went inside. Both ordered cheeseburgers, while April had a salad on the side.


    Tetsu was quiet, as he usually was. Instead he ate his burger, and waited until April was done with her meal before speaking. She finished in six minutes. Tetsu left a tip for the waiter, and they waved goodbye as they went back to her vehicle. Hardly a word was spoken the entire time.


    Her car was used, and hardly in its best shape. A far cry from what Tetsu was used to back home, to say the least.


    "I could get you a new one, if you would like."


    "No." April said. "It''s fine."


    Tetsu elected not to press further. There was something about her, she would never press for money even though she could. Ever since he arrived in America, he feared that was all the others would do if they knew who he was. Not her, it practically never came up.


    "Can I ask you about something?" April said.


    "Of course."


    "How long do you plan to do this? Is it like your career choice? You''ll have to settle down eventually, and pick a less dangerous option."


    "I never thought of it, to be honest."


    "Come on, certainly you think there''s something more than just being a white ninja superhero, don''t you?"


    "Well, it might be something to consider in the future. I can''t just give up now, I feel like I''m only getting started."


    "Alright, do what you have to, just make sure you survive."


    Tetsu looked at her in the eyes, and nodded.


    "I don''t plan to die any time soon."


    From there, he made a personal vow to survive. He wouldn''t let anyone down, that was something he lived by. They continued to drive through the streets of Manhattan until they were back at her apartment. She parked, and the two went back inside. Tetsu opened the door and held it for April to enter, like a gentleman.


    They spent the next few hours hanging out, watching movies while sitting on the couch. Darcy was there two, but stayed in her own room to give the two some privacy. Tetsu could never run out of things to watch, just loved movies. They were watching a crime drama called The Family, which details the insides of a mafia. He found that it was funny he could enjoy a movie like this, since the mafia are the kind of people he would be fighting against.


    When the movie was finished, it evening. Tetsu decided it would be best to leave. There were things he would like to ask her, but this wasn''t the time. Tetsu and April hugged and kissed before he left.


    "See you later." April said.


    "Yes, I will see you soon."


    As he left out the door, he turned around once more to say something that he felt was important.


    "And don''t worry. I won''t die, you can count on it."


    She nodded with a smile. "Got it. You better stay true to your promise. I would kill you if you got yourself killed." April said, jokingly.


    During the walk back to his apartment, he thought to himself how he was going to stay alive for April. The most important aspect of being a warrior, of being a hero, is sacrifice. If I die protecting my friends and loved ones, then that''s what happens. I can''t just abandon them when I''m needed.Tetsu decided that he would talk to one of his mentors about it when he got home.


    Inside, Tetsu took out his katana. It was known as the Blade of the Kage, the blade the Shirokage used for generations, and the one he is currently in possession of. A beautiful blade, there wasn''t a single imperfection to be found. Now he was going to use it speak to someone important.


    Tetsu summoned the powers of the sword, and a yellow wormhole appeared in front of him. He stepped inside, and in that moment he was in Sunpo. It was an alternate dimension, one that only those wield of the Blade of the Kage can access. It appeared as a massive floating castle in space. Its architecture was of a tall area, made primarily of wood and stone. The pink cherry blossoms that stood on the grass gardens to the entrance made for a beautiful sight.


    He walked through the gardens until he reached the entrance. Two large doors that automatically opened when Tetsu approached it. The hallways were long as Tetsu moved down through them to get to the meditation room. That''s where he would find the one he was looking for. Kage.


    The doors to the meditation room opened to reveal an old man with a thick white beard and eyes that had no irises, just a pure white gaze.


    "So, you''ve come seeking advice, hm?"


    Tetsu sat in the seiza position, a formal way of sitting in Japan. He bowed his head down before looking up again at his mentor.


    "Yes, Kage-sama."


    "What is it, my student?"


    "It''s about April. She wishes for me to leave this life because she''s worried I''ll get killed in the line of duty."


    "Ah yes, she was in quite a shock when you brought her here. Are you sure you can trust her?"


    "One must eventually reveal their identity to the one they love. My father had to tell my mother, as did my grandfather before him."


    "That was a strong word you just used. Are you sure she is the one. Not all relationships work how you would expect. You were sure Kasumi was the one just a couple years ago."


    "It is true, but I feel that this could be it. She always stood by me, and understood why I had to do this. She may not like it, but she hasn''t left me because of my duty."


    "Admirable. A woman who doesn''t run away because of what the Shirokage is sworn to do is worth being with."


    "And that''s why I must survive, for her sake. I don''t want her to feel like I failed her."


    "So, what is your advice?"


    "I need to know what I should do if April doesn''t wish to stand by my side. I feel like if I get injured, if I bleed to much, she may leave. She never thought she would date someone like me, and here she is, worried about me every day. I have to live up to her expectations, and prove myself worthy of her concern."


    Kage had a faint, barely noticeable smile on his face, but one that Tetsu could pick out.


    "If you love her, and she loves you as well, she will stand by your side through thick and thin. That''s why I suggest you remain strong, and always put yourself before her."


    "Thank you, Kage-sama."


    "Now, why don''t you meditate on the state of your existence while you''re here."


    "I will."


    The next hour was spent meditating, just as instructed. Tetsu sat, trying to focus on nothing but his inner spirit flowing with the life force. Being the Shirokage was a double-edged sword. He was powerful, but swore to value everyone above himself, and now he must fulfill his promise to survive for April''s sake. Tetsu hoped he would never have to make that decision.

 Chapter 8: Dinner at Brads

    Manhattan


    Adele Walters was in the bathroom of her apartment, putting on makeup to ensure she looks as perfect as possible. She had a brush at hand, gently using it to enhance her natural beauty. She was going to have dinner with Brad and his wife, a person she admired and one of the sweetest people she knew, she knew she was going to make an impression.


    For extra luck, Adele took her favorite pair of dangling diamond earrings, which had been a gift from her mother and knew cost more than most people could afford. After everything was done, she took the time to admire herself in the mirror. Most girls could only wish they looked as good as I do.


    She wore a blue dinner dress, and picked a pair of black pumps out of her shoe closet, of which she had no shortage of options. Once she knew she was ready, Adele left her bedroom and went through the quarters of her apartment, her heels tapping on the hard floor as she left out the door.


    A quick elevator ride down to the garage, and her Mercedes lit up the moment she clicked her keys. She smiled, good times were ahead. Adele drove off out the garage, into the brightly lit city at night. She could recall when she was younger, still living in England. Though she had been to New York many times, it was still awe-inspiring to her to travel through it.


    It took twenty minutes to reach Brad''s apartment, which was a high-rise penthouse that could rival the one her father lives in. It was tall, and like the rest of the city the lights lit up against the night''s sky. Adele drove to the front, handing the car to the valet while giving him a tip before he parked her car inside.


    The front doors opened for Adele as she walked inside. The interior had an immaculate design, clean and spotless just as she likes it. The elevator went up, and she could see through the glass that the skyline got wider in the distance. Pleasant, to say the least. A ding!, and the elevator opened to Brad''s penthouse.


    On the inside, it was spectacular. Everything was immaculate, as if it had been polished by hand. The hard wooden floor, the built-in flatscreen, the unmatched view of Manhattan''s skyline, it was something that most people could only ever see in their dreams.


    "Hello darling!" Brad said, playfully.


    "Glad to be here." Adele said. "I must say, I''m getting a little jealous just being here."


    "Relax, you''re always welcome here."


    She smiled. Adele moved forward into the penthouse, looking around her while taking in the sights. There was a fireplace in the living room that turned on with the flick of a switch. Always appreciated those. Off in the kitchen she could see C¨¦cile chopping vegetables, who briefly stopped what she was doing to approach Adele.


    The two women hugged.


    "So nice to see a friendly face." C¨¦cile said.


    "I must say the same." Adele said. "How are you getting adjusted to America?"


    "Fine, just fine."


    Being that she was from France, Adele could imagine C¨¦cile as feeling homesick from time-to-time. After all, she felt that way about England herself. To hear her speak had always been pleasant. Her French accent, combined with her still getting a full grasp of some English phrases, was charming.


    "Yeah, the two of us have been doing great." Brad said. "I''d say she''s done just fine here, really admirable how she''s gotten so used to the States so fast."


    "Yes, the people here always treat me well, so long as I avoid the bad parts of the city." C¨¦cile said.


    "Good answer, wouldn''t want to go to the bad part of town unarmed, either."


    "Well, the food is almost ready. Adele, why don''t you make yourself comfortable? It''ll only be five more minutes."


    Adele nodded. She took her seat on the leather sofa, checking out updates on her phone. She was just looking up things on the internet, until she suddenly received a text message from her own father.


    I''m sorry about my behavior earlier when I learned you have a boyfriend. I was acting out and it was completely unacceptable. You''re right, you do have the right to date at your age. I hope everything goes well for you. Love, Dad.


    Adele sighed. She wasn''t going to say anything out loud, but she knew exactly why her father was freaking out about her dating. Quite frankly, it was a little ridiculous that her father can''t be involved in her life more than talks of ''responsibility''. The fact that he''s that clueless speaks wonders about him.


    "Something wrong?" Brad asked.


    She must''ve looked troubled when she read the text. The last thing she wanted was for her friend to worry about her while she was having a good time, so she did her best to drop the subject from her mind at the moment.


    "No, it''s fine."


    "Well, why don''t you come over and eat? Dinner''s ready."


    "I''d love to."


    Adele left the couch, excited over the prospect of some hot food and good company. C¨¦cile made steak, New York style. On the side there were wine glasses, with two bottles in the center. Brad patted his wife on the shoulder, with a very satisfied grin on his face.


    "She never ceases to impress." Brad said. "She''s only started making this kind of steak and is already among the best."


    C¨¦cile blushed. "Oh, it''s nothing."


    "I''ll always appreciate it, you can count on that."


    This made Adele feel warm inside. She loved it when she could see a happily married couple like this. That''s where she hoped to be, one of these days. Brad opened opened one of the wine bottles and poured the three of them a drink. Adele took a sip the moment she could.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Now, let''s not go overboard on this. Drink responsibly, everyone." Brad said.


    "I hear you." Adele said.


    Quietly, they enjoyed their dinner. Adele took the opportunity to enjoy it, Brad wasn''t kidding when he said that the culinary arts was C¨¦cile''s specialty. Adele remembered when she first met the couple at the Rocky Mountain Gathering three years ago. They were so happy then, and they''re still happy now.


    This is something she kept in mind. Adele knew that over half of all marriages end in divorce. She feels lucky that her parents were always married from the moment she was born to today, and never have they talked about splitting up. After her best friend Alicia''s parents divorced, it was something she worried about. Brad and C¨¦cile showed no signs of that, so she hoped it will stay that way.


    Adele would always say she felt equally English and American, which she liked, because that meant she could enjoy both sides of the Atlantic equally. New York steak is good to her, and she was impressed that a woman of French origins mastered a variety of arts. Adele would suggest opening a restaurant, but she didn''t feel it was her place to tell her that.


    It wasn''t long until Adele finished her part of the dinner. It was very good. She looked at C¨¦cile and gave her a nodding look of approval. She nodded back and Adele went to the sink and cleaned off her plate. After that was done, she retreated to the couch again to check her messages. It wasn''t much longer until Brad was done as well. He smiled as he approached Adele.


    "There''s something I''d like to show you. How would you like to come with me to downtown Manhattan? You''re going to love it, trust me."


    "Alright, I''m good for that."


    "I think I know what he has in mind." C¨¦cile said. "I think you will like it."


    "Good to know."


    He nodded, Adele stood and smiled at C¨¦cile as she walked out the door with Brad.


    "Au revoir mon ami." C¨¦cile said.


    Adele believed that meant ''goodbye my friend''. She took some French in school, but was far from an expert in the matter. Adele waved her goodbye, and they went to Brad''s Audi in his garage. The car beeped as Brad clicked on the keys. He nodded at her, which was the signal to go inside.


    "I love the car." Adele said.


    "Thanks, though I''d say the same about yours, too."


    "True."


    They drove off through the streets of Manhattan. The ride had been quiet, and Adele liked the sounds the engine made as he was driving. A smooth ride, and she eagerly awaited what Brad had to show her. Ever since she joined the Protectors, she had always been a good friend of him. He was a lot cooler than her own dad, she would say.


    "I have a special place in the city that most people can''t see." Brad said. "I''m showing you this because I trust you."


    "Oh really, is it top secret?"


    "Something like that."


    Ten more minutes passed by, and they arrived at a mid-sized abandoned building. It was a steel factory, before it was shut down some fifteen years ago. Adele looked curiously at it, wondering what about it that was so special that Brad wanted to show it to her. The car parked, and Brad signaled Adele that they were at the right destination.


    "Watch where you step. I know those heels lead to accidents."


    "Only for the inexperienced. Considering I fight villains in heels, the last thing I have to worry about is tripping."


    That much was true. Adele would be the first to admit she loved her high heels, and only wore them apart from when she was exercising. But even then, she trained herself to fight while wearing stilettos. If she was going to fight crime, she was damn well going to look good doing it.


    "Now, I know this might not look like much. But as they say, appearances can be deceiving. Follow me."


    Adele followed behind Brad''s lead as they went to the door upfront. He opened it using a key, and inside there were lights on, to Adele''s surprise. Then she could see an elevator, and Brad stepped inside while signaling Adele to join him, which she did. She didn''t speak the whole time, not wanting to spoil what surprise he had for her.


    The elevator went down to the second floor. Once the doors slid open, it revealed an advanced underground base with supercomputers in the center, an armory full of bows and arrows, a workout center, and a training area. Adele was in awe at the sight of it. Brad was happy to see that.


    "Like it? I call it the ''Quiver''. Kind of cheesy, I know. But I couldn''t think of a better name for my personal archer headquarters."


    "Is this like your private headquarters?"


    "Yep. I need a place like this for non-Protector operations. Only the people I trust get to know about it, and you''re one of them."


    "Just wondering, does my dad know about it?"


    "No, and please don''t tell him."


    Adele laughed. "Don''t worry, I''m not planning on it."


    Brad led Adele through the room, demonstrating what he has in the base he calls the Quiver. They approached the supercomputer in the center, which showed them a digital map of the globe. Adele felt curious about what he said earlier, about non-Protector operations.


    "You referred to non-Protector operations, right? Is that against the rules for you to act separately from them?"


    "Not at all, it''s perfectly fine to be independent while also being a Protector, so long as you don''t interfere with them, of course."


    "Heh, I should''ve known."


    "There are numerous teams with ''honorary'' status, either through their acts of aid or having important members in their ranks. Naturally, there are also numerous honorary independents with ties to the Protectors. It''s important we stay connected."


    "This is all interesting, but why are you telling me all of this."


    "Because I''ve been looking at your situation from afar, and I think you want to strike an identity separate from your father. Am I right?"


    "Yeah, right on the mark."


    "I''m an ally of a team called the Daughters of Artemis, have you heard of it?"


    That name rung a bell. Adele felt a little surprise when Brad brought it up, and wondered what he was going to say.


    "Yeah, isn''t that the team founded by Scratch? I remember her talking about it sometimes when I go to Alicia''s house. All women who go on missions together, stopping crime across the world? Pretty cool, I must say."


    "Yes, it is pretty neat." Brad said. "I''ve talked to them, and they would like to have you as a member. This could be the perfect chance for you to strike out as someone separate from The Watcher. Would you accept?"


    "That''s a pretty big offer you sprung up on me there, but you have a point. I''ve always been expected to be just like him, why not do something a little different? Tell them to contact me whenever something comes up."


    "I like to hear that."


    "But why are you asking me? You''re not exactly going to be a full-fledged member yourself."


    "Who do you think help funds them?"


    "I hear you."


    Brad nodded at Adele. He kicked back in his chair, thinking about the future. Adele could tell this was something he was thinking of, and wondered if that''s why he brought her to his place. Truth be told, there are many things she could say about being tired of living in her father''s shadow. Joining a special team like the Daughters of Artemis is different, and she''ll gladly do something independent of her own. Plus, there''s some extra money to be made, so that''s a nice bonus.


    "I''ll send you the address to this place. Come here on Saturday at two, we''ll get you acquainted with the others."


    "Alright, sounds good."


    "You better head home and get some rest. It''s getting late."


    Adele nodded.


    "Let''s go." Brad said. "I''ll take you back to my place, then you can head home from there. You got some big days ahead, are you ready for them?"


    "Ready as I''ll ever be."


    Brad led Adele back to the elevator, and she was quiet the rest of the way over. She thought about how crazy it was that she was doing something her father wouldn''t expect. She contemplated the idea of telling him, but decided it would work better as a surprise. For once, she''s doing what she wants to do, not because her father expects it from her. If she''s going to be a costumed fighter, it''ll be her own way.


    That''s not to say she''s giving on being a Protector, she''s just adding more to her resume. She wondered if that''s what he was planning the whole time, which was why he brought her over for dinner. She didn''t feel like asking, though.


    Soon enough, she would be home. It won''t be much longer until she tried something different. Whatever the future holds, Adele was excited. She went to bed soon after she got home, sleeping naked as she always does. Whatever would come, it couldn''t happen soon enough.

 Flashback 2: Aeras Arrival

    Two Years Ago


    Washington D.C.


    The Young Protectors drove down the street of D.C.. The sun was shining, without a cloud in the sky, making for a beautiful day to drive back home after a mission. The team of Young Protectors had put a stop to a supervillain team called the Dragons who operated in North Carolina. Now the trip back home was safe and sound.


    Their vehicle was a medium-sized open roof all-terrain vehicle. A special car made by the Protectors for traversing the lands, and issued to teams to have transport while still in active duty in-costume. Things were going rather slowly, thanks to the traffic, and some wanted to get home to New York sooner rather than later.


    "Hurry up, will you?" Shaft said.


    "I''m moving with traffic." Tracer said.


    "Uh, this sucks. When will you let me drive?" Brutus said.


    "Never."


    Tracer, the aspiring costumed ego of Jason McCoy, had only recently joined the Young Protectors after spending several years as a teenage costumed crimefighter that was part of the Street Soldiers. He was the one who drove the car, which most of the others didn''t mind. Unless they wanted to harp on him over the traffic.


    On the passenger seat was Brutus, the blond man with the bionic arm. The three behind them, from left to right, were Clover, Deadeye, and Shaft. Deadeye had been preoccupied with a game on his phone, Clover was looking off into the distance, while Shaft was just bored.


    "Don''t worry, we''ll be back in New York in no time." Tracer said.


    "Can''t come soon enough." Brutus said. "People look at us like they''ve never seen Protectors driving before."


    "Come on, you would be starstruck if you weren''t one. That''s just how awesome we are." Shaft said.


    "Nice to see you guys are still humble." Tracer said.


    The drive continued for another fifteen minutes. Going through D.C. wasn''t so bad, there weren''t skyscrapers and while traffic was bad, New York wasn''t a piece of cake either. Deadeye, with his mind on a game known as Rockpopper, didn''t even take his mind off the screen until now.


    "These mobile games may suck you dry but they''re also addicting." Deadeye said.


    "Yeah, try not to get too hooked there." Clover said.


    "Just gives me something to do."


    Just then, the conversation was interrupted by Shaft, who noticed something off in the distance.


    "What the hell is that?!" Shaft said as he pointed to the distance.


    It looked like an aerial battle was going on in the distance. But no one could believe their eyes. Splisen. Tracer stopped the car to the side of the road, and they quickly exited the vehicle to get a closer look. The five of them examined the fight, and they were clearly after someone. Upon closer inspection, Tracer found they were fighting a light-purple skinned humanoid alien girl flying in the air shooting purple heat blasts. He was in awe.


    "Well I''ll be damned." Brutus said. "Have those Splisen bastards decided to come back for round two? I''ll be sure shove this bionic cannon right up their asses!"


    "And would you look at that, anyone else notice this sexy alien chick their fighting?" Shaft said. "I''m guessing we''re taking her side, right?"


    Tracer cleared his throat. "Ahem, yes. I don''t know what they''re here for, but I''m sure she has something to do with it. Roll out!"


    "You only want to save her ''cause she''s hot." Shaft said.


    "Not the time, move out."


    With that, they returned to their car and quickly drove to the fight. Once they were close enough, they stopped, creating a loud screech, and dispersed into the combat. The Splisen had successfully knocked her down through sheer overwhelming force, and were dragging her back to their ship.


    Tracer would have to lie and say he wasn''t scared to be facing off against them. Having grown up learning just how they had nearly driven humankind to extinction just before he was born, it wasn''t an easy feeling knowing that''s who he was going up against. But no matter, he''s not going to let them have their way.


    The armored humanoid-insectoid aliens took notice of the Young Protectors, and began shooting at them with their laser cannons. Brutus extended his bionic arm to a higher platform atop a building, and shot multiple rounds at the aliens, taking them down. Tracer dodged multiple shots, and knocked down several Splisen with his electricity-enhanced eskrimas.


    "Is that all these bastards can do? I was expecting more." Brutus said.


    Just then, a blast was shot at him that hit the building he was standing on, causing it to crumble beneath him. Brutus screamed for his life, until he fell on the cushion of a giant plant.


    "You just had to ask, didn''t you?" Clover said.


    "Shut up."


    "Your welcome."


    Clover summoned two giant fly traps to take on more of the Splisen. The plant-controlling Protector utilized the green to combat the aliens, the fly traps lunging at them and taking a couple out. Shaft took out his trusty bow and arrow, shooting an explosive shot at a Splisen that was flying in the air, taking it down. Deadeye shot several of them with his twin pistols, specifically aiming for their eyes.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Tracer approached the alien girl as she was on the ground, extending his hand forward. He wanted to do his best to show that he wasn''t a threat. She was large, well over six feet, and her yellow eyes served a good compliment to her abnormal skin. Tracer didn''t want to stare, but it was hard not to when she looked so sexy, especially in such revealing clothing.


    "Don''t worry, Earth will help you."


    She started speaking an alien language that he couldn''t understand, but got the tone and implication that something was wrong. She was point behind him, and to his horror there were more Splisen that vacated the ship. It was a large blue ship that looked like it could fit a large number of them. He didn''t like the sound of that.


    Tracer grabbed the alien, trying not to feel aroused by the touch of her skin, and ran with her towards the others. They stood, looking onward to the Splisen that were ready to attack.


    "So, what do we do now?" Brutus said.


    "We fight." Tracer said.


    Everyone prepared for combat. Fighting an alien race that hadn''t been to Earth in two decades wasn''t on anyone''s schedule, but they weren''t going to back down now. Tracer took out his smoke pellets and threw them at the Splisen, hoping it would impair their vision.


    "Attack!"


    Tracer ran forward with his eskrimas, fighting the Splisen while dodging both the projectiles and their strikes. Shaft shot some more with his bow. Deadeye took out his assault rifle and began to opening fire on them. Brutus extended his bionic arm to punch several with his powerful strikes. Clover used vines from the ground to attack.


    However, all of this was only slowing them down. They keep blocking their attacks or getting up seemingly unscathed. They weren''t easy, that''s for sure. A Splisen flew towards Deadeye, and hit him with a powerful bash. He flew backwards from the force, and hit the ground.


    "Deadeye!" Clover said.


    He mustered the will to stand again. Clearly he was hurt, but wasn''t going to back down. From the looks of it, he was about to unleashed his powered on them. He gripped his fists, and his pistols and assault rifle floated in the air, along with debris. This was his last ditch effort to take them down.


    "Look ma..." Deadeye said as he prepared to attack. "No hands!"


    He unleashed a volley of bullets and explosives on the aliens in front of him, and crushed them with the debris. It worked, as those ones were down. Brutus knocked down a Splisen and transformed his arm into a rocket configuration. He was angry, ready to blow him up.


    "Time to explode!"


    Just then, Tracer grabbed his arm before he could finish the task.


    "Not at this distance, you''re not."


    "Ugh... fine."


    Instead he formed a sword, and stabbed the Splisen to kill it. There were still at least seven more to go. One of which has a forcefield that he knew would be a problem. Tracer turned to Shaft and yelled to get his attention.


    "Shaft, got something useful for us?"


    "I think so."


    He took out an arrow, and shot it at the enemy. The arrow then split into a bunch of smaller arrows and tracked the alien projecting the forcefield. It curved around him, and exploded upon hitting its back. With that out of commission, that left the rest for them to fight.


    Tracer was feeling the exhaustion setting it. This fight wasn''t a cakewalk, and clearly the others were feeling tired as well. But they could rest when the fight was over. He took out several of his boomerangs, and threw them at the remainder. They exploded, however they dodged the attacks and started flying towards them while blasting blue lasers from their guns.


    A Splisen kept blasting at Tracer. He made his best efforts to dodge the attacks, but one grazed the side of his white light armored top. He fell to the ground, screaming in agony as it burned.


    "Tracer!" Shaft said.


    "We got to stop them now!" Deadeye said.


    Before any of them could act, a purple blast of energy shot at all six of them. The blasts were powerful, causing explosions that killed them instantly. Everyone turned their attention. It was the alien they were rescuing. She screamed at the Splisen in anger, unable for the others to understand her. Then, she shot a concentrated energy blast at their ship, blowing it to smithereens.


    She yelled even more, clearly maddened by what happened. The others approached her, trying their best to calm her down.


    "Hey, relax. It''s over now." Shaft said.


    "Yeah, careful you don''t blow any of the good guys up." Brutus said.


    Tracer mustered the will to stand. It wasn''t easy, given how much pain he was in from that one attack, but he wanted to be sure she wouldn''t cause unnecessary danger. Just when he was about to speak, the alien grabbed him and kissed Tracer passionately in the lips. It was weird, but he didn''t mind it.


    "Whoa." Deadeye said.


    "Guess she has a soft spot." Brutus said.


    She let go, and spoke again in a much calmer voice. This time, she was speaking English.


    "Thank you for rescuing me." She said. "I am Aereas vie Koveas from the planet Xylo, but you can call me Aera."


    "Alright... Aera." Tracer said. "Can you tell me what our friends wanted to do with you?"


    "They fought our planet in a hopeless war, and the Royal King, my own father, decided to make a peace treaty with me as part of the negotiations. I was to be used as the mistress of the Splisen King. He said it was a small price to pay, for the billions of live he was saving."


    "I have my experience with bad fathers... anyways, how did you get here?"


    "I took a ship and fled. I heard the Splisen say that this planet was off limits, because Earth had defeated them and would be prepared for any future attack. I thought they wouldn''t chase me here, but I was wrong."


    Brutus stepped in, with a clearly satisfied smile on his face.


    "Well, well. Off limits they say? We''re such badasses that they know not to mess with us. I can dig that."


    "That''s one way of putting it." Tracer said. "Oh, and I get your gratitude, but you didn''t have to kiss me for it. It wasn''t a big deal."


    "First, it was a big deal. Second, Xylons can learn different languages through physical contact, so in a way, I did have to kiss you for it."


    "Oh, that''s strange, but what''s normal anyways."


    "I still haven''t gotten your names." Aera said.


    Tracer blushed, and cleared his throat. After all this, he wanted to make sure she was at home here on Earth. The rest gathered in front of her, happy to introduce themselves.


    "Ah, yes. I''m Jason McCoy, or Tracer."


    "Jack Austin, but you can call me Brutus. Pleased to meet you."


    "Eddie Flint, or Deadeye as I''m known."


    "Clover, but if you want me real name, Grace Porter."


    "And I''m Shaft, or Tony Lucas."


    "We''re part of this organization called the Protectors. Essentially the group responsible for defeating the Splisen. They would love to have you." Tracer said.


    Aera smiled. She already liked them, having risked their lives to save someone from another planet, because it was the right thing to do. Perhaps Earth could do well as her new home.


    Just then, several police cars were heard with their sirens buzzing. Tracer felt nervous, as he knew the police would most certainly be interested in taking Aera the alien into custody, and would accuse her of leading the Splisen to their planet. The last thing he wanted was for an incident to start over this.


    "Let''s get the hell out of here before they see us." Brutus said. "Oh, and this time I''m driving."


    Everyone nodded. They fled to the car, and drove off just before the police arrived. While there was no way he could hide Aera''s existence, Tracer knew he could get the Protectors to make her a legal resident once the situation was made clear. If anything, they''ll be happy to have her along with them.


    "We''re going to place called New York City. It''ll be a few hours." Tracer said.


    "I look forward to what comes next, I think this will be better than my previous situation with the Splisen."


    "Yeah, I think so too."


    With that, Tracer would find the newest member of the Protectors with Aera. On the way back, she shared her experiences in the cosmos with them, which Tracer found fascinating. However, he just loved to hear her speak, her voice was angelic to him. It wouldn''t be long before they reached New York, and the Washington D.C. incident was explained the main Protectors branch, who granted her a right to stay due to her circumstance.


    Aera would join the Young Protectors that night.

 Chapter 9: Thin Line

    Manhattan


    It was evening. Dr. Carter Snow was sat in the interrogation room in a building located south near of the Protectors Tower. The room was gray, appearing dull and bleak. Dr. Snow kept his hands on top of the table, as he was instructed to. A few minutes later, The Watcher entered the room, and took his seat on the chair in front of him.


    ¡°Dr. Carter Snow.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°I know you were planning to use the Red Crystal for Mist¡¯s interests. Tell me, what were you going to use it for?¡±


    Snow smiled.


    ¡°You already have me captured, and I suspect you know what we have planned. You think you¡¯ve won? There¡¯s so little you know about Mist.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m about to find out.¡±


    ¡°With the fury of a thousand suns, my efforts shall be remembered.¡±


    ¡°Really. What makes you say that? You will be forgotten, I can tell you that.¡±


    Dr. Snow smiled again, with a devilish grin that took up half of his face. That made The Watcher worried that something wasn¡¯t right, to say the least. Snow acted as if everything was going according to plan, not once panicking since he was arrested. Now he was determined to find out what was happening, now more than ever.


    ¡°Because you played directly into our hands.¡± Dr. Snow said, unable to contain his excitement. ¡°And now so many people will pay the price.¡±


    The Watcher slammed his fist on the table next to the doctor, leaving a dent in it once it was done. He angrily looked into Dr. Snow¡¯s eyes, which remained unchanged from the smug satisfaction from before. Then he started laughing. The Watcher decided he had enough of this.


    ¡°Tell me what¡¯s going on now, before I make you regret it.¡±


    ¡°We fooled you! The Red Crystal you got was a duplicate with only a fraction of its power. The real Red Crystal? It¡¯s at a Mist base, getting charged and readied for use any day now.¡±


    The Watcher gripped his hands together into fists. He wanted to strike down the scientist in front of him, but he knew Dr. Snow was still needed, and he must practice restraint.


    ¡°Tell me where they are, and please be honest with me. If you want to live to see tomorrow, you will give us the location of the base the Red Crystal is being stored at.¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­ alright, I¡¯ll tell you. Only because I want to see you try. The location of the Red Crystal is in the forests of Myohyang Mountain, in this wonderful country we call North Korea.¡±


    ¡°Shit¡­¡± The Watcher said under his breath.


    ¡°Brilliant isn¡¯t it? Good luck trying to save the day without causing an international incident and war!¡±


    The Watcher didn¡¯t acknowledge him further as he exited the room, moving quickly through the hallways after ordering two guards to keep Dr. Snow in their sight at all times with nothing more than hand signals. He was angry, frustrated, and worried about what could happen. He had to return to the tower, and figure out just he was going to do in this situation.


    Once he arrived, The Watcher stormed through the entrance while paying no mind to the others on ground level. He rode up the elevator to the top, where the conference room is. This was the time to call a meeting, and one that had to be done quickly. The door to the room slid open after punching in a code. A large black table was in the middle, with chairs on all ends, and a large computer in the front.


    Time to initiate Squadron 10.


    Squadron 10 was the top secret covert ops branch of the Protectors, a division made up of members that were trusted to undertake such tasks. This was one of those tasks. Should the world know that North Korea was hiding a Mist outpost, it could lead to catastrophic results.


    The Watcher knew that the Protectors walked the line between sovereignty and justice, and such a branch would never pass under any law. That is, if they knew about it. No one outside the Protectors¡¯ most trusted members were aware that Squadron 10 existed. Not UN, not the President, or anyone else.


    With the press of a button on the computer, an order was issued out to the members of Squadron 10.


    Meet me at the tower.


    That was all that was needed for the various members of the New York-based Squadron 10 to arrive at the conference room. Some were already in the tower, some were in New York. After an hour passed, the members were in the room. It was starting to feel crowded.


    ¡°This had better be worth it.¡± Blindshot said. ¡°I¡¯m disappointing my wife over something I can¡¯t even tell her.¡±


    ¡°I could say the same thing.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°But when lives are at stake, and no one else can do it, that only leaves us.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Yeah, I know.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Phase said. ¡°My kids aren¡¯t happy that I had to leave either.¡±


    The Watcher turned to Phase, or Robyn Knight, the 27-year-old mother of two. Her long raven-purple hair alongside her violet eyes appearing unique among the crowd.


    ¡°Mist fooled us into grabbing a fake Crystal, and now they¡¯ve hid away with the intent to strike soon. They¡¯re in North Korea.¡±


    ¡°That is a bit of a problem.¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°Putting it one way, yes.¡± The Watcher said.


    ¡°Then we must depart immediately.¡± Swarm said.


    Manuel Felix del Santo, or Swarm, was a hooded figure, known for the dark glasses that covered his eyes. His long jacket was a good way to hide what he kept underneath. He wanted to get things like these done as quick as he could, but knew to be patient with the job at hand.


    ¡°Mist isn¡¯t exactly going to wait.¡± Cyber said. ¡°As soon as they can use the Red Crystal, they will.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, we have no time to waste.¡± The Watcher said.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get going.¡± Blindshot said.


    The others nodded. They could rest easier knowing that Mist won¡¯t be able to cause countless deaths with a superpowered crystal. It was just a stressful time for everyone. The fact that they could fool them by swapping the real crystal with a fake made The Watcher worried they could do it again. Nonetheless, they couldn¡¯t sit around and do nothing, either.


    ¡°We get in, get out, no nation knows we were ever there.¡± Paladin said.


    ¡°As we say,¡± The Watcher said. ¡°Complete the mission, don¡¯t get caught, save the world.¡±


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s go save the world.¡± Blindshot said.


    He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Brad really hated having to disappoint his wife by suddenly announcing he was called in for Protector business. He would prefer this be done as fast they could manage, so she would be happy. He was at least glad that C¨¦cile understood why he had to leave, even if he couldn¡¯t give the specifics.


    ¡°We will depart in an hour.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°A Condor will be waiting for us on the roof of the tower. Be ready.¡±


    Everyone was in agreement. The Watcher departed from the meeting room, and quickly made his way to his private quarters. On his way, he thought to himself how it would go down. They were to attack the Mist outpost and retrieve the crystal. However, they were walking a thin line by invading the most isolationist country on Earth, who were housing terrorists to gain more power.


    The last thing the world needs is for this to be uncovered. It could lead to an all-out war, and if Squadron 10 was uncovered by UN, there will be consequences.


    Inside of his office, The Watcher sat down, taking a moment to breathe. Then he used his computer to make a call to the other leaders. It had to be made clear what was going on, to make sure everyone was on the same page. If one is to take monumental risks, they might as well do so while coordinated.


    ¡°Dr. Snow told us that Mist is hiding the Red Crystal, the real one, in North Korea. We¡¯ll be heading out soon to retrieve it.¡±


    ¡°That does make things a little difficult.¡± John Baen said.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Green Gadget said. ¡°I don¡¯t think I need to tell you how catastrophic it will be if the world finds out about this.¡±


    ¡°Which is why we¡¯re going to take it back.¡± The Watcher said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what Mist is planning, but they clearly have motives for going through all this trouble.¡± Spectrum said. ¡°Make sure our ¡®friend¡¯ is telling the truth.¡±


    Spectrum was the founder and head of the Cosmic Protectors, and one of the leaders of the Protectors as a whole. He appeared concerned, his expression displayedthat he was worried about what Mist would do with such a powerful source of energy. Spectrum himself had seen no shortage of strange things out in the cosmos, either.


    ¡°We will.¡± Cobalt said. ¡°We¡¯re not letting him out of our sight.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I have a mission to undertake.¡± The Watcher said.


    ¡°Understood.¡± John Baen said.


    Transmission ended. It would soon be time to take on Mist once again. The Watcher hoped that one day he can put an end to their terror, and everyone involved will meet justice. But for now, he just had to focus on the task one step at a time. Mist was in North Korea, and they had to be dealt with immediately.


    The Watcher departed from his office, it was time. Soon enough, he was at the top of the tower, where the Condor awaited him with the other members ready to go. He nodded at them, knowing they had a job to do. The Condor¡¯s hatch opened, everyone boarded the ship. Soon enough, it would take off into the skies, with North Korea as its destination.


    In the cockpit, he sat back as the ship was in autopilot. The Watcher wanted to relax before the mission starts, as much as he could anyways. As he sat back, looking at the night¡¯s sky, he received a call. It was none other than his wife, Kim. Her face displayed on the screen in front of him.


    ¡°You know I worry about you.¡± Kim said. ¡°I get scared that one day you¡¯ll be killed. Imagine how Adele would be, living in a world without her father?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been doing this for over half my life.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, as I always am.¡±


    ¡°It only takes once to kill you. I also worry of Adele, it¡¯s not all fun and games out there. I wouldn¡¯t be a good wife or mother if I didn¡¯t fear for my loved ones¡¯ safety.¡±


    ¡°Adele became a Protector because she wanted to be, because she knew she was capable. It¡¯s a responsibility that not everyone can live up to, but we can. I don¡¯t plan to die, nor do I plan to let Adele down.¡±


    ¡°But you know she doesn¡¯t want to be right now. Her interests have changed, but you still keep those lofty expectations of her. I just don¡¯t want to live without my husband or daughter. To be honest, I miss the days when we were all together.¡±


    ¡°I miss them too, and after this I plan to make more of them.¡±


    The Watcher leaned back in his seat. He truly did want to spend more time with his daughter, the only one he has. After his arguments with her, and his disgust when he learned of her boyfriend, he has gained perspective. He shouldn¡¯t be so distant from Adele, and she made some good points. Ever since her youth, Adele has lived in her father¡¯s shadow, and he expected a lot from her, too much in fact.


    He planned to change that.


    ¡°Good luck on your mission, whatever it is.¡± Kim said. ¡°I hope you come back.¡±


    ¡°You would kill me if I died on a mission.¡± The Watcher said, jokingly.


    Kim let out a little laugh. ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll see you later.¡±


    What his wife said held true. Byron needs to be closer to Adele if he still wants her to respect her father. Realizing that he¡¯s been too separated from her, he plans to be closer in her life, to prove that he¡¯s both a good father and a role model. The fact that she thinks Blindshot is cooler than him was a low point, putting it one way.


    But that would have to wait until after the mission was over. Right now, all of his efforts must be put into stopping Mist. The Condor soared through the skies, and they would be in North Korea in a matter of hours. This was where the real mission would begin.

 Chapter 10: Infiltration

    Myohyang Mountain, North Korea


    It was very early morning in the communist Asian country that was North Korea. The Condor hovered above the mountains, with its stealth mode initiated, searching for the base the Red Crystal is located at. The forests near the mountain provided a good cover, making it tricky to find. However, the base would become visible after an extensive search. Now was the time to act.


    Inside the ship, everyone was ready to get the task done with. For this mission, they abandoned the costumes they normally wear for a sleek, all-black uniform for each member. Since this wasn¡¯t a public operation, they were going to wear their public attire. The Watcher stood in front of the other members, who were lined up perfectly side-by-side.


    ¡°Alright, team. This mission is of the utmost importance, which means a single error could cause failure on a cataclysmic level.¡±


    ¡°No pressure or anything.¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°I¡¯m merely stating the truth. You know how the motto goes.¡±


    ¡°Complete the mission, don¡¯t get caught, save the world.¡± Phase said.


    ¡°Exactly. If all goes well, we¡¯ll get the Red Crystal and get out. Of course, we can expect there to be resistance on the way.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be the perfect chance to show Mist we¡¯re not to be messed with.¡± Cyber said


    ¡°And after this, North Korea will know that they can¡¯t get away with housing terrorists.¡± The Watcher said.


    ¡°So basically we storm in, take out any Mist agents we see along the way, get the Red Crystal, and leave?¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°The two teams will take them on opposite ends. Team Alpha, which is us, takes them from the back. Team Bravo will take them from the front.¡±


    ¡°Sounds simple enough.¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°Beware of any of Mist¡¯s top agents that could be here.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°We didn¡¯t have enough time to get intel, but I¡¯d suspect that some of Mist¡¯s most dangerous operatives are stationed at this place.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take them on if I have to.¡± Phase said.


    ¡°Well, no one else is going to do it for us. We better get moving.¡±


    The cloaked ship descended downwards, landing in the forest below. The hatch opened, letting the team out to begin their mission. The Watcher gave the signal to the others, and with that it was underway. None of them were using a communicator. Instead, they operated using Phase¡¯s telepathy. However, they still carried one for when they needed to communicate with Team Bravo.


    ¡°I¡¯ll scout the area.¡± Swarm said.


    Swarm let an insect fly from his sleeve, taking off into the distance. The small bug would serve well in giving Swarm an idea of what¡¯s ahead. They silently moved through the forest. The time to attack would be soon, but they didn¡¯t want to draw any attention before they had to.


    ¡°Several troop transports are driving into the base.¡± Swarm said. ¡°One is general, speaking to another man. This is a man in a hood, it might be the Mist operative Riot.¡±


    ¡°I knew there would be top agents there.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°Be very careful about this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see where the Red Crystal is located.¡± Swarm said.


    They moved forward, making their best effort to make a sound. Eventually, the base came into view. They hid within the vegetation to avoid being seen until needed. It was a large fortress that stood tall, the point having a flag baring the Mist symbol, a stylized ¡®M¡¯. At the front of the compound, a number of Mist operatives stood, alongside North Korean troops.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act until I say so, we need to find the right time.¡± The Watcher said.


    Everyone understood. The Watcher took out his communicator, and whispered through it.


    ¡°We¡¯re here. Don¡¯t attack without my order, this is important.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Red Revolver whispered on the other end.


    They stayed behind the safety of their cover, awaiting what would come next. The Watcher wanted to wait until after the North Koreans had left the area before they struck. This was important to maintaining the secrecy of the mission. They stood patiently, hiding out of sight seeing how long this was going to be.


    Riot, the Mist operative known for his distinctive black hood and red eyes, stood in front a North Korean general as he spoke.


    ¡°We got the Red Crystal in our hands, and I think once you see the results we¡¯ll all be more than satisfied.¡± Riot said.


    ¡°I¡¯d expect nothing less.¡± The general said.


    Just then, a wormhole appeared next to Riot. It was of a gray color, which could only mean one thing: It was the Mist operative known as Grey. The wormhole ended, and Grey stepped out to speak to the general. As his name would suggest, Grey was primarily known of his gray colors. Gray hair, gray clothes. He wore a gray cloak, and had shining yellow eyes. Grey, who appeared very young, was believed to have magical origins, likely not coming from this Earth.


    ¡°We expect North Korea¡¯s full support in exchange for this, remember that.¡± Grey said. ¡°It¡¯s give and take, so be sure you can give as well.¡±


    ¡°Our goals are aligned, there is nothing to fear.¡± The general said.


    ¡°I¡¯d hope so. Make sure your ¡®Great Leader¡¯ Yon Song-Jin knows that too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he does.¡± Riot said. ¡°No need for any hostility.¡±


    ¡°Forgive my rudeness.¡± Grey said. ¡°I just had to assert my position. I¡¯m sure everything will go swimmingly.¡±


    The general remained where he was. The man wasn¡¯t going to be intimidated by what appeared to be a young boy, even one magical like Grey. Now it was the general¡¯s turn to speak.


    ¡°For this, remember that our leader wishes to be on the Council. That was the deal.¡±


    ¡°Not just anyone can join the Council.¡± Riot said. ¡°Membership is pretty strict.¡±


    ¡°But there¡¯s an open spot, am I correct? Some of your ¡®leaders¡¯ have been arrested from what I¡¯ve heard.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t plan stay locked up for long, neither do we.¡± Riot said.


    ¡°Nonetheless, I¡¯d expect your full support, if we¡¯re giving you ours.¡±


    ¡°Our goals are aligned, there is nothing to fear.¡± Grey said.


    The general looked at him with a stern stare. It took another moment before he spoke again.


    ¡°Good. I shall leave you to your devices now. Don¡¯t fail us.¡±


    With that the general and his troops went back to their vehicles, departing from the premises as quickly as possible. The Watcher and the others witnessed the whole thing. The time to act would arise soon, but he had to measure his next step very carefully if this was going to go smoothly. So many things can go wrong with this mission that he didn¡¯t want to take any unnecessary risks.


    ¡°When should we attack?¡± Cyber asked.


    ¡°Soon.¡± The Watcher said.


    As the North Koreans drove away, the members of Mist retreated inside their base. It was cleared. For a roughly a half an hour they waited until no one was outside. Still, the Protectors didn¡¯t wish to be visible until they struck, but that time was going to come soon. Swarm spoke again in their linked mental communication.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°The Red Crystal is in the center of the base.¡± Swarm said. ¡°Located in a room that¡¯s sealed, my insect was only able to get in through a vent.¡±


    ¡°Nothing we can¡¯t handle.¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about what kind of agents they have here.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°These aren¡¯t your average rank-and-file grunts. People like Riot and Grey are established as great threats, not ones we should take lightly.¡±


    ¡°Good thing we¡¯re here to handle it.¡± Phase said.


    ¡°Just be careful, and don¡¯t let your guard down.¡± The Watcher said.


    ¡°So, can we attack now?¡± Blindshot asked.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s cleared. On my order, we strike.¡± The Watcher said.


    The Watcher took out his communicator, and whispered into it for Team Bravo to hear.


    ¡°Get ready.¡± The Watcher said.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been ready.¡± Red Revolver said on the other end.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to provide a little distraction with my ship.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°When it strikes, so do we.¡±


    The Watcher took out a remote, and with the press of a button, the Condor they arrived in had become airborne. The ship was going to attack, providing the perfect aerial diversion for them to exploit. The ship flew to their location, and soon enough it opened fire on the base, drawing the agents out to fire back.


    ¡°We strike.¡± The Watcher said.


    The mission was underway. Team Alpha vacated the trees and bushes they were hiding in and began their attack. The Condor shot concentrated energy blasts at the agents of Mist, and just when they could figure out what was going on, the Protectors attacked them on the front lines.


    Blindshot fired an explosive arrow that took out a squad of agents firing upon the ship. The sounds of gunfire filled the air, a perfect sign that the mission had truly began. Phase shot psionic blasts at agents that were attacking her, while keeping a shining purple forcefield constructed.


    ¡°I think we¡¯ve made ourselves known.¡± Phase said as she blasted another Mist with a psionic beam.


    ¡°I¡¯ll say.¡± Blindshot said.


    Phase and Blindshot continued forward, covering each other¡¯s backs while they moved forward into the base. Cyber utilized his laser cannon from his arm, firing red bursts of superheated energy at more operatives. The Watcher zipped through the battlefield, firing energy blasts before any agent could touch him.


    ¡°Get the Red Crystal and leave.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°We¡¯ll keep them busy out here.¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± Phase said.


    Phase, with Blindshot in tow, moved into the compound where they were ready to to retrieve the gem and get the hell out of there. The hallways were long and wide, and was colored a light black. A squad of Mist agents appeared on the other end when they turned the corner, and opened fire. Phase projected a barrier of purple energy in front of her to deflect the shots from the agents¡¯ weapons, then returned them back to sender. All fell down after that.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t hold me back, archer guy.¡±


    ¡°Oh come on, you know I¡¯m the best.¡±


    The two would reach the center of the compound, and came across a large sealed metal door. Phase and Blindshot turned to each other, and nodded. Phase immediately began working on the door, using her psychic abilities to unhinged it. In meantime, there were more voice heard from the corner. Mist.


    ¡°They¡¯re getting the Crystal!¡±


    Blindshot readied his bow, and the moment they came into view, he shot several arrows. All of them hit their targets. The operatives fell, not making a sound. Blindshot nodded at Phase, who smiled at him as she got the door open. The Red Crystal was right there, for their taking.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope this is the real deal.¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Phase took the Red Crystal, picking it up with her telekinetic powers, and it flew to her hand. That part was completed, now they had to leave as soon as possible.


    ¡°Alright, everyone.¡± Phase said through a telepathic message. ¡°I have the Crystal, let¡¯s get out of here!¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Swarm said.


    ¡°Time to leave.¡± The Watcher said.


    Blindshot and Phase ran through the hallways, trying to move as fast as they could to escape the base. The narrow hallways gave them only one way out, and that way was though the entrance. They turned a corner, and across the hall was a Mist agent unlike the normal one. Riot.


    ¡°Well, now.¡± Riot said. ¡°I think you have something that belongs to us.¡±


    Riot was a hooded man, who appeared to be in his late twenties. He had black hair, and a wicked smile across his face. Blindshot readied his bow, prepared to strike. It was well-known how dangerous he was, many having fallen to him and his power. Riot¡¯s arm formed into a blade of flesh and bone, and his smile grew wider. Blindshot was nervous, but had to maintain a steady aim.


    ¡°You know, I¡¯m glad I only have to deal with you two. A squishy psionic and a man using a medieval weapon against me? This¡¯ll be fun.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t say that when you¡¯re dead!¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°Try me.¡±


    Blindshot fired several arrows at Riot, who swiftly dodged two of them and caught the third. It exploded in his face. After the smoke cleared, his face was revealed with a smile. It didn¡¯t affect him at all.


    ¡°Amateur hour is over.¡± Riot said. ¡°Time to die.¡±


    Riot charged, moving at a blitzing speed that barely gave them enough time to react. Phase created a barrier just in time to block Riot¡¯s strike. It hit like a truck, hard enough for her to feel it through the shield. He repeatedly struck at her, making it difficult to keep the shield up. Another strike would destroy it, he made another attack.


    Before it could hit, his armed was hit with an arrow. This one froze his arm with a coat of ice.


    ¡°Who¡¯s laughing now, bitch?¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°We got to get out of here!¡± Phase exclaimed.


    The ice grew to cover the right side of Riot¡¯s body, extending to the floor and making it difficult to move.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go!¡± Blindshot said. ¡°But first, I¡¯m going to take care of this asshole.¡±


    Phase ran out with the crystal in hand, and Blindshot shot an arrow to the ground next to Riot. It made a beeping noise with a red flashing light on the tip.


    ¡°It¡¯ll explode in a minute, good luck escaping in time.¡±


    ¡°You think this¡¯ll stop me? Go ahead, try.¡± Riot said with a laugh.


    Blindshot didn¡¯t pay attention to that. Instead, he shot more arrows to the sides as he exfiltrated the base. More explosive arrows to neutralize the threat in a minute¡¯s time. He ran out the base as fast as he possibly could. His heartrate increased to high levels as the adrenaline kicked in.


    Finally, the exit was there. It took all of his energy to run to the outside, away from the incoming explosion. Blindshot fell to the ground on the grass and dirt out of exhaustion when the explosion occurred. It was loud, the fire erupted from the base and thundered through the ground below him.


    ¡°Get up!¡± Phase said. ¡°It¡¯s not done yet. You can rest when we¡¯re home.¡±


    ¡°Just thought I¡¯d take a three second break.¡± Blindshot said, jokingly.


    Blindshot forced himself up, ready to leave when the situation would allow. He walked up to Phase, and they quickly hugged before resuming their mission.


    ¡°Glad we¡¯re out of that.¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°I guess I can count on archers in this day and age.¡± Phase said. ¡°I¡¯m sure my kids will be happy that I¡¯ll be home soon.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, now let¡¯s go home.¡±


    Phase looked up at The Watcher, floating in the air. She gave him the Red Crystal through a telekinetic push. He caught it in mid-air, and nodded at them below.


    ¡°Mission accomplished, everyone.¡± The Watcher said through the telepathic link. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°I can do that.¡± Cyber said. ¡°I don¡¯t think North Korea would be happy with having us as their guests.¡±


    ¡°Same here.¡± Blindshot said. ¡°I know C¨¦cile will be happy to see me.¡±


    They got a call on their communicator. It was Red Revolver of Team Bravo.


    ¡°Can we get out of here?¡± Red Revolver said. ¡°I¡¯d like to go back to my town now.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°I¡¯d say this is a mission accomplished. Good thing there were no casualties.¡±


    The Condor descended downward. Their ticket home was in sight. With that, they could finally close this chapter regarding the Red Crystal, knowing that it was in good hands after all this time and effort. The Condor landed. The Watcher, with the Red Crystal, boarded first. Then Cyber, followed by Swarm, and finally Blindshot. Phase was the last one.


    ¡°I guess ¡®ladies¡¯ first¡¯ has been forgotten.¡± Phase joked.


    She took a step forward. Then she fell. Blood ran from her throat as a spike protruded from her back. She coughed blood, attempting to move but failing.


    ¡°PHASE!¡± Blindshot yelled.


    He looked forward, and in the distance was Riot. His clothes were torn to shreds, but his smile remained.


    ¡°A little parting gift!¡± Riot yelled.


    Just then, another man appeared. Grey. He grabbed Riot by the shoulder, and they disappeared in a gray vortex. Wherever they went, they couldn¡¯t reach them. Blindshot wanted nothing more than to kill him right there. But right now, he had to focus on his friend.


    ¡°Do something!¡±


    Phase fell down, hitting the ground in a puddle of blood below her. Blindshot ran to her. He could feel no pulse from her wrist. Blindshot groaned with anger.


    ¡°Goddammit, can no one here do anything?!¡±


    ¡°Brad¡­¡± The Watcher said.


    ¡°Some leader you are!¡± Blindshot pointed his finger at him. ¡°You can¡¯t even get your daughter¡¯s respect, now you get another woman killed?!¡±


    ¡°Yelling at me isn¡¯t going to help anything, Brad.¡± The Watcher said, his tone remaining unchanged. ¡°Bring her in, we¡¯ll make sure Robyn gets the proper attention.¡±


    ¡°When, huh? When we get back to New York? You think we¡¯ll get there soon enough for that?¡±


    ¡°I can help the situation.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°But we have to leave now.¡±


    Blindshot looked down. Then he picked her up, carrying her body into the Condor. The ship flew off in the sky. The mission was completed, the task completed, yet there was a casualty in the process. Any victory at the expense of lives of the Protectors was never a victory at all, that¡¯s how Brad saw it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take her to the medical bay.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°I¡¯ll see what we can do.¡±


    The Watcher took Phase from Blindshot, who went and sat down on a chair in the second floor, both angered and sad about the situation. In the bay, he set Phase on the bed, and hooked her on a machine. This delivered a shock that got her heart beating again. She was still unconscious, but this could keep her alive until they reach a safe place.


    The Watcher returned to the second floor. No one down there look particularly happy, despite the mission success.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see if we can save her after we make a detour in Seoul.¡± The Watcher said.


    ¡°That¡¯s all we can do?¡± Blindshot asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so.¡± The Watcher said.


    ¡°We better be able to save her. I don¡¯t want her kids to find out their mother died in line of duty at only age 27.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the only option.¡± Swarm said. ¡°Remember, this work isn¡¯t fun and games. We can all die in the field, and we all knew the risk when we signed up to be Protectors.¡±


    ¡°But a good leader ensures the team survives.¡± Blindshot said. ¡°And dammit, she better live.¡±


    The Condor made it¡¯s course for Seoul. It wouldn¡¯t be long until they could find out if they can save Phase from death. The last thing she said was a joke, not realizing what was about to happen. There¡¯s her whole life ahead of her, her son and daughter she raises all by herself.


    Brad would be the first to stay that no one should die that young, especially when they have people to take care of.

 Chapter 11: Loss

    Seoul


    The Condor flew non-stop until it reached the city of Seoul in South Korea. The shining lights of the city against the night¡¯s sky would¡¯ve been a spectacular sight to behold, had the minds of everyone on that ship not been more preoccupied with saving the life of their teammate.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there.¡± The Watcher said over the intercom.


    The two ships flew side-by-side until they reached the Medical Ops Center located in the city. This was part of a line consisting of the best hospitals in the world, more specifically dealing with the unique kind of injuries superheroes face. If there was any place that could save Phase from death, it¡¯s this one.


    The MOC, officially sponsored by the Protectors, were described as being ¡°hospitals for heroes¡±. Factions like the Protectors face dangers that the normal don¡¯t face, and need the most specialized doctors to help deal with those kinds of injuries and ailments. Protectors fight crime, supervillains, go to other worlds, and see things that many wouldn¡¯t understand.


    Once the tower came into view, it displayed itself as a beacon for help. It was tall, shining white, flashed red and white lights, and was marked by a hologram of the cross symbol in the center. On the top there were multiple landing pads for ships like theirs to land in. A ship like the Condor is what was expected for them to be seen.


    The Watcher pressed a button on the ship¡¯s internal computer, he was making a call of the Korean MOC, so they would expect their arrival.


    ¡°Attention Seoul MOC, this is The Watcher speaking. We are about to land, our teammate has sustained a severe injury on the field. Her name is Robyn Knight, or Phase. Do you read me?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir. We will anticipate you soon.¡± A female voice on the other end said.


    The ships made their landing on the pad southwest atop the tower. The members of the team gathered together to rush Phase to the outside on a wheel bed, while still hooked to the machine that kept her heart in motion. She was barely hanging on at this point, and would need something to bring her back into health, whatever that was.


    Blindshot pushed the table outside until they reached the doctors and nurses that marched outside to see their patient. At which point, they promptly took over by taking their patient inside. A woman, the head of the facility named Kae Tae-Ran, approached them. She was a young woman, relatively speaking, at thirty-five. She stood tall at five foot seven, and had her long black hair tied together in a bun.


    She spoke to The Watcher, noticing that none of them were in their normal costumes. They were dressed in black, which seemed odd.


    ¡°You people look different.¡± Kae said.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°Just make sure our friend will come out alive.¡±


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t guarantee that.¡± Kae said. ¡°Just from looking at her, I could tell the extent of her injuries were severe. Doctors aren¡¯t miracle workers.¡±


    ¡°You better make it happen.¡± Blindshot said. ¡°She has a son and a daughter, they don¡¯t have a dad around to take care of them. I don¡¯t want to be the one to tell them their mother died because your staff wasn¡¯t good enough.¡±


    ¡°But you have to understand that we can¡¯t make the impossible happen.¡± Kae said. ¡°If she dies, it¡¯ll be because of her line of work.¡±


    ¡°You listen here!¡± Blindshot yelled as he moved closer. ¡°A win at the expense of any hero isn¡¯t a win at all! Now you better keep her alive, or there¡¯ll be hell to pay.¡±


    The Watcher placed his hand on Blindshot¡¯s shoulder, attempting to calm him.


    ¡°There won¡¯t be any ¡®hell to pay¡¯ if the inevitable happens.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to the waiting room and relax? You could use it.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    Blindshot stormed into the tower, where he took a seat. He would fall asleep soon, out of exhaustion from the mission and the stress. The others stepped out of the ship, as did Team Bravo. Kae dismissed herself, retreating to the inside where she would see her patient. Red Revolver walked to The Watcher, curious about his teammate.


    ¡°It ain¡¯t like him to be this upset.¡± Red Revolver said. ¡°He¡¯s usually so laidback, even in battle. Now he¡¯s just got no humor to him.¡±


    ¡°He can¡¯t stand the idea of losing a Protector.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°It¡¯s always been that way.¡±


    ¡°But doesn¡¯t he know the inherent danger that comes with the job? He should expect this at some point.¡±


    ¡°He should, but it doesn¡¯t make it any easier.¡±


    ¡°Hey, can we continue this inside?¡± Cyber said. ¡°It¡¯s freezing up here.¡±


    ¡°Yeah we should go in.¡± The Watcher said.


    The Protectors went inside. It was the crack of dawn, and the sun began to rise. This mission was going to ruin their sleep schedule for a while, but that was the least of their worries. They stood inside the sleek white room, attempting to make the time pass by. Several hours passed, and in was morning. The Watcher figured this would be the best time to explain that he was going to be later than he expected to his wife.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    He took out his phone, and gave Kim a call. She would just be waking up at this point, and likely wanted him to be home soon. Sadly, that wouldn¡¯t be the case.


    ¡°Byron?¡± Kim said. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re calling me for what I suspect it is.¡±


    ¡°Afraid so.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°I¡¯ll be home later than expected, and I know there¡¯s no way around it. An emergency just came up, and we¡¯re at the MOC because of it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not hurt, are you?¡±


    ¡°No, a teammate was. She might already be dying.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m worried about you. Do you seriously think I like it when you go on these missions? You know it only takes one mistake and you¡¯ll be dead. You don¡¯t want to leave me a widow and Adele an orphan, do you?¡±


    ¡°I promise you I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you retire? You¡¯re not getting any younger, and it¡¯s not like money is an issue. We could spend so much more time together as a family if you did. Why do you do this?¡±


    ¡°When something goes wrong, I just can¡¯t help myself, dear.¡±


    A sigh on the other end. They¡¯ve had this talk many times over, and it always ends the same.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯ll make it up to you.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°We¡¯ll go on a vacation to Ponta Delgada in the Azores soon. You, me, and Adele. I want us to be a family, not one separated but together. Even Brad has called me out for not having her respect, and it¡¯s time I earned it.¡±


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t argue with that plan.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon. Goodbye.¡±


    Call ended. The Watcher took his seat on a chair, and let his eyes shut for a little bit. He would rest for several more hours, much like the others. They needed sleep after staying up so long during a mission. He woke up again, this time it was noon. The sun was shining over Seoul. Had the circumstances been different, he would¡¯ve like to have seen what the city had to offer. That wasn¡¯t the time, however.


    Kae walked into the waiting room, looking visibly upset. That wasn¡¯t what anyone wanted to see.


    ¡°I regret to inform you that she didn¡¯t make it.¡±


    ¡°What¡­¡± Blindshot said, barely able to speak.


    ¡°The injuries were too severe. She flatlined after our attempts to surgically remove the spike, combined with the fact that she lost so much blood. I couldn¡¯t believe she even lasted this long.¡±


    ¡°You idiots!¡± Blindshot yelled. ¡°Some doctors you are! You can¡¯t even save a single life!¡±


    ¡°It couldn¡¯t be saved. She was already on death¡¯s door when she arrived.¡±


    ¡°Goddammit! You people are worthless! I can¡¯t believe you even have jobs!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°It¡¯s as she said, they couldn¡¯t make the impossible happen. Her death was inevitable the moment Riot attacked her. The best we can do is give her a proper send off. She¡¯ll get her own holographic statue at the Protectors Conservatory, just like the others who had fallen in battle.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, because putting her on display to be seen is such a good sign of respect.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the best we can do. Pay tribute to the ones who gave all in combat. That¡¯s how we respect the fallen.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­¡±


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re going through. But right now, we have to be strong and continue forward. Mark my words, Mist will pay for what they¡¯ve done. I won¡¯t let the sacrifices of Phase or anyone else be in vain.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to be the one to break the news to her kids. I don¡¯t know who else can do it, and it certainly won¡¯t be through a phone call.¡±


    Swarm stood behind Blindshot and spoke.


    ¡°Remember that casualties are inevitable in the line of duty. What happened to Phase could¡¯ve easily happened to anyone else.¡±


    ¡°You might be right, but it doesn¡¯t make it any easier.¡±


    ¡°Well, you think we can get going now?¡± Red Revolver asked. ¡°We got to go home eventually.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°We should leave now.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll take care of the body.¡± Kae said. ¡°And when the time comes, we¡¯ll give her back for her proper funeral.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± The Watcher said. ¡°Thank you for your efforts.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for nothing.¡± Blindshot said.


    ¡°He¡¯ll cool down eventually. For now, we¡¯ve got to get going.¡±


    The Watcher and the others besides Blindshot waved goodbye at Kae and the fellow doctors before departing in their ships. They flew off into the sky, with New York City as their destination. They would arrive in a matter of hours, but that was only the beginning.


    <hr>


    Ten hours later¡­


    Manhattan


    The Watcher had made his announcement as soon as he got home that they lost a comrade in the line of duty. It wasn¡¯t easy, but it had to be done.


    ¡°It is my sincerest regret to announce that Robyn Knight, better known as Phase, has fallen in the line of duty. She was a loving mother, a strong woman, a good friend, and a hero ¡ª one who gave all. Mourn her sacrifice, as she has given more than any of us.¡±


    With that, Byron would be taking a vacation from the Protectors, even if only momentarily. He drove through the streets until he made it home, where he could finally be with his wife. Byron looked forward to going on his vacation to Ponta Delgada, it would be a nice and relaxing time for him and his family on the island of S?o Miguel, and he was sure Adele would appreciate it.


    But the whole time, he had to think to himself about Phase. Riot already knew he lost and could¡¯ve left there, but just had to kill her for no other reason than to give the Protectors a ¡®parting gift¡¯. That kind of sadistic behavior made him sick. Byron was sure he was going to bring him to justice for what he¡¯s done.


    He rode up the elevator until he reached the top floor of the penthouse. When the doors open, Kim was there patiently waiting for him. They kissed before he noticed someone else was behind her. It was Adele.


    ¡°Dad,¡± Adele said. ¡°I heard the news. I¡¯m so sorry for what happened on that mission. Losing a teammate is never easy, but it could¡¯ve been you.¡±


    Those were words he wasn¡¯t expecting to hear from her. She hadn¡¯t been there to comfort him in a long time. The lives lost on these missions have weighed on his conscience, but it was inevitable. That was what he would tell himself. Byron moved to Adele and hugged her tightly. He couldn¡¯t describe how good it felt to do that after so long.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± Byron said. ¡°I¡¯m the one who should be worried for you, I¡¯m the parent after all.¡±


    ¡°Well, I think you can be a dick sometimes, but that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t love you.¡±


    ¡°I was hoping to fix the first part.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°Well, is a vacation to Ponta Delgada in the Azores a good start?¡±


    ¡°That sounds wonderful!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be leaving the day after tomorrow. I¡¯m on vacation, I requested this after my mission was completed. I know you just finished your vacation, but don¡¯t worry, I have all expenses paid. It helps when one of the people in charge is your dad.¡±


    ¡°Oh thank you!¡±


    ¡°And there will be absolutely no costumes.¡± Kim said. ¡°So don¡¯t even think about packing them.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning to.¡± Adele said. ¡°Him, I¡¯m not so sure.¡±


    Byron had a brief chuckle. He had to admit that he sometimes was more married to his work than his wife, but it shouldn¡¯t be that way. Kim and Adele wouldn¡¯t exactly be happy if they had to report his death to them. Just like how Brad had to report Robyn¡¯s death to her children, it wasn¡¯t an easy task.


    ¡°Mum, Dad¡­ what do you say we go get some Mexican food?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I could eat.¡± Kim said.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright with that.¡± Byron said.


    Adele led the way as they left their home to go to her favorite Mexican restaurant in New York. Byron smiled, knowing this would be the start of mending his relationship with his one and only daughter. That was his biggest goal, more than taking down Mist. And now, it seems like he¡¯s finally doing it.

 Chapter 12: Issues

    Manhattan


    At the top of the Harper-Rise Tower in the middle of the day where the sun painted the city orange, Roy Flynn was training to be a stronger fighter for the future. The top room was a base. It had a giant computer that was integrated into the wall, gadgets that hung on the side, and a training room for sparring. Roy was practicing with someone who had given him the hardest time in his life. Another 19-year-old named Rosie.


    A few punches thrown, Rosie had no problems blocking and dodging them. When Roy made a big swing, Rosie grabbed it dead in its tracks and then returned with a kick to the stomach. Roy stumbled as he dropped to the ground, only stopping himself with his left knee standing him up.


    ¡°Pathetic.¡± Rosie said.


    ¡°Hey, why don¡¯t I put the suit and on and then we can go a few rounds?¡± Roy said.


    ¡°That suit is being wasted on you. The point of this is to get stronger so you can fight without it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m inclined to agree.¡± Desmond said as he sat on the chair in front of the computer, turned backwards to watch the event.


    ¡°Dad, why are you even giving this suit to him?¡± Rosie said. ¡°Why can¡¯t I be the Night Spider, is it a boys only club or something?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve already been through this. The suit isn¡¯t meant for you.¡±


    ¡°It certainly isn¡¯t meant for him.¡±


    Rosie stepped out of the training room, moving to the table on the right end to drink a bottle of water. Roy got up to his feet, and approached Desmond. It¡¯s been about a year since Desmond Harper, the original Night Spider and one of the founding members of the Protectors, made him his apprentice and the second Night Spider.


    ¡°Look at you, this is how you fight?¡± Desmond said. ¡°I¡¯d say you fight like a girl, but in this case that would be a compliment.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t want to hear that. I¡¯m a bonafide Protector, which is more than her. Why are you even having me do this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s as she said, you need to learn how to fight without it.¡±


    ¡°For your info, I¡¯ve won plenty of fights without it back in the streets of Pittsburgh. Something she would know nothing about.¡±


    ¡°Against who? Untrained punks, kids, a granny? You need to learn finesse, to be stronger. Rosie understands that well. After all, she won the Karate World Championship in Japan at just sixteen.¡±


    Roy groaned. This type of praising for Rosie was really getting on his nerves. The last thing he needed was to hear about how much better she was than him.


    ¡°My daughter has more drive than you as well. All this fighting experience? She wanted it. I didn¡¯t force it upon her, she took it upon herself to be a strong person. I would¡¯ve thought you¡¯d be more willing to become stronger. You said you wanted to atone for the past, correct?¡±


    ¡°I do¡­ but goddammit she¡¯s making it difficult for me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s called being a teacher!¡± Rosie yelled.


    ¡°More like a drill sergeant.¡± Roy said.


    Rosie put down the water, wiping off the sweat with a towel and throwing it to the ground before walking closer to the two men. She had her arms crossed, her bright golden hair was a contrast to the graying-dark hair of her father. Her expression was stern, as it always was when Roy was around. He got the sense she didn¡¯t like her.


    ¡°You know, I like how you think a crook is a better fit for the suit than your own daughter. I really helps with my trust issues.¡±


    ¡°You can trust me.¡± Desmond said.


    ¡°Just like how I can ¡®trust¡¯ you to tell me how my mom really died?¡±


    Desmond was silent.


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°Hey, miss.¡± Roy said. ¡°This is a little beyond you. Why don¡¯t you show a little more respect?¡±


    ¡°I show respect when it¡¯s deserved.¡±


    Rosie left the room without saying another word. The door slammed shut behind her, clearly she wasn¡¯t in a happy mood. Rosie had enough training Roy for the day, and had her own business to take care of. It was fine with Roy, he wasn¡¯t in the mood for any more of her words.


    ¡°What about her mom? What happened.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ¡°To her it does.¡±


    ¡°Roy, why don¡¯t you go home I think our day is up for now. You got some big things coming ahead of you, best be ready.¡±


    ¡°Way to sidestep my question.¡± Roy said. ¡°But yeah, I¡¯ve been wanting to go home anyways.¡±


    Roy slammed a bottle of water, the cool liquid being heaven after an intensive day of training. He took a shower courtesy of the base¡¯s bathroom, and put on a fresh pair of clothes. The last thing Roy wanted was to return home all smelly and sweaty. Physically and mentally refreshed, Roy took the elevator down to the garage. His black Harley-Davidson was right there, waiting for him to go home.


    The bike made thundering noises as Roy rode off into the streets. He knew Kristy would be home right around this time, so it was best he was home to. He knew he had disappointed her before, his hero life often getting in the way of their relationship, but she understood because of the responsibilities it held.


    However, he wasn¡¯t going to disappoint her today.


    Roy rode his bike to his new home, a Manhattan apartment that stood in the middle of the building. It was nice, better than he would be able to afford without Protector money, and all expenses were paid by Desmond. It was part of the deal when Roy took the identity of the Night Spider.


    After parking his bike, Roy took off his helmet and smiled as he walked to the elevator. He hadn¡¯t told Kristy he would be there at this time, so it¡¯ll be a nice surprise. The elevator rode up, and there was a ding! before he stepped out in the hallway. It wasn¡¯t long until he reached the door to their place. He unlocked it, and there Kristy was, happily surprised.


    ¡°You¡¯re home!¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    Roy took a seat after grabbing a soda from the fridge. It was a stool on a bar counter, he let out a sigh of relief that he can actually relax for the first time today. Kristy walked up and kissed him. She sat down next to Roy, she looked so beautiful with her long black hair and brown eyes. Kristy Park was working as an intern at Harper-Rise while balancing out her career as a college student, which meant she was often busy. Not that Roy wasn¡¯t busy himself as the new Night Spider.


    ¡°It¡¯s so crazy how it¡¯s all happened like this.¡± Kristy said. ¡°We were just two kids in Pittsburgh a while ago, now we¡¯re in Manhattan? Who would¡¯ve thought.¡±


    ¡°Well, thankfully we made a friend out of a rich businessman who set us up with this nice place.¡± Roy said. ¡°No way we would¡¯ve been able to afford it without him.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, except he wants you to dress up in some costume and fight against people trying to kill you.¡±


    ¡°Minus the costume, this is something I¡¯m used to growing up.¡±


    ¡°Not something I want you go back to, though.¡±


    Roy took a drink of his soda. He knew she was worried about him, but felt that it was his job to worry about her. He¡¯s the Protector here, and there¡¯s no one more he needs to protect than Kristy. She placed her hand on his right shoulder, he smiled at her. Everything was going good. They had a place, Roy¡¯s job was bringing in the money, and they had a bright future ahead of them.


    ¡°Trust me, I got this under control.¡± Roy said. ¡°Just had a rough day, and I want nothing more than to sit back and relax.¡±


    Roy got off the stool and plumped himself on the sofa, turning on Netflix and putting a show on. He exhaled, finally getting some relaxation time. Kristy joined him on the couch. A few moments later, she spoke again.


    ¡°So, what happened today?¡±


    ¡°Training at the tower with Desmond¡¯s ¡®lovely¡¯ daughter Rosie. I think she takes her issues with her dad out on me.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound fun.¡±


    ¡°She isn¡¯t happy that she doesn¡¯t get to be the Night Spider, and something about her mom dying. Not really sure what all the details are, and I don¡¯t think it¡¯s my place to ask.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like even these wealthy Protectors have family drama.¡±


    ¡°I guess. She calls me weak because I¡¯m not some world-class karate champ like she is, but what I am is someone who risks everything so to make the world a better place while she sits in her fancy penthouse.¡±


    ¡°Just because they¡¯re wealthy doesn¡¯t mean they don¡¯t have their own issues.¡±


    ¡°It helps.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, like I¡¯m sure all that money filled an empty hole when Desmond¡¯s parents died, or when his wife died, or when he had to give up his career because of a heart attack. The point is, he may not have money issues but he¡¯s got plenty of others.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying him and his family doesn¡¯t have his own problems, but I got mine. Rosie thinks so little of me because I was a criminal, but she doesn¡¯t know what it¡¯s like to be poor trying to survive on the cold streets.¡±


    ¡°It may not be as bad you, but you shouldn¡¯t invalidate them.¡±


    Roy looked up for a moment, before looking at Kristy. He knew she was trying to make a point, she never could stand anyone getting insulted.


    ¡°If only Rosie wasn¡¯t invalidating me.¡±


    ¡°What do you think you can do to get her to like you more?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, stop existing? I don¡¯t plan to do that, though.¡±


    ¡°You always have a quip, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You know it. But seriously though, I think anything related to the suit would be like rubbing salt on the wound.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you talk to her about her mother? Try to be understanding, girls love that. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll appreciate it, and maybe stop taking her anger out on you in training.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see.¡±


    They didn¡¯t speak again until the show was finished. It was the perfect time to rest, and recuperate energy.  Roy got up and stretched, he walked over to the kitchen to make something to eat. Just then, Kristy spoke up again.


    ¡°You know, you got to show me around sometime at the Young Protectors base, introduce me to your friends.¡±


    ¡°Kristy¡­¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t just be on the sidelines and worry about you all the time.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t get involved in my life as a Protector. If something happened to you, I would never forgive myself.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t say that. I can take care of myself just fine, but I need to know more about your friends and work life.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that great. I don¡¯t really consider them to be friends, just coworkers. They don¡¯t need to get too involved in my life, either.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should open some more doors then, you can¡¯t just have everything shut both ways.¡±


    Roy groaned. It was only a matter of time before it came to this. Of course Kristy would try to get involved in his Protector life. But, there wasn¡¯t anything he could do in this situation, so he had to agree.


    ¡°Alright¡­ alright. I¡¯ll see what I can do later.¡± Roy said. ¡°Why don¡¯t we go out right now, just hit the city?¡±


    ¡°Sounds good, but you better remember that you can¡¯t keep me sidelined.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll let me forget anyways.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and we¡¯re taking my car. Better safe than sorry.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    Kristy led the way to her car, a mid-sized blue sedan, and then they drove into New York. They had burgers and fries, an American classic that Roy always liked. He looked outside, it had only been just over a year since he arrived in New York City from Pittsburgh, and he still sees new things every day.


    But really, things were just getting started.

 Chapter 13: Webs

    The Bronx


    Angela S¨¢ez had been a normal girl for most of her life. Her parents had mundane jobs, her father being an auto-mechanic and her mother a waitress, and she went to school where she had her own friends¡­ and enemies. Then that day happened, where everything changed. Now, ¡®normal¡¯ isn¡¯t what most people would use to describe her life.


    It had been another day. The sun was setting, with the dark cloud above the red-orange sunlight. Now would be the time for her to simply get around the city, and clear her head. There was a lot to worry about right now, as ever since she entered the life, that life, things have been different. She¡¯s able to support her family with her new career, but that career involves dressing in costume and fighting criminals for a reward.


    Angela changed into her costume, taking the flexible suit outside her backpack and changing in an alleyway. It was a skin-tight dark blue outfit, with white highlights on the sides of her arms and legs, and a bright red spider symbol in the middle. The lower half of her face was covered by a white half-mask, leaving her eyes visible from the top. She made this costume herself, using silk from the webbing she could create. It was something that made her proud.


    Her hair tied into a ponytail, Angela completed the process of transitioning into her costumed attire. She was now Scarlet Web. She took the backpack and stuck it to the wall with a single blast of webbing. It was near where she lived, an apartment on the south end of the borough.


    Like it was nothing, Scarlet Web jumped from one wall to another in the alley as she made it to the rooftop. A feat impossible for most people, she could get to the top of a building in a matter of seconds. Once she got to the top of the brick wall, she put a little force into the next jump and leaped onto the rooftop of the opposite end. On her descent she did a flip and landing on all fours.


    She nodded at herself with approval. It had only been a year since she acquired those powers, and honestly, she¡¯s still amazed. Scarlet Web then did another flip in the air, before landing on her left hand, holding herself up with a one-handed handstand. This was another thing she liked, the strength she got from this mutation.


    With that, she lunged herself in the air with her left hand pushing against the rooftop, landing straight on her two feet. She smiled beneath her mask, and then look across the city from where she stood. It was like a place of adventure.


    ¡°I see my powers are still working.¡± Scarlet Web said to herself.


    That exercise was over, it was time to see what there was to offer. She cast a web from her wrist, and made a swing across the streets. The wind felt really good in her hair. Her destination was set, she was going to Manhattan. The view from atop the Empire State Building was always a good place for her to think.


    She swung from building to building, then she saw the subway the runs from The Bronx to Manhattan. I suppose they won¡¯t mind if I hitch a ride. Scarlet Web shot a web that zipped her straight to a subway car from the air. The rush she gets from moves like those hasn¡¯t gone away yet.


    As the subway moved, she sat back and relaxed while looking at the sky, the evening turning into night with each passing minute. The subway was riding towards Manhattan, and it got closer to view until the train crossed the water and she was officially in the borough. Before anyone realized she was even there, Scarlet Web slung across to another building. Swinging in Manhattan was always the funnest part, there being plenty of buildings to swing off of.


    Soon enough, she was at the Empire State Building, crawling her way to the top. It took five minutes, but there she was, standing on the edge of the skyscraper. Scarlet Web took her seat, putting down her mask so she can breathe the fresh air a little easier. These times when she can just be by herself were the best times.


    And someone was there.


    ¡°Still haven¡¯t joined the Protectors yet?¡± A voice said.


    ¡°My affiliation is me, myself and I.¡± Scarlet Web said.


    It was Night Spider. The man in the flexible black armored suit walked up to her, and then took his seat down on her right.


    ¡°You know, back when I put on the suit I wasn¡¯t expecting another spider-themed crimefighter to show up, certainly not one in New York.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting to be one either, but that¡¯s how it is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the biggest fan of the Protectors myself, but I can¡¯t argue with the money. I know what it¡¯s like not having any.¡±


    ¡°Join the club.¡± Scarlet Web said. ¡°But the money I make is good, and being an independent is what it¡¯s all about. Not everyone wants to be a Protector, chico.¡±


    ¡°I can understand that.¡± Night Spider said.


    ¡°Any reason you¡¯re here other than to remind me about an organization I¡¯ll never join?¡±


    ¡°I figured I¡¯d talk to you about something I¡¯ve had in mind.¡±


    ¡°And what is that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not offering you to join any team, but the boss says I should form a ¡®web¡¯ or a connection. You look like a good choice for that.¡±


    Scarlet Web turned around, just enough so her eye was visible to Night Spider. She wanted to be at peace, not be troubled by someone else. Whatever he¡¯s saying, it better be worth her time.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°People who fight criminals and villains and whatever else have to look out for each other, Protector or not.¡± Night Spider said. ¡°This shit¡¯s been going on since before the Protectors, before the war, where crimefighters had partnerships to help each other out. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s the best idea to be a complete lone wolf out there.¡±


    ¡°Why are you telling me all this, exactly?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just a kid who¡¯s done some things I¡¯m not proud of in the past, but I¡¯m hoping to change that now.¡± Night Spider said.


    He walked up to her and handed her a device. It was small, able to fit in one hand, and had a button on it. This is what people like her use to contact others.


    ¡°If you ever need me, just press the button.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it, but don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be pressing the button soon.¡±


    ¡°Only when you need it.¡±


    Night Spider waved goodbye before jumping off the building. He activated his web gliders and practically flew through the air in the distance. Scarlet Web sat down again, looking at the device. Even if she wants to be independent, forming a connection with others isn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing.


    There she remained for the next ten minutes, kicking back and thinking to herself. Her career was just getting started, and there were so many things ahead of her she didn¡¯t even know at this point. At least I¡¯m making a name for myself out in the world, this crazy world.


    It was time to get going back home. Scarlet Web swung back through the city until she reached her apartment. Landing on the side, she crawled up and through her window, squeezing in through the entrance. Scarlet Web looked back outside from where she stood, closing the window to make sure no one sees her.


    ¡°This was an alright night, I guess.¡±


    Then she sensed someone was in her apartment, and swung the door open to see it was her mother. Jesusita ¡°Susie¡± S¨¢ez, cooking up some roasted pork on her oven. She turned around, not even surprised to see her there in her costume.


    ¡°Out there ¡®hero-ing¡¯, right?¡±


    ¡°Mama, I was just exploring the city and having fun.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but don¡¯t think I don¡¯t get worried about you out there.¡±


    ¡°I know, but I¡¯m a big girl now and I can take care of myself.¡±


    The pork was done. Susie scooped it on two plates, handing one to her daughter. They took their seats on the wooden table nearby. After having a few bites, it being as delicious as her mama¡¯s cooking always is, Angela spoke to her mother again.


    ¡°I¡¯m not complaining, but any reason you decided to show up without telling me?¡±


    ¡°Other than to see my own daughter?¡±


    ¡°Good point, I was just worried there was an intruder in my home. Really don¡¯t need anyone knowing my secret identity.¡±


    ¡°Are you that paranoid?¡±


    ¡°When you¡¯re living a double life, you got to be.¡±


    Susie exhaled. Angela didn¡¯t like the sound of that. Ever since her ¡®job¡¯ began, where she did special deeds for a fee, her parents always worried about her safety. But she wasn¡¯t going to stop. The job pays well, it takes care of her and her family, and rent in New York isn¡¯t exactly cheap.


    ¡°Do you have any friends doing¡­ what it is that you do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to be a Protector if that¡¯s what you¡¯re going to say, but I have made a ¡®friend¡¯ with Night Spider. Figures another spider person would be out there.¡±


    ¡°You should make friends in the business. I don¡¯t want you to be alone, sweetie.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what he told me.¡± Angela said. ¡°He gave me this.¡±


    Angela placed the circular device on the table, which her mother looked at with curiosity. It was small, made of steel, and had a red button on the center. Susie¡¯s eyes widened, then she looked at Angela again.


    ¡°So you¡¯re not going to be all alone out there in the scary world of crimefighting?¡±


    ¡°Well, I mean I prefer to work alone but I guess I can contact him if I need to.¡±


    ¡°You should.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I get the point.¡±


    They finished the meal quietly for the rest of the dinner. Her mother didn¡¯t stay much longer after that. She waved goodbye as she returned home to her husband, and Angela was left to her own devices. It was nighttime out now, so she decided to do what she always did in her free time. Check the internet.


    Angela hopped to her computer and explored. There was one site she was going to. Right now, she wanted more information, and want to know what the pubic knows about her. That website was Heroes and Villains Online, the unofficial database on all things super in the world.


    The website opened up. It had a clean layout, with a blue and red layout. The top left displayed the font in a comic book style, complete with a bubble. Heroes and Villains Online served as the go-to website about costumes. There are many things it was useful for. A news site for recent events, a wiki for heroes, villains, organizations, paraphernalia, and other such things related to the matter. It was also a forum, and a chatroom.


    Angela expects that she built up some reputation as the Scarlet Web. This was the time to see what the public knew of her and how she presented herself. She entered Scarlet Web into the wiki¡¯s search engine, and soon enough her page came up. It was somewhat flattering to know she had a page of her own. Now she really made it.


    The picture of her was decent. It was an aerial shot of her swinging, nothing too special. She wasn¡¯t the type of person who poses for the cameras, certainly not in-costume. What she read made her feel alright, nothing about her personal life was known to the public, which was fine because she didn¡¯t need that that kind of attention invading her personal life. The infobox was promising enough.


    Name: Scarlet Web


    Alter Ego: Unknown


    Age: ~20


    Sex: Female


    Species: Biohuman


    Place of Birth: United States (presumed)


    Base of Operations: New York City, New York, United States


    Nationality: American (presumed)


    Alignment: Hero


    Affiliation: Independent


    Identity: Secret


    Marital Status: Unknown


    Occupation: Unknown


    Education: Unknown


    Abilities:


    <ul>


    <li>Spider physiology</li>


    <li>Natural web creation</li>


    <li>Enhanced strength</li>


    <li>Enhanced agility, speed and reflexes</li>


    <li>Heightened senses</li>


    </ul>


    Scarlet Web is a an independent costumed crimefighter who has emerged since roughly July 2034. Little is known about the Scarlet Web, as she has remained reclusive to most. Reports indicate that she¡¯s a young hero that hasn¡¯t become an affiliate to any particular organization, and does work for money. It¡¯s believed she is of Hispanic descent, and is from (or at least based in) New York City.


    Scarlet Web is based on spiders, having spider-like powers and being themed around the arachnid. Unlike others, such as the Night Spider, Scarlet Web has her powers naturally. The exact means she acquired her abilities isn¡¯t known.


    There wasn¡¯t much more to her bio than that. Compared to others on the website, which could get pretty extensive, her bio was rather short. This was mainly due to a combination of her only showing up recently, and her rather secretive nature to the public.


    That was how she preferred it.


    Angela spent the rest of the night watching TV. There was plenty of good dramas on the air, which she enjoyed. Once it got late, she went to bed. Angela knew she had to be well-rested before the next day, if she was going to continue the life that she was living. There was an entire world out there for her to explore, but right now she was content to live in her own.

 Chapter 14: Light

    Zh¨£o Temple, China


    The sun was shining. It was a long flight to get there. They arrived from the East Coast of the United States on a private jet that took them to a landing strip located in the forest near the west end of China, then they boarded a black sedan that took them to the sacred temple. This meeting was of the utmost importance, and there was a friend to meet here afterwards.


    Michael Byrne, or Stalker, was one of the Last Light¡¯s most successful assassins. The middle-aged man had a thin but graying beard, and his hair has gray strands against the black. A small scar was visible against his right cheek, serving as a permanent reminder of a previous encounter His enemies, most of them, would never see this before they die. Just a metal mask that vaguely resembled a human skull, and a dark hood over it.


    Accompanying him on the trip was his daughter, having barely turned eighteen. Julia Lin Byrne, or Glimmer, was a young woman with long dark hair that was neatly placed with a bobby pin, and bore a unique mark on her left hand. She spoke not a word on the trip unless needed, as she was raised to do. They sat in the back seat of a black luxury sedan as they drove into the sacred temple, ready for what they came for.


    Zh¨£o Temple on the surface was place in the middle of the forest, where Buddhists would go to for religious purposes. Or so that¡¯s what one would think. In actuality, it was the home to the leader of the Last Light. The vehicle stopped in front, it was time to do their business.


    Byrne wore a suit, it was black and he had a dark blue undershirt beneath, complete with black loafers. Julia had a red dress, with sleeves that reached her shoulders and a skirt down to her knees. Completing this was This was a formal meeting, so like her father she was expected to look nice.


    ¡°Have a good day.¡± The driver said.


    They vacated the vehicle, which drove away in a moment. A father and a daughter made their way inside the temple. It was large, and stood tall over a lake. They crossed the bridge to the entrance and were greeting by another man.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need you to leave the weapons with me.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want to be rude.¡± Byrne said.


    Byrne took out his handgun, setting it on the table. He then took out a blade, putting it next to the pistol. Then he nodded at his daughter, signalling her to do the same. She reached and took out her thigh holster carrying her blades, and gave it to the clearance. He then took out a metal detector, scanning them from top to bottom. They were clear.


    ¡°Come inside.¡± He said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯ll be safe with me until you depart.¡±


    They did just that. The temple had neatly polished stone floors, and pillars that held the roof up. Byrne led his daughter through the place, as there were multiple levels, and men were all over the place. These men also had dark suits, and while many were Chinese, other assassins from all over the world were inside this building. Byrne was summoned to speak with the best one. Master Feng, their leader, was stationed here, and had operated from this area for a long time.


    An Englishman approached him. Byrne knew this man very well, for the fact that he was another highly skilled assassin named Inigo Price, known as the Gentleman. His trademark being that he always sent flowers and chocolates to the families of his victims. Anonymously, of course. The man had brown hair, and a well-groomed mustache, along with a genuine smile at the sight of the two.


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯ve come all this way for a meeting, how generous of you.¡± Price said. ¡°And little Julia is all grown up I see. It brings a tear to my eye.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not act like this is anything other than business.¡± Byrne said. ¡°I¡¯m sure a true gentleman like yourself knows about that.¡±


    ¡°Just because we¡¯re professionals doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t enjoy the company of others.¡± Price said. ¡°I¡¯d say it¡¯s necessary to keep this running and tightly knit.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡± Byrne said. ¡°So, what brings you here?¡±


    ¡°Glad you asked. I¡¯ve also been summoned by summoned by Master Feng, if you can believe it. So I¡¯m sure you know all about the story behind that.¡±


    ¡°What are we waiting for then?¡± Byrne said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to keep him waiting.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure he¡¯d like to speak with us as soon as possible. On our way, then. After you.¡±


    Price allowed Byrne and Julia to walk ahead of him as he followed from behind. Byrne had little interest in interacting with the other assassins that weren¡¯t Master Feng. That wasn¡¯t what he came for. Master Feng would be located in the south end, where the meeting room was. It took roughly ten minutes to each, as the halls extended wide. A guard opened the doors, and there Master Feng was sitting on the opposite end of a large table.


    ¡°Welcome.¡± Master Feng said.


    Master Feng was an older man, though how old wasn¡¯t certain, but he certainly looked well for his age. He was bald, and wore silk robes for the occasion.


    ¡°You summoned me?¡± Byrne asked rhetorically.


    ¡°Take your seats, everyone.¡±


    Byrne sat on the right of the table, with his daughter by his side. Price took his seat on the left. They weren¡¯t the only assassins there, in fact they were summoned just like Byrne was by Master Feng, for a meeting that Master Feng would describe as being of the utmost importance.


    With everyone ready for what was next, a meeting about the future of Last Light.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad everyone is present.¡± Master Feng said. ¡°The next chapter of the Last Light begins here.¡±


    ¡°That, I would expect.¡± Pierce Abell said. ¡°It¡¯s not everyday we get called to this place.¡±


    Abell was also known as the Rainmaker, an archer assassin considered among the best. He had his hands clasped together, awaiting what was next.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure this will live up to your expectations.¡± Master Feng said. ¡°The Last Light has existed for many years, and it¡¯s only recently where it could possibly be put in jeopardy. I think you all know why.¡±


    ¡°The Protectors, correct?¡± Oscar Delacroix said.


    Delacroix operated under the codename of the Steel Scorpion, a man known his venomous blades.


    ¡°That is correct.¡± Master Feng said. ¡°Ever since they formed, we¡¯ve been an enemy of them, and it¡¯s only a matter of time before the sights are turned on us. That is something we can no longer accept, so it¡¯s our task to strike first.¡±


    ¡°I assume you know the way.¡± Byrne said.


    ¡°You already know the way, Mr. Byrne.¡±


    Byrne had a faint smile. He knew exactly what Master Feng had in mind, and he was prepared for it.


    ¡°We must strike from the inside, deceive them and lure them into a trap of our own.¡± Master Feng said.


    ¡°And my daughter is the key.¡± Byrne said.


    Julia¡¯s eyes widened, and looked at her father in shock from what he just said. She didn¡¯t speak, however. Instead, she observed further as to what they had to say.


    ¡°We¡¯ve had to change our plans ever since my ungrateful son abandoned us.¡± Byrne said. ¡°But this will work out perfectly.¡±


    ¡°The Protectors would never suspect that we would send Julia to infiltrate them, because they would be too busy welcoming her in open arms.¡± Master Feng said.


    ¡°Then they¡¯ll never see us coming.¡± Byrne said. ¡°And my son will end up being the biggest helper in all of that, whether he intends to or not.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect.¡± Master Feng said. ¡°And the sooner we can get rid of the Protectors, the sooner we can truly begin the next chapter.¡±


    Byrne turned to his daughter, who still didn¡¯t speak, not wishing to disrupt the meeting at hand.


    ¡°You hear that sweetie? You¡¯re going to play Protector now.¡±


    She nodded.


    ¡°Using your own daughter as a way to infiltrate your enemy¡­ how lovely.¡± Price said.


    ¡°Is there a better way?¡±


    ¡°No, no. Just have your fun.¡±


    ¡°Send her to the city once you return home.¡± Master Feng said. ¡°Say that she escaped so she could join them, just like her brother.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect.¡± Byrne said. ¡°They bought his story, they¡¯ll certainly buy hers.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Master Feng said.


    The plan was in motion. Julia still said nothing as she was there, only observing the events as they unfold. The meeting ended soon afterward, and everyone dismissed themselves to return to their own devices. Michael Byrne was glad it was over, and the plan would begin soon enough.


    He stepped outside, looking over the lake. It was a tranquil sight, and Julia joined him in the spectacle.


    ¡°So, will you be ready to deceive the Protectors, and prove yourself as the better to your brother?¡±


    Julia said nothing.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to speak, no need to be silent right now.¡±


    In the past, Julia would not speak unless instructed. The punishments for speaking out of line were severe, to say the least, so she didn¡¯t dare talk unless given the okay first.


    ¡°Will he be okay?¡± Julia said. It was the first time spoke aloud today.


    ¡°Christopher? Depends on his choices. Maybe if he wisens up and stops playing the do-gooder, I might allow him back in.¡±


    Julia sighed.


    ¡°That mark on your hand, it wasn¡¯t meant for you.¡± Byrne said. ¡°He was supposed to get it, just before he turned traitor. Consider it a great privilege.¡±


    That having been said, Julia examined the mark that was bestowed upon her. It was the Parallel Mark, a link between two worlds that granted her power. Not everyone could wield it, but Julia was one of the ones who could. It appeared as a symbol of an eye on her left hand.


    ¡°You think they¡¯ll accept me?¡±


    ¡°They accepted him, didn¡¯t they? Besides, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be happy to have you back, and that¡¯ll make it even easier. Everyone likes a sob story, that you¡¯re an assassin by birth trying to do ¡®good¡¯. But the thing is, you¡¯re doing what you¡¯re made to do.¡±


    Julia didn¡¯t say anything to that.


    ¡°If you can retrieve Christopher, I¡¯ll guarantee his safety. How¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    ¡°I know you will.¡± Byrne said. ¡°Come, we have a friend to visit in Shanghai before we go home.¡±


    Byrne led the way, retrieving their weapons before leaving the temple. They spoke not a word on the way out. Up front was the same black sedan waiting for them, and the two took their seats in the back. The ride took several hours until they reached their destination.


    Shanghai


    The city of Shanghai was home to over twenty million people, and that could easily been seen through the sheer size. It was getting darker out, and the city turned into a light show. Julia wished she could stick around, to see what was available. But alas, they were there for business, not pleasure.


    They arrived at the center of the city. Their destination was the Parallel Industries Tower, it was one of several in the world established by the company and was founded by the Last Light some several decades ago as a means to provide funding for their organization, and serves as a cover in general.


    Michael Byrne wanted to speak to the Shanghai head of the tower, Hong Liao. The car pulled up in front of the building. They stepped out, went inside, and Byrne was prepared for what he was going to say. The interior looked clean and immaculate, the place being cleaned spotless, the black tile floors and open space being a welcoming sight.


    They rode the elevator to the top, where Liao was located. The doors opened, and there he was. A man in a gray suit, neatly combed hair, and clean shave. Liao seemed like any other man who became successful, a hard worker and a smart thinker. The reality was a little different than that.


    ¡°Welcome, Mr. Byrne. I¡¯m glad to see you and your daughter are still doing fine.¡±


    ¡°The pleasure is mine.¡± Byrne said.


    ¡°So what brings you all the way over here?¡±


    ¡°Business, really. Julia¡¯s got some big things coming up for her.¡±


    ¡°I hope her mother is proud.¡±


    ¡°Wherever she is.¡±


    They took their seat next to a table that was in the room. There wasn¡¯t any more time to chit-chat, right it was all business.


    ¡°I need a favor done, and so do you.¡± Byrne said. ¡°Why don¡¯t we kill two birds with one stone while we¡¯re here?¡±


    ¡°I like the sound of that.¡± Liao said.


    ¡°We¡¯ve had a good thing going with this Last Light thing, but it¡¯s not always perfect.¡± Bynre said. ¡°I hear you have enemies to take care of. Is that correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Liao said. ¡°A former associate of mine is trying to blackmail me when he uncovered my transactions. He said that he expects to have one hundred million by tomorrow and will notify the police if I don¡¯t hand it to him.¡±


    ¡°Looks like a job we can take care of, then.¡± Byrne said. ¡°I return, I¡¯ll need a favor of you. That we can discuss later, but for now let¡¯s focus on the mission at hand.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Liao said. ¡°His name is Jie Shen. He thought that once he fell out of the company he could take advantage of my past. I am to meet with tomorrow night at ten to make our ¡®arrangement¡¯. Shen also said that he¡¯ll have armed guards in case something goes wrong. Why don¡¯t we give them a little surprise?¡±


    ¡°I think we can work with that.¡± Byrne said. ¡°The two of us will take care of him and his men, it¡¯ll be routine.¡±


    They shook hands. Both were happy that they could make this deal happen, and put an end to someone that could potentially compromise them. A rat in general was not something they could tolerate, so getting rid of him will be a pleasure. Byrne spoke again, ready to close the deal.


    ¡°The world doesn¡¯t need more heroes. It needs more professionals.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m inclined to agree.¡± Liao said. ¡°I¡¯ll provide the quarters for you two to stay until tomorrow. Of course, you already have what you need.¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t call myself an assassin if I didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Enjoy your stay then. We¡¯ll have plenty of business at hand tomorrow night, I think it should be interesting.¡±


    Liao led Byrne and Julia into the quarters. It was located at the top of the skycraper, in a hidden room within the wall. Pressing a button would uncover it, the walls opening up to reveal the place they would be staying in. Like the rest of the building, it was luxurious. It had wooden walls, there were two beds, both king-sized, a window proving a fantastic view of the city, and a large computer for business purposes. This would do nicely.


    Liao left them to their own devices. Julia had lied down on a bed when her father spoke to her again.


    ¡°Are you ready for the mission tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll make him regret his actions when Stalker and Glimmer show up instead of who he was expecting, if he even has enough time for that.¡±


    The task would begin soon, and for this there was a favor to expect in return, one that would help them greatly with their future endeavors.

 Chapter 15: Assassination

    Shanghai


    Night fell the bustling Chinese city. Most people had their own businesses to attend to, and for some, that would lead to bloodshed. Jie Shen stood atop the roof of the Shanghai Residential Center, a place still under construction but soon to be open to the public, surrounded by over a dozen armed guards in every corner. He was expecting to make a deal that would turn him into a very rich man, but if Liao can help it, he¡¯ll be a dead one.


    The roof of the center would be used as a place to relax. There were trees, benches, tables, and a grill. Additionally, both sides had a helipad to land on. Here, it was where Shen was expecting to do his business with Liao. The area was above where the general public would be, making such a place perfect for a deal like this.


    The people of Shanghai would have no idea what was going to take place, and this was a building that Shen personally owned. That made this the ideal location for Shen to go about his less-than-legal business. He had been waiting there patiently for ten minutes, making sure everything was in place.


    Shen had his cell phone out, speaking to Liao about their transaction.


    ¡°I expect you¡¯ll arrive soon.¡± Shen said. ¡°You don¡¯t want to keep me waiting.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t intend to.¡± Liao said. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want you to miss this.¡±


    The call ended. Fifteen minutes later, a black helicopter landed on the helipad located on the east end of the building. It the same black helicopter Liao would use, with the tinted windows that concealed the members inside. Shen smiled. Everything was going according to plan.


    The doors of the helicopter swung open, and then suddenly they were blind. Smoke shot out of the side of the helicopter, obscuring their sight in a dark cloud. That was the moment when the sounds of gunfire echoed through the sky, and when the bloodshed would begin.


    Shen¡¯s men were falling. There was returning fire. They had no idea where to shoot, for their attacker was a mobile threat who hit them with pin point accuracy. One guard grabbed a hold of Shen, pushing him back in the panic.


    ¡°Sir, we¡¯ve got to get you out of here!¡±


    That second, he was stabbed through the chest by a katana. Shen ran with several guards surrounding him, attempting to flee to the helicopter. The smoke dissipated, revealing a man in a gray hood with a steel masked modeled after a skull, in possession of both guns and swords. The dreaded assassin known as the Stalker.


    ¡°Glimmer, after him!¡± Stalker said.


    Jumping in the middle of the air was the young assassin Glimmer. She had black hair, a scarf mask that covered the lower half of her face, and a tight black suit. Glimmer threw two knives that hit the heads of two of Shen¡¯s men. Blood spewed forward as they fell to the ground. Shen continued, running for his life as fast as his legs could possibly take him in the chaos that was unfolding.


    Shen had only barely made it into the helicopter as his men fell back to hold off Glimmer. She swiftly took them with her blades, throwing one to one guard¡¯s throat before quickly stabbing the other. The helicopter started going, and Shen was airborne. Just as Stalker was dealing with the remainder of the guards, he gave Glimmer an order.


    ¡°It¡¯s on you now!¡±


    Glimmer felt the power of the mark flowing through her as she cast a shadowy-like arm from her left hand. It was black, transparent, and gave off an aura of darkness. The hand grabbed the helicopter as it flew, and she propelled herself to it. She was in the air hurling towards the vehicle. Soon enough, she zoomed to the machine above, and boarded the inside where her targets were in shock of what happened.


    ¡°What the fuck was that?!¡± A guard said.


    ¡°Just shoot her!¡± Shen yelled.


    The guard on his right took out his pistol and opened fire. Glimmer teleported to the left, and the bullets ended up hitting the pilot, killing him instantly. Glimmer threw a knife at the guard, ending him right then and there, and preventing him from being any further of a problem. The helicopter preceded to descend into the ground, heading for an abandoned building that was about to be torn down. Glimmer jumped out and slung herself to a nearby building, watching as it would crash.


    It made a thundering noise when it hit the ground. The Earth beneath it practically shook from the impact. A few moments later, Shen crawled out of the wreckage, limping and barely holding himself as dirt and blood covered his clothing. Glimmer appeared before him, with a blade in his hands. She was ready to go in for the kill. He panicked, and tried to say anything he could that would potentially save his life.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°Look¡­ I don¡¯t know what Liao is paying you people, but whatever it is I¡¯ll double it! Triple it! Anything you want, just please let me go!¡±


    ¡°The only thing I want is to complete my mission.¡± Glimmer said.


    ¡°No!¡±


    Glimmer appeared before him in an instant, and drove the blade through his heart. Blood spewed from Shen¡¯s mouth as the life left his eyes.


    The deed was done.


    Glimmer held her left hand. Using the power of the Parallel Mark was a strange feeling that she couldn¡¯t describe, other than that it was hot. She knew the forces of Shanghai would be arriving soon, so it was best that she would leave. Glimmer fled the area, disappearing into the shadows.


    Mission accomplished.


    Thirty minutes later, Glimmer returned to Stalker, who had long finished with the guards. He examined his blade, not a scratch on it, and he¡¯ll be sure to clean the blood off soon. Then he walked up to his daughter, giving her a pat on the right shoulder. That¡¯s when she knew she did a good job.


    A call from Liao.


    ¡°Your former associate will no longer be a problem.¡± Stalker said.


    ¡°Good. Glad to see the rats have been cleared.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll meet with you in the next hour.¡±


    After an hour passed, Stalker and Glimmer arrived at the top of the Parallel Industries Tower, now dressed in normal attire. Michael Byrne and his daughter Julia were about ready to go home now. This would be the last stop before the plane takes them to back to the Western world.


    Liao sat back in his chair as Byrne and Julia faced him in front of his desk. He was very satisfied with how everything turned out. Byrne was satisfied too, a job well done and a favor in the future for doing it.


    ¡°A weight has been lifted knowing that my dear old friend is in Hell.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve filled our end of the bargain.¡± Byrne said. ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    ¡°I want your full support for what I have planned later.¡± Byrne said. ¡°I¡¯ll contact you when I¡¯m ready.¡±


    ¡°Very well, then. I¡¯ll give you whatever help I can give, for whatever it is you need.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d expect nothing less.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I have a flight to get home and it¡¯s going to be a long one, so there¡¯s no time to waste. I¡¯ll talk to you later, when everything is set in motion.¡±


    Byrne turned around and left the building, just as Julia did the same. They were awaited by a black sedan. It was the same driver who had been taking them around China this entire time. Outside it was raining, and Byrne would like nothing more than to get where it¡¯s dry. They took their seats in the back and it drove off through the city. In twenty minutes, they arrived to a dropship landed on a helipad, located in the south end of the city. This was a spot where people would park their ships, allowing them to bypass the airports who check for security. The pad was on top of a building that stood tall like much of Shanghai.


    It wasn¡¯t long until they entered the ship, and soon enough they flew into the distance. Their next stop was home, where soon the real mission would begin. Byrne sat back, as Julia lied back in her seat, taking the opportunity to relax. He had a glass of scotch where he sat, her father always would have an alcoholic drink when a mission was completed. That was when Byrne decided to speak to her again.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t exactly subtle, but it got the job done.¡± Byrne said. ¡°When we get home, that¡¯s when the real task starts.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°Remember that you are to make them trust you. I know my dear old son most certainly will, and just when they think they can let their guard down, that¡¯s when you strike.¡±


    Julia nodded. She didn¡¯t think about what she was going to do, instead hoping that her brother will be brought back alive out of the arrangement. The days she could recall, the intensive training by her father, by the other members of the Last Light. When her brother fled, the Parallel Mark that was meant to bare him was given to her. Sometimes, she fears her own power.


    Then she remembered her mother. The Chinese assassin Chenhua Li, or Severance. Those days when she had to train with her. It ended with Julia unable to move, left to the ground in sheer agony. Before she was even ten.  They told her it was all to make her a stronger person, and it was true that¡¯s what she ended up being in the end. But the cost may have been great.


    The words she would speak to her, when she had been thoroughly beaten.


    If this is how weak my bloodline is, then we might as well kill you now.


    They rung in her mind to this day. Severance was a deadly assassin for the Last Light, and until her death, she never held back when it came to hurting both physically and emotionally.


    It had been so long since she last saw her brother. Though they had different mothers, he was the only family she knew that cared for something other than training her to be a weapon. If she can get Christopher back, then maybe everything will be alright after all.


    Julia looked outside, staring at the sky from the top of the clouds. She had to mentally prepare herself for when she would ¡®escape¡¯ the Last Light, and join as a Protector. Christopher had escaped six years ago, and since then he¡¯s defied her father¡¯s wishes to come back to him. Now it¡¯s up to her to bring Christopher back herself.


    She got up from her seat, and went to the ship¡¯s storage on the side. That¡¯s where their costumes and weapons were at. Her identity as Glimmer wasn¡¯t known to the public. None of the websites reported it, nor is there any known archive of the alias she could find. That was the identity she would use, when she becomes a Protector.


    Eleven hours later, the ship would land in their mansion located in the countryside of Upstate New York. Byrne exited with Julia in tow. It was night, just like how it was when they left China. The mansion was beautiful, being an old gray home that had been maintained over the years. They made it inside through their yard, and Byrne took the opportunity to speak again.


    ¡°Get your rest.¡± Byrne said. ¡°Your assignment will begin soon enough.¡±


    Julia nodded. She retreated to her room, which was cleaned spotless and had her favorite teddy bear still beside her pillow. In a moment¡¯s notice, she crashed down on the surface, holding the bear close to her face. The bed was complete comfort, relaxed. Not much longer, and she was sound asleep. Her big day would be coming soon, and she had to be prepared for it.

 Chapter 16: Sneaking Out

    Austin


    Zack Miller was an ordinary fourteen-year-old who attended high school in Austin, Texas. Nothing interesting ever happened to him, and he figured that he¡¯d just go through life as it went. Or rather, that¡¯s what he wanted the others to think. The reality is, he was one of those people who were affected by the shining blue meteor that became known as the Gene Factor. It flew over Austin before crashing just outside the city, and it is credited for creating what are known as ¡®Genos¡¯.


    To him it was funny how people always had to come up with a name for those affected by an event that gave them powers. There are Reborn, Evos, Imperfects, Changed, and of course, Genos. The idea came up that he could utilize his abilities to wear a costume and join Austin¡¯s premier (only) superhero team known as the Battalion, but honestly it sounded like too much trouble (and danger) than it was worth.


    Another day of school. Zack got up out of bed, yawning as he prepared for the day. A shower and new pair of clothes later, he was downstairs eating a bowl of cereal. His mother was preparing for work, just as his younger brother Lucas got done eating. Neither of them knew of his ¡®condition¡¯, and frankly there was no need for them to know.


    ¡°Have a good day at school, I got to get going.¡± His mother said.


    ¡°Yeah, see you later.¡±


    She left with Lucas, she always drove him to his elementary school. However, for Zack he always rode his bike. It was close enough that the ride there was quick and easy, and allowed him room to simply let his mind wander. After breakfast was done, Zack hopped on and rode off, ready to simply get the day over with.


    After fifteen minutes, the school came into view. Thomas Williams High School, a public school just like any other. He parked his bike, just ten minutes before class starts. He figured he¡¯d simply check his phone in the hallway to see what the latest updates were. Then his friend Joey Garcia approached him, looking excited based on the smile he had.


    ¡°Hey man, how¡¯s it hanging?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much, really.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you excited?¡±


    ¡°For what, just to get the day over with?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the best mood.¡±


    ¡°Then what is there to be excited for?¡±


    ¡°Since you asked, I just got us two tickets to see Dragonfire live!¡±


    ¡°No way!¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, don¡¯t be late.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not planning to.¡±


    They high-fived each other, then the bell rang. Class was to begin now. Everyone ran hastily inside their classrooms and the day officially started. For the most part, school was boring, but that wasn¡¯t new. Zack made it through history, math and social studies before lunch began.


    He made himself a sandwich for lunch that he packed in a bag. It was always preferable to what they served at the cafeteria, he¡¯ll say that. Zack joined Joey at the table where they talked about what was new that was happening in their lives. Joey was eating a sandwich as well, and both had a soda though is was Pepsi to Zack¡¯s Coca-Cola.


    ¡°So, no one else knows about your¡­¡± Joey said as he then changed to a whisper. ¡°¡­ situation, right?¡±


    ¡°You mean that?¡±¡± Joey said. ¡°I hope not.¡±


    ¡°Okay, good.¡±


    Joey was the only person Zack directly told that he was a Geno, outside of anonymous message boards. He planned it to stay that way. Zack didn¡¯t wish to focus on that, in fact he wouldn¡¯t mind if he forgot his special powers. That kind of attention wasn¡¯t needed. He took a bite from his sandwich, thinking of the exciting concert that awaited him later.


    Another few hours passed and the school day was officially over. Zack quickly rode back to his home and decided he would relax for the day until it was time to go to the concert. For the most part, he spent the day browsing the internet and playing video games, nothing to big. Just something that would help him unwind.


    The door opened, his mother was home after a long day of work. Zack took the chance to tell her about the concert he was going to, that he could use a ride to with her car.


    ¡°Hey mom, I¡¯m going to see Dragonfire with Joey. Can you give me a lift.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, but I don¡¯t want you going to that concert.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what?!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a heavy metal concert, you could get in trouble and someone could hurt you.¡±


    ¡°Mom, I can take care of myself!¡±


    ¡°No you can¡¯t and someone could hurt you. Not only that, but I¡¯m afraid one of those so called Genos out there that could do harm. Those mutated troublemakers have done more harm than good.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that half¡­¡±


    ¡°Look, I can¡¯t let you go by yourself. It¡¯s too dangerous and I can¡¯t risk it.¡±


    ¡°Thanks mom.¡± Zack said sarcastically.


    Zack retreated to his room, his head hung down. Of course she would say no, she never wants me to have fun. He lied down on his bed, and drifted into sleep. Two hours later, his phone rang, waking him up. He already knew who it was. Now he had to go through the trouble of telling his friend the news.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°I was, but then mom said I couldn¡¯t go. She said she was all worried about my safety and crap.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that sucks. But why don¡¯t you sneak out? You can do that.¡±


    ¡°I can, but I don¡¯t want to get in trouble.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll never know. You have an hour to think before me and my brother drive by the park to see if you¡¯re there.¡±


    ¡°Look, I¡¯ll think about it but don¡¯t be surprised if I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re not, it¡¯s your loss.¡±


    Zack groaned. He lied down on his bed for another thirty minutes, and realized that he could easily escape with his powers. Zack had the ability to make clones of himself, and a clone could be used as a decoy to fool his mom while he escapes. With little effort, a duplicate version of him was made, and one that couldn¡¯t be distinguished from the original.


    ¡°You just make sure mom is fooled.¡± Zack said to his clone.


    ¡°Got it.¡± The clone said.


    His mother would be too busy watching TV in her room to notice Zack as he quietly left the house, and rode the bike out to the park where Joey and his brother Angel soon arrived. Joey had a wide smile, clearly happy that Zack made the choice to come with them to the Dragonfire concert.


    ¡°Get in, bro!¡± Joey said.


    Zack nodded. He sat in the back of Angel¡¯s pick-up truck and they drove off. The concert was fun, it was loud and the music was great, but the whole time Zack was worried about what he had done. He¡¯d be grounded for a month if mom found out what he did, and she probably wouldn¡¯t be happy to learn that he¡¯s a Geno, either.


    He hadn¡¯t gotten a call from her yet, so he looks to be in the clear for now. Angel and Joey approached him.


    ¡°I could use something to eat.¡± Joey said. ¡°Why don¡¯t we get some burgers, then we¡¯ll take you home?¡±


    ¡°Alright, but we gotta be quick.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll make it fast.¡±


    ¡°We better.¡±


    They drove to Joe¡¯s,  a burger place where they had a good meal. Zack had a cheeseburger, and they always tasted like heaven whenever he ate there. That was one thing he could appreciate the place, and this could be a very good night all without getting caught.


    Then it happened.


    A car was thrown through the entrance of the building. The impact was loud, almost deafening, and screams of terror filled the air afterwards. His friends bolted, but Zack was too scared to move. When he finally could, all he did hide underneath the table. He hoped that, whatever it was, he wouldn¡¯t get caught in the crossfire of their attack.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s see¡­¡± A female voice said. ¡°Where is he?¡±


    That made him terrified. He wished he ran, just like the others, but it¡¯s too late now. The best he can do is hide until they leave.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± She said again. ¡°I think he¡¯s over here!¡±


    They got closer and closer, until three pairs of feet were visible under the table he was in. Then they stopped, and faced straight towards him. Zack shook with fear, realizing that he was the one they were talking about.


    ¡°Come out.¡± She said.


    Zack didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°She said to ¡®come out¡¯!¡± A gravel male voice said.


    The man then grabbed the table and effortlessly tossed it aside, despite it having been bolted to the ground. It made a crashing thud as it hit the wall to the right. Zack shook with fear as he saw three people, a woman in the middle and two men on the sides. The woman had long and purple hair, and the right side of her head was shaven clean. The man on the left was a overweight hulking behemoth of a man that was clearly responsible for the car being thrown into the building. The man on the right appeared Asian, had spiky hair, and wore a double-collared jacket.


    All three of them looked young, and all three had tattoos, which only highlighted that they were criminals that weren¡¯t in the interest of obeying the law.


    ¡°What do you want with me?!¡± Zack finally got the courage to speak.


    ¡°My boss wants you just like the other young superhumans. That¡¯s the only stupid question you get.¡± She said with a smile.


    He couldn¡¯t do anything. No one was going to save him. Now he wished he stayed home, where he would¡¯ve been safe. But, how did they know where to find me?!


    ¡°Razorback, grab him.¡±


    ¡°With pleasure.¡± The big man said.


    Razorback grabbed Zack by the right arm and picked him up with absolutely no effort. He could feel as he was being jerked around and his arm was definitely hurting, thought that was the least of his worries. They went outside and moved out to the back. Their ship awaited them.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what the bosses want with this pipsqueak.¡± Razorback said. ¡°Sounds like this was just a waste of time.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a waste when we get paid.¡± She said.


    ¡°That¡¯s true, Psyren.¡±


    The ship¡¯s door descended downward, allowing them inside. Razorback threw Zack into a cell that was built for containing superhumans. It was made of a special glass that was virtually indestructible, even for those possessing superhuman strength. All he could do was listen to what they were saying.


    ¡°Bagged ¡¯em.¡± Psyren said to a computer screen.


    ¡°Ah, just what I would expect. He¡¯ll be back with us soon, and I can¡¯t wait to see what we can do with him.¡± A deep, slightly distorted voice said.


    ¡°This was the easiest job ever.¡± The Asian man said.


    ¡°I¡¯m inclined to agree, Zero.¡± Psyren said.


    So their names are Razorback, Psyren, and Zero¡­ I¡¯ll have to remember this. If only I could get myself out¡­


    ¡°ODESSA will have use for someone like him, I¡¯m sure.¡± The voice said.


    ODESSA?


    ¡°We¡¯ll see you soon, goodbye.¡± Psyren said.


    The call ended and everyone returned to their rooms, leaving Zack by himself. There was no way Zack could get out of this cell, he wasn¡¯t even going to try there. However, he remembered that he left a clone back at his place. Zack could see and speak through the clone, that was something he found out through experimenting. Now he¡¯ll need that to contact help.


    <hr>


    Zack focused his mind, and there he was in his room like nothing happened. Now the hard part of telling his mother about what happened would begin. Zack walked through the hallways, and there she was. There wasn¡¯t much time for him, so he had to make this quick.


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Look, you won¡¯t believe this but you have to trust me with everything!¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to like this¡­ but I¡¯m one of those Genos.¡±


    ¡°You mean¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, I found my powers seven months ago. I can make clones of myself, and you¡¯re speaking to one right now that I¡¯m controlling. I don¡¯t have much time, so I¡¯ll just tell you that I¡¯ve been kidnapped!¡±


    ¡°Wait, what?!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, three people with powers, I¡¯m not sure if their Genos or not, kidnapped me and I¡¯m in a cell on a ship heading to who knows where. The people employing them are called ODESSA.¡±


    ¡°Who is ODESSA?!¡±


    ¡°How the hell should I know? You just got to find someone who can help. Call the police, the Battalion, anybody!¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯d do whatever I can. I¡¯ll go there myself if I have to.¡±


    ¡°I know you will.¡±


    The clone vanished. She fell to her knees crying, then the door swung open.


    ¡°Ms. Miller!¡± Joey yelled. ¡°They¡¯ve kidnapped Zack!¡±


    ¡°I know¡­¡±


    ¡°They just threw a car through the building and took him. I wish I didn¡¯t bolt, but I was scared for my life.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a real hero.¡±


    ¡°I know I could¡¯ve been braver, but I¡¯m not a hero. I¡¯m just a fourteen-year-old who¡¯s just as defenseless as him. They would¡¯ve killed me to get to Zack!¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you think to take him with you? You only care about yourself! Go away!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it right somehow, just wait!¡±


    Joey ran back to the truck and Angel drove off. Though she didn¡¯t want to see him then, he knew he had to make things right somehow. He¡¯ll contact anyone who can help him, and will do his best to help. That he was certain. Wherever Zack is heading to, Joey prays that he¡¯ll live.

 Chapter 17: Assignment

    Brooklyn


    Jason awoke next to Aera, her being soundly asleep after a good night. He smiled as he ran his fingers through her dark blue hair. It was around noon, and they wasted no time last night, to say the least. Jason put some clothes on after he stretched out and took a shower. His phone received a notification.


    Come to Protectors Tower, there is an assignment for you.


    It was then when Aera woke up, still naked. She smiled at him.


    ¡°We got a busy day, hm?¡±


    ¡°I believe so.¡± Jason said. ¡°They want us to come to their tower for an assignment. I think I¡¯m ready for it.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re ready for it, remember?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I would never forget that we¡¯re both leaders here.¡±


    Aera nodded. She put on clothes herself, paying no mind to Jason as he stood there. The purple-skinned alien looked wonderful, as she wore a white T-shirt with short shorts. Jason loved that about her. When she was done she nodded with a smile, they were prepared for whatever the Protectors had for them.


    They held hands as they moved through the Young Protectors¡¯ base. There were other members their attending their own business. Being the leader of the members within this sector meant that Jason had the responsibility to ensure everything runs smoothly. Anya Azarova, also known as the Winter Witch, approached him.


    ¡°Got anything special going on?¡± Anya said.


    ¡°The Protectors are calling for us to report to them, said they have an assignment for us.¡± Jason said.


    ¡°Well, whatever it is, can you bring me with?¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Jason said.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t go on the last mission, and I haven¡¯t been doing much lately. I signed up to be a Protector, not to hang out in a building all day.¡±


    ¡°I understand that. Whatever it is, we¡¯ll bring you along. I promise.¡±


    Anya smiled, not saying a word as she left them to their own devices. Jason and Aera walked into the garage where a car, specifically a Hyundai, awaited them. Jason owned the vehicle, having bought it with his own Protector money. He took his seat behind the wheel, while Aera rode as the passenger.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what the deal is.¡± Jason said.


    The drive took just over thirty minutes when they reached the Protectors Tower. The car was parked, and they rode the elevator upstairs to offices at the top of the building. There were other Protectors there, who were older and had far more seniority than him. It was honestly rather intimidating to be around these people.


    They approached the main office, where several members of the Protectors¡¯ Circle of Trust were sitting there, awaiting their arrival. John Baen, Cobalt, Void, Green Gadget, and Seraph had something important, a mission to assign the Young Protectors, and it wasn¡¯t going to be easy.


    ¡°I hope you two are having a good day.¡± John Baen said.


    ¡°We are, just after we had a good night.¡± Aera said. ¡°A very good night, in fact¡ª¡±


    ¡°Aera!¡± Jason said.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure we all have ¡®good nights¡¯, but let¡¯s focus on the present.¡± Void said. ¡°There¡¯s a more urgent matter that we need a dedicated team to take care of. It¡¯s only fitting it would be the Young Protectors.¡±


    ¡°Is it what I think it is?¡± Jason said.


    ¡°So you already know?¡± Void said.


    ¡°Young superhumans have been kidnapped across the country, across the world.¡± Jason said. ¡°And these people have been training men and women my age or younger to be supervillains.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re up to speed.¡± Green Gadget said.


    ¡°Then it should come as no surprise.¡± Cobalt said. ¡°It¡¯s ODESSA.¡±


    ¡°Organization of Differently Empowered Superhumans & Scientific Association.¡± John Baen said. ¡°I guess ODESSA just rolls of the tongue better.¡±


    Jason crossed his arms as he thought to himself. He had been studying the various supervillain organizations for a while, knowing that he could take on any one of them. So he¡¯s going to be taking on ODESSA. Jason knew that he had to be prepared for this, just as how he had to be ready for anything.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what kind of youth they kidnap.¡± Seraph said. ¡°They could be enhanced, biohumans, magic users, non-humans¡­ really, they just want to collect the youths with special abilities for their own purposes. If they don¡¯t join them, they kidnap them, and I don¡¯t know what it is they want. That¡¯s where you come in.¡±


    ¡°I accept the mission.¡± Jason said. ¡°I¡¯ll lead the charge against ODESSA, so that the young who are unique and feel safe.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll lead the charge.¡± Aera said. ¡°We¡¯re both equals here.¡±Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Yes, of course. That was my bad.¡±


    ¡°So, from this day forward we assign you as the Head of Anti-ODESSA operations.¡± Cobalt said. ¡°Don¡¯t screw it up, please. No pressure or anything.¡±


    Aera glanced to the right, they were clearly still referring to Jason, even after she said that they¡¯re equals. The preferential treatment towards Jason was starting to make her feel insecure.


    ¡°Where do we start?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°As soon as you are able, fly to Austin to make contact with their superhero team.¡± Cobalt said. ¡°I think they¡¯re called the Battalion? They started recently, ever since the Lonestar Incident last year.¡±


    ¡°I heard about that.¡± Jason said. ¡°A year ago a meteorite landed near Austin, and empowered a number of people at random. Only, the majority of them were youths, I think the oldest ones are in their early twenties.¡±


    ¡°Correct.¡± John Baen said. ¡°They¡¯re called Genos, I guess everyone part of some special event needs to have a name.¡±


    ¡°ODESSA has made several operations in that area.¡± Cobalt said. ¡°Hardly a surprise, and their most recent kidnapping was two days ago. A fourteen-year-old named Zack Miller was abducted by three ODESSA agents, who made their presence known by throwing a damn car into the restaurant he was in.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound subtle.¡± Jason said.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be subtle when you look like this.¡± Cobalt said as he slid a picture of three ODESSA agents across the table for Jason to examine. ¡°Razorback, Psyren, and Zero were the culprits who kidnapped Zack. As you can tell, they¡¯re not going to fit in with a crowd with those tattoos and style choices.¡±


    ¡°What can they do?¡± Jason asked.


    ¡°Razorback is super strong and super durable, Psyren is a psionic who we think can sense others with special abilities, Zero can manipulate time.¡±


    ¡°Good to know.¡±


    ¡°They may be young, but that makes them no less dangerous.¡± Seraph said. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate them.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t planning to.¡±


    ¡°Gather the team you wish to bring with you as soon as you can.¡± Green Gadget said. ¡°Then depart of Austin. We¡¯ve already told the Battalion we¡¯ll be sending a team in to assist them.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Jason got out of his chair. He was ready to undertake the mission, as an organization like ODESSA needs to answer for the crimes they commit. Before he left, another voice called to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re taking on this task.¡± Void said. ¡°But don¡¯t forget that you are only human.¡±


    Jason smiled. ¡°You would be surprised to learn what someone who is ¡®only human¡¯ can do.¡±


    Jason left the office, and Aera retreated to join him, walking by his side. They went through the building, neither wishing to talk until they were in the car. With the mission on its way soon, they had to prepare for what could be a long game. Jason and Aera entered their vehicle, and Jason took the chance to talk.


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s time we get started.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Aera said. ¡°We¡¯ll assemble a team and be in Austin soon.¡±


    ¡°It seems like something¡¯s wrong, anything upset you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you know.¡± Aera said. ¡°They always turn their attention to you as the leader, when we¡¯re both supposed to be equal partners here.¡±


    ¡°Aera¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, it is true.¡±


    ¡°We are equals, don¡¯t think we won¡¯t ever be.¡±


    ¡°I just don¡¯t think they think that.¡±


    ¡°Relax. I think you¡¯re worrying too much about that.¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a task at hand, and I already know enough about ODESSA to know we¡¯ve got to take them down.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    They drove back to their base in Brooklyn. With the trip to Austin soon to commence, it was time to assemble a team together for the mission. Jason sat in front of a computer and looked up all the operatives that were on the East Coast.


    ¡°Anya already said she wanted to go, so it would be rude not to take her. Ezekiel is too busy with school, and I don¡¯t really want to make him absent again. Daren is away on his own mission. Roy is off-duty right now. Let¡¯s see¡­ I could recruit Shy Child, the magic user of the Young Protectors. She¡¯ll be useful for any magic-related matters we come across on our operations. While she¡¯s currently in Boston, I¡¯ll just give her the call to meet us here for our mission.¡±


    He looked in the computer further for more operatives to assist. He had access to all currently on-duty Young Protectors that were on the East Coast, and could call them to join at any time. Some interesting profiles came up, and he knew who he wanted to join him on the mission.


    ¡°Energize, someone who absorbs ambient energy around him for his own abilities. Dust Devil, a controller of the elements such as earth, wind, and heat. Architect, able to create constructs out of light. These should do just fine for the mission.¡±


    Aera approached him from behind, putting her hands on his shoulders. The time to start was approaching them. Jason got out of his seat, after pressing a button on the computer that sent the call to the selected agents. Soon enough, the screen displayed that they accepted the call. It would be a few more hours until everyone was together and ready to go.


    Jason got up and stretched. They smiled at each other. All that was left was to wait for everyone to gather together, and then they were headed to Austin. A few hours later, everyone had arrived. Shy Child, Energize, Dust Devil, and Architect were in the building, standing side-by-side as Phantom and Aera approached them.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Phantom said. ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°If I wasn¡¯t ready, I wouldn¡¯t have joined.¡± Dust Devil said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes.¡±


    Then another ran in hastily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget about me!¡± Winter Witch said.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t planning to.¡± Phantom said.


    Shy Child examined Winter Witch, looking at her with curiosity. The magic user wore a cloak over a white mask that concealed the upper part of her face. Rarely would she directly speak to others, hence she was named the ¡®Shy Child¡¯. Winter Witch joined the team, looking very excited to take part in a mission.


    ¡°Alright, everyone. Let¡¯s move out.¡± Phantom said.


    Phantom led the way as the rest followed. They went to the rooftop where the Eagle sat on the helipad. They boarded the ship one-by-one and soon enough they took off in the skies. Their destination was Austin, which they would arrive in just a few hours. While the others took the opportunity to relax in the quarters, Phantom decided to speak to Aera. She sat in the front, looking over the sky as it was in autopilot.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about being sidelined.¡± Phantom said. ¡°I won¡¯t let you be in my shadow.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard not to feel that way when you¡¯re such a great leader, and the others look up to you for it. Plus, you¡¯ll always be more ¡®normal¡¯ than me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone in this business is ¡®normal¡¯.¡± Phantom said. ¡°We¡¯re a team, and I don¡¯t think I can do it without you.¡±


    Aera smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Phantom understood how Aera was feeling. She¡¯s only been one Earth for two years, and while she¡¯s adjusted well she¡¯s still on the outside for obvious reasons. Her title as one of the leaders meant she held the responsibility he did, but even Phantom noticed that the others were naturally drawn to him more than her. At least, when it comes to being the leader.


    This was the second time recently she brought this up, the first being back in San Para¨ªso. It¡¯s clearly been on her mind, and Phantom wasn¡¯t sure what he was going to do to help ease her troubles. Aera left to her private quarters, while Phantom decided to sit in the cockpit, and relax in the chair upfront. He could see the sky from above the clouds as the Eagle flew in the direction of Austin.


    The Battalion would be awaiting them, and Phantom wanted to make a good impression to the other teams and organizations out there. But more importantly, he knew he had to bring an end to ODESSA before more innocents, superhuman or not, can be harmed.