The Union had taken care of the redhead by locking him up in Grand Prince; however, his classmates had escaped. Meanwhile, the police searched for the students inside the school. Many survived, in addition to those who escaped thanks to MJ. And speaking of MJ, Luna managed to get her to a hospital with the help of a police officer and the boy I had rescued.
I was interrogated many, many times. And then I had to attend the victims' funeral.
After a while, we discovered the identity of the redhead, Kar Kirkman. He's supposedly an active member of Leviathan. Still, the motive for the terrorist attack on the school was never revealed. But it's suspected that it was Kar's own decision, and Leviathan really has nothing to do with it. After all, Leviathan's higher-ups don't waste their time on things like this. Although maybe there was something or someone at the school, who knows?
A week has passed since then, and I was finally able to rest. It had been so busy, due to the interrogations, that I hadn't been able to sleep well. I breathed a sigh of relief as I lay down on my bed. The fatigue I was experiencing was mental; physically, I felt perfect.
"Finally..." I murmured.
Just as I was about to close my eyes, the sound of my door slamming open startled me.
"Time to get up!" Wilson shouted. "Heroes get up early!" he exclaimed, striking a heroic pose.
"Let me sleep, it's 3 a.m.," I said in a tired tone.
"No, young Mikey! Heroes don't rest, and neither does evil!" he exclaimed, snatching the sheets from me.
"You should look at the time. It's not 3 a.m.," I heard another voice say. I looked up and saw my only other friend, Mathew Carpenter. I met him when we were little. He was luckier than me; his powers awakened when he was thirteen, and he managed to enter The Union when he was... fifteen? Sixteen? I couldn't remember it perfectly. "Hey, Mikey," he greeted me.
"Mathew?"
"Himself. How have you been?" he asked with a smile.
"Horrible, Wilson won't let me rest," I said as I got out of bed. Mathew smiled at my misfortune, then allowed myself to check my phone to see the time. 7:12 a.m. "It's still early," I added.
"No complaints. Get ready, your training starts today," Wilson said, leaving the room. Mathew followed him.
"Goodbye, Mikey. Nice to see you again," Mathew said, closing the door behind him.
I let out a sigh and thought, "This is going to be long."
As I left my room after preparing for the supposed training I was about to receive, I found a "patient" Wilson outside my room.
"You took your time, didn't you?" he questioned. You must acquire discipline if you wish to be a true hero. Just having powers doesn't make you one, young Mikey," he said, as he turned his back on me and we crossed the long hallway toward the elevator.
Wilson's words echoed in my head; he was right. I needed to be disciplined. Acquiring discipline should be my main goal right now. Being a hero requires more than powers; it's a huge responsibility. Still, I was too tired to think about this before, and I took my time preparing.
"Where are we going?" I asked embarrassed. Wilson's expression didn't match what he'd said a few seconds ago. He was supposed to be serious and display a certain aura of wisdom, but he's the complete opposite. His entire being screams kindness and naiveté, a contrast with his robust body.
"To the training area," Wilson replied as he entered the elevator and pressed the button. I looked at him in confusion; he noticed my confusion. "In the basement."
"Does the tower have a training area right below it?" "I asked, puzzled. Wilson nodded and smiled. "What if the training goes a little too far and something happens, like the entire area gets destroyed? Isn't that a big danger?"
"I understand your concern, but I assure you there's no problem. It's perfectly safe to train with your powers at their maximum; the walls are reinforced." Wilson leaned against the elevator wall, his smile brightening. While he was trying to tell me with his eyes something like, "Nothing to worry about, kid."
"Well..."
I'm no stranger to combat. I don't know the maximum capacities, nor do I have enough control over my powers, so if something were to happen down there, I'd feel guilty for causing an accident or destroying the training area. My conscience wouldn't rest if I hurt innocent people..."
The awkward, silent environment we were in was the worst, but... WHY THE FUCK WILSON KEEPS SMILING?! SHE LITERALLY HASN'T STOPPED SMILING ALL DAY! DOESN'T HER DAMN JAW HURT?! AND WHAT THE HELL IS THAT GLITTER SURROUNDING HER BODY?!
I sighed.
The elevator door opened, and we entered a huge white room. "Huge" wasn't enough to express how gigantic the room was.
"Well, we'll start by testing your powers, and mainly your limits." He jumped into the middle of the room and did a couple of stretches. "That way, I can see which areas you're lacking in and help you correct them so you can pass The Union exam."
"Couldn't I just join?" I said with a nervous laugh.
"Everyone should have the same opportunities, young Mikey! If The Union isn't fair enough, what hope is there for the rest of the world?" he said as I approached him. Why does he talk like he's some kind of messiah? The more I got to know him, the weirder he became, but he was right. I'd even go so far as to say I was more or less like him.
"Fuck," I sighed, seeing that there was no changing his mind.
"Don't get discouraged, young Mikey," he said, his smile growing wider. "I'm here! And with me, you're going to be great, bigger than you know! Bigger than me!" "He added excitedly, his aura reflecting confidence and security.
"Yes!" I shouted enthusiastically, catching his energy. How could I react otherwise with that smile he gave me? Wilson is too cheerful.
"Now show me your powers, show me everything you know how to do," he said as he got into a fighting stance.
"Bullshit!" I exclaimed. As all the excitement drained from me, "Fighting the world's strongest superhero is like asking for a beating," I said, clearly bewildered.
"Don't worry, I'll limit my strength."
I had to do it. Seeing his expression, I could tell there was no way I was going to escape that beating...
"Are you ready, young Mikey?" Wilson said, looking at me expectantly, waiting for my answer.
"Mhm, I'm ready," I nodded, then spoke. I had to focus and show him what I was capable of. Besides, he said he'd go easy on me, right?
My surroundings blurred as I felt a growing pain in my forehead. I felt myself being pushed and thrown to the ground a few feet away from my original position.
"YOU DIDN'T SAY WE'D START!" I expressed my disgust and pain at Wilson's sneak attack. I stood up, stroking my forehead. Although there was no blood, the pain was still present.
"Lesson one, never let your guard down. Do you expect villains to attack you only when you're ready, and head-on?" Wilson said, lunging at me. His speed was incredible and far surpassed mine, but I could still roughly keep up. Or so I thought.
"It's still a trap," I replied as I threw a punch, which he dodged very easily.
"No complaints, or I'll hit you harder." He smiled as he saw my horrified face. "Just kidding... Just focus on the fight."
A kick lifted me up, and even though it hurt, I managed to stop in midair. I sighed, but Wilson didn't stop. He flew toward me and with a barrage of attacks knocked me back and down, making it difficult to dodge in the air.
I sighed for the fifteenth time today, watching Wilson come at me without letting me rest. This is going to be stressful...
I don't know how much time passed, but it definitely felt like hours, during which Wilson and I "fought." It was a one-sided massacre.
My face was all sweaty and my hands were shaking. I was currently trying to punch Wilson in the face, and my anger was noticeable. Besides, my clothes were all ripped.
"Just calm down and breathe-" My fist connecting with Wilson's face cut him off. He thinks he's an idiot. What's he doing asking me to calm down? When he's already hit me hundreds of thousands of times.
"Okay," he said, his gaze expressing astonishment. "Unbelievable, young Mikey." You have a pretty quick ability to adapt. In just half an hour, you were able to completely keep up with my restrained speed. If it weren't for my superhuman reflexes, I wouldn't have been able to dodge your attacks. He added, clapping his hands. Is it just me, or is he speaking to me more casually? Although, given his personality, I expected that.
It's not that it's a bad thing, is it? He's just trusting me more... I sighed. I hope it doesn't mean I have to fight or "practice" with him more.
"The scariest thing of all is that the more time passed, the faster you became. I had to increase my speed to keep up. Truly terrifying!" He grabbed my shoulder, his smile telling me I'd done a good job. The truth always has that smile, though, so I don't know. "You did well. I'll leave a letter on your bed with your future diet and exercise routine."
He headed toward the exit, giving a thumbs-up. I fell to the floor from exhaustion and watched Wilson.
"Thanks!"
"You're welcome, better get ready." A chuckle left him as he opened the door. "Starting today, you have to come here every day at 6 a.m. for your personal training." He said as the door closed behind him, saying goodbye, leaving me speechless.
"No way..." I sighed again.
"-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"AH!"
"HELP!"
I turned my head toward the source of the sound. A group of people huddled on the streets were running while a monster was launching a car directly at them.
"HELP ME!" the civilian closest to the monster shouted. The car would hit her head-on, and she'd surely be the most affected, if she survived.
I moved quickly in the air to intercept the car, and with a kick, I returned it to the large purple monster.
"Are you okay, ma'am?" I asked politely while levitating. The woman nodded, her hands and legs shaking at the thought of almost losing her life. "Since that's the case, please proceed to get as far away from the area as possible."
I watched as the monster easily blocked the car.
A month had passed, and today was October 9th, the day before the union exam. The training, exercises, and diet that Wilson gave me helped me a lot. You could already notice that my body was more toned and had a little more muscle mass. I had also gotten a suit from Marcus. It was made of a beautiful and expensive nano-enhanced fabric, a red cape, red and gold details on the waist, gloves and boots, a golden eagle on the chest, and the black suit to top it off. OH MY GOD, A BEAUTIFUL ONE!
My pseudonym? Since I'm "invincible and unstoppable," I must have a pseudonym that suits me. What is the greatest empire that could have ever existed? Rome was invincible and unstoppable, an incredible force of conquest and terrifying resilience, at least until what happened happened. Anyway, yes, my alias is Rome. Well, I must admit I've always liked the history of the Roman Empire.
"The Romans and the samurai were so cool." Ancient Greece too, not to mention ancient Egypt...
The monster looked at me, puzzled, noticing me talking to myself.
Well, although I haven't joined The Union yet, I've been acting as an individual hero for this month, and finally, tomorrow, I'll be a member of The Union! Possibly...
"I've been working hard," I told myself proudly as I puffed out my chest. "I'm amazing. It's a fact."
The monster, angry, seeing how I ignored him while striking strange poses in the air, launched himself at me with his enormous arms, clearly intending to attack me, not hug me. Unfortunately, he was too slow for my current speed. I easily dodged his attack and hit him in the right rib, knocking him to the ground. I jumped down and approached the monster, which was slowly getting up.
I tried to hit him, but he quickly responded to my attack, hitting me in the face and attempting to throw another punch, this time at my stomach. But I dodged to the side, grabbing his arm, and with the force of his blow, I slammed him into a wall.
His face hit the wall, causing a small crack in it. The monster blinked several times before focusing on me again.
We began trading blows, some hitting me and others dodging. He threw me to the ground and began hitting me. I used my arms to cover myself and pushed him away with my feet.
I approached him, ready to continue the fight and return blows, but something strange happened as I approached. His body began to shrink, and his skin lost its purple color, resembling human skin.
Instead of a 3-meter-tall monster with purple skin, there was a little girl staring at me with bewildered and scared eyes.
"What the f-"
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"Are you telling me that harmless little girl can turn into a 10-foot-tall purple monster?" Champion asked ironically, pointing at Chloe, who was sitting on a piece of furniture.
"Basically, yes," I replied, trying to convince myself.
"Brother, I'm hungry," Chloe said, referring to me as "Brother."
"Brother?" Champion asked, his eyes suspicious.
"It's an even longer story..."
I went to the fridge and took out an ice cream cone, walked over to Chloe, and gave it to her.
"Chloe, you have to sit there." I pointed to a chair next to the elevator. "You know, to avoid getting ice cream on the furniture, right?"
"Mhm," she nodded, grabbing the ice cream and going to sit on the chair, but not before giving me a surprise hug.
I sighed. "This is a story for another day."
"I look forward to hearing it, Mikey," Champion said, laughing. He slowly approached the large window and stared at the magnificent views of the city offered by the Union Tower.
Due to circumstances, Chloe grew fond of me and thinks of me as her older brother. The good thing is that I discovered some information about her. The girl is barely 12 years old, an orphan, and apparently has been living on the streets since she was 7. It saddens me to know this, but things will be different soon... I promised her, and I intend to keep my promise.
Her name is Chloe, Chloe Monsieur. And according to what she told me, the monster I fought calls himself "Skrath" and, surprisingly, can communicate with Chloe, but apparently can't speak or doesn't want to speak when he's controlling her body.
"What do you plan to do with her?" I asked after approaching Champion. My question worried me. I promised Chloe that I would protect her no matter what happens, and if Champion decides to put her in Grand Prince, it'll be a big problem... But I'll keep my promise.
"She'll have to stay with us. It's very dangerous to let her wander alone, and it would be very traumatic to imprison her in Grand Prince," Champion replied, grabbing my shoulder and smiling proudly. "Good job, Mikey!" he added. "It's totally confirmed." He's speaking to me more informally every time; now he doesn't even call me "Young Mikey." I'm grateful that he doesn't increase his practices due to overconfidence.
I sighed in relief when I heard Champion's response; thank goodness, I didn't want to argue with him over a disagreement, much less break my promise to Chloe.
"Thank you," I replied, embarrassed, ashamed of distrusting him, of thinking that he wouldn't accept Chloe staying with us, and also ashamed of the compliment.
Suddenly, the sound of the elevator stunned my embarrassment as I saw Richard come out.
"Where's the girl?! Where's Chloe?!" Richard asked, as he desperately exited the elevator and looked at us with excited eyes. Richard Smith, a scientist "somewhat" obsessed with powers, is also a hero and one of the main pillars of The Union, Legion. He's also in charge of the scientific department and is without a doubt the smartest person I know. He also designed the fabric that most heroes use in their costumes, including mine.
"How the f-" Oh, right. Richard's power. His power is completely insane. "I was going to ask you how you knew about Chloe, but I remembered you can see the future," I said, running my hand through my hair.
"Michael, I've told you a thousand times that I can't see the future. I'm aware of other timelines, and I'm able to anticipate possible events that coincide with this timeline." That also explains his hero name. All of his selves from all timelines are "connected" or something, I don't really understand. It's like they're a "Legion."
"I remember the time you announced a zombie apocalypse was going to happen and all the nations built giant bunkers. In the end, 7 years went by and nothing happened, LOL," Champion mocked. I held back my laughter with all my might at the dark expression on Richard's face. I guess we all make mistakes...
"Chloe's right behind you, Richard," I spoke to stop Champion's teasing. As I left so quickly, Richard brushed past Chloe, who was sitting next to the elevator. And yet, he didn't even notice. But anyway, poor Chloe was still eating her ice cream. Unfazed. That girl cracks me up, maybe that's why I've grown fond of her.
"Chloe, how are you feeling?" Noticing Chloe, Richard approached her and bent down to talk to her.
"Fine," Chloe replied shyly as she continued eating the ice cream I gave her. I think it's a triple chocolate ice cream or something like that. I don't know, I've never eaten it.
"That's good, honey," she said as she stood up and looked at Champion. "Let me take care of her. I assure you I'll take good care of her."
"Sure, as long as she wants it, Richard." Champion replied, looking at me discreetly.
"Hey, Chloe. Do you want to come live with me? I have candy and toys, and I also have a daughter your age who I assure you will get along well." he asked Chloe, bending down again and waiting for the girl's response. "I'll take care of you, I promise." he added, smiling.
"Mm," Chloe seemed to be thinking about it as she continued eating her ice cream. "No! I want to be with my brother!" she said, as she stood up and ran to hide behind me.
"I think you heard the girl." Champion said, laughing at Richard.
He sighed. "Could you convince her, Michael?" Richard asks me.
"I don't know, Richard. If she doesn't want to, I doubt I can convince her, besides, she doesn't even know you."
"Neither do you. You've only known her for half a day."
"Yeah, and yes, but I've already grown fond of her. " I said with a complicated face. "Fine…" I feel miserable if I don't at least try. Richard's face makes me feel so sorry for him. Apparently Chloe is an important person to the other Richards from the other timelines or whatever.
I bend down to talk to Chloe.
"Wow, did you finish your ice cream yet? You were very quick, Chloe. Ice cream should be eaten slowly, or it can hurt you." I stroked Chloe's head.
Chloe looks at me with sad eyes.
"Are you going to abandon me like my parents did?" Tears threatened to overflow.
"Of course not, I just need you to stay with Richard for a while. But don't worry, you'll live in this tower and you'll also be able to see me almost every day." I tried to comfort her as I hugged her. "You know, on Saturdays you can spend the whole day with your older brother. It'll be sort of like a sibling day. We'll do whatever you want."
"Promise?" Chloe said, wiping away her tears and looking at me with her huge brown eyes.
Both Richard and Champion smiled at the sweet scene and remained silent so as not to interrupt our "sibling moment". Richard could understand how important having a family was to Chloe, who had never felt the love of her parents.
"Sure," I smiled at Chloe and stood up. "I promise."