I was back at home, borrowing a copy of the first volume of One Punch Man. I read the bald protagonist's adventures in my room. It was a whole lot of fun, I didn't expect reading manga to be this engaging. I would have to thank Emily the next time I see her. My brow furrowed, the pang of guilt filling me again.
I let out a shaky sigh as I closed my book and put it to the side. I just stared at the ceiling blankly, as if it would somehow give me a solution to the problem I find myself in. Try as I might, I couldn't shift my thoughts away from Emily and her father. The man I hurt was due to underestimating my strength. She was nice and is now a friend of mine.
Too bad she doesn't know I hurt her father a day ago. I wondered how badly I hurt him. I know, I cracked a few of his bones. But I have a feeling it was more than that. I just hope Emily and her father make it out of this.
It was a strange feeling to pity them, since they did try to rob a person. Sure, Emily seems like a good person, and they claim they intended not to hurt that woman. That still didn't change the fact that they were stealing. It was bizarre. Why couldn't they just be maniacal evil people who twirl their mustaches and gleefully commit dark deeds?
I look at my hand before clenching it. I'm strong, but that just makes everything around me feel like it was made of glass or cardboard. Easily broken with one touch if I'm not careful. I was put in a similar position as Saitama, the main character in One Punch Man. While our circumstances and reasons are different, we felt like outsiders in our world due to our power.
We're both too strong for our world. That guilt I felt shifted into frustration, and I got up and went under my bed to retrieve my backpack. I zipped open, my breathing hitching to look at the red hoodie with the B and J symbol on the chest. I felt ashamed just looking at it.
I wanted it to be thrown out. I wanted it to be gone and destroyed. A plan quickly forms in my brain. I'm going to go back to Gavin's store, which is still open despite it being nearly midnight and buy myself a lighter to burn this sorry excuse of a costume. Sure, there are a number of easier and quicker ways to destroy it. Like dropping the suit to a volcano or just launching the damn thing into space. But honestly, I wanted to clear my head and also grab some chocolate.
Hopefully, the walk will distract me from my problems. I can't drink alcohol just yet, so I guess walking is the only way for me to run away from my problems. I got up and used the super speed to change into something for the outside. Once I looked at least somewhat decent, I opened my window and jumped. I slowly floated down before I started walking.
My gaze never left the ground as I headed in the direction of the shop. It was peaceful, I enjoyed the night more than the day. Especially after getting my powers, my Mind's Eye, an ability I can only somewhat turn off, was kind of annoying to use in the day. When there are a lot of people in my range, I could use my brain to process the information. It wasn't painful, but it was uncomfortable.
It's like the feeling of having a rock inside your shoe. Annoying, but not painful. However, at night, things were different; people were back at their house sleeping and usually don't move. This finally allows me to relax. But tonight was different, my thoughts were clouded with recent events, and honestly, I think I would rather have a large cloud assaulting my Mind's eye. At least that could be annoying enough to stop me from dwelling on those memories.
It didn't take long for me to spot Gavin's shop just a block away. Still can't believe he closes so late. Not like he gets any customers at this time. That reminds me, what kind of excuse do I make when I go talk to him? By now, it's nearing midnight.
People are going to ask a lot of questions about what a kid is doing out here at this time. I wasn't concerned with safety for obvious reasons. For adults, though? I really don't need a lecture about safety or strangers' dangers or worse, he calls my parents. I suddenly stopped, just as I was about to the main door, I could feel Gavin's presence through the wall, though he seemed to be on the floor or something.
Ah, he must have a basement for this place or something. Either way I discarded those thoughts and thought about my parents, sister and dog. When I had these powers, I thought I would make them proud, how rich they would be when I revealed that it was I, their son was Big Justice. A superhero loved by all. But it didn't work.
I humiliated myself and hurt someone, even if they were criminals. That scared look possessed by that woman was something I would never forget easily. Honestly I wouldn't blame her, I would be crapping my underwear if a guy with powers beyond human comprehension appeared before me, even if his intentions were good. Still, I keep coming back to that look she gave me. The fear, the hopelessness and the despair filled her eyes. But instead of the woman.
Those eyes now belonged to my family looking at me like I'm some sort of monster, some freak. My eyes drifted to my hands, which were clenched tightly and were shaking uncontrollably. I didn't even realize I was doing that. I shake my head to get rid of those dark thoughts, that would never happen as long they didn't find out. In fact my family and by extension the world at large probably think I'm a hoax.
That was good, it's for the best. It's also probably best to stop trying to be a superhero, too. I'll just use my superpowers for an everyday routine. My mind finally returned to the present, but by then, Gavin's presence was reaching for the door. My heart stopped, and I quickly became pale.
The door was designed to have a rectangular glass that nearly covers the whole door. Thankfully, it was thick and hard to see from the other side. Before Gavin could turn the knob to see me, I bolted to the roof of the building. The roof was flat, allowing me to lie on my stomach and watch as Gabin exited, holding a trash bag and in his other hand was a phone.
"What? I told them not to ever call me again."
Chills crawled up my spine. I'd never seen Gavin take that tone of voice. Usually, he always had a friendly, cipher voice or had that obnoxious salesman talk. But now he was serious. He looks kind of angry.
And seeing a guy with Ronnie Coleman build mad. Holy crap that scares the fear god into me, superpowers or not. I should really fly away, but curiosity got the better of me, and so I stayed put listening to their conversation.
Thank goodness, Gavin put the phone on speaker. I don't have super hearing or at least I didn't think so.
"I know, but this emergency, Clark. Creatio was raided." The male voice said through the phone.
Gavin dropped the garbage back and turned around swiftly. I cringed and pulled away out of view, instead I used my Mind's eye to keep track of him, he started to pace around and while I can't see his silhouette's face, I imagined it would be one panic.
"What!?" His voice boomed.
"How is that possible? That was the most fortified military base in the country, who did it?!"
"It was Atlas and his Titans."
Gavin scoffs. "Atlas? No way he could have done it. Maybe he and his little goons could take it out of the main base, but the backup base-"
"Was destroyed too."
"...That couldn't be Atlas, he's too weak."
"And I agree, someone was aiding him. While he dealt with the main base, another party must've destroyed the other base to prevent backup. They were through, destroying any cameras and...disposing of anyone who sees them."
I winced as Gavin muttered out a string of curses. His silhouette pinches the bridge of his nose.
"But that isn't important right now, we'll deal with it later. The big problem is that not only does Atlas have a classified weapon on his hands, but also a nuke."
I felt my heart drop, and I'm pretty sure so did Gavin's. A nuke, as in a nuclear bomb? Those kinds of things that could wipe out entire cities? And now someone, not a terrorist, stole it?
"After taking both, they went to Canada and forcefully took an isolated research facility, where they are right now."
"Why not just send a strike squad, even Atlas would get tired, I'd imagine."
"They have hostages, scientists and some soldiers. The President and the Canadian Prime Mininster already tried to bargain with him-"
"There is no bargaining with that insane man; he, without a shadow of a doubt, is going to drop that Nuke here in Ontario, most likely at Toronto."
What? There is no way this had to be some sort of elaborate prank, right? There is no way someone is that crazy to drop a bomb in a populated city. That would be anyone. Why would anyone do that? I tried to steady my breathing, but that was easier said than done.
My lungs feel like they're tightening, and my heart is pounding even louder than a rock band. Look, Ben, calm down, you're going to get yourself out if you keep acting like this. I gulped a large amount of air and tried to relax. And I did, though I could still feel my clammy hands and my heart. Gavin shook his head, letting out a defeated sigh.
"Is there no one else you can call? What about Noah, or better yet, why don't you use your science project to deal with this?"
The other line also let out a defeated sigh. "Arc and Droid are AWOL, right now. You're the only one strong enough and closest. I know it's been a long time since you went to the field, but you're still...well, you!"
"...That man you're talking about is gone," Gavin says, in a strange tone I couldn't recognize.
"But I suppose I have no choice but to accept this mission. Just send me the coordinates and some information."
With that Gavin ended the call. He stood motionless for a very long time, I on other hand could barely digest the information in my head. Okay, so there is a terrorist group that manages to steal a nuke and a secret weapon. Also Gavin is a soldier and not just any soldier, a super one. Okay what in the heck is going on!?
Just hold on, so much is happening. I could feel my brain swell after so many info bombs were dropped on my head. As I was having a crisis in my head, Gavin finally stopped standing around, grabbing his garbage bag. He only walked a few steps before stopping suddenly.
"I know you're there, come out now..."
My eyes widened and moved back slightly. I could feel my heart race more. Come on, Ben, let's just dip, fly out, and we'll be okay! I know I could fly and get out of here, but Gavin's authoritative face made me hesitate. It's not just that, though, for some reason, I feel like flying away would be a big mistake.
"Listen, I'm in a very bad mood. We could continue and play games and make me angry, or come out and we talk like reasonable people."
Despite his threat, I made no move. Maybe he is just screwing with me. I mean, declaring someone out whenever you're alone is a situation I sometimes do, even if it's embarrassing. Unlike me, just joking at that time, I could tell in his tone of voice he was serious. I gulped and, without thinking, I stood up, with my hands raised in the air.
"P-please don't beat me up, sir!" I blurted out, somehow forgetting that I'm invincible.
Gavin turns around, his eyes widening momentarily. Though it took him a few seconds before his face returned to a passive, bored one, kind of like Emily's.
"Oh, Ben, what are you doing out so late?"
I gulped before trying to summon my best innocent smile. "I just want to purchase candy from your esteemed shop, Mr. Clark!"
Mr. Clark raised a brow, his face embodying the term: 'Really, man?'
"Look if you're here to return the hoodie, just keep it. I told you about my non refund policy."
"Actually, I-uh..."
"Not that, I want a suit worn by a wanted vigilante."
"No, I-wait, what did you just say?" My heart dropped before speeding up faster than even the sound itself.
My throat tightened, and cold sweat started to form at the back of my neck. Still, Mr. Clark had that knowing, bored expression. He knew, who I was.
"H-how did, you-"
"Know? Buddy, I've been wearing that jacket since I was young, and in the footage, it showed a kid about your height and build wearing that hoodie after you purchased it a couple of days ago. Not hard to find out, if you use common sense."
I gulped, wanting to deny it. But he got me by the collar. No amount of lying could get me out. It doesn't help that I'm on his roof, which is only accessible by jumping high in the air, something no normal kid or even adult should be able to reach. And I probably have a stupid, shocked face that confirms his theory.
I opened my mouth to say something, anything!? Mr. Clark smirks, crossing his arms.
"You know, I could blackmail you to give me five dollars a week. Since you also have blackmail on me, let's just call it even."
I have blackmail material on him? Wait, that's right, the phone call about the terrorist and the nuke! There are so many questions welling up in me that I no longer care that someone found out about me. Mr. Clark gives me one more nod before turning away.
"Fly, home, kid, your parents will get worried."
I bit my lip, and before I knew it, I sped to move in front of him. His eyes widen, and he backs away.
"Jesus, crackers, kid! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Mr. Clark took a deep breath before giving me a stern look.
"Look, I'm not going to tell anyone, as long as you don't say anything about what happened, my lips are sealed."
I shake my head vigorously. "Uh, no, sir, I wanted to ask you about the, uh-the terrorist stuff."
His eyes narrowed at my words. I knew I could probably beat this large man in a fight, but for whatever reason. His fierce eyes made me feel small and weak.
"That's classified, and also I don't want to bore you with adult stuff." He waved me off like shooting a cat.
I bit my lip. "But I-"
"Listen, this stuff doesn't concern you. You have superpowers or whatever, but this is not a game."
Clark lightly pushed to the side and approached the dumpster, with a mighty throw, its lands inside. Wordlessly and without even looking at me, Clark starts to walk back to the store. I tightened my fist and controlled my shaking breathing.
"I-I-I want to help!" I declared.
This stops him in his tracks, turning to me with a blank expression. "Excuse me."
His cold tone made me freeze. I'd never thought someone like Gavin Clark could speak like that, much less to a kid. I swallowed a lump in my throat and repeated what I said.
"I...want to help."
We stare at each other for the longest time. Clark's steel grey eyes hardened, crossing his arms and standing up straight.
"You, help? Remember the last time you tried to help someone?"
I wince. He was referring to my botched recuse wasn't he. Suddenly I wasn't feeling so confident anymore. Actually why had I offered to help in the first place? Clark seems to be strong and had a soldier background, he could probably take out the terrorist threat no problem. And he was right, if I can't even stop a robbery right, what good am I stopping a terrorist organization that has a bomb and seemingly another secret weapon in their hands?
"I told you this isn't a game, that incident from earlier wasn't a game."
Yet I treated it. I stared at the ground. The guilt overwhelmed me. I wanted to leave to just fly away to the moon, where I could be alone with my thoughts and feelings.
"Listen." Mr. Clark says, his voice soft as well as his eyes.
"While I don't know how you gain these abilities, I understand being excited. Showing them the world and everything. But these powers, you need to control and use them responsibly or else people will get hurt."
He finishes his speech with a tired sigh.
"Go home, Ben. I'll deal with this."
Again he turned his back to me and I was left with my thoughts. He was right, I'll probably make everything worse. But I'm not sure why, there is something inside me that tells me to stand my ground. My thoughts drifted to my family and my first friend Emily. All of them looking at me happily before they disintegrate by a powerful explosion that wiped the town out of the map.
"I-I know I might be deadweight!" I find myself shouting, again, Clark stopped in his tracks, but didn't turn to face me or say anything.
"And I might make things worse, but I can't just stand around and do nothing while people get hurt!"
Still, he said nothing, and I continued.
"You're right I played around with my powers thinking it was a toy for me to show off. It was wrong for me to treat like that. But I want to help, with my powers I can do it! I won't be like that, so please let me help!" I shouted.
At first he didn't say, Mr. Clark then raised his head. Before letting out a huge groan while rubbing his face with my hands. Turning to look at me with a mixture of an annoyed and defeated expression.
"Fine, fine, fine, fine!" Clark repeated, saying the last 'fine' in a defeated voice.
I couldn't help a smile form in my mouth. I rushed to him, floating up to meet his eye level.
"Really, can I!?"
He gives me an annoyed look. "I said yes, didn't I?"
Mr. Clack quickly brought his finger up to my face. "But! You do exactly what I say, follow my orders, alright!"
"Yes, sir!"
He rolled his eyes and, before bringing them up to the sky before muttering something akin to praying.
"Lord, give me strength for I am about to do something I'll regret..."