Emily sighed as she exited her room. Her father was resting in the bed, asleep along with her mother. She bit her lip as she remembered feeling her mom's stomach, the tiny bump which held her younger sibling. Emily was frustrated, not because she disliked having a younger sibling at all. She's been asking for parents for as long as she can remember.
But Emily didn't want to bring their younger sibling to their grim situation. The apartment room is small; in fact, some people have bigger rooms than this cramped living space. Not only were the lights dim, it illuminated the room with a disgusting yellow. Not only that, but a good chunk of their stuff is either rusted, given to them out of pity, or stolen. She hated living here.
She hated pyjamas that were found in the dumpster and had only been cleaned. She hated the fact that her family had to live through this. But the Shinichi family has no choice but to live like this. For her family, she would take this unbearable living condition, but still she can't help but dream of being a normal girl, with nice clothing and a secure family. Emily sighs.
She sat on the beaten and itchy couch, staring at the old TV built in the year 2007. They still had some money for electricity, but the problem was that rent was due this month, and they could barely afford it. I guess she could roam around the streets and pickpocket any wallets. With her abilities, it would be as easy as pie. But she could do that later; for now, she wanted to enjoy herself a little by using the TV.
Emily turns on the remote, and almost instantly, the News channel pops out. Usually, she would flip the channel instantly if it weren't for the story they were covering.
"This morning, an actual real-life superhero came and helped people. And the multiple eyewitnesses and recordings showcase a young boy in costume flying."
The screen showed a boy wearing a red and white costume descend in the air, before grabbing a little girl and flying off.
"First, this figure helped out seven-year-old girl Clary Jensen, who was lost in the streets in Toronto, only for this individual to sweep her up and soar to the sky before somehow bringing young Clary to her mother's exact location in less than ten minutes."
Her jaw dropped. This person, the ability to fly. And while that symbol in his chest was different, changing the 'B' for an 'R'. It was no doubt him, the one who called himself Big Justice and harmed her father.
"Next, he helped an elderly couple to-"
The News reporter continued to yap, but it was all buzz noise for Emily. That person was alive, she had thought; he had died along with the nuclear explosion that the government said was launched by terrorists. She was glad that boy died, calling it petty and evil, but she was glad after what that guy did to her dad. If it weren't for him, her dad might still be able to work to at least make a little money. Instead, he was too hurt to work and had hospital bills paid while they were already struggling with money.
It was because of him, her parents argued about aborting her sibling. Emily clenches her fist and gnashes her teeth. Items started to lift in the air, her blue eyes glowing. The people he 'Helped' praised him for being a good person and helping them. But Emily knew the truth.
This guy, Big Justice or Red Justice, whatever he calls himself, is a phony. An attention seeker chasing praise and admiration while not caring about those he hurts. Emily knew about one thing: he would make Red justice pay.
The screen showcasing Red Justice's grin was suddenly cracked.
RED
In A Secret Base...
JUSTICE
In a dark room, in an unknown place so secretive that only a few knew about it. And only fewer lived to tell the tale. The dark room was only illuminated by the glowing large blue table, which showcased the map of the world. Surrounding it were seven black rectangular objects. Its shape resembles a tall coffin.
Engraved on these black marble objects were glowing symbols of a country's flag. There was the American flag that stood in the front, facing the Russian flag across from it. On America's left side stood Canada. It wasn't just them, China, there was the United Kingdom, Japan and finally Germany.
"I trust everyone is here?" The American Flag on the stone flashed red with each syllable.
"Get on with it, why have you called for this meeting, America?" Russia huffed impatiently.
"Yes, what is so important to call us, after short notice?" China added.
America at first didn't say anything before, suddenly the table created a hologram screen showcasing Red Justice floating down to drop Clary off at her mother's arms. The scene changes to Red Justice helping an elderly couple pass the street before flying away, and then rescuing a drunk man who fell off a tall building, and more footage of Red Justice rescuing people. Japan scoffed.
"You called for this meeting to showcase a new movie?"
"No. This is real footage, recorded by civilians all over Toronto, six hours earlier."
Russia grunts. "If this is your attempt at a joke, then it has failed miserably."
"I assure you, Russia, this is no joke. This is a video of an actual human person flying around without seemingly using any technology for such flight." America declares.
Their words cause a brief silence around the table. America didn't need to see their true faces to see the utter disbelief and shock on them.
"Canada, this happened in your land. Does America speak the truth?"
"...Yes."
The other countries murmured amongst themselves. America and Canada stayed silent as the other countries discussed amongst themselves.
"Canada, is this some kind of secret super soldier you've created?" Russia accused.
"No, this person known as Red Justice isn't affiliated with us or America."
"Lies! This so-called Red Justice is wearing SEE goggles, a technology created in American and Canadian soil!"
Canada sighs. "Believe whatever you want, the truth is Red Justice isn't a super soldier or any weapon created by America or me. This is something else entirely."
Before Russia could shout out another accusation, the United Kingdom stepped in.
"If what you're saying is indeed the truth, then what or who is the Red Justice?"
"We are not sure as of yet, but America knows a lot more. After all, they are withholding someone who fought Red Justice."
America was silent; if they could glare at Canada, they would do so. They let out a tired and annoyed sigh before they started talking.
"I haven't been truly honest about the Titans and the nuke incident."
Russia snorts. "Not the first time being untruthful, eh, America?"
America ignored the comment.
"As you know, a group of Soldiers went inside the secret research lab near Toronto where they kept the bomb. And one of the soldiers used a classified flying machine to bring the bomb out of the city's range. That was the story Canada and I agreed to tell the world. Though a good chunk of people in Canada believe it was something else after footage of a young boy grabbing the nuke and bringing it away," They explained.
"And they were right indeed, Red Justice, in his lonesome, defeated Atlas and his army," Canada added.
"Impossible! Atlas by himself is a powerful soldier, only second to Gavin Clark and Arc!" The UK gasped.
"And even if they managed to defeat Atlas, there is no way this person would survive the power of a nuclear bomb." Said Germany.
"But he did. We interrogated Atlas, who is now in a highly secured prison,and confirmed that this was the person he had fought. Speaking of Atlas, when we found him, he was in critical condition. The fact that someone could put him in such a state proves Red Justice is powerful...and dangerous." America pauses, letting their words sink into the other's mind.
"That is why we need to capture him, find out his intentions and maybe even harness these bizarre abilities he currently possesses."
The room descends into gasps and discussion amongst themselves. Their voice barely contains the excitement of harnessing whatever power Red Justice has. America let out an unseen smirk, just thinking about an army of flying soldiers stronger than even Atlas would be wonderful. Their murmurs were cut off with Canada's huff.
"Seriously? Red Justice is the least of our problems at the moment. May I need to remind you of our...crisis? Red Justice right now is harmless, just helping out with small things such as rescuing a cat from a tree; he is of no concern at the moment. After all, our current problem can cause the current world order to end."
Everyone was silent. Canada was right; amidst their confusion about this new factor, they had forgotten about the larger problem at hand. A global threat that could bring about a new world order.
"You mean to tell me, America still hasn't captured their dogs along with their toy!" Russia growled.
"May I need to remind you that 'Toy' could survive all nukes dropping on it, and it's hard to capture multiple individuals that were once my country's greatest assets," America said with heat in their tone.
"Why did you even create that! We agreed to never create another SURVIVOR!" Russia roared.
Japan, sensing the two biggest nations growing in malice, steps in before it devolves into another pointless argument.
"Regardless, we have to take care of this problem before we can even worry about Red Justice."
America let out a deep, annoyed sigh while Russia huffed, but thankfully, the two of them backed down from their argument. After discussing a bit more, America finally decides to conclude this meeting.
"Very well, the SURVIVOR M4 and the Phoenix organization must be dealt with before we start going after Red Justice."
All countries voiced their agreement before the glow within their flag engraving dies down, indicating they have left the meeting. It didn't take long for everybody to leave, except for Canada, which stayed there for a minute before. And then left.