Righteous woke up, body blazing with energy and a faint glow from the crash. His body was covered in ash, yet bore no burns. The crater crackled with embers.
His body, which had at one point been soft and pudgy, was now hardened with muscle. He could feel the solar power circulating in his veins as he lay there in the crater. His muscles pulsed with warmth.
Righteous stood up and wobbled unsteadily forward. The only item of clothing left was his pants, as the rest had been scorched.
He clawed his way out of the crater and noticed the forest had been blackened around him. Around him, trees lay broken, and the smell of burnt wood filled Righteous' nostrils. He wiped the sweat from his face and forced his eyes open wider.
He thought. My God! Did any of that happen? I suppose the burnt crater and smoking trees should be sign enough on its own. I have to make sense of this. Was this really given to me because of bloodline, or because I'm truly worthy? Should I try it out? Is it safe? Could I cause damage if I go out of control?
...No, Righteous Now or never. Claim your birthright. Righteous flexed and tensed his muscles. He was good at visualization, so he tried that first. He pictured fire blooming in his hands, flames dancing around his fingers.
A faint flicker. Then sparks.
And then, it happened…
Twin flames erupted in both of Righteous' hands. Terror streaked across his face at first, but then it hardened into a fierce smile that refused to fade. He felt the flames in his hands like a heartbeat made of sun. His chest thrummed with solar anticipation. He thought long and hard about how to use these newfound gifts. I feel like my body is made of flame now. This is solar power entwined into my flesh. But I must be careful. One wrong move and I could scorch a city block. I have to use these powers to help others, like the heroes of old, or the ones in the comic books! Righteous thrust his hands down sharply. With a whoosh, the flames vanished, as if obeying his command. He ran to put his katana back in the treehouse as he wouldn't be needing it anymore, not for now. It was a symbol of his past self. With a click and snap, the box was shut again.
Righteous moved quickly toward home, trying to be as stealthy as possible. Moving through the tent city was the best option to avoid the main crowd. Righteous hardly wanted to relive his troubled youth but he forced himself in order to remain incognito.
The tent city reeked of despair, like a bad omen carried upon the air. Alcohol bottles were strewn about. Trash piled up here, and the burn barrels were sealed, since the summer heat made them dangerous. Sickness was running rampant again, echoing in the harsh coughs that filled the air. A teenager with tattered pants and ash-covered skin only raised a few eyebrows. Righteous imagined he was like an illusion to them, another figure conjured by fever and delirium.
He covered his mouth and hurried through the tent city, noticing kids peeking out from the tents. The sight unsettled him, dragging up memories of his own childhood.
Once past it, his home was only a few blocks away. He slipped through alleys and backyards until he reached the rear of his home. He could see his room's window. He knew he couldn't show his face to his grandmother like this. She wouldn't take it well. I'm gonna have to climb again, aren't I? he thought.
Righteous, however, had an idea that spread a smirk across his face. It may be flashy, it may be dangerous, but I want to try something!
Righteous looked around to see if anyone was watching. He was in the clear. He aimed his palms downward and tensed his muscles like before. The air heated around his palms. This time visualizing a torrent of flame that would propel him skyward. In that precise moment, it happened. A torrent of orange and yellow flame boosted him upward. Dust and garbage fluttered away. His main thought was, Don't burn down the house, please.
He took off but miscalculated, and crashed onto the roof, landing on a stack of wooden crates with a heavy thud. "Ow…" Righteous groaned. "Guess I need more practice.
Righteous worked twice as hard climbing into his room, avoiding open windows and curtains as best he could. He passed Miss Wilken's apartment, his grandmother's friend. She and his grandmother often shared tea, and talked about all sorts of topics.
He then moved past Mr. Dubber's apartment, the owner of the building. He was probably asleep as usual, not giving a crap about his tenants.
Righteous finally reached his room, and quickly changed. He lost his usual trench coat in the crash, but he had multiple copies of the same outfit. This time Righteous wore blue jeans ripped by wear, not style, and a white v neck, something more casual than his usual fare. Maybe it was the newfound strength, but he was feeling good about himself.
He walked down the hall with a brand new confidence. He went up and hugged his grandmother
"Grams, how ya doing?" Righteous asked.
"Oh, Righteous I had no idea you even came home, sneaky rascal," his grandmother said.
"Yes, I enjoyed the beach. It really cleared my head. I feel new!" Righteous did a spin.
"That is so…" his grandma was cut off by a coughing fit and stammered and fell on the couch.
Righteous rushed over to her. He held her shoulders and his eyes widened. "Grams? Are you okay?" Righteous asked.
Righteous grabbed a washcloth and dampened it. He put it over her forehead, then took her hand and noticed how shaky it was.
"I'm okay, Righteous, Your excitement startled me a bit," his grandma reassured.
Righteous looked at the clock and got her medicine from the cabinet. "Even still, the doctor said you should take these if you have an episode," Righteous gave her a glass of water, and her medicine.
"You take such good care of me, you mean the world to me my boy," his grandmother praised.
"Anytime, Grams. We're always in this together. Now, please lie down on the couch and rest," Righteous said.
"Okay, dearie," his grandma fell asleep pretty quickly.
Righteous thought, I was acting too carefree, and she nearly couldn't breathe. Even if I had powers now, they couldn't heal sickness… I have to be more careful around her.
Righteous remained by her the rest of the day. The clock ticked by for hours. He simply wrote and drew, like he used to when they were living in tent city. "Keeping watch," as he always said.
The next day was a cold Sunday. Righteous woke up groggy. Using his flame abilities had worn his body down and left him unusually hungry.
The sizzle of bacon told Righteous that breakfast was done. The warmth of the stove spread throughout the house. He headed downstairs for the breakfast that Grams had made. The smell of pancakes and eggs filled the room, with freshly cooked bacon piled on the counter.
Righteous frowned.
"Grams, you should've waited for me. I could've helped," Righteous said.
"Oh no, Sundays are my days to cook, you know that," his grandma said.
"True… just don't overdo it…" Righteous held his stomach as it growled at him.
"I knew you'd be hungry after the beach yesterday. You seemed to have worked up quite the sweat,"
Righteous didn't respond; and simply began eating. He still didn't have the heart to tell her that using so much fire yesterday had drained him completely.
How would she react to my powers? I can't worry her. I'll keep it to myself… for now. But I'll tell Yuno as soon as I can. We've been talking about this for as long as I can remember. The comic book weekends, the endless arguments over who would win in a fight between our favorites. There's no one I'd rather share this with… except maybe Kiara. But, I can't tell her. It'd be wrong to drag her into this. She has too much riding on her future for me to risk it.
Righteous kissed his grandmother on the cheek.
"I'm gonna call Yuno, see if he wants to hang out. Is that okay?" he asked.
"Oh sure, just don't do anything I wouldn't do," she winked at Righteous.
"Right, Grams, wouldn't dream of it," he assured her.
"Righteous, before you go, Is there anything you want to tell me? You've been fidgeting all morning," his grandma asked.
Righteous' heart sank.
"No, Grams… just nervous about finals…"
He waved goodbye and left.
Righteous managed to get ahold of Yuno, and told him to meet him at the shoreline. In Righteous' opinion, it was quickly becoming the best place to be…
This is becoming real secret base material. The treehouse would make for adequate accommodations for now.
When Righteous arrived at the shoreline, Yuno was already waiting in his blue jacket and yellow beanie. Yuno's Asian heritage was clear in his features.
"You've got to be kidding me, Righteous. What are we doing outside? You know the sky, even with clouds, could still give me a sunburn," Yuno complained.
"Trust me, you'll understand. Because what I've got to show you is crazy," Righteous promised.
"It better be because my project at the house has been on the back burner and I don't want to lose my momentum… but for you I'll make an exception, broski," Yuno said.
"It's next to the old treehouse. You remember the way, right?" Righteous began walking.
"Of course I do. Kiara would ring our necks if we forgot about it. She still goes there to maintain it if I remember correctly," Yuno said. Righteous' ears got hot.
"Why wasn't he aware of this? I didn't know that, but I'm glad she still remembers the old days," Righteous shrugged.
"How did the date go by the way? You never gave me an update…" Yuno asked.
"Not much to say… it just ended in awkward mumbling and fumbling." Righteous hung his head.
"It's gonna be okay man… I think. Regardless, she's still your friend right?" Yuno asked.
"Yeah, which is good. Just hurts, ya know," Righteous said, clutching his arms.
Yuno went silent not knowing what to say.
They made it to the treehouse and Yuno immediately covered his nose.
"Oh man, what's burning!?" Yuno looked around with worry.
"I'll show you! Can't believe it's still smoldering.
Righteous revealed the crater he made the day before. The crater was still smoking and red glowing embers dotted the crater. Ash crunched beneath their feet. The heat was palpable.
Yuno looked shocked. He examined the crater and started to speculate. "Now this is interesting. Judging from the diameter of the hole it seems a humanoid being crashed here. The flaming embers, however, make no logical sense. They shouldn't still be burning. My only conclusion is, Righteous: have you discovered an alien life form or perhaps a human-sized meteorite? Though how could the alien move his spaceship…? Shrinking tech maybe? Either way I need more details… now!" Yuno demanded.
Righteous felt his heartbeat thump.
"Well broski?" Yuno goaded poking him, which annoyed Righteous.
"You know I don't like being poked!" Righteous swatted him away.
Yuno laughed.
Righteous sighed…
"Not exactly. It seems you're wrong this time. The being that fell from the sky into the crater… was me."
They sat afterward in the treehouse.
"You're telling me that you fell from the sky… after going through an ancestral trial… where you fought your shadow self?" Yuno asked.
Yes," Righteous answered.
"And why shouldn't I tell Grams to commit you to the hospital?" Yuno asked.
"Because I can prove I have powers." Righteous lifted his hands and wiggled his fingers.
"Well, I'll humor you. Show me something, Manas…" Yuno folded his arms as he sat across from Righteous.
Righteous visualized flame sprouted from his hand, a power manifested through his soul. The energy swelled, and his hand ignited. Fire swirled around his palm. It crackled with light, and its warmth hit Yuno's face.
Yuno jumped out of his skin and clutched his head.
"Oh shit! Are you serious?" Yuno blurted, reaching involuntarily toward the flame.
Righteous quickly snuffed it out.
"Be careful, Yuno! don't just touch an open flame… that's fire safety 101,"
Righteous stood up, mirroring Yuno's excitement.
"But, pretty cool, right?" Righteous held out his arm for a high five.
Yuno excitedly responded in kind, slapping his hand.
"Righteous, this is insane. You're a full superhuman now! We gotta prepare immediately," Yuno pulled out his phone and started taking notes.
Righteous smiled. He had known this would be Yuno's reaction.
"By the way you're conducting the flame, it erupts first, then swirls around you. That being said, I wonder how it actually materializes…" Yuno speculated.
"Well, when I visualize what I want the flame to do, it kind of just happens," he explained.
"Kind of just happens You're crazy, dude. The scientific aspects are a mystery for now but what do you plan on doing with this… let me guess save the world? Get the girl? Profit off the powers until you face a great tragedy?" Yuno teased.
"No, well some of that hopefully. But, avoiding personal tragedy at all costs." Righteous made a prayer sign with his hands.
"Of course. Let me try to calm down… You'll need a costume. Something functional, though I fully know you'd want it iconic. I'll get started on something flame-resistant." Yuno offered.
"Hold up, Yuno. You don't have to do this if it's too much. I wouldn't want to put any stress on you." Righteous held up his hands.
"Righteous, you're my best friend. We stand together… until the end,"
Righteous hugged him at that moment. Yuno's eyes widened, caught off guard.
"Come on, man, don't make it awkward. But seriously, before you go out playing hero, give me some time to work on the outfit," Yuno advised.
Righteous scratched his chin and thought, Man, I should bide my time and prepare… but feeling like a hero already would just be too good.
"Now that is an idea… but counter my dear friend: I'm going on a test run tonight," Righteous said.
Yuno thought for a moment before responding. "As your self-appointed man behind the wall, I'd advise against it. But feel free… just be wary," Yuno warned.
"Aye aye, Captain," Righteous said.
"Now come here, I want to run a few tests on your abilities. Let's see how fast your fire can burn… paper, wood, a soda can, maybe scrap metal if we can find some. Is it faster than normal, or just a standard burn? I'm curious."
They spent the rest of the afternoon in the treehouse, smoke and ash drifting on the wind as Yuno ran tests and took notes on Righteous' new abilities.
After they said their goodbyes, Righteous pulled him into another hug. Yuno rolled his eyes at the gesture but hugged him back.
He made his way home and said hello to his grandma, who was still resting and watching TV.
Righteous hurried to his room, pulling out what little clothing he had. He settled on a trench coat, darker than the one he usually wore to school. Underneath, he wore a plain black long-sleeve shirt and black slacks.
He used black electrical tape to craft a makeshift eye mask. He grabbed a black blanket from his bed and tied it to his neck as an impromptu cape.
He stood in front of his room's mirror, the cape dragging awkwardly across the floor . He posed in a traditional superhero stance, hands at his sides. Then flexed, followed by a pose that was reminiscent of a Greek statue.
He then stared awhile at the reflection…
This outfit is godawful… but I can worry about aesthetics later, the people need me, and I won't let it stop me from stepping into my duty.
He peeked around the corner and saw that his grandmother had gone to bed. He felt a twinge of guilt at not telling her the truth, but he told himself it was better this way.
It would worry her to death, putting myself in danger like this, Righteous thought.
He made sure his outfit was secure and leapt from the window without thinking. The sudden rush of wind made him gasp
but then… He imagined flying through the sky, fire trailing from his hands and feet. It became as real as any natural flame.
He propelled himself into the air, but it was uncontrolled. He spun at first, then began forcing short explosions from his hands and feet. Righteous floundered and sputtered across rooftop after rooftop.
He crash-landed on a rooftop patio, smashing through a table and landing flat on his face. An umbrella fell over and covered him…
Righteous thought, Come on, Righteous. Explosions don't work like jet engines.It's gotta be a constant flow of fire… I know I can do this… just gotta get the hang of movement.
He jetted back into the sky, this time visualizing his path and putting forethought into where he wanted to go.
Righteous traveled to the Higher District, which sat north of Lower District. He went to the highest rooftop in the city first, the Midtower skyscrapper which was a perfect vantage point of each district of the city. It housed multiple companies and foundations for technology and commerce.
Cars sped below him, horns blaring, the city abuzz in his ears. The wind was sharp and cut through his costume.
Righteous thought, I can see my apartment from here! Who knew Righteous Manas would be chilling at the top of the world!... Well I can't exactly say chilling can I? I burn too hot to be cold now. Okay, focus Righteous.
Then suddenly he noticed movement in a nearby alleyway.
He smacked his face lightly. His black cape billowed in the wind. He stared out into the great expanse of the city and wondered…
What should I do now? The ancestors said it was my choice, my own decision to be who I want to be, and I have to make them proud…. If that's the case I'll save everyone. No matter who it is. Can I truly live up to that? No, Righteous… no more doubt. I have to be able to be confident. I'll change somehow. Promise yourself here and now!
He ignited into the sky at that moment, weaving a trail of saffron and golden flame. The people on the street below looked up and couldn't believe their eyes. What manner of being is this…? they wondered.
Righteous scanned the area for anything going on that may have been amiss. He found nothing for a time and then he saw it as a classic situation. A mugger in an alleyway was threatening a woman for her money at gunpoint.
Righteous descended and crashed into a nearby dumpster. Both the mugger and the tearful woman looked confused.
Righteous hopped out of the dumpster and ignited his hands.
"Sorry about the rough entrance, I'm still learning the ropes. Now how about you get away from the lady," Righteous demanded.
"I don't know what kind of goth freak show you are, but back off," The mugger warned.
"Look, like I told you before I don't have any money." the young woman pleaded through tears.
"You lying cow I saw your necklace and that cash. Hand it over!" The mugger put the gun to the woman's head.
Righteous rushed towards the mugger at that moment. The mugger turned and let off a shot in Righteous' side. He screamed into the night air, Righteous gritted his teeth… and continued to rush him.
He brought the mugger to the ground. His emotions lit his hands ablaze. He used his flaming grasp to melt the gun, and waved off the flame and tried to punch the mugger desperately. It wasn't a very strong punch.
"I'd get out of here miss…" Righteous said in gritted teeth. The woman's eyes eased with a sense of relief.
"Christ, just a bunch of freaks in this part of town," she said with a hasty dash away from the alley.
The mugger pushed Righteous off of him, and Righteous doubled over in pain from the gunshot wound.
"You damn idiot, that was the largest score of the night. Could've fed me for a while too. And I don't care that you use some sort of light tricks, ya pyro," The mugger snapped.
"No tricks, real flame…
" God I hope that sounded cool… Righteous coughed up blood as he spoke.
The mugger started beating Righteous…
First a swing to his temple, then a vicious kick to the bullet wound.
The pain was dizzying and agonizing.
Righteous groaned.
"Just stop!"
Righteous held up a hand and desperately racked his brain for a solution.
He imagined a classic… A great ball of fire.
He instinctively didn't want to hurt anyone, so it wasn't hot enough to incinerate, just enough to blow the assailant back.
This sphere of flame erupted from Righteous and whirled through the air towards the mugger. It impacted and knocked the mugger off his feet. He landed on the ground hard and passed out.
Righteous lay down in the gutter, a familiar place… almost like coming home again. I need to get the bullet out now! If I dont, I'll die… Righteous thought. He then dug into the wound. This is a terrible idea! he thought, as he found the bullet. Blood sprayed across the alleyway as he pulled it free.
He couldn't help but yell. He'd never felt pain like this; it was worse than any beating Joko had ever dished out. He then erupted two fingers in solar fire and cauterized the bullet wound. The searing of flesh echoed throughout the back alley.
A civilian shouted from an apartment above
"Shut up out there! People are trying to sleep!"
Please God… Manathan… let me survive this I will survive this…
Righteous sat close to the mugger, knees pulled in, breathing heavily.
He waited to catch his breath and to talk with the mugger once he got up.
I don't… and never will… want to be the kind of hero who just leaves a criminal hung out to dry… Maybe I could try to understand him before I go. He still needs to face justice but I want to hear what he has to say. He did shoot me though. This guy could still be dangerous. One thing for sure though: Nighttime might not be my speed just yet. I, however, will never give up. I saved someone tonight and that's what matters.
Righteous thought this as he got up and found some wire strewn across the alley. He tied the mugger up with it.
He held his side; it hurt like hell, but his conviction distracted him from the pain.
"My guy, you gotta wake up…" Righteous tapped his shoulder.
"Come on, I don't have all night… I've got school in the morning."
Righteous slapped his face a bit. The mugger was roused awake.
"Huh? What happened?" he said groggily.
"Well for one, I beat your ass… even while shot, buddy! For two I tied you up for the cops. They'll come get you… eventually I think?" Righteous explained.
"Then why are you still here? Fuck off already," the mugger said.
"Hold up now I want… to hear your story. Why did you try to mug that woman?" Righteous asked earnestly.
"What do you want to hear, freak? Some sob story?" the mugger asked.
"I want to hear God's honest truth." Righteous insisted.
"I can't say I know myself… maybe I just really like money and shooting young women." The mugger sneered.
"Is that actually why? Or are you just messing with me?" Righteous made a face that was half curiosity, half frustration.
Righteous nearly passed out mid-conversation.
For a half second, the mugger looked desperate to be free, cracking his neck as sweat rolled down his face.
"Chief, you're not playing with a full deck are ya? What are you even doing out here, kid? You got shot, threw a bomb at me and proceeded to question my motives. What are ya, a priest? Get the hell out of my face." The mugger spat on the ground.
Righteous thought for a moment before saying.
"Will you at least consider changing your ways? I'm gonna be protecting these streets from now on so I won't allow this type of behavior anymore. I'll save everyone," Righteous explained.
"I used to believe crap like your spewing too. Then life cut it outta me." Righteous shivered at the response.
"If you'll leave me alone the n sure… so you gonna let me walk?" the mugger asked.
Righteous' spine snapped erect.
"Nope. Not in the slightest I'm taking you to the police station posthaste," Righteous said.
"Oh, fuck you, pal," The mugger said.
Righteous proceeded to take the mugger to the police station. He flew with the mugger under his arms, leaping from one fiery explosion to the next. The mugger yelled in terror as they hurtled across the sky.
"First time flyers hold on tight!" Righteous jested.
"Put me down!" the mugger wailed.
The police officers saw Righteous coming from a mile away. A black-and-red streak hurling through the sky. One of the officers dropped her coffee, which splattered across the pavement.
They made it to the police station and Righteous set the man down gently in front of two officers who stood outside the precinct. One officer approached, hand on his duty weapon.
"Uh, kid who the hell are you and what is this? Why is this man tied up?"
The other officer spoke quickly into his radio.
"Whoa, take it easy… this man is a mugger. I stopped him from brutalizing a woman over petty possessions." Righteous quickly explained.
"Let me tell you something. You don't have any evidence or the authority to arrest someone. Vigilantism is illegal in Shore City."
In that moment, Righteous decided it was a good idea to… just go. He ignited upward and imagined his feet like rockets.
The police fired at him, making it difficult to dodge midair. Bullets whizzed by his head, sending pulses of fear through him. He started to sputter out and landed on a nearby rooftop.
He shook off the nerves, but the wound reminded him of his earlier injury. Gritting his teeth, he forced himself to press on.
He flew higher, using the clouds to shield his escape.
Would this night get any worse for the young hero?
Righteous stood atop Midtower and silently wept. Below him, cars screeched, while the night winds howled above.
Well, that didn't go as planned. What's the phrase? Growing pains. I have to get better. Gather evidence, make sure I get in and out, and before anything else never talk to the cops again. At least for now. They don't trust me, but maybe one day, they will.
I have to become a name they whisper with belief, not fear. I don't want adoration… I want to be the hope of the city… Righteous thought, wiping his tears.
Righteous decided to spend the rest of the night training. He practiced diving and repositioning, and making sure he could imagine flames erupting from his feet in more controlled ways. From long jetstreams of fire to solid daggers of flame, even hovering on controlled heat.
It wasn't perfect, but it was a start. He couldn't help but smile. It was freeing, yet it also felt like something he had missed since birth.
If there was ever a time for the words "This should've been mine ages ago," this was it. this was exactly how it felt.
As if my purpose pooled into a lake of resentment… I'd wanted this for so long… to finally feel free.
He could tell, however, he was almost falling in love with the flame… a love like he had for Kiara but wilder, untamed.
I can't let this become an obsession. Always remember your moral code, Righteous.
Righteous made his way home after flight training. On the way, he noticed a red and black cat trapped in a fence. It was the same cat that often lounged on the railing of his building.
It reminded him of his youth, like a young cat, trapped by the weight of society.
He descended, reducing his flames. The cat hissed and recoiled from the flames.
"It's okay buddy. I'm more of a warm fireplace, than a raging inferno. I'll prove it."
He began slowly melting the fence with two burning fingers, cutting a circle around the cat. It growled at him the whole time.
"I won't let you stay trapped the way I once was, stuck to the ground…" Righteous said, determined.
The cat, once freed, still had wire wrapped around him. Righteous picked him up and untangled the wire.
Terrified, the cat clawed him. Righteous winced but endured the pain.
Once freed, he petted the cat and placed it gently on the ground. The cat meowed at him and rubbed against his leg.
"Well, that's better. I guess you're a warm one too. I always notice you on my way to school. You're red-and-black, my two favorite colors. Neat!"
Righteous tried to leave, saying goodbye, but the cat followed him all the way to his home.
"Want to come in, little guy? I'm not sure Grams can spare the milk in the fridge, but we can see!"
The cat meowed enthusiastically.
Strays are kind of like the poor people of Shore City. Abandoned by society… we've gotta stick together, little guy.
As they walked up to the apartment, Righteous opened the door. His grandmother was pacing, dialing a phone number. She looked up to him, and her face shifted from worry to profound upset.
"Where on God's green earth have you been? I went to check on you and you were just gone," his grandmother said in a stern but even tone.
"Grams I can explain," Righteous said, holding the cat in his arms.
"...Also, what are you wearing, and why do you have tape on your eyes?" she demanded, peeling it off quickly.
"You have to understand I like to... Uh cosplay and I was trying to copy a superhero outfit from a comic I like," Righteous explained.
"That still doesn't explain why you were gone, and why you have a cat in your arms. For goodness sake, Righteous, I almost had to call the police… not like they would've done much."
Righteous looked guilty and hung his head, another lie on his tongue.
"I heard a cat crying and went to check it out. It's this creature here." Righteous held it up and the cat meowed. "It was trapped, Grams, in a wire fence down the street. I couldn't just let it stay there."
Righteous stuck out his hands pointing towards the door.
"Next time please tell me, Righteous… wake me up if you have to. You're still too young to be just running off, which you've been doing lately. I need you to let me know where you're going and what you're doing… Do you understand? What have I always said about respecting your guardian?"
Righteous's grandmother expected an answer.
"To always honor your protector, unless they stop having your best interests at heart," Righteous stated.
"Exactly. Now that's over with, let's get this little guy some milk." His grandmother petted the cat, and it nuzzled into her hand.
"How do you know it's a boy?" Righteous asked.
"Because I can always point out a starving boy, dear. Call it a superpower that grandmas have. You know, like a comic book." she said sarcastically.
She rarely joked like that. She must be really upset then, Righteous thought.
"Grams, I am sorry… I'll change," Righteous promised.
"I'd best see some change too. You're a man of your word Righteous… always have been." She pinched Righteous on the ear as she said this.
"What are you gonna name the little rascal you have?" She asked
"I was thinking… Nova," Righteous offered.
"Oh your grandfather would've loved that Righteous, a burst of light and fire," his grandmother said.
After feeding Nova, they settled down for the night. As Righteous was about to retire to his room, his grandma stopped him.
"Righteous, doing what's right isn't about always being perfect or doing things correctly… It's about doing right by the people who walk next to you and beyond. Just be considerate of people, okay sweetie?"
As he lay down to sleep, his grandmother's words were like cement in his mind… heavy and lasting. Nova curled up on his chest and purred. Righteous then sneezed in his sleep.
Righteous got ready and quickly said goodbye to his grandmother and Nova and headed off to school. He met up with Kiara first; their houses are relatively close and along the way to school. He found her handing out bread at the tent city before class.
"Hey, Kiara! Lovely morning for a good deed, I see," Righteous beamed.
"It is... What's got you smiling? Did you win the lottery? Throw some cash towards my college fund while you're at it," Kiara jested.
"I wish. I'm just in a good mood… Here let me help you hand out the rest." Righteous took half the box of bread and began handing it out to the homeless.
"Don't forget to go to the shelter for more blankets," Righteous told a family in rags.
Righteous sneezed hard right after. Kiara gave him a worried glance but continued on.
"Yes, the Deed center should be open by three o'clock." The family thanked them.
Another man went to Righteous for some bread and water. He had a brown coat, beard peppered with grey, and his hair in ornate dreads. He looked at Righteous with a knowing gaze.
"Shore City ain't safe like it used to be. Make sure you kids stay out of trouble," the mysterious man warned.
Righteous thought, He totally remembered me from when I walked through the tent city… I'll keep an eye out for him next time I'm here… maybe explain myself.
Kiara then noticed Righteous spacing out. "Shore city to Moral Boy… ya there?" She teased.
As they continued to hand out bread and information Yuno caught up with them.
"Hello, my fellows…" Yuno yawned and stretched.
"You look like you've been pulling all-nighters again, Yuno. Just because you get A-Pluses on tests without studying doesn't mean you get to skip rest dummy." Kiara pushed him slightly and almost knocked Yuno over.
"Alright, you caught me, but I'm working on some important stuff over at my place. Multiple projects are piling up." Yuno explained.
"No excuses." Kiara said as she pointed a finger towards him.
"Come now Kiara, surely you can respect the man's dedication to his craft," Righteous defended.
"Don't think I don't have multiple questions for you too. I hope you studied for the math test today instead of writing poems all night," she said.
Righteous rolled his eyes and then they all heard a loud meow!
They looked down, and Nova was rubbing against Kiara's leg.
"Oh my god, it's a kitty!?" She knelt down to pet the cat. The cat ignored her touch and hopped in the bread box. He stole three loaves.
"That's Nova. I saved him from a wire fence last night. Me and Grams took him in, " he said, sneezing again.
"Aren't you allergic to cats?" Kiara and Yuno said simultaneously.
"Well, yes but I couldn't just leave it in the cold any longer." Righteous explained after he stifled another sneeze.
They both laughed at him a bit and then Kiara said, "You are the kindest idiot, Righteous… never change."
Yuno nodded in agreement.
"Thanks guys, but seriously Nova should go home. I can't bring him to school.
Nova noticed this, climbed onto Righteous' shoulder, and dug his claws into his shoulder blade.
"Ow, Nova come on now."
"I guess we got a tagalong… and an adorable one at that." Kiara said.
Yuno rolled his eyes and checked his phone.
Nova meowed loudly.
After bribing Nova with more bread to send him home, the group finally went to school and sat together in their first period: science class.
Their teacher was a hunched-over older man named Mr. McGinnus. He gave a lecture about how splitting an atom creates a chain reaction.
Righteous wasn't paying attention. He was too busy drawing in his sketchbook. Kiara noticed and kicked him. She gave him the signature Pay attention, Moral Boy look.
He tried to focus but was distracted moments later by Yuno who sat in front of him. Yuno was tinkering with an experiment of his own. Sparks and smoke filled his side of the classroom, and the sharp scent of burning fabric drifted through the air.
He had a Bunsen burner hidden behind textbooks and was testing it on bits of fabric. Mr. McGinnus usually just let Yuno do what he pleased. After all, Yuno had put Shore City High School on the map for scientific research and won many school Decathlons.
Righteous figured it had to be another attempt at making him a super suit.
From the back of the class, Joko tossed a piece of balled-up paper at Righteous' head.
When Righteous Unraveled it, the message read: I want to talk, meet me out back no beatdown this time.
Righteous thought, This is strange. Could it be a trick? How many times am I gonna have to face Joko? Why was "No beatdown" underlined… so ominous! His heart raced.
It was different now, though. I can't use my powers against Joko, but I can change the narrative. Hold up, what if he actually wants to change… I should give him the benefit of the doubt, but I must make sure I'm protected.
He's expecting a soft boy. Righteous gripped the note tightly. I'll show him a new man!
Righteous looked back at him with a determined nod. Joko kept an eye on Righteous after that.
Righteous folded the paper into an origami crane while his heart pounded and stuck it in his pocket.
Kiara noticed and leaned over to whisper, "I'm coming with you this time, Righteous. I'm free and don't have any clubs today. There will be a witness this time," she said thinking that this was another beatdown.
"He says it won't be a fight," he whispered back.
"Obvious trick. Come on, Moral Boy," Kiara said, rolling her eyes.
Mr. McGinnus heard them and clapped his hands. "Mr. Manas, notes and whispers are not conducive to the scientific method… Well notes are, but ones that are on subject. Focus! Finals are coming up, people." Mr. McGinnus rambled.
Righteous looked embarrassed, and Kiara rolled her eyes.
Righteous looked out the window, distracted yet again, when his mind suddenly felt inflamed… He nearly exploded into flame right there in class. Sparks popped around his head. He had a vision of flames nearby. He saw a house, firemen, and a child screaming. It was as if the fire was calling out to him.
If this vision was real, Righteous knew he was needed. A house fire was prime hero work. This would be his moment.
"Alright, it's private study time. Don't talk… just review the lesson and take notes on what we've learned today," Mr. McGinnus said.
Righteous immediately broke the rule when the teacher's back was turned, whispering to Yuno…
"Is the suit done? I need it quick."
"I've only got a prototype. I haven't added the flame resistance yet," Yuno whispered back
"There's an emergency… where is it?"
"In my locker."
Righteous then stood up and said, "Going to the bathroom sir!"
"We're not in the military, Righteous my name is Mr. McGinnus."
"Sorry!"
Righteous took off into the halls. The school used keypad locks for lockers. Righteous knew Yuno's locker code. They shared mostly everything except clothes.
Inside, the locker looked like a mechanic's tool shed. But beneath a hidden panel, a locked box awaited… with the suit inside.
Righteous opened it and found the suit; it even had a red cape. He looked at the black tribal sun logo on the male cheerleader shirt. He nearly cried after seeing the logo and thought, Not the kind of shirt I would've gone with… but go team!
The suit also had black, wavy pants paired with combat boots. The whole outfit was crimson and ebony. His heart raced.
This was the start of something extraordinary.
Righteous burst onto the roof, ran straight for the edge, and rocketed into the sky.
He descended into the Middle District quickly. Firefighters were struggling with the blazing inferno. Righteous saw that they didn't get the family out yet; they were still working on the door. A crowd of citizens was forming, watching the fire as others evacuated nearby houses.
Righteous racked his brain. Do I fly in there? Do I help the firefighters break down the door…? How do I even do this?
Wait… what was it that called me in the Thousandfold Plane? The Scion of Flame… Does that hold more weight than I first thought? What if…"
Righteous held out his hands towards the flame. The citizens and firefighters looked up and saw this being as he floated on fire. His hair blew in the wind and he imagined the fire being absorbed into his body.
At first nothing happened… then the fire shifted and it was so. The flames bent to his command and left the house as if they were children in trouble. Even the embers obeyed.
As it touched his skin, it sank into him. His muscles bulked, energy surging through every vein. The sickness from the cat's dander evaporated… He now felt as healthy as sunrise itself.
The family was saved and rushed out to an ambulance. Firefighters and civilians stared at Righteous. Some pulled out phones to film. Others whispered, their faces caught between confusion and awe.
He tried to smile and gave them a friendly wave. "Well, citizens, the crisis is averted. Don't worry… You're now under the protection of the…"
He paused. Righteous thought. The Scion? Atavism? Maybe The Solar? No... no… keep it simple…
"I am The Red Sun!"
He took off in an arc of fire and light.
Off in the distance, across the highway at a city mall, a team of black-suited figures in striped masks planted C4 charges with cold intent. What sinister deeds were brewing in the days ahead?