I know I'm being awful for starting a new story when I haven't finished my previous one and I'm especially awful for having the first chapter this short, but I just couldn't help it, you know? I've had this idea for some time now.

Phoebe let out a small sigh as she finished putting the final box in the storage room. Today had been a very busy day because of the worldwide festivity. The emotional conflict this day brought for her hurt her more than any physical wound she had sustained or will ever have. For some people this day represented the day the world finally knew peace, for others it marked the day liberty died, but for her was the day that everything she loved turned to ash.

"Kira? Are you done there?" her co-worker called.

Phoebe blinked, as she remembered her alias. "Yeah. What about you?"

"All done, let's close the shop."

As she stood outside waiting for her co-workers she had timed to think about how everything went wrong. In truth, it was all her fault. She had betrayed him, didn't even let him explain himself and turned him away from her, made him the monster that he had become.

"Hey, Kira. Want to come with us to the parade?" one of her co-workers, Andy asked.

"Sorry guys, but I have plans," she said with a fake smile

I intend to drink myself into oblivion to forget all my pain

"Come, Kira. You rarely hang out with us," pleaded Andy with a puppy face.

"Just leave her alone Andy. If she doesn't want to come, don't insist," said one of their colleagues.

Perhaps it was because she didn't want to be alone, or perhaps she felt guilty for not spending time with her colleagues outside of work, whatever the reason Phoebe went along with them. The parade was a shameless display of wealth and lavish. After, no expense was spent when you celebrate the one who brought peace to the world. Phoebe regretted attending this. This whole parade was a reminder of her greatest failure. There is also a small chance that she might be recognized or worse that he might be here.

"This whole parade is a just a slap to the face for us. It's just to remind us who is in charge of us," said Andy, bringing her out of her self-pity. "I hate it, you know. I hate the fact that this tyrant rules over us and most of these people won't do anything about it. Hell, the majority look at him like he's a hero." Phoebe stared at him. In a year of knowing him, she had never seen him so full of hate. "I know who you really are, Phoebe. Don't dare deny it! There are people who need you. With your help, we can bring freedom back."

Phoebe shook her head. "No, you're wrong. Only death awaits those who fight Invictus. In order to live, you must stay away from him."

"That is not living, that's hiding!" fired back Andy.

"No, it's survival."

"There is no point in living if you're miserable."

"Tell that to the dead!" The former hero retorted angrily.

Realizing he had hit a nerve, Andy let out a sigh. "Look, I'm not here to argue with you. I'm here to let you know that a certain blonde wants to see you. You used to be very close."

Phoebe's heart skipped a beat. Cherry.

Suddenly gas began to fill the streets as civilians began to panic and flee and soldiers began to bark orders. "Come, let's go!" ordered Andy as he led her away to an alley where a group of cloaked figure stood.

"It's been a long time, Phoebe," one of them said and took her hood off revealing her best friend.

"Cherry..."

In Metrobourg at the central palace, a great party was being held in the honor of the man who conquered the world. All the villains that worked under the man had a chance to relax and let loose. The only person who was not having a good time was the man himself who made all of this a reality. Invictus stood on his throne as observed his subjects enjoy themselves. His body was covered from head to toe in black armor, his face covered by his helmet. As he looked at the partygoers he couldn't help the sense of irony that the current situation had. Years ago, he would have wanted to have all this power, to rule the world. Now, he would trade all this away to be with his family again. To be with her again. He was brought back to reality when he felt someone tapping on his helmet. Only one person had the audacity to do that. "What is it Colosso?"

The villain smirked. "Just wanted to make sure you were really here, and you didn't sneak out again like that one time. It wouldn't kill you to mingle with the people."

"What would be the point?" he asked tiredly. Even if he could drink and eat what he wanted, all were tasteless to him. Despite all his power and wealth, there is one thing that neither could grant him.

"Maybe this can lift your mood," Colosso said and handed him a tablet.

What Invictus saw made his heart skip a beat. "Colosso is this...?"

"Yes, it is real and it was taken a few hours ago in New York," Colosso said, watching his best friend stare at the picture displayed on the device that showed Phoebe at the parade, picturing his shocked expression. "Happy Peace Day, Max."

Thank you for reading. If you have any feedback don't hesitate to review or just PM me. Cheers!