OOC Introduction: Not that I'm much for ooc introductions, but so you know what you're getting into- I've got big plans for this one. I've loosely planned out several issues, focusing on the different sections, and the various heroes of Paragon City. At it's heart, though, this is a story about two young mutants, once lifelong friends. Wilde's life was ruined when he participated in an experiment to boost his mutant powers. Although successful, the side effects have slowly been playing havoc with his mind and body.

Shelly Hollins is the only one who's been able to track him down. She's come to Paragon City in an effort to find out why Wilde abandoned his old life.. Their paths, however, go down drastically different routes in the "City of Heroes.."

Disclaimer: Cryptic Studios owns the rights to City of Heroes, a massive multiplayer online game. Used here without permission. Information on who owns each individual character can be found at the bottom of the document. . .

Note: Although based on the same world and characters, these stories take place in a totally different timeline than my "Collection of introductions" stories... This story is set in the past, where as those contain more current information.

Editorial assistance by Superbabe founder Testarossa

We're holding hands.

We're content, and happy, and our powers aren't ruining it.

Terri's not dead. My hands aren't throbbing in pain from trying to keep them still, and that surgery- I don't think it ever really happened. Hell, let's just say Cid's still around, here to see you all grown up.

Your mind isn't overwhelmed by the emotion of it, so you don't start crying or begging for it to stop. Everyone's happy and we're still in Chicago..

No.

We're not in Chicago. Shelly.. suddenly my mind shifts and I see us battling mysterious shadows .. I see Nemesis.. I see the strange Ritki soldiers.. I see shadows of things I don't even recognize as human, leaning over us..

Not us, me. You're left behind in Chicago. I left you behind with Ivan. I don't even know if Terri's alive for sure or not.. I doubt she is.. I felt her.. die.. in my heart a few days ago..

My perfect world vanished just now into a nightmare. See? Then, even that nightmare fades. (Although not really since it's pretty close to reality now..) into a bus post..

I feel asleep on the long ride to this city, knocked out by another headache.. The last leg of my journey. A bus ride in a drab, grey, rainy day to a whole new life and hopefully a cure..

Falling asleep and daydreaming about a life I'll never have is silly. Paragon City, you better have a cure for me. I'll wring one out of you, if I have to!

Wilde's comin' for ya, and he's pissed.

(I say, trying my best to ignore what looks like a homeless man pissing in the next seat.. Sigh. I miss Chicago.)

Wilde Tanke, Shelly Hollins and the others are all mine. Expect approved apperances from other characters next segment. Later!