Kino: Muchas gracias, my friends. I am updating as quickly as possible (having to active stories right now). I'm trying to get a chapter up here every Friday and a chapter for the story up every Sunday. Next week is going to be a little sketchy, due to long working hours (which sucks). My advice: don't get a job unless you really need one. Live off your parents as long as you can! Por favor, sea paciente (I hope that's right).

Disclaimer: I do not own, thus I am unhappy. But I am happy for one thing: Superheroes in spandex are AWESOME!

Florecimiento Flor

Chapter 2

Invitación

"That was easy." El Tigre said, wiping his paws on his spandex pants.

I was trying not to laugh at the looks on Maita, James and David's faces. All three were beyond stunned and stood there stupefied.

"What?" El Tigre asked, looking at them, green eyes innocent.

"Are you— " Maita began.

"A real superhero?" James finished.

"Uh…" I looked at my old friend as he seemed to struggle with the appropriate words. "I guess you could call me that."

"Not yet a hero," I said, "but not yet a villain."

"No," he said, meeting my eyes. Damn those eyes of his, "I have chosen the path of a héroe, a hero. But I wouldn't call myself a superhero. It's not like I was bitten by a mutant spider and got my powers or something. I'm not El Hombre Araña or anything like that."

I wasn't sure it he was being serious or if he was joking. Maybe after the four years, he had gotten a sense of humor. Ha! Not likely.

"Was I supposed to laugh?" David asked.

"It wasn't that funny." Maita said, shaking her head.

"Who's El-Whatever you said?"

"El Hombre Araña," I said, "is 'Spiderman.' Apparently there are rules as to who qualifies as a superhero and who doesn't."

"Yes," El Tigre said, "anyone who was bitten by a radioactive being, fallen into a vat of ooze, is alien, DNA has been altered, or so on. However, if one was to receive a family heirloom that holds mystical and magical abilities, then they are just a hero, as they have no powers on their own."

"You were actually paying attention." I said blandly. He grinned toothily at us.

"What about Batman?" James asked.

"Uh… I think he's under hero, but then again, I'd better make sure… Hey, how about you guys come over. Mahmah always makes too much."

I pierced my lips. Four years after our argument, and here he was being as friendly as if our dispute hadn't happened.

"Sounds good to me." David said. "Freedom, what do you think?"

"Sure." I said, trying to sound. "I haven't seen Maria in years. Casa del Mariachi, right?"

"No, Abuelo's."

I frowned. I knew something was wrong. He never called his grandfather "Abuelo." I'd corner him and ask him later.

"You can count on us being there." I said, nodding.

The four of us watched as he swung off in the direction of his home.

"What's up with you, Freedom?" Maita asked.

"Don't call me Freedom!" I snapped.

"Whoa, dudette, chill!" James said.

"Something's up with him." I looked after my friend, frowning.


Invitación: Invitation

Héroe: Hero

El Hombre Araña: Spiderman

Abuelo: Grandfather


Kino: You know what I noticed while writing this chapter, Maria's name was taken from "Mariachi." Ha ha, who else noticed that? Anyway, this morning there was an earthquake and my friend woke, lurching forwards (as she said) seconds before she felt and heard it. She's kind of psychic that way.