Earth-Infinite Issue 6: Guardians Unite
~Emerald Archer, The Expert Marksman~
Ever since Kurt Gallard was a child he's always had a sharp eye and impeccable reflexes. During his high school career, Kurt took up archery and with his natural talent quickly excelled at the sport, leading his team to several gold medals before he graduated. College was no different for the star archer, and as he won more medals he gained more attention from scouts for the Olympics. In his first tournament Kurt stole the gold with ease, and during that summer his meta-gene kicked in.
One day while Kurt was trying to hit a bulls-eye from eighty yards away(the longest bulls-eye in history) he indirectly activated his powers. After missing his target from dusk till dawn, Kurt was at his final arrow. Determined to meet his goal, the star archer shot his last arrow and right before it trailed off course Kurt's eyes flashed with an emerald light. the arrow was then engulfed in a green aura and directed straight to the bulls-eye. Astonished and freaked out Kurt didn't know what to think of his powers so he chose not to use them. During his next Olympic tournament Kurt noticed that another one of his competitors was hitting his mark every time he stepped up to the plate, just like him. Upon closer examination Kurt saw this mans arrow's path abnormally slightly shift it's way to the bulls eye. At that moment Kurt knew that his competitor was like him in some way, he just couldn't figure it out.
At the end of the tournament the judges declared a tie between Kurt and his competitor Roger. In the event of a tie in archery tournaments, the two competitor's must participate in a "Stag Shootout" were both contestant's shoot four consecutive arrows at four separate targets. Knowing that the event would just end in another tie, and not wanting to lose to a cheater, Kurt used his psionic energy manipulation ability to replace the feather's in his arrows with tiny green ones. When it became time for the duel, Kurt defeated Roger with flying colors, but Roger unfortunately noticed and began using telekinetic abilities to tear apart the arena in a fit.
Kurt was able to escape away from the fleeing crowd into the locker room. Wanting to help but not wanting everyone to know he was different, Kurt put on a hoodie to enshroud his face then took down the rampant Roger, by stunning him with a series of psionic arrows. A crowd quickly gathered and starting praising the star archer taking pictures and trying to see his identity under the hood. Before things got too crazy Kurt ditched the crowd to return home. The following day Kurt came across an article in L.A times about the mysterious "Emerald Archer" thanking him for his heroism.
Ever since that day, Kurt began training his psionic abilities learning a variety of uses for the kinetic force. Once he felt prepared, Kurt made a custom white and green spandex uniform with a green hood and a black cowl to enshroud his face then began protecting the city of Los Angeles from meta-human affairs as Emerald Archer. He bought a police scanner to monitor any supernatural related crimes quickly rising throughout the city, which led him to a gang holding hostages at the city bank.
Emerald Archer watched from the vents, patiently biding his time until he could figure out a safe way to take out thugs without any casualties. From what he'd examined so far, only two of the thugs had supernatural abilities. They all wore ski mask so it was difficult for Emerald Archer to differentiate between the men, but the one ordering the rest around, cut open a square through the vault door with a fire manipulation technique. Another one of his associates used their telekinetic strength to move the metal chunk, so the rest of the thugs could ransack the vault.
{{Emerald Archer}} Ten buff men with gun's, two of which are meta-human's. I've seen worse situations. The real issue is making sure no one gets hurt. I just need to be patient, eventually they'll slip up but a distraction would be golden right about now...
~Live on Regis and Kelly~
The crowd raged when Maeva made her first appearance in public as Miss Magician. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she adored her "costume". It was an aqua blue tiny silk dress with white swirly lines around the edge and a backless halter top, exposing her shoulders as well as her back. She wore the same aqua color three inch heels to match her outfit and complete the look.
Maeva spoke on behalf of her team while the others remained backstage just in case they were needed. The poised polite model tried to give the talk show host as much information as possible but nothing seemed to satisfy him.
(Regis) So your team name is the "Guardians". Fascinating isn't it folks, the world is changing to an era where super heroes exist. What are your teams goals?
(Miss Magician) Right now the world is going through a transition with the recent meta-human's popping up. We just want to make sure that our species doesn't try to divide itself out of fear and panic. Certain people might choose to use their abilities for personal gain, regardless of the effects their powers have on society. Our team is meant to set the example for others to use their powers for good.
Regis skeptically raised one of his eyebrows at Maeva.
(Regis) And what about this "Majestic Boy", doesn't he use his abilities to steal.
(Miss Magician) Majestic Boy is a 'former' thief who has decided to use his abilities to aid our cause. His past charges have been dropped by the government for his current heroic deeds.
Backstage, Phoenix Jones, Bryan going by his boxing name while in his costume Jackhammer, and Majestic Boy watched Miss Magician talk about the recent events of this newly formed team.
(Jackhammer) She sure can talk.
(Phoenix Jones) That's a good thing. The more she talks the less we have to. It makes us seem friendly... lets just be thankful Regis didn't bring up the presidents speech.
After about fifteen minutes or so, Miss Magician was done with the interview and rejoined the team backstage with an exasperated look on her face.
(Miss Magician) I hate speaking on talk shows. It makes me feel like I'm running for Miss America.
(Phoenix Jones) You did exceptional, Maeva. Now the press will stop calling meta-humans aliens, and monsters...
Phoenix Jones was distracted by a message coming in on his computer. He opened the call and saw Noble's silhouette.
{Noble} I apologize for the interruption, but I'm afraid your team is needed.
(Bryan) Good thing were already dressed for it.
(Phoenix Jones) What's the problem?
{Noble} The Mafia has sent a team to the downtown bank led by a group of meta-human's. I'm sending you the coordinates.
Bryan cracked his knuckles out of excitement.
(Bryan) Well aren't we a busy little bunch. First an interview and now were needed to kick some ass!
(Miss Magician) Which means were gonna be late for our photo shoot.
(Phoenix Jones) Call Carmen and let her know something came up. This is more important.
The group swiftly got in their van provided by their sponsor and speed off to the down town L.A.
~Downtown Bank~
Several men armed with AK-47's kept an eye the hostages as a couple other thugs dragged out huge duffel bags filled with the banks money. The hostages helplessly cowered in fear for their us they watched the men prepare to escape with the cash. Police men set up a perimeter around the bank but couldn't make a move because of the hostages. Three cops were previously burnt to death by the thug in charge when they tried to approach the bank.
Since their was no possible way the crooks could make an escape with the police watched every exit, they formulated a plan to escape beneath the city. In no time the Guardian's skid onto the scene in their van. The crowd bustled as each hero exited the vehicle and approached the chief in charge.
(Chief) What the hell are you supposed to be? A "super hero" team?
(Phoenix Jones) As a matter of fact, that's exactly what we are. We are the Guardians, and we'll be taking care of this matter.
(Chief) Taking the law into your own hands is illegal, what makes you think I'd step down so diligently?
Phoenix Jones pulled out a folded up piece of paper from his utility belt and gave it to the stubborn cop. The rest of the team had no idea what it was, but after the chief examined it for a moment he stepped aside to let the heroes pass with a mean scowl. Without further hesitation the Guardians proceeded to enter the bank.
As they made their way to the entrance the group could hear the crowd whisper sly remarks about them. Phoenix Jones took a quick look inside before informing the team of his plan.
(Phoenix Jones) Alright, it looks like they're about sixteen hostages being held in the far back right corner. They have ten armed men, which means our priority is making sure the hostages make it out of this safely, understood?
The team nodded in unison.
(Phoenix Jones) Good, I'll use a smoke bomb to give us some cover, use it to take out as many of them as you can and be careful. We still don't know which and how many are meta-human's
(Bryan) Not a problem, now get on with it! I'm starting to get antsy.
(Phoenix Jones) Wait for my signal.
Phoenix Jones disappeared behind the bank and found a way in from an emergency exit. Once he had the thugs in his sight he threw out several smoke bombs, quickly engulfing the bank in a cloud of thick white smog.
(Head Robber) What the hells going on?
(Robber 1) It must be an ambush by the cops!
(Head Robber) Everyone watch your back until the smoke clears out!
The armed men held up their guns and warily watched their surroundings. When the smoke triggered, Jackhammer took that as the sign as busted through the revolving glass doors, making an entrance for Miss Magician and Majestic Boy to enter through as well. The trio rapidly scattered into the cloud of smog. Some of the thugs were becoming paranoid and began randomly opening fire were they assumed they heard cops trying to sneak by. One of the men accidentally shot one of his own comrades in a panic.
(Robber 2) Ahhh! What the f*ck man!
(Robber 4) My bad, I thought you were a cop.
The robber who got shot fell down to the ground and grabbed his legs in an attempt to stop the bleeding.
(Head Robber) Hold your fire you idiots!
Phoenix Jones swooped in behind a thug frazzled by the smoke bombs and used his taser batons to stealthily knock him out before disappearing back into the fog. Jackhammer flashily leaped in front of a pair of thugs, causing the smoke to slightly spread out, revealing the young hero. Before the armed men could open fire, Jackhammer snatched the guns from the men, then used his strength to crumble them up into a rigid metal ball. While the men gawked at Jackhammer's strength, he took them by their heads and slammed them into each other knocking them out cold.
Majestic Boy flew over the smoke and used his telepathy to locate the men. Once he had a solid lock on each of them, Majestic Boy's eyes began to glow as he generated a long magenta chain construct wrapped around his left arm. He used his luminous chain bind one thug and whiplashed him into another before descending back down into the smoke.
Miss Magician was careful not to put her full weight on her heels to avoid getting noticed from the click they made on the marble floor. With the aid of the smoke Miss Magician was able to sneak behind one of the men. She gradually extended her arm out at the thug until she made contact with his neck. The man tried to turn around to see who grabbed him, but he was already twitching on the ground from Miss Magician's white sparks.
Moments later the smoke dispersed, revealing the four heroes surrounding the four remaining thugs and the men they took out sprawled across the floor.
(Head Robber) What the hell happened to my men?
Jackhammer took a step towards the man in charge and peered down at him with a confident smirk.
(Jackhammer) We happened to them.
Miss Magician rolled her eyes and shifted her at Jackhammer's attempt at being heroic.
(Miss Magician) Well aren't we witty.
(Jackhammer) Superheroes are supposed to be valiant, right.
The robber in charge snickered under his ski mask at Jackhammer's remark. Phoenix Jones then quickly took charge of the situation.
(Phoenix Jones) It's over for you and your little gang. Over half your men have been taken out. This is your one chance to surrender peacefully.
(Head Robber) From the guys in tights playing superhero? We'll see about that, Larry blast the one with the smart ass mouth first, then Phoenix Man and his queer friend. We'll save the girl for last.
Miss Magician gawked at the head robber while he sent her a wink. Seconds later Larry opened fire on Jackhammer but he was not at all phased by the attack. The bullets sporadically ricocheted off his body in random directions. Irritated, Jackhammer slowly walked up to the man as he continued to open fire, grabbed the thug by his overcoat and tossed him through the bank wall. Jackhammer then turned to their leader with a confident grin.
(Jackhammer) So, which one of you guys have powers, it can't any of these weaklings.
(Head Robber) Tch, your about to find out. Manuel, take out the strong one!
One of the men placed his index finger as well as his middle finger on his temples, and appeared to be doing nothing but after a few seconds Jackhammer and the thug Manuel collapsed to the ground. Worried, Majestic Boy rushed over to Jackhammer's side and tried to shake his limp body awake but found it hopeless.
(Majestic Boy) Bryan! Bryan, wake up!
Phoenix Jones pulled out his dual taser batons and pointed them at the robber in charge. Miss Magician also charged her palms with white sparks and prepared herself to attack.
(Phoenix Jones) What did your friend do to Jackhammer?
(Head Robber) Did you honestly think I'd answer that?
While Phoenix Jones was busy interrogating the head robber, Majestic Boy's eyes shifted to a magenta glow as he telepathically entered Bryan's mind. Once the telepathic hero as inside Jackhammer's head, he found himself in a projection of the boxers memories. Jackhammer was standing in a dark alley ay with a flickering light, over the decapitated corpse of a male. A woman was cowering in a corner only a few feet from the boxer watching him tremble.
Majestic Boy immediately understood what was happening. Jackhammer was trapped in a mirage more then likely generated by the thug who passed out with him. Majestic ran in front of his friend and tried to snap him out of the trance, but before he got the chance a man snuck up behind him and slapped him out of Jackhammer's head.
Majestic Boy rubbed his head for a moment and took deep breathes to calm himself down before Phoenix Jones called out to him.
(Phoenix Jones) What did you get, Majestic Boy?
(Majestic Boy) Their friend is using some form of telepathy to keep Jackhammer in a trance.
(Phoenix Jones) How do we break it?
(Head Guard) You can't. If our friend doesn't exit his mind willingly, your friend could wind up a mindless doll for the rest of his life.
Majestic Boy's eyes once again shifted to a magenta glow.
(Majestic Boy) Then allow me to persuade him.
After a moment Majestic Boy collapsed to the group to enter Jackhammer's mind. While everyone's attention was on Majestic Boy the final thug with the leader used his telekinetic powers to bind Phoenix Jones and raised him to the ceiling. Even though he could not move Phoenix Jones could speak and called out to Miss Magician, who was preparing to strike the head robber with her powers.
(Phoenix Jones) Miss Magician! Attack this guard and free me!
Miss Magician did as she was told and pointed her palms at the thug holding Phoenix Jones but she was stopped short by a large ring of fire trapping her. She desperately tried to find a way to escape but found herself completely surrounded.
(Head Robber) What's your hurry, beautiful?
(Miss Magician) Ugh, why are the bad guys always perverts?
The head robber walked through the circle of flames completely unharmed. Miss Magician backed up as far as she could without burning herself and charged her palms to attack her enemy when necessary.
(Miss Magician) Take one more step closer and I'll put you in the worst pain you could possibly imagine.
The man ignored Miss Magician's warning and continued to approach her, but everyone was soon distracted by the sound of metal clanking on the ground. When the head robber looked up at the source, he saw Emerald Archer swiftly zip-lining down from a vent on a green psionic construct. He used his bow as a handle to swoop in and knock the thug in charge right off his feet and into a nearby desk. Soon the flame dispersed and Miss Magician watched in awe as Emerald Archer aimed his bow at the man binding Phoenix Jones, generated a psionic arrow then shot it making a direct hit on the assailants chest. Upon contact the arrow lit up the thug with green energy and stunned him forcing the man to release Phoenix Jones.
Once the American hero was free he promptly land on his feet and joined Emerald Archer and Miss Magician.
(Miss Magician) And who might you be coming to our rescue?
(Phoenix Jones) They call him, Emerald Archer. There will be time for introductions later, right now I need you to get the hostages out safely while I check on Jackhammer and Majestic Boy.
(Emerald Archer) A simple thank you would've been nice.
Phoenix Jones ignored the archer's sly remark and approached his teammates in time to see them coming too. Jackhammer had a look of distress on his face and panic. Majestic Boy turned to Manuel who was just waking up as well and gave him a furious scowl. He marched up to the thug and snatched him up in a fury. Majestic Boy's eyes began to glow as he choked the life from the wrongdoer.
(Majestic Boy) I could use my telepathy to make you forget you even have yours powers, I could even go a step further and erase your memories to leave you as nothing more then a pathetic sack of meat like you are! You've used your powers in a way that's far more damaging then anyone could cause from physical harm... as much as I'd like to rid the world of you myself...
Majestic Boy dropped the thug and returned to his shocked teammates.
(Majestic Boy) I won't because I'm not like you.
Everyone quietly stared at Majestic Boy with blank expressions.
(Majestic Boy) I apologize, but he deserved worse.
(Emerald Archer) Wow who would have known that "fabulous" Majestic Boy had a violent side.
(Jackhammer) Who the hell is this guy?
Phoenix Jones pulled out the Crescent Compass which was lighting up all four arrow.
(Phoenix Jones) He is Emerald Archer, and he's one of the men I've been looking for.
~Revan~
Revan watched the bank through security feeds as the Guardian's took down the gang with the assistance of Emerald Archer. One of his assistant's strolled into his room with the information he requested.
(Assistant) Your majesty, I have the test results back.
(Assistant) After sending the three test subject's Maeva Falice, Bryan Stone, and Titus Gabriel's D.N.A samples to our scientist we have discovered that only two of the three possess the meta-gene. The third is a human slash unknown alien hybrid.
(Revan) Which one?
(Assistant) Titus Gabriel, sir.
Revan stood silent for a moment as he collected his thoughts before giving his assistant an order.
(Revan) Send Carmen to bring me the telepath.
(Assistant) Right away, sir.
'Phoenix Jones, an average Joe who decided to try to help make the world a better place. Majestic Boy, a free spirited thief who has let go his life of crime to become a hero, Jackhammer, the world champion boxer with an ego as big as his strength. Miss Magician, famous top model. Emerald Archer, an Olympic level gold medal winning archer. Together they have band together to stop to unnatural threats against humanity police can't handle. Together they are... The Guardians.'
Author Note: The end? I don't think so, there is much to come with this team and their troubles are just beginning. In the next chapter I'll have everyone's stats in a author note so keep your eye out and thank you readers.