Welcome back. I just found out that the story is getting some fame a bit in the fandom. And let me just say thanks for liking it, in case if any of you read it. Anyway, I did took a long break for awhile from writing because of this chapter, which is not really the longest in my opinion, but it'll shake things up for the upcoming chapters. Also, I wanna thank to some of the people who saw and reviewed this story. On to the reviews:
RCurrent, Pirohiko-Balthazar, MasterCaster, and NiteOwl18 - Thanks. I knew that some of you had some interest in this story project of mine.
A guy with a big imagination - Thank you for not just liking the story, but also about your concern about the background image. Yes, I was intending to find a white version of the Nightwing symbol, but I was also looking for other logos that would fit the story, but some of them didn't caught my interest. Again, thanks for the concern, dude.
Guest - I know that your worried about that, but sorry, I already had plans for my story. And you can't tell me to re-write it otherwise. Plus, ever heard of change and time must move forward?
A guy with a big imagination - For your questions; 1) Maybe. Just maybe, I'll try to give Lincoln a love interest. 2) It's in it's own thing. In fact, I'm making it like my own MCU, or something like a saga for my upcoming TLH Hero projects. 3) I'd say a series. Live action, Cartoon, or Anime.
Now, unto the chapter. Enjoy.
Back at the Sentinel Corps Tower, Edward was now desperate to only find out that he was this close to win the mayoral campaign. For many years after having Daniel in his life, he waited so long for the right opportunity to be the future mayor in Royal Woods. He feared we will waste his time for nothing. Many people will think that he will be called out as a joke. He feared that the city will be back to its same roots. As if he doesn't trust neither the justice system or the law. Even the government.
"Sir, it's Dr. Peters. He's wondering if you're seeing him or not. He can reschedule for another time if you like."
"No, tell him that I'm coming." The words of the Sentinel Corps owner said in a cold tone.
In the laboratory of the science division team in the Sentinel Corps tower, many of its greatest minds are busy with their latest works and their experiments are put into test. From their concentrated chemicals and serums, to the fascinating technology in the form of its prototype form which are being tested, there is no other way to explain that the Sentinel Corps was indeed a corporation meant to create advanced weapons, cures for any diseases, and other important life-saving stuff that will support the world itself.
"Ah, Mr. Greenville. I'm so proud you came just in time." The man in a scientist attire was no other than Dr. Peters, who was feeling proud. "I was just about to remind you if you're still remember about the serum. If you want to see if I… some mistakes, or…" he was gestured to be stop by Edward's hands.
"Rachel, leave us." His assistant left. "Dr. Peters, I'm the one who knows everything about my work, which is why I hired you, and another set of scientists for all of you to test them, and to show me if any of you have contributed for this company, for the contracts of every single government and business we have met. But since you were so eager to see me, then I'll waste no time to see what you have to present me."
"Yes. Yes, Mr. Greenville. If you could just follow me into my personal lab, I'm sure you will see to what I have to present to you." The scientist led Edward to his personal lab. As the arrive, what they both noticed was the large personal laboratory of Dr. Peters. It was filled with many serums and chemicals, and some of them have classified information about the origins of said chemicals. And a laboratory can't be a laboratory if there are now test subjects.
"You see, sir. Two years ago, I have decided to start on creating a drug enhancement that can enhance any living organism to survive any kind of possible dangers. I myself have been testing and testing the same drug I have been tinkering with for so long." He walked to a transluscent box with two rats inside. "Until, I have noticed that one of the tests were…"
"Positive." Edward answered.
"Yes. I have discovered that the serum I've been working on, had made an improvement." The scientist explained. "Observe. I have captured all of it's data to see how it happened." He showed him about the data he saved, and Edward was intrigued about it. "The drug somehow gave one of the test subjects enhanced strength, senses, and agility. It's like if the animal kingdom was never meant to exist like this. 300 to 434 percent."
"I see." Edward said. He wasn't intrigued. He was interested and fascinated. "But… does it have any effect on humans?"
"Sir… I… beg your pardon?" Dr. Peters was confused about his question.
"Doctor, tell me if this drug has any effect on humans." He repeated.
"Well, sir, I-I never had the… time to let that happen. The serum wasn't ready for human testing yet. I can tell that the serum may have some side effects." He explained.
"What are those side effects?" he asked.
"Well, according to the research team, the effects are mostly abnormal states of mentality." Dr. Peters stated. "Such as violence, insanity, and an… unknown addition that could likely give a possible, yet dangerous, feedback afterwards."
"And what is this feedback?" He asked again, impatiently.
"I'm not sure, sir." He answered. "But as the tests says – "
"Doctor, we were given a contract from five companies who are also working on drug enhancement that could save the live of many, or to increase the soldier's fighting capabilities." His tone was now even strict, as If he almost raised his voice. "We were given a contract from the military that for 65 days, that this should be tested, and we are almost about to be pulled for funding by the government. And other companies, even BioSpace, are also doing their part." he said. "We have no time left, so it's either we test it now."
"But Mr. Greenville, this the test results we have only. I can't let this happen." He announced. "Sir, please reconsider this. It will likely kill you!"
"Do you have a better idea?" the Greenville business owner asked.
"How about we test it by night?" The doctor suggested a schedule. "If you can let me have a sample of your blood, I'm sure that the new results for the serum by a human blood test will have no possible drawbacks." He stated.
"Okay. I'll give by 8. That's our deal." Edward agreed. "But if I come back here, and tell me that the tests are either not yet ready, or planned be rescheduled for another test. Then I'll try to test you out of the company." He warned. "Remember our word, Doctor. Don't fail me."
"Yes, sir. I won't." the doctor promised.
As the Greenville business man glared daggers at the scientist, he already started to leave the laboratory with his feet walking in a spite of anger and bitterness. He sighed, hoping that he won't lost his business after many delays and never-ending tests.
WHITE RAPTOR
CHAPTER 3
In or Out?
"You can't be joking, right?" Lincoln asked, bewildered and sweat dropped from the side of his face in confusion. "You actually can't be the vigilante who saved me from being mugged that time."
"Believe me, kid. I'm really that guy that saved your ass." the substitute teacher and secretly a vigilante, Jim Hudson, said. He didn't even hesitate and he sounded honest. "What makes you think that I'm not?"
"Well, from the wau how you look. You don't seem tired, or have the perfect body build to be one." Lincoln stated the facts. "Besides, you don't know anything about being a vigilante. It'll just kill you, or get you arrested. So clearly, you're just saying this because you think you are." He pointed out. It doesn't seem like irony when he stated everything.
"I'm not trying to show off here, kid." He said in annoyed tone. "I really am that vigilante."
The white-haired boy scoffed. "That's what they all say." He said with a serious look on his face. "You don't even have proof to start with."
"I do have proof to tell you, kid. Wanna hear them?" Jim started. "When I saw you got cornered at the wall, you look like a dog whimpering for help." It was true. Lincoln remembered that he acted like he was scared, even if he didn't show it all. But again, it sounded true from his observation. "Also, a pair of rusty old pipes? Was that really your way in defending yourself? You don't even know how to swing one." He added.
Lincoln recalled back when he held two rusty pipes that time. Of course, he held them because he taught it'll make them scared, but he didn't know how to fight when using one. "Oh, crap. You really are him! You were the guy that saved me?!"
Finally, Jim convinced Lincoln about his secret identity. "Yes."
"How about that weird weapon you used? Is it really yours?" the white-haired boy asked.
"Yes, and yes." Jim answered.
"Oh my, God! I know who you are! You're Red Shade!" Lincoln was showing his fanboy side. "There were rumors about you! I even saw you in TV once, you saved a bunch of elementary kids from a bus with a bomb in it! You also stopped thirty-two gang members in Boston last year. Also – "
"Alright kid, that's enough!" Jim immediately stopped him. "Not only you're making yourself look like an idiot just now, but you almost blew my cover in the entire school." He silently said.
"O-Oh, right. Sorry about that." Lincoln apologized. "It's a just a small habit I always have with me." He stated as he calmed down. "So anyway, what are you doing here? Did you really get a job here?"
"I don't think being a substitute teacher is a full-time job." Jim pointed out. "Also, the reason I'm here is because I wondering if you would like to be interested in something?" he offered.
"Like what exactly?" he asked.
"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to be like me?" he announced. "A vigilante in the shadows, just like me. Fighting in the shadows and protecting the innocent. What do you think?" he asked. "Interested?"
Lincoln was amused by the offer, but he already answered back with his face dropping. "Yeah, about that..." His tone felt like he wasn't interested. "You see, I don't think that's my real calling, or something I'm willing to take. I don't get caught by the police, maybe they'll arrest me for vigilantism. And it's basically illegal." He explained his reason. "I may be a fan of heroes in reality and in comics, but I gotta have to say no this. I'm sorry if I wasted your time."
"Actually kid, you didn't really waste my time." Jim said. "You see, the city you live in now is filled with crime all over, the police can't do their job well, and there isn't a single hero out there to stop all of it." He explained all the details about Royal Woods. "By far, this city is part of having more crimes than actual cities. And someone needs to protect it." He pointed at him. "And that's you."
"Why? I'm pretty sure you mistaken me for someone else, right?" Lincoln asked.
"Wrong, I didn't." Jim corrected. "I don't really live here in Royal Woods at all. I'm just here to find someone who can assist me in all the trouble that's spreading in the city." He stated. "Royal Woods has crime here and there. The public is wondering if there will be a hero out there to stop all of this. And, the justice system can't do anything about it, RWPD included. Besides, Michigan has only like five or six cities that doesn't have any vigilantes, but heroes only in the state. And Royal Woods is a part of it."
"I bet there's also another reason for this." Lincoln asked again. "You can't just expect me to go out there and be like masked kid like you. There has to be a reason."
Jim started explain even further. "Well, now that you mentioned it, maybe it was that time when you try to defend yourself, but looked like a scrawny kid when I first saw you." He mentioned about his experience before. "I can even train you not just defend yourself, but be this city's protector. So, you're in or out?"
"No. I'm not." Lincoln said, in a serious tone. "I told you. I'm not interested. I don't even want to be one. Sure, there a lot of people, my family, and even my friends think that I can't be hero one day in the future, but no way, in my life, I'm gonna start out as a vigilante. Sorry, but the answer is no."
Jim's face started to shift from reasoning, to calm. He sighed from all the talking he been through. "Alright kid, I understand what you mean now. But for sure, there's gonna be a time that you'll find me soon and accept it." He placed his palm into his chest, before slipping it. "I have a deal. I'll give you 'till weekend, if you didn't make up your mind, I'm leaving this school, and Royal Woods." He declared another offer. "Also, that's my address at my place. Don't loose it."
Lincoln noticed what he was holding was the address of Jim, which says 2350, Willow St. "Hey, wait –" he stopped to know that he's already gone. The bell was set off to alarm and making no time to be wasted, Lincoln rushed himself for the next class.
"So, how was school, Lincoln?" A woman asked, which sounded motherly, which didn't get Lincoln's attention.
The white-haired boy didn't hear her, until he was nudged by force on his side, making him wake up from his trance. "Huh? What?" he was confused now.
"Wow, and here I thought that you weren't paying attention in class, but after dinner, too?" the girl beside Lincoln was wearing a varsity jacket happens to be Lynn Jr, who started to chuckle. "Oh man, Linc. You're really are a riot!"
"Very funny, Lynn." Lincoln groaned in annoyance. "I'm fine, Mom. Why'd you ask?" he told the woman who asked him earlier.
"That wasn't really the answer the I'm looking for, but it'll do." The mother of Lincoln, Rita Loud, sighed in annoyance. She walked inside the kitchen, who's helping Lynn Sr with the dishes. "At least he's paying attention alright…" she muttered close to Lynn Sr.
Lynn Sr snickered a bit. "Yeah, a little." He muttered back. "And not in his mind, alright." He snickered again, which turned to a snort.
"You know I can hear you two, right?" Lincoln stated in a serious tone.
"Oh, right." Lynn Sr apologized, clearing his throat. "Just wondering though if you were doing fine in school. You know, keeping up with class, avoiding trouble here and there. Remember, you don't have Lynn anymore to be with you."
It was true. Ever since graduated Lynn graduated from middle school, she wasn't that much worried since she thought Lincoln can do on his own now, since he has Daniel and Wendy with him. But that wasn't the case. Despite having two of his new friends around, Lincoln was still treated by everyone badly, but he can only just take it as if it was nothing, but in a good and mature way.
"Yeah. I am keeping up with the everything. There weren't that hard. Nothing serious back like in Elementary." Lincoln replied.
A girl wearing some trendy clothes that was from the internet, but wears a pink headband, which happens to be Lola, scoffed at his reply. "I hope it wasn't reading comics and tell everything about it." She joked.
"Or how can you trip over an army of robots that went mad, with your own shoelaces?" a girl with a lisp mocked, which is Lisa, who still has her shaggy hair, but wearing a green sweater and the same pants, but darker red.
"I know, how about try wearing a spandex suit in one day." A girl wearing anything black, which is Lucy, suggested. She even has her right eye exposed with a hair clip. "Who knows, it might get some attention." She grinned a little.
"The attention to get you saying stuff like 'Don't worry, I'm here to save the day'!" a girl with short hair that looks exactly like Lola, was Lana, imitated her brother's voice right after she started to laugh so hard, which joined in her other sisters.
"Good thing Luan isn't here to join us." Lincoln muttered in relief, which didn't get anyone's attention.
Lincoln wasn't annoyed by his sisters' jokes of insults and jokes about him. Like everyone in school and some people in Royal Woods, his family were the first to make fun of his dream being a hero. Not because he wears costume for a convention or his knowledge is based on comics 24/7, it was the fact that he can't be one because he always relies on fiction too much. Their words are more of a 'smack some senses to reality' kind.
"Well at least you guys aren't interested in being heroes like Luna, Leni, or Lori." Lincoln spoke, taking the spotlight. "I mean, you really don't want that at all in your life, right? You gotta do a lot in order to be heroes. It's a lot of hard work. Trust me, it won't go well for you guys."
Lola snorted a bit, getting Lincoln's attention. "Lincoln. In case if you forget, my dear, older brother. Is that we have special skills and abilities to be one someday. Or better yet," her necklace glowed, and summoned a pink, hard light construct of an arrow that says "Nerd" on it. "Super powers."
"Well, it doesn't matter." Lincoln retorted. "Having superpowers isn't that important. It takes discipline to have such power, skill, or ability."
"Uh, it does matter, elder brother." Lucy spoked. "Having superpowers are very important to us. Only thing is that we need to train to use them in a hero program to better use them well."
"Lucy does have point there, Lincoln." Lisa agreed. "You see, I have an enhanced IQ that levels Einstein's, Lola's necklace that generates hard light constructs through her emotions and personally, Lana's animal shifting bracelets, Lucy's spirit phasing, and Lynn's combined athletic skills with acrobatics."
"You're forgetting Lily, you know?" Lincoln reminded. "Wait. Let me guess. She can paint, huh?"
"Close, she can generate colors from each of her fingers." Lisa noted. "Didn't think I forget that one?"
"Barely." Lincoln hoped.
"You see, Linc. We have special abilities and skills, and powers, too." Lynn stated. "Except there's one problem; it's you." She answered. "Let me rephrase that. You don't have what it takes to be a hero because you always rely on silly comics and junk." She stated. "Face it bro, you're never ready take this life at all."
"Besides, don't take it seriously, Linc." Lola reassured. "Besides, there's always a job for you as an officer. That's a cool thing." She suggested. But, no. It wasn't. He knew too well how the police force goes in Royal Woods, no need for further explaining.
Lincoln felt his phone vibrate, and only to be satisfied to see who it was. "I got a call. I'll be right back, guys." He gestured his way out of the living room to answer his call.
Lincoln opened the door to his bedroom, and closed it. He sat down on his bed so he can answer his phone. "Hello?"
"Hey, Lincoln. Glad you could pick up. I was worried why you didn't pick up your call yesterday?" The voice of Clyde spoke through the phone.
"Oh, about that?" Lincoln chuckled nervously. "I was busy with a project with Wendy and Daniel that time." He sighed in defeat. "It was a good thing we almost passed before the bell."
"Wow, tough luck there, buddy." Clyde reassured. "At least you're trying you're best. I'm just worried how can you handle your second year without us."
"I can manage, Clyde. Besides, we're still getting in touch sometimes." Lincoln replied. "But not all the time cause… I know what you're been up to during the last three months."
"Yeah, that's one thing, though." Clyde stated. "I've been doing my best before so I can head to a hero school, just like the rest." He said with excitement. "It's a shame that you still can't get into a hero school. But I'm sure your other friends will."
"Yeah… it's a shame for me alright." Lincoln sadly said. "But at least my skill is supporting them, and you guys, too." He said in a calm and reassuring tone. "So, any reason why you called? Usually, you tell me about some news about a villain attack somewhere."
"Even better." Clyde reassured with a smug tone. "I just watch a bunch of thugs and the Atomic Breath fight! And I was there to see it out in public!"
"Wow! Lucky you, Clyde." Lincoln was also this excited. "When that started?"
"After class." Clyde responded. "Even if I was at the back of the crowd, I still managed to see it. I think I managed to get a photo of him. I didn't even see it when I head back – Oh wait, my thumb was in the way."
Lincoln chuckled a little. "It's fine, bud. I can still see it in the internet." He exclaimed. "I still can't believe there's a hero at your place. Or the city to be more exact."
"Yeah, I was also thinking the same thing." Clyde agreed back. "It's a shame that no one's protecting Royal Woods. The law is corrupted, criminals everywhere, and even the police force was struggling there best. I just wish that someone out there can stop it all."
"Well, there's always what you call a vigilante, Clyde. I mean, they're like heroes, but in the shadows. They can also help the police force, or even be allies or something." Lincoln explained. "Besides, our town kinda needs one. Heck, maybe even the city itself needs it."
"Yeah. I'm not hoping for a vigilante to be in Royal Woods." Clyde disagreed. "No offense, Linc, but you should somehow agree with me here."
"What? I thought you admired heroes, Clyde?" Lincoln remarked. "Did something happen on the way back after watching that villain attack?"
"I'm serious, Linc. Letting a vigilante hide around in the city and let the law get into their hands, isn't a good idea to wish for." Clyde stated, which is considered the truth. "Vigilantism is a crime, Linc."
"To you, Clyde, it is. But I'm serious about this." Lincoln argued. "Royal Woods needs a hero out there. A guardian. That can watch and protect the city from crime."
"Look, Lincoln, just because you always rely on comic books, doesn't mean what ever happens won't go well as it is. This also why everyone and your family is always putting you down." Clyde argued back. He sighed."Look, I'm sorry for saying that, I didn't – "
"Look, Clyde, it's fine. I get it." Lincoln said in calm voice. "But, someday soon, there's gonna be one out there, protecting the streets. People will look at him, and they'll feel safe once he starts doing the right thing."
"I just hope he can be a real hero, alright." Clyde remarked. "Look, I gotta go for a while. I'm working on a 1200 word essay. It's been talking back, Linc. See you later when I'm done."
"Yeah, see you too, Clyde." Lincoln hung up on his phone, especially Clyde's. The white-haired boy was now in deep thought. He remembered what Clyde said about in their conversation. He knows very well about vigilantism is the very high stakes of crime until the present. But he doesn't care about that, what he cares most is that the city needs a protector, a guardian, someone who will bring justice and be an ally of the law, which will be fixed.
As Lincoln mind hit back, he grabbed a piece of paper in his pockets, remembering that Jim gave him an address to his hideout, as he would say it.
"I just hope he can be a real hero…"
"Maybe…. Maybe I might be the one who can." He both pondered and questioned himself about the choice earlier from his first meeting with him.
Lincoln grabbed his backpack and placed back the address in his pocket, he marched his way downstairs, and straight to the out door. Before he could open it, he was suddenly startled by a paint of red that shot through the door, close to his hand. There was only one person he knows that could do something like that.
A giggling baby was heard behind him. "Got you, Wincon!" the three-year old Lily cheered, with her hands formed as a finger gun, with red paint on it. The white-haired boy shushed the baby, but her voice was heard elsewhere.
"Lily, what did I tell you about using your powers." Lynn Sr sternly said.
"And is Lincoln there?" Rita asked.
"Sorry, Dada!" the three-year old Loud said. "Wincoln is at the door, Momma! And he has backpack!" Despite Lily being only three and having her first power which is paint related, she can now also speak in a few proper words which are now almost understandable, but short. At least she's learning, and not about her powers.
"Lincoln, where are you going at this night?" Rita asked.
"Uh… at Daniel's place." The white-haired boy lied, but hoped it will work. "Uh, we're… working on a school project. Together."
"Isn't his house far from this street?" the mother of eleven (now seven) stated. "Don't you want me to take you there?"
"Uh, no! I'm good!" he started to panic, "He'll pick me up at Burpin' Burger!"
"Alright, then. Take care." Rita lets her go. "And don't go back to the alleyway!" he added.
"Yeah! Got it, mom!" the white-haired boy finally left the house. He now sets foot to the address of Jim's hideout.
As Lincoln got out of the public bus, he is now in the safest parts of the downtown in Royal Woods. He stared at something in front of him, but it looked like it was far enough, and looked back to the address on his hands.
"'Shell N' Beans Factory, at Oak Wood St.'" he read the address, and stared back again. "Well, this is it." he said as he started to move his feet.
The Shell N' Beans factory looked like it was abandoned and rusty, which described the factory very well. But in Lincoln's mind, it could be a perfect warehouse for criminals and gangsters, that is if he was reading his comic book on the way.
But as much as he hates it, he decided to push away all the 'comic book nonsense' in his head, and focus about the offer that Jim told him about. He was eager, yes. Eager to take no chances or regrets, that is. All he knew from comics books, again, is there's no dealing out on this.
As he entered opened fence gate and reached at the entrance with one step, he stopped and gulped his own fear down, hoping nothing bad happens.
"Hello?" He said out loud, entering the factory. What's worse is that the whole place is dark, with little light guiding every step he takes. "Hey, uh... is anyone here?"
If there's one thing he knows in his vast knowledge of comics, he always knows that every superhero is never around in their hideout, so he assumed one thing.
"Of course, maybe he's out there, fighting crime and stuff. I guess I can come back tomorrow... of just wait." he suggested.
"Oh, I'm not busy out there, kid." The voice of Jim called out, Lincoln stood his ground.
The entire room of the factory was now filled with opened, bright lights. With nothing but a laptop, a police radio, and other stuff, like weapons, gadgets and various pictures.
Jim, wearing his vigilante costume, was standing somewhere, with a smile and half lidded eyes on his face. "I know you would come by. It's like you just had a choice of your own."
Lincoln was now agape, with shock and amazement written on his face after what he just saw.
"Welcome to the Black Bunker. And this is going to be your first day."
Elsewhere...
In a laboratory, a large and filled one to be exact, is already put in ruins. The tech was destroyed, the monitors are distorted, and the many countless experiments that are saved for research or anything important is now also destroyed, letting it all go to waste.
What's also there is a group scientist, now dead on the ground. With bullet holes and sword slices on their bodies.
One scientist is crawling with his hand guiding him to safety, while his legs are out of question, which left some blood on the floor. Before he could reach to the end of the room, his escape was stopped when a foot stepped on the scientist's hand.
"Ahhh...!" the scientist groaned in pain, and he was turned around when the foot tumbled him around to see him. "W-Who are you..." he asked weakly. "Please... I'. begging you... don't kill me..."
The room was filled with silence, leaving the scientist cold dead. The one who destroyed the lab happens to be a male, wearing all black, but with some red designs and accents on it, with the shotgun on his left, and a sword on his right. Another detail added is that his face was covered with an advanced, sleek battle mask.
As the masked villain walked his way in the other room, he witnessed a exoskeleton being displayed in a glass container, and it looked like it was the final product. With that being said, the masked man aimed his short shotgun that shot out a mix blast of energy and fire, destroying the exoskeleton.
Then, the villain made his escape as he shot the glass window, and flew away wearing a jetpack that show off of his wings, which made the police arrive late.
And scene! So what another way to thicken the plot with questions or thoughts in your head. How will Lincoln take the offer? Who is the mysterious masked villain? Find out in the next chapter.
But before I end this, the next chapter will be posted in a later date. So that means I won't be active since I'm busy with very important stuff, and I'm currently working on the fourth chapter. But as much as possible, please be patient. Please leave a review, questions, or etc. And I'll see you in the next chapter.