Author's Notes: There is a time skip within this chapter as I combined what would have been this chapter and the next into a shorter one that just highlighted some of Eli's training. Just a fair warning.

Chapter Warnings: This chapter is rating T (and a low one at that) for teen for mild language.

The Markings of a Hero

Chapter Eight: A New Day

Yawning, Eli pinched the bridge of his nose at the words in front of him. Malcolm actually had more on Tobias Whale than Eli originally thought. However, most of it was written in the near illegible penmanship that was known as Miles's handwriting. Staying up the previous night only to wake up earlier today was not doing Eli's deciphering abilities any justice.

However, Malcolm's notes on the Mozgov Family abruptly stops, for reasons Eli was trying not to think of. There were pages about the club in Venice Terrace, but ultimately Malcolm had not learned who was leading the family, where their shipments came from, and who on the NCPD (if any) were on the Russian's payroll.

The teen stretched in bed with a quiet grunt. Today was the Fourth of July and he was currently still in Metropolis in a hotel room next door to his mother's. Sam was sleeping in the bed next to his, snoring quite loudly after all but passing out last the previous night.

Eli snorted at the memory. Sam was so excited about sharing a room with Eli. He had plugged in his XBox and challenged Eli to every two-player game that he had. Originally, Eli was not going to entertain the younger boy at all, but after minutes of persistent begging, Eli had given in and played a few games with his younger brother.

Brown eyes traveled to the body contorted on top of the sheets on the next bed. Eli shook his head as he noted his brother's wild sleeping ways. Maybe all kids slept that?

A soft knock was heard.

"Elias. Sam. Are you two awake?"

Eli glanced to see that his brother did not move, not hearing their mom at all. The older brother sighed heavily before setting Malcolm's journal aside and getting out of his bed. While he was in nothing but shorts, Eli went to answer the door as quickly and quietly as possible in hopes that he could keep Sam asleep for another hour or so to work.

"Yeah?" Eli answered quietly, opening the door just enough to poke his head into his mother's view.

"We're going to your grandparents- Robert's parent's house- in two hours. Make sure you're up and ready." Eli heard the slip in Leila's words and glared at his mother. The woman sighed at his physical reaction. "I'm sorry Elias. And for the sake of this trip, please do not make it obvious that these are not your grandparents."

"You told me that I had to be here. You never said that I had to pretend to enjoy it." Eli pointed out as he opened the door wider.

"I…" Leila's words died as her eyes landed on his body; more specifically, a bruise on his lower right side. "What is that?"

Eli followed her eyes to the bruise that he had received days ago during his training with Ben. By now, it did not hurt and he hardly paid it any attention. But as Leila studied the bruise in front of him, Eli was reminded of the bruise and how he had gotten it.

He was just happy that she was unable to see his back.

"It's a bruise." Eli answered flatly. His goal was simple, be an asshole and maybe, just maybe, she would back off to avoid conflict in a public place. Leila was always very conscious about how she- and by extension her family- portrayed themselves in public.

She would not make a scene standing in the hallway of a hotel.

"I know…!" Leila began before stopping herself and taking in a deep, long breath. "Elias, if this man is hurting you-"

"He's training me. I'm fine. It doesn't even hurt." Eli interrupted.

"Your father once told me the same thing." Leila whispered harshly. "And now he is gone. I do not care if you are learning to protect yourself but you will not kill yourself in the process like your father did. Do I make myself clear, Elias?"

"Yeah. Can I get ready now?" His response came out just as cold as hers, the jab about Malcolm's death not doing any favors of reestablishing a mother-son bond.

"We will talk about this later Elias." Leila said. "Get your brother up. We need to be at Robert's parents' place before too long." Eli was seconds from slamming the door before Leila's words halted his actions. "And remember our deal. If you ruin this, the apartment is gone, as well as your little training sessions with that girl's father."

"Her name is Jade and it's her godfather." Eli challenged. "Is that all Mrs. Nolan?"

There was another standoff, one that Eli was not backing down from. Leila had stepped on one too many toes today with a shot at his dad and threatening to renege on their original deal. If they were at home he might have let the comment about his dad slide, however, they were not in New Camford or Gotham City. They were in Metropolis visiting Robert's parents, not Eli's grandparents. He did not have the patience to deal with this now.

"Get your brother and yourself ready Elias." Leila ordered before walking away from the door.

Eli stopped himself from slamming the door shut. Yet, after he closed the door, he muttered a curse beneath his breath before turning his eyes to his sleeping brother. With the anger inside of him, there was a voice in the front of his mind that told him to just flip the kid out of the bed and onto the floor…

But that was unfair to Sam who was not the object of his anger. Or rather, it was unfair for Eli to reveal why Sam was the object of his anger. To a degree, every child wishes that their parents stay together. For Eli, seeing Sam walk about as if life was perfect was just a reminder that Eli's parents were not those perfect parents on TV. They ended and…

…And a part of it was solely due to whatever crazy demons his father had. Demons that, Eli prayed, did not remain roaming around the apartment in the form of some supernatural manifestation.

With a quiet sigh of frustration, Eli walked towards Sam's bed and hovered over the boy.

"Sam, get up." Eli said in a firm voice. Sam groaned and turned, forcing Eli to shake his brother's shoulder. "Now Sam."

"Why?" Sam whined.

"Because we have to go to your grandparents' house soon and Mama said so." Eli stated. "Hurry up and take a shower so your mom can stop bit- bugging me."

Eli was thankful he had caught his own slip-up lest Sam learns another word that gets them both in serious trouble.

Sam sat up in the bed, his curly hair a brown mess atop of the boy's head. Eli had half the mind to tell Sam to wash and comb his hair but thought against it.

It was bad enough that he had adopted Leila's work ethics in privacy. The last thing he needed was to sound like around Sam.

"Come on," Eli said. "Get up and get ready. Did you pack your toothbrush?" Sam groggily nods, scooting towards the edge of the bed. "Then shower, brush your teeth, get dress, and then go find your parents while I get ready."

"Oh… Can we play-"

"No. We have to get ready. Now go." Eli cut the younger child off.

"Okay…" Defeated, Sam went to bathroom to do what he was ordered to do.

Eli shook his head and trudged back to his bed. He waited until he heard the showers waters running before he resumed his decoding of his father's notes. His mind was trying to imagine the exact locations Miles was talking about but could not see through the faded horrible written cursive letters on the papers.

"Damn it Dad," Eli mumbled quietly. "Mama was right. You did write like a blind doctor."

Eli continued to graze through the notebook, trying to find anything he could about the Russian mob family of New Camford, but got others instead. He had noticed that Malcolm had an increasingly growing interest in Tobias Whale, going on and on about the rise of Black Lightning- apparently a hero from Metropolis- and how Black Lightning came close to shutting down Whale's entire operation. There were other notes about some mysterious gamer turned criminal who Malcolm had no real idea who or what the guy or girl was about. Bookworm was mentioned here and there as well.

However, the other hideouts for the Mozgov Family were unknown to Malcolm and his son. And for Eli, that was more nerve-racking than his mom dragging him to Metropolis for some "family cookout" that did not even include his family.

Closing his eyes, Eli imagined he was at Mallory's apartment right now. His aunt, Carla, would be making most of the food while her new boyfriend, Bryson, would grill what Carla could not due to Malcolm not being able to. Mallory would be busy watching her son, James, and telling Eli about why they didn't need their other family members there making things hotter. They would probably reminisce on the times that Malcolm and Carla would argue over who fried the best fish or how Eli's dad would always challenge Eli and Mallory to a game of poker.

A smile came onto Eli's face as he added to the scene. In this scenario, Hannah would politely remind Malcolm that gambling was wrong before sitting down to play herself, her dad showing her how to play. George would throw in the unnecessary suggestion of playing strip-poker before Mallory slaps him on the back of his head. Jade would claim that she couldn't play, leaning over Eli's shoulder to see his hand, before outright beating them all due to some card-counting mumbo-jumbo she actually picked up from Ben years ago. Nick would tell Sam and Britney some old war story, Leila catching the Australian-native every time he thought about using any form of profane language.

If only that's how today went…

If only if that day were possible…

Robert's parents were annoying. Those were not Eli's words, but Leila's. The woman had whispered that statement to her oldest son before the family made it to the Nolan residence. It would be the biggest understatement of the day.

"You've gotten big Eli!" Mrs. Brenda Nolan exclaimed as she laid her blue beady eyes on Eli, the boy becoming more uncomfortable by the seconds. "Come here and give Nana a hug!"

Eli wanted to remind the woman that she was not his grandma and definitely not his "nana" but he was obligated by a verbal contract to do so. So begrudgingly, he moved to the short stout woman and hugged her, doing his best not to let her white curly hair itch at his face but so much.

"You look just like your mother!" the woman added before looking at her much taller husband, Mr. Frank Nolan. "Frank, look at him! He's a spitting image of Lily!"

Eli had never really gotten a good look of Robert's parents until now. He could clearly see the resemblance between Robert and Mr. Nolan. They were both thin- though Eli theorized that Frank's shape came with the old age- and they both had gone bald throughout the years. Robert's blue eyes clearly came from his mother but that was about all the man got from his maternal side.

"Yeah, he looks like her alright." Mr. Nolan added with a grin. "How's it going Sport?"

Eli's lip twitched at the nickname though he recovered before any harm could be done. Releasing Mrs. Nolan, he addressed the man with a handshake.

"I'm fine." Eli said.

"Hey, there's no need to lie to me." Mr. Nolan said, causing Eli to panic. If this man could see through Eli's façade, then Eli could kiss all that he has been working for goodbye. "I heard about your dad. I know how I felt when I lost my father, and from what I heard, you lost a good one."

Eli swallowed. "Yeah… Uh, thanks."

"Eli," Mrs. Nolan said. "If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, all you have to do is call us, okay? I'm sure having hardworking parents like Lily and Bobby makes you a little… Detached, am I right?"

Eli took in a deep breath, an action Leila was more than familiar with.

"Elias," Leila cut off his response before it could even begin. "We still need to talk about your schooling and your current work place."

Robert frowned. "What's wrong with his job?"

"It has to do with our deal about the apartment," Leila answered, ushering Eli away. "This will only take a moment, I promise."

The breath Eli had been holding had slowly been released through his nostrils. In another time, in another world, he might have punched the woman for even assuming that Robert Nolan could be half the man Eli's biological father was, let alone referring to Robert as one of Eli's "hardworking parents". It was bad enough that Eli was here but now…

Stepping out in the front of the nice, green-grassed two-storied house, Eli was led to the driveway where Leila stopped.

"Are you calm?" Her words almost sounded amused, as if his anger towards Robert's mother was entertaining in the slightest bit.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Eli said as Leila released his arm. "Can't I just return to the hotel? I was here, I was nice, and now, I just want to rest."

Leila gave a small wave of her hand. "You won't rest. You know that." The woman then looked upwards at the blue sky. "It bothers me too, Elias. Whenever someone speaks about Malcolm as if Robert was always the better choice, it bothers me greatly."

Eli blinked. "What?"

"If Robert was always better than your father, don't you think I would've married Robert before you were born?" Leila retorted, still looking skywards. "Like I said, your father progressively got worse. That is when I left, when he got worse. And Robert… Robert was there."

Eli stood quietly as he took in that information. Once again, he got the strangest feeling that his mother loved his father more than she put on. Her insistence of bringing Malcolm up in a positive light was proof of this.

Leila took in a deep breath. "We can stand here and talk about where we would both like to be, but the truth is, we are both here." The woman gave her son a smile. "So long as I'm stuck here at my in-laws' being called 'Lily', you will be stuck with me."

"Fine Mama, I'll be here. Unfortunately." Eli replied.

Leila gave Eli a pat on his shoulder. "That is all I ask for. Now, let's go back in there and try to be friendly."

Eli watched his mom walk back to the front door, entering the home without glancing back at Eli at all. It was almost as if they were not at each others' throats earlier today. The teen figured that Leila was just trying to keep Eli calm at all costs and, by doing so, making this easier for everyone present. So maybe he should try as well? It was something that Malcolm would have wanted from Eli, to try and make the best of this moment.

Turning back for the house, Eli made a new resolve. He would do this, not for his mother's sake, but his father's. He would show that he could half-ass a smile and amusement just as good as any rich bastard from Metropolis.

Or so he thought…

Metropolis was different from New Camford. In New Camford, residents of the city were more than weary about those tourists just visiting. In New Camford, Cheshire Square especially, all problems between neighbors were put on hold whenever a newcomer showed his or her face in the neighborhood. It was, in Eli's opinion, a great contribution to his city as it showed how well-stitched the colorful quilt known as New Camford really was.

But in Metropolis, Eli found that strangers threw themselves at him. Sure, they were only strangers to him, but Robert's family was a little too hands on for Eli's liking. Leila had giving him a firm glower every now and again to remind him of the deal that he was stuck in yet said nothing aloud.

Oh, and Sam. How could he forget the little furball that was running about the place bragging about how great his big brother was? Eli had half the mind to hurl the boy all the way to Star City if the strength was somehow given to him. But, again, Leila had seen Eli's thoughts on that matter as well and, again, had given him a daring glance.

Thankfully it was the end of the day and Eli could enjoy some alone time in the large backyard of the Nolan family. The space reminded him of his mother's home in Manchester Hills, just not as spacious. The teen was currently away from all of Sam's aunts, uncles, and cousins, and was able to talk to the only person who would answer his call at the moment; Mallory.

"Seriously Jacks," his cousin spoke. "Only you could hate moving into a bigger house, in a richer neighborhood, and meeting some new mysterious girl who's clearly in to you."

Eli released a scoff. "I don't know what Jade is in to. Wouldn't surprise me if she went after Hannah instead."

"Hey, hey, who is the expert in being a woman here? That's right little cousin, it's me. You let me handle the intuition and you just mope. You're good at that now." Mallory told him in a joking manner. Eli laughed quietly while watching some fireworks light up the sky. "Really wish you were here though. Not saying that you're my only cousin, just the only one that matters."

"Ditto Mal," Eli replied as he watched the bright displays explode in brilliant patterns and lightings. "Thankfully most of them went to some park to watch the fireworks up close and person. Apparently that's what people in Metropolis do. Go to some park to watch fireworks."

Mallory giggled. "And what do you people in New Camford do? Bombard your beach until you pass out drunk?"

"That happened one time and-"

"And nothing Jacks. It still happened." Mallory interrupted. "You're only lucky you had an awesome girlfriend at the time that covered for you or else Miles would have taken away everything before sending you to your death by the hands of Aunt Leila."

Eli thought about the event two years ago. He, at the behest of George, went to a party thrown at Venice Terrace where the two indulged in what the college students were serving for drinks. Neither Eli nor George could actually keep up with the festivities and had nearly passed out on the beach if it had not have been for Hannah reaching them in time and getting them both to George's place without much suspicion.

While Eli had dodged his parents, he was given an earful by Hannah.

…One of many during their relationship.

"Jacks," Mallory said, ending his thoughts. "If it means anything, I'm sure Miles is probably proud that you actually went to your stepdad's parents' place. The fact that Aunt Leila got you to Metropolis without having to tranquilize you is amazing."

Eli smirked. "She probably thought about it."

"Are you talking to your cousin?" The voice of Leila ended Eli's smile while his mother stepped next to him. "If it is, tell Mallory that I said hello."

"Mal, my mom said hi." Eli droned out, trying to sound more enthusiastic than he really was.

"Hey, I'll have you know that she is my favorite aunt." Mallory said. "So you'd better be nice to her Jacks or else."

Eli shook his head, chuckling at his cousin's antics. "She's your only aunt!"

"My dad has sisters." Mallory retorted. "So Aunt Leila being my favorite aunt is a legit thing."

Eli glanced at Leila. "Mal says hello and that you're her favorite aunt." Leila's brows rose. "I'm just as shocked."

"And you're still talking bad about her," Mallory's voice rang into Eli's ear. "Listen, you and Aunt Leila need to patch things up so I'll be the older and mature one between us and hang-up." Eli opened his mouth to interject but, as if she could see him prepare to do so, Mallory cut him off. "It's for the best Eli. What would Miles want?"

Mallory had him there and Eli was unable to stop his cousin from hanging up. His dad had a thing about making sure Eli had some sort of relationship with Leila, even if it did sour throughout the years. Eli figure that it had something to do with the earlier years, those times where Eli was allowed to be under his mother's arms whenever she was off of work and she would read him things or watch whatever Disney movie that was on. Back when Eli was told from his dad that protecting his mother was top priority, no matter how scared Eli was, which was now a null and void statement given just how tough Leila really was and always has been.

Eli took in a deep breath and pocketed his cell phone, unable to really voice his frustrations at the moment. At this point of anger, his vocabulary became something akin to a one-way ticket to hell with his mom standing next to him.

It was then that Leila pulled her son into an awkward one-arm hug. Eli stood frigid in her rather warm embrace, unable to look her in the eye and too afraid of the consequence to actually break away. So he stood there in a neutral zone. He didn't pull away. He didn't reciprocate with a hug of his own. He just stood there and watched the remaining fireworks light up Metropolis.

The teen realized that he would somehow end another day in some weird position with Leila. Unlike the times in the past, he could not just slip into the house and go to his room. In fact, going back into the Nolan household was the last thing he wanted to do at the moment, even with the kids at Centennial Park watching the fireworks.

One thought stayed in his mind though. Somewhere, in the great beyond, Malcolm was smiling at this moment. Even if it was a very awkward one at that.

"…and that was just the half of it," Eli continued. It had been a full forty-eight hours since the Fourth of July and Eli had just spent fifteen minutes explaining to Nick about why he never wanted to go back. "If I had to listen to one more damn story about Superman or some World Series game in the eighties…"

The boy was currently flinging darts at the board that Nick had set up at the hideout, his aim quite accurate despite his focus on his recounting. Nick busied himself by opening packages at the table, somewhat listening to the teen vent.

"Hey kid, when you're done bitching." Eli rolled his eyes at the statement, hitting his target on the board. "I have to show you something."

Eli slung the last two darts at the board simultaneously, hitting on either side of the bull's eye. The boy smirked at his shot before walking to the table where Nick was still unpacking several items that caught Eli's attention.

"What're those?" Eli asked.

Nick held up what appeared to be a gauntlet. "This is the future kid. A step up in the old hero's business." Eli frowned as Nick put the left gauntlet on and aimed it at the board. "Pay close attention. If you aim this the wrong way, you'll poke your eye out."

Eli was going to reply until a grappling hook fired out of the gauntlet and hit the board, a line connecting Nick's gauntlet to the board. Eli blinked in surprise before Nick reeled the board off of the wall and into his hand.

"Looks like I still have some reflexes." Nick said with a smile. "So what do you think?"

"…" Eli studied the equipment, his brows creased in concentration. His face soon scrunches up in disapproval, brown eyes locking onto Nick's. "Why are they yellow?"

"We'll worry about colors later kid. For now, you need to get use to the equipment." Nick informed the teen as he removed the gauntlet. "Lord knows it took months for your old man to use a standard grappling hook. Bloody bloke damn near took out my good leg trying to use it!"

Eli massaged one hand and then the other.

"Alright," Eli said. "What do you have?"

"Quite a bit," Nick told him. "Flash grenades and smoke bombs. A few little buggers that will send a shock to anyone you use it on. A rocket launcher-"

"A rocket launcher?" Eli interrupted. "Why in the hell did Dad need a rocket launcher?"

Nick shrugged. "You'd be surprised about the things that live in the sewers kid. Alligators 'bout the size of Andre the Giant!"

"Who?"

"…" Nick sighed heavily, fixing his glasses. "Never mind kid. Just put these on. I need to see how you move in them." Nick then looked at the case where Malcolm's Army Ant suit was displayed. "And then we can see if we can't get you suited up."

Eli nods. During his time in Metropolis, Eli could only do a few exercises in the hotel room when Sam went to sleep and he was free to do so. It was almost like second nature to do so, train and research. But now he was finally able to put all that he had learned to practice and see if it would give him the answers that he wanted.

As his coach always said; "Practice only makes perfect when executed to perfection."

And it was time to put his planning to execution.

Later that same day, Eli had dragged his body to Ben's to complete his training regiment. He had released enough anger and frustration earlier to even look Ben eye-to-eye without unintentionally scowling at the man. Jade was absent for the training this evening, out doing whatever it is she did when she was by herself. This gave Eli more than his share of "bonding time" with the sagacious Ben Turner.

Currently, the boy was doing some "cool down" push-ups on the flat roof of his apartment building. Due to the evening warmth, Eli was shirtless, his body drenched with sweat and scars from the earlier spar and training with Ben. Ben had praised Eli on his adaptation and intuition in the art of combat, something Eli doubts Ben would have said if Jade had been present. Jade was still years ahead of Eli and it was evident whenever the two were pitted against each other.

This, however, never stopped Eli from competing against her. It compared it to the Cleveland Cavaliers and their chase for a championship. He didn't care how close he got sometimes. He didn't care about Jade's stats in speed or power. He just knew that one day he would beat her and, in that moment, be recognized for such accomplishment.

"Your dedication to your cause is commendable," Ben said as he meditated a yard in front of Eli. "But even I can tell that you're still angry about something."

"Just… My mom… And her… Husband…" Eli responded as he continued his exercise.

Ben released a short laugh. "When isn't it?" The comment made Eli remember that, despite his gruff appearance at times, Ben had humor somewhere inside of him. "I have something to tell you. I won't be here for the last week of July and the first week of August. I wouldn't recommend you go out to do whatever it is you want during those times, but I won't stop you. In the meantime, I have a friend to come and supervise your training."

"Who is he?" Eli questioned.

"She will be staying in a place downtown, Rhodes to be exact." Ben informed. "She was once trained by a close friend of mine, someone who made me understand that there is more than good and bad or black and white."

Eli completed his fifty push-ups before resting on his knees. He was curious as to who this mystery person would be as he safely assumed that it was not Jade. He also wondered if he would have to go up in his push-ups again. Considering that this woman would be present during the days that Eli was supposed to do seventy push-ups instead of fifty during cool downs, he wondered if they would enact that rule, or even know it. He mentally questioned if this woman would even prevent him and Jade for finding Jade's father.

"She can also help you in your transition into a hero. If you're still thinking about it." added Ben after moments of silence.

Eli took in a breath to calm his still racing heart.

"She's a vigilante?" His question was met with one single nod. "Oh…"

Eli rested quietly after that as he watched Ben's chest slowly rise and fall repeatedly. The teen knew best to carry on this conversation during Ben's meditation, so he just waited. To Eli, he needed to know more about some woman he did not know than the man he barely knew. It was strange, but Eli has come accustomed to Ben and the mystery that surrounded the man. But he was not going to have the same relief for some chick who was also one of those idiots in costume.

"She won't kill you." Ben suddenly said, startling Eli out of his thoughts. "I would kill you faster than she would." Eli did not deny that fact but was still slightly unsure about this move. "You asked me to train you to gain answers. I'm giving you someone who can answer more of your questions than I could. As you said, I can only teach you how to fight. She can give you answers."

Now that was something that sold Eli. He had no idea how or why this woman would be able to provide him answers, but answers were something he desperately needed. There had been a brick wall at the end of each road Eli had taken so far- sans going out as a hero himself- and the boy had ended up, with more information than he started, but with no solutions to the problems at hand. Eli presumed that there was no real reason to go find some psychiatrist to explain why Malcolm gambled but if someone could shed light on why Malcolm became the Army Ant and willingly chose to do so as a pastime, then Eli was all up for it.

Then he would kill those Mozgov bastards for what they did.

"There is something else that I want to tell you, something I want you to do." Ben said, gaining Eli's full attention. "I need you to find out who Jade's father is and stop her from killing him and he from killing her."

"What?" Eli retracted in shock at the statement, unable to grasp the thought of a double-homicide between father and daughter. "Jade said… And do you really think that…?" Eli stopped himself before eying Ben squarely. "You know what she has planned?"

"Would I be much of a guardian if I didn't know when she was heading for trouble?" Ben's response gained a small shrug from Eli. "I don't know what about you amuse or attracts her. I suppose that's just teenage hormones. But, I do know that the anger she's had from the start is all at one person. And so long as I am waiting for Carolyn, I can't watch after her."

"…" Eli sat quietly before speaking on the presumptions rising in his mind. "So that's why you're training me. To stop Jade."

Ben stood up. "I'm training you because you asked and I agreed. Anything that comes from that is just a bonus." The man then motion Eli to his feet, Eli rising as fast as his tired body would allow. "I know that Jade had taken you on runs. Now I want you to run with me. The lesson is simple. It's not how fast you can move, it's how fast you can move correctly. Silence is the only thing I want to hear… Or else. Understood?"

Eli only nods. He figured out earlier that Ben would eventually take him running as Jade did. Jade had told him so earlier. Eli wondered if Ben would take him just through Cheshire Square, Jade's personal favorite "track" to run.

"Are you ready?" Eli gave Ben a solid nod, his mind trying to erase any remove any and all complaints from his sore body. "Then let's move."

Eli was not a fan of parkour, a fast-growing trend amongst a good portion of the students at his former high school. However, when running throughout the city with Jade- and now with Ben- the only thing that came to his mind was that if he had just jumped on that bandwagon, this would have been easier.

But once again, practice only made perfect when executed to perfection.

Author's Notes: Took some time off but now I'm back. Next chapter, I promise Eli will be in costume and actually doing heroics. I know that it has been quite the wait, but I warned that the build-up would be quite long in this story. In two chapters, there will be a review corner for this story (Chapter 10). Anyways, thanks for waiting and reading and if you have any thoughts, questions, or comments, leave a PM or review and I'll respond in two chapters. Bye.