Disclaimer: I own nothing of the dc universe.
Most people including Abilo want the praise and love of the people around him from their social circles up to the society they inhabit, it was part of human nature yet as Abilo shook the hand of the perhaps thirtieth person thanking him he couldn't prevent the feelings of irritation from rising inside.
It was surprising how gratitude could quickly become tiresome and annoying.
He wasn't so dense that he couldn't understand the people's happiness. They had been going around living their lives only for them to be disturbed by an alien invasion beyond their understanding. Abilo couldn't help but feel a bit of pity for them, parademons would soon be only one of many invasions from space.
He had no idea how long he had been standing there surrounded by the people but the sight of a news van pulling up almost made him fly up and away but stopped once he thought about it.
The lords of order had given him twenty years to establish order on earth and Abilo didn't want to know the price of failure. Yes, Abilo intended to take control of the world, yet he couldn't do it all by himself. He needed a power base, and the interview could be the first step to establishing it.
He mentally prepared himself as a brunette woman came out of the van followed by a cameraman and rushed up to him through the crowd. The crowd quieted down as the woman and cameraman got into position while Abilo stayed silent.
"Morena Montenegro with Brazilian today. I am here in beautiful Rio de Janeiro, and I am here with the man who just fought off an alien invasion against our country and the world."
She then turned to Abilo and moved the microphone closer to him.
"Who are you, Sir?"
Abilo put on his best poker face and looked the strikingly beautiful woman in the eyes.
"My name is Centurian and I'm just a man who wants to help his people."
Technically he was a man in a boy's body transformed into a superpowered one from the supernatural Lords of Order but that was a mouthful.
"Are you like Superman in the United States?"
Abilo let out a small smile.
"No, Superman is an alien while I have lived my entire life on earth."
"So, you are human?"
"Yes, minus of course the superpowers."
"How did you get your powers?"
Abilo opened his mouth to tell her the truth but then shut his mouth. While the knowledge of the Lords of Order wouldn't be something the rest of the world could use against him, there was the magical community that would know exactly what he meant and certain elements would weaponize the information and move against him. People would eventually figure out the truth but for now he needed a different story.
"I got my powers from a rock."
Abilo instantly regretted his words. In his head the words sounded plausible and considering the nature of this universe it was a good explanation.
Morena's face was that of someone who had been told the most obvious lie in human history.
And judging by the rest of the crowds' expressions they hadn't bought it either.
Thankfully she didn't press and continued with her questions.
"Centurian, can you tell us about your abilities? What makes you different from other heroes?"
Abilo was silent for a moment and the answer immediately came into his head. So apparently information could just pop into his head. He'll have to investigate it more later.
He decided to be vague yet impressive in his response but not tell them everything. "I possess superhuman strength, speed, flight and invulnerability. I can fly and shoot beams of light from my hands. My goal is to use these powers to protect the innocent and maintain order in this world."
The crowd erupted in applause at his words, pleased with his dedication to protecting them. Morena, however, had a keen eye and sensed that there was more to the story. She pressed further, "And how did you come across this mysterious rock that granted you these powers?"
Abilo hesitated for a moment, crafting a believable tale. "It was just an ordinary day, and I stumbled upon a strange-looking rock while gardening in my backyard. As soon as I touched it, I felt a surge of power coursing through me. I knew then that I had been chosen to become something greater."
Morena seemed to buy the story, nodding along with interest. "And have you used your powers before this alien invasion?"
Abilo shook his head. "No, this was the first time I truly had to put my abilities to the test. Before that, I was just trying to come to terms with my newfound powers and figure out how best to use them for the greater good."
The reporters seemed satisfied with his answers, but theone persistent woman asked, "How do you plan to handle future threats? Will you be joining forces with other heroes like the Justice League?"
Abilo chose his words carefully. "I believe in teamwork, and if the situation calls for it, I wouldn't hesitate to collaborate with other heroes. Unity is key in the face of great challenges."
Morena then shifted the focus of the questions, asking about the aftermath of the invasion and the damage caused. Abilo expressed his sympathy for those who had suffered and vowed to aid in the rebuilding efforts.
As the interview concluded, the crowd cheered once again for their new hero. Abilo smiled and waved, soaking in adoration. However, he knew that the real challenges lay ahead, beyond the public spotlight. He needed to establish his power base discreetly, gain allies, and handle threats without attracting too much attention.
After the reporter and crowd dispersed, Abilo flew away from the crowd, deep in thought. He knew that he couldn't rely solely on his powers to achieve his goals. He needed to be strategic and cunning, just like any good leader. He considered how he could use his knowledge from the comic book universe to identify potential allies and enemies as he flew to his destination.
As the sight of his school came into view, he flew through the hole left by the attacking parademon and landed softly inside. From there he took in the classroom.
Abilo stood in the silent room, the echoes of chaos and destruction still reverberating in his mind. The once lively and vibrant room was now a scene of devastation. Desks lay overturned, books scattered on the floor, and the walls and floor bore the marks of blood and dead children.
Ms. Santos, who charged a monster to protect students, was paid poorly to teach and ultimately paid with her life.
Sabrina, a little girl who admired wonder woman and wanted to be just like her, he could see her blood had dried from where the parademon had smashed her against the wall.
Fabrizia, she wanted to grow up and become a doctor like her mother. He walked over the spot where her head was slammed against the floor.
All over the room were the fallen bodies of the innocent children. Their lifeless forms lay motionless on the ground, their faces frozen in expressions of fear and confusion. Their lives had been cut short, their dreams and aspirations extinguished in an instant.
Abilo couldn't tear his eyes away from the heartbreaking sight. Each life lost was a stark reminder of the cruel realities he faced as Centurian. He knelt beside one of the children, a young boy no older than six, and gently brushed a strand of hair away from his face. He had been someone's son, someone's brother, and now He was gone.
Next to the fallen children lay the remains of a parademon, a creature from another world. Its grotesque form was a stark contrast to the innocence of the children it had ruthlessly attacked. Abilo felt a surge of anger at the creature and what it represented—a threat from beyond the stars that now sought to invade and harm his world.
Yet the anger disappeared just as quickly as it had arrived and after came the weight of responsibility bore down on him, and he felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. It was stupid as there was nothing, he could have done but he still felt guilty. He was going to take control of the earth to protect himself, but he didn't think of all the people on it he would be protecting as well. It wasn't just about him, but all the other billions of people who would live under his protection.
As he rose to his feet, Abilo took a deep breath, trying to steady himself amidst the overwhelming emotions. He knew he couldn't dwell on the past, nor could he let himself be paralyzed by grief and guilt.
He began to carefully gather the children's bodies, arranging them with utmost respect and care, regardless of their physical condition. He couldn't bring them back, but he could give them a dignified farewell. He muttered a few words of prayer under his breath, paying his respects to their departed souls.
As he continued his work, he couldn't shake the image of the fallen children from his mind. It was a stark reminder of the challenges he would face as Centurian, and the sacrifices that would be demanded of him. The world needed a protector, someone willing to stand against the darkness and do what needed to be done to protect it from harm from the inside and outside.
Abilo's determination grew stronger. He would not let the deaths of these children be in vain. He would fight for a world where innocence was protected, where lives were cherished, and where hope could thrive. No matter the challenges ahead, he would do whatever it took to ensure a better future for Earth and its people under his rightful leadership.
Once he gathered up the bodies, he looked down at them and thought how just a short time ago he was a small child. He raised his golden hands and looked at them, wondering if he is permanently stuck in his new form.
How was he going to explain this to his mother?
He already had a mother who raised him, but he had come to think of his second mother as his mother as well. He wanted to be a kid again for her sake.
There was a flash of light and suddenly Abilo found himself back as a kid. He had a moment to enjoy it before he passed out.
o-o-o-o-o
In the depths of the Batcave, Batman sat in front of the vast array of monitors that displayed feeds from all over the world. His keen eyes were fixed on one particular screen, showing the interview with the newly revealed superhero, Centurian. As the Dark Knight observed, his mind began to analyze the situation, dissecting the information with the precision and focus that defined him.
"Centurian," Batman mused to himself, his deep voice barely audible in the dimly lit cave. He had been keeping a close eye on the recent alien invasion and the appearance of this enigmatic figure. As always, Batman was cautious about new players in the world of superheroes, especially those who appeared so suddenly and with such immense power.
The billionaire vigilante leaned back in his chair, his expression inscrutable behind the cowl. The interview with the Brazilian reporter provided some insights into Centurian's abilities and intentions, but Batman knew that the truth often lay beneath the surface. He respected the need for secrecy, having his own share of hidden identities, but he also understood the importance of transparency and trust in this line of work.
"He's powerful," Batman noted as he watched Centurian's display of strength on the screen. "Flight, superhuman abilities, and energy projection. His power set rivals that of Superman."
But Batman wasn't easily impressed by raw power alone. He needed to know more about Centurian's motivations, his past, and the source of his abilities. The mention of a mysterious rock raised his suspicions further. Such a convenient explanation could be a fabrication, a cover for something more complex or dangerous.
"He's hiding something," Batman concluded, narrowing his eyes. "Whether it's out of fear, a hidden agenda, or a genuine need to protect himself, I can't be sure. But I'll find out."
Batman's mind was a labyrinth of contingency plans and investigative strategies. He began to formulate a plan to gather more information about Centurian discreetly. He'd dig through databases, consult contacts, and analyze any available data on this new hero. Batman had learned over the years that knowledge was the most potent weapon he possessed.
As the interview continued, Batman also noted the reporter, Morena Montenegro. Her probing questions showed her tenacity, and he mentally filed her away as someone to keep an eye on as well. She might prove to be a valuable ally or an obstacle in his quest to understand Centurian's true nature.
Throughout the interview, Batman's expression remained stern and focused, his mind constantly analyzing and strategizing. He was always prepared for the unexpected, and Centurian was definitely a wildcard in the ever-evolving world of superheroes and supervillains.
"I don't trust easily," Batman muttered under his breath, a hint of skepticism in his voice. He had seen his fair share of heroes and villains, and he knew that even those with the best intentions could falter.
Batman's gaze never wavered from the screen, his mind sharp and vigilant. As the interview concluded and the crowds cheered for their new hero, Batman's work had just begun. The Dark Knight would operate in the shadows, gathering information, and making calculated moves to ensure the safety of his city and the world.
"Welcome to the game, Centurian," Batman said, his voice carrying a mix of respect and caution. "Let's see if you're truly a hero worth trusting."
o-o-o-o-o
In her dimly lit living room, Zatanna Zatara sat in front of her television, her eyes fixed on the screen as she watched the interview with Centurian unfold. The sorceress had been alerted to the appearance of the mysterious hero in Rio de Janeiro, and her curiosity led her to tune in and see what he had to say.
As she listened to Centurian's responses, Zatanna couldn't help but sense that there was more to this enigmatic figure than met the eye. Her intuition as a skilled magician told her that his answers were carefully crafted, veiling the truth behind a facade of half-truths. There was a secret beneath the surface, and Zatanna was determined to uncover it.
Her long, dark hair cascaded over her shoulders as she leaned forward, her mind racing with questions. Who was this Centurian, and what was the source of his powers? How did he come across them, and why was he now choosing to reveal himself to the world? The more she thought about it, the more intrigued she became. The gold may indicate contact to the lords of order. She quickly cast a few spells to obtain some answers.
In the midst of her thoughts as her magic did what it did best, she could almost hear Abilo's inner voice. His desire to take control of the world and his understanding that the truth of his powers must remain hidden from certain elements, all resonated with her. She recognized a kindred spirit in him – someone who understood the complexity of the supernatural world and the delicate balance required to navigate it.
Zatanna had always been drawn to those who carried a burden of responsibility, much like she did. Her magic was both a gift and a responsibility, and she knew firsthand the challenges that came with wielding such power. It seemed that Centurian also grappled with a similar weight on his shoulders.
As the interview continued, Zatanna couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and wariness towards Centurian. She admired his dedication to protecting the innocent and maintaining order, but she also sensed the potential danger that lay in his thirst for control. Power, if not wielded with care and humility, could corrupt even the noblest of intentions.
Lost in her thoughts, Zatanna absentmindedly twirled a finger in the air, forming glowing symbols that only she could see. It was her way of processing information and tapping into her magic, a comforting habit that helped her focus.
She wondered if she should reach out to Centurian, offer her assistance or seek answers about his past. But something held her back. She understood the need for secrets, the delicate dance between revealing and concealing one's true self. After all, she was no stranger to keeping her magical heritage and abilities hidden from the world when necessary.
For now, she decided to observe from a distance, keeping an eye on Centurian as he embarked on his journey as Earth's protector. If the need arose, she would be ready to step in and offer guidance or aid. The world of magic was vast and filled with potential allies and adversaries, and Zatanna knew that the paths of superheroes and sorcerers often intersected.
As the interview concluded and the screen went dark, Zatanna sighed, her mind still buzzing with thoughts. She would continue to monitor Centurian, watching for any signs of trouble or unusual magical disturbances. In the world of magic and superheroes, nothing was ever as straightforward as it seemed, and Zatanna was determined to stay one step ahead.
o-o-o-o-o
On the fiery and desolate world of Apokolips, the air was thick with the stench of despair and the echoes of countless battles. Among the treacherous landscape, Lashina, one of the leaders of the fearsome Female Furies, seethed with rage and frustration. Her recent defeat at the hands of the mysterious newcomer had left her humiliated and thirsting for vengeance.
In the dimly lit chamber where the Female Furies gathered, Lashina paced back and forth like a caged beast, her metal-tipped whip clutched tightly in her hand. It was currently empty except for one other individual.
As she lashed out at a nearby pillar, causing it to crumble under her power, Bernadeth, her co-leader and advisor, approached cautiously. Bernadeth was one of the few who could maintain her composure in the face of Lashina's wrath.
"Lashina, I understand your anger," Bernadeth said, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "But we cannot afford to let this new interloper go unchallenged. He defeated you with ease, and that cannot be ignored."
Lashina turned her blazing eyes to Bernadeth, her face contorted with fury. "I don't need your advice, Bernadeth! I will rip that fool apart with my own hands. No one humiliates me and gets away with it!"
Bernadeth remained unfazed, her crimson armor gleaming in the dim light. "Of course, Lashina. But perhaps there is another way to deal with this intruder. He possesses powers unlike anything we've encountered before. Teaming up may be our best chance to defeat him and impress Darkseid."
Lashina scoffed, her anger momentarily replaced by skepticism. "Work with you? Why would I ever do that? I'm more than capable of handling him on my own."
Bernadeth raised an eyebrow, her crimson eyes narrowing. "Are you? You saw what he did to you. And we both know Darkseid will not tolerate failure. Working together, we stand a better chance of taking him down."
For a moment, Lashina considered Bernadeth's words. While her pride urged her to seek revenge alone, the thought of earning Darkseid's favor was enticing. She knew the Lord of Apokolips favored strength and loyalty above all else, and defeating a powerful adversary would undoubtedly impress him.
"Fine," Lashina finally conceded, her tone still brimming with defiance. "But make no mistake, Bernadeth. This is not about helping you. I want his head on a platter, and if you get in my way, I won't hesitate to deal with you as well."
Bernadeth nodded, unfazed by the threat. "Agreed. Our goal is to defeat this new hero and earn Darkseid's favor. Nothing else matters."
With an unspoken understanding, the two leaders of the Female Furies formed an uneasy alliance. Their rivalry and desire for power simmered beneath the surface, but for now, they would put it aside for a common purpose.