This is it, the final chapter! After a long roller coaster of emotions, it all comes down to this. Enjoy! And yes, I know I uploaded this very late, but I didn't get a chance earlier...
After only five minutes, just about ten news vans arrived since the Hyperjet was exposed. But soon, a black limousine arrived at the Lloyd residence, it was the Mayor's limousine.
As news reporters swarmed the Vigilantes, the Mayor had to barge through them. "Excuse me! Excuse me!"
Despite the swarm of news reporters, the Vigilantes made their way back to the Hyperjet while the Lloyds were forced to hide away from the media so they aren't involved.
"Hey! Excuse me!" The Mayor tried to get the Vigilantes' attention. "Guys!"
"WHAT?!" Rhonda snapped. The Mayor flinched a little. "Listen, I don't mean any harm, I don't want any questions answered like the media, but I do want to talk with the family of Shadow, at least. I want to offer a memorial service since we owe everything to your husband." The Mayor said.
Stella overheard and walked over despite the mics being shoved against them and constant cameras flashing. "Excuse me, Mayor Cousins?"
"Ah, yes! Mrs. Shortman, look I just want a word with Shadow's family in my office, if you'd like?" Mayor Cousins offered. "Alright, fine! This better be worth it because we don't want to put up with any bullshit!" Stella answered.
"I promise it won't be any nonsense!" Mayor Cousins replied.
As the Mayor went back to his limo with his guards, the Vigilantes finally got back inside the Hyperjet. Impulse was one step ahead and got the PRT back into the Hyperjet. The Hyperjet soon took off as news cameras filmed the Jet immediately flying away.
"I can't even believe we're even trending on every possible news outlet and social media…" Rhonda slumped over in her chair.
Minutes Later…
Soon, at the town hall, the Hyperjet was near the town hall. While most of the Vigilantes were inside it to avoid the media, the family of Arnold Shortman was meeting with the mayor.
"Now that you guys are finally in a peaceful and quiet area, I think it's time we discuss something for your son." Mayor Cousins sat down. The Fire Commissioner of the Hillwood Fire Department was also there. Stella scoffed and hit the armrest of the chair. "What could you possibly offer to even make this any better, hmm?"
"Like I once said, this city is forever in your debt. Your son and his team have saved this city countless times and even handled the controversy against the police well! But anyhow, here's what I'm wanting to offer…"
"Well?" Rhonda gave a snooty look. "Spit it out!"
"A full line-of-duty memorial service by the HFD, a municipal parade, color guard, bell service for his last alarm, technically, bagpipes, the entire thing! Shadow has given this entire city everything, a light of hope when times got dark, and that is something no one can take away when all of you are around. We want to offer a full-scale send-off for him. No funeral service can compare." Cousins offered.
"Oh, yes! Great idea! And what about the damn news media!?" Rhonda slapped the armrest while her daughter tried to keep her calm.
"Well, it would be inevitable to keep them away, and since he's more famous than any celebrity, it would be common sense every news outlet is there. I'm sorry, Mrs. Lloyd-Shortman, but my hands are tied on that." Stella shrugged. "I mean, he does have a point." She said.
Miles then had a question. "Wait, so, if you're offering a full-scale service, what about the casket?"
"The casket will be wrapped in the American flag," The Fire Commissioner started. "Unless you want a special flag wrapped around it, we'll do it. And since we're offering a full-scale service, if you'd like, we'll offer an apparatus to mount the casket onto instead of the hearse. We'll have several apparatuses ahead of it with police bikes leading the way. We'll also have crossed ladders at the memorial, the honor guard, and badge shrouds." The Commissioner finished detailing.
The entire Shortman family looked at one another. They started to whisper among each other.
Fifteen Minutes Later…
After fifteen minutes of discussing memorial service plans, plans were finalized, and the Shortman family soon exited the town hall, only to see a bunch of news vans with an army of news reporters everywhere. Suddenly…
WHOOSH
The Hyperjet had dropped a smoke bomb.
After a few seconds, the smoke cleared, and the Shortman family managed to sneak back into the Hyperjet. Soon, the Jet started to take off and flew away fast.
Rhonda slumped in her chair knowing that her husband was gone, and she was the one making funeral arrangements. One thing she questioned… how will she live life? With Arnold gone, just about the entire team was now confused about how they would live life. The Vigilantes lost a leader and a loved family member.
Stella came over and put an arm over her daughter-in-law's shoulder. While she rubbed her shoulder, Rhonda started to sniffle as tears began to build up in her eyes. Rhonda felt her stomach flip inside out as it dropped, she also felt like throwing up. She couldn't resist as she turned around and hugged Stella tighter than ever. Letting the tears stream down, clenching onto Stella, Rhonda felt like having a mental breakdown but knew Arnold wouldn't want that for her.
"Sh. There, there, sweetie… Shhh…" Stella tried to comfort her while she also had tears in her eyes.
Soon, the Hyperjet arrived at the city limits, specifically, the hidden warehouse. The Hyperjet rolled inside the warehouse, the lights turned on once it rolled in.
"At least we have somewhere to stay for now." Ariel sighed as she shut off the Hyperjet's engine.
"Alright, well, now that we're somewhere more hidden, Impulse should go over the Vigilantes Protocol to refresh us on what to do." Stella mentioned.
Soon, Impulse started. (Voice-over).
"The Vigilantes Protocol is specifically designed for when one's identity is revealed, exposing the rest, or if the same thing happens, but one of our own has passed away. After the memorial service, Mr. Shortman had thought ahead." 'Remember that compartment area in the Hyperjet we never mentioned?' Impulse started to play a clip of Arnold talking. 'Yeah, well, there are new modified suits there. I had them specially designed for all of you. I never bothered to make myself one because… well, you'll see why.' He chuckled. Impulse took over. "Those new suits were modified by Mr. Shortman himself. They were specifically made for identity purposes. When the Protocol is activated, and given the current situation, the Vigilantes will most likely need to change identities, and that's where these suits come in. As for personal identities, the protocol doesn't enforce anything and leaves the decision in your hands. As for an HQ, a new place will be chosen soon. The vehicles shall be repainted with darker colors, and the Fire and EMS part of the team will be deactivated until things become safer for that side of the team to reveal themselves. And one more important thing since I'm not reading the entire protocol section. With the leader's passing, a new leader will be chosen, but until then, Mr. and Mrs. Shortman will be in charge of the new undercover team." Impulse explained.
Spinelli noticed a weird light near a work desk. "Hey, what's that thing over there?" She pointed. While everyone only looked over, Rhonda slowly walked to it and kneeled.
She noticed it was a rusted glove displaying 'I HEART YOU ALL'. Even a small toy shaped like the Hyperjet was there. It was at that point Rhonda started to break down in tears once more. Stella walked up behind her, kneeling and placing her hand on her shoulder. With tears in Rhonda's eyes and breathing heavily, Olivia walked up behind her mother and did the same as Stella. Soon, everyone else approached behind them, kneeling and placing a hand on each other's shoulders. Miles would be the last one to kneel and place his hands on his family's shoulders, signifying they were all family… As they all gathered as the family they are to remember their beloved leader and family member, an overhead shot slowly zoomed out and showed the entire Vigilante family kneeling, a hand over each other's shoulder, and remembering Arnold Philip 'Shadow' Shortman.
Soon, everything faded out…
Two Days Later…
Two days passed, and the Vigilantes had taken those two days to go over the Vigilantes Protocol, and what to do next after the funeral.
The scene slowly opened to a church filled with Class A uniformed firefighters and police along with their families. Lit candles around, and a coffin wrapped in a dark blueish-black flag with the V symbol in red. Fifty stars to represent the states.
"When a parent has to bury their own child, it's never an easy thing… It's not…" Stella started as she was speaking at the podium. "And this time, particularly, this stings me to the core. You may all know his life's story, his father and I missed the first ten years of his life, but we made it up to him once we came home. This stings because I watched Arnold grow up into being one of the fiercest, toughest, bravest, compassionate, and hard-working leader. I watched him grow into a loving son, husband, and father. He led this crusade because he wanted to avenge his grandparents. Who knows how many homes are standing because Shadow was there, or how many lives were spared…" Soon, the view switched from Stella toward the Vigilantes. As the camera slowly panned, starting with Montgomery, "He gave his life for that cause. He gave his life to this city and the entire country. And we'll never forget the sacrifice he made. We were better for having known him." Soon, it went back to Stella. She exhaled through her nose. "My son gave his life, defending this city, and avenging his grandparents' death many years ago. If you ever knew Arnold Shortman, you knew the kind of person he was. An honest, passionate, and overall an amazing person. If you were friends with him, you know he'd have your back, whether you knew it or not… Not only would he have your back, but he was also one of the bravest of the brave no matter what he faced…" Then, the view switched to Rhonda having an arm over her daughter, Olivia. "I've always heard people asking one another… 'How is it that these Vigilantes have the bravery to go head-on against crime?' It's just like firefighters and police, they answer that kind of question by SAVING another man's life. And just like Arnold, he answered that question by saving numerous lives every day and every night. Arnold, you answered that question - courage is the answer." Soon, the view went back to Stella once more. "And today, we'll-" Stella had several tears run down her cheeks. "Today, we'll be as brave as you. By not mourning you… by celebrating your life and all you did for us. So I want everyone to stand up and celebrate the life… of Arnold Philip 'Shadow' Shortman…"
And just like that, the entire crowd stood up and started clapping. The entire church clapped, and so was Stella. Soon, Stella stepped down from the podium after grabbing a small medal and walked toward the wrapped coffin. She delicately placed the medal to remember her son, and to say goodbye one final time…
"Sleep tight, son… You've earned it…" She rubbed the casket for a moment before tears got the best of her.
Background Music: Shine Your Light by Robbie Robertson
As the clapping soon faded out with the music fading in…
At the exit of the church, Gerald was the first to come out, holding a special golden blade while Nadine, Sapphire, Warren, Montgomery, Spinelli, and Commissioner Goodell came out behind carrying the casket. Miles and Stella were behind them.
After they slowly walked out, they were behind the Engine apparatus covered in bunting with its siren lights on. As a command was given by Goodell, they slowly walked forward and near the Engine. The salvaged uniform was behind the rig. Another command was given to face the casket.
While Phoebe was with the Lloyds, they lifted the casket, Miles and Stella saluted as the two firefighters slowly brought it onto the rig. The two firefighters would stand in front of the casket once they placed it down gently. The Engine started moving ahead slowly, with the Vigilantes walking slowly behind. One surprising thing, Rhonda and Olivia decided to suck in their tears and follow along, ahead of Miles and Stella.
Up ahead, police bikes led the way while a Tiller Ladder (also covered in bunting with its siren lights on) followed behind bagpipes. A numerous amount of flags were waving in the wind. City flags, American flags, Color and Honor guard flags. Gerald was carrying his childhood best friend's blade while he walked ahead of the bagpipers. And in the background, the Hyperjet and QR Helicopter hovered overhead and both carrying the American flags.
As they all walked along, in the background, multiple raised Aerial Ladders were seen, but only one carried the American flag. As they walked past the infinite line of firefighters and police officers saluting (on both sides of them), a quick closeup shot of Stella, who was fighting back her tears.
And soon, a shot of the saluting line of men and women was shown. Despite knowing the truth about the Vigilantes, they paid their respects nonetheless, because the Vigilantes are the reason their city is safe.
One final shot just above the casket was displayed, showing the Vigilantes walking beside one another while every Fire apparatus had their siren lights on. Several news helicopters were in the air broadcasting the funeral service…
Soon after, a montage started… The repainted black Hyperjet rushed out of the new lair while the Hybrid and Stealth Cycle raced out onto the streets.
A quick closeup of Spinelli, who recomposed herself after a tear slipped down. She put her motorcycle helmet visor down as she revved the motorcycle engine and sped ahead.
As the Hyperjet led the way to a reported gang fight, Stella stood with her arms crossed and a determined look.
At the new lair, Phoebe was sitting at the main monitors. Briefly admiring the picture of Arnold and her. Arnold was kissing her cheek in the photo. She soon focused her attention on the mission directive.
Another shot displayed the PRT abruptly stopping with its siren lights on and the passenger opening, revealing Travis. The Fire and EMS part of the Vigilantes was reactivated.
Spinelli and Olivia training stealth together with the ultimate Augmented Reality Training Simulator. Spinelli dropped down on a militia thug and smashed his head in into the ground.
The UFRT was back in business as Travis hopped out of the PRT while Gerald hopped out of the UFRT.
At nighttime, an overhead shot soon displayed both the PRT and UFRT making a left turn at an intersection. Another shot displayed the PRT soon speeding ahead.
After the left turn, the two trucks started to race off as the siren lights shined brightly throughout the streets. In a sudden blink of an eye, the Stealth Cycle dropped onto the street near the UFRT and sped ahead.
Another shot displayed Stella giving orders on her alternate radio as the Hybrid came to a stop near her.
Another scene showed Travis and Warren lifting the stretcher into the PRT at a car accident scene.
Another scene displayed the black Hyperjet with a remodeled QR Jet flying behind it.
Next scene revealed Rhonda helping up her daughter despite her failing a training level. Olivia smiled as Rhonda helped her up with a smile.
Scarlet hanging off a tether of the QR Helicopter while saving a person hanging from a window of a hotel. Ariel heard the go-ahead from Spinelli to bring her up and soon pressed a button.
BEEP
BEEP
As an alarm from Impulse briefly chimed in, all the Vigilantes rushed down to the lair as the lights to the garage lit up.
Scarlet and Nadine training together in a combat situation. As Nadine jumped over Scarlet to yank a thug while Spinelli upper-cutted another thug…
A faraway shot of the QR Jet soaring through the air was seen. Miles was in the QR Jet as he was explaining the mission directive to the others.
Another overhead shot displayed both the Hyperjet and QR Jet soaring through the air together.
A nighttime fire at an apartment building was displayed. The QR Helicopter flew overhead, Ariel pressed a button to dump water over the fire.
Another training shot between Spinelli and Rhonda was seen. Both of them training stealth to be a silent and deadly duo together. Gerald was training a different simulation, specifically for his handguns in quick combat.
One final scene was displayed, but not of the rebranded Vigilantes… It was Arnold. Arnold had came out of a building shouting in joy after he and Rhonda had stopped their very first crime together many years ago. While Rhonda was in the background, Stella came out with a joyful smile and gave a side hug to her son as his mask had retracted. Arnold and Stella had big smiles on their faces as they hugged each other. As it went into slow motion, Stella kissed Arnold's forehead. The frame paused with Arnold looking at his father with a smile while Stella looked at her son with a big smile. A camera flash soon appeared as the photo was in gray. One final memory of Arnold Philip 'Shadow' Shortman, as the music soon faded out, so did the picture…
May he Rest In Peace, Arnold Philip 'Shadow' Shortman. He is gone but never forgotten… Rest in peace with your grandparents...
The End
And that concludes an emotional story... Before anyone says anything, yes I know the song 'Shine Your Light' comes from a movie. Now, um, but anyhow, what a crazy story this has been... It's kind of crazy to think this is it. But nonetheless, it has been a great journey in this story. I hope you have enjoyed this story, and I'll be seeing you again. Until next time!
