Authors Note: Heya fellers. So, I am gonna tell you about a little ol' game called Alien Shooters 2. Made in 2006 it is a top-down shooter where you annihilate aliens. And no, I am not Russian. The game lets you choose between eight different characters with different stats and weapons etc. You guessed it Archer comes from this game. It costs 5 dollars on steam, so play it. I implore you to. On with the fic.

(John POV)

We were dead set and ready to go to the PRT to register and make a brand-new hero team. After saying goodbye to Taylor for the day, I left with Zombieman and Church in tow. Zombieman was equipped with two machetes and an axe. Church was in one of his laser drones bobbing up and down. I had on a spare mask, just in case my mask form goes down. We start jumping from rooftop to rooftop, avoiding the streets as much as possible. I had Church tell me of cameras beforehand and to have them on a short loop as we pass by. I was not taking any chances.

"Zombieman you have information about this world, right?" I ask him as I watch normal ordinary civilians going about their day.

"Just the basics. This world is like mine with heroes but a lot less monsters. Besides those Endbringers of course."

"Well, when you face any human opponents try to go for non-lethal options. If the person is heinous in his crimes go ahead and off em. Watch out, you probably won't make any hero friends if they see you kill someone."

"Roger." he finishes off with grunt.

We were coming up on the building; dropping down we cut imposing figures. The amount of melee weapons Zombieman was wearing made the people on the sidewalk take video and photos of us. Strolling inside I held my head high. I radiated an image of confidence. The man behind the desk looks up in surprise and shock. He jolts forward a question flowing out of his mouth.

"May I help you sir?"

"Ah yes. We've come to register ourselves as a new hero team. Just to let you guys know. Also, I need to register that I am a healer."

"Oh of course sir what are your hero names and subsequent powersets."

"Ok let's start with the easy one. See the drone beside me, his hero name is Epsilon. As you can see, he's a tinker who specializes in drones." I point to the flying weapon drone. Church bobs the drone from up and down so the desk clerk can see. The man behind the counter types it all down.

"Next up the man beside me in the trench coat is Zombieman. His power is regeneration." He looks up with awe on his face.

"How high is his regeneration? And is that all he can do?"

"It would be too messy if he showed you, just know it's high. I guess he's strong as well; bend steel and all that. Other than that, he's a good detective and tracker so he can work well with the police." I knew I was being vague but it was better this than telling everyone in the world what their upper limits were. I didn't want people to exploit that considering the number of spies in the PRT. This will have to do.

"What about his mask? Doesn't he need to protect his identity?" The man asked.

Zombieman for the first-time steps forward to say something. "Don't worry about it." Was all he said about it. He was a man a few words after all. The man behind the desk clearly wanted to say something but a sharp look from Zombie was all it took from him to back down. He turns to look at me with sweat on his brow, clearly intimidated.

"Ok and what about you sir?

This was a debate me and The Beast had for a good while. I wanted something simplistic and to the point. A name that didn't give away my powers. The Beast on the other hand wanted something grandiose. Something that had pizzazz; the exact word he used, to shock and awe people. Titan would put in his two cents because well he lived in here now and he wanted involvement. I was surprised because Titan was usually so quiet and reserved. I wondered if that was normal with his species or if that was a him thing. After some back and forth we had finally come up with something. Something that while didn't really align with simplicity, it did not give away my powers. The Beast and Titan seemed impressed with it. I delved deep into ancient Celtic to come up with it.

"My hero name's Cernunnos." Cernunnos was a god of beasts and forestry. The Beast of course, was all in on the name. It had the pizzazz. "I can use energy to do stuff like healing or to boost my strength. Now I know that's not much to work on but that is as best as I can describe it. I was thinking of heading to the hospital where Panacea is at. I need her help when it comes to my healing. Do you happen to know where she's at?" I ask.

"Hold on one sec sir." I look around a little while he did that. Two cameras and three guards with assault rifles. Zombieman looked as nonchalant as ever. I wasn't too sure what Church was doing. Scanning the surroundings maybe? I look back at the man when I stopped hearing the clacking of the keyboard. "Uh, Cernunnos it looks like she's at General Hospital. Do you want me to call ahead to tell them you are coming?"

"Yes. We'll be on our way now." I motion our group to walk out the door.

"Oh, wait Cernunnos sir!" I turn sharply to look at him making him flinch.

"What is it?"

"What's your group name?"

"Knew I was forgetting something." I mutter under my breath. Quickly searching through my memories, I come across the perfect name.

"Call us the Freelancers." As soon as I said that Church in his drone turns to me. I knew he was going to grill me about that later but he should give me a break. The name was cool alright. "Alright let's head out." As we step out the door's the whispering started. It seems we drew a crowd; the people were taking video. Good.

"Ok Zombieman. I want you in Merchant territory dealing with drug dealers and the like. I also want you to make good relations with the cops. They could make our jobs easier. Church, I want you to do scans of the surrounding areas. I want you to make a detailed map intricate enough to use at the base. I want no shortcuts when doing these things. If you are in danger, just call. I'll be at the hospital healing people. Alright people you know your jobs get to it."

"Roger that!" They instantly sprang into action. Zombieman walking away intensely with Church not too far behind. Now General hospital should be this way. I was off like a speeding bullet. Running was pretty easy to me. I could run far faster than cars and I didn't have to slow down for traffic. How cool was that. Feeling Titan curl along my legs I could feel him coil his tendrils harder. Excitement ran through us on our very first thing that we were doing that was good. It gave me enough time to ask Titan some questions. The reason he was so reserved was because he was born pretty recently and it took time for his species to develop their own personalities. The longer me and him are together the stronger our bond will become and the more unique his abilities will become. If I were to give him to say Taylor for example, he could share the battle knowledge I had and even the unique skills I would get in the future. If we get stronger, we can communicate with the other symbiotes in the multiverse which was awesome.

We were coming up on the General hospital so I had to put my game face on. Show time.

(General Hospital)

When John stepped through the doors of the hospital, he knew that he would be the center of attention. How could he not be when he was a gargantuan 6ft 6in tall guy in a black alien suit. At least Titan was behaving himself. John noticed the doctor walk towards him at a brisk pace. He was glad for the welcoming committee.

"You must be Cernunnos. Glad to have you. I heard you were going to work underneath Panacea, correct?" The newly nametagged Dr. Lock asked.

"That's right. She should be able to help me with my healing power. Can you take me to her?"

"Of, course this way." The stares were becoming more prevalent as they went there way through the hospital. Taking a quick cursory glance concluded that there was seemingly nothing out of the ordinary. It was better to be diligent though. Never know when shit would hit the fan. They had just reached the E: R when John spotted her. Panacea was wearing a robe with a large hood and a scarf that covered the lower half of her face. The robe was alabaster white and had a medic's red cross on the chest and the back. But it was her eyes that got to John. She was tired. So very tired. She had heavy eyebags that looked like eyeshadow. She had a large frown on her face when John approached her. She looked up at him and he couldn't help but notice that she was kinda cute. This was really the first time he got a good look at her because he wasn't really a news person. Brown curly hair and a good bit of freckles. He was thankful for the mask; she had a very generous bust.

Her thoughts were a little different however. Intimidation was a word she could use. While not the biggest person she ever met, there was just something off about him. She couldn't tell what he was thinking because the mask was largely faceless besides the big ghastly white eyes. The suit seemed to hug on to his every muscle. She had seen a lot of musculatures in her tenure as a healer. His had to be up there when it came to that. His lats and pectoral muscles were coiled in a way that resembled steel. His shoulders were much the same way. It was fascinating. His body was shaped for combat. She wondered if he trained incredibly hard for that body or if his powers gave him that. Her guess would be the first. Amy had a feeling.

"What do you want gigantor?" She asked exhaustively. She didn't have time for this. She needed to get back to healing people.

John looks at the doctor quizzically. "You didn't tell her?"

As if put on the spot looks at him with derision in his eyes. Well now John's opinion of this guy was dropping by the second. "The Board saw it fit that you would tell her. Now if you don't mind, I have work to do." With that he turns around and walks away. Annoyance flashed through his eyes. Zero stars.

"Dick." Cernunnos mutters under his breath. Not loud enough as he could see the slight sparkle in Panacea's eyes. She changes her stance with her arms across her chest.

"So?" She asked almost impatiently.

"Right my name is Cernunnos. I came to get your help surrounding an ability of mind. I can heal but I need to know the actual problem with somebody, the diagnosis of the person and help with visualizing it. Well also to probably cut you some slack. I know how hard you work for people."

Amy was a little touched but didn't show it on her frowning face. Nobody has ever come forward like this to learn from her. After thinking about it a little bit she softens her face just a tad. "You already know both of my names; you can call me whatever. Forgive me if I don't shake your hand. That's how my power activates. Anyway, follow me." She says with a huge sigh. So tired.

Seeing that she was walking John takes a moment to get by her side. Now that he was here, he was noticing something. There wasn't a lot of doctors here. He only really spotted a couple here or there. It worried him a bit. He didn't like the implications of it. He was going to ask her something when we came upon a room housing three individuals on beds. Each individual was a different intensity of sickness. They walk over to one that looked like he had a broken leg. Amy walks over and picks up the clipboard next to the patient.

"Looks like the ABB got a hold of this guy and broke his leg. Well, come here Cernunnos. Show me what you have." Walking beside her John got to position. It was now or nothing. Lifting both hands, he called upon the magicka inside him and released a glowing orange light. Amy tilted her head at the strangeness of it but felt something strange come from it. Warmth filled her being when she was close to it. Kindness wafted through the air. Then he thrust his arms toward the patient. The orange light washed over his leg and creaking was heard coming from his leg. A gasp escaped the patient as he felt pain but that familiar warmth eased it a bit. It took about a minute or so before the light died down. Cernunnos turned to her.

"How is it? I'm not too sure about it you'll have to check for me." As he said this Amy went over to the patient and took his hand. Hmm... this was good. A little slow but it looked like he succeeded in fixing it without any side-effects. So broken bones were good.

"You did good let's continue." This went on for about an hour or two. Turns out healing hands was good for broken bones, gunshots, heavy lacerations and minor colds. Anything above that took an enormous strain on his reserves and took longer to boot. People who were heavy in injuries couldn't be helped much due to the scope of them. Cancer and debilitating illnesses like diabetes or AIDS couldn't be done either. At the end of the second hour John couldn't help but notice the look on Panacea's face. She looked extremely tired now. Did she ever take a break? He holds his arm up in front of her stopping her in her tracks. She looked at him and narrowed her eyes in confusion. What was he doing?

"Panacea how long ago did you take your break?"

"Break? I don't have one." Now it was his turn to look at her in confusion. What does that mean?

"When you do volunteer work you need to take breaks. Besides your under eighteen that's the law. Speaking of, how long have you been here?" He pointedly looked at her not budging an inch on it. She could tell from his stance that this was important.

"Since this morning." She noticed that he started to twitch.

"And you haven't had a break yet." He pauses for a moment and instantly points his finger in the air. "That's it! We are hitting the cafeteria and I'm not hearing any noes from ya." He gently takes her hand into his but before he could take her anywhere a shining blue light came from his hand and washed over Amy. Amy could feel what was a small fog being released from her mind. It washed over her for a split second and came back too and saw Cernunnos had an appearance of shock about him. He obviously didn't know what happened.

"You ok?" he asked worry painting his tone. She looked at herself not feeling anything. Confusion replacing her perpetual frowny face.

"Uh yeah. What was that?"

"I am not entirely sure. Maybe my healing had something to do with it." A likely explanation. She looked down at his hand covering hers. It was a strong hand. Warm and muscled like the rest of him. She could feel herself heat up a bit. She poked her cheek at that. That was a little weird.

"Are you sure you're, ok?"

"Yes, now let's get to this cafeteria." She says as the walk side by side. She releases his hand and she hears his mumbled apology. It made her smirk a little. When they arrived at the cafeteria hushed conversations were exchanged.

"Is that the new guy?"

"He's huge!"

"He was seen with Panacea the entire day."

"What, a new healer!"

"That's crazy!"

"Ohhh I wonder if there gonna date."

That one made Amy heat up again. What was up with her? As they got to the front of the line and got their food Cernunnos was asked a question.

"Cash or credit?"

"Put it on our tabs so they can take it out of our checks." The cashier looked at him in confusion. Perplexed John looked at Panacea and she could see one his eyebrows under his mask raise at that.

"You don't have a tab? Why? If you're not getting paid for any of this, we should at least be getting free food out of it." She never really asked those questions. She expected New Wave to handle anything like that. Her mothers disappointed face flashed through her and she clamed up. She had an idea why that never happened. Cernunnos looked back at the cashier.

"It's free unless you want to talk to my lawyer. Come on Pan let's dig in." He made her follow her to a table. Church would make an excellent lawyer. As they started to dig in Amy had a lot of things on her mind. Biggest of all is why he seemed to care. She couldn't understand it. She didn't deserve anyone's kindness.

"Why are you helping me?" Amy had to know. As a monster she didn't deserve anything. He looks up with a frown on his face. Now that she could look at his mouth his chin was sharp.

"What do you mean? There are tons of reasons. It was the right thing to do. We're friends in my mind. Helping a cute girl is important after all. Things like that." John clarified. Amy could feel herself blushing up a storm. She... she was cute? Her features soften as she gives off a small smile.

"Thank you." She whispered to him and only him making him grin like a loon. Just as they were about to finish with the meal Glory Girl floats through the doors with a pissed off look on her face. Amy looks at her expecting herself to feel certain taboo feelings but they never came. A look of shock crosses her face when the guilt never sets in. She didn't love her sister that way anymore. She loved her sister as her sister. Amy was stunned that she didn't notice Victoria point a finger at Cernunnos.

"What's the big idea here huh? You think you can get away with this?" Bafflement was painted on his face.

"I'm sorry? I don't understand. What's happening?"

"You were threatening people here! New Wave got a call that you were threatening the people here and stole food and brought my sister along for the ride! You are going down!"

"Woah let's calm down for a sec..." A fist was thrown. A straight to be exact. Sloppy in execution. A shame really. John takes the fist and redirects it to the side. Thinking quickly on his feet he gets behind Glory Girl and performs a rear naked choke. He remembered something that her barrier had to be activated consciously for it to work. He was quick enough for the contact and he wasn't tight with the hold. Let's start this over again. Amy looked shocked. How did this happen?

"Listen I'm a hero by the name of Cernunnos. I came to this hospital to heal people and to get taught by your sister who is excellent by the way. I had just found out that she is little more than a slave here. She doesn't get paid and they don't feed her here. Me and you both know that that is wrong. I'm not sure who called you about any of this because the cashier was supposed to either make a tab for us or give it to us for free. It only makes sense if we were volunteers. The law is on my side with this. Your sister doesn't deserve to be treated like this and you know it. So, when your calm I'll let you go. Ok"

John knew he was hammering in the sister angle but that little interaction was all he needed to know that Glory Girl genuinely cared for her sister and this was all just a misunderstanding. Once she stopped squirming, she tapped his arm when she was calm and he let go. When he got to his feet, he could see the shame and embarrassment on her face at what she had done. Victoria had severe tunnel vision when it came to protecting Amy. Collateral damage barbie is what they call her. She just gave them more ammo.

"Vicky you idiot! Cernunnos are you ok?" As she went to touch him the only thing she felt was crawling. Something was crawling underneath his skin. There was something else though. There was no shard in his head. None. Where did his powers come from? Fear and dread appeared on her face for a fraction of a second before vanishing. She shakes her head. No, she can ask him about that later when there was time. She had to make sure he was okay.

"Yeah. It was just a misunderstanding ok. Don't blame your sister. She clearly cares about you. In fact, I want her to take you home to rest. I'm not taking no for answer, got that? Get New Wave to help you with getting food at the hospitals you work at, alright? I'm getting my lawyer on the job with this one." Church was gonna be so excited about this one. Amy looked like she was going to object but he puts a finger on her mouth to shush her making her go crimson. Vicky looks back and forth shame temporarily forgotten at the juicy moment that was happening right. Mischievousness was written all over at the tease material in front of her. All John was thinking about is if Zombieman was having a better time.

Authors Note: Mad here! Sorry about the delay with this one it wasn't even long. Now time to self-promote. I just released a lighter hearted fic Timelord in a Crap world. This one is gonna be experimental though. I'm gonna hopefully in the future get in contact with old fanfic authors to get permission to shove my Timelord in their worlds. A celebration of fanfic you know. It's a companion piece that is going to ask more questions when it comes to the overarching world. You don't necessarily have to read it but it's there if you want it. Self-Promotion over. Go play Alien Shooter 2. No stat card though until his reintroduction into the PRT.