An: Keep doing a bit longer chapters like this or go back to the 2500 word chapters.

Chapter 6: Master of Puppets

The Guardians of the Globe's death is finally made public. People gather at the massive ceremony, everyone mourning the heroes they thought were invincible. I stand in the crowd, my face calm, but my mind is a different story. As Nolan steps up to give his speech, I feel the anger simmering under my skin.

"I've fought the unimaginable," Nolan begins, his voice thick with false grief. I can't help but roll my eyes. Yeah, well it'll definitely imaginable when I turn you into a donut.

He continues, talking about the heroes like they were his best friends. Sure, Dad, act like you weren't the one who tore them apart. I can almost hear the world's smallest violin playing for his speech, I think, glaring at him from the crowd. It takes everything I have not to clench my fists.

Nolan's speech ends with the usual rhetoric. "Even in moments of doubt and fear, look to the sky. I'll protect you."

Yeah, great speech, Nolan. Now let's start getting your casket ready after this. I keep my thoughts to myself, of course. Gotta play it cool for now. Even if I actually might need his size given Debbie would probably still want to bury the faker.

As the crowd starts to thin out, we head to the second, more private funeral. Only friends and family this time, a much smaller group. It feels more intimate, and way more awkward.

I stand near the back, trying not to be too obvious about my glares. Eve joins me again, but I can tell she's too caught up in her own emotions to notice my tension.

"You alright?" she asks.

I give a half-hearted shrug. "Yeah, just... all of this. It's a lot. We've had, what, two funerals already? Feels like it never ends." I pause, staring at the graves. "Could've been my mom burying my dad... or, you know, vice versa."

Eve offers me a small, understanding nod. "It's a lot to take in."

Meanwhile, Nolan's still putting on his performance up at the front. I can't help but silently insult him with every line. "Friends," he says. Yeah, right.

I glance at Debbie, who's trying to console Olga as she sobs into the grass. I feel a little guilt, but in all honesty it gets pushed aside as I have more things to worry about, like Nolan. But not yet. I need to be strong enough to crack him like an egg and fold him like an omelet.

As we finally wrap up, I take one last look at Nolan. Enjoy the show while it lasts, old man. Your time's coming.

As we walk into the house, the air feels heavy with the weight of the funeral. Nolan, as casual as ever, breaks the tension. "How about pizza? I could grab some from Naples and be back before it even gets cold."

Debbie shakes her head. "Let the delivery guy handle it."

I glance at her, playing the part I need to. "I'm gonna go do a patrol, clear my head," I say, already halfway out the door. Truth is, I'm not upset like she thinks. I've got a lot on my mind, but grief isn't exactly one of them.

As I head toward the door, Nolan flips through the TV channels, his speech from the funeral playing on almost every station. Debbie watches him, confused. "Nolan, you just came home from your friends' funeral, and you're talking about pizza? It's a little weird, don't you think?"

"They were coworkers," Nolan replies, barely looking up from the TV. "This is our life. Don't worry so much. Mark and I have a lot more to do outside than sit here sulking."

I pause at the door, catching that cold detachment in his voice. It's strange hearing him talk like this, but I have to keep the act up for now. Across the street, I know Cecil's team is listening, watching us.

"Yeah, don't worry, Mom," I say. "I'll be fine. I just need to clear my head."

But really I just to get stronger since seeing the guardians be put in the ground made me realize that it took all of them to hurt Nolan as bad as they did. While I've only managed to keep up, if he were to really be trying to kill me I'm not sure how I'd do, it was almost as if seeing that was a slap of reality.

A bitch slap really.

I stand with Robot at the Pentagon, watching the heroes line up for the new Guardians of the Globe tryouts. Robot glances over at me, and I can already tell what's coming.

"You should try out too, Invincible. You'd be a strong asset," he says, in that classic Robot tone.

I shake my head, grinning. "I'll pass. My dad's all about 'training me himself.' Plus, I'm not really team material. But don't worry, I'll still help out when you guys need me."

Robot nods. "We'll need your support."

As the tryouts kick off, I notice Eve taking out a hulking guy twice her size with way more aggression than usual. She's not just fighting—she's venting, and it's obvious.

I head over to Rex, who's standing off to the side, watching. "What's up with Eve? She's really laying into that dude."

Rex shrugs, though his unease is hard to miss. "No idea, man. She's been in a mood lately."

Sure you don't know. I don't say it out loud, but I've got a pretty good idea of what's going on, Rex cheated on Eve. I glance back at Eve, wondering if she's going to stop reshaping that guy's face soon.

An: Okay so I didn't want to write the fight scenes again as it went pretty much the same as it did in the show, lmk if this was a bad idea.

Robot steps up to announce the new Guardians lineup. "Your new Guardians of the Globe: Black Samson, Shrinking Rae, Dupli-Kate... and Monster Girl."

As soon as "Monster Girl" leaves Robot's mouth, Rex bursts out laughing. "You serious? She's tiny!"

Monster Girl's eyes narrow as she crosses her arms. "What? Was there no dick size requirement? Cause to me it looks like you fall short." She says pinching her fingers together. Causing the hero's to laugh, including me.

Rex's face turns red, and his arm lights up, clearly ready to retaliate. "I'm going to teach you some motherfucki-What the fuc-!"

Before Rex can do anything, Monster Girl shifts into her massive green form and slams him across the room and out the window with a single punch. I pull out my phone and yell, "WORLDSTAR!" while recording the beatdown. Rex scrambling back up and getting decked again? This is pure gold.

Rex uses his powers, sending an explosion at her, but it barely fazes her. In fact, it looks like it only made her angrier. She charges him and punches him back down, leaving Rex on the ground, groaning.

At this point, I decide to let her get a couple more hits in—just for Rex's sake, you know. Gotta learn to keep that mouth in check.

As Monster Girl stands over Rex, ready to hit him again, I step forward, still chuckling. "Alright, alright, that's enough—"

Before I can finish, she turns, punches me square in the chest, and... nothing. I don't even budge. She blinks, slowly realizing that her punch had zero effect.

"I'd like to... apologize," she says, her tone dead serious.

I grin. "You're good, but I think Rex has had enough."

Rex groans from the ground, clearly regretting his life choices. "Yeah... yeah, I'm good. We're good. No more jokes."

Monster Girl shrinks back into her normal form, crossing her arms. "Sorry. I get a little carried away when people talk down to me."

"Yeah, I can see that," I reply, putting my phone away and glancing over at Rex, who's lying on the ground like a crumpled mess. "Look at it this way, Rex—you're going to be number one in the spotlight soon, at least on Worldstar."

Rex groans, still on the ground. "Not funny, dude."

"It's a little funny," I say, shrugging with a grin.

After Monster Girl finishes pounding Rex into the ground, Robot gets things back on track. "Monster Girl will join the Guardians. Rex will be on the team... once he recovers." He glances over at Rex, still groaning on the ground. "Atom Eve will be the final member, but we'll announce that publicly later."

That's when Eve steps forward, shaking her head. "I'm out. I can't be on the same team as Rex and Kate." With that, she storms out of the room.

I raise an eyebrow. Well, kind've expected that.

I follow her out, catching up with her as she makes her way down the hall. "Hey, Eve, wait up!"

She slows down, but I can see she's still fuming. "What do you want, Mark?"

I fall in step beside her. "I just wanted to say, y'know, after hearing you say you can't work with Rex... I'm really glad I let Monster Girl wail on him a few extra times."

She lets out a snort, despite herself, then sighs. "Yeah, well, Rex deserves way worse."

I glance at her, playing it cool but already knowing the answer. "Okay, so what exactly did he do? I mean, it's Rex, so I'm sure it's something colossally stupid."

Eve groans, rubbing her temples. "He cheated on me. With Dupli-Kate. And the worst part? He told Kate that we were going out together. It's just... ugh, I don't even know what I was thinking, being with him."

I nod, trying to keep the conversation light. "Wow, Rex is even more of an asshole than I thought. But hey, at least you're done with him now. You deserve better than that."

Eve looks at me, a small, tired smile crossing her face. "Yeah, I know. It just sucks... He wasn't always this bad."

I shrug. "People change. Unfortunately, Rex changed into someone who deserves to be punched. Repeatedly."

Eve chuckles, the tension easing a bit. "You're not wrong."

I glance at her, keeping my tone light. "Well, at least you've got the satisfaction of seeing him get knocked around today. You need anything else, just let me know. Always happy to help Rex get what's coming to him. You going to be alright though?"

"Yeah I'm just going to go home and rest, I'm exhausted after today." She says getting ready to take off.

"I'm going to hang back and help Robot sort these guys out, you know how he is with social cues." I say leading her out

After my conversation with Eve, I decide to hang around and help Robot out with wrangling the new Guardians. They're all standing around in a semi-circle, looking more like a bunch of kids forced into detention than heroes ready to save the world. Robot steps forward, laying out the schedule.

"Once the forensic investigations are concluded, we'll move into the Guardians' headquarters," Robot begins, his tone as clinical as ever. "Training starts tomorrow at 7 a.m."

Rex groans immediately. "7 a.m.? Come on, man. Do we really need that? We don't even need this training. We're pros."

Robot begins explaining. "Rex, we're not on Teen Team any longer. We need to be better."

Black Samson chimes in saying. "You need more experience, it's different than running around when you were teenagers."

Rex, never one to back down, rolls his eyes. "Yeah, well, if you hadn't lost your powers, maybe you could've helped the last Guardians."

The tension spikes instantly. Black Samson's jaw clenches, and he takes a step toward Rex. "Watch it, kid."

I can see this escalating quickly, so I step in, putting a hand on Samson's shoulder. "Whoa, okay, let's all take a breath here. Samson's got a point. You guys need to step up and help each other. We're all trying to figure this out."

Rex looks at me, still defensive. "Seriously, dude?"

"Yeah, seriously," I say with a smirk. "And trust me, you need the training more than anyone else here. Especially after you ate dirt earlier."

A few chuckles ripple through the group, and even Rex can't help but smile begrudgingly. Samson takes a step back, the tension easing.

Shrinking Rae pipes up. "We're a team. We need teamwork."

Robot nods in agreement, quickly taking the opportunity to regain control. "Exactly. We need everyone to be operational. Training's mandatory, no exceptions."

With everyone calming down, the group starts to disperse, but Monster Girl lingers behind. "Three combat exercises a day? That's going to be a bit rough for me, Robot."

I listen as Robot apologizes, and Monster Girl explains her transformation issues. She tells him she gets younger every time she changes, even though she used to go by Monster Woman. I wince at that. Sounds brutal.

Robot tilts his head slightly, calculating. "That's... unfortunate. We'll work something out. I want the team to be effective, but not at your expense."

I step forward, backing Robot up. "Yeah, we've got your back. No one's trying to push you past your limits, Monster Girl."

She seems to relax a little. "Thanks... I just don't want to be useless to the team."

"You're far from useless," I say with a grin. "Besides, you got to knock Rex around today. That's gotta be worth something."

She actually cracks a small smile at that before heading out, leaving Robot and me to finish up.

Robot watches her go, then looks at me. "Thank you, Invincible. I didn't expect the team to have so many... dynamics."

I shrug, subtly glancing up again to where I know my dad's watching. "That's how teams work, Robot. People have their issues, but they'll figure it out. As long as you don't let Rex run his mouth everything should be good." I add as a joke at the end.

Robot not understanding the joke, nodded seriously. "Understood. I'll keep that in mind."

I'm in my room, cleaning up when William walks in. He looks around, surprised. "Dude, your room's... clean. I'm impressed."

I smirk. "What, you thought I was living in a pigsty or something?"

He shrugs. "I mean yeah, it usually looks like it is. Anyway, brought your homework. Figured you might need it."

"Appreciate it," I say, still straightening a few things and getting them centered, I've been doing a bit of redecorating by mostly getting rid of all the damn trash canon Mark had.

I just haven't had the time with training to not die, and I've been doing it piece by piece every other day. But today I purged the pestilence.

Just as I'm finishing up, my phone rings. I check the caller ID—it's Cecil. Not wasting time, I answer. "What's up?"

Cecil's hologram flickers in, looking a little too relieved. "Good, you picked up. Got something for you."

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh? What's the emergency?"

"You're heading to Mount Rushmore," Cecil replies, already all business.

I pause for a second. "Uh, where is that exactly? I didn't pay attention during the geography part of school."

Cecil sighs. "It's in South Dakota. You've got super speed, figure it out. Eve's already on her way."

"Fine, I'm on it." I nod, already grabbing my suit.

"Just remember, it's a national monument. I don't need collateral," Cecil warns, his voice clipped. "We're not trying to destroy history here, Mark."

"Yeah, yeah," I say, waving him off. "You'll get your no collateral hero."

As the call ends, William just looks at me, smirking. "Mount Rushmore? You sure you know where you're going?"

"Not a clue, but I'll figure it out." I pull on my suit and give William a mock salute. "Try not to break anything while I'm gone."

He laughs as I head out the door, ready to take on an old man that definitely belongs in a home.

Eve and I fly toward Mount Rushmore, Cecil's voice buzzing through our earpieces with a debrief on the situation.

"Omni-Man's unavailable, and the Guardians are... well, still figuring things out," Cecil says, clearly frustrated. "So, it's up to you two. Doc Seismic's at it again. He's got a bad habit of knocking himself out with those gloves of his, but don't underestimate him. Your job is to stop him before he can cause any real damage."

I nod, glancing at Eve mid-flight. "Sounds like a normal Tuesday."

"Let's hope he doesn't knock over any national monuments," she adds with a grin.

We land near the monument just as Doc Seismic starts revving up his gloves, the ground shaking slightly beneath us. Before he can make his big move, I'm already speeding toward him. His eyes widen, and before he knows what's happening, I've ripped the gloves right off his hands and tossed them aside. The shaking stops instantly.

Doc Seismic stares at me in disbelief. "But—how did—"

"Look, Doc," I say, wiping imaginary dust off my shoulder, and wag my finger at him like a child. "You've got great passion for the environment and all, but destroying national monuments isn't the answer."

Eve floats down beside me, shaking her head at Doc Seismic's dumbfounded look. "Maybe try recycling programs next time?"

Before he can say anything else, I zip behind him and cuff his hands, turning him over to the authorities who are already arriving on the scene. No damage, no drama. Just clean, efficient hero work.

As we take off again, Eve looks over at me. "You made that look way too easy."

I shrug, smirking. "What can I say? He's a C-lister at best."

With Doc Seismic handled in record time, Eve and I fly back toward the city. The rush of wind fills the silence until Eve finally breaks it, her voice a mix of curiosity and disbelief.

"You know, for someone who just started doing this hero thing, you're, like, ridiculously good at it," she says, glancing at me. "I mean, you've dealt with a bunch of major threats already. What's your secret?"

I grin. "Oh, you know, I've just been binge-watching superhero movies. Turns out, you learn a lot from those."

She rolls her eyes, clearly not buying the joke. "Seriously, though."

I pause, thinking how to answer without giving too much away. "Honestly? I think I'm just... adapting, faster than I thought I would. It's like, the more I fight, the more I just... get it, you know? Things start to click."

Eve tilts her head, intrigued. "That makes sense. But still, it's impressive. I'm just saying, you've adjusted way quicker than most."

I chuckle. "Well, don't go inflating my ego just yet. I've still got plenty to learn."

She laughs lightly, then goes quiet for a moment, as if considering something. "I guess I just envy how calm you seem, even when everything's going to hell."

"Fake it till you make it," I say with a smirk. "Or in my case, just try not to get crushed by a mountain or vaporized by lasers. It's a good motivator."

We share a laugh, the tension from earlier lifting a bit. As the city comes into view, I glance over at her. "You doing okay, though? I know Rex... well, Rex was Rex."

Eve sighs but nods. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just been... a lot, you know?"

I nod, understanding. "Well, I'm around if you ever need to talk. Or if you need me to post another worldstar video of him getting another beat down."

She grins at that. "I'll keep that in mind."

We fly in comfortable silence for a few moments, the sky ahead of us clear. The fly back is peaceful and calming, with some light banter inbetween.

Once I get back home, I'm feeling pretty good about the day. Doc Seismic? Handled. Eve? Cool as always. But after William leaves, that feeling of accomplishment fades, and my mind shifts to something I've been working on since my time in the Flaxxon dimension.

I grab a notebook I've been keeping stashed away, filled with sketches, calculations, and blueprints—plans for a long-range rail cannon. I've been needing some kind of long-range attack for a while now, and this? This could be the answer.

Sitting at my desk, I flip through the pages, seeing the progress I've already made. I'd gotten the initial design down while in the Flaxxon dimension—using their tech and knowledge—but it's still missing a few key components. I start tweaking the design, focusing on the power source and the materials I'd need to make it work on Earth.

After a few hours of adjusting the calculations, I take a step back and exhale. "Alright, time for some fresh air."

I get back into my costume, grab the notebook, and take off into the sky. I hover just above the city, making sure I'm far enough away that no one could accidentally peek over my shoulder.

As I fly, I work on the blueprints, using the quiet of the night and the altitude to think clearly. This weapon is going to be a game-changer. I'm fast and strong, but I need more versatility, especially when dealing with enemies that can strike from a distance.

I scribble a few more notes, double-checking the energy output calculations before finally closing the notebook. The rail cannon's going to take time to perfect, but when it's done, it'll be another edge I have in this whole hero gig. One step closer to being ready for whatever—or whoever—comes next, the weapon should be able to at least slightly injure a Viltrumite.

After spending a good chunk of time hovering above the city, working on the rail cannon blueprints, I decide it's time to head home. As I touch down near my house and quietly slip back into my room, something catches my eye outside the window.

Eve.

She's standing by my window, clearly about to take off, but I call out before she can leave. "Eve? What are you doing here?"

She turns, looking a bit startled. "Oh, uh... hey, Mark. I was just—" She hesitates, as if she hadn't meant for me to notice her.

I quickly toss my notebook onto the desk, making sure it's out of sight, and step closer to the window. "You okay?"

Eve avoids my gaze for a second, brushing a hand through her hair. "Yeah, just... needed to clear my head."

I raise an eyebrow. "At my window?"

She laughs softly, but there's something off in her tone. "I didn't plan on stopping by... just ended up here."

I lean on the windowsill, trying to read her expression. "You want to come in?"

Eve looks like she's about to say no but pauses. "Sure, why not."

She floats down and steps into my room, her eyes drifting around, but I can tell she's not really paying attention. There's a heaviness about her I haven't seen in a while.

I gesture to the bed. "Take a seat, if you want."

She sits down, clearly still caught in her thoughts. "I was just... thinking about everything. Rex, the team, you."

"Me?" I sit beside her, feeling like there's something she's not saying.

Eve nods, her eyes distant. "Yeah, I mean... you're doing so well with all of this, handling everything so easily. Meanwhile, I'm—" She trails off, her voice cracking slightly.

I don't press, but I can't just let her sit here beating herself up. "Hey, Eve, you're strong. You know that, right?"

She sighs, giving a small smile. "Yeah, maybe. But sometimes... it just feels like everything's a mess."

I look at her, realizing she's been carrying way more than she lets on. "For what it's worth, you've been handling everything better than most people would. And if you ever need to just... vent or talk, you know where to find me."

She glances at me, the smile returning to her face, but this time it's genuine. "Thanks, Mark. That means a lot."

For a moment, we just sit there in comfortable silence. Then Eve stands up. "I should go."

I nod, standing with her. "You sure you're okay?"

Eve nods. "Yeah, I think I will be."

As Eve stands by the window, ready to take off, she hesitates for a moment. I watch her, feeling like there's more she wants to say, but before I can ask, she steps back inside.

Without a word, Eve walks toward me and, in a sudden, quiet gesture, wraps her arms around me in a hug. It catches me off guard, but I quickly hug her back, realizing just how much she needed this.

"Thanks, Mark," she whispers, her voice soft.

She pulls away after a moment, giving me a small, grateful smile before flying off into the night.