Chapter 4: Friendly Neighborhood Lagann!
Parahumans Online Message Boards [Welcome to the Parahumans Online Message Boards] You are currently logged in, Anonymous You are viewing: • Threads you have replied to • Threads that have new replies • Thread OP is watching Topic: New Cape in Brockton Bay? In: Boards Places America Brockton Bay Bagrat (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) Posted on June 27, 2010:
Reports are coming in about a new cape in Brockton Bay. Witnesses say a masked individual intervened during an attempted robbery by the ABB at a local convenience store earlier today. The cape reportedly displayed superhuman strength and agility, taking down multiple gang members before leaving the scene without a word. No official statement from the PRT yet. Anyone have more details?
(Showing page 1 of 3)
Reave (Verified Cape) Replied on June 27, 2010:
Interesting. Haven't heard of any new independents operating in the area. Could be a vigilante or a rogue just passing through.
Terrene Replied on June 27, 2010:
Saw a shaky cellphone video of the incident. The guy was wearing a red and black outfit with some kind of visor. Moved like a martial artist. Anyone recognize the description?
Bagrat (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) Replied on June 27, 2010:
@Terrene, mind sharing the link to the video?
Terrene Replied on June 27, 2010:
Here it is: [link]
L33tHax Replied on June 27, 2010:
Quality's crap, but you can see he took down those ABB thugs fast. Definitely not a newbie.
NewWaveFan Replied on June 27, 2010:
Maybe it's a new hero joining the scene? God knows we need more with all the gang activity lately.
Reave (Verified Cape) Replied on June 27, 2010:
Could be. Or it might be someone unaffiliated testing the waters. Either way, hope they know what they're getting into.
CapeGeek Replied on June 27, 2010:
Did anyone else notice the symbol on the back of his jacket? The image is kinda blurry but it looks like a stylized face with sunglasses. Ring any bells?
TinMother Replied on June 27, 2010:
Not familiar. Could be an original design. We'll have to wait for more sightings or an official debut to know for sure.
Bagrat (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) Replied on June 27, 2010:
I've reached out to my contacts at the PRT. Will update if I hear anything.
End of Page 1 of 3 (Showing page 2 of 3)
Skittering Replied on June 27, 2010:
With all the chaos in the city, it's hard to keep track of who's who. Hope this new cape is on our side.
Reave (Verified Cape) Replied on June 27, 2010:
Agreed. The last thing we need is another player making things more complicated.
CapeSpotter Replied on June 27, 2010:
Did some digging. No matches on the costume or symbol in any known cape databases. Could be a completely new player.
Bagrat (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) Replied on June 27, 2010:
Thanks for checking, @CapeSpotter. Let's keep an eye out for more info.
ABBWatcher Replied on June 27, 2010:
Good riddance to those ABB punks. Whoever this cape is, they did the city a favor.
Reave (Verified Cape) Replied on June 27, 2010:
While it's good to see criminals stopped, vigilantism can complicate things. Proper channels exist for a reason.
TinMother Replied on June 27, 2010:
True, but sometimes the bureaucracy slows things down. Maybe this new cape is taking matters into their own hands.
Bagrat (Original Poster) (Veteran Member) Replied on June 27, 2010:
Let's not jump to conclusions. Until we have more information, it's all speculation.
End of Page 2 of 3 (Showing page 3 of 3)
(Showing page 3 of 3)
CapeGeek
Replied on June 27, 2010:
Does anyone else think the costume design is kinda sleek? Not your usual thrown-together vigilante look. If this guy made it himself, he's got some serious design skills.
--
Overclock
Replied on June 27, 2010:
Agreed. Most first-time capes look like they raided a thrift store and a hardware aisle. This guy looks prepared.
--
TinMother
Replied on June 27, 2010:
That might mean he's not a newbie. Maybe someone who's been training for a while before making a move?
--
Mazerunner
Replied on June 27, 2010:
Or someone with backing. The costume's streamlined, and the movement's too smooth for an amateur. Could be ex-military, ex-merc, or someone with connections.
--
Reave (Verified Cape)
Replied on June 27, 2010:
That's what worries me. If he's independent, he might not have the support he needs if things go south. ABB's not just going to let this slide. If this guy keeps operating in their territory, they will come after him.
--
ABBWatcher
Replied on June 27, 2010:
Good. Let them. They're used to picking on easy targets. Maybe this will shake them up.
--
Terrene
Replied on June 27, 2010:
You say that like you want this guy to start a war with the ABB. If he's a solo act, that's suicide.
--
NewWaveFan
Replied on June 27, 2010:
Unless he's strong enough to handle it.
--
Bagrat (Original Poster) (Veteran Member)
Replied on June 27, 2010:
Still no word from the PRT, but I'll keep checking. For now, we should assume this guy's still an unknown factor. If he keeps up the hero work, he might be a good thing for the city—or he might make himself a target. We'll see.
--
Skittering
Replied on June 27, 2010:
Either way, we'll be watching.
--
End of Page 3 of 3
I clicked off PHO and turned off my computer, leaning back in my chair. Damn, PHO works fast. I mean, I should've expected it to be honest. I was so focused on the ABB and protecting the civilians that I didn't even take into consideration some people would be dumb enough to stay behind long enough to record the entire scuffle.
I swear, this city has like, no self-preservation values at all when it comes to capes.
I ran my hand through my hair, thumping the bottom of my shoe against the floor. It was the weekend, and Aoko was at work. So I had some time to kill... what could I do in the meantime?
I could train... or go on patrol again. I already finished my homework for the day. So it wasn't like I had much else to do. I huffed and pushed myself out of my seat, throwing on a fresh T-shirt, sweatpants, and sneakers before heading out of the house.
I started my routine jog through the neighborhood. Exercise helped me reign in my thoughts and focus. I was fresh off my impromptu 'debut'. Going out on a patrol was a surefire way to get eyes on me, and that usually wasn't a good thing.
I wasn't gonna fold under the pressure and stop immediately. I just got started! And I was determined to be a hero. But as much as I wanted to kick ass and take names, I needed to think this through a bit. The last thing I wanted was to have Lung knocking on my doorstep because I made a mistake.
I couldn't put Aoko at risk like that. No way.
I was going to start small, like I planned initially. I'm gonna train more and get a grasp on my powers. Whatever happens, happens. I was being cautious, but I wouldn't let it hold me back. I wouldn't get anywhere pussyfooting around.
Before my mind could wander deeper into my thoughts, I bumped into someone mid-run. There was a yelp, and my hand instinctively shot forward and latched onto their wrist before they could hit the ground.
I looked down and blinked in surprise.
"Taylor?"
Taylor rubbed her nose with a soft groan before blinking and looking up at me, her dark green eyes widening in surprise. I likened her expression to a deer stuck in headlights.
"N-Nikko..." she stammered, trailing off. "...you're..."
I focused on her intently. Sweat dropped down her cheek. Her long, wavy dark hair clung to her forehead and her breathing was labored. She was wearing a simple black shirt, jeans, and sneakers. As I helped her to her feet, I came to a conclusion.
She must've come out to exercise. I didn't take her for the same.
Never judge a book by it's cover, as they say.
I offered her a small grin. "Didn't take you for a jogger."
Taylor dusted herself off, still looking a bit thrown off by the encounter. Her body was tense—shoulders drawn in slightly, eyes flicking toward the ground like she was debating if she should stay or bolt. Classic Taylor, really. Even after a week, she was still cagey, still carrying the weight of everything that had happened.
Not that I can blame her. A week is hardly enough time to properly resolve trauma. Especially when dealing with a place like Winslow.
"...I'm not," she admitted after a beat, her voice low. "I just... figured I'd try it."
I nodded, not pushing. "Makes sense. It's a good way to clear your head, keep yourself sharp." I glanced at her outfit. "Jeans, though? Not exactly the best running gear."
Taylor crossed her arms, defensive. "I didn't think I'd run into anyone who'd care."
I held up my hands in surrender. "Fair enough."
Silence stretched between us for a few seconds before I gestured down the sidewalk. "Mind if I jog with you for a bit?"
She hesitated. I could practically see the gears turning in her head, weighing whether she wanted company. But then she gave a small nod. "I guess."
That was a win in my book.
We started at a steady pace, falling into rhythm. I could tell she wasn't used to this—her breathing was uneven, her steps a little awkward. I dialed back my usual speed to match her, not wanting to push too hard.
"Ever done much running before?" I asked casually.
Taylor shook her head. "Not really. Just... figured it was something I should try."
I didn't pry, though I had my suspicions. I knew Taylor had Spiral Power. If she somehow found a way to manifest it, she'd think she were getting powers—then training her body made sense. Whether she had a real trigger event or not, she wanted to be stronger.
Or maybe I was thinking too deep about this. Either way, it was something to keep an eye on.
"Good call," I said. "Just don't overdo it. First rule of exercise: work smart, not just hard. If you push too fast without conditioning, you'll burn out or get hurt."
Taylor exhaled through her nose. "Noted."
We kept jogging for a few blocks, and I started pointing out some stuff as we went.
"If you're serious about running, you'll want to avoid certain areas," I said. "Some places, like the Boardwalk, are decent, but the Docks? Not so much. ABB and Merchants both have people lurking there."
Taylor shot me a look. "You seem to know a lot about where to avoid."
I shrugged. "I get around."
She didn't press, but I could tell she was curious.
A few more blocks in, I noticed Taylor starting to flag. Her breaths were coming faster, her steps getting heavier.
"Alright, let's take a break," I said, nodding toward a nearby café. "Hydration's key."
Taylor hesitated but eventually relented. We stepped inside, the air-conditioning a welcome relief. I bought a couple of bottled waters from the nearby vending machine and handed her one before we settled at a table.
She took a sip, then glanced at me. "...You're not going to ask?"
I raised a brow. "Ask what?"
"Why I'm doing this," she muttered.
I leaned back in my seat, studying her. "You'll tell me if you want to."
Taylor blinked like she hadn't expected that.
I grinned. "Besides, I figure everyone's got their reasons. I know I do."
She looked at me for a long moment, then—just for a second—her guard lowered. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
"Yeah," she said quietly. "I guess we do."
We sat in silence. I took a long sip of my water and glanced out the window. Brockton Bay was chaotic—and not just because of the capes. The city was always stock full of people. The streets were packed, the roads cluttered with honking cars and vehicles as people tried to get to work on time without getting caught in a mess. Passerbys had their eyes glued to their phones or were busy talking to someone.
It was chaotic, but that didn't make it a bad thing. When the threat of Villains wasn't constantly looming over your head, Brockton Bay was just like any other city. But that's the copium talking. We aren't just 'any other city'.
Pfft. That'd be a pipe dream.
I looked back at Taylor. She was gazing out the window. Her gaze flickered over to me; and when she caught me staring, she ducked her head low and drank her water sheepishly.
I smiled, amused. "Still no glasses, huh?"
Taylor paused, instinctively reaching up and grasping at thin air, before staring at her hand with a contemplative look. "... ah, yeah. I'm... still getting used to it. Not needing them, I mean."
She shook her head, letting out a breath through her nose and leaning back in her seat. "The world's never felt so... clear before."
Spiral Power works in mysterious ways.
"Guess that means you've got one less thing to worry about," I said, leaning back and stretching my arms. "Bet it makes running a lot easier, huh? No worrying about them slipping off your face or fogging up when you start sweating."
Taylor gave a small, almost hesitant nod. "Yeah… I guess it does."
She was still cagey. Still hesitant. I could tell she was holding back. It wasn't just the whole 'no glasses' thing—there was something else on her mind. Something deeper. A week wasn't enough time for someone like her to just bounce back, no matter how well they pretended otherwise.
I tapped my fingers against the table, considering my next words. "You planning on making this jogging thing a regular habit?"
Taylor hesitated. "Maybe," she muttered. "It helps clear my head."
I hummed in agreement. "Yeah, I get that. Helps me focus too. And, y'know, keeps me from getting rusty." I shot her a grin. "You thinking about training for something? Or just trying to get in better shape?"
She looked away, staring into her drink as if it held the answer. "Just… trying to be better. Stronger."
That? That was interesting. I tilted my head. "Yeah? That's a good mindset to have. This city… it's not exactly kind to people who aren't strong."
Taylor's grip on her cup tightened. I watched as her shoulders tensed for just a moment before she forced herself to relax. She took a sip of water, then looked up at me. "You seem to know a lot about that."
I shrugged. "You pick up on things living here long enough." I took another drink before setting my cup down. "If you're serious about running, I can give you some pointers. Best places to jog, areas to avoid, stuff like that."
Her expression shifted slightly—an almost reluctant curiosity. "Like what?"
"Well, like I said before, don't go anywhere near the Docks unless you want to get mugged," I said, ticking off a finger. "Empire's got their hooks in that area, and they're not exactly the friendly neighborhood watch. ABB's got their own turf, too, so you want to avoid places where their guys hang out. You probably already know that, though."
Taylor nodded slowly. "And… safe places?"
I thought about it. "Boardwalk's not bad if you don't mind running with tourists around. Downtown is decent too—more open spaces, fewer places for people to jump you. If you want something quieter, there's a park not too far from here. Not a lot of foot traffic in the mornings, so it's good if you just want to focus on running."
She nodded again, her gaze lowering in thought. I could tell she was mulling it over. Maybe even considering taking me up on the advice.
I smirked. "Oh, and one more tip: if you're gonna keep this up, invest in some actual running gear. Running in jeans? Not exactly the best call."
Taylor let out a small huff—almost a laugh. "Yeah… I figured that out pretty fast."
I smiled, then blinked. "Oh! Right, I forgot to ask. You got your phone on you? I want your number."
I looked away to fish my phone out of my pocket. I paused when I heard a sound that was like a mix between the dying gargle of a fish and a pained wheeze. I blinked, glancing up to see Taylor staring at me with eyes as wide as saucers and her mouth taking on an 'o' shape.
... What? Why was she looking at me like that?
"What?"
"M-My number...?" Taylor stammered breathlessly, her eyes widening further.
"...yeah...?" I replied slowly, "If you don't have your phone on you or don't want to give me it, that's fine. I just thought-"
"N-No!" she blurted out, shaking her head so fast I thought she might give herself whiplash. "I mean—yes! I have my phone! I just—" She cut herself off, clamping her mouth shut as her face flushed a deep red.
I raised an eyebrow, "You good there, Taylor?"
She cleared her throat, fumbling to pull her phone out of her pocket. "Y-Yeah! Just... surprised, that's all," she muttered, eyes glued to the screen as she quickly unlocked it. "Not every day someone asks for my number."
I frowned at that. "Really? That's kinda surprising."
Taylor gave me a weird look, then glanced away, her fingers tightening around her phone. I didn't push it, instead holding out my own so we could exchange contacts. A few taps later, my phone buzzed, confirming the new entry: Taylor Hebert.
"There," she said, slipping her phone back into her pocket. "Now you can, uh... text me. If you want."
I smirked. "That was the idea, yeah."
She ducked her head, fiddling with her sleeve. The mood was lighter now, less awkward, though I still caught the occasional glance she threw my way. I wasn't sure why my asking for her number had rattled her so much, but hey, at least she didn't say no.
Nice going, Nikko. Now you've got two friends on speed dial! You're on a roll~
"Alright, cool," I said, pushing myself up from the table and stretching. "Since we're officially contactable now, let's make sure to actually use it. If you ever need anything, just shoot me a text."
Taylor looked up at me, a little startled, before nodding. "Same to you."
I grinned. "Deal."
And with that, the tension eased. Whatever had flustered her before, I figured she'd get over it. Probably.
"Anyway, it was nice running into you, Taylor. Literally." I chuckled, shooting her a smirk and small way as I walked out the café. "I've got stuff to do today, so I'll see you around."
"Ah... yeah, you too. I'll see you... later?" Taylor muttered with uncertainty, as though the very sentence was alien to her tongue.
"Count on it!"
With that, we split off. I left Taylor to her own devices, while dealing with my own.
X-X-X-X-X-X
"Drill, on."
Spiral Power encompassed my form, and my costume manifested itself. As my visor beeped to lift, I gazed down at the city below, stretching my arms over my head. I decided that today, I was going to kill two birds with one stone. I'd get some training done, AND patrol the city at the same time. No point in fretting over deciding what to do when I could just do both!
I wanted to use Spiral Power in different ways. I doubt I was gonna be creating Gunmen anytime soon, but the application of the energy were virtually endless. I just needed the right mindset, and a little imagination... and luckily, I had both.
First, I wanted to try giving myself super-speed. Something like the Flash instantly came to mind when I thought of that.
I crouched low, pressing my fingertips against the rooftop. The Spiral Power within me surged, coiling through my limbs like a living current, thrumming with potential. Super-speed wasn't just about moving fast—it was about how I moved, how I controlled every muscle, every fraction of a second. I needed to apply Spiral Power in a way that let me break past human limitations without turning myself into street pizza the second I lost control.
"Alright," I muttered under my breath, feeling the heat of energy radiate from my core. "Let's see if I can run like a speedster."
I pushed off.
The world blurred, and the wind screamed past my ears as I shot across the rooftop, the edge coming up fast. Reflexes kicked in—I jumped, twisting mid-air to land feet-first against a nearby billboard, pushing off it to redirect my momentum. My body reacted faster than my mind, my instincts taking hold as I landed in a sprint, feet hammering against concrete. I could feel my Spiral Power twisting through my muscles, enhancing my movements, making my body flow—each step felt like it propelled me further than it should. I wasn't just running; I was drilling through space, pushing my velocity beyond what should've been possible.
I grinned. Now we're talking.
I kept moving, testing how far I could push it. Every time I felt myself slowing down, I focused inward, visualizing the drill spiraling within me, coiling tighter, faster. My body responded instantly, accelerating again. But speed alone wasn't enough—I had to control it. If I couldn't react fast enough, I was just a missile waiting to crash and burn.
I leapt over a gap between buildings, twisted mid-air, and kicked off a fire escape to gain an extra boost. Landing in a roll, I came out running again, faster than before. The city blurred past me in streaks of light and color, my Spiral Power keeping me in perfect sync with my movements. If I can keep this up, I might actually—
I skidded to a sudden halt.
Across the street, down an alleyway, two white guys in white-and-black jackets were cornering a black couple. I couldn't hear them clearly over my own breathing, but I didn't need to. The way the thugs carried themselves, the way the couple shrank back—yeah, I already knew what was happening. Empire 88 trash. They must've accidentally stepped into E88 territory without realizing.
My fingers clenched into fists. My Spiral Power, which had been thrumming in sync with my training, flared hotter.
Alright, speed test over. Time to hit something.
I jumped. The rooftop under me cracked slightly as I launched myself across the street. Wind howled around me as I twisted in mid-air, adjusting my angle, Spiral Power curling around my limbs like a second skin. I wasn't just gonna drop in—I was gonna make an entrance.
I kicked off a lamppost to adjust my trajectory, then dove straight down into the alley like a human meteor.
I landed hard, the force of my impact cracking the pavement beneath my feet. My Spiral Power flared on instinct, absorbing the shock and redirecting it outward in a burst of pressure. The two skinheads flinched, caught off guard by my sudden arrival. The couple, huddled against the wall, looked equally stunned.
"Yo," I said casually, rolling my shoulders. "You two wouldn't happen to be harassing innocent people, would you?"
One of the thugs, a lanky guy with a shaved head and a swastika tattoo peeking from under his jacket, sneered at me. "Tch, who the hell are you supposed to be?"
I grinned under my visor. "just a guy who really doesn't like racists."
His buddy, a stockier guy with a busted nose, eyes me up and down before scoffing. "Figures, another damn nigger would help another one of his folk."
I tilted my head. "... WOW. That is... so insensitive."
I moved.
To them, I might as well have disappeared. In reality, I just kicked my Spiral Power into high gear, pushing my speed beyond what they could react to. My body drilled through the space between us, my fist colliding with busted-nose's gut before he could even blink.
BAM!
The impact lifted him off the ground, his eyes bulging as all the air left his lungs in a single, pathetic wheeze. He crumpled instantly, collapsing like a sack of garbage.
His buddy barely had time to register what happened before I was on him. He swung at me—a wild, desperate punch—but I was already moving. I sidestepped, twisting my body in a fluid spiral, his fist whiffing past my shoulder.
"Too slow."
I grabbed his wrist, yanked him forward, and drove my knee into his stomach. He gagged, doubling over, and I brought my elbow down onto the back of his neck, sending him face-first into the pavement.
Silence filled the alleyway. The only sounds were the couple's ragged breathing and the faint groans of the unconscious racists at my feet.
I exhaled, shaking out my hands. "Whew. That was fun."
The couple was still staring at me, wide-eyed. The woman clutched her partner's arm, her other hand covering her mouth in shock. The man finally spoke, his voice cautious. "...W-Who are you?"
I turned, giving them a thumbs-up. "Just call me Lagann." I pointed at the two unconscious men. "Call the authorities, tell them what went down. Be careful around this area, though. You're real close to E88 territory."
Before they could respond, I crouched low and jumped, my Spiral Power launching me back up onto the rooftops.
Patrol was still on, and I was just getting warmed up.
X-X-X-X-X-X
Running through the city at super-speed was amazing. It gave a certain rush that just couldn't be beat. I could understand why it was such a popular power to have. This could be fun. With Spiral Power enhancing every facet of my body, including cognitive functions, I was able to accurately perceive world around me while moving at such high-speeds.
"Here, Mittens... down, girl...!"
I stopped near the park, green energy sparking off my heels as I turned to my right, spotting a young girl, probably around 12 years old, with blonde hair done up in pigtails reaching up towards a tree branch, where a black and white cat clung to.
The feline wasn't budging though, meowing loudly at her owner.
May as well help.
I sped forward, scaling the tree in a matter of seconds and returning to the kid with her cat in hand in less. She let out a sharp gasp and stepped back in surprise as I crouched down and handed her pet back to her.
"Here you go," I said softly, trying to convey security and patience in my tone. Due to my mask and visor, nobody could see my face, and therefore, I couldn't show a smile. But I could show that I wasn't a threat through actions and body language.
She stared at me with wide eyes before slowly reaching out for her cat and pulling her into her chest. I smiled and stood up, dusting off my pants.
"T-Thanks," she mumbled, shuffling on her feet awkwardly.
"No problem, kid! Happy to help." I gave her thumbs and winked, knowing that my visor's 'eyes' mimicked the motion.
I stretched my legs out and blasted off with a burst of explosive speed. Another job well done.
X-X-X-X-X-X
"WHAT THE HELL!?!"
"MOVE OUT THE WAY!"
"HE STOLE MY PURSE!"
"Yet another dastardly scheme," I snorted, watching a man in raggedy, worn-out clothes push and shove through a crowded street, carrying a purch he stole blind off an unsuspecting office worker.
"Time to get to work."
I flipped off the rooftop and skipped across lampposts. I didn't need to use Spiral Power to catch up with this guy, he wasn't that athletic.
But where was the fun in that?
I took a deep breath and let my Spiral Power flare, pushing off the last lamppost with a burst of speed. My body blurred as I cut through the air like a drill, repositioning myself just ahead of the fleeing thief.
He was too focused on shoving past people to notice me. Rookie mistake.
Just as he turned a corner, I stepped into his path and threw my arm out, catching him square in the chest with a brutal clothesline. The impact sent him flipping onto his back with a loud thud, the purse slipping from his grip and skidding across the pavement.
"Geez, man. That was a clothes call," I quipped, shaking out my arm. "Next time, try running without committing a crime. Might work out better for ya."
The thief coughed and groaned. "That... was a horrible joke..."
I pouted, picking up the discarded purse. "I thought it was clever."
"My purse!"
The officer worker rounded the corner, gasping for air. Her neatly combed brown hair was in disarray. She looked just about ready to collapse. She was even less athletic than this guy. Yeesh.
I walked up to her and held out the purse. "Here you go, ma'am."
She blinked, adjusting her glasses and quickly taking her purse back. "T-Thank you!"
"No problem! Happy to help."
X-X-X-X-X-X
The crosswalk light flickered red just as an elderly woman hobbled up to the curb, gripping her cane with unsteady hands. Cars zoomed by in waves, honking and screeching as impatient drivers pushed through Brockton Bay's chaotic streets.
I landed on a nearby lamppost, surveying the situation. Helping old ladies cross the street wasn't exactly the thrilling kind of hero work I'd envisioned when I put on the mask, but a hero's gotta do what a hero's gotta do.
I dropped down beside her, landing lightly on my feet. "Need a hand, ma'am?"
She squinted up at me through thick glasses. "Eh? Who're you supposed to be, young man?"
I placed a fist against my chest, striking my best heroic pose. "Lagann, at your service! Defender of justice, master of drills, and your personal street-crossing escort for the day!"
She blinked, then let out a chuckle. "Well, aren't you a character."
I gently took her arm as the light turned green. "Alright, let's move!"
Step by step, we made our way across the street. I kept an eye out for any reckless drivers, ready to giga punch a hood if necessary.
When we reached the other side, she patted my arm with a wrinkled hand. "Thank you, dear. Not many heroes bother with the little things."
I grinned. "Big or small, every act of kindness leads into something greater."
She gave me a knowing smile before shuffling away. I stood there for a moment, watching her go, then stretched my arms over my head.
"Alright! Back to hero business!"
With a leap, I shot back into the city skyline.
X-X-X-X-X-X
The sound of shouting echoed from an alleyway as I passed by, my footfalls light and quick. The tension in the air was thick, and I could tell from the tone that something wasn't right.
I narrowed my eyes and shot a glance around. A group of kids — maybe middle schoolers — were gathered in a circle, shouting at each other and throwing punches. Classic playground fight. Except, this was on the streets of Brockton Bay, and I wasn't about to let it slide.
Time for a quick intervention.
I took a running leap from the sidewalk, somersaulting through the air and landing directly in front of the group. The earth trembled slightly as I stuck the landing, my arms outstretched in a wide stance.
"Alright, break it up!" I yelled, my voice booming and confident. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
The kids froze, their eyes widening as they looked up at me, their scowls faltering in the face of my imposing presence. One kid, a tall, gangly one with a baseball cap, took a step back, holding his fist in the air like he was still ready to throw down.
"Who the hell are you?" he sneered, sizing me up.
"Me? I'm your friendly neighborhood Lagann," I said, tapping my chest with my thumb. "And this fight? It's over. Now."
The kids exchanged uneasy glances, but no one made a move.
"Look, I get it," I continued, taking a step closer. "You're all tough, right? Trying to show you can throw a punch. But this, right here, isn't it. What's the point of fighting over some stupid beef? What, are you gonna go home and feel proud of yourself for knocking some other kid around? Is that gonna make you feel good?"
A couple of them looked away, suddenly unsure of themselves.
"You're just gonna look back on this and realize it's nothing but wasted time. There's no glory in picking fights. Trust me, I know. It's a hell of a lot better to win the battle in your head, to show that you've got control of yourself," I added, keeping my voice steady.
One of the girls, smaller and with wild curly hair, spoke up hesitantly. "But... but they were talking trash about my friend. They... they made fun of her."
I nodded, understanding. "Okay, yeah, people talk trash. That happens. You're gonna have to deal with it your whole life. But if you let words get to you, that's when they win. You don't need to stoop down to their level. If they're trying to get under your skin, just let it slide. It's a lot harder to make fun of someone when they're not giving you a reaction."
I looked at the boy with the cap. "And you. I don't care if you're bigger or if you think you're tougher. If you're only fighting because you're angry, you're not gonna win in the long run. It's just gonna eat at you. Trust me, I've been there."
The group was quiet now, no more yelling, no more posturing. The atmosphere had shifted, and I could see them thinking over my words.
"So," I said, giving them a small grin, even though they couldn't see it. "take it from someone who knows a thing or two about getting into fights. The real strength is walking away. No one's gonna remember the times you fought. But they'll sure as hell remember the times you showed restraint."
They all stood there for a beat, processing what I'd said.
Finally, the tall kid in the cap sighed, looking around at the others. "Guess he's right. This was kinda dumb."
The rest of them nodded, muttering in agreement.
"See? No need for all that drama." I gave a thumbs-up and turned to leave, but then stopped and glanced over my shoulder. "Oh, and for the record—next time you feel like throwing punches, channel that energy into something productive. A fight's better if you're doing it for a cause. Not just for pride."
With that, I jumped up onto a nearby rooftop, giving them one last wave before I disappeared into the skyline.
As I disappeared, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. Sometimes, the best lesson was the simplest one.
X-X-X-X-X-X
I was making my rounds through Brockton Bay, just taking a casual jog across the rooftops, when I heard the unmistakable sound of someone shouting up at me.
"HEY! DO A FLIP!"
I froze mid-stride and glanced down. A guy—probably in his twenties, wearing a hoodie and holding a coffee cup—was staring up at me, a goofy grin plastered on his face. He was leaning against a streetlight, looking entirely too confident for someone who was apparently under the delusion that I was some kind of circus act.
I sighed. It was one of those days, huh?
I leaned over the edge of the building, giving the guy a long, unimpressed look.
"Seriously? A flip?" I called down.
He threw up his hands like I was being difficult. "Yeah! Come on, man! You're a hero, right? You can do flips, right?"
I blinked a couple of times, trying to process how this was happening. I had just saved a lady from getting her purse stolen, stopped a car from wrecking, and now some guy wanted me to do a flip because he thought I was a walking circus act?
"I'm not some kind of trained acrobat," I grumbled. "I don't just do flips for your amusement."
"Aw, come on!" he shouted back, pumping his fists in the air. "You're a hero! Heroes do flips! It's, like, a rule or something. You gotta show off a little!"
A few pedestrians were now looking up, some taking out their phones. Great. I was about to be the next viral sensation, getting my ass handed to me by a guy who didn't understand basic superhero etiquette.
I took a deep breath and sighed dramatically. Fine. If this guy wanted a flip, I was going to give him the most over-the-top, ridiculous flip of his life.
"Alright, alright," I said, raising my arms in mock surrender. "You want a flip? I'll give you a flip."
With that, I ran across the rooftop, gathering speed before leaping into the air. I twisted mid-flight, putting way too much effort into it. I shot my legs into the air and spun a full 720 degrees just for flair. I kicked off a wall with one foot, added a backflip, then somehow managed to end with a perfect somersault before landing lightly on the other side of the rooftop in a dramatic pose.
I struck the classic superhero landing, one knee propped up, and a fist planted on the floor.
There was a long, awkward silence.
Then, the guy below yelled, "Dude, you could've done a better flip than that!"
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Yeah, man," he said, tossing his coffee cup into a trash can like he was critiquing a movie. "It wasn't even a full flip. You just kind of… spun and jumped and… it was fine, but like, I've seen better."
I gawked at him. The nerve of this guy!
"Okay, first off," I said, "I literally just threw my whole body into that flip, risking the chance that I could lose control and plummet to my doom, and you're gonna stand there and tell me it wasn't good enough?!"
He shrugged, completely unfazed. "Well, yeah. It wasn't very, like, clean. I was expecting more."
I sighed heavily, shaking my head. "Next time you want a flip, try asking Armsmaster or something, alright?"
I turned and jumped off the edge of the building, not even looking back. As I landed on another rooftop, I heard the guy shout after me.
"DON'T THINK I'LL FORGET! I STILL WANNA SEE A BETTER FLIP NEXT TIME!"
I rolled my eyes.
X-X-X-X-X-X
I was running down the street, my legs pumping with all the power I could muster, chasing after a guy who'd just swiped an old lady's wallet. He wasn't even that fast, honestly—just some random idiot trying to make a quick getaway. He definitely wasn't expecting someone like me to be on the case.
"Hey! Stop right there!" I shouted, gaining on him. I wasn't even breaking a sweat. Spiral Power was flowing through me like a turbo boost, and I was making sure to show off while I was at it.
I zigged and zagged through pedestrians, hopping over obstacles, flipping over benches like I was in a parkour competition. A couple of people paused to watch me, and I could hear one person shout, "Hey, look! It's that guy!" Another person snorted, "Do a flip!"
But I wasn't gonna do just one flip. Oh no. I was gonna add some flair to this chase. So, I launched myself into the air and performed a mid-run backflip, spinning around before landing right on top of a streetlight like a freaking superhero. The crowd below oohed and gasped in awe.
"Did you see that?!"
"Whoa, he's like a human helicopter!"
I gave a smug grin and shot a thumbs-up to the crowd, feeling like I was really nailing this hero thing.
But the robber had other ideas. He darted down an alleyway, disappearing behind a line of food trucks. And that's where things started to go... wrong.
As I leapt off the streetlight, I was way too hyped up about my performance. I didn't calculate the angle properly, and instead of landing gracefully on the ground, I slammed into a large stack of cardboard boxes.
The boxes crumpled like they were made of tissue paper, and I rolled right into the side of a food truck.
THUD.
The truck shuddered from the impact. The sound echoed down the street, and a hot dog vendor who'd been making a sale stared at me like I was a dumbass. I stood there for a moment, dazed, before rubbing my head and blinking a few times.
The crowd around me went dead silent. For a split second, I thought I had done something way cooler than I thought—until I heard a few pedestrians gasp.
"Ohhhhhh..."
"Is he okay?"
The truck's side door swung open, and out stepped a middle-aged man wearing an apron. He looked at me, hands on his hips. "What the hell, man? You just knocked over my cabbages!"
I groaned, looking down at a pile of ruined, squashed cabbage spilling out of the truck. Cabbage? Really?
"Cabbages?!" I gasped. "I'm sorry, man, I didn't mean to—"
But the cabbage guy wasn't having it. He pointed at me dramatically. "You better pay for those!"
The crowd collectively sighed in sympathy.
"I—uh, yeah, sure, no problem," I said sheepishly, offering a pathetically awkward wave as I tried to get back on track. "Just... got a bad landing there."
I glanced over at the robber, who was now trying to sneak away down the alley, clearly thinking I was distracted. But the sight of me crashing into the cabbage cart must've been distracting enough for him to stop paying attention.
I shot a quick glance back at the vendor, quickly zipped toward the alley, and yelled, "Sorry about the cabbage, but I gotta—"
I flipped into a somersault, easily catching up with the robber, and then clotheslined him with the speed of a freight train, knocking him straight to the pavement. The crowd watched as he hit the ground, and the usual "oooh" rang out.
"Tell you what," I said, looking down at the thief, who was now groaning in pain. "I may have ruined some cabbages, but at least I caught the guy who was trying to rob someone. You're welcome."
A bystander gave a halfhearted thumbs up. "You sure showed him... after you ran into a truck."
Another person just shook their head. "Dude, you need better landings."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Yeah, yeah. I'll work on it... Next time, no backflips while chasing criminals."
The crowd seemed to agree as they dispersed, but I was already thinking about my next move.
As for the cabbage guy? Well, he was still glaring at me. "You better pay for those cabbages, you know," he grumbled, crossing his arms.
I gave him an apologetic look and flashed a grin. "I'm not made of money, dude, but I'll make it up to you sometime!" I turned and dashed away, leaving him muttering under his breath.
X-X-X-X-X-X
The sun was setting. Today was eventful. Stopped crime, got around the neighborhood. Helped some folk. Used my powers to run real fast... not much opportunity to get super creative with my powers, but hey! This was a start.
An old lady even bought me some churros for getting her wallet back!
I sighed tiredly as I made it home, leaping through my bedroom window in a flash of emerald light. I was back in my civilian clothes as I hobbled my way downstairs while absent-mindedly munching on my churro.
As soon as my body hit the couch, the front door creaked open and Aoko walked inside. She paused upon seeing me, blinking.
"What's up with you? You like exhausted."
I groaned. "Long day."
A/N.
Never did a format like PHO before. New experience for me. I dunno if I even did it right, lol. I know it's heavily prominent in fics, especially in interludes, but I don't know if I'll keep it.
Depends on the reception. lol.