By Andrew Swearingen
The crimson explosion filled the night sky, far enough from the city to avoid any damage.
The Silver Guardian wasted no time. The police could handle the cleanup. He might have saved the day, but there was one more life that needed saving.
In a flash, the hero of Invictus City soared through the air across the metropolis, black hair and cape flapping behind him. Pain throbbed where Doctor Penumbra’s poisoned blade had pierced his side. But he couldn’t let that slow him down. Not when Hector’s life was in the balance.
He saw his friend standing out on the top balcony of the APEX Corporation from half a mile away. Right where Guardian had expected him. He flew as fast as he could without breaking the sound barrier. There was no time to waste.
Guardian halted in front of the balcony, hovering in midair. Hector stood tall and proud, sipping a glass of scotch.
“I knew you’d stop by,” Hector said.
“And still you waited?” Pain crept further into Guardian’s chest, but he pushed any trembling out of his voice.
Hector scoffed. “I assume Penumbra talked. He always talks.”
Guardian nodded.
“Then let’s cut the bull. I’m one of a handful of people who could get a hold of the poison he attempted to use on you—the one poison in the world that could kill the ‘Great Silver Centurion.’ I’m the only civilian whom you trusted with the access codes to his hyper-security cell in New Alcatraz. And I knew that of all your old foes, you wouldn’t be able to rest until the nefarious Doctor Penumbra was put back in prison.”
Attempted to use on you. The words rang in Guardian’s ears. Hector didn’t know about the wound.
Hector took a long sip from his drink, gazing at the traffic below. “So, what are you going to do about it?”
The prolonged downward stare confirmed Guardian’s worst fears. “I suppose I could ask you the same question.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? What do you want from me?”
“First, I want you to step back from that ledge.”
Hector inched forward, as if in protest, sticking the tips of his shoes over the edge. “Or what?” His voice dripped with defiance.
“Hector, I knew it was you,” Guardian said. “From the moment Penumbra escaped, I knew you had to be involved.”
Hector’s face wrinkled in theatrical disgust. “And you just let me walk free?” He slid his left foot halfway over the ledge, scraping his shoe across the concrete.
“I wanted to give you the chance to come clean.”
Hector’s coarse laugh ripped through the cool evening air.
“I think you’re buying into your own gimmick. What’s that you’re always telling the kiddies in school?”
“Hector—”
“I want to hear you say it!” His drink slipped from his hand. It shattered on the edge of the balcony, sending ice and shards of glass down the side of the building.
The poison raged within Guardian, and he struggled to maintain altitude. “‘The three pillars…’” he said. “‘The three pillars of a true hero are these: Courage, Conviction, and Character. Courage in the face evil. Conviction to always do what is right. Character—’”
Pain shot through his arm. It began to go numb.
“Character,” Hector sneered. “Character to lead a virtuous life.” His gaze sank to the streets below. “I think we’ve seen where I stand in terms of character.”
“This isn’t necessary,” Guardian said. “I know you. You’ve been a good man for many years. One mistake doesn’t change that.”
“The police will see it differently.” Hector slid his right foot forward.
“Hector.”
“Why the speech?” Hector asked. “You could stop me right now. One quick move and I’d be on the floor, hands tied behind my back. And if I did it… you’d just catch me. Make sure I arrived on the ground safe and sound.” He looked up, staring Guardian in the eye. “Why bother saving me?”
Pain bled through Guardian’s chest. From the poison or heartbreak, he wasn’t sure.
“You know, I was never a fan of the ‘Three Pillars’ speech.” Guardian forced a smirk. “It was always missing something.”
“Go on,” Hector said.
“Compassion.”
Hector groaned.
“I didn’t choose to work with you because you were a perfect person. I chose you because, despite your demons, you strive to do what’s right. You built APEX to help people. I saw it all in your eyes when we first met. The hope for a better world.” Guardian softened his voice. “And the fear of what a super powered being like me could do to the people of your world if I chose to harm them.”
Hector bit his lip.
“I saw from the beginning that you didn’t trust me. Not fully,” Guardian said. Needles stabbed at his lungs. He didn’t have much time.
“You asked me why I came here tonight. It’s very simple. I came to save you. Not because you’re a brilliant scientist. Not because of the good you could do in the future. I came to save my friend.”
“You… still call me friend?” Hector’s voice wavered. He slid his right foot backwards.
“Always.” Guardian forced himself to take several sharp breaths, but he began to slip. A fall from this height wouldn’t typically harm him, but he could feel the poison attacking his body, sapping him of his strength.
Hector trembled and stepped back from the ledge. Without delay, Guardian floated onto the balcony. He meant to place a reassuring hand on Hector’s shoulder, but his feet gave way as soon as they touched the pavement.
Guardian hit the cold marble floor. Hector’s eyes widened, and he reached for the fallen hero.
“Guardian! I can call someone! I’ll get—”
Guardian shook his head, knowing it was too late. He reached out weakly. Hector knelt, taking his friend’s bloody hand. He stayed by Guardian’s side until the end.
Can you guess which song from the 1990's inspired this story? Share in the comments!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Superheros often do their thing with skill, but no heart. Guardian has a big heart, and super skills. Good work.
Thanks! That’s what I was hoping to show with this story. Glad you enjoyed it.
This story was so great, I enjoyed it!
Thanks Savannah! So glad you liked it.
That was a great, moving story!