Dead bodies littered the streets. This was Entertainment Avenue. The heart of Washington DC, the heart of the world. Three figures stood, in an obvious and silent standoff. On the south end of the street, directly in front of the Hall of Fame stood two figures. A female in a bright red dress, with black hair and brown eyes. She was The Crush. A world-level threat. But she was a heroine. Beside her stood her African American husband, Fury, in a black suit. Fury was not any weaker than his wife. He was also a world-level threat. They were anything but prepared for their foe who was on the other end of the street.
Rebound.
Today was their son's birthday, and they had just come to collect yet another award of Hero and Heroine of the Year, and Team of the Year. They had already planned to surprise little Troy with a birthday party, but it looked like that was going to wait. To make matters worse, all the Heroes that could stand up to Rebound were off-world, combating a galactic threat. None of their abilities were suitable to deal with Rebound.
Rebound.
A national threat level villian whose ability is to redirect any force thrown at him. He could also store this energy and use it to create a massive blast.
Fury's ability was super strength and levitation. The Crush's ability was telekinesis.
"Charge him, I'll cover you." The Crush said.
"But–"
"Just do it Jayden."
He needed no further prodding. He sped towards Rebound, breaking the sound barrier. When he was close, he punched Rebound right in the gut with all the strength he could muster. But he knew that even with his strength, it was useless.
He watched helplessly as the veins of his opponent's right arm bulged, and Rebound delivered an accurate uppercut.
Jayden's head snapped back violently, almost dislocating from his neck. He was literally being given a taste of his own medicine. His super strength did not taste good.
He didn't fall. Instead, he hovered a few feet off the ground. And wiped the streak of blood that was on his chin. Unlike his wife who had only one ability, he had what was called a power set. A power set is a bunch of complementary abilities that work together. His power set consists of flight, super strength and durability. But now it appears his durability was useless.
"How did you escape, Anthony?" He asked
Rebound flinched at the mention of his real name.
"Die!!" He charged at Jayden.
Rebound tried to punch Jayden, but he just floated a few inches back, dodging the punch by a hair's breadth. Before Rebound could gain his balance, Jayden moved in and punched him towards the nearest building. Before Rebound could stand up, the whole building collapsed.
Jayden's lips twitched.
"Isn't that a bit too much, Carla?"
"We're an hour late Troy's surprise birthday party. Call the Anti-powered Squad." Carla replied, pouting.
Jayden shook his head. She was just so beautiful.
As he admired her curves, he spotted something glinting in the moonlight, behind her.
A blade?!
"Carla watch out!!"
But it was too late. Before she could turn, her attacker had already stabbed her from behind, the enormous blade tearing open her stomach and coming out.
He had just a glimpse of who this was, but it was enough. Swords coming out of nearly all the major joints in his body. His elbows, knees, shoulder blades, ankles…
Blade. A regional threat level assassin.
Jayden was instantly overcome by every emotion imaginable. Especially rage.
"ROAR!!" He charged towards Blade. He was about to make it when out of nowhere, lightning descended from the sky and struck him down.
The pain seemed to last for eternity. Finally, he collapsed, his clothes were gone, and he smelt like burnt meat.
Out of the corner of his eye, just at the edge of his consciousness, he spotted a female figure descend to the ground with the grace of a feather.
Storm. Global threat level.
"Hello Fury." She said, like they were old friends.
Well, they were. That was until Storm developed a complex, thinking that the world would be better off without any unpowered human. A supreme society, she called it.
How did she escape? Now that he thought of it, Blade was also being held the last time he checked. More importantly, how did she know where they were? Only a select few of the upper echelons of society knew about the awards. He wanted to ask, but one look at his wife's lifeless eyes staring back at him held the words in his throat.
"C-Carla…" The sorrow was too much for him to bear.
"Why?"
Storm tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"You both are the biggest threats to the creation of our new world order, with your ideals of protecting the weak and regulating the strong. I mean, look at our society. The president isn't a powered individual like us! He's weak! The world would be a better place with people like me in power. You'll thank me later. Oh..!" She made a sad face that almost seemed genuine. "But you're going to die soon, my dear."
Jayden crawled with his last strength towards his wife, and held her hand. It was already cold.
"Carla…" his voice was cracked and sad.
Storm clicked her tongue.
"All this thanks to you butler, I might add."
Huh?
With supreme effort, Jayden raised his head, and standing in front of him was his most trusted attendant, his butler, Alfred. He was instantly overcome with grief.
"Alfred…"
"I am sorry Master Silver. I had no choice." Alfred said, projecting the words into Jayden's mind. He was a telepath.
"Why..?"
"They told me to tell them where you were, or my family will be killed, Master."
He then projected an image of his son and wife tied and blindfolded.
"But don't worry, Master Troy is safe. They don't know of his existence.
Jayden sighed in relief.
"Take care of him for me." He thought back.
Alfred nodded.
"I have fulfilled your request, my lady. Might I be on my way now?" He asked, bowing slightly to Storm.
"Hm? Who said you would be free? Seeing that we're both British, I would grant you a quick death."
All Jayden heard was a blade tearing the air. The next thing he knew, Alfred's head was staring at him, with wide eyes.
"NOOOO!"
"You're awfully loud, aren't you?" Storm said, looking down at Jayden.
"Die."