Lance sat up in bed staring blankly down with foggy eyes at the small digital clock on his nightstand. It read 7:48 a.m., and he yawned before reaching down to notice someone beside him.
He smiled fondly at the warm weight draped over his body, when instantly became shocked and embarrassed when a head of pink hair was buried in his shoulder and he heard the person snore peacefully.
Oh god, how long has this been going on for? Lance thought as he looked at the digital clock once more, still unable to process what time it was.
"Who are you?" Lance asked.
Zari groaned slightly but didn't move, continuing to sleep soundly. Lance shook her shoulders gently, getting no reaction. Lance sighed.
The door slightly opened to realize Shiro was staring back at him , holding a tray of tea and coffee and a small plate of bread. Lance motioned to the room, and Shiro shrugged apologetically before taking a seat.
Shiro had an amused expression on his face, though that could've just as well meant he was worried?
"How are you feeling? Are you still wanting to go after Suri?" Shiro asked.
"Who is Suri?" Lance questioned.
Shiro was suddenly shocked when he realized Lance no longer remembered who she was. He gawked at Zari angrily dragging up her up from the bed and shoving her out the door.
"I will be right back, lance!" He laughed.
He slammed the door behind them glaring at Zari with all the anger he felt towards her.Zari was smirking smugly with that familiar evil grin on her lips and crossed arms. She didn't say anything.
Shiro let out an exasperated sigh, "Why can't Lance remember Suri?!" He shouted.
Zari rolled her eyes and shrugged, "Because I saw in his mind this will stop him from a lot of things if he indeed saved Suri so I erased her from his heart."
Shiro was about to respond, but then there was knocking on the door which immediately made him turn away from Zari and open it.
"Is everything okay?" Lance asked.
The white-haired man gabbed Lance to bring him into a hug. He felt the taller teen stiffen a bit in surprise, but didn't protest. Instead he returned the embrace happily. After a moment the hug ended and Lance turned to look at Zari whose eyes were glinting maliciously.
"I really don't know what happened to you, Lance...but I swear I won't let anyone harm you again..." Shiro affirmed.
"Shiro...he will become a hero if Suri comes into her clutches..." Zari creaked. She was practically shaking in anticipation.
His eyes widened in horror realizing what their plan was . But why would they want to use him as a weapon!? Lance was broken kid! That was why he needed help, not some sick twisted game! And yet... A smile formed on Lance's lips.
He couldn't believe that he was actually thinking about doing it.
He nodded and Shiro released him. The other three stared at him expectantly, "Alright then, let's get started!" Lance clapped his hands together as Zari grinned excitedly. "You have to save Suri no matter what." Shiro said.
"Is she someone important?" Lance questioned.
"Lance..." Shiro whispered.
"He will never remember her...no matter what you say or do." Zari laughed. "I suggest we give Lance a little motivation to do his best." She winked.
Shiro's eyes widened, "Are you serious!?"
He moved his hand out to his side trying to provoke his weapon in rage only for slave necklace to react giving him a jolt of electricity. He cursed under his breath as Zari laughed maniacally.
"No matter how much I'm forced, we are NOT doing this..." Shiro stated firmly.
"The seraph's are not on the heroes or the villains side, but Crimson Crow must be stopped." Zari declared.
"What are you two arguing about?" Lance asked.
"That's something we can't tell you yet, so keep your head down until the time is right." Zari said winking.
"I am out of here! I am not coming back Lance I am sorry." Shiro said sadly.
"What happened?" Lance asked.
He tried not to show any emotion as Shiro walked past him and headed for the door but Zari caught his wrist.
"Going back to being a sex toy every time something happens bad?" Zari questioned.
Shiro jerked his arm away. "Don't touch me!" He snapped, then glanced back at Lance with a pleading gaze.
"I will take care of our darling little, Lance..." She smiled.
"Do whatever the hell you want!" Shiro snapped. He shoved Zari aside and stormed out of the apartment leaving the others in silence.
"I don't even know you and you decided to fight with Shiro?!" Lance shouted.
"He is practically a sex toy to Aleena...he is no superhero to anyone!" She argued.
"It's nothing more than the collar he was fixed with!" Lance insisted.
She raised her eyebrow skeptically. "Do you plan to free Shiro?"
Lance clenched his fists. "Yes!"
Zari scoffed. "We both know that's just an excuse to escape...you're weak Lance. You are a nobody."
"Then teach me how to be stronger!" Lance retorted with determination.
"I was sent to help you..." She smirked.
********
The sounds of horns could be heard outside blaring over the music, as the group of young men all got off their vehicles looking above with awe. All of them except for the girl in green, who was standing by herself waiting for someone to come up.
She looked around and noticed she seemed lost as she gazed around until finally turning her attention towards where the sound was coming from.She saw a tall man with his back turned away from her and she knew it would only take one wrong step before he'd turn around to see her there. The thought of that happening didn't scare her though. It was more than likely he wouldn' even recognize her.
So she began her way over to him and when she arrived at his side they both looked up to the sky as well looking at a shooting star which appeared to be moving closer to them and eventually disappearing into the atmosphere.
"The angels are singing today."
The stranger spoke, looking directly at her eyes now making eye contact which made her heart race a little. He smiled.
"Superheroes reign will end here...and I believe it'll start with you."
He held out his hand to her. She reached down to take it but instead pulled him down to meet her lips which caught him completely off guard.
His face burned red in an instant as her glowing hands reached his face while her eyes shone melting his skin rotting it away so he wasn't anymore human and he was no longer a human. Instead, he stood in the form of the Archangel Michael with golden wings extending behind him.
The man then let out an angelic scream that made the earth tremble watching the hordes in the distance flee as far as possible. He took flight, sending waves of heavenly heat over the land making everything turn black.
All he did was watch as she screamed in pain as swords from the heavens impaled her one after another until there were nothing left to hurt but herself. He watched as the tears streamed down her face as he stood alone.
"You will meet the child of grace soon enough my beloved..."
Then he vanished, leaving an empty void in his wake.