Continuation...
7:30 p.m.
New York, U.S.A
LEONARD
I deliver the news script with precision, the camera crew capturing every word, ensuring the perfect shot. As the script wraps up, applause fills the room, coming from the editor, producer, director, and everyone involved. The sense of accomplishment washes over me—it's gratifying to know my hard work has paid off.
The CBS news broadcast company closes for the day. Handshakes and smiles from my producer and director accompany me as I step out of the building, briefcase in hand. The air shifts—dark clouds roll in, the distant rumble of thunder vibrating through the city. I glance up at the sky. The heavens are preparing to open up. Undeterred, I head toward my car, the first flash of lightning painting the sky.
I navigate through the city streets, my destination the Nano Innovation Lab. As I enter, the lab is buzzing with energy. Bonnie is at the helm, her voice shaking as she reports yellow lightning strikes wreaking havoc across New York City. I verify the data on a nearby computer—grim confirmation. Without hesitation, I slip into my green suit, ready for action.
I race through the streets at 8.3 million mph, faster than anything alive. I reach the sites of devastation, rescuing those in danger. But then, the lightning converges into a human figure. A tall, slim man stands before me—handsome, dark skin, and a cocky smile. He introduces himself.
"I'm Thunderstorm," he says, his voice low and dangerous. "And I'm here for your powers."
I brace myself, narrowing my eyes. "What do you want?"
He smirks. "To erase you from existence."
I don't flinch. "Fine. If you want my powers, catch me."
He laughs, then shifts into a lightning bolt, scattering into the sky. The city erupts in chaos—ships are attacked, buildings are struck. I can't let him win.
"Damn it. He's attacking ships now. How am I supposed to save them?"
"Run on the water," Theo's voice crackles in my earpiece. "You have to do it, Leonard."
"Run on the what?! How's that even possible? I've never—"
"Trust yourself. Believe you can do it, and act. You don't have time to question it."
I hesitate for a fraction of a second, then nod. My heart races as I focus. "Alright. I can do this."
I push off the ground, my feet skimming the surface of the water. The first step is shaky, but then the impossible becomes real. I run across the water, each step defying physics. The roar of the storm fades as I reach ship after ship, pulling people to safety. The citizens watch in awe as I become their savior, each rescue more miraculous than the last.
"I did it! I saved them!" I yell, my voice filled with triumph.
"Great, but you still need to stop him," Theo responds.
Thunderstorm attacks a speeding train, and I feel my pulse spike. I race across the city again, blurring past skyscrapers. I intercept each lightning bolt aimed at the train's passengers, my body a streak of green lightning. The train's brakes fail, panic spreads—this is my next challenge.
I pour all my energy into slowing the train. Veins of green lightning shoot from my fingertips, but the effort drains me. I can feel my strength slipping.
"Running out of steam, Zetacode?" Thunderstorm taunts, his voice echoing through the crackling air. "How about a taste of real power?"
Before I can react, he strikes, his yellow lightning coursing through me. I stagger, fighting the pain, but I won't fall. Not now.
Then, a voice cuts through the chaos.
"This ends now."
A figure steps into the fray—Path Finder. Clad in black with gold designs, his presence feels like a storm of its own. He stands tall and unyielding. "I'm here to assist you, Zetacode."
Together, we halt the train, using Thunderstorm's own power against him. The tide shifts. The storm begins to recede.
As the dust settles, the crowd watches us, their phones capturing the moment. Applause erupts. They cheer, but all I feel is exhaustion.
"Who are you, exactly?" I ask, still catching my breath.
"Path Finder. God of elements and genius, also known as the clairvoyant." His tone is mysterious but firm.
"God of elements?" I raise an eyebrow, trying to process everything. "Thanks for the help, though. I appreciate it."
"You're stunned. I get it. But we need to talk."
I'm too drained to argue. "How do you know my name? What's going on?"
"War is coming," he says, his gaze faraway. "Disaster is on its way."
I narrow my eyes, the weight of his words sinking in. "Alright. Let's discuss this at my lab. Come on."
Together, we head back to the lab, but my mind is already racing. What kind of war is coming? And what does Path Finder want from me?
Nano Innovation Lab
Theo and Bonnie approach me, their relief palpable. Theo pulls me into a big hug. "Thank God you're okay!" he says, squeezing me tight. Bonnie follows suit. "Thank God you're safe! You really saved the city, Leonard!"
Before I can respond, they notice the imposing figure standing nearby—Path Finder, alongside Uncle Mark.
"Who's this?" Theo asks, his eyes widening.
"This is the guy who saved me," I reply. "That badass Thunderstorm nearly killed me."
"Good evening, Theophilus, Bonnie, Mark, and Leonard Martin." Path Finder speaks with a calm authority, his voice deep and steady.
"He knows our names? How?" Theo blinks, surprised.
Uncle Mark steps forward, narrowing his eyes. "Thank you for assisting my nephew. But who are you?"
"I am Path Finder, the god of elements and genius, also known as the clairvoyant. Fear not, my friends. I come in peace."
Bonnie glances between us, frowning. "Why is he here?"
"I'm here to discuss something urgent with all of you," Path Finder says, his tone turning serious. "A coming war."
"What war?" Mark asks, clearly caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation.
"The First Apocalypse," Path Finder replies gravely. "A conflict between Earth and Gavaria. There are outsiders who want us at war—Malacoda, Birsha, Allatou, Aynat, Bloody Scars, and the Vicious Predators. Malacoda, the most powerful, has sent his messengers to prepare us for the coming chaos. Earth has fourteen days to determine its fate. Leonard, you've been chosen to fight."
Bonnie's eyes widen. "You're talking about the CNN report we saw, right?"
"Why me?" I ask, ignoring Bonnie's comment.
"Because I believe you can rise to the challenge. This service will change your life—and the fate of the world."
"I'm in," I say, my voice firm.
"What? You can't be serious, Leonard!" Theo protests, his shock evident.
"I am serious, Theo. Bonnie always said I could become a great hero, not just for New York, but for the world. I can't turn my back on that."
"He's right," Bonnie admits, her voice quiet. "I said that."
"Excellent." Path Finder hands me a card. "Here's my number and address. Meet me at Billings Logan International Airport, Montana. There are others I need to gather."
To be continued...