Perspective. A person's perspective can truly change how they view the world around them. From certain angles, many details in a picture can go unnoticed, but even a slight shift can reveal much more. As an unprofessional amateur photographer and tech support for the Ditko Dispatch, Craig learned this concept. His sister Mary understood it too when she accompanied him, but he never fully grasped it—until now. It's hard not to when you're doing a one-handed handstand on the rafters of a warehouse. This would be a really interesting floor pattern for a house if possible.
Craig outstretched his limbs before springing himself back down to the floor of the warehouse just barely nailing the landing. Huh, I didn't think I'd pull that off. He'd been there a while enjoying practice with this new strength but he was still working out all the kinks. Craig walked over to his bike and satchel and proceeded steadily out of the warehouse en route back to his apartment building. It was already eight o'clock so he was a bit late getting home but it'd probably be fine. No reason to worry.
Craig biked down the streets calmly before suddenly he felt something was off, his hairs stood on end and something at the back of his mind tugged at him. His muscles tensed up a little too, He looked out around cautiously, sweat trickled down the back of his neck, but this was the normal reaction around the bad parts of Oscuro, rather the worse parts of Oscuro as any rational person would have. It's probably just nothing. Who could harm me like this now? Craig chuckled to himself as he entertained the idea before he pursued down the street again.
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Craig walked into his apartment to see a familiar sight of Mary on the couch watching a sitcom, before noticing that his dad didn't pick up any food today. "Leftovers?" Craig asked, folding up his bike. "Leftovers," Mary confirmed, eyes on the sitcom. "How many slices are left?" Craig rummaged through the fridge. "Two. No more zeppoli though." "I wonder what happened to those..." Craig teased, eyeing his sister. Mary shrugged sheepishly. "Ha ha… me too."
Craig rolled his eyes before deciding not to press further. "Alright, there's some stuff I wanna work on tonight in private so I'll be up late. If you want me to make you anything, just knock and ask." Craig took the last two slices out of the fridge and slid them into the microwave.
"What're you working on?" "...I'm just gonna be double checking my list of supplies." Mary nodded. "Alright have fun. Also remember I'm going to Megan's sleepover tomorrow!" Craig pulled out his two slices right as the microwave dinged and walked over to his room muttering to himself. "Trust me I will."
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Comics were laid out all over Craig's floor as well as a few small mounds of clothing. A few distinct comics were laid out on his bed as he was searching through his closet, Nightwing #25, Marc Spector: Moon Knight #31, and The World's Finest #2. Craig snipped away at a piece of cloth comics looking back and forth using the comics as a reference before finishing up his work. A black domino mask with sharp edges. He walked over to his mirror and placed it over his eyes, a perfect fit. He then flared out his scales, just enough around the eye mask, he could never truly get used to the sensation. He thought that this was probably how snakes felt shedding their skin but in reverse. He then released his fangs, a feeling not much unlike revealing his claws.
"I probably wouldn't recognize myself like this. Worst case scenario, we try the Clark Kent effect. Now that the eye mask is done, what's next?" Craig looked at the man's S symbol and then back at the hoodie he used the first night. He smirked. He couldn't wear that hoodie anymore because of the symbol…but it still had its use. Now, onto other matters: cape or no cape?
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Craig's alarm clock read 1:03am. He's been at it since he got back working on this and finding something he liked. He looked at himself in the mirror now at this homemade costume. The black eye mask brought out his sharp green eyes, the hoodie from the night before had been cut to act as some crude hooded cloak, he wore gloves, hopefully covering his for prints, with some black pants he found lying around plus some hardly worn boots a very clearly crude thrown together look but it was fine for now the thing that really put the look together for himself was the large blue dragon now on the center of his long shirt, crudely drawn but vaguely similar to the dragon on the back of his 'cloak'. He basked in his appearance for a second, posing a little bit, recreating some stances from his favorite comics before chuckling to himself. I guess Super Craig did finally return. Hopefully this look is dorky enough to distract people from what I look like. Craig looked at the window contemplating, before deciding it was probably better to test out this new look tomorrow night. After all, he was finally going to get the fight he actually wanted tomorrow.
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"WARREN!" yelled Mr. Brock right as Craig popped into his office with his camera in hand. "Yes, Mr. Brock sir? "Craig said exasperatedly "Any luck with catching that scaly guy on film?" Mr.Brock said candidly, already half knowing the answer. "None whatsoever, " Craig chirped. "It's been uh pretty difficult to find this guy. You think it'd be easier due to the scales and all." ''True, none of your coworkers have had any luck either, however there have been a handful of people claiming to have seen the guy." Craig's eyes narrowed slightly. No way. I've been super careful about going through all this.
"Do you have any of them now?" Craig inquired as the older man pulled out a file from his desk casually and slid it to Craig. "Most of 'em are pretty iffy. I don't fully trust it myself, maybe that Gecko Guy is just some new rumor for downtown Oscuro. That lady was in hysteria. She might've just imagined those scales and other features on that man due to the stress. Probably all just a load of baloney " Mr. Brock grumbled stroking the hairs of his goatee in thought. Craig listened, feeling a mix of relief and desperation. Maybe this would all get swept under the rug. The extra pay from those photos would be helpful…textbooks were expensive, rent needed to be covered, and having a little extra never hurt. "Maybe it is or maybe it isn't. Who knows maybe the rumors could be true? We just need to keep an eye out for now." Mr. Brock, noticing the slight pep in Craig's step, smiled a little.
"Ah youthful optimism. Make sure to keep it with you to that fancy school over there, you'll need it! Speaking of you already have most of the things you need to live there?" Craig nodded "Uh yeah I have most of it, my class schedule came in the mail the other day too. I'm pretty excited for college but have you guys decided what you'll have me do?"
Mr. Brock shook his head. "Not entirely yet, me and some of the other higher ups are in a bit of disagreement. But I can guarantee you I'll give you something to do to keep your job here." Craig sighed. Perfect. My only shot might just be me having to take pictures of myself to keep my photo job. "I see. I'll just get to work then for the day. " Craig began to walk out of Mr. Brock's mahogany scented office. "Warren!" Craig looked back. "I promise you I will make sure everything is fine. Also can you do me a favor and-" Craig looked up in slight annoyance "Two sugars and no creamer, I know." "I was just gonna ask if you could close the door on the way out, but since you're offering!" Mr. Brock said with a faint hint of a smirk on his face as Craig smacked his own forehead. At least on campus he wouldn't have to worry about getting his boss coffee.
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Nathan dashed out of the restaurant as soon as his shift was up, skateboard in hand and bag on his back he started down the street running before leaping onto his skateboard. He skated down the street towards the DGN gym eager to fight soon and happy as he could be since he got out of work early. He had his headphones blaring music from his iPod as he did tricks all around the pavement. Linkin Park never sounded as good as it did today. Nathan couldn't help but smile as he moved at high speeds, he did a full flip in the air, one that could make even Tony Hawk blush. As his wheels landed back onto the ground and he started down hill. This day just can't get any better.
Nathan stood outside the gym taking a large appreciative breath of fresh air. He couldn't hide his grin and his crimson eyes shone as he looked at the logo on the front with glee. Nathan then proceeded to walk into the gym shining his card to check in and then walking over to the locker room to change. Today is perfect.
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Nathan's fists flew in a blur, each strike a precise and powerful hit. He was in the zone, until that familiar, grating voice pierced his focus. "Nathan Wang." Nathan groaned loudly before turning around, plastering a fake smile. "Lance, buddy! Got any headaches?" Lance's eyes flashed with irritation, his grip tightening on the black blade at his side. "You know what I want, Wang."
Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose in sheer annoyance. "You already lost to Craig and I told you I'm better than him and if you lost you couldn't fight me." Lance cracked his neck before answering. "First off I doubt it and secondly I don't care I want my revenge, so fight me."
Nathan's crimson eyes narrowed. "I said I'm not fighting you stop being a sore loser and stop trying to fight me, you'll never win." Lance's grip on his sabre tightened and the black blade almost seemed to respond to his grip as well. "I disagree, I've got a new sword and with this I don't think a single person here could beat me!" Lance exclaimed that last part making sure everyone in that gym heard him loud and clear as heads began to turn. "A new sword isn't gonna help you whatsoever. You could have Excalibur and with your lame brain skills you'd still get your ass kicked! Now leave me alone."
Nathan said, turning around to continue his practice until he felt pressure in the air from behind him that immediately caught his attention. "Let's make a deal then." Lance held out his black sabre towards Nathan and turned to everyone else in DGN's "If anyone has the balls to come fight me and win. I'll personally guarantee my Father will give you $1,000."
Nathan's attention peaked. "Really now? I might just take you up on that offer. But what do you get?" "Everyone in the gym has to admit that I am the strongest," Lance said with a sinister smirk. Nathan felt a slight unease. He was excited to beat up a kid and get $1,000, but something felt off. Whatever—let's see how far this could go.
"Really? Honestly $1,000 for me to lie like that isn't nearly enough and I doubt it's enough for anyone here." Nathan said slyly. Lance still kept up his sinister grin. "I'll make this even sweeter then. I will let all of you fight me at once, use whatever you like. If you guys beat me, not only will each of you get $1000, I'll also personally waive your memberships here for the next year and a half."
Lance turned back to Nathan. "That's good enough for you, dickhead?" Nathan immediately took a deep breath as everyone else in the gym looked on, hungry for the fight and the opportunity to make and save some money. Nathan cracked his knuckles and began bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet. Not exactly what he wanted but it'll do and with an old wound now tugged at he's going to make sure that this dweeb regrets it. "Yeah that's just perfect. You're gonna get everything that's coming to you." Lance put on his helmet as pressure filled the air. Other people in the gym noticed it and felt a slight tinge of tension but they ignored it mistaking it for excitement.
"Funny, Wang. I was just about to say the same thing. READY?" Tension filled the room as Lance cried out. "SET." Nathan's muscles tensed as he took his stance, power and focus filling through him as his mind cleared. Lance's grip increased as he took his stance and everyone in the gym from the other fencers on the upper levels to the Muay Thai fighters in the corners took their stances at the ready.
A single drop of sweat fell to the ground. "FIGHT!" screamed out Lance and as he did everyone leaped into the charge. Lance took in a singular deep breath as he tightened his grip. Then with a singular swing of the black blade, the very air itself was cut at Mach 7.
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Craig suddenly paused mid pedal. "Why'd you stop?" said Mary from behind him on his bike. Craig looked out in the distance somewhat silent; he felt that same odd sensation from last night before he snapped back to reality, brushing it off once again as just that same anxiousness that he feels whenever he goes on the Cifer streets. "Uh nothing, just trying to remember where I have to make the next turn. " Mary chuckled as Craig got back to pedaling "Jeez, I knew you were getting old but your memory is already going that badly?"
Craig pouted at his little sister's snide remark about his age. "I'm not even 18 yet, I got like 4 more months before then! I'm not that old!" Despite not turning around Craig could feel Mary's smug look at him as he felt a wave of irritation come over him. "Craig, your memory is going and you were complaining about your back yesterday morning. At this rate I'm probably gonna need to bike you everywhere instead. In fact-"
"In your dreams you'll get this bike after I'm dead." "At your age I probably won't need to wait that long." Mary muttered under her breath. Craig still heard her snide remark, he didn't need these new powers now to hear it. "What was that?" "Nothing, you need to take a left here then a right a few blocks down." Mary said feigning innocence, Craig simply just rolled his eyes as he kept moving down, now worried more about his little sister's sheer audacity. Mary then slipped something from Craig's bag into her own carefully. Craig was too distracted by pedalling and her remarks to even notice it.
Craig eventually stopped in front of another apartment building where a woman and a little girl about Mary's age were waiting outside. He helped Mary off his bike and handed her bag. Mary rushed over to her friend for a big hug. Craig smiled as he watched the girls rush into the building together. The mom smiled brightly at the two before looking over at Craig. He returned her wave before biking off to DGN's, already running a bit late. He paused for a moment, feeling that weird sensation again... That's the third time now. Craig thought to himself he continued moving on his bike towards the gym pushing the feeling to the back of his head. He thought of it as nothing more than just being a little worried for his little sister. After all she was having her first ever sleepover, she'd be fine. He was just being a little over protective, it'll all be fine.
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Police and ambulance sirens blared from across the neighbourhood. Craig saw the swarm of them all around DGN's. Abject fear and horror struck his face as he looked at the building and saw a large gash carved across it. He noticed Nathan sitting on a corner of the steps with other people inside getting wheeled on stretchers. Craig leaped over the police perimeter before getting stopped by a cop holding him back. "You're not allowed past this point. Get out of here." said the larger man. Craig was about to start arguing before Nathan interjected. "He's fine, that's my friend. Please let him through." Nathan's crimson eyes were dulled, his hair a mess with blood dripping from his hairline. The officer grumbled and looked to his partners as they shrugged before he let go with a slight shove. Craig looked back at him with a hint of disgust before running over to Nathan. "I guess you're not getting that pass anytime soon. I mean look at this place now. " Nathan said, chuckling a bit before coughing. Laughing right now was especially painful. Craig looked at him concerned.
"What happened here?" Nathan looked on at Craig and strained a bit before replying. "Lance. He came in like usual asking for another fight, said something about having a new sword. Then he challenged us all " Nathan said as he motioned towards every injured person in the area. All of them were experienced and inexperienced fighters. "and we all obliged. Suddenly I was blown back. I didn't even see him swing his sword, hell it wasn't even close enough to touch me. Yet…" Nathan raised his helmet with the very top of it fully cut off, as clean a cut as possible. "That happened." Craig looked on with an eerie sense of deja vu.
"Must be some sword, huh?" Craig said, hiding his shaking hand behind his back. "Craig, that sword…never seen anything like it. I managed to remain conscious for a bit before blacking out. He said something about looking for you and that rumored lizard man." Craig's grip on his shaking hand had tightened as those words left Nathan's mouth. Just great. Nathan looked Craig in the eyes. "Look man, be careful that kid's unstable. Look at what he did! Just lie low for a while. Hopefully the cops handle it or he burns himself out." Craig agreed. It was unnecessary for him to get involved. "Alright I will. Rest up man, I'll check on you tomorrow." Craig said as he shook Nathan's hand before paramedics ushered Nathan away for treatment.
Craig began walking away, hopefully trying to get back home in time as he grabbed onto his bike. If he pedalled fast enough he could get back home and be safe. No one knew anything about his new powers and he doubted that Lance knew anything about his father or sister. He just needs to get home, whatever is happening the police can handl– Officer Marsh reporting a young man in a black fencing uniform with a black sword headed towards West 42nd Street, matches the description of the assailant from DGN's. Requesting back up immediately. Craig overheard this from the fat cop's radio. That's where I fought those two thugs the other night. That's not far from where I just dropped off Mary! Craig's eyes widened and he made a mad dash on his bike towards the location moving faster than he ever did before on that bike. As he pedalled down the street he reached back into his satchel and dug underneath for a secret compartment and slid out a black eye mask.
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Lance marched down the alley with his sword dragging along the ground the sound was grating. Police cars parked at both ends as four officers stepped out of the cars with their guns drawn. "Freeze! Hands in the air and drop the weapon. Hit the ground!" Lance looked on at them all but he didn't obey. What a joke. He stood his ground with his sword and remained still. One of the officers tried to approach calmly placing his gun back into his holster moving slowly with his hands up. "Look kid. I'm not gonna hurt you, none of us will. Just put the sword down and let's just talk." The officer had a warm smile on his face, he was a calm older man around his mid 30s. Lance looked on at the man and felt somehow at ease he slowly lowered his sword, slightly loosening his grip. I may have gone a bit too far, this might've been too much. The officer continued to approach calmly and carefully. "That's right, young man. Everything is going to be fine. I'm officer James." He said as he slowly stretched out his own hand towards Lance. Behind the mesh of his helmet Lance's expression softened and his grip loosened more. "Now let's drop the sword and you must be a bit sca-"
BANG.
A gunshot was released from behind Lance, The officer behind him was trigger happy but also a horrible shot. Lance saw the bullet and heard it whizz by his head and hit officer James in the shoulder. Lance, enraged at the cop, spun around tightening his grip and suddenly as officer James went down on the floor writhing in pain the other cops unleashed a wave of gunfire at Lance. However, Lance slashed the air as the bullets flew at him and a wave of wind as sharp as the tip of his blade rushed through the air faster than the bullets fired at him and the pieces of lead rounds were cut in two and diverted around some hitting the cars around him.
The wind slash even managed to almost fully cut through a few police cars and the force shattered walls of the alleyway. Two police officers were knocked out from the force while the other officer remained barely conscious. A few more shots were fired and Lance raised his sword with it shifting from a traditional fencing sabre to something closer to a falchion with a wider blade. He then slightly moved his sword around, blocking the bullets casually. Before knocking down the last officer with a kick to the head. Lance looked down at officer James still on the ground with a hint of sympathy before shaking his head and beginning to walk off. "Sorry but the strong don't need handouts." Lance smirked, realizing that nothing could stop him now. Now all I need is to beat that lizard guy and then I'd be the strongest. Except for f-
"HEY!" Lance turned around searching for the source before his eyes locked onto a hooded masked figure standing on top of a building to his right. Lance cracked his neck and then shifted his blade back to being a fencing sabre, curious at this goofball standing on the roof. "And just who are you?" Lance yelled back as he felt an odd sensation from the masked figure. "I don't know how far you can see but I'm wearing a mask. If I wanted people to know I wouldn't be wearing it would I?" The hooded figure grinned, attempting to hide nervousness behind his quips. "But if you have to know I'm…uh…I'm" Craig hadn't thought that far into what he'd call himself, he wasn't fully planning on doing this hero stuff. "Ace-er- Dragon. Yep, I'm Ace Dragon!" Lance couldn't help but laugh as his eyes focused on the guy, from the lame homemade costume to the stupid name. "Really? You're just some loser in a shitty costume, you're not even worth the effort of swinging my sword. Just go home." Ace Dragon pouted at the remark.
"Why would you want me to do that? After all I heard from a little birdie that you were looking for me and here I am." Lance considered that this could be who he was looking for. Maybe…let's test this. Lance got into a sword drawing stance as he shifted his blade to a katana and tightened his grip and Ace Dragon anticipated what would happen. "Let's test if you are." Suddenly a wave of sharp wind moved at mach speeds towards Ace Dragon. However, he flipped over the slash of wind and landed on the pavement. "Did I pass?" he said with a confident grin. Lance replied with his own smirk. "Yes you did. Now fall."
Lance charged at him with the blade in tow trying to stab him but the strike was diverted and countered with a punch to the side. Ace Dragon was surprised at his opponent's greater toughness before the flat edge of the sword came crashing against his temple, sending him skidding down the street. Craig rubbed his head in pain and readjusted the hood on his head before noticing the wind slash coming at him. He then snatched a trash can cover using it as a makeshift shield to take the brunt of the slice, diverting the path of it into the air but cutting the lid in half. Lance rushed towards him as Ace Dragon flung the pieces of the trash lid at him. Gotta get out of here now. Otherwise the building Mary's in could be collateral. Craig leaped onto a police car before clinging onto a building with his claws. Lance dodged the pieces of the lid. "Get down here and face me like man!" Lance yelled out towards Ace Dragon. "If you wanna fight me you gotta catch me first!" Ace Dragon yelled before blowing a raspberry at Lance then leaping off the building to the roof of another away from the area. Lance growled in annoyance before following him, shifting the blade now to something light weight.
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Craig leaped through the streets with dozens of mini wind slashes flying after him manoeuvring out of the path of each with some buildings occasionally becoming collateral.
Craig counted the minutes that went by as he kept moving down the city, trying to get as far away from his apartment, his Dad's workplace and Mary as possible. He moved like he never did before and it amazed him. This is amazing. That statue's really something. If I ever visit Japan I need to thank Sensei.
Ace Dragon flipped over the larger wind slash that came from behind him before he ended up crashing through the metal roof and rafters of the abandoned warehouse landing on the ground, trying to catch his breath. They make those chases seem a lot less strenuous in the movies. Craig continued with exasperated breaths. This should be good enough, just on a guess I'd say I have maybe 2 minutes before Lance gets here. That should be enou-
Craig suddenly noticed the slash that cut through the warehouse and braced himself for it. He was sent flying into a shipping container with the sleeves of the hoodie he wore as a cape now cut off. "You're really annoying you know that?!" said Lance between breaths. He got into a fighting stance as Ace Dragon pulled himself out of the container. "Now stop running and fight!" Lance said as he readjusted the grip on his sabre.
Ace Dragon had obliged as he got into his stance. "Guess I got no choice." The two inched closer and at the sudden breeze Lance made the first move swiping at Ace Dragon's scaled cheek. He barely just slightly moved out of the way as blood was drawn, a gash on his cheek. He replied with a kick that Lance had blocked with the hilt of his blade holding it in a reverse grip. The two experienced fighters clashed more and more blade meeting limb but Ace Dragon's mind was elsewhere and they both knew it. He threw out a risky axe kick once again but Lance knew this trick now and blocked it with the hilt of his sword before kicking Ace Dragon away. He landed into a stack of boxes breaking them all on his back. Damn it. He's just as strong and fast as me. I can't out muscle him, and I can't out range him, not with that sword. What should I do…
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11 Years Earlier
"I win!" said Nathan with his bright crimson eyes laughing at another victory under his belt. He shone with glee at another one of victories.
Craig laid on the mat sad. Fighting off swelling tears with no one noticing his sorrow, none of the sensei, none of the other students. All eyes were on Nathan celebrating his win against Craig. Except for the eyes of Aiko. Sensei Aiko helped Craig up before guiding him to her office, with a warm smile and his hand in hers. Craig kept trying to be strong and Aiko shut the door behind him. "Craig, you did well out there. You kept up fairly well against Nathan despite the difference in experience."
"B-but I wanted to win. I lost…"Craig said sniffling. He wanted to win no matter what, he knew Nathan was better but he still wanted to beat him and get the praise that he always saw him get. Aiko's gaze softened and she gently placed her hand on Craig's shoulder. "Craig, what do you think is the most important thing in a martial artist?" Aiko asked. "Big strong muscles? " Craig asked curiously in between his sniffles. Aiko chuckled softly at that answer. "Well you're not completely wrong but there's something greater!" "Speed?" Craig asked again but Aiko kindly shook her head. "Why do you think I always usher you and the other students to keep their head clear?" "To guide us in life?" Aiko shook her head again. "Well yes but also because focus and a clear mind are essential to every great martial artist. Even against opponents who are your complete equal, the more focused fighter will always win, conflict and distractions can hinder anyone." Craig's eyes shone as the realization hit him. "So Craig if you wanna be able to beat Nathan…" Aiko smiled again, even softer towards Craig as he kept wiping away at his nose. "You have to keep calm and…"
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Craig wiped away the blood from his cheek as he rose back up. "...stay focused."