Henry walked calmly toward his school, under the hot sun that warmed his skin, giving him a sense of energy. He didn't seem bothered by the heat at all. As he walked, he fiddled with his phone, reading absurd news stories. Each one more ridiculous than the last, and he was used to it by now: aliens, villains trying to take over the world… none of it was a surprise anymore. For humans, this kind of thing was no longer uncommon. Aliens, superheroes... all of it had become routine.
Suddenly, a sound came from his pocket:
"Beep-beep-beep."
His phone began ringing, and Henry quickly answered it.
"Hello, who's this?"
A frantic female scream echoed from the phone, causing a sharp pain in his left ear.
Henry cupped his hand over his ear, trying to ease the pain.
"HENRY CLAINE, STOP ACTING LIKE A FOOL!"
"I don't know what you're talking about, Mom."
"You know exactly what I'm talking about, young man."
"Your dad and I are really worried about you lately. You're more anxious than usual."
"Mom, it's nothing serious, just the exams."
His mom grumbled on the other end, and Henry imagined her rolling her eyes, which always happened when she was impatient.
"Hmm, I hope it's just that, Henry. You've been so distant lately. You don't talk to anyone anymore, you don't even tell us what's going on at school…"
"I know, Mom. It's just that I'm really focused, you know? With the exams coming up…" Henry interrupted, trying to explain himself.
"Ah, yes, the exams, of course. I understand that you want to focus on studying, but it's not just that. I've noticed you're different, with all this anxiety. Do you remember when you were younger and got so excited about anything that came up? I could feel your energy, your enthusiasm. Now, it seems like you're always worried, pushing yourself too hard. I just want you to know that, as your mom, I'm here for whatever you need."
"I know, Mom. I'm just… trying to handle everything."
His mom sighed on the other end, concern clear in her voice.
"I understand. But don't forget to rest too. It's no use killing yourself studying or training, Henry. You have to take care of yourself. And remember: you're not alone. And most importantly, don't let the pressure consume you."
"I know, Mom. It's okay. I just… need to do my best, you know?"
"Henry… you've always been my best. What matters most is being yourself. And worrying about being happy. So, after school, don't be late. We're going to visit your aunt, she misses you. And please, don't keep that worried look on your face. Everything will be fine."
"Alright, Mom. I won't be late, I promise."
"I love you, my son. Don't forget to eat well and rest, okay?"
"I love you too, Mom. And don't worry, I'll try to take care of myself."
"And don't be late, okay!"
After hanging up, Henry sighed. His mom was definitely the most intimidating and dominant person he'd ever known.
Henry was really nervous. Today was his debut as a superhero. He'd spent a lot of time training his abilities, his control, and his fighting techniques. He thought he was pretty strong by now. Years of sunbathing on Earth had helped him develop his powers. While he wasn't at Clark Kent's adult level yet, he was definitely at the top of the food chain on this planet. Without kryptonite, few things could kill him.
As he walked, his mind was racing with thoughts. What would his debut be like? Would he do well?
Suddenly, he stopped. His ears moved on their own. He heard a commotion and an unusual noise.
"It's happening."
The sound didn't come from nearby. The commotion he heard was coming from far away, almost across the city. Henry sighed. He focused a little more, trying to use his super hearing.
"Someone, help me!"
He managed to hear a girl's cry for help.
"I'm on my way, okay? Calm down, everything's going to be fine."
He moved with his super speed, unnoticed, toward an isolated alley. He took off his school uniform and stuffed it in his backpack, revealing his red and blue suit, no cape, but with an "S" symbol on his chest. Then he began to float like a god, shooting up into the sky like a missile at high speed.
"Mom's going to kill me," he muttered.
He flew to a height that allowed him to see the entire city. Focusing again, he used his super hearing. He took a deep breath and listened. He could hear everything—every scream, every laugh, every sound of the city was in his ears. He could hear pain, fear, everything.
"I found it."
He threw his arms forward and flew, breaking the sound barrier, reaching his destination instantly. The scene was chaotic. A highway with dozens of broken cars. He could hear the sound of police sirens and the movement of several police cars. Some bodies were scattered around. A fight was happening.
A very beautiful girl was fighting several cyborgs mixed with humans. Their bodies, all exposed, showed the numerous scientific experiments they had undergone. Their organs twisted as they walked. Their arms fell off, and their bodies were falling apart on their own. Although damaged, they had powerful mechanical arms and attacked the girl with fierce punches despite everything.
"Who is she?" Henry thought, admiring her beauty. She had long orange hair, wore a small pink mask covering her eyes, and a light pink skirt. Her uniform was a different shade of pink, and she wore a cape of the same color, fluttering in the wind.
"Eve… what's going on? Why are they doing this to me?" The girl asked, a little frightened.
The creature, grinding its teeth, responded:
"You're still asking? Look at us! We're all freaks, ugly. You, who are perfect, wouldn't understand this. Me and our brothers don't need to explain anything to you."
"Perfect? You think I'm perfect?" Eve asked, a little stunned, but with growing anger in her voice. "I'm not perfect! I'm trying to survive, just like you! What they did to you makes no sense."
Eve's copy snorted as if insulted. "Makes no sense? Of course it does! We're what you never wanted to become. What you are, but don't recognize. An experiment, a failure… We're all here because you failed, and we're what you could've been, but never were. You never accepted it!"
Eve stepped forward, her gaze hardening. "You're completely wrong. I'm not like you. I'm not a failure, and I won't let you convince me of that. I'm not like you."
The copy laughed, a hollow and cruel laugh. "You don't get it! You reject us, but we are what you would've been if you had been stronger, crueler. What you're afraid of becoming. But it's too late for you now. There's no turning back."
Eve's copies began attacking furiously, from all sides. They tried to hit her with their fists, using whatever they could to hurt her. Eve dodged with agility, but their numbers and the strength of their attacks were making it hard for her to keep up. She blocked punches, dodged blows, and landed quick counterattacks, but it was clear that exhaustion was starting to take its toll on her body.
One copy advanced from the side, trying to punch her in the face. Eve jumped backward, but a mechanical arm struck her by surprise, hitting her in the stomach and knocking her to the ground. She felt the impact but quickly got up, breathing heavily.
"Damn copies!" Eve shouted, wiping the blood trickling from her mouth. She backed up, trying to regroup while the copies surrounded her, smiling cruelly.
Eve advanced again, her speed increasing. She delivered a powerful punch, knocking one of the copies to the ground. But another one attacked her with a sharp blade attached to its arm, and Eve was forced to block the blow, feeling the impact against her arms.
That's when she heard the sound of wind. Before she could react, something appeared in the blink of an eye, quickly positioning itself between her and her copies.
It was Henry.
He appeared like a lightning bolt, so fast that the copies didn't even have time to react. He blocked one attack and, with a single swipe of his hand, knocked two of the cyborgs to the ground, who fell heavily. The copies froze for a moment, stunned, as Henry stared at all of them with a defiant look.
He looked at Eve and gave her a reassuring smile.
"I'm not letting them hurt this girl. Also, someone care to explain what's going on here?"
The air grew tense as the copies retreated, assessing the new threat. They knew Henry was not someone easily defeated, and the battle was taking a new turn with his arrival.