Hero Awakening: Shadow Vanguard

Patrol II

Geo was a busy city in the fall. Corporate workers hastened along the streets in a hurry to get to their workplace to finish projects before the cold season sets in. Stores had multiple discount sales to clear out goods that had been sitting on the shelves all year long. Even normal people were pulled into the hustle and bustle of the city.

At night, the buzz of activity died down to some extent. No city was without its own nightlife and Geo was quite lively. Nevertheless, dusk wasn't much welcome in these parts. With the sudden increase in awakened individuals, the crime rate had skyrocketed. It didn't matter if a curfew was in place, criminals drunk in power would break into homes, harm parents and children, and cart away with their important belongings.

"You should have worn something thicker, it's cold out here at night." Charles chastised as the two walked down an empty street.

"Aren't you cold in that?" He returned as he admired the hero's suit closely. The sleek design accentuated the hero's athletic build, while strategic panels housed integrated technology. An utility belt, adorned with compartments, rested confidently on Charles' waist, and a long flowing cape rested just above his ankles.

"No, I'm actually hotter than I'm supposed to be in this." The older man answered before letting out a mild chuckle.

Michael rolled his eyes and let out a sigh. Although Charles wasn't wrong, it felt awkward to see a grown man trying to act like a hot teenager. That didn't bother him for long because soon the biting cold had returned and once again he was shivering. Winter was slowly setting in, and he had completely forgotten about that and worn casual clothes.

"Aren't there any clothes stores around here? If I don't get into something warmer my fingers are going to freeze off." He complained.

"There's a curfew, and the government is strict with it. I strongly doubt that there'd be an open store nearby. But if you can not withstand the cold then I'd call Ben to come pick you up."

"That won't be necessary, I'll manage."

Charles took a second to glare at the boy with a confused look. He hadn't been able to read his mind or predict him ever since they met, and while it seemed intriguing and entertaining at first, this time it had gotten him worried. The last thing he wanted was a dead boy by his side on the first day of recruitment.

"Are you certain that you're fine? If you're not, Ben could come pick you up."

"I'm fine." Michael answered curtly while fighting back the unnerving demand of his teeth. One single chattering of teeth, and Charles would send him back to the mansion, he was sure of it. He didn't want to go home, not yet, not until he had seen the number three hero in action.

After two hours of a fruitless patrol, Charles decided that it was time for them to take a break. Michael was visibly shaking and could barely walk properly anymore. Yet, no matter how much he tried to convince the boy, he just wouldn't budge. Charles had grown tired of turning around every five minutes to check if the boy was still breathing, and out of frustration, he had called Ben to come pick Michael up.

As the two rested in the warmth of an old shed, a soft crystalline gleam appeared on the ground, and Michael immediately shot up and took a defensive stance. Charles on the hand merely sat still, his hands folded, and a mocking smile spread across his face.

From the light slowly emerged a human figure, one that the two men immediately recognised.

"Take him home, Ben. He's a new recruit, and like the rest of you he couldn't handle the cold." Charles instructed.

Ben turned towards the still shocked boy by his side and took a quick minute to size him up. He was a lot younger than he had expected, and even more frightened than Charles explained in the phone call.

"I'm Ben, it's nice to meet you." He introduced before stretching out his hand to Michael who only managed to ease up a little.

He could barely see, but from the moon's illumination, he could make out the handsome features that all the girls were dying for. A perfectly chiseled jawline, a pair of deep blue eyes, and lips that moved in the most seductive manner ever.

"Michael Black.." He returned before honoring the handshake. "I still want to patrol, and if you don't mind—" He'd barely finished when his vision blurred, and in the next second he was inside a familiar living room.

"I'm sorry, but Charles forced me to do this. He said you wouldn't come with me no matter how nicely I asked." Ben explained to the visibly furious boy. "You would have been a hindrance in your current situation. There's always tomorrow, so don't get too angry."

Michael collapsed onto the couch and wrapped his arms around his body. The comfort of being warm surpassed his rage at the moment. One more hour in the cold and he might have lost consciousness. His body wasn't as strong as the normal human body, and with his choice of clothing, he would have likely frozen to death if Ben hadn't come to his rescue.

Speaking of Ben, Michael couldn't help but admire his teleportation ability. It was fast and unpredictable, and that was why he was called the reaper. With the high proficiency of his skills, it was almost impossible for his enemies to escape him. To the villains Ben Fury was like death, an unpredictable force that could not be escaped. Unless you were faster than him, it was impossible to escape Ben Fury.

"Tea?" Ben offered. "I heard you're Harold Black's son, every member of the vanguard wants to meet you." He said as he lowered a cup into Michael's outstretched hand.

Taking a sip out of his cup, Michael made himself comfortable on the couch before asking Ben his first question of the night. "How is the vanguard? What sort of people are there?"

Ben turned towards his inquisitor, took a sip out of his cup and turned away. "Weird people. Competitive individuals, and more weird people. You're going to like it."

"Why? Do you think I'm weird?" Michael asked unsure if Ben was complimenting him or being disrespectful.

"I mean we all are. All of us are wired in our own way." Ben replied before walking forward to sit beside Michael. "Why do you want to become a hero?"

His eyes darted around for a while, but instead of speaking hastily, Michael chose to fill his mouth with coffee and give himself a few seconds to think. He didn't feel like telling Ben about Daniel and how he wishes to carry out his best friend's dreams. It would be better if everybody believed that he was doing this on his own accord.

"To save lives." He answered curtly before turning his attention to the twenty year old man by his side. Ben didn't seem pleased by his answer, but Michael could care less. He wasn't here to impress Ben Fury, he was here because he was weak to protect himself and chose a life for himself. If he had been strong enough to save Daniel, he wouldn't have to deal with any of this at all.

"You're not a good liar Michael Black, but it doesn't matter. Perhaps you're not as selfish as we heroes are. Or maybe you're nothing more than a fool." Ben said with a straight face. "Get some sleep, you need the rest for tomorrow."