Hero Awakening: Shadow Vanguard

Promises

"The heroes couldn't get to the scene on time because you wouldn't let them!" A deep baritone voice chastised two men in expensive tuxedos.

"There was an unusual burst of energy coming from that location. We rarely have enough heroes in the city, we couldn't risk sending them out without first confirming the situation." One of the suited men replied. Antonio Carlos, one of the core members of the research and management department of the hero association. He was a knowledgeable man, very adept with matters concerning science and technology. Every member of the hero association respected him, but that didn't save him from being chastised by the number three hero in the entirety of Geo, Charles McRae.

"There were no casualties, so it's not really something to make a big deal out of." The second suited man, Franklin Otter, pointed out.

"There wasn't, but a villain got away. That boy's house was completely destroyed, don't you think that's enough damage done?"

"That's enough Charles. I understand your frustration, but it's best to leave the bad things and look on the bright side. We managed to find an awakened boy in all of this mess. For now, we should focus on dealing with that rather than making a fuss about everything."

"General Allen.." The three men chanted before lowering their heads in respect. He wasn't a hero, nor was he a member of the research team. The man before them was the leader of the Hero association. Although he was awakened, he was never in the frontline. His abilities weren't the type that could be used when he had allies around him. And for that sake, the government of Geo had banned him from ever using it except when necessary.

"The boy is the son of the Blacks. His DNA results just came in as well as his test results. He had just recently awakened, that must have been the reason for the spike of energy in the region." General Allen explained as he handed copies of the information to the three men before him.

"The Blacks had a kid?" Charles inquired just for clarification.

"Yes, but he was born without any talent. They kept it a secret to keep him safe, either that or they were disappointed in their own creation. It doesn't matter, the fact is that we have the son of Harold Black in our custody. He's an important individual, one that many people would love to get their hands on. Treat him with care and respect." The general informed before taking his leave.

Still infuriated, Charles casted the two suited men one last disdainful look before heading out to check on the boy that had been left in his care.

"You're finally awa—"

"Where is Daniel?" Michael breathed as he sat upright on the bed.

"Daniel? Is that a friend of yours?" Charles asked with a raised brow.

"He was in the building with me, did you save him? Tell me where he is now!"

The hero was now more confused than ever. He didn't find anybody inside when he went in to search for victims. There was no body found in the house, dead or alive. Even if they'd been turned to ashes, their residuals would have been discovered by the science team. "I'm sorry, but we didn't find anybody besides you at the site. If he had been in there with you, then it's safe to assume that he probably made it out alive."

Without another word, Michael broke down into tears. Without having to ask, he knew that Daniel probably hadn't escaped. If anything, he had been kidnapped, probably killed by whoever had attacked them earlier. He had no idea what was going on, or why people were looking for him. There was one thing he was sure of, and that was his hatred for the lots that called themselves superheroes.

"Let me go, I'm fine and can take care of myself." Michael requested as he unplugged every needle that had been attached to him.

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you leave. It doesn't matter if you're the son of Harold Black, you are still a victim, and we need to find out about everything that happened. Your testimony could help save a lot of lives—"

At the mention of saving lives, Michael reflexively swung at the man beside him, but his fist had been caught before it could reach his target's face. "You bastards! You talk about saving lives when all you care about is money. You're all fraudsters posing as superheroes, and I'm going to cut down all of you fake heroes. I'll kill every single one of you!"

Charles recoiled in horror at the words of the boy before him. Was this person really the son of the Blacks? How could the son of a man who was once the strongest hero in Geo despise superheroes so much? It didn't make sense. Most children would aspire to be like their parents, but for this boy it was the complete opposite. His hatred wasn't a halfhearted one, it was genuine, and the fact that it was an authentic hatred made Charles even more scared than ever.

"I'm sorry about your friend, but if he's out there I promise we're going to find him. But to do that, we will need your cooperation. I won't give you any excuse for not making it there on time, rather I'd apologize for the troubles that my incompetency had caused you." Charles apologized with a hung head before slowly letting go of the boy's hand. He didn't care if he was struck or not at the moment. He had let a citizen down, it was only right that he gets punished.

"Tsk.." Michael cursed under his breath. He couldn't be mad at this man even though he was a hero. Come to think of it, his face felt oddly familiar. Charlie the unruly, he finally recognised. He was one of the top S ranked heroes in Geo, and the only top hero who was actively involved with the public. Just like his parents and friend, this man was one of the few heroes who actually had the interest of the people at heart.

With a low grunt, Michael began to tell his story. "I don't think it was a random attack, I was being targeted specifically. It was a D ranked awakened man, and he was particularly invested in me. I have no idea why."

"Your reports say that you've recently awakened. When was it?" Charles inquired.

"T..today." Michael replied and the man before him immediately gasped in shock.

'Today?' Michael reasoned mentally. 'The reports say that his mutation level is already comparable to that of a C rank, and he just awakened today?' He questioned himself before returning his gaze towards the boy before him. "This your friend, Daniel, was he awakened too?"

Lowering his face sadly, Michael answered,"Yes, he was. He could control flames, and he was the reason I managed to come out alive. He risked his life for me because none of you could do your job right!"

Once again, guilt pounded against Charles' heart, and his anger for the research team grew even further. They'd been scared of some silly energy spike in a region, that they had delayed rescue operations to two teenagers in trouble. And because of their stupid decisions, this Daniel had been abducted, or worse killed.

"If your friend is out there, I promise you I'm going to find him and bring him back to you." Charles said with a smile, one that was met with a disdainful glare from Michael.

"Now that I've told you everything, can you let me go?" Michael inquired as he steadily climbed down from his bed. His bullet wounds were completely healed, and his body felt stronger than ever.

"I'm afraid I still can't do that. If you're being targeted by villains, then it's all the reason I need to keep you close. You've been left in my care, and as your legal guardian now, I cannot allow you to leave without supervision."

Michael stared at the six feet and three inch tank before him. He felt the need to punch this man as hard as he could in the face, but he knew he'd only end up breaking his arms.

"What are you going to do with me?"

"Since you're Harold Black's son, a lot of people have taken interest in you. You'd likely get enrolled into the Hero program whether you like it or not. Either that or you can become a student under me." Charles informed.

Michael could tell he wasn't lying, and even though he completely despised the idea of being a hero, he couldn't let Daniel's wish completely die. His friend had saved him so he could live out his dreams for him, and he was going to do just that. He had no idea if he was going to become the greatest hero alive, but for Daniel's sake, he was going to become a hero at least.