As I make my way through the debris-strewn streets, the sound of sirens and shouting gradually gives way to a new kind of chaos: the insistent chatter of news reporters and the clicking of cameras. They swarm the area like flies, thrusting microphones into the faces of shell-shocked witnesses and jostling for the best angles to capture the destruction.

I try to keep my head down, not wanting to draw attention to myself in my battered state, but it's impossible to avoid the snippets of conversation and news reports that drift through the air.

"We're coming to you live from the steps of the Philadelphia courthouse, where a shocking scene of destruction has unfolded. Just hours ago, the supervillain group known as the Philly Phreaks unleashed a devastating attack on the crowd gathered for the trial of alleged kingpin Chernobyl. But the real story here is the swift and heroic response from Philadelphia's own superhero community. Members of the Delaware Valley Defenders and the Young Defenders were on the scene within minutes, working tirelessly to subdue the Phreaks and rescue civilians trapped in the rubble."

I can't help but feel a swell of pride at the mention of my team, even as my stomach twists at the thought of the lives we couldn't save. It's a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that even our best efforts couldn't stop the Phreaks from causing so much harm.

As I round the corner, I catch sight of a familiar face: Kate Green, one of the most popular reporters in the city. She's standing in front of a camera, her blonde hair perfectly coiffed despite the chaos around her, surrounded by police. "The question on everyone's minds now is, how did this happen? How did the Phreaks manage to infiltrate one of the most heavily guarded events in recent memory, and what does this mean for the future of our city? I'm here with Commissioner Jack Faraday of the Philadelphia Police Department. Commissioner, what can you tell us about the security measures in place prior to the attack?"

I don't listen to his response. I don't really care.

If the authorities had any real control over the situation, the Phreaks wouldn't have been able to get within a hundred miles of the courthouse.

I'm so lost in my own thoughts that I almost don't notice the small group of reporters heading my way. They're young and eager-looking, probably interns or junior staff, and they're whispering excitedly among themselves.

"Hey, isn't that Bloodhound?" one of them says, pointing in my direction.

I curse under my breath and try to limp behind a nearby ambulance, but it's too late. They're already rushing towards me, cameras and microphones at the ready.

"Bloodhound! Can we get a statement?" a young woman with a pixie cut asks breathlessly, shoving a microphone in my face. "What was it like fighting the Phreaks? How did you take down Deathgirl?"

I hold up my hands, trying to ward them off. "Look, I appreciate the interest, but I'm really not in the best shape right now. I just want to focus on helping with the cleanup and making sure everyone gets the care they need."

But they're not deterred. They press in closer, their questions coming faster and more insistently.

"Some critics are already questioning whether the Young Defenders are equipped to handle threats of this magnitude," a middle-aged man with a goatee chimes in. "Do you think this attack will lead to a reevaluation of the team's role in the city's defense?"

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I can feel my temper rising, but I take a deep breath and try to keep my voice level. "The Young Defenders have proven time and again that we're capable of facing any threat that comes our way. Today was no different. We did everything in our power to protect the people of this city, and we'll continue to do so as long as we're needed."

Another reporter, a woman with sharp eyes and a severe bob, jumps in. "What about the rumors that there was a breakout at Fairmount Penitentiary during the chaos? Can you confirm or deny that any supervillains escaped custody during the attack?"

I hesitate, not wanting to give credence to rumors, but also not wanting to lie. "I don't have any information on that at this time. My focus has been on the immediate aftermath of the attack and helping with the rescue efforts. If there are any updates on the situation at Fairmount, I'm sure the proper authorities will inform the public."

The reporters seem unsatisfied with my answer, but before they can press further, Crossroads appears at my side, his expression stern. "Alright, that's enough. Let the kid breathe."

He puts a hand on my shoulder and gives the reporters a hard look. "Bloodhound and the rest of the Young Defenders have been through hell today. They've risked their lives to save countless others, and they deserve our respect and gratitude. If you want a statement, you can talk to me or one of the other senior Defenders. But right now, the focus needs to be on the victims and the cleanup efforts. Understood?"

The reporters mutter among themselves but eventually disperse, some of them casting resentful looks over their shoulders as they go.

I let out a shaky breath, suddenly feeling like I might cry. "Thanks, Cross. I don't know how much longer I could've held it together."

He squeezes my shoulder, his expression softening. "Don't mention it. You've been through enough today. Let's get you out of here and somewhere quiet. The senior Defenders can handle the media for now."

As Crossroads leads me away from the chaos, I can't shake the uncomfortable feeling that somehow, everything is going to get worse.

----------------------------------------

Anchor: Good evening, Philadelphia. We start tonight with breaking news on the devastating attack at the Philadelphia courthouse earlier today. For the latest on this developing story, we go live to our reporter on the scene, Kate Green. Kate?

Kate: Thanks, John. I'm standing here in front of the Philadelphia courthouse, where just hours ago, a shocking scene of chaos and destruction unfolded. The supervillain group known as the Philly Phreaks, led by the notorious Deathgirl, unleashed a devastating attack on the crowd gathered for the trial of alleged kingpin Chernobyl.

Cut to footage of the aftermath of the attack, with wrecked cars and numerous craters in the asphalt of the street. Slow pan towards the courthouse.

Kate: Eyewitnesses report that the Phreaks distributed a substance that caused violent mutations in those exposed, leading to widespread panic and destruction. The attack left dozens injured and several dead, with damage to the surrounding buildings estimated in the millions.

Cut back to Kate

Kate: But amidst the chaos, Philadelphia's superhero community sprang into action. Members of the Delaware Valley Defenders and the Young Defenders were on the scene within minutes, working tirelessly to subdue the Phreaks and rescue civilians trapped in the rubble.

Cut to footage of the heroes in action, including brief drone shots of Bloodhound and Rampart fighting Deathgirl and Chrysalis respectively.

Kate: While the immediate threat has been contained, questions remain about how the Phreaks were able to infiltrate such a heavily guarded event and what the long-term implications of this attack may be. Commissioner Jack Faraday of the Philadelphia Police Department had this to say:

Cut to pre-recorded interview with Commissioner Faraday

Commissioner Faraday: We're working closely with the Delaware Valley Defenders and the FDA to analyze the substance distributed by the Phreaks and develop a response plan. The public can rest assured that we will not rest until this threat is eliminated.

Cut back to Kate

Kate: As the city begins to pick up the pieces, one thing is clear: the bravery and dedication of our superhero community remains a shining light in the face of even the darkest adversity. Reporting live from the Philadelphia courthouse, I'm Kate Green. Back to you, John.

Anchor: Thank you, Kate. We'll continue to follow this story as it develops. Coming up next, the latest on the search for the missing supervillain known as Chimera, and what his disappearance could mean for the city's already strained defense forces. Stay with us.