February 29th 1996, Brockton bay
We saw the PRT cans roll up a few minutes after Lady Photon left. The butcher had woken up by this point and was screaming various profanities and where we could shove ourselves while we waited. A man in full body armor and mask ordered the other officers to secure the butcher as Heracles handed her over.
“And what’re your names?” The officer asked in a slight Texan accent.
“Ares and Heracles.” I answered. “Part of a new independent hero group called Pantheon.”
“A new independent group?” He asked with a bit of apprehension in his tone. “Well we would like it if you would come in for power testing. Usually it would be Challenger giving the recruitment or cooperation speech but she is out patrolling in the docks today.” He said a slightly nervous tone entering his voice.
“We will have to discuss with our teammates first. And why wouldn’t Radiant be the one giving the speech? He's the head of the Protectorate isn't he?” I asked
“He has been on leave for a few weeks so Challenger’s been filling in for him. Also they would be giving you the talk about collateral damage as well.” He said as he pointed at the cracked road and destroyed cars.
“Yeah well how about when your fucking team takes on The Butcher they try and limit damage.” Heracles said obviously off put by their abruptness. “And why did it take you guys 15 minutes to get here and without any Parahumans? If we weren't here The Butcher would’ve gotten away without a fight!” He said making a good point I hadn't thought of yet. The PRT was slow in getting here especially with The Butcher being involved.
“We had to organize everyone and the PRT tries to prioritize assets so we didn’t think any Parahumans were needed at this incident.” He said his voice became robotic as he was obviously just giving the usual excuse. This just hammered in that we’d made the right choice in remaining independent.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
“Let’s go Heracles, they can deal with the paperwork.” I said putting my hand on his shoulder as I began walking away. “We will let you know about testing.” I called behind me. I could hear Heracles’s restrained frustration in the form of a huff as we walked away.
“Fucking useless, they weren't even their to help and the first thing they try to do is bring us in for testing, didn’t even ask if we were okay or needed medical.” I could feel his anger slowly calm as I let him rant. “We just did more for this city in 10 goddamn minutes than they’ve done in months! At least that Brigade chick was nice and seemed impressed, they didn’t even give us the time of day.” He finally trailed off
“I know Heracles but that’s the government for you, posturing is half of what they do. We can be and will be better than them that’s why we’re doing this. We aren't concerned about PR or polls just w the work.”
“Doesn’t make it any less frustrating to have to give away villains to them after we put in the work.” He grumbled
“True but I think you're forgetting something.” I said slyly, a smile appearing on my face.
“What’s that?” He confusedly said.
“That whole thing just happened on live TV so the whole city just saw us kick the shit out of the Butcher.” A matching grin on his face manifested as he began to belly laugh almost the whole way back to the base.
When we got back I could see the others surrounding the tv we had set up in the main gym space with Hestia perched on the couch like a bird and Artemis watching while eating a bin of popcorn that she got from somewhere. Hephaestus was the first to notice our return.
“Couldn’t go one night without causing a scene could you!” He yelled the smile obvious in his voice.
“Nah, of course not needed a bit of a workout.” Heracles replied as he reached Hephaestus giving him a fist bump. “And thought the TV could use a new show ‘Beating Butcher 101’”
I saw Hestia get up and slowly make her way over to me. “I’m glad you're okay.” she said in a quiet voice. “But next time please try not to immediately fight one of the toughest people in the city.” A nervous chuckle leaving her at that.
“Don’t worry we won’t be doing anything like that for a while.” As I pointed at Heracles who was taking off his chest plate revealing several large purple bruises. “Could you fix him up
Tia?”
I saw a small look of embarrassment on her face as she remembered that we had gotten hit by a brute several times as she turned on her healing aura. A sense of warmth and calm enveloped my person as all spots of soreness and aches disappeared within seconds.
“Ah much better Tia thanks. Now if you will excuse me I am going to collapse for several hours.” Heracles declared as he made his way to one of the couches upstairs.
“I’m feeling the same so we will debrief tomorrow and make the patrol schedule up.” I said, making my way towards the door. Also we need to talk about going power testing apparently but that can wait until after I coma tonight.”
As I was leaving I noticed a small nod of what I hoped was approval from Artemis and returned it. I made my way back home ready to sleep for the next ten hours. I had just closed the door behind me when I felt a small swoosh of air and I saw a note on my floor that simply said.
“Say yes to Ellisburg”