Up and down the hallway glass shattered as the world outside was engulfed in flames. The transparent, former layer, flying inward and adorning the hallway with clear shards. Like little knives pin cushioning themselves to whatever was in their way.
The force of the blast sent a kneeling H-Bar and Liam crashing to the ground. Liam fell into the far wall while H-Bar and the table he was next to ended up in a tangled mess.
When the earth stopped trembling, Liam fumbled with his hands. Heaving himself up from the ground as his arms shook. The world spun as he tried to regain his focus.
“What have you done?” H-Bar asked. Pain coloring his cold and fierce voice.
Liam didn’t respond. He didn’t even turn to his former teammate as he stared out the window. What was a pristine street a moment before was now engulfed in billowing black smoke. Windows in all the buildings up and down the street were blown out. In what Liam could only assume was the center of the blast, flames still hugged the ground.
The only upside was what Liam couldn’t see. He’d expected the street to be littered with bodies. Instead, he couldn’t find a single one. A small blessing being able to avoid that horrific sight. Either the blast was big enough nothing was left of them, or no one was here when the bomb went off. Liam was hoping for the second option. He might not be a Hero anymore, but that didn’t mean he wanted to see innocents die.
He had an idea of what caused this destruction, but couldn’t be sure. The only problem with his thought was Mr. Hat used all their charges for their distraction earlier.
A blinding white light followed by the sound of crashing glass pulled Liam from his confusion. A ball of light from H-Bar connected with his side. Sending Liam toppling back to the ground. Where’d he get the light was all Liam could wonder as he fell.
“You’ve gone mad!” H-Bar shouted.
Liam turned to H-Bar as he struggled to get up for a second time in less than a minute. H-Bar was huddled around a lamp on the ground, like he was trying to find warmth from a small flame. It took Liam a moment to realize it was the same one he’d been knocked into from the flying knee strike.
Between H-Bar’s hands was a growing globe of light. It was only the size of a marble right now but it was visibly growing. The ball was nothing compared to what the man used in the past. But any power made the situation more difficult.
“What, you think I did this?” Liam asked. The taste of copper more prevalent in his mouth than before.
“I felt bad about what was happening to you. Maybe even a little guilt I couldn’t guide you onto the team. I’m relieved that I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”
If only Liam was recording this fight. That was close to an admission of guilt. Ignoring most of what his former teammate said, Liam asked, “What would I gain from doing that?”
H-Bar said nothing. Instead he sent another attack at Liam. The small dart of light sped forward.
With a flick of the wrist the dart was destroyed as Liam’s left hand caught the attack. The blow burning, but not knocking him back.
‘Warning torch system failure’ Liam’s HUD screamed the alarm. He’d been able to block the last attack but not without his suit taking damage. The flames on Liam’s left gauntlet sputtered for a moment, struggling for life before fading away.
Liam rolled to his feet as H-Bar pulled in light for his next attack. The small lamp providing scant power, as the orb in his hands grew mercifully slow.
This was Liam’s chance. H-Bar was vulnerable until he pulled out more light. If he was quick, he could get in an attack before that happened.
H-Bar could always try to dodge the attack, but then he’d lose his light source. Liam wasn’t sure which way H-Bar would choose, but it was worth it to force him to decide. Taking a step forward a voice called out from behind, bringing Liam to a halt.
“Wait, whoever caused the explosion is your real concern. Pause this petty fight with Source. It can wait. If you don't, whoever's out there will get away.”
H-Bar looked into the smoke. The person speaking was shrouded from view, but Liam knew who it was. Only one person had the gall to order a Hero away.
There was a moment of hesitation before H-Bar turned back to Liam and said, “Next time I see you, we settle this.”
Then he was gone. Jumping out the window and racing towards the heart of the last explosion.
An ice poker of pain spread through Liam’s chest. That was his first real chance at revenge and he’d let it slip through his fingers. He couldn’t afford to let that happen again. Slamming his fist into the wall Liam twirled towards the man in the smoke. He knew that was the right call. What really mattered was accomplishing the mission not beating H-Bar in a fight, but it didn’t lessen the sting.
The hallway was consumed by shades of yellow and white. The smoke covering every portion of it, with a lone figure walking down the center. Like a curtain of clouds, the smoke swirling apart as he staggered through.
Mr. Hat broke through and appeared in front of Liam. Carrying a cloth over his mouth with his hat pulled uncharacteristically high. The blue feather on its side stood firm as if nothing could bother it. Mr. Hat’s eyes were tearing up from the smoke he’d just moved through.
The man made it to Liam before teetering and leaning against the wall. His face drained of blood, with a sheen of sweat dripping from it. Liam rushed over and threw a shoulder in to support his faltering partner.
“Are you okay?” Liam asked. He’d never seen Mr. Hat like this before.
“I’ve used my power too many times,” Mr. Hat said as he pushed away from Liam’s offered help.
Liam nodded and moved over to his jacket. The thing was in much better shape than he’d have guessed having been feet away from the fighting Supers. Liam pulled the cloth back on and resumed his horrible disguise.
“Do you need to rest?”
“There’s no time for that. The entire city must’ve heard that explosion. If we stay here, we’ll be surrounded. We have to get out. Now!”
Mr. Hat started making his way to what Liam could only assume was the nearest exit. After a few steps he stumbled again and Liam rushed forward to help. Grabbing Mr. Hat just before he crashed to the ground.
“Let me help.”
“How old I’ve become to need someone to carry me.”
“Don’t be so dramatic. I’m not carrying you. Now tell me what way to go,” Liam said as he supported the man’s shoulder.
Mr. Hat’s pride might have been dinged by Liam’s support, but necessity over rode it. Once the realization he needed help kicked in, he allowed it with little fuss.
The escape from the building was quick. The two only ran into a few people. All of whom were more worried about themselves, or what was happening outside than two oddly dressed people in the halls. No one even went as far as to ask for an ID.
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Once the two reached fresh air, Liam’s suit flared new warnings. Scrolling through the display he was happy to note they didn’t indicate another part of the suit failing. Instead they showed levels of smoke and oil where thick in the air. Being unable to smell anything outside. Liam programmed the suit to do it for him. This was a prime example of when it came in handy.
To their right, farther down the street, was the sight of the first explosions. People had gathered, but there were far fewer than Liam would’ve expected. The second blast must have scared many away.
The few that remained scurried from one side of the road to the other. Never staying in groups for long. It took Liam a moment to realize what they were doing. They were acting like this was a war zone and they didn’t want to provide an easy target.
Those were brave people, more focussed about helping others than worried about their own safety. The small crowd size made Liam wonder if it was really bravery or stupidity that made them stay here.
Either way the focus of the people on the far side of the street was away from Liam and Mr. Hat. Allowing the two to work their way across the road unmolested. As with the police station, anyone who spotted them ignored the two figures crossing the street. Likely thinking Mr. Hat was wounded from the blast and Liam was taking him for help.
When they reached the safety of the alley, Mr. Hat let go of Liam. His feet finally stable enough for him to stand upright under his own power. Not that he’d be running anytime soon.
“Grab the jammer and the bags. I parked the car out back,” Mr. Hat said. Leaving no question in his voice.
Liam complied. Throwing the bags on his back and picking up the jammer. It was awkward to carry everything, but he managed after a little effort.
With their gear in hand, the two stumbled their way towards the end of the alley and its promise of freedom. Liam looked back once and immediately regretted it. His quick glimpse showed Skip teleporting onto the street with Ullr at his side. Their focus on the smoke rising from the previous explosions.
Liam’s heart raced at the sight. He wanted to continue the fight and was disappointed his former teammate escaped. Now, seeing the rest of the team, Liam corrected his thoughts. He was fine that H-Bar escaped if it meant he didn’t have to fight all three of them. There’d be another chance to fight them, if he made it through today.
With a laugh Liam realized there was no longer a reason for the jammer. The last explosion was loud enough to get The Hunts attention and bring them here. Stopping radios and phones from working wouldn’t matter much at this point.
Down the alleyway Liam saw Mr. Hat jump into the driver’s seat of their getaway vehicle. An old construction van. One you were likely to see a plumber or an electrician using. The only reason they’d settled on it, besides the cost, was its lack of windows in the back. That little feature was certainly worth any loss of creature comforts.
“Are you sure you’re in a condition to drive? I can always do it,” Liam said as he reached the van. Every word sent a burning pain down his throat. H-Bar’s punch to his neck would leave a bruise. He needed to find stronger replacement armor, or disguise those pieces so they wouldn’t be attacked again.
“I’m not so old, I need a child driving me around.”
“I like to think I’m a little older than that, but I understand what you’re saying.”
Liam was confident the older man shouldn’t be driving. Yet Mr. Hat was stubborn, and this wasn’t the time or place to get into an argument about it. At least he had his suit on if they got into a crash, Liam thought, though it brought no happiness.
Opening the back of the van he threw the jammer inside. It bounced off the deck of the truck with a resounding clang before coming to rest on its side. Liam followed it in and slammed the door shut behind himself. Once in the safety of the truck he settled into a corner, then turned the device off. The jammer had run its course, so he had to disable it before it became a moving dead zone. That’d just be asking The Hunt to look into its cause. And there was no reason to give them a hint.
With the van loaded the two headed off. Mr. Hat keeping strictly to the speed limit. The last thing they needed now was to attract a police cruiser. Sure some cars likely sped away from the station in the moments after the blast, but that time had long since passed. Best to remain inconspicuous for now.
In the relative safety of the van, Liam took off his helmet. Letting fresh air bathe his face. In the past, taking off his helmet had been a moment of relief. A chance to ditch the chains of his duty, if only for a moment. Now the feeling changed. He felt like a turtle without its shell, exposed.
Trying to clear his head, Liam flipped the helmet around. Ignoring the writing on the side. The black and green mask looked back at him. Liam focused on the visor, it’s dark glass covering the helmet's eyes. In the glass Liam caught a glimpse of himself. His sweat soaked hair a mess after the fight and bags under his eyes from his late nights working. Neither a surprise. Liam moved the helmet around until he could get a better glimpse of his neck. His purple and yellow kissed skin was already the size of a half dollar coin. One that’d only grow in the days to come. A parting promise from H-Bar.
Just what he wanted to gain from the fight, Liam thought. Even to himself the sarcasm cut a little deep. This would be a constant reminder of a fight he should’ve won. Even worse, H-Bar now knew his suit had weak points. Within the hour the rest of The Hunt would as well. Liam needed to figure out a solution for that. Hiding the new armor sections would be a good first step, but knowing they were there The Hunt could search for the spots until they found them. In the end, he decided, a car ride wasn’t the time to be worrying about that problem and Liam put it to the side. Instead focusing on another issue.
“The last explosion was you?” Liam asked. Wincing at the tightness in his throat.
“It was an emergency measure. I didn’t expect to use it.”
“How many people were caught in the blast?” Liam asked. Struggling with every word.
“None, I checked before setting it off. Loud boom, but that’s it.”
“That’s it? It could’ve killed people. It was big enough to shatter glass up and down the street.”
Liam removed his gloves as he spoke. He paid special attention to the one with the torch. With the flame system compromised it could accidentally ignite from any wrong move. He would very much like to avoid that from happening while he was holding it.
“It got you out alive didn’t it? Just be grateful for that.”
And drawn in the rest of the city, but why mention that part Liam thought.
“If you hadn’t done that I would’ve beaten H-Bar,” Liam said. Focussing on the man who’d avoided punishment.
“If you beat him then what? You take him in? To who? No one would believe you, especially after the explosions,” Mr. Hat said. Heat starting to show though in his exhausted voice, “So you couldn’t be talking about that. Would you kill him? Could you look him in the face while you stole the most precious part of him?”
“He stole everything from me.”
“No he didn’t. He took your identity, who you thought you were. While giving you the chance to redefine it. And none of that matters because you don’t have the guts to kill him.”
Did he, Liam wondered? Could he kill his former teammates? He hated them, that was obvious. Wanted to beat them, to destroy their careers. But did he want to kill them? Given the chance would he freeze or take it.
“That means you would’ve left him there, alive. Not that different from what actually happened, if you ask me,” Mr. Hat continued.
Mr. Hat was right Liam thought, he had no idea what he’d do after he won. Whenever he thought about facing his former teammates, he’d always focused on the fight. On beating them for the world to see. What happened after that never came up. Now that he was helping with Mr. Hat’s plan that wouldn’t be a worry. As long as he stuck to the plan.
Liam knew when he was beat and tried to shift the subject, “Where did the bomb come from?”
“Lets just say I’ve been saving that present for some time.”
“You told me the explosives were all small.”
“No, I said the ones you’d make would be small. Nothing about what I already had.”
“An omission is still a lie.”
“Says no one ever.”
Liam wasn’t sure about that. Wasn’t it common knowledge that lying and omitting something were the same thing? Sure politicians did it all the time, but could you really determine what was proper from them? Well Mr. Hat was likely a Cowl and they might have their own set of rules. For good or ill, he’d have to learn them if he was to continue this relationship.
What it showed Liam was the lengths Mr. Hat would go to take down The Hunt. He claimed there were no innocents in the parking lot, but how could he know for sure. Unless he was there, it wasn’t possible. And Liam knew for a fact he wasn’t out there.
That left Liam with a dilemma. He wasn’t a Hero anymore and wasn’t stuck to their rigid understanding of innocence. If Mr. Hat was wrong, and the explosion hurt or killed people, how would that impact him? Should he try to stop Mr. Hat or allow it to happen?
In the end all Liam knew was he wouldn’t kill innocents. As for saving those in need, he’d have to leave that to the Heroes. If there were any real ones out there.
“Don’t worry, in a couple days no one will remember this little scene. We’ve just taken the first step in changing the world,” Mr. Hat said as he made a tight turn. Pulling Liam across the bed of the van. “Strap in, the next few weeks are sure to be one amazing ride.”
The man was always on point Liam thought. Whether today’s mission was a success or failure would be decided in the coming days. And with it Liam’s last hope at finding revenge.