A few days after Quinn's rescue, one day before the interviews.

Streetwise's Rental base, Pittsburg, New Hampshire.

A rental base is something superheroes could use as a temporary hideout in a town their not usually in. To rent a base, first, you would have to register with the local hero agency, like a travel visa; they would ask for your codename and your intentions. A rental base includes one supercomputer, a small medical bay, a small garage (for cars and bikes only), two sleeping rooms (with a fridge, bed, and TV), and a small gym/training ground. A three-day rental would cost around 5000$.

In the medical bay, Quinn tries to recover from his injuries. While his body seems to be healing, his mind is in great turmoil as he continues to see Joseph's cruel smile. His words echoing in his head,

This is all your fault.

He pictures Nico, on the ground, with his neck broken, blood all over his face,

Why did you do this to me, Quinn?

Quinn starts to shake, as sweat covers his face,

COME HOME, BROTHER!

Quinn screams from the top of his lungs, snapping back to reality. He rips the IV tube out of his arm and prepares to make a run for it. Before he could even get up, a familiar silhouette appears just before the door. It's the hero who saved him earlier, only this time, he's got a drink in his hand.

"Easy, you're safe; no one here is out to hurt you," the hero says, offering the drink to Quinn.

"thank you," Quinn replies as he starts to calm down. He sips on the drink, which turns out to be hot chocolate. The warm beverage helps soothe his nerves.

The hero sits down next to Quinn, cleaning up some of the IV fluid.

"So, I've got a couple of questions for you, if you don't mind,"

"As long as you answer mine, I'll answer yours."

"Cool, let's start simple. What's your name kid?"

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Quinn, you?"

"Streetwise. So just Quinn, no last name?"

"None,"

"Where you from, Quinn?"

"I dunno. Is this an interrogation?"

"Nope, I'm not a cop, or maybe I am, who knows," Streetwise chuckles. "Well, that's all I got, how bout you?"

"What are you?"

"Huh?!"

"The costume, the mask, all of it. Are you like a secret agent?"

"Close, I am a Superhero."

Quinn thinks for a moment. Superhero huh? Like the ones Dr. Camphor talked about? They would always spout some nonsense about the failures of Superheroes. Yet they never really said WHY they do not work. I should not waste this opportunity.

"And what does a Superhero do?"

"Well, If I had to boil it down, a Superhero's job is to protect and save those who can't do it themselves."

"I see, and how does one become a Superhero?"

"Interested in becoming one?"

"If becoming a Superhero means that I can save people, then yes,"

Streetwise pats Quinn on the back.

"Why the sudden interest?"

Quinn looks away from Streetwise's gaze.

"Back in the center, my friend, he was, killed, because those men were looking for me. Had I not been there, maybe he would still be alive. I want to repent for that, and become someone who could save the innocent from those who wish to harm them."

"I understand."

Streetwise stands up.

"If this is truly what you want, then I'll help you become a Superhero."

Streetwise extends his arm out to Quinn. They both shake in agreement.

"Rest well, Quinn. Your training begins tomorrow."

Streetwise leaves the med bay. After closing the door, he looks to his left and sees a woman in a hood. She sports a purple, black, and white suit. Her costume features a hood with a half mask covering her mouth, revealing her long red hair and fog-grey eyes. This is Matter, Streetwise's protege of two years.

"What the hell was that? He tells you his pity story; suddenly, you make him your sidekick?"

"Did you find anything?"

Matter glares at Streetwise.

"Figures. Well, what do we have on him?" Streetwise asks

"His name is Quinn, and he's 5'9, caucasian, with medium-length black hair and brown eyes. No records either, no I.D., and no birth certificate. Now answer the fucking question, why did you agree to make him a hero?"

"Because he asked."

"Seriously?! That's all it takes? You barely know the guy! What if he's a villain in disguise huh? What if he's a sentient Void Born? What if he's a sleeper agent waiting to kill you?"

Matter quiets down.

"How is he?" Matter asks

"Why don't you check up on him yourself? See how he's doing ?" Streetwise remarks

"I don't really care."

"Then why'd you ask?" Streetwise replies.

Matter remains silent. She looks away from Streetwise's gaze.

"Alright, alright, I get it." Streetwise raises his arms. "I've got some errands to run, so you're in charge. Don't leave him alone. Got it?"

"Whatever."

Streetwise walks away from the medbay while Matter lingers outside. She takes a peek through the window and sees that Quinn is sleeping soundly.

He's asleep. I wanted to ask him questions, but guess that has to wait.

Quinn continues to rest, for his journey has only just begun. He has now taken his first steps into becoming a Superhero.