Fii's fingers drummed a nervous rhythm on her thigh, her knee bouncing as she sat on the edge of a creaky cot in the dimly-lit waiting room. Her nerves were frayed, and she'd paced back and forth so much she almost wore a groove in the tile floor. Where the hell was Edith?
She had told her to come here and wait. To meet someone who was supposedly going to teach her how to fight properly. Fii wasn't sure what to make of that. Edith had barely explained anything, just shoved her into the room and went off to find the mystery guest.
But that had been over an hour ago—if the clock on the wall was working properly. Whoever this person was, they were probably a waste of time. Fii should have just left by now and gone on patrol.
She leaned back against the wall, folding her arms across her chest. This was ridiculous. She didn't need any help fighting. She'd done fine on her own. She was just getting better at it.
Her eyes flicked to the door, and she caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. Someone was approaching. She went back to her seat and sat straighter. Maybe they hadn't kept her waiting just to spite her. Whoever they were.
The door swung open, and Edith stepped into the room, accompanied by a tall man wearing a worn cowboy hat. He stepped through the doorway with confident strides, his dark brown coat fluttering behind him as he entered. When his eyes met Fii's, a chill ran down her spine. Something about him made her feel uneasy. Like he could see through her. She hated that feeling.
"Fii, this is Virgil Maddox," Edith introduced, walking past her to the rear of the room. She motioned to a chair and took a seat herself.
Virgil nodded his head once in greeting and lowered himself onto the cot opposite hers. The old frame creaked under his weight as he settled in.
Edith continued, "He's... experienced in matters like yours." She hesitated, seemingly considering her words.
Fii's eyebrows furrowed, and she glanced at Edith in confusion. She knew this was about training her, but what exactly was "matters like hers"? Fii's gaze traveled over to the newcomer.
Virgil's lips twitched into a half-smile, his gaze never leaving Fii's. "Used to be," he replied in a gravelly drawl. "But that's a story for another time."
Fii studied Virgil closely. The first thing she noticed about him was the obvious scar that marred his weathered face. It ran along the right side of his cheek, tracing the contours of his jawline. He had a rugged look, the lines on his face made him seem as old as Rao or Mr. Kane from Forge Town, but his posture didn't seem to match. He held himself upright and firm, clearly fit and still agile despite his age.
His appearance aside, there was something else about him that unnerved Fii. An air of danger lingered around him, radiating from every pore. It gave Fii goosebumps.
And the revolver strapped to his waist certainly didn't help.
He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a silver coin, spinning it effortlessly across his knuckles.
"So, uh, nice to meet you?" Fii said, glancing nervously between him and Edith. This wasn't quite going according to plan. Fii had wanted answers. Instead, she only had more questions. She still didn't know what to make of him.
He flashed another crooked smile and extended his hand to shake. As Fii shook it, she noticed he had a large callus on his trigger finger. "The pleasure is all mine, darlin'."
The nickname set Fii on edge, and she retracted her hand quickly, crossing her arms defensively. A slight frown crossed Virgil's face, but it faded before she could discern whether or not she'd imagined it.
Virgil cleared his throat, sensing the tension. "You know, when Edith told me about you, I was curious. Not many folks willingly step into the hero role, especially in these parts."
Fii raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "What did she tell you?"
He chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Enough to pique my interest. Said you had potential, a spark. But potential can be a double-edged sword. It can lead to greatness or... well, the opposite."
Fii shifted in her seat, feeling slightly defensive. "I'm doing my best."
"I don't doubt that," Virgil replied, his tone softer. "But doing your best and knowing what you're up against are two different things."
Fii frowned, trying to decipher his meaning. "What are you getting at?"
Virgil sighed, rubbing his temples. "Look, I've been in this game a long time. Seen heroes come and go in the metropolis. Some make a real difference, others... they burn out, or worse. It's not just about having powers or wanting to do good. It's about understanding the world you're stepping into, the challenges you'll face, and the sacrifices you'll have to make."
"Sacrifices?" Fii repeated quietly.
"That's right," Virgil confirmed, his expression stern. "Making a stand for something means accepting the consequences. Sometimes those consequences can be harsh. Sometimes they can cost you everything."
Fii swallowed hard, feeling a knot form in her stomach. "I know it won't be easy. But I'm willing to try."
He nodded, seeming satisfied with her response. "Good. That's what I like to hear. I've seen plenty of young folk like yourself lose themselves in this game. Some become bitter, others give up. Neither option is healthy. People like you are the ones who can change things for the better. That starts with being prepared. And the only way to prepare is through training and experience."
Fii considered this. "Are you offering to train me?"
He snorted and shook his head. "No, I'm offering you an opportunity to train with me. Understand the difference, kiddo. There's no guarantee this will work. Training takes dedication, commitment. A lot more than most people are willing to give. Hell, I don't even know if I can do it anymore."
Edith scoffed at that. "Virgil, stop selling yourself short. You have the experience. I can vouch for that. I saw the reports. What you accomplished in the past was—"
"Yeah, yeah," he cut her off. "Maybe so. Doesn't change the fact I've spent the past several years sitting on my ass in the slums. Time has a tendency to make a man rusty. And I can't say for certain whether or not that'll work, but if you're serious about making a change, you'll accept whatever training I offer."
He paused, looking Fii straight in the eyes. "I've been watching from a distance, seeing how you handle things. You've got guts, I'll give you that."
Fii raised an eyebrow, "You've been watching me?"
Virgil chuckled, "Not in a creepy way, if that's what you're thinking. Just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. And I've gotta say, you impressed me. You've got a long way to go, but there's hope yet for you. Now, I don't make a habit of teaching people like you, but given the circumstances..." he trailed off.
Fii blinked in surprise, not expecting such high praise. She wasn't sure how to respond, so she simply nodded. "Okay, so how does this work?"
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Before we dive into the deep end, tell me a bit about yourself, Fii. What was life like before all... this?" He waved his hand vaguely, encompassing the room and, by extension, her new life.
Fii blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in tone. "Um, well, it was... normal, I guess? I mean, as normal as life can be in the slums. I did odd jobs, tried to stay out of trouble, and just... survived."
He nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Survival. It's a common theme down here. Everyone's got their own way of getting by." He paused, looking Fii directly in the eyes. "What's yours?"
She shifted uncomfortably, "I... I don't know. I just... did what I had to. I never really thought about it."
He chuckled softly, "That's fair. Most of us don't. We're too busy living in the moment, trying to make it to the next day."
The room fell silent for a moment, the only sounds coming from the ticking clock on the wall. Fii glanced over at Edith, who seemed to be lost in thought herself, staring off into space.
Finally, Virgil broke the silence as he leaned back in his chair, "You know, when I first came to the slums, I was a lot like you. Young, naive, full of hope. I thought I could change things, make a difference. And I did, for a while."
He paused, his expression becoming solemn. "But eventually, things changed. The people here, they don't always appreciate what you do for them. They take your kindness for granted and turn on you the moment they no longer have need of you. You can help as many of them as you like, but when push comes to shove, they'll choose their own self-interests over yours. And that can make someone bitter, resentful. You have to understand that before you decide to go any further."
Was he a HighRiser? Did he used to be a superhero in the metropolis? Who was this guy?
Fii squinted, studying him more carefully. The scars on his face, his rough, callused hands, and the slight limp when he walked. He didn't look like a superhero, more like a hardened gangster. There was a dangerous air about him, like he could snap at any moment. Fii had met enough of those types in the slums. She didn't trust him. And she had a sneaking suspicion that Virgil sensed that as well.
She exhaled slowly, "You've seen a lot, haven't you?"
Virgil shrugged, "Experience comes with age. And sometimes, with age comes wisdom. At least, that's the theory. In my case, I prefer to call it survival instinct."
"Is that what makes you dangerous?" she asked.
He chuckled, "Now, that would be telling. Let's just say I've lived through a lot, seen things other people haven't. That gives me a unique perspective." He smiled wryly. "And the ability to spot talent when I see it."
Fii raised an eyebrow. "Talent?"
"That’s 'right. I'm told you've got some experience using those nifty powers of yours," he commented casually, flicking his thumb over the coin. "Wanna show me?"
Fii shifted uncomfortably in her seat. What kind of introduction was this? He wanted her to perform like a trained chihuahua right off the bat? The nerve of this guy.
She held out her hand, and Virgil tossed the coin to her.
Fii caught it deftly and examined the engraving on the front. It bore a depiction of a stylized, angelic-looking woman holding a sword aloft in one hand, and a set of scales in the other. On the back, a pair of wings appeared alongside the inscription, 'Astra inclinant, sed non obligant.'
Virgil spoke without pause, "They incline us, but do not bind us. That's what that phrase means." He glanced at the coin resting in Fii's palm, a faraway look in his eyes.
She flipped the coin between her fingers. "Where did you get this?"
"Strangest place. Found it at a pawn shop." Virgil leaned back, interlacing his fingers and resting his elbows atop his knees. "Let's see what you've got, sweetheart. Don't hold back."
"My name is Fii," she retorted sharply. "Not 'darlin',' or 'sweetheart.' And I'm not some street performer you get to gawk at. Got that?"
He arched a brow in amusement. "My apologies... Fii. No offense meant. I meant no disrespect. Now, please." He gestured for her to proceed, his gaze intense.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Fii glanced to Edith for support. She shrugged in reply, apparently content to sit and watch.
She sighed and stared at the coin. She closed her hand tightly, concentrating. As she focused, she willed her ability to flow into the object. Slowly, the coin began to rise, hovering a few inches above her palm.
As the weight of the metal in her hand gradually lessened, Fii shifted her focus to controlling its movements. She maneuvered the coin between her fingers, twirling it around playfully.
All the while, she kept track of the gravity inside the coin itself, maintaining control over its orientation relative to the Earth's natural gravitational pull. The task was relatively easy, especially with something small and lightweight. Still, Fii kept her breathing steady, not daring to lose concentration. She didn't want to mess this up. Not when she had an audience.
Virgil watched in silence, his expression neutral. He didn't react, even as the coin moved into unnatural positions. Eventually, he reached out a gloved hand and snatched the coin from the air. Fii jumped in surprise. His hand had moved too fast for her to track, even with her heightened reflexes.
"Good," Virgil nodded, flipping the coin over a few times. "Your control is impressive." He pocketed the object and turned back to Fii. "How often do you use your powers? Every day? How many hours each session?"
"Every day, I guess," Fii answered, frowning. "Not sure exactly. A few hours, I think?" She glanced at Edith, who simply shrugged again in reply.
Virgil stood to his feet, dusting off his coat. "I assume you've used your power for mundane tasks, too. Increasing the gravitational pull of objects, lowering your gravity to jump higher, increasing the weight of an opponent, things like that." He paused, waiting for confirmation. "Is my assumption correct?"
"Yes," Fii admitted.
"Hmmm. Do you push yourself physically?" Virgil questioned. "You exercise regularly?"
"Um, yeah? I run, parkour, climb buildings, stuff like that. It helps keep me in shape. Gotta stay flexible and strong to be a superhero." Fii replied.
"Well, that's a plus," Virgil remarked, pacing the room. "Any formal training in hand-to-hand combat?"
Fii shook her head. "No, I learn as I go."
"Good, at least you're not relying solely on your power." He stopped abruptly, turning to face Fii. He stared directly into her eyes, his expression serious. "Tell me. What's your goal here?"
The question caught Fii off guard, and she stammered a response. "To become a superhero?"
"Why?"
The word hung heavily in the air. Fii struggled to answer. She glanced at Edith, unsure how to respond.
"What drives you to be a hero, Fii?" Virgil repeated, his eyes narrowing. "What motivates you to risk your life?"
She paused, collecting her thoughts before replying, "I want to make a difference. I want to help people. I want to protect the slums, and everyone who lives here, including myself."
"That's noble," Virgil acknowledged, resuming his pacing. "Though, you could easily achieve your goals by joining a gang and establishing yourself as their muscle. Hell, a lot of people here already do. What makes you different? What sets you apart from them?"
"How does joining a gang help people and protect the slums? That doesn't make any sense. Those guys just hurt people for their own gain," Fii retorted indignantly.
"People join gangs for all sorts of reasons. Money, power, protection, drugs, you name it. They provide stability and security, at least in their territory. And, depending on the gang, they can also act as a charity of sorts. Looking out for those less fortunate. You could argue that they do a better job of helping people than most superheroes," Virgil responded, sounding amused. "Hell, a gang might be able to help you financially. All you'd have to do is sell your soul, commit murder on command, and swear allegiance to the boss. You know, basic gang initiation stuff."
"So you're saying I should join a gang instead of being a superhero?" Fii asked, confused. "What exactly are you trying to accomplish here? Because it sure isn't helping."
"No, that's not what I'm saying, although I will admit the analogy wasn't the greatest. Sorry. Point is, there are alternatives. Even in the slums. Becoming a superhero requires sacrifice and dedication. The question is, what drives you to take that path? If you can answer that, then I can begin to work with you. If not..." Virgil trailed off, leaving the statement unfinished.
There was an uncomfortable silence after that as Fii struggled to articulate an answer. Eventually, she responded, "I don't want to be like them, okay? I'm not a murderer or a thug. I want to be a hero, and heroes save people. That's what I want to do. The only ones I'd have to hurt are the ones that deserve it."
Virgil scoffed. "Heroism is a loaded concept, kid. Like I said, some folks would describe gang members as heroes, too, if you ask them. After all, they protect their turf, keep the peace, provide security. That's basically what a superhero does, isn't it?"
Fii didn't respond. His argument infuriated her. She couldn't deny his logic, but he was wrong. Dead wrong. There had to be a distinction. It wasn’t the same.
He went on, "Everyone sees their situation through their own lens. Gangsters consider themselves to be heroic figures because they do what needs to be done to survive and protect their interests. You think your motives are purer, so you assign a moral halo effect to yourself. That's an illusion. We're all just rationalizing our actions to fit our desired outcome. It's called cognitive dissonance."
"I don't know what that word means, but you sound like an asshole," Fii snapped, growing annoyed.
Virgil laughed. "Maybe, but I'm also right. Anyways, I'll just go along with what you said. You want to be a hero...ideally. So tell me, have you ever killed anyone?"
The question caught Fii off guard. "N-no. Of course not! I'm not a killer!"
Virgil raised his hands placatingly, "Easy there, sweet—uh, Fii. Just wanted to be sure. Given your circumstances, you'd be surprised at the number of heroes who do."
"Then what's this about?" Fii demanded, "Why would you ask me something like that?"
"Because," Virgil answered, his expression turning serious. "If you plan to continue playing the part of a superhero, you need to understand what that entails. In the slums, the only law is survival of the fittest. And sometimes, that means getting your hands dirty. You grew up here so you should know that."
"I do know that, but that doesn't mean I can kill people, that's..." Fii protested, but Virgil cut her off.
"Doing what's necessary to protect yourself and others isn't murder, Fii," he argued firmly, "It's called survival. If someone tries to hurt you, or someone else, and you have the opportunity to stop them, then you should. Not because you enjoy it, or because you're trying to play a hero. You do it because you have to, because that's what's required. Everything else is just excuses."
He paused, letting the words sink in, "The only way you'll last as a hero, Fii, is if you acknowledge the truth of things. If you can't, you won't survive. And you can't bring real change unless you do. Because, once you enter that role, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes. Whatever it takes, understand?"
The silence stretched for what seemed an eternity before Fii finally nodded in agreement.
Virgil settled back into his seat. He continued, "You must also be aware of your own moral compass. Can you tell the difference between good and evil, or is everything black and white in your mind? You might think you can, but experience has a funny way of changing your perspective."
Fii raised an eyebrow, curious, "What do you mean?"
Virgil sighed, "Being a superhero involves making hard decisions, and sometimes, you won't always be sure what's right or wrong. Sometimes, you can't always pick one or the other."
She blinked, unsure of his meaning. "I don't understand."
"Let me put it this way. There are three kinds of people in this world, kid: sheep, wolves, and shepherds. Which do you think you are?"
"I'm not a sheep, that's for damn sure," Fii snapped.
"Good," Virgil replied, smiling faintly. "Keep that fire. It'll serve you well."
He resumed pacing, his voice becoming somber. "Some folks are sheep. They're the innocents of the world, minding their own business and keeping their heads down. Sometimes, they get preyed upon. That's not their fault. They didn't ask for that. The true shame lies in those who take advantage of the innocent for their own benefit."
"Wolves," Fii guessed, following his train of thought.
"That’s right," Virgil said, nodding. "The majority of people can be classified as wolves. They're selfish and greedy. They have no qualms exploiting others, stealing what they can't earn, and killing for sport. If not for shepherds, they'd go unchecked. And trust me, kid, the world doesn't need more shepherds. It needs fewer wolves."
"What am I supposed to do with any of this?" Fii asked, exasperated. "Why are you telling me all this?"
"To prove a point, of course," he responded, stopping to face her. He raised one hand and tapped his chest twice, emphasizing his words. "Everyone has the capacity for evil, kid. No matter how much you try to deny it. Whether it be murder or theft or exploitation—it's a part of our nature. Deep down, we all have a little wolf inside. And if given the chance, the opportunity, the temptation—that inner wolf comes out. That's why I asked you, what makes you any different? What's going to stop you from becoming the next gang boss? The next Big Bad Wolf?"
Fii was speechless. This guy had a way of throwing her for a loop. She didn't like where this conversation was going, and she didn't like the direction in which his reasoning pointed.
"Because I'm a shepherd!" Fii blurted angrily, throwing up her hands. "Okay? Is that what you want to hear? I'm here to help people. To keep the wolves in check. To stop more people from ending up like..." she trailed off, suddenly realizing what she'd been about to say. She hesitated, unsure of whether to finish her sentence.
Virgil stared at her for a moment, studying her features intently. His expression softened slightly. "Like you." He finished her sentence for her, his tone gentle. "End up like you. Or maybe, like your parents?"
Fii stiffened, a lump forming in her throat. She bit her lower lip hard, swallowing back tears. Her gaze fell to the floor.
"I know, kid," he said quietly, putting a hand on her shoulder. "And that's admirable. It truly is. But it's also impossible. Don't believe for a second you aren't a wolf too. You have the capacity for violence, for ruthlessness. It's a matter of circumstance."
He released his grip, walking past her to where Edith sat. "When faced with a choice, what will you do? That's the million ChitCred question. And until you have the answer, you shouldn't be calling yourself a shepherd, let alone a hero."
Fii sniffled, wiping at her eyes.
Virgil didn't speak for a moment. He appeared to be mulling something over before he continued, "If you truly want to make a change in this world, if you genuinely want to help people, then you must become more than just a shepherd. You must become a predator. A lion among a flock of sheep. And in order to hunt effectively, you have to train your instincts and hone your skills. Because no matter how good your intentions, the world isn't interested in what you want. It cares what you're willing to do."
The room fell quiet, leaving only the sound of the ticking clock and the soft hum of machines outside the door. Fii couldn't bring herself to look at him. Instead, she kept her gaze fixed on the floor, staring at a single spot on the tiled surface.
He waited patiently, giving her time to process everything. After a minute, he finally broke the silence. "What are you prepared to sacrifice for the sake of others, Fii? Can you withstand the hard choices and do what's necessary to protect the sheep? Because believe me, when the moment of truth arrives, you'll find that there are no shepherds anymore. Only predators, and prey. And sometimes, the lines between the two grow very, very blurred."
Fii didn't know what to say. She kept her mouth shut, unable to formulate a reply.
"That's enough, Virgil," Edith interjected, placing a hand on Fii's shoulder. "I brought her here so she could learn from you, not to be lectured and criticized."
Virgil scoffed and turned his back to them both, facing the opposite wall. "You're mistaken, Doc. You don't want her to learn. You want her to succeed. There's a huge difference between the two. And the sooner she learns the truth, the better."
He paused, shaking his head before looking back at Fii. "Look. If you're willing to put in the effort, if you're willing to walk down the path I set before you—and it won't be easy—then I will help you become a hero who's fit for the slums. But in exchange, you must accept what I'm offering. If you can't, if you choose instead to live in denial and play pretend, then you'll end up either dead, or worse—become just another Big Bad Wolf. And you don't want that, 'cause I specialize in hunting 'em."
Fii opened her mouth, trying to respond. Nothing came out. Her mind reeled, still processing everything he'd said. She glanced over at Edith, desperately seeking support.
Edith met her gaze and patted her head gently. "Take your time. I know it's a lot to absorb."
Virgil sighed and nodded slowly. "It's fine. Take the rest of the day to think it over. I'll be waiting at the police station. It's your choice to make, kid. Yours alone."
With a final tip of his hat, he strode towards the door, disappearing into the darkness beyond.
After taking some time to calm herself, Fii let out a sigh and closed her eyes, slumping against the chair. It wasn't exactly the best introduction, but at the very least, she now understood a bit more about her mysterious mentor. Maybe not the type of person she initially hoped he'd be, but at least he was honest.
Edith gripped Fii's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't let him bother you. Virgil tends to speak his mind, even when he shouldn't. He has his reasons."
"Who was that, anyway?" Fii asked, staring at the empty doorway.
"You ever heard of a guy called 'Backfire'?" Edith inquired.
Fii's eyes widened. "Wait...he's Backfire?!"
Who hadn't heard of that name? He was some legendary vigilante, years and years back who was kicked out of the metropolis. Then he tried setting up a police force in the slums before disappearing and becoming a ghost story. The guys who ran protection rackets around the marketplaces all came from his disbanded posse, so people said. But what the hell was someone like that doing in Edith's clinic?
"Yeah," Edith confirmed, letting go of Fii's shoulder and stepping back. "He's one of the few people in the slums who can help you become what you want. Even if he won't admit it."
"He seemed kinda angry at me..." Fii mused. "Did I do something wrong?"
Edith smiled sadly. "No, you didn't. You were just unlucky enough to remind him of his past. That's all. Don't worry, though. He really does want to train you. He wouldn't have bothered coming here otherwise."
"Why can't he just say it then? He didn't have to act like such an asshole." Fii complained, crossing her arms. She couldn't stand arrogant, know-it-all jerks. Especially ones who took every opportunity to act superior.
Edith patted her arm comfortingly. "Virgil's been through a lot, Fii. Give him some slack. I promise he'll come around once he sees your potential. He's just a bit rough around the edges."
Fii remained unconvinced but dropped the issue. If she argued further, she might risk offending the infamous Backfire. And that seemed like a terrible idea.
She sighed. "I thought I was done with all the training..."
"Think of it as... continuing your education," Edith suggested, giving her a half-hearted grin. "Just stick with it for now and see what happens. He may be a jerk at times, but Virgil knows what he's talking about. If he says he can make you better, he can. Trust me."
"If you say so," Fii acquiesced. "But if he keeps being rude, I'm not gonna put up with it."
"Fair enough," Edith agreed. "Just give him a chance, okay? For me. Please?"
Fii looked into her pleading eyes and couldn't bring herself to refuse. "Okay...I'll do my best."