Spirit of Hope

Chapter 8: The Heart of The Brigades

These words echoed in the faint distance.

“Time”

“Passion”

“Help”

They grew louder and more insistent.

“PASSASION.”

“PROTECT”

“STAND

These noises surrounded him, becoming a chaotic mess of words.

“Time” “KILL” “Protect”

“Passion” “PROTECT” “Kill”

“PROTECT,". "HELP, “STAND”

“REALITY” “FIGHT”

With a sudden gasp, his eyes snapped open. The white ceiling and the sound of a heart monitor immediately fill the room. He looks around, everything blurry and out of place.

“Whe..where…am..I?” He thought, slowly standing up.

He hears an automatic sliding door open on his right side.

“You're awake.” A friendly girl's voice says. “I know you're probably a little dazed, but I need to run some quick tests.”

She then walks towards the left side of the room, picking up various tools and then making her way to him.

“I’m going to shine this in your eye.” She said,

She gently opens his eyes and shines a bright light that blinds him.

As she pulls away the light, his vision slowly begins to unblur, revealing a girl with dark brown hair that goes past her shoulders. Her face is slim and has a hint of Asian features. Her eyes are dark brown to accommodate her hair.

“Who are you? And where am I?” Sohjin asked.

Her face lit up, and she had a big smile on her face. “You are in the Floren Hospital Clinic; it’s for superheroes like you who don’t want their identity to be public. My name is Hailey, and I’ll be taking care of you.” She said, slowly leaning in, and added, “But you can call me Hygeia.”

“Got..it.” Sohjin slowly nodded.

“The hell is she? Why did she just give me her identity like that?” He thought.

“You're probably wondering why I gave my identity; well, it’s because if Hamza and Jack gave out their identities, I know I can trust you with mine. Oh, this reminds me of a time—” She continued yapping about random things.

“She’s just going on and on; if I stay here any longer, I think I’m going to die of boredom.” Sohjin thought

“I was waiting for my smoothie at the market and basically—” Suddenly there was a knock at the door, and the sliding doors opened, and Hamza walked through.

“Hamza! how's it been?” She happily asked.

“I’ve been great, coming in to check on Sohjin, and here he is awake.” He said.

“Right right… If you want to check him out, I will need you to sign a few sheets and... I forgot to pay yall back for the burger. They were the most amazing burgers I’ve ever had in my life." Hailey is interrupted by Hamza, who says, “I'm going to stop you there. Remember what we talked about; limit the talking.”

“Sorry, I get so excited, and Sohjin is my first patient.” She said it with a big smile on her face.

"Yeah, I know,” Hamza says, handing in the sheets.

Hamza slowly gets up, "Alright, let’s go, Sohjin; let’s get you changed, and to HQ we go.”

“HQ?” He said his eyes widened in excitement. He turns and looks at Hailey and smiles.

“HQ is amazing, by the way.” She shrieked.

Sohjin smiles and walks out the door with Hamza. Into a giant reception area with various different superheroes.

"Well, isn’t she just a big ball of energy, huh?” Sohjin jokes.

"Yeah, just wait til you meet CJ; he’s the polar opposite.” Hamza smiled. “Lockers are in here to the left. Oh, and take this; this tells you what locker it is.” Hamza said, handing Sohjin a white piece of paper and clothes. “Your stuff should be in there. I’ll be outside waiting when you're done.”

Sohjin nodded and went into the lockers. The lockers were small and had hundreds of different lockers spread around the room. With around 10 rows of lockers. Sohjin looks at the paper and makes his way towards A-1.

He looks down the aisles with superheroes, some laughing or chattering and others moving with urgency. He finally makes it to Aisle A and opens his locker to find a plastic bag holding all his belongings. He grabs his belongings and goes into the bathroom to change.

Once inside, He dumps out everything—his phone and his destroyed suit. His torn suit catches his eye. He reaches over, picks it up, and examines it.

“Alex is gonna kill me.” He mutters, running his hands through the fabric. The burn mark and blood stains remind him of what happened; his mind flashes through quickly.

“Weird I remember having a sword.” He said, scratching his head.

He shrugs it off, takes his costume, puts his clothes on, and leaves the hospital. Outside, he spots Hamza with sunglasses and a black leather jacket paired with cargos leaning on his Honda.

“There you are.” Hamza said, opening the passenger door.

They both get in and go on their way. The first few minutes of the ride were awkward. The only sound was the loud AC that froze anyone who dared to step in.

“Soo what’s at HQ?” Sohjin asked, breaking the silence.

“My team. The team that saved us a few days back.” Hamza responded.

“Few days? Wait, how long have I been out?” Sohjin questioned

“Hailey didn’t tell you?” Hamza asked in a demanding tone.

Sohjin shook his head no.

“Damn, well you’ve been out for 5 days.”

“5 DAYS!”

“Yup, your body is still getting used to this.”

“Is anyone else still hospitalized!?”

“No just you, the others had minor injuries. It’s funny because Hailey said when she was treating you, you were mumbling to yourself about fighting and some other random things, and on top of that you would emit fire but I don’t know how true that is. Hailey tends to exaggerate.” Hamza says, laughing it off.

“I’m honestly shocked you weren’t being crushed by your own Seishin, especially when..when you had that Guardian power up” Hamza stated.

Sohjin’s heart skips a beat, “Guardian, how did you know? Are you a guardian?”

Hamza loosens his grip on the steering wheel. “No, but we have 2 people on the team who are guardians”

“There’s others like me?” Sohjin asked, his eyes were big like a puppy.

“Yes, and they can help you. Help you control your powers and learn to trust your guardian, but this is all your choice. Training and being a superhero is your choice. Nobody is forcing this on you, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t.” Hamza said.

Sohjin slumped into his seat and contemplated this decision.

“I’ll think about it.” Sohjin smiled.

“Take your time in the meantime, let’s go meet the team,” Hamza said.

Sometime later, they pulled up to 2 abandoned apartment tower buildings connected via a bridge.

Sohjin frowns and looks at Hamza then back at the buildings. The buildings had graffiti that covered the buildings with different names and symbols.

Hamza looks at Sohjin who is practically shaking his head in disappointment.

“Yeah, I know what you're thinking, this place is a dump. Just wait til you enter.” He said, holding the door for Sohjin.

As Sohjin walks in, his face changes from disappointment to awestruck. From the entrance, the entire room is white with a reception counter by an elevator. A few benches stood in the middle of the room.

“Yeah, that's everyone’s reactions when they first walk in.” Hamza commented. “This place may look like a dump on the outside but on the inside it’s mind blowing, the only graffiti were some weird markings.”

They both walk up to the only reception counter, where an older man sits, typing away at a computer. He glances up, with a polite smile.

“Hello, Mr. Rayzen, how has your day been?” He asks, in a soothing and professional voice.

“It’s been pretty good thank you for asking. Before I forget, I need you to make a card for my friend here. Sohjin Teca.” Hamza says, leaning on the counter.

“Hi, nice to meet you.” Sohjin greeted, reaching out his hand.

“The pleasure is mine Sohjin, my name is Arthur .” He says, shaking his hand. “I’ll start working on Mr Teca’s card as soon as possible.”

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Hamza and Sohjin walk to the elevator, where Hamza scans his card below the up and down buttons. As the elevator came down, Hamza made his way back to the reception counter.

“I’ll be there soon, hold on.” Hamza says, leaning on the counter again.

He leans in closer towards Arthur, “Has Reagan checked in at?” He whispers.

Arthur paused for a moment, running his fingers through his white goatee. “No, not yet, I'm sorry.”

Hamza’s eyes narrowed for a second, “Damn.” He muttered under his breath. “Keep this between me and you. And let me know when he comes.” Hamza said, making his way back towards Sohjin. “Thank you Arthur.”

“Reagan check ins have been later and later. I’m getting worried.” He let out a long sigh.”On the other hand, he’s always been this way so I’m sure it’s nothing and I’m just working myself up.” Hamza thought about walking into the clear elevator, pressing floor 12.

“So…what was that all about,” Sohjin asked, leaning into the bars.

“Nothing, just a late check-up.” Hamza replied.

The elevator takes off and shoots up. Thanks to the clear glass, various training sets, housing and floors dedicated to lockers. Finally, they arrive at their destination. The door slowly creaked open revealing a dimly lit space with a light hanging over a large oval table that sat in the middle of the room with 7 chairs on each side and one large chair that sat at the end of the table that faced a large computer screen. On top of the table laid different cups and papers with a worn down symbol that dominated the middle of the table.

Sohjin looked around in awe, his eyes were on a swivel as he looked at every nook and cranny. His mind was blown and could wrap his head around the fact that this is real and his friend was a superhero for all this time.

Hamza made his way past the table, his hands glided across each chair. Finally, he made it to the computer screen, turned it on and typed away.

“Hey Hamza.” Sohjin called out, he was holding a heavy medal trophy that was in the shape of a globe with words at the base of the trophy that read “Flores Most Reliable.”

Hamza replied with a smile and continued typing away. Sohjin’s body lit up with electricity and he dashed next to Hamza.

“Woah what is this?” Sohjin said, looking at the computer screen with different lines that connected with different notes.

“This is notes on the leads we have on our new friends.” Hamza said.

“So.. was this your first time seeing them as well?” Sohjin asked.

“Yeah..we’ve been hearing rumors and stories about them. The only person that has even come close to meeting them is Ryker..but that was with Volcon a few months back and his connection with the Rogues was unknown at the time.”

“Why do you think they are showing themselves now..and why at the school?”

“To be honest I know just as much as you. My guess is they sensed your presence. You're a new guardian, they must’ve wanted to take your powers or something. I’m glad we got to you first.”

“You think they’re still out for me?”

“Most definitely, you should lay low for a little bit. Until you learn to control your powers.” Hamza smirked

“I didn’t really anticipate that someone would be chosen within a week's span of the news.” Hamza thought. “Whatever the hell is going on..we need to figure it out fast.”

Suddenly the elevator door opened, and two people walked out. On the right a male no older than Sohjin who had short length straight hair with hair that flipped up in the front with warm beige skin tone took off his glasses revealing his brown Filipino eyes and placed his glasses into his white shirt that matched with his gray cargo pants.

Behind him followed a small girl around the same age as Sohjin with long hair that went past her shoulders, her hair was brown with blonde highlights that caught Sohjin’s eye. She had a big nose but it went unnoticed from her unique almond shaped eyes.

“Hey what’s up Hamza.” The man said, his eyes flickered at Sohjin.

“Ahh, you must be Sohjin, nice to meet you. I'm CJ.” Cj said, holding out his hand.

“Yeah..nice to meet you too.” Sohjin awkwardly said, with a large smile on his face.

“Hey, I’m Daisy, it's nice to meet you..awake this time.” She chuckled, shaking his hand.

Sohjin, who was surprised, laughed, “You guys were the ones that saved us! Thank you.”

“No worries, It’s our job.” Cj smiled.

“By the way, what’s your hero name?” Sohjin questioned.

Cj looked at Hamza, who had a confrontation. Hamza locked eyes with Cj and gave him a nod.

“The name Scorn.”

“And I’m Luna.”

“My name is Spectre.”

They all shook their heads and looked at each other in silence.

“So are you planning on participating in the tournament next weekend?” Luna mentioned, finally breaking the awkward silence.

“Tournament?” Sohjin looked at her confused.

She looked back and nudged Hamza, “You haven’t told him.”

“Didn’t exactly have the time.” He replied.

She rolled her eyes and continued, “Anyways the tournament is called Tournament of Snakes and it has around 20 players in a small abandoned town. It’s really fun and some of the fights are entertaining.”

“Wait, I think I’ve heard of this before. It’s the one on TV right?” Sohjin asked.

“No, that’s the Super Foundation one, it has less players and way harder to get into with hella strong opponents. Those are called the Entry SP Art tournament.” She added, “but don’t worry these fights will make you stronger. It's a really good training session.”

“Yeah and if you get top 5 you can automatically join us without doing the basic training missions, which takes MONTHS.” Hamza said, turning off the computer.

“What do you think Sohjin. You in?” Luna said.

Sohjin looked at everyone and let out a deep breath.

“Only if I can use my keeper.” He smiled.

Daisy stared at him blankly and Cj who was sat in the chair, took his feet off the desk and looked at Sohjin.

“Uhh..Did…I say something wrong?” Sohjin asked, in a concerned tone.

“Your…a guardian?” Cj glared.

Sohjin looks at Hamza with a look of confusion. His eyes signal for him to help.

“Yeah?” Sohjin responded, “Did Hamza not tell you guys?”

Sohjin looked back at Hamza who was leaning on the desk with his arms crossed and face down.

“No, I didn’t tell them and I was planning on making sure you were really a guardian and this wasn’t something else.” Hamza finally answered. “I did it to keep you safe, right now you have a large target on your back.”

“What’s your keeper's name?” Cj asked.

“Ms Magic.”

“You think you can summon her right now?”

“Yeah of course.” Sohjin confidently answered, backing away from everybody.

He slowly raised his right hand and placed it over his face. His palm began glowing and sparkling with energy. Daisy and Cj leaned in closer as energy sparked off his face.

“MS MAGIC!!” Sohjin cried, and threw his left arm by his side.

Nothing happened.

Daisy and Cj exchanged a look of disbelief.

“Nice parlor trick,” Cj muttered, his voice laced with frustration. “Would you stop messing around and show us.” Cj said.

Sohjin’s eyes flared with determination. He clenched his fist and threw his hand against his face and tried once more, but still nothing.

“I don't..get it…I can’t do it, for some reason.” He muttered, staring at the floor.

“You and Hamza are full of shit.” Daisy chuckled and rolled her eyes at Sohjin and Hamza.

“Come to think about it, I haven’t heard Ms Magic's voice at all.” Sohjin thought, looking at the ground sadly.

“Weird…he should’ve been able to summon his keeper. His seishin levels returned to normal, there’s no reason why he wouldn’t be able to summon her.” Cj said to himself, glaring at Sohjin. “Something’s not right.”

“You’ve been awfully silent Hamza, would you mind throwing light on the situation.” Daisy asked, placing her hand on his shoulder.

“Yeah, sorry just thinking. Sohjin you mind going down to the lobby real quick.” Hamza smiled.

Sohjin nodded and walked towards the clear elevator and pressed the cold down arrow.

“So, this guy is a guardian?” Daisy said.

“Yup.” Hamza replied.

“And you're certain he is?” Daisy said.

“Daisy, he quite literally rose from the dead with his keeper by his side. His Seishin levels shot through the roof and his soul force gave off a sense that only a guardian would.” Hamza said.

“Weird, his guardian powers just refuse to work right now.” Daisy added.

“Yeah it is weird, maybe his body hasn’t gotten a chance to fully adapt to his guardian, or maybe what you saw and felt wasn’t a guardian.” Cj noted.

“Or maybe it’s dormant and needs to be drawn out.” Hamza said. “But Skip all that for now and let’s get down to the real question. Are we gonna let him participate in the tournament and join the team?” Hamza brought up.

“That’s a little far fetched Hamza. You're really fine with letting someone we barely know into the team?” Cj said.

“You and Jack are the only ones who know him.” Daisy added.

“I know it’s a gamble but imagine his potential. if he learned how to utilize his powers. He could help us stop the Rogues and whatever they’re planning!”

“Potential doesn’t mean anything if he can’t control it. Like you said before he has a target on his back. He’s a threat to the team, to our lives at that.” Cj argued, standing up from his chair.

Daisy frowned. “You're right, but we shouldn’t leave him out for the Rogues to get him. He’ll need our help.”

Hamza let a long sigh out, “Look bro, let’s let him participate in the tournament as a test. If he doesn’t place atleast top 5 we’ll cut him.”

Daisy glared at Cj, who was conflicted with ideas. “Fine, but don’t let your emotions cloud your final judgment.” Cj said.

Cj stood up and walked into the elevator and left. Hamza sighed. “Cj, Cj…” he whispered, “Do you mind getting Sohjin for me? I need to contact the rest of the team and sign him up for the tournament.”

Daisy nodded and made her way to the lobby. As the doors opened, Sohjin had his hands in his pockets looking around.

“Hey what’s up.” He smiled, tapping his foot on the ground.

“Nothing much, just delivering some news.” Daisy replied.

Sohjin’s smile slowly faded, “I heard bits and parts of the conversation. I’m guessing it’s about me joining the team.”

“Yeah and we’ve decided that you can join the team only by proving yourself in the tournament.” Daisy said, the tone of her voice had a hint of concern.

Sohjins face instantly brightened up. “Alright! Thank you!”

Daisy couldn’t help but smile at his excitement. “You can go home now. Be careful, we’ll contact you when we’re ready to start training you. Which will be soon.”

Sohjin thanked Daisy and hurried towards the door, putting on his mask and dashed away.

Daisy turned around and went back into the elevator and pressed the floor 8. The door opened, revealing a large room with a row of windows that peered down below. Underneath the windows was a large computer that activated a training simulation. Daisy peeked through the window and saw Cj fighting holograms of criminals.

She took a left and went down a set of stairs that went to the training room.

“That was pretty intense back there.” Daisy called out.

Cj finished fighting the last set of holograms, he swung his sword wildly and flipped out of the way of incoming attacks. Once he defeated the last hologram he said, “Sim off.” The fake area suddenly disappeared.

“Hamza, doesn’t seem to understand that he poses a threat.” Cj said.

“Yeah, but he needs training. We can’t just leave him to die. We’re hero’s our job is to help people not abandon them.” Daisy mentioned.

“And what if protecting people means keeping him away?” He snapped, turning away from her and walked towards the door. “We can’t save everyone. You know that.”

Daisy shook her head and before he could leave she portaled herself in front of him.

“You know I’m right.” She said, she placed her hands on her hips and made a I-told-you so face.

“What do you want me to say, that your right? you know my ego won’t let me.” He joked, slowly loosening up.

Daisy raised her eyebrows and had a playful smile.

“Yeah, maybe I only said it to rile you up.” She teased, playfully hitting him.

His eyes met her eyes as they both laughed, “You know I’d never hear the end of it from you if I backed down.”

Daisy continued laughing and shook her head and turned herself to walk with Cj.

Outside, The bright sun shone down on the city, as Sohjin traveled through the city trying to make it to his house.

“Can’t believe I’m actually joining.” He thought, running across the side of a building.

“I know I can get in. The only thing I’m worried about is Ms Magic.”

“I haven’t heard from her all day. Something must be wrong.” He said, glaring at his hand.

He nervously dived off the building and continued dashing away, leaping from roof to roof and running on the side of buildings when necessary.

“Ms Magic? Are you there?” He called out, but no one answered. The only noise that filled the air was the sound of the alive city below him.

“Nothing, dammit, just like at HQ. This has to be a test. This has to be it. But what would she be testing me for? Worthiness?”

Suddenly these words began to echo in his head

“Being a superhero is your choice.”

“Why do you want to become a superhero?”

“Damn…why? Why should I train? Is it for the thrill or am I lying to myself about wanting this life—” Sohjin stopped, his mind flickering through all his current battles. “…No! I want to be a hero, this is now my responsibility, my burden, I have to become stronger if people like the Rogues can just show up and destroy anything they please, someone has to put a stop to them.”

With that thought, he launched himself through the air. He flung in the air his clothes rippled and tugged at him.

“It's just like dad said ‘When you have the power to protect, it’s no longer your choice, it’s a duty. Being a hero is about standing up when no one else will, no matter the costs.”

“Whatever test this is..I’ll be ready!” Spectre says, his eyes flicking with determination as he dashed into the air.

The end, for now of course.

NEXT:

CHAPTER 9: SPIRIT OF HOPE

Training Begins