The Texan Hero Network considers a power as; a special ability that enables one to battle with a high level of proficiency [https://img.wattpad.com/7564c9079a828217375f5f3ec8fa50b7814768c4/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f387653474a486257453271756d773d3d2d313334313136363031372e313736336132336164623937633039393838343634393431333633372e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

The Texan Hero Network considers a power as; a special ability that enables one to battle with a high level of proficiency. Typically, but not always, a power presents as a superhuman skill granted by natural mutations, radioactive exposure, alien origins, magical animals, etcetera.

Given that definition, it should be possible for unpowered citizens to become heroes, provided that they hone their physical attributes to the peak of human ability. But realistically, that's not what happens.

The Network has a serious bias against unpowered heroes—rarely, if ever contracting them. The exception would be Massasauga, Jay's new partner and one of the few unpowered heroes in Houston.

Normally, this story of overcoming the odds would be inspiring, but given the circumstances, it just makes Jay more bitter. He sighs as he peers out of the window of the sportscar, ready for this day to be over already.

Massasauga laughs, taking a sharp turn that slams Jay's head against the window. "What's wrong kid? You mad you got assigned to a powerless super?"

"What's wrong kid? You mad you got assigned to a powerless super?" [https://img.wattpad.com/a9a7e18a2274e93e67176628289c08e9f423b442/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f312d4671634f4473643238736d673d3d2d313334313136363031372e313736373334656336663030383161333532393234343935353431382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

"What's wrong kid? You mad you got assigned to a powerless super?" [https://img.wattpad.com/8176d02f0cd2ca15410fc89f15859bbc9696fb94/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f536769684e6459567a68316939673d3d2d313334313136363031372e313738653664623864323731326663623232393433363336383031382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

The sidekick rubs the sore spot on his temple, grimacing. "Not at all, Massasauga. You already know that my power is pretty low on the strength scale. It would be hypocritical for me to be upset over that..."

The hooded man smirks. "Oh? Who pissed in your cornflakes then?"

Jay gives a weak smile, darting his eyes away. "Just ignore me, it's nothing important..."

"Well, brighten up. This is an amazing opportunity—I've been looking for a sidekick and if you play your cards right, you just might earn the position."

Jay grimaces. He really, really hopes not. The truth is that it's not Massasauga's lack of powers that's bothering him. It's that the man was only accepted into the Network because he's a billionaire.

That's right—Massasauga's secret identity is actually the CEO of Astronotech, Elan Dempsey.

This time it wasn't a flimsy disguise that gave the hero away. No, Massasauga had an actually semi-sensible outfit; The sidekick particularly liked the nifty little utility belt and durable gloves—he studies them intensely, thinking about how to spend his next paycheck...

Rather, the problem is it's just obvious who the snake-themed hero is considering he has access to some absolutely ludicrous equipment. Jay ponders on the state-of-the-art electric cars, themed helicopters, and amazing never-before-seen-weapons...the only person who could afford such luxuries was Mr. Dempsey.

Sure, Astronotech was the hero's sponsor, but there's a difference between plastering Massasuga's face on their rocket shuttles and dedicating an insane amount of money to providing the man with so many bank-breaking gadgets.

Also...both Massasauga and Elan Dempsey have the same smarmy-looking smirk and tendency to talk down on others. So yeah, Jay is about ninety percent sure they're the same person.

If that's the case though, a disturbing fact comes to light; Elan Dempsy makes generous donations through Astronotech to the Network each year...understandably, Jay is a little miffed that it took him so long to get to where he is with powers and extensive physical training, yet this trust fund baby can just buy his way into hero work.

Still, he holds his bitterness in. The Network is testing his resolve by pairing him with this arrogant man, he's sure. After receiving a hefty amount of feedback from his time with Aquarikid, the sidekick is eager to prove that it's not him who's the issue.

At least, he hopes it's not just him...

So as they pull up to the wreckage, he plasters on a cheery smile for the cameras.

He hates talking to reporters, but thankfully there's not much to say. They're just here to promote the Network and clean up the damage done by Hurrikate.

Though it's a mostly self-serving act, their appearance here has helped stir up a lot of volunteers. The most dedicated of the fans even buy the expensive premium passes which go to support the affected families...so Jay isn't too upset as he surveys the crowd. At least they would be spending the day productively, instead of just sitting on their asses for hours.

Or so the sidekick thinks. What really happens is Jay is put to work moving rubble and sweeping broken glass while his partner lazes about—multitudes of fanboys praising every move the hero makes.

After an hour of this torture, Jay is twitching with the urge to mouth off. He's fantasizing about insulting the hero's impractical and gaudy yellow cape, snapping everyone out of their nonsensical devotion to the subpar hero.

But the sidekick resolves to stuff his mouth with free refreshments and cheap cookies instead. He storms over to the break tent, guzzling down something green, acidic, and sugary when someone taps on his shoulder.

Irritated, Jay turns around to see the beaming face of Gannet.

The villain is wearing PPE, his hair tied back and covered with what appears to be a wet cat-patterned bandanna. He must be here to participate in the cleanup, Jay figures. Normally, this would make his day worse. But the sidekick is grateful for the distraction for once—better a theatrical villain than a detestable hero.

Jay smiles, swallowing the last of his drink before lowering the bottom of his mask. "Hi Gannet, nice to see you again. Are you here to help out?"

The villain wipes some sweat off his brow, nodding. "I saw you were here and decided to come help too."

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

Internally, Jay laughs at the irony. A villain here to help a hero fix what another villain broke? It was ridiculous. Though the sidekick had to admit, Gannet was really dedicated to his plan to deceive Jay.

The two of them chat for a moment as he catches his breath, muscles aching from the long day already. But the rest doesn't last long as soon, Massasauga is stomping over with an irritated look on his face.

The man gives an arrogant grin as his eyes flick to Gannet. "Hi there, thanks for coming out. I really appreciate all my fans coming to support me. If you could just excuse us for a moment—just need to borrow my sidekick for a second..."

The villain tilts his head, dark bangs brushing over his eyes. "Is there an emergency?"

Massasauga laughs. "No, no. I just need to talk to him..."

"Then buzz off," Gannet growls. "The sign said that we get to talk to our favorite hero if we paid for the premium pass. I'm getting my money's worth."

Both Jay and Massasauga's eyes widen at the sudden show of vitriol.

It seems Massasauga isn't taking it well, tensing as he crosses his arms. "You realize he's my sidekick, right?"

Gannet's gaze hardens, giving the man an icy smile with narrowed eyes. The look is so menacing that Jay wonders if anyone else will suddenly make the connection that Gannet is Stygian.

"He's the sidekick, but you're the one with no powers. Or wait, is your power being a sponsor for a shitty car company that employs slave labor?"

Jay has to hold back laughter as his partner's eyes grow wide with rage.

"Astronotech creates the highest-end cars, vehicles, weapons, and—"

Gannet interrupts with a scoff. "Yet they still can't figure out flying cars. Don't act as if you haven't seen that video where their latest model lands directly on top of a child-sized dummy...Dempsey is a crook—no wonder you like him so much."

Massasauga opens and closes his mouth a few times, seemingly searching for the right words through an enraged haze. Finally, the man breathes deeply, clenching his fists. "Security!"

Gannet tenses as burly men come at the hero's call. "I paid to be here!"

Massasauga laughs. "You didn't pay enough, I guess."

The villain is dragged away, fuming as he passionately berates the hero. Jay frowns, worried for a moment that the man is going to explode into a ball of sharp-tipped shadows.

While Jay doesn't particularly desire the presence of the villain, he grits his teeth, recognizing that Massasauga's actions are not driven by anything noble. Instead, the hero is only interested in defending his own fragile ego...it makes the sidekick's blood boil.

With the distraction gone now, the billionaire can now direct his anger at Jay. He narrows his eyes, baring his teeth. "You were supposed to stay with me, not chat up my fans."

The sidekick balls his fists, trying to control his temper. "I was just taking a break while you were...preoccupied. But it doesn't even matter, he's not your fan—he just said he was here to see me."

Massasauga huffs, eyes rolling. "If that's really the case, he's more delusional than you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean, do you really think you're cut out for hero work? You have no presence, no gimmick, no fans, no merch—I find it hard to believe you even have any powers." The man leans forward, nearly brow-to-brow with Jay. "I mean, you have enhanced intellect, but only as much as Pixamena's pet poodle. It's pathetic that they even count it as a power and not just a neat party trick."

Jay grits his teeth. "Pixiepuff is a pomeranian...but regardless, being a hero is more than just stats, it's about saving people. "

Massasauga is about to respond, no doubt with some scathing remark, when both of their phones buzz in unison. Immediately, they both answer the call. Darius is projected in front of them, looking as calm and collected as ever.

"Hello Massasauga, Quickwit. You're needed once again."

Jay nods, already mentally preparing for a fight... "What's the situation?"

"Stygian is dismantling Astronotech's latest project, the Jupiter III, with his powers. Apprehend him and minimize the damage."

Massasauga tenses. "He's what?!"

Jay runs to the car, covering his mouth so none of the laughter can escape. Was Gannet so hilariously petty that he would really target Massasauga's sponsor? As they approach Astronotech's headquarters, it's confirmed that yes, he is that petty.

Stygian is using his shadows to fling electric vehicles at the shuttle haphazardly, seeming to enjoy the bright explosions as the lithium batteries burst into balls of fire.

Massasauga looks dismayed, hands balled into fists. "What do you think you're doing, criminal?!

Stygian pauses mid-throw. He grins wildly, crushing the car into a ball like one might do to a tin can. The action is terrifying—and it establishes that Stygian is at least class A.

"Hello, heroes. Not to worry, I am simply doing some durability testing on these vehicles."

Massasauga looks like he's about to pop a blood vessel. "Stand down Stygian, or face the fangs!"

The villain cackles, dark wings manifesting behind him. "Don't you know birds of prey eat snakes?"

Jay steps forward, readying his staff. "Stygian, this doesn't seem like your usual target. Why are you attacking Astronoco?"

Stygian narrows his eyes, his smile deepening in an unsettling way. "Why, I already explained my reasoning. Maybe Massasauga should explain why this worthless company shouldn't be destroyed."

Jay watches a muscle tick in the hero's jaw. "The American way is innovation, Stygian. A villain like you might not understand it, but freedom means a free market which—gkk!"

Massasauga's riveting speech is cut short as Stygian lands a direct hit on the man, viciously slamming a heeled boot to his jaw.

Massasauga drops to the asphalt with a startled choked-off grunt, writhing feebly as Stygian's shadows roughly strip him of his weapons and gadgets. The hero lies panting on the ground, spitting blood as he struggles vainly to get up.

"You can't—" the hero croaks, coughing, "you can't do that! I was still talking!"

The villain cackles at the pitiful display, ruby eyes glinting with cold fire. "Doesn't it just make sense to attack when the enemy is distracted?"

Before Jay or Massasauga have a chance to respond, Stygian sends a wave of etheric black in their direction.

Jay dodges the attack by only inches, rolling to the side as Massasauga is entirely swallowed up. A drop of sweat trickles down into Jay's eyes as he watches how Massasauga's limp—but thankfully still breathing—body is effortlessly lifted into the air.

The villain brings a glowing claw to the unconscious man's chin, observing the hero's slack-jawed expression before turning his gaze to Jay.

Stygian smirks as carmine eyes meet green. "Poor Quickwit, I pity you—having to work with so many fools. Don't you ever just wanna throw it all in their faces? Cause some trouble?"

Jay tenses, gripping his staff tighter. "That wouldn't be productive, Stygian, and neither is what you're doing. Yield, now."

The villain giggles, tilting his head. "Why would I ever do that? I'm having so much fun while I send a wonderful message to Astronotech's CEO."

"Are you, though?"

Stygian blinks. "Yeah?"

Jay folds his arms. "Elan Dempsey is one of the richest men on earth. You don't think he ensures all his company's assets?"

The tendrils of shadow seem to droop a little. "So this won't cost him anything?"

The sidekick shakes his head. "Nope. In fact, he's probably going to make money—" Jay motions towards the news helicopter hovering above them "—considering all the free advertising you've just given him."

Stygian groans dramatically, dropping Massasauga's limp body to the ground. "So this was all pointless, then."

Jay rolls his eyes at the man's theatrics. "All crime is pointless, Stygian. You will come to understand that once you turn yourself in."

The villain nudges the unconscious hero with his boot. "Thank you for the advice, but I think not. Ah well, at least I got to burn off some steam."

Jay attempts to advance before Stygian has a chance to flee, but he's too slow. The villain opens his dark wings, bounding off into the city's skyline within moments.

The sidekick watches as the dark shape of the man slowly fades into the city's haze, sighing.

Wait.

Jay thinks back on the way Stygian uncharacteristically attacked during Massasauga's speech...

Did Jay accidentally give a supervillain advice?

And was that advice actually taken, for once?

And was that advice actually taken, for once? [https://img.wattpad.com/1b2d3b0fbacf7528887317bd9e8ec32c0dcfe8e7/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5a7241776c554a6d314f696145773d3d2d313334313136363031372e3137363361323363653039616166303238363633303532303737322e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]