(This tale is set in a realm known to many of us, in its last days)
The enormous banner
promoting Sable, Final Judgement, Lady Goshawke and Zombie Control
still fluttered above the entrance to the Hall of Heroes. Despite
this, few people - heroes or civilians - were filing through at the
time. There seems to be an air of resignation and depression among
the city inhabitants, thought Tri-blade as he walked up the steps and
into the Hall.
His footsteps echoed
off the walls as he strolled by the plaques and memorials to the
great heroes and events of recent years. He took a brief moment to
put his hands on the Legion plaque, and smiled at knowing that he at
least had a minute part to play in their early-day successes at
thwarting evil and maintaining some beacon of hope for innocents.
Tri-blade walked on.
He had made a point to visit the place regularly ever since his
discovery of the Professor's old prison, as it served to keep his
mind fresh on the city's needs, as well as keep hope alive.
He walked past
portraits of Jormungandr, Superbeast, Vertigo. Some he knew, some he
never met. Each of them however, left their marks. Angel Sun, Force,
Strange Quark.
The smiling face of
Sin brought a mild chuckle to Tri-blade's face. Not really a rival in
the true sense of the word (Sin versus Captain Avenger was more
famous and more heated), but almost certainly the oldest rival
Tri-blade had known in the realm. They had clashed long ago, when
Tri-blade wasn't even part of the Legion and Sin was known by the
oddball name of Babagadouche. Look at us both now, smiled Tri-blade.
Banderpoop, Lord
Vindictus, Karlito's Way. Getting to the people who nearly predated
his time in the realm. Tri-blade grinned at the memory of hearing of
Karlito's Way's journey to help form Nine Planets Council, and the
potential of him trying to join that group. It never happened -
Karlito's Way moved on without ever meeting Tri-blade, and his own
path soon took him to other adventures. Luckily he did get to meet
other 9PCers and befriend them. Heroes always find opportunities to
collaborate and work together when the time calls for it.
A lit doorway at the
end of the hall, and the sound of sombre whistling, caught
Tri-blade's attention. He called out, and received a "Coming!"
in return. Soon, the wisened face of Doctor Toshio, curator of the
Hall, appeared, and the doctor made his way over to his friend, broom
in hand.
"Good to see
you again, doctor," said Tri-blade as they shook hands.
"Likewise. Same
story that brings you by?" asked Dr. Toshio.
"Same-ish, I
suppose. What's that tune you were whistling? Seemed pretty sad."
Toshio sighed. "Just
a Japanese melody, of time passing, colours fading, leaves falling. I
believe it is reality having the final say on everything, even happy
endings."
Tri-blade nodded,
"Nothing is forever."
They walked to a
bench and sat. "I guess you're not particularly busy of late?"
asked Tri-blade.
Toshio shook his
head. "The Hall of Heroes had a great flow of traffic a couple
of weeks ago, but that time has passed too. This city, well I believe
that the talk and the rumours are true."
"That the city
is dying?"
"Cities,
Tri-blade. Do you know about Victory City?"
"Not a thing,
and don't care to. I know some folks, like the Turbulence guys,
sometimes roam there, and I even heard that Sin has made that his
permanent residence. But me? Once I heard that place reeks even more
of Jeffy than here, I have no desire to relocate even if
temporarily."
Toshio adjusted his
heavy glasses and blinked. "Just as well, anyway. Victory City
is falling apart too."
Tri-blade's mouth
opened in surprise. "Really now?"
"Hai... they're
each interconnected. And with it, the nation is on the verge of
collapse. What would happen if these two centres of heroes were to
perish? No, there is a cataclysm brewing, I have heard several
different sources claim it. I fear for this planet."
Tri-blade rose to
his feet. "So this isn't anything evil?"
"Evil? No,
unfortunately. If it was, then you could counter it. Get your elite
heroes to stop the menace, it's been done against Zigon, Astronikus,
the Sin Lords. I fear this is a truly unstoppable threat. Tri-blade
my friend, you may need to prepare to leave."
"The city?"
"The planet.
This reality, even."
Dr. Toshio rose,
bowed graciously to his friend, and turned.
"Where would
*you* go?" shouted Tri-blade, already feeling the panic beating
on his head.
"To my family,
of course. I have a grand-daughter you know. I miss her dearly.
Family is best. I must go, I apologize. Farewell, friend."
Toshio continued to walk away.
As Tri-blade turned
to walk out, Dr. Toshio finally allowed the tears to slide down his
face. He wept silently, still holding his broom.
Read the continuing story by Tryangle on the Heroes Rising Forum
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