The Rise of Dark Flame

by Damien Benoit-Ledoux

  “I’m dead either way.”

  “Your fate isn’t set yet,” Dark Flame answered. “Cooperate and I might let you live.”

  “Is you righty or lefty?” Radoslav asked.

  Melvin gulped. “I am a righty.”

  Radoslav grinned and pulled the door open and pointed to the chair in the middle of the room. “Then we handcuff your left hand to the chair.”

  Next to the chair, on the tray table that once held vicious instruments of torture, two pens and a notebook lay waiting for Melvin to write in.

  Dark Flame shoved Melvin through the door.

  “You’re not going to torture me?” Melvin asked, regarding the tray table with confusion.

  “Interrogate him,” Dark Flame instructed, ignoring the man’s question.

  “What is it you want to know?” Radoslav asked.

  “Everything, including who he works for, all the way to the top.”

  “Very good. I text you when am finished,” Radoslav said in his signature, broken English.

  ❖

  After showering and changing into a clean uniform, Blake made his way to the administrative offices and stopped at the reception desk where Alex was tapping away at his computer.

  “Where’s Victor today, Alex?” Dark Flame asked, approaching the reception area again.

  “Still not here,” the receptionist answered with a disinterested attitude, barely glancing up at Dark Flame. “Hasn’t returned since the last time you asked. I see you found your pants. I think I liked you better the other way.”

  “And if you were to venture a guess as to his whereabouts?” Dark Flame asked, ignoring the flirtatious comment.

  Alex burst into laughter and pushed his chair away from his computer. “Seriously? When the execs go on a field trip, I’m not paid enough to know where they go unless they tell me.”

  Wait, you said execs…as in plural…

  Dark Flame leaned forward and rested his elbows on the high counter that surrounded the desk. “How many execs are on this little field trip?”

  Alex swallowed with immediate regret. “Uh, I didn’t say that…definitively.”

  “Who’s missing?” he pressed. “You can tell me, Alex.”

  The receptionist looked around to make sure the coast was clear. “Dr. Madison, her technicians and a bunch of the staff that were temporarily transferred down here. They’ve been gone for several days.”

  Blake stood up and smiled. “Thanks.”

  I think I know exactly where they went.

  ❖

  Blake sat alone in the cafeteria of the Seavey Island facility and watched the midday news someone had left on. He absentmindedly stirred a now-cold bowl of chicken-flavored Ramen Noodles.

  The news anchor, Paula Anders, caught his attention with the opening words of her next story. “Now, we’re going to take you live to Portsmouth for a special report where we anticipate Police Chief Tina Applegate will reveal new information about the recent superhero events sweeping the nation.

  Blake looked at the television and sat back in the metal Emeco Navy Chair. He grabbed the remote and turned up the volume. What’s this all about? Did the car chase make it to the news?

  The program switched to news reporter Camilla Brenhurst. “Thank you, Paula. This morning we received word that the Portsmouth Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security would be making a special collaborative announcement concerning the vigilante Blue Spekter, though we are not entirely sure of what is going on. Here they come now.”

  Blake frowned. Of course this has to be about him.

  The police and the DHS agents approached the makeshift podium that had been hastily assembled. Chief Applegate tapped one of the microphones and the small speaker system they had set up produced a thump-thump sound. She cleared her throat.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today on such short notice. Once again on the podium with me are representatives from the Portsmouth Police Department, the State Police from the Epping Troop A Barracks, and agents from the United States Department of Homeland Security, specifically the National Protection and Programs Directorate and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis.”

  Blah blah blah…get to the point, Applegate.

  “I address you today on behalf of these fine representatives and speak to you as the Chief of Police and a citizen of Portsmouth. At this moment, I officially rescind my previous statements concerning the superhero we’ve come to know as Blue Spekter, whose valiant efforts have consistently demonstrated his willingness to help others, serve the public trust, and ensure the safety of our citizens. I have agreed to point out the DHS does not fully endorse this position, but the nature of my next announcement forces our mutual need for common ground to move forward.”

  A reporter’s hand shot up and he fired off a question. “Chief, is it true there’s a second superhero running around, such as the orange-glowing person seen at the Hampton Tolls this week?

  Finally, they’re talking about me!

  Chief Applegate didn’t flinch. “At this time, we confirm the presence of a second super-powered being with the appearance of orange glow.”

  The reporters spoke rapidly among themselves, and the chief raised her hand to quiet them.

  “This individual is not to be confused with Blue Spekter and is not considered a superhero. He has demonstrated a willingness for injustice and has repeatedly acted with disregard for property and others, causing severe or mortal injury.”

  “You witch!” Blake shouted, slapping his hand on the table and accidentally cracking the laminate material. Some of the Ramen Noodles jumped out of the bowl and landed on the table.

  The reporters on the television gasped and murmurs of concern and confusion ensued. The chief raised her hand to quiet them again.

  “This orange-glowing figure has assumed the codename Dark Flame and we encourage our citizens to use caution in his presence and call 911 immediately or as soon as safety allows if anyone encounters him. We can also confirm at this time that his powers seem different than those of Blue Spekter, but we cannot confirm what those powers are other than metal manipulation, flame, and flight.”

  Blake burst into a fit of quiet laughter as the chief publicly regaled him.

  “Chief, how long have you known about this second person? Are you telling us there is a super villain on the loose now?”

  “Both individuals were under investigation, but Blue Spekter’s presence was known well before we knew of Dark Flame.”

  “How did these two superheroes come to be…”

  “There’s only one superhero,” Applegate interjected, correcting the reporter. “Now, it appears we have a super villain to contend with as well.”

  Blake stopped laughing and raised his eyebrow. Super villain? You think I’m the bad guy?

  “Chief,” Camilla Brenhurst asked, “how do you know Blue Spekter is willing to protect us?”

  “We have reached out to Blue Spekter with an olive branch and he has accepted our invitation to collaborate and work together.”

  Blake’s scowled. So it’s true, you have betrayed The Order.

  The chief glared at the DHS agents, who brazenly stared back. “There will be no further attempts to apprehend Blue Spekter at this time.”

  “If he’s that dangerous, are you planning to capture Dark Flame?” another reporter asked.

  “I’m not at liberty to discuss strategy as we believe he may be listening to this newscast.” Then, she looked at the camera. “Dark Flame, if you are listening, please turn yourself in, peacefully.”

  “Chief, reports coming from Boston suggest that an orange superhero…I mean, flying person…was seen around the now destroyed Mystic River Power Plant. Can you confirm this was Dark Flame?

  The chief cleared her throat. “I cannot confirm it with absolute certainty, but given the reported behavior and sightings around Portsmouth both before and after the incident, it is likely Dark Flame is responsible for the power
plant’s demise. The reported incident, though extreme, aligns with his propensity for destruction.”

  Blake fumed. I’ll show you a propensity for destruction, Applegate.

  “Why are you just telling us about this now?”

  “We are coming forward with this information to alert our citizens. If necessary…”

  “Chief, are there more super beings? Are you holding back any other information we have a right to know about?”

  Applegate shook her head. “I can honestly tell you we are only aware of two super-powered beings.”

  “Chief, what kind of protection can the citizens of the city, the state, and the world expect?”

  “If necessary, the military is ready to assist with our efforts and take down Dark Flame. We will stop him, one way or the other.”

  Blake grinned wickedly. If it’s war you want, I’ll bring you a battle you’ll never forget…and I’ll make sure Blue Spekter goes down in a blaze of glory so you’ll never mess with me again.

  ❖

  Dark Flame cleared his throat, startling the police chief.

  She spun around in surprise and when she saw his glowing orange eyes beneath the dark hoodie, she dropped the file-folders she carried and her right hand moved to her weapon, her left to belt-mounted radio. She stepped back two paces from him.

  “What do you want?” she asked nervously, her eyes lingering on his purple tights and sneakers with curious amusement.

  He regarded her with interest. “I came to tell you I didn’t like your interview, Chief, but now I see you’re afraid of me even though we’re supposed to be on the same side, the side of The Order.”

  “You surprised me, that’s all,” she lied, and he knew it.

  “You’ve been a bad girl, Tina Applegate,” he answered, shaking his head and wagging his finger. Then he folded his arms across his chest.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Don’t play games with me,” Dark Flame snarled. “Mother Superior gave you orders to keep Blue Spekter distracted. Now, you’ve decided to join forces with him. How do you think Victor reacted when he found out about your little switcheroo?”

  “I don’t really care what Victor thinks. The DHS moved in and complicated the entire arrangement and Victor had left me to my own devices. Now, you’re on the scene, completely out of control with homicidal tendencies and I’ve received no word from Victor as to how or why your behavior is less than civil. At least Blue Spekter doesn’t murder the people he tries to save.”

  Dark Flame’s fingers clenched into fists at the mention of his ex-best friend. “Do not compare me to him!” he roared, his eyes blazing orange.

  “Stand down,” Chief Applegate ordered, her voice firm and full of confidence. “Freeze asset one!”

  What?

  Dark Flame cocked his head to the left in surprise. “What did you just say?”

  “Freeze asset one,” the chief said, her gun now pointing at his face.

  “Victor said that to me before I hurt him. Why did you just say that?”

  She blinked, clearly surprised. “You really don’t know?”

  Dark Flame shook his head. “It’s not like it matters. Now that you’ve decided to work with our enemy, Victor’s left it up to me to decide your punishment.”

  “You don’t have to do what he says,” she retorted. “Besides, Quinn isn’t your enemy. He was your best friend. You could try to think for yourself for a change.”

  He stepped forward and roared at response at her. “Stop trying to confuse me! I am thinking for myself!”

  “No, you’re doing exactly what Victor wants you to do.”

  She’s trying to convince me to join with Quinn. Time to end this. Dark Flame took a deep breath. “This ends now, Chief; you’ve gotten sloppy and it’s time to remove you from the equation. You betrayed The Order and an example must be made to show anyone who would seek to betray us that treachery will not be tolerated or forgiven.”

  “Are you threatening me?” Chief Applegate exclaimed, lowering her firearm a little. “Here, in the police yard?”

  Dark Flame smirked. “What better place to send a message to your traitorous allies, fellow cops, and the Department of Homeland Security than right here?”

  “Blake, you don’t have to do what Victor tells you to do!” she restated, her aim true once again.

  How do you know my real name? Victor said you didn’t know who we were…of course…Quinn’s tattling mouth!

  Dark Flame’s face twisted. “Yes, I do.” Then, his entire body ignited with purple and orange flame and he extended his hands toward her.

  15 | Clash of the Titans

  Quinn

  “Quinn, hold up please,” Mr. St. Germain said softly after the bell rang. Quinn nodded and slowly packed up his books, allowing the rest of his classmates to file out of the science lab. When they were alone, his teacher stopped erasing the whiteboard and smiled. “I have something for you and given the superhero event on the interstate this week, it’s long overdue. Can you stop by after school?”

  The twinkle in his eye told Quinn it would be exciting. “No way, do you really have it?”

  “Maybe,” his mentor answered, winking at him.

  Quinn smiled then frowned. “Shoot, I have to work right after school,” he answered.

  “How about after work?” Mr. St. Germain countered. Then, he lowered his voice. “Come by the house?”

  Quinn shrugged. “I’m meeting with Ana Maria after work at seven for an hour. Uh, sure, I can be there just after eight-thirty. I need to tell my dads what I’m doing, though.”

  Ron chuckled, then spoke up, “How about this; you’re hanging out with a friend from school for a few minutes. Man, I can’t believe I’m adding to the pile of lies you’re already telling your dads; Stephanie would kill me. Otherwise, I’m glad you’re meeting with her. I hope she has some valuable information for you.”

  Quinn nodded. “Me too. Okay, see you then, Mr. St. Germain.”

  ❖

  “Victor Kraze is a megalomaniac. He is an ambitious, driven man with a strategic plan to usurp the Archimandrion Council. Don’t think for one minute it was an accident or an impulsive choice on Blake’s part to kill Mother Superior; Victor needed her out of the way and used Blake to achieve that goal.”

  “What?” Quinn asked, startled by the revelation. He kept his voice low because he didn’t want the employee at the counter at Riverrun Bookstore to overhear their conversation. They pretended to look at books as they spoke. “Are you telling me Blake went along with some plan to…kill her?” he asked in a hushed whisper.

  Ana Maria took a deep breath and nodded. “Victor is the grandmaster; the puppeteer pulling all the strings. For a time, he pulled your strings, but you cut yourself free when you decided not to follow him. Though it has thrown a wrench in his plans, he will have had contingencies for that. I cannot confirm whether Blake knew of his plans or not, but that is moot at this point in time.”

  Quinn sighed. “I knew Blake wasn’t telling me the entire truth when we went back to destroy the Rangeley facility, but I never expected him to betray me like that.”

  Ana Maria nodded. “Victor is a snake oil salesman. I’ve observed him wheel and deal an amazing story to get people on his side. Unfortunately, Blake’s life and home situation more than primed him to be charmed and seduced by Victor’s promises of a better life.”

  Quinn picked up on her angry tone. “You really don’t like him, do you?”

  She shook her head. “He has the tenacity to succeed where others have failed. If there is a way to replicate the accident that created you, he will figure it out because that’s how he’ll trick the Archimandrion into rewarding him. Then he’ll pull the rug out from under their feet.”

  “So, does Victor want money or power?”

  “I’ve followed The Order and his rapid ascension within the ranks for years, but even I don’t have a good handle on his true ambitions. I suspect he will take whatev
er he can acquire.”

  Quinn stared at his half-empty coffee for a moment as he recalled his conversation with Victor and Blake in the Portsmouth Trading warehouse. “He told us he didn’t want global domination and gave us this whole speech about how it would be impossible to control the globe.”

  Ana Maria snorted. “Victor lies a lot. You must always remember he has an agenda and he will say anything to get what he wants, all the while confusing others by masking his true desires. Whatever his goals and ambitions, you can be sure it involves some kind of domination somewhere. Why else would you need a super-powered army?”

  Quinn shrugged. “He’s convinced Blake to believe he’ll have some major part in going after the criminals no one can touch. Even though I disagree with his methods, taking out the world’s terrorists and untouchable criminals kind of makes sense, don’t you think?”

  She cocked her head. “Think this through, Quinn. If Victor wipes out the criminal underworld, he’ll replace them with a more lethal variant that’s completely loyal to him through the micro bug or control chip thing. The eliminated criminals idea may have merit in the moment, but once Victor’s super thugs are in power, everyone will wonder what the heck happened. He won’t stop at the criminals; he’ll go after those in power and replace them with his own cultishly loyal and fanatic followers. Freedom will become a commodity no one will be able to take for granted.

  Quinn regarded her skeptically.

  She knowingly smiled at him. “You don’t have to take everything I say as absolute truth, these are the conclusions and opinions of my research. I can only guide you, Quinn. You must choose your own path.”

  He nodded. “Thank you. I want to trust you, but a lot of things don’t make sense. I just know what I have to do.”

  “And what is that?”

  “Exactly what I said the other night at Ron’s house after the Goodwin Park mess. I want to be a real superhero; to save people; to be a real-life Superman.”

  Ana Maria nodded. “That is good to hear. Let us hope that when the time comes, you are ready for the ultimate sacrifice a superhero must make.”