by Darren Sloan
"What happened?" She asked. Spectrum leapt down to her and helped her steady herself.
"It's over. The police should be here soon and I hope everyone here will get the medical attention they're going to need."
"And we stay here to ensure that?"
"In a perfect world, yes. In the real world, we get the Hell out of here unless you want to end up under glass in some science lab."
"Understood."
Chapter 34
The Morning After
Jason awoke the next morning in his bed and as he sat up, he felt a stinging pain behind his eyes. He looked over and saw Panther passed out on his sofa, snoring like a bear. He was careful as he slipped out of his bed and padded toward the window. The sun was up and while Towers City looked like only a shadow of its former glory, somehow it still held onto some faint glow of promise and Jason could tell that however the storm had come and whatever damage it may have done, it had finally passed.
His cell phone rang out and he ran over to grab it. It was Tyler and Jason took the call as fast as he could.
"Good morning." Jason said.
"Morning. I heard you had quite a night."
"I must have. I barely remember anything about it. I mean, I remember fighting with Atrocity and everything, but when I woke up this morning, it just felt like everything was starting to fade away. Like it never happened."
"I will place that under the heading of 'blessings'. Right now nearly half of Towers City is waking up to a real bad day."
"What happened after I left?"
"The police came in and made arrests and the paramedics were close behind and did what they could to help the people on the scene, but eventually they all needed to be taken to the hospital. First General, St. Mary's, and Providence have been doing everything they can to handle all the cases, but it's more than they can handle."
"I guess it must be kind of freaky to wake up and be reminded that someone sewed a mask into your face. By the way, where were you? I came home last night and you were gone."
"I was called in. Thanks to Spectrum. I've been in this emergency room since two in the morning and I need to get out of here before I lose it. Can you meet me at The Lauvre Cafe?"
"Oh. Uh, yeah. I guess."
"Hey, don't worry about what Tristan said to you. He was under the influence. Remember?"
"Fine. I'll see you there in a bit. Bye." Jason clicked off the phone and turned to see Panther rising from her slumber. She looked over to him and smiled.
"Good morrow." She said.
"Good morning. How did you sleep?"
"Deeply. What happened last night? I remember so little."
"Don't worry. The good guys won."
"I underestimated that Atrocity. He was quite formidable."
"Yes. And no. I mean, he traded in hate and he thought that was what made him strong, but in my opinion, hate is never a strength."
"What do you suppose happened to him?" Jason looked over to the television and then realized he was still without power.
"I'll ask around later." Jason said. There was a soft knock at his door and he answered it to discover Heather standing before him with her head ducked down to her chest.
"Hi." She said.
"Hello."
"I think I owe you a little apology. I blew up at you when you got back and I have no idea why. It was like every little thing that ever annoyed me just got on my nerves at the same time and pushed me into some psycho mode."
"It's cool, Heather. I handled it."
"I assumed that much. I just wanted to let you know that I got your power and your water back on this morning."
"Really?"
"Consider it a 'thank you' to Spectrum from a very grateful citizen."
"I'd prefer to think of it as a favor from a super great friend." Jason said as he shot her a smile.
"Whichever. It's all good," She then scooped Jason into her arms and pulled him in tight. "I'm glad you're back. I missed you. We all did."
"I missed you all too. I'll try and not stay away so long in the future."
"See that you don't," Heather's eyes then traveled past Jason and over to Panther. "And who is this?"
"Oh. Right. Heather, this is Panther. From Xenos."
"From Xenos? As in from another planet? As in an alien?"
"Correct," Panther said as she offered her hand to Heather. "I volunteered my services to Jason in his work as Spectrum. I wish to honor him for all the times he saved my life and I would also like to truly learn about life on this planet first hand." Heather then turned to Jason and he could see the tension in her face.
"New roommate?"
"We'll have to work out the details as we go along, but for now, yes."
"All right. Great," Heather said as she held her hand out to Panther. "Panther, it's nice to meet you. I hope we can become good friends." Panther took Heather's hand and gripped it tight.
"Likewise. I hope you will be able to show me how you hunt for food here."
"Oh. Well, if you're looking for that kind of challenge, I'll take you down to Spiky's Mart on double coupon day." Heather said.
Jason hurried across town to the cafe. As he made his way along the streets of the city, he could tell that the negative storm had cleared out. There was no more angry buzzing in his brain. He actually sensed a renewed sense of joy in the air. Despite the broken state of the city, everyone seemed to be rather happy and optimistic. It felt like a new chapter in the history of Towers City was about to begin and everyone had all the hope for the future.
Jason came skidding around the corner and he saw Tyler waiting outside the cafe. He streaked down the street, as there was no foot traffic to hold him back and he came to a perfect stop right at Tyler's feet.
"Late?" Jason asked as he hopped off his bike.
"No, would be the boyfriend answer, but the truth is yes. By like fifteen minutes. You have got to get a car."
"I'd love to, but first I need to get a job. Again."
"Don't worry. Breakfast is on me today."
"Thanks, high pockets." Tyler pulled the door open and Jason walked in. He was taken aback by how busy the cafe was. It looked as though the popularity it had achieved after the whole Spectrum fiasco from the previous year hadn't completely worn off and it looked like whatever Atrocity inspired had renewed it. Jason scanned the room and then he spotted a small table in the corner. He grabbed Tyler and they dashed for it, sliding into the seats with no apologies.
"I cannot believe how busy this place has gotten." Jason said as he looked around.
"I know. It used to be I could count on this place to get a quick cup of coffee. Now I have to phone in my order an hour ahead."
"Okay. So, what happened?"
"About last night?"
"Actually, why isn't anyone talking about the alien invasion? I'd think that would still be big news."
"Invasion? Oh. That. I don't know. It just seemed like no one talked about it and after so long, people just didn't care anymore. It was weird. Even outside of Towers City it wasn't talked about. It was like someone was controlling the information, or something." Jason then thought back to what Denwall had said and he realized that he hadn't been kidding.
"Okay, so what about last night?" Tyler knew what Jason meant and he peered around to make sure they weren't in ear shot of anyone.
"I actually took Atrocity into custody."
"You did?"
"Yes. We were going to stick him in the asylum outside of town, but it seems that due to an investment from Manicore Industries, they've built a new facility adjacent to the asylum that is designed specifically for extra powered residents. They're calling it The Battery."
"Is it for real?"
"It looked real to me. They gave me a tour and everything. They already have some Neo-Humans penned up inside."
"So, what about Tucker?"
"He insists on being called Atrocity now. From what I could learn he was some aspiring actor in town. At least, until
that car accident."
"That I caused."
"You had no control over what happened. It was an accident. Tucker was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"And how did he get those powers? Was he doing Neon?"
"No. Not a trace of Neon or any drugs in his system. We don't know how he got those powers, but he says they came from his mask."
"How is that possible?"
"I don't know. He doesn't have any powers now, and he has no mask."
"How bad was it?"
"Hmm?"
"His face. I guess the accident screwed it up pretty bad."
"At first, I couldn't tell because he wouldn't let anyone look at him. When we finally got him calmed down enough for his mug shots, I didn't understand why he was so shy."
"What?"
"He's gorgeous. A perfectly handsome face, but he insists that he's monstrous. He won't let anyone near him and he smashes any mirrors on sight. Whatever he's seeing is all in his mind now."
"I know he tried to kill me and enslave the world, but I kind of feel bad for the guy now. I mean, maybe he was on the cusp of a breakthrough in his career and I screwed it all up for him and now he's some twisted psycho freak now."
"I wouldn't worry. He'll get all the help he needs. The hospital will be contacting his mother later today. I'm sure she'll do everything she can to help."
Tyler went over some more details of what went down after Spectrum made his strategic exit to Jason, but as he listened to his voice and watched his eyes dance in the morning sun, Jason realized, it didn't matter. They were alive and together and everything was as close to normal as it could be. Despite the lack of a job, Jason really couldn't see much reason to be sad. They turned to their menus at last and as Jason looked up to signal to a waiter, he saw Tristan approaching with two large cappuccinos in his hands. He set them down carefully and bowed to Jason.
"I'm sorry." Tristan said.
"What?"
"I'm sorry for the way I barked at you the other day. I was just upset over you just disappearing like you did. I couldn't really blame you though. This wasn't such a great job for you for a long time. I should have seen it coming."
"It's all right, Tristan. Really. I'm glad business has picked up so much for you."
"Thanks. It's been great. I haven't had to ask Bethany for a dime in months."
"So," Tyler said. "With all of this new money coming in, you must need more help."
"Actually, no. I'm sorry, Jason. I have just the right amount of help right now. I'd love to hire you back, but I just don't have the room."
"Shame on you!" A shrill voice called out. Everyone turned to the front of the cafe and saw Bethany Lauvre march in. She sauntered straight up to her brother and jutted her perfectly manicured index finger at his face. "I heard every word you just said."
"How?" Tristan asked in astonishment.
"Dr. Ternbaum did my ears yesterday. I can hear a parrot belch from across town for the next couple days."
"Really? What did he do to your ears?"
"Never you mind that! I'm just ashamed at how you are treating one of your most devoted helpers. Jason was your most loyal employee. He kept coming in here, despite the miserable hours and nonexistent pay. He pedaled that ridiculous bike of his through rain and bumper to bumper traffic all to earn the meager pittance you offered, and this is how you treat him? You turn him out when he needs you?"
"I just don't have the budget for another employee."
"So fire someone!"
"I can't do that!"
"Why not?"
"For starters, no one has done anything that I could fire them for."
"You absolutely need a reason?"
"Yes, Bethany. Yes, you need a reason." Tristan said in the exhausted tone Jason had grown to love.
"There has to be something you can do! You can't just leave him to the wolves. His cop boyfriend can't possibly afford to keep him and pay his own bills as well!"
"Well, I am a detective now, and I,"
"Hush," Bethany hissed. "I'm making a point."
"Look, Bethany," Tristan began. "I can't afford to hire anyone; not even Jason. If you're so hot to help, why don't you hire him?"
"Excuse me?" Bethany asked.
"You need a new assistant, don't you? Your last one had to 'go away' recently, didn't she?"
"Andrea, that's right." Bethany then turned her eyes to Jason.
"Why did she go away?" Jason asked.
"Who knows? It could have been stress. It could have been personal obligations."
"It could have been the fact that she didn't always take her meds because you had her running ragged." Tristan added.
"She only missed one or two. Those bottles had a lot of pills in them. A few couldn't possibly have made that much of a difference."
"Well, I'm prescription free." Jason said.
"You'd be interested in the job?"
"I could be. What's it pay?"
"Better than this dump."
"All right. I'll take it."
"You will?" Bethany asked with a smile.
"Sure."
"Wonderful! I'll send the car for you tomorrow morning and we can get started."
"Great! I'll see you tomorrow then." Bethany then shot Tristan a smug smile and trotted back out through the front door. Jason looked over to Tristan.
"Did I make a bad choice?"
"No. No. You made a challenging choice. And FYI, Andrea wasn't on prescription meds before she started working for Bethany either. Just a warning." Tristan said as he darted back toward the kitchen. Jason looked over to Tyler with a troubled look on his face.
"You'll be fine." Tyler assured him.
"Sure. If I can handle a psychotic wizard and a living embodiment of pure hate, I'm sure I can handle a celebrity diva like Bethany."
"You really believe that?"
"I really am trying."
"What did you say about a psychotic wizard? What did you do up there for all that time?" Tyler asked. Jason then realized he hadn't had a chance to tell Tyler all about his time on Xenos. Jason placed his hand on Tyler's and smiled.
"I'll tell you all about it."
Jason and Tyler sat at that small table for hours as he recalled every moment on Xenos, and all the time their eyes were locked. As Jason spoke, they both knew that they were thinking the same thing as the enjoyed the fact that they had pushed back the insanity and the monsters and for one, glorious morning in what had been too long already, were finally together. Jason reached across the table and pressed his lips to Tyler's and as a progressive town, not too many eyebrows in the cafe had been raised.
"What was that for?"
"It just dawned on me."
"What?"
"I'm home. Here with you. I'm finally home."
Epilogue
Rise of The Hunter
The happy and devout members of the Pearson Valley Baptist Church had been on a long and difficult journey. When their leader, the Pastor Willhelm Von Auster, had heard that the heathen devil Spectrum had been seen once more in one of America's major cities, he knew action had to be taken. He had led his flock on many successful protests of military funerals and planned parenthood clinics. With each appearance they all knew they were striking a blow for the good Lord above. They knew he hated the gays and the Jews and all of those monstrous devils who sought to tear the fabric of their beloved nation into confetti.
Spectrum had come upon their radar when he had come out of the closet months earlier and he could tell that it was sign that the Devil was stepping up his attack on the righteous. He had composed a two hour sermon espousing the evils of a gay 'superhero'. He warned that children would look up to him and think that being gay was not only normal, but acceptable, and he nor any of his flock could stand for that.
After Spectrum had disappeared, they all felt they had won a fight at last. The Lord above had come and removed the evil, but when Spectrum came back, Pastor Von Auster knew his work was n
ot yet done.
He rented a bus and loaded up his entire congregation onto it with the intention of driving from Pearson, Arkansas all the way to the cesspool of evil, Towers City. Some in his church urged against it. They warned him that there would be greater battles to face later, but he pushed aside their fears. He knew the problem had always been that they waited too long to act. If they had jumped on the 'queer problem', as he called it, sooner they might have actually halted their progression. Instead they waited and soon more than half the country had legalized gay marriage. He wasn't going to allow that to happen this time. The line had been drawn. Spectrum was going to be stopped before any more harm could be done.
They had been riding in the bus for almost a week. They drove all day and all night, only stopping for periodic meals and gas. To pass the time, he would lead group sings or give sermons to his flock in order to inspire them and to build up their fortitude. As they crossed the California border, they were a bus load of praying, singing warriors for Jesus. Pastor Von Auster felt victory was assured. They had never been so focused and empowered before.
It was a little past midnight and Towers City was just a few hours away. Most everyone was asleep, but the pastor just couldn't rest. He went to the front of the bus and sat behind the driver and stared out at the highway ahead of them.
"How long?"
"Not too much longer, Pastor."
"Excellent. You know, Herb? I think we're going to do it this time. I think we're really going to make our point."
"I hope so, Pastor. I just feel sick thinking about a world with gay super types. Heroes are men. Real men. He has no right to sully that tradition."