Arc awakens early the next morning. Cherry sighs contentedly.
Arc awakens early the next morning. Cherry sighs contentedly.
“Good morning sleepyhead!”
He sits up and looks over at his helmet. “You okay over there?”
“You have no idea how cute you are when you’re sleeping.”
Arc stands up and calls forth the rest of Eidolon’s Ward. He sighs as he picks up his helmet.
“I do miss seeing your face, Cherry.“
Eidolon’s Ward opens and releases Arc from within as Cherry takes control of it. “Arc? Um… do you think I was pretty?”
Arc nods. “I do. But I don’t think there’s much I or anyone else could do about that now. Your company is still a welcome addition though!”
Eidolon’s Ward lets out a long sigh. “I too miss holding you, and being held! Your touch was always a comfort to me.”
“Let’s not talk about this too long, okay Cherry? It makes feel me a bit depressed.”
“Let’s get some breakfast going then. That always cheers you up!”
Arc walks down the hall with Eidolon’s Ward behind him. “You know me so well, Cherry!”
The pair make their way downstairs and get breakfast going. Soon the rest of the group joins them in the kitchen. Max is the first to speak.
“Good morning sir! You’re up early!”
Xenos nods. “Would you like us to start rising earlier?”
Hugh looks to the stove. “We could get breakfast going for you!”
Viktor stands. “Yes sir! No reason for you to do that for us!”
Arc shakes his head. “Thanks, but I find it helps get my blood pumping! Like a properly executed jump off of a diving board, it gets me going. That and I did have a very special helper by my side.”
Eidolon’s Ward nods and giggles.
“I just like spending time with you, Arc! We could be doing ANYTHING together and it would make me happy!”
Ember walks into the room, still half asleep. Xenos nods to her.
“Good morning, Ember.”
Ember saunters over to the table. “Morning.”
Arc looks to his friend, concerned. “You okay?”
She shakes her head. “Last night was rough for me. Dreams of you getting hurt kept me tossing and turning for quite a while!”
Ember looks him up and down.
“You doing better today?”
Arc nods. “Yes. I feel much better!”
“Are you sure you’re okay? Your chest looked terrible last night!”
Arc lifts his shirt. “It’s healing. That and the pain has gone from sharp and stabby to dull and annoying.”
Max raises an eyebrow. “That’s still quite the bruise from one kick, sir!”
Ember nods. “I’d feel a lot better if you would take it easy today, Arc!”
Arc puts his shirt down and turns back to the stove. “No promises there. But I’m actually quite grateful to my assailant!”
Hugh looks confused as he sets the table. “Come again?”
“They showed me that, even with my armor, I’m still susceptible to injury.
Xenos nods. “No one is invincible, sir!”
Arc pulls a pan off the stove and puts its contents on a plate. “That much I know. But my last several fights have been against those weaker than myself! I can’t remember the last time anyone really gave me a challenge!”
Ember frowns. “Hey!”
Arc rolls his eyes as he put the food on the table. “Other than you and the Marquis, Ember.”
“Yeah?! What about my dad?!”
“That fight never happened, remember?”
“Oh yeah…”
Max looks to Arc. “They say the first step to overcoming any problem is to first acknowledge there is one!”
Viktor puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “I guess that’s done. So what are you planning on doing about it, sir?”
Arc sit down at the kitchen table with the others. “I need to train. Mind and body!”
Xenos passes the eggs and grins! “Now you’re talking! Work out several hours a day and maybe you’ll be as strong as me someday, sir!”
Ember laughs! “HA! He’s stronger than you NOW!”
“I doubt that.”
Arc takes a few pancakes and looks up. “Care to spar with me, Xenos?”
Xenos avoids eye contact. “I’ll pass.”
Ember grins! “Wimp!”
Max looks over to him. “Maybe you should try weight lifting, sir!”
Ember nods. “We do need to finish setting up that equipment in the basement after breakfast. Then we can all work out!”
Arc looks around. “Anyone seen Sereb?”
Hugh points to the living room. “He said he’d listen to the police scanner while we eat.”
“Good. We shouldn’t leave it unmanned!”
Suddenly, Sereb rushes into the kitchen!
“There is a fire on Main Street!”
Arc stands up quickly. “The Shards?!”
Sereb shrugs. “It’s anyone’s guess!”
Ember stands up quickly! “We going?!”
Arc nods and walks over to Eidolon’s Ward. “Definitely!”
His armor opens to admit Arc as Ember wipes her mouth and gets up.
Max and the others stand up as well. “Should we come too, sir?!”
Arc turns back toward everyone as he pulls his magic cloak out of his ring. “Ember and I will handle this. Humans are pretty good at firefighting, so we probably won’t do much other than look around for possible Shard activity.”
Xenos sighs. “If you say so, sir.”
Arc looks back momentarily as he and Ember rush out the door. “I expect we’ll be back in no time! Keep monitoring the scanner though!”
Hugh nods. “Will do!”
The door closes behind them as the squad looks to one another.
Xenos frowns. “You think they’ll be okay?”
Sereb nods. “Arc seemed confident.”
Viktor chuckles. “I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.”
Meanwhile, Arc and Ember rush to the Jeep and begin the short drive to Main Street! Cherry speaks from his armor.
“You sure about this, Arc?”
Arc shakes his head. “No. Our town’s fire department are all volunteers. They don’t have the best equipment or training, so if this gets out of hand, it’ll get real dangerous real fast for them!”
Ember grins. “That’s where we come in?!”
“Right!”
The street is completely blocked by police cruisers and bystanders. Smoke pours out of a nearby building. Arc parks some distance away. As he turns off the Jeep Arc turns to Ember.
“Better armor up. We don’t want anyone knowing who we are now.”
Ember steps out of the Jeep and calls forth her armor. “I can respect that!”
She and Arc run down the street toward the blaze! The building is fully involved! Those assembled stare at him and Ember as they push their way toward the scene!
“We have a three-story apartment building, fully involved! Requesting backup from all neighboring towns!”
Raynor runs over to him! “Chief! The building manager reports there are two people still unaccounted for! Where’s the fire truck?!”
“In the next town helping fight another fire!”
“Of all the times…”
The Fire Chief points to the neighboring building. “All the exits are blocked! I’m going to see if I can get onto the roof from a neighboring building!”
Arc and Ember rush up to the pair.
“Need a hand?!”
Raynor frowns. “You again?!”
The Fire Chief looks the pair up and down. “Who are you?!”
“A volunteer!”
Ember salutes. “Ditto!”
“Anyone still in there?!”
Raynor nods. “Two! One adult, one child! But we can’t get to the third floor!”
The Fire Chief sighs. “It’s unlikely they’re still alive. But we’re going to try and gain access to them from the roof!”
“What apartment?!”
“305! But you won’t last long in there!”
Arc removes his magic cloak and puts it in his ring. “Neither will they! Come on!”
Raynor turns to them. “I’m coming with you!”
Ember shakes her head. “Without proper gear, you’d only be in the way!”
The chief nods. “She’s right you know! Let’s keep the public back while we wait for the fire truck!”
“Good! Well take care of this!”
Arc and Ember rush toward the building next door! He calls out over his shoulder!
“Keep everyone back!”
The Fire Chief watches the pair enter the next building over. “Who IS that guy?!”
Raynor shrugs. “No idea! But he’s probably that family’s last hope!”
Meanwhile, tthe pair runs up the stairs and reaches the roof! They see smoke rising out of several places through the rubber!
“What’s the plan, Arc?!”
Arc running toward the edge of the roof. “JUMP!”
They do so! The crowds below stares in awe as they make the dangerous move onto the roof! Arc spots a roof hatch.
“There!”
The pair run over to the hatch but find it locked! Ember grabs the hatch!
“I got this!”
Grunting, she rips the hatch clean off as Arc pulls out their gas masks from the Hammers! Smoke pours out of the freshly made opening!
“Great job, Ember! I’ll go first!”
“Lead on!”
Cherry calls out to them! “Be careful Arc! You remember what happened the last time you ran into a burning building?!”
Ember sighs. “I try to forget.”
They quickly put on their masks and descend into the building. Ember looks around.
“Crazy hot in here for humans!”
Arc looks down a corridor. “The fire must be close! Stay sharp!”
Ember points to a sign on the wall. “Room 305 is this way!”
“Let’s hurry!”
They rush toward the room. Upon reaching it they find it locked. Ember grabs the door knob and rips it off.
“Great! Now what?!”
Arc backs up. “Like this!”
He charges at the door and breaks it down. They rush into the apartment and quickly look around! The rooms are already filled with thick clouds of smoke!
“Split up! Check the bedrooms!”
Ember runs toward a closed door and throws it open. “I found the adult!”
Cherry calls out to him! “Over there, Arc! I think I hear whimpering!”
Arc opens another door to a child’s bedroom. There is a small form under the covers. He hears small sobs between coughs! “Here’s the child! Let’s get them out of here!”
Arc picks up the child, not bothering to unwrap them from the blanket. Ember rushes out with a man over her shoulder.
“Back the way we came!”
Ember nods as they run out of the apartment! “Right with you!”
As they turn the corner to the roof hatch, the floor in front of them gives way! The entire hallway collapses to reveal an inferno below them! Ember screeches to a stop next to Arc!
“Now what?!”
Arc turns around. “Back the way we came! Look for another way out! Stairs! A fire escape! Anything!”
They retrace their steps but can see no other accessible exits that aren’t blocked by debris! Ember looks back at the inferno!
“I can make it through that! But this guy will get burned to a crisp!”
Arc shakes his head! “No, Ember! A dragon maybe! But a human girl wouldn’t last three seconds!”
“What then?!”
Cherry looks around. “There has to be a way!”
Meanwhile outside, the chief and Raynor look to the building, concerned.
“The fire’s getting worse! Where are those two?!”
Raynor nods and mutters under his breath. “Come on… get out of there!”
Suddenly a figure jumps off a building across the street and onto the roof! The chief looks to Raynor!
“What was that?!”
“Someone in a dark blue cloak of some kind!”
The chief looks back at the building. “Are they nuts?!”
Raynor sighs. “Probably.”
The cloaked individual rushes down the roof hatch and into the building! Meanwhile, Arc and Ember retrace their steps yet again, looking for a way out!
“Arc! Can’t you Blink us through a wall or something?!”
He shakes his head. “No way to know if it’s safe, or a flame filled room!”
Ember turns around to see a blue cloaked figure come from the direction of the roof hatch! “Am I seeing things?!”
“Who the heck…?”
The mysterious figure rushes past them! He is covered from head to toe in a navy-blue cloak, and his face is covered by a strange looking white mask.
“Follow me!”
Ember turns to Arc. “What do we…?”
“Let’s go!”
The mysterious figure leads them down the hallway to the laundry room. Ember looks around the small room, frowning.
“Great! No way out of this room either!”
Cherry speaks telepathically to Arc. “We can’t stay here long! This building is done for!”
The blue cloaked stranger hurries over to a large chute and pulls it open. “The leads to the basement.”
Ember nods. “But, how do we…”
“You must trust me.”
Arc turns to her. “We don’t have a choice! Come on!”
The trio slide down the chute to the building’s basement. It appears to be relatively safe, albeit ancient looking. Ember looks toward their rescuer.
“Now what?! This building could still fall down around our ears!”
He rushes over to a heavy manhole cover. “Sewer entrance. This will take us back to the street.”
Arc looks to him, surprised! “How do you know all this?!”
The figure jumps through the hole. “No time! This way!”
Arc and Ember follow the stranger for a few minutes before he stops in front of a ladder going up to a manhole cover.
“This is the way out.”
Arc sets down the child and climbs the ladder. “I’ll open the lid! You pass up these two!”
Ember nods. “All right!”
He pushes the manhole cover aside to see the street. The town’s fire truck has just pulled up and volunteers are quickly pulling hoses to nearby hydrants! Raynor, seeing Arc’s poke his head out, runs over to him!
“Where did he come from?!”
He grabs a few men and rushes over to the open cover! Arc hands up the man and the child! A moment later the building collapses in on itself!
Raynor takes the child from Arc. “Close one!”
Some EMTs rush over in an ambulance. They put the pair on stretchers and rush them to the hospital! Arc turns to look back down the hole and extends a hand to Ember.
“Your turn!”
He pulls her up and looks back down the hole.
“Where’s our friend?”
Ember shrugs. “I don’t know! After I passed those two up, I turned around and he was gone!”
Raynor frowns. “Gone?! He must still be down there somewhere! No other way up! Was he with you?!”
Arc shakes his head. “No! I’ve never met him before! I thought you sent him!”
Raynor points to a building across the street. “He jumped off that building onto the roof!”
Arc looks at the distance. “What?! But that’s at least thirty feet!”
Ember shakes her head. “Not possible!”
Raynor folds his arms over his large chest. “From the pair who just rushed headlong into a burning building without oxygen tanks?!”
Arc shrugs. “Good point. In any case, we have to be going.”
“Now hold on just a minute! You and I need to have a little…”
They are interrupted as the local news team runs over and points a camera at the pair! A reporter runs over to interview Arc.
“Minerva Moore from Channel 7 news! Can we get a statement please?!”
Arc sighs. “Please make it quick.”
“For starters, who are you?!”
“No one of importance.”
“Why did you recklessly run into that burning building?!”
“When the innocent are in danger it’s not reckless, it’s rescue, Miss Moore.”
“Who was that other masked individual that went in after you did?!”
Arc shrugs. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
“He wasn’t with you?!”
He shakes his head. “No. I’ve never met him before. However, I was grateful for his help!”
“Are you two planning any more heroics any time soon?!”
“I do what I can and, go where I’m needed.”
“Where do you…”
Ember interrupts Minerva. “I’m sorry, but my friend and I have to be going now.”
Minerva calls out after them as they turn away. “Wait! What’s your name?!”
Arc stops. “It’s not really important. But if you must call me something, just know me as the Hero of Light.”
Arc grabs Ember and Blinks them safely back to the Jeep. She gets in next to Arc and recalls her armor.
“That… that was too close for comfort!”
Cherry breathes a sigh of relief. “Are you two okay?!”
Arc recalls his armor and the mask. “That we are! Somehow…”
Ember turns to Arc as he starts the Jeep and drives in the opposite direction. “Do you think those two will be okay?”
“I didn’t have time to check them out. Your guess is as good as mine.”
Cherry speaks from Arc’s head. “I hope so! That child must have been pretty young, judging by their cries.”
Ember nods. “I’ll say! They were light as a feather!”
“We can probably find out from the evening news tonight!”
“Good idea!”
The trio returns home to shower and rest until the evening news. Everyone gathers in the living room on the couch or nearby in chairs. Eidolon’s Ward walks into the room carrying a bowl of popcorn for the others.
Xenos grins! “Been waiting all day to see this!”
Max looks to Arc. “You really are starting to make waves around here sir!”
Viktor walks in from the basement. “That you are! The police scanner was abuzz all day with chatter about this mysterious new hero!”
Arc rolls his eyes. “You would think they would have something better to talk about. I didn’t really do anything that anyone else wouldn’t have. Given the circumstances, that is.”
Ember chuckles. “You’re joking, right?!”
Arc smiles. “Kinda!”
Eidolon’s Ward sits down next to Arc. “You were both very brave to do what you did! I’m very proud to know you two!”
Hugh points at the TV. “It’s starting!”
The evening news logo flashes across the screen depicting the fire that morning.
Sereb watches, wide-eyed! “That really was quite the fire.”
Ember nods. “It was pretty bad!”
Xenos looks over. “How did you two make it out?!”
“Well…”
Arc is cut off as the newscast starts.
“Good evening Angel Grove. Today’s top story, a fire on Main Street burns an apartment building to the ground! Our own Minerva Moore was on the scene to capture these images!”
The screen shows several shots from the street of the building fully engulfed!
Max shudders! “Terrible! Did everyone make it out?!”
Ember nods. “Counting the two we rescued, yes.”
The news anchor continues.
“While our own fire team was away in the next town fighting another blaze, three very brave individuals stepped up to rescue two residents trapped in the building.”
A shot of the person in the blue cloak jumping onto the roof flashes briefly onto the screen! Minerva’s voice can be heard off camera.
“Woah! Who was THAT?!”
The camera pans back to the anchor.
“The mysterious stranger whom we reported on recently also made an appearance to lend a hand along with a new friend.”
Footage of Arc handing up the two victims from the sewer come onto the screen before Ember comes into view.
“Minerva Moore was able to secure a brief interview with this new hero at the scene.”
The interview with Arc plays. Max grins!
“Nice job nailing that, sir!”
Eidolon’s Ward nods. “You did quite well, Arc!”
Xenos chuckles. “It can’t be easy being put on the spot like that! Especially right after going through such a trauma!”
Hugh gives a thumbs up. “The commander handled it well!”
“The question remains… who is this new hero? This “Hero of Light”? We may never know, but we thank him for his efforts!”
Arc mutes the TV and everyone claps!
Max turns back to Arc. “How DID you two make it out?!”
Sereb nods. “Indeed. I never would have thought to go through a hole in the ground.”
“It wasn’t my idea. That guy in blue led us out!”
Viktor looks concerned. “So, any idea who that other human was?”
Arc shrugs. “I’m not sure. But I can’t help shake the feeling I know him! The voice seemed so familiar!”
Ember thinks for a moment. “Come to think of it, the TV showed him jumping onto the roof. How did he get to us?!”
“You’re right, Ember! The collapsed hallway leading to the roof hatch was an inferno at that point!”
Sereb nods. “Perhaps he flew over the flames?”
Arc shakes his head. “First of all, humans can’t fly.”
Ember folds her arms over her chest. “Really?!”
“I’m an isolated case, okay!”
He turns back to Sereb
“Second, even if he could have, the flames would have burnt him to a crisp in seconds!”
Max looks up. “Maybe he has magic?”
“Again, very unlikely. Humans don’t possess even the slightest magical aptitude.”
Eidolon’s Ward turns to Arc. “And you?”
“Again, I’m the only one.“
Hugh speaks up. “Maybe his robe contained some kind of enchantment?”
“Not sure how or where he would have gotten it. But that’s the most plausible explanation yet.”
Ember nods. “That and he did disappear while my back was turned!”
Hugh frowns. “Why?!”
Sereb stands up. “Perhaps he is more concerned with not being seen than you are, Arc.”
Arc nods. “Maybe.”
Eidolon’s Ward looks over to him. “Arc? I know we’re throwing around ideas and all, but… is there a chance he might have been… incorporeal?”
Ember looks to her, confused. “Incor-what?”
Xenos’ eyes grow wide! “You mean… like a ghost?!”
Arc shrugs. “We never actually touched him, so I suppose he might have been.”
Max rolls his eyes. “Come now! Everyp… everyone knows ghosts aren’t real!”
Eidolon’s Ward waves. “Ahem!”
“Point taken, ma’am.”
Arc sighs. “I hate to admit it, but his being a ghost is the most logical conclusion!”
Ember looks to Arc. “Why do you suppose he came after us?”
Eidolon’s Ward nods. “A better question would be how did he know where to go?!”
Sereb frowns. “Perhaps he has a sixth sense.”
Viktor jumps up! “Or maybe HE started the fire!”
Ember rolls her eyes. “A ghost starting a fire? Really?!”
Max nods. “I’m with Ember on this one. None of this really makes sense!”
Xenos grins! “Well, one thing’s for sure! Guy Smiley will have to eat his words from the other day about you, sir!”
Ember’s face brightens! “That’s right!”
Hugh nods! “Why don’t we check his show out again! See what he has to say!”
Arc looks at the clock. “Might as well. It’s about to come on anyways.”
He picks up the remote and changes the channel. After a few commercials the show comes on. Guy Smiley walks across the stage, waves, and heads for his desk!
“Good evening everyone! We’ve got quite the show planned for you tonight! The real question now is… are you ready for me?!”
The applause machine plays.
Max frowns. “I never understood why they play the applause! He hasn’t done anything yet!”
Ember waves her hand. “Shhh! I want to hear this human eat his words!”
“Today there was a rather hot event on Main Street, as an apartment building burnt to the ground!”
He gestures to the screen behind him.
“I’m sure we’ve all seen the footage from our local news outlets! But for those of you who missed it due to illness, work or both, here’s a recap!”
The footage from the other news outlet plays as Guy turns to look at the camera.
“Well now! It looks like we have a bona fide white knight in town! Or do we…?”
He gestures to the image of the Hero of Light on the screen.
“I want you all to take a good look at this ‘hero’, and ask yourself a question. Does anyone do something for nothing?”
He pauses before continuing.
“In what universe does a complete stranger come to you offering aid without wanting SOMETHING in return?! I don’t know about the rest of you, but this… person, this… Hero of Light as he calls himself, frightens me!”
Guy gestures again to the screen.
“Take another look at the end of the interview.”
The screen depicts Arc and Ember vanishing from sight as they Blink away.
“Does someone… ANYONE mind you, have the power to suddenly vanish into thin air?! I’ve spoken to several magicians on this matter, and they assure me that what THEY do is not magic at all, but illusion! Sleight of hand if you will.”
He paces in front of the camera.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and I imagine it will be quite some time before an official report is available. But I think it’s a safe bet that this fire was not an accident, but arson! Now who would do such a thing you might ask. Well, I for one can think of only one individual!”
Guy points angrily at the screen which is paused on Arc and Ember.
“I believe this so-called hero set the fire himself so he could swoop in and pretend to be that which he is not! To say nothing for his female companion, whom he has most certainly manipulated into undertaking these most dangerous endeavors!”
He pauses for effect.
“Before we break for commercials, I just want to leave all of you with this parting thought. Who is this man really that he has such SORCEROUS powers? Or, better yet… WHAT is he?!”
The show goes to a commercial break as everyone stares at the screen, shocked! Ember screams at the television!
“WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?!”
Eidolon’s Ward puts a gauntlet to its helmet. “I… I don’t understand how he could stand there and say such terrible things about Arc like that!”
Arc sighs. “Easy there, Ember. Calm down!”
“Calm down… CALM DOWN?! This guy slanders your good name, and you tell me to CALM DOWN?!”
Xenos looks to Arc, angrily. “I’m not too happy about this either, sir!”
Max nods. “None of us are!”
Hugh looks to him. “How can you stay so calm about this, sir?!”
Viktor nods. “Do tell!”
Arc sighs and turns off the television. “It reminds me of something I told Dinky once.”
Ember looks confused. “Dinky?”
“Yes, Ember. She once told me that she wanted to follow in my footsteps and be a hero.”
Cherry’s voice echoes from Eidolon’s Ward. “She’s such a sweet little thing! But what does that have to do with this?”
“I told her to always do what is right. Even when those around her insult and belittle her for it.”
Max nods. “Like Guy Smiley just did to you?”
“Exactly.”
Ember tuns to Viktor. “Do you think you could get me the address of the station they broadcast from?”
“Sure! Why?”
“So I can go down there and punch Smiley in the mouth!”
Arc turns to Viktor. “Don’t give her the address.
“Yes sir.”
Ember fumes! “I’m not really going to do it! But he deserves it! I wouldn’t think less of you if the Hero of Light never showed his helmet in town again!”
“That’s not going to happen. I’m needed, here and now! Even if there are people like that talking down to me.”
He suddenly yawns, stands and stretches.
“I think I’m going to call it a night.”
Eidolon’s Ward stands and follows Arc up the stairs. “I’ll come with you.”
Max turns to the others. “I feel bad for the commander. He’s doing his very best for everyone! Yet still there are those who doubt his intentions!”
Ember sighs. “This has to be hard on him!”
Xenos looks toward the stairs. “Hard on him?! To me it looked like he took it quite well!”
Sereb nods. “It bothered him. Believe me.”
Arc returns to his room and lies down as his armor moves to sit down in its chair. He stares up at the ceiling for a time.
“Want to talk about it, Arc?
“I’m okay. I knew there would be days like this.”
“Perhaps you just need a good night’s sleep.”
Arc nods. “I think you’re right, Cherry.”
Getting up, she turns off the lights. “Rest well, my love. Things will look better in the morning.”
Arc rolls over and closes his eyes. “I hope you’re right.”
Eidolon’s Ward walks back to her chair and sits down to watch over Arc. “So do I, my love. So do I.”