𝑫𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌

𝑯𝒐𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒄𝒐𝒂 | 𝟒𝟖

I was practically buzzing with excitement when Vlad had offered me the opportunity to join him and his sidekicks on today's patrol.

The whole week of training had felt intense, and I was eager for something outside the usual drills. I wasn't allowed on the field yet, obviously—I still didn't have my provisional hero license—but that didn't mean I couldn't tag along, right?

Vlad had given me a quick rundown before we headed out. "Stay alert, but don't do anything stupid," he'd said. "You're not a licensed hero yet, so your job is to observe. Nothing more."

I nodded. He didn't have to tell me twice. I knew the rules, and I wasn't about to screw it up. I was just happy to be there, watching him in action, seeing the kind of work that went into keeping the city safe.

The streets were quieter than I expected—just the low hum of cars and distant chatter on the sidewalks. It was almost peaceful. But I knew that could change at any moment. It was only a matter of time before something went wrong.

Scout was walking a few steps ahead, leading the way with a casual stride. Thrasher, who I'd been introduced earlier in the week, was off to the side, his hand resting near his weapon as he scanned the surroundings. Fallout, another one of Vlad's sidekicks, on the other hand, seemed to be in deep conversation with Scout, their voices low and easy.

Vlad walked ahead of me, his presence commanding and steady. I could feel the weight of his authority even from behind. Despite my earlier nerves, something about being outside with him, alongside his sidekicks, made everything feel... real. This was it—the life of a pro hero. I was part of it, even if just for tonight.

We'd been walking for about half an hour when the comms crackled to life. A low murmur echoed through the earpieces, and Vlad's eyes flicked toward the alleyway ahead of us.

"Hold up," he muttered to the group, his voice steady but sharp.

I instinctively shifted closer, my heartbeat quickening. Was something going down? Was this where the action started?

"Stay alert," Vlad continued, his gaze scanning the shadows ahead of us. "We have a report of a small-time villain in the area. Could be nothing, but we'll handle it."

Scout was already moving forward, falling into formation, with Fallout and Thrash in tow. They spread out, maintaining a watchful stance, while I stayed at the back, sticking close to Vlad.

Then, without warning, a loud crash echoed down the alley. A silhouette darted into the street, followed by the distinct shriek, followed by the crackling sound of a villain laughing.

I stepped forward instinctively, but Vlad's hand shot out, placing a firm grip on my shoulder. "You know the rules, kid."

I looked down."I know, observe only." 

"Stay close." He nodded before turning his attention back on his surroundings, bolting forward. I used the ports on my heel to lift me up, and I flew around, keeping track of the villain. It seemed like he had a knock-back ability of some sort with the way the ground would shake around him.

I couldn't help but watch as the battle unfolded. The villain slammed his fist into the truck, sending sparks flying as an invisible force pushed everything back. People were still running, some taking shelter behind the wreckage.

My thoughts were scattered—focusing on the civilians, the chaos, trying to stay out of the way. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something that made my pulse race: one of the villian blasts had sent a car flying, straight for a small clique of civilians.

I flew past the rubble and debris, determined to get there first.  On closer examination, I saw that they were kids.I flew under the car, then activated the ports on my legs with all my might. "Move!" I yelled, wincing as I struggled to hold my own.