Spartan: Year One

[wolfsfang]

Very very informative.

A great twist on the whole powers being tied to the emotions idea

 

[IAmHe9]

Great job.

 

[Swordmaster]

Eleven

The day that came after yesterday, everyone in school was talking about Spartan, even the teachers. During the classes where everyone was talking about it, I eavesdropped on Briana’s class, to hear what she thought. Unfortunately, she never piped in.
At lunch that day, the four of us were talking about Spartan. I asked Briana what she thought about him. She responded very enthusiastically. “He’s so cool! I mean, we’ve never had a superhero EVER and when he showed and kicked those guys asses…wow!”
She laughed and I smirked. I guess I am awesome. “You think we’ll see him ever again?” she asked. “Oh yeah,” I said. “I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the coming weeks…”
***
And it was so. For a whole month Spartan appeared, saving people from fires, muggings, all that stuff. And let me tell you: It was fun. Jackson was definitely right. I do enjoy being a hero.
***
After school one day near the end of February, I was walking home when I thought I heard footsteps following me. I turned around, but no one was present. Confused, I walked on until a scream, followed by a silent alarm screeched in my ears. Trying to focus (which was hard), I determined it was coming from the deli across the street. That scream sounded familiar to me, but I couldn’t place it. I heard a semi-automatic pistol cocked, and only one thought raced through my mind: Hero Time.
I dashed across the street, changing as I went. When I burst through the door in speed mode, I saw a bullet headed for some knocked out girl. Acting on instinct, I ran in front of her and took the bullet for her. It bounced off me with ease. I looked at the girl’s face.
“Briana,” I whispered. I listened for her heartbeat. It was there, so she’d be fine. If I was able to deal with these guys. Which, you know, I am. Growling, I turned to the guy who shot at her and blasted heat vision at the gun, which led him to drop it. In a follow-up move, I ran up to the thug, snapped his arm, then head butted him, knocking him unconscious.
I felt more bullets bounce off my back. I turned and found two more thugs shooting at me. I webbed one of them, slammed him into his friend, then webbed the group together, upside down. I walked over to the clerk and asked her what happened. She looked to be maybe a little older than me, seventeen at the oldest. She was shaking. “It’s alright,” I said as comforting as I was able. “You’re safe now.” Tears in her eyes, she nodded and told me everything: Apparently Briana had walked in after school to buy a Coke, when the thieves walked in. She valiantly tried to stop them, even managing to get a few hits in. But skill is no match for size and the ability to end fights quickly, unfortunately. She was knocked out, and the leader tried to kill her, when I showed up.

 

[Swordmaster]

I thanked the clerk and made my way back to Briana. Sure enough, there was a coke bottle right next to her. I picked Briana up and held her like one would hold a baby, then picked up her Coke and walked over to the clerk. “It’s on me,” I said. The clerk shook her head. “N-no, Spartan” she stammered. “It’s the least I can do, for your help here t-today.” I nodded, then put the 1.25 for the soda on the counter.
***
Outside, the cops had shown up, led by a familiar face. “Sergeant Russell,” I called. He turned around at me and looked puzzled. “You don’t remember me?” I said, feigning sadness. “Well,” Russell said. “I know you’re Spartan, but I don’t think we’ve ever had the pleasure of…”
I rolled my eyes. “Good god man, how many people do you know who can swing on webs?” He continued to look puzzled, then a look of comprehension dawned on his face. “It’s you…you’re the one who saved that little girl from that fire…” I nodded curtly. “The one and only. Listen, there are three guys hanging from the ceiling in there. They tried to rob the place, but I kicked their asses.”
Sarge (my name for him) laughed. “Direct, aren’t you? Well, thanks for your help today.” He finally noticed that I was holding Briana. “Who’s she?” he asked. “A girl who tried to help out. I’m gonna take her home. She’s earned it. Oh, and when you’re asking the clerk, be gentle. She’s pretty shaken up.” Without waiting for an answer, I jumped up in the air and swung away.
A few minutes later, I arrived at Briana’s house. Seeing as her parents were at work, it would be no problem getting her in. She had a balcony with a sliding glass door outside her room, so I landed on that. God, I hoped it was unlocked…
It was. She’s a very trusting soul, that one. I opened the door gently and walked in. I laid Briana on her bed then went to leave, then stopped. I took off my mask and glasses and looked at her. Should I tell her? I wondered. I went to her and changed my costume back to the uniform. I started to say her name, then realized the ‘S’ was still visible, which brought me back to reality. I smiled sadly, then put the mask and glasses on and changed back to Spartan. I looked at her one last time, then swung away. I think I felt a single tear brush down my cheek.

 

[Swordmaster]

Twelve​

I sat crouched upon the spire of Xavier City’s tallest building, trying to get my mind off Briana by going to work. I listened for sounds of any disturbance, any at all, just so I wouldn’t have to think about her.
After an hour or so of this, I got one. Bullets firing at each other. I didn’t know what it was, nor did I care. It just gave me something to do. I leaped off the building, fired a webline, and swung towards the crime.
***
I arrived at a gang war. Great. I landed in between the two groups. “It’s Spartan!” one of them yelled. No, really? It appeared that my sudden entrance caused them to forget about their petty war, because they all attacked me at once. My Battle Sense triggered and I leaped up in the air as the swarmed over me. I launched a web onto a nearby lamppost, swung around it, crouched upon it and watched them beat each other up for a minute before joining in again.
I leaped in, taking one down with an uppercut. My Battle Sense warned me that two more gang members were running up behind me. I elbowed them both in the face. After that, the survivors got smart and took out their guns. Wait, did I say smart? I meant stupid. They started unloading entire clips into me, which bounced off and hit nearby buildings. Luckily, there were no civilians in the vicinity. Getting bored of this, as there was no challenge, I entered speed mode and quickly disposed of the rest of them, then webbed them off a lamppost.
I rubbed my head. This stuff was too easy. I was thinking about what to do next when slow applause broke through the air. I turned and saw a tall, thin, bald man in a finely tailored suit emerge from the shadows. “You’ve been difficult to get a hold of, Spartan. Following you fails, as you move so…quickly…through the crowd. I had to instigate this whole gang war just to grab your attention.” I raised my eyebrows, asking, “You started this?” The man nodded, smiling humorlessly. “Who do you think you are?” I demanded of him.
“Ah, how rude of me. Niles Ferris, at your service. I am consigliore to one Dean Murdoch.” This shocked me. Dean Murdoch was a well-known and respected techno-entrepreneur. It was rumored that he laid the blueprints out for the nano-technology that made up my costume. “The Dean Murdoch?” I asked. ‘The head of Wyntech?” Niles smirked maliciously at me. “So much more than that, Spartan. He sent to me to retrieve you for a meeting.”
I turned to walk away. Someone who sent his minions to start gang wars was not worthy of my attention. “Thanks, but no thanks.” I started to leap, but what Niles Ferris aid next stopped me in my tracks. “I urge you to reconsider, Kyle Wyatt.” I stopped and turned around, rigid. Niles Ferris was smiling. God, I wanted to knock his head off.

 

[Snipershot]

moving. if she had died....

 

[Swordmaster]

***
Twenty minutes later, I stood outside Murdoch’s office, dressed in my uniform (at the “behest” of Niles). I looked at my watch Six Twenty-One. Damn, Dad was gonna kill me. I took a deep breath, and then knocked on the door. “Enter,” a deep voice said. I opened the door, and walked into Murdoch’s office.
Dean Murdoch sat behind a huge brown desk, which had various technological objects on it. I had no idea what they were. Murdoch himself had slicked back brown hair, was well built, and would not have looked out of place at a funeral, seeing as his suit mirrored funeral garb. He stood up and smiled not unkindly at me. “Ah, Mr. Wyatt. Come, have a seat.” IN an instant, a chair popped out of the floor. “I’d rather stand,” I replied. Murdoch inclined his head. “As is your prerogative. It matters not. All that matters is that you and I have a talk.”
I went right to business. “How do you know who I am?” Murdoch smiled. “You really should learn to clean up your blood, Mr. Wyatt. It can be very…incriminating.” My blood…? Wait. The blood that fell when I was shot, so long ago. But how did he get it? Businessmen have no business at crime scenes.
“Your confusion is evident, Mr. Wyatt. Allow me to explain. I am indeed head of this company. That is true. But that is only my public face. Who I really am, is something much more.”
“Oh great,” I said. “If you turn out to be the devil incarnate or some **** like that, I’m outta here.” Again, he laughs. And now I realize: It’s not a nice laugh.
“I am a member of Adventus, a secret society who wishes to-” “Let me guess,” I cut in. “Rule the world.” He laughs again. This guy’s really messed up, I realize. “No, Mr. Wyatt. We wish not to rule the world, but manipulate it to our liking. We would choose the President of this country. We would choose who goes to war and when. Everything would be under our control. EVRYTHING!”
He screamed that last part right in my face. I didn’t even flinch. “Well,” I said. “Good luck with that. But that isn’t why you called me here, is it, you Loony McLoon-Loon, you?”
For the first time, anger flashed across Murdoch’s face. It warped his handsome features into something that looked pure evil. “Loon, you call me? Fair enough. And you wonder what role you’ll play in this little game of mine? I’ll humor you. You will join Adventus, and remove those who stand in the way. You will be my key into the Adventus Elite, and thus, the key to the future.”
Yep. This guy was definitely a wacko. I’m not entirely sure Adventus even existed. Something to check out when I was done here. “If you think I’m going to help you, and I quote, “remove those who stand in the way”, you’re way off. I’m a hero, man. And heroes don’t kill, no matter what.”
I went to the door, which should have signaled the end of the “meeting”, but no, he had to do what he did next.
“Well, you have a right to your decision,” he said sadly, going back into his sophisticated businessman routine. “But I beg you change your mind. Otherwise, the consequences for your loved ones will be…”
Murdoch left the last word hanging in the air, but I knew what he meant. I lunged at him and grabbed his throat. “You stay a way from my friends and family, or I’ll kill you!” I hissed. Murdoch merely laughed. “Hypocrite,” he said. “Didn’t you just say that heroes don’t kill?”
For once, he was right. I let go of him and stared at him, disgusted. “You stay away from my loved ones, or I may just try not being a hero for once.” I went towards the door as he laughed again, spitting up blood. “You still don’t get it, do you? There are Adventi everywhere. In the schools, police departments.” He gestured to himself. “Companies. We’re everywhere, Spartan. You will NEVER be safe.”
I turned to face him one last time, his eyes glowing red. “For your sake, you better hope you’re wrong.”

 

[Swordmaster]

moving. if she had died....

You thought that was moving? Wait till you see later...

 

[Snipershot]

dude, now it sounds like daredevil...

 

[Swordmaster]

dude, now it sounds like daredevil...

I was aiming for Superman Returns, actually . Just keep reading. Unless you're done. Then sit tight.





Besides, his reasoning is entirely different then DD

 

[Snipershot]

done, i am, enjoy, i do, here, rob is...

 

[Swordmaster]

Never mind...

 

[Swordmaster]

Thirteen

I waited in the shadows of the office of Sergeant Russell, and waited for him to show up. He finally did…two hours later. I think I almost fell asleep. “Took you long enough, Sarge.”
He jumped, and looked for me. “Spartan?” “The one and only,” I said, emerging from the dark. “How’d you know where my office was?” he asked. Under the mask, I smirked. “It’s the door that says, SERGEANT GARY RUSSEL on it in pretty letters. Kinda hard to miss.”
He chuckled. “How can I help you today?” I stopped smirking. “I need you to go through any and all case files that could remotely be connected to an organization called ‘Adventus’.” He looked taken aback. “May I ask why?” he asked. “…No,” I said. “Not now, anyway.”
With that, I leaped out the window of the office and swung away, leaving a puzzled Sarge to (hopefully) do that small thing for me.
***
I never told anyone about my “meeting” with Murdoch. Not even Dad. I didn’t want to worry them.
Months passed again, until it was now May. I had changed from small-time vigilante to genuine superhero. Instead of stopping a carjacker, I was stopping a helicopter…jacker.
***
After school one Thursday, it was me and Briana walking home together. We talked about school and random ****, and I was sad to see us part ways. She was halfway across the street when I called her name. “Hey, Briana!” I yelled. She turned around and smiled at me. “Yeah, Kyle?’ I was about to ask her out, when all of a sudden a car sped out of nowhere and hit her.
I stood there, frozen. “This…this can’t be real.” I dashed to her and grabbed her limp body. I listened for a pulse, a breath, anything to tell me she was still alive. Nothing. Briana Walker, the love of my life, was dead.
My breath came out in short, erratic bursts. I wanted to cry, but couldn’t. The tears would not come. I ran to the driver’s door and ripped it open. In the drivers’ seat was…
“Spartan,” I said. Spartan nodded, staring at me emotionlessly from behind his sunglasses. My sunglasses. “What the-” I began, but stopped when Spartan got out. He reached for me and…
I woke up in a cold sweat and looked at the clock. 11:30 p.m. It was just a dream. No…a nightmare. Of course it was. Today had been a Friday, and a particularly exhausting one at that, which is why I fell asleep so early. I tried to go back to sleep, but failed. Giving up, I went to my window and jumped out. When I landed, I was Spartan.
I dashed to Briana’s house. I had to make sure it was just a nightmare. I needed to.
When I arrived, I looked for a sturdy branch that let me see her inside Briana’s room. Finding one, I leaped up onto and instantly balanced myself on it. If I was a stalker, that would be perfect for me. But I’m not.
There she was, practicing her Karate, looking very determined and focused. I think she was listening to Green Day, but I wasn’t paying attention. She was safe, and that is all that mattered.
I sighed, leaped off the branch, and ran away, not giving the dream a second thought.

 

[wolfsfang]

Okay I am read it just like you asked in my Venom story thread

Nice a bit of a shock with the death of Briana but a nice quick save, even if you did go the cliched it was all a dream route.

I have to agree it went more DD then SR but I will wait to see how it goes, who know it may get more SR and less DD

nice job

 

[Swordmaster]

Okay I am read it just like you asked in my Venom story thread

Nice a bit of a shock with the death of Briana but a nice quick save, even if you did go the cliched it was all a dream route.

I have to agree it went more DD then SR but I will wait to see how it goes, who know it may get more SR and less DD

nice job

What I meant by going more SR than DD was that he used a listening post way above normal people to get his mind off his love interest.

And as for Briana, let's just say she's not out of the clear yet...

 

[IAmHe9]

I really like that Gwe-- uh...Briana character. I don't know if I missed it somewhere, i'm pretty sure I read all the chapters, but could you tell us maybe what her hair and eye color are, so we can picture a Briana closer to what you're picturing in your head?

Anyway, great story, I dig it.

 

[Swordmaster]

I really like that Gwe-- uh...Briana character. I don't know if I missed it somewhere, i'm pretty sure I read all the chapters, but could you tell us maybe what her hair and eye color are, so we can picture a Briana closer to what you're picturing in your head?

Anyway, great story, I dig it.

Eh, I have no idea if Gwen Stay is like Briana, as I never read any Spidey stories featuring her, so if she's at all like her, it's pure coincidence.

And yes, I will happily post a description:

She's about 5'1, has shoulder length dirty blonde hair that's usually tied up in a knot or ponytail, and is normal when it comes to body-type. Her eyes are deep brown, like the best chocolate. One could get lost in them for hours. And God...her smile...

(added to chapter 1 description, btw)

Thanks again for all the comments, guys

 

[Swordmaster]

Fourteen

At lunch the following Monday, we were, as usual, talking about nothing in particular. Halfway through the period, Briana brought up her Karate Demonstration here at the school after classes. “It’d mean a lot to me if you guys came,” she said. “I’m there,” I said immediately. She smiled in response as Leon and Jackson snickered. I glared at them and burned their French fries with my heat vision. They looked down sadly. It was a good thing Briana was looking away at the time, eh?
“So, how was your weekend, Briana?” I asked. She turned away. “Oh, fine. The weirdest thing happened on Friday night, though.” “Oh yeah?” I asked, genuinely curious. “Yeah,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “ I mean, I was practicing my karate, and I thought I saw Spartan watching me do so.”
My eyes widened in fear. “You think, or you know?” I asked, hoping my voice didn’t give away how terrified I felt on the inside. “I’m pretty sure I saw him, yes. You know, guys…I think he likes me. I mean, one: he saved me from those thieves at the deli, brought me home, and even got me a Coke. Now he’s watching me practice. Some would call it stalker-ish, but I think it’s sweet.”
“And,” I said, gulping, “how do you feel about him? Do…do you like him?” I listened to her heartbeat. It was racing. Briana turned to me and stared at me directly in the eyes, smiling very mischievously. “Why, Kyle? Jealous?”
I faked a laugh, hoping it sounded convincing. “Me? Jealous of Spartan? Never.”
She nodded skeptically, and turned away, blushing slightly. Leon and Jackson glared at me. They didn’t need to talk. I knew what they were asking. “Is this true?” I merely nodded.
After lunch, Leon, Jackson, and I parted ways with Briana, when Leon pinned me against a wall. “Dude, what the hell?” I snapped. “You’re using his powers to stalk her. That’s not right, Kyle.” “Yeah, what he said,” Jackson agreed. I looked at Jackson. “Shove it, Jackie Boy.”
I grabbed Leon’s arms and squeezed them until he let go of me. His eyes winced in pain. “It’s not like that. I’m not stalking her. Listen.” And so I told them everything about the dream, to why I did what I did. As I did so, their faces changed from ones of anger to ones of shock and pity. “I have a bad feeling, guys,” I concluded.
“Why don’t you just tell her everything?” Jackson suggested, even though it had nothing to do with the conversation, yet strangely everything at the same time. “There are…complications, too many complications,” I muttered. “Like what!?” Jackson screamed. “Tell me one complication, and I’ll back off.”
I turned away, unable to think of one. He was right; the only thing stopping me from telling her was, ironically, me. I was about to say something when Leon burst in, “You know, Kyle, you may have super-speed and all, but we don’t, and if we don’t start moving, we’re ****ed.” I looked at my watch. He was right. Damn him…
***
We made it to class just in time.
***
After school, I sat in the nice, air-conditioned auditorium with Leon and Jackson, watching Briana perform her Karate moves. God she looked good in that gi…Her moves were fluid but strong, graceful yet deadly. I had no doubt that if I lacked my abilities, she could kick my ass.
I was brought of the trance her moves put me in by my phone ringing (Superman Theme was set as the ringtone). Everyone surrounding me glared at me. I quickly muttered an apology then ran out into the hall. Why’d I forget to set it on vibrate, I don’t know. I checked the Caller ID. It read: Private Number. “Yeah, what do you ?” I answered. “Hello, Mr. Wyatt,” the voice said. I recognized it instantly. “Murdoch!” I yelled. “So, you remember me. I’m touched.”
“What do you want?” I demanded of him. “Simple,” he replied. “You.” “Sorry, pal, but I don’t swing that way.” How I was able to keep my sexy sarcastic wit about me, I’ll never know. I heard the bastard laugh over the phone. “Your wit is still as sharp as ever, Mr. Wyatt. Too bad your wit alone won’t save your father.”
“M-my father?” “Yes. Daddy. Padre. Papa. Whatever you want to call him, he is here, in my office. Dead, if you don’t come. You have ten minutes.”
“Wait-”I began, but he’d already hung up. I cursed. I looked from the door leading outside to the door leading back to the auditorium. “I’m so sorry, Briana…” I whispered, so low I could barely hear it. Then I dashed out of the school, became Spartan, and swung away into the twilight, not looking back.

 

[Swordmaster]

Alright then, this is the last chapter for today. Tomorrow comes the finale chapters, and then by next week the sequel, Spartan: Reckoning, will be posted.
________________________________________________________________

Fifteen

I swung to the office of Dean Murdoch, eavesdropping on his conversation. For once in his life, he sounded fearful, but he still had that edge of cockiness in his voice that I couldn’t wait to beat out of him. One voice, an elderly British one, said, “This is your last chance, Murdoch. Either bring us Spartan, or you’re done.”
“Y-yes, Overlord Halsen. He should be coming any minute now.” I swung through the window, breaking it and landing in a super-badass ninja pose. Murdoch turned to look at me, along with a…blue, glowing, holographic head. Yeah, I don’t get it either. “Actually, I’m already here. Oh sorry, I hope I’m not interrupting anything?” I quipped. The head (Overlord Halsen, I assumed) turned to Murdoch and said “Do what must be done” before vanishing.
“Where’s my father?” I asked. Murdoch smiled, then said, “At home, where else?” I glared at him. He’d lured me here, using my love for my father as bait. “You’re a bastard, you know that?” I remarked. Murdoch shrugged. “It’s what I do best. I knew it would be the only way to get you here. Your care for your loved ones makes you weak, Spartan. If you join Adventus, I will personally remove you of any such weakness. You will then be truly invincible!”
“Hmm…let me think about that for a minute,” I said, putting my hand to chin and pretending to think about it for a while. “Nah, I’m good. Thanks for the offer, though.” Murdoch frowned and pressed a button on his desk. Instantly, my Battle Sense flared.
Three skeletal robots appeared from a hidden doorway. They had glowing red eyes, but were otherwise just metal skeletons. “Behold, Spartan,” Murdoch said. “The SK-1’s. Despite their flimsy appearances, they have incredible speed, strength, and reflexes. You wonder why I haven’t bothered you for months? I’ve been busy readying these beauties. Can you guess what they’re for?”
I thought for a minute. “Does the ‘SK’ stand for Spartan Killer, by any chance?” Murdoch jumped up and down, clapping his hands, the freak. “Very good! You’re much more intelligent than I gave you credit for. So…your last chance.” Oh boy, here it comes: Join me or die.
“Join me…or be destroyed.” Eh, I was close enough. “Uh, I choose option ‘C’. With that, I dashed to one of the robots and punch a hole in it, then, using the hole, ripped it in half. I looked at Murdoch. He looked terrified. “Oh dear…” he said, before running out of the room.
I started to run after him, but one of the two remaining SK’s leaped onto my back and started strangling me. I struggled for a minute, planning my next move. Almost out of breath, I ripped its arms off and threw them to the ground. The robot looked at its missing appendages, then lunged at me, fighting until the end. I fired my heat vision at it at its highest temperature. Though it was still lunging at me, it was slowing down, and right as it was about to reach me, it finally exploded, sending me flying back.
Two down, one to go, I couldn’t help thinking while uncontrollably flying through the air. For the second time in about a year, I was able to control myself long enough to back flip in midair and kick off a wall, straight at the last SK.
On my way, I grabbed the head of one of the fallen ‘bots and threw it at the robot, which dodged it. Thinking fast as I as I approached it, I grabbed its torso, and we both crashed through the window, and fell for what seemed like forever, exchanging blows, until finally I managed to “knock its block off, ” beating it. Unfortunately for me, I was still falling.

 

[IAmHe9]

Eh, I have no idea if Gwen Stay is like Briana, as I never read any Spidey stories featuring her, so if she's at all like her, it's pure coincidence.

And yes, I will happily post a description:

She's about 5'1, has shoulder length dirty blonde hair that's usually tied up in a knot or ponytail, and is normal when it comes to body-type. Her eyes are deep brown, like the best chocolate. One could get lost in them for hours. And God...her smile...

(added to chapter 1 description, btw)

Thanks again for all the comments, guys

I just hinted that she was like Gwen because 1) she's the love of his life yada yada 2) because you've repeatedly hinted that something bad is gonna happen to her later on (similar to Gwen being killed by the Goblin, perhaps?). That's all. Anyway, great job on these last couple of chapters.

 

[jallain]

pretty interesting, im a couple chapters behind but its cool, a good read. one thing i could say is that you should structure the paragraphs more. like only have one person talking in a paragraph. if another person is gonna start talking start a new paragraph. i just posted chapter 1 of my story if youd like to read it you could see what i mean and then give some feed, its a little boring but its just the start.

 

[Swordmaster]

I just hinted that she was like Gwen because 1) she's the love of his life yada yada 2) because you've repeatedly hinted that something bad is gonna happen to her later on (similar to Gwen being killed by the Goblin, perhaps?). That's all. Anyway, great job on these last couple of chapters.

Thanks.


Well, a lot of the character basis for Kyle and his friends are derived from myself and my friends, and I've tried to incorporate some of my experiences as well, ie. the evil art teacher.

 

[Swordmaster]

pretty interesting, im a couple chapters behind but its cool, a good read. one thing i could say is that you should structure the paragraphs more. like only have one person talking in a paragraph. if another person is gonna start talking start a new paragraph. i just posted chapter 1 of my story if youd like to read it you could see what i mean and then give some feed, its a little boring but its just the start.

Eh, I tried it the way you suggested. DIdn't like it. But thanks for the advice

 

[Swordmaster]

Sixteen​

I fell for what seemed like forever, waiting to land so I could get Murdoch. Then my common sense kicked in and I fired a webline to slow down my descent. I landed safely, making no impact on the ground. I started to move to leap back up to the building when I heard a thud. Then another. I tried to tune into it with my hearing, to no avail. The sounds got louder and louder. I turned around and nearly wet myself.
What faced me was a giant mech. It stood about ten feet tall, and looked to be made of reinforced steel. The only true part I could make out was the cockpit (which doubled as the torso), where Murdoch sat in a command suit. I leaped directly in front of him to confront him.
“Nice outfit,” I said. Murdoch’s voice, synthesized, answered: “Thank you. I also designed this during the months between our meetings, Spartan. In case the SK’s failed (which was highly unlikely, but I was proven wrong); this exo-suit is designed to finish you. And your precious city.”
“For God’s sake man,” I cried, “I’ve turned you down three times already! Do you really think I’d change my mind?” Murdoch snorted. “I would have thought you valued your own life, Spartan. I guess I was wrong.”
With that, a sonic screech emitted from the suit, paralyzing me with pain. The mech, as I will refer to it, knocked me into the air, my Battle Sense not giving me any warning. Horrified, I realized that the sound waves kept me from holding my focus, thus weakening me. People to all sides of me were either a) screaming out of fear or b) chanting my name. I couldn’t let them down! I wouldn’t.
I regained control of my body long enough to fire a webline at a nearby building and swing kick the mech. I let go of the line and landed, trying to see if I’d done any damage. No such luck. I didn’t even leave a ****ing dent!
All the while, the mech continued to emit its sonic screech, but I was focused on my goal: saving the day. His one advantage was useless to him now, which was good for me, as it retaliated by striking at me with its arm. I leaped up, then rebounded on the arm, about to try to make a move on its “head”, when a metallic rope, much like my own web, launched at me and tied me hope. So that’s what it feels like being tied up, I thought. The line constricted around my body, making it hard for me to breath, and started bashing me on the ground. It was hard for me to maintain my invincibility, but I managed. I tried busting out of the rope. Yeah, that didn’t happen.
“Don’t bother,” Murdoch’s voice said. “The ropes are made of the same indestructible material as this combat suit. You are trapped here until I decide to let you go. If I decide to let you go.”
The world was going black. All my senses were dulling, and it was getting even harder for me to breathe. I closed my eyes, beginning to accept the end. “Very good, Spartan. You know you cannot win. For this, the deaths of your loved ones will be quick and painless…well, maybe,” he said, his voice oozing with superiority and smugness.
My eyes snapped open. That did it. Threaten me all you want, but when you say you’re gonna kill my friends and family, there’s gonna be hell to pay. Feeling the anger course through my bones, my muscles, my very being, I screamed in rage and broke free of the rope. “Impossible,” Murdoch said, sounding shocked. I glared at him under my glasses. Desperate, he fired another rope at me. This time, I caught it, my reflexes being even better than usual. I screamed for everyone in the immediate area to get down, and started swinging the mech around.
Having gained enough momentum, I let go and sent the mech flying towards the water, hopefully shorting it out. I sighed and went to run back to the High School, hoping that I could catch the last of Briana’s demonstration. Then I heard a sound that was a lot like an old women crying.
I looked up in the air and saw the mech return, utilizing jet boots. “Oh give me a break,” I said. The mech launched a missile at me, which I proceeded to attach a webline to. I leaped up into the air and propelled the missile back at its original owner. The mech dodged it and landed, looking everywhere for me.
What it failed to realize was that I was on top of it. I blasted my heat vision at full force and tore a hole to which (I hoped) was the main power conduit…thing. I prayed that I was right, and ripped the wire out.
***
The mech died almost instantly. I leaped off the head of the machine and waited in front of the cockpit. Dean Murdoch emerged in a puff of smoke, which I happily take responsibility for and pressed a button on the flight suits arm. I grabbed him by the collar. “You’re going to jail, Murdoch. There’s a whole bunch of eyewitnesses here. Looks like I won after all. *****.”
Murdoch spit in my face. I didn’t flinch, but threw him down on the ground. “You’ve think you’ve one, Spartan? Just because you beat me and my mech?” he cried maniacally. “Uh…yeah, pretty much,” I said. Murdoch started laughing again. “You’ve lost Spartan. LOST!”
“What the hell are you smoking?” I asked. Still laughing, Murdoch replied, “Instead of talking wise to me, you should go check on your girlfriend.”
My eyes widened under my glasses, after determining his meaning. “What did you do?” I whispered.

 

[Swordmaster]

Seventeen​

I swung to the High School as fast as I could, Murdoch’s words echoing in my mind. The bastard revealed confided to me (after some torture) that he got Wyners out of juvey the first time, as he was intrigued by the stories of his knife becoming white hot instantly. Murdoch knew that Wyners, a mentally unstable man, would take drastic measures to get revenge on the person who put him in that hell (in this case Briana). He also predicted that the one who caused the knife to become hot would reappear to save the day. I know it was a lot to bet on, but he was right. I played right into his hands by saving the girl from that fire that day.
Murdoch proceeded to explain that he got Wyners out of jail early, in case all his plans for me failed, so that even if I won, I lost. After he confided in me, I head-butted him and webbed him to a lamppost, then made my way to the school.
I swung over a red convertible that was driving perfectly and looked at the time. 5:37. I struggled to go faster.
I was nearly there when I saw Briana crossing the street. She looked upset. I realized it right there that it was my fault. I had told her I’d come to her show. Even though I showed up, I let almost as soon as it started. She probably thought I never came. I made it a point to tell her everything later, as soon as I stopped Wyners.
Out of nowhere, a car came racing down the street and hit Briana. I land and dash towards her. “No…” I said. People surrounded us, including Jackson and Leon. “Briana…come on, Bree. Talk to me…you can’t be dead. Come on…please!” I listened for a sign of life in her. Nothing. She was gone. I looked at my watch. Time of death: 5:42.
I looked at Jackson and Leon and shook my head. They both started silently crying. My pain transcended tears. Growling, I ran to the car and ripped the door off. In the drivers seat, Geoff Wyners is laughing. He stopped when he caught sight of me…and my symbol.
“You!” he screamed. “You got me in jail, you ****! I’ll KILL you now.” Wyners took out a knife and stabbed me. The knife shattered into a million shards. Wyners fearfully looked from the hilt to me. “What are you?” he screamed. I ripped off the mask and glasses, revealing my face.
Scattered whispers erupted in the crowd. They recognized me. It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered anymore. “Wyatt,” Wyners whispered. “It can’t be…
I threw him out of the car and started beating him senseless. Blood flowed, bones broke. I kept at it until Leon and Jackson pulled me off him. That was when I lost it. All control lost, I started crying. She was gone. Briana Walker, the love of my life, was gone.
I broke free of their grip and ran to Briana’s lifeless corpse. “I love you,” I said to it. To her. Leon came over to me. “Kyle…come on. There’s nothing anyone can do now. Not even you.”
Putting my mask and glasses on, I said tearfully, “Yes there is,” and then, somehow, I flew into the sky.