1.14 Endgame Part 5

“Hello everyone,” I say to the assembled groups in the main room of the base a couple hours later, “As you know, I have finally found the location of the person responsible for almost every major incident that has plagued our country since Vistorix showed up in early July.”

We got all of the new Leaguers in costume in addition to the combat ready Albion Defenders. Britannia, Warden, Dreadnought, Green Knight, Robyn Hood, Multitude, Spectre, Eternal, Controller and Werebeast. Only Merlin, Powerbeam and Restorer aren’t here.

In the corner we got Darrac and Mia, who Darrac brought along. The two space pirates, excuses me, space privateers both look ready for the up coming fight.

A total of twenty one superheroes and two space pirates against whatever the Machine’s creator has to bring against us.

If they weren’t responsible for the deaths of several people, directly or otherwise, I might feel sorry for them.

I let my announcement settle in before I continue. I’m sure they already know that as I doubt they would be here otherwise, but it still has an impact amongst the gathered people.

I’m able to continue when another couple of people join our group. A man in a black cloak obscures his body from sight and only his glowing white eyes can be seen while other is man in bulky gold and red power armour.

Shade and Spartan. Two acquaintances I made a while back.

Huh, never thought I would ever think that way. Sure Granddad spoke about old acquaintances he made over years as a superhero, but it is another thing for me to be doing it myself.

“I hope you don’t mind us helping out,” says Spartan, “We both have some unfinished business with the guy you’re going after.”

“Every hand helps,” I reply.

Strange how we’re talking about this when the first time we met was when Spartan was trying to collect the bounty on my head for the person we’re now working together to go after.

But that was before the Machine attacked his flying aircraft carrier and we fought together against it. And it isn’t healthy to hold grudges. Best to let bygones be bygones.

“The Machine’s creator, now codenamed Machinist, is operating out of a sunken Sektain warship about twenty miles off the coast of the Isle of Wight,” I continue from where I left off earlier before the new arrivals showed up, “Now if you’re wondering how we’re going to get down here since only a few of us can breathe underwater, we got a couple of things for that. First is a small breather that you put to your mouth and it also acts a communicator. The second is a magical charm that Narszara has come up with allows us to breath underwater. They’ll also keep you dry and unaffected by the water. We got thirty of them so there is enough for everybody here to have one each. If you do lose the charm, it has a residue effect so if you do lose it during battle, the effect won’t wear off until a few hours later.”

I, Mary and Narszara hand out the charms and breathers. While everybody takes a charm, those of us in power armour don’t take a breather. All of us already have an equivalent built into our armour.

“So here is the plan,” I say, “We’ll split into four groups, roughly six in each. The first group will be Shade, Spartan, Spectre, Controller and Werebeast with Britannia in charge. Warden will lead the second group, consisting of herself, Dreadnought, Green Knight, Eternal, Multitude and Robyn Hood. The next group will contain Lantern, Bolt, Night Beast, Multiform, Storm Knight, Gateway and Accelerate. The last group will be lead by myself and will consist of Narszara, Darrac, Mia, Commando and Vision. Is that clear?”

I get a series of agreements and we begin to split up into our groups.

I think I did pretty well in choosing the groups. Each one is led by an experienced leader and has good variation of abilities in each of them. In addition, they are split up between the two superhero teams we have on hand.

“Okay for transportation,” I say once we’re in our groups, “Teams One and Two will go in the two pairs of Albion Defender jets we got on hand. Team Three will take the Star Guardian while Team Four will be going in the Dusty Corsair.”

I wonder who will pilot the Star Guardian without me there. I suspect Janelle might fly herself, but Sam or Vance might end up in the cockpit.

“Hey Janelle,” I whisper into my communicator, “Were you the one to let Shade and Spartan in?”

“Yes, I assumed you wouldn’t mind the extra backup,” replies the AI.

“I don’t,” I tell her, “But I would like a heads up next time.”

“Understood,” says Janelle, “By the way, I don’t think I’ll be able to hack the ship’s computers. You’ll need internal access for that.”

“Good to know,” I reply, “I’ll need the prototype then for quick hacking then.”

“I believe so,” says Janelle and I end the call.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell the others in my group, “Just need to grab something from my lab for this mission.”

I dart off to my lab and quickly find the gray box containing what progress I have made so far in creating an AI. The box is about the size of a computer mouse, but barely a centimetre thick.

While the AI isn’t sentient like Janelle yet, it will be far better at hacking the ship’s systems then I would be.

“Ready,” I say as I return to the others as they wait around the bottom of the Dusty Corsair.

1.8 Assassins Part 2

It shows an American news report from a website. What the report is about makes me both angry and worried.

Britannia Revealed as Elizabeth Greene

That is bad. Really bad.

I read onwards. The rest of it is about Britannia, both her cape identity and her normal one. Including her personal details such as her facebook page, address and her family.

Not that I’m worried about Britannia. As a Class 5 flying brick, she can take anything her enemies can throw at her just as well out of costume as she can in costume.

Her family on the other hand is a different matter. They’re all non-supers living in Surrey.

I really ought to get over there and make sure no one goes after of them in light of this revelation.

I look down at the situation below. Most of the gangsters are in cuffs and there are about twenty officers on the scene now.

I zoom off towards Surrey. If I’m lucky, it’ll between fifty and sixty minutes for me to reach the house of Britannia’s sister.

I decide to spend my time on the flight looking up the information. The report is now circulating between countless news networks throughout the world, but as originated in America. Beyond that, I can’t find out any more information about its source, but my gut says it is my secret mastermind.

As for Britannia’s family, she has a sister called Jane Riley who married to a teacher called Mark Riley. They have two daughters, one twelve, the other nine, and a three year old boy.

All appear to be at home at this point in time.

I wonder whether they know about Britannia or this is a shock to them. I hope it’s the former.

If worse comes to the worse, I think they could live in the base. Granddad made it fully functional for people to live in there long term. In case something happened like League’s identities being discovered or a nuclear attack.

It has enough bedrooms, several internal power sources, an underground farm and forest, living space, an underground water supply and plenty of other stuff.

I receive no calls while I’m flying. I expect someone to call me about Britannia’s identity being revealed.

I’m actually a bit surprise when I reach Guildford, the town Britannia’s family lives, without anybody speaking to me. I expected at least Narszara or Sam to contact me.

Oh and if you’re wondering how I kept myself busy on the long flight, I just tried to solve some technical problems.

It’s about quarter to twelve now. I hover over the cul-de-sac where the Riley family lives. All of them are inside their house at the moment. I scan the area for threats as I think about what to do next.

Then I spot him. A man is sneaking along the rooftops in full black body armour and a black armoured mask. I recognise the assassin instantly.

Nightblade.

He’s a former Australian commando from WWII. During the war he became an enhanced human like the Paragon or Captain Noble. He stayed with the military for a few years before becoming a mercenary and an assassin for hire.

He must be going after Britannia’s family.

But he couldn’t have gotten here so quickly after the news report, especially if someone hired him. If I had to guess, he was hired by whoever released the news report to the public. Probably so the public would understand who the Riley family were when they are murdered.

Not on my watch.

I zoom in at Nightblade as he tries to leap onto the roof the Riley house. I slam into him and we both crash into the middle of the cul-de-sac. I jump away from the assassin as we both get to our feet.

Nightblade draws a pair of blade swords, both customs. One side is straight while the other side is curved. The blades are just over two foot long while the hilts are like those of a katana.

Nightblade looks at me and dashes forward without a word. I block his with my fists. With my armour, I can block his blades with arms and legs.

I roll back and fire my lasers at his swords. One of the lasers cuts one of blades in half.

From then one we fight in the middle of the cul-de-sac, using a mixture of swords, martial arts and other forms of combat.

Nightblade has his swords, is an enhanced human and has decades of combat experience while I got the Sentinel armour and have been trained to fight by the world’s greatest fighter since about the time I started infant school.

It’s been a few minutes before the fight reaches its conclusion. I grab Nightblade’s unbroken sword with my fist and snap it.  Unfortunately this gives Nightblade an opening.

“Good skill,” says Nightblade in his gruff voice before he kicks me in the chest, sending backwards.

It would have worked if it weren’t for one little thing.

I can fly.

Using the rocket pack, I fly forwards through the air and aim my sonics at Nightblade as I do.

“I can fly dumbo,” I yell at him as I fire the sonics at him.

He tries to dodge, but Nightblade can’t move faster than the speed of sound.

He drops his swords as he staggers away. Nightblade draws a custom pistol from his belt and fires at me a few times.

The bullets ding off the Sentinel armour. I’m about to swoop down on Nightblade when the Albion Defenders arrive.

1.2 Partners Part 9

I disliked the questions that were asked of us. Halfway through the conference, that dislike turned into hatred. By the end, most of the reporters in the room I hated with a passion.

And yes, it was that bad. It didn’t help most of them were dumb and pointless. Do I mean the questions or the reporters? The answer is yes.

Some of their questions were okay such as ‘what are our powers?’ and ‘which superheroes are we related too?’.

Others were just plain, old and stupid such as if ‘Bulk and Storm Knight could be trusted?’ and ‘how it was possible to be certain that they wouldn’t become supervillains like their grandparents?’.

The rest were simply irrelevant to the point we were making. In fact, I didn’t even bother to remember them.

But enough of me going on about my newfound hatred of the press, the media and all they entail.

Once it ended, we returned to the base and changed out of costumes before splitting up for the night.

Charlie and James decided to head home while the Walters went to some fancy place that their family could afford. Stefan stayed to use the training room and Sam and Sky decided to join him. Vance and Kennet when to a coffee shop for a drink together. Lucy stayed at the base to use one of the high-tech computers to do some of her homework.

I just decided to go home and see my family. I wonder how Lily will react to tonight?

I’m just coming out of the base when Helen runs to catch up with me.

I’m surprised at her appearance, jeans and an sleeveless shirt. While the jeans are normal for her, the shirt isn’t.

“I didn’t expect you to wear a shirt like that,” I say as I stop and wait for my cousin.

“I’m trying out a new look,” explains Helen as we begin walking again, “Girl Stuff.”

“Got it,” I reply.

‘Girl Stuff’ is Helen’s standard way of saying that I won’t understand the explanation. It includes pointless shopping and owning far too many shoes.

Of course my own younger sister, Lily, does the same stuff so it is probably just an example of boys not understanding girls and their strange habits. Not their girls understand all of our male habits.

On the other hand, Skyler also has no idea why anyone would do Girl Stuff.

“Mum is visiting yours,” says Helen, “So I figured I’ll tag along with you and go and see her.”

“Sure,” I reply as I stuff my hands in my pockets, “I guess they’ll both want to see how we are after the conference.”

“I’m going to take a guess and say that you found the reporters and their questions to be dumb?” inquires Helen, “Possible downright stupid at the same time?”

“That obvious?” I grumble in return.

“Nah,” replies Helen, “I just thought they were stupid as well. So did Charlie, Stefan, Samuel, Skyler and Vance. James and Lucy understood where the media was coming from, but they also agreed the reporters were still stupid.”

“Probably trying to play on public fears to get more readers and viewers,” I muse before another thought strikes me, “Have you noticed how many children and grandchildren of supervillains are becoming superheroes?”

“I’ll admit that there are a lot of them,” replies Helen, “I suppose they want to throw off the stigma and make their own name in the world.”

We make other trivial small talk as we walk back to my house in Shirley. It takes us about a good hour and forty minutes and we spend most of that time discussing superhero stuff. And not just about the League as we talked about the Albion Defenders and other English heroes and villains.

“Mum still doesn’t approve of changing the name from Protector to Defenders,” says Helen walk towards the door, “She said it was only done to appease the Americans and their Defenders. Because, as you certainly know, they have the Justice Defenders, the Liberty Defenders, the Freedom Defenders and etc, etc.”

“I get it,” I reply as I get my key out, “That’s one of the downsides of being government funded and one of the reasons the League was kept internally funded.”

“I will never understand how you keep track of all that,” says Helen, shaking her head.

She is referring to how I been managing the League’s resources and assets since Granddad’s death.

“Oh, it’s quite simple once you got the hang of it-,” I start to say as I open the door.

“Daniel!” shouts Lily as see spots me.

Lily’s got blonde short hair and slight tomboy streak to her. As shown by choice of attire with her loose t-shirt and patched up jeans. We have to be careful around her as she hasn’t figured out about how we’re connected to the League and superhero business. And I intend to keep it that way for as long as I can.

“Hiya Helen,” grins Lily as we enter the house, “My Mum and your mum are in my mum’s bedroom. Did you hear about it on the news?”

“About the new members of League of Heroes?” I ask, knowing the answer already.

“Yup,” says Lily, “It’s awesome isn’t it! Having the New League of Heroes about. Especially since they’re local.”

“They’re officially just the League of Heroes,” I point out.

“Who cares about that?” snorts Lily.

“Anyhow, me and Helen are going to see Mum and Mary,” I reply, “I’ll talk with you later.”

“Okay,” says Lily before going back to watching the TV.

Helen and I make our way upstairs to my Mum and Dad’s room where Aunt Mary and Mum are talking at her desk.

“There you two are,” says my mum as she notices us enter, “I guessed it was coming ever since you started going out in dad’s old armour, but it’s still a surprise for any mother.”

“I been involved since before granddad’s death,” I reply, “I just wasn’t going out and fighting before Tuesday. Even that was only to help Sam, Sky and James against Vistorix.”

“Still it’s dangerous and can tear families apart,” says Mum solemnly, “It’s happened before.”

At my Mum’s words, Helen shakes her head and Mary sighs.

“Mum, you know that applies to the Americans and fiction,” I counter, “Granddad and grandma stay together until old natural death did them apart. The same goes the rest of League and their families, ours included. And the Lantern doesn’t count as he sacrificed himself to stop the Invasion. The same goes for the Albion Defenders, the Guardians of Ireland and the Highlanders. Only a few of the heroes in Isles seem suffer like the American ones seem to and even then, its only because there’s so many more American heroes to suffer bad fates. When you look at the percentages, the Americans suffer about the same as most countries ”

“You’re right,” concedes mum, “But it’s still hard for me.”

For that I have no words, but Mary starts speaking again. The conversation continues in a similar fashion from that point onwards before I excuse myself and go to my room. 

1.1 New Beginnings Part 8

I sit in the lab the day after the fight with Vistorix. Today was interesting at school as pretty much everybody, teachers included, were all talking about last night.

It was annoying that I couldn’t say my part in it and instead had to listen to the dumb theories that some of the more stupid students had. One of the downsides of having a secret identity I guess.

Like the whole fight was government set-up to promote a new League of Heroes that was under their control and Vistorix had been hired and was going to be secretly released with a bunch of cash.

As I said, dumb theories and stupid students. Fortunately the majority of people believed Aquiline’s story, thanks to it being something what was plausible and the Defenders backing it up.

I get to work, checking the status of each of our costumes.

The Sentinel Armour was easily repaired as the two dents were barely there at all and nothing else was damaged. I also took the opportunity to look at the others’ costumes as there wasn’t time in the fight to check, it didn’t occur to me late to see which ones they were wearing the videos of us didn’t show clearly.

James aka Vision wore a black uniform-like costume that covered his entire body, including a full facial mask with black lenses over the eyes. No symbols on it at total and was made out of my granddad’s cos-mat, the standard material for League costumes. No damage from the fight.

Samuel aka Lantern’s costume was a variant of the old Lantern’s costume. The new costume is main white costume, but with black upper arms, lower legs and feet. The belt is black and contains a greater number of items with more variety despite Sam being unlike to ever use them. As the original Lantern’s visor was lost with his death, Samuel makes do with glasses with lens made of the same material as the visor and a modern HUD. He also has an earpiece communicator. Despite being up front in the fight, Sam’s psionic field protected his costume from harm, leaving me nothing to repair.

The original Lantern covered his body in white with dull blue over the legs and arms and a blue belt at the waist that held a few items. A light blue blocky visor with a limited HUD plus a League communicator earpiece to protect his face and secret identity. It wasn’t made out of cos-mat as it was invented a couple of years after the Lantern’s death. As he died at the end of the seventies with his body lost in action, his costume and equipment has been updated since.

Skyler aka Commando has a costume that is identical to her grandfather’s costume except it’s been 

made to fit her. Both Commandoes wear a patterned camouflage combat uniform with union jack on sides of the upper sleeves. Each set is made from cos-mat minus the first Commando’s earlier ones, which were made from the same stuff that normal army uniforms were made from.

The one worn by Sky pretty much has the right arm ruined. It’s been badly torn and is covered inside and out with blood and muck.

It will to be hard to repair. Easiest way is to just remove the entire arm and add on a new one.

“Hello Daniel,” says a voice behind me.

I turn around to see my Aunt Mary or Warden standing in the doorway.

“Hey Mary,” I reply as I put Sky’s costume down, “I was wondering when you would arrive.”

“I visited your house first,” says Mary, “Only your mum was there and we chatted for a bit. She’s not too happy with the idea of you replacing dad as the Sentinel. Britannia was right about the danger.”

“If it was up to me, I wouldn’t,” I reply.

“But...” says Mary as she enters the lab.

“At least Sam, Sky and James are going to do it,” I continue, “I’m certain more of the others will also join them. I didn’t really want to, but I decided that if I’m needed, I’ll help out. Plus I’m already involved as I effectively run and own the base since granddad died and I also organise all our costumes and equipment. Not to mention I been continuing to supply other supers and foreign governments using Sentinel Tech. I suppose I’ve been already indirectly involved and might as well get fully involved after tonight.”

“Those are good reasons,” says Mary, looking approvingly at me, “Many capes want to fight for fame or glory, sometimes for fun and others simply because they can. Spectre and Multitude do it for fame while Werebeast just wants the riches. Others such as Powerbeam and Green Knight do out of a sense of duty, kind of like you. Britannia does it to help people, again like you. Being a superhero because of a sense of duty and a desire to help people is a good thing and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Any idea what the old League is going to do?”

“They’re going to find out who else wants to join before announcing a new generation to the League of Heroes to the public,” I reply, “They feel that is the best option as actually gives us some help as it means we’re part of an official group rather than a bunch of rookie starting out on our own. And it makes sense since we would be using the League’s resources and reputation anyway.”

“That’ll help when dealing with the police, government and other supers,” notes Mary, “I think Helen might want to join up by the way.”

“She has got grandma’s powers,” I reply.

“Yeah,” says Mary, “Guess we’ll be seeing each other around more then.”

1.1 New Beginnings Part 7

It takes me a second to remember whose voice it belongs to. Laura Aquiline, my tip-off about 

Vistorix, using one of my granddad’s voice changers.

I relax, now understanding the confused reactions of the Defenders.

I give James a mental nudge, something he taught me to do if I want this attention.

As he connects our minds again, I can feel their worry and confusion.

It’s just Laura using one of my voice changers, I tell them.

Huh. From their reactions, you think she’s one of the most feared and dangerous people in the whole 

world, says Sky.

She is, James points out.

Never seen her that way, Sam disagrees.

It makes sense I suppose. It’s just strange to think of kind and caring Laura as a mysterious ruthless and cold blooded killer. But their reactions make sense if they never meet her private side like we have, I say.

I look at Laura as she walks out into the open. Dreadnought backs away fearfully while Green Knight turns to face her, trying to avoid openly quivering and failing. Warden stands her ground as she, like me and others, knows Laura personally. Britannia lands facing Laura.

Laura seems quite amused by the reactions of the Defenders. Not that you can really tell due to her outfit if didn’t know her like I do. Long black robes cover her body along with some plated armour that is without doubt enchanted. An assortment of weaponry and gear cover her body whilst a mask of some sort shields her features from onlookers without actually covering her face from view.

Don’t ask me how that works because I have no idea. All I know is that it doesn't do by using science or following the laws of physics.

“I figured you two could take him,” says Laura to me and Sam.

“Wait what?” asks Britannia nervously.

“Laura was the one to inform me about Vistorix,” I state.

“Laura?” asks Britannia, confused.

“We’re on a first name basis,” explains Laura, “Of course I don’t use his when we’re in costume. I don’t mind because I don’t have secret identity. Never felt a need to hide you I am.”

“You’re on a first name...” starts Green Knight before trailing off, his voice shocked.

“Yep,” says Laura as she bends down and inspects Vistorix.

She looks up and turns to me and the rest of our group.

“You ought to go before the police or somebody decides to start causing trouble,” says Laura.

“Now wait just one moment...” begins Britannia before faltering at a glare from Laura.

“What about public story?” inquires Warden, the only unfazed Defender.

“HEY!” shouts Laura suddenly to the crowd watching them, “Vistorix showed up to attack Brockenhurst! Some of the grandkids of the League of Heroes risked their lives to stop and protect people! And they did it without collateral damage to anyone’s property or anyone getting hurt!”

The crowd bursts out in cheers.

The rest of us, Defenders included, are too shocked at Laura’s unexpected and blunt approach to the situation to stop her.

“Now you should go before the press wants any interviews,” says Laura, “I never really got along with them. Guess I killed too many of them for them to ever like me.”

“Good idea,” I reply, “Let’s go. Vision, use your telekinesis to carry Skyler. Flying off will is our best bet as they can’t follow.”

With that I activate the rocket pack and zoom off into the air. I look at the others. Sam is next to me with James trailing behind us and Sky is behind him.

A message notification shows up on my HUD. I open it up. Text message from Warden.

We will take care of the police and press.

Aquiline’s cover story is holding.

Green Knight and Dreadnought are impressed by all of you.

Britannia is still angry, but don’t worry about it.       

I will visit you tomorrow. We’ll talk more then.

Good luck and good night.

I close the message. Things are going well. The public believes Laura’s story. We impressed Green Knight, Dreadnought and Warden. Britannia is angry with us, but that was to be expected. No surprise there.

It takes about couple of minutes of flying before we land at an entrance. Me or Sam could have made it one.

“How’s your arm?” I ask Sky as the entrance opens up for us.

“Could have been worse it weren't for my regeneration,” answers Sky, “Thanks for saving my life back there.”

My reply is a simply solemn nod as we enter the base. It hasn't really hit until just now that Skyler was almost killed by Vistorix. I guess I was too focused on the fight to realise that at the time.

While we did take down an experienced Class 4 in our first fight, we almost had our first death as well and Sky would have been maimed if it wasn't for her regeneration.

“That was awesome!” shouts Sam once we’re far enough underground, “We kicked Vistorix’s arse! Even the American heroes have trouble taking him down.”

“It was pretty good despite my arm,” agrees Sky.

“It was kind of exciting,” admits James, “I'm not sure if I would want to do it again however.”

“Yeah,” I agree, “It was fun. Especially when I kept blasting him.”

“And when I kept swooping in and beating down,” laughs Sam, “He was so angry.”

“Nothing compare to the look on his face when he realised his punches did nothing to me,” I say, “Priceless. I didn’t even get a bruise. Heck, my armour got nothing more than a dent.”

We all start laughing, giddy in our victory. We had successful first super fight and it was genuinely fun when we look back on it.

1.1 New Beginnings Part 5

I fly in and tackle Vistorix before he can land another blow on Skyler.

He can recover, I fly upward fast and toss Vistorix up. As he falls past me, I punch down hard into his stomach, sending him flying down fast.

“Sentinel?” I hear Sam say, “Heck yeah!”

Sam has clearly recovered.

I feel James’ presence in my head a moment later, followed by the presences of Sam and Sky. Skyler is in a lot of pain.

We got a telepathic conversation for communication, says James

I knew you would come Daniel, says Sam

I only came because Aquiline called about Vistorix. I also called my Aunt Mary. She said she’ll some Defenders with her, I retort, but my heart really isn’t in it.

Did she says something else? asks James

Only not to do anything stupid and keep out of trouble, I tell him.

Of course she would. Too late for that, snorts Sam.

Right, I agree with him.

Vistorix is getting back up from his crater, reports James

Okay. James, keep the link up and get Skyler to safety. She’s out of this fight for now and you’re not going to be much help against Vistorix. Sam, me and you can take him if we work together, I tell them, taking command of this mess.

Got it, says Sam.

I look down. Vistorix has just gotten to his feet. I aim my lasers at him and fire at full power. Due to his invulnerability, they won’t burn him in half like they would do to most people, but they still sting pretty badly.

Sam swoops down once again and punched Vistorix in the gut. The villain takes a step back as Sam flies back up again. Vistorix is breathing heavily.

Good, I think, He’s getting tired.

I got Sky away from you guy, but she’s out cold by the way. Her arm looks better though. The bone is already mended, reports James.

Good. Vistorix is worn out. He can’t take much more, says Sam.

I’ll keep him distracted while Sam gets hits in. James, you can help keep him distracted? I ask.

Understood. How long until Warden and the Defenders arrive? asks James.

Ten minutes? Twenty minutes? I don’t know, I answer.

Vistorix is charging, Sam cuts in.

I spin look down at Vistorix. He’s heading for Sam and is probably going to jump up at him.

I fly down towards Vistorix and aim the sonics at him. I fire.

While you down see or hear anything, you can see the effects on Vistorix.

The villain staggers forwards, clutching his ears and roaring in pain. He trips and slams face first into the ground several meters away from Sam.

Vistorix attempts to rise, but collapses on his first try. On his second, I’m already flying straight at him. I smash into him, sending us both into a tree.

I jump back, checking my rocket fuel. Granddad always complained about fuel running out.

96.8% remaining. More than I expected. Then again, Granddad did go inactive once the nineties started and the Sentinel Armour has greatly improved since then.

I face Vistorix again and realise how getting distracted can cost you in battle.

Vistorix slams his fist into me, staggering me before the other sends flying backwards. I fire my sonics. I feel something moving my arms. It must be James using telekinesis to aim my sonics at Vistorix. I’m rewarded with Vistorix’s cry of pain and swearing before I crash into the ground.

Damage reports come up on my HUD. Slight dents in the outer armour where I got hit, but nothing important was damage. Not even a bruise. The Sentinel Armour really is awesome.

Leap to my feet and adopt a defensive pose. Vistorix is looking up at me in shock before letting off a tirade of cursing.

“How the @#&$ are you still up,” shouts Vistorix in pure rage, “That would have &£%$ing taken down Warden or the Crimson Crusader!”

“I am the new Sentinel,” I reply, my voice calm and cool, “I didn’t even get a bruise.”

At this point I spot a bunch of spectators with phones or cameras recording the fight.   

I snap my attention back to Vistorix. I can’t afford to get distracted again.

Fortunately Vistorix doesn’t have much fight much fight left in him. He’s standing there, barely upright and panting.

Lantern swoops in again and punches Vistorix off his feet as I charge in. I punch Vistorix into the ground before step back out of his reach.

The villain moans before he stops moving except for breathing.

I stand back, hoping that he’ll stay down this time.

Sky pretty much finished healing, James tells me and Sam.

I can’t believe you guys have already taken him down. I really wanted to get him for this, complains Sky.

Glad to hear you’re better, replies Sam.

You can feel the happiness from him and I can see the big grin on his face.

What about our audience? How do we explain this? I ask.

Let the Defenders deal with that. Warden and one of their jets show up a couple of seconds before Vistorix went down, answers James.

Warden showed up when Daniel got punched. She decided to watch rather then get involved, Sam tells us.

I guess she wanted to see how good we were, I mutter.

Suddenly a large voice booms out.

“You have no idea how much trouble you are in.”