Heroes Lost and Found

by Sheryl Nantus

  “Except for the part where they ended up setting fire to the damned forest.”

  “Yes, well, he didn’t think that far ahead. He thought ratings instead of reality. The Forest Service is going to want to talk to him for that one. Probably a fat fine in the Agency’s future.” He rubbed his upper lip, wiping away the flakes of dried blood. “We then went on to discuss the importance of full disclosure to your Guardian and to your team about all items, be them ever so small and seemingly insignificant like, say, attack drones.”

  “Ah.” I smacked my lips as the paramedic passed me a plastic bottle of water, the condensation dribbling down the sides. “I knew you liked it rough, but I never figured—”

  The woman interrupted. “Appears like smoke inhalation for right now, bumps and bruises old and new. Blood pressure is a bit high but understandable, given the circumstances. Would you like to go to the hospital?”

  “No thanks.” I slid off the bumper, barely finding enough strength to stand up. I tapped my forehead with the edge of the open bottle. “You’ve got better things to do than deal with old broads who don’t know when to stop breathing.”

  She laughed as she put away the equipment. “Take care.”

  Hunter took my arm as I headed for the second ambulance. Harris lay on a stretcher as the two paramedics wrapped gauze around his eyes, the top of his head now hidden under miles of white bandage. Peter and Rachael stood nearby, sharing the same oxygen mask. Both had shucked their jackets, now only wearing the sweat-stained white shirts.

  I nodded to Rachael as I drank half the bottle in a single swig. She wiped her eyes, letting out a sniffle. Peter kept his arm around her, wearing a thin, strained smile.

  “How you doing, Harris?” I didn’t try and touch him.

  “That you, Jo?” He smiled. “Think I’ll need a hairpiece?”

  “Hey, tell them to take the rest off. Bald men are all the rage. You’ll be fighting the girls off with a stick.” I looked at the two men. “You airlifting him out or driving?”

  “Too volatile to fly.” The larger paramedic jerked a thumb at the road. “Take us a bit longer, but he’s stable.”

  I nodded and turned my attention to Harris. “Keep us updated, dude. And don’t go pinching the nurses. We don’t need a harassment suit right now.”

  He laughed and stretched out his right hand, letting it hang in the air between us. I clasped it and squeezed it tight.

  “Thanks for everything, Jo.” Harris swallowed hard. “I’m sorry ’bout everything.”

  “Don’t be,” I replied. “We’ll be by to visit you in a bit. Let me tie up the loose ends here.”

  Rachael stood back as the paramedics loaded Harris into the ambulance, the stretcher bumping inside the cab. She lifted her hand as if to wave and then paused.

  “He’s going to be fine,” Peter said. “Can’t keep a guy like that down.”

  “Like what?” she asked.

  “A hero,” he answered, a note of pride in his voice. “A real hero.”

  The ambulance drove off, lights and siren blaring through the light grey wisps of smoke covering everything around us.

  “Steve just got that crap dissolved off his hand,” Hunter offered, knowing my next question. “No harm done. Darned good idea on his part, taking a minus and making it a plus.”

  “Darned good training helped them all survive.” I touched his cheek, drawing a streak through the soot-stained skin. “You trained a hell of a team.”

  “You led them.” He kissed me, a short snap with promises of things to come. “No one else could or would do what you did today. Makes me damned proud to be a Protector.” Now it was his turn to stroke my cheek. “And yours.”

  I turned away to avoid bursting into tears and saw the group of firefighters standing around Dykovski. Steve let out a laugh that turned into a hacking cough as he shook hands with one of the men. His leather jacket was gone, along with his shirt, the tan skin rippling with the silver veins as he flexed his muscles for one curious fan. He looked like he’d just come from a Steelers tailgate party instead of fighting his way out of a firestorm.

  “Over there.” I gestured at the crowd. Hunter maneuvered me along with one hand around my waist. I grew stronger with each step, standing on my own at the end.

  Peter and Rachael joined us. Rachael’s hands twitched as Peter chuckled at some shared joke, keeping a smile on both their faces.

  The firemen shifted aside as we approached, showing Dykovski on his back and still in the power armor.

  He glared at me through the faceplate.

  One older firefighter lifted the metal claw and glanced at me. “You okay with us taking it off with this?”

  “Sure.” I nodded. “And it doesn’t have to be pretty. I’m okay with losing the deposit.”

  The jagged teeth dug into the small opening between collarbone and throat and slowly expanded. The metal screamed as it broke away, exposing the man underneath.

  It took three attacks on various parts of the body armor before the firemen could peel it back with Steve’s assistance, allowing Dykovski to be lifted free. A few minutes later Dykovski stood beside the remains of the power armor.

  The firemen stepped back. We trod forward. I spotted the Agency men shuffling in front of the firemen, forming another circle around us.

  Everyone waited.

  Dykovski wore a black bodysuit, the plastic clothing now slick with sweat and a thousand other liquids. His short blond hair lay limp against his forehead. He looked at me and put his hands on his hips, daring me to say something.

  No one moved.

  An airtanker roared overhead, the overloaded plane preparing to dump water on another part of the burning forest.

  “Jo,” Outrager said, interrupting the standoff.

  I looked to my right and saw a face mirroring my own in number of bruises. The tape across his nose gave him a nasal tone. He still wore the official Agency black suit, although there were a number of tears and scrapes marring his jacket. His right sleeve hung by a few dark threads, in danger of slipping down and off his arm.

  He cleared his throat. “We’re ready to remove him.”

  “Where are you removing him to?” Steve rocked on his feet as if preparing to fight again.

  “Someplace secure. You won’t have to worry about him again.”

  “Someplace secure?” Peter echoed. “Like where?”

  “Someplace secure. You don’t need to know,” Outrager replied in a low monotone.

  “You’re not taking him to jail?” Rachael looked around the circle, the disbelief plain on her face. “After all he’s done?”

  “They can’t afford to.” I stared at Outrager, the annoying reality thumping around my dulled brain like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. “He gets up on the stand and starts talking about the Agency and Kit Masters and tells the truth about us, and it all goes down like a cheap Parkdale hooker.”

  “The public can’t find out about this,” Hunter added, the weariness in his words almost bringing me to tears. “He has to just disappear into the system. They can’t put him on trial for any of this.”

  She shook her head. “It’s not right.” She slumped against Peter, the exhaustion kicking in. “It’s not what he deserves.”

  Dykovski sneered as he glared at me. “That’s right, Surf. They’re going to lock me away because I know too much about you, about what you are. Nothing but a stupid freak of nature.” His eyes went from Rachael to Peter to Steve to Hunter, finally coming back to lock with mine. “All freaks. God knows what you are, but you’re not human.”

  He took a step towards me.

  The Agency men surged forward, Steve among them.

  Dykovski stopped and crossed his arms. His upper lip twisted upwards as he waited.

  I knew what he wanted.

  I knew what I had to do.

  I shook Hunter’s arm off and stepped forward, through the line. “I know what I am. I am a superhero.”

  I swept m
y arm around the circle, taking in the others.

  “That’s what I am, that’s what they are, that’s what Harris is. That’s what Kit Masters was before you fucked him up with your abuse. And that’s what we’ll be when you’re locked in a jail cell begging for your porn magazines to keep you company.”

  “You think you’re better than me?” His voice rose as I turned around, spinning away from him. “You think you’re that much better than me?”

  “Yes. That much better.” I paused for a second, feeling an impish smile break free.

  Hunter glanced at me and took a measured step back.

  Everyone else followed suit.

  I spun and stormed forward. My right elbow flew up just as Mike had taught me, smashing into Dykovski’s face.

  Dykovski staggered backwards in shock. His hands covered his nose, blood spurting out from between his fingers.

  “Not perfect, but still better.” My left foot flew forward and nailed him in the balls.

  He squeaked as his hands flew southward, the broken nose forgotten for a brief second.

  All of the Agency men, the firemen, Steve, Peter and Hunter winced as one. A few hands moved casually to cover their own family jewels.

  Dykovski fell over and curled up in a fetal position. His hands fluttered as if he wasn’t sure where to put them.

  “With some character flaws.” I pointed my right palm at him and shot him with a light charge, all I could muster at the moment. He shuddered and fell unconscious, blood streaming from his nose as he clasped his groin. “But still better than you.”

  Steve chuckled and said in a stage whisper, “See, that’s what you get when you piss off a woman. To be specific, that woman.” He winked at Hunter. “You taking notes?”

  Hunter grinned. “Hell, why do you think I let her be on top?”

  I stepped back and allowed the Agency suits to move in.

  “Dang that felt good.” I winked at Rachael, who hid her laugh behind one hand. “Now let’s go see Harris.”

  Outrager intercepted me as I strode towards the bus, his grey ponytail lying limp against the stained suit jacket.

  “Jo,” he said in a high-pitched tone caused by the broken nose, struggling to sound authoritative.

  I put up my hand, trying not to laugh. “Shut up. Put that shot in the highlight reel and don’t forget to cut us a check. I’ll tell David to be expecting the deposit slip.” The rest of the team moved up beside me. Hunter’s hand landed on the small of my back, steadying me.

  Outrager tried again. “Jo, I just…” He paused, caught between trying to play the tough Agency man used to talking down to supers and the Agency liaison he was supposed to be. I saw him struggle with trying to find the right words to either apologize or try to intimidate us.

  I wasn’t going to give him the chance.

  “No. We’re done here.” I sliced the air with one hand. “We’re going to see Harris at the hospital, after which we’re taking a long, lengthy road trip back to Toronto. Then I’ll decide whether I want to even see your ugly mug again or try to train another Agency flunky to tell us what we need, when we need it.” I locked eyes with him, spotting the fear. “Be glad Hunter got to you before I did.” I glanced over to where Dykovski lay.

  He took a step back, his hands twitching.

  “Road trip?” Rachael’s eyes lit up.

  “Road trip. We’re going to relax and enjoy the next few days. Hell, maybe we’ll go to Disneyland. I’ve always wanted to try that teacup ride.” I tried to laugh and ended up coughing instead, my lungs aching with the effort.

  “But you can’t…you can’t just drive off into the sunset.” Outrager’s gaze darted to Hunter in a weak appeal of Agency to Guardian.

  Hunter gave him a sharp look and a jerk of his head. His hand moved around my waist in a possessive way I sort of liked.

  “Watch us.” I led the team to the bus.

  “I wouldn’t get in her way.” Hunter shrugged as he passed Outrager. “Especially when she needs to be fed.”

  Rachael giggled as Peter hopped up the steps and turned back, offering his hand in a gallant motion. She took it and accompanied him up. Steve grinned as he shook hands with a few more firefighters before following. Hunter stood by my side with a wide smile bordering on an insubordinate smirk.

  “But what if we need you for something?” Outrager tried again, not brave enough to stand between me and the steps.

  “You can reach us. I suggest you try not to unless it’s a save-the-world emergency.” I nodded to Hunter, and we moved up into the bus. I watched Outrager’s jaw drop open before the door slid shut with a loud hiss, cutting him out of our lives for the time being.

  Bill looked up from his newspaper. One hand pushed the cap back on his head as he studied the two of us. “You ready to go?” he drawled.

  “Yep. Hospital first, please.” I paused. “Bill, you ever want to go to Disneyland?”

  He scratched his head, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Dunno. Went with my kids once, wasn’t all that great.” He beamed. “I wouldn’t mind seeing the Grand Canyon.”

  The newspaper, neatly folded, went down beside his seat as the engine roared to life. He grinned. “Maybe go along Route 66, see the sights. Stop at every little memorial along the way. What do you think about that?”

  I laughed. “We can do that.” I waved at Outrager as the bus lurched forward. “Hell, we’re superheroes, the Protectors. We can do anything we want.”

  Epilogue

  I was in Niagara Falls, standing in the penthouse’s living room. It looked the same as I’d left it a few months ago. The television remote sat on the table where Mike had put it down. My half-finished math puzzle book was on the edge of the sofa, flipped over with the pencil nearby. A small hand weight from Mike’s collection lay on the floor, still easy to trip over.

  A thin layer of dust covered everything, from the couch to the counters to the coffee table. I walked through the rooms, my footsteps echoing on the hardwood floor.

  I’d brought a duffle bag with me, but it hung on my shoulder, empty. There was nothing here for me to take, nothing left of Surf.

  Now there was just Jo Tanis.

  And she was a damn fine superhero.

  The bedroom was my last stop.

  I sat on the edge of the mattress. My outfits hung in the closet, but I didn’t want them. I didn’t need them.

  Hunter stood in the doorway. His gaze darted around the room as if he expected Mike to charge out and challenge him at any second.

  “Everyone’s in the bus, waiting to go to the casino. Harris is already whining about missing the stage show.” He studied my face. “You good?”

  “Yeah, I’m good.” I gave the room one last sweep and got up. “Let’s get going.”

  “Sure.” He chewed on his lower lip. “Jo, if you want to move back here, I’m…”

  “My home is in Toronto. Our home is in Toronto.” I crossed the room and kissed him, a light peck to tide us over for the moment. “Let’s go break the bank. And then take the Protectors home.”

  “Until we have to save the world again?” he joked, taking the empty duffle bag from me.

  “Yep.” I paused at the front door. I expected some ghosts to chase me out, some feelings of sadness, but there was nothing.

  Surf might have lived here with Metal Mike, but they were both gone.

  Sensing my mood, Hunter stepped into the hallway and towards the elevator, leaving me alone.

  “Thanks for everything, Mike,” I whispered to the empty apartment. “I won’t forget you. Just don’t have too good a time down in New Orleans. I’d hate to have to come roust your ass with some Ghostbusters.”

  I turned away, letting the door close behind me.

  Hunter waited by the elevator. His face was a mixture of confusion, elation and fear.

  My stomach sank.

  “What?” I rushed forward. “What’s wrong?”

  He pointed down.

  I
followed his gaze.

  The wristband lay on the plush carpet, unlocked.

  “I…I didn’t do anything,” Hunter stammered. “I mean, I came out here and I went to push the button and I heard this click and, and…” He drew a ragged breath. “It’s gone.”

  “Yes.” I bent over and picked up the inert device. “Yes, it is.”

  “Outrager?” Hunter whispered. “Think he did it?”

  “Don’t know. Don’t care.” I tucked it into the duffle and slung it over my shoulder. “Consider it a partial payment for all the hard work we’ve done.”

  “Okay.” Hunter smiled and jabbed at the arrow-down button. “Change of subject. What do you think about going international?”

  “What?”

  “Outrager sent me an email. Seems there’s a bit of a problem across the pond, as you Canucks would say. Remember, they lost all their Alphas as well.”

  “And what do they want us to do?”

  “An international superhero team tour, for one. Do the public-relations thing and on the side seek out new talent and perhaps help organize another team.” His eyes twinkled with laughter, a new lightness in his features as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from his soul. “Like a franchise.”

  “A franchise.” I rolled my eyes but said nothing, letting the ideas bang and crash into each other until one fought its way to the surface.

  The elevator doors opened. Hunter stepped in and turned around, offering his hand. “Your thoughts?”

  My heart started racing at the idea of going overseas and meeting the challenge. Finding new supers, helping the freed ones find their places in society. Doing what heroes do, what we do.

  “I can see it in your eyes.” He chuckled. “You want to go, don’t you?”

  “Such is the life of a superhero.” I sighed as my arms went around him. “Besides, I’ve always wanted to see London from the top of Big Ben.”

  “Anything else you’d like to do at the top of Big Ben?” Hunter raised one eyebrow with a smirk.

  “Maybe. But work before play.” A shiver went up my spine, a delicious thrill at the unknown future ahead of us.

  “It might be dangerous.” Hunter hummed along with the canned music. He dipped down, pressing a kiss into my hair. “God knows what we’d face over there. Might make Dykovski and Lamarr look mild.”