The Fantastic Four had always been different from other superheroes. From the moment they gained their powers, they chose to live openly, never hiding behind masks or secret identities. Their faces were known to the world, and their lives were constantly under the scrutiny of the public eye. This fame brought them admiration, but it also made their struggles and pain impossible to conceal.
Recently, the team's spirits had been at an all-time low. Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, had lost his powers. The relentless attention from the media only made things worse. Johnny, who once thrived in the spotlight, now found it unbearable to step outside, his confidence shattered. He spent his days cooped up at home, haunted by his own helplessness. Today, Susan Storm and Reed Richards were away, and Johnny, craving the comfort of his favorite takeout, could not bring himself to brave the outside world. The task of fetching food fell to Ben Grimm.
Ben, the Thing, was the most grounded member of the Fantastic Four. His rocky, hulking form drew stares wherever he went, but beneath that tough exterior, he was still the same loyal friend and gentle soul. He pulled a battered hat low over his brow and wrapped himself in a trench coat, hoping to slip through the city unnoticed. It was a futile hope. Even in disguise, Ben's massive frame and unmistakable features drew attention.
At first, it was just a few curious glances and hesitant requests for photos. Then, as if summoned by some invisible signal, reporters began to gather. Microphones and cameras crowded around him, their flashes reflecting off his stone skin. The noise and chaos grated on Ben's nerves, but he forced himself to stay calm. All he wanted was to buy some food and get back to Johnny as quickly as possible.
As Ben pushed through the crowd, his patience was wearing thin. That was when he saw Su Zhan standing on the sidewalk, waiting for his own order. Ben's heart pounded with a surge of anger and frustration. He could not forget what Su Zhan had done. It was because of him that Johnny had lost his powers, because of him that Johnny's laughter had faded, and because of him that Susan had left, unable to bear the tension at home. Ben felt the weight of it all pressing down on him, and in that moment, all his restraint snapped.
He shoved aside the nearest microphone and stormed toward Su Zhan, his heavy footsteps shaking the pavement. The reporters, sensing a story, hurried after him, their cameras rolling and voices rising in excitement.
"Su Zhan! You stop right there!" Ben bellowed, his voice booming above the din.
Su Zhan turned, meeting Ben's fury with a calm, almost indifferent expression. There was not a flicker of fear or surprise in his eyes. He simply regarded Ben as if he were just another face in the crowd.
"Is there a problem?" Su Zhan asked, his tone so casual that it nearly made Ben explode.
Ben could hardly believe Su Zhan's nonchalance. Did he not realize the pain he had caused? Did he not care about the consequences of his actions? Ben's fists clenched, and without another word, he swung at Su Zhan with all his might.
The crowd gasped in unison. To them, Su Zhan looked like an ordinary man, and they feared for his safety. Cameras flashed, capturing every second of the confrontation.
But Su Zhan moved with effortless agility. He leaped backward, easily dodging Ben's punch. A faint frown crossed his face, a hint of annoyance in his eyes.
Ben, now even angrier, threw another punch. This time, Su Zhan caught Ben's massive hand in his own. With a swift, fluid motion, Su Zhan twisted and tossed the Thing over his shoulder. Ben's enormous body sailed through the air, landing with a thunderous crash that cracked the pavement and left a crater in the street. The crowd shrieked in shock, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.
Su Zhan did not stop there. He dashed forward, catching up with Ben before he could recover, and delivered a powerful kick that sent the Thing crashing back into the ground, deepening the crater. The impact reverberated through the street, sending loose stones skittering across the asphalt.
Before Ben could rise, Su Zhan conjured a massive hammer of green energy and brought it down on Ben's arms. The Thing tried to block, but the force of the blow drove him deeper into the ground. Again and again, Su Zhan swung the hammer, each strike echoing like thunder. At first, Ben resisted, his stubborn will refusing to give in. But the relentless assault wore him down. After nearly twenty blows, Su Zhan finally stopped, dismissed the hammer, and turned away.
The flashes from the cameras were blinding. The crowd stared in stunned silence, the air heavy with disbelief. Su Zhan melted into the gathering, his presence fading as quickly as it had appeared.
A moment later, someone in the crowd found their voice. "Wait, I know who he is! Remember when Doctor Octopus was killed? That was him!"
"Isn't he a superhero? Why is he fighting the Thing? Do they have a grudge?"
"It was the Thing who started it."
"Did you see that? He's so strong!"
Excitement rippled through the crowd, but they did not forget about Ben. More than a dozen people hurried to help lift the Thing out of the pit. Ben shook his head, dazed, but managed a small, grateful smile at the concerned faces around him.
He still disliked reporters, but in that moment, he could not bring himself to hate the people who cared enough to help.
"Are you okay? Do you need a doctor?" someone asked gently.
"I'm fine, thank you," Ben replied, slowly getting to his feet. His rocky body was built for punishment, and he could take more than most. Still, the ache in his chest was not just physical.
A reporter pressed closer, eager for a quote. "Can you tell us why you fought with that man just now? Who is he? What's the story between you two?"
Ben realized they cared more about the story than his well-being. With a weary sigh, he ignored the questions and walked away, leaving the crowd behind. The city's noise faded as he moved down the street, his thoughts heavy.
Meanwhile, Su Zhan slipped into a nearby Chinese restaurant. The place was bustling, filled with the rich aromas of stir-fried dishes and the chatter of families. He found a seat and ordered several classic dishes to go, making sure to request them prepared in the traditional style.
As he waited, Su Zhan gazed out the window, watching the city's life move on. Sometimes, he thought, all you really want is a taste of home and a moment of peace.