The morning sun had barely risen, the winds blew, the ocean was calm, quiet and peaceful. Underwater in the Abyss 9 the Hero squad base,Inside its sleek walls, the Hero Squad moved through their routines, each member quietly absorbed in their own world. Though they were a team now, a quiet tension lingered between them—cautious, reserved, still unsure.
They were still strangers bound by duty, not trust.
And yet, change was already creeping in.
Small interactions. Shared meals. A nod here, a joke there. Nothing too dramatic—just the beginning of something real. The start of understanding.
Meanwhile, on the surface of the ocean, two of the newest heroes stepped into the vibrant heart of Ultra City.
Jakson Alexandar—known to the public as Blaze—walked beside Rudy Atracius, the regal figure known as Dark Flame. Both of them moved with the confidence of seasoned warriors, yet neither had called Earth home.
They looked around the city. Rudy looked at Jakson, "So this is earth way of peace, feels nice" he said.
They entered a bustling street-side bar, a place filled with music, chatter, and unfamiliar scents. Rudy took a seat with casual grace, his eyes scanning the crowd as he swirled a drink in hand.
"I've come to find a woman to marry," he said suddenly, voice calm and matter-of-fact.
Jakson stared, blinking. "That's why you're here? You're the prince and heir to the throne of Kenva a galactic empire, and you came all the way from there… for a woman?"
Rudy chuckled, a warm, almost melodic sound. "Even a prince needs a queen. Or perhaps just… a change of environment."
Jakson leaned back in his seat, unconvinced. "You expect me to believe you left your empire behind just to come find a bride?"
Rudy gave him a knowing smile. "And what about you, Jakson? You came to 'rest'—to explore this planet. But we both know there's more to it."
Jakson stared at him in silence before finally shrugging. "I don't have a grand reason for been here. I just want to see how this all plays out. Distraction, that's all."
Rudy raised his glass. "Just don't let it be one of your famous schemes."
Jakson smirked. "I can assure you it's not."
Back at headquarters, Timothy Slinger—Vilex—walked through the long corridors beside Commander Layla Bremm and Analyst Johnathan Flicker. The three were headed to a debriefing room, ready to review the Tide Maw incident.
Timothy broke the silence, his tone teasing. "So, Layla…"
She glanced at him without slowing. "It's Commander."
He grinned. "To the public I call commander. But between us… you are just layla."
Her expression tightened, but she said nothing. Instead, she changed the subject, her voice turning serious. "I don't trust those two aliens. You know what their kind has done before."
Timothy nodded. "Still, you approved the team. You knew the risks, why are you complaining now."
Layla's gaze hardened. "I didn't choose the team—the higher-ups did. I serve the people. And if those two cause problems, I'll be the first to shut them down."
Elsewhere in the greenfields, Tyler Smith—Thunderstorm—sat comfortably in a lounge area, flanked by two of the most important people in his life: his twin sister Tomika, and his girlfriend, Bethany Stewart. Both were civilians, but they shared his world like few others could.
"Don't go messing this up, Ty," Tomika teased, her tone playful.
Tyler sighed. "One mistake, and I'm out. Just wait."
Bethany reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You're not quitting. Not with us here."
Tomika crossed her arms. "Do you even trust your team yet?"
Tyler looked away. "Not really. There's still too much I don't know about them."
Tomika smirked and nudged Bethany. "He's got trust issues."
Bethany grinned. "That's okay. I've got enough confidence for both of us."
Later that evening, the entire squad gathered in the dining hall of the main tower. The scent of food drifted through the air as Derick Andrew—Mega Panther—and Maximus Alle—Super Bolt—stood behind the stove, preparing dinner.
Larry Stones, the ever-sarcastic Hi-Tech, leaned against a counter and watched. "Who cooks for a bunch of dudes? This looks like a sitcom."
Maximus shrugged, unfazed. "It's called team bonding."
Sage Micah, calm and wise as always, nodded solemnly. "Unity is the key to strength."
Larry squinted at him. "Dude, why do you sound like a grandpa?"
Jakson chimed in, smirking. "Seriously. You talk like you're sixty."
Sage frowned. "I'm not that old."
The laughter was easy, flowing freely now. The sharp edges between them were softening. Timothy and Raymond, the appointed leaders of the group, observed from the side.
Timothy turned to Raymond with a smirk. "So… thoughts?"
Raymond Miller—Frost—gave a calm nod. "If they keep listening and stop complaining, this might actually work."
Timothy chuckled, the two of them exchanging a knowing look before joining the others.
But far away from the warmth of the tower and the comfort of laughter, the night took on a different tone.
In a narrow alley, a man cowered beneath the fists of his attackers. His face was bloodied, his voice silent, but something inside him snapped. A wave of raw energy erupted from his body,blasting the bullies backwards, their bloods splattered on the ground.
He stood there, shaking, staring at his hands. The Power—wild and uncontrolled—coursed through his veins.
From the shadows, a man stepped forward.
He wore flowing robes of traditional Arabian design, his presence mighty, his eyes ancient. His voice was deep, calm, and carried weight. He stretched forth his hand towards the helpless fellow.
"Let me help you turn that power… into something greater, come with me you shall be weak no more."
The man looked up, dazed.
The stranger smiled. Receiving the man's hand and they both walked away.