Chapter Text
"Life offers heroes second chances to rise, rewrite their story, and inspire anew with every heartbeat." ~FlipOpossum
The sun is setting... and it just might be my last one. The beast is coming, and if I don’t stop him, then no one will. All of humanity will die. After so many years of working my ass off, who would have guessed that this would be my end? At least I’ll go out with my powers.
I hear Zeke grunting his way up the ladder, quickly putting the RFI down on the table. Goddamn, I was lucky to bring that thing here as quickly as possible.
"Well, good news and bad news," Zeke says, catching my attention. He has a hand on the device and a stern look as he eyes me.
"Good news is that the RFI is almost ready... but the bad news is that it's not fully charged. Damn son of a bitch needs more juice," he said, letting go of the device and walking over to the couch, now with a beer in his hand. Without saying anything, I move and let my best friend sit down next to me.
"Well, you're sure as shit right about that bad news," I muttered, scratching my stubbled chin. Zeke sighed before opening his beer bottle and taking a swig. "Still haven't heard about Kuo yet. God, I wish things didn't have to be like this," he said, and I agreed. Kuo clearly cares little about humanity if her life is on the line, but deep down inside... I can't blame her. We're all going to die if we don't do anything.
"Nix says she'll keep looking," I started, sitting back on the couch with an uncertain look. Tomorrow I'm going to die saving humans, but... thousands of conduits will go out with me. But if it means the beast dies, then so be it. Heh, guess Kessler got me ready more than he thought. God, I hate that bitch.
"Cole?" Zeke asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked over at him. He gave me that same look before he looked away, sighing.
"What's up, man?" I asked, getting him to chuckle lightly.
"You know, I'm happy we're working together until the end... but I can't shake the thought of letting my best friend die," he said, looking back at me.
"I know... but I'm not going to let John hurt any more civilians. That fucker is gonna die," I said, keeping my gaze on the horizon, where I saw his figure approaching the city.
"You'll die a hero," Zeke said. "But also my brother." He got me to smile and punch his shoulder.
"Hey, don't make it too emotional, dude," I chuckled, and he laughed before standing up on the couch and grabbing a box.
"Cole... do you remember what type of guy you were before everything went to shit?" he asked, prompting me to furrow my brow and stand up too.
"Before everything? I... can't really recall. Oh, wait, I was a delivery guy, but... I had everything. You... and Trish..." God, I miss her. But I know she's looking down, smiling that I'm doing the right thing.
"Yeah... but you are also Empire City's hero too," he said, opening the box. I cringed at the sight before me. There sat my old jacket, a symbol of my failure to stop the Beast in Empire City. But before that, it was a symbol of who I was... a hero of Empire City.
"Zeke... you know I can't put—"
"I know, man... but this is it. The moment we found out that the RFI can kill conduits, you didn't hesitate to fix it. I see it in you, man. But back in Empire City, when Kessler was still around, you lost everything the moment things went to shit!" he said, getting me to nod. All my failures were in that jacket, but the last one still lingered.
"Cole, man, you remember who gave you this jacket?"
"Trish..."
"Yeah, man! But... you can't let this coat symbolize your failures. I think you should wear it once more. Why? Because New Marais needs a hero one last time," he said, walking over to me and carefully putting the jacket in my arms. As I looked down at it, I suddenly got some flashes of my time in Empire City.
My girlfriend... Trish. The moment when I thought my luck had hit rock bottom was when she died. But if it wasn't for what she said, I would have quit the whole hero bullshit. I felt my hand slowly raise toward the jacket but stopped midway. Another thought popped into my head: the people of Empire City cheered for me... called me... a hero.
My other hand raised and grabbed the collar of the jacket.
This is what I was. No, what I am. I took my amp off my back and began to put the jacket on. So many memories of pain are in this, but the upside is that so many humans got to live because of me. Kessler was the reason for everything in my life. I fucking hate him, but it's what I am... and he was once.
"Thank you, Zeke..." I said before zipping up the coat and bringing my amp back on. He grinned and whistled.
"Still looks good on ya, pal," he said before taking a swig from his beer and cheering loudly. "Cole MacGrath is back, baby!"
I could only roll my eyes and slowly begin my way back to the couch... but I stopped and looked over to where the Beast was. John was close. And I will be ready. This time, I won’t let him get away.
I WILL be ready...
…
It's today... judgment day. The city has been evacuated for this battle, and luckily, the bandits are being helpful. It takes the whole town working together to stop this guy. But they’re the distraction; I am the one who will end this.
"Zeke, the RFI?" I asked over the radio.
"We've got the best transmission in the city charging it like a fucked-up phone," he replied. Soon, Nix teleported next to me, and I kept my eyes on the Beast slowly getting closer. She walked to the side and scoffed, making me look over and see Kuo.
She kept her stern gaze on me, and I didn’t flinch. She stopped when I began to advance toward her. Nix followed close and snorted, "So you finally show up," she said before spitting on the ground.
"I'm not changing my mind. John wants to talk," Kuo said, keeping her gaze on mine. It was my turn to scoff at that and look at the Beast. He was getting closer, and he had his eyes on me the whole way.
"So you want to have a chat before we all die, huh?!" I shouted toward him. He didn’t react but soon flicked his gaze away.
"I gave you a chance, Cole," he said. I growled at that and clenched my hands into fists as I pointed at him.
"I am not going to ignore the fact that thousands—millions—of people will die because of this!" I shouted back before taking my amp out, feeling my power glow bright.
"I won't let that happen, John! This is my choice, and I won't change that!" I shouted, pointing my amp at him.
"So be it," was all he said before the Beast began to charge up his power. Kuo blinked away, and Nix followed her. I stepped back and pointed to the people. "Get the boats going! He's coming!" I shouted at them, and both the law and the bandits began to move. I pressed my radio. "Zeke, we need an update!" I shouted before shooting out a bolt.
"Gah! Yeah, update! Uh... the fucking thing is still charging! Trying to get more power! But there's something going on with the grid!" he said.
Kuo... goddamnit! "Nix, stop Kuo! She's messing with the grid for the RFI," I said, heading toward the boats. She replied, "Gotcha! I'm gonna show this bitch not to fucking change sides so fast!" Soon, an explosion of power erupted from the town. I could only smirk at that. "Not bad, Nix."
"Mr. MacGrath! The boats are ready!" Roach said. I nodded. "Good. Let's move fast!" I said, hopping on the boat and climbing onto the roof. The Beast roared as the groups began to fire guns at him. He lifted an arm for a swing but stopped as I shot another bolt at him. "I'm right here!" I shouted.
The Beast only roared again. Once we reached the other side, I shot a tether out and began my climb back onto land. "Go and keep your distance. Keep on with your rockets!" I shouted, getting onto the building.
“Zeke? How are things?!” I shouted, quickly dodging a blast.
“Ah hell, she broke the grid!” Zeke said.
“Hang on, I’ll take care of the others!” Nix chimed in. I frowned at that. “Where’s Kuo?” I asked.
“She got away again! I’ve been trying to keep some goons off of Zeke while he charges the thing!” she said through the radio. Soon enough, I saw her on her ice tower next to the Beast, looking down at me.
“I don’t want to die, Cole. Please, try and think about how many conduits will die!” she said before shooting out her power. I rolled away and started my climb up the building. No more reasoning with Kuo; this is the only way for everyone else to live.
She got it and shouted, firing more ice at me. She kept on while the Beast began to move towards me. I growled under my breath and started destroying Kuo’s tower. But it was too late; the Beast extended a hand and began to drag me in. I held my stance before using my powers to help fly up.
“Hey Cole, I’ve got a spot, but it’s sure as hell a good one!” she said. I nodded and began my path toward her location. Kuo was gone while the Beast kept hitting on my trail. Once there, I saw Nix and the RFI in its charger. “Let’s fuck this guy up,” she said before Kuo appeared on the side building.
“I’ll deal with her! Handle that big motherfucker!” Nix shouted before charging toward Kuo. I eyed John, who was close, I began to charge up from the RFI power. God, I felt my body getting light. I shot out some bolts here and there before the Beast fell to one knee.
“You got him down! Use your thunder! Thunder boy!” Nix shouted, and I said no more. “This is gonna hurt, John,” I said before charging my body up—one of my most dangerous moves, now back in my arsenal, starting to come crashing down for an ionic storm.
I saw the Beast roar out in pain and fall to one knee as parts of his face started crumbling, but he was still resisting. I saw Nix slowly walk up, her face set with determination. No... no, no.
“NO! YOU GOTTA PAY!” She flew toward the Beast, but Kuo quickly got up to stop her. Shit, I can’t stop my powers!
“No!” Kuo shouted before a burst of energy exploded. The chain reaction forced me to stop, but I got to my feet and looked on. “Nix?! NIX!” I took a breath, slowly stepping back. I looked at the RFI and saw the battery charger was fucked. I grabbed the RFI and put it on my back, looking at the Beast with rage boiling over. I kept my cool and pointed at him.
"You're next," I said before hopping off the building. I pressed my radio as I ran down the street. “Zeke, she’s gone. Nix is dead.”
“You gotta keep moving, brother. The last charger is at the cathedral,” he said, and I nodded. The rest of the run was in silence. But once I reached my destination, I saw the bandits cheering for me as I began my climb to the top.
Once there, I saw the last charger and walked toward it. When I plugged in the RFI, I began to feel my body grow lighter and stronger than ever—just like back in Empire City. I let go and watched my arms shine with power emanating from them.
“Oh yeah… Zeke… heh… it’s fully charged,” I said, grinning before the sounds of the bandits shouting and running away as the Beast slowly walked into my sights.
“Push the button, man,” Zeke said, but I didn’t listen. I finally let my anger boil over. “Ah no… not just yet,” I said, putting the device on my back. I stood tall before I dashed off the tower and glided toward John.
He roared as I kept him down. Once I landed on the ground, both tired and determined for one last scar, I eyed my hands. I felt another storm brewing inside me and shot out another Ionic Storm. He shouted out as the lightning bolts pierced his body, and he soon fell to his knees, shaking the area.
Now I’m feeling a little worn down, ragged breaths escaping me as I pull out the RFI. This is it. I hear panting to my side and see Kuo limping toward me, tears streaming down her face. I walk over to her.
“Do it...” was all she muttered, getting me to stop but quickly run over to her. I quietly reassure her that it’s going to be all right, but she brushes it off.
“You made the right choice... hell, even Nix made the right one,” she grunts, holding her side as some blood trails down her. She looks up at me with a huge amount of fear, clutching my shirt. “I’m... scared,” she admits, more tears falling down her face. I could only blink at her and nod.
“I am too,” I say before she pushes me back. “Do it already!” she demands, and I nod. I slowly take a step and pull out my amp. I eye it and grin before dropping it on the ground. Pulling out the RFI once more, I watch John as he tries to get back up but soon stops, keeping his head down, knowing his time is up.
I eye the device and the area around me, struggling to hold back the smile as I glance at my jacket once more. Thank you, Zeke, for being a brother.
“Let’s go...” was all I said before I start activating the device. I feel my body starting to burn, struggling to keep up, but I stay strong to ensure I see the Beast fall. Kuo collapses and starts coughing loudly before she eventually stops.
God... it’s getting hard to think. So, is this what death feels like? It’s so... warm and cold at the same time. Heh, I died a hero. I never wanted the job, but the hell with it. I’m glad I died as something Trish would be proud of.
I’m coming soon, babe...
It’s... dark. Really cold, too. But... wait, how am I thinking? Shouldn’t I be dead? I blink—I think? It’s dark, and I can’t see or feel anything. But I do feel... weaker. My arms are heavy and I can't move. The sounds of electricity are all around me, but it’s like they’re emanating from everywhere.
How can I hear this? Or even think? Unless this is what it’s like to be dead?
Zap
But the RFI went off. I saw the Beast die. Kuo and I went with him.
Zap
But this doesn’t make any sense! The device went off and I felt my body dying! Wait, don’t tell me there wasn’t enough—
Explosion!
Soon, my vision starts to come back, and I can slowly begin to see the world around me. I see... a dumpster? Oh shit, I’m about to—
Crash!
God, can’t today get any worse? I rub my head and gasp for air. I keep breathing hard and heavy as my body begins to spasm. I can hear cars passing by, and the air feels colder than usual. I can’t move at all; my muscles are hurting, and I need some energy.
Jesus Christ, I can’t even lift a hand as I try to see something. It’s blurry, but I notice someone coming. “Hey! Are you okay there?” the man shouts. I can only nod for a moment before speaking.
“Y-yeah—” I stop myself as I grunt in pain. I hear his footsteps getting closer before he gasps. “Raptor Jesus!” was all he said. I furrow my brow at what he said but pay it no mind. I need to heal.
I hear him getting closer, and his figure soon grows larger. “You're not looking too bad,” he says before lifting his head and shouting, “Call 911. This human needs help!” He shouted, ‘this human?’ Why is he saying it like—
I stop as my vision starts to clear a bit, and I slowly look at my ‘savior’ before me. He has rather long hair styled in a ponytail and—wait, does he have wings? Am I drunk? Or maybe I am really dead.
“Hold on, I'm gonna have you sit up, okay?” he says, and I nod.
“GAH! Fuck!” I exclaim. I can feel everything, which means I’m not dreaming at all. Now I can really see the damage. I’m in an alleyway, and I see a transformer that has blown up. I also see the dumpster I crashed into. God, that really did hurt.
My gaze shifts back to the figure before me. I’m confused and have to ask, “What the hell are you?” I ask before feeling my body spasm again. Soon, I feel my mind slipping, and I pass out on the ground.
…
Do I have to keep blacking out? I feel like my body is on something more comfortable—a bed? I don’t move when I hear the sounds of doors opening and closing. I pay no mind and try to recall what I saw moments ago.
That thing was talking to me... and it wasn’t human. Conduits? No, it’s something else... God, I need to find Zeke, but where I am exactly is now on my mind.
The door opens, and I stir in bed before opening my eyes. My vision isn’t as blurry anymore, and I take in my surroundings. It’s clear that I’m in a hospital. The images on the walls confuse me further, with the word “humans” appearing more than usual, making my stomach turn. This discomfort is interrupted when I see a nurse who is... different as well.
“Oh, you’re awake! Let me go get your doctor,” she says in plain English. This is still fucking confusing.
“O... okay?” I say, shifting in my bed. I stop when I notice the hospital gown I’m wearing and the handcuffs on my wrists. I try to move again, noticing my arms are light and weak. I need energy.
I reach out toward the lamp and begin to drain its energy. It feels better, but I’m sure as hell weaker than before—probably worse than my first fight with the Beast. At least I feel alive?
I pull my thoughts away when the door opens, revealing another being. I guess it’s a guy since he has a beard on his... face? Whatever, he walks over to me but keeps his distance as I look at him.
“Are you awake, sir?” he asks with a hint of suspicion. I wave him off with my free arm. “Yeah, I’ll live,” I say, which makes him sigh in relief and approach me more closely. “Good. The last few times you woke up, you tried to lash out at the others,” he says, gesturing toward the cuffs.
“What do you mean ‘last few times’ I was awake?” I ask, furrowing my brow at him. He clicks his tongue and flips a page on his clipboard. “Sir, you’ve been here for two days now and have woken up only twice during that time,” he says before slapping himself mentally and smiling at me.
“Ah, but forgive me. My name is Dr. Michaels. I’m your doctor,” Michaels introduces, offering his clawed hand to me. I carefully inspect the hand before shaking it slowly, being mindful of his talons.
“Nice to meet you,” I say before thanking him for saving me. He shifts his gaze over my body, looking surprised to see me moving around. Since I’m here, I’d like to hear what he has for me, so I let him read out his list.
“Before I continue, I need to hear your name and date of birth,” he says. I roll my eyes and sit up, grunting from chest pain. “Gah!... Cole... Cole MacGrath,” I mutter under my breath. He nods and writes that down, then looks back up at me. “The year?” he prompts.
“87,” I mutter the last part. Dr. Michaels gives me a deadpan look.
“87? Sir, I know you’ve been out for two days, but I need you to be serious,” he says before asking the question again. What the hell does he mean by that? I instinctively bring a hand to my head and rub the short stubble I can call a beard on my chin. Panic sets in. “Can I see a mirror?” I ask, raising my free hand.
Michaels raises a brow at my stupor and grabs a mirror, handing it to me. I bring it close and slowly reveal the face of a young guy—bits of hair on his head and a small amount of hair on his chin... my chin. What the fuck? That’s me, but... younger? How?
Seeing my shocked expression, Michaels quickly flips a page on his clipboard and eyes me closely. “Mr. MacGrath, can you tell me where you’re from?” he asks. I look out the window at the tall towers before looking back at him. My heart is racing as I fear what I’ll say next.
“Is this... Empire City?” I ask. The doctor slowly shakes his head. “I’ve never heard of it.” I lean back against the bed.
Where am I? And why am I younger again? None of this makes any sense to me at all! Was this a result of the RFI? “Where am I, Doc?” I ask, looking back at him with pure confusion. Michaels strokes his chin thoughtfully.
“We’re in Volcaldera, Mr. MacGrath. Volcaldera Bluffs,” he answers. My gut sinks further as I take this in. My home, which I protected from the Beast, my best friend... all the things I worked for are just... gone. I take a breath, feeling my power rattle through my chest. The next question slips out before I can stop it. “What year is it?”
“2021,” Michaels says. The revelation hits me hard. I’ve jumped through time? That’s... too far. How the hell can that even happen? I can’t handle this stress! I shift a bit before looking at the doctor. “Okay... can I get a moment?” I ask, leaning back on my bed. Michaels nods and moves over to the handcuffs, removing them from my wrists before heading to the door. He pauses, looking back at me.
“Do you have any contact with your parents? We need to ensure—”
“Dead. Been on my own for a few years now,” I interrupt, not keen on discussing my parents. He hisses and apologizes before leaving the room. My eyes settle on my jacket—no, I’ve failed again. I lost my chance to be a hero. God, I’ve failed everyone once more. I can’t bear to look at the coat as I lean back on the bed, trying to find some comfort in silence.
Soon, a group of doctors enters and eyes me, clearly interrupting my moment. I can’t help but glare at them. They remain silent as Michaels pushes through the crowd, growling under his breath.
“Give my patient some space! He’s alive just like us!” Michaels says, shoving the other doctors out of the room and giving me an apologetic look as he closes the door. “Forgive me. Sometimes they forget that humans come to our hospitals too,” he explains.
“Can I ask a... strange question?” I inquire, and he looks at me with confusion but nods in agreement. “What... are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”
He seems surprised by the question but clears his throat before answering. “I’m a Dino, or more specifically, a Raptor. Why do you ask?”
A Dino? So, a dinosaur? It’s odd, but I start rubbing my chin, pondering how to phrase my thoughts carefully. If this is true, I need to be cautious about how I respond.
“I’ve... never met a Dino before,” I admit. His surprise lessens, and he huffs lightly. Hopefully, he doesn’t take it the wrong way. “Well, that’s understandable. Most humans prefer to live apart,” he says before getting up again. “Do you need anything, Mr. MacGrath? The bathroom? Some food?”
After two days and eleven years, “Sure, I could go for anything, really,” I mumble, sinking back into the bed. Michaels nods and leaves the room.
I suddenly feel a vibration in my hand and lift it up to inspect. The veins are glowing brighter than usual. I close my eyes and focus on resting, listening to the steady rhythm of my heartbeat.
Badum Badum
Badum Badum
The sensation of my veins glowing slightly is surprisingly calming. As I open my eyes, I see the glow flickering like a dying light bulb. I’m clearly weak—like a dead battery, almost out of juice.
If my thoughts are correct, I’m truly alone here. As a conduit? Probably. As a human? It seems that’s not entirely the case, given the doctor mentioned other humans. At least that’s one less thing to worry about. What remains unclear is how I ended up in an alleyway.
My questions are soon answered when Michaels returns with a plate of food, filled with both meat and vegetables. My hunger is intense, and I eagerly begin to eat. The food is satisfying, and as I finish, a genuine smile spreads across my face.
For the first time in a while, I feel a sense of freedom.
I push aside my swirling thoughts and turn back to Dr. Michaels. “So, doc, mind filling me in on what happened?” I ask, wiping my face with my arm before moving my plate away. He shifts slightly, grabs his clipboard, and looks over at me.
“Are you sure you want to know?” he asks, his tone cautious.
“I’m not exactly young—just tell me,” I mutter, crossing my arms. It’s like some absurd movie plot. Michaels frowns at my frustration but pulls out a page from his clipboard.
“You were found after a transformer exploded. We believe you were near it and crashed into a dumpster,” he explains.
“That sounds about right. It happens a lot,” I reply, trying to brush it off.
Michaels leans in with a stern look that makes me uneasy. “But here’s the thing—you crashed into a dumpster and didn’t seem to be fazed. You have six broken ribs and a fractured leg. And your response? ‘Sounds about right’? Mr. MacGrath, what do you do for a living?”
“Why does it matter?” I ask, my frown deepening. Michaels’ expression turns serious, filled with concern.
“You’re my patient, Cole. I need to understand why I shouldn’t be worried about the fact that your heart rate is through the roof and that you’ve been dealing with severe injuries regularly. It’s almost like you’re not human,” he says, his concern evident.
Well, it confirms that I’m definitely the only conduit here. I’m not even going to consider showing him my powers, even if I could. I need to think carefully.
“It’s what it’s like when you try to survive for years,” I say, causing him to lean back with a displeased look. Sorry, doc, I might have the body of a teenager, but my mind is definitely grown-up.
“Look, I understand you care about what I’ve been through and how I ended up like this, but… I’ve been through hell for the last couple of…” I trail off, looking away. I can’t talk about my past—hell, I have to hide who I am completely. Once I’m done here, I’ll be good. “Just… back off about my life. I just want to relax,” I say.
Michaels sighs lightly but nods slowly before taking my plate. “Very well. You’ll need to stay for a while for paperwork. Once you’re healed, you’ll be on your way,” he says. I nod slightly in response. “Thanks, doc,” I reply.
He leaves me alone in the quiet room. Ignoring everything that’s happened, I place a hand on my heart and listen closely to the rhythmic beat, trying to center myself amidst the chaos.
Badum Badum
Badum Badum
…
It's been a few days now. My chest is healed, and my legs are getting stronger. As for my powers, they're barely functioning. During my time at the hospital, I've learned a lot about the dino culture here, confirming my fears: this world is vastly different from my old one. Dealing with both dinosaurs and humans will be a real challenge.
Aside from that, I need to figure out my living situation and survival strategy. I’m considering returning to delivery work on bikes and maybe even going back to school. I’ll need more education to understand the new history and improve my math skills.
The doctors mentioned that I can find an apartment in a neighborhood called Skin Row. It sounds like a place I could settle into, and I'm grateful for the survival skills I picked up in Empire City. By the end of the year, I hope to have a stable home and a decent job.
But first, I need to focus on my energy and mobility. It’s been almost a week since I’ve climbed a building, and I’ll be rusty if I don’t start practicing again. I also need to work on my speed—hopefully, that will come back to me. And, of course, my powers. I’m running low on energy and need time to adapt and regain my strength.
Once I settle into my bed, I flick the TV on and turn it to the news. As usual, the headlines are filled with reports of crime in Skin Row—murders, thefts, the same old story.
The door opens, and Dr. Michaels steps in with a small smile, hiding someone behind him. “You have a visitor, Mr. MacGrath,” he announces.
I furrow my brow and switch off the TV, walking over to the door. I stop when I see a Ptero—a flying dinosaur—enter the room with a happy grin on his face. He looks oddly familiar.
“Do I know you from somewhere?” I ask, my curiosity piqued. His smile widens. “Indeed. I was the one who found you at the dumpster,” he says, extending a clawed hand. “Trent Iadakan, at your service.” I shake his hand. “Cole MacGrath.”
Trent chuckles, pointing a claw at me. “You’re one lucky son of a gun. Survived an explosion and crashed into a dumpster! Are you always looking for trouble?”
I shrug. “More like trouble finds me.” I looked at him suspiciously. “Why are you here?” I asked. His smile only widened as he walked over to the window.
“I wanted to see if you’re alright. I was kinda expecting you to be in bed still,” he said.
I scoffed. “Can’t let my body get weak on me.” I patted my leg, wincing slightly as a sharp pain tugged at me, but I kept my composure. “What’s your real reason for being here?” I pressed.
Trent seemed to catch the hint but shrugged it off and crossed his arms. “Well, young man, another reason I’m here is because of this.” He pulled out a pamphlet and handed it to me. I took it and read the text: St. Hammonds School of Art and Talents. An art school?
“You’re giving me this, why?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Because I’ve been informed that you have nowhere to go,” he said, smiling again. “Your doctor told me about your situation, and it felt right to offer some help. It’s not every day you find someone in need who also has the potential to achieve great things.”
I was genuinely surprised. I had never expected to encounter someone who cared so much about others.
“So, I’m expecting you to pay my bills?” I asked with a light grin.
Trent shook his head, chuckling. “Don’t even get me started on that,” he groaned. He then offered a hand towards the door. “You’re healed, so I thought, why not show you around the city and let you see how we folks in Volcaldera live?”
It was an odd offer from a stranger, but considering the hospital food had been less than appetizing, I wasn’t going to complain. I walked over, grabbed my jacket, and eyed my other clothes. The doctors shouldn’t mind that I found these in the lost and found.
With a simple shirt and jeans on, and my jacket in place, we headed out of the hospital. Stepping outside, I finally got a clearer view of the city. It was a big place, reminiscent of what Empire City might have looked like if the bomb hadn’t gone off. The city was clear, fresh, and vibrant, a stark contrast to the death and decay I was used to.
I could get used to a town like this… though Skin Row could use some serious work. And once I get my powers sorted out…
“Cole,” Trent said, snapping me out of my thoughts. He had a slightly annoyed look but shrugged it off. “Don’t space out on me now,” he said.
“Sorry, just a lot to take in,” I said, looking down at the sidewalk. The roads, buildings, and everything around me were pristine. Trent glanced at me with a side eye. “Not used to this kind of city?”
“Quite the opposite,” I replied. “I’m just surprised at how clean everything is.”
Trent frowned at that. “People still litter the streets.”
I shook my head. “Back where I’m from, the streets were filled with wrecked cars and crumbling buildings. This is an upgrade.” Trent looked at me with surprise but then rolled his eyes.
As we continued walking through the city, I found the blend of humans and dinosaurs surprisingly normal, though there was a noticeable tension between the two groups.
Trent filled me in on dino culture and how it contrasts with human traditions. He mentioned that September marks the end of summer, and they celebrate with a holiday feast. It sounded like a lot of fun.
Eventually, we found ourselves sitting outside a pizza joint. Trent perused the menu while I stared in awe at the options.
Once we placed our orders, Trent leaned in with a stern look. “So, Cole, what was it like before coming to Volcaldera?” I rubbed my bald head and sighed. I don’t remember much clearly. Most memories are a blur of fighting, saving lives, and battling big monsters.
Only the times I could think back would be before I had my powers—Trish and Zeke were the only constants in my life. Then there was the Ray-sphere. I shook my head, trying to clear the thoughts. I'm gone from their lives now, here I am, sitting with a dinosaur and about to eat pizza. Zeke would laugh his ass off if I told him that.
“Guess good memories aren’t something I get around to often,” I said, making Trent hum thoughtfully before leaning back.
“Understandable, but that’s why I’m really here,” he said, gesturing to the pamphlet. I took it out and opened it again.
“St. Hammonds is one of our most renowned schools for young adults. When I saw you in that alleyway, I knew you needed help,” he explained. I frowned in confusion. “What do you mean?”
Trent’s eyes sparkled with a knowing look as he made a gesture with his hands, as if holding something and then raising one finger.
“I’m an artist and a photographer, my dear human friend. I have a keen eye for what I see when I paint landscapes and people,” he said, leaning closer. “When I saw you, it was different.”
“Different how?” I asked slowly, eyeing him with curiosity. He put his arms down and leaned back, a smirk on his face.
“You’re… misplaced, my friend. You have no clue where you are and you’re alone. When I see your face, I think of one word you once were,” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “Heroic.”
I was taken aback. There’s no way he saw all of that, but an old memory surfaced. Back when Trish and I started dating, she used to paint with her sister. The painting Amy showed me—maybe I should have appreciated that old museum date Trish and I had more.
“I guess a lot of people would have seen me like that,” I said, folding my arms on the table.
“Then they must be one too, but you have potential, Cole. That’s why I think you’d be a great fit for St. Hammonds,” Trent said, smiling at me. I closed the pamphlet, looking at the text on the front: *St. Hammonds School of Art and Talents*. It was something I never expected anyone to offer me.
“I don’t know what kind of talent I have. I used to deliver stuff on a bike,” I said, stuffing my hand into my pocket. Trent shook his head and chuckled lightly.
“My friend, you’ve got to let your heart and mind guide you,” he said. I leaned back, surprised by his words. He was right. Back in Empire City, I was a nobody, but my powers changed that. Here, my powers are weak, and crime isn't as rampant. Maybe this is a chance for a fresh start.
I looked down at the pamphlet, thinking of Zeke. He has moved on, and if that’s true, then I’ve done my part as a hero. It doesn’t mean I want to stop, but…
“Okay, I’ll do it,” I heard myself say. Trent clapped his hands together and laughed.
“Wonderful! I’ll go notify them—”
“But!” I interrupted, making him stop and look at me. “I need a place to stay and a job that pays,” I said. Trent slapped the side of his head in thought.
“Very well. How about next year? How old are you again?”
“...18,” I muttered, still grappling with the fact that my body has somehow aged me down. At least I can enjoy running longer. “Very well, Mr. MacGrath. I’ll keep a tab on you for the school. Please find somewhere safe to stay. I’d hate to think something bad would happen to you,” he said.
“Okay, Trent, I’m giving you some trust,” I said, smirking as I patted his shoulder. “Hey, no problem. I’ve lived a good part of my time on a roof. Nothing too bad should happen,” I added, getting another surprised look from him. He chuckled lightly, and I joined in as our orders arrived.
After we finished, Trent offered to take me back to the hospital, but I refused. My body was healed enough, and I needed to start my life over. I was stunned when he said he would cover my health check. I gave him a two-finger salute as we parted ways.
Once outside the hospital, I took in the city of Volcaldera. It was a pretty clean place, except for the district called Skin Row. That area looked like my kind of alley—a place to deal with crime. As soon as I stepped into Skin Row, I was greeted by the familiar sights of destroyed buildings, trash-filled streets, and all sorts of rats scurrying around.
The cops seemed to have given up or just didn’t care. I realized I couldn’t just be the man I once was. I needed to train my body and powers again. The people of Skin Row needed someone to step up, and if I still had my powers, I better use them for more than just powering a light bulb.
Trent was right about me, but that face belonged to the old me. Back in Empire City, they first saw me as a terrorist and then as a hero. New Marais saw me as an outsider. Now? I don’t know. I’m no longer the same man I was. I’m no longer Cole, the hero of Empire City, or Cole the conduit.
No, my name is Cole MacGrath. I’m 18 years old, and I’m ready to start a new life.