Avenged: Brotherhood

A Hero (Episode 22)

A big bang sounded. Jack was still bolting at the bomb at a very fast speed.

Tears formed in his eyes as the gust of the wind slammed against his face. He clenched his fists and thought," There's only one option left. To save everyone. To keep them all safe."

He thought and had flashbacks of when him and his friends first met. He then smiled and said," I see now. I think I am ready to make my decision."

He then reached towards the exploding bomb and shot his flames out to absorb the backlash and explosion of the bomb. He yelled loudly as the pain and heat bolted up his left arm.

He cringed in agony and yelled louder as the pressure blasted into his body. He thought and knew that he was gonna die right there in that moment, but that was before he seen Samuel jump out next to him.

Samuel smiled and said," Ya know. You're quiet the strange one. You charged in with a plan like this? You're an idiot, but hey. We need that sometimes. So let me help you out. My slime won't be able to fully protect you and your whole body, so I need you to pick a limb that you don't really need... just in case."

Jack nodded and said," Right. Thanks Sir Samuel."

The bomb then exploded in a small circular sphere area. It pushed all the clouds away and even made it rain for a few seconds.

Anxiety nervously clenched his fists and shifted the pistol in his hand. Mark, Carl, and Kelly stared in horror.

Mark jumped out from behind the car and yelled," JACKKKKK!!"

Kelly then ran out next to him without saying anything. She was left speechless. Carl stayed behind the car shaking in fear.

Samuel then limped over while dragging Jack's body. He smirked and said," Don't worry. He's alive."

Anxiety looked down and seen Jack's burned arm and thought to himself," Ah. It's done. I have done my part."

Mark charged at Anxiety and tried to punch him in the face, but Anxiety just moved out of the way.

Anxiety sighed and said," Listen kid. I'm not trying to kill you. So please stop."

Mark tried to punch him again, but Anxiety just caught his fist and said," Kid. Just stop. You're not a hero. And with this stupid stunt you'll never be a hero."

Tears fell from Mark's eyes as he said," Why..? Tell me why..?"

Anxiety's eyebrow raised as he said," Hmm? Why what?"

Mark then yelled," Why The hell is it always Jack who gets hurt saving us!! I hate this! Ever since we were little it was always him helping us!"

Anxiety sighed and said," Kid... I think that's on you."

Mark froze and lowered his fist. His hair covered his eyes as he looked at the concrete ground.

Anxiety then said," You freeze up and get scared. It happened even when I first approached you. You're scared. That's your weakness."

Mark looked back up with tears in his eyes as he said," I'm not scared. I... I'm just..."

Anxiety raised his pistol up at Mark's head and said," If I put this gun to your head will you get scared? If I were to shoot one of your friends right in front of you, would you be scared? That's your weakness. You fear death."

Mark's hands began shaking as he looked down at the ground and his hands.

Kelly looked at Mark with a concerned facial expression as Carl just stayed behind the car in fear.

Anxiety shook his head and looked around at all the kids. He then said," Man what a mess. You guys are not gonna get anywhere. Quit trying to be heroes you sad bunch. You kids should just stick to your general studies and be a school teacher or something."

Samuel layed Jack down on top of a car hood and limped over to Anxiety and Mark.

He then said," You're wrong. Fear is common for everyone. Including heroes. To be hero you must have fear. To be brave means to overcome."

Anxiety walked closer to Samuel and said," Hm? You're a smart kid. What do you say about coming back with us?"

Samuel shook his head and said," No. You made me break my headphones you jerk. Plus I'm still gonna be a hero. And it's not just me. After today, I'm sure quite a few of us will continue down our own path."

Anxiety looked down at Samuel's leg which was bleeding a decent amount.

He shrugged and said," Hm... alright then. I'll be on my way then."

Mark then turned his head and yelled," No the hell you aren't!" I... I can't just let you get away with what you've done here!"

To be continued...