The Parallax Effect

Chapter Two: Disaster of a Brother

August 3rd, 6 years later; 1:50 pm
Benjamin Starley

The day had finally arrived.

Benjamin's anxiety grew as the crowd's chatter continued to get louder. He stood behind a large black curtain swirled with greys and whites. The seconds ticked by, dragging on and on for what seemed like hours. He almost started to wonder if he had somehow developed the ability to manipulate time. That was the only thing he could think of as to why time had slowed to a crawl.

Someone's footsteps fell behind him as he took in a deep breath. The smell of the sweat of the thousands of people behind the curtain combined with his own cologne that he'd sprayed on too thick to disguise his own nervousness and made him lightheaded.

A hand touched Benji's shoulder, making him jump.

"You alright?" Valon asked, keeping his hand on Benji's shoulder to steady him.

"Yeah, for the most part... Just terrified."

"Understandable. This is your first time being in front of this many people professionally, or maybe just in general." He gave a reassuring smile. "Anything, in particular, I can help with?"

Benji laughed quietly. "No, I don't think so. Just make sure I don't pass out when I go out there."

"I'm sure you'll do great, Ben. I know it's cliché, but just be yourself and know that they'll love you." Valon looked at his watch. "It's time for them to finally see the hero Specter; you'll be fine."

"I sure hope so."

With that, Valon pulled on his helmet and entered the stage through the curtain, greeting the crowd and asking if they were ready for the big announcement. They cheered, making the butterflies in Benji's stomach flutter hard enough to make him nauseous.

I am not my fear. I am stronger than my fear. I'll be fine. Wendell will make sure everything goes according to plan.

"Then, everyone, get ready to give a warm welcome to the newest member of H.A.U.N.T.: Specter!"

The curtain raised, revealing the intimidating sight of the public. Hundreds upon thousands of people, all yelling their approval, concern, or protests upon seeing his slim form on the stage. Benji tasted blood in his mouth as he replaced his persona of fear and nervousness with what the public would come to know him as: calm, charming, and caring. Ready and willing to save anyone in need.

His nervous smile turned into something bright, transforming his face into something much more approachable. He advanced toward the microphone in the center of the stage, Valon moving to the side and allowing him to take the audience's attention. The mic squealed as he took it from its stand, his stomach still churning.

"Hello, Chicago! It's nice to finally meet you all! I know there have been many rumors surrounding a new hero joining H.A.U.N.T., and I'm here to let you know that they're true!"

The crowd roared, and Benji tried and probably failed to subtly wipe the sweat from his hands, forgetting they were covered by the gloves of his hero costume. He saw himself on the huge screens surrounding the massive square he was in. His smile wavered briefly as he almost didn't recognize the person on the screen.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a final glimpse of Valon going backstage to talk with the rest of the heroes. Turning his attention back to the crowd, he noticed someone. Wendell stood a few rows from the front, jumping up and down with the more excited parts of the crowd, and waving. His smile grew when he saw his younger brother looking at him. He paused his bouncing, lowering his hands to chest level and extending his pointer fingers into "guns". Wendell "shot" the guns a few times.