Unmasked Heroes (Book 1)

Chapter 2

Not all those who wander, are lost

J.R.R. Tolkien

Dex pauses his pacing, and halts in front of me, one slender eyebrow arched. He stuffs his hands into the pockets of his cobalt grey suit, looking at me with such a straight face, when all I want to do is burst out into an uncontrollable bout of laughter.

I cover my mouth with my fist, hiding my smile, that threatens to break free, and I shrink into the couch under Dex's hostile glare.

"It's true! That dude is no villain, just an idiot in a costume and need of a haircut," I blurt out, trying to defend myself.

Dex pinches the bridge of his nose, clearly agitated at how lightly I'm taking the news of a new villain being spotted in central district. You can't blame me though – this imbecile we're fighting against might have some impressive tech and did evade my team, but still! He didn't look all that dangerous.

"You're dancing with danger," Skye nudges me gently with his elbow, cladded from head to toe in his 'Scorpio' gear of red and black, making him look less like a player and more like a hunky hero posing for Super's Weekly or something. "Stop infuriating him."

"Exactly," Dex agrees in exasperation. "And cut it out with the ridiculous name-calling."

"But bad haircut guy is a criminal!" I feel the need to justify, my voice whiny as I argue my point.

Dex ignores me and continues presenting this week's report. Harry takes attentive notes, dressed up in his 'Blue Hawk' uniform whilst Penny attentively listens, donning her green 'Princess Puma' costume like a true member of royalty. I roll my eyes, slumping my shoulders.

Let me give you a word of advice about being a superhero: work alone. Sitting here in the Lighter's HQ, with my other three team members in our lounge, I fail to realise how being on a team is any good. Especially if they're taking the lighter's boss – Dex Imperion's side. Working solo would've been much better, now that I think about it, I could've been like "Yeah, I work solo ... like Hans Solo."

On second thought, forget I ever said anything. Just thinking of those words sounds ridiculous.

"Alright," Blue Hawk clears his throat, looking up from his notepad with thought crystal blue eyes. "It doesn't matter how bad the guy's hair looks; he still needs to be brought to justice."

"Yes, we have more serious matters at hand than his mere appearance," Puma concurs earnestly, and Blue shoots her a grateful look.

The two of them sit on the opposite side of the L-shaped silvery leather couch to Scorpio and me, looking like the perfect power couple in their element. Too bad they didn't know who each other was under their masks. Then again, they weren't dating either.

"Haircut is urgent matters? Really?" Scorpio points out with a mocking scoff. "I don't believe it."

"She said serious, not urgent dimwit," Blue contradicts promptly.

Skye's glare is heated, amber eyes burning. "Wasn't talking to you."

"Well ... now you are."

"So? You spoke to me first."

"You asked the question."

"Doesn't matter."

"Yes, it kinda does."

"Oh yeah? Well, I'm sure this is pretty urgent matters as well. Oh, I'm sorry, I meant serious."

"BOYS!" Dex, Penny, and I all intervene in an angry chorus, ending the boys before Harry can retort and ultimately end up in a fight.