In A New League Of Power

Chapter 5

The shrill sound of my phone's alarm shattered the quiet of my sleep. Groggily, I reached for it, only to find the chief of the Metropolis Police Department on the line. His voice was urgent, a stark reminder that my hero duties were never truly done.

“Cornelius, we’ve got trouble downtown. Livewire and a new villain—calls himself Parasite—are causing chaos. We need you to get over here ASAP.”

I barely had time to process the information before I was out of bed and pulling on my Kryptonian flex suit. The sleek, black and blue fabric felt familiar and reassuring against my skin as I prepared for action. Moments later, I was flying toward downtown Metropolis, scanning the area for any sign of the chaos described.

When I arrived, the scene was worse than I’d imagined. Livewire hovered above the ground, her electric energy crackling dangerously, while Parasite—an unsettling figure with pink skin and a grotesque, almost insect-like appearance—was draining power from everything around him. Sparks flew as he absorbed the energy from streetlights and cars, creating a chaotic surge of electricity.

I took a deep breath, assessing the situation. My powers were strong, but my telekinetic control was still shaky at best, and I didn’t have heat vision to counter Livewire’s electrical attacks. I had to be strategic.

I zipped through the air, dodging lightning bolts and energy blasts, trying to figure out a plan. I decided to focus on keeping Parasite at bay first, knowing that his energy-draining abilities would only get worse if left unchecked. I used my super strength to throw objects in his path, hoping to disrupt his energy absorption.

For a while, I managed to hold my own, landing powerful blows and deflecting attacks. But the combined force of Livewire’s electric assaults and Parasite’s draining presence began to take its toll. I felt my strength waning, and despite my best efforts, I was overpowered.

Just when I thought I might not make it, a piercing scream cut through the cacophony. The sound was sharp and intense, causing both villains to stagger. I looked up to see a blonde woman in a blue short jacket and fishnet stockings, her presence commanding immediate attention.

“Black Canary!” I exclaimed, recognizing her from the heroes I had read about.

With a powerful cry, Black Canary unleashed her infamous Canary Cry, a sonic blast that ripped through the air with staggering force. The wave of sound collided with Livewire and Parasite, throwing them backward with tremendous impact. The villains were sent sprawling, their energy attacks disrupted and their focus shattered.

I took advantage of the momentary respite to regroup. I used my super strength to clear the debris and check on Black Canary. She landed gracefully nearby, her determined eyes scanning the area.

“Thanks for the save,” I said, catching my breath. “I was starting to think I wouldn’t make it.”

Black Canary nodded, her expression serious. “We’ve got to finish this. Livewire and Parasite won’t stay down for long.”

I agreed, feeling a renewed surge of energy. With Black Canary’s help, we coordinated our attacks. I focused on engaging Parasite, using my strength and speed to keep him off balance, while Black Canary used her Canary Cry to create openings and disorient Livewire.

The battle was intense, but with our combined efforts, we gradually gained the upper hand. Black Canary’s sonic attacks were particularly effective against Livewire, disrupting her electrical powers and weakening her resolve. Meanwhile, I used my telekinetic abilities as best I could, lifting and throwing debris to create barriers and force Parasite into vulnerable positions.

Finally, after a grueling fight, we managed to subdue the villains. Livewire and Parasite were restrained by the authorities, their powers neutralized. The chaos in the city had been contained, and the streets began to return to normal.

I turned to Black Canary, gratitude evident in my expression. “I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m Cornelius, by the way.”

She gave me a nod of approval. “Nice to meet you, Cornelius. You did well out there. Keep honing those skills, and you’ll be a real force to reckon with.”

As the police and emergency services arrived to handle the aftermath, Black Canary and I exchanged a few more words of thanks and encouragement.

After the chaotic battle, Black Canary and I found a quiet rooftop to catch our breaths and talk. The city lights below twinkled like stars, offering a moment of peace amid the lingering tension of the fight.

“Thanks again for the help,” I said, trying to steady my breathing. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”

Black Canary smiled, her eyes reflecting the city’s glow. “No problem. Superman asked me to keep an eye on you. He’s been impressed with how you’ve been handling things, but he figured it wouldn’t hurt to have some extra support.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Superman mentioned you were part of the League. How did you end up here?”

She leaned against the edge of the rooftop, looking out over the city. “I’m a member of the Justice League, and part of my role is to mentor and support young heroes. Superman thought it’d be beneficial for you to have someone with experience to help guide you, especially since you’re still getting used to your powers.”

“That makes sense,” I said, nodding. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to handle everything on my own, but it’s been challenging.”

“Being a hero isn’t easy,” she replied. “It’s a lot of responsibility, and learning to manage your powers while balancing your everyday life can be overwhelming. That’s why having a mentor or someone to talk to can make a big difference.”

I sighed, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. “I appreciate that. I’ve been doing my best, but sometimes it feels like there’s so much to learn and so little time.”

Black Canary gave me a reassuring smile. “You’re doing great, Cornelius. You’ve already shown a lot of potential. The key is to keep training, stay focused, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.”

We stood in comfortable silence for a moment, both taking in the view and reflecting on the events of the night. The city below was a reminder of the responsibilities we carried as heroes.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said finally. “It’s good to know I’m not alone in this.”

“I’m here if you need anything,” Black Canary said. “And remember, Superman and the League have your back. We’re all part of a bigger team, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.”

We spent a little more time talking about our experiences and challenges, sharing insights and advice. Black Canary’s presence was a comfort, her guidance and encouragement helping to solidify my resolve.

As the night wore on, I knew it was time to head back. “I should probably get going. Thanks for everything, Black Canary. I’ll be in touch.”

She nodded. “Anytime, Cornelius. Stay sharp out there.”