Arrogance: Volume One of Ebb & Flow

Chapter 1 - History Lessons

"Over the last two hundred years, there have been four monumental changes to humanity as we know it. Does anyone know what they are?" Mr. Frederick asked the class.

Margaret Andrews hand shoots up. "The war between Ukraine and Russia that led to the Big Bang, the original trigger event."

"Correct, Ms. Andrews. But please wait until I call upon you to answer. I wouldn't want to deprive your classmates of the chance to participate."

Margaret's face flushes in embarrassment as she looks around nervously. I'll never understand why Mr. Frederick makes those comments; no one wants to be in this class. Every student watches the clock and counts the minutes until school is out. Why admonish the only student who likes school? Margaret is the studious head in a book type. You'll never see her at a party or on a date. She's our valedictorian and wants to join the BNA after college. I don't understand the allure or even how exactly that became her goal. Our small town is far removed from the world of Capes and Cowls. I don't think I've ever met anyone with powers.

"Mr. Blakely, can you give me another one?" he asked me.

I must've looked bored. No other reason for him to pick me. I need to be present and stay in character; Eryk is a good student and pays attention.

"March 1st, 2030. The Neuvohuman Accords were created alongside the Bureau of Neuvohuman Affairs by the United Nations. The Accords are the rules, regulations, terminology, and procedures regarding Neuvohumans. They also list the categories that all Neuvohuman powers fall under, as well as the rating scale for said powers. They pioneered the terms 'Capes' and 'Cowls' for describing where Neuvohumans fall regarding the law. They are held up and enforced by the BNA, whose function is to mediate Neuvohuman disputes, incarceration of criminal Neuvohumans, relief workers for disasters caused by Capes or Cowls, and also help protect the identity of Neuvohumans."

"Textbook answer, Eryk. Now, does anyone know what separates a Cape from a Cowl?"

Aubrey Iskan, one of the four people in my friend group, raises her hand. An athletic girl of southeastern descent and absolutely obsessed with Neuvohumans.

"Yes, Ms. Ishkan?"

I can see her wince as he fucks up her name for what must be the millionth time. It's nearly unnoticeable if you aren't familiar with spotting unconscious expressions. She powers through and answers confidently. "Cape is the term used for Neuvohumans fighting crime and saving lives. Cowl is the term used for any Neuvohumans who operate outside the law. This includes criminals, terrorists, and even vigilantes. Initially, the Neuvohuman Accords used the terms heroes and villains but determined that they didn't properly allow for nuances. The BNA found it harder to convict Neuvohumans who were known as heroes, regardless of their crimes."

"Wrap it up, Ms. Ishkan. I'm sure the class would like to move on to the rest of the lesson," Mr. Frederick said, cutting off Aubrey before she got too wound up.

Aubrey deflates at his words and slumps into her desk. I will have to set time aside to talk about this with her. I cannot wait for this year to be over; this group of friends has long become a burden. Each of them is a collection of insecurities and needless whining. Aubrey is an intelligent and driven woman, and she'll be leaving this town and Mr. Frederick behind, never to be thought of again. Why on earth does she care what happens in high school?

"The final two are just as important as the ones Ms. Andrews and Mr. Blakely have said. They are the Middletown Massacre and the resulting founding of the Heroes' Union by the Supreme Six. Just two and a half years after the Big Bang trigger event, one of the worst tragedies to happen on American soil occurred. Two Cowls, known as Schizophobia and W.O.B, used their abilities to corrupt and ruin the city of Middletown, Connecticut. Schizophobia, real name Jeremiah Stafford, could cause mass hallucinations, terrifying hysteria, and psychologically degenerating effects on anyone who saw his face. W.O.B., which stood for Whore of Babylon, had no known civilian identity. She could shape living material like clay, and together with Schizophobia, they turned the entire population of Middletown into broken, violent monsters that fought and devoured each other. In the end, it required six of the most powerful Capes to come together and quarantine the city until it could be destroyed. Over Forty-Seven thousand lives were lost that day. It serves as a reminder of the destruction a Cowl can cause and that the world needs Capes who are willing to do the dirty jobs," Mr. Frederick said.