Gray Heroics: Book 2

Setting Sun #2

"Looks like the details are finally in. We now have more information regarding the horrifying tragedy that struck Los Angeles California days ago. If you somehow haven't heard by now, days before, a massive explosion abruptly overtook the California State city and left no trace of a civilization existing prior. Not a single survivor could be found. Experts say the destructive force behind it was at least the equivalent of THREE nuclear bombs, if not more." The news reporter transitions into the biggest story of the day yet and makes sure to set the tone with a gut-punching opener to every household tuning in.

"Goodness... More powerful than three nukes? Was it one of those superpowered beings?", Misses Luthur questions from the kitchen as she stirs a large bowl of pancake batter.

"That, or one of those supposed Olympian Gods I've been hearing talk of lately." Mister Luthur responds, giving a guess of his own in turn as he sits, observing the news with a solemn frown. It's at this time that the 23-year-old in the house known as Tyson Luthur makes his way downstairs, hoping to break his habit of dwelling in sadness and locking himself away inside his own bedroom. However, he's in for a reminder of that dreadful day his biological father confronted him. In fact, the news coverage on the living room TV makes him freeze in his tracks just as he makes it down to the bottom of the stairs.

"We now look toward the satellite recording of what took place after the explosion–" The anchorwoman proceeds and a display of a video feed from an overhead view begins playing. The camera seems to scan the smoldering location that used to be Los Angeles city until it finally catches sight of two individuals. A man in a gaudy robe and gold accessories, and another male dressed in black and vibrant green.

"Though no audio could be picked up, it's just about clear enough to see that this seems to be a violent confrontation, and that one of the parties involved is none other than America's very own Righteous Lad." The news reporter explains as the video plays. The footage soon displays the man in fanciful clothes tossing the Samaritan away into the shallow pool of lava beneath their feet, the brief moment of secondary contact that follows, and then him taking off into the sky. It's all it takes for Tyson to suddenly drop to his knees and limply lean against the wall beside him as he hangs his head.

"Hm?" Upon hearing a thump and rustling of fabric sliding against a surface, Mister Luthur turns in his seat to look toward the source of the noise.

"What was that?" Misses Luthur questions as she pauses her task and looks to her right.

"Tyson." Her husband answers. The man of the house rises out of his seat upon drinking in the pitiful sight of the young man sitting on his knees with a doll-like expression on his face. He spares a moment to reach for the remote and switch the TV off with a button, then sets the device back down as he begins approaching Tyson.