The Fabric of Reality

Chapter Four - Cobalt

I have been waiting in the basement of number 42, Wilford Drive for two hours. Still, there hasn't been the slightest sign of activity. It is as quiet as a graveyard.

I find myself dozing off when suddenly, rapid footsteps sound from the ceiling above. I quickly remember my invisibility, all my senses now on high alert.

Another pair of footsteps make their way towards the stairwell, and the creaking of the floorboards lets me know that the two were descending into the basement. I retreat into a corner and steady my breathing. I may be invisible, but that doesn't mean they won't be able to hear me.

There is a small flick, and a bare light bulb overhead illuminates the scene. The footsteps belong to two men, one being short and stout and the other tall and muscular.

I confirm their identities: They are, in fact, the two men from my dream vision. All I need to do now is sit back and wait for the right time to strike. I wait for the events to unfold exactly how they did in my vision. 

Except they don't.

Instead, the men hardly  have a chance to greet each other when the ceiling suddenly crashed down upon them, and the pair disappeared underneath the rubble.

By some stroke of luck, the corner I was hiding in seems to have been spared from the destruction. However, the shock caused me to lose my concentration. I now stood completely visible in the light filtering through the large gap overhead.

As the dust cleared, I realize I am not alone. Standing atop the towering pile of debris was a man. He stood with his arms folded across his chest, and although he wore a mask, it was obvious he was proud of his handiwork. 

Taking a closer look at his super suit, I realize it wasn't one I had seen before. It was blue, shiny, and metallic, and gave me the impression that the man wearing it was very muscular. His mask covered every bit of his face, excluding his eyes. Could he be a new hero?

Or worse, a villain?

I couldn't take any chances. Before he notices me, I am able to leap out of my hiding place and tackle the mysterious super. I may not have super strength, but I have the element of surprise on my side. We land at the bottom of his mountain of rubble.

I raise my fist, ready to fight, but for some reason he doesn't fight back. In fact, it seems as if he can't even move.

"Woah!" He finally says, and I can tell by his voice he can't be much older than me. "You're, like, the Ethereal, aren't you? Wow, man, I'm like a huge fan."

I had expected a powerful new super that could possibly be an enemy. What I got was a weird fanboy.

"So, uh..." He began, his hazel eyes flicking back and forth, "Did I... interrupt you or something?"

Reluctantly, I lower my fist. This guy doesn't seem dangerous, but that won't stop me from trying to get answers.

Who are you? I direct my thoughts at the stranger and use telepathy to communicate. I prefer telepathic communication rather than using my real voice, because a voice can be easily recognized. 

"Wow, you're using your telepathy! I heard your voice in my head! Well, I heard a voice, it sounded pretty creepy, but..."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, not that there would be any use. He wouldn't be able to see them under the helmet. Just answer the question.

"Oh, right. I'm assuming you want my superhero name, and not my actual name? Because, you know, I have a secret identity and everything..." He must have noticed my jaw twitch in annoyance, because he gulped and hurried on. "Right. I go by Cobalt."

And you have no intentions of becoming a supervillain? I will be able to tell if you're lying.

"No, never. I want to be a hero, and save the day, and meet other heroes, and be one of the good guys, you know?"

I sigh and release my grip on him. He's obviously new to this whole ordeal. He sits up, and I catch a glimpse of movement reflected in his metallic visor. I whirl around, wondering how someone else was able to sneak up on me.

The last thing I see is a metal briefcase hurtling towards my face.

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Author's Note:

Sorry about the long time without any updates. After this point, I'll try to get in a regular update schedule with a new chapter every Saturday (just be warned, some chapters may be longer/shorter than others). 

Support is appreciated! If you liked it, vote! And comment! You never know, it may just motivate me to write longer chapters...

Until next time!

-B