Superheroes, Super Problems

*22* Quitter

*22* Quitter

"I wanted to formally address the press and public for the allegations made against myself in relation to the Cavalier," Declan recited as he didn't once glance down at any sort of prompted script on the podium. "I am the Cavalier. I always have been since July 27th of 2016 when I saved passengers on a Crystal Rim rollercoaster."

The confirmation let down the flood gates of cameras snapping and reporters pressing forward in the gathering. He nodded over to Commissioner Prokop, who then pointed down at a few reporters for questions as he retook control of the podium. But I still watched Declan's stance whenever he was on screen since he stood rigidly with his hands clasped behind him and his chin raised.

"How did you develop your powers?"

"Exposure after the Hydrogen Project conducted earlier that summer was the cause of immediate genetic mutation, just like the other metahumans that have become an asset to the justice department," the Commissioner answered in Declan's place. He pointed to another journalist.

"Can you tell us the outcome with the villainous Dagger that took place two days ago?"

"Two days ago, Dagger and the Cavalier were in an altercation, involving other metahumans and civilians," was all Commissioner Prokop said, which was really nothing but a precursor to more shouting for answers. I watched Declan frown and then take a step forward before the commissioner spoke.

"Dagger wasn't a villain," Declan began. "He was just a teenage boy who was holding a horrible grudge over a misunderstanding that he didn't know how to control any longer."

"A misunderstanding that caused dozens of injuries and acts of terrorism over the year?" someone asked.

"Dagger...Daylon...thought I wasn't a good enough hero for this city because I failed to save his sister last year during the roller coaster accident," he answered. "He was right. I wasn't good enough back then, but I am now and I even tried saving him when he fell to his death—but he wasn't just a villain deserving that outcome."

"Cavalier," someone addressed and caught his attention. "It's brave of you to speak highly of someone who threatened the life of your girlfriend."

"Thank you," was all Declan said, with great gratitude.

"So is this you also confirming that Amery Tyler is your girlfriend?"

"With all due respect, this conference is about me and this city, not about my girlfriend," he said.

"But isn't it?" the same guy asked. "After all, Amery Tyler is the daughter of the physicist held responsible for the failure of the Hydrogen Project. Is there any coincidence between your exposure and your relationship with her?"

"Nothing about the Explosion was a coincidence and neither would any alleged relationship I would be involved in," Declan stated and I was seeing his jaw tick in a battle with himself. "You know what, yes. Amery Tyler is my girlfriend. Or at least I think she is. I don't really know. What I do know is that I came here to admit who the Cavalier is so you all stop prying, but really, I came here to announce that I'm done with this." There was a near wave of silence and camera snapping. "I'm done with this...this vigilante business that I've seen tear apart families and relationships and anything that really matters. I tried to be the better man for this city, but I really need to admit I'd rather be a better man for the people who I love instead. So I'm done."

After a very brief moment, a woman addressed him differently than the rest. "Mr. Thorne? With your absence, what can we expect from the revisions within the justice department to accommodate other metahumans like yourself—especially with you going into retirement and refusing to provide the identities of the only other vigilantes Siren and Boon?"