Hooded Phantom Rebirth

Epilogue + Credits

A large amount of time has passed since Shaokan's demise as our heroes celebrated their victory at the bar they all frequented. You could tell by their reactions that a heavy burden was lifted off their shoulders as Joseph stood by, a beer at hand as he glanced at the time in his watch. He seemed a bit anxious, standing there as if he were waiting for someone. That's when he heard the bar's door opening, leaving him to turn his attention towards whoever entered. Thankfully, it was exactly the person he was looking for, Michael's mother. He lightly smiled, walking over towards her. "Hey, I'm glad you made it," Joseph stated. "I got here as fast as I could when I heard you knew Michael! Do you know where he is?! I -Is he alright?!" She questioned frantically. "Take it easy, that's what I wanted to talk to you about," he said, going through his pockets, before pulling out Mike's ring along with a note. "He wanted me to give this to you," He said, passing both objects towards her, leaving her confused. "I- I don't understand. Why would he want me to have this?" She questioned, glancing at both objects before hesitantly opening the note. As she slowly read through the first sentence, her eyes widened. "N- No. . . . Th- This can't be. . . .," she said, covering her mouth as her eyes began to water. Joseph looked heartbroken at her reaction. "I'm so sorry for your loss," He said placing his hand on her shoulder, in hope's of comforting her. "H- How did this happen?" She asked, tears rolling down her cheeks. "There, was an Akuma attack. There was so much chaos," he said looking over towards his group, "We were attacked. And well, he. . . . He risked his life to save us. I, wish I could've done something. . . . But I couldn't do anything to save him. I'm sorry," he continued, a regretful expression planted on his face.

Mike's mother stayed silent, with her softly crying as she continued reading the note. That's when she closed her eyes, holding the note tightly as a few of her tears landed on the note. Joseph placed his attention back at her before he felt a sudden embrace, with Mike's mother wrapping her arms around his torso. This caught him off guard, his arms raised as a reaction to this. "There's no need to apologize. You did everything you could. I'm just thankful, that you were able to give him a chance," she stated, leaving Joseph to weakly smile as he hugged her back. The stayed like this for a moment, before they let go as she thanked him. And just like that, she left, leaving Joseph to let out a heavy sigh. "Do you think she'll be alright?" A voice questioned, leaving Joseph to turn around. It was Annaliz, with a concerned look on her face. Joseph lightly smiled as he nodded. "It won't be easy but, she's a strong woman. Anyone can see that. So I'm sure she'll be fine," he said. "Yeah," she said before her phone began to vibrate for a moment. She pulled out her phone, taking a look at what it was. She got an email. She proceeded to open it as her eyes widened, a shocked and excited expression made visible on her face. "Oh my god, I can't believe it!!" She exclaimed to the curiosity of Joseph. "What is it?"

She placed her phone closely towards his line of sight. He read the email, leaving his smile grow some more. "I just got accepted! The University actually accepted me!! Which means I'm going to France!!" She said excitedly, causing Joseph to hug her. "I'm so proud of you!" He said, his sudden embrace leaving her to do the same. "Wait. . . .," she said, pulling back as she thought for a moment. "If that's the case. . . . Then I'll be leaving in a few months, which means-," she looks at him, "I might not see you for some time," she said. Joseph shook his head, a smile still on his face. "Hey, this is a big deal for you. You've finally got the chance of a lifetime. You should focus on that. After all, your hard work has gotten you to this moment," he said, brushing some of her hair to the side. "It's my job to help you in any way I can, so that you can be happy," he said, leading Annaliz to smile at this, giving him a peck on the cheek before embracing for another hug.

A few minutes went by as the team was having the time of their lives, with Eric downing multiple shots within seconds thanks to his speed, to the amusement of the team. The team wasn't so worried about his usage of his speed due to the lack of many customers, along with the assumption the other customers would simply blame the alcohol for "messing with their heads". And of course among the team stood Joseph, holding his beer with his right hand, which didn't seem to have the burned pentagram mark on his skin. He chuckled at Eric's enthusiasm as Davila placed his his arm over Joseph's shoulder. "You did good today," He exclaimed, downing his drink. "Heh, yeah," Joseph responded, a bit silent as he felt disheartened for a moment as he took a few gulps of his own. Davila saw this, knowing exactly how he was feeling. "It wasn't your fault ya know," Davila stated, looking back at the team. "He risked his life to save a world he once felt had wronged him. And in the end of the day, he gave his life for us, so that we could keep going and making this world safe for everyone," Davila continued, glancing back at Joseph with a caring smile. Joseph lightly smirked at this, nodding. "Right."

"Good, now let me get you something stronger," Davila stated, grabbing Joseph's beer. "After all, you've earned it," he continued, going over towards the bar to do just that. Joseph chuckled at this, before he felt someone trying to catch his attention. He turned around only to find Daniel standing there with a smirk on his face. "Nice to see someone's enjoying their excuse to drink," Daniel commented, taking a shot of his own drink. "Listen, I know this isn't the best time but, I've been thinking for some time and I've sorta realized something. I, I think I need some time to figure some things out. No offense to you or the team but, I feel like you've got everything under control on your end. Not to mention, I've technically got a company to run," he answered, leaving Joseph to smile softly, nodding. "I completely understand. So does this mean this is goodbye?" He questioned, leaving Daniel to slightly smirk. "Oh hell nah. Just cause I have a company to run doesn't mean I get to skip any of the action," he said, leaving the both of them to chuckle. "In all seriousness though, if you need anything, even if it's money or a possible team up, just give me a call." Daniel exclaimed, gesturing his hand towards Joseph. He simply nodded, shaking Daniel's hand. "Thanks, that means a lot. Speaking of which, what are you gonna do with the symbiote?"

Daniel paused for a moment, glancing at the team before looking back at Joseph. "I, think I'll keep it. I've got a feeling we'll be needing each other," he commented. "Alright, just promise me you'll be careful," Joseph responded. "This coming from a guy who made a deal with the fucking devil," Daniel quipped, leaving Joseph to roll his eyes before he chuckled. "Alright I deserved that," he spoke. "Damn right you do," Daniel replied back as both enemies turned friends smiled at one another, just as Davila came over with shots of whiskey in his hands. He handed Joseph a shot before passing some to the rest of the team, leaving him to glance at the alcohol. Joseph paused for a moment as he held the whiskey shot Davila had handed him, before clearing his throat, catching his team's attention. "Ya know, I'm not really good at when it comes to speeches but, I just wanna say thank you. You know, you guys are some of the most incredible people I think any guy could ever as for. Um, and for you guys to go through all the shit that we've been through, it really means a lot. And I know that I haven't been easy to deal with, but the fact that you guys trust me to not only fight along side me but allow me to lead you guys, well, I have no words that could describe my gratitude," he said a visible smile plastered all over his face. "But with our victory, came a sacrifice. I, wish I could've done something. But as I look at everyone now, I can say without question that at the end of the day, he was a true hero. So I give my thanks to Michael, and may your soul be at rest," he said, raising his shot to the air.

"To Michael"

The whole team smiled, nodding in unison as they raised their drinks.

"TO MICHAEL!"

The group all exclaimed, taking each of their shots before slamming them on their designated table, as their night only continued, leaving them to be at peace for the time being.

Credits:

Joseph/Hooded Phantom👻 - @Wolfboy-Okami

Eric/ Flash⚡- @StingGuardian0923

Daniel O'Niel/Torment- himself

Davila 🦾🦿👨‍🔧- Himself

Ladybug/Annaliz🐞- @Lunagirl1703

Eruin- Himself

Zenith- himself

Scales🐉🐲- himself

Mike- Himself

Shaokan😈- Created by both me and @Stingguardian0923, thanks bro, you've been a massive help

The Cyndigo League will return in Lover's Lane (@omegacraft106)