Chapter 21: Chapter Twenty One: New Beginnings

I held Nora and Hope close to me as we floated down from the sky. They clung to me as they looked out at Southvale Harbor. I feel them drinking in the sight of it. The sky was a vibrant blue with a few puffy clouds floating by.

The city of Southvale filled the area below us. I floated with them, gently making our way down until we reached a specific roof. The moment my boots touched it, Nora and Hope broke away from me and walked side by side to the edge of the roof. They leaned on it and took in the splendor of the city by the water.

“I still can’t believe you don’t need radiation scrubbers,” Nora said as she looked out with wide eyes.

Hope took in a deep inhale through her nose as her shoulders relaxed. “The air is so…pure,” she said with a calm exhale.

“Southvale is a much different city than Spiral City. I will have plenty of time to show you more of my home town, but we had to make this stop first,” I explained.

Nora and Hope turned around to face me. I noticed their eyes were filled with a barely perceptible glow, the splinter of my soul and power blended with their bodies and spirits. Once we were up, they told me they felt stronger, and faster. Their bodies healed at an accelerated rate, but it wasn’t as fast as mine. It didn’t matter, I was just happy they were okay.

Not long after, police and military showed up. It took a little time, but I explained what happened. They weren’t too receptive at first, but when I told them if they tried anything, I would simply fly us away, they seemed to cool their jets.

Two days later, the news was filled with stories and reports of the odd black pyramid in the sky. There was video of it exploding at a distance. I had to spend a few hours to explain what happened. The military and police took it from there. They were a little stern, but finally came around that we saved Urth from a much worse disaster. They did leave it that we had to talk more after they handled the news cycles, but that was a problem for another time.

During that time, I reached out to Xull. She seemed relieved, I think. She informed us that the last of the Harvester Legion’s forces were eradicated. Rescue ships appeared on the dark side of the moon. They collected Davin, and what was left of Xull’s forces. Davin was very happy we were okay, and didn’t waste any time inviting me back to his world so we could hang out and talk. Xull also cleaned up what was left of the Legion’s forces. She took them back to Xull Prime, so they could be studied further. She said she might be able to find a weakness that could be exploited. Since there was a direct conflict with the Legion, there was a better than average chance they would come back in greater numbers, and we had to be ready.

Xull also extended an invitation to me, saying I could return any time I wished. My place will be waiting. When she asked Nora and Hope if they were ready for pick up, the pair said they wanted to spend some time on Urth, and observe the culture, for scientific research. Xull agreed and left it at that.

Xull Omega was still out there in the universe. I couldn’t believe that she didn’t have a back-up plan. Her declarations of a grand, cosmic threat, lingered in the back of my mind, but we had to handle each day at a time, until we could come up with some kind of plan to fight something so vast, it swallowed up whole galaxies.

My mind fell back to reality as two beautiful women stood before me with inquisitive looks.

“Why are we here?” Nora asked.

“My family has been terribly worried since this all began. I had to come here to show them I was okay, and introduce you both to them, if that’s okay?”

Hope smirked and nodded.

Nora’s eyes widened as a happy smile bloomed across her face.

“I would love to meet your parents!” she said and nearly jumped out of her skin.

Her smile was infectious, causing me to smile in return.

“Shall we?” I asked as I bowed and pointed at the roof door.

Nora and Hope walked up to me, took hold and pulled. I went with them, the three of us stepping to the door, opening it, and making our way down.

The three of us reached an apartment door to the complex. I gave it a few, gentle knocks. I could hear both my parent jump up from their couch, and rush to the door. They unlocked it and pulled it open.

My parent’s eyes widened as smiles bloomed. They rushed into the hallway and hugged me. I hugged them back, tears in all of our eyes.

“We were so worried!” my mother sobbed against my shoulder.

“Son, we’re so happy you’re back,” my father said as she choked up.

“I’m happy to be back,” I said as we all held onto each other.

After a moment, they pulled back and wiped tears from their eyes. They looked at Hope and Nora. They didn’t hesitate at the wolf ears, or green hair, as they rushed to each of them in turn, and gave them a hug.

“You’re Quinn’s new friends,” my dad smiled.

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They both nodded and smiled.

“This is Hope and Nora,” I said as I introduced them.

“Well come in to our home!” my mother said loudly. “Any friend of Quinn’s is family to us.”

We all stepped into the modest apartment and the door closed behind us.

We moved into the large living room. The TV was on the news. Bookshelves covered the walls, and there was plenty of comfortable seating.

“I’ll make us all lunch in a moment. We’re just so glad your back, I’m beside myself!” my mom said with a mountain of cheery energy.

“Mom,” I said in a voice that would help her calm down.

“Oh nonsense! I’m your mother and I’m allowed to be happy that my son is home, and with two beautiful friends.”

“Mom,” I said, this time my voice filled with embarrassment.

 Nora and Hope couldn’t contain their happy smiles.

“I’ll get started on lunch. I want to hear everything, everything! Don’t skimp on the details when we sit down to eat,” my mom said as she was all a flutter.

We watched her go into the kitchen and start rusting around to make lunch.

“Let’s go help,” Hope said to Nora.

Nora nodded before giving me a shy, loving look. I watched them go into the kitchen as I stood in the living room with my father.

“We’ve been watching the news,” my father gestured at the TV. “They are saying you are a new superhero. You stopped an alien race from destroying our world.”

“I had plenty of help from my new friends,” I said simply.

My father rubbed his white, bearded jaw. “Can’t wait to hear it. But even so, if you are a new hero, you will need a name. Something the people can call you and inspire them. All the great heroes have grand names. It’s been that way for centuries. Have you given it any thought?”

I wanted to laugh. My father also loved superheroes, and researched their history for most of his life. It was a hobby, but an important one. It was important to both of us.

“I have come up with something,” I said softly.

My father smiled and nodded. “We’ll don’t keep your old man in suspense. What did you come up with?”

I smiled as I looked at my dad. I could see how proud he was in his eyes. He knew this was important, not only to me, but our whole family. I achieved a dream I never thought I would reach in this lifetime, and I was ready to take it all on, warts, glory, and everything in between.

I took a deep breath and looked at my dad with confidence.

“Storm Knight,” I said with confidence.

My dad nodded and smiled. “A fine name for a fine hero.”

We hugged as I heard my mom telling embarrassing stories of my youth to Hope and Nora in the kitchen. They listened and giggled as the world outside spun on with another beautiful day.

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