Secret Origins: Air Wave

Making Waves

by Benjammin2000

Prologue

“Great job, Ilyssa. Almost crashed into a building.” A seventeen or so Vietnamese girl says to her self. she’s wearing flares, worn sneakers and a shirt that says “I’m just like a superhero without motivation or super-powers.” And a red belt with shoulder straps forming an “X” across her chest and covered with an assortment of gizmos. She also happens to be soaring through the air.

“OK, this all seems simple enough. All you gotta do is think of what you want to do. Heh, there ain’t nothin’ to this.” Ilyssa, the girl, said, practicing her control of flight more. She spends another several hours practicing, doing loops and rolls. She seems to get the flying part of whatever she’s using and starts to head home.

“Made out like a bandit. didn’t even get-?

Click!

“caught” “Hi, Grandpa, aren’t we up a little early?” Ilyssa said, a nervous quality in her voice.

“Ilyssa Jordan. You have a lot to explain, so I’d start right now.” Her grandpa tells her.

Chapter One

“Well, I was searching in the attic for some mementos to bring to school for a project and I saw this trunk with this weird, stylized “A” on it.” Ilyssa tells her grandfather, a man named Larry Jordan.

“Go on.” Larry said. From the way he said that, it was like he already knew how Ilyssa would finish her tale.

“And I opened it. There was this really cool red belt and a weird blue and gold pair of pajamas. But, I tried on the belt to see if it would fit.” Ilyssa said, really nervous about what her grandfather would say.

“And you started to float and decided to have some fun. Ilyssa, could you do me one big favor?” Larry asked.

“Sure, Grandpa. What?” Ilyssa said.

“Go into the attic, put the belt back in the trunk, and forget it even exists.” Larry said, turning around to head back to his room.

“What? Why?” Ilyssa asked. Larry turned around, looking at his granddaughter.

“Because the world doesn’t need Air Wave. Not anymore.” Larry said, leaving Ilyssa alone.

“Air Wave?” Ilyssa said, confused at her grandfather’s words.

Chapter Two

“Hey, Lys! How’s it goin?” Ilyssa’s best friend, Bobbi Fairbanks asked her. Ilyssa hadn’t really touched her lunch, but since it was the school’s Blue Surprise Meat, no one could blame her.

“All right. How did your date with Jeremy last night go?” Ilyssa asked.

“I can’t really say at school. Watcha reading? The All-Star Squadron? I thought you could care less about those Mystery-Men from the 40?s?” Bobbi asked.

“Originally, yes. But since one is running for president, might as well read up on them.” Ilyssa, turning the page.

“Whatever. You gonna be at the game next week?” Bobbi said.

BRIIIIIIING!

“I’ll try. See ya later.” Ilyssa said, getting up from her table to go to her next class. After school, she went over her book on the All-Star Squadron.

“Air Wave. Hmmm? Unknown source of powers, dork of a costume, and no identity other then Air Wave. Retired in the fifties and last seen in the seventies.” Ilyssa said, reading aloud from the book. She couldn’t put her finger on in, but there was something horribly familiar about Air Wave’s picture. With a pencil, Ilyssa gave Air Wave a goatee and longish hair.

“Grandpa, you were Air Wave?” Ilyssa said, realizing the importance of the situation and what she stumbled onto. But what was she going to do about this. After a few days, she decided.

“Ilyssa, do we have any more donuts?” Larry shouted, asking Ilyssa what he deemed a very important question.

“No, Grandpa. You ate the last one yesterday for breakfast.” Ilyssa shouted from her room.

“Then I’m gonna go get some more. Be good till I get back.” Larry said, heading out to go shopping.

When Ilyssa was certain that Larry was gone, she made a beeline to the attic. For the past several days, she had been making modifications to the Air Wave costume she kept. She was making it more feminine and more suiting to her tastes. She kept the cowl as is, but opened it up for her hair to flow free and added a pair of goggles to it, added a sort of mini-skirt to it that came to mid-thigh, shortened the leggings, made the boots slightly higher as well as putting a heel on the boots, got rid of the sleeves, and made gloves that went up to the elbow. Now all she had to do was try it on and see how it looked with the belt.

“I do look good.” Ilyssa, no, Air Wave, said to herself, admiring her image in the mirror.

“Kxx” there’s a robbery in progress at the bank” all units, please respond! Kxx?”

“How did I do that” Never mind that, there’s a bank robbery and once Grandpa sees how mature and able I am, he’s bound to let me be Air Wave.” Air Wave said aloud, flying off to the scene.

Chapter Three

“Boss, why didn’t you make any precautions for long johns?” one of the thugs robbing the bank asked their boss.

“We’re ten miles outside Portland, Maine. There’s not a single spandex loser within a hundred miles.” The boss, Boss Drakone said.

“I think you might be just a tad bit mistaken boss.” The other goon said, pointing at something behind Boss Drakone.

“You gotta be kidding me.” Drakone said, seeing the floating teenager enter the bank.

“I want you three to listen up. We can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way. Your choice.” The girl in the blue and gold costume said.

“Listen, Greeneyes, you’re at a disadvantage. There’s three of us and only one of you. And we don’t even know who you are.” Drakone said, grinning at the increasingly annoyed look on the girl’s face.

“I’m Air Wave! And don’t you forget it.” Air Wave said.

“Good, at least they got something to put on your tombstone.” Drakone said, as he threw a knife at Air Wave.

“Air Wave threw her hands up to defend herself. Drakone grinned at the futility of that. Till the knife stopped,

“Wow!” Air Wave said, the most surprised of all present.

“Well! After her, you idiots.” Drakone yelled sending his thugs after the heroine.

“Let’s hope that those martial art lessons that Grandpa made me take are any help.” Air Wave thought to herself as she took up a defensive stance.

“Hey, Louie. She thinks she’s Red Robin” The one thug said to the other.

“Let’s show her otherwise, Tony.” Louie said, charging to attack. When Louie got close enough, Air Wave unleashed a kick, but when it connected to Louie’s brutish chest, he was sent flying back with a crackle of thunder and arcs of lighting. Everyone looked at him, imbedded in the wall.

“Still wanna do it the hard way?” Air Wave asked with a smirk, knowing that she would make the news.

“And this just in: the bank robbery standoff that we reported earlier has been brought to a close. Eyewitnesses state that a woman dressed in blue, gold, and a red belt calling herself Air Wave…” If there was any more of the newscast, Larry didn’t hear it, his fury seething.

“I’m gonna… gonna. Ahhh, I don’t know what I’m gonna do, but it won’t be good. Stupid kid.” Larry swore as he made his way home. There was going to be Hellfire and Highwater at the Jordan home tonight.

“Ilyssa Jordan, get down here!” Larry shouted. He had calmed down, but not quite enough.

“Yeah, Grandpa?” Ilyssa said, coming from her room.

“Why did you do that? I told you not to even think that the Radio Belt exists! But, what do you do” You take an old costume and stop a bank robbery! Why?” Larry asked. Angry as he was, he would never hit any child, let alone his own granddaughter.

“Maybe you should answer that question yourself! Why did you quit being Air Wave” Why are you so upset because I want to be Air Wave?” Ilyssa countered.

“Why I quit? I was nearly fifty years old and I didn’t have any of the anti-aging benefits the Justice Society members had. And why I’m so upset” I’ll tell you why, if it wasn’t for Air Wave, she.. she would s-s-still…” Larry said as he collapsed to the floor, crying.

“Grandpa! Are you all right?” Ilyssa cried out, worried about her grandfather.

“When I was Air Wave, I thought that there wasn’t anyone I couldn’t save or stop if I applied myself. I was wrong. I couldn’t save my own wife. I tried to, by using the Radio Belt to affect the tumblers in the lock. But Carnegy must’ve planned on that, as it set of some chain reaction that ended up injecting cyanide into her, killing her instantly. If Superman hadn’t returned when he did, I would have torn Carnegy apart. Air Wave cost me one woman that I love. I don’t want it to cost the second.” Larry said, as he took Ilyssa into a hug.

“Grandpa, I’m so sorry. I I didn’t know.” Ilyssa said, trying to comfort Larry as best she could.

“That’s why I don’t want you to be Air Wave. Air Wave has only brought pain onto me.” Larry said, gaining back his composure.

“Grandpa, I know you don’t want me to be Air Wave and I now know why. But, I need to be Air Wave, the world needs me to be Air Wave. You may not approve, but you have no control over it.” Ilyssa said.

“You’re right, you know. The world could use another Air Wave and, as much as I don’t want it to be, you’re the best choice.” Larry said.

“Thanks, Grandpa!” Ilyssa said, taking Larry into another hug, thinking of all the adventures she was to have. But, the return of Air Wave is not just well received at the Jordan residence.

“This is most wondrous news, indeed. Air Wave’s return is just what I could hope for.” A man states. We cannot see his face, but he is pulling on some sort of dark orange and black costume. Already he has the pants and boots, which he is tying.

“Yes, yes, I do realize that, but, then it wouldn’t be fun, now would it?” the man says to something unseen as he puts the costume’s shirt on.

“I knew you would agree with me.” A pair of gauntlets come on next.

“Is that jealousy I hear? I wouldn’t blame you, really. I will do what you could not.” A tank filled with nefarious chemicals is strapped to his back. The man then runs a tube from each gauntlet to the tank.

“Yes, Father, I will destroy Air Wave and the legacy she follows, then be rid of your ghost. For I am Fireball!” the man puts on a helmet-gas mask combo and picks up a trench coat. His appearance is that of a fire fighter crossed with a WWI doughboy, with a much darker edge and more violent purpose.

“Oh, yes. The land will burn with the flames of my vengeance.” Fireball said, as he headed towards the door and his unknown destiny.

Chapter Four

It had been a week since Ilyssa’s first time out as Air Wave. That entire time, Larry had been training her in the use of the Radio Belt. At least when she wasn’t in school or doing her homework.

“It responds to thought, mostly. Though some of the abilities require outside fiddling with the belt.” Larry said. He was dressed in his own Air Wave costume, a green and gold spandex suit and the original Radio Belt.

“Grandpa, why can I fly and you can’t?” Ilyssa asked. She was wearing her modified Air Wave costume.

“Your Belt is more powerful then mine. The Belts are powered by actual radio waves. I could float if I thought about it, given all the radio waves being tossed about everywhere.” Larry said, gliding on his roller skates to try to keep up with Ilyssa. He hadn’t done this since the fifties, roller skate on power lines. It felt nostalgic in a way. They spent a few more hours training, but, even after a week, Ilyssa had barely scratched the surface of what she had. But it would have to be enough. And, the events of last week have garnered even greater observers then Fireball.

“I’m still confused, why’re we here, again?” Ted Grant asked. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy Maine, it was more that he didn’t enjoy getting pulled out of bed in the early morning. Even if it was Superman.

“There’s a new Air Wave. And I would like to meet them. It always pays to be polite to a potential ally.” Clark said.

“Air Wave” You mean the guy who roller-skated on power lines? The one who had a Walkman in the forties?” Ted asked, most of the drowsiness had really started to leave about now.

“The very same.” Clark replied, nodding.

“So, we’re here to make sure that the new Air Wave is legit? Don’t want ‘em to go Rogue on us?” Ted asked.

“Something like that. Back in the 70?s, the original asked me to help him fight some terrorists. When I left to make sure all of the explosives were deactivated, something must have happened. When I came back, Air Wave was busy bashing the head of the terrorist leader, a man named Conrad Carnegy, into the concrete floor.” Clark said, as the two continued walking down the streets of Portland.

“Whoa. Did Air Wave give an excuse to why he was doing that?” Ted asked.

“Just that he killed her. Who that is, I guess I’ll never know.” Clark said.

“What about Carnegy? What happened to him?” Ted asked, curious at what a grade A scumbag like that was doing.

“Last I heard, he was in a medium security hospital and drools into a cup when he smiles.” Clark said in a non-humorous tone.

“Back on topic, how are we gonna find Air Wave? The original never told us who he was even at All-Star meetings.” Ted said, already figuring out ways to contact the new hero.

“Don’t worry about it. Shouldn’t be to hard.” Clark replied. If only they knew, as the focus of their conversation was not even ten feet away.

“Grandpa, were you ever this tired when you were Air Wave?” Ilyssa asked. She was really sore. Her arms, legs, and stomach burned. This was all because Larry turned up the training a couple of notches for today.

“Usually more so. I had to do a lot more physical exertion then you have to.” Larry replied. Ilyssa nodded showing that she understood.

“Grandpa?”

“Yeah?”

“You gonna teach me how to roller skate on power lines?”

“Maybe next time Lys, maybe next time.”

Chapter Five

“You seem a little tense, Mr. Johns.” Superman said the officer that was acting guide for him and Wildcat down a corridor to an interrogation room.

“Well, who wouldn’t” You’re you. Both of you. My grandfather used to tell us stories about when he met the Justice Society. When he met you, Mr. Superman, the Man of Tomorrow!” Johns said. He was a nervous looking, lanky man whose uniform hung on him like he was made of sticks.

“It’ll pass. Deep breaths usually help.” Wildcat said. He was a little uneasy himself. Being in the same building with all of these criminals and other undesirables. Even with Superman.

“Here we go. The interrogation room that you requested. Drakone should be there already. Buzz if you need anything at all.” Johns said, opening the door.

“We will.” Superman replied as he and Wildcat entered the room.

“Heh, they said I was getting visitors, had no idea that two bonafide mystery-men were going to see little ole me.” Drakone said, his smoking cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth.

“I’m sure it would’ve made a big difference if you knew.” Wildcat replied.

“Maybe. Maybe not. Now, why would two chartered members of the Justice Society of America wanna talk with me? The Ultra-Humanite sick? The Wizard workin’ on his taxes?” Drakone said with a grin.

“You and your gang was brought in by someone calling themselves Air Wave. We want to know if you can describe him.” Superman said.

“Sure, sure. She had green eyes; long, straight black hair; was five under six; late teens, oriental; and wore a red, gold, and blue costume.” Drakone said.

“Can you describe the costume itself?” Superman asked.

“Not offa top of my head, but it did have this silly looking belt. Really, what are kids thinking these days?” Drakone replied.

“Thanks for the help.” Wildcat said, as he and Superman got up. Personally, Wildcat really didn’t like working with guys like Drakone. Punks that think they’re Jimmy Cagney. But, it’s what had to be done.

“Hey, wait! Could I have your autographs? For my kids, I mean.” Drakone asked before the two heroes reached the door. Superman and Wildcat weren’t the only ones dealing with criminals, though.

“How was your patrol?” Larry asked as Ilyssa came down the stairs.

“The same as yesterday and the day before that. Boring. After the first week, people seemed to wise up.” Ilyssa commented.

“It has a tendency to happen. But just you wait till you get yourself a Rogues Gallery. Then you’d wish you had nice and peaceful nights.

“And what are the chances of that happening?” Ilyssa asked.

“Better then you think.” Larry replied. And he was right, as the first Rogue for the new Air Wave was going to make himself known.

“This city shall be the most perfect canvas indeed.” Fireball said aloud.

“Well, that’s a first. You agreeing with me, Father, I’m touched.” Fireball said, placing his right hand over his heart.

“Some how, I knew it wouldn’t last.” Fireball said with a sigh.

“Of course, I know. Everybody knows that. If the heroes didn’t try to stop me, they wouldn’t be heroes.” Fireball said.

“Yes, let them try. They’ll all burn. That I promise and that I swear on a burning star.” Fireball said, as he made his way through the forests outside of Portland.

Chapter Six

“Miss Jordan, I know that Britain’s Great Criminal Trials is not the most” exciting subject, but please, pay attention. I’m just trying to do my job.” A middle aged teacher shouted, waking up the sleeping part-time super heroine.

“Sorry, sir. Won’t happen again.” Ilyssa said, sitting up right.

“Yes, well then, back on topic. The case dealing with Roderick Burgess, the so-called Daemon King of England was centered around how Burgess’ organization, the Order of Ancient Mysteries, came to be the sole heir when…” the teachers voice became hollow and distant as Ilyssa fell back to sleep. Next time she, woke was when the lunch bell rung.

“Lys, you’re really pushin’ Mr. Stiener’s buttons. Well, more then usual.” Bobbi said to Ilyssa over lunch.

“I haven’t been getting much sleep lately.” Ilyssa replied.

“You mean that your dozing was for real? No way. Uh oh, here comes trouble, Alex and Tyler are arguing again.” Bobbi said as their table was approached by Alex and Tyler Rainey, a brother-sister debate team that argued on anything and everything dealing with American and Japanese comics.

“How can you not like the Spirit. Best detective since Sherlock!” Alex said to her, in her opinion, dimwitted brother.

“Will Eisner couldn’t draw a straight line to save his life. “Sides, Okappiki Yakan could kick the Spirit’s butt any day of the week.” Her brother replied.

“That’s what’s so great about Eisner’s art, it has dimension!” Alex retorted.

“What are you arguing about this time?” Bobbi asked.

“Will Eisner’s the Spirit vs. Nagato Tacchi’s Okappiki Yakan.” Tyler said.

“You know, who’s the better two-fisted crime busting detective.” Alex added.

“Which should be easy. Okappiki Yakan.” Tyler said.

“No, the SPIRIT!” Alex shouted rather loud.

“Before this escalates into anything you’ll both regret, listen to my voice of reason. One, you’re comparing two different creations. Two, the Spirit and Okappiki Yakan will never meet. And finally, the only people in Portland who have read Okappiki Yakan is the Anime Fan Club to sing it’s praises and the Comic Book Fan Club to bring it down.” Ilyssa said, not in the mood to even care about not caring to listen to the argument. This stopped the twins from arguing and they shook hands on the subject, showing that their parents were in for a long night.

“You make a really good point. Oh, and I had something that I wanted to show you all.” Tyler said, pulling out a piece of paper. On it was a well done, very manga-like drawing of Air Wave. This almost shocked Ilyssa awake.

“It’s that new superhero teenager that we’ve been hearing about in the news. Ain’t it cool?” Tyler said.

“Uh, yeah. But why would you draw a picture of… Whatshername?” Ilyssa asked.

“Air Wave. Are you kidding” Everything about her is cool! Also, she’s local, which improves my chances of landing a date with her a hundred fold!” Tyler exclaimed.

“One hundred times zero is still zero, Ty.” Bobbi said, getting nods from both Ilyssa and Alex.

“Hey! I resent that.” Tyler said, just as the bell rang.

“Looks like we’ll have to discuss this next week. See you then?” Bobbi asked.

“Hai.” Tyler said, as he and Alex started to walk away from the table.

“Why’d you go and do that? Now I have to watch my Spy Smasher movie.” Alex said.

“Some times, I really worry about those two.” Bobbi said as she and Ilyssa headed to their next class. After school, Bobbi and Ilyssa walked home.

“You’re really out of it today, aren’t you?” Bobbi asked. Usually she had to play catch-up with Ilyssa, but for the past few days, she had to wait up for Ilyssa.

“Just some really long nights.” Ilyssa replied.

“Really” With who? Anyone I know?” Bobbi asked. Ilyssa gave her a look of disgust.

“Get your mind out of the gutter! You know I didn’t mean it that way!” Ilyssa said.

“Sure you did.” Bobbi said to further irritate her friend, as the two approached her house.

“See you tomorrow Bobbi.” Ilyssa said.

“Yup. See ya, Lys.” Bobbi called out. After a few more minutes of walking, Ilyssa arrived to her own house. The day was scarily normal.

Chapter Seven

“It’s not that big of an explosion.” Fireball said. It was his time for glory and infamy, a goal that nobody would prevent him from accomplishing.

“Yes, I know that I’m comparing it to Hiroshima. Remember, this is the challenge.” Fireball replied to some unheard comments, as he connected wires to a plunger detonator.

“Because I am tired of waiting! The past two weeks have been long enough!” Fireball said, pressing the plunger down and detonating the fiery explosives he had set up.

BA-BOOM!!

“Quite the sight. And now we wait.” Fireball said, the flames reflecting off his mask and helmet. He knew that the explosion would attract his prey.

“Hello!” Air Wave cried out as her amplified hearing picked up the explosion. Using the belt to pick up radio signals, she heard the Fire Department dispatches.

“A fire in the industrial district? They might need help.” Air Wave said to herself as she headed toward the fire. But, she was not alone.

“Come on, Ted! There’s been a bombing at one of the factories.” Clark said to his comrade through the door of his hotel room.

“Yeah, just give me a sec to get my togs on.” Ted said, fumbling with his costume as he hurriedly put it on. When he was finished, he stepped out of his room and saw that Clark was still Clark.

“Why’re you still in your civvies” I thought you said-?

Swoosh!

“urgent. Right, silly me.” Wildcat said with Superman standing before him.

“Now, let’s go!” Superman said, grabbing Wildcat and rushing to the factory that was bombed. Unknown to, and fortunately for, them, Air Wave was already there.

“Good lord in heaven?” Air Wave said, her voice trailing off as she surveyed the area. Several police cars, fire trucks, and buildings were a blaze. She saw another fire truck approach one of the burning buildings, only to get hit by a blast of flame that originated from one of the smoldering ruins.

“It’s beautiful. The flame, heat, and destruction. All beautiful.” Fireball said, a hot tear running down the cheek of his concealed face. He heard a soft pat behind him and knew who showed up.

“This was all for you, you know. The only way that I could think of to issue my challenge.” Fireball said.

“How did you know?” Air Wave asked.

“Does it really matter? No, all that does is that you’re here.” Fireball said, turning to face the focus of his madness. He held out his right hand, palm forward.

Zzzt! Fwoosh!

The attack was sudden and unexpected, but Air Wave managed to side step the pillar of flame, though is was only by mere fractions of an inch. She could feel the breeze created by its movement and the intense heat as it went by her.

“Who are you?” Air Wave asked, getting her bearings straight and looking at her opponent with a dead on gaze.

“My father named me Ignis. It’s Latin for fire. But, I named myself Fireball.” Fireball said, bringing up his left hand, also palm forward.

Zzzt! Fwoosh!!

This blast was more powerful then the first and caught Air Wave off guard, grazing the right side of her stomach. She looked at the costume, thankful that it wasn’t burnt through, but it did show that it was exposed to flame.

“Father was right. Your costume is fire proof. Sadly, it is only a way to prolong the inevitable.” Fireball said, readying another blast.

Zzzt! Fwoosh!

Something blocked this blast. Something with a red cape and an “S” shield on his chest.

“I don’t know who you are or what you have against this kid, but I do know that it ends here!” Superman said with a steely gaze.

“Yeah, so me and Big Blue are gonna take you down and in!” Wildcat added. Fireball seemed unfazed by the arrival of the two heroes.

“It’d seem that my gauntlet hit more then one opponent. No matter. Superman, you may be immune to my fiery blasts, but you are mortal just the same.” Fireball said, pulling out a remote trigger from his coat and pressing the button. If only they could see his grin.

Chapter Eight

“Nothin” happened! Not much of a way to get rid of Supes, if you ask me.” Wildcat said.

“That’s because it didn’t. I just detonated a few dozen more of my firebombs. Many of them were at hospitals.” Fireball said.

“You’re lying.” Superman said, narrowing his gaze.

“Am I” What will it be Superman, catch the villain or save the innocents?” Fireball asked. Superman looked over at Wildcat, who was just as shocked as he was.

“Go.” Air Wave said, getting looks of surprise from both heroes.

“What?” Wildcat said.

“There are people that are being hurt. Of the three of us, only Superman can help them in time. I’m sure that me and.. Wildcat was it? can handle this whacko on our own.” Air Wave replied.

“Wildcat, watch her back. Air Wave, I’ll like to talk to you after this is all done.” Superman said, taking to the skies.

“Now that we won’t have any more interruptions, shall we continue?” Fireball asked.

“You got anything on this guy?” Wildcat asked Air Wave.

“Not much, just that there’s a buzzing noise just before the jet of flame.” Air Wave replied.

Zzzt! Fwoosh!

“That ain’t a lot to work with. But it does help.” Wildcat said.

“He seems to be comfortable with all of Hell burning around him.” Air Wave commented.

“With luck, all this time with fire has given him a glass jaw!” Wildcat said, charging the pyromaniac, taking him down in a solid tackle. Fireball replied by smashing his fists into either side of the Cat-Cowled hero’s head.

“Get off of me, you barbaric brawler! My fight is with the child!” Fireball said, pushing Wildcat off of him and spraying the hero with a liquid of some sort.

“Not while I still stand!” Wildcat said, getting up. He charged Fireball again, but this time, the masked fire monger grabbed him by the right wrist with his left hand, swept wildcat’s legs out from under him, and hit him with the heel of his gloved hand. Letting the body fall, he turned to face Air Wave, tossing a piece of burning coal as if it were a ball..

“My element is fire. It gives me strength, it lends me its power. And it makes a damn fine weapon!” Fireball said, turning to face Wildcat once again. The hero had recovered from the blow as Fireball had predicted. With a hidden smirk he tossed the coal at Wildcat who grabbed it by reflex. The coal ignited the chemical Wildcat was previously soaked in, and both Air Wave and Wildcat watched as the flame traveled in, seemingly, slow motion up Wildcat’s arm.

“Arrrrgggghhhh!!!” Wildcat screamed, falling to the floor, rolling around in a near futile attempt to extinguish the flames. When they finally subsided, moments later, Wildcat was covered in burns, most of his costume was burnt away, and he wasn’t moving, save for the erratic rise and fall of his chest. Thankfully, he passed out after the flames were finally through burning, or he would be in insufferable pain.

“That worked better then I thought. And such a rare sight to be hold, as well.” Fireball said with the sigh of artistic appreciation.

“You’re a monster.” Air Wave said in an almost barely audible whisper.

“What did you say?” Fireball asked, turning to face his teenaged nemesis.

“You heard me, you’re a monster.” Air Wave repeated.

“Oh, I’m a monster? I am no monster. Just an artist.” Fireball said.

“An artist” You’re calling all this.. this waste, art?” Air Wave asked, not believing what this man was saying.

“Of course. This is the truest art you will ever see. It shows the suffering of the human condition, the despair of brought upon by nature, and the pain of mortality. But, this is only a” happy” side effect. My true purpose is much greater.” Fireball said, pointing to the burnt out cars, the still burning buildings, and an unconscious Wildcat to prove his points.

“And what is this greater purpose?” Air Wave asked. She wore that she could see a smile under that mask.

“Destroying you. Destroying your name. Destroying your legacy!” Fireball yelled, bringing up both hands.

Zzzt! Fwoosh!!

Air Wave took to the sky to dodge the blast. Then, something dawned on her.

“You’re not crazy, are you” You know what you’re doing and you’re enjoying it, aren’t you?” Air Wave asked, still in the sky.

“Of course I know what I’m doing. I’ve planned this for several weeks before hand, using plans that my father had left me, along with his hatred for Air Wave.” Fireball said.

“You’re evil. And what’s worse, is that you know that you’re evil.” Air Wave said.

“And you just now figured that out? The people I met yesterday could’ve told you that.” Fireball said. Air Wave then knew that this was her final test. Pass or fail meant life and death not only for her, but for a lot of other people she never met. What should she do?

“I may not be able to hit you while you’re in the air, but?” Fireball said, his palm facing Wildcat. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Air Wave charged for the attack, closing her eyes for it was now or never. Fireball raised his other hand up to shield his eyes, as the blue glow coming of the young hero started to blind him. The impact knocked him back several feet. But, Air Wave wasn’t finished. She started to repeatedly punch the madman, by the fifth punch, Fireball’s mask shattered.

“Go ahead. You know you want to. You know I would.” Fireball said, blood coming from his mouth and nose. Air Wave held her fist up high so she could bring it down.

“Don’t!” the voice was a weak groan. Air Wave turned to see that Wildcat had struggled to his feet.

“He isn’t worth it. Scum like him only want to turn you into the thing you hate most. It’ a very high” price for worthless garbage.” Wildcat said weakly, as he slowly made his way to the hero-villain pair. Air Wave dropped Fireball and stood up. She almost went off the deep end.

“I.. I.. I almost… killed him.” Air Wave said. Wildcat had made his way beside her.

“You didn’t, though. Keep that beast on a short leash, using it when needed, but in control. And, you, you did good.” Wildcat said. Air Wave took those words to heart, before she passed out herself, exhausted from the ordeal.

Epilogues

Epilogue one:

“Grandpa” Where am I?” Ilyssa asked as she woke up. She took in her surrounding and noticed that she was home.

“You’re home. Safe and sound.” Larry replied. He looked at her and noticed that she seemed a little more “rough around the edges”, like she matured a lot in the past few weeks.

“Grandpa, did I win?” Ilyssa asked. Larry looked at her and nodded.

“Yeah. Fireball is going to be locked up for good. Hopefully.” Larry said.

“Good. But, I can’t help wondering?” Ilyssa said, trailing off.

“About what?” Larry asked. Ilyssa looked at him and bit her lip.

“It was like there was more then one person in Fireball. I could see it in his eyes, they way they seemed to shift. It was like there was two people arguing about what to do.” Ilyssa said.

“Possibly. But, I never faced anyone that had psychic powers.” Larry said. Sitting down next to his granddaughter.

“Grandpa, what happened? When I defeated Fireball, I felt something… different about myself.” Ilyssa said, wondering where that power she used had come from.

“Honestly” I don’t know.” Larry said, as Ilyssa closed her eyes again and went to sleep

Epilogue Two:

“Ted, you look like hell.” Al Pratt said to his friend. Ted was to be confined to a bed for a couple of weeks, per Charles McNider’s instructions.

“I feel even worse.” Ted said weakly. If had been a few days after the Incident, but Ted was a survivor and was recovering quicker than a normal human, possibly due to some energies left over when Green Lantern healed his shattered legs.

“McNider told me that you refused both GL and the T-Bolt’s offer to heal ya up.” Al said.

“Yeah, I told ‘em that. I’d rather do this on my own. Give me a few months and I’ll be bustin’ heads again.” Ted said with a grin.

“Speaking of head bustin, how did that punk get the drop on you?” Al asked.

“For the past week, I’ve been asking myself that. I can’t explain it, but I’m sure that whack job wasn’t in complete control of his body. His timing and follow through was perfect. You know how long it takes to master even one of those, let alone both?” Ted said.

“You think he was mind controlled?” Al asked. Ted shook his head.

“Nah, that guy, he knew and enjoyed what he was doing. I think… I think he got him some help.” Ted said.

Epilogue Three:

“Superman, what brings you here?” Larry asked his visitor. The Man of Steel thought about it, before answering.

“I wanted to talk to your protege, your successor.” Superman said.

“She’s at school. Larry said. Superman nodded in affirmation.

“She has a lot of potential.” Superman said. Larry nodded.

“I know. She has a good heart. It’ll help her in times to come.” Larry said.

“True, but, sometimes, a good heart is not enough. She needs training. Not that you didn’t do a good job, but she needs someone like her to show her the ropes.” Superman said.

“What are you getting at?” Larry asked.

“Nothing. Yet. Just tell her that she has an offer. If she wants to accept, all she has to do has to do is ask. I think that being on a team would do her a world of good.” Superman said, before he left. Larry watched the hero fly off until he couldn’t anymore.

“Maybe” maybe.” Larry said to himself.

Epilogue Four:

“If you ask me, I think it’s creepy the way he just sits there and watches Captain Carrot re-runs.” One hospital orderly said to the other.

“What else can he do? He just regained some motor control and use of his left hand. But, I could do without the disembodied voice.” The other said. The first shrugged.

“Come on, let’s get some coffee. He ain’t goin” anywhere.” The first said, as the two left the room, leaving the man to his thoughts.

Fireball was a failure. Seven years of meticulous planning down the drain. In the end, he had won out, but that infernal Wildcat had stopped his master plan. To destroy Air Wave with his successor. He had taught that hero about interloping. In his failure, though, he had planted the seed of darkness that he needed to gain control of the younger Air Wave. All he had to do was wait. And he was a master at waiting.

“Soon, Air Wave” soon.” Conrad Carnegy said in that disembodied voice the second orderly talked about, as he rolled into the shadows, an almost grin on his face.

 

 

The End