Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter I

The Ford High Titans need a Hero

Al Rothstein stood amongst his messy apartment as his fists pounded hastily onto his punching bag, striking briskly as he was trying to improve his superhuman skills. His recent mission in Kahndaq proved to be a thrilling success, and he felt honoured to have fought at the Justice Society’s side. But one plaguing guilt was left uneven in his mind – the death of Kent Nelson, his teammate only known as Dr. Fate, who gave up his life in the vein of friendship. Rothstein spent his life growing up with the JSA, desiring to become a vigilante like them. He inherited the title of Atom Smasher and it was a heavy burden he was confident in carrying. But assisting Hawkman and Dr. Fate in battle felt like a lifelong dream of his and his determination to be like them motivated him throughout his time in Kahndaq, when he was fighting against Black Adam and the eventful evil that came with it. But he couldn’t help but remember the mistakes he’d made, the insecurities he had let consume him while keeping the world at peace. He wasn’t as experienced as his founding teammates were, but he wished he could have done better, to have faced his insecurities and to take justice into his own hands. Rothstein had plenty of shoes to fill from his uncle and he didn’t want to disappoint him as he had to keep training hard, to move past his insecurities that had been haunting him for days.  The only person who made him feel less small and insecure was Maxine Hunkel aka Cyclone, his fellow teammate at the JSA who he could only but relate to. She was inexperienced like he was and she never let that heavy toll faze her. The determination she took with her into battle left a bewildered feeling in his heart as it was unlike anything he’d felt for someone.

“It’s just...you can transform your molecular structure, grow 100 times your own size. You’re impossibility and the world still amazes you. I don’t know it’s...its cool”

The memory of her warm, assuring smile motivated him to keep going, and he wanted to become a hero just for her. He had been longing to see that smile again, to have a shoulder to cry on while he struggled immense with his insecurities. As soon as he met her, all of his fears and doubts about his vigilantism went away as he longed for companionship, for someone he could relate to and to share a spark with. Every negative, corrupting feeling he felt about himself was gone throughout that entire mission – thanks to Maxine’s illuminating presence.  Being separated from her was painful as all he wanted was to see her again. He wanted to stand by her side once again. He wanted to be part of a team again, to allow his abilities to shine through one more time. He wanted to become centre stage once again. Suddenly, he heard his cell phone ring aggravatingly as he wiped the sweat off his forehead, taking a hasting sip of his refreshments. Al grabbed his phone to see his uncle Al Pratt on the other line as he answered it. “Hey Uncle Al!” Albert muttered, trying to keep his voice cheerful as he talked with his uncle on the other line. “Great to hear your voice again son! How’s the suit, you been taking care of it?” his uncle asked, raising concern over his prized Atom Smasher costume as Albert sighed in disbelief. “Don’t worry Al; I’ve got the suit in a safe place. Besides I’m not even with the JSA right now....I’m training...” Al muttered, trying to keep the conversation from turning awkward as he felt his uncle’s hearty laugh echoing down his phone, easing his concerns a little. “Oh, of course you are. As a superhero, you’ve always gotta get those muscles pumping. Let’s just say training is foundational in improving strength...because you never know what threat you’ll face down the line....” Uncle Al advised as Albert nodded in consideration, taking another sip of his juiced refreshments.

“So whatta calling me for, Uncle Al?” Albert asked, full of curiosity at his uncle’s surprise check-in. Al chuckled on the other line, almost expecting him to ask that.

“Um yeah about that.....I’ve got buddies that work at Ford High or at least work with the sports department. The local high school football team are in desperate need of a mascot; let’s just say they lost their creativity. So me and my buddies were talking and we think....we think that Atom Smasher would be the perfect mascot for all those kiddo players. Whatta think son?” Uncle Al asked as Albert was left in surprise, shock that a high school football team wanted him to be their mascot. He’d been longing to be part of a team since Kahndaq but this was unlike anything he’d been asked to do.

“Wait a second; this school really wants me for this. I’m a superhero and they want me as their mascot. I’m a member of the JSA, not sports propaganda....” Al muttered, reluctant about tackling this position. Uncle Al tried to reassure him.

“Come on, don’t be so hard on yourself son. To become the mascot of the Ford High Titans is a huge privilege...not just for you, but for all these inspiring athletes. Your heroic status will boost more credibility and popularity to this bunch.....hell you’ll even be helping out the community. Now that’s what makes an hero...” Uncle Al advised, trying to raise Albert’s spirits. Albert gave himself time to think about this, the opportunities this mascot job could bring him running through his mind.  With that, Al was so desperately longing to join a team again, to become part of bigger things. Atom Smasher couldn’t rest in the darkness for that long, he had to step out and help his community. Just like his uncle had said. This was an opportunity Al had to take, it was for the best.

“Okay Uncle.....I’ll become the mascot of the Ford High Titans. Atom Smasher’s been sitting in the sidelines for too long....I’m needy to be part of something, you know” Albert trembled as he felt Uncle Al’s proud voice fill his ears.

“Don’t we all, son, even I’m done with this superhero gig and I still wanna help, what kind of uncle would I be if I didn’t. I’ll pick you up tomorrow; you’ll need to be in full Atom Smasher gear to meet the team, got it?” Uncle Al assured as Albert agreed without question.

“Yeah, I’ll be there...” Albert muttered, full of hopeful energy.

“I know, I know...they’re really gonna need you out there buddy. God knows that” Uncle Al replied, giving Albert encouragement as he was looking forward to join this team.

“Yep...the team’s gonna need me...Bye Uncle, I’ll see ya tomorrow” Albert parted as Uncle Al bid his farewell.

“Have a good one son. I’ll be here to pick you up at 9!” Uncle Al warned as the phone call ended,

“You too, Bye” Albert muttered as the phone call ended, Albert slipping his phone into his pocket as he let out a sigh of anguish. It left Albert in a twist of emotions. He was surprised to have been picked to lead this team, out of all of the heroes in this world, they picked him. He appreciated the efforts his uncle had made for him as he longed to be part of a team once again. Superheroes were meant to protect the community, to do anything to keep the streets safe. It was everything his uncle and the JSA stood for. Now it was his job to represent that. He thought about Maxine’s assuring smile once again, drowning out the fears he had about taking this job. He wanted to make her proud most of all. He wanted to be the hero everyone expected him to be...

---

Ford High School

Day

Albert sat in the passenger seat, looking out through the rear-view mirror as his vision was more clearer due to the senses of his mask. Sitting in a car with his Atom Smasher attire on felt insanely uncomfortable, like he was being charted off to his own costume party. But Albert couldn’t let this train of thought divide him; he had to make an impression with this football team, to integrate himself into the team effortlessly. Driving him around was his Uncle Al as he kept his jovial personality throughout the whole journey, making Albert feel even more discomfited. “Is this really necessary?” Albert quipped, his tone filled with sheepishness as he sat there in his Atom Smasher costume, trying to avoid contact with the world outside. Al could tell his uncle sensed the doubt that was plaguing him as he gave him a reassuring smile.  

“Come on kid; don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re gonna do great out there, believe me. Those Ford kids will welcome Atom Smasher with open arms” Uncle Al muttered joyfully as he steered his car in the left direction, Albert trying to attain confidence in himself as his red and blue suit stood out amongst the morning sun, giving him hope that this promotion would work out. He tried hard enough to prove himself in the city of Kahndaq and learned important lessons with it. He hoped this mascot career would assure his place as a public hero, whose kind enough to help out their community. Albert sighed an exhausting breath as he looked out onto the road ahead; hoping for the best as his uncle nearly reached their destination.

“Hey Uncle Al, quick question but......Will I be growing big?” Albert asked, his mind swirling with questions as he didn’t know if his superpowers would be acceptable in this field or not.

“Well of course you can, then what’s the purpose of standing around for?! Part of being a superhero mascot is to embrace your powers. Just stick it to the playing fields....I wouldn’t want a young soul like you paying for property damage...” Uncle Al warned, trying to sound sincere as Albert felt his mind racing, expecting the unexpected. “Okay, I guess....” Albert muttered to himself, resting his head against the passenger seat. He looked over at Uncle Al as he drove determinedly, reminding him of a chauffeur that would take their sworn master to any engagements they needed. Albert wouldn’t call himself a rich kid or a renowned millionaire; he was just a rookie superhero that wanted to make his name known in the field. He was thankful to have his uncle, a trusty mentor that would guide him on his moral mission. Albert’s reflecting thoughts were interrupted by his Uncle, whose voice broke him away from his own headspace. “Looks like we’re here, kid!” Uncle Al muttered excitedly, driving tirelessly into the Ford High school grounds as Albert took in the expansive school before him. It had a blue, radiant colour scheme with the words Ford High shimmering in white. To Albert, it looked like they paid a lot of dollars to get this school off the ground. It was a place where only kids with rich, highly-privileged families would get the best education in the country. Albert’s smartness probably wouldn’t have competed with those high standards anyway, no matter how skilled he ought himself to be. He watched as Uncle Al parked the car outside of the school gates, perched near the end of the road as Albert felt like he was a child being dropped off at their new school, left to suppress away this humiliation. Albert felt his entire body turn cold as his movements came a halt, confided to the passenger seat as he didn’t know if he was up for the challenge, his entire body numb with uncertainty. He always dreamed of being a superhero; with the JSA giving him the opportunity to embody the mantle of Atom Smasher. Just like his uncle had wanted. He learned the true meaning of becoming a hero and facing Black Adam and Sabbac was a fierce battle that challenged his fellow members’ morality and the difference between heroes and villains. While Black Adam’s sense of justice was questionable, he worked together with the JSA to end a world-threatening evil that took the life of one of his teammate and it had left a profound mark on him. His secret idolism for Teth-Adam did nothing to compensate for his own insecurities. He didn’t know if he could compare to other heroes, he had no idea how the kids at Ford High would see him. Would he be idolised? It was a question that plagued his mind like guilt as Uncle Al’s reassuring voice broke him out of his self-doubt.

“Hey, don’t get your head too wrapped up in the clouds, Albert. I know this isn’t your thing....but I’ve seen the potential you brought on that field, it was amazing. This school needs a hero Al.....and those kids need Atom Smasher. They need a hero to look up to” Uncle Al assured as Albert wanted to feel better about himself, finding comfort in those words.  “I won’t let you down, Uncle Al...” Albert muttered, trying to sound uplifting as Al gave him a warm smile, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I know son....I know....” Uncle Al replied as he began to emerge from the car, Albert willingly following him like a lost puppy. His shallow mind was plagued with thoughts of inflicting doubt as he didn’t know how the school would respond to Atom Smasher, but he had to do his best. Al opened the door accordingly for his nephew, Albert arising from the car as his superhero suit gleamed within broad daylight. Uncle Al escorted Albert towards the school building as Albert felt like he was a kid again, being taken to school by their parent’s hand. Albert tried to keep his spirits up as he entered the grounds, suit on show as a man was waiting for them by the gate. He was dressed in distinct blue, with a sports jacket and pants to match. He wore a blue cap that had the words “Ford High Titans” implanted with white on its middle. He was dressed like a football coach as he welcomed Atom Smasher into the building; his fiery excitement upon seeing him told Albert he was a big fan. Albert braced himself to meet him, still unsure about this whole mascot gig.

“Hey Harrison, this is the guy I’ve telling you about. This is my nephew Al Rothstein. Or as he’d rather be named Atom Smasher” Uncle Al said, his voice foreboding of warmth as Harrison approached him, an appealing, joyous smile on his face.

“You must Atom Smasher; it’s such a joy to meet ya! I’m Mr. Cade, the local coach of the Ford High Titans” Mr. Cade explained, his voice energetic as he warmly greeted Albert. Atom Smasher shook his hand nervously, trying so hard to look fitting for the part.

“It’s an honour to be here sir. I’m sorta new to these mascot business, so I’m gonna need advice on this” Albert explained, his voice spilling with uneasiness.

“Well don’t you worry Atom Smasher; I’ll give ya all the answers you’ll need. This school is where we shape heroes. Hell, even build them. Trust me, the kids are gonna love you here...” Mr. Cade muttered excitedly as he led Albert and his uncle into the building, leaving Albert in more unease as they entered. “This school’s interior design is innovative for a number of reasons. But I’d like to call it the best in the house” Cade bragged as Cade led the duo into the sprawling school.  Albert was left stunned with how expansive it was as there was many aligned blue, steel lockers, the interior decorated in blue and white as the school was bustling of students, some late for class, others spending time with their friends, their laughter filling the air with familiarity.

“Man, you’re students must be really lucky going to a place like this” Uncle Al muttered as Mr. Cade was bursting of exuberance.

“Well....what can I say Al, it’s all about the education system these days” Mr. Cade replied, full of exhilaration as Albert trailed on behind him, taking in the vast complexity that was Ford High. Before Albert could get lost in its spectacle, many students began to spot him, in the eye of their attention as they viewed him with admiration, chatting amongst themselves as Atom Smasher felt proud to be in the public eye, feeling pressured to wave as students looked at him with intensive looks, either analysing his costume or being in awe that a superhero was within the school walls. Mr. Cade and Uncle Al led him through the hallways as Atom Smasher continued to innocently wave, teenagers snapping photos of him with their phones as he was opted to be the attention of social media the next few days.

“Looks like the students are already warming up to ya, kiddo!” Uncle Al expressed as Albert smiled underneath his mask, trying to contain his joy that the students were already enamoured with him. He gave the hope he needed to meet with the Titans football team. As the trio walked through the corridors, Mr. Cade approached a boy who was extravagantly twirling a football in his hand, dressed in a red hoodie with a Ford High Titans jersey underneath. Mr. Cade caught his attention as he gave the player a friendly handshake.

“Hey Mr. Cade, what brings you here in this block?” the player asked, surprised to see his coach walking the school corridors as he gave him a fond smile.

“I’d like to introduce you to our new mascot. This is Atom Smasher, a member of the Justice Society of America. Atom Smasher, this is Ryan Choi, one of our most qualified players. Ryan, Atom Smasher. Atom Smasher, Ryan. I know you’ll get along” Mr. Cade explained as Ryan shook Albert’s hand excitedly, welcoming him with open eyes.

“Uh.....pleased to meet you, I guess you’ll be joining our team” Ryan muttered, shocked to have met a superhero.

“It’s a true honour to be the mascot of this team. I’m sure all of the players in this time have a bright future ahead of them” Atom Smasher muttered, trying to assure Ryan he had what it takes to become a part of this team. Ryan smiled, holding onto the football with his burly hands.

“Cool man, I’m sure you’ll make a great mascot Atom Smasher. I’ll see you at playoffs, coach!!” Ryan replied, his voice blithesome as any player would be. He walked off into the corridors, pounding the ball energetically on the floor as Mr. Cade smiled, waving off his fellow player. “I’ll see you there Ryan!!” Mr. Cade yelled, his cheerful facade brimming from his warm smile as he led Atom Smasher and his uncle through the school, taking them to the fields where the players were expected to train. Albert had no clue if this would work out, his brief time here making him hope for the best. Mr. Cade opened the double doors leading into the sports department as Albert and Uncle Al begrudgingly followed behind.

Albert took a look at the department walls as they were displayed with the Ford High titans and their triumphant victories over the years.  “Wow! These kids sure are champions. A whole generation of them” Uncle Al muttered, proud of the achievements this team had made as Albert just stood there, observing the titans’ outstanding attainments they’d accomplished as he wanted to become part of that, to guide this team on their next victorious endeavour. Mr. Cade took his time to give them a history lesson on the team. “The Ford High Titans have been around for years, hell they even predate the super bowl in the sixties. There have been great players and coaches that been part of this team over the years and their legacy remains on these walls. Every victory we claimed, every defeat we suffered. Every high and low teams like these are expected to face. They always go down with a smile” Mr. Cade explained as photos hung high on the walls, showcasing many combinations of the team across the years, from the 1960s, through the 70s and the 80s, straight through to the 90s, this team were still kicking ass after all these years. Atom Smasher observed the photos with admiration of the legacy they’ve built as it always reminded him of being part of the JSA, given the heavy burden of carrying his team’s legacy on his shoulders as he marched into battle. He hoped that he could become part of this team’s legacy too and that he would shape their future the same way he did for the Justice Society. “That sounds incredible, I’m sure your team is gonna join those ranks in any time” Albert muttered, awestruck with the team’s impressive achievements over the years as Mr. Cade gave him a warm, smile.

“Oh, they’re getting there Atom Smasher. The championship game against the Lakeside Rangers is near on approach. I need these players at their peak, let them have a keen eye for a ball. Because they never know where their brilliance could lead them...” Mr. Cade explained as he began to guide Albert and Uncle Al towards the playing fields, where the team would take part in playoffs. “Right outside here, past our esquire gyms, is the playing fields. It’s where most of our playoffs and training exercises take place. The titans always take part in friendly matches, you might wanna tag along” Mr. Cade mumbled as he began to push the doors open, Atom Smasher keen to follow as Uncle Al stopped in his tracks, watching Albert move along with a fond smile. “I’m afraid Albert; it’s time for me to go. But I’m sure you’ve settled into the school and gotten to know its team too well. You’ll kill this gig, son!” Uncle Al muttered as it was time for him to leave, to allow Albert to embroil himself in the mascot business. Albert understood his uncle’s time commitments as he gave his uncle a familiar hug, embracing him tightly. “Yeah, that’s okay. This team could really use a hero right about now” Albert murmured in his uncle’s ear as Al pulled himself away from Albert’s bear hug, an earnest smile growing amid his wrinkled features. “Lemme ask you something Albert?  Ask Mr. Cade here if you can use your growing abilities?” Uncle Al requested as he secretly winked at Albert, who softly laughed through his mask as he turned to Mr. Cade, raising his hand like a student in class.

“Uh....Mr Cade? Is it okay to grow big around these parts?” You know.....because I’m Atom Smasher and I smash atoms....” Albert muttered awkwardly, Uncle Al proud of his nephew’s curiosity.

“You tell him Albert?!” Uncle Al demoted proudly, a smile perched on Mr. Cade’s lips as he came out of his way to answer.

“Well.....I’d prefer if you stick it to playing fields if you wanna increase your size. We don’t want a hole through the roof by Christmas vacation, now do we? But I’d love to see you grow big....and for you to use atoms....just grow your way into the playing field like a true pro...” Mr. Cade muttered as he gave Atom Smasher a very wholesome salute, Albert trading him one back.

“I think what Mr. Cade is trying to say is that, you should grow big.....grow big like you always do!” Uncle Al cheerfully spouted, Mr. Cade joining in with his hilarious banter.

“Grow big enough that you can fly.....hell even move some mountains. Grow big like you always do! Our team could really use that!” Mr. Cade replied, his voice filled with warmth as Atom Smasher just stood there awkwardly, abiding by Uncle Al and Mr. Cade’s proud advice as he took it in, trying to laugh it off. “Well time’s getting on for me...have a good one son” Uncle Al muttered as he parted his goodbyes to his nephew, Albert waving his uncle off. “Yeah you too...” Albert replied as Uncle Al began to escort himself out of Ford High. “That man’s a fuzzy ball of energy....your uncle” Mr. Cade joked as he led Albert through the security doors, past the local gym as they made their way to the playing field. “Yeah....he’s got the more wacky sense of humour. It must be his age, cause dad jokes are his style...” Albert joked off, eagerly following the coach into the field.  

Mr. Cade led Atom Smasher into the open plains as the sun was blistering down upon them, bright on a hopeful day as Albert swallowed the air around him, following the coach through the vast playing field. “This is the place where I take the boys out to train. The most playoffs we’ve had, the pain we’ve withstood, the moments we triumph. It all happens here...” Mr. Cade explained as he brought him to the field, where the empty stands towered over the dense grounds, rising above the terrain as Albert glanced at the fields in admiration. All he could do was to silently observe and to abide by the coach’s friendly hand.

As they came closer to the football field, they could hear the loud rabble of competitive players, full of energy, as their yelling, hearty voices were all Atom Smasher could hear. Mr. Cade hastily approaches the fields, slowly preparing himself to welcome his players as Albert trailed behind him like a lost puppy, lost in direction. As they entered, the players were exchanging in a league of ball, warming themselves up for the playoffs as the teens competed in friendly games, lost amid the sport as Mr. Cade began to gain their players’ attention.

“What’s up, Ford High Titans!!!” Mr. Cade yelled energetically, the players with Ryan among them pausing their game as they gathered around their coach, in fierce anticipation for the playoffs. Atom Smasher stood by Mr. Cade’s side, expectant that the coach would introduce him to the rest of the team.

“Alright titans, this is one of our last play-offs before the championship games next week and we’ve gotta a lotta work to do. But first of all, I’ve got an exciting announcement to make. As you know, this team has been desperate for their own mascot and now we’ve finally got em’.  All the way from the JSA, let’s give it up for Atom Smasher!!!”  Mr. Cade explained as he allowed Atom Smasher to take the spotlight, the team applauding invigoratingly as they welcomed their new heroic mascot. He saw in their faces that they weren’t expecting a superhero to be supporting their team as he braced himself to take on this responsibility, to be seen as an inspiration for these players.  “Hey guys, I’m Atom Smasher. You guys can call me Smasher if you prefer......but uh.....I’m honoured to be representing your team as you head into this championship game, you should be so proud of yourselves. I’m hoping with my guiding hand here, it could lead to greater things.....I’m sure you’ll all grow with my guiding hand. So uh........GO TITANS GO!!! You know....” Atom Smasher explained, his mouth spiralling with nervous jokes as the players cheered for him, let out proud whoops as Atom Smasher couldn’t help but wave, acting in the most friendly, humane way possible. The players gathered around Albert in a militant circle as they wanted to drown him with questions. Atom Smasher stood there, eager to interact with these players.

“Hey Smasher, I’m Harold and I’ve got a question how do you manipulate and control atoms?” Harold, one of the players, asked as Atom Smasher tried to share his thoughts, other players butting in.

“What was it like to punch that lightning dude square in the jaw? ” Ryan asked, referring to his encounter with Black Adam.

“Atom Smasher, can you grow big?” one of the players asked as the players were throwing questions left and centre. Mr. Cade tried to divide the attention away from the obscure questions about Atom Smasher to the playoffs at hand. “Come on boys, we’ve got a game to train for!! Stick around for questions later!!!” Mr. Cade ordered as he blew his whistle, spiralling the players into action as they began to engage in a game of football, Mr. Cade overseeing their progress as Atom Smasher stood by his side, casually observing.

 “God, those kids.....they really starting to like you” Mr. Cade muttered as Albert felt a satisfying feeling build up in his chest, the joyous emotion that these players already looked up to him filled his heart with contentment.

“Well it’s not very day you have a fan club....” Albert joked, remembering fondly of his brief tenure as a JSA member as he stood there, observing the players’ strategic game of football as this felt like a role he worked best in. Being a superhero and embroiling yourself into global missions was a time Albert could never forget, but it was in the past. It had been a while since Carter or Maxine had called him about a new mission, and he was trying to live his best life as a public vigilante. He remembered the lesson his uncle taught him, that a superhero must be there to help their community. This privilege was all he had to become closer to the citizens he helps every day; he was a stepping stone he needed to becoming a respectable hero. Atom Smasher served as a symbol of heroism for The Ford High Titans, he wanted to be around kids his age as he thought his youthful optimism would inspire others. Being part of the titans is what he needed, not only for Atom Smasher, but for Albert Rothstein too.

The next few days were indelible for Al as he settled in to the incredulous role of high school mascot. He was the spotlight of attention for the students and all of the players that served in the ford high titans, craving media recognition to the school as it had welcomed a literal superhero to its doors. At the end of every playoff, the players with Mr. Cade among them would chant demands for Atom Smasher to grow in size much to their pleasure. He was almost ten times in size compared to the football field as he had to be careful, fearful that he would break valuable property in the school. His role as Atom Smasher opened many advertising possibilities for Ford High as he became the face of the school, as well as the titans’ mascot. He took time out of his busy duties to snap embarrassing selfies with the students as he took time to answer all of the superhero nerds’ questions. When the school was closed and between playoffs, Atom Smasher would head off into the city and take care of the rampant crime invading the streets as he gained more appreciation from the public, becoming a loved vigilante within the area. He was also caught by media outlets and interviewed by live reporters on his time at Ford High. He helped the Ford High players improve their sportsmanship and to give them motivational advice on winning the game. Throughout the training sessions, Al began to form common ground with the titans’ players, to form a stronger bond with them as Mr. Cade couldn’t be more happier about everything he’s did for the team. It was a very refreshing experience for Al as he felt more confident in his heroic duties, to become an inspirational figure to the school. The JSA may have helped him boost to stardom, but feeling connected to others his age was all that mattered to him. The championship was looming closer, and Atom Smasher wanted to be part of their impending future....

                                                                       ---

Atom Smasher was making his way through the spontaneous school grounds where a hasting reporter stopped him in his tracks, planning to interview him. “Atom Smasher, Atom Smasher!! Can I interview for The Daily Planet?!” the reporter asked, her voice staggering of breath as Albert laughed heartily underneath his mask, giving off friendly energy. “Yeah, of course. Be my guest” Albert piqued, trying to sound earnest with the interviewer as she went on to ask him questions.

“What’s it like to become a superhero mascot for The Ford High Titans? To go from defending global stability to inspiring football stars must be a massive career change for you” the interviewer asked, her voice generating warmth.

“The choice came from a very special place in my heart....my superpowers kinda run in the family business, so I’m always out fighting global threats, taking on crooks in the streets. That’s when I decided that as a superhero, I should be more responsible in helping the community. My uncle believed in that, so to uh......to help young kids with big dreams is something I’m always happy about” Atom Smasher explained cheerfully as his words generated from a computer screen, which was showcasing his interview on Channel 10. Observing his words was Maxine Hunkel, who sat at the edge of her workspace within the Hawk Cruiser, listening intently as she felt proud for her fellow teammate, that he was taking time out of the goodwill of his heart to help the community, the people that mattered more than anything. Ever since they met, Maxine had loved Albert’s infectious enthusiasm and the naivety he brought to their mission in Kahndaq, surprised that despite all the mistakes he took himself accountable for; he never let anything else faze him. It was a relatable quality she found in his personality, that when they talked, he was in wonder of the changing world around him and that despite his marvellous powers, there wasn’t anything that could surprise him. He made her life worth living and gave her the hope she needed that her life could be getting better again despite the complex power she withholds inside herself. Brilliant people like him in the world taught her to open her heart more and to not keep it under lock and key as she usually does. That’s why she feared the worst. She feared that with all the urge of popularity Albert is facing, she’d never seen him again due to his own moral duties and that they would be apart forever. Maxine tried not to let those lingering thoughts sit on her shoulders for too long as she continued to watch Atom Smasher’s recent interview, the only remaining connection she had to Albert. As she listened to his inspiring words, she felt a presence observing from over her shoulder.

“So Atom Smasher’s chosen his place....” a voice muttered as Maxine turned, only to see Carter Hall as he stood imposingly behind her, arms folded sternly as he was surprised to see her so distracted by Albert’s heroic achievements. Maxine switched off her interview and put back onto her research notes, whom she’d been attaining for her upcoming mission.

“You can say that. He was only trying to find his place in the world Carter, anyway....I think it’s awesome he’s helping the community” Maxine divulged, proud that Albert was making a name for himself. She saw a weathered smile grow on Carter’s lips as it was the first time she saw him smile in weeks, never mind to drop his serious composure. She knew Kent’s death was getting to him, but at least he was trying his best to let some light into his life.

“I’m proud of him; it was moral of him to do. But he just decides out of the blue to become a mascot for a kiddie football team. Very inspired choice” Carter sarcastically commented as Maxine couldn’t help but laugh at Carter’s remark, unimpressed by his foolery.

“You’ve gotta let go of this “Atom Smasher” mocking phase. It really doesn’t suit you....” Maxine replied, laughter tinged in her voice as Carter became sterner, silently brooding as he was taking things seriously once again.

“Albert thinks he can get away with leaving the JSA for the local school sports team, well now we need him back. He may have had his fun.....but this mission comes first. We can’t let N.O.W.H.E.R.E succeed, you know that. We need him on this Maxine. We need Atom Smasher” Carter explained as Maxine nodded in abidance, sitting there by her desk as Carter lingered off into the shadows of the jet, quietly brooding alone as Maxine prepared to suit up as Cyclone, to get Albert back onto the field for this one mission. It was local to where he was, so it was imperative for Atom Smasher to tackle this operation. Maxine could feel excitement build in her chest as she would finally get to meet him again, that despite the uncertainty she and Carter have faced for the past few weeks, he was the light she needed. The partner she needed in this upcoming fight. The one that would make her life worth meaning again, to fill the empty hole in her heart. Maxine began to get suited up in her Cyclone attire as she prepared herself for this desired reunion....

---

Today was the big game as the students and teachers were gathered gratuitously in the stands, cheering for their team as anticipation was in the air. Albert watched from the sidelines as the cheerleaders performed their extravagant dance routine, prancing energetically across the field as they flipped into the air, dancing in circles. The two opposing teams stood at each side of the field, egging on the troupe of cheerleaders as Atom Smasher awaited his time in the spotlight, observing the celebrations with Mr. Cade by his side.  As the crowd of cheerleaders diverged into a collective circle, Mr. Cade placed an encouraging hand on Atom Smasher’s shoulder as he sent him into the field. “On you go, son!” Mr. Cade ordered amid the blaring music as Atom Smasher rushed onto the fields, welcomed by the applaud of the students as he waved happily to the crowd, running towards the circle of cheerleaders as he kept infectiously waving like Mickey Mouse at Disneyland as he tried to play it cool, the gravitating cheers of the audience soothing his trembling insecurities as Atom Smasher waved happily to the ground, standing amongst the dancing troupe of cheerleaders. He heard some of the students chanting for him to grow big amid the enormous parade as Albert tried to keep his focus on the game, raising his fists into the air in a triumphant victory pose as he showed his undying support for the titans. As the troupe finished their performance, the crowd erupted in applause as the opposing teams entered the fields, ready for battle as Mr. Cade stood amid the sidelines, hopeful that his team would win. As Atom Smasher and the cheerleaders dispersed from the field, Albert continued to wave back to the crowd, trying to keep his friendly composure alive. However, he was plagued by the utmost cheering of the audience, asking for him to grow big. Albert wasn’t inclined to use his powers in the public like this and he feared that the spotlight would be taken away from the titans’ big night. The public expected him to use his powers as the main attraction of the show; he only wanted to help others by being himself.

As the match kicked off, Albert sneaked away into the stands, hiding amid its towering structure as he took down his mask, taking time to be with his own identity without anyone frowning upon him. The students and the public expected so much from Albert, and he had to handle the weight of it all. He loved his mascot job and the opportunities it’s opened for his superhero career, but he wished for others not to treat his powers as a freak show, but rather as a gift. Albert observed from the sidelines as the titans were gaining the upper ground against the opposing team, throwing themselves into the game as Albert watched intently, bathed in shadow as he hoped his representing team would win.  Ryan was able to snatch the ball from his opposing teammates as he ricocheting it through the fields, scoring the team’s first goal as Albert cheered for his team, hopeful that the titans would win this game. As he observed, he heard movement from behind him, a presence discreetly approaching him as Albert felt the hairs on his arms raise, uncertainty and fear kicking in as he tilted his head slightly, trying to identify the presence.

“Hello, is anyone there?!” Albert ordered bravely, trying to identify the intruder as they didn’t answer his question. Albert went further into the darkness, on edge about who was watching him. “I said who’s there....” Albert muttered again as he turned to find Maxine Hunkel standing in front of him, dressed in her Cyclone attire as Albert felt his heart skip a beat, shocked that the one he longed so much for was right in front of him. “Hey Al...” Maxine muttered as she came out of the shadows, basked in the light as Albert was left speechless upon seeing her, trying to use his mask to conceal his awkwardness, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He couldn’t help but look into her eyes, wondering why she was here. “Uh.....hey Maxine, what’re you doing here.....?” Albert asked, his words coming off as awkward as he didn’t know what to say, Maxine picking up on this as she just smiled sombrely, aware of how nervous he was. “We need your help, Al. Hawkman’s sending me on a mission, and he needs you back in the JSA. He needs Atom Smasher. That’s why I’m here to recruit you” Maxine explained, her voice straightforward as Al just stood there, trying to process the fact she was here, right in front of him. It took a lot of urgency for her to be here and he was scared about the possibility he would be even welcomed back to the JSA after his recent promotion. He knew that the responsibility of leading the team rested on Carter’s shoulders as he tried to divide his embarrassment to a more serious matter – checking up on his teammates.

“So....uh, how is Carter holding up? I know life’s been shit for him ever since....you know Kent’s death and everything....I feel sorry for him” Al muttered, concerned for his teammate as Maxine took account of that, her eyes filled with sympathy.

“He’s moving forward.....I guess leading the Justice Society numbs him away from all that pain....It’s nice that you’re checking up on him, he could really use that...” Maxine reflected, Al nodding incredulously as he tried to hold back the nervous energy plaguing him, unconditionally smiling.

“So.....uh.......what’s the mission he’s got for us...it must take him a lot to ask me back on the team...” Al muttered, fumbling his words as he felt nervous around Maxine, trying to stop his feelings from slipping out. Maxine brought Al further into the darkness, away from the blaring crowd chatter as she began to discuss the mission.

“There is an international organisation operating here in Ford City. They call themselves N.O.W.H.E.R.E, their leader calls himself The Harvest. He specializes in metahuman experimentation. They capture metahumans and do vigorous testing on them. Me and Carter have been trying to pursue them, and their entire base of operations is connected here. They’ve.....they’ve been capturing humans and turning them into metahumans, making them strong enough so they can be part of their army.  We don’t know when they’ll strike....or when their next move will be. All that matters is that we bring down the company and the one’s that behind it, to stop innocent lives from being caught in the crossfire. Their operation is based here....whoever they kidnap the next; you’ll be the right person to protect them. We need to shut down N.O.W.H.E.R.E and stop them from inflicting damaging chaos to the world” Maxine explained.

“If this N.O.W.H.E.R.E group is in this city.....they’ll know who to come after. They want to make lab rats out of the people in this city. That means these people are at risk. That means this team in danger. How am I supposed to protect them when I’m just a mascot dressed in red and blue stripes?” Albert protested as he nearly let his insecurities bury him, the pleading look on Maxine’s eyes making him feel guilty.

“I’m sorry.....it’s just this superhero gig isn’t easy...” Albert muttered, nearly a blubbering mess.

“Don’t worry about it.....I know that it’s hard for you, but we’ll fight this.....together....Trust me...” Maxine muttered, her voice full of hope as he could hear the pleading, earnest tone break free from her tender lips. Her reassuring eyes tried to divulge him away from his fears, to give him the comfort he needed to return to face this conflict.

“I know....I’m not gonna let you down....I’m not gonna let Carter down....or Kent, wherever he is now....” Albert trembled, wanting to prove himself as Maxine noticed that, her sympathising eyes giving him hope as he just turned silent, the intense sounds of the game breaking into their ill conversation.  

“Never think that way Al.....you could never let me down. We have a city to save....if we don’t succeed in bringing this organisation down, then no one will. It’s up to us....” Maxine muttered, assurance in her words as Al nodded intensely, vowing to aid her in this mission. Through her pleading words, he understood the moral mission that was on her shoulders, the reason she had for fighting this. As a member of the JSA, he needed to take on that responsibility for the goodwill of the public, the innocents he’s grown to protect and inspire. Despite that, he was still longing to be at Cyclone’s side, like a needle in a thread. He was scared that his intensive ego would drive her away, and that seeking his help was all for nothing. He couldn’t let her down, not when a nefarious organisation had plans to turn human beings into indestructible metahumans. He knew the damage shit like that could cost and he was prepared to never let his guard down, to put an end to this tolling threat. He stood there, clenching his tattered mask in his hands as Maxine observed the game from the shadows, her mind racing as she watched the titans score. Al just stood there, caught off guard by her apparent interest in the game.

“Cyclone....so are you like a football fan now?” Al asked, letting stupid words trail out his mouth as Maxine just observed, still as a statue.

“No....I’m just thinking....” Maxine muttered, watching intently from the sidelines as the titans scored one of their latest points. One of the players injured as two medics helped him off the fields, carrying him with his broken leg as the crowd booed the opposing players.

“I have a plan....let’s just say it requires sticking around for a game of football. This oblivious crowd, its players and students that strive for attention....even the teachers; they all draw in numbers without realising it. Big numbers like this is what attracts N.O.W.H.E.R.E; this is the type of place they opt to target. As long as we’re here, no enemy from the outside can break in. As all long as the crowd isn’t in a vulnerable place, they won’t face harm” Maxine explained, observing the game with intending eyes, Al trying to piece her complicated plan together.

“That’s insane....you really expect an organisation like that to cause a scene in this place. No, it’s too risky. If I were a nefarious company with a past of metahuman experimentation, I’ll hold off my team till after the game. That way no one can stop them.....that way they can capture as many people as they want without getting caught. They’d feel invincible” Al muttered, trying to explain a more streamlined approach to her as Maxine’s face turned into a sly smile, impressed by his strategic plan.

“Lemme guess where you got that insight from?” Maxine muttered sarcastically, messing with him as Al laughed softly.

“Ford High Titans, as their mascot....you’re always exposed to their plan of action. I gotta say it’s helpful” Al joked, staring off into the fields as he watched the team continue to play, the anticipation of the crowd making the atmosphere more unnerving as Al stepped out from the stands, placing his mask swiftly over his head as he hoped for their victory, Maxine hiding amid the shadows as she observed the game discreetly like a undercover spy. Al tried to follow her lead, standing near the edge of the stands below the crowds of spectators as the heat of the game was becoming intense, and the atmosphere around him livid as Al stood there, meaninglessly observing for a potential threat. Al tilted his head to his side as he saw Mr. Ford at the other side of the field, cheering on his team as his mind was detached from everyone around him, solely focused on the game as he even forgot his presence here. He looked up at the score board at the top of the field; the titans had scored a 9-3 over the opposing team as Al just sighed in disbelief, shocked by the score before him. “Jesus Christ, 9/3!! The titans have almost won themselves an honour!!!” Al muttered gleefully, in shock that his rooting team was scoring high on the leaderboard.  Al could hear Maxine warmly laugh through the darkness as he felt tender at seeing her smile, hearing her laugh was a comforting sound he desperately needed to hear. The players spread out accordingly to plan as Roy wrestled the ball out of an opposing player’s grasp, pounding it against the evergreen field as his eyes were focused on the large goal positioned at the end of the pasture, throwing it towards his teammates in a hasting manner.  The crowd went dead silent, hopeful that the team would score their victory. Al watched the ball soar through the vast skies, swiftly approaching the goal post as Maxine tried to divide her attention away from the game, on alert for the advancing enemy.

The ball bulldozed into the sky, repelling itself towards the goal as the audience were memorised in it, an undying hope the titans would win engraved in their eyes. The Ford High players stood cautiously through the football field, anticipating their next win as the opposing team was spread out, relying on their best efforts to prevent the dastardly goal. Mr. Cade had his hands on his head, under pressure as Atom Smasher stood by the sidelines, hoping for the best. The ball crashed through the goal post, landing onto the grassy terrain with a light thud as the leaderboard lit up in blue, the final score consuming the screen as the audience cheered in triumph of their favourite team winning, Mr. Ford blowing his whistle exasperatedly at the sight of his team winning. “10/2!! The Ford High Titans score!!!” Mr. Ford yelled, full of happiness as Atom Smasher waved back to the joyous crowd, applauding for his team as Maxine stood there in awe, surprised that Al was celebrating with the team. The titans players crowded around in a victorious hug, jumping into the air as confetti was spewed over the field, the spectators cheering for the titans as Atom Smasher stood there, content that the team he grew to inspire for these many weeks had won their biggest fight yet. Al felt proud of himself for helping them achieve this goal, and that he took on the responsibility of mentoring these inspiring athletes or as Mr. Cade put them “heroes”. Atom Smasher cheered for the titans, whooping and hollering for them as a sombre smile grew on Maxine’s face, observing him kindly.

“The world never fails to amaze you, does it Al?” Maxine sniggered, full of surprise at Al’s newfound enlightenment.

“Well sometimes you’ve gotta appreciate what’s in front of you....even the smallest things” Al explained, turning to Maxine as despite his face being fully concealed, the body language in his mask was brimming of yearning.

The two shared a fond gaze, Atom Smasher’s white lenses staring at Maxine like a puppy desperate for love. Maxine laughed sweetly as the two observed the titans celebrating their victory, jumping around amid the flowing confetti as the head master passed Mr. Ford and his players their championship trophy, the cheers in the crowd growing more fluent as Maxine turned to Atom Smasher, directing their attention back to the mission at stake.

“Well....now that the game’s been taken care of, that only leads for N.O.W.H.E.R.E to show up. The Harvest is prone to target his victims when no one’s around, to make them feel isolated before they are captured. This company can go to ruthless means to pursue who they want....and The Harvest isn’t unlike the rest” Maxine explained as Al nodded in understanding, taking in her orders.

“Roger that, we’ll wait once this place becomes less crowded and we’ll start our inspection. The Harvest must have a knack for kidnapping people...so we’ll make sure no one evades these grounds” Al muttered as the two heroes began to get to work, to embark on this vigorous mission. As he followed Cyclone into the encroaching darkness, he looked back at The Ford High Titans, celebrating mindlessly as they almost forgot his presence, like he was a distant memory. But the team being caught up in their celebrations is what he needed, for them to keep out of trouble. “Smasher, let’s go” Maxine ordered as Al chased after her, his heart vibrating with uncertainty as he followed along...

                                                                  ---

In the school grounds, Ryan and his friends emerged from the gymnasium doors as they were conversing lively, as they were in celebration over their thrilling victory. Ryan was over the moon that the titans had secured their place in the championship and had received the trophy; it was a proud effort that he didn’t expect to earn. It was all thanks to his merry band of teammates – Harold, Miguel, Ronnie and Dwayne, as they all faced the most perilous obstacles and came out on top. From getting a superhero as a mascot to winning the championship trophy, it was all too triumphant to take in. 

“Hey guys....don’t you find this all crazy! You know with the titans’ victory and the fact we got a freaking, size-altering superhero on the team. It’s just all happening so fast” Ryan muttered as Harold put a comforting hand on his shoulder, reassuring his friend.

“Nah, don’t think too much of it man! We killed it out on that battlefield....and Mr. Cade is the bond that’s holding this team together. We wouldn’t have come this far if it wasn’t for his guidance and the inspiration that Atom Smasher guy gave us” Harold explained as Ronnie butting in to the conversation.

“You know....Atom Smasher really paved the way for our victory. He gave us inspirational advice and was there every step of the way....Hell, he even grew big on command” Ronnie joked as the group of players laughed heartily. Ryan led the group out of the school grounds, away into the streets. “You know fellas....I think this calls for a celebration. Dinner at Pizza Hut....I could use some pepperoni after that...” Ryan muttered as the men yelled in celebration, walking together into the quiet streets as a shadowy force was observing the boys, waiting to strike as they were left at a vulnerable position. As Ryan and his friends turned the corner, soldiers emerged from the darkness, ambushing the players as Ryan and the rest stopped in their tracks, left at their mercy.  The soldiers pointed their guns towards the players, leaving Ryan confused.

“What the hell man.....what am I arrested for!?” Ryan ordered as the soldiers stood their ground, raising their weapons more dangerously.

“Stand down, with your hands in the air!” the soldier ordered as they were dressed in black militaristic gear, the words N.O.W.H.E.R.E engraved imposingly on their chest plates. They wore face masks layered with red undertones, weapons held tightly in their hands.

“Hey?! Who do you think you are? Why are you arresting us!!?” Ryan ordered, a fervent defiance in his voice as the soldier got in his face, anger in his brow.

“Hands in the air son....I’m not gonna ask you again!!!!!!!! Or I’ll blaze these guns on your friends!!! All of you will come with us!!!!!” the soldier yelled, his voice demanding as Ryan shared a uncertain look with his friends, whom raised their hands to the sky one by one like they were getting arrested. Ryan proceeded to follow; raising his hands coldly into the sky as the nowhere soldiers began to detain the players, dragging them into a black, indistinguishable convoy as they began to take them as prisoners, to turn them into lab rats. As the players were thrown into the back of the truck, Atom Smasher and Cyclone tensely observed from the rooftops, shocked that N.O.W.H.E.R.E captured the players as their next victims. Al felt his heart pound vigorously as he turned to Maxine, fear in his eyes. “God no....please no.....Not the players....why does it have to be the players?” Atom Smasher blubbered, terrified for the players as Cyclone could sense his fear, preparing to activate her powers as she gave him a signalling nod, warning him that it was time to stop this threat once and for all. “Let’s end this....” Cyclone ordered as her body swirled into a tornado of colourful proportions, gracefully spinning through the afternoon sky, ascending into the air as she sped after the escaping convoys, left driving off at a rapid pace. Atom Smasher watched her glide through the air with a sense of anxiety as he prepared himself to make the leap, taking it upon himself to chase after these convoys. He let out a hoist battle cry as he jumped off the building ledge, spiralling towards the cement road as Al began to increase his size, his body attaining strength as it grew.  He landed hastily onto the bustling roads, causing the array of traffic to come to a halt at his presence as he studied the convoys intently. He had to save the players who looked up to him, the ones he inspired. He couldn’t let them down – it was his responsibility and moral duty to save them. Cyclone pirouetted towards the convoys as Atom Smasher chased after her, every step he took heavy and mountainous as he felt the blood pumping in his gargantuan veins, his strength growing effortlessly as he hastily ran through the streets, trying to avoid the innocent citizens and vehicles at his feet as he was solely focused on the convoys as he knew one of them contained the players. At the end of the day, all that mattered to him was that those players were returned safely...

Chapter Text

The mountainous trail of convoys swerved rapidly through the bustling streets, all in a secluded manner as they took down any car in their path. They left destruction everywhere they went, multiplying, circling throughout the roads as they were making a hasty escape. Al’s heart was racing as he was swiftly pursuing the enemy convoys, Cyclone by his side as she flew through the air, swarming with colour as she elegantly passed, her objective focused on their targets. Atom Smasher had to get those players back, he had to free them from N.O.W.H.E.R.E’s nefarious means as his strength was growing the more he ran, gaining momentum across the busy roads as he towered over the streets, his gigantic height the sight of attention. Mindlessly running towards the armoured vehicles, he struggled to pinpoint which one was keeping the players at their mercy. They were all the same, drove in the same pattern. There was no way he could tell them apart. All he could was to go in and dismantle them in pursuit of Ryan and his friends.
“Uh.....Maxine, I believe the convoys are built the same....any of them could have the players!!” Atom Smasher yelled, his voice echoing through the clear skies as Cyclone quickly observed the convoys, studying them as Al’s warnings were correct – the convoys were too hard to tell apart. They had to think fast, to think of a diversion necessary to stop these convoys.
“We’ll have to ambush them one by one.....inspect all of these convoys until we find the players! We have to stop them from escaping! I’ll cause a distraction....That way you can smash. Getting those players away from here is all that matters!!” Cyclone ordered as Atom Smasher gave her a stammering salute, rushing towards the militant line of convoys.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got this....” Atom Smasher fired back as he stomped fearlessly through the streets, clumsily avoiding the rows of traffic below him. He took it upon himself to remove the cars in front of him, grabbing at the vehicles with a gentle force. “Whoa....whoa...whoa, I’m walking here. Keep your traffic at peace!” Atom Smasher yelled, moving cars and the humans inside them aside as he rushed hastily after the convoys, his speed at the immaculate volume of a cheetah in the wild as he kept his focus on the armoured trucks, hopeful he wouldn’t cause any reckless accidents again. Cyclone blazed before him, surrounding four of the convoys with her intense winds as the cars were swallowed in its wake, swimming through its gusts like they were about to be swallowed by the deep sea. Her powers were relentless, left to overwhelm the vehicles as their metal was being ripped off, the nowhere soldiers dangling through the trucks as they held on for dear life. As the tornado blistered through the messy streets, Atom Smasher rushed past the flowing wind, trying to spot any of the players. He couldn’t see anyone. “Oh crap....crap, crap, crap....” Atom Smasher muttered under shaky breath as he saw a quick glimpse of some of the convoys driving off.
“Leave this to me, Al!!! Go and chase after the others!!” Cyclone ordered as she was enwrapped within her flowing powers, trying to find the players. Atom Smasher gave her a simple nod as he pursued after the intercept convoys, his feet moving far quicker than his brain. Readying his fist, he shot at one of the convoys, smashing the tar road with his bare hands as the entire road shook like a rip current, two of the convoys flipping into the air. He hastily grabbed one of them, peeling at its roof like unwrapping a gift as he stopped one of the falling convoys with the heel of his boot, trying to find the players. “Aha! Got you!!!...” Atom Smasher muttered, looking down at the convoy as he ripped the metal bonnet off its hinges, startling the NOWHERE employees with his towering monocular size as his massive white eyes stared down at them like a god from the heavens. He looked in the back of vehicle, seeing that the players were absent. “Dammit....do you guys ever do taxi service?” Atom Smasher joked as he let the convoy drop fruitlessly to the ground, smashing the other convoy open as the players weren’t in there either. “Nope....” Atom Smasher murmured, frustration building in his voice as he chased after the encroaching convoys, whom were causing chaos in the roads, crushing the cars around them to pieces at ruthless speeds. “You ain’t getting away with this!!!” Atom Smasher yelled, bulldozing after the convoys as he ran at tireless speeds, the strength inside him reaching its peak. One of these remaining convoys had to contain the players; he just needed to be fast enough to save them.
Cyclone kept the leftover of convoys within her entrapping tornado as the impending vehicles were caught in its haze, nearly smashed and skewering in pieces. Maxine danced through the flowing, colourful winds, searching through the convoys like a spirit in the night as the soldiers driving were stuck in a suspended motion, unable to move as she inspected the vehicles. It was like time slowed down around her, like reality was manipulated to her will as she investigated the vehicles, her power sizzling around her as she inspected the convoys, glass spraying everywhere as the soldiers almost went through the roof, begging for their dear life as Maxine quickly pulled them out, swiftly heading into the vehicle as she could see no prisoners in sight, just a gallon of soldiers left in the vehicle as their bodies were swerving through the air as they were in shock from the powerful blast. Maxine managed to carefully get the soldiers out as the players were nowhere to be found. She checked the other convoys, taking the suspended soldiers hastily out of the vehicles as she searched every one, ransacked every convoy until she found the one she was tasked with saving. She withstood her guard as her power over the enemy convoys seized; the defenceless soldiers laid waste on the roads as Cyclone landed swiftly on the road. Despite the time she’d stopped around her, she had inspected all of the convoys and could point out one thing – the players weren’t in there. As the soldiers began to regain consciousness, Cyclone powerfully repelled into the air, heading after Atom Smasher as she hoped he would have made progress in stopping the other convoys. She hoped he would have found the players.
Atom Smasher ran through the prolonged streets, trying to attain speed with the convoys as they went into opposite directions, twisting and turning, destroying everything they touched. He couldn’t let these convoys bring wrought and damage to these streets as he was in hot pursuit for the enemy trucks, the undying hope that the players were in one of them keeping him spiralling into action. His fists unfurled, Atom Smasher tried to unleash a powerful blow at the speeding convoys, in the hopes of slowing them down but the vehicles split up, taking opposite directions across the streets as they drove through the sidewalks, nearly pulverising the citizens nearby as Al used his colossal hand to shield the public from the brunt of the impending convoy as he watched it drive into the alleyway, leaving endless destruction in its path. “God, uh....just hang on guys!!” Atom Smasher cried, keeping the local citizens safe as he spied through the alleyway, realising his gigantic weight would have endless back pain from squeezing himself through such a tight space. And yet, he still had to persevere.
Before he could think about his next objective, he saw one of the speeding convoys driving away from behind him as he began to run off after the enemy vehicle. He turned back to the citizens he just saved, trying to give them much needed advice. “A small piece of advice for you folks.....just stay away from road rage!!!” Atom Smasher advised as he turned heel and ran, in pursuit of the raging convoy as he tried to snatch at the car, his sausage fingers tearing its armour apart as none of the prisoners were at the back of the convoy. Al cursed under his breath; infuriated that he couldn’t find the players he so desired to save as he left the broken truck to rot, rushing towards the alleyway where the other convoys had fled. “Okay molecular structure.....don’t let Al down this time....” Al muttered to himself, almost pleading as he dived headfirst towards the alleyway, crushing the outside structure of nearby buildings by the weight of his shoulders as Al tried to tighten his body through like a hero with extendable limbs. Al didn’t give up as he stretched his gargantuan hand towards the convoy, burying his fingers into the back of the truck as the convoy stalled, stuck in place as it tried to speed away. “Come on....don’t make me come in there!!!!” Atom Smasher taunted aggressively, puncturing the side of the convoy with his giant hand as the soldiers gripped onto the steering wheel, trying to accelerate the vehicle away from his grasp. He tried to keep the truck suspended to the alleyway, his muscles pulling at him as he turned to regular size. The convoy was too compressed to move as Atom Smasher shrewdly staggered towards the truck, his fists in the air. “There’s no where you’re escaping these street, amigos!! Now if I may.....I’m just gonna check your convoy and I’ll leave....” Atom Smasher blabbered, pounding on the back of the compound as he began to open the door. “Ryan....guys you there!!?” Al yelled as he opened the convoy only to find soldiers at the back, guns held high. Atom Smasher growled in frustration, appalled he wasn’t able to find the players again. He felt like he failed them already. That was enough to get to his nerves.
“Now you’ve really met me on a pissed off day!” Al snarly fumed, punching one of the soldiers in the jaw as the blow made him unconscious. As the soldiers’ gunfire began to hit him, he increased his size a little, enough to block the cascade of bullets fired at his chest as Al yawned at their tireless efforts of taking them down. He proceeded to grab one of the soldiers by their helmeted head as Atom Smasher gave him a threatening stare, smacking his body into the nearby trash can as the other soldier was left scared of his mountainous powers, trying to cowardly flee. But Al regained his own size and pursued after the soldier, tackling him to the wall as he kept his arms tightly against his shoulder, trying to hastily interrogate him before shit was due to hit its peak. “Listen buddy.....I’ve got questions and I need them fast. Tell me where your shady company is taking the Ford High Players. We can do this friendly way....if you don’t comply, I’ll uh.....uh......sentence you to prison....that’s only if you don’t answer!!?” Atom Smasher ordered, trying to interrogate the soldier in the fairest way possible. He could see the unhinged fear in his eyes as he couldn’t keep him for that long. “The other escaping convoy.....they have the specimen!” the soldier admitted, forced to comply as his voice was shaky with fear. The word “specimen” sent shivers down Rothstein’s spine, as it told him all he needed to know about NOWHERE’S sinister intentions. He let go of the soldier as he ran off without hesitation, hopeful that he would get there on time to save the players as he began to increase his size, energy flaring in his chest as he ran with the weight of their safety on his shoulders.
As time was running out, Cyclone made her way through the streets, eventually heading in the right direction as she was hastily approaching the contemporary city. One of the convoys was making its way through the streets, speeding at accelerating levels as the wind around her helped her gracefully repel towards the vehicle. Her soaring gale began to engulf the vehicle as Maxine used all of her strength to tear it apart. She was hopeful that the Ford High players could be saved and that they wouldn’t have to go through the vigorous experiments she went through. The type of experiments that would make you metahuman. Maxine tried to bury this worry cast upon her as she seen another convoy make its unannounced arrival from the nearby alleyway as it came trailblazing down the streets, on a hasty escape. Cyclone had no choice but to pursue this vehicle as she lunged herself at it with intense speeds, her objective focused on this one remaining convoy. As the gales of wind around her swiftly intensified, time around her slowed down once again as she sensed a presence within the convoy, a familiarity she was desperate to seek. The players were in this convoy, being charted off to prison as the inside was heavily guarded with armed soldiers. The vehicle progressed at fierce, overlapping speeds, trying to get away from the bustling streets around them as Maxine felt her power grow stronger, reacting faster the more she reached the impending convoy. She could feel her heart beat against her chest, launching herself towards the vehicle. But before she could reach, a shadowy figure burst from the chaos and dragged her away from the convoy as Maxine tried to break free from the villain’s lunging grip.
The two opposing forces came crashing to the road as the traffic stalled around them, the city in utter chaos. Maxine crawled to her feet as she saw the convoy with the players making its escape, driving off as she felt guilt build in her heart. But she was faced with a mysterious threat, the one that pulled her away from rescuing them. The figure approached her, filling the air with a crooked cackle as he slowly made his presence known. The figure was clad in black and red armour, a hood concealing his mummified, horrid mask as he had technologically advanced wings sprouted out of his back. Cyclone stared at the figure for a moment, realising exactly who it was, the impending threat she and Carter had been chasing for days – The Harvest.
“The Harvest......so this is the time you decide to strike?” Maxine muttered, a feeling of dread building in her words. The villain laughed crookedly, trying to get under her skin.
“You’re very smart, little girl....but you have no idea what I’m capable of. My goal is to control metahumans....to see their puny numbers go fruitless. You’re just among the many that was a mistake......” The Harvest taunted, his dark words doing nothing but to fill Maxine’s heart with fear. Being called a mistake was a word Maxine didn’t expect to hear as it made her feel more intimated, almost powerless.
“You don’t know me....” Maxine spat, hurt in her voice as The Harvest just laughed the threat off, like it meant nothing to him.
“Don’t I? Oh....I know everything about you, Maxine Hunkel....” The Harvest muttered as energy began to flare around his body, his wrists consumed with power. “Care for a dance?.....” The Harvest taunted as he desired to fight Cyclone. Maxine couldn’t let her guard, not with an unhinged egomaniac who claims to know her more than she does. Maxine let the gust of wind flow around her as the two began to explosively fight, their polarising energies clashing as The Harvest’s was much stronger than hers as she tried to fight back this temptation, to stop his energy from consuming her. She tried to use her powers to subdue The Harvest as he tried to use his energy to fight back, his armour sizzling with blue energy.
“What do you plan to do with those Ford High players?!” Cyclone interrogated as The Harvest continued to fight, still attaining his cold, villainous laughter.
“The Harvest shall not tell, Maxine. I’d wait until the end of the season before plans get shared...” The Harvest replied, his voice cold without mercy as they were surrounded by a storm of energy, their powers synthesising the more they fought. Maxine felt the energy consume her, making her strength diminish as she tried to fight back. A thunderous cloud of gust began to surround Cyclone as The Harvest was merciless with his powers, projecting energy across the battlefield as he brought turbulent destruction to the city nearby. Citizens were running for their lives, their screams reverberant through the conjured tornado.
Cyclone felt the hairs on her arms raise as she was surrounded in thick mist, unable to see or recognise where she was. Her breathing turned ragged, her body tense with caution as she heard The Harvest’s spine-chilling laugh echo through the gusting canopy as she was ready to fight, her heart beating ever so faintly. Then out of the shadows, The Harvest burst through, wings spread out like an eagle reaching for its prey as he ambushed Maxine, his strength leaving her dazed. She felt a powerful blow to the face as Cyclone tried to attain balance, realising that this villain’s power was none other than superhuman strength as she prepared to fight back. The Harvest tried to attack again, but Cyclone twirled away, her body consumed in lusting wind as she used her powers as her only defence. The Harvest was ruthless in his pursuit, his eyes drenched in an unspeakable evil, as he lunged at her to attack, trying to fight back as he kept missing his shots. Cyclone used her wind to push the mystery villain back as the wind did nothing to push him aside, his body still retaining balance.
“You can’t just push me away, Maxine Hunkel...your strength can’t harm me....” The Harvest muttered ruthlessly as he ran and kicked Cyclone in the chest, sending her weakened and exhausted body across the roads. Maxine barely landed on the tarmac floor as she struggled to get up, left injured from The Harvest’s versatile, inhuman strength. She lay there crouched on the floor, left in a vulnerable, painful state.
Atom Smasher ran through the sidewalks, trying to catch up with the escaping convoys as he eventfully arrived at the city. But to his shock, he saw a swirling tornado of green, nearly consumed by red, thunderous energy as the streets were filled with panicked citizens running for their lives. The city had been nearly swallowed by the intense winds. Al only knew one thing – that Maxine was in trouble as he hastily ran towards the thunderstorm, screaming out her name in terror. “Maxine!!! Shit....shit.....shit.....” Al yelled under tireless breath as he swiftly approached the encroaching winds.
Maxine sat there, fear paralysing her as she was too fragile to keep fighting, crouched on her knees as she was too defeated to stand. She saw the imposing silhouette of The Harvest amongst the enrapturing winds as his hellish laughter did nothing but hinder her strength. As his shadow lingered, Cyclone began to feel a throbbing pain in her head, its pain grew stronger as Maxine cried out in fear, burying her head in her hands as The Harvest began to talk with her telepathically.
“Oh Maxine......you don’t understand your true strength, do you?” The Harvest psychically taunted as Maxine tried to ignore his taunts, in pain. “You just weren’t good enough, were you? The nanobots may have changed you.....but the gifts you earn made you a failure.....you were just a worthless lab rat, nothing more! T.O. Marrow never cared about you....you were only paving the way for his most prized subject of all....his own tornado.....” The Harvest claimed, his voice distasteful and scorning as Maxine buried her heavy head into her hands, trying to resist the psychopathic torture.
“Stop......Get of my mind....” Maxine muttered, her voice pleading for mercy as The Harvest’s laughter echoed in her head like a vivid nightmare.
“You can’t admit it to yourself Maxine......you don’t even know your own strength....your powers only brought disgrace to your name......suffering.....pain. You bury that inside you so others can’t see you for who you truly are, well I see it.....I see how iniquitous you are....how could anyone control a lab rat? No one wants you Maxine.....not even the JSA or the ones that did this to you......they are scared of what you possess....They would rather see you fall from grace than to see you consume this world dry.....you are what breaks this world......breaks it!!!!! Breaks it!!!!!!!! Breaks it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The Harvest yelled as Maxine felt the pain in her forehead throb harder, her entire body growing faint as she was beginning to lose consciousness, to lose her mind.
“Get out of my head!!!!!!!!!!!” Maxine yelled, her eyes awash with hurtful tears as the wind around her parted at intense speeds. The combustion of power did nothing to keep him down, his armour protecting him as The Harvest watched the young heroine lose control, to let her darkest truths consume her. She felt her consciousness falter as her eyes began to close. She collapsed from the exhausting mental torture as the wind around her parted. The Harvest observed his defeated enemy, stiff as a cardboard cut-out. Al ran through the separating winds, desperately trying to find Maxine as he found her laying on the road, unconscious. “No....no....no....Maxine...please, no....” Al muttered as he came towards the collapsed Maxine, cradling her in his arms. It was a haunting sight he couldn’t bring himself to ignore. “Maxine, can you hear me......please wake up, it’s just Al....come on....” Al pleaded, holding on to her weak body as she was out cold, too comatose to awake. He was startled by the sudden, villainous cackle of The Harvest, whom was standing behind him as Atom Smasher turned, giving him a threatening stare.
“You so desperately cower for this failure without knowing who she truly is, don’t you? You care too much, Atom Smasher.....” The Harvest muttered, his voice tainted in laughter as Al felt his fists clench in rage. He had the indomitable urge to punch this guy in the face for the suffering he’d caused to Maxine. As her teammate, he had a fierce protectiveness over her. If he lost her, he would feel like nothing, that his strength to protect others never mattered. Al placed Maxine’s unconscious body gently on the ground as his burly hands ignited into fists, anger boiling inside him.
“What have you done to her, you asshole!!!!!” Atom Smasher yelled as he grew in size, towering over The Harvest as he prepared to strike. He recklessly pounded his fist where the maniac had stood as the road cracked under his sheer weight. The ground around him shook like an earthquake as Atom Smasher stood over the road, breathing worrisomely underneath his mask as he let his anger and protectiveness over Maxine’s state get the best of him. He lifted his wrist cautiously away from the ground as all that was left was a crater – The Harvest was nowhere to be seen. Al stood there in confusion as he was shocked that the villain was able to escape his gruelling hand. What he said about Maxine had angered him, made his strength turn to molten steel as he had to follow this instinct and attack. He quickly reduced himself to regular size as he cradled the defeated Maxine in her arms, her defeated body still weak and motionless as he held onto her tightly, trying to help her regain consciousness. “Maxine, can you hear me? It’s me Al....you’re gonna be okay....alright, just hang on....” Al muttered, his voice full of pity, as he hastily checked her pulse. From the looks of it, she was still alive, but her body wasn’t in a stable condition to retain composure. He felt relief pour into his heart at the sight of his teammate’s survival as he felt a boatload of guilt awash his mind. He was unsuccessful in saving his players, the ones he vowed to protect, as well as Maxine, who could have really used his help in fighting The Harvest. Despite being a public hero, he felt like he had failed everyone. He felt like he wasn’t good enough for Maxine or the Ford High players.
As Al held her close, the remaining citizens cautiously entered the deserted streets as they took sight upon the unconscious Maxine, observing from afar as Al could feel all eyes were upon him. He heard the public’s voices calling out to him, others getting closer to the road as he knew he couldn’t stay here, not for long anyway. There was no way they could track down The Harvest or NOWHERE at this moment, not with Maxine in this vulnerable state. He had to take her away to a place where they could both recuperate. Away from the public eye, Atom Smasher held the comatose Cyclone gently in his arms as he made his escape, away from the madness they had brought forth....

Chapter Text

Chapter Three

Comfort and Truth is all that’s needed.

Maxine woke up, her vision fragmented as her body was numb with alleviating pain. All she could remember was her fight with The Harvest and the mental torture he put her through as she felt light-headed, her bones shaking with horror. She remained still on the couch, wrapped in a blanket as she felt paralysed with terror, sweat pouring down her sickly face. At this moment, she was left drearily of her surroundings as she nearly believed The Harvest’s intoxicating words – that she was a failure.  Carter had entrusted her this mission, and now she had failed Al and the ones she tried so desperately to save. Maxine felt her body go faint, her breath ragged and dreading as she was scared – that at any moment The Harvest would mess with her head again and that she would be dead. She just sat there, processing her surroundings as she was in Al’s apartment from the looks of it. Maxine felt almost at peace, her fear slowly coming down as she just sat there, awash with pain. Then as her mind further drifted away, a comforting, gloved hand placed itself on her shoulder as Maxine dreadfully flinched, only to discover a concerned Al beside her, who was only checking up on her.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.....there’s no need to be afraid. It’s just Al okay....it’s just me...” Al muttered, his voice a tainted whisper as he crouched down beside her, keeping her company. “Al....” Maxine murmured, her voice slurring as she nearly drowsily fell off the couch, Al catching her just in time as he helped her maintain balance, trying to comfort her. “Don’t worry, you’re safe......just rest for awhile, you’ll be in better shape afterwards.” Al mumbled as he helped her attain rest, Maxine resting on the couch as she was delirious, gasping for air. Al was concerned for her wellbeing; her confrontation with The Harvest had left her in a terrible condition as he was worried sick that her health would falter. Al couldn’t let Maxine fall ill like this as he had to help her. He had to get energy back into her system. “Hey Max....I think you’ll need energy after all of that fighting...I’ll give a fruit bar if you’d like....” Al muttered, his words painfully awkward as Maxine watched him like an undead corpse, her eyes vivid with exhaustion.  She just stared at him, her expression too cold and weathered to make out.

“I uh.....take that as a yes?” Al fumbled, slipping into the kitchen as he hastily reached for the snack bars. He handed the ailing Maxine one as it was an oatmeal fruit snack, the rightful energy she needed as she began to take slow bites. Al sat carefully beside her, eating one of the bars as he couldn’t keep his eyes away from her, protective of Maxine in this ill state. He feared she wouldn’t have the strength to recover as he was hoping she would at least eat something.

“I can reassure you.....eating snacks like these is my respiration. I live on a diet of proteins and carbs; it uh....gives me the energy I need to smash atoms...” Al explained, trying to conceal his worry with another awkward story about his diet, watching as she ate. He wanted to be her comforting hand, to keep her safe from the danger that had transpired. He feared for her life out of pity that he’d lose her. Maxine could sense that in his conflicted eyes as she turned to him, sweet concern radiating from her sickly state.

“Are you okay?” Maxine asked, still retaining energy as Al turned, nearly choking on the oatmeal as he stared into her eyes, conflicted.

“I dunno.....it’s just...I actually thought I was gonna lose you out there, that’s all.  When I saw you at The Harvest’s mercy, my first instinct was to just squash him like a bug....to teach him a lesson. He hurt you.....so I was scared......I was scared for you.....” Al muttered, fumbling at his words as he felt anger boiling inside him, as Maxine held out her hand for him to hold, to try and soothe his feelings of guilt and fear buried inside. “You’re not gonna lose me Al....all I’m going to be is a failure...that’s what I am” Maxine explained as her voice was sour with pain and doubt, her body shaking fearfully as Al squeezed her hand tighter, trying to assure her.

“You can’t say that....you could never fail me” Al muttered, his voice full of assurance as Maxine buried herself into the coach, awash with emotions as Al could sense the concern in her eyes, trying to provide comfort to her.

“What did The Harvest say to you?” Al asked, crumbling with concern as Maxine was left trembling, considering her next words as she was left visibly shaken, her eyes cold. Maxine was reminded of the torturous words The Harvest has spoke of so forsakenly, cursing her with an impaling fear and an act to hide away from her pain.

“You just weren’t good enough, were you? The nanobots may have changed you.....but the gifts you earn made you a failure.....you were just a worthless lab rat, nothing more! T.O. Marrow never cared about you....you were only paving the way for his most prized subject of all....his own tornado.....”

Maxine began to shake turbulently as she moved away from Al’s comforting hand, left in a state of horror. “It doesn’t matter....” Maxine mumbled, her voice tinged with plaguing fear. “Of course it matters....you’ve gotta tell me what’s wrong, so we can save people’s lives! For your sake, Max!” Al pleaded as Maxine could see the heartbreaking look in his eyes, all he wanted was her honesty. She found it too painful to talk about the extensive mental torture The Harvest had inflicted on her as the memory of his unhinged cackle and his intimidating evil presence made her heart spiral into fear. Even the way he utilised his powers and fought in battle made her cower in fear. She turned to Al, having no other choice but to speak her truth.  

“He told me he knew more about me than I know myself......He knows more about my past than I do. He can mess with my mind, telepathically. He taunted me about the experiments I went through.....the nanobots that transformed me....even the man that made me into the hero I am today. Turns out I’m just a lab rat, a failure.......T.O. Marrow used me Al......these powers are a curse to me, not a gift!! I’ve been trying to hide this truth from myself for so long....and now I’ve accepted that truth.....I really am just a failure!!!” Maxine cried, her words powerless as Al just sat there, shaking his head in denial as Maxine sobbed hauntingly, falling into Al’s comforting arms as she relished in her own pain, screaming in misery.

“I’m scared Al.....about what he’s going to do....to the world.....” Maxine sobbed into Al’s chest, begging for mercy as Al felt helpless, uncertain on how to comfort her, to tell her that everything was going to be okay. He hated to see a strong person like Maxine suffer like this as he listened to her muffled sobs, the crying whimpers of fear. It made Al’s skin crawl as all he could do was to be her shoulder to cry on, to assist her in moving past her pain.

“I’m scared.....” Maxine whimpered as Al held her close, his body stiff with emotion.

“Don’t worry.....he’s not gonna hurt you....” Al assured, trying to sound as uplifting as possible. “We’re gonna save those players, we’re gonna protect everyone. I promise you......I’ll keep you safe....” Al murmured calmly in her ear, providing her comfort as it was the best he could do. Maxine pulled away from the embrace, her body shivering from her pouring emotions as she sat there on the coach, speechless. Al sat at her side, his minds perplexed with what to say or do as he just gazed into Maxine’s fearful, melancholic eyes, his stomach trembling of sympathy. He never saw Maxine break down in such an emotional way, as it scared him. It showed him that The Harvest had terrified her to her core and left her painfully scarred. Al wished he could do better, to take away her pain and to stop her from endlessly doubting herself. He could never think of her as a failure, she was more than that to him. She was the hero that kept him going through his darkest hours, kept him smiling in the times he lacked spirit. He always longed to be close with her again and yet here he was, being the emotional comfort she needed. He wanted to help her, to tell her that everything was going be alright as he just stared at her, spiralling out words.

“Hey....don’t think like that okay, I know why you’re scared....You were never a failure to me. You inspired me. You’re the most extraordinary human being I’ve ever met. Don’t let what people say impact who you are okay...don’t let that asshole change you, change us......cause’ I believe in you....All I need is for you to believe in me....you’re my hero, you’re the one that inspires me to keep going when life gets hard. I couldn’t be happier to have a partner like you Maxine......we’ll fix this mess together.” Al assured as Maxine smiled, her eyes awash with tears as she just sunk into the coach, trying to hide her pain.

 “Thank you......” Maxine muttered, her words raw as Al just nodded, his eyes filled with a bittersweet glint 

“Anytime” Al muttered as he just sat there, keeping her close as she lay there, processing his truthful words.

“I’m going to be the hero that keeps you safe....okay” Maxine muttered as Al nodded, taking in her desperate plight, fulfilling with emotion.

“No....it’s my hero’s duty to keep you safe...to uh...save you from this crying mess” Al mumbled, his words full of promises as Maxine smiled wearily, the first time he saw her smile in over an hour.

“I couldn’t ask for a better shoulder to cry on Al....” Maxine stated, her face alit with warmth and hope, recovering from her raw emotional state as Al just lovingly smiled, a comforting laugh breaking through his gritted teeth as he just sat there, comforting Maxine. The only people that Al and Maxine needed were each other. They were drawn together by an inseparable bond formed by two superheroes that were just getting started. In these upcoming tribulations, they needed to protect the city from The Harvest and to save others from his metahuman experimentations, especially the players. They needed their help more severely than ever. These players needed Atom Smasher and Cyclone to save them.

Maxine sat at the edge of the couch, staring at the ceiling as she was processing all of these raw emotions, the pain her battle with The Harvest caused. Al just sat there next to her, just sitting there as he was just processing this moment, allowing Maxine to rest. The two heroes were drowned by an awkward silence as the apartment went dead quiet, only the sound of blubbering traffic making its way into the walls. Maxine eventually sat up, staring at Al with intending eyes.  Feeling her gaze upon him, Al turned to her desperate eyes.

“You okay?” Al asked as he could see that Maxine had a plan up her sleeve, her eyes filled with divulging intent.

“The Harvest claims he knows more about my past.....when we have no knowledge on where he is? How are we supposed to find where the players are being held at? We need to do more research into N.O.W.H.E.R.E, to find out what monstrosities they’re capable of with metahuman experimentation. Why can’t just sit around, moping while the Ford High players need our help” Maxine explained as she began to emerge from the couch, preparing to get back to work as Al hastily stopped her, hesitant about her strive to work again as he felt she needed to rest longer. “Whoa, whoa, whoa...wait, Maxine! I need you to rest okay. I promise you, that we’ll stop this, I promise.” Al vowed as Maxine broke free from Al’s ordering grip, determined to return to the mission.

“I can’t give up Al.....not this time!! We can’t let The Harvest get what he wants and you know it, you of all people should know how much danger the players are in!! We still have a chance to save them, so I can’t rest” Maxine muttered as she began frantically searching through Al’s apartment much to his stupefaction as he just followed only for the ride, trying to assist her in any way he could.  

“What do you need? Maxine, if there’s anything....” Al trailed off as Maxine chimed in, intent on this mission.

“I need a laptop....something that can provide me with the information I need...” Maxine demanded as she scoured through Al’s apartment, searching for a technical device she could possibly use. Al stood there waywardly, oscillating his hands in exhilaration as he turned to the diligent Maxine, a great idea up his sleeve.

“Uh I have a laptop in my bedroom....but for your safety purposes, I’m just gonna help myself to the mess that is my room...” Al fumbled as she rushed into his room, leaving Maxine to wait there determinedly, awaiting him to arrive with what she needed. Al eventually clumsily blasted from the room, an apple laptop on his hand as he placed it on the table.

“There you go....my very own apple laptop. With how expansive it is, I mostly use it for surveillance tech, to search the web in pursuit of crime. Maybe it could help you” Al muttered as Maxine swiftly approached the table, switching it on as Al sat beside her, aiding her with the encoded password duties.

“Question, but do these NOWHERE guys have a website? They’ve gotta display information somewhere right?” Al questioned as Maxine was able to access the laptop with ease, clicking away onto the internet.

“That’s exactly what I’m doing here....back on the ship, I had put together research regarding NOWHERE and they’ve always specialised in metahuman experimentation. We just need to find out what’s causing them to turn to humans...” Maxine explained as she began to invest herself into her research, leaving Al dumbfounded as he observed her institutive actions, sitting next to her in a protective manner.

She scanned through the internet, researching everything she could about this shadowy organisation as she lingered on a mysterious website – its words encrypted NOWHERE.com on the computer screen as she studied it with institutive intent. “So nowhere has its own website? I wonder if it promotes metahuman rights?” Al churned sarcastically as Maxine’s eyes were focused on the screen, planning to dive deeper into their archives.

“Yeah....let’s hope so” Maxine muttered as she clicked on the website, allowing it load as the two heroes were perplexed by a shocking sight. The screen changed black, green code enveloping the screen as Maxine and Al observed the jumbled website, discovering it was encoded.

“The entire website’s been encrypted....no one can gain access without a special code. None of us could decode it even if we tried” Maxine warned as Al sat there, lost in thought as he tried to think of a solution to the problem, the screen racing with peculiar symbols and computer virus-level risks as he sat there, processing the laptop’s glitching screen.

“You know.....it reminds me of that DVD player I used to own when I was kid. When the “no signal” crap used to show up. I’m not an expert with cracking codes....but I know someone who can...”  Al chirped in as he reached for his phone in his back pocket, making a necessary phone call. Maxine sat at the edge of her seat, trying to access the website but no avail as she had every hope Al’s secret ally could help.

Al put his phone onto a call as he tried to contact his Uncle in the hopes of gaining his help in cracking the code. As the call beeped in and out, he prayed he wouldn’t be sent on answer machine as he eventually caught up, his face projected on the screen as he welcomed his nephew with a warm, relived smile. “Hey Al! What does the Ford High mascot need from me on a night like this?” Uncle Al joked, cracking wisecracks as Al was proud to see him, needing his aid more than ever.

“Hey Uncle....uh, we need your technological aide, like big time! The Ford High Players have been kidnapped by the evil organisation known as N.O.W.H.E.R.E and their leader The Harvest is planning to turn them into metahumans. Me and Maxine here, aka my JSA teammate, Cyclone, are trying to do some research on their whereabouts.....and uh this nowhere group’s official website is rigged. Like ‘it needs a password to decode it’ rigged. You’re the guy all about codes, despite growing big. So can you help us?” Al asked, his voice brimming with hope. Uncle Al laughed haplessly, thrilled that this help would be coming his way.

 “Ah of course son....looks like you and her girlfriend have technical troubles. Well don’t just sit there and mope, let me help ya! Show me the screen?” Uncle Al requested as Al and Maxine shared a startled look, trying to suppress the feelings growing between them. Al turned the computer screen towards Uncle Al, allowing him to see the glitching website as peculiar symbols kept appearing on the screen, multiplying like a computer virus as Uncle Al studied it, his mind racing.

“This company must be keeping their website under lock and key to deter their enemies....I’m sure faulty internet connection won’t be an excuse for this one. All it needs is a risk assessment, to put in a code without their knowledge?” Uncle Al explained, his voice insightful as Maxine studied the keys, invested in his words. Al just sat there, impressed his uncle would know technical problems like this, but here he was, helping them.

“Okay....But how do we get this risk assessment exactly?” Maxine asked, speculating on to yield the website as Uncle Al was prepared to share his knowledge, invested with the screen. “Firsts things first, all you’ve gotta do is to press the enter button before you are completely taken off the website. Just press enter until you are given the ability to write the code” Uncle Al advised, Maxine frantically typing at the enter button as each of the symbols began to fade from the screen, green pixel finishing from the screen until it was completely black.

As Maxine kept on typing, the space bar began to enter the screen – giving her the opportunity to write in the code. “Wow.....that went by quickly. You sure have a knack for advice, uncle” Al muttered, in surprise that his uncle’s advice paid off as Maxine prepared to move forward with the next step, awaiting for instructions to comply. “Come on Al, I’m the surveillance guy. I was surrounded by tech my entire life! I used to be the JSA’s wingman when it came to research” Uncle Al joked, hearty with laughter at his nephew’s astounded remarks. “Okay Uncle Al....what code will it need?” Maxine asked, invested in her work as Al was left surprised that she referred to his uncle as if he was her own. Not that it mattered but it took him by surprise a little. Al tried to keep these careless feelings aside as he tried to keep his attention towards encoding the website.

“Yep....you’ve gotten the just kiddo, we just needa put in the code. A secret code I use to encrypt Intel may be useful for this.  What you’ll need to put in there is - TQ392. See if that works” Uncle Al explained as Maxine carefully typing in the code, hopeful that it would work. The code proved to be a success as the website was eventually on track, loading away from its encrypted screen as Maxine let out a sigh of relief, placing a relenting hand on Al’s shoulder as he was surprised to see it was working.  “Al, tell your uncle its working” Maxine ordered as she waited on the full website to appear.

“Uh Uncle.....your coding skills paid off!” Al muttered, his voice as excitable as a child as the screen was loading carefully as Uncle Al smiled a bold grin, impressed by the duo’s sleuthing skills. “Pat yourselves on the back for that kiddos, this encrypting job ain’t easy. With that problem outta the way, let’s see what you find” Uncle Al churned, his voice exhibiting warmth as the NOWHERE website loaded into view, characterised by a bright blue as the name of the company shone italic at the edge of the screen, the tagline – a world without metahumans as it sent chills down Al and Maxine’s spin, the haunting reminder of the organisation’s true intentions. “I never expected these guys to advertise their metahuman discrimination online.....but it’s just how the world works...” Al muttered, trying to hide the fear plaguing his chest as he saw the uncertainty on Maxine’s face, the horror that hid inside her eyes, a fear of cruel experimentations like this. He had nothing to say that could calm her nerves, to change the situation more than he could. He wanted to save the Ford High players the best he could and he wasn’t going down without a fight. Al watched objectively as Maxine sprang through the website, searching for any possible information she could find. “First things first, we have to find out what kind of experiments they perform....where they take place....how they could possibly turn these players into what we are. We have to find out who The Harvest really is and what his true intentions are” Maxine explained as she surveyed the website, searching for any possible information she could use against her enemies. Al sat observant, trying to help her get what she needed. She scans through the screen intently, constantly on edge as she searched for information. Al sat beside her, giving her the silence she needed to concentrate, Uncle Al still on the phone as he waited for any updates, drinking coffee as they worked. Among the list of website assets, came experiments in bold, threatening words. Maxine’s fingers dangled among the keys, uncertain about viewing this article. Al saw the worry in her eyes, a lump in his throat. Maxine eventually plucked up the courage, pressing the article as it loaded to a blue screen, an instruction manual in place. Maxine circulated through the information, her eyes tainted with fear, Al sat there, intrigued by what she’d found.

“Is this the experiments?” Al asked, an apparent seriousness to his voice as Maxine let out a cold breath, trying to suppress the worry and horror on her face.

“I’m afraid it is....it’s an instruction manual on them.” Maxine muttered, plagued with fear as she analysed the information, mind racing. It showed a picture of someone inside a glass tank, generating of red and blue energy as the test subject’s arms were strapped to each side, putting tons of pressure on the body. The scientists would then activate a gas container, which would unleash and consume the inside of the tank, eventually the subject. Once the gas had filled their lungs, the metahuman genes inside them would awaken. These specimens will eventually be recruited as an elite task force, forcibly accomplishing N.O.W.H.E.R.E’s nefarious deeds and exploited for their powers. “Whose idea was it to torture individuals like this to awaken power inside them? N.O.W.H.E.R.E is sick to think this is reasonable” Al stammered, in horror of what he just saw. Maxine just stared at the screen, in shock herself.

“Metahumans are all but weapons to them. The experiment are torturous....all they do is kidnap these innocent people and put them into tanks like lab rats. These gas chambers turn them into metahumans....awaken those powers inside them. To The Harvest, metahumans are just soldiers he can control.” Maxine explained, sharing her deep insight into these experiments as she had been in their shoes when she was a child. She couldn’t let this happen again. Al began to pace, trying to ponder a way they could save this player, to save them from the fate they were accustomed to and to free them for this life of misery and torture. He felt guilt burn at his chest as the players were led to suffer because of him. It was a hero’s responsibility to protect their community and those that live in it. He would let nothing stand in his way if he was to get those kids back. If it was only possible, he would get Teth-Adam to burn N.O.W.H.E.R.E to the ground to get them back. But it wasn’t something he felt was right, never mind boded well with the qualities of a hero.  He pretended he never conjured the thought in his brain as he paced frantically, thoughts racing. “You’re alright there son?” Uncle Al asked, his boisterous voice bringing Al back to his senses.  Al turned back to the computer screen, in the process of thought.

“Yeah...I’m okay....these experiments they must be taking place somewhere. A shady group like N.O.W.H.E.R.E would keep sickening procedures like this from getting out....whatever they’re doing with the players, there subjugating them to the same experimentation on this screen right here. There must be some secret facility they work at...have all the technology in the world to abuse metahumans. If these guys like kidnapping humans to be their own personal lab rats...they’ve gotta keep their appearances here secret...” Al explained as Maxine turned her focus away from the computer, pondering accuracy to Al’s words. Al could see his uncle had an idea up his sleeve, that shrewd look on his face telling him that he knew something.

“During my vigilante glory days, I’d heard words about experiments like this occurring....humans trapped in gas chambers...inflicted with the metahuman gene, it scared the shit out of me. There were the labs located in a warehouse by the local port...N.O.W.H.E.R.E pretended to use it for storage, when in reality all they did was fill people’s lungs with metahuman gas. It’s seen been abandoned....it’s like they knew I was on their tail and they just ran. So yeah....the place is pretty much abandoned...now it’s a place of storage.” Uncle Al explained, his voice static from the phone screen as Maxine was alerted upon those words, curious.

“Is it possible that you have an address you can give us? Anything to look out for?” Maxine asked, Uncle Al left pondering the question. “Yeah...I have an idea of where it is. All you need a pen and paper to keep it close” Uncle Al replied as Al hurriedly grabbed a ripped sheet of paper and a pen from his desk, holding it diligently in his hands like a reporter at a press conference. “Okay....Ford Shipyard, Warehouse 18 at Oakland Street. 10 miles from here” Uncle Al explained as Al nodded down his words, writing rather frantically. “Is this it?” Al asked as he showed the piece of paper to the phone screen, to his uncle’s eyes. It read – Ford Shipyard, Warehouse 18 – Oakland Street as Uncle Al nodded, a soft grin on his wrinkled features. “That’s the place kiddo...good ears, good ears” Uncle Al proudly declared, as Al held onto the note tightly, trying to keep the address close to his chest as Maxine amounted from her chair, closing over Al’s laptop as she was willing to take part in this mission. “Lemme see?” Maxine asked as Al showed her the note, to remind her of the address. “I guess...we should suit up” Maxine ordered as she went off to get prepared. Al almost forget his uncle was still on the phone as he could hear his blaring laughter from the phone. Al hastily grabbed it, an awkward grin on his face. “Sorry Uncle, almost forgot you were here...” Al muttered, trying to suppress a snigger. Uncle Al laughed, understanding of his nephew’s clumsiness.  “Oh don’t worry about it son, you’re too wrapped up in your hero duties...and that’s a good thing. All ya gotta do is follow that address and you’ll find the place you’re looking for. And while you’re at it, listen to some genuine advice from your good old uncle and ask that teammate of yours out. I see the way you look at her...” Uncle Al admitted, Al’s face red as he just shrugged it off, embarrassment flooding his face.

“Come on Uncle....you serious right now....I don’t have time for that. I like Maxine, but now isn’t the time”  Al shrugged, placing the address note in his utility belt as he grabbed his tattered mask off the table, still communicated with his uncle about his lesser important love life.

“I know that....but once the chips are down, make your move. It’ll prove worth it in the end” Uncle Al advised as Al was left in a blubbering mess, unable to quell his romantic advice. The conversation quickly seized when Maxine returned to the room, placing her leathery boots on her feet as she had a suspicious look in her eye, lingering on Al. “What’re you talking about?” she asked, her voice tender and intrigued. Al smiled, trying to hide the embarrassment in his eyes. “It’s nothing...Maxine, we’re good...we’re good” Al muttered as he hastily turned back to his uncle. “I’ll update you on what I find. I’ll call you later uncle” Al said as Uncle Al smiled that warm, assuring smile, paying his farewells. “No problem son, have a safe mission out there” Uncle Al muttered as Al ended the call, putting his phone away in his belt as he joined Cyclone’s side, a stride of determination coming over him. “Let’s go chasing that address!” Al muttered as the two began to leave, away to pursue the key to all of this...

---

Ford Shipyard

Warehouse 18, Oakland Street

The shipyard was wintry and grey, dormant of bystanders as Al and Maxine sneakily made their way through the docks, dressed in their Atom Smasher and Cyclone attire. Atom Smasher held the note closely in his hand, searching for the address his uncle had given him as he was searching for the right warehouse, searching frantically. “Warehouse 15....warehouse 16.....17....and then 18! This is the place Maxine” Atom Smasher muttered, voice exhilarated as he cautiously approached the warehouse, preparing to barge down the door any moment. Cyclone came to his side, giving him an assuring look. “Let’s do it” Cyclone advised as Al nodded, his brows furrowed as his clenched fists pounded into the warehouse door, making the piece of steel shatter to the floor as the two heroes went inside. They were welcomed to darkness as the two began to walk in, trying to navigate the warehouse diligently. The more steps they took, the abandoned warehouse became shrouded in lights as they saw many metahumans suspended in tanks, dressed in lab rat clothing. They were detained within water tanks, on lifeline support. Al and Maxine inspected these tanks, shocked by the amount of metahumans that were abandoned here. “Is it just me or these guy’s in suspended animation....you know like Black Adam when he was detained in Argus?” Al asked, studying the metahuman tanks like exhibits in a museum, trying to search for clues. “You got that right, all N.O.W.H.E.R.E has done to this guys is keep them in tanks....once their purpose is done, they just discard them like toys. They’ll be in suspended animation until the day they waste away.” Cyclone explained as they took time to analyse the water tanks.

Among the imprisoned metahumans, one of them especially caught Al’s eye – he was a tall, imposing young man with a black shirt, engraved with a red “S” emblem on his chest. He had an oxygen inhibitor covering his mouth, enshrouded in water. He was dressed differently compared to the other metahumans, who wore plain waterproof garbs, like they were prisoners in their cage. “These guys must serve a purpose in The Harvest’s evil plans....he wants to build an army with these metahumans...they were humans just like him. They probably didn’t obey by their direct orders and got placed in here as punishment. They’re recruiting more to their ranks, to make them better than the ones they left behind. It’s kinda sad if you think about it....is there a chance we can free them?” Al explained, looking back at the array of abandoned metahumans as he could see the sorrow in Maxine’s eyes, like she could painfully resonate with their predicament. “I don’t know if we can....we don’t know what kind of technology they’re using here or how we can fix this. All that matters is that we prevent the players from suffering the same fate...” Maxine explained as she walked off into the expansive confines of the warehouse, still searching for clues. Al kept close by, following her impatiently like a dog on its leash.  The rest of the warehouse lit up in specks of blinding light as there was an entire lab, filled with equipment and machinery as it looked like a place that was once used to create metahumans as it was left completely abandoned, in pristine condition despite the warehouse’s rundown structure. What really caught Maxine’s attention was a super computer etched to the wall, bound by wires as it was connected to a keypad on the laboratory desk. The two superheroes approached the computer cautiously as they knew it could bear the information they needed to hear.  

Maxine swiftly approached the computer, trying to kickstart the device as Al took off his mask, checking the endless supply of wires to see if they were connected or not.  “Is it working?” Maxine asked, analysing the computer keys as Al checked through the complex wires, eventually stepping away from the technical maintenance. Maxine switched on the computer; the screen duplicated as it came on, flashing to a pre-recorded message. A scientist was invested in his work, his back turned to his laboratory as it was the exact same location as the warehouse. The scientist was ready to record a video tape, to make a secret message. “Is it ready to roll?” the mystery scientist asked as Al felt he recognised that voice, the tone of it familiar to him as another scientist went to respond to his demands. “We’re ready, sir” another scientist muttered, filming the recorded message as the scientist turned – revealing his identity to be none other than Harrison Cade – the coach of the Ford High Titans, the guy with his heart on his sleeve. Al felt betrayed at this moment, his hands clenched into fists as he felt punching the screen, letting all of his shock and anger out. But he chose to rein it in, to find why Mr. Cade was so devoted to this cause, to serving N.O.W.H.E.R.E like this. He kept calm and listened as he braced himself to watch the shocking footage, Maxine by his side.

“My name is Professor Harrison Cade; I am the founder of N.O.W.H.E.R.E. I built this company in the hopes of reshaping the future through a sheer force of will, to control the next generation of metahumans. Those specimens are destined to be controlled. From that mercy, they will eventually die out like the vermin they are. I wasn’t unusually driven to this role. I used to serve the Navy Seals as a commander. I fought for my country during the Iraq War; I led my seals into the fiercest battles in the history of our ranks. Men died, some privileged through conflict. While others were caught in the crossfire.... my son fought vigilantly, until his life was taken from him by a metahuman. They took advantage of their power and killed him. From that day on, I vowed to end their race, to make them break....until their powers consumed them....until they were no more...” Harrison explained as Al and Maxine shared a look, one of horror and uncertainty. Al would never have guessed that Mr. Cade was capable of such evil. His message still continued, the image of Harrison faintly reflected on the computer. “From that moment, I took it upon myself to fund as much metahuman experimentation as possible, most of them included nanobots. This was instrumental to helping my fellow colleague T.O. Marrow with his work. He created many exceptional specimen with those nanobots, but they quickly fizzled out. Through this technology I was granted, I was able to build myself a suit armour, which gave me great strength as well as power over energy and the mind. I called it The Harvest.  I had recently taken up as a job as the coach of the Ford High Titans, a job I felt affiliated to due to my military background. Those players were the weapons I needed – they were the right candidates to become metahumans, the ones that if you gave them a little push, they would be easily exploited for their power. So I needed them. I will awaken their genes and make them strong, until their bitter powers consume them. NOWHERE will be the strongest it’s ever been, all those in the past will become nothing to me....now that all that message needs is to detonate this warehouse, to wipe out all of this worthless work from the world....so no one can use them....May you suffer a blazing death....” Harrison explained as the tape finished, his maniacal features lingering on the screen as a 10 minute countdown appeared on the computer, Al and Maxine in shock as Atom Smasher pounded his fist into the screen in the hope of diffusing the bomb. He had little luck; all he got was a cracked screen.

“Shit!! We gotta get outta here!!!” Al yelled, loosening his swollen wrist as Maxine tried to rush out of the warehouse, her adrenaline kicking in. Al had no choice but to increase his size, nearly crushing the roof of the warehouse as he reached his giant hand to his fellow partner, doing his best to save her. “Hide in my palm, quickly!!” Al ordered as Maxine didn’t hesitate, rushing into Atom Smasher’s gargantuan hand, the countdown at 5:00 as the bomb was about to blow.  4....3...2...1. Atom Smasher jumped from the warehouse just as it blew to smithereens as he had Cyclone clasped protectively in his hands. He wore his mask for safety as he felt the explosion under his feet, the fire trying to eat him like a monster in the depths of the ocean as they were lucky enough to escape. Al slowly increased his size, wrapping Cyclone swiftly in his arms as pieces of the warehouse and smoke began to inflict the dockyard. Atom Smasher slid to the ground like a penguin on thin ice as he held onto Maxine closely, face to face as the remains of the warehouse fell around them, fire engulfing the skies. Atom Smasher gazed into Maxine’s eyes, out of breath as from his white lenses, he was expressing concern. “You okay?” Al asked, breath hoarse as Maxine nodded, still trying to catch her breath through the shock of it all. “I’m fine....I’m fine...” Maxine muttered as she got to her feet, helping Al regain his balance as his legs were shaking, his strength depleted from their hasty escape.

“I can’t believe Harrison’s The Harvest....I thought I could trust that guy.....All he did was set those players up for torture” Al grumbled, in betrayal over discovering The Harvest’s identity. Seeing the pain on Al’s face, Maxine was more determined than ever to save the players. “What if there’s a way...I know where the players could be held hostage...N.O.W.H.E.R.E have headquarters in the city, we’ll break in there and save those players....we have to stop The Harvest from getting his way...” Maxine explained, her voice dry from adrenaline rush, mind focused on the next objective – to put an end to Harrison’s schemes and to save the players. Al nods, in agreement of Maxine’s statement as the two began to flee from the fiery remains of the warehouse, preparing for what they needed to do. They had to embark on one last mission to save these players, to spare them from a life of cruel servitude and pain.  This was their second and only chance at saving them....

Chapter Text

Chapter Four 

One Final Mission is all It Takes

Nowhere Headquarters

Ford City

The NOWHERE headquarters was heavily industrious - scientists caught between their experiments, armed guards keeping the building secure. Harrison Cade stood by the window, watching the vast city from his glass complex, thriving mindlessly before his eyes. As days went by of him staring out at the city, he had a festering desire to dominate over the earth, to control its metahumans and to make their power break them. He picked those Ford High players based on their excellence in the sport and the strength they had. They all had the potential to withhold such power, to push them until it consumed them. Until those powers took all they were and swallowed at their core. These players were the right ones to be exploited; he had built them to become heroes. Now was their time to meet their destiny. Harrison stalked away from his office, away into the white interior of his headquarters as the building was aligned with white, narrow hallways, the sound of his footsteps the only imposing sound that was heard. The individual corridors were heavily guarded by armed soldiers, the nowhere insignia engraved on their uniform as they were dressed in navy black. They greeted their leader with assertive glances and a silent nod or too as Harrison passed them by, his mind hell-bent on his next move. He was a man committed to his experiments, it was his passion. He turned to nanotech when his son died in those wartorn trenches, struck a devastating blow by a rogue metahuman. It was now his moral mission to destroy this species, to sentence them to extinction before their unholy gifts could break the world. He was awash in his grief and turmoil that he was drawn to commit the worst inhuman experimentation imaginable, to push metahumans to their limits until their powers were eating them apart. They wanted them to suffer in retaliation for his son’s death. He put his honour and strength into his technology, he installed in them the values and morals he learned as a Navy Seals commander in the hopes of treating the metahumans with humanity, to teach them how to become the superheroes they were born to be, to make them soldiers rather than patriotic heroes that worked outside of the law. The government feared that these heroes would become global threats. They would gain superiority over the world for as long as they thrived. He wanted to put an end to all of that hysteria, all of that fear, the mindless destruction these heroes had the chance of causing. Metahumans didn’t deserve the title of heroes, none of them did. That is what NOWHERE set out to do, to change the precedence people had for these heroes. Metahumans were soldiers that could easily be exploited; he had to break their minds if he was going to end their race. He had to do this, to make his son and everyone who has been wronged by these specimens proud. 

Harrison strode expeditiously towards the white laden doors, the doors that led to his lab. He took a keycard swiftly out of his lab coat pocket, scanning to gain entry access as he entered his workplace to the sound of scientists working, writing sheepishly on a directive board of ideas as Harrison entered the room, gaining the attention of his fellow colleagues as they all gave him formal greetings, keeping their smiles afloat amid the grisly experiments they committed themselves to. He approached one of his dedicated scientists Dr. Alexius, who was busy taking notes of vitals on his desk, alerted away from his work by his boss’s presence.

“Dr. Alexius, how far has our specimen progressed...I’m sure they aren’t too appealed at the idea of being kidnapped?” Dr. Cade questioned as Dr. Alexius spiralled from his chair, showing loyalty to his fellow researcher.  

“Oh, we’ve been patient with them....we have taken DNA samples from each of the boys, but all they won’t stop kicking and screaming” Dr. Alexius explained, Harrison nodded intently with his words as he wasn’t surprised by his colleague’s statements. He knew those players would be stubborn after all.

“Those guys can be very disobedient.....all they’ll need is a breaking point...” Dr. Cade muttered, his words ominous, as he stalked menacingly towards the chamber where the Ford High players had been imprisoned. Dr. Alexius ran after him, excitable about his colleague’s following actions. “Yeah, I think they’re ready” Dr. Alexius replied as the scientists stood by the glass windows in the lab, observing the chambers contained inside. The two scientists went to have a discussion with these captives, their test subjects bound in chains. The sound of helpless yelling echoing through the glass walls.  “Hey, can someone let us out!!! Get your lazy asses out here and let us go!!” Ryan yelled, the sound of his voice rebellious as he was trying to break free from the prison he had been placed in. Harrison knew how stubborn and resilient Ryan could be, so to see him protesting for his own freedom was no surprise to him. It was the same resilience he had brought to every titan game he was a part of, and it was quite excruciating. The five players – Ryan, Harold, Miguel, Ronnie and Dwayne were trapped in glass tanks, their arms strapped to individual operating chairs as they were trying to break free, unable to move past their restraints as Ryan was the only one who had an instinct to scream for help, to beg for someone to save him as he saw Dr. Cade at the corner of his eyes, the players looking at Harrison with a look of shock and a tint of recognition as he stood before the players, a grin alighting his face to see his fellow players, thrilled about the upgrades he was about to give them.

“Mr. Cade, what the hell is going on?!! Coach, I’m begging you to free us!!?” Ryan pleaded, his throat dry from the entire ruckus he’d caused. Harrison’s face lit up with a smile, trying to hide his sinister intentions with a noble, comforting smile.

“Unfortunately I’m not here to free you players......I’m the chairman of this company, it was me who organised your capture...you are about to be part of something much bigger” Harrison snorted, belittled to see the look of betrayal on his fellow players’ faces. Ryan couldn’t believe his eyes, still trying to squirm out of his restraints, his strength lacking.

“You worked for this company.....you never were a football coach were you?!!” Ryan stammered, his voice filled with anger as Harrison let out a warm chuckle, shocked that Ryan or any of the titans didn’t figure it out yet.

“You remember the school slogan of Ford High – “A place where we shape heroes”....Harrison smiled a foolish grin, detailing his plans. “It turns out I’m doing just that. But I’m going to make you better, stronger....I only came to your school to search for fledging recruits, specimen like you who had the potential to become metahumans. Metahumans can be easily controlled, manipulated, exploited. That’s why I became your coach, to see which one of you players was fitting for such skills. You are one of them Ryan, I saw that potential the moment I saw you play. You commanded that field, as did many of your friends who are trapped idly beside you. So mark my words, I am going to make the five of you into the most imperfect beings. Mark my works....”  Harrison explained, watching as the players he grew a connection with grew to hate him, that with every fibre of their being, they would feel betrayed. He knew he had put them into a difficult yet turbulent situation, but he knew they wouldn’t come to regret this decision.

Harrison turned away from the glass chambers, determined to initiate the experiments as he hastily gestured to Dr. Alexius to get ready. Many of the scientists from N.O.W.H.E.R.E’s prestigious labs watched from the sidelines, through the windows that kept them bound from their leader. “Dr. Alexius....you know what to do” Harrison ordered as the scientist abided by his demand, activating a mysterious device wired to the wall as it was connected to all five of the glass chambers, jolting them with life. Ryan braced for the worst as he turned to the rest of his friends, the five of them sharing a look of dread and horror. They turned to their former coach; shocked that he would sell them out, that he was the type of guy who would commit himself to such evil. Dr. Alexius willingly activated the device, watching Cade’s face light up with glee as a shimmering cloud of gas began to enter the chambers, sending the players into a spiralling state of panic. “Mr. Cade!!!!” Ryan screamed at the top of his lungs as he tried to desperately break free from his restraints, panicking at the sheer thought of being trapped in this gas chamber. The screams of the players turned to a state of panic, gasping and coughing for air as they tried to break free from this horrific torture. Dr. Cade watched as the players were left consumed by the gas, he watched with satisfaction as he was thrilled to see them make their transition - their transition into becoming metahumans was moving forward....

---

Nowhere Headquarters

Outside, day

 The perimeter of the N.O.W.H.E.R.E headquarters were swarmed with armed guards, as they stood diligently in every corner, weapons raised. It was heavily guarded, unlike any security deployed as they stood in guard like they were waiting for something. In the towering building across from them, perched on its roof, Atom Smasher and Cyclone were stealthily observing the compound from above, awaiting their moment to strike. “Okay....so, how are we gonna get past these guards. There has to be a way to get past them without alerting our presence” Albert warned, nervous about the situation he was throwing himself in, his fists clenched strongly to reduce the anxiety that was plaguing his mind. Cyclone sat observantly beside him, trying to decipher a plan to gain access into the building. The two of them had the ability to increase their size or control the winds which would be easily distinguishable amongst the entourage of soldiers who were standing dangerously nearby. Maxine turned her focus away to the headquarters; she had a plan set in stone in her mind.

“There’s too many of them for us to fight on sight, we’d be caught instantly. Our powers may bring us great strength, but we’d be easily discovered. That’s why we need a distraction. I’ll need you Albert to distract all of the guards with your large stature, to break through their numbers. While Atom Smasher goes in, I’ll take care and dispatch of everyone in the headquarters until I find The Harvest and the players. We’ll defeat him and help the players escape! It’s the only plan of action we have if we’re going to rescue them in time...”  Maxine explained, hastily prancing to her feet, keeping her presence hidden from the enemy below. Albert followed her, haplessly reaching for his feet as his mind raced, his assertive mind drawn keenly to the mission ahead. Maxine never saw him so exhilarated before, like he had nothing left to lose. “Yeah, let’s do it! I don’t care how long it takes....I just want those players as far away from Mr. Cade as possible. I’ll take care of the perimeter, just leave it to me” Albert muttered, his voice brisk with determination as his heroic resolve was showing, Maxine knew that Atom Smasher was a man of his word and she was grateful to fight by his side. Albert plunged his blue mask over his head, standing over the ridges of the building as he prepared to make the plough, sharing one last look with Cyclone.

“I’ll meet you in there...” Atom Smasher muttered bookishly, standing over the edge of the neighbouring building as Cyclone smiled, an expression of hope.

“I’ll see you too” Cyclone traded back as she watched Albert jump from the building, his monocular structure increasing. He landed on the edge of the street with a crash, the ground rupturing around him as the soldiers raised their guns to the air, preparing to fight as they yelled in their radios for more backup, willing to fight this trespasser. Atom Smasher towered over the imposing squad of soldiers like a kaiju monster, his body alighting with blue atomic energy, his fists clenched like a boxer in the fight of his life. “Hey fellas!!” Atom Smasher joked, his voice bellowing over the soldiers’ protests as they began to fire their guns, the endless rain of bullets bouncing against Albert’s invincible chest as he used his gargantuan hand to smack them away, soldiers crashing through the air from his impounding blow. As Albert kept the rotating armed guards occupied, Maxine quickly sprouted into the air, the green winds propelling her body into towards the headquarters as she flew like a graceful angel. She broke through the security breaches, into the perimeter that was once heavily guarded as she entered the building without hesitation, her objective towards rescuing the players. She made her way through the corridors like a looming fog, consuming everything in her path as soldiers rushed towards her, guns pointed swiftly to their ambushing enemy as she was able to get past their defences, slowing the time around her as she moved past them, outsmarting the guards where they stood as they were sent falling to the ground or at a loss for missing their target. Cyclone moved swiftly across the flowing, white corridors, the powerful gusts growing more rapidly and gracefully around her, guiding her to her purposed target. Outside, Atom Smasher had all of the guards at his tail, resisting their gunpowder as it kept hitting him, his strength increasing with every blast. “Uh....what it is with these toy guns. They always don’t work” Al quipped, giving himself the courage to impound his fist into the entrance, driving the soldiers away with an explosion of power, an atomic energy which kept them down if not for an hour. Atom Smasher fought tirelessly without fatigue, pounding into his armed enemies, keeping them as distracted as he could. As he fought, he couldn’t set aside his fears that the player were in more danger now. That he should be aiding Maxine in her efforts of rescuing them. Al tried to push those concerns aside as he diligently fought, smashing his fists down on whomever soldier was left standing. He stood his ground, battling valorously as the soldiers’ numbers increased, their lone bullets crashing into his bulletproof chest like sticks and stones as he felt his ability to smash atoms grow the more he sustained blows from his enemies. He had to keep fighting a little longer, even if it meant saving the players from a lifetime of torture and misery.

Cyclone swirled through the halls of nowhere’s headquarters, inflicting chaos amid its walls as many of the guards were struck down by her almighty gusts. She propelled herself down the corridor, taking notice of a divided corridor, a sign pointing to the labs. Maxine followed her instinct as she flowed down the prestige corridors, searching for her target. The only thing on her mind right now was to rescue the players, to spare them from the treatment she received as a lab rat. But the scared, little girl inside of her wanted answers on where T.O. Marrow was – the man who made her into who she was, the man who abandoned her. Coming face to face with The Harvest was a haunting reminder of the experiments that gave her powers, he was an imposing force that brought back those feelings of doubt she suppressed inside her for so long. She was scared to confront him with such a heavy truth, but Maxine knew she was doing the right thing – she was saving lives. Maxine darted across the hallway, a colourful gust of wind helping her dance through the air as she was dead set towards her location, her body moving mindlessly like a snake searching for its prey. She eventually burst through a set of double doors, finding herself in a lab dominated by soldiers and scientists. She saw that she had interrupted a crucial conversation with Dr. Cade and his fellow guards as they turned aggravatingly in her direction.

“Surprised to see me?”  Maxine joked, her demeanour blunt as the soldiers ran towards her, weapons in hand. She wrapped the soldiers in fierce tornados, consuming them with her power as she flung them across the room, spinning them around like ragdolls. Many of the scientists ran, cowered in fear but Harrison stayed resilient, watching with a surprised glance as Cyclone took care of his men, her control over wind so fascinating to him. He cautiously approached the young heroine, a vile smile aghast on his lips as Maxine turned to face her enemy, a burning anger in her eyes, a desire to stop his mess. “Where are the players?!” Maxine demanded, seeking answers from the scientist, the one she loathed the most. “That’s none of your concern...they’re much stronger than you’ll ever be....” Harrison muttered, his words almost a sick whisper as his scientist uniform began to burn away, revealing The Harvest’s exoskeleton as it wrapped around his body, the nanotech flowing seamlessly. His sharp wings came piercing out of his body as the sound of metal conjoining together was enough to make Maxine’s skin crawl. 

“Don’t play games with me!! What have you done with them?!” Maxine questioned, her voice cold and yearning for the truth as The Harvest wasn’t intimidated by her resolve, a wicked cackle bursting from his mouth.

“I’ve made them just like you! There on the way to becoming perfect soldiers, exactly how I envisioned them to be. The gas that awakened their human genes, will also have control over their brain, so they’ll abide by every order I gave them. Every metahuman is born to be a hero, so that’s how you make them one” Harrison explained, exposing a shocking truth to Maxine as her hands quickly clenched into fists, the wind around her whisking around her body in an angry tornado. “You have control over them?!!” Maxine yelled angrily as she charged at Harrison with all her strength, the tornado of wind enveloping both her and The Harvest as they fought. Their attacks were versatile, as raw as their previous fight. But Cyclone wasn’t pulling her punches; she was attacking The Harvest at full force. Harrison placed his mask cautiously on for protection, fighting off Maxine as the energy from his suit began to fill his hands, launching himself at her with his aerial support, unleashing a blast of energy that sent her flying back. Maxine stood her ground and kept fighting, holding onto The Harvest’s strong arms as she tried to contain his wrath. The two were at odds with one another, caught in an intense battle.

Atom Smasher stayed on the ground, pulverising any remaining soldier in his wake. He still felt the gunfire hit his chest, leaving no pain in his bulletproof figure as Al’s chest began to glow with vibrant blue energy, his hands furled into imposing fists as he saw the surviving guards on site, their guns in the air as he still tried to get a better shot at him. Al could do nothing but scoff at their methods as he crashed his fist down onto the ground with an intense clatter, scattering the unconscious guards across the perimeter as he didn’t hold back in his distraction efforts, trying to keep them as far from their headquarters as possible. Once the dust had been settled, Al turned his focus to the nowhere headquarters, deciding to break in with the most reckless solution possible as he walked towards the glass windows, fists clenched. “Bingo....” Al muttered under his hefty breath, as he punctured a hole into the building’s glass, the window collapsing in on itself as Al decreased his size to go in. Atom Smasher landed swiftly through the broken trial of glass, his legs shaking from adrenaline rush as he tried to maintain his balance. His next instinct was to search the building, in search of the players as his mind obeyed to his wishes, running through the shallow headquarters as he couldn’t give up, not at this moment.

He stealthily proceeded through the white hallways, alerted the presence of two guards as they raised their weapons, trying to fight back. One of them tried to shot; Al easily dodged the bullet coming his way as the both looked at him dumbfounded. They were so shocked by his reflexes that Atom Smasher burst out a snigger, laughing at their stupidity. “Come on guys, you ever fought a metahuman before?” Atom Smasher questioned, his voice tainted with laughter as the conversation quickly turned to an abrupt tussle as the one of the soldiers charged at him, his strength weak compared to him as Al slammed against the wall, knocking him out instantly as another guard tried to shoot. Al put his hands on the floor, avoiding the rain of bullets like a baby learning to crawl, trying to shield himself from his deadly attacks. Atom Smasher remained still, protecting himself from the approaching attacks. The soldier cautiously walked towards him, pointing his gun on his back as Al let out a humorous laugh, trying to put on an act to fool the guard. “Oh, what’s with all of these bullets man?! I’m so afraid of poor guns, guns are my weakness. Precious firearms....” Al joked, trying to suppress a laugh amid his fake frightened state as he launched himself from his shielded position, roundhouse kicking the guard in the face as Al spiralled to his feet, rushing off into the overlapping corridors. He was searching for the lab where Maxine had gone to find the players. He only hoped that the mission was going well.

As he ran, he was caught off guard by a powerful kick to the face, Al letting out a yelp of pain as he tried to locate this mystery threat. The force punched back, an invisible force keeping Atom Smasher on his knees as the figure was small, and his blows stronger than his stature. Atom Smasher tried to fight back, almost like he was punching the air as he felt exhaustion cloud his mind, making him weak. Before he could locate his opponent further, a loud blast of sound etched into his airs as it sounded like a bomb going off, the sounds torturous as Al fell to his knees, covering his ears to protect his fragile eardrums as a figure began to approach him, generating sound waves from his hands, wearing an experimental blue and yellow suit as two others came by his side, each of them striving to fight. Al tried to crawl to his feet, his senses weakened from the endless spiral of sound waves as he tried to fight back, his muscles tensed as his body felt like it would lose balance at any moment. One of them fired red energy out of their hands, almost like the burning fumes of fire as Atom Smasher was struck back against the corridor, hitting his back against the wall as he tried to keep fighting. One of the figures hastily approached him, a purple psionic brick like force consuming his arms as he hit Al painfully in the chest, the JSA member sent spiralling backwards as he couldn’t rely on his monocular structure to defend himself, he had to use the only strength he had left. He rushed towards the psionic metahuman, trading punches and kicks as he tried to keep the squad of lethal metahumans aside, still pushing himself to fight back. He felt pain arise in his body, his costume charred a little as one of his lenses were smashed, exposing one of his human eyes as he tried to pull himself together. He used his barrelling fists to keep his psionic opponent on the sidelines. Suddenly, an invisible force latched itself off the wall, slowly strangling Al as he was left startled by this unknown enemy. He felt pain arise across his neck and chest, gasping for breaths that never came as the invisible man had his arms wrapped around Atom Smasher’s neck, sucking the air out of his lungs as he tried to get him off his back, his punches doing nothing to quell his hold. The metahumans gathered around him, their eyes cloaked in red as they were prepared to finish them off. Al had a sense of familiarity with this metahumans, like he should know them. That’s when he felt a bombshell drop, a realisation he’d only came to know now – these metahumans were the players and they had been turned against him by The Harvest.

He felt like a failure at best, bowing his head down in defeat as the grip around his neck tightened, putting him under more stress. The metahumans who surrounded him he recognised from playoffs or training sessions at Ford High – there was Harold, who dressed in a fond yellow and blue suit. Miguel who wore a purple latex suit, mixing in with black stripes and patterns. Beside him was Ronnie, who wore a red, yellow and white suit, a single flame perched on his head. He turned his head slightly to see the invisibility wear off Dwayne, who wore a blue stealth suit, goggles over his eyes. All of the players were different, more angry and powerful than they usually were during a football match. The expressions in their eyes were dark and unhinged, pulsating with red energy that Al could only describe as mind control. He felt small footsteps approach him as Al turned his head slightly, his heart pounding against his chest. The figure eventually grew in size to reveal a red and blue space suit, the shape of an atom on his helmet as he ominously came towards him. Al recognised the face underneath the helmet, as it was Ryan, his eyes viciously red as Atom Smasher felt a lump grow in his throat, in shock at what he was seeing as he was confronted with his own mistakes – the players he failed to save.

In the labs, Cyclone and The Harvest continued to fight, leaving nothing but destruction in their path as their energy still clashed, time at a standstill between them. The Harvest used his wings to deflect any attack Maxine sent his way, her frustration quickly growing. The two were blown through the mess of the lab, glass and lab equipment scattered everywhere as Maxine landed swiftly on her feet, Harrison landing like a hawk in sight of its prey. The Harvest let out a wheezing cackle, laughing at Maxine’s efforts to defeat him as his wings sprouted tirelessly across his back.

“I’ll never stop seeing you for the failure you are, Cyclone...”  The Harvest spat, his words springing from his mask like an evil spirit as Maxine stood her guard, not wanting to be defeated again. The more he heard him downgrade her viciously with his words or his tendency to talk in spite of her was enough to make her blood boil.

“Tell me.....What happened to T.O. Marrow?!” Maxine asked, her voice cold and pleading for answers. The Harvest laughed again, surprised that she had the strength to ask this question after so long.

“You really care about him, don’t you?! Let’s just say Marrow has branched out of NOWHERE...he’s been off-grid for so many years that don’t know where he is. All I know is that he’s still using nanobots to make his own metahumans. I’ve done my fair share of that, but my good old friend T.O. felt inspired. He’s moved away from human experimentation....he works to make the most perfect beings...one you weren’t worthless specimen like you...” Harrison taunted, his words enough to make Maxine give in to her anger, to destroy him once and for all. She charged at him, screaming at the top of her lunges as tornados began to consume her, launching herself towards The Harvest. Harrison flew into the air, his wings keeping him afloat amid the impending wind as his hands begin to flare with red energy. The two go back to clashing, the sound of energy combining like fire with steam, an appetite for destruction. They kept relentlessly fighting, the both of them at odds.

In the hallway, Atom Smasher was still at the mercy of the brainwashed players as Ryan approached him cautiously, taking his helmet off to reveal the player Al knew him as. The gaze in his eyes was almost intimidating, leaving Al’s heart in his throat amid the uncertainty he was experiencing. “The Harvest wants you dead...” Ryan muttered, his voice unrecognisable from the kid he met at Ford High. Instead, his words were bitter and threatening, merciless and cold. The rest of the metahuman players stood beside him, trading nothing but daunting glances as Al felt weak to fight back, doing nothing but reasoning with them. “Ryan...please, this isn’t you...this isn’t any of you!!” Al pleaded, his words filled with hurt as Ryan scoffed at his desperate words.

“This is me Atom Smasher....this is what we’ve always wanted. To be stronger!!!” Ryan yelled as Al just shook his head in denial, not believing they were truly gone.

“It isn’t about that....you don’t need to be the weapons Dr. Cade wants. You can be heroes....just like the school taught you to be. What I want you to be. You can embrace your new abilities for good, to fight back against the ones that persecute metahumans. Or you can become mindless soldiers with no control over your life. That’s your choice. But you must do what’s right! We’ve gotta stop this mess and bring down NOWHERE before The Harvest does as he pleases. I know you’re all in there, just break free from their control. From his control. Be the heroes you inspire to become” Al advised, hoping his desperate words would knock some sense into Ryan and the fellow players. He saw the red disappear from their eyes, the gassy haze over them gone as they were back under his own self control.  The metahuman players darted their heads in confusion, trying to make out where they were. Ryan looked at Atom Smasher with a relived look, clenching his helmet tightly in his hand.

“Atom Smasher, are you here to rescue us? Where the hell am I?!” Ryan asked as Atom Smasher nodded, freed from Dwayne’s intense grip as he nodded, trying to catch his breath.

“Yeah...yeah, I am. Where you are isn’t the point anymore, all that matters are that you get outta here. Use your abilities to defeat these guys!” Al warned as their conversation was cut short by the intense footsteps of soldiers, guns at the ready as they were willing to attack. Atom Smasher sees the approaching soldiers, turning to Ryan and the players with a sense of panic.

“Do you guys have any experience with bad guys? Cause I have to go help Cyclone and I don’t want these guards....” Al was quickly interrupted by a high alert Ryan, who was prepared for battle.

“Don’t worry Atom Smasher; we’ll take care of this! Go on and help your teammate, we can handle this!” Ryan demanded as Al nodded in gratitude, beginning to run into action. Before he disappeared, he turned back to Ryan, departing words on his mind.

“You can call me Al.” Atom Smasher muttered as Ryan nodded, a grateful smile on his face. “Thank you Al” Ryan muttered, paying farewell to his team mascot as Atom Smasher ran through the corridors, making his way through the labs. Ryan put his helmet back on, embracing his new abilities as he and his teammates banded together, standing their ground as they fought with the soldiers.

Maxine and The Harvest still fought, but this time the enemy was gaining the upper hand. Harrison let his entire energy burst out of his armour, nearly incinerating Cyclone’s winds as Maxine felt overwhelmed, nearly blown off her feet. She tried to fight back, trapped in her storm as she tried to keep her guard up, but it wasn’t enough to hold off his attacks. A loud explosion enveloped over her as Cyclone was thrown aback, falling painfully to the floor as she tried to crawl to her feet. She didn’t want to succumb to defeat or hurt again as she tried to stay strong, to keep fighting just a little longer. The Harvest came towards her, his arms flaring with fiery red and blue energy as he cautiously approached her, ready to strike the killing blow. Maxine tried to remain standing, her legs frail and movements exhausted as she could do nothing but watch as the villain desired to kill her. She heard that menacing cackle once again, striking back at her like a haunting nightmare.

“How I’ve waited so long to see you die....Maxine Hunkel” The Harvest taunted as he sent his fist hollering towards her, preparing to cremate her as Maxine braced the impact, expecting to die at his fatal hand. But she felt time stand still as Atom Smasher burst into the scene, blocking Harrison’s cascading fist from Cyclone’s way. The armoured villain was surprised to see him here, his movements expressing a sense of vile anger as Al didn’t relent in strength, keeping him at bay. “Stay away from her, Harrison!!” Al yelled as he threw The Harvest across the room with his superhuman strength, the winged monster crashing into the glass chambers with a loud crack as he was dealt with for now. Atom Smasher ran to Cyclone’s aide, helping her to her feet as Al was glad Maxine was safe, staring into her eyes with nothing but concern.

“Are you okay?” Al asked, his voice filled with concern. Maxine nodded, a solemn look in her eye. “Never better. Al...But the players...” Maxine warned as Al was quick to interrupt her, informing her of the players’ current escape.

“The players are alright, Maxine. They’re metahuman now....so they can escape” Al reassured, only to hear Maxine sigh in relief as she thought she’d failed to rescue them. To hear they were okay was enough to make the uncertainty in her heart go away.

Their blossoming conversation was cut short as The Harvest emerged from the broken glass interior of the lab, puffing out air in anger. He began to suspend himself into the air, his wings darting aggravatingly across the room as he charged at the two heroes, ready to destroy them once and for all. Atom Smasher and Cyclone avoided his brutish attacks, trying to think of the best strategies they had to defeat him. Cyclone directed her winds towards him, sending a shivering gust his way as he was blown across the room, struck with flying furniture as it did slight damage to his suit. The Harvest tried to attain balance, his frustration growing larger. He had no time to notice when Atom Smasher pounced on him, sending him skidding across the labs as the two were at odds, prepared to fight.

“This has to stop Harrison....All of this; it isn’t going to bring your son back!!” Atom Smasher warned, trying to hold the villain back as he kept punching him down, trying to speak some reason into him the same way he did with the players. But Al could see the darkness raging in his eyes, angry at the world as his envious, scowling gaze was unrecognisable from the cheerful and passionate coach of the Ford High Titans. He knew of the tragedy that took apart his life, but he hated to see the man he became, a man hellbent on revenge.  

“You don’t know my boy!!! You don’t know of the sacrifices he had made, he was killed by your kind!!!!” The Harvest yelled, his voice almost breaking amid the brunt of his anger, echoing through his nanotech mask. Atom Smasher relented from punching him, trying to argue back his claims.

“Maybe I don’t.....but this isn’t a healthy way of expressing your grief!” Atom Smasher fired back as The Harvest launched himself towards Al like a hawk with its deadly talons, relentlessly attacking him as Al tried to hold his guard, using all of his remaining strength to fight back. Cyclone jumped at the chance to help, grabbing at his flaring eyes to restrain him as she kept him bound to the spot, trying to quell his rage. The Harvest broke himself away from her hold, mindlessly attacking the two heroes as he took no pity in them, becoming stronger and stronger. Atom Smasher and Cyclone traded punches and kicks with the villain, their strength doing nothing to slow him down as The Harvest used his wings to deflect their attacks, not resting for a second.

The Harvest’s anger sizzled and the energy flared around his wrists once again. He felt an infuriated cackle emerge from his mask, proud to exchange such tolling damage. “I look forward to see you fry...” The Harvest taunted, charging towards the duo of heroes with in a stride of vengeance and anguish. Atom Smasher and Cyclone dodged the attack as Harrison went crashing through the labs, his fist tearing through a metallic table. The Harvest aimlessly pulled his hand from the mess he’d created. “You can’t stop me; no one stands a chance against me!!!” The Harvest yelled as he began to prepare a ball of energy in his hands, planning to unleash it straight at his sworn enemies. Atom Smasher and Cyclone stood their ground, trying to find a ploy to escape from his dangerous attacks. Cyclone conjured a powerful tornado out of her hands as its green smoke swallowed The Harvest whole, sending him spiralling across the air as his wings weren’t enough to defend him. The mechanical villain was left suspended in the air for a minute, his armour breaking apart due to the shuddering force of the winds. Cyclone kept her hold over him, trying to bring him down as glass and furniture broke across the lab, forcing Atom Smasher to duck to avoid the impending tornado. Cyclone swirled her hands like a witch in the process of casting a spell as she threw The Harvest across the room, the wind carrying him away. Harrison crashed into the smashed remains of the lab, his wings severed from his suit as they were broken in pieces, tattered across the devastating lab as he got up, his suit heavily damaged from the tolling attack as Al studied his movements, shocked by the hurt he’d withstood. He came to a realisation on how to beat him, his greatest weakness, if not his greatest flaw.

“I know a way we can defeat him....your conjured winds is what hurts him. His nanotech suit is vulnerable to heavy weather like this. We need to destroy his armour, it gives him his power.  If we destroy it, we can take it away.” Al explained as Maxine had the same realisation, analysing Harrison’s broken armour as he walked slowly towards them, anger boiling his soul.

“We have to keep him distracted, that way we can take away his power!” Maxine ordered as Al nodded, trying quickly to strategise.

“Keep him occupied while I wait for him in the gas chambers. Once Harrison is in there, you’ll need to destroy his suit piece by piece!” Al replied as Maxine abided, heading off to set up her trap.

“Lead him in here, I’ll wait!!” Maxine ordered, running into the decimated gas chambers as Atom Smasher was left to challenge The Harvest alone. He stumbled towards him, his footsteps menacing yet tainted with anger as he prepared to fight back once again, a smug laugh generating from his mask.

“It’s such a shame Atom Smasher....your girlfriend has left you behind to your death. Now that must break your heart?” The Harvest taunted, trying to get under Al’s skin as he could do nothing but scoff. “She’s not my girlfriend!!” Atom Smasher, finally settling the “she’s my girlfriend” debate once and for all, as he tried to hide the fact he let his feelings hidden within. Regardless, he was left fighting for his life, trading blows with The Harvest as he saw that Harrison grew weaker from every hit, like he would slowly surrender at any minute. Cyclone ran into the gas chamber, swinging the door wide open as she waited for The Harvest to arrive, the winds around her growing stronger as she had to do whatever it takes to defeat him. She had faith that Al’s plan would work.  She watched from the smashed windows as Atom Smasher and The Harvest fought amid the decimated labs. Atom Smasher tried to keep Harrison contained, the maniacal villain trying to use what remained of his power as he kept Al on his toes, trying to test his patience as he kept fighting, even with his broken armour. As energy began to consume his hands, Al didn’t hesitate to strike as he punched The Harvest in the face, his superhuman strength making his mask shatter to pieces. He nearly lost his balance, Harrison clutching his bleeding face as he just laughed. He snickered viciously, his vile eyes staring into Al’s soul, a young hero he once trusted. Someone he thought he could easily manipulate as well as the other players.

“You’re a dead man Atom Smasher.....I thought I could trust you!! But you are just like all of those metahumans...you care for nothing but yourselves, collateral damage doesn’t matter to you guys!!!  I was the one who was going to end your race!!!” Harrison yelled, his voice like the scorching of fire as Atom Smasher stood his guard, trying to ignore his bitter judgement.

“Maybe you’re right....but everything you’ve done, all of this, it isn’t right. Trust me Harrison. I know your son’s death hurt you; believe me I know how grief and pain feels like. That it takes everything you loved away from you. But you’re pushing yourself to do the wrong thing; you’re hurting people just to make yourself feel better. You know I’m right....I know there’s a guilty conscience telling you you’re making the worst mistake. I need you to stop this...” Al muttered as he tried to make Harrison see that what he was doing was wrong. The villain just scowled at Al’s statement, his hands clenched into tight fists until his knuckles turned white.

“You know nothing about right or wrong, Al! You’re as petty as that weasel uncle of yours; you’re just a pathetic slimeball like him!!! I appreciate your kind words Al Rothstein, but it isn’t enough to justify your existence!!!!!” Harrison yelled as he barrelled his fists towards Al, preparing to strike him down like a predator out for blood as Al tried to keep fighting, his muscles stiffly shaking from the intense fighting he constantly threw himself into. He hated the insults he spoke in his uncle’s name, motivating him to stand his ground, to make sure The Harvest would be punished for his horrid acts. At this moment, he felt affiliated to the desire he had to punch him in the face. He charged at Harrison, punching him repeatedly whatever chance he got. He was about to let all of his vengeance and anger consume him, just like it had consumed Teth-Adam. He felt like he was going to break his moral code at any moment, to become the kind of hero they were always told to fear. The hero who would take justice into his own hands.

Before The Harvest could gain an upper hand, a heavy gust of wind swallowed him whole as it dragged him into the air, propelling his body across the rigidity tornado into the gas chambers. Harrison screamed in pain, in relish as Atom Smasher watched in relief, his breath enervated. Up above, Cyclone made her entrance into the labs, manipulating the tornado through a sheer force of will as the time around her slowed down, gust dangerously generating from her fingertips. Harrison screamed in pain, the pieces of armour crackled to pieces and breaking apart from his skin as his power was completely gone from his reach, red energy fading from his body like a dimming light. Atom Smasher waited on the ground, trying to avoid the explosive impact of winds. He was in awe of Maxine’s strength as she showed Harrison no mercy, the wind nearly crushing him as his armour broke apart, permanently destroyed as he screamed in agony, begging for his suffering to end amid his pitiless cries for help. “See you in hell...” Maxine muttered, her voice almost intimidating to hear as the weakened and defeated Harrison crashed to the ground, the violent winds making the fall more painful as he fell unconscious to the floor. Maxine stood before the destruction she’d caused, in relief that her sworn enemy was defeated. Her satisfied gaze met with Al as he swiftly approached his teammate, checking on her after the intense battle they just faced.

“Maxine!!” Atom Smasher rushed towards her, proud to see her alive and well. He tried to catch his breath. “Did we win?” Al asked, his voice calming after the violent storm of battle. “Yeah, I finally got the chance to beat Harrison’s ass. You....uh....did great out there” Maxine praised as Al couldn’t suppress the smile underneath his mask. “You did great also....when you summoned those winds; I was just awestruck by your abilities. Thanks for that, that guy really deserved it” Al admitted, trying to hide the fact he almost let his rage consume him, happy that The Harvest and his operation had been brought to justice. Maxine smiled that assuring smile, setting Al’s twisted heart at ease. “No problem Al” Maxine muttered as Al nodded graciously, the two heroes bringing their focus back to their defeated enemy, the unconscious Harrison lying amid the destruction of his labs. They were planning to extract him from the mess they’d made, away for a more suitable punishment...

---

N.O.W.H.E.R.E Headquarters

Outside

Vehicles under the employment of ARGUS were wailing into the scene as they were sent to subdue most of Nowhere’s members, including Harrison Cade. The headquarters were filled with militaristic soldiers, marching into the table for inspection and arresting those who served the company. They were taking the time to nurse others back to health, including the players, whom were recovering from their perilous battles with the guards, alerting the authorities of a delinquent’s presence as they went to arrest them. The place was coordinated off away from the public eye, spectators trying to identify the cause of the situation as they failed miserably. ARGUS had been dispatched by Amanda Waller to take down the NOWHERE operation and to clean up the mess the JSA had made. Al and Maxine observed as the soldiers took over their dirty work, relieved that the organisation had been disbanded. They were glad that their reign of terror was over. They watched as Harrison was escorted into the van of soldiers, his hands cuffed, as he was taken as their prisoner. Al observed begrudgingly as Harrison was taken away to where he belonged, the matter of taking alleviation into his own hands made him think of himself a true hero, someone who would get his hands dirty just to protect the people that mattered – his community. But Al couldn’t excel the heavy thought still knawing at his chest, that he could have handled things in a better light. The Harvest extracted a painful toll upon him and Maxine, pushing them both to their limits. He swore he could have killed him, had Maxine not destroyed his armour quick enough. He knew that he had to become a better hero. He needed to step up if he was going to protect everyone who mattered to him. He knew he was still young and that it’s acceptable to make mistakes, but he still had loads of time to improve. He was going to become the hero the community and the Justice Society expecting him to be.

His train of thought was interrupted by the unprecedented arrival of Hawkman, who landed amid the parole of authority like a plane going down a runaway. His ethereal, gold wings defending him from the sunlight’s gaze, walking towards Al and Maxine with a proud stride. The two heroes came to greet their leader, proud that he was here to deal with the aftermath. “I always knew you would show up...” Al muttered, trying not to hide the joyfulness in his voice as he linked arms with Carter, giving him a friendly greeting. He eventfully went to Maxine and shook her hand, smiling unconditionally.

“Al, Maxine, it’s great to see you! I’ve come here to congratulate the two of us. This operation wouldn’t have been shut down without your cooperation. Those players are safe and sound...and well....The Harvest has earned himself some jail time. Thank you for all you’ve done” Carter explained, congratulating his youthful teammates for their heroic efforts. Al smiled uncontrollably, astounded by his kind words.

“That’s sweet of you, Carter. But I kinda missed you out there man...you could of been useful at our side” Al muttered, his words welcomed to a sarcastic smile from Carter. “Says the one who signed up to become the mascot of a high school football team. What can I say Atom Smasher, I’m impressed” Carter joked, a warm smile on his face. It showed that the winged hero still had the levity in him. “Always banter” Maxine chuckled, the three heroes enraptured in laughter as they were all at friendly terms, glad to be reunited once again.

“You’re always welcome to return to the Justice Society if you wish, the people in this city will need you two. It needs its local heroes.” Hawkman explained, turning his focus towards the players as they recuperated in an ARGUS van, healing from the strain they’d experienced. “These players need someone to teach them the ropes. They have the rich potential of become full-fledged heroes, just like you. There young and bright, with a future ahead of them. They’ll need all the time in the world to come to terms with their new abilities, powers they are coming to understand. They need us to take them under their wing. They’ll need our guidance” Hawkman explained as Al and Maxine nodded, abiding by their leader’s truthful words.

“They’ll need all the guidance in the world. I’ve been in these players’ position, and it took some time for me to truly accept my gifts. We won’t let you down Carter” Maxine muttered, determination in her voice as Carter nodding, hopeful that she’ll keep her promise. “Thank you. They could really use it” Hawkman muttered as the three heroes observed the players, looking forward to take on new recruits and to show them the true meaning of becoming heroes. As they watched ARGUS clean out what remained of the headquarters, the convoy detaining the imprisoned Harrison driving off into the gravitating streets as he was being taken away to where he belonged, a place where he couldn’t harm metahumans no more...

---

Ford City

Noon

The afternoon sun was settling in on a winding day as Al sat on a bench, admiring the scenery staring back at him. It put his mind at ease after all of the intensity and pain they went through the past couple of days, it was earning for him and Maxine to finally catch a break. He was proud to see Maxine show up at their designated location as she sat beside him, a proud smile on her face. “Hey Maxine, how are you holding up? I’m sure taking Ryan and the others under our wings is a lot of responsibility” Al asked, a warm smile growing on Maxine’s lips. “I’m great. Nowhere has been shut down due to the history of illegal metahuman experimentation getting out. Cade is sentenced to life in ARGUS custody, so I don’t think he’ll be a problem to us now” Maxine explained as she sat beside Al, feeling the warmth of the illuminating sun strike against the pier as Albert was glad to hear this news.

“Yeah, that’s all I needed to hear” Al muttered.

The two heroes gazed into the sunset above, at the landscape that was beyond Ford City as it was so beautiful to the human eye. Maxine traded a lovelorn look with Al, surrounded by an awkward silence. They knew of the feelings they harboured for one another, that they were too blind to conceal their truths. Maxine broke into the silence, a question to spare. “So....is this a date?” Maxine asked as Al nearly choked on embarrassment, chuckling to hide his surprise over his teammate’s words.

 “Uh.....no.....maybe, I dunno. I came here to tell you where my feelings stand” Al explained, his honesty welcomed to an astounded look from Maxine, who from the mesmerising look in her eyes, she was interested to hear his confession. “And where is that, may I ask?” Maxine asked, her voice assuring as Al pushed all of his nervous energy aside, letting it all sink in to his chest as he was prepared to make an honest confession. He hated to admit it to himself, but Maxine was the warm light in his life who kept him going. She made all the insecurities about himself melt away as it took all of his bravery to communicate his message. “I....like you; I’ve liked you ever since that fateful day we met. It’s just...all my life I’ve always had doubts about my powers, I’ve had insecurities that I wouldn’t be taken back to the JSA or that I would become useless to you guys....but Maxine, the moment we fought side by side in Kahndaq, all of my insecurities, all of the fears and doubts I felt about myself, they went away because of you. You made me feel like I mattered, even if it was for just one day. You’ve been the light in my life since then, and you always will be” Al explained as he could see the love and devotion in her eyes, he could tell she felt the same way too. Maxine put her hand to her heart, eyes welling of gracious tears. “Thank you, Al...” Maxine muttered as she came in for a kiss, catching Al off guard. It was a soft and tender embrace, something he’d been longing for as he took it as a reciprocation of her love. He almost forgot he was a hero at that moment, that was how content and at peace Al felt with earning Maxine’s love. Maxine pulled away from the kiss, nestling her head against Al’s shoulder as the two sat by the illuminating sunset, amongst the population of a bustling and brisk city. Al was proud that he and Maxine could finally move on to the next chapter, away from the hardships of conflict and pain. They were ready to start their own future...

The End