Chapter Text
(Orchid Bay; California, The Grand Smith Mansion, Day). It was a new day; the snow was now a constant as Christmas was only a day away. Joe, Doris and Val were doing their chores to the tunes of the radio’s festive music. Meanwhile, Edwin was in the middle of flight training in the wide open spaces of his grandfather's underground workshop. Donovan himself was looking up at Edwin as he zoomed through the air with his jet propelled boots. For extra safety, Edwin was wearing safety straps, his grandfather’s military helmet and aviator goggles.
Dialogue:
Donovan: “Good! That’s good!”
Edwin smiled as he continued to laser through the air but the hiccups arose. Unfortunately, Edwin started losing his balance and by proxy control of his jet boots.
Donovan: “Damn.”
Donovan was readying his own jetpack, preparing to take off. He had bent his knees as exhaust blasted from his back, however someone else beat him to the punch. Phil leapt into the air and caught Edwin out of the air, cushioning the teenager's collision before falling down to his feet, Edwin in hand.
Edwin: “ Phew! Thank you, Mr. Phil.”
Phil: “No go splat.”
Edwin: “No go splat.”
Phil gently placed Edwin on his feet as Donovan approached the duo, patting Phil on the back and thanking him for saving his grandson.
Edwin: “This is so frustrating! It’s been two days, why am I not getting this?! I quickly took to your combat training for Pete’s sake!”
Edwin pouted and Donovan smiled.
Donovan: “What some advice?”
Edwin: “Of course.”
Donovan: “There’s a reason as to why I made a jetpack that I wear on my back. Can you guess why?”
Edwin: “I guess it’s for better balance, right?”
Donovan: “That’s right. Your legs aren’t strong enough to withstand the force of your boots’ exhaust and because they’re unstable from the get-go, it’s harder to control. They’ll get away from which will end up in a crash.”
Edwin sighed.
Edwin: “I had a feeling but… I just didn’t want to copy you, granddad. I wanted to make my own path.”
Donovan: “Hm. Makes sense but why don’t you try widening that path you’re going down?”
Edwin: “Yes, sir. I’ll think of something.”
Donovan rustled his grandson’s hair.
Donovan: “Joe and I are gonna head into town to get the food we need for the party tomorrow. In the meantime, take a break, huh?”
Edwin: “Alright, granddad.”
Donovan then left the workshop. Edwin took off his safety straps, the helmet, safety goggles and his jet propelled boots before going to leave the workshop.
Edwin: “Mr. Phil, I’ll be going for a walk.”
Phil nodded, Edwin replied with one of his own and then left. Edwin got dressed for the cold weather and began his trek around the mansion, kicking up the snow that covered the stone path. He had arrived by the garage side of the house when he saw the large swing door open up and Donovan’s blue Bedford JC flying out with his grandfather and Joe inside. Edwin waved to them and Donovan responded with the honk of the horn before they drove through the front gates. After seeing them off, he turned back to the closing garage door where something within caught his eye. Edwin hurried through the door before it closed, now surrounded by the many cars, vans and motorcycles that Donovan had collected over the years. It was one of these vehicles, a motorcycle, that intrigued Edwin. It was a black Harley-Davidson WL; a marvel made in Germany and sold to the American military to be used for militant endeavours. Edwin placed his hand on the seat of the motorcycle, gliding his fingers across the leather.
Edwin: “...My own path.”
A car pulled up to an abandoned warehouse; a black Cadillac Special. The driver’s door opened and Will Harangue stepped, constantly scanning his environment as he made his way towards the warehouse doors. He stepped through the large doors, regaining his confidence after escaping the open air and potential prying eyes.
Will Harangue: “Do you know how many times you’ve ringed my telephone?! The studio’s telephone?! You realise that some of us actually have jobs, right?! …Wha–?”
Will froze as stood before him was Jack, Crow and Wreck, all dressed as cowboys but their attire seemed to be a tight fight as their bodies were bulging through the fabric. Will glanced at the back wall of the warehouse and saw that the Burlap Boys; Zeke, Peter and Skeeter were facing the wall, wearing nothing but their underwear.
Will Harangue: “...Hm.”
Will hid his fear with a swallow of spit and then continued his stride forward, approaching the three large men with tusks who were sitting down on the couch in the center of the room.
Wreck: “ Ooh , it’s dat Hoorang the hackysacks were takin’ ‘bout!”
Will Harangue: “It’s Harangue , yo dolt!”
Wreck’s smile dropped to a scowl, he was about to get up when Jack stopped by putting his arm before him.
Jack: “It’s aight, Wreck. It’s jus a lil’ banter is all. Right, Hoorang ?”
Will Harangue: “...Who’re you?”
Jack: “You’re new partners, dat’s who.”
Will Harangue: “New partners?”
Crow: “You heard ‘em. Dah hackysacks told us everything’, Hoorang– they sang like the canaries they are. We know ‘bout that tight circle you done established.”
Will Harangue: ”Tight circle, huh?”
Jack: “Yup but ya see, Wreck ‘ere still doesn’t quite get it so you mind explainin’ it to ‘em?”
Wreck: “Make it quick, Hoorang.”
Harangue gritted his teeth, he glared over to the almost nude Burlap Boys and growled under his breath. He then sighed, he took off his glasses and rubbed the make-believe fog from the lenses before putting them back onto his face.
Will Harangue: “Myself, Kelly Industries and the Captain Brothers, that’s the three players in the ‘circle’ . Hm… Kelly Industries sponsor the brothers, they do the saves and I report which bumps up the viewership and pay. And as for Kelly, he gets more mulla because of the advertising that the Captain Brothers do.”
Jack: “Look at dat. Ya get it now, Wreck?”
Wreck: “Crystal, Jack.”
Crow: “That’s pretty smart ah ya, Hoorang.”
Will Harangue: “What’s gonna happen here?”
Jack: “Simple, the hackysacks were one of the ‘crooks’ that the costumed bozos had to save the day from which pours into the circle. So we’re gonna take their place. They’re cut of the pie is now ours.”
Will Harangue: “Hm. Ya know, now that I think about it… the brothers could use a challenge. They've been going after the same crooks for a while– it’ll get boring for the Harangue Nation viewers. A challenge would work great for viewership which puts more money in my pockets. You got a deal, Mr…?.”
Jack: “Dah Wreckin’ Crew and we appreciate the opportunity, Hoorang.”
Zeke: “CON FLABBIT, WILL!!! WHAT THE HELL?!!”
Jack: “Shut up! You want Wreck to squeeze you to death or what?!”
Zeke: “No, sir! Sorry, sir!”
Jack: “Dats better!”
Jack got up from the sofa and approached Will, extending a hand. Will glanced once at Jack’s hand and then shook it, sealing the deal.
Will Harangue: “I smell the rise of a great partnership.”
Jack: “Likewise. Now, let’s talk ‘bout dat raise.”
Will Harangue: “Huh?”
(The North Brothers’ Residence, Interior). Abel was making a sandwich in the kitchen when the phone in the living room started ringing. He placed down his knife covered in mayo, licking off the residual mayo from the tips of his fingers and started walking over to the phone. Suddenly, Kane quickly appears, dashing over to the phone and answering it instead.
Dialogue:
Kane: “I got it!”
Abel held up his hands in surrender and walked back to his sandwich in progress. Kane watched as his brother got away from ear shot before he began talking into the phone, still in hush tones.
Kane: “Will? What is it?”
Will Harangue: “I got a save for you, that's what! What time is it now– oh, it’s 2. Get suited by 3 and go on patrol in Orchid Bay’s square.”
Kane: “The Burlap Boys again?”
Will Harangue: “Just get ready, alright?!”
Will then hung up the phone without another word. Kane placed the phone down as Abel shouted from the kitchen; “Was that Will again?!”
Kane: “No… wrong number!”
Abel: “Alright!”
Kane had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach but foolishly, he ignored it. He went over to the kitchen to talk with his brother who was already digging into his mayo and baloney sandwich.
Abel: “Oh yea. Peltra’s done with the suit repairs, they’re in my room.”
Kane: “Oh, good. Great. Yea yea, that’s great.”
Abel: “Kane, you alright?”
Kane: “No– I just uh…”
Abel: “Kane?”
Kane: “...It’s nothing.”
Abel: “Are you sure?”
Kane: “Yea yea, I’m fine. I’m good.”
Abel: “Alright.”
Kane: “Mhm. Oh, we got patrol.”
Abel: “Alright. Let me just finish this sandwich.”
Kane: “Cool. In the meantime, I guess I’ll listen to the radio or something.”
Abel: “No ladies?”
Kane: “The pool froze over.”
(The Valley Market, Interior). Donovan and Joe were inside, grabbing the food they needed for tomorrow’s Christmas party; dough, sugar and frosting for the Christmas cookies and gingerbread men; ingredients for stuffing and the turkey that was to be stuffed; the ham to be roasted and fruits for the Christmas fruit cake and cranberry sauce. They had their grocery baskets in hand, pacing through one of the aisles, working their way down the list.
Dialogue:
Joe: “So Edwin wants to help make the world better, huh?”
Donovan: “You should’ve seen his eyes, Joey. They were– well, they were kinda like yours.”
Joe: “Oh yea?”
Donovan: “Mhm. It reminded me of the story you told me about how you made that dirty cop drop his gun with that stare.”
Joe: “Woah. That serious?”
Donovan: “That serious.”
Joe: “The Captains really inspired him, huh?”
Donovan: “That’s just the tip of the iceberg from what I understand.”
Joe: “So there’s more to the story I see.”
Joe looked over to Donovan and they locked eyes for a moment.
Joe: “Oh wait, you too?!”
Donovan: “Mhm. I guess it was bound to happen. He had no-one after his parents died– my son and daughter-in-law. I did my best to raise that boy up–.”
Joe: “And you did great, uncle Donovan.”
Donovan: “Maybe a bit too great, Joey. Now he wants to put his life on the line… and I couldn't say no. I couldn’t extinguish that fire, that stubborn flame.”
Joe: “But you’ll be with him, right? Watching over him?”
Donovan: “Of course I will. I’ve been doing that for years before, why stop now. But… he’s not like you, Joey. He’s not like anyone else in the house, if he gets hurt… it’ll stick.”
Joe placed his hand on Donovan’s shoulder to reassure him.
Joe: “We’ll keep him safe too, uncle Donovan. We’ll be there to look out for him– all of us in the house. We’re family after all, right?”
Donovan chuckled.
Donavan: “There goes that damn Jeralds Resolve again. Thank you, Joey.”
The two then shared a smile. However, Joe’s smile quickly dropped as his hand slowly fell from Donovan’s shoulder. Joe started looking around the store which prompted Donovan to do the same. He then stepped up to Joe and asked with a whisper; “What do you hear?”
Joe: “A rampage… coming this way.”
There was a sudden explosion and debris went flying outside the store. Donovan quickly barked; “Get down!” to everyone in the store, his commanding voice entrancing people into doing just that. The explosion of rubble died down with the windows of the Valley Market being the only things that were damaged.
Donovan: “Everyone, stay here! Joe, come with me!”
Joe and Donovan went outside to smoke which Joe quickly expunged with a strong clap, the dust concealing his show of power. After the smoke cleared, three individuals were revealed that made Joe’s eyes widened and mouth to be agape.
Donovan: “Joey? You know these three?”
Joe: “Uncle Donovan, that’s The Wrecking Crew.”
Donovan: “Those are Claw’s goons?”
Joe: "Yeah but they're supposed to be in the Citiesville prison. How’re they here?”
Donovan: “It’s still hard to keep E.V.O.s incarcerated, Joey.”
Joe: “It doesn’t make this situation any less bad. We have to do something.”
Joe was about to fly off when Donovan reined him in and pulled him into the alleyway behind the grocery store.
Donovan: “Calm yourself, Joey! You almost blew your cover for Pete’s sake!”
Joe: "Right, you're right. I’m sorry.”
Donovan: ‘It's fine. You just need to hide that mug of yours before you start intervening.”
Donovan handed Joe the keys to the van and explained; “My cap is in the backseat, use it to hide that bright blonde hair of yours and use your scarf to cover your face.”
Joe: “Yes, sir.”
Donovan: “In the meantime, I’ll get the people to the pier, away from the fight that’s gonna happen.”
Joe replied; “Right!” before running towards the blue Bedford JC. Donovan then hurried off afterwards and not a moment after, a van pulled up in that same alleyway. Donovan burst through the doors of the Valley Market and began evacuating people out and away from the brewing rampage.
Wreck: “Look at ’em, runnin’!”
Crow: “Where are those caped bozos at?! What’s takin’ ‘em?!”
Jack lifted a car over his head.
Jack: “They’ll be ‘ere.”
He was gearing up to throw the car when it was swiftly snatched from his hands and gently placed down on the ground a few metres away.
Crow: “The heck?”
It was Joe; wearing a dark blue “Shag Carpeting” cap and using his red scarf to cover the majority of his place.
Jack: ‘What a tick, those blue eyes… That you, copper?!”
Wreck: “Eh? Copper? Ya don’t mean–?”
Crow put on his glasses to get a better look at their potential adversary.
Crow: “Oh, dat is you! So this is where you went after Townsville, huh?!”
Joe: “...What’re you doing here?! And… why’re you three dressed as cowboys?”
Wreck: “We don’t have tah answer tah you!”
Joe: “Whatever, I’ll get my answer after I get you three out of here.”
Jack: “ Get us outta ‘ere? Good luck, copper, we ain’t goin’ nowhere!”
Joe answered; “We’ll see about that.” as he flew forward. He threw out a punch that, to his shock, was countered by Jack’s.
Jack: “You ah flyboy now, eh? Got even stronger too but you ain’t the only one.”
Crow charged into Joe, aiming to ram him into a parked taxi cab. Seeing that there were still people in the vicinity, Joe planted his feet that instantly stopped Crow’s stride. Joe's feet dug up the asphalt as he stopped Crow’s forward momentum. Joe struck Crow in the gut, lifted him up and slammed him to the ground. However, Joe was sent flying into the side of a building by a punch from Wreck. Joe and some rubble landed on the ground, scaring more people to safety. Joe looked around and saw the people running scared, he then looked up in the air where he saw Wreck already leaping after him. Joe got on his feet and flew at Wreck, ramming into his gut but then kept going.
Joe: “Will the others follow me?!”
Wreck: “Wha– what?!”
Joe’s questions were answered as Jack and Crow began leaping after him, going from roof to roof. Jack yelled; “Gotcha!” as he and Crow latched onto Joe, putting all their weight onto him in the attempt to obstruct his flight. All three men started attacking Joe, hitting him with a flurry of punches from every angle, trying their hardest to bring him down. Wreck landed a lucky blow to the back of Joe’s head with a double axe handle which caused all four men to crash back down to the ground where they ricocheted off the asphalt until they skidded to stop. Joe got up, seeing Donovan leading all the scared citizens away from danger and towards the Orchid bay pier.
Joe: “Good.”
While Donovan was leading people to safety, he saw both Will Harangue and Dylan Lee going the opposite direction, away from the pier.
Donovan: “Hey, where the heck are you going?!”
Will Harangue: “To get the story! What do you think?!”
Just then, The Captain Brothers pulled up in their Captain Cruiser.
Captain Righteous: “Woah! Woah! Woah! Be careful! People!”
Captain Nemesis: “I got it! I got it!”
Captain Nemesis skirted around the people as they rushed to the pier. Seeing the Captain Brothers drive towards the action, Will first smiled, he then draped Dylan by the arm of his shirt and began pulling him along.
Dylan Lee: “Would you stop, do you want the camera to fall?!”
Will Harangue: “Just get going!”
Back over to Joe; he was holding his own against the Wrecking Crew but their claim of aching greater strength since they last met was proven with each punch they landed.
Jack: “Get ‘em, Wreck!”
Wreck leapt at Joe and threw a punch, striking Joe in the face. Wreck readied another punch but Joe caught it this time around, he then flattened the brute into the ground with a punch of his own. Joe was then struck from the left by Crow but he retaliated with a swinging backhand, sending Crow flying. Jack charged in with a kick to the chest that Joe luckily caught with both hands before throwing Jack into a parked car.
Wreck: “Dis guy might be stronger dan we thought.”
Jack barked; “No he ain’t!” as he rose from what was left of the car he was thrown into. Joe stared down all three brutes and after a moment of silence, Jack was first to charge ahead but his path was obstructed by the Captain Cruiser.
Captain Nemesis: “What the heck?!”
Captain Righteous and Captain Nemesis then stepped out of the cruiser, immediately drawing their weapons and taking aim at all four individuals.
Joe: “You guys need to get out of here! It’s not safe!”
Captain Righteous: “Huh…?”
Captain Nemesis: “Pipe down, foul! All four of you are all under arrest!”
Captain Righteous: “Hold on, Nemesis! Just come quietly, all of you! The city doesn’t need anymore destruction!”
Jack caught Will Harangue and his cameraman Dylan in the short distance, using a parked, nearly ruined car as a shield. Jack then chuckled.
Captain Nemesis: “What’s so funny?!”
Jack: ”It ain’t gonna be that easy, Cap !”
Will Harangue: “Dylan, roll camera!”
Dylan Lee: “I’m doing it! I’m doing it!”
The people had fully evacuated to the pier, assembling within the pier’s major food court called “The Touch Stones” . Donovan was with the people watching the impromptu airing of Harangue Nation on the three television sets that were available in the food court.
Will Harangue: “People’s fears can finally be put to rest as America’s finest, The Captain Brothers, have arrived!”
Donovan heard a crowd member commented; “Oh, thank goodness! Thank god for Will, huh?”
Another crowd member barked; “Yea, get those freaks a nature, Cap Bros!”
Donovan: “Hm.”
Back on the scene, Jack began slowly approaching the Captain Brothers, bearing his tusks with a devilish grin.
Captain Nemesis: “Don’t come any closer, freak!”
Joe: “You two need to go! These guys are too strong for you!”
Will Harangue: “Says you, ya freak! You’ve been terrorising our city for the past thirty minutes!”
Joe: “I wasn’t– I’m just trying to help!”
Will Harangue: “Trying to help ?! Heroes help! Monsters like you only destroy!"
Cheers and applause were sounding off at the food court, smiles and claps were everywhere Donovan looked. He was the odd-one-out in the sea of praise, not moving an inch to clap his hands and still brandishing a neutral expression.
Captain Righteous: “We can’t leave but you might want to listen to the… to the man, Will!”
Will Harangue: “You siding with the freaks, Captain?!”
Captain Righteous: “Not, I just–.”
Will Harangue: “I’m not leaving, Righteous! The people need to see this, they need hope and I am the one qualified to give the people what they want! Now go get these guys, huh?!”
Captain Nemesis: “...Gladly.”
Captain Nemesis opened fire at the Wrecking and Joe, Jack being the first of his targets. Jack shielded himself from the array of bullets with his proportionally large forearms, muscling through the pain.
Crow/Wreck: “Jack!”
Wreck leapt into the air and Captain Nemesis then turned his gun, filling him up with bullets but the brute was undeterred. Additionally, Captain Nemesis had unfortunately run out of bullets. Since he was now defenseless, being forced to reload, Captain Righteous stepped before Captain Nemesis opened fire at Wreck. Even so, Wreck was still coming after the brothers but luckily, Joe tackled Wreck out of the sky and into the side of a building.
Crow: “You’re gettin’ on our nerves, copper!”
Joe got off the unconscious Wreck and turned to the Captain Brothers.
Joe: “Are you–?”
There was a sudden bang, the sound of gun fire, the speed of a bullet flying through the air and the sound of it hitting against skin. Joe saw the nozzle Captain Nemesis’ gun seeping with smoke as he felt a sharp pain on his face. Joe felt his face, running his finger along what should be a wound, only feeling a small dent in his skin instead. Distracted by the proof of his growth, Joe was snuck by Crow who struck him in the face and sent him flying.
Captain Righteous: “Wait!”
Captain Nemesis: “Are you kidding me?!”
Captain righteous: “He just saved your life , dammit!”
Will Harangue: “The hell is going on over there?!”
Jack, Crow and Wreck got back on their feet and both Captains noticed all the bullets they filled them with were being forced out of their bodies.
Captain Nemesis: “Man, that’s gross.”
Wreck: “ Argh , that always hurts!"
Jack: “Tell me about it!”
Jack glanced at the brothers and then slammed the ground with both fists, sending out a shockwave that knocked both men off their feet and their guns from their grasp. Jack gave Will another look and a smile before he then slowly began to approach the downed Captain Brothers.
Will Harangue: “...Hold on a minute…”
Jack stepped over the brothers and took up Captain Righteous, holding him up by the neck.
Jack: “Yer a funny lil’ toy, ain’t ya?”
Captain Nemesis roared; “Wait, let him go! ” as he struggled to his feet, grabbing both guns quickly afterwards. He was ready to shoot but Captain Nemesis was snatched off his feet by Crow and thrown through a store window. Everyone watching the broadcast was taken aback as Donovan could hear a multitude of gasps of shocks and murmurs of fear resonating around him. A member of the crowd pleaded; “ Ho– where'd the guy that was there! Help them, huh?!”
Donovan said to himself; “ Now you want his help.”
Captain Righteous was trying to free himself from Jack’s grip but to no avail as the brute was too strong and the captain’s punches were doing nothing but tickling him.
Jack: “I got an idea. Ey Crow, see if you can hotwire dis thing! Do whatever you did to dah van or whateva!”
Crow put on his glasses and responded; “I gotcha.” before going over to the Captain Cruiser. There was a loud bang and then the Captain Cruiser’s engine revved up.
Crow: “Let’s get going’, huh?!”
Wreck yelled; “Shotgun!” as he ran over to the car with Jack following behind.
Captain Righteous: “Hey, let go of me!”
Jack grinned at Will one last time before he and the rest of the Wrecking Crew drove off. Will and everyone in the Touch Stone food court were silent, mouths wide open but the words could not come. Will’s grip on his microphone tightened, looking to his left, he noticed that Dylan had the camera pointed at him so he quickly shifted his expression from aggravation to a more professional one. He cleared his throat and held the microphone to his mouth.
(The Grand Smith Mansion, Interior). His eyes opened, their vision recalibrating themselves to the evening sun that was shining through the window of the room he was in. The room was well kept, everything was neatly organised down to the smallest detail. The man sat up in the bed, looking down at his body; he was shirtless, only having on his orange pants, dark grey belt and black boots. The man’s torso was covered in medical tape, covering up the wounds that he had sustained. Looking over to the chair to his left, the man saw the rest of his costume; the orange top, reverse mask and pitch black cape.
Dialogue:
Kane: “The heck am I?”
Kane quietly got out of bed, out of the room and down the hallway. He was about to call for his brother but he held back his voice so as to not alert anyone. After venturing a bit further, Kane started hearing another’s voice and it got louder and louder the closer he got to the source. He arrived at the doorway that led to the living room, staying hidden from everyone inside the room; Joe, Donovan, Edwin, Doris, Val and Phil. Kane mouthed the words; “What the hell?” from the sight of everyone watching the evening news on the television set.
Stanley Whitfield: "Earlier today– on Harangue Nation, The Captain Brothers had faced off against new threats! What’s different from every other instance of this was that these crooks were E.V.O.s and because of this, Captain Brothers were unfortunately outmatched as both brothers were taken by these E.V.O.s after the battle.”
Joe: “If I wasn’t knocked out, I could’ve saved Captain Righteous too.”
Kane: “ You bright me here?”
Kane gasped, realising that he just made his presence known. Everyone turned to face Kane who was stunned for a moment.
Kane: “I… uh…”
Edwin: “Captain Nemesis!”
Donovan: “Look who's awake. How you feeling?”
Kane: “I’m… Where am I?”
Donovan stood up, he approached Kane who took a few steps back on instinct. Donovan smiled and then backed off a bit as to not startle Kane anymore.
Kane: “Are you all… E.V.O.s?”
Joe stood up from the sofa and asked; “What if we were, will that be a problem?”
Edwin: “Joe! Please!”
Donovan: “It’s alright, it’s alright. He’s passionate about E.V.O.s”
Kane: “I uh… my brother, I need to find my brother. Uh, thank you– I guess but I gotta go now. Alright? Alright.”
Kane then ran off.
Edwin: “But– Wait!”
Donovan: “Let him go, Eddie.”
Joe then went to leave the room, prompting Doris to ask; “Where are you going?” in her signature monotone voice.
Joe: “To clean my room. Gotta get all the Captain Nemesis germs out.”
Donovan: “Take it easy with the cleaning supplies, Joey.”
Joe: “Yes, sir.”
Kane was in the backyard, by the bench, putting on the rest of his Captain Nemesis costume. Edwin approached the bench and sat down, Kane noticed the boy but didn’t respond, continuing to put on his boots.
Edwin: “You and Captain Righteous– you two were some of my motivations to do what I did that night.”
Kane: “What night? Wait a minute…”
Kane took a good look at Edwin, eventually having a realisation; “Wait, that was you?! Ya could’ve killed yourself, kid!” Kane then took a seat, putting some space between himself and Edwin.
Edwin: “Doesn’t that go doubly for you and Captain Righteous?”
Kane: “Hm… touché.”
Edwin: “Sacrifice is a part of heroism.”
Kane, a smile appearing on his face, asked; “You uh– you picked that up from us too?”
Edwin: “Not particularly, no.”
Kane’s smile instantly disappeared.
Kane: “Oh.”
Edwin: “That I learned from my grandfather, he was a soldier. It was seeing his actions as a soldier that made me want to do my part in making the world better.”
Kane: “To make the world better, huh? Hm. Was that uh– was that your grandfather back there?”
Edwin: “Yes. He was a decorated major of The World War. You might know him as ‘The Living Bullet’ of ‘The Crack Commandos’ .”
Kane: “Maybe. Abe probably knows more, though. Ya know, you kinda remind me of my brother… he uh, he wanted to help make this piece of rock better too.”
Edwin: “We can help find Captain Righteous, you know? It’s the least we can do. I would be remiss to not mention that it would be a dream to help the people that inspired me.”
Kane sighed.
Kane: “Look kid–.”
Edwin: “Edwin.”
Kane: “Right, Edwin. Look Edwin, that’s cool and all but trust me, we’re not people you should be looking up to. Well… I guess I should say that… I’m not.”
Edwin: “What do you mean?”
Kane: “Abel, this wasn’t where he saw our lives going– he wanted the movie life.”
Edwin: “Vanity?”
Kane: “No no no… not even close. He wanted to help make the world better like you but he wanted to do that with stories because he believed that they had the power to make society better. Challenge their mindset, their ideas– make them think, ya know.”
Edwin: “I see.”
Kane chuckled, prompting Edwin to ask; “What’s so funny?"
Kane: “No uh… Abel would write stories down in this uh– this little notebook that he has. And I just realised that I never read any of them. Sometimes I think ‘Man, these won’t leave the page ’ cuz I know that these suits don’t care about stories like Abe does, they’re not as passionate as him… they only care about profit and all that.”
Kane turned to Edwin and declared; “I have to save him.” He then got up and before he walked off, he made another declaration.
Kane: “And after I do… I’m going to finally read one of his stories.”
(North Brothers Residence, Day). Captain Nemesis was dropped off before the mansion by Donovan, rushing out of his red Maserati A6, preparing to dash over to the front gates. Before he made the first step however, Donovan called out to the caped man.
Dialogue:
Donovan: “Hey, you sure you don’t want any help?!”
Captain Nemesis: “It’s uh– it’s best if we don’t ever cross paths again!”
Donovan: “Hm. Sure.”
Donovan drove off, Captain Nemesis watched their retreating form and when they were away from sight, he then opened the gates and ran into the yard. He ran inside the house and right to the house phone, picking it up and dialing in the number of Will Harangue.
Captain Nemesis: “We need to talk! Now! ”
Some time later, as the sun was going down, Captain Nemesis arrived at the Burlap Boys’ hideout. The captain’s eyes narrowed with rage with a deep scowl, he gritted his teeth and clenched his fists as he trekked through the snow. An anger was boiling within him, a flaming inferno that was dying to be freed from the cage of restraint. He pushed open the large warehouse doors, using his anger as strength.
Captain Nemesis: “HARANGUE!!!”
Wreck: “Eh, he’s ‘ere!”
Captain Nemesis: “Hold on…”
Scanning the room, Captain Nemesis saw The Wrecking Crew dressed as cowboys sitting in the lone sofa while the Burlap Boys were standing almost nude in the corner of the room. On his knees before the sofa was Captain Nemesis’ brother, Abel, tied up and battered and bruised.
Captain Righteous: “...Ka– Kane.”
Captain Nemesis: “Abe…”
The last person that the captain locked eyes with was Will Harangue, cleaning off his glasses before putting them back on his face.
Captain Nemesis: “What the heck is this, Will?! HU?!!! ”
Crow: “ Oooh , he mad.”
Jack: “Wanna let ‘em in on the know, Hoornag?”
Will Harangue: “You know my damn name!”
Jack: “That was cute. Anyway, ya gonna tell ‘em or not, Hoorang?”
Captain Nemesis: “What’re they talkin’ about, Will?!”
Will sighed as he faced the captain, pushing his glasses up on the bridge of his nose.
Will Harangue: “Here’s the thing, Kane. The Burlap Boys have been replaced– more like a hostile takeover…”
Crow: “I was just gonna say dat.”
Will Harangue: “These three oafs are going to be the ‘big bad’ of The Captain Brothers from now on.”
Captain Nemesis: “You want us to work with them?! Look at what they did to Abel?!”
Will Harangue: “This was just a–.”
Captain Nemesis: “Just a ‘what’ , Will?!”
Wreck: “We told ya he wouldn’t go fer it.”
Jack: "I think he thinks that has a choice in all dis. This is dah status quo now! Got it, hero ?!”
Captain Nemesis glanced down at his battered brother and roared; “No! No! I won’t– we won’t do this! Ya know what?! We’re done, you hear me?! We’re through !”
Captain Righteous: “Kane… what’s going on?”
Captain Nemesis: “We’re getting out of here, Abe.”
Captain ran up to his brother, going over to untie him when Will pushed him back. The anger within Captain Nemesis finally burst forth and he then punched Will in the face which initiated a brawl between the two men.
Wreck: “Haha! Look at ‘em go!”
Captain Nemesis: “This ends now, Harangue!”
Will Harangue: “You think you have the authority to put an end to any of this?! We have a good thing going on here and you’re not gonna mess that up! You hear me?!”
Captain Righteous: “Ka… Kane…”
Captain Nemesis clocked Will in the face twice and added a strike to the gut.
Captain Nemesis: “I can’t believe I ever trusted you! I can’t believe I approved any of this– dragged my brother into it!”
Will Harangue: “Ha! Ah– all of a sudden… you’re growing a conscious?! Get over yourself!"
Will threw a punch that Captain Nemesis weaved under, he then socked Will, breaking his glasses in two in the process. Will was in a daze and Captain Nemesis reeled back a punch to end the bout but before he could, Captain Nemesis was launched across the room, landing on his back. The captain was writhing in pain as he propped himself up on his elbows. Jack walked past Will, stepping before Captain Nemesis.
Jack: “Aight, dats enough. You good, Hoorang?”
Will Harangue: “I’ll live.”
Jack: “Good.”
Jack knelt down and held Captain Nemesis up by his head, he then ripped his reverse mask off, revealing Kane’s full face.
Kane: “Let me go… you bastard!”
Jack: “I’ve been called worse. Now, talkin’ to ya didn’t work– not like it was needed. Ya gonna be a part of dis, Captain . Dis is your new life now, got dat? So I suggest dat ya enjoy it.”
There was a sudden knock on the warehouse doors, quieting the room.
Crow: “Who’s knockin’?!”
Jack: “Dah heck? Ya said ya weren’t followed, Hoorang!”
Will Harangue: “I wasn’t !”
Jack: “Then, who’s–?!”
The doors of the warehouse creaked open, silencing the room once again. Coming through the door was everyone from The Grand Smith Mansion; Donovan, Edwin, Joe, Doris, Val and Phil walking in side by side. Joe, Donovan and Doris were straight-faced, especially the latter. Val was walking in leisurely with his Mighty Axe over his shoulder. As for Edwin, he was on Phil’s left shoulder as the big purple brute walked in.
Kane: “You… you followed me?”
Joe: “I did, I was more than fast enough to keep up.”
Jack: “Ya know deez yahoos?!”
Donovan: “He does. We’re not close, though.”
Captain Righteous: “Kane, what’s going on… who’re these people?”
Kane: “Guys please… save my brother.”
Jack yelled; “Shut up!” as he threw Kane to the ground.
Jack: “We ain’t backin’ down, ya hear me?!”
Donovan: “Yea, you don’t seem that smart… Go get ‘em, kids.”
Joe roared; “Let’s go!” as he, Doris and Val charged ahead. Phil, on the other hand, hadn’t moved from where he stood.
Edwin: “Mr. Phil… go, make a difference.”
Phil gently placed Edwin down on his feet before joining the others in their charge. Joe took flight, with a neck roll Doris activated her armoured skin and Val morphed into his godly form with a bolt of divine lighting from above. Seeing all this, Phil was invigorated, letting out a beastly roar as he ran towards the enemy. The two opposite forces eventually clashed in the middle, the battle had started. While the battle raged on in the background, Kane managed to find the strength to get up, go over to his brother and untie him.
Kane: “Abe, I’m so sorry.”
Kane helped his brother upon his feet.
Captain Righteous: “We’re going to need to… talk after all this is over.”
Kane: “Uh… ye– yea.”
A boom erupted in the distance, momentarily compromising the brothers’ footing. They saw the Burlap Boys running for safety, away from the battle while screaming at the top of their lungs. The brothers’ sight then shifted over to the battle itself, being immediately entranced by the spectacle but while Abel was amazed, Kane was more so intimidated. Wreck leapt forward and threw a punch that Doris blocked by crossing her arms. Wreck bellowed in agony as he pulled back his arm, discovering that every bone in his hand was shattered.
Wreck: “Dammit! I was already gettin’ over dem gunshot wounds! Argh! ”
Doris did respond, she only reeled back her own arm and then struck Wreck in the chest with an open palm strike. He felt as if his whole chest cavity was flattened completely as all the wind was knocked out of his body. Wreck flew across the room and into the crosshairs of Valhallen who wound up his Mighty Axe like a baseball bat and struck the brute. With a crackle of lightning, Wreck was sent crashing into the warehouse floor, ripping up the concrete with ease.
Crow: “Wreck!”
Crow’s cry got the attention of the God of Rock n’ Roll who fired a bolt of lightning at the E.V.O. It struck the ground before Crow, the explosion sending him flying through the air and into the back of Phil. It was as if he was slammed against a well fortified wall of brick. Phil faced the dazed Crow, growling like an animal, Phil then picked Crow up by his left leg and began slamming him into the warehouse floor. It was a constant flurry with each slam breaking the floor apart, sending chunks of earth flying. Phil reeled up to the last Crow one last time, resulting in a cloud of dust and debris from the impact. Phil then walked away from the barely breathing Crow. Jack was the last of The Wrecking Crew left and he was in an uphill battle against Joe.
Jack: “Dammit! Stop smiling, ya idiot!”
Joe: “I’m not smiling!”
Jack: “I can feel it! You think you’re better than me, huh?! Cuz ya look like dem?! Huh?! ”
Jack roared and threw a punch that Joe easily countered with his elbow, crushing some of Jack’s fingers in the process. Joe then planted his feet and then struck Jack in the face so hard that both tusks shattered to pieces. Joe then drove Jack face first into the ground, shattering it upon impact.
Joe: “...I don’t think I’m better than you because I look like them… I am better than you because I’m a better man.”
Seeing his plans fall apart around him, Will lost his cool and started screaming; “None of you idiots are gonna ruin my good ride, got it?! I’ve clawed my way to get to this point for years ! Kissed a lot of ass, did jobs that I hated until I finally got my shine! None of you– not one of you will take this away from me, you hear me?!”
Captain Righteous roared; “SHUT UP, WILL!!!” and then punched Will in the face, slamming his face into the concrete and instantly knocking him out. Captain Righteous was looking over the unconscious Will as red seeped from his mouth and nose. He eventually felt a hand on his shoulder and thinking that it was his brother, Captain Righteous said; “That’s enough of–.” as he faced the person. He realised quickly that it was Donovan as Captain Righteous was now in the presence of those who saved him, the family of The Grand Smith Mansion.
Donovan: “You did good, kid.”
Captain Righteous: “I… Thank you. I’m just– you know, doing my duty… I guess. Thank you all for saving me and my…”
Val: “What troubles you, brah?”
Captain Righteous: “I… where’s my brother– where’s Kane?”
Zeke ran back inside the warehouse and yelled; “That brother of yours took off in that bozos’ car!” as he pointed at Will Harangue.
Captain Righteous: “What?!”
Donovan: “...Hold on… Where’s Edwin?!”
Outside, Kane had hopped into Will Harangue’s car and began taking off down the snowy slope, kicking up white flakes in his wake. Watching him leave was Edwin but he wasn’t going to let him escape; he looked to his left and saw metal pipes leaning against the warehouse, nearly buried in the snow. Edwin plucked out one of the metal pipes and ran off. Kane was making his way down the snowy hilltop, heading towards the city below, feeling as if he was getting away until he saw something coming up on his rear in his driver’s mirror.
Kane: “The hell?!”
Gaining speed and closing the gap was Edwin riding his grandfather’s Harley-Davidson WL motorcycle. He pulled up next to Kane, taking out the metal pipe he snagged.
Kane: “What’re you doing, kid?!”
Edwin: “I should ask you the same question! Why’re you running?!”
Kane ignored the question and stepped on the gas, creating the same between himself and the teenage boy.
Edwin said to himself; “You’re not getting away, Nemesis!” as he pressed a red button on the motorcycle steering. Two jet fueled exhaust on either side of the motorcycle's rear end ignited with a burst of power. These were Edwin’s jet propelled boots, now repurposed as an extra speed boost for the motorcycle, using them to quickly close the gap.
Kane: “Leave me alone, dammit! Just let me start over!”
Edwin got to the left of Kane and yelled back; “Without your brother?!”
Kane: “He was… he’s better off without me anyway!”
Edwin: “You don’t get to decide that!”
Edwin pulled out his metal pipe and stabbed it through the openings of the car’s steering wheel, obstructing Kane’s ability to drive. Edwin skidded to a stop while Kane flew off the road as Kane tried stopping his momentum by pressing the brake but because of its speed, it was proving to be difficult.
Kane: “No no no!”
Edwin heard what sounded like thunder overhead and before Kane potentially crashed into an oncoming boulder, he was suddenly stopped by an unknown force. After shaking off the daze, Kane saw Joe standing before the car with his arms crossed and stern expression. Kane couldn’t handle Joe’s glare, averting his eyes where his sights crossed paths with Edwin who was staring at him with a look of disappointment. Feeling as if he couldn’t escape the shame, Kane just bowed his head.
(North Brothers Residence, Evening). Kane was sitting on the sofa, all his wounds were cleaned up, reading from a small black notebook he had in his lap. The atmosphere was quiet, somewhat relaxing as the snow continued to fall in the frozen over pool while decorating the entire backyard in a sheet of white.
Dialogue:
Kane: “ Woah! Dang, I really didn’t see that coming!”
Abel came over with two cups of hot cocoa and placed one on the coffee table before Kane. Abel then sat in the chair opposite the sofa, taking a sip of his cocoa.
Abel: “You’re just saying that.”
Kane: “No no, really. The misdirect of the sister being the one behind the bombings and not the brother, fantastic !”
Abel chuckled, then replied; “Thanks Kane. I uh– I’m glad you like it.”
Kane: “Of course… I should’ve read these a long time ago.”
Abel: “Better late than ever.”
Kane: “You have a name for the story yet?”
Abel: “I’m still workshopping one, currently on ‘When I Rule The World’ .”
Kane: “That’s a great name.”
Abel smiled, taking another sip of his hot cocoa. Kane placed the book down on his lap and went for his hot cup of hot cocoa, taking a sip while Abel observed the snowfall outside.
Abel: "Reminds me of the Christmases we spent at Dad’s log cabin Prickly Pines.”
Kane chuckled.
Kane: “You remember when I made my first snowman?”
Abel: “Heh, you mean the abomination you call a snowman?”
Kane: “For the last time, his name was Benson .”
The brothers shared a laugh.
Kane: “I uh… we always made snowmen together, that I just… wanted to build on my own. It wasn’t the best looking schmuck of the ice block but… it was something I accomplished… on my own. In the end, I could make it on my own. Not then… and not now.”
Kane placed down his cup of hot cocoa.
Kane: “I’m sorry for running, Abel. That was… that terrible of me, leaving you behind like that. You’ve been nothing but a good brother to me– a great one… one that I don’t deserve.”
Abel: “Kane, c’mon.”
Kane: “It’s true… It’s true. If it wasn’t for you wouldn’t we have gotten to be in Hollywood to begin with. You had the talent, the passion–.”
Abel: “You had the connections, Kane. It was a team effort, it’s always a team effort.”
Kane: “But I haven't been a good team player since we got up from under our parent’s wings, Abe. I couldn't keep up with you during Double Danger and that’s why we got booted. You should've left me behind, Abe.”
Abel: “I can’t do that, you know I can’t do that.”
Kane: “Well you should’ve. You need to.”
Kane gestured to the room around him; “I thought that all of this was me paying you back for sticking with a good-for-nothing like me but I was wrong there too.”
Kane: “I started this dangerous and evil cycle of money and glory with Harangue and Kelly that led to people and more importantly… led to you getting hurt. I’m so sorry, Abel.”
Tears flowed down Kane’s eyes and he started sniffling. He then quickly wiped his eyes and cleared his throat, Kane then put back on his reverse mask and stood up from the sofa. Abel stood up from his chair right after. The two walked to the front door and Kane placed his hand on the knob but before he turned it, Kane felt a hand on his shoulder.
Abel: “Kane…”
Kane: “You have to leave me behind, Abe.”
Kane was handing his brother back his notebook but Abel gently pushed it back, telling Kane; "Hold on to it, huh? I have more anyway.” Kane smiled and nodded before stepping through the door. Abel watched with tears in his eyes as Kane walked through the door where he was immediately arrested as Captain Nemesis by several Orchid Bay’s police officers. Abel saw his brother escorted through a sea of paparazzi, pressed against a squad car before being thrown inside. The squad cars then drove off and the front door slowly closed afterwards.
(The Grand Smith Mansion, Interior). Christmas had finally arrived and The Grand Smith Christmas party was in full swing; the mansion was jammed packed with people who were partaking in the festivities. People were mingling while drinking egg nog or something stronger like root beer. In the dining room, guests were crowded around the dinner table, indulging in the food that was set out; roasted ham, stuffed turkey, cranberry sauce and homemade pastries like Christmas themed cookies, gingerbread men and the gingerbread houses they live in. Donovan was talking to the son of Odin himself, T-Money, when he heard a knock on the door.
Dialogue:
Donovan: “On sec, God o’ Thunder.”
T-Money raised his giant mug of root beer and replied; “Yes, yes! I appreciate the title of recognition, mortal.” Donovan gave the god a salute and went to answer the front door.
Donovan: “Look who it is.”
Standing in the doorway was Spencer Specific, wearing a tailored suit.
Donovan: “Kinda surprised you came.”
Spencer Specific: “You have food, don’t you?”
The two laughed as Spencer was allowed inside. Donovan then called out; “Hey Commandos, look who stopped by!” Approaching Donovan and Spencer were the rest of The Crack Commandos, of course now elderly men. Samuel Sturdy once Captain Sturdy was now bald but still a towering man. Nathaniel Nitro once Sergeant Nitro still had his vibrant red hair and his green eyes flickered just as they did years ago. In spite of that, he did have grey hairs over each ear. Leland Lewis once Major Lewis or Ultra-Boy had a full head of silver white hair instead of his prior blonde. Just like Spencer, they were also wearing well tailored suits.
Nathaniel Nitro: "Lookwho'shere, GeneralSpecific !"
Spencer Specific: “I still don’t understand a word you’re saying, Nitro… never change.”
Samuel Sturdy: “Looks like you took ya own advice, Specific. Look at ya.”
Spencer patted his bald head and asked; “Well, it looks like ya joined the barren side of the front lawn too, eh?” The two shared a laugh at their expense. Spencer then locked eyes with Leland, now brandishing his frost bitten arm without shame.
Spencer Specific: “Leland.”
Leland Lewis: “Specific.”
Leland held out his left hand and Spencer then shook it, the speed of their handshake gradually increasing as the two men shared a smile.
Donovan: “Alright, let’s get in there, huh?”
Spencer Specific: “Lead the way.”
Stepping into the living room, where the main party was at, Spencer was met by a conglomerate of humans and E.V.O.s alike.
Spencer Specific: “Jeralds would a loved seein’ this, huh? To see the country he gave his life to flourish.”
Donovan: “Yea, he would have loved it.”
The men then looked over to the giant painting of The Crack Commandos that was hanging over the lit fireplace and smiled, honing in on General Samuel Jeralds or Uncle Sam.
Samuel Sturdy: “Aight, enough of the mushy stuff, huh? Let’s get some root beer in us!”
Nathaniel Nitro: “Youreadytobedrukenunderthetable,Sturdy?!”
Samuel Sturdy: “You’re on, Nitro.”
Donovan: “Hold it, you gotta meet the family first.”
Samuel Sturdy: “Family then root beer.”
Donovan called over the rest of the family; Edwin, Joe, Doris and Val. Edwin was also wearing a tailored suit, a grey one with a burgundy tie. Joe was wearing a ugly American themed Christmas sweater. Doris was wearing a jade dress that exposed her shoulders and calves to give her spikes space to breathe. As Val, he was still wearing his Shag Carpeting tank top and blue ripped jeans.
Donovan: “Hold on, where’s Phil?”
Edwin: “I’ll go fetch him.”
Phil was in the underground workshop, standing by the mattress he slept on, looking down at a black bow tie he was holding in his hand.
Edwin: “Mr. Phil?”
Phil looked over and saw Edwin come down the stairs, Edwin then walked over to Phil.
Edwin: “What’s taking you? The party has already started.”
Phil: “...Me no know.”
Edwin: “Mr. Phil, you are aware that what you're doing now is what you did to your family, correct? Running from people that want to bond with you, that mentality was what pushed them away.”
Phil sighed.
Edwin: “I know you're scared of what’s to come, scared because of who you’ve become but that person will be solidified based on the path you take. You continue falling into the void…”
Phil had a reaction to the word void, his eyes widening. Edwin noticed Phil’s reaction and continued; “Or climb up to the light.”
Edwin: “It won’t be easy, I’m aware of that but…”
Edwin held out his hand and concluded; “But that’s why you have family.” Phil looked down at his bow tie and then back up to Edwin. Phil then gave Edwin the bow tie who then hopped up on Phil’s back. Edwin placed the bow tie around Phil’s neck and tied it in place.
Edwin: “There.”
Edwin then climbed onto Phil’s left shoulder and said; “Now, let’s get upstairs.” The music from the record player was bumping and the people were bouncing to the tunes until they heard a chain of booms and felt tremors move through the floor like waves. Phil with Edwin on his shoulder entered the living room; it was quiet at first and a bit awkward but the music reignited and the people welcomed Phil into the party. Edwin saw that Phil was smiling which put a smile on his own face.
Donovan: “Here he is.”
Donovan walked up to Phil and Edwin with the rest of the family as well as the rest of The Crack Commandos.
Val: “Greetings, Phil! We missed your presence.”
Joe: “Good to see ya, Phil.”
Doris: “Hey.”
Phil: “Ah… hello.”
Donovan: “Commandos, Spencer… meet the family.”
Nathaniel Nitro: “Woah,Joe!Yougotsobig!”
Samuel Sturdy: “Good seein’ ya again, Joe.”
Joe: “Likewise, sirs.”
Spencer Specific: “That mug of his looking like Jeralds everyday, huh?”
Donovan: “Damn right he is.”
Joe chuckled.
Doris: “Nice arm.”
Leland Lewis: “Thanks, I bear it with pride. Nice spikes.”
Doris: “Thanks. Likewise.”
Out of nowhere, Val and Nitro were arm and arm, singing “Twisted Alley” by Shag Carpeting together. They even dragged Phil into their choir, who happily tagged along, trying to sing along with the little words he had access to but with a smile on his face nonetheless.
Leland Lewis: “Yea, that makes sense.”
Donovan: ”Mhm.”
Samuel Sturdy: “Imma get some root beer.”
As Samuel walked away, Edwin approached Leland with a query.
Leland Lewis: “Hello again, Edwin.”
Edwin: “Nice to see again, Mr. Leland. I come to you with an inquiry.”
Leland Lewis: “Oh?”
Edwin: “Yes. I would like to assume your title for my heroic persona and I am asking for your blessing.”
Leland and Donovan shared a smile.
Leland Lewis: “Oh yea? Got a little hero here, huh Donovan.”
Donovan answered; “That’s right.” as he rustled Edwin’s hair.
Leland Lewis: “So you want my blessing to use Ultra-Boy, huh? That’s really nice–.”
Edwin: “Oh, my apologies. I don’t want your Ultra-Boy moniker, that’s yours. I would like to have your prior title of Lefty.”
Samuel came back with a bottle root beer just in time to hear Edwin’s ask, laughing along with the other Crack Commandos.
Samuel Sturdy: “Yea Leland, that is really nice, ain’t it?”
Edwin: “Is there a problem?”
Leland Lewis: “On the contrary, no. You have my blessing to use Lefty, Edwin.”
Edwin: “Thank you, Mr. Leland. I will brandish it with pride.”
T-Money yelled out; “Mortals, your broadcast of information is beginning!”
Samuel Sturdy: “You mean the news?”
T-Money: “Aye!”
Everyone in the living room got quiet as they inched their way a bit closer to the television set. Reporting the nightly news was Hank Anchorman; “New information on The Captain Brothers has arisen in the day since the arrest of Kane North, formerly known as Captain Nemesis. It appears that the fake superhero duo was but one part of a system of corruption orchestrated by Harangue Nation’s Will Harangue on top of being funded by Kelly Industries– more specifically by the company’s CEO Dr. Kelly.”
Spencer Specific: “Guess the rumours were true, huh?”
Doris: “I knew there was a reason I never liked Harangue.”
Edwin: “Tell me about it.”
Hank Anchorman: “Will has been charged with fraud and endangerment to name a few while Dr. Kelly is currently being investigated.”
Samuel Sturdy: “The rich always have the money to stall justice, huh?”
On screen were black and white clips of Will Harangue and the Burlap Boys being shoved into police cars while The Wrecking Crew were being hailed away in armoured vehcles. The following clips were off Dr. Kelly being confronted by paparazzi.
Hank Anchorman: “Kane has brought to light that the motivation of Kelly Industries funding of the Captain Brothers was because of losing to the competition, Polyneux’s own Nesmith Technologies.”
Donovan: “He funds the brothers, they save the day and Harangue reports on the save which results in free advertising for him.”
Joe: “All of this just for money… disgusting .”
Hank Anchorman: “Kane has also confessed that his brother Abel North or Captain Righteous was completely unaware of what was truly going on behind the scenes, Abel himself giving a statement earlier today.”
Donovan: “Poor soul.”
Edwin: “Hope he’s doing well.”
Nathaniel Nitro: “You invited him to the party, Donny?”
Donovan: “Didn’t get a chance to. I would have, though.”
Hank Anchorman: “Kane’s last words before going behind bars were about his brother Abel. He stated, quote ‘he was a good brother– the best brother, I just didn’t have the heart to tell that the life we had was a lie’ end quote.”
Donovan said; “That’s enough of that.” as he stepped up and turned off the television set.
Donovan: “Now, we got a Christmas party to enjoy!”
Everyone cheered as they went back to enjoying the party. There was eventually another knock on the door that Donovan answered.
Donovan: “Abel North.”
Abel was standing at the door, wearing multiple layers of clothing to protect from the cold.
Abel: “Uh hey… I uh, I just wanted to stop and say thanks for helping out back there.”
Donovan: “Of course."
Abel: “Yea… yea. I have community service– I asked for it… Well anyway, Merry Christmas.”
Abel was about to walk off when Donovan stopped him, putting a warm hand on his shoulder.
Donovan: “They say that people shouldn’t be alone on Christmas. Why don’t you come in?”
Donovan smiled and then added; “That’s an order, son.”
Abel: “...Are you sure?”
Donovan: “Forward march, soldier.”
Abel smiled and accepted the invitation.
Abel: “Yes, sir.”
The Story Continues