Solace Ch.20

— Darius Johnson (Solace) —

I frowned as I watched the GDA soldiers take away the Mauler twins. I was a bit upset because I had to admit they are very smart when it comes to biological engineering and things like that, and they could be exceptionally useful in making Earth a better place, but it was too soon to engage in any activity with them. 

My reputation may be growing, but I knew I hadn’t yet amassed enough influence or allies to even consider approaching the Mauler twins. No, they were a prize that required a significant offer, something of real value, to even pique their interest in joining me. 

This meant they were going to have to go to prison, and given how loosely Cecil held them, they’d eventually escape. 

In the meantime, I’d build up my allies, power, and infamy. That way the Maulers wouldn’t even consider turning my offer down when I make it.

And oh, I planned on making it. 

— Several Weeks Later —

I floated above the dark streets of Chicago illuminated by lights, wearing my hero suit, looking down in search of something—or, more specifically, someone. 

I realized after dealing with the Maulers that I had enjoyed my time of peace, but it was running out, and I’d be a fool to let it do so without being prepared, so that’s exactly what I was going to do.

My eyes narrowed as I saw a truck pull up to a building and three guys hop out. It was dark, so I couldn’t see them well, but I knew the man I wanted to speak to was among them, thanks to the thugs I had beaten and interrogated just a few hours earlier. 

The three guys walked into the building and closed the door behind them. 

They had a job to carry out, and for a moment I wondered if I should interrupt what they were about to do. 

The three guys worked for a guy named Machine Head, the most influential man in the entire city, and its biggest Crime Boss. Right now the guys were carrying out a job to deal with a blooming rival gang which is why I wondered if I should even do anything to stop them. 

Eventually, I shook my head and decided to turn a blind eye to the events that would occur. Sure some guys would likely die because gangs were far from nice enough to spare people, but I really didn’t care much for their mortality. 

At the end of the day, I was just playing a hero, not unlike Lucan and Nolan. To say that I was actually a hero would be a lie. 

I floated in the sky, waiting for the three guys to finish up inside. After around twenty minutes, one of the men emerged, and a vicious grin consumed my face.

FWOOSH

CRASH

“What the?!” The man shouted, his head turned in my direction as stone covered his face. 

“Just the man I wanted to see.” I smiled, standing up from the hole I made in the alley where I crash-landed. “How’s your night going, Titan?”

I couldn’t see the man’s face because of his ability to change its structure, but I could tell by how defensive yet non-combative he was standing that he knew who I was and obviously didn’t want a fight. 

“You…what do you want from me?” He asked, and I nearly blinked at how resigned his tone was. 

I knew the guy was smart from my time watching Invincible, but I didn’t expect him to know outright when and when not to fight and actually abide by that. 

I wagged my finger at the large man then outstretched my hands. “Wrong question. I want nothing from you, yet, but I’m sure you want something from me.” 

His posture relaxed slightly at my words, but he still seemed to be on guard. Good, he was competent enough to not relax fully. 

“I want something from you?” He asked with a small snort in his voice. “What the hell would I want from a hero?” 

“Freedom.” Was my curt response, which seemed to wipe any amusement from him. His entire body tensed again, more so this time. I didn’t need to see his face to know he was feeling some sort of strong negative emotion. 

Suddenly, the rock covering his body began to to dark skin, and lo and behold, Titan’s real face stared back at me with a serious expression. “The hell are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb.” I let out a sigh, walking over to a dumpster and sitting down atop it. “You got a problem with a certain crime lord, and I want to clean up this city, we can help each other out.” 

Again he stared at me for a long while before speaking.

“Why?” He asked, making me raise an eyebrow under my mask. Seeing my silence, he decided to clarify. “Why do you care? And don’t give me that hero bullshit. There are plenty of heroes in this city, and not a single one is strong, or cares enough to take down Machine Head.” 

I paused and thought about it. I already knew my answer, but I did wonder why no one else took down Machine Head earlier. Then my mind snapped to the image of Battle Beast and everything made perfect sense. 

Nobody wants to fuck with that guy.

“I’m a guy who has lived in this city all my life.” I started, hopping off the dumpster and walking toward the large man. “I know how rotten this city is and the very reason for the filth that has been produced, so who the hell would I be to turn a blind eye to it?” 

“But you still want something more out of it, don’t you?” 

“Yeah.” I nodded. “Not only do I want to take out the big baddie, I also want to ensure this city never has to deal with another gang rising to the top and causing problems, which is why we’re talking now.” 

Titan blinked at that, looking visibly shocked for a few moments before he crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head with a frown. “So you need me for something?” 

“I do.” 

“And what is this thing you need me for?” 

I grinned at his question. I had been preparing to give this speech for a couple of weeks. I lifted my hand and pointed toward my back. “Order.” 

“Order?” 

“Without order, all will return to what it always has been, which is why I want you to help me instill order back into this city.” 

“I ain’t no hero.” Titan’s frown deepened. 

“I don’t expect you to be; in fact, I expect the opposite.” I waved him off. “I’m taking down Metal Head, with or without help, and once I do, I want you to take his place as the leader of his gang.” 

I reveled in Titan’s surprise at my words, even if he quickly reigned it back in. 

“Take his place and clean up this city, huh?” He asked, a smirk twitching on his lips. I nodded in response and pointed at my chest. 

“I need someone who’s not a complete lunatic running shit and running it well. A hero can only do so much, but without digging out the roots, weeds will always return. You’re gonna be the backbone of this city, the one running the darkness, while I’ll be the man in the front, the man of light. Together, we’ll create order.” 

Titan nodded at my words. “It’s about time a hero decided to actually do something meaningful.”

“I’m doing what needs to be done, I’m what this city needs, but perhaps not what it deserves.” I shrugged, trying to sound cool. I hoped it worked. 

“Order is definitely what this city needs.” Titan hummed in thought. “I do still have one question though.” 

“Ask away.” 

All expression left his face as he looked into the eyes slits of my mask, searching for the truth. “Why me?” 

I paused. I hadn’t expected him to ask that, mainly because I believed he would be dying for this opportunity, but I suppose he’s more cautious then I initially thought.

“I won’t lie, I’ve been watching you for a couple of weeks, both in your villainous life and outside of it.” 

Titan’s eyes narrowed at that. 

“I’ve seen the kind of man you are, and I can say without a doubt that you’re not a bad one. Just one who will do anything for his own, which is something I can respect and agree with.” 

Silence descended over the dark alley as he stared at me with narrowed eyes. All the while, I stared back, unflinchingly. If he was upset about me spying on him and his family one time, then he could kiss my ass. Maybe don’t head right home when you’re done with your work then, you fucking rookie. 

“Now, I get to ask you a question,” I said, seeing as he wasn’t going to speak. “Are you in or out?” 

Again silence returned to the alleyway, his glare slowly dissipating into his normal resting bitch face. Eventually, he sighed and walked forward, stopping just in front of me and outstretching his hand. 

“I’d be an idiot to pass this up.” 

A mad grin split my face under my mask. 

“Then, I look forward to working with you.” 

— Chapter End —

Beta Reader: @Basilisk @Dragonboy1

Author’s Note: The next update will be two chapters of Spider. I realize I may have put it off for too long, so I’ll get on that.