Published at 27th of February 2026 7:07 am

Chapter 11 Reinforcements (Chase POV)

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(Chase POV)

I am a good man; I pay my taxes, I go to church on Sundays, and I have a loving family that I treasure. I follow the law, and I do my best to uphold the values and responsibilities of being a member of the Heroes' Union. Some Capes can be a bit extra when it comes to dealing with Cowls, but not me. I always try to resolve things peacefully and do the right thing. So how did I mess this up so badly?

KnickKnack is dead, Bloom is dead, and over 50,000 civilians are dead. Its the greatest loss of life in American history. The largest loss of Life since the Middletown Massacre, nothing can undo what I've done, what I've caused. If I hadn't interfered, if I hadnt stopped that man, none of those people would be dead. Those mothers, those fathers, those children, lovers, teachers, friends, and coworkers, all gone. These people who had lives and now they will never return home. There is no home to return to. I caused this. It's my fault. If not for that man, I would be amongst the dead. Now he might be dead, and I don't even know my savior's name.

The entire walk to the meeting is unpleasant. I feel lifeless; every single step is a herculean struggle, my feet weighed down with the souls of the people I failed. Like a prisoner headed to the executioners platform, I trudge along. When I get to the double doors of the conference room, I barely have the strength to push them open. What will Raquel and the kids think of me? The doors creak open, and everyone from the Quinsin Heroes Union is here. Everyone except Bloom and KnickKnack. My chest tightens as I struggle to breathe. Its too much, I dont know if I can stay here. I spot Ferrol and Technovore off to the side and make my way over to my teammates.

Its only been eight hours since everything went sideways, but they both look like theyve aged decades since the last time I saw them. I probably look even worse. Ferrols metallic wolf mask hides the majority of his face, but not the intense frown hes sporting. Tall, thin, and with softer features, its always been difficult to reconcile the man in front of me with the massive metal canine that is his Shifter form. My hyperweave suit is designed to look like regular clothes while still being made of the Tinkertech material, and Ferrols is something similar: straight-legged pants, furred boots, and a long, chrome colored fur coat. Normally, the man Ive known for the better part of a decade looks so self-assured and confident, but right now hes slumped against the wall and exhausted.

Technovore is the exact opposite of Ferrol, a shorter, beefy man who looks more like a fantasy dwarf than a Cape. Wild braids interwoven with ceramic rings, an unruly beard, and a horned helm that obscures his identity only adds to the association. Hes doing his best to put on a brave face, but hes as upset as we are. As I get closer to them and they notice me, I stop in my tracks. Do they blame me for our comrades deaths? I wouldnt hold it against them if they do, I blame myself after all.

Hey, Lucien, how are you holding up? Ferrol asked, even attempting to put on a friendly smile.

Im doing okay, I lied.

Bullshit, Erika and Tim are dead. There's no way any of us could be okay after that. You're among friends and colleagues; you don't have to pretend for us, Technovore said bluntly.

I might've been a bit more tactful, but the point is the same. All of us are in mourning, Ferrol added.

Yeah, but none of you are the reason they're dead, I replied darkly.

Before either of them can disagree, the meeting starts. We take our seats, and I look around at the other Union members seated. Everyones expressions look forced, like they're trying to overcompensate for today's tragedy with chipper smiles. The vibe in the room is somber and serious; even the usually more lively members are quiet. Titania, Sequence, and Arbiter are at the front, facing all of us solemnly. Seeing the three squad leaders standing together just highlights the absence of the fourth leader. Fuck. My mouth is dry, and theres a growing ringing in my ears, making me feel lightheaded. The screen behind the three turns on, likely a presentation of the damage and death statistics from Aress attack. Im trying to focus, but theres a numbness thats been spreading through me.

Thank you all for coming. It is with a heavy heart that I must confirm the rumors that KnickKnack and Bloom were victims of todays attack. Ill be honest, I dont have hopeful words for any of you. This is, without a doubt, the worst tragedy this city or country has ever faced. We lost two phenomenal Capes, two fantastic people, today. Its days like today that are what our entire organization is built on. The Union exists to combat threats that independent Capes cannot possibly deal with, to fight against the evil that has taken root in our society, and to make people believe that good exists. Our founders foresaw that people would need heroes, and today we lost two heroes. Tim Nerron and Erika Kyrannos werent just heroes; they were friends and colleagues Ive had for years. Erika and I joined the Union around the same time, and I was proud to have known her. They will both be sorely missed, Titania said.

Titanias way with words is as potent as her ferrokinesis. If it werent for my balaclava, my face would be stained with tears. Instead, the eyeholes are soaking up the salty liquid. Hearing the other members' remarks on the loss that those two are is only making me feel even worse. Why am I alive when those two arent? It shouldve been me. Quinstin would be better if that man had saved them instead of me.

Well said, Titania. KnickKnack, for I didnt know him as Tim, was a kind-hearted and generous leader, willing to use his power to help outfit other members. Even ones that werent under his direct command. He was an admirable man and an honorable Cape. He knew what was really important in our line of work; he understood what mattered in ways that few really do, Sequence said, the diplomatic way hes talking about my deceased squad leader is jarring when compared to Titanias speech. Blooms loss in the fight against the Cowls of this city is great. Beyond how strong she was, she was also a force for change with her conservation work. I doubt we will see the true ramifications of her death for a long while.

While the death of our two comrades is saddening, we must focus on the real devastation, which is the 57,381 civilians who Ares killed. Fifty-seven-thousand, three-hundred and eighty-one people lost their lives today because of that monster. These were law-abiding citizens who were living their lives until they were cut short by that murderer. He will be brought to justice, you have my word, Arbiter said, and even with the blindfold, I can tell hes staring directly at me.

So whats the plan then? We cant just let them get away with it. Apollo and the rest of them have only been escalating their behavior over the past year. We need to hit them hard. Before they can get out of town, Technovore replied.

He's right; if there is no united response from the Union, Cowls will think they can get away with killing civilians and murdering Capes. We must react now and take the Olympians off the street. They need to be inside an Omnimax prison for the rest of their lives, Sigilist said calmly. The Kabuki-mask-clad woman agreeing with Technovore isn't a surprise; she's a martial artist and loyal to the Union.

I agree with both of them. We should all mobilize a city-wide manhunt for them. Apollo might be strong, but he's not strong enough to stop the full might of all of us, The Newtonian said.

And what about the rest of the Cowls? Do you all think they'd let us go after the Olympians, leaving the city undefended, and not take advantage o it? What's to say they don't have more bombs? Rushing in blindly is only going to result in more casualties. No, what we need to do is focus on rebuilding what has been lost and shore up our position, Sequence countered. To that end, we have two capable Capes who are stepping up. First, we have Phoenix, who will be coming out of retirement to take over leadership for KnickKnacks remaining team members.

What? The applause that follows is thunderous, with some of the Capes who were personally trained by them outright cheering. Phoenix stands up from where they're sitting, holding up a single hand to silence the room. As a testament to their legend, respect, and status, everyone quiets down. Everyone knows of Phoenix. One of the greatest Capes Quinstin has ever had. They served this city for seventy-five years, earning themselves a reputation for leading from the frontline. Cowls were afraid of them, and had a right to be. Their abilities make them a terrifying opponent for any criminal. It wasn't until they retired from active Cape duty to train the next generation that the balance of power started to slip out of the Heroes' Unions grasp. I doubt this was an easy decision for them to make. Still, while having Phoenix as my team's new leader is a reassuring prospect in terms of backup, it does nothing to change my mood. So they're going to be taking over for Tim.

While my leadership is only temporary, I will be giving it my all. Being a member of the Union is about making sacrifices, and it wouldn't sit right with me to ignore the good I can do right now as an active member. The Union Director has pledged a great deal of support to our branch, and we have been granted authority to create two additional squads. In the coming months, the Union will send additional Capes from other cities to see if they're a good fit for Quinstin. Reinforcements are coming, but I will gladly fill the gap until then, Phoenix said, their modulated voice making it impossible to tell how they actually feel about the situation. That means that the mentorship program is on hold for now. Chase, Technovore, and Ferrol, I'd like to sit down with all of you later on if you don't mind.

All three of us agree, and Phoenix finally takes their seat. Sequence brings everyone's attention back to him by clapping his hands together. Just as hes about to speak, Titania interjects.

Before you continue, Sequence. I'd like to share the news we received before we started the meeting, Titania said. The BNA has sent a liaison to us to coordinate our response to the threat the Olympians pose. The BNA and the Union are working very closely on this and taking it very seriously. Along with the liaison, they've also sent a Strike Force for additional manpower.

The room murmurs in surprise. A Strike Force? A BNA Strike Force isn't the type of thing that the United Nations sends out willy-nilly. Composed of seven Special Agents, but not just any seven. They pick only the best of the best, selected based on compatibility, and are only used in response to great threats. Most Special Agents either work alone or in pairs; a Strike Force is a significant show of power. Combined with Phoenix's unretiring, the Olympians don't stand a chance. Good.

Correct, we will be meeting with them after this to nail down what cooperation will look like between the two organizations. But as I said earlier, Phoenix was only the first of two immediate reinforcements. The second one is here now. Would you please come in? Sequence called out.

The double doors swing open, and I turn around to see a female Cape float into the room. She's got a white hyperweave costume with a hooded cape and gold accents. She looks familiar, but I can't remember where I've seen her before. She flies over to stand adjacent to Sequence, but slightly behind him. Her arms are folded behind her back, and she's staring at all of us like she's not impressed. Is she from another city? I honestly assumed that the Cape who saved me would be Sequences surprise, not this random woman.

This is Virtue; shes the daughter of Pearlescent and Pinnacle. Previously serving as a probationary member, she is being given the chance to step up and show all of us what she's made of, Sequence continued.

Hello, a lot of you know my parents, and I hope to live up to the expectations that come with that. I will do my best to live up to the example you have all set. Thank you for giving me this chance, Virtue said, looking at Sequence.

I have no doubt that you'll be an exemplary member, he replied.

Why her? Why not the Cape from earlier today, you know, the one who singlehandedly removed all the radiation from the blast zone? Technovore asked, voicing my thoughts exactly.

While we are thankful to this independent Cape, he is an unknown quantity and not a member of the Heroes Union, Sequence answered.

From the descriptions that Chase and Ferrol were able to give, along with the first responders on the scene, I believe that the independent Cape is Atonement, whom we have previously discussed before, Arbiter replied. I swear I spot the beginning of a smile forming on his face. He is the one responsible for the capture of Shock&Awe, FrostWyrm, and twenty-something nonpowered gang members of the Triad. He has proven himself twice now, representing the values we claim to honor, and acted like a true hero would. Why is he not here?

I am not arguing against his prowess nor his character, only suggesting a known quantity instead. If youd like, we can, Sequence started to explain.

No one knows where he is. After absorbing all the radiation, he appeared to be in great pain and flew away before anyone could speak to him. We dont know where he is, Titania answered, interrupting Sequence. Wherever Atonement is, we can only hope that he is doing alright. We can discuss his recruitment later.

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