Endurance Falls

“YES!!” 

I smiled thoughtfully as Caspian spun Chenille in the air, her ice blue dress flowing while they both laughed overcome with joy. 

He had just proposed. She had just said yes. I had just accomplished my plan. 

As Caspian’s apprentice, it was my duty to help him however I could. Whether that was fighting by his side, running to get him food, caring for his injuries, or just being his friend.

This time I was his wingman. 

The proposal had been perfect. The boat ride was perfect, the weather was under control, and the beach cleared of people so the two newly engaged could have privacy. 

My phone buzzed with a text from Caspian: Thanks Kaitlyn. :)

I turned and sighed with relief, then picked up my bag, and launched myself into the sky. 

Back to headquarters to prepare for whatever was next. 

I looked out at the city, billboards lit up with the hero Valorous’ face. Thank you notes, questions, and praises for the hero written everywhere. I smiled, they loved him. It was perfect. 

I hummed happily, ready to get back to the base and prepare for Caspian’s return home. His suit needed ironing I think, and his capes needed steaming. Oh! And a celebratory dinner! I flew faster now, tonight would be special! That is if he wanted to celebrate the proposal’s success with me. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wanted to go out on the town with Chenille. 

They would make each other happy, and boost the others' fame. 

Chenille a famous actress and Caspian Valorous? It was a storybook written love made to last. 

I stopped flying momentarily, looking back at the beach. I’m sure the two of them were walking down the shore now, hands held and hearts full. I smiled and wiped a single tear from my eye, Caspian had come so far. 

“Touching scene isn’t it?” A voice chilled in my ear. I swung back a punch, missing a black hooded figure who floated above the city. We faced each other, and my heart started pounding. 

It was Mayhem, the nemesis, the villain, the psycho. 

“Two lovers on the beach, another down on the pier. Couples everywhere today,” He purred, slowly stalking around me in the air. My heart was racing. Should I get Caspian? Surely he would use this moment to shine bright in the spotlight for saving the city, but he had asked me to make sure he wouldn’t be interrupted tonight. I couldn’t break a direct order could I? Then again, I had never fought Mayhem on my own before. 

The psychotic villain lunged at me, snarling and barely missing my throat. 

“Don’t you just love love?” Mayhem growled and landed a punch in my stomach as I punched the villain in the jaw. 

“Doesn't everyone?” I panted, holding my heaving body as I tried to regain my balance in the air. 

We wrestled in the air, Mayhem trying to strike me with the metallic claw on his right arm, sparkling with black, electric energy. He tore into my cape, ripping the long fabric into gashed holes. He was too strong for me on my own, and I glanced back at the beach.

 I needed Caspian.

“Too bad your lover isn’t here to save you,” Mayhem swung at me and I dodged, staring agape at the masked criminal. MY WHAT??!! 

“I don’t have a lover,” I ventured, ducking under a kick and gutting Mayhem as he did me moments before on my own stomach. Whatever was going through his mind was wrong. There was a reason I was alone this Valentine’s Day. 

“Don’t be so coy,” Mayhem hissed, glaring at me through his mask. 

“Everyone knows you and Valorous are in love,” 

I blanked. They thought ME and CASPIAN were in love?? 

At least that meant that Mayhem hadn’t realized who Caspian’s identity was and that the couple down on the beach was safe from his cold gaze. 

“Unless he’s out with someone else right now, cheating on you,” Mayhem continued, trying to get into my head. 

“Perhaps the city’s favorite couple isn’t so perfect as they think,”

I repeatedly punched Mayhem in the face before kicking him back in the chest. 

“How dare you accuse him of cheating! We are not a thing and he is out there happy and in love unlike you, you maniac! I’d be shocked if you ever found love,” I surprised myself with my hateful words but shrugged off the shock. Mayhem was ruthless, incapable of loving anyone other than himself. 

“If I wanted love, I’d find someone myself,” I glared at Mayhem. He coughed up blood and grinned up at me. 

“So you can fly solo,” He chuckled as he wiped the blood trickling down his mouth. 

“How exhilarating,”

I narrowed my eyes. I wouldn’t let Mayhem think I could be a hero. I didn’t want to be. I had seen the stress Caspian faced from the press and the constant spotlight. While he did shine and keep his appearance up, his mother hadn’t been as fortunate. We both had seen the devastation the spotlight could bring, that’s why while he stood in the open, I worked behind the scenes. We kept each other safe, we worked together, and we needed each other. 

“I don’t love Valorous. He’s my partner, and I need him as much as he needs me,”

I launched into the sky, praying Mayhem wouldn’t follow. I didn’t want or need this attention. I needed Caspian. 

A blast of magic shot past me, piercing the serenity of the sky with a shriek before exploding. 

Looks like I had to step up for today and be the hero. 

“YOU CAN’T RUN FROM ME ENDURANCE!!” Mayhem roared, chasing me through the sky. 

I rolled my eyes and stifled a laugh, I loved my name. 

Another blast nearly hit me and I spun quickly and shot off away from the city. 

If I could get the maniac away from the city there would be no destruction to be fixed. 

Caspian please hurry, I dodged another shot and flew faster, you’re supposed to be the hero out here, not me. 

A crimson flash blasted in my peripheral vision and I sighed with relief. 

“MAYHEM!!” Caspian’s voice thundered, demanding attention. I zoomed down, back past Mayhem and towards Valorous. 

His white suit, red tie, and smile gone, with uniform and cape in place, complete with a glare piercing through his mask. 

“I don’t know what he’s after but we-” A blast of magic hit me in the back and I gasped for air as electricity crackled through my body. 

“ENDURANCE!” Valorous dove after me as I fell towards the sea. I couldn’t breathe, the hit was strong and stinging into my spine. Mayhem’s laugh echoed vilely in the sky above and he dove after us as well. 

“Caspian,” I mumbled, reaching for his outstretched hand. 

“Hold on Katie hold on,” He strained to reach me when Mayhem appeared behind me, grabbing me by the waist and diving into the sea. 

“NO!!!” Valorous dove after us while I fought helplessly against Mayhem. My gasp for air had been short, not nearly long enough for the fight and I felt myself slowly starting to burn for a breath. 

I wanted to scream. Scream for Caspian who got further and further away and scream at Mayhem for roping me into the spotlight. I held my breath but the world was shaky and red. 

Mayhem was going to win. 

No no no no no, my thoughts raced as the world slowly started to darken, He can’t win! I have to help! If I can’t get out I’ll be all over the press! I’ll be in the spotlight, I don’t want this, Caspian needs me. He’s supposed to be in the light, in the papers not me…

I fell limp, bubbles trickling out of my nose and mouth as Mayhem pulled me deeper into the sea, further away from Valorous and the city.