It's not easy being a Hero

Have you ever heard the term, 'Whatever you do, do not look back'? Well, I didn’t follow those exact words. I couldn't help but feel the urge to turn around, pondering why my partner told me the one thing I wasn’t supposed to do, but end up looking anyway. The colour red was vast and bright, yet the lingering smell of copper poisoned my nose, feeling the limp body that collapsed on top of me.  

I found myself staring down at a coffin, while many people cried. Somehow, I couldn’t even shed a single tear. Was it because of the atmosphere? Or was it because I feel like I didn’t deserve the special treatment? Many people were angry with me for not showing any remorse. My partner took a bullet to the head, killing him instantly. I’d never forget his last words before he died.  

It took a couple of months to get use to him not being around, but I was able to get back into work. I drowned myself with paperwork after paperwork, till I was called to the office. “Chloe, the boss would like to have a word with you.” I walked in, with a blank expression. “You look like shit.” The boss commented. He wasn’t wrong though; my hair was greasy and filled with matts. I had worn the same clothes for the past 3 months and I only showered at least once a week. 

“Can I help you with something?” I replied monotoned. He leaned forward to grab a cigarette and proceeded to smoke while adding “I get that you’re sad that Emiel is gone, he was your partner and your supervisor. But you have to get your shit together Chloe! Everyone goes through the same thing. His parents are going through their son’s belongings. You should apologise to them.” I was stunned to hear this; I understand to a degree but... “Why should I apologise for? I didn’t do anything wrong?” I questioned.  

It wasn’t the brightest thing I have said, but I was also dealing with a lot of guilt and pain. However, the boss looked pissed. He slammed his hand onto the desk, raising his voice at me. “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME CHLOE? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IS GOING ON IN THAT PUNY BRAIN OF YOURS?” 

It didn’t take long for him to realise that I was suffering far more than anyone else. He sat back down into his chair, while clearing his throat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you. It’s just, his parents told me to have you fired. I was hoping you would fight back, but it seems you have you focus on somewhere else.” I simply replied “I’m sorry sir.” 

He let out a sigh, while he continued with his lecture. “I managed to make an agreement with them, and that is to have you moved to another station.” This got my attention. “Sir, you can’t! I only live a few blocks down from the station. The next one is in Japan; I don’t even know anyone from there!” I saw the pain and guilt in his eyes as his only reply to me was “I’m sorry.”  

“I’ll clean the streets; I’ll bring everyone coffee. I can send in my resignation!” I pleaded. “I’m sorry Chloe, I can’t let you do that. You are the best Hero in this vicinity, I couldn’t let you throw away everything you worked hard for.” I collapsed to the floor, knowing I had no one to stop me from leaving. 

Everything was a blur throughout the flight. I found myself staring off into space, while waiting for my luggage to come through the belt. I was now in the heart of Tokyo, where so many famous Hero's get the big jobs. Just as I walked through, I found myself being grabbed from behind by a Villain. He held his hand close to my throat, as Hero’s began to emerge from the crowds of people.  

“Let the bystander go and you won’t get hurt.” Said one Hero as he landed 20 feet from us. “Stay back, or she gets it.” Said the villain, as his other hand turned into a blade. I had the advantage, but a large silhouette emerged from behind as I felt the villain being ripped off of me. My eyes widened with pure awe. He was the #1 in the Hero society, an all-round amazing person. So many people came up to him for autographs. I on the other hand, left the scene without being noticed, so I thought.  

Old me would’ve like to stay and get to know him, but I didn’t feel like I deserve to be there. I can’t let it happen again. “On that note, I should no longer make myself known. I need to disappear, away from these known Hero's.” I thought to myself, while power walking through the crowds of people.  

While following the directions, I found myself staring at the station, where my new Hero life will continue. It looked a lot bigger than the one back home, but it was ‘apparently’ a lot closer to the place I’m going to be staying at. I sent in my notice and spoke to the head chief of the Hero sector. He was very friendly and quite generous. He reminded me of another co-worker that I got along with back home. He was told bits about what had happened back home, but didn’t bring it up. He gave me my new badge, and I went to my new apartment.  

The walk seemed a lot longer than my old place, but I still had to take a train that was even further from home. I did have a few eyes on me along the way, but I was able to get to my apartment in no time. It took some time, but I was finally able to finish unpacking my stuff. I went to look up at the time to see that it was already 8:15pm. I hadn’t had time to make dinner. I grabbed my wallet and keys, then walked out the apartment door. I gave one glance back into my apartment, seeing that it was a lot bigger than my previous one. I let out a sigh, and proceeded to shut the door.  

As I made my way into the elevator, I heard another door shut down the hall. I didn’t focus and just walked in the elevator, and pressed ground floor. As the doors were in mid closing, I heard a clang in front of me. That’s when I saw a hand jammed in between the closing doors. The doors slowly opened as I was greeted with a familiar silhouette. I looked up to see it was the #1 Hero from earlier today, but he looked... different. I did notice he was all in black clothing. But something was telling me that he was up to something. I heard a vague ringtone, then voices. He was on a call, and he looked serious.  

He walked out, trying not to look suspicious. I didn’t have any plans, besides to go and get pizza. But I also didn’t plan to go stalk him. Part of me wants to say sorry for ignoring him, but the other me knows something is up with this guy. So, I decided to follow a potentially dangerous man, who could possibly kill me at any given moment.  

I felt like he didn’t notice me, but to be on the safe side, I grabbed my phone to record any suspicious activity. I stayed within the shadows, till I saw him walk into an abandoned Wearhouse. I followed suit, to see that he was surrounded by villains. Just when things were looking bad for him, I heard one villain shout out. “Hey Boss! What took you so long?” He fixed his “look” that shouted I’m the leader. I saw visible horns coming threw his head as his blonde hair turned jet black. As for his blue eyes, he removed the contact lenses, revealing a bright red hue staring back at me. But everything remained the same. He even grew a few inches taller. 

“What did I get myself into” I thought to myself. He sat down on a chair as I could barely see him. They began to talk about something important, but I couldn’t hear from where I was standing. I managed to get closer, and started to record their conversations. Just when things were getting good, my phone went off. My mum was calling me. “Oh shit!!!” I panicked. But it was already too late. They have already heard me, and it was my cue to leave.  

I heard a group of footsteps coming my way, including some large stomps. “He’s coming for me!!” I thought to myself. I didn’t stop running, not until I made it somewhere safe. I ran back to the apartment, making sure I wasn't being followed. I made it to the elevator and felt the relief wash over me. That was until I heard the doors being opened with the familiar chime. It was him, but back to his “normal” self.  

“Did he follow me? Does he know it was me that was following him?” I was petrified, I could feel my heart pounding through my chest. I heard him take a deep breath, which gave me goose bumps. I held my breath and went back into my apartment. From the looks of it, he had no knowledge that I had tailed him from the beginning. Was I a fool to be worried? I locked my doors and windows just to be on the safe side. I no longer had an appetite and proceeded to put on some pyjamas and went to bed.  

I tossed and I turned, “something doesn’t feel right” I said to myself. I had a strange feeling that I wasn’t alone. I looked around to see no one there. But then I turned back to see him standing there in his “demonic” form. He took a deep breath, letting out a seductive smile, and sighed. “I found you” was all he said. His voice echoed as my face heated up, turning into a bright shade of red. I jolted from my bed, realizing that it was just a dream. A very spicy dream...  

“What dream was that!?” I cussed to myself over and over again, knowing it is forbidden for a Hero and Villain to do such things, or to be intimate. “Why is dream me being stupid? He’s a VILLAIN!” I thought to myself. I got ready and left the apartment. There were more people on the elevator and this time, he was nowhere to be found. “Phew, he’s not here” I thought to myself in relief. 

The streets were bustling, as the people flocked towards the train station. I found myself standing on the border, waiting for the train to arrive. Until I found myself being pushed towards the tracks, as an oncoming train was heading my way. Time had slowed down and I saw the face of the person who shoved me. Turns out, he was one of the villains that saw me in the warehouse. “It’s times like these, I wish I just quit my job... Maybe I could've lived a normal life.” I braced myself for inevitable and everything went black.