Chapter 27
June 3, 1999 - London, England
The sun was shining brightly in London as David Joestar awoke to the familiar sounds of his family's morning routine. The aroma of pancakes wafted through the air, and he could hear his parents chatting cheerfully in the kitchen. Despite the overwhelming chaos of the previous night, he felt a strange sense of calm wash over him. Today would be just another day.
As he descended the stairs, he found his parents at the dining table, exchanging stories about their day ahead. Jonathan, his father, was excitedly discussing an upcoming project at work, while Emily prepared breakfast with a smile.
"Good morning, David!" Emily said, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "We made your favorite—pancakes with syrup and berries!"
David grinned, taking a seat at the table. "Thanks, Mom!" He dug into his breakfast, savoring each bite. He loved moments like these, where the troubles of the world felt distant, almost nonexistent.
After breakfast, David decided to head out for a walk. The weather was perfect, and he felt a need to clear his mind. He strolled through the streets of London, appreciating the little things—a child's laughter, the vibrant flowers blooming in the gardens, and the sounds of birds chirping. Everything felt serene, as if the city itself was unaware of the chaos that lurked beneath the surface.
As the day wore on, he couldn't help but feel the pull of the night. The thought of patrolling as Shadowflame tugged at him, reminding him of the responsibilities that came with his powers.
As dusk fell, David prepared for his nightly routine. He changed into his vigilante outfit, feeling the weight of the leather jacket settle comfortably over his shoulders. He donned the balaclava ski mask, which concealed his identity, and slipped into the darkness outside his house.
Once on the streets, he activated his free order: "I can detect any nearby people currently committing a crime." The familiar rush of power surged through him, and he felt a heightened sense of awareness. The world around him sharpened; he could sense the pulse of the city.
As he moved through the shadows, a faint signal caught his attention—a disturbance in the park. He darted towards it, navigating through the streets with practiced agility. Upon arriving at the park, he noticed a group of men huddled together, exchanging small packages.
Time for action.
"I have pyrokinesis," he murmured, feeling the heat swell within him.
The confrontation was swift. As he leapt into the fray, he unleashed flames, igniting the air around him and scattering the startled goons. The fight was chaotic; punches were thrown, and shouts echoed through the night. It was exhilarating, a dance of danger and power, and David thrived in the chaos.
However, amidst the skirmish, a new presence made itself known—the air grew thick with a damp, earthy smell, and the ground trembled slightly. Emerging from the shadows was Plantman, a figure entwined in vines, with a sinister grin spreading across his face.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Plantman sneered, his eyes glinting with malice. "A little flame trying to play hero?"
David stood his ground, his heart racing. "You're not getting away with this!" he declared, the voice changer distorting his words into a deeper growl.
The fight that ensued was unlike anything David had experienced. Plantman wielded his powers with precision, using roots and vines to ensnare him. Each time David thought he had the upper hand, the villain would counter with a barrage of plant-based attacks, forcing him to dodge and weave through a flurry of foliage.
Time and again, he felt the breath of danger close to him—sharp thorns grazing his skin, heavy vines nearly constricting his movement. Every close call sent adrenaline coursing through his veins, heightening his senses and pushing him to his limits.
Despite the overwhelming odds, David tapped into his strategy. He switched orders rapidly, utilizing his one remaining order to his advantage. The flames that erupted from his hands provided a surprising edge, but he knew he had to be careful.
After an intense back-and-forth, David finally discovered Plantman's weakness: the roots that fed his powers were susceptible to fire. With a final, decisive move, he unleashed a concentrated burst of flames, igniting the vines that bound him.
Plantman staggered, his concentration faltering, and David seized the opportunity. He lunged forward, delivering a powerful strike that sent the villain crashing to the ground.
As the sounds of sirens began to wail in the distance, David knew he had to disappear. The fight was over, but the consequences were just beginning. He glanced back at the fallen Plantman, now unconscious, as agents from S.H.I.E.L.D. arrived to secure the area.
Without a moment's hesitation, he fled into the night, returning home undetected, unaware that a bystander had recorded the entire encounter and uploaded it to YouTube, capturing the moment he displayed his unique powers.
End of Chap.