Illuminant [Marvel]

I'm running behind schedule for school. Upon waking up, I found myself instantly transported to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth at a normal pace to avoid damaging my toothbrush, knowing my mom would be upset if I broke it. 

I'd been curious about my ability for as long as I could remember. It wasn't extraordinary, just a subtle power to manipulate light... maybe not subtle.

Life became too easy for me after I developed this ability. I had mastered the small stuff long ago: bending sunlight to reflect exactly where I needed it, altering the way light made objects appear, and creating shadows where they shouldn't exist. I was also incredibly fast, which made everyday tasks almost effortless, I mean, the speed of light ain't slow. However, I could think just as quickly, but I often chose not to, as it would have ruined the fun of everything.

Well, enough of that monologue. 

I dropped the toothbrush in the sink, wiped my mouth, and glanced at the clock. 7:45 AM. I didn't even need to try to make it to school on time anymore—I could freeze time, or simply get there in a flash. 

But- "Franklin, get ready! You have that power yet you manage to be late to school every day. Your principal has been bothering me since last week. We both are very worried about your punctuality. Just getting good grades doesn't matter, your behavior also matters, doesn't it?" My mother nagged me, I was getting late to school every day because I couldn't care less.

She had a point, of course, but the last thing I wanted was to be lectured about something as trivial as punctuality. School wasn't challenging, and I knew I could get through it without breaking a sweat. But Mom, well, she was a different story. She cared about appearances, about playing the game, f*** games, all the sports in my school are occupied by douchebags who have the brain of a peanut, and still be dumber than a peanut.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," I muttered as I snapped my fingers. The hallway light flickered for a second as I manipulated it, letting it flash on in a perfect, synchronized way. It wasn't anything big, but it amused me. 

I walked into the kitchen, grabbed a piece of toast , and pushed my bag over my shoulder. My mom was at the stove, frying eggs.

"Mom, I can make it on time without breaking a sweat," I said. "It's not like I can't just teleport or freeze time to get there."

She turned to me, a concerned look on her face. "And that's exactly what I mean. You've got all this potential, Franklin. But you won't use it. Just because you can manipulate light doesn't mean you should let everything slide. You've got to find a balance."

"Balance? Mom, I'm already balanced."

"Franklin, it's about discipline. Responsibility. I know you think it's all easy for you, but life isn't supposed to be about doing things just because you can. It's about doing them because you should."

I stood there, staring at her for a moment, wondering why she didn't get it. What was the point of working hard if you could just bend everything around you? Why pretend to be normal when you could literally change the world with the flick of a finger?

I didn't answer her. Instead, I turned, walking toward the door. "I'm leaving. I'll get there when I get there."

"Franklin," she called after me, her voice tight with frustration. "You have to care about more than just getting by."

"No, I don't." With that, I disappeared out of her sight.

I sat in my seat at Midtown High, zoning out as Mrs. Thompson lectured about some ancient empire that probably had nothing to do with my life. To be honest, I didn't even need to be here. But the whole "school experience" was something my mom insisted on, so here I was.

Peter Parker sat in the back, writing in his notebook, looking way too focused on things that clearly weren't history.

He was the only one who seemed to really be doing something with his life, though. Not that I was jealous. Okay, maybe a little. I mean, the kid was Spider-Man, yesterday, I saw him jump out of the school bus, with his mask on, there was also a nice, metallic, flying alien doughnut in the sky. 

It was strange. I had powers of my own, but they didn't come with the same responsibility. I could bend light, teleport, move faster than most people, and make the world bend to my will... yet I wasn't out there being a hero.

The bell rang, and I snapped out of my thoughts. As everyone got out, I stood up, stretching. 

I shoved my notebook in my bag and walked out the door. Peter was just ahead, walking out with the group of kids who always seemed to be around him.

"Yo, Parker!" I called out, not sure why. 

He turned around, flashing that awkward, genuine smile. "Hey, Franklin. What's up?" F*** me, that's some good shit. Nice tactics, could've fooled me.

I shrugged. "Nothing. Just thinking about skipping the rest of the day." I pulled him closer and whispered. "I know you're Spider-Man."

Peter's eyes widened just a fraction before he recovered, his usual easy smile returning. "Uh, what? No, you don't." He chuckled. "What are you talking about?"

I gave him a knowing look. "I saw you yesterday, bro. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." 

"You really know?" Peter whispered.

"Damn bro, it's you? I was just joking, what the f***?" I acted surprised, trying to catch him off guard.

"Are you kidding me, Franklin?" Peter asked me.

I smirked at the shock on Peter's face, watching as he stumbled over his words, clearly trying to process what was happening. "What, you didn't think someone could figure it out?" I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. "I mean, it's not like you're exactly subtle, Parker. You jump off buses in broad daylight, and don't even get me started on the alien doughnut thing."

"Look, Franklin, this isn't some joke, alright? I-I didn't think anyone knew. I keep it under wraps pretty well, and… why would you even bring it up? You really just gonna throw that out there, like it's no big deal?"

I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "Look, man, I wasn't going to tell anyone. Hell, I don't even care. I don't need to be all up in your Spider-Man business, but… come on. You can't be surprised. You're the one running around in tights and saving the city."

"Hell, even your friend, Ned, knows it, right?" I asked him, though I knew the answer. 

"Man, you know about him too?" I nodded as Peter groaned. "Damn!" he shouted, but keeping his voice a bit low.

Peter glanced around, his face pale, making sure no one else was within range. "Alright, Franklin, you got me. But seriously, why would you mess with me like that? This is serious. It's not like having powers makes life easier, you know."

"I wouldn't know. Maybe you're just doing it wrong."

"Doing it wrong?" Peter whispered. "You have no idea what it's like! The danger, the responsibility... It's not all about just having fun."

"Alright, Peter," I said. "You're really laying it on real thick with the whole 'responsibility' thing. But you know what? You don't know the first thing about me."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Peter asked. "You're just someone who thinks this is all a joke."

I raised an eyebrow. "A joke? Nah, I don't think it's a joke. I think it's ironic."

Peter tilted his head. "Ironic how?"

"Nah, I'm not gonna tell you, Parker. That's too much work for me."

"You're messing with me. This isn't some joke."

"No joke," I said with a shrug, holding his gaze for a moment longer than necessary. "But hey, if you really think you can figure it out, be my guest."

"I'm serious, Franklin. You can't just leave me hanging like this, and please don't tell my secret to ANYONE." Peter said. But I just turned away, giving him a wave.

"I'll see you around, Parker. Maybe next time, you'll figure it out."

With that, I disappeared into the crowd of students, letting him stand there with more questions than answers. Honestly, I didn't need to add to his stress. The last thing I wanted was for him to start thinking that we were in the same boat. Wanna know why I told him that I knew about him? I don't know myself, shit, it's gonna be funny when he's dying out of tension, putting all his trust in me to keep his secret.

Snap. School was over, I was bored, so I pondered a bit. Sure, I wasn't that serious about my powers but looking at that, maybe I do some vigilante shit to pass the time.

I froze for a second, realizing I was actually considering it. Well, I thought of it, why not do it?

Yeah, I'm on. I quickly activated my powers and a... zepto second later, I was in the alley near school.

I popped out my phone and dialed my mom's number; it was busy. I texted her that I would be coming home late due to a school project I had to finish. That should buy me some time. She never questioned those.

Time to do heroic shit. 

I glanced down at my phone, checking the time. 

Shrugging it off, I took a deep breath. "Alright, Franklin," I muttered to myself. "Don't screw this up." 

I checked the latest news, scouring the internet, to find any live crime, and I found one HUGE heist! Lucky me.

I still had the problem of a secret identity. I rubbed my chin, stroking my imaginary beard. But then, a sudden burst of insight illuminated my thoughts. I concentrated my energy for the first time in my life, harnessing the surrounding light and channeling it into a protective barrier that concealed my face. 

 My face was concealed by a shimmering, ethereal mask of light, making it impossible for anyone to recognize me.

With my newly acquired facelessness, I took off. In a heartbeat, I was near the scene of the heist—a jewelry store, completely trashed with armed thugs inside, making their escape. The cops were making their way, fashionably late. I have a doubt, why the f*** are they robbing a bank, at broad daylight?

My speed was the first thing I called upon. Without a second thought, I blinked out of existence, only to reappear directly inside the store. My sudden appearance made the thugs freeze for a split second.

One of them pointed a gun at me. "What the hell are you supposed to be?" 

"I'm-" I looked at bullets being fired at me in slow-motion, they have no patience, I mean with any other guy, it would've worked. I then 'teleported' out of their sight, and reappeared behind them. 

I made a compressed ball of light float above my palm as I smiled at them, though they couldn't see it. I threw it in the air and released it, flashing their eyes, they stumbled back, stunned. I immediately disarmed them in a split second, and melted their guns using a concentrated burst of light. 

"Who the hell are you, freak?" one of them stammered, still trying to recover from the flash.

I didn't answer immediately. I let them struggle with their disorientation for a few more seconds. When the light settled, I raised my hand again, this time projecting a beam of light that surrounded them like a cage, trapping them in place.

"Listen up," I said. "You're done, you're cooked. The cops will be here in a minute, and I suggest you don't make it harder on yourselves. I've got things to do."

The thugs, now completely immobilized and aware they were at my mercy, didn't argue. The leader, a muscular guy with a tattoo of a skull on his neck, scowled. "You're gonna regret this, kid."

"No, I don't think I will." I shot another light ray at his leg, burning him. Not too much, just enough to make a scar.

The thug screamed in pain, clutching at his leg where the light had scorched him. 

*THUD* I heard the door falling, poor owner, he gotta pay for the property damages. It was the cops, they rushed in with their rifles in hand. They ain't even cops? This is some special forces-type shit. 

"Put your hands in the air, and freeze!" One of them shouted.

"Gentlemen, I better hear some gratitude in your voices." I told them.

One of them, an older officer with graying hair and a scar on his cheek, raised his rifle, though I could tell he was hesitant. "Who the hell are you?" he demanded.

I raised my hand, still surrounded by the cage of light, I said. "Seems like you guys were a bit behind on this one."

"Answer the damn question!" He sighed, lowering his rifle just a bit. "You just neutralized a gang of armed robbers in broad daylight," he said. "And you're telling me you're just... helping?"

"Well, take them and get out, sorry, I'll get out myself." I told them as I disappeared from the scene.

"Who the hell is he? A new vigilante, we already got Spider-Man, another one?"