Episode 1: The Discovery
The day unfolded in Vill-City much like any other bustling day, filled with the usual hustle and bustle of its vibrant inhabitants. However, the tranquility shattered when a colossal meteor, twice the size of Earth, hurtled towards the planet, casting a shadow of despair over the city. Yet, in a miraculous twist of fate, salvation descended from the heavens as a celestial figure effortlessly diverted the cataclysmic threat into oblivion. Thus, a beacon of hope emerged, illuminating the skies and the hearts of the people of Vill-City.
It was on that fateful day that the world bore witness to its savior—a flying woman of unparalleled prowess, whose valor spared the entire planet from impending doom. Among the awe-struck crowd stood a witness to history, recounting the emergence of the planet's guardian, a Tetronian emissary hailed as the defender of truth, justice, and hope.
Yes, indeed, it was the day when my mother, an intrepid Tetronian hailing from the distant world of Tetron, unveiled herself to humanity. Her indomitable courage had not only averted countless planetary perils but also forged new alliances among the stars, uniting civilizations across galaxies. She stood as the inaugural symbol of hope, revered and cherished as Tetra, the steadfast protector of all.
My mother generously imparted her boundless wisdom to world leaders, envisioning a brighter future for humanity. However, as the adage goes, change is inevitable. With the passage of time, the world underwent profound transformations, and humanity evolved alongside it.
Recall the colossal meteorite, twice the size of Earth, mentioned earlier? It harbored more than mere celestial debris—it bore fragments of Tetrenite, a rare substance native to the distant planet Tetron. How these fragments found their way into the meteorite remains a mystery, but all will soon be revealed.
After countless years of valiantly safeguarding our world and collaborating with the Guardians of Earth—a diverse race boasting both extraterrestrial and human lineage, some endowed with extraordinary abilities while others possessed none—my mother chose to retire. Turning her focus inward, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery, eventually finding love and welcoming me into the world as a testament to her newfound happiness.
While my mother remained a covert ally, summoned only in dire circumstances by the Guardians of Earth, her existence remained veiled from the public eye, her true identity shrouded in secrecy.
Two years later, in the heart of Vill-City, Mark prepared for another day of school. As the familiar sight of the school bus pulled up outside his building, he hastily gathered his belongings, receiving a reassuring kiss on the forehead from his mother for luck. Stepping out into the crisp morning air, Mark dashed towards the bus just in time, eager to embark on the day's adventures.
Inside, the bus hummed with activity, its seats nearly filled to capacity. Surveying the crowded aisles, Mark's eyes alighted upon a solitary figure—a captivating girl sitting alone. Determined, he made his way towards her amidst the swaying motion of the bus. However, unseen to Mark, a group of bullies huddled together, concocting a mischievous scheme.
As Mark navigated the shifting aisles, the bullies clandestinely extended their feet, hoping to trip him as he passed. Yet, through a stroke of luck, Mark managed to regain his balance, narrowly avoiding a tumble. His stumble brought him perilously close to the enchanting girl he admired, their paths converging in an unexpected twist of fate.
Composing himself with a quick breath, Mark faced Amanda, gratitude evident in his expression as she graciously offered him a seat beside her on the bus. With a grateful nod, he settled in beside her, their introductions marking the beginning of an unexpected encounter.
"I'm Mark," he ventured, extending his hand in greeting.
"Amanda," she replied with a warm smile, reciprocating his gesture.
"Thanks for the seat... Pleasure to meet you," Mark continued, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness as their hands met in a tentative handshake. Amanda's smile remained reassuring, her friendly demeanor putting Mark at ease.
However, as the bus rumbled along its route, a flicker of doubt crossed Mark's mind. Did he handle the situation appropriately? Was a simple handshake the right approach with someone as captivating as Amanda? Doubts lingered, prompting him to ponder alternative ways to initiate their acquaintance.
As the school bus came to a halt, students spilled out onto the pavement, dispersing towards their respective classes. Mark lingered behind, his thoughts still consumed by Amanda's captivating presence. Reality snapped back into focus when the bus driver urged him to disembark, prompting Mark to step out onto the pavement.
Eager to reconnect with Amanda, Mark searched for the right words, but his mind drew blanks. Lost in hesitation, he watched as Amanda disappeared into the bustling hallway, her figure soon swallowed by the sea of students.
Suddenly, Mark's reverie was shattered by a forceful jolt on his shoulder—the same bullies from the bus, their malicious intent evident in their mocking laughter.
"Move it, loser," sneered one of the bullies, the others echoing his taunts as they sauntered past Mark, their disdain palpable. Hindered by their jeers, Mark struggled to regain his bearings, his resolve wavering in the face of their cruelty.
As Mark struggled to reclaim his book from the clutches of the bullies, his efforts were met with aggression. Pushed against his locker and assaulted with a vicious blow to the stomach, Mark doubled over in pain, coughing as the air was forced from his lungs. The tormentors then callously hurled his book at his face, tearing its pages as it scattered across the hallway floor, leaving Mark to pick up the pieces of his shattered belongings.
Amidst the chaos, a fellow student named Mark Junior, from the same department as Mark and Amanda, came to his aid. Offering a helping hand, Mark Junior informed Mark McCoy of their impending tardiness and shared his plan to avoid the teacher's reprimands for being late. Together, they made their way to class, Mark's gratitude evident as they entered the room.
However, their late arrival did not escape the notice of the teacher, who scrutinized them with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Questioning their tardiness and verifying their presence in the correct class, the teacher also requested their names. Mark McCoy's attention was momentarily diverted by the sight of Amanda in the classroom, a glimmer of delight brightening his demeanor.
Meanwhile, Mark Junior took charge, deftly fielding the teacher's inquiries and smoothly deflecting any suspicion. As the teacher's scrutiny intensified, Mark McCoy found himself silently grateful for Mark Junior's quick thinking, even as his gaze lingered on Amanda, his heart racing with anticipation.
"C'mon, Ms. Mullins, don't you know who I am?" quipped Mark Junior with a playful grin. "Your favorite student, remember?" he added, flashing a mischievous smile at the teacher.
Ms. Mullins regarded him with a bemused expression, momentarily taken aback before Mark Junior reminded her of his full name. Flipping through her register, Ms. Mullins recalled Mark Junior as a familiar face, albeit one seldom seen in class.
Curiosity piqued, Ms. Mullins inquired about the whereabouts of Mark McCoy, prompting Mark Junior to respond with a lighthearted jest about Mark McCoy being his half-brother. However, as Ms. Mullins leveled a stern gaze in his direction, Mark Junior's playful demeanor shifted to one of sincerity, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
As the whispers exchanged between Mark Junior and Mark McCoy subsided, Mark quietly revealed his name to his newfound acquaintance. Mark Junior wasted no time relaying the information to Ms. Mullins, who, upon checking her register, confirmed Mark McCoy's status as a fresh addition to her classroom.
"A new student, I see," remarked Ms. Mullins, her tone tinged with understanding. "You wouldn't want tardiness to mar your first day, now would you? Please, take a seat," she added, gesturing towards an empty spot in the classroom where Mark McCoy and Mark Junior settled in together for the lecture.
After the lecture concluded, the bell signaling the brief respite of lunchtime rang out, prompting students to filter into the bustling school cafeteria. Amidst the throng of students, Mark McCoy found it difficult to tear his gaze away from Amanda, his attention drawn to her magnetic presence.
Observing Mark's persistent glances, Mark Junior couldn't help but notice his friend's infatuation and promptly questioned him about his feelings towards Amanda.
"I'm not sure if you're aware, but Amanda isn't one to be underestimated. She's one of the kindest and most compassionate girls in all of Vill-City High School," remarked Mark Junior, his tone reflecting admiration for Amanda's character. "If I were lucky enough to have a girl like her as my girlfriend, I'd consider myself the luckiest guy alive."
Mark McCoy listened intently, his curiosity piqued by Mark Junior's insights into Amanda's personality. With a hint of hesitation, he inquired about Amanda's relationship status, prompting Mark Junior to reveal that she was currently single and solely focused on her studies.
Encouraged by Mark Junior's openness, Mark McCoy felt a sense of gratitude towards his new friend. As Mark Junior extended an offer of assistance and camaraderie, assuring Mark McCoy of his support and willingness to provide any information he may need, Mark McCoy couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing he had someone to rely on in this new environment.
"Hey, I just had a thought," Mark Junior exclaimed suddenly, his eyes bright with excitement. "Since we both go by Mark as our first name, how about I go by Mark 1, and you can be Mark 2? It's like a nod to Ironman's personal AI assistant!"
Mark McCoy considered the suggestion, amused by the reference, and nodded in agreement. "Sure, why not? Mark 1 and Mark 2 it is," he replied with a grin.
Their conversation then shifted as Mark Junior's attention was drawn to the striking blue crystal necklace adorning Mark McCoy's neck. Intrigued, he inquired about its origin, prompting a momentary pause from Mark McCoy as he wrestled with the urge to reveal its true significance.
"It's just a gift from my mother," Mark McCoy responded finally, opting for a simpler explanation to avoid delving into the complexities of his unique heritage. With a casual shrug, he redirected the conversation, eager to move past the subject and onto lighter topics.
As tensions escalated in the school cafeteria, Amanda found herself besieged by a group of bullies, their unwelcome advances met with her steadfast rejection. Angered by her refusal, one of the bullies lashed out, knocking over an unsuspecting student and their meal in a fit of rage.
Witnessing the scene unfold, Mark McCoy sprang into action, intervening to aid the distressed student. Helping them to their feet, he offered his own lunch as a gesture of kindness, ensuring their well-being before turning his attention to the bullies.
Unfazed by the bullies' mockery and taunts, Mark McCoy stood his ground, his determination unwavering. However, the situation escalated further as one of the bullies attempted to retaliate, only to be thwarted by the timely arrival of Mark Junior, who stood by Mark McCoy's side.
Despite their combined efforts, the bullies remained undeterred, their aggression escalating. In a decisive moment, Mark McCoy delivered a swift punch, connecting with one of the bullies and sending shockwaves through the cafeteria. The resounding impact silenced the room, leaving the bully nursing a bloody nose and a lost tooth, while Mark McCoy's actions reverberated throughout the stunned student body.
As the tension reached its peak, the leader of the bullies lunged forward, intent on striking Mark McCoy with a steel tray. However, his assault was abruptly halted by an unexpected intervention—Amanda, stepping boldly into his path, blocked his advance with unwavering resolve.
Startled by Amanda's sudden intervention, the leader of the bullies hesitated, his fury momentarily tempered by her presence. Reluctantly, he dropped the steel tray to the ground, his anger simmering as he issued a chilling warning to Mark McCoy, acknowledging the formidable influence wielded by Amanda.
With the immediate threat thwarted, Mark McCoy turned his attention to his namesake, offering a hand to help him back onto his feet. Grateful for his assistance, Mark McCoy thanked him, their bond strengthened by the shared ordeal.
Before long, Amanda approached, expressing her gratitude to both Mark McCoy and Mark Junior for their courage and intervention. Touched by her words, Mark McCoy felt a swell of joy in his heart, his bruised face a small price to pay for the camaraderie and solidarity forged in that moment.
Bruised from the cafeteria altercation, and the absence of teachers, Mark McCoy and Mark Junior forged an unexpected friendship during the remaining hours of the school day. As they exited the premises, they were greeted by the sight of Amanda waving from afar before disappearing into the plush confines of a private luxury car awaiting her.
Suddenly, Mark Junior dropped a bombshell revelation: "Oh! I forgot to mention one thing, Amanda's Dad is the president."
Mark McCoy's eyes widened in stunned disbelief. "No way," he whispered to himself, his mind reeling with the implications of Amanda's prestigious lineage.
As Mark McCoy returned home, the bruises on his face did not go unnoticed by his mother during dinner. Initially, Mark attempted to brush off the injuries, but a knowing look from his mother prompted him to finally admit the truth.
Concerned, Mark's father tried to offer words of comfort, but his attempt was met with a surge of anger from Mark. Frustrated and resentful, Mark lamented the lack of power to defend himself, comparing his vulnerability to the strength of his mother.
Tetra, observing the escalating tension, intervened with a gentle caution, reminding Mark not to lash out at his father. However, Mark, consumed by his emotions, stormed off in a fit of rage to his room, leaving a somber atmosphere lingering in his wake.
As Mark stormed off in anger, Tetra and Tony McCoy, his parents, engaged in a heartfelt discussion about their son's well-being. Tony, speaking with compassion, reminded Tetra of Mark's aspirations to follow in her heroic footsteps. He urged her to give Mark time and space, advising against pressuring themselves or their son.
"But I've left that life, Tony," Tetra responded with a hint of sadness in her voice. "And I don't want Mark to go down that path. He's not ready for what's coming."
Tony's expression darkened as he tried to decipher Tetra's cryptic words. "You've been saying that for a while now, Tetra," he replied in a subdued tone. "What's coming? We need to know so we can face it together as a family."
Tetra hesitated before dismissing his concerns with a wave of her hand. "Never mind," she said, unwilling to divulge the full extent of her worries.
Tony's gaze softened as he reached out to comfort Tetra, reassuring her of his unwavering support. "Whatever it is, always know that I am here for you, no matter what," he affirmed, drawing her into a tender embrace as they shared a kiss, united in their commitment to weather whatever challenges lay ahead as a family.
As Mark retreated to his room in frustration, he found himself unable to contain the tumultuous emotions swirling within him. Ignoring his parents' concern, he made a impulsive decision to escape through his window and flee into the surrounding woods, seeking solace amidst the encroaching storm.
Unbeknownst to him, the Tetrenite necklace adorning his neck began to pulsate with an otherworldly glow as he delved deeper into the wilderness. With each stride, an inexplicable surge of energy coursed through his veins, propelling him forward at an astonishing pace. His surroundings blurred into a frenzied whirlwind as he struggled to maintain control, his movements accelerating beyond his comprehension.
Suddenly, as if defying the laws of gravity, Mark found himself airborne, hurtling through the sky with unparalleled velocity. Panic gripped him as he plummeted back to earth, the impact shattering the ground beneath him with a resounding crack.
Stunned and disoriented, Mark lay amidst the debris, his mind reeling from the exhilarating yet terrifying experience. Enthralled by his extraordinary gift, Mark embarked on another attempt, each leap surpassing the last, until he found himself suspended in midair, effortlessly surveying his surroundings. However, as he tried to descend, he unwittingly ascended higher and higher until he soared into the vastness of space. Panic seized him as the fear of suffocation loomed, yet his astonishment grew when he discovered he could breathe and speak in the vacuum.
Mark's initial amazement soon morphed into a daunting challenge as he hurtled earthward at breakneck speed, akin to a shooting star streaking through the cosmos. His descent was met with a torrential downpour, accompanied by fierce lightning and thunder that lashed out, merging the Tetrenite around his neck seamlessly into his hybrid biology. With a thunderous impact, he crashed deep into the heart of the forest, unleashing a devastating shockwave felt across the entire planet.
Minutes later, Mark rose to his feet, unscathed and bewildered by his lack of injuries. A newfound sensation coursed through him, an unparalleled strength and vitality, propelling him homeward with a sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, within the confines of a secure government facility, officials were jolted by the planetary shockwave that rippled across the globe, triggering a cascade of natural disasters in its wake. Utilizing their vast database and planetary satellites, they swiftly analyzed the situation. Without delay, the president issued a directive to the Guardians of Earth, tasking them with investigating the source of the unprecedented shockwave.
Upon returning home, Mark was surprised to find his mother waiting anxiously in his room. She had grown concerned and conducted a hasty search of the city before returning home, her worry etched on her face. Before Mark could speak, his mother enveloped him in a warm embrace, apologizing for her earlier absence and expressing her concern.
Moved by her gesture, Mark reciprocated the apology, regretting his outburst directed at his father. With a sense of relief, he confided in his mother about the awakening of his newfound abilities.
"Mom! I believe my powers have manifested," Mark exclaimed.
Tetra, astounded by the revelation, shifted her gaze to Mark's neck, where the Tetrenite necklace was conspicuously absent. She inquired about the missing artifact, but Mark could only offer vague explanations, suggesting he may have misplaced it during his exploration of his abilities.
With a dismissive shake of her head, Tetra reassured Mark that the Tetrenite was replaceable, but little did they realize the significance it held in enhancing his abilities. She tenderly kissed Mark on the forehead, urging him to rest. Before departing, Mark seized the opportunity to express his desire for Tetronian training from his mother, a request to which Tetra responded with a smile, affirming her willingness to guide him in their cultural ways before gently closing the door behind her.
As Tetra left the room, she encountered Tony in the living room engrossed in the news coverage of the planetary shockwave and its ensuing global catastrophe. She wasted no time in informing her husband of their son's awakened abilities. Tony, brimming with excitement, saw this as an opportunity for Mark to follow in Tetra's footsteps. However, Tetra, harboring deep concerns, knew that this was merely the beginning of a much larger threat looming on the horizon, one that could spell doom for Earth. If Mark was to be prepared for what lay ahead, he needed to be ready to confront the impending danger.
The following morning, Mark eagerly awaited the school bus, standing in his front yard just in time for its arrival. Boarding the bus, his gaze met Amanda's, who greeted him with a radiant smile. Nearby, Mark Junior had saved him a seat close to Amanda. As Mark navigated his way to his seat, a few bullies attempted to trip him, but to their astonishment, their own feet recoiled in pain upon contact with Mark's, leaving them too embarrassed to confront him further.
Settling into his seat beside Amanda, Mark engaged in a beautiful conversation, discovering the real essence of Amanda as they forged a newfound friendship. Upon arrival at Vill-City High School, the students dispersed to their respective classes, marking the beginning of another day filled with possibilities.
In the McCoy's apartment, Tetra received a call from the Guardians of Earth, summoning her to aid the heroes in investigating the recent planetary shockwave. Quickly informing Tony of the situation, she donned her Tetronian suit and departed for the government facility. Upon arrival, Tetra affirmed that she too had felt the shockwave. As the heroes, including Thunderbolt, Supreme, and Nature, deliberated on the possible source of the disturbance, the ominous specter of the "Doom Syndicate" loomed large.
With instructions from the government, the heroes divided into teams, tasked with covering various locations on Earth and beyond, in search of answers.
Meanwhile, across the grounds of Vill-City High School, Mark and Mark Junior found themselves on the basketball court after classes. Mark Junior, eager to show Mark McCoy around the school, led him on a tour. However, their excursion was interrupted when they encountered the bullies who had trailed them to the court. Despite Mark Junior's reminder of the consequences of fighting in the courtyard, Mark McCoy remained unfazed by the bullies' threats. Instead, he boldly challenged them to a duel, effortlessly overpowering them to the amazement of Mark Junior.
"Woah! Where did you learn to fight like that? It's like you're made of steel," Mark Junior exclaimed in awe. "Man of Steel. Get it?" he added with a grin.
As Mark Junior extended the invitation for Mark McCoy to join him at the pizza palace for a part-time job, touting it as one of the finest establishments renowned for its delectable pizzas, Mark McCoy contemplated the offer. Eager to earn some extra cash and perhaps impress the ladies, he agreed to give it a try, especially since Mark Junior also worked there part-time. With that settled, they resumed their tour of the school, exploring every nook and cranny.
Meanwhile, at the Guardians of Earth headquarters, the heroes found themselves at an impasse, unable to discern the origin of the shockwave despite their exhaustive search. It wasn't until Teknight's analysis revealed traces of immense radiation originating from Mark's previous crash-landing site deep within the woods. The radiation was identified as Tetrenite, sending shockwaves through the team.
As theories began to circulate about how the Tetrenite ended up in the woods, Nature speculated that it might have fallen from the sky before vaporizing upon impact. Amidst the discussion, Tetra, levitating gracefully in midair, announced her departure, urging the team to contact her should the situation escalate. With a swift departure, she vanished into the horizon, leaving the team to ponder the mysteries surrounding the Tetrenite and its potential implications.
The Guardians of Earth sprang into action as soon as the alien invasion was detected, mobilizing their forces to defend the planet and its inhabitants.
As the alien invasion unfurled, the Guardians of Earth braced themselves for the impending onslaught. Yet, the enemy's assault surpassed all expectations, with portals materializing from every direction, disgorging hordes of extraterrestrial invaders along with their formidable warships and a towering mothership poised to dominate the planet.
Just as the menacing mothership loomed on the verge of breaching Earth's atmosphere, Tetra, with a resounding shock, descended upon it, effortlessly dismantling the vessel before soaring defiantly into the portal leading to the invaders' homeworld.
Stunned by Tetra's audacious intervention, the Guardians recognized her timely aid as the key to turning the tide. With the destruction of the mothership, the link to all portals severed, forcing the alien invaders to retreat begrudgingly. Those who attempted to disrupt the process met swift justice at the hands of the Guardians, who promptly dispatched them back through the closing portals.
Now, faced with the remnants of the invading force on their own turf, Tetra's fury ignited. Grasping the enemy commander by the throat, she tightened her grip with unyielding rage, delivering a chilling ultimatum to the bewildered aliens surrounding her.
"Let me be unequivocal: Earth is under my protection," Tetra declared, her voice dripping with scorn as she effortlessly tore the commander's head from his shoulders, crushing it like a mere insect in her vengeful grasp.
As the aliens unleashed their fury upon Tetra, bombarding her with explosives and ammunition, the thick fog of war enveloped the battlefield. However, when the smoke cleared, their shock was palpable as they beheld Tetra, unscathed and unyielding amidst the chaos.
In a chilling retort, Tetra declared that it was now her turn. With a single, awe-inspiring leap into the air, she descended upon her foes with cataclysmic force, unleashing a devastating shockwave of destruction that rippled outward, obliterating everything in its path.
With blinding speed and unfathomable power, Tetra descended upon the alien forces, striking with brutal efficiency and merciless precision. In a matter of moments, she laid waste to the entire planet, leaving no survivors, not even the innocent infants, and reducing the once thriving solar system to cosmic dust.
Having completed her mission with ruthless efficiency, Tetra embarked on her journey back to Earth. Despite the immense distance of twelve light-years, she traversed the vast expanse of space in a mere five hours, guided by her unparalleled navigation skills.
Upon her return to Earth, Tetra wasted no time in heading straight home, her mission accomplished and her duty to protect the planet fulfilled.