Chapter 30 : Choosing a name (finally) !

[Author note : If you're interested to read more chapters, search for Cathbel on the Patréon website (replace the é by an e)

KoSP : 6-7 chapters

Iron Lad squib : 7-8 chapters

Enjoy !]

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« Next on channel 6 news, the senseless destruction of historical Terran heritage right here in our own country ! Let's hear what our news reporter has to say ! »

The image of well-dressed Terran with chiseled features and television make-up switched to a view of a forest, another Terran stood, no paying attention to the viewers as he was currently struggling to attach his mic to his jacket. Suddenly, he looked up surprised, straightened up and started speaking.

« Yes, Daniel. Senseless destruction, indeed. As of now, what the authorities have been at liberty to tell was that the destruction of the first Terran bastion on this world was caused by a fight between champions. Witnesses say that the fight was heard from the next town over. A small town by the name of Cider's Grove. The resident were woken up at around 2 in the morning by sounds of explosion in the distance. In fact, as you can see in this amateur footage of the fight taken from an apartment building at the edge of Cider's Grove, the night appeared almost lit that night, so much so were the exchanges between the two parties. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to find out who is responsible for this… Anti-Terran terrorist group, or as the theory mills around here, a disagreement between champions, or even some other unknown phenomenon… The experts are still investigating. »

On the video shown, it started as something rather dull : a video of the night sky with the stars and moons gently illuminating the forest underneath. And then, a flash of light, followed a few moments later by the distant sound of a powerful explosion. The image shook, as if the ground was trembling or the cameraman was frightened. For a few minutes, the flashes of light continued, with sometimes a tree or two disappearing. Sometimes, the flashes were actually beams, shooting toward the sky or razing parts of the landscape. To most people watching it, they found themselves agreeing with the theory the reporter revealed. Only champions or violators were capable of such destruction in so little time.

If it was a group, there would have been traces of the fight : blood, corpses, body parts. But, nothing of the sort was reported. Perhaps it could have been some freak happenstance… However, to most when they saw this all they could think about was a fight.

In a small bunker built underneath the ruins, Simon watched the news and commented when nothing new, or interesting to him, was said :

« Terran heritage ! I knew this felt too much like something our species would have built. Though I do wonder if high walls were really effective against flying people like the Serafs… It makes me kinda curious about the History of Terrans on this world, actually. Did the Empire send people to settle here, a long time ago ? Or are those Terrans, not Earth-terrans but from another world not conquered by the Empire ? Now that I think about it, I don't even know the name of the world we landed on… It's sad. »

« Although the historical significance of this discovery is not lost on me, I am more curious about how long the investigation will take. We have dug and fortified a tunnel leading us out of the bunker, but coming and going between the city and the forest is bound to draw attention, at some point. I would like to start working on the base as soon as possible… Oh ! And this world is called Aranipoc… It means unity and has been given this name after the arrival of the Seraf and Samaelite, on this world. »

Simon rubbed his hairless chin in thought. A little weird but not a bad name. Then again, the country was called Yilipicuch so… Plus every language sounds weird or funny to someone who doesn't speak it. He changed the subject :

« Don't you think it'll draw the… not calling him that… The guy that's after us here ? The news talked about champions, and he goes all murder hobo on champions ! I bet he already caught and killed the crazy Lightning chick… »

« Both of your statements are possible. The 'lightning chick' seems to have disappeared during transport and given the amount of information the mercenaries had, it is probable that the 'Genocidal' indeed captured and interrogated her. However, I do not think that he will come here. At least, not while the case is still so high-profile. »

Simon sighed :

« So that means our base is already burned before we even built it… »

For some reason, Crys chuckled, his small laugh echoing inside Simon's head.

« No, Simon. I am working on something to keep our voyeur 'friend' from spying on us. Among other things life sensor capable of detecting unnaturally altered life-forms since it seems to be the Genocidal's MO. »

« Stop saying Genocidal ! It's a freaking dumb name ! »

« Oh ? And how would you call him, then ? »

« Well… Hm, he's making monsters by altering animals and people DNA or something right ? Why not Chimera ? I know the name's supposed to be the monster's but… Maybe add a Doctor in front like some powerful villains. Doctor Chimera… Yeah, that's much better ! »

Once more, Crys chuckled. But now Simon was on a roll and decided to give himself and Crys superhero names since they never did until now.

« Okay… This world's all about magic and stuff so… You can manipulate metal and technology, and you build crazy stuff as if it was nothing. Technological Wizard ? No, too long ! Technomancer ! That's better. Now, for me… It's complicated since I basically have one power with too many applications. Should I choose a name hinting at it ? » Simon got up and started pacing in the small bunker.

« I'm still learning new stuff about my powers every day, so I can't exactly choose a name for that since it might become obsolete at some point. Maybe I should choose a name not based on my powers specifically but what it makes me… Like Superman or Invincible… Even though the latter's not really invincible. But what will it be ? Overpowered ? No, too generic. Nullifier ? Nope, that's lame… Damn, that's hard ! »

« May I suggest something ? » Crys interjected to which Simon nodded and looked at his floating friend inside his anti-gravity field. « You absorb power and shape it as you see fit. Why not… Power God ? »

Simon cringed hard and shook his head violently :

« That's too narcissistic ! Though maybe you're onto something. Power-Man's taken and as you said, any energy directed at me basically becomes mine. So… Power-King, maybe ? Still feels like a name of someone full of himself, though… » He gnashed his teeth in (relative) silence before he threw his hands up : « Argh ! I give up ! Can't find a better one so let's go with Power-King for now… »

That's when Crys decided to douse his enthusiasm with a simple question :

« I thought you didn't want to be a hero ? »