Showtime: Epilogue

Elsewhere in the upper levels

If one thing defined my life, it would have to be power. The power to impact this world gets more problematic by the decade, but no one ever talks about how hard it is to keep the status quo. That became all the more clear as I got up from my chair after hours of machines, lights and holograms looked over my new cast.

"The fluctuations are getting worse and worse, Julia. My body can't even handle the switch-ups anymore."

"Which is why you should've just stayed here instead of going out Omna, you have to keep your appearances to a minimum, or do you want your adoring public to turn on you?" Julia said as she examined my hand.

"My adoring public would turn on me if I stayed any longer, I saw an easy win, and I took it; stop complaining."

"And that landed you here on your ass with a broken hand, and #1 on Hero fails of the week."

At that moment, I commanded what little strength I had to stomp on the ground so hard the building shook. Her purple wavy bobcut blew amid such power as her skinny frame trembled. All the while, her golden eyes gazed back at me, wary but not afraid. Eventually, I calmed down.

"I'm sorry, Julia, you're right. I should be more careful. It's just been so stressful lately, and it won't happen again, promise. But I'm not going to back down and sit on my ass. These criminals are becoming more ambitious, and the media vultures only spread their influence. I need support, not judgment, and if you can't give me the latter, then please get out of my way."

"I'm trying my best, Omna, and I'll keep trying for your sake. But don't forget those powers aren't yours. Remember, it's a miracle that your body has even held out for as long as it did. You're reaching your limit, and if that goes on for any longer, you're going to burn out," she said with a defiant aura.

"If my parents could handle it, then so can I, Julia. Krimo needs a symbol of hope, and any imperfection will finally give them all the ammunition they need to bury me. All the ammunition to get those people to drop their masks. So I will hold this power for as long as I can, no matter what it takes. Then, I'll show them all a real example of saving what's broken when I bring Krimo to order."

With my resolve restored, I decided to walk off while pondering my next move.

Elsewhere in the lower levels

??? POV

You tend to move around a lot when you get to be in the business as long as I have. But no city has filled my needs quite like Krimo. Maybe it was the mood or crippling poverty, but there was something so great about being in a place where everybody is as miserable as you.

Here misery comes in all kinds of exquisite flavors, and I am more than happy to let my subordinates taste them all. But there is always trouble in this paradise-like Underworld, and sometimes it can get pretty bad for everybody.

"So you mean to tell me that all in one day, six random punks managed to hit up one of my banks. Steal 600,000 dollars in creds from our "protection" accounts and Krimo's greatest hero in the middle of broad daylight, and you can't even be bothered to track them down! I swear if you are trying to make my mess even worse, I will-"

"It isn't like that boss, honest! But whoever these guys were, they were thorough. The only clue we got is the car and the guy who got unmasked, but even then, facial rec's got nothing. These guys are nobody's boss, probably lower levels, and infamy is everything here," my servant said in complete distress amongst his brethren.

At that last second, a rumbling sensation started building from my body. A feeling that left my skin burning, blood boiling, and nerves twitching. Rage turned into a ruthless caution, as I decided to take this opportunity for all it was worth. Before the whelp could even defend himself, red lightning curled from my shoulders to my palm as soon enough; a deadly blast sprang forth.

My servant gave an entirely new expression from the blast that I would quickly cherish. He danced and tightened in a beautiful jig of agony from my power, eventually falling to the ground exhausted and desperately gasping for air. As my composure finally started to lighten, my formalities returned.

"You're right; infamy does mean everything. This is why I've told you to call me King instead of Boss numerous times! And I hope that all of you will take this soon to be a broken ingrate as an example of what will happen if you don't find these people. If you have to make them infamous to do it, then so be it. I've worked far too hard to give up my crown. And if these people had the will to steal from my turf, then it will be all the more delicious to see that ambition break like so many others," I said as my scouts went off to claim the next vessel of unearthly might.