Episode 6: What are you?

In the silence of the Guardians of Earth headquarters, Mark McCoy pushed himself to the limit. Dressed in the new super suit crafted by Teknight, he moved with a determined fervor, throwing punches and dodging attacks from the Tekdroids. The training room was alive with the hum of machinery and the clash of metal, echoing Mark's intense dedication. By the time the other heroes returned from their mission, the room was a chaotic scene of scattered Tekdroid parts and debris.

Nature, observing the aftermath of Mark's solo training session, raised an eyebrow in concern. "How long has he been at it alone?" she asked, her gaze sweeping over the wreckage.

"For 20 hours," Tek-Computer, the headquarters' operational AI, responded after scanning the training logs.

Mark, catching his breath and wiping sweat from his brow, stood and faced the group of heroes who had just walked in. His gaze was heavy, his body language betraying a mix of fatigue and resolve.

Green, always sensitive to the emotions of others, picked up on Mark's troubled state. Tuning into Mark's thoughts, he sensed the turmoil swirling within him. Stepping forward, he addressed Mark with a gentle firmness, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Mark hesitated, the weight of his concerns apparent. He was clearly exhausted, not just physically from his grueling training session but emotionally as well. This moment of vulnerability was rare for him; typically, he projected confidence and control. Now, faced with the compassionate inquiry from his teammates, he knew it was time to share what was on his mind.

Mark took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling visibly as he gathered his thoughts. He opened up about the tangled web of personal and heroic struggles he faced, speaking earnestly to the assembled heroes. Nature listened intently, her expression one of deep understanding. Once Mark had finished, she gently advised him not to carry the burden alone and to differentiate between his desires and his necessities. "What is it that you need as opposed to what you want?" she asked thoughtfully.

Mark paused, her question hitting close to home. He was still searching for words when the atmosphere suddenly shifted with the arrival of Teknight. The seasoned hero's presence was commanding, his concern for Mark evident in his tone.

"You're too young for this level of crime fighting, Mark. You need to focus on your studies," Teknight said firmly, echoing Tetra's past advice which he had initially overlooked. "I blame myself for pushing you too quickly into becoming a hero."

Stung by the implication that he wasn't ready, Mark's frustrations boiled over. He confronted Teknight, his voice rising in a mix of anger and desperation. "Are you saying I can't make my own decisions?" he demanded, challenging Teknight face-to-face.

The question hung heavily in the air, a stark reflection of Mark's internal conflict between his youthful impetuosity and the heavy responsibilities of a hero. This confrontation was not just about his role as a hero; it was about his growth as a person and his struggle to find his own path amidst the expectations placed upon him.

Mark McCoy's frustration erupted into a fiery outburst, his voice echoing through the headquarters as he confronted Teknight. His words were a mixture of defiance and desperation, revealing the deep inner conflict he faced between his burgeoning capabilities and the expectations others had of him.

"You don't know what I've been going through. I'm old enough to make my own decisions. For a minute you act like I'm capable, full of potential, and then the next, you switch sides and start talking me out of it like my mom," Mark argued heatedly. "I know I'm ready to be a hero. This human civilization is holding me back from my true potential, when you and I both know that I'm a hybrid."

"The world needs more heroes than successful civilians. This way we could help the world become better, and I know I can be part of it, because I'm stronger, I'm smarter... I am better... I am better!" Mark's voice rose to a shout, his words filled with a mix of conviction and anger.

As Mark's outburst filled the room, Teknight remained composed, absorbing Mark's words with a steadiness that contrasted sharply with the young hero's turmoil. The other heroes watched in silent awe, sensing the tension but unsure of how to intervene. OLX, poised to step in, was subtly signaled by Supreme to hold back, allowing the confrontation to unfold naturally.

"Anger will get you nowhere, Mark," Teknight finally responded, his voice calm yet firm, cutting through the tension. "You're not ready. You may be strong, but you're not stronger. You lack experience on the battlefield, and you lack discipline."

Teknight's words, though harsh, were meant to ground Mark, to remind him that heroism was not just about physical strength or inherent potential, but about maturity, wisdom, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure. This moment was pivotal, not just in Mark's journey as a hero, but in his personal development as well. It was a tough lesson in humility and patience, essential virtues for anyone bearing the mantle of a hero.

Mark's anger reached a boiling point, and he charged at Teknight with a ferocity that betrayed his lack of experience. Teknight, a seasoned hero, responded with agile maneuvers, executing backflips and somersaults to dodge Mark's aggressive, albeit predictable, attacks. 

As Mark persisted, Teknight knew he had to defuse the situation quickly before it escalated further or caused serious injury. With precise timing, Teknight deployed a canister of Tetrenite gas, a substance known to temporarily weaken hybrids like Mark by sapping their strength. As the gas enveloped Mark, his movements became sluggish, his breaths more labored.

Seizing the moment, Teknight then unleashed a massive energy blast, not to harm, but to incapacitate. The blast hit Mark squarely, sending him crashing against a wall with such force that it shattered, filling the training room with a cloud of debris and smoke. 

As the dust settled, Mark lay amidst the rubble, stunned and disoriented, a stark reminder of his current limitations and the harsh lessons of combat. This confrontation was not just a physical clash but a critical moment of learning and reflection for Mark about the realities of power and responsibility.

As the training room's smoke began to dissipate, Mark seized the moment to harness his anger into a powerful Tetra Blast aimed directly at Teknight. The seasoned hero reacted instinctively, shielding himself with a barrier of Tetrenium. Initially, the barrier held against the onslaught, but as the blast intensified, it began to melt under the searing heat. 

With little time to spare, Teknight utilized his advanced suit's technology to shrink down to the size of an atom, evading the direct impact of the blast. From this diminutive size, he launched a counterattack, bombarding Mark with a series of Tetrenite blasts from all angles. Mark, struggling to locate his minuscule adversary, crossed his arms defensively around his face to shield himself from the barrage.

Teknight then escalated his tactics by throwing tiny grenades. These, however, proved ineffective against Mark's swift reactions and his natural hybrid abilities, allowing him to catch the shrunken Teknight in his palm. Just as Mark thought he had the upper hand, Teknight utilized another aspect of his suit to become invisible and intangible, slipping from Mark's grasp.

In the next instant, Teknight altered his molecular size again, this time enlarging massively. He reappeared, towering over Mark, and swiftly subdued him by pressing a gigantic hand firmly against Mark's chest, pinning him to the ground.

"Yield, Mark. You can't beat me, you're not as powerful as your mother," Teknight declared, his voice echoing authoritatively through the training room. The statement was not just a comment on Mark's current abilities but a pointed reminder of the discipline and control he lacked—qualities essential to true heroism that his mother epitomized and Mark had yet to fully embrace. The training session had escalated into a profound lesson on power, control, and the responsibilities that come with being a hero.

Mark's anger boiled over as Teknight's words ignited a deeper fury within him. With a surge of strength, he forcefully removed Teknight's enormous hand and, in a burst of energy, hurled Teknight against a wall. As Mark prepared to deliver a potentially decisive blow, the training room's security protocol kicked in, deploying Tekdroids to deescalate the situation.

Mark, driven by sheer adrenaline and his hybrid vigor, quickly dispatched the Tekdroids. He then turned his focus back to Teknight, charging at him with incredible speed. But Teknight, ever the strategist, utilized his suit's intangibility feature at the perfect moment, causing Mark to pass right through him. Capitalizing on Mark's momentary confusion, Teknight caught him midair and slammed him back to the ground with devastating force.

As Mark lay stunned, he looked up to see Teknight's massive foot descending upon him, threatening to crush him completely. Reacting swiftly, Mark summoned another aspect of his hybrid abilities—frost breath. He blew an intense stream of icy air at the descending foot, rapidly freezing it. With a grunt of effort, he shattered the frozen appendage, freeing himself from its weight.

Seizing the moment, Mark then used his flight ability to rocket upwards, flying straight through the jaws of Teknight's armor. He maneuvered with precision and force, breaking his way through the suit's structure and emerging triumphantly from the top of Teknight's head. The training session had escalated into an intense display of both Mark's raw power and the complex capabilities of Teknight's armor, highlighting Mark's potential but also his need for control and strategy in combat.

As Mark hovered over Teknight's seemingly lifeless body, his heart sank. Desperation tinged his voice as he pleaded with the inert form, promising obedience and remorse for his actions. He looked up, seeking aid or reassurance from his fellow heroes, but found only silence; their expressions unreadable, not displaying shock or condemnation.

His calls for help went unanswered until a familiar voice cut through the tension. Spinning around, Mark's gaze fell on Teknight, alive and unharmed. Overcome with relief and confusion, Mark quickly embraced him, his apology spilling out amidst tears.

"But how? I thought I killed you," Mark stammered, struggling to grasp the situation.

"You could kill me, but that was merely a decoy," Teknight explained, his voice calm but firm. He used the moment to reinforce the promise Mark had made in his desperation, emphasizing the need for obedience and discipline.

Mark absorbed Teknight's words, the reality of his actions and the elaborate lesson hitting home. He vowed to uphold his promises and, with a heavy heart and a newfound understanding of his responsibilities, left the headquarters.

After Mark's departure, OLX approached Teknight, questioning the intensity of the lesson that had so deeply shaken Mark. "That stunt almost gave Mark a heart attack," OLX remarked, concerned yet impressed by the orchestration of the event.

Teknight's response was measured, reflecting a deep conviction in his educational methods. "Sometimes, harsh discipline is necessary for people to truly understand the consequences of their actions," he stated, justifying the need for such a drastic lesson.

"That's why you're the boss," OLX replied, half-joking yet acknowledging Teknight's wisdom and leadership with a gesture of respect. The exchange underscored the complex balance between mentorship and discipline in the path of heroism.

The next day, Mark began to put more effort into his academics, his job, his friendship with Mark Junior, and his attempts to win Amanda back. Over time, he started balancing his life, temporarily setting aside his secret hero activities.

A few weeks later, the long-awaited basketball competition arrived. As both teams prepared, Mark noticed Amanda chatting with her fellow cheerleaders from a distance. Their eyes met, conveying a mutual longing. Just as Mark was about to approach Amanda, Miss Agnes intervened, calling the cheerleaders to display their talents on the basketball court. Amanda's gaze met Mark's once more before she left.

After the cheerleaders performed, the basketball game began. It was a tough match, with both teams showcasing impressive skills and determination. Mark's mind, however, was elsewhere, distracted by thoughts of Amanda and how to rekindle their relationship. This lapse in focus allowed the opposing team to snatch the ball from him and score. Miss Agnes, observing from the sidelines, was furious and yelled at Mark to get his head in the game.

At halftime, the opposing team led against Vill-City High. Miss Agnes encouraged her team while scolding Mark to focus or risk being substituted. Mark Junior also urged him to stay focused. Just before the second half started, Amanda approached Mark. She knew he had something to say but spoke first, encouraging him and proposing a challenge: if he won the game, she would go on a date with him and hear him out. Mark, filled with excitement and renewed confidence, nodded in agreement.

As the game resumed, Mark played with unmatched skill, coordination, and leadership. His strategic thinking led his team to score repeatedly, eventually surpassing their competitors. In the final moments, Mark's team scored the winning point. Miss Agnes was ecstatic, praising the team's effort, especially Mark's transformation.

Approaching Mark, she said, "Treat Amanda right. Whatever she told you, it worked wonders." Mark smiled gratefully and thanked her.

"I knew you had it in you, kiddo!" Miss Agnes added with a smile before walking away. Her departure revealed Amanda, who smiled beautifully at Mark, and he mirrored her expression.

During the victory celebration, Mark and Amanda gravitated toward each other. Feeling flattered and hopeful, Mark took Amanda's hands and vowed to make things right. They embraced, while the bullies, especially their leader, watched from a distance, consumed with jealousy.

It was a Saturday evening when Mark took Amanda out on a date. He had arranged for Mark Junior to cover his shift at work, allowing him to leave early. They ventured to a breathtaking scenic spot after catching a movie, finally getting the chance to talk about themselves and their relationship. Gazing into each other's eyes with warmth and affection, Mark was ready to reveal the whole truth to Amanda.

"Amanda," Mark said softly, taking her warm hands in his, his eyes filled with anticipation, mirroring Amanda's gaze.

He took a deep breath and exhaled softly before revealing his secret: he was a superhero. Amanda's eyes widened with disbelief at Mark's openness about having superpowers and being a hybrid alien. Her facial expression showed she found it hard to believe.

To prove it, Mark asked Amanda to follow him, and she did. He took her to the rooftop of a high building where they could admire the beauty of the landscape. Reaching the edge of the roof, he stretched out his hand to her.

"Amanda, do you trust me?" Mark asked calmly.

Amanda was stunned, fearing for Mark's safety. But his confident voice gave her the courage to approach him. She took his hand, carefully placing her feet on top of his as they gently levitated away from the rooftop.

Mark could feel Amanda's heartbeat racing. When she peeked over and saw they were floating in midair, she tightened her grip around him, now believing his truth. Mark's reassuring words calmed Amanda's fear of heights. She stared into his eyes with longing as he wrapped his arms around her waist, and she mirrored his affection, wrapping her arms around his neck. They shared a passionate kiss, and as they kissed, Mark gracefully soared higher into the clouds, showing her the wonders of the world. Later, he carried her in his arms, flying around the globe.

As the evening came to an end, Mark took Amanda home, gently placing her at the entrance of her gate. They stared into each other's eyes, lost for words. Just as Amanda walked six feet away, Mark felt something was wrong or that he had upset her. Suddenly, Amanda turned back and ran towards him, embracing him warmly. Mark wrapped his arms around her waist.

"No more secrets," Amanda whispered.

"You have my word," Mark replied, his voice barely audible. Amanda kissed him before departing, and with that, Mark graciously levitated into the air, swiftly taking off and creating a sonic boom in his excitement.

Meanwhile, at the McCoy residence, Mark had returned home and gone straight to bed. In the other room, Tony was already asleep, but Tetra lay awake, troubled by a strange feeling and haunted by her past. She knew she needed to act fast as time was running out. That same night, she donned her suit and took off, emerging unannounced in the heavily fortified and secret lair of the Doom Syndicate, stunning them with her presence.

The Doom Syndicate's lair was secured from prying eyes, unknown even to the government and the Guardians of Earth, except for Tetra. Her sudden and undetected arrival struck fear into their hearts. Zipporah sensed her presence and notified Vox, who then alerted the others.

"A Guardian!" yelled Vox. "We've been spotted, but how?"

They stood their ground, ready to defend their territory, some activating their powers just as Tetra revealed herself from the shadows. Unbeknownst to them, she wasn't there for a fight but to form an alliance. To get their attention, she swiftly incapacitated them effortlessly, using only a fraction of her powers. They were shocked, having never faced such might from a Guardian of Earth. Zipporah, however, recognized the distinct pattern of a true Tetronian combat.

Heavy hitters like Zipporah, Stardust, Madmat, Dark Light, and even Mimic were no match for Tetra.

"I'm not here to fight. If I wanted to, you'd be dead already," Tetra said calmly but with a commanding tone.

"What do you want, Tetra?" Mimic asked.

"Now that I have your attention, I come in peace. I know you're planning to sabotage the inauguration of a one-world government in a week, but I'm not here for that. There's something coming, something bigger than any of us can handle. Not even the Guardians of Earth can face it alone," Tetra said, her voice filled with worry.

After explaining the dire situation, some of the Doom Syndicate members were skeptical. But Tetra warned them about the imminent danger and proposed that Zipporah read her thoughts for confirmation. Mimic mirrored Zipporah's action and could see that Tetra was telling the truth.

"You want us to believe that a bunch of Tetronians are coming to invade Earth? How gullible do you think we are?" Vox scoffed.

"You, of all people, should understand, Zipporah," Tetra said, her eyes locking with Zipporah's, conveying the urgency and truth of her words.

But before anyone could utter a word, Zipporah broke down in tears, believing everything Tetra had said. Vox, seeing Zipporah cry for the first time, realized that Tetra was telling the truth. Despite this, most of the Doom Syndicate remained skeptical. Vox stood by Zipporah as she embraced Tetra, understanding the full truth about their race's demise.

Not long after, Mimic stepped forward, staring into Tetra's eyes and nodding gently, signaling his willingness to assist her. This move shocked those who still doubted her. Madmat voiced his opposition loudly, calling Mimic a gullible weakling for being tricked by a single Guardian and diverting their attention from their true conquest. Dark Light, KingPin, Blast, and Stardust sided with Madmat, refusing to aid Tetra in defending Earth against the Tetronian soldiers, marking a significant rift in the Doom Syndicate's membership.

As Madmat's faction left the lair, Vox confronted Tetra. "I hope you are right about this. You better be."

"So, what's the plan?" Vox asked.

"We align with the Guardians," Tetra replied.

Somewhere in space, Terra approached Earth at lightspeed. As she entered the Earth's atmosphere, she sensed she was being trailed by another Tetronian soldier. Turning invisible and duplicating herself, she managed to confuse Tetraband, who was searching for her. He was met with a brutal assault from one of Terra's clones, stunning him with the impact and causing a bloody nose.

Tetraband, enraged by Terra's act, wiped the blood from his face and charged towards her. She deftly avoided his attack.

"You think you could betray the empire and get away with it, Terra?" Tetraband spat in anger.

"Who said anything about getting away with it, Tetraband? I knew the empire would send you to eliminate me if I failed, which I already have. That's why I have to get rid of you first before they send another," Terra replied confidently.

"Then you're willing to be an outcast and a fugitive of the empire just like Tetra. You, her, and Earth will be doomed," Tetraband snarled, delivering a devastating blow to Terra's clone and ripping her in half.

Tetraband, thinking it was over, caught his breath while observing the glowing Earth in front of him. "Foolishness and a waste," he muttered.

Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind him. "Not if you're doomed first." He turned to see the authentic Terra approaching at blinding speed. Before Tetraband could react, Terra thrust her fist into his chest, puncturing his heart. Tetraband, not going down easily, gripped her arm with both hands. His body began to charge up with massive energy and crackling lightning, his eyes glowing intensely.

"If I'm going down, then so are you. The energy from my dying body and the resulting shockwave will consume Earth and its solar system. At least I die for the empire with honor," Tetraband said, his eyes burning with rage as he began to erupt.

Terra forcefully removed her fist and moved back, harnessing her Tetronian magic. She chanted in her Tetronian language, casting a powerful forcefield spell to contain the massive explosion. As the explosion erupted, Terra managed to contain it, but the effort exhausted her. Blood dripped from her ears, mouth, nose, and eyes, leaving a non-lethal shockwave that reverberated across space and Earth.

Touching her nose, she saw her blood and realized how weakened she had become. She flew straight to Earth, knowing she had to find Tetra fast before it was too late.