Origin Story: Part 12

"It took all my resolve every day not to punch all you whiners just like I did Hitler!"

«FIRST

<PREV

The news anchor faced the camera with his most well-practiced solemn expression. “We have breaking news. The superhero known as Fly-Over is dead, murdered by Madeline Larson, a.k.a. the Pink Princess.”

The farmer’s video of Madeline played, showing Fly-Over getting hit with the mist. “Pink Princess used some sort of pink mist attack, killing the superhero once thought to be completely invincible.”

Video of Madeline threatening the farmer then played, showing the pink spikes forming around her as she shouted, “Give me that phone!”

“Contrary to previous beliefs about the Pink Princess being a harmless, bumbling idiot,” said the news anchor, “she is now considered extremely dangerous.”

There was video of Grasshopper and the Executioner being taken into custody by the U.S. military. “Members of a rogue superhero group, the Vindicators, have turned themselves into U.S. forces. They deny having anything to do with killing Strytle and describe the Pink Princess as a loner who kept mainly to herself but quickly befriended the superhero Jingo, a known racist.”

Drayton turned off the TV and faced the Protectors who were all seated in the conference room. “We have a superhero problem with Madeline Larson,” he told them, “and the public expects a superhero response. Are you all ready for some combat?”

Most of them did not look ready and grimaced at the idea, but Amazonian held up her spiked mace. “I will crush puny pink girl!”

Faulkner held up her hands in a placating manner. “Let’s try not to brutally murder her. Despite all she’s done, that probably won’t play well.”

“But don’t go easy on her,” Faulkner warned. “She has somehow killed Fly-Over, and we don’t know what else she is capable of.”

“She’s just a confused girl,” said the Cowl. “Let’s try to bring her in without breaking more than one of her limbs.”

“Good attitude!” Faulkner replied. “Anyway, this isn’t going to be very safe — it’s a hostile country with a hostile superpowered individual — but we did get extra life insurance policies on all of you. Sounds good?”

Splash stood up. “You can count on us!”

Faulkner nodded and then turned to Drayton and whispered, “Was he invited to this meeting?”