HQ was a tower Stuart built himself underneath the bustling metropolis of The City. It was a fairly nondescript city that lived up to it’s name. Apparently the mayor felt it was easier to make a name for a place that had such a simple name. His citizens thought he was stupid. The City is now the home of the Chosen, and the mayor is not the wealthiest man in the country, laughing to himself all the way to the bank.
Stuart was The City’s personal hero, a man who fought crime by day, and clumsily flirted with the ladies at night. But he was not without his sense of humor. He decided to call himself “That One Guy” mostly because he thought it would be funny if people were to refer to him like that. April and Helen thought it was funny too.
That One Guy flew down to greet Nathan and Helen at the entrance of HQ, a name that Stuart also liked, because it explained exactly what it was. It was the headquarters of the Chosen. A name he could have done without, if it were not for the prophecy.
Oddly enough HQ was disguised as a popular coffee chain, and was a great hide out. So many people came to their particular coffee shop for the free wifi. Apparently it was as good as the coffee.
The entrance to the headquarters was a funny thing too, as it sat in between two of the tables, which That One Guy thought was hilarious. Everyone was so involved in their laptops and tablets and the amazingly fast wifi, that they never noticed three of the world’s “superheroes” walk into a hidden elevator embedded into the wall.
The decor of HQ were straight out of a comic book, with bright yellows and blues with large logos to denote what, was what. You always knew where the bathrooms were because of the giant letters spelling out LOO right over the doors. “Nice touch, Stuart,” said Nathan. ldquo;I’m impressed. rdquo;
“Nathan, I rsquo;m That One Guy, not this lsquo;Stuart rsquo;, you keep talking about,” he said, grinning. “Wait until you see Morphing Thyme, she looks amazing in her new costume. Which reminds me, we’re going to have to get you one too.”
“That’s not her name, Stuart,” said Helen, disapproval in her eyes.
That One Guy just laughed and led them into the living quarters “Ark? Ark Angel? Get your ass out here!” he screamed out.
“Nice Stuart. Glad to see you haven’t lost any of that charm, now that you’re The City’s hero. And Ark Angel. Ark as in, Noah’s ark?” Nathan asked. Helen simply nodded, rolling her eyes.
“It’s not Ark Angel anymore.” April said, ashe she stepped out of one of the rooms. She wore no costume, which was mildly disappointing as That One Guy was wearing tights and a cape, emphasizing the underwear outside the tights. “That One Guy thinks he’s so funny. I’m thinking of calling myself Shift.”
“Like a car?” That One Guy chuckled.
“Like shape shift,” she sighed, conceding to the lack of interest, “I’m working on it.”
April smiled. “So happy you could make it Nathan!” April happily embraced her friends. She looked at both of them expectantly and addressed Helen.
“How’s HQ coming along April? Has there been any activity?” she asked. Nathan could hear a tone of authority and leadership. Maybe she led the Chosen. He tucked that thought away.
“Wow Helen, you sound so commanding. Umm, no. Nothing since Nathan fought the Fenoagal. It’s been pretty quiet.
“Stuart,” That One Guy looked intently at April and cleared his throat. “Sorry. That One Guy set up satellites and all this high tech stuff all around the world to monitor everything. But there’s been nothing.”
“I guess no news is good news.” Helen said, with absolution.
“Of course it is. Now we can work on our powers some more. So Nathan, what can you do? Do you have a super name yet?”
Nathan shrugged, unsure how to answer. “My arms glow green and I’m thinking of calling myself Useless.”
“Stop it Nathan,” scolded Helen, “He can deflect projectiles and anything that involves the Source, with his arms, but we don’t know beyond that. It’s a protective measure, and could just be phase 1, or possibly phase 2 of his transformation. I don’t really know phases.”
“Which is kind of why I don’t have a name, and don’t really care. I don’t even know what my power is and I mean, that’s a big decision to have to come up with a name. You have Shift, and Stuart is That One Guy,” he said laughing to himself, “and Helen is hellip;?”
Helen let out a breath and nodded, defeated. “I guess I should tell you what it is and get it over with. Don’t laugh, because it’s from my favorite anime growing up. And if I remember correctly, it was yours too, Nathan. It’s hellip;it’s Sailor Senshi.” She braced for the laughter.
Nathan began to roll on the floor, laughing his ass off. “I hate you, Nathan,” pouted Helen.
He did not stop laughing, as he continued to roll around the floor, making the others step aside, around or over him. He gasped for breath, and began to just laugh some more.
“Okay, okay. Get up!” Helen yanked Nathan to his feet. “Are we done now?”
“Sorry. Yes ma’am,” he said, trying to be facetious. Little did he know that she had stepped into her role as leader and was proud of it. And when he looked into those dark green pools, he knew, he was going to get his ass kicked.
“Get settled in, Nathan. We’re going to start your training, and find out what the hell you are, other than a manly Wonder Woman.”
