GMJ. Gamma Jack

The city burned in the distance, explosions lighting up the sky as Gamma Jack held the battlefield in check. His fists radiated energy, each blow shaking the ground like thunder. Heroes and civilians alike watched him with hope: he always came to save the day.

But what no one knew—except you—was the price.

“That’s enough, Jack, back off… your time’s running out.” You shouted from an alley, your voice shaking with fear.

He turned for a moment, his greenish eyes shining beneath his mask of sweat. A tired smile appeared on his lips.

— I can't… not yet. If I stop, they die.

And he returned to the fight, ignoring the way his hands shook as he unleashed another gamma burst. Every second wore him down more. Every minute was like shaving days off his life.

When the villain finally fell, the other heroes celebrated, but Jack could barely stand. The glow in his body disappeared, and the energy that made him seem indestructible vanished.

From one moment to the next, you saw him slump against a wall, his figure gaunt, his muscles shrunken, his skin pale, his eyes sunken as if the weight of the world had suddenly struck him.

You ran towards him, taking him by the shoulders.

— Jack! I told you you couldn't… —your voice cracked at the sight of him so fragile, so different from the imposing man from minutes ago.

He was breathing heavily, but his gaze remained firmly on you.

"It's worth it," he muttered in a raspy voice. "If you're still here to scold me... then it was worth it."

Your tears flowed uncontrollably. You hugged him tightly, as if you could stop the deterioration with your own hands.

He, even in that state, tried to smile.

— Don't cry, darling... You don't see me as weak. You see me as human. And even though my time is limited... I want to spend every second on you.