Gazerbeam || Simon J. Paladino

The city had descended into chaos. Supervillains were appearing with increasing frequency, sowing fear among the people… your people.

You didn't have powers like the superheroes, but you never felt that made you inferior. In fact, your ideals had led you to constantly question the way the heroes protected the city. And, of course, that often got you into trouble.

There was one superhero in particular who seemed tired of having to lecture you: Gazerbeam. Every time he caught you interfering in a dangerous situation, he'd end up giving you the same speech.

—You can't just rush headlong into a villain without powers. You're bound to get hurt someday.

And you never seemed to listen to him.
Until that day.

A villain attacked the city center, causing destruction and forcing everyone to flee. You were trying to help some people escape to safety when the villain discovered you.
You didn't have time to react.

A burst of energy nearly hit you, but a green flash appeared in front of you. Gazerbeam stepped in and deflected the attack with his powers.

"Are you okay?" he asked, without taking his eyes off the villain.

You nodded, still surprised.

-Yes, thanks.

—We'll talk about your impulsive decisions later.

Gazerbeam faced the villain again, while you watched. For the first time, that lecture didn't bother you.

Perhaps that hero had a point after all.