Supercilious

  The chapter opens with the Sol-Fighters logo, glowing softly against a clean white background. A calm voice fills the space.

  Thank you for traveling with us. Please watch this short informational video as you arrive at your destination.

  The next panel opens wide on Laloux Island.

  A massive snowy mountain towers in the distance, its peak lost among drifting clouds. Below it stretch vast wildflower fields bursting with color. Tall, sturdy trees sway gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly, while bright bushes dot the land like splashes of paint. Above it all, the sky is a gentle blue, filled with fluffy clouds and dominated by a radiant sun. The people of the island move through their days with smiles, laughter, and ease.

  A slideshow begins, matching the narration beat for beat.

  These small spheres of gas that eventually form into cute, loving animals are called Sol Partners. Since the beginning of humanity, we have lived alongside our Sol Partners. Your Sol Partner will be by your side no matter what, always guiding you toward good and cheering you on every step of the way.

  The visuals shift, showing Sol Partners forming and bonding with humans.

  There was one man, however, who saw something more within them.

  Prometheus, the owner and founder of the United Union, discovered that Sol Partners stored enormous amounts of energy. Through his brilliance, he found ways to contain and harness that power in many forms. Thus, Solar Energy was born.

  Golden currents ripple across the island, flowing through buildings, streets, and homes.

  This powerful solar energy flows throughout Laloux Island, powering everything from simple phone chargers to entire cities. Thanks to the great mind of Prometheus, the island now thrives at the peak of technological advancement through Solar.

  The tone shifts.

  The sky fractures as ripples tear open portals high above the city. Twisted creatures spill through, beings never seen before. Unidentified Ancient Species. (UAP)

  They descend upon the island, attacking without mercy.

  These portals are caused by massive solar usage concentrated in one area. To protect the people of Laloux Island, Prometheus and the United Union created the Sol-Fighters.

  Heroes streak across the sky in bursts of color and light.

  Sol-Fighters use specially trained abilities alongside their Sol Partners to fight off UAPs and police illegal solar use. Thanks to these brave heroes, the island’s death rate is at an all-time low. We are proud of our fighters and grateful for their service.

  Recruitment information fills the screen.

  If you would like to become a Solar Fighter, please visit your nearest United Union office to schedule an exam as soon as possible. We hope to see you there.

  The video fades out.

  This program was paid for and broadcast by Prometheus and the United Union.

  We Stand United.

  The panel pulls back to reveal the inside of a bus. Passengers sit quietly as the program ends on small screens mounted behind the seats.

  Bosatsu sits beside Kahan, who is slumped against the window, fast asleep. Nakatomi sits two seats ahead, across the aisle.

  Suddenly, a head pops out from the seat in front of Bosatsu.

  The guy wears a dingy light-blue beanie and a tan long-sleeve shirt smeared with mud. Thick black glasses cling to his face, barely supported by a massive nose with nostrils so wide Bosatsu can see snot threatening to escape. Braces stretch across his teeth like train tracks. It’s the kind of ugly close-up straight out of SpongeBob.

  The lad begins to speak. “Wasn’t that the coolest introduction video ever?! My name’s Taddo and WOAH! Wowza! I’ve never seen a Sol Partner like yours before!”

  Bosatsu’s duck tilts both heads as Taddo leans in closer.

  “After further investigation, it appears this duck has two heads… but what’s with the eyes on this one?” Taddo points at the “X eyed” head.

  The duck snaps at his finger.

  “Hey!!” Taddo screamed.

  Bosatsu pulls the duck back, laughing nervously. “Sorry, yeah. I don’t think he likes strangers.”

  “Yeah, I’d say so! You might have to muzzle that thing.”

  The duck growls low like a dog. Taddo recoils in fear.

  “Now this is a well-behaved Sol Partner!” Taddo proudly holds out his own. A lumpy, cross-eyed frog coated in slime.

  Kahan jolts awake. “Hey man, put that thing away. You can’t just be whipping shit out like that. You know you’re in public, right?”

  “Put him away?!” Taddo screamed “Well, I’ll tell you what, mister—”

  Taddo launches into a long, nerdy rant. Kahan rolls his eyes as they argue back and forth.

  Bosatsu looks down at his duck. His gaze drifts forward toward Nakatomi. He wonders what she’s thinking. He begins to think about how they passed the exam together and how happy they were afterward.

  His eyes linger, then slide just a little farther right.

  A girl with dark red dreadlocks, heavy mascara and a purple cat Sol-Partner is staring directly at him.

  Bosatsu snaps back into his seat, sweating.

  “**How long has she been staring at me? Did she catch me staring at Nakatomi? She totally did. Now she thinks I’m a weirdo. They’re probably talking about me right now.**”

  He imagines themlaughing at him.

  Slowly, he looks again.

  “She’s still staring. Holy shit, what the heck?!”

  Kahan glances over. “What’s wrong with you?”

  “There’s this chick staring at me over there.” Bosatsu points. Kahan looks and sees nothing.

  “Bosatsu, I know for a fact no girl would be staring at you. You’re a complete nerd magnet. You attract losers and nerds like yourself. That’s why, after this bus ride, you don’t know me.”

  Huh??

  Kahan continues, “listen, dude. I can’t have you cramping my style while I’m trying to be the best Sol-Fighter. I don’t need you slowing me down.”

  The bus stops. Screens announce their arrival.

  Taddo spins around and screams at Bosatsu and Kahan. “We made it, guys!”

  “See? Nerd magnet.” Kahan proclaims.

  Everyone stands. Bosatsu looks toward Nakatomi. She notices him and waves.

  Then he sees the girl beside her, still staring.

  Nakatomi lets the girl exit first before waiting for Bosatsu and Kahan.

  When Bosatsu gets closer to her he begins to speak. “Hey, Nakatomi… who was that girl you were sitting next to?”

  “Oh, Eartha, she’s nice I guess. We didn’t really talk much. She was asking about you as well. You know what? I think she might have a crush on you, Bosatsu.”

  Bosatsu freezes. His face turns red.

  Kahan bursts out laughing.

  Bosatsu starts to stutter. “Huh, uh-.”

  “She wouldn’t stop talking about you. She said your duck is super cute.”

  Kahan blurts out. “Ha! Look at you. Must’ve gotten demagnetized.”

  “You should talk to her, Bosatsu. I think y'all would look good together.”

  Bosatsu’s heart sank as he thought about the scenario.

  They step off the bus.

  The page goes blank.

  Laloux Island is under attack.

  A massive UAP tears through the city, smashing beautifully crafted buildings into rubble. Chunks of stone rain down on fleeing civilians.

  A Sol-Fighter streaks in and rescues them.

  His name is Lurid Man. His solar energy burns bright red, and his Sol Partner is a mandrill. He moves with experience and precision, a master of Solar Fighting.

  A scream pierces the chaos.

  Lurid Man turns and rushes toward it.

  A woman lay trapped beneath her overturned car. The UAP raised its massive foot, ready to crush her completely.

  Lurid Man surged forward—but the UAP’s tail whipped around and slammed into him, sending him crashing across the street.

  The woman shut her eyes.

  A blinding flash filled the air.

  She opened them to see another Solar Fighter bracing against the UAP’s foot, holding it back with raw strength.

  Her solar energy glowed brilliantly. Her Sol Partner—a ladybug beetle—hovered at her side.

  “Will you hurry up already?” she shouted. “This thing is heavy!”

  Lurid Man shook off the impact and rushed back in. Together, they freed the woman from beneath the car. Marvelous Rose leapt away just as the UAP staggered back.

  The two heroes rose into the sky, hovering beside one another as the monster roared below.

  “We should make this quick,” Lurid Man said with a grin, “so you and I can go out tonight. Grab a bite, maybe a drink—or two or three—and see where the night takes us. Huh? What do you think?”

  Marvelous Rose laughed as she flew forward and punched the UAP square in the face. “Is that your way of asking me on a date?”

  “Well, you can’t blame a man for trying,” he replied. “I know a great bar just around the corner.”

  She shot him a look. “A bar? Really, Lurid.”

  “Huh, what?”

  She crossed her arms midair. “A bar is not a date-night spot. And considering your daughter still has a recital later today and your son has practice this weekend, I don’t think it fits into your schedule.”

  Lurid Man smirked. “Well, I say the sooner we’re done here, the more you and I time I get.”

  She sighed. “Fine. But you’re driving to the recital.”

  “Pshh. Say less.”

  They leaned in and kissed, solar energy surging around them. Together, they raised their hands.

  “Double Eight Beam!!”

  A massive blast of electrical energy erupted from their palms, shredding the UAP into nothing but smoke and ash.

  As the smoke cleared, the two heroes floated back to the ground.

  Civilians cautiously emerged from hiding. A news crew rushed forward, microphones shoved into their faces.

  “Wow,” the reporter said breathlessly. “What an amazing sight! The two of you working together is jaw-dropping. How did such a strong bond form?”

  Lurid Man grinned. “I knew she was the one the first time I saw her chop a UAP’s head off with her battle axe. Now that’s sexy.”

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  He smacked her butt.

  The reporter laughed nervously. “You’re one of the most inspiring Sorin Fighter couples on Laloux Island. How do you manage to maintain such a strong family while still protecting the island?”

  “I’ll let Rose take this one,” Lurid Man said. “She loves talking about the kids.”

  Marvelous Rose smiled warmly. “My mom always used to say, having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. And having both is a blessing. I just feel so blessed to be able to go home and see my two kids. Nikui, Eartha, if you’re watching, mommy and daddy love you.”

  The reporter turned back to the camera. “And there you have it, folks. Laloux Island’s most famous Sorin Fighter couple, Lurid Man and Marvelous Rose, have done it again. Thanks for watching Channel 8 News. Have a good night.”

  They waved with big, cheesy smiles.

  The scene shifts to a living room.

  A young Nikui and Eartha sit on the couch, eyes glued to the television.

  “Woah,” Eartha said, bouncing in place. “Wasn’t mom and dad so cool?!”

  “Yeah!” Nikui shouted. “And when they did that blast—pewwww!”

  He jumped onto the couch, flailing his arms wildly.

  Eartha laughed. “Nikui, you’re so funny. You’re the best twin ever.”

  “Well, of course I’m the best twin,” he said proudly. “I’m your only twin!”

  “Oh—uh—right,” Eartha said, giggling. “Hehe.”

  They burst into laughter just as the housemaid called out that their parents were home.

  The twins sprinted toward the door, bouncing with excitement.

  “We just saw you guys on TV!” Eartha said.

  “You did?” Marvelous Rose asked. “Well, how did we look? Did your father look like a goofball?”

  The kids laughed.

  “No!” Nikui said. “You guys looked so freaking cool!”

  “Yeah!” Eartha added. “So cool!”

  “I can’t wait to be a Solar Fighter just like you!” Nikui said.

  “Yeah, me too!” Eartha chimed in.

  “I’m gonna train every day!”

  “Yeah, me too!”

  “I’m gonna try my hardest every single day!”

  “Yeah, me too!”

  “And I’m gonna be the very best, just like you, Mom and Dad!”

  Eartha jumped into the air, fist raised high. “ME TOO!!!!!”

  The family laughed together, wrapped in warmth and happiness.

  The next page pulls the reader back into the present.

  Eartha stands in a quiet courtyard alongside eleven other Sorin Fighter rookies. The stone beneath their feet is smooth and worn, framed by towering walls and banners that flutter gently in the breeze. A massive stage looms before them, its front sealed off by a heavy curtain. It looks less like a battlefield and more like an auditorium designed for spectacle.

  Nikui and his fox Sol-Partner stand nearby.

  So do Bosatsu, Nakatomi, and Kahan.

  Eartha scans the group slowly, her eyes moving from face to face. When they land on her brother, she stops. Her jaw tightens. Her stare sharpens.

  I’ll prove that I’m the better twin, she tells herself. I’ll show them all. Then I’ll finally get the respect I deserve.

  Suddenly, music booms from speakers mounted high above the stage.

  A loud, enthusiastic voice cuts through the sound.

  “Welcome, and congratulations to this year’s class of new Solar Fighters! You are about to embark on new adventures and journeys across this expansive island but before that, you must learn the way of the Sol-Fighter. To guide you, we have selected some of our finest Solar Fighters to put you to the test. Now, without further ado, let’s meet your professors and begin training!”

  The voice continues without pause.

  Please welcome your Solar Fighter Professors: Sailor Bee (Sol-Partner: Bee), Seismic Vain, (Sol-Partner: Leamer), and Leo Heart, (Sol-Partner: Lion)!

  The curtain sweeps open.

  Three figures stand onstage, bathed in light. They look heroic, powerful, larger than life. For a moment, they take in the crowd.

  Then disappointment flickers across their faces.

  Leo Heart leans toward the others and whispers “Is this really all the recruits?”

  Sailor Bee shrugs slightly, saying she heard this class was supposed to be special and that they’d need to keep a close eye on them.

  Leo scoffs, saying they all look young and na?ve, asking how bad could they really be.

  Seismic Vain cuts in calmly, telling them “Do not bother with numbers. We have promising individuals here. It’s our responsibility to shape the future of Solar Fighters. No matter the size of the class.”

  Leo Heart straightens up, suddenly energized. He declares “Size doesn’t matter and never has! No matter how many recruits showed up,we will still give the rookies the workout of a lifetime.”

  Bee agrees enthusiastically.

  Leo steps forward, his voice booming.

  He welcomes the new Solar Fighter rookies and tells them they’ve entered the Facility of Solar Arts, also known as Octad Temple. He says this is the biggest step toward building a better future—for themselves and for Laloux Island.

  Seismic Vain follows, explaining that they’ll live at the temple for eight weeks. During that time, they’ll be assigned daily tasks to help maintain the grounds. “Respecting the temple is just as important as receiving its teachings.”

  Sailor Bee chimes in, smiling as she notes that since the class is small, they might as well start the temple tour right now.

  Leo Heart agrees instantly and motions for everyone to follow.

  The professors move quickly, almost racing each other as they guide the rookies through the sprawling grounds.

  Leo shows off the weight room, the café, and the racetrack. Bee leads them through the flower gardens, kitchens, and shimmering lakes. Vain finishes the tour by guiding them through the training rooms, meditation halls, and the two main temples.

  At last, they arrive at a massive arena.

  Leo spreads his arms proudly, announcing that this is the tournament arena.

  Bee explains that they host all kinds of events and shows there.

  Seismic Vain adds that during the final week of training, the rookies will fight one another right here.

  Leo jumps back in, saying that during their last week, everything they’ve learned will be put together into a final performance. One meant for leaders of the Solar Arts to watch. Some may even recruit them on the spot. He tells them to train hard and be ready to put on a good show.

  As he gestures across the group, his hand pauses briefly when it reaches Eartha.

  The next panel shifts abruptly.

  A wrestling ring sits in the backyard of a famous Sol-Fighter’s home.

  Lurid Man’s voice booms across the space as he yells for the twins, shouting that their break is over and telling them to get in the arena and show their entrances.

  Eartha and Nikui come running.

  Lurid Man asks who’s entering the ring first.

  Nikui immediately says he will.

  Lurid Man’s eyes slide to Eartha, who looks completely uninterested.

  He tells her she’s going first.

  She protests, pointing out that Nikui already volunteered.

  He cuts her off, “I don't want to hear it." He ordered her into the ring.

  She tries again to get out of being first, but her dad is persistent. “Now, young lady.”

  Eartha storms over to the speakers and presses play. Corny hip-hop music blasts as she struts toward the ring. She climbs in and poses dramatically in each corner, mimicking a WWE entrance.

  Her father cuts the music abruptly. “What was that?”

  “It’s the intro you taught me.” Eartha says.

  He snaps back that he never taught her that. whatever that even was. He explains that if they’re going to be the best, they need to act like it, starting with their introduction. He tells her this is what the cameras see before she destroys a UAP and that she needs a showstopper, not lazy skipping around the ring. “Nikui come show her how it’s done.”

  Nikui agrees respectfully.

  He presses play. Hip-hop music fills the backyard as Nikui sprints toward the ring, flipping and jumping with ease. He lands on the ropes, striking poses that blend wrestling flair with superhero confidence.

  Lurid Man watches in awe.

  Then he looks back at Eartha, disappointment clear on his face.

  He tells her “Now that is a show.” He asks if she’s ever considered asking her brother for help, mentioning that Nikui has offered countless times.

  She cuts him off, voice shaking, saying “I’m just trying her best.”

  “Really? That was your best?!” Lurid Man snaps. “Was that truly your best, because all I see is a slacker who skips class and shows up late to training.”

  Eartha freezes.

  He continues, revealing that her school called the maid. They told them she hasn’t been attending class and has been teasing kids again. “How am I supposed to make you a top tier Sol-Fighter when you keep pulling stunts like this!”

  He then tells her that he knows she’s trying to keep up with her brother, she’s giving it her all, but she needs to get her shit together. He warns her that once the month is over and they leave for Octad Temple, he won’t be the one training her anymore.

  Under her breath, Eartha mutters “maybe I don't need you to train me.”

  “What was that young lady?”

  She screams “I DON’T NEED YOU!”

  He snaps back. “Who do you think you’re screaming at! You’re done for the night, hit the showers and go to your room. I don’t want to see your face for the rest of the night and you better not turn on the damn Dreamcast!”

  Eartha storms inside, slamming the door.

  Moments later, Marvelous Rose opens the door again, curling her finger at Lurid Man to come here with a furious look on her face. He walks toward her like a scolded puppy.

  Eartha lies on her bed, her Sol Partner beside her. She is playing Sonic on the Sega Dreamcast. Voices echo downstairs as her parents argue.

  A knock hits the door.

  She panics, shuts off the TV, and tosses the controller, only for Nikui to peek inside.

  She curses, saying she thought he was their dad.

  He hesitates, apologizing for what happened at practice. He says he didn’t know their father would react like that.

  “Piss off Nikui.” Eartha throws a pillow. Nikui retreats.

  Alone again, Eartha stares at the ceiling.

  “**Why did I have to be a twin? All I want is to be my own person, but instead I have to be like you. They’ll never understand who I really am. I’m more than just a copy of Nikui. I’m my own fucking person. I am Eartha!**”

  Thunder cracks.

  The lights flicker.

  The power goes out.

  Eartha peers out the window. The island is dark.

  She hears her parents downstairs, confused about the outage, insisting the backup solar generators should’ve kicked in.

  Rocks suddenly tap against her window.

  She opens it to see Dawn and Quinton waving below.

  Quinton yells that it’s a power outage and Dawn whines that it’s scary.

  Quinton tells Dawn to shut up, bragging that the entire island is powerless and that they should have some fun.

  Eartha laughs, saying she’s glad to see them and needs to get out anyway.

  She sets up a sleeping decoy in her bed, then leaps from the three-story window, landing beside her friends with a glowing, magical jump.

  Dawn gushes about how pretty it looked.

  Eartha shrugs, asking where they’re going.

  Quinton grins like he’s been waiting for this moment all week. He says they should head over to Old Man Creed’s junkyard and spook him a bit.

  Dawn immediately shuts that down. “No”, she says. “The junkyard is dirty, and she doesn’t want to get in trouble!”

  Quinton rolls his eyes and snaps at her to shut up. He says he heard Creed installed a new electric fence to keep everyone out, but with the power outage the fence is down, they should go while they can.

  Eartha laughs and nods. “Sounds fun. And don’t worry, Dawn, I’ll make sure you won’t get caught.”

  Dawn looks at her skeptically “How are you going to do that Eartha?”

  Eartha answers by pulling out a handful of her parents’ gadgets. Mini smoke bombs, a grappling hook, and a few throwing stars. “With these!”

  Dawn and Quinton stare at the tools in awe.

  Quinton asks how she even got those.

  Eartha says she grabbed them from her parents’ locker room. Her parents have tons of stuff like this, she can’t help sounding like she’s bragging.

  Quinton’s eyes widened. “Your parents have some of the coolest gadgets, We’re so ready for this. Come guys. let’s go.”

  They make their way to the junkyard, slipping through the powerless streets. The junkyard is a chaotic graveyard of metal and forgotten machines, piles of old parts, busted signs, rusted frames, and strange relics from different eras. They start playing around in the junk, digging through it and laughing, holding up weird retro things like treasures and garbage.

  Then Eartha looks up.

  A streetlight flickers directly above her, humming to life.

  Her smile drops.

  She looks at Quinton and Dawn. They look back at her.

  More lights pop on, one after another, like the island is waking back up. The blackout is over.

  Dawn’s face drains.

  Uh-oh…

  She points.

  At the edge of the junkyard sits an old house, slumped and watchful in the dark. On the porch stands a silhouette of an old man holding a shotgun. Beside him is a long-eared dog, still as a statue.

  The old man lifts the gun and aims it straight at them.

  Eartha doesn’t hesitate.

  “RUN!”

  She throws a smoke bomb toward the porch. It hits and erupts, flooding the space with thick smoke. At the same time, the shotgun blasts. BOOM! Cutting through the night as the smoke spreads.

  The kids scatter like roaches.

  They bolt through the junkyard, weaving between scrap piles and broken machines, sprinting down the street until their lungs burn. They don’t stop until they crash into an alleyway, stumbling over each other, then bursting into laughter like they can’t believe they got away with it.

  They laugh and rejoice, riding the rush of the escape…

  Until Eartha freezes. “Wait. Do you hear that?”

  Quinton stops laughing, listening hard. “No. What is it?”

  Eartha hushes him. “Shhh… it’s coming from over there.”

  She steps forward and pushes Dawn and Quinton back, positioning herself in front of them like a shield. Her hand slips to her parents’ throwing knife, and she pulls it out, gripping it tight.

  “Who goes there? Show yourself!” She screams with confidence.

  For a moment, there’s only darkness.

  Then someone steps out of the shadows.

  It’s Leo Heart, standing there like a superhero statue, calm, confident, and completely unimpressed.

  Quinton’s stomach drops. “Aw shit. We’re so cooked.”

  Leo Heart raises an eyebrow. “Aw shit is right. Now, I received a call from Old Man Creed about someone breaking into his junkyard tonight. You kids wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

  Eartha tries to keep her face neutral. “No, no. We were just out for a walk.”

  Leo stares at them like that’s the funniest thing he’s heard all night. “Well, it’s pretty late for a walk. It could be dangerous out here, especially with the blackout that just happened. That must be why you’ve got those.” He points at the throwing knives.

  Eartha quickly hides them behind her back. “Well, um-”

  “No need to explain right now, young citizens”, Leo says smoothly. “I’m sure your parents would love to hear all about your little walk.”

  The kids moan and groan like their souls just left their bodies.

  Quinton looks at Eartha like she’s doomed. “Oh shit, Eartha… you’re going to be in so much trouble.”

  Eartha and Dawn snap at him at the same time.

  “Shut up, Quinton!”

  Leo Heart grabs all three of them, and before they can even react, he jumps into the air, laughing as he lifts them like they weigh nothing.

  He disappears into the night with the squad, his voice trailing behind like a punchline.

  “Hahaha… let’s go visit my good friend Lurid Man.”

  To be Continued.