The New Mask
Throughout the entire arena, it was well known that a new hero was going to be joining us soon. To become a member of Earth Protectors. It was rare for that to happen, especially in the hierarchy I was part of — the bottom.
In reality, it wasn't our decision. But Hornet believed we needed a new mask in our little group.
Who was to argue with him? Fern said nothing and let Hornet make the decision on behalf of our group.
Who was this hero?
"I heard from Agile Eye that the hero joining the arena is called White Watch," Aureolo said to Red Coope as they walked past me in the vast, empty hall of the arena.
They were two members of Guardians of the Unirex.
I stopped, contemplating whether to question them further about it.
White Watch.
The name is so similar to my own.
Were they inspired by me?
Thump. Thump.
My hands twitched, and my feet automatically turned around. I followed behind them at a distance.
"Not that we should care. She is going to be part of the Earth Protectors."
She?
Thump. Thump.
So the new hero added is a female.
My steps came to a halt before I could ask them any questions.
What was I doing?
Trying to talk to them?
Everyone knew it was odd to hold a conversation with a member of the other groups. I should know better.
I would just make a fool out of myself in front of GOU.
I will just ask Fern later.
"Fern."
I called out as I entered the gym; specialized for us normal humans.
I spotted him bench pressing in the far left corner of the room.
"Fern!"
My voice increased to pull him out of his music.
"Fern!!!!"
Damn this man who turns deaf when earbuds are stuffed in his ears.
My nostrils flared before I stormed over and pulled out his earpiece.
"What is wrong with you, man?"
Fern said, voice laced with irritation. What gives him the right to be irritated?
"You didn't tell me the new member is named White Watch."
"Oh yeah. Stella told me today."
He finally put down the weights and stretched out his arms. The surrounding smell turned bitter, mixed with sweat. He really needs a shower.
"White Watch."
He stared at me, expecting a reaction. I was giving a blank stare behind the mask. Not that he would see it.
"White Watch. Is she your sister or something?"
That is when I lost it. I punched him hard against his chest. Despite the punch, he remained unmoved. Just a small pfft left past his lips.
"She is not my sister. I don't have a sister," I said, annoyed to the core now.
"I know. I was just messing with you."
I sat down on the bench press beside him, spreading my legs slightly as I hunched over, staring down at the ground.
"Though, to be honest, when I learned of her hero-picked name."
He continued. Oh right, I forgot the hero joining is a female.
"I was as surprised as you. Who knows, maybe she has a crush on you."
He lightly punched me on the left chest.
"Or maybe she is your long-lost sister."
I raised a hand, smacking him in the head before getting up myself.
"Fuck yourself," I said, walking out of the gym, which was on the third floor of the arena.
"Hey, Black!"
Fern called out from behind me. I was tempted to ignore him, but my steps stopped against my better judgement.
"Don't be weird around her. And don't ask odd questions about her picked name either."
"Fine."
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