The Heroes of Little Springs

"Well for starters, it should in theory only be stone statues," Quiver began as she was inspecting Roman statues. Or, what was left of some of them. "And maybe if there are moving statues, the gorgon is nearby."

"Right..." Lunar replied, not all that convinced with her ideas, or why they were even here. However before he could press more questions or sarcastic remarks of any kind, a noisy bang echoed from within the museum.

It didn't sound like an explosion or a gunshot, but of something breaking or being forcefully destroyed. Taking heed of the sound, Lunar Knight immediately directed his attention towards the source of the noise. It was coming directly from the historical war exhibit.

"What?!" Quiver asked, annoyed at the Lunar Knight's reply. However, before she could get any sort of answer, there was a crash just down the hall. While the Lunar Knight immediately went to pursue, Quiver first made sure to pull out her mirror before continuing right behind Lunar Knight.

Quickly Quiver went ahead to the source of the sound, Lunar Knight following behind and being more secretive with his approach. The historical exhibit depicted the different technology of modern and ancient wars, along with many other interesting facts.

Nearby one of the sections, was the war where modernized tactics had finally came into play. At this particular spot, there was a van, which busted a large wall into the museum. Two security guards, way over their heads, had been knocked unconsciously, gagged, and tied.

The culprits were dangerously armed, and were stowing away something rather large into their van, which they covered with a long white tarp. While most attended to the van, and object, two of the crooks tightened the ropes on the guards. "Hurry up you two, the alarm will trigger any second. We want to make a clean getaway." One of the more respected of the group explained, as they were preparing to leave.

As Quiver could hear people, she slowly crept forward. Hiding behind some exhibits, she took a look at these men and what they were up to. As they were trying to maneuver something into the truck, Quiver quietly shot an arrow into on of the tires that was facing away from them. It became lodged in tightly but did not flatten the tire. However, if one were to now drive the truck, the tire would surely be unusable.

As soon as Quiver's arrow had wedged its way into the tire, Lunar Knight immediately extended his arm outwards, launching one of his metal discs. This projectile was different then the others however. As it spun furiously, with a grayish blur, five sharp saw-tooth edges sprung outwards from the contraption.

With more razor sharp efficiency, the metallic saw buzzed straight through Quiver's arrow, cutting it in two. With these two shots fired from the heroes, the crooks were quickly alarmed.

Lunar quickly grabbed the unconscious guards and leapt for cover, as the crooks fired their guns without hesitation. Within seconds the van sped away, tires screeching, as the entire group of crooks made their getaway.

Upon seeing the crooks discovering them, Quiver took a quick look towards the Lunar Knight who had the guards under control. Seeing that they were safe, she then took cover as the crooks fired their guns.

"I'm hoping that was a tracking device," Quiver said as the van was making it's getaway.

"No," Lunar stated, in a reprimanding tone, of all things. Especially because he just allowed the thieves to escape. "But what good would taking out them be, if they managed to kill the guards, and sabotage the museum?" He asked rhetorically.

"Come on," He stated soon after, as he began to head towards another area of the museum. "If we're fast enough, we can cut them off at the bridge walkway."

Elsewhere, as the crooks were making their 'clean getaway', swearing furiously, with screeching tires, they were soon approaching the bridge Lunar mentioned, which connected to parts of the museum, and where vehicles could drive underneath.

Quiver didn't say anything as she tried to repress a frown. Instead, she followed his instructions and hurried towards the bridge.

As the get away van made its way towards the bridge, all seemed quiet. However, unbeknownst to them, arrows covered with thick vines whizzed across the bridge. Along its ends were long, trailing vines almost like a rope. With the Lunar Knight's assortment of gadgets, getting the ropes to stay on Quiver's end would not be proven difficult.

As the van drove towards the bridge, the driver smiled eagerly at the enlarging and approaching structure. Soon they would be underneath it and out of this museum's driveway. However that would be easier said than done, as several peculiar vines began to descend furiously from atop the bridge.

Each vine was tied to an arrow, which penetrated into the driveway's asphalt. One by one, each arrow and vine dropped into the road, which confused the driver, but enraged him to drive even faster. Leaning inwards, he pushed his foot onto the gas pedal forcefully, and the van roared loudly. With this boost of speed, the first few vines, although very tough, bowed and stretched as this behemoth of a vehicle pushed forward.

As the van chugged and hissed forward, these vines snapped, and the van drove wildly into the other vines, which although they did slow down the van considerably, weren't going to stop it dead in its tracks. Just then, before the van made it completely underneath the bridge, did two projectiles spin and wedge into the asphalt.

Aligned side by side, and in front of each of the van's tires, with several sharp edges sticking upright. Able to be done, thanks to Quiver's tactic of halting the van, these projectiles made it on the road in time. The van's tires drove over them, causing both to blow out on the spot, and the van swerved through the bridge, but was able to keep on the road. The armed crooks inspected their area nervously, while attempting to keep their composure.

However when Lunar Knight swung atop their van, with the help of his grapple-hook, did they panic again. One of the armed men at the backside passenger seat, leaned out of the window to fire at this masked and armored man, only to be quickly punched, lights out.

Suddenly the other crooks in the back nervously pointed their guns upwards, firing straightly and blindly, as the driver attempted to shake off whoever was on top.

With the van driving through the vines, a series of arrows hit numerous tires. Quiver stood perched on the bridge, able to fire at her targets a bit more easily now due to the vines.

With several arrows puncturing the rear tires, as the van zoomed through the bridge, the driver of the group had difficulty steering the vehicle. Let alone keeping it in a straight and sturdy path. With the erratic driving of the van, Lunar Knight grabbed a hold of the van's side, keeping himself on top of the car. The thugs stationed in the backside, who were previously firing blindly above, now dealt with a different adversary.

Gravity had knocked them and their guns onto their backs, as they stumbled and bumped into each other. With their dangerous firing now ceased, Lunar regained his bearings, before easing his way to the front of the van, but very quickly.

Once in position, he slipped fluidly into the passenger side door, and knocked the driver out with ease. With the criminals incapable of fighting back for different reasons, Lunar grabbed the wheel, slowing and spinning the van to an halt, as it narrowly missed a brick wall. Once the van had stopped moving, only the thugs in the back of the van remained conscious.

However they were still attempting to groggily and wobbly come to their senses. However in time they could regain themselves and their weapons, once more becoming a threat.

Once the van had come to a complete stop, the doors to the back burst open. Quiver looked around for any sort of clue as to what exactly had been the goal of this particular raid.

With several arrows whistling inside the van, the groggily and slightly incapacitated criminals were further bound. The projectiles pierced into the vehicle's metal framing, pinning the thugs to its walls. Exiting the driver side through the door, Lunar Knight disembarked, as Quiver inspected their stolen cargo.

Currently it was covered with white canvas, properly tucked from all sides, revealing only a bulky and solid object. However when one was to pull of these secretive sheets they would find out that their loot was a cannon. An American Civil War cannon to be exact, but one that was made out of brass and copper.

These two metals being the most expensive of all, it was clear as to what they were up to. Whether their motive was to sell it for scraps, melting it down, or selling it illegally intact was left to question. Yet such information was trivial, and best left to other authorities who were currently making their rounds towards the museum.

Their siren lights and sounds were heard and seen in the hazy night distance, and they would arrive at any moment.

After examining the contents of the van and discovering the cannon, Quiver seemed satisfied. Though, of course, she checked everything over once more just in case there had been something important she had missed. When finding nothing and with the sirens growing louder, Quiver stepped out of the van.

She looked towards the Lunar Knight and nodded as if to say they could leave now.

Slowly making his way towards the van's rear, where the doors were opened and revealing the cannon, Lunar Knight stared into the back. He took heed of the incoming police cars, as well as Quiver's signals. And with that he quickly dispersed, away from the crime scene.

The van had been stopped, with minimal damage, and the criminals were in check and shortly underway to being in custody. However as the cars pulled out quickly, their lights flashing and sirens screeching, he stared at the cannon once more.

It seemed like a little too much work for just copper, especially when it can be found easily in all buildings and households. He didn't ponder on this for too long and vanished just as the police were rushing to arrest the criminals.

-

Hours later a new day dawned, the cannon escorted to its rightful place, the criminals arrested and in jail, and the damage cleaned, repaired, and covered up as best as one possibly could under such short time. A local reporter and cameraman were getting this all. Their recording was live, airing on all televisions, especially downtown in the showcased windows.

"Good morning Little Springs," The reporter started off, as the cameraman aimed for the reporter and the evident damage still in the background. "We're here live at the Little Springs History Museum, where a local theft happened on midnight."

With this explanation, the camera zoomed onto the museum wall, which the van had busted down. Debris, tire marks, and trash were still littered everywhere, as maintenance men worked diligently on repairs. Yellow tape covered the scene of the crime, especially the unsafe conditions, so none could enter.

"An copper and brass American Civil War cannon was the prime target of these criminals. It is said this weapon was presented to the President during the war to express where our towns loyalty was during the conflict." The reporter further explained, the origins of the cannon brought to light.

"However their theft was quickly stopped by our very own local super heroes we've heard so much about." They said, with what sounded to be praise and pride, however after they had finished, their expression turned sour. "Or should I say local super zeroes? If they were actual heroes, they'd deal with this towns real problems. Not stopping petty thieves from stealing scrap copper."

Anaea was currently in a local coffee shop while news regarding the heart of Little Springs filled the room. Out of sheer routine, her ears couldn't help but to prick at the sound of the incident last night. Still, she remained as passive as ever as she continued her breakfast.

Still, she couldn't help a small frown that appeared as soon as she heard the reporter. She'd like to see that woman in a costume running around to defend the city. It wasn't that easy.

Yet, in a way, Anaea felt as though she had brought up a point. But, at the same time, she had no idea if the cannon had actually been worth something historically despite the fact it was merely copper and brass. Was this crime merely a distraction perhaps?

Within the coffee shop was a worker who was diligently wiping down tables. With their apron and employee appropriate clothes on, they stared at the TV. However the act was only momentary, as they quickly resumed scrubbing.

They immediately shook their head at the news, seemingly in disgust. "This town does need some real heroes."

-

Elsewhere the shady man, who was reading from historical classified documents, rushed into a shoddily built office. It seemed to be only several walls erected around what appeared to be a warehouse of some sort. Not losing an ounce of his energy, he flopped these same documents on a desk in the middle.

Seated was another individual, an leader perhaps? The papers and photos slid out gently from the folder, as this man stared at the unopened packet, and then back at the shady man. "This is it, this is what we've been looking for." They replied, to which the leader although unconvinced, opened the folders.

Inside he observed the photographs and reports of the WWI secret mission, especially of the vial hidden somewhere on their very own soil. "Do you see? This serum is here, so the Germans couldn't retrieve it to win the war. But it's ours for the taking."

"No," The leader said calmly, not an ounce of doubt in his choice, as he closed the folder and pushed the documents towards the shady man.

"But this would be our chance. I just know it. We would finally smear their reputation for good." They pleaded, but the leader would not listen. "We will not comply. And if you choose to act, know you do so on your own Freeman."

Angrily Freeman scowled at the leader, "We must act low key, these actions would only cause our organization to suffer. Your actions will make us enemies. Do you hear me?"

Disgusted at his leader's words, Freeman jerked away from him, and stormed out of the office. Outside, he watched the same television broadcasting. "When will true heroes rise? I ask you that." The reporter added, concluding their airing.

"If your organization won't help, I know some allies that will. It's time I payed you a visit, Corporal Hunt." Captain Freeman retorted, turning off the TV with his remote.

It was at this point Anaea promptly rose from her seat to throw out whatever was left of her breakfast before leaving the coffee shop and headed towards the most congested portion of Little Springs.

At one of the corners, there was a small pet store. Once inside, she immediately began to look through the toy section.

As Anaea entered the pet store, the door's bell jingled, signaling to all those inside that someone was coming in. There were aquariums of fish, cats and dogs in cages, spiders and other rare insects in glassed boxes, and several other furry and friendly animals.

They were well fed and treated, so there wasn't any sort of foul play or abuse going in on here. The owner noticed this new customer heading towards the toy section. Taking up the opportunity, they put their smile on, and advanced them. "Good morning, can I help you find anything?" They asked in a friendly tone.

Elsewhere, heading towards a desolate, but fortified bricked bunker, surrounded by large concrete and stone walls, several mysterious and similar black cars drove in alignment. As they reached their destination, they parked simultaneously.

Two guards, armed with a rifle, and uniform were posted at this bunker, which sunk into the ground. Only the entrance was above surface, which quickly descended downwards soon after. Whatever secrets this place held, these mysterious drivers were no doubt here for it.

Unsure what to make of this, the two guards remained in position and stance, simply panning their eyes to one another, as if to explain their uneasiness of this situation. Immediately the drivers and passengers of the vehicle exited, all wearing similar black suits, ties, and shades, which hid most of their identity.

Suddenly they began to advance onto the two lone guards. "Step aside," The leader of the group said, flashing his badge, which pinned his as Captain Freeman. "We have business in here."

"Sorry sir, no one is allowed in here." One of the guards addressed, politely, yet aggressively declining them entrance and to leave the proximity. However these agents would have none of that, and with a small can, they gassed the two guards.

Immediately they dropped unconsciously to the ground, as the entire force of mysterious agents entered inside.

As the owner approached her, Anaea merely smiled and said 'No thank you. I've got it covered.'

Once she had found the assemblage of toys she felt were necessary, she took a small white envelope out of her purse. She then walked towards the register, covering it with a mountain of toys with the envelope still in her hand.

The cashier on duty was shocked at the mass amounts of toys that this customer had dropped onto her counter. There were balls, bones, squeaky toys, you name it. This person seemed to be a real animal person, or liked to spoil their pets greatly.

They quickly began to scan the items, the price going up with each toy, as she bagged them all. Once they had finished, the final price flashed onto the register screen, tax and all.

Elsewhere, the mysterious agents began to trudge through the bunker, which seemed more like a bricked narrow hallway. The air was stagnant, the entire place damp and very dim. The only light provided was a few shoddily placed hanging lights, which were far apart from one another.

There was nothing inside this bunker, no windows, doors, or even halls leading anywhere else. It was just one straight shot path, which led to a locked heavily fortified metal door. Once it was opened, with a rusty creak, light poured into the small room.

Nothing was inside, except for a pedestal, which a very peculiar vial rested onto. With a sinister and gleeful smile, Captain Freeman grabbed and placed it in his possession.

Once the price had been displayed, Anaea took out the proper amount of money from the white envelope she had been holding. Whatever change she was given was placed back into the envelope as this was clearly some sort of separate fund from her actual earnings. When her purchase was complete, she then left the pet store.

Within the bunker, Freeman and the agents were greeted with their success of the vial. The document was right on the money. The serum was exactly where it explained it would be. However, a bright flash of light engulfed the narrow hall, before slowly receding.

These agents and Freeman took notice of it, but remained calm, as their exit was exposed with several foreign men in combat hazmat suits and gas masks. "Doctor Marcus gave you explicit orders not to come here." One in the front stated, their voice sounding static through the mask. "This is as far as you'll be going."

Several of the agents readied their handguns, as Freeman grinned. "Hold them off," He ordered with the vial in hand, Freeman then beckoned several other agents to bring him their second piece. As the agents in the rear battled the other split faction of their group, two agents escorted a squirming, struggling, and bound Corporal Hunt. A man supposedly still in prison. He grunted and growled, as he dragged unwillingly across the hall. "You bastard! You'll pay for this!"

Holding him tightly by one of his arms, the two agents stood by his opposite sides. "I'm not at fault here, you were simply disposable." Freeman said, as he prepared the vial into a needle, before flicking the sharp point. Several drops of the liquid flung off, into the bunker.

His once angry state slowly waned, as Hunt stared at the needle, Freeman, and then his intentions. "Wh-what are you doing?"

"What must be done." Freeman stated calmly, as he advanced towards Hunt with the needle in hand. Struggling and squirming to be free, the agents tightened and locked their grips, allowing Hunt only enough room to turn his head away from the approaching needle.

As the needle was injected, the battling gas mask men halted their fight, as they stared in utter terror.
-
Nearby Quiver, as she exited the pet-shop, with a bag brimming full of toys, was a TV store. Several of the televisions displayed in the window were on and broadcasting a local channel. It appeared to be a talk show of some sort, except there was only one person on screen.

There was a desk in the middle, and a large print screen behind them, which was projecting footage large. It was of Jet rushing around with his super-speed in nearby sections of Little Spring.

He was putting on shows for children and the younger audience, making balloon animals at such intense speed, and captivating them, as all present enjoyed the show. Of course judging by the scenery and weather, this was filmed some time ago. Way before his time of disappearance.

"See? This is what these self-appointed super heroes are really about! Cashing in on their image!"

Suddenly this talk show host, who was the news-reporter who reported the stolen cannon, changed the scene to that of a midnight battle between the super-heroes Jet and Quiver. Relentlessly they took out the criminals, who appeared child's play in their hands. The recording did the heroes no justice, in that it appeared to play favorably into the criminal's direction, and that of the news-reporters.

"It's not enough that they turn our kids into bullies and delinquents with their arrogant might makes right policy. Once again I tell it like it is. Am I right folks or am I right?" They asked rhetorically with a smile, as their audience cheered in agreement.

With the large bag in her hand, Anaea was preparing to drop off the toys in her car before continuing on her small crusade of errands. However, an image out of the corner of her eye grabbed her attention.

It was Jet on numerous television sets but it was old footage. She couldn't help but to wonder why anyone would bother putting this on a talk show or any television station for that matter. But then she recognized the woman who was being shown behind a desk.

Anaea frowned as she looked at the woman and listened to her. In fact, she couldn't help but to think that if she was in her costume and if this woman was standing in front of her she'd have a very hard time not punching her in the face. It was as if she was staring at a real version of Professor Umbridge.

Not that she read Harry Potter or anything....

Just who was this woman anyway?