“Well, Papa. It’s just you and me now,” Chief Cruz sighed as he looked towards the colorfully decorated photograph adorned with marigold petals around it. Within the photo was the image of a kind- eyed man smiling fondly back at him.
His daughter, Megan, had just left with Aunt Cass and Hiro, allowing his time alone with his father’s grave. He chuckled softly, “I’m glad you could see Megan. She’s really grown up, hasn’t she? Not so much a little girl anymore. Rebellious as ever. I’m sure you’d tell me she acts just like me, but who do you think I got it from?”
As he laughed aloud, he could see a tall figure in his periphery. Without subtlety, it was adorned with brilliantly bright blue and red that was all too familiar. He recognized it instantly. The heroic figure of his former idol… the sole object of his life’s scorn and ire that betrayed his trust and faith.
“To what honor do I owe a visit from the world’s greatest superhero of all time?” Chief Cruz turned towards Boss Awesome, his voice venomous yet subdued. “You of all people have a lot of nerve to be here. Leave now. Have you no respect for those you failed.”
The legendary superhero looked to him, then to the photograph at the altar. Then lifted a bouquet of memorial flowers from his hand, a thoughtfully-selected arrangement for his immortelle. The man beneath the mask spoke solemnly, “My apologies, Chief Cruz. To be certain, I am indeed here to pay my respects to an old friend.”
“An old friend?” Chief Cruz was surprised at his answer, angered yet curious. He didn’t want to quarrel with him, especially not in this sacred place before his father’s resting place. Despite himself, something within him allowed the gesture as he nodded to the superhero.
Seeing it as permission, Boss Awesome stepped forward. Kneeling down to place the immortelle, he took a moment to speak silent words in respect. He then stood back up and looked to the police chief, “But more so, I am here to try to fulfill my promise to your father.”
Keeping himself under control, Cruz responded, “What are you talking about? Just how did you know my father?”
“Chief Cruz… No. Diego… I’m sorry. I understand how you feel about me. When I saw how you hunted those kids down, I realized that your wounds haven’t healed. Before, I tried to help you in my own way from afar…” Boss Awesome began, reflecting on his own past actions trying to support Diego not as a hero but as himself, as Mr. Frederickson. From afar, with his wealth and resources, he saw to it that the young orphan would be taken care of.
To Diego’s surprise, the legendary hero removed the cowl that disguised his visage. To his shock, he recognized the face of his benefactor. “But I see now that you must come to learn about your father’s sacrifice and his legacy. Detective Cruz’s… Manuel’s last investigation and the pivotal part he played in saving San Fransokyo with me.” Mr. Frederickson nodded at him, “Let me tell you about this city’s hero.”
Note: If there were another series I wish they would do, if even as a comic series, would be a prequel featuring Boss Awesome. It would pay much respect to Stan Lee and his role in BH6TS. There are many stories that Boss Awesome could have, all helping to world-build the BH6-verse.
And one of those stories would involve Chief Cruz’ father. Which needs more expansion and depth. I think it was the presentation that gives Chief Cruz his poor reception. But what if there was far more to the story? We only got the perception of grieving boy whose father wasn’t saved in time. What about Boss Awesome’s perspective and why would Cruz’s father be killed by a villain anyways?
I think it’s deeper than even Chief Cruz knows. And I think Megan would be someone whose wanted to dig deeper on what happened to her grandfather. The story ideas are out there and gets deeper. So, hopefully one day I can write this prequel series that I’d call “Big Hero One.” Stories from the legend himself, before the current era of superhero’s.
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