S.C: Chapter I
Superhero!AU
Summary: Virgil only wanted to spend some time with his dad, but Surprise villain is a surprise.
Fandom: Sanders’ Sides
Pairings: Parental Analogical, Platonical Anxceit
Tags/Warnings: Shouting. Mention of Abuse. Deceit
Words: 4758
This wasn’t what Virgil had in mind for a relaxing day.
He only wanted to spend some time with his dad to catch up without worrying so much about school or work, and god in heaven knows his dad would live in his office if he wasn’t forced by his boss and coworker to leave the installations of the association.
Was a nice coffee and a bit of father-son time too much to ask?
-YOU LOOK A LITTLE CHILLY!!- Yelled a very engulf in flames maniac who was approaching Virgil in a fast manner. Well his civilian name is Virgil, his hero name is Mender.
The villain flew towards Mender and started to throw a couple fire balls at his direction, the young hero manage to avoid them easily by doing some zigzags and jumping backwards; during his midair pirouette he went to hold on to a device in his belt, once the villain was close enough he threw it at him and it explode into a cloud of carbon dioxide to extinguish the aggressor, but this one manage to avoid the attack and holding on to Mender’s collar with a clear hand, not catching the hero on fire…yet.
-Those ones are new, aren’t they? I’m impressed- said the villain while letting his arm to start catching of fire slowly, teasing the imminent danger to the young one.
-Yeah, you know…Last time you almost kill a lot of people…- said the hero while going for one of the other gadgets in his belt, he was holding the villains arm to try to get away but retreat it once he felt the fire getting closer.
The villain chuckles.
-Well, there will be no next time for you now-
Mender manage to grab the gadget and press it against the villain, triggering it. It explode into a type of hologram and light, turning all the fire completely off. Mender’s hand was burn, yet he hold the villain’s arm into a lock and threw him into the ground.
-You are under arrest, Crimson- says Mender still holding him down.
Crimson wiggles and tries to get Mender off of him to no avail. Mender smirks at his victory and looks around to see the people who now are safe, can’t say the same for the building they came from, it was almost completely gone. At least people were safe, he thought.
-What did I told you?-
Mender’s smirk falls at the sound of the familiar voice.
-To not engage- Mender huffed. He looked at the one talking.
-And what did you do? - said a man firmly and almost scolding. He was wearing a gray lab coat over a suit that looked as if it was made out of metal. Safety polarize glasses were over his eyes to protect his identity.
Mender sigh annoyed. -Engage…- He was still holding the villain down. The other hero, Syllogism, walked towards the younger hero. He was much taller, and looked very calm even when his voice said otherwise.
-You could have hurt yourself- said Syllogism concerned while holding on to the villain, making Mender to move away.
-Yeah, well, I didn’t, ok? I capture him, didn’t I? - said while crossing his arms
Syllogism looked at him; noticing a small burn in Mender’s chin and hand, the burned collar of his uniform and several missing gadgets on his belt. –You used Deceit’s device up close, didn’t you? -
Mender uncrossed his arms in surprise and open his mouth as if to say something but was cut off by Syllogism.
-You were reckless. You could have been in awful danger if you had lost your powers before this... pyromaniac- Syllogism said while looking at the villain and placing special handcuffs in his arms.
-What did you do to me, you asshole?!- Shout Crimson –And excuse you, I’m no pyromaniac, I merely thought everything would look better with a CRISPY LOOK! - The villain chuckled.
-You could have hurt innocent civilians- Said Syllogism in a monotone way –And destroyed several buildings if the fire spread; you are not only a pyromaniac, you are also an idiot- the older hero made the villain sit and to keep quiet.
Mender muffled a snort, the villain huff and stayed still. Syllogism looked at Mender, he couldn’t see his eyes but knew he was being looked in a disapproving way. He sigh and blow his purple hair off of his face.
-Go join with Deceit, I will take care of this one- said Syllogism firmly while making a hologram with his fingers that were covered with a dark glove. He started to make some notes.
-But-
-Now-
Mender started walking away annoyed and frustrated. People were looking at them, not exactly getting close out of fear the villain would do anything. The police got there and started to take notes from the people, fireman were attending the wounded civilians. Mender looked at them but knew he couldn’t help now that his powers were out thanks to the device inspired by his comrade.
Talking about him, where in the hell was he?
Virgil walked towards the now black building where he was with his dad, passing near a brown van. The door open and someone drag him, then promptly drove off rather harsh and quickly.
The inside of the van didn’t had seats, just the two on front. It had a screen showing the news and the floor was actually made out of a soft material, someone probably sleeps inside the van very often.
-Hey, Virge- said a young man resting his back on the drivers sit.
He was wearing a mask that covered both sides of his cheeks and his eyes, while his mouth and nose were uncovered. He also was wearing a black bowler hat, his outfit was black and had certain golden trimmings around a type of cape, his shirt was a bright yellow and he was wearing golden gloves. He looked way classier than Virgil who was wearing a tight black outfit with purple thunders around him and a mask that would change color from black to purple if light hit it.
-Hey Greg’ - said Virgil while being upside down due to the forceful dragged.
-Hey, dude- said the man in the driver’s seat. He wasn’t wearing any mask so he didn’t draw attention to himself while driving.
-Holy shit, the morning star actually woke up early today- said Virgil in a mocking way.
-Ha, ha. So funny- said the man who was paying more attention to the road than to the young hero.
Virgil smiled and adjust himself to sit properly. Deceit, or well, Gregory, looked at him cautiously, as if he was looking for something missing. Virgil took notice and had a sense of déjà vu.
-What? - He asked.
-Nothing, I was just wondering- smirk Gregory. –Logan sounded so calmed when he called us to pick you up-
-Oooooh, got yourself in trouble again, Virge?- said the driver mockingly.
-Shut up, Nate- he said frustrated while laying down. –I just did my job-
-Yeah, you just ran ahead and tried to stop a literal fireman- said Gregory.
Virgil stayed quiet, he was tired of the same discussion and scolding. His chin and hand burn healed up and disappeared without living a scar. “Guess the power’s back”, he thought.
He has train several years now, he has tried all the devices his dad has made, he has done everything perfectly and yet he is still not allowed to engage in battle. It’s bullshit. He is not a kid anymore, he is 19 years old now. He capture Crimson, which should prove it to the man that he is ready to go alone, but apparently is not enough. He doesn’t even act this limiting to Gregory. Sure, he isn’t legally Logan’s son but he has been with them as if he was. Not minding that Gregory was at least 4 years older than him.
-This is bullshit…- He mumbled angrily.
Gregory moved to the co-pilot so he could see both at Nate and Virgil. He gave Virgil an understanding look, he exhale and turn to Nate. He just shrugged and continue looking at the road, not exactly wanting to get involve on all that family mess. He wasn’t really a good listener anyway. Gregory turn to Virgil and decided to try to lighten his mood.
-How’s studying going? – He asked out of the blue.
Virgil chuckled. –Like shit. I’ve read the same page for days now – He sit down.
-I wanted to take a break today but “surprise villain” is a surprise- he said while doing a hand gesture.
Gregory hummed. And then an idea pop on his head.
–Do you feel like blowing off some steam? – He asked while smiling.
-Not really…Not feeling like doing anything now…– Virgil said without looking at Gregory.
-That’s too bad… Because I heard Blue Nightowl say some pretty interesting not so nice things about Syllogism…- Gregory said while admiring his gloves as if he was looking at his nails.
That got Virgil’s attention and looked at the other hero with a malicious smirk. Nate rolled his eyes while smiling fondly.
If there was one thing they both enjoy a lot, was pranking the other heroes in the association. Even when everyone was a proclaim hero, some of them were actually gigantic assholes. Ever since the new boss, who, by the way, was the kindest and bubbliest woman ever, started to make changes, which involve making Logan second on hand, they haven’t stop complaining once. And that’s because they both implemented a couple new rules about how to handle villains, involving less use of excessive force and to always be brought to the association for a rehabilitation.
Now, heroes cannot exactly do or say much about Green Wonder, their boss, since it is because of her that they would know about dangers around the city easily. She is a great asset to the whole association, but they all thought Syllogism wasn’t exactly useful nor necessary. And it was because of him that the 2 rules mention above were established, due to his main philosophy: “All people can be either good or bad due to circumstances, our job is to make good circumstances” that, of course, applies to villains as well.
Some heroes, however, don’t think nor believe a villain can be reformed at all. A main example they take is actually Deceit; he was a young villain who would manage to hack systems to get money and to simply obstruct with justice, and he manage to avoid being capture by any hero who rely too much in their powers since his power was annulling any superhuman ability. He was the first villain to be reformed and thus giving Logan green light to keep that program in.
He quickly became friends with Virgil since Gregory would spend a lot time with Logan, learning about what he did and the several studies he would make to him. The time Logan manage to capture Gregory wasn’t pleasant in the slightest, Gregory was very hurt from being abused in his old home. He manage to escape with a damaged eye and some broken bones, Virgil tried to cure him but since he was not very trusting he annulled the young hero’s powers not allowing him to heal him. So they rely on normal medical care.
The heroes hate him because, thanks to Gregory, a very powerful and effective gadget to avoid combat was created, also very useful especial cells to keep very dangerous villains. They think those gadgets are dangerous and that when the chance comes, he would betray everyone. Also, at the beginning of his treatment he would annul every heroes’ powers for fun; for example, if he saw someone flying he would make them fall because he would thought it was funny. Of course, he would get a scolding from Logan.
Something the heroes failed to notice was the fact that Gregory was still young, at least on his teenage years. And even if some of the villains they capture now were older, Logan still believes in redemption. Something made all this people became evil, and he would fix that as much as he could.
Either way, they would avoid to use whatever Syllogism would make and complain very loudly so he knew how much they hated him. Of course, calm and collected Syllogism didn’t took the complaints at heart, Logan, on the other hand, would be distraught and angry sometimes. He wouldn’t show that side to anyone, not even Virgil or Gregory, who were actually very amazed by what he made.
He would get so disheartened by the cruel and ignorant remarks the other heroes would say, making him feel like he was wasting his time. Despite all that, he continued creating and building his inventions; recently he has tried to study everyone’s powers to try to replicate them into a device, just like he did with Gregory’s powers, although it has been quite challenging because they aren’t very cooperative.
Virgil is very proud of his dad, sure he can be a pain in the ass over the “do not engage in battle” rule, but he really loves him a lot. He has been his role model and his best friend, ever since he was adopted, so it enrages him to hear other so called heroes say awful things about Logan. Instead of fighting them, he and Gregory usually inconvenience them in several ways.
Gregory was prohibited to use his power against the heroes (Again, decreed by Logan) so they decided on simple pranks. At first it was just the usual salt for sugar in the coffee, then they increased their maliciousness until it became a bit…destructive. Some of the heroes had nice things that would suddenly turn into broken things… Some other times they would suddenly be sick… or hurt badly… For being someone that cures everything, Virgil was always a petty asshole towards other petty assholes. And yes, they would get scolds and grounding. They pretty much have been more times in the powerless cells than anyone, even though that doesn’t actually do much for them.
Nate drove them towards a building, it had a brown garage door that opened with a key he had. It was department building colored in a deep red, at least that’s what it looked like from the outside. Inside they parked the van and got out, Gregory and Virgil took off their masks. Gregory had a wide scar in his left eye, he barely could see from that eye. He adjust his hat, some yellowish stripes of hair were showing. Virgil showed his distinctive dark eyes with purple rays shining through, his hair being a mess like always.
Nate walk ahead of them and called for the elevator, one hero walked towards them and greeted them kindly. She looked like one of the newest heroes because they have never seen her before. While they were waiting to get to their floor, Gregory decided to chat with her; apparently she had hydrokinesis, that’s a nice power, he made some remarks and tried to make Virgil to engage but he just avoid eye contact or any contact what so ever. He could follow up a living torch down the street and try to kick his butt, but he couldn’t do any type of social interactions with new people. “Of course that made sense”, he thought.
Once in their floor, they parted ways. The girl smiled bubbly and ran off; Nate walked away too, he had some business to attend apparently (Wow, he was never this active during daylight). Gregory and Virgil walked in the direction of Logan’s office. The place was like a big reception, different heroes were passing; some were focusing on the news displayed in the screens, and others were going out the building in their normal clothes. Several heroes decided to live there, they found it more convenient than living in other apartment where you had to pay for everything, especially the ones that are around 24-28. Gregory said hello to some of them, newest additions to the association didn’t knew his past yet, so most would actually return the greeting.
Virgil continue walking, he knew Gregory stayed behind to chat, he was very social and nice which was a shame some people were still adamant on knowing he has change for the best. It wasn’t even his fault he was a villain in the first place, not even a good one may I add.
Virgil got to where he wanted, he enter the office without knocking and- Logan wasn’t there. Huh.
He walked out towards Gregory, suddenly a bunch of screams were heard in all the floor, all coming from the same source. Everyone turn to where the sound was coming from; there he was Syllogism with one very angry, screaming and loose villain- wait…
-I will need you to calm down right this instant- Said Syllogism very calmly – You have 0 chances of leaving this place, you are surrounded, therefore you really should…- He got interrupted by a fireball which he avoid. It hit some furniture where the newest heroes were, the bubbly girl from before put the fire out by dropping some carboy water she controlled. Logan made the personal stay put and to not get into the fight, he had it over control.
Crimson slowly started to ignite his body, and wanted to hurt the hero by trying to slam himself into him. Logan was undisturbed and quietly avoid the villain while he hold one of the CO2 devices to extinguish the villain’s attempts of starting a fire. It exploded and the villain was surrounded by the cloud that prevented him from using his powers. Crimson then went to punch the hero, at least he was going to make him feel pain in some way or another. Logan hold his arm and throw him to the floor, for someone who looked slim and not very muscular he was very agile and strong.
-I don’t want to harm you, but if you continue to engage in this erratic behavior I will use force- said calmly.
The villain got angrier and tried to get away. Logan hold him down with one hand, he kneeled and with the free hand manage to adjust a bag he had. He open it, there were several pieces of metal, screws, cores and more, all the necessary to make devices. He placed his hand over them and energy, almost electrical, passed through the pieces. In seconds he made a pair of handcuffs that emitted a yellow glow, which he use to retain and annul the villain’s powers completely.
He made Crimson stand up and he walk, Virgil and Gregory went up to Logan. He saw them coming and looking at Gregory he pointed to the villain; the young hero huff and made a thumbs up while going ahead and holding the newest addition of “patients”. Logan then looked at Virgil and pointed at the office, he rolled his eyes while blowing air at his purple bangs. He turn around and started walking towards his dad’s office.
-Is it going to my record? - said Virgil half mockingly, stepping into the office.
-Yes- Logan said in a monotone. He walked towards his desk.
-Awesome, please do. It’s my first catch after all – The young hero said while falling into a chair in front of Logan’s desk.
-Virgil…- his voice was strict, making the hero turn to look at the older one.
-I know you want to… “Beat up bad guys”- said trying to imitate Virgil’s voice, which made the other snort. –But you can’t do that if you keep being reckless-
-When was I reckless?!- Virgil shouted, jumping from his seat.
-I told you to attend to the wounded civilians, and instead you went to follow up Crimson- Logan stated.
-He was running away!! You were already making sure everyone was safe! I didn’t want him to scape again! – He stood up, angrier than he was before. This was stupid, he didn’t do anything wrong. Why was Logan scolding him?
-Virgil- he got interrupted
-I catch him!! Isn’t that what heroes do?!- He continue. –I am ready!! I don’t need to just to stay put all the time!! I can do more than just patch someone up!-
-Virgil! - Logan raised his voice.
He looked at the older hero, eyes full of angry tears. Logan sigh and took off his glasses, replacing them with reading normal glasses. His eyes weren’t disapproving, they were full of concern; the older hero placed his hand on his forehead while sitting down.
- I know you want to help more. I know - He says sternly without looking at his son.
-It doesn’t seem like it- Virgil angrily said while flopping in his seat.
-Try to understand, I only want you to be safe. Your powers are amazing, but they aren’t good for combat – he said stating the facts straight, looking directly at Virgil who was looking away in anger. He knew Virgil wasn’t so sure his power was so helpful, even though it was the most powerful and wonderful there was. And because of that, Logan was always concern, he didn’t want his son to attract too much attention to himself in front of other villains.
–You have been the fastest to learn combat skills and you help me so much by trying the devices- he said to assured.
-I am very proud of you Virgil, not only for your previous achievements but for this one.-
He said sounding as sincere as he could, explaining how he feels its way more complicated than building a freeze gun without his powers and with a blindfold. Virgil had a twitch in his lips, as if he tried to hide his smile, he was still mad, because he knew what else he was going to say.
-Please, just… Don’t fight anyone alone. You cannot do that in any circumstance - He paused as he watch his son, Virgil sigh and slumped in his chair.
–Understood?-
-Yes… - said annoyingly. He was too tired to keep up and repeat this old fight.
-Good – Logan said, relief that this discussion was over. He knows Virgil is capable of fighting and winning, if anything that day proved that point. Yet… He really cannot let go of the fear of losing his son. His powers would put him out there, what if a villain tries to capture his son and make him do anything? Bring back someone… Even though his powers do cover that with animals, with people is… more complicated.
-Hey, dad…- Virgil said all of the sudden.
-Yes?-
-Weren’t we going to have… You know, time to talk? - He asked.
-We can talk here- Logan stated.
-No, like… What we were doing before Crimson attack the café-
Oh, right. Today was supposed to be a day off of work. It was odd for Logan to leave early or to not work at all, he always had something to do because he would propose to himself a new idea to keep him busy.
-Well… We could just talk here- the older hero repeated himself as if that would make Virgil realize something different.
-You know what Picani said. You need to get out of here more – Virgil said, he was still a bit peeved off about the whole villain thing but maybe changing the topic was good for now.
-I don’t see how that would be productive. If we are going to talk we could just stay here – Logan said, then jump a bit as if a new idea came to his head, spinning behind him to check several drawers full of different parts, opening them all at once.
-THAT’S why we can’t talk here, dad - Virgil said pointing at the way Logan was already making a new device.
-What? – Logan would loose the trail of the conversation once he is concentrated in something.
Virgil looked at him annoyed and then smirked. He kicked the desk and shouted.
-OUCH!-
Logan looked around dropping all the pieces
-Virgil! Are you ok? - Every time, he would fall for that. Since he was little he would pretend to be hurt so Logan would spend time with him. Not like he didn’t do so, Virgil just thought needed breaks, and a lot of them.
-Dad, at least let’s get out of your office-
Logan stood up sighing. –You’re never this excited to talk about something, what’s got you so… “Chatty”? - He looked at Virgil for approval, Virgil nod. -Today- he finished. They both got out of the office.
-Well…Remember that internet page…- he asked trying not to smile.
-Which one? - He said not noticing the twitch in Virgil’s lips.
-You know, that one that was pink… And blue…-
Virgil said as if he was trying to make Logan connect dots with the ambiguous response. Logan eyed his son very amused. They walked towards a coffee machine, they never got their coffee at the café anyway.
-With letters? – Logan said sarcastically.
-Yes, exactly! – Virgil said rolling with it. Logan chuckled lightly. -And that you had to put plenty info ‘bout yourself…Like your age…Your hobbies…Your job…-
Logan realized what he was talking about and he huffed bothered.
-Tell me you didn’t…- He was cut off.
-You got plenty of suitors! – Virgil said while taking his phone out.
-No- Logan said grabbing his coffee and going back to his office.
-C’mon!! Would it kill you to try to go out and have some fun?-
–You talking about going out? And fun? Ha- His sarcastic laugh always made Virgil laugh, but he was serious this time… Partially… He snorted.
-I do go out- Virgil said between chuckles.
-Yeah? I thought Gregory always drag you at this “hang outs” and I also thought you hated people because, and I quote: “Everyone is stupid”- Logan said smirking
-Don’t need to drag me like that…- Virgil mumbled.
-Thank you, Virgil. But I am fine, besides I already have enough with Picani-
-But dad, don’t you want to meet someone? Preferably not from work? You always stay in here. I at least make a tiny bit of effort to tolerate other people- Virgil said crossing his hands.
Logan smiled tenderly, his son always worried about his wellbeing.
-I can assure you I am fine, if anyone should be worried to have a partner it should be you- Logan said smiling and closing his door not allowing Virgil to finish or start any sentence.
Logan was always a loner, well before he had Virgil. He always wanted to have a son but never exactly fitted with someone else to form a family. If he was honest, he had ideas or desires to be with a person who could understand him, who he could talked to for hours. But now… He was kind of… Old for that. And besides, his main focus is his son and his work; having a relationship now would just make him unfocused and make mistakes in his inventions. He didn’t need a relationship.
I’m fine alone, he thought every day, ignoring that heavy emptiness he would feel every time he look at a happy couple and longing for sharing his life with someone else.
Virgil sigh, he sure was stubborn. He knows his dad could be happier if he put himself out there to meet someone. Sure, he sounded a bit hypocritical since he would rather stay at home and draw or listen to music while reading but he can’t pretend it doesn’t feel nice to have friends. Maybe the whole criticism over his work made him feel as if he wasn’t enough for someone? If that was the case Virgil had to make some visits to the ignorant heroes.
-Where’s Greg’…? - He asked to himself.
Then something exploded and water was coming from a bathroom, Gregory open and closed the door and started running towards Virgil.
-DECEIT!!!- The hero opened the door, he was full of paper towels and wet with what Virgil hoped was only water.
-WAIT TILL I PUT MY HANDS ON YOU, YOU SHIT!-
Gregory hid behind Virgil. -THE SHIT TALKING ABOUT SHIT, SOUNDS REDUNDANT, YOU SHIT! - Gregory shouted, the hero was very angry, running towards both of them.
Both started to run and laugh. He will try to talk to Logan about the dating site later. Now was time for some pranks.
Prologue/ CH 1 / CH 2