First Superhero 1: The Second Super by Logan Rutherford

taken an unsuspecting blow directly to my nose. This time I felt the bones shatter, and fell to the ground. They began to heal themselves almost as soon as they were broken, but still, I could feel the pain for a few agonizing seconds. The blow knocked me to the ground, and before I could get up, the man began kicking me in my sides.
    He got in two good kicks before I grabbed his foot, and slammed him to the ground. His head hit the ground with a sickeningly soft thud. The man began shaking violently, his whole body seizing. Foam and saliva shot from his mouth.
    My entire body tensed, and I thought I was going to throw up. I began to panic, not knowing what to do. I was still lying on the ground, and was eye to eye with the man who was having a seizure because of me. I was paralyzed with fear.
    “Please,” I heard someone say. I looked up, and saw the man who I had nearly frightened to death looking at me on his knees, next to his seizing friend. “Please, I am sorry.” His eyes were big, and tears began to fall from them. I realized how young he looked. He couldn’t have been much older than myself. “Do not let my friend die. We will surrender. Please. Do something.”
    I realized that I couldn’t just leave the man there, and that I had to do something. Even though they were evil people, I’m the one who caused him to be in this situation, I had to try and help sort it out.
    I picked the man up in my arms, and ran outside as fast as I could. I placed him on the ground next to some paramedics who were checking out some of the hostage victims.
    Everybody jumped back and let out a gasp. “Help him!” I shouted.
    The paramedics rushed to the man’s side, and I bolted toward the command center that was set up in the back of a van. Everybody jumped and gasped, just like the paramedics had moments earlier. I rolled my eyes, but it was a reaction that I was just going to have to get used to.
    “I’m finished,” I said. “They’re all yours.”
    With that, I launched myself high into the air, flying away as fast as I could, trying to figure out whether or not I’d just made a huge mistake.

19

ENEMY OF THE STATE
    I WALKED through the back door of my house, and headed straight for the living room. Mom gasped as I walked in. She and Dad were watching my escapade on the news as I collapsed in a heap on the cool leather couch. I felt so tired and drained, I felt as if I could sleep for days.
    Mom rushed to my side, and began checking me for any wounds.
    “I’m fine, Mom,” I said as I pushed myself up to a sitting position. “Just really worn out.”
    “You did good, Kane,” Dad said, standing with his arms crossed while wearing a big smile.
    “Really?” I said, rubbing my eyes. “Because it felt like I did pretty crappy.”
    Dad shrugged. “Well, I said you did good, not that you did well .”
    I let out a moan, and laid back down on the couch. “I don’t feel as if I’m any better now than I was when I left.” I wasn’t talking to anyone in particular, just thinking out loud.
    “What were you expecting, to come back and be better than Richter?” Dad asked as he walked to the recliner next to the couch, and sat down in it. He leaned forward in his chair. “You gotta take something from this. Surely there’s something you can learn.”
    “That I need more practice,” I said.
    “Well then, that’s what we’re going to have to do.”
    I turned my attention to the TV, which was showing the news. They were showing footage of a blue blur running in and out of the warehouse, carrying hostages to safety. I couldn't help but smile.
    “Three of the hostage takers are in critical condition as the new Super stormed past police and SWAT, and took matters into his own hands. The White House released a statement just moments after the situation in Texas ended.”
    The scene shifted to an image of the president standing behind a podium, most likely from deep within a bunker from an undisclosed location, safe