A Superhero Story Chapter 21 - Take a Hint

Chapter 21 - Take a Hint

Antain, Amari, Kethri, and Amato all sat huddled around the coffee table in the living room playing their version of “extreme game night”. It was a convoluted concoction of Uno, Phase 10, poker, and chess.

“I win!” Antain said, slamming a red two down onto the Uno discard pile.

“So you think!” Amato countered. “But remember, you can’t play a red card when your knight is on a white space.”

Antain looked down at the chess board. “Cazzo!”

“Why are you getting all mad? That’s the rule you came up with.” Amato laughed. Antain made a face at him and drew another card.

“You know guys, as much fun as this is, I have to go.” Amari said getting up.

“Aww really?” Kethri whined. “But the game was just starting to get good.”

“Really really.” Amari said, moving towards the door.

“Where are you going?” Antain asked.

“I’ve got a date to get ready for.” She said, pausing with her hand on the door knob.

“Just when were you going to tell us this?” Antain huffed.

“When I wanted to.” She turned around to face him.

“You should have said something. We need to run a background check on him, make sure he’s alright. Remember what happened last time you-”

“It’s really none of you business Antain.” Amari almost shouted. “I don’t need to poking your nose in my personal life, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t.” She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him. He slammed his cards down on the table, causing all the pieces of the game to go scattering across the table.  

“You should be happy for her.” Kethri said, frowning at him. “She’s actually, you know, getting out there and seeing people.”

“When do you even have time to go out and meet people.” Antain shot at her.

“I know it’s hard to believe since you’re so wrapped up in your own little world, but I actually have a life outside of you guys.” she said, narrowing her eyes. “I met him when you were drooling all over yourself after those fainting spells. I had nothing to do while you were sleeping, so I went out for ice cream. I met a guy. We talked. I liked him. He asked me out on a date. I said yes. I’m going. End of story.” She and Antain glared at each other for a moment.

Kethri rolled her eyes. “Amari, go have fun.” Amari turned on her heel and left. Antain let out a loud sigh and leaned back against the couch.

“Oh Antain, lighten up.” Kethri said rolling her eyes again. “Amato, I do believe it’s your turn.”

“I don’t want to play any more.” Antain huffed. He got up and stalked off towards the stairs, and the gun range, passing Azaria on his way out. She gave him a questioning look, but he ignored her.

“What’s with him?” she asked, as he disappeared out of sight.

“Oh he’s just upset ‘cause Mari’s got a date that she didn’t tell anyone about.” Kethri said, starting to pick up the scattered cards. “Actually I’m a little hurt that she didn’t tell me, but she’s a big girl.”

“She’s got a date, and she didn’t say anything?” Azaria asked, raising an eyebrow. “Oh I’m going to have some words with her.”

“Can’t you guys just leave her alone?” Kethri asked. Azaria ignored her and turned on the T.V. She flicked through the channels till she came across the news.

“Why do you watch this stuff? It’s depressing,” Amato groaned.

“Because it’s important to know what’s going on in the world, dear little brother.” Azaria said, snuggling into the couch. Amato rolled his eyes.

“If you don’t want to watch, you don’t have to,” she said. Amato shrugged.

“Come on, Kethri. I’ve got a new gadget I’ve been wanting to show you anyway.” He got up and grabbed her hand. They left, leaving the game pieces scattered all over the room. Azaria sighed and shook her head.

“Like small children,” she muttered under her breath.

The news reporter was mid way through a story about some dog doing something interesting. Azaria halfway tuned it out, and pulled out her phone. She opened one of her games and started playing in. A few minutes later, something on the T.V. caught her attention.

“Superheros, are they the protectors of the people as they claim, or rampaging vigilantes with no regard for property? Recent increases in crime have led to more and more of this so called “superhero” intervention.” The screen switched from the reporter to a clip of the bank robbery with Fisto. She could clearly see Kethri flying around and then herself turn into a rhino.

“Oh great...” Azaria said under her breath, sitting up a little straighter and giving her full attention to the news reporter.

“About two months ago, a group of masked vigilantes tried to stop a man from robbing the bank. The man was apprehended, but the damage to the bank totalled to be fourteen million dollars. Are these so called “superheroes” really what this city needs? Senator candidate Jason King is on standby to answer some questions about these masked mysteries.” The image on the screen shifted so that the reporter was on the left and a young man was on the right, obviously in a different office. Azaria kind of knew who he was. She had seen his name and picture pop up a few times before when the news was talking about the upcoming election. “Mr. King, how are you today?”

“I am doing well, thank you Nancy. How has your day been?” Jason King said, giving one his smiles that was very quickly becoming his trademark.

Azaria could have sworn the poor girl blushed. “Very well, thank you. Now, Mr. King. We’re talking today about the masked vigilantes that have been received by the city with mixed reviews. What is your opinion on them?”

“Well, first I have to say that I admire them a little. I mean, how many people in the world have you heard say, ‘I wish I were a superhero’? I do not know how they did it, but somehow these people can do some extraordinary things. Like that one girl who can fly. Or at least that is what it looks like. I do not know, she might have some kind of rocket boots or something, you know like they have in the movies?” He laughed softly. “But really, I think it is a very controversial subject. They seem to be trying to help, but it could be a hoax for all we know. They could be planting these crazy criminals everywhere so that they look like the heroes.”

Now the TV had Azaria’s full interest. If people were really thinking that, they were stupider than she thought. The reporter seemed to at least have a similar idea. “If that’s the case, Mr. King, then what do you think they are trying to do?”

He paused for a moment, thinking. His hand moved up to his chin as he did so. “I am not sure, Nancy. There does not seem to be a real good reason to create trouble and fix it later unless you want to have fifteen seconds in the limelight.” He sat back, smiling. “But if that were the case, I would think they would have waited for the reporters after all their busts.” He chuckled. “At least that is what I would have done. Maybe just enough time to wave and say ‘hi mom!’” For emphasis, he lifted his arm and waved.

“It does seem odd.” The reporter continued, looking down at her questions. “People are also suggesting that crime is becoming more prevalent because criminals are taking these ‘heroes’ as a challenge and upping their game. What do you think of these claims? Has crime risen or fallen since they appeared?”

“They certainly seem plausible. I mean, I like a good puzzle and when a harder one comes along, I cannot help but see if maybe I can do it. I am sure I am not the only one out there. Of course, if that is the case, these other men are a lot sicker than me, taking other people’s lives into their own hands.” He nodded. “But it makes sense that a few men would take superpowered beings as a threat. As I am sure we all know, crime lords do not like thinking their kingdom is at risk. Most would probably lash out. I cannot say what these people are thinking. I am not a mind reader.” He smiled. “If I were, I might be out there with a mask trying to save the world.” He laughed. “Instead, I will say this. These people are very bold and apparently have a lot of honor for something. As long as they do not cause too much damage and do not give the real law enforcement any problems, why not take a little extra help? Maybe we can have cleaner, safer streets in the future.”

“So you think that, ultimately, these vigilantes are helpful?”

King shrugged. “It is too soon to tell. We have not seen enough of them to really determine. But,” he nodded, “I guess it is possible. I mean, if they are anything like Superman or Captain America, the people will come to love them in a couple years. Then we would never be able to say if they are wrong or right without angering someone.”

“We’ll just have to see,” the reporter said brightly. “Thank you for your time and your insight, Mr. King.”

“And thank you for inviting me, Nancy.” King said, smiling, “It was pleasure talking to you.”

His picture disappeared and the reporter was taking up the entire screen again. “In other news, a dangerous man escaped from prison five years into his twenty year sentence. This story and more after these messages...”

Azaria clicked off the tv and sat back. “Well, if nothing else, he’s charismatic.” And that smile. The reporter was all for it. But he was wishy washy, like all politicians. After the interview, she was still completely confused as to whether or not he approved of superheroes. He started off one way and ended the other...kind of? She would have to keep an eye on him. He could probably get into office with that face alone, and if he turned out to be against superheroes, it could cause some problems and she might have to get her sniper rifle out. Hopefully, though, it wouldn’t come to that. Politicians were usually more effort than they were worth.

The doorbell rang. Azaria waited for a moment, listening to see if anyone else was going to answer it. The rest of the house was quiet...too quiet. It made her feel as if everyone was up to something. Sighing, she got up from the couch.

Who could this be? she pondered as she made her way to the front door. She hadn’t been expecting anyone to be stopping by tonight. Then she remembered that Amari had a date. She really needs to stop giving out the address of the house… Azaria sighed as she went to open the door. Hopefully he’s better than the last guy.

Standing on the front step was a guy who looked like he could have walked straight out of a college frat house. He was tall, and wearing a “bro tank” that showed off his muscles and gave him the “I’m a slacker and total jerk” look.

“Sup,” he said, nodding towards Azaria. She raised an eyebrow. Where did she find this one?

“Umm, hi. Can I help you with something?” she asked him, folding her arms across her chest.

“Yeah I’m here to pick up Amari,” he said and made to walk into the house. Azaria side stepped and blocked him from entering.

“She’ll be down in a minute. You can wait for her here,” she said firmly.

“Oh okay. Cool. Whatever,” he said leaning up against the door frame, obviously flexing and trying to show off a tribal tattoo running around his upper arm. Azari sighed, wanting nothing more than to slam the door on this guy. She bit her lip and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. There was something Amari saw in him that made her want to go out with him, but for the life of her she just couldn’t see what. She noticed that he was checking her out.

“So, that’s a...cool tattoo,” she said trying to divert the attention away from her.

“Oh yeah? I got it after my Grandpa died. He practically raised me and this reminds me of him,” he explained, flexing his bicep.

“How does it...nevermind. I don’t want to know,” Azaria said. Her patience for this guy was beginning to wear thin.

“So are you like Amari’s sister or something?” he asked looking her up and down, his gaze lingering too long on her chest.

“In a way, yes,” she said, moving slightly so that he wasn’t looking at her chest. He gave her a blank look.

“It’s complicated, and I don’t think you’d understand,” she sighed.

“Right on,” he said confused. “It’s just that I thought that Amari was hot, but if I had known that she had an even hotter sister…” his voice trailed off as he thought of something. The look on his face told that it wasn’t anything to particularly good. Her fingers twitched, longing to pull the trigger on any kind of gun on this punk. She glanced down the hall towards many of her hiding places and saw Antain standing a little ways away listening to the conversation. He had a dark look in his eyes as he came up to the door.

“So! This must be Amari’s date,” he said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“Yeah bro. Trent,” he said holding his hand for Antain to shake.

“Nice to meet you,” Antain said shaking his hand, disdain dripping in his voice. Trent seemed to not pick up on it though.          

“Antain, I got this.” Azaria said through narrowed eyes. She glanced toward the umbrella stand where there was a shotgun hidden. She didn’t want to kill him, not yet anyway. She just wanted to put the fear of God, or Azaria, into him.

“Nah sis it’s okay,” Antain said, throwing his arm around Trent’s shoulder. “I figured that since he’s going to be dating Amari, we could have a little chat.” Azaria hesitated for a moment, wanting to teach the punk a lesson herself. Seeing the dark look in Antain’s eyes, she reluctantly nodded, agreeing to let him deal with it.
Antain gripped Trent’s shoulder, turned him around and forced him out the door and onto the front lawn.

“Hands off bro.” Trent said, attempting to shrug Antain’s hand off. Antain let go, but didn’t back away. Trent straightened his shirt, glancing back at the front door, which was now closed.

“So umm...your sister...is she seeing anyone?” he asked.

“I thought you were here to see Amari.” Antain said coldly.

“Well yeah. But you know what they say; two’s better than one. Am I right bro?” Trent laughed and punched Antain in the arm.

“You couldn’t be more wrong. I always found one to be quite enough. Especially with someone like Amari.” Antain said crossing his arms. Trent didn’t seem to be paying attention to what he was saying however. He was thinking about something with a devilish grin on his face.

“Do you think Amari and your sister would be good together?” he asked.

“Excuse me?” Antain spluttered.

“A threesome. You know,” Trent grinned, “like the two of them and one guy going at it. That’d be hot.”

“Du hurensohn,” Antain growled, clenching his fists.

“What? You can’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.” Trent said.

“No I haven’t.” Antain said.

“Oh common. Isn’t that like every guys dream? Besides, hot girls like that, the only things they’re good at is-” he didn’t get to finish his sentence because Antain slammed his fist against his jaw. Trent stumbled back a few steps, his lip bleeding. Antain advanced on him, grabbing him by the front of his shirt.

“Don’t you dare talk about them like that.” he spat at him. “They’re both beautiful women who deserve the utmost respect, which you can’t give them.”

“Get your hands off me!” Trent yelled, trying to push Antain off him. Antain shoved him to the ground, and kicked him hard in the side. Trent groaned and curled into a ball.

“You don’t deserve a girl like Amari.” Antain said coldly. Trent glared up at him.

“Do you really want to go down this road bro?” he asked, pulling up his shirt a little bit to reveal a 1911 .45mm pistol.

“Oh how cute. You have a pea shooter.” Antain scoffed. He reached behind a near by tree and pulled out a M4 Tactical Shotgun. Trent’s eyes grew wide.

“Where did you get that?” he asked.

“You see I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill.” Antain said, cocking the gun. “And I really want to kill you right now, so it wouldn’t take much.” Trent tried to get up, but fell over himself in his haste. ‘Some tough guy he is...’ Antain thought as he watched him squirm on the ground below him.    

“Tell you what,” he said slowly, “I’m a reasonable guy. I’ll let you go...this time.”

“R-really?” Trent asked.

“Yeah. But if I ever catch you around here again, or if you ever even think about laying a hand on my sister again, or try to talk to Amari, this shell’s going straight between your eyes. Clear?”

“Crystal.” Trent said, finally getting to his feet.

“Beat it.” Antain said. Trent took one last look up at the house.

“I can find a girl way hotter than her anyway.” he said before turning to walk down the driveway towards a piece of crap forest green mustang.

“Yeah...good luck with that figlio di puttana.” Antain called after him. He watched as Trent climbed in his car and drove away. “What a jerk.” He stashed the gun back where it came from and walked back in the house. Amari was standing in the foyer talking to Azaria. She looked up as Antain came in.

“Before you lay into me, let me just-” Antain started say, but Amari cut him off.

“I know. Az told me what happened. He’s just lucky I didn't get a hold of him,” she said.

“He’s lucky he’s still breathing after what he said.” Antain said under his breath.

“What did he say?” Amari asked.

“I’d really rather not repeat it,” he told her. Amari nodded and looked down at the floor. Antain sighed.

“You see this is the kind of thing we could weed out if you’d tell us who you were dating so we could run background checks on them.” Azaria said.

“Guys really, my personal life is none of your business. “Amari protested.

“Amari I...er, we care about you,” Antain said, gesturing to himself and Azaria, “and we just want you to be happy and safe.”

“I know, and for what it’s worth, thanks. But really I’m capable of picking guys on my own.” Amari said.

“Seeing these last two, I’d say no,” Azaria said quietly under her breath.

“I don’t need your sass right now Az,” Amari said.

“Just saying.” Azaria shrugged. Both Azaria and Antain gave Amari a hard look for a long moment. Amari glanced between the both of them and sighed.

“Oh alright.” she said. “You can run background on anyone else I date. But nothing else, okay?”

“Alright,” they both said, hiding crossed fingers behind their backs. Amari sighed and looked down at the ground. Antain looked at her, feeling a weight in his chest. She looked so upset. He had half a mind to track down that punk and kick his butt again for making her feel miserable.

“Look, I’m sorry things happened the way they did,” he said.

“Yeah...me too,” she said sadly. The flat tone in her voice nearly broke his heart, and he wondered if there was anything he could do to cheer her up.

“Wanna go get some ice cream of something and try to forget about this whole mess?” He offered.

“Well, my evening just got a lot more open,” Amari said.

“Common. I’ll drive.” Amari nodded and followed him towards the garage. As they went, Antain wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

Azaria watched them disappear into the garage. She sighed and shook her head.

“Those two just need to buck it up and date,” she muttered as she made her way back to the living room.