After waiting for twenty minutes Ethan opened another Heaven's Gate to the same park he had met Aaron the first time. Unsurprisingly, the table was set up already with the two cameras.

  Aaron looked up and smiled, giving him a small wave before looking at him quizzically, "You…ummm…your clothes."

  Ethan looked down, "Oh, yeah. I fought a guy."

  Aaron clapped his hands together and grinned, "I can't wait to hear more."

  "It was thirty minutes ago-"

  "Bill, get the mic set up."

  Bill came over and clipped the microphone once more to Ethan’s collar. "Good job out there. I heard a bit over the police scanner…some serious shit went down, eh?" He returned to his place behind the camera and counted down. "Three…Two…One…Action!"

  Aaron looked at the camera behind Ethan, "This is Aaron Restor, coming to you with an exclusive interview with the one, the only, Radiance! You look a bit rough there, hero. What happened?"

  Ethan sighed, "There was a bank robbery in downtown L.A. by the time I got there…" he took in a shaky breath and exhaled. "Sorry…it's hard to describe. Bodies…burned and scorched." He turned away to look at the green, verdant park, trying to get the vision of the decimated bodies out of his head. "I…fought a known criminal. Brothers. One of them is Imbued. Firestarter…he could make fire and lava. I only survived because I can heal myself."

  Aaron nodded and gently rapped the table with his knuckles, returning Ethan's attention to the camera. "It sounds horrific. What happened?"

  Ethan, excluding details about the bodies and hostages, provided lots of details regarding his injuries and how dangerous Firestarter was, as he described the short, explosive fight. "-And then Petal arrived on the scene. Together we took him down and captured him. He's in custody."

  "Another Imbued was on scene? Amazing, two heroes of the city, coming together to fight crime as a duo!" Aaron was playing up a hype-man, almost.

  "She held her own and was instrumental in stopping Firestarter. I couldn't have done it without her." That was fully true, and Ethan knew he would be dead without her intervention.

  "Any chance of a hero romance?"

  Ethan was extremely grateful for the helmet covering his face as he went flush, "No. I'm taken." He looked at the camera, "Sorry folks."

  Aaron chuckled, "Anything else you'd like to say to the viewers at home?"

  Ethan stared at the camera, "There's a lot going wrong in the world. I know it looks bleak and hopeless. But always remember-" Illuminate, he thought to activate the power, as the glowing gold orb appeared in his hand. "-There's always a light of hope."

  The red light went off and Aaron let out a large exhale, "Good send off. 'Light of hope' should be a trademark."

  Ethan nodded, "Happy to give the exclusive…you're a good man, Aaron. I sincerely hope that my interviews land you in that newsroom."

  Aaron looked thoughtful for a moment before smiling at Ethan, "Thanks. And don't worry, I'll always make sure you're in the right 'light'...ehhh?" He grinned at his own joke before standing up to help Bill pack away the equipment. Thankfully the park was relatively empty.

  They must be crowding around the bank trying to see what happened. Ethan sighed, "I'm exhausted. Plus, I gotta go home, go to the fabric store, fix my costume-"

  "Why not get something sturdier?" Aaron asked as he finished putting one of the cameras into its storage case. "Like kevlar."

  "I don't know where to buy that type of stuff. Plus, it's expensive. Hero work doesn't really make money."

  Aaron chuckled, "Tell me what you need, and I'll get it to you."

  Ethan pulled out his phone and texted him a list of supplies. Aaron nodded, "I'll go get the stuff tonight. Can't have you missing out on a day of doing hero-stuff, can we? I'll have to do some hunting for this polyethylene fabric."

  "It's expensive. But it'll keep together."

  "Anywhere I should deliver it to?"

  "Just text me and we'll meet up. Thanks-"

  "Don't mention it. I'm rich." Aaron chuckled. “Thankfully my parents are well off, and I get to pursue my dream.”

  “Thanks for being willing to help,” Ethan replied as he waved his hand. "Heaven's Gate." Ethan walked through the portal.

  The portal snapped shut a minute later after he exited into his living room. Treya was sitting on the couch sipping something out of a mug. "Oh my God! What happened?!" She ran over and began feeling where his clothes were scorched, "You're not hurt, right?" her voice was filled with panic.

  Ethan held her hands, "No, I'm fine." He turned off the LEDs and took the helmet off. "It was a painful day. I could really, really go for a bath."

  Treya nodded and took his helmet from him, "You didn't give the police the video?"

  Ethan shook his head, "I want a copy for myself. Can you do that while I take a bath?"

  She nodded, "I'm going to turn off the router, just in case. Don't want anyone to know we're watching footage from Radiance's helmet from our home!"

  Ethan kissed her on the forehead, "Always thinking ahead." He went to the restroom and stripped off the rest of his scorched apparel. He ran the tub and once it was filled with hot water, sank into it with a slight wince. The warmth penetrated his skin, and he sighed in relief as he sank down deeper so only his head was above the surface.

  Alright Nobilis. Let's talk. I can see souls. Souls are real?

  Every person has three parts. Souls, bodies, minds. To your eyes, they are floating orbs of various colors.

  What exactly does each do?

  Minds control the body and contain thoughts, memories, and other aspects that help define a personality. Bodies experience the physical world and house the soul and mind. The soul carries echoes, or imprints, of the mind and body.

  Do people reincarnate then? Or are they reborn?

  When a body dies the mind dies as well. The soul goes on to be judged.

  By who?

  I do not know. That information is above my Archive clearance.

  Ethan sank beneath the water and scrubbed his face with his hands before sitting up and wiping the liquid out of his eyes. This could change the world. If everyone knew that they would be judged once they died, maybe they'd actually behave like good people and fix the world instead of fighting.

  Such an endeavor would be difficult to prove, but your method holds merit as being a plausible solution to problems facing your civilization. Proof that good deeds improves the odds of having a favorable judgment would be difficult to acquire, but quite convincing.

  Ethan stood up and drained the tub, wrapping himself in a towel as he walked out into the living room.

  Treya was glued to the computer screen and Ethan could see the first-person recording reach the end before switching to black. She looked back at Ethan and had tears in her eyes. She ran over to him and hugged him tight, "You…almost…died…" she said in between sobs.

  Ethan held her and ran a hand down and up her back, "It's okay. I'm okay. But…we both knew what I was getting into."

  She continued to sob, and he just held her, whispering "It's okay," over and over. After a few minutes she had calmed down and her breathing was returning to normal. She separated from him and took a deep, shaky breath. "I'm okay…you're okay…you'll come back if you die, right?"

  Ethan nodded and went into the bedroom, changing into some basic jeans and a shirt before coming back out. “After a month, yeah. Then two months if it happens again.” He was very, very thankful for that Chosen of the Light Ability.

  Treya handed him the two memory cards, wiping away the remnants of tears. "I replaced the one in your helmet...here's the recording and the copy."

  Ethan smiled and pocketed them, kissing Treya on the lips before going to his ruined costume and letting out a deep sigh, "What a mess."

  "We have enough scrap to fix it."

  "I have someone getting more durable stuff. That reporter who did the exclusive. Oh shit!" He went to the router and flicked it on, opening the internet browser and going to the News LA website. The interview from the day before was on the front page. He clicked it and turned up the speakers as Treya sat on the couch. He pointed at Aaron, "He's a good guy. Offered to buy all the replacement fabric."

  "Can you trust him?"

  "Not with my real identity, no. At least, not yet." He turned to Treya in the chair, "Only one person other than you knows my identity. My agent."

  She perked up at this, "You have an agent?"

  "Fred Lark. Said he wants to be the best agent ever. Had to have my real identity to get all the legal paperwork out of the way."

  "Isn't that risky?"

  "Nobilis, want to tell her?"

  Nobilis's voice sounded out loud. It was a firm and confident, masculine tone that contained little trace of the robotic original voice; originating from some space next to Ethan's head. Very much a posh British butler. "Fred Lark has formed a Curator-based contract with my assigned Imbued. This prevents Fred Lark from revealing the identity of Radiance, in exchange for a benefit for Fred Lark I cannot disclose."

  Treya looked at Ethan, "What's a Curator?" she asked.

  "Something like a power advisor. A personal assistant."

  "Hmm. Neat. Can I talk to it?"

  "I don't know. Nobilis?"

  Again, the voice spoke from some space next to Ethan's head, "I experience the world as Ethan does. Every physical sensation; sounds, sights, smells, touch, taste. I can hear you."

  Treya groaned and put her face in her hands, "That's so weird." She looked up at Ethan with a pained look, "That means he's felt you…us…have sex."

  Ethan frowned, "Hey, Nobilis? Can you go on passive mode or something?"

  "I wish I could, Ethan. But I can't. The Archive requires that I am active at all times."

  Treya sighed, "Best to just try and not think about it."

  Ethan's phone rang, breaking the awkward conversation, and he answered, "Hello?"

  "Hey, it's Aaron. I got the stuff you wanted. Where do you want to meet? Same park?"

  "Yeah, that works."

  "Great, see you in ten." The line disconnected.

  Ethan stood up and went to the bedroom to get some socks and shoes. Treya came in with a frown on her face, "Where are you going?"

  "Aaron got the supplies. Fast, too. He must have a ton of connections."

  "You can't meet him like that! It'll blow your identity."

  Ethan shrugged, "What do you suggest I do? I can just wear a helmet with a shirt and jeans."

  "But what if someone recognizes the clothes?"

  "I don't have a choice really, do I?"

  "Can't you, I don't know, arrange a blind drop like in a spy movie?" She asked, exasperated.

  "I think you're overcomplicating things. Really. Heck, I'll wear a plain shirt if it makes you feel better."

  Treya left as he finished tying his shoes, bringing him his helmet. "Okay. When you get back we are throwing away those clothes - scratch that. We're burning them."

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  "Going a little overboard?"

  Treya pushed him playfully but with some force to show she meant business, "I'm not risking you being recognized. You might be immortal now, but I'm not. And I plan on being with you for a long, long time."

  Ethan nodded and pulled her onto the bed with him, giving her a kiss and snuggling up close to her as he waited for time to pass for his energy to refill to full. Just in case. After a few minutes he gave her a kiss and stood up, "Heaven's Gate."

  He put on the helmet and activated the LEDs as he walked through the portal and down the corridor of light. A minute passed and he stepped out onto the same raised gazebo area.

  Aaron was sitting there and gave him a wave, "Hey! Wow, I did not realize you were so fit. Your costume should hug those muscles more."

  Ethan chuckled, "Comes with the territory of being a hero. Thanks for getting the fabric for me."

  Aaron waved a hand dismissively, "Don't mention it. Come on over to the van. I got you a few boxes of the stuff since you'll probably need to fix it up often." He led Ethan over to his news van and pulled the back door open, revealing a small video editing studio, crated camera equipment, and several boxes marked with a logo from a craft store chain.

  "Do you mind me closing the door? I have a present for you,” Ethan said calmly.

  Aaron turned back and nodded, "Sure."

  Ethan pulled out one of the two memory cards and held it up, "This has the recording of my whole fight with Firestarter. We have to edit out some parts with the cops…but it should boost views along with the interview."

  Aaron reverently grabbed the card and slid it into a reader, booting up the display in front of him. The two sat there for an hour, editing the video and cutting out chunks until they had nothing but the fight in the bank and the immediate aftermath before exiting the building.

  Treya texted him asking what was taking him so long, which he quickly replied to before pocketing the phone again.

  Aaron saved the clip and handed the card back to Ethan, "This is going to catapult the ratings for sure. Full disclosure, I also interviewed Petal."

  "You just know everyone, don't you?"

  Aaron chuckled and leaned back in the small pivoting chair, tenting his hands together, "I want to be the news anchor that covers Imbued heroes and villains. I don't just want to be a news anchor in the news room. You know how they have sports, weather, and local events reporters? I want to be the Imbued reporter. First in the country, making history."

  "You're starting on the right foot if my opinion counts towards anything,” Ethan commented.

  "This footage will definitely help me sell my pitch to the company heads." He stood up and clapped a hand on Ethan's shoulder. "I appreciate you making time for me. If you need anything financially, don't hesitate to let me know. I'm loaded. I got a bunch just sitting in investments." He grinned, “If you need a hidden benefactor.”

  Ethan nodded, "I appreciate it. Hopefully I'll get some money coming in soon here. Ever heard of a guy named Fred Lark?"

  Aaron nodded, "Petal asked me the same thing. Let me guess, he's trying to get you two in his talent agency?"

  "Yeah. What can you tell me about him?"

  "Some of the most prominent Hollywood actors are part of his agency. He's a good guy, from what I've heard. He'll do you right…but my offer still stands. Someone has to reward you for doing good in the world." He gestured to the boxes of fabric and craft supplies, "Now, I do need you to take all of this stuff. Bill would get mad if he found a bunch of boxes in his news van."

  Ethan nodded and waved a hand, "Heaven's Gate." The portal opened and he shoved the boxes into the tunnel of light, giving Aaron a handshake before stepping into the corridor as the portal shut behind him. He struggled to carry all the boxes at once; but he made it, only dropping one of them and having to struggle with his balance to pick it up again.

  A minute later he was back in his living room. Treya helped him unpack the materials and they both geeked out over the haul. Not just the fabric, but Aaron had gone all out and they had top of the line material for all types of projects; plastics, hard foam, and even metal that the packaging said was titanium. Treya pulled out her sketch pad and the two were up late into the night - ordering food in because they were so engrossed - designing an improved costume and setting to work making it.

  The sun rose as the two finished their work. Ethan looked at the clock and felt panic. "Damn! I have a meeting with the Mayor in ten minutes."

  Treya looked at him with groggy eyes, already on her fifth cup of coffee. "Let's get you suited up then." She set her mug down and helped Ethan get into the new costume.

  A black bodysuit made of a breathable material to help regulate temperature; not unlike a drysuit, comprised the bottom layer. A set of good running shoes, followed by form-fitting leggings made of durable fabric.

  Next was the torso; a skin-hugging shirt that covered the hands as well. The titanium plates were a rare treat for them to work with, and Aaron had even bought the press necessary to shape it; so Ethan now had greaves with flexible foot-covers, thigh-plates, shoulder plates, and vambraces with articulated gauntlets, covering the tops of his hands and his palms.

  A chest plate took Treya's help to strap on but would provide much better protection if he was blasted in the chest by a laser again – or so he hoped. The helmet had the most improvements made to it; the faceplate extended well above the forehead and to the sides of his eyes to prevent his vision from being blocked. The LEDs and cameras were reintegrated to be less of a nuisance with the cords, and the battery unit powering them was housed inside. They had even set the different pieces up with a conducting tape hidden throughout the whole outfit so that small, gold LED lights would illuminate once the helmet was put on.

  Treya insisted on having a hood that came up and secured to the top and sides of the helmet, saying, "It's going to look so edgy. And you know how everyone is all about dark, brooding heroes." By the time he had finished getting ready it was almost too late to attend the meeting.

  He gave Treya a hug before waving his hand, "Heaven's Gate," walking through the portal.

  A minute later he was in front of City Hall, having been there years prior to register when he moved to the city. There were mutters and gasps as people recognized his now-well-known portal opening. He was swarmed by people asking for selfies, autographs, and taking video.

  He waved to them and apologized profusely before using Leap of Faith to warp to the entry of the building. He walked in and was immediately met by a young man with a clipboard.

  "Mr. Radiance? The Mayor is waiting. Please, follow me." He turned on his heel and Ethan followed him as the crowd trying to follow him attempting to enter the building en-masse was stopped by security.

  Ethan chuckled as he went up the stairs, hardly noticing the effort required to ascend. Instant fitness is a nice side-effect. He had recognized it earlier, of course, during his…amorous time with Treya. But it was still something that brought him no small amount of joy. Having been a bit of a couch potato, he was still stunned at his new physique. But I can still improve, right?

  Oh yes. Your stamina could be improved greatly.

  The fifth floor was where the stairs ended and the man with the clipboard, taking shallow breaths, pointed at the far door. "He's…through there…" He gave Ethan a thumbs up before descending the steps.

  Ethan walked to the door and opened it. The interior of the Mayor's office was decorated in a very spartan fashion. A single long, wooden desk with a regular office chair sat at the far end of the room. Two couches flanked either side of a coffee table leading to the door, and several side-doors went to other rooms.

  Petal was seated on one of the couches, and she gave Ethan a wave as he walked in. Behind him, flanking the door he just entered, was an armed security guard with his hand resting on his pistol.

  The Mayor was sitting across Petal; a slightly overweight man who was dressed in what could be described as business-casual. Simple slacks and a short-sleeved, button-up shirt, shaved head, and a stern expression that gave him an intimidating demeanor.

  Ethan waved and took a seat on the same couch as Petal, "Sorry, am I late?"

  The Mayor chuckled, his stern demeanor cracking as he grinned widely, "Just by a minute or two. But you're a busy man, I'm sure. I assume man, but please forgive me if I'm misinterpreting. I can only really go off of the voice."

  Ethan gave him a thumbs up and leaned back into the couch.

  Petal looked askew at him, "New costume?"

  Ethan nodded, "You saw what I looked like after fighting Firestarter. I needed an upgrade." He rapped a knuckle against the chest plate, "And this won't burn – I hope."

  "Ahem," the two heroes looked back to the Mayor as he cleared his throat. "I wanted to thank you both for coming. As I'm sure you're aware, these Imbued are something no one in the city has dealt with. Thank you, by the way, for dealing with the bank robbers yesterday." The Mayor sighed and leaned forward, "Any idea how many there are?"

  Petal shook her head. Ethan grinned under his helmet, "I don’t know how many, but I can tell you that right now they're only in Los Angeles." The Mayor looked up at him as Petal glanced at him. He could feel the glare through her mask. Ethan continued, "At least, as of last night. Unless they've moved. But more will be emerging all over the world from what I learned."

  The Mayor nodded and glanced at the guard at the door who nodded, pulling out a notepad and scribbling on it. "Full Metal Gangster - I'm sure you both have heard of him-" the two heroes nodded, "-he's been causing havoc in South L.A. The rest of these Imbued are keeping a low profile. Minus a handful."

  "Probably to see how things play out," Petal said. "Seeing how the world reacts to superpowered individuals. No one wants to be the first super villain. And who knows how the feds will react. Or other world leaders. Heck-" She pulled out her phone and tapped the screen, pulling up an email that she slid over to the Mayor, “I even have other countries asking me to come over and work for them.”

  The Mayor nodded, "I appreciate you choosing to stay here.” He stood up and paced to the window overlooking the city. "Radiance, you've fought both the Imbued we have in custody…what's your opinion on them?"

  "My honest opinion is that they are people, just like you, just like me. Good and bad. The snake-guy-"

  "Python," the Mayor interrupted, "That's what the media is calling him, at least."

  Ethan shrugged off being interrupted. "-sure. Python. He seemed genuinely scared of the police. And I don't fault him for defending himself when I pulled him out of his car." Ethan chuckled, "If someone warped me to a random field and told me to surrender, I'd probably freak out, too."

  Petal looked at Ethan and stood up, pacing to the wall and leaning against it. "The only one I've dealt with is Firestarter. And he's evil." She looked away towards the back wall of the room.

  The Mayor turned to look at Petal, "I agree." He faced Radiance, "What's your opinion on Firestarter and his brother?"

  "I agree with Petal's opinion on those two." Ethan stood up and sighed, "Mayor, one thing you have to understand…this is our last chance."

  Petal turned to face Ethan and seemed to pay rapt attention to him. The Mayor cocked an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

  Ethan stood up and joined him at the window, looking out over the city. "Look at the world. Climate change, wars, droughts…and it's just going to get worse unless we do something." He turned to face the Mayor, "The world is looking here, at us, in this city. The only city with Imbued. Imagine the good we can do. Actual, real life heroes with the world's attention focused on us."

  He glanced at Petal, "We can really make a change. Petal can make plants - I bet she could regrow the whole Amazon Rainforest if we got her a flight there." He looked back at the Mayor, "I'd bet that there's an Imbued out there that has some power to make water - instantly refilling reservoirs across the world to stop droughts. One probably can control the weather. The possibilities are limitless. But we have to give them a chance. And let them know that they shouldn't be afraid of how people react to them. There should be some type of initiative to incentivize their entry into the public light. Perhaps a new department dedicated to helping them manage-"

  The Mayor sat down at his desk and tapped a pen against it, "What you're suggesting, if I'm understanding it right, is that we should make Los Angeles accept these Imbued?"

  Ethan nodded. "Make a public announcement, offer to put Imbued on the city's payroll to fix things here. Then, we can expand." Ethan looked out over the city through the window, "We start small - make this city a shining beacon of hope. Then, we move on and fix as much of the world as we can." He smiled under the helmet, and almost whispered, but was just loud enough to hear. “We can be the example.”

  The Mayor chuckled and leaned back in his chair, turning it to face Ethan, "You have some media savvy behind that mask, young man. And ambition."

  "Excuse me," Petal walked up and leaned over the desk, putting her hands on it and staring down at the Mayor, "Radiance is only speaking for himself. I have a different plan." The Mayor gestured for her to continue, "I can exude a pollen that clings to those who are Imbued. I can spread it out over the city, and we can find out exactly who these people are. Look them up, arrest the ones with criminal records, and then go forward with his plan."

  The Mayor stood up and took up the same aggressive stance as Petal, "You're suggesting I trample on my citizen's civil rights?"

  Petal nodded and stood up straight, "Criminals with powers have already shown they can't be trusted. Full Metal Gangster and Firestarter are all the proof you need. One is part of a criminal enterprise, the other murdered dozens."

  Ethan turned to face Petal, "So what if one of them works with a gang? Maybe after becoming Imbued they turn over a new leaf. If you say they're guilty without doing anything, purely on their past, then you might make them a worse problem down the road. You could be making villains!"

  The Mayor looked at Ethan, "I'm inclined to go with your plan," he turned to Petal, "But I see the merits of your idea as well." He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes in thought. "Petal; we'll spread your pollen inside our detention facilities to determine if we have any Imbued hiding among them."

  He stood up and motioned to the guard, "Call all of the media companies and news organizations, I'm going to make an announcement tomorrow." The guard nodded and scribbled another note before resuming his stance. The Mayor turned to face Ethan, "I'd like you to be there with me when I make the announcement-" he faced Petal, "-you as well."

  Petal shook her head, "I'll do as you asked with the jails, but I don't agree with the public announcement. Text me when and which facilities you want me to do it in." She made for the door which the guard opened as she exited.

  The Mayor sighed and looked at Ethan, leaning against the window, "What about you?"

  Ethan smiled under the helmet, "I'm quite happy to be there. If you're okay with it, I'd like to demonstrate my ability on stage and add a little to your speech."

  "You do know how to play the media, don't you? I've seen those exclusives with News LA. Alright…deal. It's the least I can do, after all."

  Ethan let his head sink down and sighed, "Yeah…to be honest, when I started this whole hero thing, I never considered I'd have to deal with what I saw yesterday-"

  The Mayor patted Ethan on the shoulder and smiled gently, "You just keep doing what you're doing. Oh! That reminds me-" He reached into the desk and pulled out a slip of paper, handing it to Ethan. "-If anyone who works for the city gives you lip, show them this. The higher-ups will recognize it and get the message." He gestured to the door as Ethan nodded.

  "Thank you for the time."

  "Don't mention it. It's a good idea. Los Angeles - the city of angels, actually visited by an angel."

  Ethan waved his hands dismissively, "I'm not an angel. Just a regular guy who got lucky."

  "Well, you're definitely acting like one. I'm fully on board with this idea of an Imbued department. I'll create a task force right away to start figuring out the specifics." He sat down at his desk and gestured for Ethan to exit.

  Ethan left and found himself helmet-to-mask with Petal, who was waiting just outside. "We need to talk. Get us out of here."

  Ethan nodded, "Heaven's Gate," and the portal opened. The two walked through and remained silent during their transit. They exited at the highest point in the city and Petal instinctively used her vines to anchor herself.

  "Fuck, why here?"

  Ethan sat down, "No one to spy on us. And the view is worth it."

  "...Why didn't you back me up?" Petal's voice was terse and irritated.

  "I'm not a lackey for the police or the city. I'm trying to do good. Imprisoning people-"

  "Dangerous people! Radiance, how can you not see that?!" Petal shouted. "Every villain so far has had a criminal record. Give a bad person power and they're going to do bad things."

  Ethan stood up and faced her, lowering his voice and speaking in a stern, disappointed tone. "You've obviously never seen someone who turned their life around."

  "And you've not had one of those fuckers break into your house!"

  Ethan blinked away the shock from her statement, "That's why you hate criminals? They broke into your house?"

  Petal turned away and her voice became terse, "Not just that. My parents. Both were murdered. I was…They did things to me. All criminals are evil. They all deserve to die."

  Ethan was left slack jawed, "I'm sorry, I had no idea-"

  Petal turned around and put a finger against his chest, "They can't change, they won't change." Her frustration and anger was nearly palpable, filling the air with tension that could be cut with a knife.

  Ethan was silent for a few minutes before he took a deep breath, "I was a criminal, you know." Petal backed away a step as he continued. "I was an idiot as a teen and broke into a car, stole some stuff. Probably ruined someone's day. My parents were able to get me out of trouble, but ever since then I've felt…I don't know how to describe it." He looked over the skyline of the city, "I'm a criminal who got away with it because my parents were connected. Do you think I'm evil?"

  "You-" Petal seemed flustered and remained quiet, fuming in place.

  "Do you think I'm evil?" he asked again.

  "...No. Just a dumb kid making a stupid mistake." She sounded like a disappointed child.

  Ethan made sure to keep his tone soft, "I don't think we should judge people so quickly. Guys like Firestarter? Absolutely vile, and I think he deserves to suffer for what he did…but is that a choice I should get to make? I don't think so. And you shouldn't make that call either."

  Petal turned away, breathing heavily, "Get me down from here."

  Ethan nodded, "Heaven's Gate." He directed the portal to below the skyscraper and Petal stepped through, vanishing.