Chapter Two – Trouble is Brewing

All of the heroes regrouped at their base after the fight. There weren’t many injuries: Spark had his injured leg, Aura had a freezer burn, and Venus had a few scratches. Venus was currently tending to Spark’s leg, using her plant powers to form a salve. Iridessa had successfully returned the crystal Zimmer had stolen to the museum it belonged to. “Are you all okay?” Artemisia, a member of the heroes who didn’t go on the chase, asked. “The worst injury was Spark’s leg. Other than that, everyone is okay.” Venus responded. Iridessa sighed in relief. She couldn’t afford to have too many people down, or else she would have no one to go on missions. Tired after the chase, she sat down on their couch and decided to take a nap.

It was a dark night. The two partners slid quietly down the halls of the museum. Skilled in their art, they were able to dodge all cameras and alarm triggers. As they entered a big room, they gazed upon the item in the center. “You ready?” the first girl whispered. The other nodded, mischievous grin on her face. Looking down at the device in her hand, the first girl pressed a few buttons, and then put it away, satisfied. While not being a super genius with electronics, she knew enough to switch of the alarms around the gem in the middle of the room. “Did ya get it, Umbra?” the other asked impatiently. With a smile of success, Umbra said, “Yep. Let’s do this, Rebel!” Walking quietly, they approached the case of their desires.  Bending to touch the floor, Rebel turned to the marble that it was made of. Turning to the case, she slid her now stone finger on the top, cutting a hole in the glass. Reaching in carefully, Umbra slid the priceless gem out and held it in the light. “Success…” she whispered to it. “You two! I should’ve known…” Iridessa said, heroes running into the room.

“Well hello! How nice of you to join us.” Umbra began smugly. “Why do you need that jewel?” Spark asked. “Now what would be the fun of telling you that?” Rebel said smirking, becoming normal once more. While the rest began to argue, Umbra began to charge energy. “You’re not leaving here with that gem!” Mystic yelled. “Yes, we are.” Umbra said, fully charged. Suddenly, they disappeared. Looking around in confusion, the team of heroes were stumped by what just happened. Something caught Iridessa’s eye though. Staring at the wall she saw her shadow… and two others. One waved goodbye and the shadows ran along the wall, out of sight. Sighing, she said, “Guys, they’re gone. Let’s get out of here.”

In an alleyway near the museum, all was quiet. Suddenly, two shapes emerged from the wall, one clutching a priceless gemstone. “Man, I’ve always loved doing that!” Umbra said happily. “So what ARE we going to do with the gem?” Rebel asked. “What we do all the time. Return it in a few days, just to make sure they know they’re helpless to stop us.” Umbra said, shrugging her shoulders. “Who needs a gem that size anyways? It’s too big for any jewelry to be of any use.” “Point taken.” Rebel agreed. The two trouble makers walked off, happy with their robbery of the month.

Zimmer paced back and forth in front of the crowd he called. Six other people were standing around, all bored out of their minds. “You completely failed the other day, Zimmer!” Odette said, laughing at the troubled villain. Ignoring the jeer, Zimmer turned to face the gathering. “I gathered you all here for a reason.”  Zimmer began. “No dur Sherlock.” one from the crowd, a villain named Oblivion, said sarcastically. “Don’t you sass me! That’s my job!” Zimmer yelled back. Taking a deep breath, he continued, “As I was saying, I need you to help me with something. I am certain that you have all had problems with the HEROES.” Everyone nodded. “I need your help in wiping them out! So, who’s with me?” Zimmer asked overdramatically. Silence filled the room as his words sank in. Then, the crowd began to nod. Time for the fun to begin!