Chapter 11

Eve sat across from her parents in their modest living room. They weren't happy about yesterday, and now they, somehow, found out she broke up with Rex and are raising a fuss about it.

His father sighs in exasperation. "I don't get it. Why do you waste your time playing Super Hero? Not only that, but you are also doing it alone! I only agreed to let you play around because that Rex boy was there to take care of you."

Her mother looked worried. "Dear, you've been through so much. Why keep putting yourself in harm's way?"

She looked, feeling like no matter what she said, nothing would get through her parents. It has always been the same dance and song since she was little, only this time his dad was insinuating she needed a man to protect her, and it grated on her nerves. "Because it matters, Mom. I can make a difference. I can help people."

Her father shook his head, clearly frustrated. "Helping people? Is that what you call it? Risking your life for people who probably don't even appreciate it. You could have a comfortable and safe life. Yet here you are, wasting your time."

Eve took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure despite the frustration building inside her. She had anticipated this conversation, but it didn't make it any easier.

"It's not a waste of time. I have these powers, and I can use them to make the world a better place. I don't care what people think of me; if I can do the right thing, then for me, that's enough."

Eve shook her head. "I appreciate your concern, I really do. But being a hero is who I am. I won't stop being a hero just because you don't understand. I have to live with myself, and that means doing what I believe is right."

Her father looked angry. "Well, can't you just forgive that Rex boy? This hero thing is too dangerous for you to do on your own."

Eve's frustration grew as her father brought up Rex again. He didn't care that he had hurt her; it made her feel worse than before. She tightened her grip on the armrest of the chair, trying to control her rising anger. "He cheated on me! Do you just expect me to look the other way and smile around him?!"

Eve's father sighed, leaning back in his chair as he shaked his head, betitling her in any way he could. "Cheating or not, he was at least there to protect you. Now you're alone in this dangerous business. It's not right."

She was about to shout out, but Omni-Man came to mind. Her father watched her lean back on her chair. "Please, I couldn't be safer than what I'm now." She crossed her arms in both annoyance and smug satisfaction. "I didn't want to reveal this yet, but I have been invited to form a team with Omni-Man himself. How is that for safety?"

Her father raised an eyebrow with skepticism evident on his face. "Omni-Man? Samantha, don't lie to me, as if he would have time to babysit you."

Eve stood up from the chair, her frustration evident in her expression. "I'm not lying. Omni-Man himself invited me to join a team. He sees potential in me, and I won't let this opportunity pass. I can make a real difference alongside someone as experienced and powerful as him."

She began to levitate. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading to a place where my efforts and who I am are truly valued, not just frowned at." Packing her belongings seemed unnecessary; with her powers, she had no need for such preparations.

Her parents watched in a mix of surprise and disbelief as she levitated off the ground. Her father tried to regain control of the situation. "Samantha, don't be ridiculous! You're not going anywhere. We're your parents; where would you even stay? You don't even have a real job!"

Eve looked down at them with tears forming in her eyes. "I'll find a place. I'm not a child anymore, and I need to live my life the way I believe is right. I can't keep trying to fit into your idea of what's best for me. This is something I need to do for myself."

With that, she flew out of the house, leaving her parents behind. As she soared through the sky, she felt a mix of emotions—frustration, sadness, but also a sense of liberation. She needed to break free from the constraints of her parents' expectations and pursue her beliefs.

She would wait along with the rest of the candidates until the funeral was done.

As she soared through the skies, she reflected on the conversation. It hurt to know that her parents didn't fully understand her, but it was that way since forever, always looking at her like she was a freak, so really, this wasn't a surprise; honestly, she was surprised she didn't run away sooner; maybe Rex was the final straw.

Mark flew alongside his father, his expression as if he had swallowed a lemon. The recent events had left him in a bad state. Nolan glanced at him. "Glad this was done with so many fond memories. They will be remembered." Honestly, not really; he felt absolutely nothing from the guardians, but Mark didn't need to know that.

He nodded with a sour expression. "Yeah, remembered," he muttered, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. The funeral, the real one, had been a somber affair. "Let's just get this over with." He said this while cracking his fingers. "I'm curious about what the candidates will be like."

As they approached the designated location, they saw various individuals gathered, all potential candidates to become the new Guardians of the Globe. Nolan surveyed the group with a critical eye, assessing their potential.

Mark's eyes also scanned the crowd. "Let's hope they're up to the task. I just want to get this done and go home." He crossed his arms, a mix of impatience and disinterest on his face.

Nolan patted Mark on the shoulder. "Patience, Mark. This is an important decision, and we need to make sure we choose the right individuals." He then approached the gathered candidates, his presence commanding attention.

The candidates, a mix of experienced heroes and newcomers, looked toward Nolan and Mark with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Nolan addressed the crowd. "We're here to find those who will carry on the legacy of the Guardians of the Globe. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. So if you are here just to play around, I suggest you leave."

Seeing no one moving, he nodded. "With that said, a heart of gold is not the only thing needed for a hero, so you'll be fighting each other for a spot on the team. fight with everything you have." It was then that he noticed Eve waiting among the crowd.

He gave her a nod of acknowledgment. He knew she would have no problems, but since Cecil deemed it right to call Teen Team, he would have his own fun. "Eve, Rex, show me what you have." Mark whipped his head to look at him in surprise and suspicion before looking at Eve in worry.

Eve met Rex's gaze, and for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. The tension between them was palpable, and everyone in the vicinity could feel it.

Rex tried to look smug. "Hey, Eve, I'm sorry for what I did. No hard feelings when I defeat you, right?"

She raised an eyebrow in irritation. "Save your apologies for someone who cares. I don't need them. And as for defeating me, good luck with that." She cracked her knuckles, ready to get some revenge.

Nolan observed the exchange with a hint of amusement. He knew the details of what had happened, and watching how it played out was sure to be entertaining. Mark, on the other hand, wanted to intervene but didn't know how.

As the candidates began to pair off, Nolan turned his attention to the larger group. "Remember, this is about showing your strength. So don't you dare hold back and waste everyone's time." And he meant it; he would punish anyone if they hesitated even a little.

Eve's eyes glowed. "You heard the man; sorry, not sorry." She flew at him with the intention of making him feel as much pain as possible; the conversation she had with her parents earlier didn't help her hold back.

Rex, despite his attempts to act tough, couldn't hide the nervousness in his eyes as Eve approached. He braced himself for the incoming fight. He pointed a hand at her and made the air between them explode. Thinking he had hit her, he looked at the smoke and shrugged. "Sorry, girl, you shouldn't have come at me like that."

Eve emerged from the smoke, completely unharmed, with a confident smirk on her face as she dusted herself. "Is that the best you've got? You really think some firecrackers are going to do the trick?" She generated a barrier around Rex, effectively trapping him.

Rex whined. "Hey! That's so not fair." What he got as a response was the barrier shrinking and making him kiss the floor. He could feel the pressure in his body. "Ack, stop, stop, I give up, alright?"

Eve crossed her arms, looking down at Rex with a mix of irritation and superiority. "Maybe next time, think twice before underestimating me." She dispelled the barrier, allowing Rex to stand up, though his pride was considerably bruised.

Rex rubbed his backside and scowled. "Alright, alright, no need to rub it in. You're strong, okay? No need to be so smug about it." He then muttered. "And a petty bitch."

Nolan raised an eyebrow. "Tell me, Rex, is it challenging to fit through doors with that massive ego of yours?" Rex grumbled but wisely chose not to retort, realizing he was already on thin ice. "Alright then, let's continue, shall we?"

As the selection process continued, various candidates showcased their abilities, each struggling for a spot on the team. Some demonstrated impressive powers and combat skills, while others struggled to leave a lasting impression.

Nolan flew overhead while thinking. This was mostly a show for Cecil, since he already had a team composition in mind. Rex would be a no-go since that would create friction with Eve; Kate would too, but well, it was hard to pass on her ability to create clones.

Nolan addressed the candidates. "We've seen what each of you is capable of, and we appreciate your efforts. However, not everyone can be part of the team."

The team he had in mind would be Mark, of course, Eve, Kate, Robot, and Black Samso—kidding, he would give nothing of value to the team. And monster girl.

Nolan continued, "We will be in touch with those who have been selected to join the Guardians of the Globe. If you don't hear from us, we appreciate your willingness to step up, but this time, it's not meant to be." Old habits die hard, and he almost slipped to saying he would give them the call.

The candidates were less than pleased, thinking that Omni-Man choosing Invincible as part of the team without him having to do anything was unfair.

Rex crossed his arms with an indignant expression on his face. "This is such a load of crap! I can't believe I didn't make the cut. I've got way more potential than half of these losers!" he said, looking at Invincible. "And what did you do? Is this what it is? You got some connections, and boom, you are part of the team without moving a finger."

Mark sighed in exasperation. "That's not how it is at all. you know what I can d—" Nolan placed a hand on his shoulder with a smile on his face.

"Good idea. I'll give Invincible's spot to anyone who can defeat him in combat. Take this as your last chance and make the most of it."

Rex's eyes lit up with newfound determination, and a smirk formed on his face. "You know what? I'll take that challenge. Prepare to see what I'm really capable of."

Mark looked at the rest of the failed candidates stretching, glanced at his father in annoyance, and took a deep breath. "Fine, let's get this over with."