Black And White

“What? Why? How? What do you mean?” spluttered Walter as he heard what the administrative clerk had to say.

The clerk said, “I am sorry Mr White. But you are not the only one. The institute is facing a financial crunch and we have decided to cancel all the scholarships till we achieve some financial stability.”

Walter White looked at the clerk with wide eyes. His world seemed to be falling apart. He studied in Horton Institute of Humanities and Social Science which was considered to be one of the best institutes of the country. He was lucky enough to be selected as a scholarship student. Otherwise he would never have been able to afford this particular college. He was in his last year and had received the news that they were cancelling his scholarship.

Walter White was twenty years of age. He was not what one would call handsome, but he had certain charm around him. He was tall, standing one hundred and ninety centimeters in height and had a lanky yet slightly muscular frame. The development of these slight muscles was due to all the regular swimming he used to do.

“How did this happen?” asked Walter, “This is one of the best institutes in the world and you are telling me you do not have sufficient money?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“I am not at liberty to discuss the issue with the students.”

Walter opened his mouth. Then closed it. He did this, two more times and then said, “What am I supposed to do now?”

The clerk said, “The scholarship of the new students has completely been canceled. However, those who have existing scholarships are being helped by some of the teachers of this institute. They have an arrangement. Do you have any teacher of this institute who can help you?”

Walter shook his head, “I work part time at the fast food chain Rowendells already. I do not know how I can give time to help the teachers of the institute?” said Walter in an exasperated tone.

The clerk said, “There is one more opportunity. There is one teacher willing to provide full scholarship to a student along with something extra. It is the position of her Personal Assistant.”

“Then why is every scholarship student not jumping at this opportunity?”

“Because it comes from Professor Sarah Black.”

Comprehension dawned on Walter’s face. Professor Sarah Black. One of the most beautiful women he had ever known. Also, the scariest. She taught Comparative Politics and was known to be the strictest professor of Horton. Students were scared of her. Walter remembered the stories of her previous personal assistants. Everything usually starts well. Then, as the student gets more comfortable with the job, that is when hell began.

Walter knew he had no option though. He would have to leave his job at Rowendells though. It was all right as long as his tuition was covered plus extra. He told the clerk to accept Professor Black’s proposal.

The clerk said, “Excellent. This is her home address”, the clerk wrote the address on a piece of paper and gave it to Walter, “Go meet her at 7 o’clock tonight. I will tell her to expect you.”

Walter sighed and took the piece. The things he had to do for his education.

 ***

 

Walter looked at the address in the piece of paper and the large villa in front of him. Professor Black lived in a villa. Walter looked at the piece of paper again and then back at the villa. Then he hoisted his back pack and went up to the front gate. The villa was surrounded by a brick wall with sharp metal rods coming out of the top. The metal rods were decorative, but it did look intimidating.

Walter wondered why Professor Black would require, to construct such a wall around her house. He looked at the metal gate in front of him. It was large enough for a luxury car to enter. There was a pattern of rose at the center which would split as the gate opened. Walter could see the cameras, at the gate and also along the wall.

What was with all the security? Walter rang the buzzer near the gate.

“Who is it? came a male voice from the intercom.

“My name is Walter White. I am a student at Horton. Professor Black is supposed to be expecting me.”

There was silence at the intercom for some time. Then the gate opened. The gate opened to a driveway which led to the garage beside the villa. If you were walking, you could directly go to the front gate which was up a short set of stairs. There was a garden on the either side of the driveway with shrubs, bushes and other plants running along the wall and grass in the centre.

Walter walked up to the villa which was two storeyed; ground floor and first floor. He reached the front door and looked for a door bell. There was none. The door opened in a moment. An old looking gentleman was at the door. He was pristinely dressed in formals with a blazer. The old gentleman had also put on a bow tie.

In front of the old gentleman Walter felt under-dressed. He was simply wearing a T-shirt and jeans with his Widlife backpack slung over his shoulder.

“Hello” said Walter.

“Good evening Mr White”, said the old gentleman, “Please follow me. Miss Black is expecting you in the parlour.”

“The parlour?” asked Walter but the old gentleman was already leading the way. Walter sighed and started to follow him. The old gentleman led Walter through the living room to one of the rooms at the back. The old gentleman knocked the door and after receiving answer from within gestured Walter to enter.

Walter entered the room. The room had a bar to his left and chairs to sit to his right with a table. Opposite the door he had entered, there were French windows, completely transparent, which over looked the backyard. The backyard was almost as green as the front. There was also a small swimming pool and what looked like an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Who was this woman? Walter wondered as he entered the room looking for Professor Black. The woman in question was sitting on one of the chairs and sipping on something which Walter guessed to be tea. There was a tea pot on the table in front of her and an extra set of cup and saucer.

Professor Sarah Black was in her mid-twenties and looked like a supermodel. Standing about one hundred and sixty centimeters in height, she was taller than most of peers and had an intimidating presence. She was well known for her impeccable dressing sense and no-nonsense attitude. Currently she was wearing a black dress which hugged her figure perfectly. Walter blushed when he saw her.

As he entered Professor Black said, “Good evening Walter. Welcome to my house. Please take a seat.” She gestured to the empty chair in front of her. Walter did as was asked. He put his backpack to the side of the chair. The chair was plush, and it took some time for Walter to sit comfortably on it.

After he had settled Professor Black said, “So, Walter, have they told you about my offer?”

Walter said, “The clerk said you are looking for a personal assistant. He said that you would cover that student’s tuition plus extra.”

“That is indeed correct. Now tell me why you would consider yourself to be that student?”

“Is this an interview?” asked Walter. He could feel the panic setting in.

Professor Black raised an eyebrow. She said, “Did you expect me to just take on any student who walks in through the door? Did the clerk not inform you that I was taking interview of all the applicants today?”

“Applicants!” Walter was surprised, “The clerk told me I was the only applicant.”

Professor Black looked at Walter for some time who fidgeted a bit under her gaze. Then she excused herself and went out of the door, taking out her mobile phone as she did. Walter could hear her talking with someone, but he could not hear what was being said but he was sure Professor Black was talking to the clerk. Some time later she came back in and sat down gracefully on her chair.

Professor Black said, “It seems that you are indeed the only applicant and the clerk did not give me the correct information. I am disappointed. I need to have some words with his superior. But that is another matter. I am in need of a Personal Assistant and you are my only option it seems. The others seem, for the lack of a better word, cautious.”

“That’s an understatement”, Walter muttered under his breath.

“Did you say something?”

“No Professor Black.”

“Please call me Sarah. I am Professor Black only at the institute.”

“Okay Sarah.”

There was an uncomfortable silence between them for some time. Walter looked around the room, still feeling slightly nervous while Professor Black, Sarah, looked at him while contemplating something.

After the silence stretched to make Walter highly uncomfortable, Walter said, “So, do I get the job?”

Sarah asked, “Can you drive? Do you have a driver’s license?”

“Yes.”

“Do you work out or exercise?”

“I go swimming every morning?”

“Are you willing to work late nights?”

“That is a norm for me.”

“Do you have any fighting skills?”

“What?”

“Do you have any fighting skills?”

“I learnt basic self defense once. I have not practiced it much.”

Walter had to admit, the last question was a weird one. Sarah continued though, “What are your hobbies Walter?”

“Swimming and hiking. I hike every weekend.”

Sarah nodded. She said, “Being my personal assistant might be tough. Working hours are from seven p.m. till late at night. You will be working till three or four a.m. in the morning. Will you be comfortable with that?”

Walter thought for a moment. He knew he had no choice but to take this job. However, what Sarah was saying could affect his lifestyle a bit. He said, “I am okay with that.”

Sarah did not say anything for some time. Then she said, “Very well. You are hired. You start from tomorrow. Do not be late. I do not like tardiness or inefficient work. I will explain in detail tomorrow what exactly you will have to do. Remember though, if I do not like your work or if you find the work or the work hours uncomfortable, this arrangement is over. Is that clear?”

Walter nodded. The interview was done. From tomorrow his new work life began.

 ***

 

The next few weeks Walter settled into his new job. He normally had afternoon classes. Considering the late nights at his new job, he was glad to wake up late. His schedule for the day was now changed. He woke up late, went for swimming, attended his classes and in the evening went for work.

Sarah sometimes made him work on the weekends too. That cut on his hiking time. Walter was not happy, but he managed. He understood the importance of a good education. He was not willing to give up on it this easy. He had worked hard for it and he would see it through. He did his assignments whenever he had the time.

The work was simple enough. He mostly had to take care of Sarah’s schedule. If there were any visits to be made, then he had to drive her there. Sarah was a tough but fair boss. Walter was soon comfortable with his job. He was happy. He observed that Sarah was well connected outside the institute and was definitely rolling in money. She moved in high circles. He sometimes wondered as to what Sarah was doing as a professor.

His studies and work kept him busy. He thought he was good now. His life was settled. Boy was he wrong.

It was about one and a half month after Walter had started his job as a Personal Assistant to Sarah. A conference was being held at the city centre. Sarah was the key speaker at the conference. She was going to talk on the topic “Super heroes and their effect on the Society”.

Yes, Walter mused as he leaned back on his chair, we live in a world where Super heroes and Super villains are real.

Fifty years ago, an explosion had occurred in the Pacific Ocean. The explosion had caused no destruction but had sent a wave of energy which had enveloped the entire planet. No one knew what caused the explosion or what that wave of energy was, but soon after the explosion, some people started to show super powers. This explosion was simply termed as the Phenomenon.

It was a confusing time for Earth after the Phenomenon. People discovered super powers. Some used them for good. Some used them for bad. Thus, a wave of Super heroes and Super villains came into existence. They were a novelty once. Fighting against each other. However, new laws were formed. Tighter regulations and restrictions came into place.

Today, these Super humans, a term coined to comprise both Super heroes and Super villains, were norm in the regular society. Common people were unfazed by them. The common people did however avoid these Super humans when they were fighting.

Walter did not think much about these Super humans. He did wish he was one when he was a child, but he had grown out of his childhood fantasy.

“Are you ready Walter”, Sarah’s voice broke Walter out of his thoughts.

He looked up at Sarah and his breath caught. She was looking exceptionally beautiful tonight. She was wearing a red dress and high heels. Her jewellery and make up was on point. She looked like a warrior dressed to perform a verbal battle.

Walter finally found his voice, “I am ready.”

Sarah looked at him, from top to bottom, and said, “You clean up nice.”

Walter frowned at that. He was always clean shaved. The only difference was today he was dressed in a three-piece suit. Rest of the days, he normally wore jeans and t-shirt with a hoodie.

Walter was going with Sarah today as her plus one. He would act in the capacity of her assistant and help her with whatever she required. He was still going to drive her to the venue.

Walter drove Sarah to the venue. The center was a considerably large building. The structure was enclosed in a square concrete wall of twenty-five hundred square meters. The building was in the center, surrounded by garden with bushes near the wall. There were two entrances. The main gate led to the main entrance after a short driveway. There was a fountain with a sculpture of a woman holding a vase from which water poured out, in front of the main entrance. The entrance at the back was for entry of support staff.

Walter drove the car to the main entrance where a valet staff took it from him. Another staff member opened the door for Sarah. Walter followed Sarah to the entrance. There was high security over there. After they had been frisked and their belongings checked, Walter and Sarah entered the city center.

They were in an atrium with reception in front of them. There were sign boards directing them towards the conference room. They walked, Sarah in front, and reached the conference room in about fifteen minutes. Sarah met many people on the way and chatted with them for some time.

After they had entered the conference room Sarah instructed Walter to sit at the back.

“I don’t want you getting completely bored”, she said with a smile.

“I won’t get that bored”, Walter defended himself.

However, Sarah did not reply to Walter. She simply walked up to the front, to where her seat was. Walter debated whether to sit in the back or not. Finally, he decided he would sit somewhere in the middle. He did exactly that.

Soon the conference began. There were introductory speeches and panel discussions with breaks in between. Walter wondered why the conference was scheduled at night. It started at 8 p.m. and was supposed to continue till midnight. Yes sure, the Mayor was going to unveil something extraordinary at midnight, but this was too much. Walter had gotten used to staying up late at night, but he wondered about other people.

Soon it came time for Sarah’s address. Her topic was “Super heroes and their effect on the Society” and she was going to talk about the negative impact these Super heroes created.

“I want to stir up the hornet’s nest Walter” she had said, “Super heroes are not all that good as people make them to be. In the end, they are human.”

Walter had not said anything to that. He was curious as to how the audience will react to what she had to say. Sarah took the podium. She started to speak. It was beautiful. The way she presented her points, her tone, her passion, all culminated to give the impression of a powerful orator. Walter could see some of the audience agreeing to her points and was surprised. He knew that the Super heroes were almost worshiped and here was her employer who was challenging their beliefs.

Sarah’s speech ended and there was considerable applause which Walter had not expected.

“That was highly controversial”, he heard someone say, “I hope she does not start an anti-Super hero propaganda.”

Walter shook his head. The next speaker was coming on to the stage. Walter stood up. He had to use the washroom. As he excused himself to exit his row, his eyes caught Sarah’s gaze and she smiled. Walter blushed a bit remembering he had not sat where she had asked him to.

Walter finally made it to the washroom. It was a lavish washroom. Walter was impressed with it. As he was washing his hands, the lights suddenly went out. This was odd. He started to make his way towards the exit, using the flash light of his mobile phone. As he opened the exit, he felt it. There was an explosion somewhere and it rocked the city centre.

Walter took support of a nearby wall to balance himself and he had to let go of the exit door he had opened. What the hell, he wondered. What had happened? The emergency lights turned on now. He exited the washroom to see the security guards taking charge. They were leading everyone towards the exit. Walter joined the horde in exiting the city centre. He thought about Sarah and hoped she would be making her way out too. He called her, but she did not pick up the phone.

Frowning Walter made his way towards the assembly point. He saw that the police and the fire engine had already arrived at the city centre. That was fast. There was panic everywhere. Walter decided to make his way towards the parking. He did not know why he did that, but his instinct guided him.

The parking of the city centre was a huge ground beside the building. It was empty. Walter was sure the drivers would have run towards the assembly point or would have just run away after they had heard the explosion. Even the security guards were not there. They must have gone towards the city center, where the panic was.

As he reached Sarah’s car there was another short explosion. The wall of the city center which opened to the parking lot exploded and a person flew out of it as if thrown. That person crashed into Sarah’s car, (Walter swore), rolled over it, (Walter swore again), and ended up at Walter’s feet (Walter swore one more time).

Walter recognized the person. It was Shadow Witch. Walter knew of her. She was a Super villain, mostly focused on robberies. What was happening? As the Shadow Witch landed at Walter’s feet, he observed that she was carrying a duffel bag and it had split open. A helmet had gotten out of it and was lying beside her.

Walter observed the helmet. He recognized the helmet but could not recall the name of the helmet or the name of its owner, but Walter could tell it was familiar. Before he could even realize what he was doing, Walter bent down and picked the helmet up.

Walter observed the helmet. It looked like the ones worn by warriors in ancient Greece. The helmet was completely smooth, not a dent or a scratch on it. It had a metallic sheen and was light grey in colour. It was completely plain with an unknown symbol etched at the back.

Walter frowned at the symbol. He suddenly had an unexplainable desire to put on the helmet. He slowly raised the helmet towards his head.

“Put the helmet down”, said a female voice nearby.

Walter stopped and looked up. There, standing in front of him, on top of Sarah’s car, (Walter groaned) was Psych Girl. Walter swore again. He knew her. She was one of the strongest Super heroes. She was fighting Shadow Witch. Shadow Witch was mostly after the helm and now Walter had the helm.

Walter said, “I am sorry. I didn’t know. I just picked it up.”

He tried to put the helmet down slowly, but the helmet was stuck. He loosened his grip on the helmet, flattening his palms and the helmet was now stuck on his palm.

“This is interesting”, said Psych Girl, “I have never seen the helmet behave like this before. You must be special. Who are you?”

Before Walter could reply there was a strong flash of light and Walter put his hands up. The next thing he knew that he was being carried away by someone. What had happened? He blacked out.

 ***

 

Walter woke up with a blinding headache. Where was he? What had happened? He sat up on the bed. He was on a bed. How did he get here? He looked around. He was in a room. He identified the room. He stood up suddenly.

“Good morning Walter”, said a lustrous voice. Walter turned to see Shadow Witch standing in front of him. And they were in Sarah’s house. Walter knew where they were immediately after he had woken up. But what were they doing here?

Thousands of questions revolved in Walter’s mind, but he asked, “How do you know my name?”

Shadow Witch smiled, and she took off her mask. Shadow Witch always wore a black figure tight catsuit with a dark mask on top which covered her entire face except her mouth. The eye slits were covered with a dark film. She even put on black lipstick.

Walter gasped when the mask came off, “Sarah!”

“I took off mine. Why don’t you take off yours?” said Sarah.

Walter was confused. Sarah gestured at the mirror in the room. Walter walked up to the mirror and looked at his reflection. His body looked like hell. His three-piece suit was bedraggled, torn at various places. His tie was missing. And on his head, he was still wearing the helmet.

Walter tried to remove the helmet but was not able to do so.

“It is not coming off”, said Walter.

He turned to Sarah who was frowning. She said, “This is interesting.”

“Interesting?”

“Do you know who this helmet belongs to?”

“It is kind of familiar, but I cannot exactly tell.”

“It is Apocalypse’s helmet.”

Walter froze as he heard the name. Apocalypse. He was the first Super villain, the strongest of them all. He had the powers of strength, speed, flight and an almost invulnerable body. He had some other powers which people did not know of. It had taken the combined efforts of all the Super heroes at that time to take him down. There were rumours that he had transferred his powers to four objects – a helmet, an armour, bracers and leg wraps; the complete armour set of an ancient Greek warrior. This was however a rumour and no concrete proof was present.

Except, according to Sarah, Walter was now wearing Apocalypse’s helmet. He took in a sharp breath and looked at Sarah.

He said, “Help me take this off.”

“Only you can take it off”, said Sarah, “It is on your head.”

Walter was now panicking. He kept on muttering, “This is not happening”, and cursing. He paced around the room. Cursed at the helmet, cursed at Sarah, laughed maniacally a bit and then sat down. He started taking deep breaths to calm himself down.

Finally, in a desperate voice he said, “Why does this not come off?”

Sarah frowned and said, “I do not know. Have you tried talking to it?”

“Talking to it?” Walter was confused.

“Yes, talking to it. Close your eyes and try to focus on the helmet. Form a telepathic connection.”

“Yes, form a telepathic connection with the helmet stuck on my head. What could go wrong? I mean, it is not as if this was the helmet of one of the worst Super villains of all time. I am just gonna do what the lovely Super villain in front of me is saying.”

“This is not the time for sarcasm”, said Sarah. She was smiling but something in her smile and her eyes froze Walter. Sarah continued, “Just try and do as I say.”

Walter gulped and closed his eyes. Then he opened them, looked at Sarah and said, “Some pointers could be helpful.”

Sarah gave an exasperated sigh and put her face in her palms for a moment. She then straightened herself and said, “Close your eyes and think about talking with your helmet. Focus on the helmet with your mind. It is like thinking about the helmet and talking with it in your mind at the same time. It would give you an opportunity to link with it. Do you understand?”

“No, but I will give it a shot.”

Walter sat down on a chair and closed his eyes before Sarah said anything else. He focused on his thoughts. He tried to think of the helmet and tried to talk with it at the same time.

Hello there, the great helmet of Apocalypse. How are you doing? I hope you are enjoying yourself, stuck on my head. I, on the other hand, am not doing so well. You see, I have no idea the state my hair is in as you are stuck. And I do not know what I will do with you. Also, the lovely Sarah Black here tells me that thinking about you shall help me establish a link with you. I do not know as to how this shall happen as you appear to be extremely forthcoming, but I shall persevere and hope that you would reply in kind. I know you may not be excited to have me as your owner, but we can come to some sort of agreement which would be beneficial to us and I would be extremely grateful. It would also be great if you could start replying to me NOW. Well? No response. It is with great tragedy that I must bid farewell now. I tried to contact you with words that have not been heard since time immortal and you have scorned me like you don’t even care about me. I mean, don’t you even want to know the kind of person I am. I thought we had a thing together. I even –

SHUT UP, a voice roared in Walter’s head.

Walter opened his eyes startled, jumped and fell out of the chair. Who had said that?

Congratulations young Walter, you are my new owner, said the voice in his head again. Sarah seemed to be saying something, but Walter ignored her. His heart was beating very fast. He got up and sat back on the chair.

He closed his eyes and thought, is that you? Helmet?

Yes.

The helmet of Apocalypse.

Walter sensed some anger and some frustration. The helmet spoke in his head again, I am not Apocalypse’s helmet, though he did use my powers.

What do you mean?

How do you think Apocalypse got his powers?

He was a Super human. The Phenomenon gave him powers.

The helmet snorted and said, He was not a Super human and the Phenomenon did not give him powers. I did.

How?

The details are long and not important right now Walter White. The important thing right now is that you have put me on. And I see in you the potential to be powerful. However, you need to accept my powers first. A contract needs to be forged.

What? Powers? Contract? Forged?

I shall explain to the best of my abilities. First of all, my name. I am not the helmet of Apocalypse. My name is Exoudoris. I am the helmet from the entire set. The entire set consists of helmet, bracers, armour and leg wraps. However, I am sapient and only I can forge a contract with potential candidates. If you would have found the rest of my pieces and put them on, they would have been useless without me. It is most fructuous that you put me on first. We can talk now.

The helmet, no Exoudoris continued, I am the giver of powers. I existed before the Phenomenon. Do not ask of my origins for you are not ready. But know this, I can provide you with powers that I provided to your so-called Apocalypse. However, there are a few conditions.

What are these conditions? asked Walter.

I have many powers to give you. It is up to you to decide what powers I shall provide you with. However, you cannot use more than three powers at a time. You also need to collect and wear the complete set so that the powers I provide you with are utilized in full. In return to me providing you powers, you need to complete five tasks that I ask of you.

And what are these five tasks?

I cannot tell you. I can only tell you once you are supposed to complete that task. Also, you need to complete a particular task within a month of me telling you.

Will these tasks be illegal or morally wrong? Like what happened with Apocalypse. He became a Super villain.

I only give powers. It is up to you what to do with those powers. The tasks did not make Apocalypse who he was. He did all the things he did on his own accord. My tasks are important, but they shall not affect your moral compass.

Walter was thoughtful. This was too good to be true. There had to be a catch. There always was.

He said to Exoudoris, Can you give me some time to think?

24 hours, Exoudoris replied, I shall expect your answer this time tomorrow. Till that time, you can take me off. Put me on once you have made up your mind.

Walter took of the helmet and opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Sarah, her dress changed now, and she was drinking.

“Welcome back, Walter”, said Sarah.

Walter smiled and started to say something and then he stopped. His smile froze. Sarah was Shadow Witch. Walter was just registering it. He gulped.

Walter said slowly, “You are Shadow Witch.”

“Astute powers of observation.”

“And I now know your secret identity.”

“Your detective skills amaze me.”

“What are you going to do with me?”

Sarah smiled, and Walter was gripped with fear. There was something in that smile, something predatory. It felt as if a hunter was nearing his prey.

Sarah said, “I have a proposition for you Walter, based on the condition that you have accepted the helmet’s proposition.”

Walter started. He said, “What do mean the helmet’s proposition?”

“I know more about the helmet than you could possibly imagine. I could help you with it, but it will all depend upon whether you have said yes to it or not.”

“I asked for some time. 24 hours is my deadline.”

“Well then. You shall spend the 24 hours here. Thinking. I shall call the institute and tell them you shall not be attending any lectures tomorrow. I have some private assignment for you after all.”

“Wait a minute”, said Walter, “What is your proposition though?”

“Join me”, said Sarah.

“No”, said Walter reflexively, “You are a Super villain. If I have powers I want to be a Super hero, not a villain.”

“You think you can be a hero after what you did to Psych Girl?”

Walter frowned. What did she mean?

“Remember Walter”, said Sarah, “Remember what happened after you put on the helmet.”

Walter frowned again. He looked at the helmet. He then remembered.

Psych Girl.

 ***

 

“This is interesting”, said Psych Girl, “I have never seen the helmet behave like this before. You must be special. Who are you?”

Before Walter could reply, there was a flash of light and Walter put up his hand to block the light. He also put on the helmet. Through the slits he saw Shadow Witch attack Psych Girl. He realized something. Shadow Witch had used an attack to blind Psych Girl, but Walter was not affected as soon as he put on the helmet.

This was weird, but he had no time to dwell on that. Psych Girl had fended off Shadow Witch’s attack and had punched her away. Shadow Witch had crashed into one of the cars and seemed to be unconscious.

“Take off the helmet”, said Psych Girl, “Give it to me now.”

Oh boy! She was angry. Walter knew why. One of the known weakness of Psych Girl was that very bright lights affected her vision strongly. And Shadow Witch had just tried to make use of that weakness and fail.

Walter tried to remember Psych Girl’s super powers. She was psychic, had decent strength and speed and was trained in martial arts. She was deadly if she successfully attacked you mentally.

Walter said, “I won’t.” Wait. Why had he said that instead of taking off the helmet?

Psych Girl gritted her teeth and sent a mental attack towards Walter. Surprisingly it did not do much to Walter. Walter was surprised too. He took a step forward, ran up to the surprised Psych Girl, and taking advantage of that surprise, punched her. She crashed back into the parking wall. Walter walked up to her with confidence, knowing she would be unconscious. How the hell did he know that?

Psych Girl was lying on her front. Walter turned and put two fingers on her forehead, wiping out all her memories of Walter in the parking lot. How the hell did he do this? The next moment someone tackled into him and started carrying him. What the hell! He blacked out.

 ***

 

When Walter remembered all this, he groaned. It must have been the helmet. He knew he was not strong enough to fight off Psych Girl.

“Did you bring me here after I passed out?” asked Walter.

Sarah nodded. She was looking at him, waiting for him to do or say something. Walter stood up. He said, “I need 24 hours. I will come back with an answer tomorrow. I am not staying here. I somehow managed to wipe out memories of me from Psych Girl. So, I don’t think I am in immediate danger. You would also let me go if you know what’s good for you.” Walter put as much bravado in his voice as he could. He was not feeling as brave though.

Sarah laughed. She said, “You do know the consequences of refusing me, don’t you? I am the one paying for your college fees. Remember that.”

Walter walked out of Sarah’s house. She did not stop him. What she had said was right. But did that mean he had to be a Super villain so that he could keep studying. He had shot at powers now. But did he want that? He simply wanted a normal life, a normal job and normal everything life has to offer.

He went back to his room and slept. He was tired. He thought he would take a decision in the morning, when he was fresh.

Walter woke up with a headache. He took pain killers and got ready. He shared an apartment with four other students. It seemed that they had already gone to the institute. Walter would not be attending any lectures today. He had to think of his future.

Walter had to decide, whether he wanted to help people, or should he continue his studies. Both the paths required him to accept the helmet’s contract. He did not like this. How did he get into this mess?

He checked that he did not have sufficient money for a proper breakfast. He raided the apartment’s pantry and refrigerator to find Redbull and instant noodles. He devoured them.

Walter then headed out of the apartment. He took the helmet with him, in a back pack. He took a walk in the park, foregoing his daily routine. He sat on a bench for almost the whole day, thinking about what to do next.

As Walter was making his way towards his apartment, he heard them. Sirens. Fire engines flashed past him. Without thinking Walter ran behind them. He reached their source. It was his building. It was entirely covered in flames. What the heck!

He heard someone say that there were people in the building. Walter did not even think. He found a secluded spot and put on the helmet.

Well that was early, said Exoudoris in Walter’s head, You still have some time.

I accept, thought Walter.

Exoudoris was silent in Walter’s head for some time and then it said, I understand. Let the forging be complete.

There was power. Walter felt it flow through his body. He felt hot and cold. He was overwhelmed. It passed soon. It felt like ages.

What do you want first? asked Exoudoris.

Fire immunity, speed and strength, thought Walter.

The helmet complied. Walter sped through the burning building. He picked up all those who were trapped and brought them down fast. When he was done he breathed a sigh of relief. The firemen and those he rescued thanked him.

He was feeling good till a voice said, “Who are you?”

Walter turned to see Water Warrior walking towards him. Walter looked at the building. A cloud had gathered over it and was raining, extinguishing the flames. It was one of Water Warrior’s powers.

Walter said, “I am nobody, I guess.”

Water Warrior frowned and said, “A nobody would not rescue these people. I think I know you. You were the one who helped Shadow Witch attack Psych Girl last night.”

Walter froze. How did Water Warrior know?

“News travel fast”, Water Warrior gave the answer to Walter’s unasked question, “You think wiping Psych Girl’s memories was enough. You were seen. There were witnesses. And if you helped Shadow Witch, then that makes you a Super villain. It would be good if you come with me quietly. No need to make a scene.”

Exoudoris spoke in Walter’s mind at that moment, I do not sense honourable intent from this Super powered human. Best to have a hasty retreat.

Can you change my powers if there is a fight? asked Walter.

I am afraid it does not work that way, said Exoudoris, We forged our contract in a hurry, so I was not able to explain certain things to you. But long story short, you are stuck with these powers for 24 hours. I can change your powers every 24 hours.

Walter swore. Then he said to Water Warrior, “I am afraid I shall have to refuse.”

Water Warrior’s eyes narrowed. Walter tried to run away but the next moment he was hit with a stream of water. He swore and ran; fast. But he was not able to go far till he was hit by another stream. By now the crowd had dispersed, giving Water Warrior and Walter sufficient room to fight. Walter swore again. This was not good.

“I don’t want to fight you”, said Walter, “Last night’s incident is a misunderstanding. Just let me go.”

Water Warrior said, “I don’t know about that. If you say last night was a misunderstanding, then why don’t you come with me and explain everything? I can tell there is some good in you. You did save those people back there from the burning building.”

Walter said, “At this point I would say there is more of Redbull and instant noodles in me. But I really don’t want to come with you. I have to sort things out on my own. Please let me go.”

“I am afraid I can’t.”

“Then you leave me no choice.”

Walter attacked. Water Warrior attacked back. This time Walter managed to dodge Water Warrior’s attacks and landed a punch on Water Warrior. Water Warrior flew back and crashed into the wall of one of the buildings. Walter took this opportunity and ran away using his fast speed.

He was soon exhausted and had to stop. He could not run faster anymore.

You need to complete my set soon, said Exoudoris, your powers are on cool down for some time now.

Walter took of the helmet and put it in his back pack. Then he looked at the time now and panicked. He needed to give an answer to Sarah. He now knew what he was going to say.

Walter reached Sarah’s house. She was waiting for him in her parlour. They both sat down.

“So”, asked Sarah, “What will it be?”

“No killing?” asked Walter.

Sarah looked scandalized, “You know my reputation. I don’t kill.”

Walter looked at the helmet in his hand, which he had taken out of the back pack and then looked at Sarah, “I am in.”

 ***

 

The figure outside Sarah’s house heard what Walter had said and smiled. This was good. The die had been cast. Walter was in. Sarah was also playing her role. Soon the figure’s plans would be carried out. Soon, the world would face a new Apocalypse. And the figure knew, they would not be able to do this without Sarah Black and Walter White.