Ethusalia, CA...
Time seemed to stop for this small town when the sky turned black with ships from space. The air turned toxic with the screams of the hopeless as they were taken into space shuttles in order to serve the whims of a harsh master. The dreaded super-villain known as Zedracus stepped on this town as if he were a giant stepping on an insect.
First there was silence, then the rising din of panic as the survivors began to hide amidst the many alleyways in an attempt to escape the alien horde. Some managed to hide but others were not so lucky as they were taken away, never to see Earth again.
It was not long before hope returned to Ethusalia in a blaze of blue, yellow and red. Paragon, among other heroes, attempted to strike back at the alien horror infesting the small town. As Ra battled the Championess, a woman with a heart of valor rescued many people still attempting to hide from the alien forces and a man who was usually a criminal chose that day to be a hero. In a blaze of glory, Paragon engaged Zedracus, who was determined to capture the great hero. But before he could, Paragon flew away when she realized she couldn’t win this fight. Some might think that was cowardice, but it wasn’t. It was actually a tactical retreat as she went to call for additional aid as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, by the time Paragon returned to Ethusalia, the alien forces had retreated. All there was left to do now was to save anyone that needed saving and help what surivors there were remaining. An angry mob formed outide city hall looking for answers but finding none. There were only questions and chaos. When the human mind cannot cope with the scale of human suffering, it turns to statistics. A way to cope with the unimaginable. The sight of Paragon reminded them that the way you cope with tragedy is one rescue at a time, one life at a time, until you can cannot go on any longer.
Something terrible happened in Ethusalia, but something good happened too. Paragon reminded us that hope exists when we never give up on each other. The heroes came from all directions, their faces grim with purpose. Superion, Thunderstorm, Apex, Green Sentinel, Zephyr, Warrior Angel and the Blue Ghost came unbidden to aid and help any who needed it.
Green Sentinel used his miraculous ring to protect refugee areas. Thunderstorm making sure the weather stayed nice and clear. The Blue Ghost phasing her way through the maze of destruction in order to reach those who couldn’t be reached by more direct means because of hidden dangers. Zephyr, using her incredible speed to get anyone she could to safety before anyone else could. Apex using his keen intellect to coordinate his fellow heroes. Warrior Angel and Superion to handle the heavy lifting, alongside that of Paragon herself.
The Department of Meta-Human Affairs was the first group to mobilize. First, but hardly alone. Like the Super-Heroes, everyone in nearby cities raced, from all directions, in order to help this unfortunate town. The refugee camp evolved into Command Central, a buzzing hive of activity of constant search-and-rescue missions.
A crisis like this can bring out the worst in people. It’s hard to find forgiveness in your heart when some fight the good fight and others turn to acts of selfishness. But Paragon never lost heart, not even when all seemed hopeless. Because a crisis like this can bring out the best in people, too; that is, if they can find the right motivation. Hope comes from even the least likely of places. All anyone really needs to know is that they are valued. Sometimes they need a little direction to go that way and when they head in that direction, they might gather up others who share the same idea. It’s never too late to inspire, to do good, not even when the world around you is in flames.
As the heroes helped rebuild the broken town, helped rescue anyone who needed help and answered the need of any and all, the joy was muted. Things would never be the same in Ethusalia.
When Paragon first appeared, peopled wondered why she called herself Paragon. In a world full of heroes, what raised this one above the others? Was it her strength? Her ability to fly? Her super senses? It was none of these things because it was her humanity. With all those super powers, her greatest gift is to act from the heart and inspire others to do the same. Sometimes, she forgets that.
But there, at the refugee camp, Paragon was surrounded by all the people she had saved. And all of them took lessons what they had learned from this hero who inspires others. Kindness, grace and forgiveness. The willingness to risk all to do right by others and to make up for past mistakes.
Paragon was greeted by many with quiet nods of recognition by many who had chosen to follow in her footsteps. She had taught them without lecturing, guided them without speaking. Her example inspired some to change their very nature. Keira thanked each and every one of them, shaking their hands in turn, hugging others who wished to have one. Even when hope seemed lost, Paragon arrived and made them believe in tomorrow.
Log in to comment