Chapter 81: The Great Speedster War Part 2: Heroes Assemble

Future Romaine's POV

"Babe are you going to explain your dream now?" Cas questioned as we walked into the control room of Heroes HQ

"I told you." I repeated, "There was a giant clock, and the Prince was there, and he said it was 5 minutes until an apocalypse."

"Yes but it took more than five minutes to get here. And how does that tie in with Zero? He's been in hiding for years."

"Exactly, it's the perfect time to strike. We haven't seen him for years so he could've been concocting some evil scheme. And I told you the time on the clock wasn't literal; the Prince said it's a representation."

"And all this 'coordinate' stuff, babe I don't understand what you're talking about." She whined, tying back her hair

"Wow." I mocked, "The Great Cassandra Green 'doesn't understand' something? That's something you definitely won't hear everyday."

"Well it's not my fault you're so bad at explaining things." She defended

Just then, a large crackling was heard in the sky, followed by all the clouds turning black.

"That looks like 'End of the World' material to me don't you think?" I noted

"Ok fine. Well it's your call boss." she admitted

"Gather up every available member of the Order of Speed and Heroes United."

"Even those in Satori Regiment?" She questioned

"Yes. Everyone. We're gonna need all the help we can get."

Suddenly images flashed through my mind, portraying a massive army being sent against us. I stuttered in movement, which drew Cas' attention.

"What's happening?" She questioned

"A vision; I think. We might just be looking at a full scale war ahead of us."

Just then, the newly promoted Hero came racing in.

"Guys." panted Jayden, "Are you two seeing the madness that's happening outside?"

"Yes rookie we can see that the skies have gone pitch black." Cas responded

"Jayden, it's great that you're here." I said, "I'm gonna need you and the Garrisons to evacuate the city."

"Is New Montego Bay under some kind of attack?" He questioned

"I'll give you the details when all the other heroes get here."

I took off my speedster ring and placed it in his hands.

"But for now," I continued, "the world needs Dispatch."

"Woah." he awed, "You're giving me your electro-magnetic ring? The same one you used to defeat the Hollow, and Goldspiel, and Vertex, and~"

"Yep." I interrupted him, "That same one. Use it by channeling your energy into it; then you'll be able to manipulate the electromagnetic field in case of anything."

"WOW!" He screeched, "Thank you so much!"

With that, he promptly donned the ring and put on his cowl before speeding out of the HQ.

"Such a fanboy." Cas scoffed, adjusting her hair

"Aww, you're just jealous because you don't like sharing me." I teased her

"That is not the issue."

"Sure. Keep telling yourself that love."

After I gave my cheeky smile she couldn't help but smile back before turning away.

While Cas was over at the monitors in the control room, I made my way to a separate floor.

Going down into the lower levels of the HQ, I arrived at the Speedster Vault. I entered the required pin and scanned my fingerprint for the biometric scanner, then watched as the thick metal doors to the vault opened.

"Never thought I'd come here again any time soon."

Slowly entering the vault, the chill of the nitrogen in the air gave me goosebumps.

I approached the mannequin in the center of the room. Looking up at it, I admired how my original suit's been preserved over the years.

"I know I said I'd never wear you again." I muttered, "But this situation needs Velocity."

Though I'll admit that putting on one of these things without superspeed isn't as flashy as you'd think, it still felt good to be back in my old outfit.

"Eh, a little tight." I commented

Then I caught eyes on the note Kyle left me on a nearby shelf.

I nostalgically took it up and reread it for the first time in years.

"Dear Romaine," I read out loud, "Though I know it wasn't your intention for all of this to happen, it was the only way. I'm the type of person that won't stop until I'm 110% percent sure, so I had to snuff him out to see for myself. Though Ideally I would've wanted to prepare you for what was to come, I'm afraid I've run out of time. I'm gone now, but don't give into the darkness; this world needs Velocity. And as for the traitor's identity...the person within our ranks that's been manipulating us from day 1 is..."

I stopped reading from that point, knowing full well what he says after.

"You're right, Kyle." I said, "The world needs Velocity. Ever since Black Zero stripped me of that title years ago, I thought there was no hope left for Velocity; but I see now, I was chosen to be the one to free the truth at all costs."

Now filled with determination, I made my way back upstairs to the control room.

To my surprise, there were already a few heroes and speedsters here.

"Is this everyone you could get?" I questioned Cas

"I contacted everyone possible, these are the few that could make it here in time."

"Alright, thanks."

Looking at the group of heroes, I identified members from neighboring branches.

"Wow even the Garrisons are here already." I noted to myself

"Yes, Including some from the Portland branch and Aires Branch." Cas mentioned

Well I'd love to wait on more to arrive, but time is something we really don't have right now.

"Greetings, Heroes." I drew their attention, "Thank you all for making it out here today. The situation is dire; we might be facing the end of the world as know it."

As expected, voices started stirring up.

"The apocalyptic disaster will be caused by none other than Black Zero, and it's our job to stop it at all costs."

"Black Zero?" Fire-Phoenix questioned

"Yes. And I can tell you form now, it won't be easy."

"What are we going to do General Commander?"

Though some faces seemed distressed, the others were confused.

"Our units will be divided into 4 teams. Alpha, Beta, Charlie and Delta." I informed

"Alpha Squad will consist of myself and all other high ranking speedsters, with me as the Division Commander. Cassandra will be our Operator. Beta Squad will consist of all other speedsters, and your Division Commander will be Taylor Hart. With your Operator being Landen Fox. All Non-Speedster Heroes will be a part of Charlie Squad, your Division Commander will be Kirk Morris. Perona Whitlock will be your Operator."

"And what about Delta Squad?" Fire-Phoenix questioned

"The Satori Regiment is on their way, they'll be the Delta Squad. Raymond, when they arrive I'm expecting you to operate them."

"Yes Sir." he responded

"Woah, Satori Regiment's coming?" went one of the Heroes, "They're literally the most elite heroes! With that plus the fact that the General Commander's joining us on the field, there's no way we can lose!"

"As I'm sure you all know," I continued, "Cassandra is the Chief Operator; so if she gives you any orders then it overrides those given by your Division Operators and Division Commanders. She'll refer to you either by your prechosen Branch/Team or your now assigned Squad. Understood?"

"Yes Sir." Spoke the Heroes

"Good. Now Garrisons, I want you to go into the city and help Dispatch evacuate everyone. We don't want any civilian casualties during the war. All other heroes, report to your stations and await further instructions from your Operators and Commanders."

Everyone started making their ways to their places as ordered, then Taylor approached me.

"Um, Romaine?" She called

"Hey Taylor, what's up?"

"Are you sure I should be a Division Commander? I'm not exactly the best pick."

"You're perfect for the position. I gave it to you because I have faith in you Taylor. Don't sell yourself short."

"If you say so."

"Now go, I'm sure your squad's waiting on you."

She reluctantly sped off, leaving me to turn around and look at Cas, who didn't seem too amused.

"What?" I innocently questioned

"I don't feel so good." She admitted, immediately losing balance and nearly falling to the ground.

I managed to catch her just in time, now concerned about her current condition.

"Are you ok?" I asked, slowly helping her back to the feet

"I'm fine I'm fine." She reassured me, "Just a bit of nausea."

"Is it the baby?"

She slowly nodded her head in response.

I lead her over to a nearby chair and placed her down.

"Are you sure you can do this? Because if not then~"

"Babe I'm fine. We're stopping the end of the world remember? I won't let a little nausea get in the way."

"Alright then. But take it easy ok?"

"Yeah alright."