Glowing in the Sun 3

Rouen was an old company, specializing in medical engineering and genetics research. Then, ten years ago, they recruited hundreds of participants with superhuman abilities from anywhere in the world to participate in their study. They were looking to revive the Vetus gene, which had almost gone extinct eighty years ago but was slowly resurfacing in recent years.

The researchers developed later formulated a compound that could activate and enhance the Vetus gene in some individuals. Due to that discovery, the company shifted to a more commercial focus. They would continue their research into the Vetus gene, but they also created a team of superhumans, with the premise of "protecting America" from domestic and foreign threats. The campaign was successful, and the Super 7 was formed.

Once upon a time, Darren participated in a Rouen research program to discover individuals with a potential Vetus gene. He was found to have none.

Never in his life had Darren been so disappointed.

When he was a child, Darren and his family were rolled over by a tractor unit on a Californian highway. He and his father were heavily injured but a civilian driving by, with the ability to bend metal, saved them from the wreck. When the man went back to save his mother, the car exploded. The man saved Darren, but he suffered from third-degree burns in the explosion and died later in the hospital.

The five-year-old Darren yearned to be like that man, selflessly helping and saving people with his powers. Darren always hoped, always wished, one day he would wake up to find he could walk through fire without any injury. Darren wished for the strength to lift a car and yearned for the speed to act quickly when someone's life was in danger.

Because of that man --whose name he discovered was Daniel Dorne-- Darren became selfless. No matter who the person was, if the person needed help, Darren would go out of his way to help them if he could. He took an oath on his mother's and Daniel Dorne's name that he would never abandon people who needed his help.

He had just graduated from college when he discovered that he had no potential for superhuman powers. Darren was devastated. He went through a depression, isolated himself from everyone, including Tora, forcing them further apart. At that time, he was 19, and Tora was 20. They had been dating for about a year and Tora was getting deployed by the Air Force as a pilot that summer.

The fear of losing his lover and the disappointment that he could never be like his hero ate away at him on the inside. To cope, Darren, who swore never to consume drugs or alcohol, began to drink excessively.

When Tora, who worried about him, reached out her hand as a girlfriend, he insulted her and broke her heart. He told her to leave and that he no longer needed her. He said he didn't care if she went to the end of the world.

To the end of the world, she went. Tensions were high in the Middle East, and Tora went to war as a pilot for the US Air Force in the conflict in Dabar.

After months into the conflict, he heard nothing from Tora. Miriam, Tora's adopted mother, reached out to him with news from her.

Once again, Darren swore never to touch an alcoholic beverage ever again. After taking a break to recover, he refocused his efforts into graduate school and got into MIT. Although he could not have superpowers, Darren still kept his oath to help anyone in need. He began participating in several non-profit organizations and set aside a portion of his salary for charity donations.

He would always help people in need; even though it was not as hands-on as being a Super working at Rouen, it was still giving to those in need. He was always looking for other ways to help people, which is why he did not hesitate to shield Abby when he was struck by lightning.

Darren looked at Tora firmly. "Tora, answer me," he demanded. "What did you do?"

"The hundred million dollars was sent to the orphanage, your favorite charities, and this hospital. I will remain silent, however, if any of Rouen's contracted Supers hurt someone, I will send evidence to the press and the courts."

Darren's jaw dropped at the words that came from Tora's mouth. "You did what?" Darren roared. "Do you have any idea the lines Rouen is willing to cross to keep their secrets?" Darren lowered his voice when he heard it echo in the room. "They try to silence people with money and other means."

"I'm sure I have a good idea," she replied nonchalantly. Tora finished eating and began packing up the rest of the food. "Well, I have to go. I already have plans for the evening. If you're hungry, ask the nurse to heat the food for you. Oh, and don't forget to feed Sasha. I didn't put any salt in the chicken." She got up, took her bag, and walked to the door.

"Etora!" Darren called again.

"Sweet dreams."

Darren scoffed when she closed the door after leaving the room. The door opened again. Tora popped her head into the room.

"But don't dream too much. We wouldn't want you sleeping for long like last time."

"Tor-" She closed the door again before he could get another word out. Darren heard her heels echoing across the hallway floor. He closed his eyes and released an exhausted sigh mixed with a groan as he passed his hands through Sasha's fur.