Chapter 4

After breaking out of prison, the boys encounter the soldiers' ambush. They are already surrounded, with no escape route. 

"Surrender, intruders," one of the soldiers says, likely another commander. "You have caused enough trouble for the kingdom. This is your last warning; surrender and face punishment for your crimes."

Liak intervenes, disagreeing. "These people have done nothing but good for us, even if it's for their own benefit. We can't deny that we've been hoping and praying for years to be liberated from King Ra'shal's tyrannical rule. This is the day, the moment we should seize the chance to free ourselves, our lives, and our property." Liak tries to motivate his fellows, but fear and doubt are evident on their faces. 

"Now I see you're another betrayer like Galban himself. We swore to serve our world..." 

"At what cost? Tell me! AT WHAT COST?! Ra'shal values no one's life or struggles. The king doesn't even care about his own people; all he cares about is his fancy parties while his people suffer." Liak retorts.

"You don't know what you're talking about, Liak. You of all people should know the consequences of this act. King Ra'shal won't be so merciful when he's done with Galban the traitor."

 "Oh, please. I think it's time you find a new term instead of using 'traitor' to define me," Galban says, throwing Ra'shal's body to the ground. "I was labeled an outcast for love, isn't that absurd? Because I love someone not from this world I became a hatery symbol. I only came here to avenge my deceased Lyla but i was told vengers only lead to another eternal dreadful path. Since I'm done here, the choice is yours to make. Take the chance of Ra'shal weaken state and free yourselves or continue to live in hell under him, but no one is stopping me from leaving this world. "Galban snaps his fingers, opening a portal. He signers to Malik and Mark to walk through first before following them, thereby closing the portal again.

EARTH (Night Howler Hideout)

While Bale is being cared for by Mark's AI assistant, Malik is amazed by everything he sees. "Where did you get all these? Hu lala!" Malik can't express his amazement with words. Mark just smiles without answering.

"You guys need a code name, an alter ego. We can't risk people knowing your real identity because bad guys will keep coming for you. So, brainstorm a cool superhero name you can use. I'll be right back." Then Mark excuses himself.

When Mark is gone, Malik walks to Bale's side to check on him. "He's going to be ok," Galban guarantees, and Malik nods in response. 

"I know he will; Bale is the strongest fighter I know," Malik calmly utters.

Then Mark bursts in to get the boys up for dinner. Mark orders his AI assistant (Casca-4F) to continue attending to Bale. 

"It's an honor to have this delicious dinner with you, Mrs. Wayne," Galban begins as they all sit around the dining table. Mrs. Wayne, Mark's mom, laughs out loud at Galban's jocose tone.

"Pleasure is all mine; please call me Rose," she says. Mark and Malik keep watching the little drama going on between the two adults. When it looks like they have forgotten they are also around, Mark clears his throat to get their attention.

"Oh, sorry," Rose murmurs. "It's really nice to meet you two in person. Mark has been talking about you for days now." She continues, but Mark cuts in. "Mum, don't exaggerate things here. I just mentioned them for like two days after the Motel incident." Mark corrects his mother.

 "I have been wondering how you might be feeling about Mark's superhero work. Aren't you, I don't know, terrified?" Malik inquires Rose. The woman remains quiet for a moment, leading Malik to think maybe he has asked a personal question, but when Rose chuckles, Malik feels at ease.

"That's a very good question. To be really honest with you, it wasn't easy for me either at first," she begins. Then the atmosphere becomes tense. "My husband just died due to his cancer. I was so depressed. My soul reached the lowest point that time. Mark was very little... So adorable..." Rose looks at her son and gives him a charming smile. "A few months after, while I was returning home from work late at night, I was robbed and injured while protecting Mark from those robbers freaks. Since that night, Mark developed a sense of justice. I can see it in his eyes every since then."

When Mark's mother is narrating, the doorbell rings, and Mark goes to answer it. 

"The mail," Mark says. 

"I'm sorry about your loss, Mrs. Wayne. You are really a good mother," Malik says, making Rose smile.

"I would like to hear about your mom. How's she holding up about your own hero activity?" 

"Well, I really don't know who my mom is because I grew up in an orphanage home. I was told I was found in a basket, abandoned." Malik says with hint of sadness.

" Sorry, that is really bad. I hope you miss her. I can picture how your reaction will be when you see her. HAPPY! "

" No way, I can't welcome such person with an open arms after leaving her child to death. I don't need her because she is no one to me. She's dead to me. "Malik says, everyone notice the serious tone."

"I really understand you. But I assure you, you are home now."

But, then the danger alarm peep from Mark smart wrist watch, he signers to others and they stand up ready for action.