The Immortals (G)

The Immortals 

After what happened, Michel distanced himself from the Honored. He needed to follow his own path, create his own team of heroes. But how would he do that? 

Reluctantly, he sought out Harbinger. But… if by killing, he was becoming a murderer too? Didn't taking lives make him just like the ones he eliminated? Michel ignored those doubts. In the end, the ones he killed were truly bad people. 

Finding the "works" of a serial killer like Harbinger wasn't hard. The hard part was finding him. Still, after a long search, Michel succeeded. 

 "Didn't I tell you to leave me alone?" 

 "You did. But I need you." 

 "Oh, you do? For what?" 

 "I want to form a team." 

 "A team? With me? Hah." 

 "I'm serious." 

 Harbinger turned to him, eyes narrowing. 

 "This sounds like a really bad trap, you know?" 

 "It's NOT a trap. I just need your help." 

 "Who else is on this team?" 

 "No one, for now." 

 "Why not join your other friends?" 

 "Actually… no. Do you know other superhumans?" 

 "I do." 

 "Then let's go after them?" 

 Harbinger remained silent for a m Harbingert, analyzing Michel. There was something in his gaze, a flicker of curiosity, as if the idea had intrigued him. 

 "You do realize what you're asking, right? It's not just about gathering people and calling it a 'team.' We're talking about superhumans. They all have their own rules, their own intentions. What guarantees they'll follow you?" 

Michel took a step forward, his eyes serious but determined. 

 "I know what I'm asking. I don't want them to follow me blindly. I want to create something different. Something where we can do things the right way, without becoming like the others. Without following the morality that society imposes on us." 

 Harbinger let out a quiet, almost mocking laugh, but his gaze was sharper now. He knew Michel well enough to tell he wasn't just speaking empty words. 

 "You want to do things 'your way,' but you've already killed people. You killed even before becoming a hero. Doesn't that bother you? Don't you feel ashamed of it?" 

Michel swallowed hard. The weight of Harbinger's words was real, but he held his ground. 

 "I'm not ashamed. They were evil. And yes, maybe I was forced to act that way, but I am fully aware of what I did. Now, I just want to do things differently. I want a chance to see what we can build together." 

 Harbinger kept watching Michel, as if evaluating every word. Silence stretched between them. Michel knew convincing Harbinger wouldn't be easy. The man had always followed his own moral code and despised being manipulated. 

 "Hm… Maybe. But you can't promise me you won't become an even worse version of those you hate so much, can you?" 

Michel looked away for a m Harbingert, thoughtful. He knew Harbinger had a point. He couldn't guarantee anything. But still, he felt it was worth trying. 

 "I don't have an answer for that yet, Harbinger. But give me a chance to prove I can be different. That we both can be different." 

 Harbinger shook his head, as if tired of the conversation. But something in Michel's sincerity kept him from outright refusing. 

 "Alright. I'll think about your offer. But let me be clear: I won't submit to any fragile morality. And don't expect me to follow your orders." 

Michel smirked slightly. Convincing Harbinger would be difficult, but this conversation was already a start. 

 "I don't expect you to follow my orders, Harbinger. I just want you to come with me. When I find what I'm looking for, you'll see it's worth it." 

 Harbinger's gaze was calculating. Michel felt he was close to convincing him. The journey wouldn't be easy, but maybe, together, they could change things. 

 "You know what, Michel? I'll help you find the others and see what you're up to. But again, don't expect me to accept this invitation. And even less to obey you, got it?" 

 "Haha, perfect." 

Then, Harbinger gave Michel the names of potential recruits. 

Juliano grew up in a small town and, from a young age, discovered his connection with lightning. Whenever he lost control emotionally, the weather reacted to him, triggering storms and thunder. After an accident in his teenage years, when a lightning bolt fueled by his anger caused a fire, he distanced himself from everyone. His parents sent him to live with an aunt in a bigger city, but the problem remained: Juliano never fully mastered his powers or the fury that triggered them. 

At 17, he had another outburst, leaving a group of boys injured. He ran away and spent years alone, trying to understand his abilities. When Michel found him and spoke about forming a team, Juliano saw it as a chance for redemption. An opportunity to control his power and, maybe, find a purpose. 

Next was Olivia. Since childhood, she felt people's emotions as if they were her own. At 12, she realized she could amplify or suppress them. However, her gift became a burden when, at 15, she unintentionally intensified her best friend's sadness to an unbearable level, pushing her into an emotional collapse. Consumed by guilt, Olivia ran away, fearing what her ability could cause. 

Years later, when Michel found her, she hesitated. The fear of hurting someone again was overwhelming. But what if, this time, she could use her power to help? With that thought, she decided to accept. Now, as Verena, she would try to turn her curse into something useful. 

The last one was Roger, the Turtle Master. He grew up in a port city and stood out in street fights. But unlike most, he didn't seek just strength. At 18, he met a master who taught him more than combat: patience, balance, and discipline. Over time, Leonardo understood that true strength came from within. 

When his master passed away, he decided to walk his own path, helping those who were lost. His nickname came from his philosophy: patience, resilience, and precision. When Michel approached him, Leonardo saw in the team an opportunity to put his principles into practice. 

And so, together, they became The Immortals . 

On their first mission, they faced a gang of traffickers. In the middle of the operation, Michel received a call. 

 "Hey, Thomas? Everything good? I put together my hero team." 

 "Hey, Michel. Things are… 'almost fine.' We need you." Thomas's voice sounded dry and somber. 

 "The Honored?" 

 "Yeah. It's urgent." 

 "Can I bring my team?" 

 "You can. If they're good enough." 

Michel frowned. What had happened? What was so urgent that Thomas had to call? 

That… will be revealed in the next chapter.