The Good Fight
Greg Boxer

 

 

 

Ms. Magnificent silently burst with rage. This was no place for any person to die, much less the greatest hero the city had ever seen.

"What did you get yourself into?" she asked herself.

Ms. Magnificent stood staring down at a chalky white outline drawn on the alley floor. The outline was like a ghost haunting the living, reminding them of what had been taken away. It all happened here, she thought to herself, in one of the many nameless back street alleys that filled the city. She had pursued countless criminals through places just as foul and dangerous. With Captain Amazing gone, Ms. Magnificent was now the strongest hero in the city, yet she never felt more vulnerable than at that moment, looking down at where Captain Amazing had been murdered.

"You seem rather disturbed, Janice."

Ms. Magnificent swung around at the sound of a familiar voice. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me."

Just beyond the crime scene stood a man wearing a tattered trench coat with a wide brimmed hat pulled down over his eyes. What could be seen of his face bore the heavy creases of age, like an old ballplayer's mitt. He was known to most only by his alias, Phantom, even though he'd given up the hero business years ago. In crimefighting circles his name was spoken in hushed tones. He'd left the business rather suddenly, if she remembered correctly, and under mysterious circumstances. Some said he couldn't hack it, while others said the pressure had simply gotten to him. But Magnificent knew better. Phantom was one of the best at what he did.

"And don't call me Janice, not while I'm on the job." She immediately felt bad for her tone. Magnificent had asked Phantom to come tonight. She was tired of running around in circles looking for the killer only to come up empty handed. She needed a fresh perspective, something to point her in a new direction. And despite Phantom's past, Captain Amazing had always spoken highly of the former hero. He always said Phantom could be trusted.

"Sorry," he said, coming to her side. "It's been so long since I've had to deal with a secret identity…"

"It's okay…" Her voice trailed off. "I've just been on edge the past few days."

"Is there anything you'd like to talk about?"

"Haven't you heard?" Magnificent pointed down at the chalk outline. "We're mortal now," she added dryly.

Looking back, Janice could not remember her first experience flying through the skies of the city, the first time she ran down a criminal, or even the reason she put the costume on for that matter. But she could remember how being a hero made her feel untouchable, like evil would never crack her armor. All that seemed distant at this moment.

Phantom turned their attention to the scene. "What have the police discovered?"

"The clues are sketchy, but from what they can tell Captain Amazing was up on the rooftop changing into his civilian clothes when he was struck from behind. The blow must have caused him to topple over the edge, or he was pushed. Either way, they say it was the fall that killed him."

Ms. Magnificent continued to speak but Phantom let his mind wonder, turning his attention to the scene. He had the gift to manipulate the energy around him, and this power afforded him many unique abilities. Among those was a talent for reading individual energy signatures, much like reading fingerprints. While Janice continued with her report, he focused on the invisible lines of energy that ran through the alley and intersected with the surrounding buildings. He picked out one particular thread and focused his attention so that his perceptions followed the thread back through time. His past as a costumed hero had taught him that the clues found at a crime scene went far beyond physical evidence. He could see the energy connecting Captain Amazing to the alley floor, the energized particles produced as he fell through the air, and the explosion of energy as something hard came down on the Captain's head…

"…Simulus?"

Without a word Phantom faded into nothingness, leaving Janice alone in the alley.

"Wait, where are you going? Who is Simulus?" Janice called after him, her anger rising.

"You shouldn't talk to yourself," sounded another voice. "That's how rumors get started."

Janice whipped around again, "Don't - Oh."

If she were the blushing type her checks would have been beet red. Magnum, the city's resident speeding bullet, was watching her from across the alley. He wore his indestructible, bullet shaped helmet, which she had always thought looked ridiculous, and a spandex costume that rode up high in the crotch after running at high speeds. Unlike Janice, Magnum was born into the superhero community. Both of his parents were second generation heroes and he grew up learning first-hand what it meant to be one of them. The two had worked together on occasion, but Ms. Magnificent usually preferred working alone. She took the job very seriously and could never tolerate Magnum's 'fly by the seat of your pants' attitude.

"Not now, Magnum." She was still annoyed by Phantom's disappearing act and didn't want to deal with all the zipping around to which Magnum was prone.

In the blink of an eye Magnum moved from the edge of the alleyway to a crouching position over the crime scene.

"You really shouldn't beat yourself up over this, Mags. That tough exterior of yours is liable to implode."

"What would you have me do," she half-spat. "Sit around and do nothing? I'm a superhero, just like you, just like others in this city. We've given our word to use our powers to help make this city a better place." She gestured down at the chalk outline of Amazing's body. "How can we do that if we can't even protect our own?"

"Hey." Magnum zipped to Janice's side. "All I'm saying is maybe you shouldn't be taking so much of the burden. You've been at this since they found the body. Maybe you should consider getting some rest."

"Don't give me that." She didn't want to continue this conversation, least of all with him. "Shouldn't you be out running that tin can of yours into something?"

Magnum was insulted. "I've been crisscrossing this city all day running down leads, so don't think you're the only one who cares. The Captain meant a lot to all of us."

For the first time in what seemed like weeks Janice felt something other than rage. "I'm sorry," she said after a moment. "I guess I've just been too preoccupied to notice."

"That's okay. We all know how close you and the Captain were." He let the words hang in the air for a moment before asking, "Have you learned anything new?"

Janice hesitated. She wasn't sure if Magnum would understand her bringing Phantom into the investigation. "I asked Phantom to take a look."

"You what?" Magnum's response was stronger than she predicted. "What does that old coot bring to the table? I mean, how long has it been since he's worked a case?"

"I feel like I've been running around in circles for days." Her mood could crush stone, and the last thing she needed was a lecture. "I just thought he might help point me in a different direction."

"And?"

"I don't know." Janis thought back to what Phantom had said before disappearing. "Have you ever heard of someone named Simulus? I don't recognize the name."

Magnum thought for a moment. "Yeah, I think he was a sidekick." His eyes grew wide as a stray thought made a stunning connection. "In fact…he was Phantom's sidekick."

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure. My dad mentioned him a few times. They didn't work together for too long. It was just before Phantom hung up his mask."

"What happened to him?"

"Left town, I think," he responded with growing interest. "Why?"

Had Phantom intentionally withheld the information? "I think we need to ask Phantom a few questions. He lives - "

" - on the east side of Broadway, I know," he said. "I'll race you there." And with a sudden burst of speed Magnum was gone, a trail of newspaper and alley garbage pulled along in his wake.

Ms. Magnificent sighed. Why did he always do that? She took one more look down at the spot where Captain Amazing had fallen, and with a single, powerful leap she took off into the air.

* * *

Magnum beat Ms. Magnificent to the Phantom's place by ten seconds. He lived in the city's small Jewish community and preferred settlement for the retired population. They met on the sidewalk in front of his building.

"What took you so long?" His wide grin was cocked to one side.

She ignored the question. "Maybe we should give him a ring?"

"Already did. No answer."

Ms. Magnificent looked up the building to an open window on the top floor. The apartment was dark.

"That's his place up at the top," said Magnificent.

She turned to Magnum. "Stay here, I'll buzz you in."

Janice leapt into the air. Her strength carried her up and she glided gracefully through the open window. She landed with a controlled roll and snapped to a defensive posture within the apartment. The living room was dark except for the faint glow emanating from a static-filled television screen, but there was enough light for her to know something was amiss. A few pieces of furniture had been tossed about without care and a static charge hung in the air that made the hairs on her arms stand on end. She needed more light. Magnificent crossed the room and hit the buzzer to let Magnum in before flipping on the light switch. Magnum burst into the apartment, nearly knocking his helmet on the door frame.

"Not bad, who does his decorating?"

The apartment was completely disheveled. Not only had the furniture been upturned but tables had been crushed, a bookshelf had been knocked over, spilling its contents onto the floor, and the walls bore numerous small burn marks.

The air crackled and a sudden flash of light bathed the room. Phantom appeared from thin air and staggered towards Ms. Magnificent. She could see his coat, already tattered from age and neglect, now showed signs of recent struggle with fresh tears in the fabric. His hat was missing and in the light Ms. Magnificent could see Phantom's face was bruised and swollen. Blood was collecting near an open wound on his upper lip and he couldn't open one eye. He had been in a fight and lost.

"… I tried." Phantom stumbled and fell to the floor. "He is too strong."

Magnificent rushed to his side. Magnum returned a chair to its upright position and Janice helped Phantom sit.

"What happened?" asked Janice. There was clear concern in her voice.

"Simulus," he responded. "He was waiting for me, here. I tried to flee but he followed me." He winced with pain. Janice felt his side and found that two of his ribs were fractured. "I think I lost him."

"I don't understand. Why didn't you tell me he was your sidekick? I could've helped you."

"I'm sorry, Magnificent. I did not wish to involve you in all this. Simulus is my responsibility."

The air once again crackled and popped. "What's - "

"No time!" shouted Phantom. "He's somehow followed me back here. We cannot defeat him in the close confines of the apartment. Move!"

The crackling grew more intense and the apartment shook as if an earthquake had struck the city. There was another brilliant flash and a rush of hot air turned the apartment into a whirling torrent of furniture. Magnificent stood firm but Magnum and Phantom were knocked to the floor. Standing before Janice was a man not much older than her. He was wearing a black armored vest and pants with a mask that obscured most of his face, leaving only an opening for his mouth and eyes. Simulus held his hands out, palm up as if openly calling for a challenge. He sneered back at her.

"Now, now, Phantom," he said, his voice filled with a sinister glee, "I never said you could leave. We still have so much to talk about."

Phantom struggled to his feet and moved to Janice's side. "I thought you were better than this, Simulus. There was no need for all this violence. We could have worked out our differences without the killing."

"Oh, so now you want to work things out, is that it?" The smile faded from Simulus' face and his voice dropped to almost a growl. "Just like we worked things out before?"

"I tried to help you," responded Phantom with slight desperation in his voice. "You needed guidance but you would not listen. I wanted to help." Phantom held out his hand. "I still want to help. Please."

"No." Janice could feel the sting from Simulus' venomous words. "You held me back."

"I only wanted what was best." Phantom had regained his composure and now stood tall next to Ms. Magnificent.

Simulus chuckled to himself. "Funny, that's just what the Captain said right before he died."

Janice had heard enough. She gritted her teeth and the rage within her, everything she had been burying deep down over the last few days, finally erupted and she lost all control. This was the man who killed Captain Amazing and she was going to make him pay. With that single thought she shot forward, bringing all her strength and speed to bear. She brought her fist around to deliver a knockout blow and immediately realized her mistake. Simulus vanished suddenly and momentum carried her hard into the opposite wall. She was dazed for only a second but it was enough to give Simulus the advantage. He squeezed her shoulder and she suddenly grew weak as if the life was being sucked from her body.

"No!" The shout had come from behind. Simulus turned away, leaving her to collapse. Her head was spinning but she fought the urge to stay lying on the floor. When she looked up, Phantom lay sprawled out on the floor across the room and there was a Magnum-shaped hole in the outer wall of the apartment. Simulus turned his attention back to her and suddenly moved with Magnum's lighting speed directly at her. He was mimicking their powers. The revelation hit her as the force of Simulus' blow hammered her to the floor again.

He looked down at Magnificent with disdain and grabbed her collar. "If you'll excuse me, Phantom and I have unfinished business." He jerked his arm and Ms. Magnificent was airborne.

* * *

A cool breeze blew across her face and somewhere nearby Janice could hear the sounds of struggle. She awoke with a start. There was a sharp pounding in her left temple. Magnificent looked around. She was lying atop a pile of debris, the remnants of what was once most likely an appliance store. Despite the protest of her body, she stood up and took in her surroundings. All around stoves and dishwashers lay upturned and refrigerators were split in two. She had fallen through the roof of a building across the street from Phantom's residence. There was a clap of thunder as Magnum landed on a nearby car, his indestructible helmet impacting through the windshield. He pried himself loose of the wreckage and stumbled away from the car.

"Well, that worked," he said sarcastically. "Please tell me you have a plan B."

Ms. Magnificent eyed the apartment, realizing she couldn't take down Simulus alone. "He moved like you, up there in the apartment. It took me by surprise."

"You're telling me," he responded, rubbing his jaw. "I didn't think he had a punch like that in him. He must have used your strength against me."

"Which means," she continued, "there's no power we can throw at him that he can't mimic and throw right back in our faces."

Janice looked over at Magnum and his bullet shaped helmet and had a revelation. "Unless…" It seemed that all Simulus needed to do was touch one of them to copy their powers temporary. That ability gave him a distinct advantage, but it also came with a weakness. She sighed quietly to herself. Magnum was never going to let her forget tonight.

Within the apartment, Simulus advanced on Phantom. The retired hero was in no position to put up a fight. He was already injured from their first encounter and was now fighting against Simulus and his own fatigue.

"How does it feel?" Simulus' words were cold and his tone sharp. "I think it's only fair that you suffer the same torment I have felt all these years."

Phantom could barely breathe. The air was growing thick with electric discharges and he didn't have enough strength left to battle Simulus' growing powers. "I wanted to help."

Phantom's words only seemed to infuriate him more. Simulus moved on Phantom with murder in his eyes. "Stop saying that!" He swung his fist around and Phantom slammed into the opposite wall. His body went limp as he lost consciousness.

"Perhaps he speaks the truth."

The words came from nowhere and caught Simulus off-guard. He swung around and met Ms. Magnificent's fist straight on. Simulus staggered back and hit the wall.

"But maybe you just don't want to listen." Ms. Magnificent charged Simulus. She wrapped her arms around him on impact and continued to run. The two burst through four walls before crashing through the building's exterior. Janice held on tight as they plummeted to the street.

The impact shook the ground and Simulus roared. With a single push he sent Ms. Magnificent flying. She smacked against a nearby building, knocking away brick and mortar before falling back to street level. Simulus' anger momentarily subsided and he began to laugh.

"Who do you think you're defending, little girl?" Simulus was trying to break down her resolve. "Phantom is not one of you. He is no longer a hero. His deeds are not the kinds that are celebrated."

"Why should I believe the words of a murderer?"

"Oh, you wound me," he snickered. "But I suppose you're right. I have killed, but only in the name of justice.

"There is no justice in murder."

"There is in my justice."

It was almost time. Ms. Magnificent and Simulus circled each other. She needed to keep him distracted.

"Why did you kill Captain Amazing?"

He smiled. "Because he thought he was better than everyone else, including his sidekick."

"Captain Amazing never had a sidekick."

"Is that so? Well, I'm inclined to disagree. But perhaps you should ask Phantom. He is the one with all the secrets."

She was running out of time and couldn't afford to be distracted by his words. If they didn't stop Simulus now he would turn his attention back to Phantom and he was in no condition to defend himself at the moment. Ms. Magnificent sprang forward, throwing everything she had at Simulus. She was relentless in her assault not wanting to give him a second to catch his breath. But he was too strong and too fast. Simulus was mimicking her powers along with the abilities of Captain Amazing, Phantom, and Magnum. She was not sure how long he could retain those powers but Simulus was showing no signs of slowing.

"Nice try." He continued to beat back her attacks.

In the distance Janice could hear Magnum closing in at the speed of light. She pressed her attack again, pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion. None of her blows landed, but then again that was never the point.

Magnum raced through the street like a speeding bullet. It was now or never. Magnificent grabbed Simulus from behind and held firm as Magnum barreled down at them.

"What are you doing?" Simulus' words were desperate as he struggled against her iron grip. But she would not let go.

Simulus' skin glowed with energy as he filled himself with the remainder of Phantom's copied powers. The air crackled and Janice could feel the charge running through her body. Simulus wanted to run, but she would not let him go.

"Now." Her word was only a whisper.

Magnum brought his bullet helmet down and charged full on into Simulus. The air sizzled and popped and all the energy Simulus had been building up exploded in a radiant flash. Janice held tight even as her arms and face burned and the ground beneath her feet cracked and shook. She would not let go even as her vision blurred and the darkness swept in like a crashing wave from all sides.

* * *

Some time later.

"So, how is Magnum doing?" asked Phantom. He rubbed the right side of his chest where he had a few cracked ribs. Thinking about the young speedster brought back memories of Phantom's own injuries.

It had been over a month since their showdown with Simulus, and Janice still ached, as well. She turned to Phantom, "He's doing fine, but he can't wait to get out of the hospital."

"It must be driving him crazy."

Janice chuckled to herself. "Up the walls, if they'd let him out of bed."

Janice stood with Phantom in a grey brick prison waiting room. Metal tables filled the room; men in orange jump suits sat on one side while visitors sat across from them. On the far side of the room was a reinforced steel door.

The two were quiet for a moment and Janice's thoughts drifted back to Captain Amazing.

"I want the truth, Phantom." Her tone was serious but not demanding. "No more secrets. What really happened between Simulus, the Captain, and you?"

Phantom gave a long sigh as if letting the weight of history off his chest.

"Captain Amazing always wanted to do what he thought was best for everyone. In retrospect he was too young to take on Simulus as his sidekick."

"So he was telling the truth," she said, rubbing the cast on her right arm. Janice had been mulling over Simulus' words in the weeks since their confrontation.

"Simulus had great potential in those days, but we never understood the extent of his powers. Neither did he, I suspect."

"So what happened?"

"The Captain could not control him and Simulus became reckless. We thought he was too dangerous, especially if he didn't know how to control his tremendous abilities. So, I offered to take him on as my sidekick. I had more experience and thought I could offer the guiding hand Simulus needed to fulfill his potential. But I was wrong. We were both wrong. Simulus resented the Captain for giving him up. He felt rejected and I tried to console him, to explain the situation, but it only drove us apart. We had an argument that got out of hand and in my frustration I told him to leave. I see now what a mistake that was . . ."

Janice put her good hand on his shoulder. "Is he the reason you left the business?"

"Perhaps." Phantom's voice had grown distant as his mind shifted focus.

The steel door on the far side of the room groaned as a guard opened it. A second guard escorted Simulus into the room and over to a nearby table. He wore an orange jumpsuit like others in the room, but, unlike them, he wore reinforced steel chains to keep his arms and hands restrained. On each side of the shackles there were a set of blinking lights to indicate an inhibitor field was active. The field prevented him from making physical contact with another human, making it impossible from him to use his mimicking abilities.

"But I think he made me realize I was never really cut out for the superhero life. In those early days if you had powers you where either a hero or a villain. There was no third direction. Working with Simulus made me understand there had to be more to being a hero than having special powers or wearing masks."

Janice turned to Phantom. "I'll be here if you need me."

He gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Thank you."

Phantom went over to Simulus and sat down. "Good afternoon, Daniel. Where should we begin today?"