Calamity Chapter 3: A New Trick

Spark stood there with his hand gripping onto Matthew’s fist. Eren smiled from the background as Fox looked amazed.
Fox: When did you learn to do this?
Eren: a couple days ago during the raid on Scarab. Pretty cool, right?
Spark continues to stare at Matthew, as Matthew tries to use it’s other hand to punch him, but Spark just grabs that hand as well, the force causing the ground underneath them to break.
Spark: So that's why you were smiling, Rose…
He stares into Matthew’s eyes, grey and unfocused. He wasn’t conscious. This was almost enough to make Spark smile as well, but he needed to focus. Eventually they break out of their clash as Matthew. it’s starting to panic… it didn’t think this through…, in pure desperation, Matthew stomps on the ground, causing the concrete below to break, and while mid air, it punches them into Spark like a rapid minigun, but with only one hand, he slaps them away, sending them crashing into different buildings, and almost hitting the people watching
Angel: Hey, Femboy! Watch where you’re blocking!
Spark doesn’t answer as he starts to speak to the threat in front of him
Spark: So when is this going to end?
It didn't answer as it continued to attack, sending a barrage of punches his way as Spark continued to block them with ease.
Spark: …this childish tantrum of yours.
He punches it in the gut as it coughs out blood. Spark was confident in his theory now… Its attacks and defenses are little to none without any of his powers backing him up… almost as if it doesn’t know how to fight… or maybe a child who hasn’t fully mastered the art of fighting. Matt would never have left himself open like that, so whatever’s controlling him is clearly inexperienced. This could be his upper hand until his time runs out… meanwhile, Eren and Fox continue watching as she looks around…
Eren: wait- Rose? ROSE!
She turns around and sees Rose sleeping on Mercury’s lap, who was patting her head while she sleeps. Eren sighed in relief, wiping the sweat off her brow.
Fox: Scared you for a second, huh?
Eren: Yeah… I assume whatever you did follows the same “once per soul” rule.
Fox: not sure about that, but maybe…
Their chat was interrupted by Linda, who was wiping the tears away from her eyes, still recovering from her experience.
Linda: M-Miss Timber…? C-can I a-ask you s-something?
Eren: Uh… sure. What's up?
Linda: B-back at the r-raid… y-you were e-extremely t-tired… w-why a-are you s-so awake now?

Eren thought about how to answer this for a moment but then clapped her hands and turned to her.
Eren: Well… Matt means a lot to me and my dad. He’s been with us for all of his life. We kinda owe him… it’s like you meet him at least once, your life is a lot more interesting…
Linda: I-I see… C-can you t-tell me m-more?
Fox and Eren look at each other, and then at Spark and Matthew, and back at Linda.
Eren: …I guess we could tell you some stories.
She sits down in front of her as she begins her story

It was a stormy night, it seemed that everyone was asleep… until a huge crash was heard from the warehouse.
Mob boss: Dammit! Hey, assholes! You’re too loud down there!
Henchmen: Sorry boss!
The henchmen carry a huge container of… something… into the warehouse and onto a table. The mob boss opens it up and smiles… 25 million cash.
Henchman 1: Hey uh… boss? Where did you get this money anyways?
Mob boss: oh it’s simple really. I got a guy on the inside of the Heathens family to give me it. And now it’s all mine!
He slams the container shut as he starts to wrap things up but they hear the sound of a door opening and closing. The henchmen and the boss turn around to see a kid wearing a white shirt looking around confused.
Henchman 2: oh it’s just a kid… Hey, what are you doing here?
Matt: Oh uh… I was just looking for the bathroom. This doesn’t seem like the right place though…
Henchman 2: what- the bathroom? Kid, what made you think that there would be a bathroom here?
Matt: Oh I’m sorry it’s just… if you look over there-
He points to a direction and the moment they turn, he stops talking and punches the henchman in the face. He staggers back into a pile of containers as the other henchman tries to grab him. Matt dodges the attack and knocks them back. As he fought, he talked to someone who wasn’t seen.
Matt: What do you mean I’m taking this too far? They stole my friend's money, I’m taking it back. It’s just that simple.
…
Matt: Oh don’t stare at me like that, PM.
The mob boss was terrified as he took out his gun and aimed it at Matt.|
Mob boss: S-stand still! D-don’t move a bit!
Matt raises his hands up so he won’t shoot but after a couple seconds, the briefcase floats up and hits the mob boss at the back of the head. It then flies into Matt's arms as he smiles to himself.
Matt: Thanks. Anyways I should return this to Heather before I-
The sound of a window breaking is heard as Matt turns around and sees a yellow haired figure holding an energy gun.

Eren: Hey… you have something I- wait… Matt?
Matt: Eren?
She lowers her weapon and walks up to him hugging him.
Eren: Man, it’s good to see you! What are you doing here? Did you already beat those guys?
Matt: yeah! I was on my way to return this to Heather!
Eren: Alright that sounds good. Hey, me and dad are going out for dinner later. Want to come?
Matt: Yeah sure!
Eren: Alright, see ya!
She waved before dashing out of the warehouse, leaving Matt alone
Matt: …did she ever say the place?
…
Matt: yeah that's what I thought.
Later that night, Matt finally finds the restaurant they were eating at and sits down at the table with them
Fox: Hey kid. How's it been?
Matt: Well… tiring…
Fox: What did you do?
Matt: I fought a mob boss and his henchmen.
Eren: It’s true. I saw it.
Fox: Wow that’s impressive.
He says, applauding him. But then he changes the subject
Fox: So… how's your mom?
Matt tenses up a bit as he stares at his drink.
Matt: My mom? Well… she’s normal… but sometimes… whenever she goes into the basement… I hear screaming… and it scares me… I never went in there since mom would always say that something would hurt me there…
Fox: I see… Well… if you want, you can stay at our house for a bit.
Matt: No thanks. Mom wouldn’t let me either way…
They nod in silence as Eren and Fox continue eating their ramen. After some time, it was time for them to go. They wipe their mouths as Fox turns to Matt.
Fox: Hey… you’re paying, right?
Matt: …what?
Fox: Well I didn’t bring my wallet so…
Matt: Fox are you kidding me?
There's a moment of awkward silence… but Fox starts laughing as he takes out his wallet as Matt sighs in relief.
Matt: Oh… oh you got me that time
He says laughing with him as they head out of the restaurant.
Matt: Hey Eren. You want to practice that thing tonight?
Eren: I would but we got more jobs to do…
Matt: Oh I understand. I think I should head back home anyways.
Eren: Actually you can come if you want. It’s not going to be that hard.
Matt looks up and turns to Eren.
Matt: Really? Sounds like fun.
Fox: Alright kids. Let's go.
As they walk, Matt whispers to Fox a question…
Matt: Hey Fox…?
Fox: Yeah? What's up, kiddo?
Matt: …why doesn’t Eren stare me in the eyes anymore?
Fox freezes for a bit, taken aback, but regains composure as he comes up with a lie.

Fox: Oh she’s just… self conscious about her appearance. You see, if you look carefully in someone's eyes, you can see your own reflection. Heck, last night she wanted all the mirrors removed from the house.
Matt: …oh okay…
He continued walking as the con man noticed that he wasn’t buying it. After some time, he pats him on the back.
Fox: Hey. This is just the beginning of your friendship. Sooner or later, one of you guys will be in danger, and the other will do anything to save them. Your relationship will get better. Trust me.
Matt stared at the floor silently before looking up and nodding.
Matt: Alright. Thanks Fox.
Eren: Hey guys! We’re almost there!
Matt: huh? Already? It’s been only 5 minutes!
Eren: Well I never said how far it was from here, ya dingus!
The two kids laugh together as Fox smiles. They continued to walk down the road and prepare for the mission.

Linda: …so s-something happened b-before that broke your f-friendship?
Eren: Well… yeah… I don’t like thinking about it. That's why I stopped opening my eyes all the time so I don’t see him… it just reminds me of that freak… but we reformed it together. It was just a hurdle we had to go through.
Eren then regained focus on the fight as Fox stared at the clashing forces with a serious expression.
Linda: Woah… I didn’t k-know that Spark guy was s-so strong… I think he c-could win!
Eren: He can’t.
She says confidently.
Eren: Spark uses my ability differently from how I do. He waits for the opponent to attack, and then counters with a deflection, or a block. He keeps the energy contained in his body unlike how I blast it out… All he’s doing is just stalling. And lets not forget the time limit…
Fox: Indeed. Once it’s gone, Matt could just do that explosion thingy again and maybe even kill Spark this time… if only there was some way to nullify that destructive power…
Linda: nullify…
She thought to herself… did she know something that could help… and then she snapped her fingers and ran to Quinn, who was trying to have a normal conversation with Venus
Venus: what a drag… life is so boring… sooner or later we’re just going to die from the sun exploding…
Quinn: *in mind* She’s been like this for a good 20 minutes, I CAN’T TAKE IT-
Before Quinn could lash out, They heard Linda yelling for her.
Quinn: Hey Boss? Take care of Venus for me.
The Boss: Very well.
Quinn runs off as The Boss slaps a piece of concrete away from Venus, who was trying to use it to slit her throat.
Quinn: Yeah what's up?

Linda: D-didn’t you have t-that a-ability where you m-make a… a… some sort of barrier thingy s-so p-people can’t u-use their powers?
Quinn: Confiscation! You’re right! We could use that to take away all the powers in this area and make them the same amount of strength as me!
Eren: Wait… all?
Quinn: Everyones here, yes.
Eren looks at Fox, who puts down his hat to hide his expression but nods.
Fox: …it’s worth a shot.
Quinn nods and rushes in. Spark, who was dealing with Matthew, switches his focus on Quinn
Spark: What are you doing?
Quinn: You might want to prepare yourself…
They crack their knuckles and put their hands together.
Quinn: Confi-
But before they could say it… another person said it first… for the first time in this entire fight, Matthew spoke… but it wasn’t his voice
???: CONFISCATION!
And thus the barrier was made around West city… everyone, except Matthew, had no abilities, and was way weaker than before…
Quinn: Wha- that wasn’t-
Before they could finish, Matthew stomps on the ground, causing the ground beneath them to break, sending Spark and Quinn, and other people flying back. Eren catches Spark, but realizes her strength is way less than it was before and falls down.
Eren: ow ow ow…
Spark: Sorry about that…
Matthew was about to attack them all but the voice stopped them.
???: Leave them. They won’t bother you anymore.
Matthew: but…
???: Don’t worry, friend. As long as your hold on this body doesn’t fall, the confiscation will be active for as long as you need. Now… let's move on to the other cities…
Matthew: …very well.
And thus, they started walking off. Eren is confused but tries to look for her dad. In the rubble, her dad lies there with his hands on his back to shield himself from the fall… Pain… he actually feels pain again… if this keeps up… he could die… it’s just like that time on the roof… Jump, or leave… Except the bad option is to leave in this case… but if he just runs in… he might die… He hears a voice in his head that speaks to him from the underworld.
Hades: Fox… You seem powerless. Haven’t I given you enough strength? Or do you need more?
No answer
Hades: …The best option for you is to leave now. Get everyone out of here, and fight another day. Do you hear me Fox? …Fox?
Persephone holds onto his shoulder
Persephone: Dear… we’ve known Fox for years… he’s already made up his mind.
Hades looks at his wife and then back at Fox… he smirks.
Hades: So be it.

It was decided… He jumps. Shooting up from the ground, Fox tosses off his tie and his hat and runs to Matthew, determined as ever
Fox: Eren!
Eren is in shocked on this sudden action from her father, but runs off to help
Fox: I need you to hold him still! I need to talk to him!
Eren: Talk? How’s that going to help
Fox: JUST TRUST ME! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
For the first time ever, Fox shows desperation in front of Eren, who now fully understands. Matthew turns around and sees the two running.
Matthew: Oh great… What is he going to do? Lie his way out of this one? Once a con artist, always a con artist, I guess.
As they got closer, the debris flying around Matthew’s aura kept getting in the way… But they just had to power through… They charge through the debris and high winds, Fox getting cut on his cheek in the process… they were almost there… and together… they jumped at him at the same time, trying to grab onto his shoulder but… they missed and fell to the ground as Matthew continued walking… How pathetic… Matthew is about to take another step… but they’re stopped by Eren grabbing his leg. Bruised and bloodied, she can barely speak
Eren: P-please… just listen to h-him…
Matthew looks up and sees Fox, who got back up…
Fox: Matt… listen to me just once…
Matthew doesn’t hesitate as he pulls back his arm to punch Fox but before the fist can make impact, Fox yells out.
Maxwell: YOUR WIFE IS PREGNANT!
Matthew, in his mind, gasps. The punch stops right in front of Fox’s face as the dust behind him blasts away… Matthew then stands still, getting ready to listen
“...A daughter. She always wanted a child of her own… and now she finally has one. Sure she had Rose… but that wasn’t enough for her. She wanted a descendant with her blood, and also yours… But what would happen when she’s finally born? When she sees what her father has become… A child should never be raised without a father. You should know that better than anyone, Matt.”
Matthew, in his mind, froze… he thought about it long and hard until he started punching the air.
Matthew: GO***AMN IT! WHY! WHY DO I CARE SO MUCH?! THEY’RE NOT MY FRIEND! SHE’S NOT MY WIFE! THIS ISN’T MY LIFE!
After some breathing… he came to a realization… This was his life… even if he didn’t realize it, he was always a part of Matt… it could have been so simple. All they had to do was accept each other… flaws and all… but it was too late now…
…what has he done…

With that, Matt falls out of Mania in the real world and falls into Fox’s arms. The confiscation turns off as everyone regroups…
Fox: …everyone let's head to Matt’s house. Now.
A couple minutes later, Matt lies on the couch as Violet and Rose watch worried.
Violet: is… is he going to be okay?
Spark: I’m not sure…
Fox: Alright… I think I found the problem. Whatever was controlling him gave up… but…
He pulls Matt’s eyelid to show his eyes are grey… but with a closer look, it’s filled with static…
Fox: It looks like there’s another thing now… Now how do we deal with this…
After a moment of thinking, Angel raises his hands.
Angel: …I’ll go into his mind. I’ll find him, and release him from this control.
Fox: A-are you sure? You could die in there!
Angel: not the first time that happened. And besides… I haven’t done anything yet… I’ll send you guys a live recording of what's happening from inside.
Fox: You can do that?
Angel: There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me, Fox.
She smiles a bit as she puts her hand on Matt’s head (To Violet’s displeasure) and looks up.
Angel: All in favor?
Everyone nods in agreement as Angel looks down.
Angel: Good… Hang in there, Kingsman.
And thus, he was transported into his mind… it’s a black space… but in the distance, she hears crying… she follows the sound to see Matthew, on his knees, covering his face with his hands…
Matthew: I’m sorry… I’m sorry…
Angel knew that this isn’t Matt… but she needed to find him. Now.
Angel: Hey… do you know where he is?
Matthew looks up at Angel and nods, before wiping his eyes… He gets up and leads the way for Angel…

Matt wakes up on his bed. He feels his pillow and notices it’s wet… he must have cried himself to sleep again… He gets up and grabs his jacket before brushing his teeth. From below, a woman can be heard yelling.
Aella: Matt! Get down here quick! The bus is arriving!
Matt: Coming!
He finishes before rushing downstairs, ready for school… just another day…

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