"We, as a population on this planet, have been looking for a savior. 90% of people believe in a higher power, and every religion believes in some sort of messianic figure," Brandon White articulated, his voice steady as he stood behind the camera, his well-tailored suit contrasting with his shaggy hair. "And when this savior figure actually appears on Earth, one that has proven himself time and time again that he is on our side, we want to make him abide by our rules? We have to understand that this is a paradigm shift. We have to start thinking beyond politics."
Larry Foreman interjected, his polished bald head reflecting the studio lights as he adjusted his crisp turtleneck. "While that may be true, we cannot ignore the moral and ethical implications surrounding such a figure. This individual, who possesses the power to create and manipulate matter with a mere thought, has gained an incredible amount of influence over the people of this planet—this fragile blue-and-green orb we call home. In our civilized society, we operate under international law. Every action that Atomic makes by flying all around the world breaks those laws. Those actions carry profound political significance. Regardless of his intentions, Atomic must not be considered above scrutiny or accountability."
"Is it really surprising that the most powerful person on the planet, someone who could theoretically unleash an atomic explosion capable of obliterating all life on Earth with just a snap of their fingers, would spark such controversy?" Kaylynn Middleton, the CNN reporter moderating the debate, said thoughtfully. "Conversations like these are of great importance."
On YouTube, a large group of well-known podcasters gathered together, their animated discussion streaming live to millions of viewers around the world. The atmosphere buzzed with lively debate and contrasting opinions.
"Having a single individual involved in interventions at the country level should raise concerns for all of us. Regardless of his powers and past good deeds, what right does Atomic have to interfere in the affairs of different countries?" said Morgan, one of the podcasters known for his brash and arrogant opinions. "Sure, it's fine if he stops natural disasters and saves cats from trees, but putting an end to a nation's military force simply because he disagrees with their opinions and actions is entirely different."
"Hold on, are you saying that Atomic stopping a known Warlord, a warlord who, by the way, has ordered the murders of hundreds of innocent people and the mistreatment of children, was a bad thing? Are you mad?" Another podcaster replied, Evelyn, looking at Morgan as if he had grown a second head.
Airing live from the heart of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, President Ombwaziz Acheru stood resolutely behind a polished wooden podium, his expression a blend of frustration and defiance. The atmosphere in the chamber was electric, filled with the expectant murmurs of the assembled politicians and dignitaries, all eyes focused intently on their leader.
Ombwaziz leaned forward into the microphone as the crowd settled, his voice echoing with conviction. "We, the people of Africa, do not need to be saved," he proclaimed, his tone rising above the cheers of affirmation from the audience. "We possess the strength and fortitude to address our own internal affairs and confront any threats that arise, without the meddling of outside forces."
He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to resonate throughout the room. "What Atomic did was nothing short of a slap in the face to our sovereignty, our government, and our leadership. This unilateral interference will not go unchallenged!" His declaration was met with raucous applause and shouts of support from the audience, who stood united in their endorsement of his fierce stance against outside intervention.
Airing online from one of New York's up-and-coming newspaper companies, News Global Daily, a promising young investigative journalist named Poppy Hughes stood confidently before the camera, her sleek black suit contrasting sharply with the vibrant backdrop of the newsroom. With an earnest expression and a commanding presence despite her age, she began to speak.
"Humanity has a dismal track record of following powerful figures down perilous paths that have resulted in unspeakable horrors," Poppy asserted, her voice firm and unwavering. "We often create icons that mirror our own shortcomings and misguided aspirations. But with Atomic, the situation is more troubling. What we're doing is projecting our hopes and fears onto him, blinding ourselves to the potential dangers. The uncomfortable truth is that he may not be the malevolent force or the savior we envision. Time and again, it has been evident that Atomic is merely someone attempting to uphold his version of virtue. But the critical question remains: are his so-called good intentions genuinely beneficial for humanity at large, or are they merely a guise for deeper, more troubling consequences?"
The scene shifted once more, revealing a spacious and formal interview room, adorned with dark wood paneling and soft, diffused lighting. Two prominent figures engaged in an intense discussion at a polished conference table.
On one side was Senator Caroline Johnson, a poised and resolute representative from Massachusetts. Opposite her was Ollie Walker, a seasoned journalist renowned for his incisive reporting and multiple Pulitzer Prizes, exuding an air of calm professionalism as he leaned forward slightly, his tablet resting on the table.
"Senator," Ollie began, his voice steady yet probing, "are you, as a United States senator, personally comfortable saying to a grieving parent, 'Atomic could have saved your child, but on principle, we did not want him to act'?" The weight of his question hung heavily in the air, challenging the very principles at the core of their conversation.
"I'm not saying he shouldn't take action. I'm saying he shouldn't do so unilaterally. What he did in Africa was a complete overreach of power. While his initial actions may seem positive, what about the thousands of Reth Igwe's soldiers that he apprehended and then left for the African government to figure out where to place them? And what about the disappearance of Reth Igwe himself? Did he escape, or did Atomic finally snap and kill him for his crimes? We simply don't know. Atomic refuses to speak to us or to the press. All we know about him and his ideology is the words he shared with the world during his time on Capitol Hill, and to me, that is not enough." Senator Johnson stated firmly.
"What exactly are we discussing here?" Ollie asked, leaning forward with intensity. "Should we allow malevolence and wickedness to persist, knowing there's someone who can eradicate it almost instantaneously? Should we, as a society, engage in endless debates over the fundamental question of whether lives should be saved?"
"Absolutely not," Senator Johnson replied firmly, her expression serious. "Every life is valuable. However, we must carefully consider these matters and do things the right way."
Ollie pressed on, "Many claim that following the horrific events in Nevada, particularly with the mutant prison camp, the government's authority to define right and wrong has been severely undermined." He scrutinized Johnson's face closely, noting the flicker of discomfort that crossed it for a fleeting moment.
"The tragedy in Nevada was indeed heart-wrenching," Johnson acknowledged, her demeanor firming up again. "However, we cannot let the reckless actions of a few tarnish the long-standing peace and justice that the US government has maintained for decades."
"Hmm, very well," Ollie replied, arching an eyebrow. "But allow me to pose this question, Senator: in your opinion, is there a need for Atomic to exist?"
"It doesn't matter what I think," Senator Johnson stated firmly, her voice steady as she gazed directly into the camera. The intensity in her eyes mirrored the gravity of her words. "He exists and will continue to exist, irrespective of my opinions or anyone else's desires. However, if he chooses to tread this path, he must adapt his behavior to align with the standards of our society and the law. Because ultimately, no one is above the law. Not even him."
The online discourse surrounding Atomic's actions was vibrant and multifaceted, as individuals across various platforms engaged in heated talks, discussions, and debates. Many voices weighed in on the ramifications of Atomic's ability to traverse the globe with what appeared to be unchecked freedom.
Opinions were divided along several lines: some argued passionately in favor of Atomic's right to operate wherever he is needed, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian efforts and the lives he could potentially save. They contended that in times of crisis, swift action is paramount and should not be hindered by bureaucratic red tape.
Conversely, others raised serious concerns about the implications of his movements without prior consent from the authorities of the territories he entered. They argued that such actions could lead to diplomatic tensions and undermine local governance, highlighting the necessity for respect and collaboration with local entities.
This division of perspectives highlighted a broader debate regarding the balance between doing what was right and national sovereignty, leading many to debate how Atomic should function in the future.
••o••o••o••
Doreen Green, known to her friends as Squirrel Girl, darted down the bustling streets of Manhattan, her heart racing with excitement. Beside her, Tippy-Toe chattered animatedly, perched on her shoulder, her fluffy tail twitching in anticipation.
<"Can you believe it, Doreen?! They're saying that what Atomic did in Africa was wrong!"> Tippy-Toe squeaked, her small beady eyes wide with disbelief. <"It's unbelievable! How could anyone say that what he did was wrong? He saved the day!">
Doreen nodded, her auburn hair bouncing as she made her way through the throngs of people. Her large bushy tail gained curious and confused looks from those on the street. "I know! He's a hero who stopped a Warlord! I'm telling you, Tippy-Toe, never get into politics."
"I'm starting to think we'll never find him," Doreen mused, slowing her pace as they approached a nearby café. "He's never around in one spot for long, and whenever I think I'm getting closer, next thing you know, he's on the other side of the world!"
Tippy-Toe nodded. <"True, but still, we need to find him! Otherwise, you'll never get the chance to ask him if we can be his sidekicks! Maybe check the park?">
"Central Park! Good idea!" Doreen agreed, her eyes lighting up. "If he's anywhere, he's likely to be helping someone out there. And if he's not, we might as well stock up on nuts!"
Darting into an alley, Doreen jumped onto the rooftops and began jumping from one rooftop to another as she made her way to Central Park, hoping to find Atomic. But as she was about to jump across West 58th Street, she gasped as she saw someone sitting dangerously close to the edge of the rooftop of One Columbus Place.
<"Oh no! Is he going to jump?!"> Tippy-Toe gasped.
"We have to save him!" Doreen yelled and quickly scaled the building.
••o••o••o••
Wyatt perched on the rooftop of One Columbus Place, a pair of headphones playing loud music cradling his ears, drowning out the sounds of the city below. He meticulously picked at his cup of ramen with a pair of chopsticks, the steam curling up from the noodles, mingling with the cool afternoon air.
His gaze fell down toward the bustling streets, where life pressed on as it did each day, no matter what new developments in the world occurred. The fatigue in his expression was clear as the deep shadows under his eyes showed off the last couple of restless nights he had been having.
♬♪ When life leaves you high and dry, I'll be at your door tonight. If you need help, if you need help, I'll shut down the city lights, I'll lie, cheat, I'll beg and bribe. To make you well, to make you well, ♪♬ Wyatt's headphones played.
"...When enemies are at your door, I'll carry you way from war, if you need help, if you need help," Wyatt sang along as he held his now-empty cup.
Nearly a week had passed since Wyatt had brought down Reth Igwe's brutal regime, liberating vast regions of Africa from years of darkness and oppression.
What should have been a time of celebration had instead morphed into a relentless storm of heated debates swirling across television screens and social media platforms on whether or not he, Atomic, did the right thing.
The world was thick with discourse, opinions clashing like thunder as analysts dissected every facet of his actions.
In an atmosphere charged with anxiety and anticipation, prominent news outlets like the New York Times, CNN, and BBC News bombarded the public with a relentless barrage of persuasive advertisements. Each outlet was fervently competing for the chance to secure an exclusive interview with Atomic. They sought to peel back the layers of mystery surrounding him and delve deeply into his motivations and beliefs.
The ads appeared everywhere, saturating every conceivable medium—bold online banners glimmering on social media, catchy radio spots echoing through the airwaves, and gripping nightly broadcasts capturing viewers' attention with tantalizing teasers.
They called it the interview of the century.
Wyatt, however, couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief at the sheer desperation emanating from these media giants.
Though he knew that approaching any news outlet as Atomic would easily quell their incessant clamoring for insight, Wyatt's core philosophy had always been one of humility. He had never sought the limelight, rejecting the notion of heroism rooted in fame or superficial accolades.
To him, being a hero meant embodying a force for good, a genuine commitment to helping people and bettering the world. The thought of wasting time on interviews or endless television appearances felt foreign and unappealing.
Yet, in the wake of the world's polarized reactions to him stopping a warlord, a hint of reconsideration began to stir within him. Perhaps, after all, it was time to reassess his stance on the media.
Could a single, thoughtfully crafted interview serve the dual purpose of satisfying the public's insatiable curiosity while conveying his true intentions and ideals? Maybe, just maybe, stepping into the spotlight for the first time could be worth it, allowing him to share his vision with the world.
If he had taken decisive action a long time ago, would the media have shifted its gaze from the swirling debates surrounding his decisions to the jubilant crowds in Africa, celebrating their new freedom from Reth Igwe? The cacophony of cheers and laughter from men and women basking in their newfound liberties would be the story dominating the headlines, instead of the relentless scrutiny surrounding him.
Instead, Wyatt found himself at the center of a global storm. The eyes of the world were fixed on him, rather than the vibrant scenes of liberation unfolding in Africa. Though he was grateful for those who supported his choice to halt Reth's tyranny, he struggled to comprehend the naysayers who dissected and criticized his every move.
People's lives hung in the balance, and yet, there were those who wanted him to halt his efforts and navigate the cumbersome maze of bureaucracy just to get official approval to act. The thought was infuriating to Wyatt.
Despite the overwhelming pressure and discontent, he stood firm in his conviction. He had no regrets about the choices he had made.
Feeling a familiar buzz emanating from his pocket, Wyatt reached for his phone and glanced at the screen to find a text from Kitty.
"We're having Chicken Parm tonight! Wanna come?" she had sent, her message peppered with a variety of enthusiastic emojis.
A small smile spread across Wyatt's face as he quickly typed back, confirming that he would love to join.
After the whirlwind of events that had taken him away from her on their first date—leaving Kitty in the enchanting city of Paris alone while he rushed off to confront Reth's men—Wyatt felt an overwhelming sense of relief that she had forgiven him for essentially abandoning her in a foreign country.
Luckily, Scott and Jean had flown out to Paris to pick her up in the X-Jet while he had been focused on his mission.
It was during their flight back that the avalanche of news headlines swirling in the aftermath of his actions had reached them. Now aware of why he had left, Kitty expressed that she wasn't upset with him, but was rather proud of what he had done. No matter what anyone said.
During the times when it felt like the world was seemingly against him, Wyatt found solace in having Kitty's support by his side. He couldn't help but wonder how he found someone as compassionate and forgiving as Kitty. It made him happy that he had braved the decision to take the chance to be with her.
Due to the loud music flooding his ears, exhaustion, and thoughts, Wyatt had become oblivious to Doreen's arrival and muffled words. She was desperately trying to talk him down from what she feared might be a devastating decision—one that could lead him to take his own life.
"Hey, you! Don't jump! Uh, you have so much to live for!" Doreen said nervously as Tippy-Toe squeaked alongside her. "So don't jump!"
Wyatt remained blissfully unaware of Doreen's frantic actions.
As he neatly dematerialized his empty ramen cup into thin air with a flick of his wrist, he gracefully rose to his feet.
Doreen's heart raced at the sight of this. Panic coursed through her veins when she saw him precariously looking down from the edge of the roof. Seemingly ready to end it all.
"No! Stop!" Doreen yelled as Tippy-Toe squeaked.
Without thinking, Doreen rushed forward and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. But in her frantic bid to prevent what she assumed was a suicide attempt, she inadvertently pushed him off the ledge, dragging her alongside him as her iron-tight grip refused to let him go.
"What the?" Wyatt wondered as he, Doreen, and Tippy-Toe began to fall down to the streets below. "What… just happened?"
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AN: I hope you all enjoyed today's random bonus chapter! I've also created a Royal Road account and posted my story there under the same username. Please check it out!
Until next time!