[Minutes Earlier]

People fled the streets in panic. Some decided to stick around and risk watching the fight live. People recklessly lingered in the area despite glass scattered from windows and rubble from destroyed buildings.

Hundreds crowded around the TVs outside or massive billboards displaying the news. 

Channel 6 News Reporter: “I’m just now receiving word that our footage is correct. Our hero truly was stabbed and brought down to his knees. At this point, we urge everyone to evacuate Etny City immediately. Nobody saw this coming, and all of our live reporters from choppers and on the ground are saying it’s bad news. Again, please leave the city quickly as matters escalate. We don’t know how safe the streets will be with the tides turning against the Ma—”

Panicked Man: (Shouting at the top of his lungs) “Everybody run for your lives!!!”

Store Owner: (Trying to stay calm) “Look, man, calm down! It may look bad now, but he’s never lost a fight. Don’t doubt him now.”

The store owner looked around the panicked crowd.

Store Owner: “Hey! Everybody! Just remain calm. We need to listen and evacuate! Other local heroes should help us out, too!”

Nerd With Greasy Hair: (Getting closer under the action above) “Speak for yourself, wimp! I’m gonna be a millionaire with these clips posted on WebWatch.” 

He moved closer to the heart of the fight while recording from below.

Relieved Woman: (Loudly with a sense of relief) “It’s Super Soaker! He’s here to help.”

Super Soaker was a low- to mid-level hero who was assigned to the city mainly to assist firefighters. He was still quite capable of taking down foes with his control of several hoses that shot water at high velocities. He had two nozzles at each ankle and wrist, with a large tube connected to the back of his suit. 

Super Soaker: (Sliding in after propelling himself with the ankle hoses.) “Is everybody okay so far? Look, we’re not sure how this is going to escalate, so everyone in this area, head uhhh… south to the Mythric Bridge.” 

He was breathing erratically and wiped the sweat off his forehead. He had hardly been out on the field, and he now had to deal with the biggest fight ever.

His hand shook as he pointed in the direction of the bridge.

Super Soaker: “Has anyone around been injured?”

Scared Civilian: (Terrified) “Yes, sir! There were two families tha— AHHH!” 

A large wall tore away from a building’s side and fell towards the large group of people.

Super Soaker: (Shouting with a shaky voice) “Everybody take cover and get down!”

The hoses on his wrists pointed at the debris and shot high-velocity cannons of water at the wall. He stood directly under the large chunk of wall as it fell.

Super Soaker: “High Velocity Propulsion! Increase! Pressure!”

The water blasted out faster than before. The debris slowed down until it was suspended by the water’s pressure.

In one swift motion, Super Soaker redirected the debris away from the crowd and used his ankle hoses to glide away from underneath the debris. 

The large wall crashed into the ground.

Everyone cheered for Super Soaker while he collected himself. 

Super Soaker: “Thank you, everybody. Now, please head south. There are medics on standby, ready to help any victims. Go, quickly!”

Half the group listened and evacuated, while the rest of the group stayed to cheer Super Soaker and help others. While receiving praise, Super Soaker turned in the direction of the nerd recording directly under the fight.

Super Soaker: “Hey, you! You’re too close; it’s dangerous! Sir, move!”

Nerd With Greasy Hair: (Looking towards Super Soaker) “Oh please, I’ll be fi—”

CRASH!

Super Soaker froze. The fear in his gaze could be seen through his visor. His mouth opened slightly, but no sound came out.

A gigantic piece of debris crushed the civilian.

The large group of people behind him stood in shock; some broke into tears.

Super Soaker couldn’t move a muscle. 

Super Soaker: (Internally) “Why didn’t I pay attention? Why didn’t I stop the debris? What am I doing?”

His eyes twitched, but he couldn't look away from the debris.

Crying Man: (Fallen to his knees, sobbing) “My God… We’re all going to die.”

[Baymour Avenue]

Another hero, Hammer of Justice, nicknamed Hammer in battle, was a top-class hero. He wielded a powerful hammer as his relic and had climbed the rankings rapidly.

Hammer swung the oversized hammer in front of him. 

Precise wind gusts swept under boulders and debris to reveal trapped civilians.

Hammer: (A deep voice, speaking bravely) “You’re okay. Head that way, and other heroes will assist you.” 

He looked to the skies as the largest flames of the battle erupted.

Hammer: “Hey, Vesper! There are too many people out here for us to get. We’re not even medic-type heroes. What should we do?”

Vesper was an extremely quick and agile archer who could move in silence like a ninja. He was another high-ranking hero who worked exceptionally well with Hammer in duo missions.

Vesper: (Concerned) “Not sure, Hammer! That blast seemed extreme! Hopefully, that was the end of it, but we’ve still got thousands out here. We gotta at least try to save as many as possible!”

Vesper vanished and reappeared next to another group to help them.

The fight above seemingly reached a climax, so the heroes searched the streets to help any remaining victims. Loud cries echoed throughout the city.

Several people had lost their lives under the rubble, and more were on the brink of death. 

Everyone had done what they could; the rest depended on what happened in the sky…