Thread: The Life of Valor (Grave x Kat)

After going over the case file, Scott had not seen anything he did not already know. Everyone on the client list of Valerie had been cleared, and going over the file had produced no new suspects. It seemed that his plan to follow Valerie and see if anyone else was would be the best course of action. He set the case file down and rubbed his tired eyes. Scott got up and headed for bed after giving teeth a good but quick brushing. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was asleep. During the night, he had a dream that was more like a memory from five years ago. He was fifteen years old and it was his second day at the Shadowgreen Institute. His first day had not been the best, as he was made fun of for not being a true metahuman, due to his powers coming from something besides himself. The worst of the lot was a boy named Nick, an ambitious new student who wanted to climb the ladder as quickly as possible. His nickname was Shell-Shock, and he could fire energy blasts from his body. It was only a matter of time before the two would clash. Scott was walking down a hallway, headed for a place where he could quietly train. The Kasha had sent a message that he should meet with them in the evening, so he had some time to kill before then. Just as he was about to exit the door, he heard snickering laughter behind him. Scott whirled around to see Nick and two taller boys giving him malicious grins. Well, well, if it isn't Tin Can Man, Nick said in a mocking tone. Scott clenched his fist, in no mood to put up with his crap right now. Well, Captain Smartmouth, it's not good to see you. What the hell do you want? The tallest boy stepped forward, getting close to Scott. For one thing, you're in the wrong section, New Blood. This hallway is for Median and Superior students only. I didn't see any signs saying that. The older boy jabbed him in the chest with his index finger. You don't need any signs, it's tradition. Lower-ranking students stay away from higher-ranking students until they prove themselves. It's common sense. Yeah, whatever, Scott replied as he turned to walk away. He didn't get far, as the older boy grabbed the back of his shirt and held fast. Now, hold on there. You and my brother Nick are going to settle your differences here and now. Scott turned and glared at Nick as the older boy let go of his shirt. Let's get this over with, then. After I kick your ass, you're going to stop calling me Tin Can Man. We may be the same rank but don't get ahead of yourself, Nick replied, You and I are not in the same league, poser. Scott was led out the door to an empty field on the west side of the Institute, where students often went to settle their differences in combat. The oldest boy introduced himself as Richard, a Superior rank student and older brother of Nick. The next-oldest was Mike, a Median rank student and mutual friend of the brothers. Scott and Nick went to opposite sides of the field, ready to face off. Scott clenched his fist, and a bright yellow and white aura flared up as an earthquake started to occur around them. Within a matter of minutes, a black and gold gauntlet had appeared on Scott's right arm, a manifestation of his power. Nick smirked. That won't do you any good, Scott. I've won already. We'll see, Shellhead. That's Shell-Shock! he angrily called out as he fired blue energy blasts from his hands. Scott dodged to the side and used his arm to ward off the blasts, closing the distance between himself and his opponent. When he was close enough, he punched Nick across the face and followed it up with a series of blows. He finished with a straight from his arm of Valor that nearly broke his nose. Nick got to his feet, his face twisted in fury. Damn you! I won't hold back now! He turned his fist palm up and put it at his side, starting to charge up power. Seeing that his opponent was going to use his strongest attack, Scott decided that he would do the same. He clenched his fist and his arm of Valor started to glow. As time went on, it threw off a rainbow of colors and became blindingly bright. Nick had charged up an energy ball the size of a basketball, and was soon ready to go. Shell Cannon! he cried out as he aimed his fist at Scott and fired a powerful blast at him. Fist of Valor! Scott cried as he went forward, spun around for momentum, and punched the blast as hard as he could. From here, it was a clash of wills as much as techniques. Scott moved through the blast, but it was taking a toll on his arm. Bits and pieces started to chip off, until it seemed entirely off when he was only a foot away from Nick. How can he resist the Shell Cannon with just his bare arm?! Richard asked in disbelief. This guy's not human, Mike said in agreement. What neither one of them knew was that a tiny piece of the arm was still on the underside of Scott's wrist, and it allowed him to continue his struggle. At last, he broke through, and his fist collided with Nick's jaw, unleashing the full power of the Fist of Valor. Nick was thrown back violently, bounced off of the ground a few times, and was buried an inch thick in a brick wall. The last piece of the arm fell off of Scott's arm, but he had a triumphant smile on his face. It was your turn to be shell-shocked, Nick, he said with a chuckle. He straightened up and took a deep breath before turning and around and heading back for the main building. As he walked away, Richard and Mike headed over to pry Nick out of the wall, thinking that Scott had proven himself to be more determined and powerful than they imagined.