I personally don't like this story. But hey. It's going up anyway.

Enjoy.

Grady Arcadipane

-2007-

Remember that story you used to tell, Sammy? The one about how Dad died, about Cammo Man's fight with the Beast Master? I used to love that story, even through its true meaning. I was ten; what did death mean to me? I remember I used to always cry when Cammo Man died, but the way you told me his memory would live on dried the tears.

I can't believe you're gone now, too. It's not possible; you were always so strong. Down to the day almost, I'm the same age you were when Cammo Man died. You deserve the same kind of memory, Sammy. I hope I do you justice.

Samuel Arcadipane stood on the front lawn facing his mother and younger brother. He raised his hand professionally in a salute to his family, but quickly dissolved into an informal hug, first with his mother, then with his brother. When he was free of their warm embraces, he saluted the American flag in the front yard, a stone block at the base of the pole reading:

"If tears could build a stairway

And memories a lane,

I'd climb right up to heaven

And bring you back again."

Then he turned and climbed into his car, driving off into the horizon. He knew he would miss them, but he knew what he was doing was the right thing. He was a hero, after all. Everyone knew it, but he knew it best.

Once he was out of sight, he stopped the car and pulled on his costume. He never liked the Spandex suits in the comic books; he never thought Spandex was all that comfortable, and it had frightened him to see Cammo Man in his uniform.

He stepped out of the car as Narly Dude, a blue, purple, and white snowboard beneath his arm. His costume was comfortable, and he knew the ladies loved it, from the boots right up to the goggles settled over his eyes. He figured this way, no matter where he was or what the situation happened to be, he would remember the last bit of fun he had had with his brother, riding the slopes at their favorite resort.

After wiping the wrinkles from his jacket, Narly Dude jumped onto his snowboard and flew to the Base, where he reunited with the other superheroes after his leave. The base was noisy with the sound of radios and the occasional announcement as teams of heroes were called to the rescue of innocent civilians.

Suddenly, the speakers came to life. There was a hostage situation on the other side of Hero City, and all available heroes were called to the scene. Narly Dude immediately hopped aboard his snowboard and look off in the direction of the incident.

Behind his goggles, he saw someone screaming for help. There were three people trapped in a burning building, but only one was awake—or alive. Narly Dude kicked the snowboard into turbo and crouched down to be more aerodynamic. Within minutes, he was at the scene.

I'm sorry, Sammy. I'm not as good of a story-teller as you were. This is just so hard to me. The preacher is saying a prayer, but all I can do is stare at the flag draped over your coffin. Is this how you felt when Dad died? Is this what you did?

The building had been bombed, the rubble falling on three reporters and trapping them inside, injured and helpless. The only conscious one cried for help as loudly as he could, but work crews still couldn't free them.

Narly Dude surveyed the scene from the sky, then landed and folded his snowboard into a compact saucer-like clip for his belt. With the other superheroes, he formulated a plan. While the strongest of the group dug away rubble, Narly Dude and Captain Boxer Shorts would look for another way to get into the building.

Captain Boxer Shorts found an opening that led to the basement. From there, he and Narly Dude climbed the steps to the first floor, where Narly Dude scanned the broken beams and furniture with his goggles. He spotted the trapped civilians on the other side of the room and pointed Captain Boxer Shorts to them, fearing that if he spoke, he would choke on the smoke.

Carefully, they made their way together to the trapped civilians. They dug slowly in the rubble, worried about the pile caving in. The cries of the conscious man grew louder until they could see his face.

Suddenly, the man grinned evilly. He was alone and unharmed, and wearing a dark mask over his face.

Narly Dude stepped back, but there was no way he could escape the attack. The man in the rubble lit the fuse on top of his head, exploding in an instant.

That was really awful, Sammy. I'm sorry. Remember how you always used to read those Captain Underpants books to me when I was little? I thought your companion should remind you of that. But I guess not.

I hate this. I hate that you're gone. I hate that Mom can't stop crying. First Dad, then you. How can this ever become right? I always supported you, Sammy. You knew that. But I can't support any of this anymore. I don't want to, but it's also psychologically impossible. You went to avenge Dad, and you promised to come back. You promised, Sammy. And now look at you. Look at us all. Tell me what to do, Sammy. Tell me, please. I need to know. I need guidance, because you've been through all this before. How could you leave us? You're supposed to teach me everything there is to being a man—everything, not just half of it.

But I know you can't come back.