superhero · vulnerable · rescue · water powers · hero arsonist · injured · desperate · action · rivalry · saving
The sky above the warehouse district had turned a sick, pulsing orange, as if the sun itself had fallen to earth and was devouring the city block by block. Ash drifted like black snow, settling on parked cars and cracked asphalt, while the roar of the inferno drowned out every siren, every shout, every whimper of the dying night. The heat shimmered in waves, distorting the silhouette of the building into a monstrous, breathing thing. Waterboy lay crumpled at the edge of the blaze, his blue costume scorched and blackened, his face pressed against the softening pavement. One hand was still outstretched, fingers twitching, as if reaching for the water that had abandoned him. The fire had eaten his strength, his hope, his voice—leaving only the faint crackle of the headset still live on his…