Black Lightning and Static #2 (of 5)

[Romans Empire]

[Romans Empire]

Black Lightning and Static
Issue #2 (of 5): “50 Shots”
Written by Dan Johnson
Cover by Mischief & Ramon Villalobos
Edited by John Elbe & Mark Bowers

[Romans Empire]

Corrupt cops with guns and a misunderstood young black man...not a good combination. Especially the SCPD, Jefferson Pierce, Black Lightning, thought to himself as he watched the grisly scene.

Virgil Hawkins knelt on the ground hunched over surrounded by a small army of police officers nervously shaking their guns in his direction. In front of Virgil lay a collection of bullets. In Virgil's eyes was fear and confusion as he stared at the projectiles that should have hit him.
“Big bang.” He muttered repeatedly to himself.

About 10 minutes ago, both Virgil and I were powerless. Now, I've been given my powers back, and after blocking a barrage of bullets, he is learning the hard way that he has the same electric powers.

“Please...” Virgil clenched his fists and shut his eyes tightly as a teardrop fell down his cheek. “I'm not trying to do this.” With a small jolt of electricity, the tear evaporated and the officers quickly reloaded their weapons. “Don't shoot, don't make me do it again!” With the increasing fear in his voice, the visible electricity bouncing all over his body grew wilder.

It was 50 shots that killed Sean Bell, 41 for Diallo...I'm not about to wait and see how many it takes for them to hit Virgil.

Virgil let out another large burst of electricity, knocking the police down to the ground. Black Lightning saw this opportunity to get Virgil out of harm's way and ran to him.

“You have to stop this! Concentrate!” Black Lightning put his hand on Virgil's shoulder. The scared teenager turned his head.

“You're Black Lightning, aren't you? What's happening to me?” As Virgil yelled out, the blast intensified and he winced in pain.

“Just calm down Virgil. Breathe.”

“Wait.” With a surprised look on his face, Virgil focused his attention to Black Lightning and the field of electricity dissipated. “How do you--”

“Freeze!” Virgil was interrupted by a cop yelling out at them.

“It's alright. He's not trying to hurt anyone!” Black Lightning waved his hand out to the police. In panic, an officer shot at him. In one swift motion, Black Lightning whipped his hand across his body, blocking the bullet and sending a shock wave into all of the police officers. “I think that's our cue to exit.”

“Isn't he a good guy?” One of the cops on the ground muttered to a fellow officer.

“If he wants to side with the criminal, then he can get shot too.”

Black Lightning and Virgil ran away from the scene before the cops got back onto their feet. Virgil looked back and his eyes widened.

“Look out!” he yelled out as a cop tackled Black Lightning.

“Run!” Black Lightning pointed his hand out towards Virgil.

The officer punched him with his right fist, then swiftly followed with his left. “Let's see how these guns do against you freaks!”

“Same as the others,” Black Lightning responded, letting out electricity that sent the officer flying off of him. He proceeded to stand up and adjust his jaw. “But with those weak punches, I think the safety's off on those 'guns' of yours.”

Virgil continued to run until an officer jumped in front of him and blocked his path. When he closed his eyes and punched the cop, he felt electricity surge through his arm into his fist, and his opponent was knocked out instantly.

“Wow,” he whispered to himself. A hand was placed on his shoulder and he spun around with his fist ready to swing again.

“Feels a lot better when you actually control it, doesn't it?” Black Lightning said with a smile on his face. Virgil returned the expression, but the moment was cut short with the familiar sound of dozens of officers cocking their weapons.

“Always guns.” Virgil's eyes lit up as he thought of all the pain that a small piece of metal had caused him and those that he loved throughout his life. “I hate guns!” His arm extended out and an intense blast of electricity flew into the hands of the officers, sending shocks through their bodies. Once the burst ended, Virgil collapsed into Black Lightning's arms.

“Let's get out of here,” Black Lightning said as helped Virgil back onto his feet. Virgil looked back at the hundreds of bullets and the many police lying on the ground.

“Damn.” He struggled to force out a smirk. “Think of what would've happened if I had pulled out my wallet!”

[Romans Empire]

Moments later, the two arrived at a nearby park. In the silence of the night, the only sound in the area was the flickering of nearby lights on the sidewalk path that followed them like a shadow. Black Lightning helped Virgil to a bench and sat him down.

“So...I bet you have a lot of questions.” Black Lightning said as he removed his mask.

“Mr. Pierce?” Virgil said surprised. “You aren't gonna tell my dad are you?”

Jefferson looked baffled at Virgil's reaction. “After all that just happened, that's what you're worried about?”

“I've come to terms with what's going on in my body. When I went through that...change, it felt like an eternity inside my head. I had time to really think. I've had time to get used to this. I'm completely in tune with this electricity running through me. Now? I'm just worried about the people I love. I want to clean this mess up, and I want to keep everyone safe.”

For a second, Jefferson was taken back by his maturity. His admiration, or jealousy perhaps, of how quickly the teenager was able to figure out his actions in contrast to how he was still in a state of confusion was suppressed for the moment and replaced with a smile.

“Well, I guess I don't need to tell Gea--er, Robert. That would be fair seeing that I haven't told you about him.” Jefferson was toying with the boy, dangling the piece of knowledge in front of him. Virgil's impulsiveness took the bait.

“About him? What's that supposed to--?” Virgil stopped himself before getting too worked up once he noticed Jefferson trying to conceal his laughter. “Fine, he has his secret, I have mine.”

“When you said that you wanted to help clean up this mess, what exactly did you mean by that?”

“This is my responsibility. I want to make this right and bring my friends to justice.”

“Virgil, you can't honestly believe that they're your friends. They commit crimes, get you hurt and involved in a gang war, they just bring you down with their--”

“You don't know anything about it!” Virgil stood and screamed at Jefferson. All of the lights in the park suddenly switched off. “It's not about them bringing me down, it's about me bringing them up. I know thatI'm capable of succeeding on my own, but they aren't as fortunate. They didn't have my parents to raise them.”

“But why is it your responsibility?”

“I grew up with them. They're like family. You don't turn your back on family.”

“But what about your life Virgil? I was the same way when I first started out doing the Black Lightning thing. I thought I owed the streets something for making me what I was. You see where that got me?”

“Whenever my dad talked to me about budget cuts at the clinic, he would tell me that the big business men were just cutting off the fingers to save the hand. What good is a hand with no fingers? I'd rather live a boring life knowing that I fought for the people who needed help than an exciting but selfish one.” The focus in Virgil's eyes showed that he was serious, and when Jefferson saw this look, he knew he wouldn't be able to talk him out of anything.

“Look, I don't want to tell you what to do, so I'm going to help you out here. Your father helped design this costume for me. He hasn't done something like this in years, but I think I could get him to make something similar to this, and without letting him know that it's for you.”

“You'd do that for me? Thanks. I mean, I guess I didn't really think that I would be dressing up like a super hero trying to bring these guys in.”

Jefferson put his hand on Virgil's shoulder with an approving smile on his face. “Virgil, from what you've told me tonight, you already are a hero. Always remember that, the clothes and the powers don't make the man.”

“Yeah, yeah. You sound like my dad when he sees me wearing stylish clothes to impress the ladies. Just because I want to look as fly as I am doesn't make me wrong.”

“And that's where the mature Virgil checks out,” Jeff said jokingly. “Speaking of your dad, you should probably get back home, it's late and I bet he's worried about you.”

“Wow, you're right. We're not too far from my place so I'm just gonna run over there.” Virgil began to walk away, then turned around. “Thanks for helpin' me out. It's nice to know that there's someone that I'll be able to talk to about this.”

“No problem.”

Jeff watched as Virgil sprinted off down the sidewalk path through the park. With each step, a new row of lights ahead of him shined brightly.

If Robert knew how well he raised that kid, he'd be proud right now, Jefferson thought. I can't help but be a little bit envious of his decisiveness though. I just hope he can learn from my mistakes. Maybe I'll learn a few things from him too.

[Romans Empire]

In another part of town, Edwin Alva was pacing back and forth in his penthouse awaiting more news on the fiasco that took place at one of his facilities. A phone rang from across the room and he rushed to grab it.

“Hello?!” he shouted frantically. “I am aware of the problem and I am doing everything in my power to keep it contained...yes, the chemicals that were released were the prototypes for our experiment...they say that these children have shown signs of meta human capabilities....no, there haven't been any reports of negative side effects....yes, I'll keep a close eye on the situation, 'K' leader.”

[Romans Empire]

Minutes later, Virgil arrived out of breath at his house. The moment he opened the door, his father came rushing from the couch to him.

“Where have you been Virgil? I'm not mad just...please tell me you weren't in that mess,” Robert said in a concerned tone.

“Wait, how do you know about what happened?” Virgil replied.

“It's been all over the news. Virgil, this is serious. We need to get you checked out.”

“What are you talking about?”

“They're saying that of the survivors, these kids have been exhibiting...strange symptoms. Super powers.”

“Wow. That's crazy. I left before all of that happened. The Black Lightning helped me escape!”

“That's...great.” Robert raised an eyebrow. “Well, I don't care how you got out of it, I'm just glad you're safe. I can't believe that those kids got you involved in all of this.” He grabbed Virgil and hugged him.

“I'm glad to see you too, dad.”

“Virgil, I've talked to your mother, we're moving in two weeks. You'll be going to a school in a better neighborhood.”

As Virgil stood there listening to his father, he noticed the television.

'...new reports of incidents throughout the city of these Meta human teenagers, dubbed 'Bang Babies' after the Big Bang. There have been recent robberies at local music equipment stores...'

“C'mon man,” Virgil said disappointed as he realized whom the reporter was talking about.

“What's that, Virgil?”

“Uh, nothing. I think I need to go upstairs and sleep this off. It hasn't really sunk in yet, and I'm sure I'll be dealing with this in the morning, but right now I'm just tired.”

“Okay son.”

As Virgil walked upstairs, he heard more of the news.

'...though many of the reported gang members have gone missing, we have been informed that there have been casualties from both gangs...'

Virgil clenched his fist as tears formed in his eyes.

“You sure you're alright Virgil?” Robert questioned.

“Yeah,” Virgil replied fighting back his emotions. “I'll be fine.” Before Robert could pry any deeper they heard a knock on the door.

Robert opened it to see Jefferson standing in the doorway. Virgil gave him a nod as he continued to his room.

“Robert, how are you?” Jefferson asked as he walked in. Robert stood with his arms crossed, glaring at him. “What?”

“What? I just heard that Black Lightning rescued Virgil during all of this Big Bang nonsense.”

“Yeah, good news, the powers are back completely. That's not what I came about though. I have a favor to ask of you. I met this kid there with powers similar to mine...”

Upstairs, Virgil was in the process of sneaking out of his window.

Wait. He thought as he stopped himself. I can't just go out like this; what if someone saw me using my powers? He walked over to his dresser and searched through it. He pulled out an old bandanna and cut two holes out of it. This should work. He proceeded to wrap it around his head, the holes positioning themselves over his eyes.

Back downstairs, Robert and Jefferson sat down at the kitchen table.

“So, you want a sidekick now?” Robert asked.

“Well, not exactly. I'm just helping him get on his feet. Y'know, making sure he knows what he's doing.”

“I don't know if I approve of this, but I guess I don't have much of a say in the matter. I actually think I have some old materials from when you first started out; some shirts, suits, coats, masks, and gloves made out of the same material as your costume. Do you think that would work?” As Robert spoke, Jefferson saw Virgil running by a window. “Jeff?” Virgil turned his head to Jefferson and threw up a peace sign and smile.

“Huh? Yeah. Yeah that'd be fine,” Jeff said, shaking his head as he watched Virgil run off down the street.

“Actually, I'm glad you came. I need to talk to you about this job Alva gave me.”

“What about it?”

“He wants to work on some sort of chemical, and, well, I think it has something to do with what happened tonight.”

“We can't let Alva do anything with this chemical, especially since he is trying to get into office. Do you think you could take the job and keep me updated on what he's up to?”

“Just like the old days, huh? I've been itchin' for another one of our team ups.”

[Romans Empire]

Down the street, Virgil walked up to a house.

I can't believe he would resort to stealing, he thought of his friend. I've tried so hard to teach him to do good, but--

“Hey!” a voice yelled out to Virgil. “What are you doing here?”

Virgil turned around to see his old friend, Jimmy, standing there with a bag of DJ equipment.

“Jimmy, why would you do this?”

“No! You're not takin' me!”

Virgil ran up to stop him and Jimmy vanished. Following his disappearance, a small explosion was created that sent Virgil into the house. Jimmy appeared next to him. “How do you know my name?”

“I'm...the new protector of this city. I know everything. We need to get you help, Jim. I know you don't really want to do this.”

“You don't know anything about me!” Jimmy clenched his fists and Virgil swiftly shot a bolt of electricity at him. “Agh!” he screamed out as his teleportation ceased. “You're not taking me in. I'm not going to jail.” Jimmy started to run and Virgil took off after him.

“C'mon, you don't want to throw your life away. I can help you.” The distance between the two became shorter and Virgil grabbed Jimmy's shoulder. “Stop hiding from your potential, Jimmy!” Jimmy clenched his fist and they both disappeared. A split second later they appeared nearly 100 feet from the ground. Jimmy dropped Virgil and quickly teleported back to the ground.

Oh my God! I'm gonna die! Thoughts raced through Virgil's mind as he was in a free fall towards the pavement. There's gotta be something else these powers can do. Virgil pointed his hands at the ground and shot electricity out, but his velocity remained. He then spotted a manhole cover on the street. With all his concentration, he aimed towards it and connected a jolt of power at it. With a yank from his arms, he brought it up towards him and then under his body. For a moment, he forgot about the problem down below as he stood 50 feet in the air, floating on a manhole cover. Wow. I can fly. With a shake of his head, he looked back down to see Jimmy starting to run, after realizing that his efforts had failed. Virgil moved his hands and with them the manhole moved towards the ground as well. Once he caught up to Jimmy, he laid an electric punch on him and knocked him to the ground.

“Jimmy, stop!”

“Please, I can't go to jail. I didn't mean to fight you. I just don't want to go away,” Jimmy whimpered. Virgil lowered himself to ground level and sat beside him.

“I know you don't, Jim. I just don't understand why you would steal all of this stuff.”

“I just want a better life. I got these powers, and the first thing I thought was that I could just stop trying hard to get everything I want.”

“You can't take the easy way out though, no matter how difficult it seems.”

“You sound like a guy I know,” he said with a smile that slowly turned to a look of fear. “Oh jeez, I really screwed up. What am I gonna do?”

“Look, Jimmy, I know you're a good guy. Everyone deserves a second chance, so I'm gonna make a deal with you. You have to promise me that you'll take all of this back and stay out of crime for good, and I'll make sure that you don't get in any major trouble for this.”

“Wow, you'd do that for me? Why?”

“I'm...responsible for everyone here. This city and the people in it mean a lot to me. So, what do you say?”

“Of course, I'll turn my life around, I swear.” He extended his hand to Virgil and the two shook. As Virgil flew into the air on his manhole, Jimmy stopped him.

“Wait, what's your name?”

Virgil hesitated but just smiled as he took off.

[Romans Empire]

As the adrenaline of having saved a life still rushed through Virgil's body, he felt the need to fly into the city and patrol. Over the course of a half hour, he had found a couple of petty robberies, and a small gang fight, and handled them all without anyone getting badly injured. On one last exploration through the street before he returned home, he heard gunshots from nearby.

Virgil flew over to the scene to see a police vehicle, news van, and a man behind a car firing at the police.

“I'll leave in a body bag, but not in cuffs, pig!” the man yelled as he blindly fired from the cover of his car. From the skies, a bolt of electricity zapped the gun from his hand.

“Hey, I don't like our boys in blue either, buddy, but I'm gonna have to ask you to step away from the gun before I deep fry you,” Virgil said as he came down to the streets.

“S-s-sure, just don't hurt me, man,” the man said with a shocked look on his face.

“And you sounded so tough earlier,” Virgil muttered.

“You! Bang Baby! Put your hands--” a cop yelled and pointed his gun at Virgil, only to be met with a shock.

“Y'know, I think I've had enough of you guys pointing guns at me for one night, so unless you want me to make bacon out of you, I suggest you holster that and just do your damn job.” As the cop nervously walked past Virgil and handcuffed the criminal, a member of the news crew ran up to Virgil.

“Hi, my name is Angela McDonald from Channel 9 news. Are you a Bang Baby?” the reporter asked, excited to get a scoop on the hot topic.

“Yes, I am, Angela, but don't worry, I'm a good guy.”

“But you just attacked that officer.”

“Yeah, him being on my side would imply that he was good. The SCPD is corrupt and I don't trust them. I guess you can't take my word for it since I'm just a vigilante, but it's true. And I'd like to tell any Bang Baby watching that it's not too late to turn yourself in. Don't get involved in crime, or I'm going to take you down.” Virgil clenched his teeth. “Especially you, Hotstreak.”

“Why do you feel the need to help these teens?”

“I really have to go, but if you want I could schedule a private interview with you, beautiful,” Virgil winked at the reporter who began to blush.

“Well, at least tell us your name.”

Virgil again ignored the question and took to the sky.

[Romans Empire]

About ten minutes later, Virgil arrived at his house. Before he could sneak in, he heard a whisper.

“Virgil”

“Mr. Pierce? What are you doing back here?” Virgil replied.

“I've been following you since you left,” Jefferson told him.

“Really? What'd you think?”

“I don't approve of what you did - not turning Jimmy in - but I guess if that's the type of hero you're going to be, I'm not going to be able to convince you otherwise. I just want to let you know that if our paths ever cross and we are on opposing sides of the law like this again, I won't hesitate to take you down.”

“Wow,” Virgil said with a surprised look on his face. “You know, I really don't agree with you there. Not only do I think that I made the right choice since our good old corrupt legal system wouldn't give Jimmy a second chance. But I know that you couldn't take me down if you tried,” he said with a smirk.

“Oh really? You do know I changed your diapers, right?”

“Yeah, and in your old age I'll probably be doing the same for you when I whoop your butt.” The two burst out in laughter, and then realized that they were trying to stay hidden.

“I didn't come here to tell you that I didn't agree with how you're doing this. You did a fine job, and I think you'll make your father and me proud. Let's go to my place, I have something to give you.”

Later, the two arrived at Jefferson's place and walked in the door.

“I'm sure you're tired, so I'll make this quick.” He grabbed a bag and gave it to Virgil. “Go ahead try it on.” Virgil's face lit up as he ran to another room.

A couple of minutes later, Jefferson shouted to Virgil:

“So, what are you thinking of calling yourself superhero?”

Virgil smiled and looked into the mirror.

Black gloves. Dark blue mask. Black and blue hoody. He was ready for anything. Virgil responded to Jefferson...

“Static.”

[Romans Empire]

In a nearby alley, Jimmy was walking back to his house.

“Finally got rid of all that stuff. My conscience feels clearer already!” he said to himself as he heard footsteps behind him. “Who's there?”

“Oh, don't worry, Jimbo. It's your old pal.” A voice from the shadows spoke.

“Look, I don't want any trouble. If you're from The Bangers, tell 'em I'm out. I'm done watching out for heat. I want to live a legal life.”

“Oh, Jim, there's gonna be a lot of heat where you're going.” The stranger extended his hand and shot fire. Within seconds, Jimmy had been turned into a pile of ash. Francis Stone, otherwise known as Hotstreak, stepped out of the shadows.

“After I kill all of The Bangers, I'm coming for you Virgil.”



To be continued…

[mockingbird]

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