As Chains was just a few feet away from Blake, the superhero was hit by a fireball at the back and he fell down a few feet below. In a split second Chains managed to grab Blake and repeatedly casted more chains to the side of the building to slow their descent while protecting Blake from the falling rubble and the fireballs Blaze cast to them. Blake saw that Chains’ complexion was getting paler and his lips were slowly turning blue from the blood loss he managed from his fight.

In a matter of seconds they are now at the ground with Chains visibly bleeding and gasping for breath. Chains told Blake to run away from the area but Blake refused to do so due to the fear of what may happen next. After a while Blaze appeared in front of them, threatening both Chains and Blake with a huge fireball on hand until they heard that the apartment complex where Blake originally lives is collapsing on top of them.

In a last attempt to save themselves from danger, Chains, with his little remaining strength, wrapped Blaze with bloodied chains from top to bottom of his body. In order to secure Blaze in his position, he grabbed the largest manageable rubble he could find and chained it to the wrapped body to reduce the time Blaze could escape from the falling structure. In a few seconds Chains pulled themselves out of the area out from danger and Blaze, despite being fully wrapped by the chains and other debris, still managed to snuck his hand out and fire one last fireball in their direction.

–

Chains cried out loud when the fireball hit his body, dropping Blake in the process. They both saw the upper half of the building crumbling in front of them, collapsing to Blaze’s wrapped body and probably killing him. Both Chains and Blake covered their eyes from the dust and smoke until it slowly disappeared from the view.

Blake went close to Chains’ body on the ground and cried,“Chains, I’m so sorry… I shouldn't've gone to the building at all and now you’re bloody and dying!”

Chains looked at Blake and smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.” He brought his bloody hand up and wiped the tear off Blake’s eye. He is now coughing at this point, blood is now dripping off his mouth.

Blake screamed, “No you’re not! You’re not fine at all!” He stood up and grabbed the superhero’s body to pull him away to safety but he saw that the ground was now full of blood due to the fireball that hit Chains recently. He dropped the body in horror and hugged Chain’s withering body while whispering apologies.

Chains whispered, “Son, what is your name?” he coughed blood.

“I’m Blake, a powerless citizen.” Blake hurriedly answered.

“My name is Gray.” Gray shuffled Blake’s hair, “Do you want to be a hero?” he rasped out.

Blake turned to Gray, now with glassy eyes staring at the sky, “Yes! I want to be like you!” With tears flowing out.

“Give me your hand… and put it on my chest…” Gray is now losing energy to speak. “Trust me…”

Blake slowly put his hand on his chest and immediately felt Chains’ memories flood his vision. From his childhood, his everyday struggles, how Chains used his power for good up until the events today. Blake saw himself through Gray’s POV and heard his thoughts. He learned that Gray wanted to meet him and be friends but he did not have enough time to do that and regretted it.

Seeing that Gray is spacing out, Blake asked, “So you saw me all the time? Cheering for you?”

Gray did not reply, but asked a different question, “Blake… what time is it…?” with staggered breaths.

Blake, now in tears in realization, “It’s now… 4 PM.” he whimpered.

With his remaining strength, Gray pulled Blake’s head over his chest and whispered, “Ah…, I never knew that the afternoon would be so… dark…” Gray finally closed his eyes and gave his last breath.

Blake cried.

–

A few weeks later, Blake started to notice some changes in his body. He felt that he got way stronger ever since the incident. He can now control the darkness, he is now able to make his shadows work for him. He can make it solid, pass through elements, and make extremely strong strings with it. He can also teleport from one place to another using the shadows around him - it may be strong but of course it has its limitations that Blake has to know eventually.

A new superhero is now born - forged by his dark past and the regret of the death of his favorite superhero. He will carry the legacy Chains passed down to him and help as many people as possible. The end.

Feedback is appreciated!