The Burned Man

PILOT

Striding forward, a rucksack on one shoulder, bandages covering my skin, the light of the sun shining down upon me, I continue my long, often lonely journey. The road travels ever on, and each step takes me closer to my journey's end. How will my journey end? Will it bring me peace? Will it leave me desiring for different answers? Or will I be traveling more, not yet reaching the end of the path I walk?

So many questions, and so few answers.

The town of Willows Bend stands before me on my travels, it will be a place I can stop, and rest, let us hope they are willing to allow such a luxury for some time. Walking into town, I received stares, even some looks of pity or disgust from those who saw me, but I did not mind. The town looked like so many others I have passed through in my travels.

Reaching a bench, I sat down resting my head back slightly. I just let the world move on, as I stayed still, resting.

"Blessed am I for fair weather, and kind souls who aided me on my journey." I made thanks and set my bag down.

It took some time, but someone approached me. I opened my resting eyes and saw who it was that stood before me.

"Hey, buddy, you need to move along." the police officer told me.

I was quiet, looking up at him. Sighing, I grabbed my bag and stood up from the bench.

"I must apologize, I have walked a long journey, and just need some time to rest." I requested, trying to remain humble in the simple question.

"Not my choice, People are worried that you may be causing problems, I'm just doing my job. The mask and the vest, along with the bag, put a lot of people on edge."

"Fear is natural. I am simply passing through, and need to rest. I will be leaving in time but do know officer that I am someone who does not seek trouble nor do I wish to bring harm to the innocent. I simply wish for some time to rest before resuming my journey as Moses's journey towards the holy land when he and God's chosen people escape enslavement." I spoke towards the officer who seemed to be taken aback a little looking over me not with the eyes of one who would scrutinize but out of curiosity.

"Gotta ask sir. Are you Christian or a crazy?" The officer asks me before I give a soft shake of my head "I am not of those who have twisted the words of our father but if you must know I am a follower of the lord but I do not believe that there should be so many different sects of us for we all believe in the same god do we not?"

That got a good-hearted laugh from the officer who nods now adorn with a soft smile "Amen. Look I'm sorry for giving you a hard time but it really is the way you look that gave some folks round here an uneasy feeling. If you're looking for a place to rest and get something to eat there is this little dinner I like to stop by that has really good coffee."

With a nod of my head, I said towards the officer "Bless you for your kindness sir. I could use some food after my long journey."

The officer nods as well before looking down towards my side before he adds with a chuckle "An armed man of god. Happy that you're open carrying but I hope you're only planning to use that in self-defense." He motions his head towards the handgun which was holstered within the dark brown leather hide holster which was attached to my hip.

I only nodded back as I answered the officer "As I said before sir. I am a man of the lord and do not wish to start trouble, but if trouble should come looking for me then I shall defend myself. After all, was it not Jesus who said to his followers 'But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.' Did he not?" I added a small chuckle as the officer seemed to laugh good heartily as well.

The Officer nods as he adds "Ah but my good man the good book also reminds us 'For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.' Remember that." However, his smile told me differently before he finally gave me directions towards the dinner before we both wished ourselves a blessed day.

A meal was something that sounded nice, small snacks on the long journey fueled my body, but a meal with others was fuel for the soul. As I approached the small diner, I walked inside and witnessed a few of those eating had stopped and turned to glance at me.

I walked over to an empty seat at the counter and sat down. The woman standing behind the counter paused and looked at me, worry was clear in her eyes.

"You're not a cape are you hun?" She asked.

"No, I am not a cape, what I am is just a sinner who is traveling and seeking to find redemption, both for myself and for those I come across, but I have not come to make you listen to God's word no I am just here to sit down and eat. My journey is far from complete and I plan to continue the journey well before the sun sets." I explained as I pulled out my wallet and looked at the bills that I had inside twenty seven dollars was all I had it seemed.

"I will take the-" My eyes traveled over the simple laminated menu. "The hamburger with mashed potatoes and just a glass of water will be fine." I ordered with nine dollars taken out of my wallet and handed it to the woman, who took the five and four-dollar coins I had pulled from it.

"I'll bring that out to ya." She turned and handed the note with my order to the kitchen window.

Sitting inside, the sounds of people's conversations slowly returned. A man continued to look in my direction if I had to guess either drawn to my bag or my bandaged form. As I waited, the glass of water was brought over. Using a straw I adjusted the bandages that covered my mouth and drank from the glass all while it seemed that part of my burned lips were now visible for some onlookers to see.

It was a curious child, one innocent of mind free of sin, that spoke louder than they intended, and asked their parents an innocent question, "Why is that man dressed like a mummy and a soldier?"

The parents tried to hush the child, but I couldn't help but chuckle just slightly. The faces of the parents were as worried as I did.

"It is because I use them to heal and to put others at ease." I answered as it turned the family in the booth to now look towards me.

"Why not go to the doctor?" The child asked as they tilted their head just slightly.

"What I heal from can not be fixed by a doctor of the body, nor one of the mind. What I seek is a doctor of the soul and few can truly heal the injuries I have gained for my greatest of injuries are those which have been inflicted upon my very soul and I am afraid only the lord can heal my soul of those injuries." I answered the child in a soft tone of voice. A voice that seems to hold more weight than some could understand when one adds the way I look and dress.

The child seems to tilt their head again as they ask "Why?"

I couldn't help but chuckle ever so slightly "from the mouth of babes." Shaking my head while others seemed to join in my small laughter that escaped my lips I said towards the child "I am afraid that I am not the one to answer such a question. For that is something to be discussed between you and your family as well as those for whom preach and spread the word of our lord."

The child's family sent me thankful looks as they now took the child's attention away from me to begin a hushed conversation about what I said so I decided to return my attention back to my own booth as I reached into my vest's inner pocket which seems to put some people on edge who were still paying attention to me only to relax as I materialized a rather old bible from within.

As I read in peace I felt a presence enter into my booth which caused me to look up to see I was no longer alone for sitting across from me was a man in a tan or possibly dark earth uniform wearing a black vest with a black ball cap atop his head with the bold letters 'PRT' adorn on both the vest and the ballcap.

"Mind if I join you stranger?" The PRT man asked to which I simply nodded that he may, which resulted in both of us sitting in a comfortable silence before the man seemed to look at me and asked "Which passage are you reading?"

Looking up to look at the man I answered "Ephesians 1:7 'In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace' It is one that I believe is rather relevant in today's society."

The PRT man seems to raise an eyebrow as he asks "Really? Huh, I must have not studied that one when I used to go to Sunday school. However, the reason I came to join you is because we don't really get folks like you here in our region. So I'm curious as to where ya going, stranger?"

I nod my head at his question as one who deals with the laws related towards those with extraordinary abilities would be curious about a man covered head to toe in bandages wearing a tactical vest and would wonder where one would wander towards. "Understandable friend but to answer your question I am heading east and from where I travel is that of Utah."

The PRT man looked honestly surprised as says with a small smile "A Mormon this far out? I'll be. Well welcome to Arizona friend but now you got my curiosity peaked even more as to why you're heading East since the rare Mormons we do get in a blue moon seem to want to head South or North maybe even West but very rarely East less they headin towards Texarkana."

"My destination lies further beyond there. It is one that I take traveling with those who let me to those who I will not bother making them change their own journey for the sake of mine. I am to some taking a pilgrimage for my own sake, for my own soul, to seek enlightenment or even forgiveness for my own past sins." I explained, taking a knife to the burger and cutting it in half to make it easier to eat with minimal movement of the bandages.

The PRT man seems to nod in understanding "Well I won't pry into another man's reasoning to be seeking closure or even forgiveness for their sins. Lord knows I and a few of the boys and girls of the PRT pay a visit to the confessional once and a while to help us deal with what we do from nine to five."

"The work to keep justice and order against the nature of evil man is one that pushes us all. A sinner's nature is to challenge the Saint but few hearts are so able to resist the temptations of the flesh and of the mind. Seek solace that you are helping even if not thanked for even those closest to our Lord suffered at those who they denied." I explained taking a bite of my meal.

The PRT man remained silent as I ate then seemed to chuckle as he asked "Wise words my strange friend but now I gotta ask if you happen to be a padre or a street preacher?"

"I am neither one who preaches in a building, nor one who makes others listen where I am unwanted. I only speak the Lord's word to those who seek me out or those for whom will listen for his word is meant to be for anyone who seeks to be given a chance at salvation for their mortal souls." I told him as I finished eating.

The PRT man looked at me, it was probably a different answer than what he expected. The rest of my meal was done in mostly silence. The man from the PRT left heading over to the counter, speaking with a few other people at the diner. A few people walked out, and a few more came in. Willows Bend was a simple rural town.

As I finished the meal, I set the utensils on the plate. I looked down before the door swung open, 3 people stormed their way in.

"This is a robbery! Hands up! Hey bitch! Take the money out of the register!" The lead man shouted.

The PRT man reached for his belt, only for a shot to be heard, as he fell down, clutching his shoulder as he fell to the ground. My hand moved to the holster. One of the 3 turned and raised their gun at me. The look in their eyes was a look of many conflicting emotions.

"Son. Lower the gun." I requested, undoing the strap on my holster.

"Hand over your wallet!" they demanded.

"Is this what you will gain here lasts longer than the desire for justice? Wealth and power are fleeting things. At this time you hold one to gain the other but both will be lost in time, and you will have nothing. Lower your weapons." I ordered sternly "Pain does much to shape the soul, both that you inflict upon others and upon yourself." I told him, slowly moving the safety.

"Put your hands up you mummy-looking bastard!" They shouted shouldering the gun as it was aimed in my direction.

"I must apologize for what will happen." I said, sighing truly wishing that such an action I was about to take could be avoided.

I kicked the table up and slammed it against him, the plate, cup, napkin holder, and other items being thrown at him. The gun was knocked down by the table before I moved out of the booth, ducking behind the turned-over table.

Quickly unholstering my own gun I leaned to the right of the overturned table aiming at the two others as they turned to see their comrade had fallen to the ground and were now moving to act as they raised their weapons towards my direction. Yet with the Lord's will, I was faster.

My first shot fired a roar as the 357 slug slammed into the leg of the furthest shattered their shin and caused a small eruption of blood, flesh, and bone making them fall, their gun dropping as they fell to the ground screaming in pain as they clutched their bloody shin. My next shot was aimed at the stomach of the middle individual. With one shot, they fell down crying out in pain as they doubled over. Lastly, the man who was closest attempted to raise their gun to shoot at me.

I flipped my own around now holding the barrel and slid to use the handle of my pistol to strike him in the side of the head grabbing the handguard of the gun then used that point of control to pull the gun forward ripping it from the man's grasp. Nearly making him lose control of the long rifle, I then slammed the stock of the gun back towards his temple, making him lose the will to stay within the world of the awoken as he finally released the shotgun and fell backward to the floor.

With a sigh, I holstered my pistol before putting the shotgun in my hands down, I unloaded it with purpose as I set it and the other weapons on the counter before making my way toward the downed PRT man to see what aid I could render unto him.

"I will be taking my leave. I trust that you can ensure that these sinners are given judgment?" I asked the man from the PRT as he grunted in pain all the while I helped him into a booth.

"Debbie. Get the Deputy here if he isn't already on his way. As for you. Thank you. Guess the lord be lookin' out for me today hehe ow hurts to laugh." the PRT man winced as he tried to see the positive of the situation.

"The work of the Lord is always a mystery. It may have been a simple chance of man that I was here, or it may have been God's providence that placed me here to ensure that the cruel were punished, and the good man could continue his work." I said to the wounded PRT man who simply chuckled again before cringing in pain.

"Good guy with a gun right? As the old sayin goes, stranger." Looking out of the window towards the sound of sirens headin' towards the establishment he looks back at his savior and says "Go on with ya travels. I think we fine folks can keep these three outlaws from tryin' to start trouble again."

"Then I wish you all the best. May the Lord's blessings be upon you." I picked up my bag, slung it over my shoulder, and walked out of the diner. I had a long journey ahead, one that would lead me to a place I once called home. A place that needed someone to try and save it, even if few souls were there to truly save.

Of course, once my journey began again I could not help but marvel at the beauty that I witnessed from nature's greatest creation blessed unto us from God, from the high cliffs I witnessed the most breathtaking sunsets and rises, to massive plains where I watch wild herds roam and flourish.

Truly a beautiful world made in the lord's image.
Yet no matter the town I roam into there always seem to be those who have succumbed to the sin of greed as they attempt to either take from their fellow man or break the sixth commandment as they attempt to take another life, an innocent life. Every time they try I step in and stop them which sometimes results in my own breaking such a commandment even if in the defense of the innocent and those who have not sinned themselves.

With the sun setting on this day I looked out as I wandered towards the nearby Cedar cliffs, as I looked for possible shelter from the elements that may come in the night.

I turned walking the short relative distance from the road up a trail before finding a cave that had formed into the side of the cliff which caused me to smile under my bandages "Thank you lord for this small miracle." I said in a low tired voice before finally, I found a spot where I could unroll my bedroll from my pack and even a leveled part for my portable heater which was gifted to me from a nice family-owned store whom I saved from being killed and robbed.

Resting upon a rock, I removed my vest, set it down, unbuttoned my shirt, and began to unwrap my bandages. As the air made contact with my burned skin, it burned, as if the fire that caused my condition was still there burning as hot as the flames of hell that should have taken my life that day.

Yet by the grace of the Lord, I was not taken on that day for what reason I did not know at the time but as I traveled these lands I began to understand what my purpose might be or at least assume as one simply can not truly understand the Lord and their great mysteries or ways for which they work.

Setting down the map I acquired in Dallas, I began to see what my next destination was as I attempted to keep from entering into the cities and mostly stuck to the small towns and farm counties which made up the vast majority of the United States. Tracing my finger I saw that I would need to stick to Highway 64 to 88. I could avoid the major cities until I hit Highway 90 which was a straight shot to my destination.

With a sigh of contemplation, I folded up the map before going to apply the medicine to my burns as I prepared to pray to god for safe travels as well as prayer for an honest night's sleep free of the nightmares which seem to plague me as I try to find comfort within the embrace of blissful slumber.

PRT East North-East
Conference Room #7
7-7-10

If there was one thing Piggot hated the most it was having a surprise be dropped on her lap even worse when said surprise was now on not just the PRT watchlist. No.

Said surprise was also the NSA, FBI, hell EVEN HOMELANDS Watchlist because of the fact they were suspected of making their way across the United States on foot, which made it that much harder to track them and only ever got updates on said person of interest anytime they stop at a small town which when the reports came in at first made her and most of the PRT have a collective stroke thinking it was a new member of The Nine.

A man entering town covered in burns wouldn't have been the first individual to try and audition for the wandering band of mass murderers. Most of the time, it ended with a kill order and the collection of its bounty, shortly after a few more sightings and one or two incidents that made them notorious for a short time. However, the few times the actions do, it is safe to say they are either killed if the 9 are not looking for new members or join, as they replace a member that they killed.

Yet when no reports of towns going dark anytime they went through allowed everyone to let out a breath of relief ONLY! To suck it in again AFTER the information of them being religious came in which made most everyone assume it was a member of the True Apostles, a cult villain group who believed that Scion was the physical form of Satan, trying to pass for Christ.

This was bad in a different way, the True Apostles were crazies and they harshly judged, often crucifying, burning alive, flagellation, and other methods to punish those they sentenced as Sinners.

Yet again they relaxed when information came in from the local Arkansas branch that this person of interest was in fact a follower of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints Aka Mormonism or as Piggot sees the person of interest. A Mormon.

A simple Mormon covered head to toe in bandages open carrying a large caliber handgun with a backpack and being the picture-perfect example of a Good Samaritan since every report they have on this person either says he saved lives, helped the locals, or both, and went on the dusty trail heading straight for them. Well, the North East, but that was too close for her own comfort to be eased.

Which frustrated the Director to high hell and back to the point she had to go through her dialysis process almost three times a day now due to the stress this person of interest placed on her. Director Piggot was not a happy woman. No, she wasn't.

Which was why she was holding a meeting with all the high-ranking members, officers, and even office staff of the ENE to catch them up to speed on this good samaritan who was heading their way.

"Armsmaster, refresh us with the Profile of the subject of this meeting." Piggot began.

"Codenamed: The Burned Man
Name: John Doe

Description of Individual: Standing 6' even in height, estimated to be 200-220lbs, always seen covered head to toe in bandages, preferred choice of clothing are jeans, with buttoned up shirts, boots, and a bulletproof vest, occasionally a duster is reported to be worn, occasionally seen with a large brimmed hat.

Weapons: A handgun was identified as "Similar to a 1911" Caliber in a possible range of .40 to .357, claims varied, and ballistics have suggested that range of caliber. Additionally, it should be made aware, that he carries a bowie knife, and has been reported to have used his belt to strangle an individual.

Addendum: the handgun they use could be a variation of the auto magnum variants or Wildey auto magnum. However, until such time as the subject's weapon has been properly identified all reports regarding the handgun used by the subject shall be simply known as a '1911 pattern handgun' until such time this designation can be changed.

Powers Rating: N/A (unknown if powered)

List of actions
Has stopped a total of seven armed robberies as well as rendered first aid to any injured during such crimes be they civilian first responder or PRT personnel.

On Top of this, the subject has also been noted to have helped with soup kitchens or any other means of what would fall under 'good samaritan' work including helping the homeless by bringing them food or clothes. The subject has even been spotted helping church functions which seem to drive some sort of either food or clothing drives.

Reports of when the subject first emerged to current whereabouts.
Utah: 09/15/09
Arizona:10/22/09
New Mexico: 11/02/09
Texas: 12/08/09
Arkansas: 1/03/10
Oklahoma: 1/23/10
Kentucky 2/13/10
Ohio: 3/15/10
Virginia: 3/27/10

The last update on the subject's location was in the Appalachian region of Virginia around mid-spring 2010, but it was lost due to the wilderness region and weather patterns.

"So we have a man making his way across the United States doing good, and he just happens to be religious? That doesn't sound like something we should be worried about." Miss Militia pointed out slightly confused about why this was concerning to them.

"MM Something ya gotta learn about us Americans or I should say the government. Is when a holy man is able to do this much good and in such a short amount of time all on foot. It's gonna raise some concerns." Assault added only to quickly say "However I have nothing against this guy considering how much good he seems to be doing when he's not saving good folks from bad people."

"What is concerning is the fact that he claims that it is his journey that leads him on. Most likely, he is on approach to one of three major metropolitan cities. New York, Boston, or Here." Piggot said as she looked at each member present. "Another factor you seem to forget Assault is that Homeland, yes HOMELAND Security gave us a heads up on the guy after he saved folks from a bank robbery in Texas against a BRUTE rated cape, rank 2, Intensity subtype." She just glared at Assault daring him to make a smart-ass remark.

"Ok, so he was able to take out 1 reasonably challenging-" Assault started only to get cut off.

"He had incapacitated 13 capes, blasters, brutes, strikers, movers, strangers, changers, thinkers, and a breaker rating were all noted in the parahumans he defeated. 3 of them were in a group together in Ohio, notably a cape under the name of "Storm Drummer", a Blaster 4, Trump 2, and a Brute 1. He was known to create his "weapon" known as his "Storm Drum" a power-summoned weapon, that was a fully-automatic barrage/damage blaster-type beam of electricity. A challenge for local Protectorate forces. Storm Drummer was captured with 4 broken ribs, both shoulders dislocated, and a concussion." Armsmaster explained.

Assault and most everyone stared at the large armored man before Piggot added "He also took down his two friends in a span of and I quote the report "Shootin' faster than ole Earp himself' end quote." Armsmaster's face was not amused by the colloquialism slipping into the official reports. "What does that tell you Assault?" Piggot asks.

The speedster was silent before he finally answered "Clearly he's on a mission from god and as such has God on his side?" He ended his answer with a clear uncertain question.

"Ok, so other than being a surprisingly competent Cape Counter and not abiding by the Unwritten rules due to him not being a Parahuman, we can only assume that something we are to be on the lookout for if this person shows up and causes the local flavor of gangs to start hunting him?" Dauntless brought up the most likely situation to occur with the known history of the man.

"Or when he starts converting them to believe in our lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Joked Clock Blocker.

"I'm not taking any handouts." Kid Win shook his head.

Carlos just sat with his arms crossed as he coughed.

"Sorry Aegis, no offense." Kid Win apologized to his friend, who was a devoted catholic.

Miss Militia decided to add from the file "Well he's a believer in Jesus, yes, but it says here he's a Mormon."

Assault already had a joke ready as he exclaims "OH GOD THAT'S WORST!"

"Do we need to get HR in here at the rate you are making these comments?" Piggot asked, her last nerve being picked at by the repeated jabs by Assault.

"I'll be good." Assault added quickly as Piggot huffed "Now, getting back on track." She then points to the map of the US with the states John Doe had been in marked "Our holy man was last seen here in the Appalachian mountains between the state borders of West Virginia and Virginia proper. From what we gathered he sticks mostly to the roads and highways which connect to small towns and farm counties. So our man could be anywhere between highways 70 to 89 which connects New York, Boston, and our lovely slice of hell we call home." She turns back to the gathered members of the ENE.

"Ok, so now we just keep an eye open and wait until someone reports him showing up?" Velocity asked.

"Looks like this is going to be fun. Maybe he's just coming to ask Panacea to heal him." Vista suggested.

"Or, and I'm being serious here, unlike Assault. He could be coming here to punish the sinner and help the innocent." Added Kid Win, which got Carlos to honestly look at him surprised before adopting a clearly thinking face as he cups his chin.

"Maybe he's just here because there's a lot of people needing an express ticket to hell." Shadow Stalker voiced her own opinion, a rare event that happened at these meetings.

"Language." Gallant chided softly towards Shadow Stalker. He then added "But she does bring up a good point, this could be motivated by his religion. Not in a crusade kind of way but maybe him trying to honestly come here to help people save their souls from sin and punish the gangs only if he is attacked first as we have seen from the evidence presented."

"Enough with the theories. We are not going to be assuming anything until we either have A. a reason to detain him and ask, B. A declaration by him of his intent, or C. Someone finally gets him to sit down and gets the answers that have not been asked in any official reports." Piggot gave the 3 conditions that would answer the question of 'Why are you doing this and why are you coming here.'

"Now, any questions?" Armsmaster examined the room with his team members and the Wards along with regular PRT officers and agents.

No one raised their hands or voiced a question.

Piggot nods as she orders "Dismissed."