Watching To Be Hero X

Chapter 1: The Start of A New Story

The crowd's cheers resound across the colosseum-esque battleground as their favorite heroes prepare to enter the stage, the platforms that would lead them to the start of the tournament sitting empty for the moment.

On this day the Top 10 heroes were to face one another in the 21st Hero Tournament, a tradition that began after the fall of the god-like villain named Zero. To determine whether the current X continues his undefeated streak of victories or... if another contender will de-crown the top hero and become the new X.

Lin Ling steps forward and through the dark tunnel as his suit appears with a tap of his fingers. Ribbons of white and gold, similar to that of Nice's original color schemes, wrap around him before fitting onto his figure as he treads toward the light at the end of the tunnel.

The ever fortuitous Lucky Cyan unfolds her signature guitar into its bow form as she smiles while walking toward the bright exit at the end of the tunnel. Her eyes gleam in excitement while also holding onto a bit of nervousness as she wonders whether her childhood friend would watch her battles to come.

The power suit hero Loli twirls her bat as her signature emoticon flashes confidently across her facial screen. Though ready for the coming bouts, her mind temporarily lingers for a second on memories of the past before she steps forward into the cheering crowds.

Big Johnny runs through the dimly lit hallway as Little Johnny chases after the tiny alien creature, finally catching up and scolding his life long companion lightly. The young hero then smiles before laying his hand out toward his friend, prompting the little critter to comply while Little Johnny dons his beast-like mask.

The well guarded Wang Yi, formerly known as Ghostblade, places a photo of his cherished daughter safely into his diary before stuffing it away. Letting out a tired sigh he shields his eyes while heading out into the cheering crowd and blinding light, ready to face the future that stands ahead of him. To protect those he loves.

The ever uncaring Dragon Boy lies lazily on his platform as it carries him toward the center of the tournament stadium. He yawns tiredly before slowly getting up and stretching while a section of the crowd cheers his name with growing excitement. He would clear the world of all its ill begotten trash. Or well, die trying.

Meanwhile, E-soul, who had been kicked out of the top ten due to unforeseen circumstances, steps toward Rock, who glances at the electric hero with a shadowed expression. Whether it be due to disappointment or an expected outcome, the future that involves the two remains shrouded in the unknown.

The ever elegant Queen's steps echo loudly within the tunnels as her power resounds with a golden aura. The heroine moves forward and onto her platform before swiping her hand and expanding her domain. For what reason? Who knows?

A shadowed figure suddenly steps out into the light as surprisingly, Nice, the hero thought dead, appears on the stage. Though his figure seems to showcase odd cracks along his body, he stands ready, seemingly prepared to fight. To what could these odd markings entail?

Yet... despite most of the top ten appearing, two contenders remain unseen. The transformation dog hero Ahu and the oh so mysterious Hero X. Unbeknownst to the others, those two had been conversing quietly in Ahu's section of the stage tunnels before X had begun to walk off, the dog hero stepping forward and toward his platform as he recalls last night's events.

As the clock ticks down Ahu turns back toward the dimension swapping hero with a serious expression painting his face. "Then what are you going to do from here on?"

The middle platform for the Hero X rises as the counter continues to tick down. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2... 1

X's watch suddenly beeps as the hero sets a new timer before turning back to the curious dog with a smile. "Well, that's obvious... Defy fate."