The Butterfly killer is a girl. We all saw the photos. Black hair, dark skin and a butterfly mask that spreads across her face. So the news.... the tangent really of the 'her' being this mentally deranged male.... It was less than believable. However, Commander Anita herself was going a little crazy. Arguing much with Justin, I could tell she was clearly grasping at anything. I would too if someone was making a mockery of me with how they do my job better.
Commander Anita[Anger,Sad] : There was semen inside Captain Friez and his daughter. He doesn't remember who did it. The killer was wearing a butterfly mask. But when he ripped the girl's head..... He saw it was a wig.
Justin had enough as he stood up and slammed the table.
Justin [Pissed.... slight Guilt]: Then it could be a bald girl! Why a man? Why Ash?
Commander Anita : Because he was fired by Friez.
Justin : More like you're only grasping at straws.
Commander Anita: I know you're angry. But this is final.
She turned to me.
Anita [Firm] : Bring him back into the PFPD. But you are to shadow him at all times. Make sure he isn't tampering with any evidence and get a confession out of him.
Ash? How the hell could he be the butterfly killer? He doesn't even seem smart. His priorities seem to be a mess because Police officer? All so that his kids could be good people.Justin looked like he saw a ghost, his humble kind features gone with the wind. As the plan was formulated, we were to keep tabs on the guy. Find anything incriminating and damning him to be the Butterfly killer. Justin wasn't allowed to be involved as a conflict of interest.
But being the hero everyone loved, Commander Prakash had settled. He was to be a boot with Ash and the girl. But he wouldn't be allowed to ride with his brother, not without me or Jess. Being a born in the heroic elite, he didn't have to go through hero or sidekick training like me or Jess had to. So what better than to include him as the boot?
There were 5 officials involved in this case. She wanted a small trusted group. Me, Commander Prakash, Jess, Aegis and lastly one of the actual heroes of the world along side Justin, Captain Lockman. He is a good man. If not for the way he treats women like conquests. Let's be honest. . He does good work even if it comes with a crude slight. Considering I spent the most time with him, even if limited, I had to figure it out.
We all acted normal as we got to the station at our own times. I walked into the locker room and got to change. The station felt dim. Everyone clearly shocked at the outcoming of Friez's actions. He was a great man, at least we thought he was. Everyone seemed to have a hard time but forced themselves to work. I could have taken the captain's job but I wouldn't have taken his place either way. Feels like betrayal to the man I looked upto. The man I cared for.
Today was the day and while I'd never admit it to him, I genuinely wanted twinkle toes to come back. He.... was annoying....but refreshing. Most rookies don't end up crying and are more.... hidden with their emotions. It was less annoying now that i didn't have to use my powers for the open book.
The whole room suddenly got silent. Justin had just walked in. Everyone looked at him and hooted as they ran to him, cajoling him to tell stories like obsessed fans. He deflected compliments, letting it roll over him as he remained the humble soul he was, at least what he showed to be. I saw him falter, more human in that interrogation room than here.
Justin [Tired, Happy] : It's nice to meet you all. I'm looking forward to it.
He was probably the first boot to be actively loved and appreciated. But unfortunately for him, I had to knock him down a peg.
"Welcome Boot. To the land of the sidekicks." I walked to him, testing the waters but some of the slugs huddled closer to the locker. His locker.
"What are you guys doing?" I asked as i walked closer and Justin came behind me. The slugs really looked bruised just as bad as Ash was. He didn't hold his punches. I internally was impressed. Here I thought twinkle toes wouldn't do a dent.
Slug [Mischevious]: Just welcoming our boot back.
They were stuffing something into Ash's locker and stopped the moment they saw Justin, who clearly saw the Ash tag on the locker they forgot to remove.
Justin [Displeased] : "What's this about?"
He yanked open the locker and found several diaper packets which fell to the floor. He looked at the others who looked a little sheepish now that someone they respected looked disappointed in them.
"Your brother pissed himself in the academy. Heard he passed the mission objective but he had to hide for a while and ended up pissing himself. So they are putting diapers in. Boot." I clarified and he glared at me. Worth it.
Justin [Pissed. Like very pissed, Calm] : Is that so? Well, hiding is a very egregious task. All the fear for when you'll strike at the right moment. The waiting. The stress.
That was when the others simply agreed with him. Albeit internally, i could feel the annoyance and jealousy of the others at how he didn't lash out at their behavior or make any enemies. I really thought his powers were just limited to invincibility. But up close, He was a god at staying neutral too.
"Roll call in 10, Boot." I slapped his back before walking. I was gonna enjoy this. I kept walking before I saw him walk past. I grabbed his collar as i pulled him back, but he used his elbow to hit my side, wrangling himself free. Damn.
"Where are you manners boot?" I taunted him. My scowl grew the moment he spoke.
Ash [Defiant] : I'm only your boot when the uniform is on. So go on. I'll be there in 10.
He stomped away and so did I.
Roll call was a mess, to say the least.
Captain Lockman [Horny....Just Horny, yet stoic]: Good Morning officers!
He doesn't even look at the men when he basically undresses every woman with his eyes. The women themselves were uncomfortable. Some, however looked head over heels. Jess had rolled her eyes as she whispered to me.
Jess: Who brought in the womanizer?
There were some snickers in the back as we shrugged as we played our parts. I looked in the front. Commander Prakash walked in and everyone was silent.
Lockman: Oh? Anita, what a pleasure. I missed you.
Anita: It's Commander Prakash and it will continue to be if you wish to keep your job.
They always had this banter for a while so no one questioned it considering Lockman had sights for Anita.
Anita: Two of our rookies will be joining today. Step forward Boots and say your badge number.
The room hollered and clapped when Justin stood up first to which he gave his signature smolder.
Justin : My name is Justin Bloomfield. Badge 32623.
It was shortlived however. Ash walked forward and the room went silent as anger from all sides flooded the room.
It didn't help that twinkle toes had shot back his own glare. Why must he make this so difficult? There is a chain of command you have to respect! Rookies to Patrol to Sargent to Captain to Commander. All of us officers haven't worked in the system for years just for some boot to come and disrespect us.
Captain Lockman [Disdain] : Sit down.
He waved his hand dismissively.
They both took their seats on either side of Jess's boot.
Commander Prakash: As you all know, Captain Freiz has been terminated as of today. Captain Lockman will be overseeing the poetsfield district. There will be more riots and vigilantes because of the Buttefly killer's actions. We all will curb every single one and show them that we are capable and worthy of Trust.
Her eyes narrowed as she looked at the three rookies.
Captain Lockman [Arrogant]: Well, that's why we agreed on community policing, right sweetheart?
Commander Anita almost looked like she would rip his throat out.
Anita: Boots, your T.Os will take you to do foot policing for today. Go out and be amicable with the people. Show them we can be relied on.
And with that, we were dismissed. But i knew better. We didn't have a third TO for some reason so i had to deal with the brothers. Justin was eagerly learning while Ash looked at me betrayed.
"Come on, Boot. Move it." Ash kept his head straight as he walked through the sunny street. Justin and I side glanced each other but even he seemed at a loss. We saw more and more drawings of butterflies as we passed. But Ash didn't even react to them.
"The protests against heroes have been growing." I started. Justin was appreciative.
Justin [Neutral] : Yes. After what happened to captain Friez, more and more people are mistrusting the heroes.
But Ash didn't even add to anything. His eyes straight ahead.
"Boot, go ask for some pointers from that woman there on what we can do with the community." Justin moved. Reluctantly.
"Boot Jr. We need to talk." I called boot jr. closer.
Ash [Pissed]: What about? And what the hell is Boot Jr. I'm not his damn junior.
"So now you're talking, Boot Jr. Thought we lost you to the wind." I rebuked. "We can't do proper community policing if you look like you're gonna murder somebody." His brow furrowed and he took a deep breath in as he forced himself to smile.
Ash[Annoyed] : Sorry, sir. I'll do better.
"Now tell me. What do you think... about the butterflies?" I asked, waiting for his reaction.
Ash [Melancholic] : I hate them.
He said unflinchingly. I almost changed my stern face in shock before holding myself.
"Why is that?"
Ash [unfazed,apathetic] : "Does it matter?"
"It does. After all, these butterflies only remind us of our incompetency. How we fail our citizens" I sugercoated my words. Hoping he'd take the bait and confess. It took him a moment of silence.
Ash [Melancholic, slight fear] : You won't laugh?
I nod and he spoke again, his voice breathless from fear.
Ash [Shame]: Butterflies.... scare me.