“All my life, I was forced to share every moment with someone. I had to share my responsibilities, my thoughts, and my life. Everyday it’s a struggle between me and him. I know it sounds normal for some people to share their own life, but it’s different for us. We don’t just share a life, but a body as well.”
Arnold Smolder is a decent twelve-year-old boy. He had black silky hair with a natural yellow streak, red eyes, and always donned a pair of glasses. He’s smart in a lot of categories and respectful towards other people. He goes to a middle school in Brickson City, which happens to be crime-ridden place. The city is known for its high level of crime activity but despite its ugliness, it never bothered Arnold. Arnold would avoid conflict at all cost and stay cool in the most drastic situations. His life would be basically normal if he wasn’t ‘friends’ with someone very feisty.
It was the afternoon and Arnold was walking home from school. It was only a month before summer break, so there was a hot atmosphere. As Arnold walked, he sweated uncontrollably and felt a little dizzy.
“It’s hot!” Arnold thought, “I can’t believe I missed the bus home. Mom and Dad will kill me once get home. If they even notice.”
Arnold was getting even more dizzy as he moved and didn’t noticed that he had bumped into a tall sixteen-year-old. The teenager had a sandwich in his hands, but the bumped caused him to drop it. He turned around and looked at Arnold agitatedly.
“Hey kid,” the teenager growled, “that sandwich cost me fifteen dollars.”
“I’m sorry,” Arnold said weakly.
“Sorry isn’t gonna fix it,” the teenager spat, “you got money?”
“No,” Arnold answered nervously.
The teenager quickly became furious so he grabbed Arnold by the neck dragged him into a nearby alley. He lifted Arnold and pushed him against the wall. Arnold was terrified and he stared into the teenager’s eyes weakly.
“It’s so hot,” Arnold thought.
“I’m going to tear your sweaty face apart,” the teenager yelled.
The teenager rolled his fist and aimed it at Arnold but before he could do anything, something weird happened. The streak on Arnold’s hair began to glow and it soon dispersed into flame. The flame began to travel around Arnold’s and his skin began to turn into a dark red color. His ears became sharper and his eyes had an orange glow. His hair also had a glow and instead of being silky, it was rugged and had an orange and yellow color, almost looking like a flame.
The teenager shook at Arnold’s new appearance, but he still gripped his neck. Arnold grinned and grabbed onto the teenager’s arm that had his neck. The teenager felt a burning sensation on his arm ad screamed in agony. Arnold let go and the teenager fell back, gripping his arm. He examined it and witnessed a third-degree burn on his forearm.
“What are you?” The teenager shouted.
“I’m Scorch,” Arnold answered with a grin.
Scorch stared at the teenager and opened his hand for a flame to engulf it. The teenager tried to get up to run away, but Scorch pointed his hand at the teenager and the flame was shot at the teenager, engulfing him in flames. The teenager began withering in agony, but eventually stopped moving. When the flames sheathed, nothing remained of the teenager except a pile of ash.
“You did it again,” a voice said.
Scorch looked to find pieces of broken glass. One showed his reflection but instead of his devilish look, there was the appearance of Arnold Smolder.
“So what,” Scorched scoffed, “that thug needs to be put in his place.”
“Look who’s talking,” Arnold argued, “this is the fourth time this week you have done this. You’re gonna get us both into a lot of trouble.”
“I don’t care what happens to you, but nothing on this Earth is going to stop me,” Arnold claimed, “since I’m here now, I’m going to have some fun.”
“Don’t you dare!” Arnold warned.
Scorch didn’t listen to Arnold but instead, disperse his whole body into flames and shot into the sky. He was flying through the sky with his whole body turned into a flame. He done a few loops and twist and burned a few roofs as he flew down to building levels. People on the streets looked up to find a flame flying through the sky. They tried to get pictures, but Scorch was too fast for people to see. Scorch flew higher and turned towards a building that was taller then all other buildings in the city. He placed his feet on the roof and turned his body back into red flesh. Scorch gazed at the city and took in the current sunset. With all his might, he let out a large cry.
“What could ruin this day?” Scorch shouted with glee.
Upon that, something struck Scorch and knocked him back. His back on was the roof and he felt something pinning him down. Scorch looked at his torso to see a large object slightly hovering over it. The object was flat, appeared to be made of yellow energy, and it was shaped like a star. Scorch tried to burn the object off of him, but he started to get a cold feeling. Before he could come to his senses, a fast force approached Scorch and he passed out.
Arnold was slowly waking up. He got on his feet, put on his glasses which were in his pocket, and scanned the area. The area was very enclosed and the floor, walls, and ceiling were made of some tough metal that Arnold has never seen before. One of the walls were made of glass, but it was too thick to break through. Through the glass, Arnold could see a hall that led to somewhere out of sight.
“You finally woken up!” A voice said.
Arnold looked behind the glass to see a lean man who wore a suit that the covered his whole body. The suit was purple and emitted energy of some kind. The eyes shined a yellow glow and on the chest area was a star emblem that also had a yellow glow. Arnold’s eyes shot wide because he knew who this person was.
“How are you feeling?” The man asked.
“This is Shooting Star,” Arnold thought, “one of the strongest heroes in the world. He’s been around for four years and has been known to be the best. He’s also the leader a young superhero team called the Cosmic Kids. He can fly and produce a yellow energy in the shape of stars.”
“You’re Shooting Star!” Arnold shook, “it’s an honor.”
“I appreciate it, but are you okay?” Shooting Star asked again.
“I’m fine, but what am I doing here?” Arnold asked.
“There’s a lot that needs to be explained but to be blunt, you’re a wavelink,” Shooting Star answered.
“How’d you know?” Arnold lowered his head.
“Wavelinks are individuals with unnatural abilities,” Arnold thought, “there could be a wavelink that can run really fast, a wavelink that can walk through walls, or a wavelink that can shoot fire from their hands. There are wavelinks all around the world, hiding in society and they all originated from a shockwave that occurred three years ago.”
“It wasn’t hard,” Shooting Star claimed, “you leave a trail of unnatural flames every time you go home from school.”
“That wasn’t my fault,” Arnold pleaded, “it was his.”
“Who?” Shooting Star questioned.
“Scorch!” Arnold spoke, “he’s the one who’s always causing problems. Every time I pass out, he emerges and always brings chaos. All the flames, damages, deaths it was all him.”
“So it’s an alter ego type,” Shooting Star thought.
“Speaking of deaths, this ‘Scorch’ has killed about twenty people,” Shooting Star stated.
“They were all really bad people,” Arnold quickly spoke, “I made sure he didn’t hurt innocents.”
“If this wasn’t alter ego scenario, I would’ve turned you in right now but I wanted to know your motives before making a decision,” Shooting Star explained, “you’re twelve-years-old and don’t deserve to be thrown into prison. I looked into your records Arnold Smolder and you’re a smart young individual. I want to help you cooperate with your other half and turn you something the world needs, a hero.”
“You want me to become a superhero!” Arnold exclaimed, “I’m sorry, but I have a life to get to, parents that are waiting for me. Oh no, they must be worried sick.”
“I’m sorry Arnold but to be honest, your parents don’t even knowledge your existence,” Shooting Star claimed, “from the moment you were born they nothing, but neglect you in every. You had to teach yourself how to survive and it’s the only reason you’re as smart as you are. I shouldn’t be the one to tell you this, but it’s true.”
Arnold lowered his head once more and mentally agreed with Shooting Star. He’d always knew that his parents never cared and that he has been ignored his entire life. At school he didn’t have a friend to call his own and he bullied by almost everyone. Arnold held back the urge to cry in anger and even if he couldn’t see it because of the mask, he knew Shooting Star was looking at Arnold with pity.
“Arnold,” Shooting Star called out, “you have a chance to make a difference in life by using this power that was given to you. So tell me, do want to be a hero or a villain?”
Arnold looked up a bit to see a reflection of Scorch on the glass. Scorch gave Arnold a threatening glare, but Arnold glared back and then looked up at Shooting Star.
“A hero,” Arnold answered with a determined voice.
Without warning, Shooting Star pressed something to his side and the glass infront of Arnold slid into the walls. The cell was open and Arnold slowly walked out. Shooting Star turned around and walked off, gesturing Arnold to follow.
A minute later Shooting Star and Arnold entered a large room that looked to be glowing. All the material seemed to be emitting an energy that appeared similar to what was coming from Shooting Star’s suit. There was a large computer at the end of the room that displayed a map of multiple galaxies and in the center sat a large circler table with seven seats.
“What is this place?” Arnold asked.
“You already know that I’m not from this world,” Shooting Star said.
“Yeah, you’re from some planet called the Star,” Arnold agreed.
“Yes,” Shooting Star walked around the room, “this place was a fortress that was set on this planet a thousand years ago. When I came Earth, I discovered it abandoned here in this valley and made it my own base of operation. Here I was able to track down all the wavelinks I created.”
“What do you mean ‘created’? Arnold asked confused.
“That shockwave four years wasn’t just a shockwave,” Shooting Star claimed, “it was me. I came crashing down to the Earth service and when I hit the atmosphere, some of my power radiated and spread across the world, effecting certain individuals like you.”
Arnold had shocked expression and watched as Shooting Star placed his hand on the table.
“I formed the Cosmic Kids because I couldn’t defeat these rogue wavelinks alone,” Shooting Star continued, “they seemed liked good teenagers that wanted to make a difference, so I gathered them up and formed this team of ours.”
“Where are the Cosmic Kids now?” Arnold asked.
“They’re out living their lives, but I’ll introduce them another day,” Shooting Star answered, “right now I need to learn your abilities.”
Shooting turned away from the table and began hovering off the ground. He looked below him to see Arnold looking at him in amazement.
“Now bring this Scorch out!” Shooting Star demanded, “we need to see his abilities.”
“I can’t!” Arnold said.
“Why not?” Shooting Star questioned.
“He only comes out when exposed to heat and it’s pretty chilly in here,” Arnold answered.
Without warning, Shooting Star raised his arm and a yellow digital screen formed infront of his hand. He slid his finger slid across the screen and the walls and lights of the fortress began to turn red. Arnold was feeling a tremendous heat while Shooting Star didn’t feel a thing. Arnold dropped to all fours and began to change. Fire surrounded his body and when it sheathed, Scorch emerged with an evil grin.
Shooting Star was a little shocked at what he saw. It was almost like a demon has emerged.
Without hesitation, Scorch leapt at Shooting Star, using flames to propel himself. He swung one fist, but Shooting Star spawned a star-shaped shield which blocked the strike. Scorch landed back on the ground and began to dash around the room in mid-air. He charged towards Shooting Star, hoping to ram him but Shooting Star dodged and shot a star that pinned Scorch to the wall. Shooting Star hovered towards Scorch and looked him in the eye, studying him.
“I know,” Scorch grinned, “I got a handsome face.”
“What are you exactly?” Shooting Star questioned, “you’re different from any other wavelink I’ve ever seen.”
“I’m just a freelancer,” Scorch answered, “nothing more, nothing less.”
Shooting Star lowered his head to see the star pinning Scorch slowly disintegrated. Before Shooting Star could react, Scorch grabbed his throat and pushed to him the ground. Scorch wouldn’t let go and kept adding pressure to his grip. He had a sadistic smile as Shooting Star was slowly blacking out but before it could get severe, Shooting Star summoned the same digital screen from before. He slid his finger across the screen and the whole room began become chilly again. Scorch released his hand from Shooting Star’s throat and fire started swarming his body. When it sheathed, Arnold had appeared and started rubbing his head.
“That’s always overwhelming!” Arnold turned towards Shooting Star, “I’m really sorry about him. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine!” Shooting Star answered, “your friend is insane.”
“He has been like that for four years,” Arnold sighed.
“Have you guys ever tried to cooperate?” Shooting Star asked.
“Scorch does what he wants,” Arnold answered, “he’ll never want to cooperate with anyone but himself. He’s just waiting for the chance to cast me aside and be free in heat and cold.”
“Arnold, you know we can’t let that happen,” Shooting Star stated, “I’m willing to let you stay here in this fortress, so you can learn how to cooperate with this ‘Scorch’.
“What!” Arnold exclaimed.
“Both you and this Scorch have potential to do great things but if you guys keep fighting with one another, there’s going to be trouble,” Shooting Star claimed, “Me and other Cosmic Kids will help you. We’ll confront Scorch as many times as we can until balance is established. Will you trust me help you?”
Arnold didn’t know what to say, so he simply nodded.
“Good!” Shooting Star turned towards the hall, “I’ll show you the room system we have here. Follow me!”
Arnold followed Shooting Star without arguing and with a determine look in his eyes.
“Something tells me he’s more than a wavelink,” Shooting Star thought, “guess I’ll figure out more in due time.”
Three months has past and during that time, Arnold and Scorch have been constantly switching control. They both stayed within the fortress and would only go out as long as they had supervision. Arnold missed going to school, but he still studied alot to keep his mind sharp and even learned plenty about the technology of Shooting Star’s homeworld. Both Arnold and Scorch got to meet all seven members of the Cosmic Kids which include Shooting Star. There was Titanium Kid, who could turn his body into steel. Match Head, who could turn every atom in his body in flame. Beast Man, who is a furry beast with multiple animal abilities. Winged Avenger, who had large eagle wings. Combust, who could explode anything he touches. And Ms. Universe, who are two twins that can fuse into a woman that can fly and shoot lasers from her hands. Arnold was honored to be trained by them, but Scorch just saw them as target practice. One day, Shooting Star decided to trust Arnold with his secret identity. His mask disappeared to reveal a nineteen-year-old with blondish white hair. He had glittering indigo eyes and smooth skin. Shooting Star appeared human, but he was a completely different race. His real name was Chronos Corra. During the time, Arnold got to learned alot about Chronos. He came to Earth after a joy-ride incident and has been living among humans ever since. He’s also the heir to the throne, but never wanted it. Chronos has been known to be a little silly and fun, but is serious when protecting people. The Cosmic Kids respect him and view as a good leader. In Arnold’s case, he views Shooting Star as an older brother.
It was the afternoon and Arnold was reading a book in a guest room in the fortress. On a dresser sat a small mirror with a reflection of Scorch on it.
“You know everyone dies in that one, right?” Scorch smirked.
“Shut up!” Arnold said casually.
Coming into the guest room was Chronos in casual clothing which consisted of blue jeans and a white t-shirt.
“Hey Arnold, can come into the medic room real quick?” Chronos asked, “I got someone I want you to meet.”
Arnold was curious, so he sat down his book and followed Chronos. After a few turns in the hall, they entered the medic room which looked more like a laboratory. Standing the center was a girl who appeared eighteen at most. She had golden brown hair, brown eyes, and fair skin. She donned a pink long-sleeve torso that slightly went past her hips, a black belt that went over it, white pants, and brown boots.
“Who’s this?” Arnold asked.
“This is Reheart,” Chronos introduced, “she’s from a team of wavelinks that I’m associated with.”
“What team?” Arnold questioned.
“That’s a different story,” Chronos brushed off, “the point is that she’s here to help you with your training.”
“I’ve heard that you have another personality,” Reheart said.
“Scorch!” Arnold nodded.
“My power allows me to manipulate the mind of anyone I touch,” Reheart claimed, “I can put you in a mental world where you Scorch can fully interact.”
“What that gonna do?” Arnold questioned.
“The Cosmic Kids and I have fought Scorch way too many times and it has done nothing,” Chonos explained, “the only one who can get him to back off is you.”
“I’ve told you many times that he won’t listen me,” Arnold reminded.
“This is the only thing I can think of,” Chronos stated, “Scorch is no different from the rest of us. All he needs is a guide and that guide is you. I guarantee you that this can work.”
Arnold was hesitant, but eventually sighed in defeat.
“Where do we begin?” Arnold asked.
“Lay down here,” Reheart pointed towards a medic bed.
Arnold laid his back on the bed and watched as Reheart’s right hand began emitting static pink energy. She placed her hand on Arnold’s head and Arnold drifted into darkness.
“He’ll be okay, right?” Chronos asked.
“Actually,” Reheart spoke nervously, “if Scorch kills him in this mental world then Arnold’s personality will die and Scorch will become dominant.”
Chronos eyes widened but quickly shook off any negative thoughts.
“Then we’ll just have to hope,” Chronos said.
Arnold opened his eyes and was immediately baffled. He was standing in a large space that could’ve been mistaken for underworld itself. The ground was made of brimstone and there were small cracks of lava scattered around. The sky was covered with dark smoke that left no trace of the sky. What surprised Arnold the most was that he couldn’t feel any heat from the area. It all felt neutral.
“There you are!” a voice said.
Arnold turned around to see someone he never thought would meet in person; Scorch.
“This is not how we usually meet up,” Arnold spoke, “when one is awake, the other would be bound the one like a ghost.”
“I already know what we’re doing here,” Scorch claimed, “Star Boy thinks you can reform me or something. Like that’s gonna happen.”
“Why Scorch?” Arnold sighed, “for three years you have done nothing, but cause one problem after the next. Why can’t you just calm down?”
“It’s simple, four-eyes,” Scorch answered, “I do what I want, when I want and nobody gets to tell me otherwise.”
“That’s the thing,” Arnold shouted, “I don’t want to tell you what to do. I want you to cooperate with me and if you can do that, then I can cooperate with you.”
“Sorry Arnold,” Scorch’s hands burst into flames, “but I don’t need anyone on back.”
Scorch released both flames at the same time but Arnold quickly rolled to side, barely getting scratched. Scorch lit his left on fire released another fireball towards Arnold. Arnold leapt out the way and completely evaded the attack.
“You’re quick!” Scorch smirked.
“Thanks to Beast Man, I learned how to dodge using both hands and feet,” Arnold said confidently.
“Let’s see how far that’ll get you,” Scorch replied before releasing another fireball.
Arnold dodged again and decided to run. Scorch began rapidly releasing fireballs, hoping to obliterate Arnold. He dodged a few but got one to the leg. Arnold felt to his knee but before he could get back up, another fireball and caused him slid across the ground, almost hitting a crack of lava. Arnold picked himself up and dodged another fireball. He put some distance between him and Arnold and circled around Scorch. Scorch aimed his arm at Arnold and released a stream a fire, but Arnold dodged the flame and charged Scorch. He grabbed a rock while running, hoping to strike Scorch but when he got close, Scorch encased his hand in fire and punched Arnold in the stomach. The strike caused Arnold to fly across and hit his back on a large rock. He reached towards his face and realized that his glasses had fell off. He looked around and saw his glasses slowly melting in a crack of lava. Arnold also felt a pain both in and on his stomach, so he looked down to see that his clothes were burned through and a large burn on his stomach. Scorch slowly walked towards Arnold with a smirk on his face. He felt something in his throat, so he let out a large breath that turned out to be a stream of fire. The flame was coming in fast so using what strength he had left, Arnold leapt out of the way, but got a large burn on the upper half of his left arm.
“That’s new,” Scorch said.
Arnold was exhausted. He didn’t have the strength to even move. He was laying, face-first on the ground with a lifeless expression. Scorch stood above him and had a devilish grin on his face. He placed his foot on Arnold’s back and constantly added pressure.
“I’m really not surprised,” Scorch spoke, “I knew after a few strikes, you would be down for the count. Your endurance is terrible. You said you wanted me to cooperate, but I would only cooperate with someone if they’re tough. You just happen to be the weakest person I’ve ever met.”
Even though he appeared lifeless, Arnold heard everything Scorch said. On his last sentence, something inside Arnold snapped. He began pushing on the ground which counteracted the pressure Scorch put on him and pushed Scorch off him. Arnold quickly got up, balled his fist, and struck Scorch in the jaw which caused him to fall on the ground. Scorch looked back up at Arnold and saw a hateful look in Arnold’s eyes.
“Don’t you ever call me weak,” Arnold shouted, “the last person I need to hear that from is you. Weakness is refusing to the right thing. That’s all you’ve been doing since we first met. No matter how many times I’ve warned you, you never listen and continued to act like a villain. At this point, I don’t even care about working with you. I just want you out of my life.”
Scorch was shocked and confused at what he was looking at. It wasn’t the same nerdy kid he’s been bound to for three years, but someone with grit. Scorch chuckled while picking himself up.
“You win!” Scorch said.
“What!” Arnold exclaimed.
“You finally gain some guts after all this time, so I guess I can work cooperate with you,” Scorch stated.
“So that means…”Arnold confusingly questioned.
“Yes!” Scorch answered, “I won’t kill anyone unless we agree on it and I’ll try to show some restraint.”
Arnold was ecstatic until Scorch gained a serious expression.
“Just letting you know,” Scorch declared, “If I ever find weakness in you, then we’re gonna start round two.”
Arnold didn’t respond but instead, gave a look that told Scorch, “it’s never gonna happen.”
“You wanna get out of here?” Arnold asked with a smirk.
Arnold nodded.
“What are you exactly, Scorch?” Arnold questioned.
Scorch shrugged so Arnold shut his eyes tightly and whole area began to slowly fade.
“Should I tell him I’m half demon?” Scorch thought.
Back in the medic room, Reheart was watching over Arnold while Chronos was pacing around the room.
“He stopped shaking,” Reheart thought, “is it over?”
Arnold’s eyes shot open and he quickly got up. Chronos and Reheart were stunned and quickly went to check on him.
“How’d it go?” Chronos asked.
Arnold didn’t respond but instead, transformed into Scorch.
“Scroch!” Chronos greeted in suspicion.
“I know what you’re thinking and you don’t have to worry,” Scorch reassured, “me and Arnold came to an agreement so me and you don’t have to fight anymore.”
“Awsome!” Chronos said.
“Looks like my job here is done,” Reheart said before walking to medic entrance.
“I appreciate your help, Reheart,” Chronos thanked.
“Your welcome, Shooting Star,” Reheart nodded with a smile and walked out of the room.
“So does this make me a member of the Cosmic Kids?” Scorch asked with his arms crossed.
“No!” Chronos answered, “there’s another a group that I want you to be a part of.”
“Another group!” Scorch exclaimed, “who could they be?”
“Let’s just say that they are prodigies,” Chronos smirked.
