Supplying Supers - Ch. 29 - Betrayal - Beta

Monday June 19th, 2025 Mazuma City, Mazuma Amerika

Gunner Webb

OSDB Hero Rank: N/A - Civilian

OSDB Threat Rating: N/A - Civilian

Gunner’s stomach sank at the sight before him. Flux stood frozen in the center of the secure room. Her slime pulled away from her humanoid form as if it had tried to escape from her body. She braced her hands in front of her face, shielding herself from a lone metal canister, surrounded by ice that spread over the floor.

He raced into the room, penguin walking once he touched the slick tile. While he assessed her condition, his hands shook as they hovered over her form. She stood completely still.

“Flux, can you hear me?” Gunner shouted. When he heard the frost popping and saw her eyes move, a sudden sense of relief washed over him. “Oh, thank the heavens. Give me a second. I’ll think of a way to get you out of this.”

Gunner turned and frantically scoured the room. His state-of-the-art safe room was as big as his home. It had everything he needed to monitor the city.

Along one full wall was an endless array of computer monitors, all flipping through the city and all of his property’s security cameras. Rows of server racks hummed in a separate glass enclosure, processing and storing all his necessary data. Suspended in a biometrically sealed container was his containment suit designed by Selena Fontaine. A floor-to-ceiling vault door took up the rest of the space.

There’s nothing that could unfreeze her in there, Gunner thought while looking at the giant anti-drill plate. I could try heating the ice, but my flame would probably burn her just as bad as the frost. And I doubt I could generate the warmth it would take to melt it without losing control… Think dammit!

Seeing the surrounding ice spurred a moment of intuition. Gunner pulled out his phone and hit Hailstorm’s number.

The superheroine’s groggy voice answered the phone. “Hello?”

“Hailstorm, it’s Mr. Webb. I need you to come up to the twenty-fifth floor immediately.”

“What time is it?”

“Never mind that. Flux has been hurt. I need you to get up here now!”

“Is she okay? Shouldn’t you be calling MartyrDOM?”

“She’s frozen, dammit!”

“All right. All right. I’m heading up there now.”

When the phone disconnected, Gunner leaned forward and said, “Hailstorm is coming up and she’ll fix you.” When he heard her dampened moan and the fear in her eyes, it nearly broke him.

His fists tightened, and his jaw clenched. The thought of someone doing this to his confidant and in his own home caused him to boil inside. He took deep breaths through his grimace, trying to calm himself down. It wasn’t working. He needed answers.

Deep down, he knew that it could be only one person. Everything that led to this point didn’t seem probable. He’d vetted the man, but couldn’t dismiss his recent odd behavior. He didn’t want to make excuses for himself, and knew he should have pressed the man once he noticed it.

But he chose to reconnect with Yokai instead.A lapse in judgment that put someone he cared for in danger. He vowed to himself never to let that happen again.

Daniel was one of the few people he put his complete trust in. He’d proven themselves over many months to earn it. As he cycled the moments together in his mind, he just didn’t believe that someone could have infiltrated that long without him noticing the ulterior motives.

Gunner walked around Flux to his computer desk. He opened the security feed of his safe room and walked back to the feed to where it recorded Flux entering the room. Once he had the time lined up, he hit play.

He watched the hidden door open, revealing Flux and Daniel standing next to each other. They both laughed before Flux walked into the middle of the room. Daniel stayed back, reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out a silver container that matched the one that sat frozen at the base of Flux’s legs. He scoured his surroundings before tossing it behind her. It bounced several times before he lunged behind the wall.

Flux heard the metal object hit at her feet. When she turned around and saw what it was, she dropped the Charon Cube and shielded her face. After the frost grenade went off, Daniel poked his head around the corner. A wicked smile formed on his face as he strolled into the room.

When Gunner heard his English accent, he recognized the man immediately. “Abaddon…”

The infamous supervillain spoke as he explored everything inside. “My, oh my, would you look at this? It looks like Mr. Webb has secrets of his own. All this computer equipment must be for what? Monitoring the city? Collecting secrets? Must be another avenue for the ol’ chap, innit?”

When he saw the suit, he let out a long whistle. “I knew Mr. Webb had skeletons in his closet, but I never guessed he was the bogeyman himself. No wonder anyone hasn’t seen Omen lately. He’s spending too much time trying to save the whales.”

He turned to look at Flux. “What do you think, love? Do you think the Mazuma City Chronicle would pay a pretty penny to leak that story? Might be a pleasant bonus.”

After letting out a hearty laugh, he turned back to the vault door and ran his fingers along the metal surface. “I wonder what secrets you contain… but… that will have to wait another time. I’ve got a busy schedule and my employers are keen on that little box there.”

Abaddon picked up the Charon Cube and slid the back of his hand down Flux’s frozen cheek. “I’m so sorry I had to do that to you, Flux. You’re one in a million. Such dedication. Such passion. He doesn’t see what’s right in front of him. There are only a few people who can shapeshift like us. You’re a goddess that I would worship if I didn’t think you’d kill me. Thinking back… I should have just shifted into your obsession and had you for a night. Alas… a missed opportunity.”

Gunner gritted his teeth as he watched the supervillain lean forward and kiss her on the cheek. Abaddon turned and looked up at the camera. He smiled wickedly and waved before he exited the room, shutting the hidden door behind him.

Gunner did everything he could to keep the rage inside of him down. But it was fruitless. He watched as the steam rose from his skin. Every muscle in his body tightened and his breaths quickened. His mind wandered to his ally as he reached for a last resort.

“Yokai,” Gunner strained across the void.

“Gunner?” she asked, her voice full of concern. “What’s wrong?”

“It's Flux… she’s been injured. I need help. I’m losing control.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m up on the twenty-fifth floor… please hurry.”

“I’m on my way.”

Gunner tried to redirect his fury with logic. She’s still alive and you know he’s close. You’ll get him and the others that did this to her.

A pounding knock on the front door pulled his attention. He stumbled through the secure room and across his living room, doing his best not to break his concentration.

When the door opened, Hailstorm gasped when she saw his condition. “What the hell happened to you?”

“Don’t worry about me,” Gunner groaned. “Just go help Flux.”

Hailstorm jumped inside and scoured the room. “Where is she?”

“Through that door there,” he said, pointing to the open back wall.

He followed Hailstorm into his secure room. She hesitated for a split second when she saw Flux’s condition. After walking inside, she reached out her hand and closed her eyes.

“Fuck…” Hailstorm muttered, looking up.

“What’s wrong?” Gunner groaned.

“It’s not water. It’s a chemical compound. Probably something akin to dry ice.”

The temperature inside of Gunner rose by the second. “Are you saying you can’t unfreeze her?”

“I can. I just need to concentrate. Give me a moment.”

“Just get it done!” Gunner shouted.

Hailstorm stared at him with dagger eyes before raising her hand.

Another set of footsteps sprinted into the room. Yokai appeared at the door. She lunged for Gunner, placing her hands on his back and chest only to immediately pull them away.

“Ow, you’re close to popping, aren’t you?” Yokai asked. When Gunner nodded, she stepped back and held out her hand. She slit her arm with a long nail. After tapping her finger in her blood, she drew a symbol on Gunner’s forehead.

He felt immediate relief as she said her incantation. He could feel the bestial side of his soul suppress. The steam across his body dissipated and he stood straight.

“Do you feel better?” Yokai asked.

“Much.” Gunner said, panting. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. It’s good to know the suppression rune worked. Albeit we don’t know if it will work again or how long it will last.”

“It gives me enough breathing room to at least regain control. I think I should be fine for now.”

Gunner’s head turned to the sound of cracking. The frost covering Flux had thinned since Hailstorm’s arrival. The heiress’s face contorted as she focused on freeing their companion.

“Almost… there!” The ice-queen shouted. The compound turned from solid to liquid to gas in just a few seconds.

Flux broke free from her containment. Her slime snapped into the core of her body and lost the look of humanity. She turned into a tall purple blob, flexing and twisting on the ground.

Gunner ran to her side and wrapped his arms around her. “Flux are you okay?”

Bubbles rose from her surface and popped. “It’s Daniel! He did this!”

“I know. I saw.”

“He’s got the Charon Cube!”

“He what?” Yokai shouted, wide-eyed.

“We’ll get it back,” Gunner said, holding her in his arms. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“It was horrible,” Flux whimpered. “I was in so much pain and I—I couldn’t move.”

“Shhh… I know. You’re safe now.” Gunner slowly stroked Flux’s transparent form as he held her in his arms. Her body felt chilled against his exposed torso and legs. He felt her wrap herself around him, basking in his comfort.

He turned his head to the side wall as he heard Hailstorm’s icy footsteps approach his containment suit. She turned around wide-eyed and pointed up at the sealed container.

“Why do you have Omen’s suit in here?”

Gunner let out a sigh and looked down at Flux. “Are you going to be all right?” When Flux reformed her humanoid shape and nodded, he kissed her on the forehead and let her go. He walked over to the open doorway and tapped the inner-room button to shut the door.

As he strolled over toward Hailstorm, she could tell something was off. She assumed a defensive stance and glanced between him and the others in the room. Gunner held up his hands in an effort to calm her.

“No need to make things tense,” he said. “We’re just going to talk.”

“You killed him, didn’t you?” Hailstorm said, baring her teeth. “You all did. Just like what happened with Mach10 and Tinker Titan.”

“No. I am him.”

Hailstorm’s jaw dropped. “What?”

Gunner pointed up at the sealed gear. “That suit is a custom containment system for my power. You just saw me a moment ago?”

“Yeah, you looked like you were boiling.”

“Right. I wasn’t injured. I was struggling to hold my power inside. That suit helps me do so.”

“I don’t believe you,” Hailstorm said, crossing her arms. “If you were Omen you would be the one out there doing everything that needed to be done. Why would you need us?”

“I’m not lying to you,” Gunner said with a low tone and furrowed brow.. “My condition has caused me to take more of a backseat role.”

“What condition?”

“As stated previously, I struggle to contain my power. While wearing the suit, I can only regulate it for brief windows. Minutes at a time. If I’m lucky, maybe an hour or two. But that’s without constant use. That’s why I’ve only shown up briefly to help. I can’t do it constantly. After an unfortunate accident, I just can’t control it like I used to.”

“But Omen’s history goes back decades.”

“I know.”

“That would make you close to a hundred.”

Gunner let out a short laugh. “Much… older. I’ve gone through several iterations over the years. Omen, Harbinger, and a few others.”

Hailstorm bit on the side of her lip, and she looked Gunner up on down. She glanced between him and the suit.

“It looks like you have something on your mind,” Gunner said. “Speak freely.”

“I’m just having a hard time believing you. If you are Omen, you’re far from what I was expecting.”

“Oh?” Gunner asked, cocking his brow. “Please tell me what you thought he’d be.”

“I mean physically,” she said, waving her hand up and down. “You’ve obviously got the body for it. But Omen is a hero, and you’re one of the furthest things from that. It’d be like finding out Justice moonlighted as a crim boss.”

Gunner smirked. “Is that so? Just like Mach10 is a hero? Or perhaps how you’re working for me to cover up your family’s dealings? How many so-called heroes are staying at my hotel right now, working for me, because they have some kind of incriminating evidence that they don’t want released? It seems your view of what is and is not a hero is rather skewed.”

“You know nothing of why I’m taking this job,” Hailstorm yelled, swiping her hand in the air.

“I don’t wish to argue semantics with you, Ms. Erikson,” Gunner shrugged. “Your prerogative is your own. However, before I let you leave this room, just another reminder that you’re under contract about what you’ve seen and heard thus far. This… morsel is more serious than the rest. You’re now one of a handful of people who knows this secret. One that I would kill to keep it a secret.”

Hailstorm rested her chin on her thumb. Her eyes darted side-to-side as she thought for a moment, glancing at Flux and Yokai. It was obvious to Gunner she was looking for an angle to get out of the blackmail with her newfound information. However, she was smart enough to realize this room would be her coffin if she walked that path.

With her decision made, a vein popped in her head as she looked up at him with disdain. “Don’t worry, I remember our agreement. But what about the others?”

“I would prefer you keep it to yourself unless I choose to reveal this information.”

“You’re the boss,” she shrugged.

Yokai stepped forward and turned to Gunner. “What are we going to do now? If Daniel took nothing other than the Charon Cube, he knows its purpose and value. He could be working for Clavus Ad Cor.”

“Hold that thought,” Gunner said, holding up his finger. He walked over to his PC and played back the footage of Daniel leaving the safe room. While his foe moved through the building, he tracked him through the other cameras in the hotel. Daniel took the elevator to the basement where he climbed inside of one of the company’s black SUVs.

“Gotcha,” Gunner said with a smile. He opened up a separate tab to his security system and selected the SUV’s object. The screen loaded for a moment before refreshing the page. It showed the vehicle stopped at an unfamiliar address. Gunner opened another window and entered the address.

“Rockford Asylum?” he muttered.

“Why there?” Flux asked.

“Pain can be an incredibly powerful medium for rituals,” Yokai said.

“That place has been abandoned for years,” Gunner said. “It’s mostly used as a tourist attraction now on haunted  tour rides around the city. Yokai’s right. Any residual energy and anguish could help rip open a rift to the Gale.”

“So, are we going after them?” Hailstorm asked.

“Yeah, just… give me a second.”

Gunner walked to the secret door, opened it, and headed into the living room. He headed toward his clothes that he’d left on the floor and rummaged through his pockets. When he retrieved his phone, he made a call and held it up to his ear.

James’ chipper Italian accent answered. “Hey Mr. Webb, how you doin’?”

Gunner walked back into the safe room and up to his computer terminal as he said, “I’ve got an immediate job for you and Franco.”

“Sounds serious. What do you need us to do?”

“I’m going to text you an address over on the east side. It’s Daniel’s apartment. I need you to go check it out for me.”

“Something wrong with the kid?”

“Yes. I believe Daniel not to be himself as of late. Bring hardware but conceal it. I don’t want anyone calling the authorities.”

“You got it. We’ll call you’s when we’re done.”

“Thanks James.”

After Gunner hung up the phone, Flux rested her hand on her hip and asked, “Why did you tell them to go check out Daniel’s apartment if the vehicle is at the Rockford Asylum?”

“Because I expect them to find blood.”

“Blood?”

“You must not have heard Daniel after you were frozen. The thing is… I don’t think that was Daniel.”

“Who do you think it was?” Yokai asked.

“Abaddon,” Gunner said, the name silencing the room. “I’m not sure exactly when it happened. But my assumption is sometime after I hired him, Abaddon killed Daniel, consumed him, and combined himself with him. I would have sensed him in the beginning, and he’s one of the few people who could mirror someone’s actions like that through his abilities. Given how fast everything was moving, I didn’t confront the issue fast enough.”

“You can’t be perfect,” Yokai said, placing her hand on Gunner’s shoulder. “It’s what we do now that makes the difference.”

“You’re right,” Gunner said with a firm nod. “You three go gather everyone, get them ready, and meet down in the parking lot. We’ll head to Rockford Asylum and confront Abaddon.”

“What about you?” Hailstorm asked.

Gunner looked down at himself and smiled. “I need to get some clothes on first and then I’ll meet you all down there.”

“With the early morning traffic, that’s going to take forever,” Flux said.

“Hmm… how many of us are there?” Yokai asked.

“Eight, including me,” Gunner said.

The sorceress tapped on her lip. “And, Hailstorm can fly… so that saves me some energy. I should be able to cast a spell on everyone to allow them to fly. It will only last roughly twenty minutes, though. Will we make it there in time?”

“Definitely,” Gunner said. “If we get over most of the buildings. It should only take us about half that. Flux can also attach herself to me to save you some energy.”

“I’d really like that,” Flux said, leaning her head on Gunner’s shoulder.

“Are the others going to be able to control it?” Hailstorm asked. “It took me months before I got the hang of my flight.”

“No better way than doing,” Yokai shrugged. “But I’ll also attach a supernatural tether to you and me so we can pull everyone.”

“Not sure how I like the idea of being tethered to people who can’t fly, but if it’s our fastest option to get there, then it is what it is.”

“Let’s get going then,” Gunner said, waving for everyone to follow. “We have little time to lose.”

When Gunner reached the secret door entrance, he froze. The hair stood on the back of his neck when he felt something was very wrong. He looked over at Yokai and she stood petrified.

“You feel it too?” she asked.

When Gunner felt the ground rumble, he tackled everyone back into the room and shouted, “Get back!”

A loud boom shattered all the windows in his home as the rumble continued through the city. When nothing else followed. Gunner scrambled up and ran into his living room, tiptoeing around the shards of glass. He stood aghast at the sights and sounds before him.

All the surrounding buildings had shattered windows. Car alarms and sirens rang through the city streets. The sky was a deep black. Off in the distance, he saw it.

A large purple beam of light breached the clouds above. It formed a twisting vortex of smoke and lightning. Thunder rolled through the city with no sign of rain.

The sudden sense of déjà vu shook Gunner’s core. The ritual had begun. His city was under attack.