Manhattan

Bradford Redding, or Brad, was known as the billionaire playboy turned archer superhero Blindshot. Famous to most, he was practically a rockstar among others, and lived like a king. Despite there being many women who swoon over him, he was loyal only to one.

It was morning. The sun shone brightly through the cracks of his blinds. In his penthouse, he relaxed on the couch watching baseball as his wife made breakfast. Cécile Dumont-Redding, his lovely wife hailing from Paris, had been known for her skills in the culinary arts. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. Brad was kicking back and relaxing while he could. He would be heading out to the Protectors Tower later, away from his wife.

"Breakfast is ready." Cécile said.

"Ah, thank you."

She walked over to him with a plate of pancakes and eggs at hand. He stood up, and they kissed after she set them down. The statuesque brunette was clad in casual day clothing, she smiled at him before taking a seat next to him on the couch. Brad ate his breakfast as he watched his game, and noticed that his wife was trying to watch too, but looked confused in the process.

"Forgive me, I am just getting adjusted to the things in America." Cécile said. "It is difficult to learn how baseball works. Not used to it, I suppose."

"It's alright, most people don't really get the sport anyways. They just watch it 'cause it's fun."

"Yeah, that makes sense."

Brad sat for another hour and a half until the game was finished. Cécile watched it with him for the first forty-five minutes, but left to attend her personal matters on the computer. With the game over, it was time to go to work. He looked lovingly at her as she browsed the internet. He was thirty-six years old, Cécile was four years younger. She didn't look a day past twenty-five.

After getting dressed, they kissed once more before Brad headed out the door, waving goodbye as he went through the hallway. He drove out in his pristine white Audi out of the garage, and made it to the Protectors Tower in twenty minutes. The tower stood tall, its shining white image made it appear as the beacon of hope that it was known for.

The garage gates opened, allowing him into their headquarters. He drove down through the garage and parked the vehicle. There would be a day ahead of him, and he wasn't sure if he would be going on a mission. After the Mist raid, he hoped to get some time off from the field, but the criminals of the world aren't in the interest of giving him that benefit.

Brad went up the elevator until he was at the top of the tower. The doors made a ding! sound they opened. The interior was wide, and had a clean, modern look to it. Every floor of the tower was pristine, with a sleek layout that made all the residents feel at home. The top was the best, in Brad's personal opinion, because it had a spectacular view of New York City that he could look at all day.

He moved through the hallways until he reached the main center, which felt sort of like a living room given the cozy feel. It had built-in couches, chairs, clear glass tables, a coffee machine, and several TVs. If that wasn't enough, there were stairs to take the members to another level, giving them their own private section. Just the sight of it made Brad smile, knowing that most people don't get to be here.

Other Protectors could be seen moving through the area, going about their own business. As everyone had a job to do, or would have a job to do, Brad didn't wish to bother them.

Contrary to what many like to think, being a Protector isn't all just fun and games. It's a career. One that involves ranks, chain of command, shifts, and mission control. It's almost like any other job in that sense, and that job involves keeping the innocents safe from others.

The office room came into view as he moved down the hallway. Inside of the room where The Watcher, Green Gadget, and Void speaking to Phantom. Evidently, Phantom was paying a visit to the Protectors Tower on the behalf of the Young Protectors. Brad smiled at the sight.

"The Override factory was destroyed." Phantom said. "The Black Mark will be feeling their losses for a while, I'd imagine."

"Not bad, and the six of you did it on your own? I am impressed." Green Gadget said.

"Yes, good work." The Watcher said.

"Thank you." Phantom said.

Phantom gave them the file containing the full mission report, setting it on the table before stepping out. Brad looked at him, proud that he completed his task. As Phantom stepped out, Brad spoke to him.

"Handled the mission well, hm?" Brad said. "Good."

"Yeah, I wouldn't expect anything less."

"How old are you, twenty right?" Brad said. "You got a lot to look forward to. Won't be much longer until you're in the big leagues. Excited?"

"Well..."

"Well, what?"

"Honestly, I feel at home with the Young Protectors. It won't be easy leaving that behind, but I've heard that members who leave still work with them. I'll try to do that as much as I can."

"Heh, back when I joined there was no Young Protectors program. I can remember the day the program was announced, it was the most controversial thing ever. They thought it was so lame that they had to go through a junior program, now they're wanting to stay as long as they can. Funny how it works."

"To be honest, it's needed. You don't just join the Army without going through basic training."

"Well we're different."

"Really? Because what superpowers do you have, being a good archer? No offense, because I don't have any either."

"Our superpowers are just being that damn awesome."

Phantom couldn't help but smile at that statement. It was a pretty good statement, he would admit, and it was uplifting to say the least. The way Brad would spout these lines, both in-costume as Blindshot and in civilian attire as himself, endeared him to other members.

"How's your wife? Any cultural differences involved with her being French?" Phantom asked.

"Are you seriously asking me that when you're dating an alien?"

"Touché." Phantom said. "Speaking of which, I better be heading out now."

"See you."

They waved goodbye, just as Brad entered the office. He still kept the smile on his face, happy to see his fellow co-workers.

"How's our little friend doing since the mission?"

"Dr. Snow has been behind bars, where he should be." The Watcher said. "Still keeping that same smile, however."

"Hm." Brad said to himself as he placed his fingers on his chin. "When's the interrogation?"

"Soon. We'll see what we can get out of him, and hope he cooperates."

"The Red Crystal is safe inside the investigation room." Void said. "John has been working on the Crystal for the past couple of days now, reversing its effects."

"Tried to bomb us, hm?" Brad said. "Good thing we got a sorcerer with us."

"Technically we don't know that yet." The Watcher said.

"What else could it be then?"

"Whatever it is, we'll find out soon enough." Void said.

"Why don't you get suited?" Green Gadget said. "There could be some work to do."

"Yes, of course."

Brad nodded at them before leaving. He changed into his costume, where he was known as Blindshot. In a tight black outfit that allowed for maximum mobility when on the field, and he possessed sunglasses that can grant him infra-red vision, his costume was practical compared to what some others would go with.

Blindshot stepped out of the changing room, ready for his work day. Being a Protector wasn't always about fighting against criminals and supervillains. There would be a lot of downtime during these shifts, which was referred to as being 'on-call'. At least it meant he could spend his time having fun in the multi-billion dollar tower full of fun things to do.

Naturally, there was no shortage of entertainment. Blindshot made it to his quarters, paying no mind to the numerous Protectors and staff members he passed by on the way. The Protectors Tower could fit thousands of people, which was perfectly needed, as there often would be countless individuals residing in the tower.

Each Protector had their own room, which could function as a home away from home when inside. There were nearly a thousand of these rooms inside the tower. For some, this literally was their home. In fact, some Protectors had their relatives live with them in the tower as welcomed associates. Sometimes, Blindshot considered asking Cécile to live with him in the tower, but he figured she would prefer not to get caught in his Protector life.

Speaking of which, one such example came walking down the hallway. The big, husky Protector known as Crashbolt, or Anatoli Sokolov as he was off-duty, was walking down the hallway with his son Tristan and his daughter Eliza. Sokolov was of Russian origin, but has been a naturalized US citizen for decades. The kids ran down the hallway, happily screaming with joy as Sokolov moved with them. The sight made Blindshot happy as well.

"Ah, my good archer friend!" Sokolov said. "How has life been treating you?"

"Good, man." Blindshot said. "They love living here, right?"

"They say it's coolest thing ever to have a superhero father, and living in tower has shown them a new world! You oughta to see if wife would like to live here. Much safer, no criminal would be stupid enough to break into impenetrable tower filled to brim with powerful people!"

"I always think about that big guy, but you know she's already intimidated enough when she goes to the various meetings with me, and not to mention the outing. Might be too much for her, if you know what I'm saying."

"Ah, yes. It's not for everyone, I admit. Also, I can't wait to go to Rocky Mountain Celebration! It'll be here soon, be ready."

"Of course, man."

Sokolov had a giant grin. "Yes, brings a tear to my eye to see so many just like me. Everyone is there, from all corners of the world, and yes even the Young Protectors are invited. Haha!"

"Yeah, it'll be good times."

"Say 'Hi' to Mr. Blindshot kids."

"Hi Mr. Blindshot!" Tristan and Eliza said.

He smiled at them. Kids like these were part of the reason he became a Protector, apart from the inherent coolness that comes with it. They ran down the hallway, as Sokolov nodded.

"Well, would love to stay and chat, but I got kids to spend time with!"

"I hear you. Have fun."

Sokolov laughed as he went down the hallway with his kids, ready to have some quality time out in New York. This was the time for Blindshot to be in his room, until duty would call or when his shift was over. The doors slid open, allowing him inside.

The room was large, and had a sleek white interior, of course personalized to fit his tastes. Posters of various classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who were on the walls, he had a computer, a game machine, a flat screen, and a glass table. There was also a communicator to contact him, if he's needed.

He had spent several hours inside, watching movies and catching up on the current events. There were websites that he found interesting, such as Heroes and Villains Online, dedicated to costumed individuals like him. He even considers the idea of doing an AMA there sometime.

"It won't be much longer, maybe I'll catch up with some other Protectors." Blindshot said to himself.

His shift was just about over. This wasn't a day he was needed for, most likely. Blindshot vacated his room and moved down to the center once again. There was an interesting sight. The Watcher speaking to his daughter, The Vigil. It must've been Adele Walters' first day coming back from her vacation.

"Remember, it is your duty to be someone for the others to look up to." The Watcher said as he was speaking to her. "There's more to it than wearing a costume, having powers, and living in comfort, you have a thing that us older folks call 'responsibility'."

"Yes, I know dad." The Vigil said. "I've been doing this for years now."

"But only recently have you joined the main brass."

"The Young Protectors wasn't exactly a walk in the park either, despite what everyone else seems to think."

Blindshot crossed his arms. Of course The Watcher would be talking to his daughter about responsibility. It's the only time he pays attention to her. He moved closer and spoke to The Vigil when the opportunity presented itself.

"Hey there, long time no see. Good vacation, right?"

"Wasn't long enough." The Vigil said.

"I'm just reminding her that she holds a big responsibility, which she seems to forget." The Watcher said.

"How could I forget if you're always reminding me of it?"

"Ease up on her, will ya?" Blindshot said. "She risks just as much as we do, I don't think she's going to forget any time soon."

"Yeah, I suppose your right." The Watcher said. "She just doesn't have the right attitude for it."

"Don't worry about it." Blindshot said. "Oh, and Adele, how's your boyfriend?"

"Great! How's your wife?"

Before Blindshot got the chance to answer, he was interrupted by none other than The Watcher, clearly shocked by that revelation.

"Boyfriend?! You never said you were dating anyone!"

"I just thought you already knew." The Vigil said. "Nothing wrong with it, I'm twenty-two."

"Jesus, how did you not know?" Blindshot asked.

"Because no one ever told me!"

"Whenever you and I talk, it's always about my 'responsibility'. So of course I never felt the need to tell you."

"I'm going back to my office. You two can do whatever you wish, I just need some time to think right now."

The Watcher stormed off, away from the others. The Vigil cracked a smile, looking at Blindshot with glee. He had to admit it was funny that he didn't know his own daughter was dating.

"We got off early, so I'd say that was lucky of you."

"Yeah, though your dad won't be too happy with me."

"Ah, forget him."

"Say, you want to have dinner at my place? Cécile is an amazing cook, and I'm sure she'd be happy to have you over."

"Yeah, I'd like that. I'll come over at nine."

"It's a plan then."

Blindshot would soon change back into his civilian clothing and return home. He informed Cécile that they would be having a guest over via text.

A guest? I could do with some company.

Her response was just what he hoped for. Not much has happened today, but he was fine with that. Brad just wanted a good dinner with good people, and that's what he knew he would get.