Marvel's True Demon

As Stacy was talking, one of the police men opened the door of the house, but as soon as he pushed the door a huge explosion took place. The flames engulfed the man, killing him on the spot, while the explosion sent everyone flying, and tremors in the ground.

Mark could only hear a very unpleasant sound ringing in his ears. Mark looked around and saw that there wasn't any casualties, only some injuries.

Mark looked at Captain Stacy next to him who was also analyzing the situation. But unlike him Stacy got up and went to check on everyone.

As Mark was recovering what was to be his house crumbled to the ground, sending even more tremors in the ground. Thankfully the house was rather isolated and the explosion didn't affect any neighbor.

As Mark looked at the house his eyes turned sharp. If his grandpa had given him the number then it means he trusted the person at the other hand. But it was obviously that person who tried to kill him, and betrayed his family doing so.

As Mark was lost in thought Captain Stacy walked next to him and said "Are you alright… By the way, I still don't know your name."

Mark nodded and said "I'm fine. My name is Mark Sutherland. Sorry for your loss." Stacy shook his head and said "Don't worry, it's not your fault. It's our job."

Mark nodded but still was angry someone died because of his problems. Mark suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder and as he looked he saw that it was Stacy.

"Come, we still need to go to the station. While you get your ID and a check with our psychologist I'll search somewhere to put you."

Mark shrugged and said "You don't need to find me a luxury place or something. I can sleep pretty much everywhere."

Stacy smiled and teased "Is that right?" Mark however said "Yeah, the first time grandpa sent me fight a bear it injured me and I had to sleep in its cave."

Stacy laughed and said "Yeah sure. Come on, get in the car." Mark could see Stacy didn't believe him, but it didn't really matter to him.

Mark entered the back sit as Stacy began driving. Mark asked "Why did you become an officer sir?"

Stacy shrugged and said "My father was one and I grew up hearing his stories. I saw him as my hero and that's why I became one. Then I took taste in helping people."

Mark frowned and asked "Hero? Like Spider Man?" Stacy laughed softly remembering Mark didn't live in society, so he said "No, a hero isn't necessarily someone fighting against crime. A hero can also be someone you admire, someone you want to become."

Mark asked "Then what is the difference between a super hero like Spider Man and a police officer? From what I see you are pretty much the same, you fight for the ones who can't defend themselves."

Stacy shook his head and said "It's more complicated than that. As officers were work for justice and have boundaries, and if they are crossed then we get punished. But heroes like Spider Man can go unpunished. If they were to kill someone then who would arrest them? We already can't."

Mark nodded and said "What about the mask? I understand that you are the one within boundaries, but aren't you afraid a criminal would attack your family because you caught them?"

Stacy sighed and said "Of course I am, but the odds for it to happen are low. As a police officer I don't deal with the ones who are powerful enough to endanger them. Anyone reported as a 'Super Villain' would be handled by the special forces, and they do have masks."

Mark nodded and said "Then what do you think people like Spider Man should do?" Stacy replied "It depends, some should get arrested and thrown in prison because of their acts, while others could probably work for the government."

Mark stayed silent after that. Mark was hesitating about the subject. His grandfather had taught him that he should help others if he could, but how?

Seeing Spider Man gave him an option, moreover he already had the costume and the mask from the armor. But then there is also Captain Stacy.

From what he understood Mark couldn't enter the police force for now, and even then the limits that would be put on him would be too much.

But then Mark began thinking about the true question: Should he even enter either faction? Why should he enter the police force? They already have their job. Why should he become a hero? Police officers are made for arresting criminals, so why should he become a vigilant?

Feeling enlightened, Mark smiled as he was happy to have found the answer to his questions.

The ride didn't last long as they arrived to the precinct pretty fast. George Stacy accompanied Mark inside and said "I'll get everything handled, as for you there is already someone waiting for you. Go to the end of that corridor."

Mark nodded and did as he was told. Indeed, as he arrived someone who was resting against a wall saw him and walked toward him before saying "Hello Mark, could you follow me?"

The officer didn't wait for him to answer and walked ahead. Mark smiled helplessly and followed behind the officer who said "You will have to be checked to make sure the events didn't leave problems to your mind."

Soon they arrived in front of a door which the officer opened before making way. Mark silently entered the room and closed the door behind him.

In there a man in his early fifties was sitting on a chair with a notebook in hand, looking at Mark with a smile. Mark nodded and said "Hi."

The man replied "Hi. Please take a sit Mark. I am Doctor Salinger, but you can call me Gregory if you want."

Mark sat down and stayed silent. Salinger opened his notebook and took a pen before asking "Can you tell me what happened."

Mark nodded and told him everything that happened except for the details about him fighting, saying Spider Man did all the work.

Salinger took a few notes before asking "How do you feel? Aren't you scared?" Mark shook his head and said "They tried to take my life, thy failed, and that's it. Maybe they'll try again, maybe not, I don't know. All I know is that I must live the present to the fullest. That's what my grandpa taught me."

Salinger pushed up the glasses falling from his crooked nose and said "You seem to be very… attached to your grandfather."

Mark nodded and said "Of course, he is the only person I knew before coming to the city. He is the one who taught me everything I know."

Salinger wrote again and said "You seem to have adapted very fast to the way we live here." Mark nodded and said "Although I never came grandpa taught me how people are."

Salinger smiled and said "He seems to be an interesting person, I would be happy to meet him." Mark shook his head and informed him of his death.

Salinger nodded and said "You don't seem shaken up though… Do you believe in God? Or are you part of any religion?"

Mark replied "I don't believe in any kind of God." As he said that the pen in Salinger's hand suddenly broke in two.

Salinger looked at it and said "Sorry, it must have been too old. But back to your grandfather, why aren't you sad then?"

Mark replied "Because there is no point in grieving his death, he was in pain for the last few months so now at least he doesn't suffer anymore."

Salinger nodded and said "Well, you seem to be alright." He wrote something with another pen on his paper and teared it off and handed it to Mark saying "Here, take this to Captain Stacy."