Being Captain Dynamo isn't easy. Trust me on that one. Let's go through my day.

Up early for the Gratitude Ceremony. The city throws one each year in my honour, to show their appreciation for my work. The whole of downtown shuts up shop and there's a mile long procession, banners and children - so many children - and emergency services, all out to say their thanks. I fly in once it's all kicked off, making a grand entrance by swooping down onto the float at the front. I wave to the crowds. They cheer. 

Halfway through the ceremony, just before lunch, Crab Man attacks the city, emerging from Lake Excelsior and moving in a sideways offensive towards city hall, clearly wanting to spoil my big day. 

I intercept him before he gets into town, clipping his claws and dragging him back to the water. News helicopters film it. Crab Man's yelling something about betrayal and deception. His profile mentions crippling paranoia. 

The city safe once more, I make a speech in front of thousands on the steps of city hall. The mayor gives me another medal. "There are few certainties in life," I say, voice projecting effortlessly across the plaza, "few except this: I will always be here when you need me." I lean forwards a little and wink. "Trust me on that one." 

They roar approval. 

*

That night the festivities are still going on but I've retired already. Captain Dynamo doesn't operate at night. Everybody needs a rest at some point. 

I walk down the dingy streets of one of the housing projects on the outskirts. The street lighting is poor, garbage collection is rare. Shots are fired off in the distance somewhere. 

There's a municipal park here. I make my way over, pulling my cap low. Some kids, early teens, are hanging out by a park bench, laughing and pushing each other about. They don't look like trouble; but there's not much else to do in this part of town after dark. 

They look up as I approach, asserting their ownership of the place, body language shifting, like a cat trying to make itself look big. There's nobody else about. 

"What you want, grandpa?" one of them says, looking like the alpha of this pack. 

"You," I say, reaching out with a hand and tearing his soul out. It tastes delicious. 

The others run but I'm already regaining my strength, the energy spreading through my body. Chasing them down is easy. They'll be enough. 

*

As I return to my base I run through everything planned out for the next day. 

It's not easy being Captain Dynamo. But at least I know I'm ready to defend this glorious city once again. The people know their city is safe with me around. 

Trust me on that one.