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A film by Jon Favreau

Wade: Rise of the Minion Lord

X

It was only a couple of months ago when Wade Barnes was back in L.A. with Mark, Jack and Bob. He had helped them out a lot in discovering their powers and becoming superheroes. Now, he was just trying to figure out how he could do the same. L.A. seemed like such a distant memory now, but it felt like the greatest adventure Wade ever had. Even the more frightening parts, like what went down at the hospital, seemed like such a ride for Wade. But the best part, the one memory he cherished more then all others, was that talk he had with Mark up on that balcony. He was so moved by Mark's passion for saving people and helping them. He wanted nothing more then to do just that. Wade wanted to be the type of guy who could save people and make them see the best parts of themselves. However, he knew that Mark was right about one other thing, something else that was definitely for sure; that he needed to find his own way of doing so. He couldn't just place his hands on one of those Matthias stones and let them work their magic. He needed to find some other way, one that didn't require something real fancy or nearly impossible, one that was more relatable to people.

Unfortunately, that was much easier said then done. After all, it's not like you can one day snap your fingers and become a superhero. It also wasn't like there was a superhero academy or secret heroes club around every corner or anything. So the question that constantly ran through Wade's mind was, 'how do I become a superhero?' And it was an excellent question to say the least. Does he suddenly just learn to fight, make himself a fancy costume and start jumping across rooftops? Perhaps, but there's a dozen ways that could go wrong, not including the jumping on rooftops part. Maybe if Wade was rich, he could be like a Batman type of guy, but he was nowhere near rich.

Of course, there was always the option of being a hero that wasn't necessarily super. Wade tried getting into law school on multiple occasions, but to no avail. He thought about enlisting or joining the peace corps. All good causes but not quite what he was aiming for. He also tried heading over to the police academy. He actually liked the idea of being a cop. He would get to patrol the streets, stop crime, make people feel safe, bring some good words to the police department, it seemed perfect. Sadly, the guy Wade spoke to didn't seem to think so. In other words, another hit and miss, another dead end for Wade. Finding a way to help people was proving to be more then difficult, but it also didn't help that Wade also had to worry about his current life too. He was also trying to help himself and his family through some financial struggles. He's been working at a gas station for the past couple of years while hunting for other jobs in the process. It wasn't a bad job, but the pay wasn't good enough, nor did it do justice to Wade's smarts or that degree in philosophy he had.

Needless to say, Wade was in a bit of a mid-life crisis.

It was so frustrating to him, not being able to do what he wanted to do, not finding a way to do it, and having to intersect that with his home life. He wanted so badly to do great things and save people, but didn't know how. It also didn't help his frustration to see or hear about crime happening around him and not being able to do anything about it. Of course, Wade lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, which wasn't one of those cities known for it's crime rates. However, in recent months, it appears like there's been a strange, yet sudden, increase in the city's criminal activity. Everywhere Wade turned, it seemed like more thugs were just appearing left and right, looking to take another innocent, peaceful town and completely ruin it.

Wade even got robbed last week when working the counter, something that never happened before. It happened in under a minute, lightning quick in fact, but it still sucked. Being in a situation like that, for the first time especially, and not being able to do anything just added to Wade's frustration. It didn't really bother Wade that he got robbed, not even having a gun pointed at his face. It was scary of course, but it scared his family more then it did him. Really, all it did to Wade was make him angry about the fact he couldn't do anything. He wanted to do something to stop the guy, but all he could do was just stand there and let the guy do what he wanted. He wished more then anything that he could've stopped him. It made him want to stop crime even more, want to be able to stop people like that and help others even more, but he still couldn't; and he hated the living hell out of it.

But, something good came out of it. Wade's friend Bob, the other friend who assisted him in helping out Mark and Jack, had heard about the robbery and decided to pay him a visit. Cincinnati wasn't real far from Detroit, where Bob lived. So, Bob woke up early, made the 4 hour drive to Cincinnati and decided to take Wade out for a nice fun day. The two buddies smiled upon the door opening and seeing each other.

"Hey Wade!"

"Bob!"

The two leaned in for a hug. Even though it's only been a couple of months since they last saw each other, it was always nice to reunite, especially since they didn't see each other often.

"I still can't believe you drove down here, you really didn't have to" Wade repeated for the hundredth time.

"Oh shut up Wade" Bob joked. "Why wouldn't I come down here?"

Wade lightly chuckled from his response.

"Did it feel like forever to get here?" he asked as he stepped out of the house, shutting the door before locking it.

"Oh yea, it was devastating" he joked again and Wade chuckled again. "No, seriously, it was fine" he laughed as they started walking to the car. "Made a couple of stops along the way, and I thought you might like this" he handed him a chicken cap, with the eyes and nose on the front and the red comb on the top.

"Aww, so thoughtful of you" Wade joked, already wearing the hat.

"Yea, I thought it would make you look stupid, so..."

"Awe gee, thanks" Wade joked and Bob laughed.

The first place they decided to hit was a bar. It was one that they used to love hanging out at along with Mark. Bob called drinks for his friend, the chicken man, as he addressed him to the bartender. Wade played along with it and started calling himself chicken man throughout their time there. They couldn't drink much, because they still had other places to go and drive around. They did have a couple though and were having a lot of fun with just their talk.

"Oh man, that was crazy" Bob said while Wade laughed. They were talking about one of the times they played drunk Minecraft with Mark. "That actually makes me wonder"

"Mhm?"

"You remember how...*makes sure nobody's listening* the Matthias stones reverse all your weaknesses?"

"Yea"

"Well, do you think Mark would be able to drink now?" Bob jokingly asked, but also really wanted to know.

"Probably, but it wouldn't affect him at all"

"Awe Damnit"

"I know man, I know" Wade shook his head.

"But maybe he could use it as a weapon" Bob shrugged.

"I don't even wanna know how that would be" he joked, but was partially serious, and they both laughed again. "So uh, you gonna head all the way back tonight, or...."

"Um, I'm gonna crash at a hotel and head back tomorrow"

"You sure? You can just take the spare room I have" he offered.

"Nah, it'll be fine" Bob promised. "Besides, I gotta make a few calls when I check in, but thanks anyway"

"Sure" Wade nodded. He then took another sip of his drink before getting lost in his own thoughts, gazing around his surroundings. It wasn't the first time it happened tonight and it was getting Bob's his attention.

"Alright, what's up buddy?" Bob asked, snapping Wade out of it. "That's like the fifth time you've done that, what is it?"

Wade sighed before answering. "It's nothing really, it's just...."

"Is it about the robbery?" Bob asked.

Wade hesitated, but knew exactly what his answer was.

"Actually, it's not even that. It's the fact that... I couldn't do anything to stop it. I haven't been able to stop any of the shit that's been happening lately" he took another gulp of his drink, took in a deep breath and let it out before continuing. "I would give... anything... to do what Mark and Jack do. Not the powers, just saving people. And it feels like for... fucking ever since I've started searching for a way, but I haven't yet, and I don't even know if I ever will at this point"

Bob thought hard for a response as Wade took another gulp of his drink. He understood what he was feeling, he felt the same way.

"Look, Wade, I know how you feel man, you just need to give it time" Bob assured. "There's over a dozen ways you can be somebody like that, and half of em probably haven't even been discovered yet. Look, just give it time man, no need to rush. I can tell you're meant for this, so you'll get yours sooner or later, I promise"

Wade smiled from the statement. It wasn't too encouraging, but it was enough. It was real kind of Bob to say that and it added to the statement to make Wade feel better.

"Thanks Bob"

"Speaking of which," he glanced around to make sure nobody was listening. "I've actually been working on something big myself" Wade shot up his eyebrows from the intriguing statement. "Yea, you weren't the only one inspired to become a superhero. If you want, I think I can clue you in and make you a part of it"

Wade was amazed at the information Bob just shared with him. It was a hell of an offer too. He had to take a moment to think hard about this. It was certainly tempting. But somehow, it just didn't feel right to Wade.

"I....greatly appreciate this man, but... I think I need to make my own way"

Bob nodded with an understanding smile.

"I respect that man. You wanna make it on your own"

"But thanx anyway, that means a lot to me" Wade added.

"Hey, it's the least I can do" he gave him a pat on the shoulder. "I hope you find your own way man"

"Thanks"

X

After their day of hanging out, Bob dropped Wade off back at his work. It amazed his colleagues, and everyone else who knew him, that he was willing to return to work after what happened. Let alone, so soon. It really didn't bother Wade to come back to work, especially after his day with Bob. Wade thanked Bob again for doing this before hugging him goodbye. He then got back behind the counter, where he was working again, and started his shift. The first while of the night was pretty normal, just the usual business happening around.

Then, at one point, this lady came up with a basket full of snacks, drinks and food. Wade could tell from her age and the way she carried herself that she was a mom. This was probably this lady's grocery shopping, the best she could do at that. She seemed as if she was struggling and hoping for something as she brought her basket up to the counter. Wade could see why once she handed him her credit card.

"Um, ma'am? This card is cancelled" he reluctantly informed and she didn't even seem surprised, just majorly let down.

"Um....sorry, just... gimme a minute" she opened her wallet to dig for cash. Wade could easily see that she didn't have much. With that notion, he could also tell that there was no way she would've gotten this stuff if she didn't have kids, especially with that desperate look on her face. He saw his own mother in her.

"Tell you what, don't worry about it, it's on the house" he eased.

"Wha-oh no, I couldn't-"

"No please, it's fine, no problem at all" Wade assured, already bagging all of her items. The lady seemed overwhelmed by his kind gesture.

"Thankyou" she sighed in relief. "I can't tell you how much this means to me. This was VERY kind of you"

"Of course" he smiled and handed her the bags. "You have a good night"

"You too, and God bless you" she grabbed the bags and wiped her tears away as she left. Wade smiled as he watched her return to her car with two children in it. He felt proud for doing that, and he hoped he could do even more.

X

Wade's shift finally came to an end and he started to head back home. It was only a few blocks away from the gas station, so Wade always walked to and from work. Besides, it saved gas and he needed the walk. Halfway down the way to his house, Wade walked past the nice old motels on the side of the street. It was usually filled with nice people, most just couldn't even afford a house, but nice people. Wade loved walking by the motels, getting to see random people, kids playing, friends talking, couples being couples, it was always nice.

But tonight, he caught something a little different. He saw this mysterious looking old timer wearing some kind of cloak with a hood. It was hard to get a good look at him, do to it being nighttime and the short distance, but Wade could tell he was an older man from the way he walked and the cane he was using. Wade didn't know what it was, but something about this guy's arua just gave off something mysterious about him. He definitely wasn't someone Wade was used to seeing around here. He didn't really seem like he was from around here either. Wade just stood there, watching the old man for a moment, surprised he wasn't noticed by him as he stepped into the alleyway between the two motel buildings.

Then suddenly, this group of four lowlife looking thugs followed him into the alley. Wade knew this couldn't be good and jogged up to investigate. The four thugs started pushing the old man around, mocking him as they did. Wade couldn't allow this to happen, he had to do something. He could probably take these guys. He learned some boxing and self-defense with Mark and Bob, and these guys didn't seem to be as tall or big as him. There was nothing around the alley he could use as a weapon, nor was there anyone else. He would have to do this alone with nothing but his fist, sheer will and rage, no matter what the cost.

"HEY!" he shouted at the top of his lungs, capturing their attention. "Leave him alone!"

"Oh you want some of this too?!" one of the thugs said as he approached Wade, his buddies egging him on.

However, the mugger only walked into a rage-fuelled straight right punch, knocking him off his feet and flat on his back. His buddies started shouting as they forgot all about the old man and charged at Wade. He knocked one of the attackers away with a right hook before being tackled by another. Wade kept his feet locked to the ground as the assailant pushed at his waist, putting him in a headlock. He took a hit to the face from the guy's buddy, but fought through it as he retaliated with an elbow to the face. He then kept the guy trying to take him down in a headlock as he landed a couple of elbows on his spine, then kicking his buddy right in the goods. Wade finally forced the guy to the side before knee kicking his crouched buddy right in the face. He then blocked the wild punch of the second guy he hooked and countered with a shot to the gut. He followed his attack with straight, hard punches to the face. He turned to see the guy he pushed to the side lunge at him. Only this time, Wade felt the stabbing blow of a switch blade piercing his gut. He struggled for a minute before elbowing the guy in the face. Then, one of his buddies must've regained his composure; because next thing he knew, he felt something hard collide with his head, knocking him to the ground. Wade was in pain, his ears were ringing, his vision blurry and he was way too dazed to keep fighting. He was, however, able to see all four perps to their feet and surrounding him, looking to gain their revenge.

Until....

The old man himself jumped in and saved him. He did so by sending the first guy flying back into the wall somehow. He then followed his attack with a straight kick to the guy in the middle, an elbow to the guy on his right and a straight punch to the man on his left. And that punch, by some possibility, sent the guy flying into the wall as well. He then flipped over the guy he elbowed as he came running before sending him flying as well; and all he did was shove his palm into the guy's torso. Finally, the last guy, the one he kicked away, came at him with a knife. However, once he went for the stab, he just suddenly stopped. It was like something was keeping him from killing the guy or holding him back. He tried to with all he had, but he wouldn't move. That was, until he suddenly stabbed himself in the leg. He screamed in agony before being knocked out by a simple, but deadly quick jab.

It was the craziest thing Wade had ever seen, even crazier then what he saw back in L.A. This old man, once helpless and defenseless, then just suddenly kicks the crap out of these four goons with ease; and in ways that shouldn't have even been possible. Wade wasn't even sure if this was real or if he was hallucinating. He felt himself getting dizzy again as the old man crouched over him. Until finally, everything faded to black.