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Today is the day. I have the day off school but mum and dad have to go to work, so they left me in the hands of my older brother. I've been planning an adventure for a while and today fits the requirements perfectly, the weather is supposed to be overcast, so it will be quiet yet still enjoyable. All I have to do is make sure I have the appropriate outfit, something loose but warm and definitely waterproof. I've been going over the journey in my head planning as much of the root that I can, counting all the steps. Finally, all I need to do is work on my list of things to do when I get there. I head to the kitchen to start the day, where I can hear my brother eating his cereal.

?I'm off to the beach, ?I say as casually as I can, trying to hide my excitement.

I hear the clatter of what I assume is him dropping his spoon. He stops chewing As he struggles to take in what I said and after a moment, with a mouthful of food, says? ermm mum and dad are at work just me hear today sis, maybe tomorrow??

?Nope,? I say confidently ? today is perfect? I turn to face the windows? .Do I need sunscreen ? The report said it was cloudy but it feels warm in hear? as I place a hand on the glass trying to distract him from the immensity of this decision. 

?Oh,? he says as he tries to take it all in, ?ermm no it is overcast might need another layer?. He pauses then after he clatters around picking up his spoon, asks? are you sure you want to go?  Do you even know the whole root? I don't think we've ever taken you before?. 

?Hmmm Nope, I only know up to the road crossing, so you are welcome to come with but otherwise I'm going on my own?. I say trying to call his bluff. I really don't want to do this on my own, I almost back down  before he quickly stutters out

? No of course I'll come with you".a pause as he thinks this through. "Should I ask mum first ?? he half hardly jokes. I can hear his excitement in his voice grow as I shake my head. He laughs and walks up to me, touches me on the shoulder, and says ?this is going to be awesome.? I aim my smile in what I think is his direction. ?thank you'' I say as he leaves my space. I hear him a few seconds later respond from what I think is the hallway closet. ?Give me five minutes, we definitely need warmer clothes, I'll pack a bag?.he says as he is finally getting on my leave of excitement.? Have you ever been to the sea before? he asks as I hear him rushing off to his room.

Nope, I shout back as I feel around for a stool to sit on " I can barely remember the last time I felt sand either". I call out to him.

I hear him running around for a few minutes as I pour a cup of water to drink.

"Well this is exciting, and there's going to be no one there, it's cold and looks like it might even rain," he calls back between rooms. 

A few rushed moments later, slightly breathless,he loudly walks over to me 

?Reddy? he proclaims,? Perfect,? I say as we link arms and head the five steps out the door.

 It was going great. We were walking a route I had walked many times before so I didn't have to concentrate. I was able to eagerly tell my brother all my plans, of the different stuff I wanted to do when we got there.  He just laughs and does his best mum impersonation telling me "no it's not safe" in her ?being overprotective? voice.  Then we entered the unknown territory, the path to the beach, where a small cliff made by sand dunes next to the road, blocked the way. He tells me to? wait here? as he goes ahead. A few seconds later I heard him call out  ?Trust me you'll be fine, but you're going to have to jump?.

His yell comes from below. There's no ground past my feet, just a sudden drop. I try to focus on my surroundings to calm down, I should have known this would happen. Behind me the sounds of traffic going from right to left and above the sounds of birds and wind blowing through trees. In the distance, I can hear the sound of waves and the smell of the sea around me, and I can feel the edge of the tarmac path change to ground and sand and the drop leading to in front of me from there I can feel nothing. 

I wanted to go to the beach today, a new place. I wanted to feel the sea between my toes but this might be too much, I should have expected this traveling to a new area. Trying to get more independents but it is intimidating.

My stupid pride I should have waited to ask mum or dad to come with me, but they are always so smothering, they would be safer though. They would never let me run in the sea, my brother, however. He is a risk-taker, fun but carless. 

I've dropped before but always in a controlled environment, that's all I need is more information. I can still do this, I think to myself

?What's down there I ask ?? with a slight panic in my voice as I lower onto my hands, crawl to the edge, and reach as far down as I can. 

?Just sand,? he says back like that was a sufficient explanation 

"Look harder, is there anything sharp that I might land on?"  I question back irritatedly 

After a pause, I hear him shuffling around. It's hard to tell if that is him moving or the waves roaring, they are surprisingly calming.

  "I mean there are some branches but they're way off to the side. I'm sure you'll be fine." He replies, trying to reassure me.

?I don't know. Is there another way round??I try to reason 

?What?? he sounds annoyed ? Oh  come on look it's the quickest root. There's no other way round to avoid this drop, that  wouldn't take forever?.he gives an annoyed grunt ? we want to get there before high tide right??

I know he's joking and that high tide is far away. And I'm sure there is another path, but I need to be able to do this. It's not about getting to the beach really if I think about it, it's the experience and being brave enough, to take risks, to get there. I need to be able to do this.

"Come on sis you'll have to take risks in life like this the world is big " he calls up as if reading my mind. I appreciate that he's being encouraging but I can hear his patience wearing thin. ? Just give me a minute, I'll get it, ? I say back trying to show my appreciation but forgetting to yell. I don't know if he hears me as I'm focused on feeling as much down the cliff as I can, it does seem soft and safe. 

"You are tougher than you give yourself credit for, this was your idea remember

It's just sand below, soft Cushioning sand." He calls back getting closer to me, encouraging me as I move to sit on the edge, letting feet dangle into the void.

?You wanted to do this right to go into the unknown,'' he says now much closer than before, still below me.?You knew the risks this morning but you still wanted to go, to be free from the restrictions of your life to conquer the fear that everyone forces on you, to show them that you're capable.? he pauses as I feel the ground in my hands and a slight braces in my hair then he continuous. ?That's why I'm so glad you let me come along because you know I get it, I understand you're a person, my awesome sister, not a glass doll or a pet, but an independent human that needs freedom, so to get there you have to make this jump, by yourself, no pressure even getting to hear is impressive and I have so much respect for all you have done there's no rush? I hear his voice crack and I can tell how genuine he's being I feel the prick tears begin to form, but still I find it hard to move.``I could tell you that I have extensively cleared out the area and everything's safe but that's not true all I did was jump down first but I think this is reparative of struggles you'll find in life,   the point is it's not but nothing in this life will be known risks, especially for you, so yeah you could go take your time and find a safer path and miss out on all the fun or you could say screw it and just jump. I'll catch you ?

?You don't get it brother this isn't a simple little jump for me it can never be?. I feel the frustration in my voice not at him but at my misfortune. my voice cracking as I try desperately to explain .? It's a leap in the Vode'' I call out ?. this is darkness for me is not the lack of light, that's everything,  the lack of ground, the lack of anything to touch if I can't feel something it is like darkness would be to you, would you be so cavalier about all this if you had to jump into the dark??.Deep down I know he's not being cavalier about it but before he can answer I ramble on. I can't stop my feelings from coming out now. 

"I want nothing more than to be ok with simply jumping down, and I know you get it, but still I can't go back ok. Just getting here is not enough. I need to do more. This needs to be easy for me".the words fall out I didn't even realize I had been thinking all this. ?If I'm to have any future I need to be good with just casually moving around the world on my own without worry but I can't. every day I have to be careful and people do everything for me it sucks?.I pause to breve. ? It's frustrating hearing about your adventures and how you go out have a life,  when I'm forced to stay in? I say in almost a whisper  ? I love mum and dad but they are so afraid of me doing anything that might hurt me they won't let me live my life.? a long silence with a soothing backdrop of ocean waves when I let out hesitantly ? But I'm scared what if they're right? What if I'm not ready? Will I ever be??. I whisper as I taste the tears from my cheek, when did I start crying? 

A moment passes as the sea roars in the distance and birds chirp from not too far away. ? hay sis? my brother says calmly. ? I get it, I do. You are amazing and capable of so much.? he says as I start to calm down ? you know I've been here the whole time I know you I'm not just saying this? a pause as I give him a week smile in his direction.

? But you need to be more understanding to mum and dad, you're their miracle child. They want you to succeed and definitely want you to be independent. It's just hard for them to let go of their baby, it's hard for any parents .?  It sounds like he's sat down now.?I mean it took me a while to get over it but they definitely love you more,? he says half-joking, I let out a chuckle. He takes this as encouragement ? I mean I've been there the whole time but they're always watching you, but I get it, sister, you are stronger and tougher than you know. I've seen you fall and get up so many times, this is really nothing compared to some of the stuff you've already done? he says bring me back to this situation. I realize he's right if it is only a few feet then why am I hesitating so much .? if you want to live then jump.? he demands as I pick myself up and take three steps back, a deep breath and With all the grace of a crying elephant, I run and jump 

and he's there to catch me and squeeze me hard I start lathing it was so simple

"Alright" he yells right in my ear. I push him away, he is too loud.? I thought you would just lower yourself not run. you are insane? he's shouting through laughter 

I smile a huge smile unable to hide my joy, out of breath, and lathing. He eventually  links arms ?let's do it again," I say excitedly  but he just pulls me forward saying

"Baby Steps, that was amazing but you know mum and dad will kill me if anything happens to you" he reasons. "I'm already going to be in so much trouble for this, so from here I'll guide you the rest of the way."He orders.

Still costing off the adrenaline I accept his guidance, I can't even count the steps properly as I take in the amazing feel of sand. I'll have to come back another time for that.

 And then I feel it. The winds. No one told me there would be wind. This amazing bone-chilling wind,  somehow the cold salty wind is making me warmer. It forces me to pull closer to my brother and truly feel the beach for the first time, the sound of the sea is defining and beautiful and for a moment I am overwhelmed as I just stand there taking it all in, I love the beach. 

?You wouldn't have actually gone on your own would you?? My brother asks  I had forgotten he was even there

I pause to taste the wind ?Definitely not. but I needed you to think I would. Someday I hope I can though.? I say with the genuine belief that I can.

That would be something.

?Hey brother, what color is the sea?? This is why I love my brother, He pauses and goes into one of his amazing descriptions.

The sea is full of hope, its promises of new lands and new experiences. The sea is gray but it is just a reflection of the sky above, the sea is vast and on the horizon, the clouds break and the waters are blue, there is always a brighter future ahead. 

His father often suggested that he needs to be more confident and have faith in his abilities. As Young Icarus scaled towards the edge of the building he said to himself

?It's time for the leap of faith.?

He jumped from a 10-storey building and his body instead of flying descended downwards without any control at a very high speed. Within seconds he crashed onto a car and fell to the ground If he was an ordinary human he would have died with bones cracking in an instant and organs popping out of him. But Icarus is no ordinary human. Icarus Apollo is his name and he resides on the green planet known as Earth-676, which is unlike any other planet in the solar system. The planet inhabits people with special abilities known as the S-Force. The legend states that the S-Force made humans the most powerful species across the universe next to the mighty God of destruction. The reason for the emergence of the S-Force is to stop the God of destruction from rampaging and devouring planets as he pleased. One among the S-Force warriors will become the God-stopper whose power rivals the God. 

The origin of this power comes from the past of Earth-676. Many millennials back the planet suffered multiple catastrophic events back to back such as climate changes, asteroid collision, nuclear war, and other horrid events which gave birth to the people with S-Force. The S-Force warriors lived among ordinary humans defending the earth and preventing any non-warrior from starting a war within themselves. 

Icarus though being born to the Elite parents of S-Force is yet to figure out his abilities. He attained a fully grown pair of wings on his back by the time he reached puberty. However, the wings surprisingly do not have the ability of flight. 

?Your still young son with a lot of time to explore the world. You do not have to worry about defending the planet right away. Time will eventually come and when it does, you or your wings will automatically do what is destined. So enjoy the journey and don't be anxious about the destination?,  these are the words given by his father whenever he sees Icarus trying too hard to ignite his abilities. But Icarus always counters his father with a speech of his own.

?People take notice of others for their success and results and not the journey. No one is recognised for the journey they make hence there is no benefit in enjoying it?

Icarus' mother, Hera Apollo also known by the name Electric Goddess is a largely known elite S-Force user who has two abilities instead of one, unlike the common user. Her name strikes fear into enemies hearts and the sight of her alone would make the enemies flee the area. Her superhuman strength and the ability to generate unlimited electricity know no bounds and there are rumours that she might be even stronger than Icarus' father. Apollo Nyx is the only S-Force user who has three abilities within him. Although nobody knows or has witnessed what the third ability is, there are plenty of rumours which are waiting to be confirmed. Apollo is so famous that there are even comic books based on him. Although the physical form of his body does not say much, he has an enormous IQ and one of his S-Force is energy manipulation which means he can store, absorb, repel and transfer any kind of energy. His second S-Force is heightened senses. Only the quickest brute force can defeat him but there is a catch. Great strength usually comes with decreased speed and Apollo can even detect motion at sonic speed. Apollo Nyx is the most skilled S-Force warrior who people tend to believe is the God-Stopper.

Icarus being born to an Elite S-Force couple is destined for greatness. However, Icarus often battled his mind and body to find out the true nature of his S-Force. Since his failed leap of faith, he declared himself useless and stopped trying for it until one fateful day. 

The fateful day arrived after five years when an unstoppable force came crashing down to Earth-676 killing a quarter of the population in the process. Out of the smoke and debris came Akku, the God of destruction, filled with a strong desire to seek out the hatred within humans and make them pay for their sins. As per the legend, Earth-676 was in the list of wrath for the almighty Akku, the God of destruction. The God had an eye on the planet from the day he scouted it and its inhabitants. The God despised humans for their greed, hatred, lust, envy, and outright stupidity. Akku, who had the power to destroy the planet with just a flick of his finger, enjoyed a rather unusual way of destruction. He went from place to place inside Earth destroying the humans around it. Even though some of the superhumans were able to hold him off, it did not last for long. The God's vast experience and countless abilities which he learned over eons were no match for the superhumans. He defeated half of the entire superhuman species within an hour. The S-Force elite users had set up a plan to take down the God and they almost succeeded by ganging upon him from the left side which is his blind spot due to the loss of the left eye. Icarus watched the fight from a distance on top of a 110 storey tower. Akku fell to the ground immediately from the combined attack of the superhumans. The God immediately got up and brushed off his wounds like it was nothing. Akku then paralysed the entire group with his Sonicshout. The attack emitted a highly enhanced scream of a high amplitude paralysing anyone nearby who hears it and moderately affecting people even if the ears are closed. Except for Apollo, the entire gang of superhumans fell. Akku then lifted his left hand and created an energy ball the size of a building and launched it towards Apollo. The S-Force elite warrior absorbed the ball and launched it back to Akku who simply ate the energy ball. 

?Your cockiness disgust me, human. You are not the only one blessed with that ability.?, said the God.

 Akku launched towards Apollo to fight him hand-to-hand. The God moved at hyperspeed which Apollo could barely keep up with his heightened senses. Within minutes into the fight, Akku dominated and knocked down Apollo. Icarus who watched the fight felt terrified with the presence and the power of the God. Akku caught Apollo by his long beard and raised his hand for a final blow. Icarus started to tremble at the thought of his powerless wings and the powerful God who defeated both of his parents within minutes. He could not witness the death of his loved ones while he stood there like a coward. 

?It's now or never,? said Icarus to himself as he took a leap of faith. His father's advice about having faith in his abilities started to ring again and again in his mind. He descended towards the ground, this time in a more controlled motion. He felt something in his back. His wings started to warm up and soon the unthinkable happened His wings became more thicker, grew in size and started to burn in flames With wings of fire, Icarus went straight for a punch to the God. Akku dodged the punch and backflipped to create space between them. 

Icarus started to wake up his father by gently slapping his bloodied face. Apollo's one eye was shut due to the beating he received.

?So, he is your father? I was wondering how long you would quietly stand up there in fear while your fellow species are left to die.?

?I am going to burn you to ashes.?, said an angry Icarus. 

?You won't even get the chance!?, said the God as he let out his Sonicshout against Icarus. The God's scream surprisingly did not affect Icarus or Apollo as the winged S-Force user used his new ability and blocked the attack with his wings. Apollo quickly shared his third ability, the incorporeal with his son. This ability grants its user to pass through energy attacks and objects by changing the body's material to become incorporeal.

?The God stopper?, shouted Apollo as his son was shielding them from the scream.

?What? The wings??, asked Icarus.

?No my son, it's you. You are the legendary God-stopper. You also now have the power to pass through things such as objects and even energy attacks. ?, said Apollo.

?Wha?? How did that happen? The incorporeal ability like Uncle Marc??

?Yes! Combine your abilities and stop the God of destruction my son.?

Icarus smiled at his father and said, ?Well, ain't that a nice twist, say no more!?

With the newly added ability, the God could not predict Icarus' move. The God-stopper evaded the God's attack by being incorporeal. However, Icarus could not go offensive against the God as he lacked battle experience. Icarus started to land a few punches after a while but Akku is too strong to get hurt by a low-level attack. Icarus' strong defence and Akku's strong offence lead the fight to a draw. However, the two were determined and battled out straight for 24 hours. The long battle only proved that they were evenly matched. Frustrated by the newly found power in the boy, Akku left Earth-676 vowing to return one day to destroy and disintegrate each and every human on the planet.