As the sun pierced above the horizon, Salty City was buzzing with people going about their daily routine. Some going to work, some running errands, some grabbing breakfast and some entering the Slinky and Laughing Matter Hero Society to begin their heroic duties. Lauren the receptionist greeted heroes as they came in while they were all being looked upon by the glistening statues of the late legends Slinky, Laughing Matter and the newly constructed statue of former director Rhys. Somewhere underneath the city, Kim and Cruz were just starting their day in the Calibre Sanctum when CADA, their alarm system, made an announcement.

“Attention, criminal activity has been detected near Bayrom Hill.” Cada said.

“Hey Kim, we’ve got work to do.” Cruz said as he called out to Kim.

“Ok, I’m almost done!” She replied as she finished applying her makeup.

Cruz approached the computer and asked “Cada, what’s going on over there?”

“I’m sensing no power fluctuations or any indications of abilities.” Cada said.

“Hm. So whoever this is has no powers. Well this should be easy.” Cruz said to himself.

Kim joined him in the main room and they finished suiting up before rushing to Bayrom Hill to confront the criminal.

Meanwhile…

Ugh, who’s idea was it to give me all this paperwork?” Theo said.

Director Theo sorted through several sheets of paper as he turned on the tv to hear the morning news.

“On to more pressing news, we’ve all been excited for this year’s Fiesta of Flavor Festival. Salty City residents all over are especially excited as the Slinky and Laughing Matter Hero Society are sponsoring the festival this year and are hosting a few additional exhibitions alongside the usual festival activities. We have Susan on the festival grounds as it is currently being set up. Susan, what are some of the exciting things that we will experience this year?” Said Patty, the news anchor.

“Yes Patty, This Fiesta of Flavor will certainly be special and I’m actually standing beside one of the heroes that will be attending the festival this year. Knit Knight, please tell us more about the society's involvement in the festival.” Susan the reporter said.

“Well the Hero Society decided that this year they wanted to show the citizens of Salty City just who they really are and to put ourselves out there to grow closer to them. Even though we are heroes with extraordinary powers we are still human like everyone else. The society feels that the city will be more comfortable and familiar with its protectors if they are able to get to know them better. So we are going to be here at the Fiesta of Flavor doing just that and one of those things is the Arena of Legend where anyone can come and have a fun spar with myself or any of the several other heroes who will be attending. Aside from that there will be photo ops, food straight from the Hero Society’s kitchen and much more. On behalf of the Slinky and Laughing Matter Hero Society, we hope you can all come to this year’s Fiesta of Flavor to experience your favorite heroes like never before.” Said Knit Knight.

"Thanks for that Knit Knight. Back to you in the studio, Patty.” Susan said.

Theo turned the volume on the tv down as Jeff walked into his office with an excited expression.

“Theo, my man, the festival arrangements are all on track. As for me, I’ll be perusing the stalls for the most exquisite spices this side of the city. Oh Sumac how I’ve missed you my love.” Jeff said as he began to daydream about the tangy, lemony spice.

“Alright, focus. The festival is just around the corner and I want it to go as smoothly as possible so that hopefully we’ll be invited to future events.” Said Theo.

"Yeah, I know. Gen is making sure of that, believe me. She’s been on my case all day.” Jeff said.

Theo paged Lauren and said “Lauren, remind me to send Gen a gift soon, thanks.”

“Ok gotta go smell ya later, chief!” Said Jeff as he swiftly left the office.

Kim and Cruz neared Bayrom Hill and scouted the area for any disturbances.

“Do you see anything?” Cruz said in his communicator.

“Nothing yet.” Kim responded.

She went up the hill and reached a lonely gravestone partially covered in leaves. Kneeling down, she removed some of the foliage that covered some wording.

“Here lies one of the bravest heroes to have graced this world. Rest in peace, Silika.” The gravestone read.

"Silika. That name sounds familiar.” Kim said as she thought to herself.

As she began to stand back up a figure behind her swung a weapon aimed for her neck. She tried blocking it with her arm as it transformed into a trunk but the weapon sliced right through it and her wooden arm fell to the ground.

“Ow! That’s gonna take a while to regrow you know!” She exclaimed.

Kim created a moss whip and tried to wrap the enemy up but they pulled out another weapon and sliced the whip into pieces. The enemy then threw one of her weapons and it shined as it sailed through the air towards Kim. She tried to dodge it but the weapon sliced her chest and blood began to slowly ooze out of the wound.

Kim fell to the ground and, holding her chest in pain, she said “Who are you?”

The enemy groaned and looked around as if trying to find something. 

As they picked up their other weapon near Kim, they shook off the blood that dripped from the blade and simply muttered “Mat-ter.”

The enemy quickly fled and Kim called out to Cruz on her communicator saying “Cruz, I’m down. Come near the top of the hill.”

Cruz reached Kim and inspected her wound before bandaging her up as best as he could to bring her to the infirmary at the Hero Society. 

As he carried her, he asked “What happened?”

She explained the strange figure and her embarrassing defeat as they arrived at the society and he put her down on a gurney for the nurses to take her to be properly fixed up. Cruz then made his way up to Theo’s office, passing heroes and other staff who had various things for the festival.

“Knock, knock.” Cruz said as he opened the door.

“Hey, what’s going on son?” Asked Theo.

Oh you know, fighting crime, solving mysteries, possibly getting hurt from inexperience. You get it.” Said Cruz.

What happened this time?” Theo hesitated to ask.

We were checking on a disturbance and Kim was injured but she’ll be ok. A few stitches and she will be good as new.” Cruz said.

Theo put his hand on his face and said “You’re supposed to keep your sister safe. That’s kinda the opposite of that. I asked you to do one thing. I didn’t think it was that hard but I guess I have to be wrong sometimes. So, what exactly were you investigating?” Theo said.

“Well, Cada alerted us of something over by Bayrom Hill so we went to go check it out and we decided to split up to cover more ground and not too long later Kim is calling out needing help. She said something about a figure who had ambushed her as she was checking out some gravestone and she didn’t have time to call for backup.” Explained Cruz.

Theo was silent for a moment. He was deep in thought.

“Interesting.” Said Theo.

“What is it Dad?” Asked Cruz.

“Nothing, I hope.” Theo said, slightly concerned.

Somewhere in downtown Salty City, several shops were showing the news as a figure slowly walked by and took notice. The news showed more of the Fiesta of Flavor Festival and the Hero Society. While the news anchors were speaking about the society being at the festival, the screen cut to an image of the Society’s statues of its three late legendary heroes. The figure perked up and put a hand on the glass of the shop.

Then the figure turned and slowly started to make its way to where the festival was being held as it once again muttered “Mat-ter.”