"Come on, Poppy! Usually, I'm on board with whatever crazy plan you come up with, but this is absolutely insane!" Jamie Blackwell, a young photographer with a knack for capturing raw moments, said as he trailed behind Poppy Hughes, an ambitious investigative journalist known for her fearless approach to storytelling, out of the elevator doors.
"Relax, Jamie. Trust me! I know exactly what I'm doing," Poppy replied confidently, her eyes shining with excitement. "Once we pull this off, our careers will skyrocket. This is the interview of the century!" With that declaration, she swung open the heavy door that led to the rooftop of the towering Brooklyn Tower.
A violent gust of wind whipped through the air as she stepped outside, sending her long black hair sweeping back in a dramatic cascade. Jamie struggled to keep his balance, his brown hair flying into his eyes like a flurry of leaves. "Jesus, it's like a hurricane up here!" he shouted, momentarily losing his footing as another strong gust battered against him. "Maybe we should seriously reconsider this?"
"Reconsider? Jamie, I just forked over $200 to the janitor to let us onto this roof—there's no backing out now!" Poppy insisted, her voice unwavering. She walked confidently to the ledge, her heart racing as she leaned over to peer down at the bustling streets far below. The almost 325-meter drop made her stomach flutter with a mix of exhilaration and fear. "God, I hope I can do this," she murmured under her breath, gripping the stone edge tightly, while Jamie pulled off his backpack, a mix of skepticism and admiration etching his features.
"Alright, let's go over this one more time," Poppy said, her voice bubbling with excitement as she gazed up at the cerulean sky, a few wispy clouds floating by. "Once you're dressed up like a robber, you'll make your move to steal my purse. I'll scream at the top of my lungs to grab his attention; hopefully, that will draw him in."
Jamie tugged at the edges of his oversized, ill-fitting robber costume, the fabric rough against his skin. "And what if another hero shows up? Like Spider-Man, for instance. What then?" He adjusted his balaclava ski mask, nearly obscuring his vision.
Poppy waved her hand dismissively, her confidence unwavering. "At this height? I really doubt it," she muttered, squinting into the distance as if searching for any sign of the red and white superhero.
"Plus, what if Big Red is halfway around the world? You know he doesn't stick around in one place for too long these days," Jamie added, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "We'd be better off waiting for him to drop off his monthly supplies at the FEAST shelter."
Poppy rolled her eyes, undeterred by Jamie's pessimism. "Don't be such a Negative Nancy!" she exclaimed, stubbornness shining in her eyes. "Everyone and their mother has tried to ambush him at the shelter, but Atomic completely ignored all of them. I promise you, this plan will work. Just trust me." With that, she positioned herself dramatically, ready to put their daring scheme into action. "Okay, are you ready?"
"Yeah… I suppose."
"Good. Now let's start!"
Over the next two hours, Poppy and Jamie poured their energy into a full-fledged performance, hoping to catch the attention of the elusive Atomic. Poppy's loud, piercing screams echoed through the air, a mix of frustration and perseverance, while Jamie attempted to adopt a menacing stance, his muscles tense and eyes narrowed. But no matter how hard they tried, their efforts seemed to dissipate into the surrounding crowd, unnoticed and unappreciated.
As impatience began to bubble within her, Poppy felt a surge of inspiration that caused her heart to race. Without consulting Jamie, she made the reckless decision to escalate their antics. Jamie's expression shifted from anxiety to alarm as he realized what she was about to do.
"Poppy! Get down from there! That's going too far!" Jamie's voice rose with panic as he ripped off his mask, his heart racing. He took tentative steps toward Poppy, who was precariously balanced at the very edge of the rooftop, her legs trembling with a blend of fear and defiance. "This is extremely dangerous! Get down from there!"
"W-what do you mean? I can handle this! I'm fine!" Poppy insisted, her voice wavering as she attempted to reassure not only Jamie but also herself. "Now c-come on! Just put your mask back on, and let's give it another try—" Her words were abruptly cut off as a sudden, fierce gust of wind roared past her, causing her to lose her balance and tip backward.
A surge of terror washed over Jamie as he lunged forward, desperate to grab her, but his outstretched hand found only emptiness as he watched Poppy tumble from the edge, the world below rushing up to meet her.
"POPPY!" Jamie screamed.
No scream escaped Poppy's throat as she plummeted through the vast air. Time seemed to stretch, and she hung in a moment of suspended terror, paralyzed as the ground rapidly loomed larger beneath her.
Ah... I messed up. Poppy thought with a pang of despair. I'm too young to die.
Refusing to confront the reality of her impending doom, she squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for impact.
But then, the relentless rush of wind that had whipped past her body began to subside. The suffocating grip of gravity softened, replaced by an astonishing sensation of weightlessness that enveloped her like a gentle embrace.
"It's alright. You're safe now," a soothing, authoritative voice echoed from above her, cutting through the chaos.
Poppy opened her eyes, her heart racing, and glimpsed the magnificent figure of Atomic soaring with her in his arms. His striking red and white helmet gleamed brilliantly against the canvas of the afternoon sky, radiating an aura of confidence and calm.
"Can I… interview you?" Poppy managed to stammer, her voice sounding almost mechanical, starkly contrasting the swirling emotions within her.
"…come again?"
••o••o••o••
"What were you two thinking?" Atomic chastised, watching as Poppy slowly calmed down from her near-death experience. Jamie had the decency to look ashamed and embarrassed as he was stared down by the world's leading superhero. "This stunt of yours was incredibly dangerous and stupid."
"W-we're sorry, Atomic! What happened was an accident!" Jamie said.
"An accident? Do you understand what would have happened if I hadn't seen her falling when I did? She would have died? And for what? An interview?" Atomic said, clearly exasperated by the actions of the two people before him.
Although he had faced several false crimes aimed at gaining his attention, what Poppy and Jamie did was the most dangerous and reckless act he had ever encountered.
"Not just any interview... the interview of the century!" Poppy exclaimed, finally managing to regain her composure. "Atomic, the world's greatest superhero and humanity's symbol of hope! You've been called all of this and more, yet you've never granted an interview or given the media even a glimpse of your life. However, after your recent actions in Africa, everyone is seeking answers. Everyone! And I'm your best chance to share your truth without any bias. So, what do you say?"
I say you're crazy. Atomic thought with a sigh as he was about to fly away.
Seeing him about to leave, Poppy grew panicked. "Please! I have to do this! I have to get your story out to the world! While you've done a great deal already, so much more than anyone can ask you for, the people have the right to know about you. About their hero!"
"Poppy, stop! We've done enough," Jamie urged as he held his best friend back from rushing the hero. "Just… drop this one. Please."
"But… my interview."
Atomic paused, not merely due to the urgency in Poppy's voice, but because of the undeniable truth woven through her words.
It was an irrefutable fact: he had been evading anything associated with the media.
In his other life, he had come to realize that the media was far from a bastion of reliability. They had a penchant for stretching the truth and contorting the facts, all in pursuit of heightened viewership. It mattered little to them who they harmed or what reputations they tarnished, as long as they could sell more papers, attract larger audiences, or stake their claim as the public's go-to source for sensationalism and drama.
To Atomic, the media was a slippery slope—a landscape riddled with bias and distortion. Even now, he watched as various outlets fabricated intricate backstories to fit their chosen narratives, twisting his actions into complicated plots designed to captivate readers. The relentless hunger for any scrap of information about him was palpable; every news source eagerly scavenged for morsels they could spin into sensational stories.
Nonetheless, despite his deep-seated distrust of the media, he acknowledged its power as a tool for the masses. The articles and broadcasts were more than mere reports—they sculpted perceptions, shaped opinions, and influenced how the public viewed both the world and local events.
Take, for instance, the way several low-tier news outlets had begun to distort his actions in Africa into a twisted narrative.
What had been a righteous mission to dismantle a warlord who had wreaked havoc and sorrow for decades was recast as a manifestation of his supposed darker ambitions. The media skillfully distorted his acts of heroism, transforming them into a narrative that suited their agendas far more effectively than the truth ever could. As a result, sensational headlines flooded both print and online platforms, each more provocative than the last.
"Atomic: A Dictator on the Rise?"
"Atomic: A Force for Good? No, a Force of Overwhelming Power – One That Will Dominate Us Humans Like Ants!"
"Lawless Vigilante or Menace to Humanity? Atomic's Assault on Africa's Sovereignty!"
These alarming portrayals began to cast Atomic in a light that was entirely unrecognizable to him. Each word seemed to weave a tighter web around his identity, one that threatened to ensnare the essence of who he truly was.
Despite his tireless efforts to dismiss their drumming negativity, the weight of the narratives took its toll on him.
Wyatt, beneath his costume, was still just a man, vulnerable to the constant scrutiny and mischaracterization that surrounded him.
The unending wave of public opinion, fueled by sensationalism and fear, was something he could not entirely ignore.
"Okay," Atomic said, freezing Poppy and Jamie where they were bickering. "I'll do it. I'll give you the interview."
"Wait… for real?" Jamie muttered in disbelief while Poppy's face stretched into a wide smile.
"You will?" She asked, hands shaking in excitement.
Atomic turned to them and nodded.
He decided it was time to confront the uncertainties directly and finally address the public's unending questions. He hoped that by revealing the truth about who Atomic truly was, he could ease their collective anxiety and bring them some sense of peace.
As he gazed at Poppy, a tenacious young journalist, he realized she couldn't be much older than he was. There was a certain fire in her eyes that told him she was deeply committed to her craft. Jamie, who stood beside her, caught his attention too. He recognized her from his occasional perusal of the News Global Daily—a burgeoning newspaper that had quickly garnered respect in the city for its unwavering commitment to honesty, no matter how harsh or contentious the truths it shared.
In a world filled with sensationalism and half-truths, Atomic recognized the importance of a publication like News Global Daily. Poppy, with her sharp intellect and fearless spirit, seemed to be the perfect person to help share his story. It was evident that she viewed her role as a journalist not just as a job, but as a significant responsibility—one that justified risking her own safety to secure a meaningful interview with him. This also meant that she was unlikely to shy away from difficult topics. He wouldn't be surprised if she asked him tough questions alongside her other, more superficial inquiries.
Atomic took a deep breath, wrestling with his uncertainties as he weighed the gravity of this decision. He knew that opening up his life to the scrutiny of the public was no small feat, but he hoped fervently that it would be the right choice in the end.
"Yes. I'll agree to an interview, but only if you're the one to do it, Ms. Poppy Hughes," Atomic said.
"Atomic knows your name," Jamie muttered.
Poppy nodded numbly before schooling her expression into one of utmost professionalism. "Great! I'll call my Chief and we'll set everything up! How's 6 pm sound?"
••o••o••o••
"Terry, get those lights perfect! Holly, hurry up with those approvals! Stevenson, make sure that everyone on every social media platform knows about this interview!" barked Isiah Humphrey, the chief editor of News Global Daily. He was a formidable figure, his broad frame towering over the bustling newsroom as he moved with urgency, his voice resonating against the walls lined with screens and buzzing with energy.
The atmosphere buzzed with frantic energy as his employees darted between desks, their fingers flying over keyboards and tablets in a whirlwind of preparation. They were a mix of seasoned journalists and eager interns, all caught up in the electric thrill of what would likely be the most-viewed interview in recent history. Every detail mattered; nothing could be left to chance.
The stakes had never been higher, and the pressure was palpable. This interview did not just represent a standard news piece—it had the potential to elevate their paper's credibility and influence to extraordinary heights.
And why wouldn't it? They had just landed an exclusive interview with Atomic, the world-renowned superhero who had captivated the imagination of millions. His iconic status brought not only immense attention but also a chance to reshape the narrative around their publication.
As the minutes ticked down, the urgency intensified, with each team member acutely aware that this moment could either cement their legacy or lead to spectacular failure.
"I still can't believe you landed this, Poppy," Jamie asked as he scrolled through the pictures that he took of Atomic on the rooftop earlier in the day. "No, I can't believe this. I'm obviously dreaming- ow! Why'd you do that?!" He cried out as he rubbed his arm from where Poppy pinched him.
"See? Not dreaming," Poppy said as the team's makeup artist continued to apply a subtle touch of makeup on her face. "Still, I can't believe it myself. I imagined this scenario every week, but I never thought it would actually happen."
"But it did," Isiah said with a grin as he stepped into the makeup room. "I don't know how you did it, but you did. You made it happen. Do you have all your questions ready?"
"Of course I do, Chief. I'm me, remember?" Poppy said as she puffed her chest.
"That's exactly why I'm worried," Isiah muttered as he looked down at his watch. "Ten minutes. Ten minutes, people!" He yelled as he walked out of the room to speed up his staff.
"Don't listen to him, Poppy. You got this," Jamie smiled. "You got this, right?"
Poppy smiled confidently and nodded. "Trust me. I got this. After today, the name Poppy Hughes will be a household name."
As the seconds slipped away, an air of mounting anxiety enveloped the room, punctuating the tense silence with each tick of the clock. Those who had successfully completed their assignments found themselves double and even triple-checking every detail, their nervous energy coiling tighter with every passing moment.
Poppy stood at the forefront of the immaculate set where the highly anticipated interview would unfold; her posture was confident, yet her mind raced with anticipation. The bright lights above cast a warm glow on her, reflecting her determination. Next to her, Jamie hunched over his studio camera, his fingers racing across the dials as he adjusted the settings. His eyes flickered anxiously toward the entrance of the room, betraying his unease as he wondered if Atomic would arrive on time.
The atmosphere crackled with a mix of excitement and apprehension, as everyone braced themselves for the moment that could set the tone for the entire day.
"I don't think he's coming," Jamie muttered, her voice barely rising above the chilly breeze that swirled around them on the rooftop. She leaned against the weathered brick wall, her brow furrowed in worry. "Maybe we imagined the whole meeting? What if we both fell off the rooftop, and this is all some sick post-death vision, trapped between reality and our wildest dreams?"
"Jamie, I love you, but please, just—shut up," Poppy sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes as she shot Jamie an exaggerated stare that could cut through the tension in the air. "He'll come. Just be patient."
"I don't know, Poppy." Jamie's voice trembled slightly, a mix of anxiety and hope as she scanned the bustling streets below, people oblivious to their worries. "Maybe he had to leave to go save a town or something? Or perhaps he's off to the polar ice caps again? He has been restoring them and everything. I mean, an interview isn't exactly—"
Jamie couldn't finish his thought as a heavy silence settled over the room. Everyone's attention shifted away from the discussion when a visibly nervous intern escorted a figure who exuded power and authority through the busy studio.
Atomic's iconic red and white suit shimmered under the bright studio lights, the fabric catching and reflecting light in a dazzling display. His cape billowed dramatically behind him, each movement exuding confidence and commanding attention. The air was thick with anticipation as he strode forward; it felt as if time itself had paused, with everyone holding their breath in silence.
"It's really him. Holy crap, he's actually here!" one awed voice whispered, barely able to contain the excitement.
"Atomic… no way," another murmured in disbelief.
"Do you think he'll give me an autograph?" came a hopeful whisper from the back, the nervous energy palpable in the air.
The buzz of excitement rippled through the studio like an electric current, growing louder with every step Atomic took. Finally, he approached Poppy and Isiah, his presence casting a larger-than-life shadow that intensified the anticipation surrounding him. It was a moment everyone would remember.
"Atomic," Poppy greeted, placing a hand confidently on her hip, a playful glint in her eye. "I was starting to think you were getting cold feet."
"Ms. Hughes," Atomic replied with a respectful nod before turning his gaze to Isiah. "You must be Isiah Humphrey, the Chief of the newspaper. It's a pleasure to meet you," he added, extending his hand with a warm smile. Isiah accepted the handshake, his calm demeanor radiating assurance.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Atomic. I'm honored to have you in my building," Isiah responded sincerely. "Don't worry, I'll make sure everything goes smoothly. Considering all the good work you've done, it's the least I could do."
Atomic acknowledged Isiah's words with a nod, his eyes drifting over the bustling studio set around them. "So, when do we begin?" he asked, a hint of eagerness in his tone.
Poppy's face broke into a mischievous grin as she glanced at the broadcast director, who was signaling the start of the show with a series of hand gestures. With deliberate precision, she began to count down with her fingers, each number building anticipation in the air.
"Right now," Poppy announced, her excitement palpable as she and Atomic settled into their seats. The studio buzzed with activity, and the crew members focused intently on their tasks, lending electric energy to the atmosphere. "I hope you're ready. I may like you as a person, but don't think for a second that I'll go easy on you."
Atomic chuckled, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "I've done my homework on your work, Ms. Hughes. I wouldn't expect anything less than your best."
A faint blush crept across Poppy's cheeks, but she quickly cleared her throat, shifting into full professional mode. "Great! It seems my reputation precedes me!"
The broadcast director's voice cut through the moment. "We're live in 5, 4, 3, 2..." she counted down, her expression serious before giving the final signal.
In an instant, Poppy's demeanor transformed, the playful tone giving way to a polished professionalism as she turned to face the cameras. "Hello, and welcome to News Global Daily. I'm your host, Poppy Hughes. Today, I have the honor of bringing you an exclusive interview with someone very special—please welcome... Atomic!"