Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Hi, hello!

I am your average Fic writer, just wanting to share an idea. This, as stated in the top notes, is a warning page. Don’t worry, it’s not long at all.

WARNING:

This fic contains out of character writing. In both the comics and the show, the former Guardians of the Globe are considered to be very honest, humble people. Very down to earth and kind. In this fic, they will not be portrayed that way. They will have characters flaws, they might not all be good people, might not be so humble. I REPEAT, THE FORMER GUARDIANS OF THE GLOBE ARE VERY OUT OF CHARACTER AND WILL HAVE CHARACTER/PERSONALITY FLAWS.

On that note, I will try to keep a few things lore accurate. A few. I have read the comics and have watched the show, and will mix some details from both. No spoilers, don’t worry (this takes place before the show and the comics). But basically, I gave them personalities that I think suit them, if they were flawed.

Chapter Text

[TAPE BEGINS]

[FILE NO. 0]

[DONALD]: {This is… GDA file number zero. Access is strictly limited to authorized personnel. Director or higher.}

[RUSTLING OF PAPER]

[DONALD]: {The following tapes are confidential, providing classified information documenting the GDA’s Guardian’s of the Globe. This information includes personal lives, strengths, weaknesses, and bonds. Should these files be recorded, copied, or shared, a class A felony conviction is in order.}

[RECORDER IS SHIFTED]

[DONALD, VOICE DISTANT]: {Okay, let’s…}

[END OF TAPE]

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[TAPE BEGINS]

[FILE NO. 1]

[DONALD]: {This is GDA file number one. Recording Red Rush.}

[TAPE CUTS TO AUDIO RECORDING]

[RED RUSH]: {Do you know how hard it was to find a suit like this? It’s- it’s all about sticking out, yknow? People are more oblivious than a blind bat. Actually— bat’s are very aware.. maybe- maybe more like newborn puppies who don’t have their eyes open yet. The point- listen, the point is that these fuckers will be crossing the street, shovin… sticks up their asses, maybe in their eyes. And they just can’t see shit. I mean, cmon, I’m red. If you see me comin’ from down the street, you should move.}

[CHAIR CREAKS]

[RED RUSH]: {Basically, the point of this stupid thing was so that people could see me coming, but they still can’t! I mean- Is- is everyone desensitized to red or something? I shouldn’t have to stop when I’m running ‘round saving lives, I mean come on.}

[RED RUSH CHUCKLES]

[RED RUSH]: {Sometimes I go around the fuckers. Stopping risks lives, yeah? If these- these- fuck, these entitled idiots can’t move outta my way, then I might-}

[RED RUSH LAUGHS]

[RED RUSH]: {I might just hit ‘em!}

[DONALD CLEARS HIS THROAT]

[DONALD]: {And have you? Hit anyone. The GDA has no record of casualties, and I can assure you it will remain that way regardless of what you answer.}

[RED RUSH]: {Nah, but I’ve come damn close. These guys just come outta nowhere. I mean- I’ll stop myself if I gotta, I ain’t a monster or something like that. Now that Omni-man guy? I’ve seen ‘im trample cars for the sake of victory.}

[DONALD]: {Do you have trouble stopping yourself? I mean more in the sense of— well, can you control how quickly you can go from four-hundred miles an hour to Zero?}

[CHAIR CREAKS FROM MOVEMENT]

[RED RUSH CHUCKLES]

[RED RUSH]: {Trouble? Donald, who’re you looking at? I can stop at a dime if I can help it. I just mean that- that sometimes I don’t wanna stop. What, are you gonna make a- a cop car stop at a red light when he’s heading to an emergency? Or an ambulance? I didn’t think so. “Can you stop.” Get outta here with that.}

[DONALDS CLICKS TONGUE]

[DONALD]: {I understand. Earlier you mentioned Omni-Man. I’d- I’d like to ask how you feel about his behavior during a fight.}

[RED RUSH SCOFFS]

[RED RUSH]: {It’s disturbing, Donald. You know, my job as a Guardian is to protect these people, and- and- and this guy’s just trampling on ‘em like ants under his boot. Ants, I tell ya. Like come on, what’re we doing here? World’s best superhero team, makin’ rookie plays like that..}

[END OF TAPE]

Chapter Text

[TAPE BEGINS]

[FILE NO. 2]

[DONALD]: {This is GDA file number…}

[RUSTLING PAPER]

[DONALD]: {GDA file number two. Recording War Woman.}

[TAPE CUTS TO AUDIO RECORDING]

[TABLE IS HIT]

[WAR WOMAN]: {Alright, Donald. Cut this ‘classified’ bullshit and tell me why I’m here. If one of the Guardians did somethin’ wrong, it wasn’t me.}

[DONALD]: {You shouldn’t feel attacked, War Woman. This is a routine checkup… making sure our heroes are performing well.}

[WAR WOMAN SCOFFS]

[WAR WOMAN]: {I’m performing as well as I possibly could, better than that damn Immortal. Maybe you should make me leader, huh? There, was that a good answer for ya? Can I go?}

[CHAIR IS PUSHED OUT]

[WAR WOMAN]: {I got places to be, you know. This’s supposed to be my day off, and my girl’s expecting me home.}

[DONALD]: {Now just- hold on War Woman. Please, stay seated for the duration of this interview.}

[WAR WOMAN, DISTANT]: {I gave you my answer, Donald. Now tell Cecil he’s wasting my damn time.}

[DONALD]: {You won’t get through that door, War Woman. Please, sit down.}

[DOOR BEING SLAMMED AGAINST, DISTANT]

[WAR WOMAN, DISTANT]: {Really thought this through, didn’t ya? Alright, I’ll play Cecil’s game.}

[CHAIR PUSHED BACK IN]

[WAR WOMAN]: {Spit it out already, I don’t have all day.}

[DONALD CLEARS HIS THROAT]

[DONALD]: {The GDA has noticed a lack of communication between you and Darkwing. There is… a vast difference from before.}

[WAR WOMAN SCOFFS]

[WAR WOMAN]: {Darkwing? It’s as simple as it gets: guy doesn’t get off my toes, steppin’ where he shouldn’t. It’s- it’s insulting-! He’ll-}

[WAR WOMAN SCOFFS]

[WAR WOMAN]: {Who does he think he is? My equal? Oh- oh no. But he keeps acting like it, when all he can do is make fancy gadgets. What am I supposed to do, just- just let him ruin the mission because he wants to be the shining star? Sorry honey, but that spots taken.}

[DONALD]: {Stepping on your toes? Care to elaborate?}

[WAR WOMAN]: {Oh, I can elaborate alright. Don’t let Darkwing fool ya, he’s a class A dick. But the worst part? He’s quiet ‘bout it. He- he knows he’s the weak link, or fuck, I think he is. He knows his role in the guardians as much as I know mine, but he pretends like his role is interchangeable. But when it boils down to life or death, Darkwing can’t take a hit like me and Immortal. Gonna get us killed if he keeps thinkin’ he can. One hit from my mace and he’s the spaghetti I eat for dinner. Spaghetti, right? Maybe an Angel hair, fuck his guts would be thinned out quicker than he could react.}

[DONALD]: {I see. You worry about the scale of his powers. And your… war hammer-}

[WAR WOMAN]: {War Mace.}

[DONALD CLEARS HIS THROAT]

[DONALD]: {Right. Your War Mace…- it is very strong, I’ll admit. What are the material’s origins?}

[WAR WOMAN SCOFFS]

[WAR WOMAN]: {Don’t play dumb with me, Donald. It doesn’t suit you.}

[DONALD]: {It- it’s a genuine question, War Woman.}

[TABLE IS HIT]

[WAR WOMAN]: {I said don’t play dumb with me. I know your lab boys tested the fuck out of it. Cecil can’t keep his hands away from anything he doesn’t understand. He- he’s-}

[WAR WOMAN GROWLS]

[WAR WOMAN]: {He really doesn’t trust me, does he? Probably has the lab working on a contingency plan just in case. That’s what this is about isn’t it? You fuckin’-}

[CHAIR IS PULLED OUT]

[CHAIR FALLS TO THE GROUND]

[WAR WOMAN]: {That’s what this is all about! Who the fuck do you think you are-?!}

[DISTANT CRASHING]

[DONALD]: {This- the interview is now concluded, stop recording- stop—!}

[AUDIO CUTS OUT]

[END OF TAPE]

Chapter Text

[TAPE BEGINS]

[FILE NO. 3]

[DONALD]: {This is GDA file number three, recording Aquarus.}

[AUDIO CUT]

[DONALD]: {File number three was destroyed due to water damage.}

[TAPE ENDS]

Chapter Text

[TAPE BEGINS]

[FILE NO. 4]

[DONALD]: {This is GDA file number four. Recording… Darkwing.}

[TAPE CUTS TO AUDIO RECORDING]

[DARKWING]: {No, I don’t live in Midnight City. I won’t spend more time in there unless I have to. I stay close, don’t like to spread myself too thin, just north of Chicago. Gets cold, but it’s nice. The cold doesn’t bother me like it bothers Alana, and I made my suit thermal protected. Alana-}

[DARKWING CHUCKLES]

[DARKWING]: {Alana can’t hold any heat in that thin suit. Is it a suit? I haven’t taken the time out to ask. For all I know, it comes with her ability, that..- that green gem that gives her powers. If you can even call it that. Really, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to swallow the damn thing. And- hm?}

[INCOHERENT CHATTER]

[DARKWING]: {War Woman said that? That’s rich, coming from her.}

[DONALD]: {What do you mean by that?}

[DARKWING SCOFFS, DISTANT]

[DARKWING]: {I just mean— for a person working on a team, she sure likes to think the weight is on her shoulders, and hers only. Always starts with an “I got this” or a “I can handle it,” as if we’re not all fighting the same battles. It’s insulting and childish first and foremost. And I don’t step on her toes.}

[CHAIR CREAKS WITH MOVEMENT]

[DARKWING]: {I apply help when she needs it, and God does she need it a lot. It shouldn’t be my fault that she doesn’t know how to defend her back. I don’t want to stop evac, believe me, but I have to. War Woman has a role to complete, and she can’t pull it off without either me or Immortal saving her ass five times a fight.}

[DONALD]: {And, would you consider this a… recent flaw, or has it persisted for a while now?}

[DARKWING]: {It’s been prevalent the entire time, though she’s been getting worse. If she’s distracted, I don’t want her taking that into the fight. This is life or death, and she’s too busy with her head in the clouds. You know what I think it is?}

[DARKWING HUMS]

[DARKWING]: {Her lifestyle. It used to be ‘new day, different bitch,’ but now she’s trying out this thing called ‘settling down.’ Now, that’s simply not her style. Modesty and War Woman are at two ends of the spectrum. But anyways, this woman she’s somehow found, bless her, wants real relationship things. The only thing War Woman knows how to do is take her home. And I think it bothers her that she has to put in an effort.}

[DONALD]: {Does it bother you that War Woman’s personal life integrates with her work life? What about your own personal life?}

[DARKWING]: {Yeah, it bothers me. She’s too arrogant, bringing up the girls she meets each night like they’re trophies. And if Cecil surveys my life outside of work like I know he does, then you should know my personal life doesn’t change a thing. I don’t waste my time with such useless things. My personal life is my work.}

[DONALD]: {The GDA does not have surveillance on you or any of the guardians, Darkwing.}

[DARKWING SCOFFS]

[DARKWING]: {You might be able to trick Immortal with that mantra, but Cecil’s a fool if he thinks he can hide it from me. I’ve made enough cameras of my own to detect when there’s an unwanted one in my house.}

[DONALD CLEARS HIS THROAT]

[DONALD]: {Right. Now…. I’d like to ask about your protege, Nightboy. How is his performance?}

[DARKWING SIGHS]

[CHAIR CREAKS FROM MOVEMENT]

[DARKWING]: {Benjamin? Real piece of work. Believe me, his potential isn’t anything to sneeze at, but he’s sloppy. I suppose I should expect that from a rookie, but I expect results as well. I have to teach him that it’s important to serve justice, not death.}

[DONALD]: {Does Nightboy have trouble differentiating the two?}

[DARKWING]: {Trouble? That’s putting it lightly. That’s all he knows, as far as I’m concerned. Just last week I-}

[CHAIR CREAKS FROM MOVEMENT]

[DARKWING]: [I took him through Midnight City, basic patrol. The kid runs off, uses that shadow ability of his so I can’t detect him. A real sneaky one. I’ve been trying to crack down on this behavior, but maybe I’m not being hard enough on him. Anyways, he sneaks off, I track him five minutes later, and he’s standing next to three skeletons on the ground. And I don’t mean a few bones, maybe some skin left, none of that. This was three full skeletons, stripped completely bare of muscle tissue and flesh. I asked Benjamin, and all he told me was the creature in the shadow realm took care of them. Not a care in the world. It’s sloppy, unprofessional.}

[DONALD]: {And… do you think this behavior can be fixed?}

[DARKWING]: {I can fix anything, and I can ensure that this won’t be a problem much longer. I think he needs to spend some time with Martian man. That guy’s gentle in nature, might rub off on the kid.}

[DONALD]: {Do you believe Martian Man would be up to the challenge?}

[DARKWING]: {Of course. Educating others comes as easy for him as breathing, if he actually breathes. Martians don’t have noses, actually. They could have breathing holes for all I know, but it’s not my place to ask. But if Martian Man ever… meets an untimely end, I’d like to study his anatomy. I’m not saying I want him dead or anything, it’s merely a thought. I’ve already made it clear I don’t wish death to anyone, not even the criminals in Midnight City.}

[DONALD]: {I understand that, Darkwing, there’s no need to worry.}

[DARKWING]: {I wasn’t worried. I don’t worry myself easily, not like Alana and Aquarus. Someone in the Guardians needs a level head, and that’s the role I take.}

[TAPE ENDS]

Chapter Text

[TAPE BEGINS]

[FILE NO. 5]

[DONALD]: {This is GDA file number five. Recording Green Ghost.}

[TAPE CUTS TO AUDIO RECORDING]

[GREEN GHOST]: {To get the right shot, you really have to pay attention to angles, lighting, and cinematic elements. It might be one simple shot, but- but there really is something cinematic about photo shoots, the beauty of each model, and just…- oh, am I getting distracted? I can’t imagine this is what I’m here for.}

[DONALD]: {Take your time, Green Ghost. This is merely a checkup, there’s no rush.}

[GREEN GHOST]: {Right… okay. How is this checkup supposed to go..?}

[DONALD CLICKS HIS TONGUE]

[DONALD]: {It’s nothing specific. I listen to you, and I ask correlated questions that I think are necessary.}

[CHAIR CREAKS FROM MOVEMENT]

[GREEN GHOST]: {Oh. Well, that sounds easy. Should I keep talking then?}

[DONALD]: {How about I just start with a question?}

[GREEN GHOST]: {That would be easier..}

[GREEN GHOST CHUCKLES, DISTANT]

[DONALD]: {How do you balance your daily life and your hero life?}

[GREEN GHOST]: {Oh— well, I prefer to start my day as if- as if I weren’t a superhero. I mean, I always keep my Jade with me, don’t get me wrong. But I mean— I just mean that, I go by my day without thinking too much about it. like an off-duty cop, or something. But when I get an alert, I’ll be ready in an instant. I chose a career that gives me lots of flexibility with my schedule, it’s nice, I suppose. I just have to take my Jade and leave.}

[DONALD]: {And, your Jade, how does that affect your appearance? Does it change your molecules, or do you really wear a suit?}

[GREEN GHOST]: {You don’t have that on record already? Sorry- sorry. Yeah, it does alter my molecular structure. And the green isn’t a suit. My husband is terrified of it, but I love to scare him sometimes. You know— I get a lot of backlash on my ability. People— people think that I’ll use my picnokinesis for something- something creepy. Now, I’m no creep, I don’t go spying or anything. I really have no reason to.}

[DONALD]: {We at the GDA understand. Can you explain what Picnokinesis is?}

[CHAIR CREAKS WITH MOVEMENT]

[GREEN GHOST]: {Yes, of course, of course. Picnokinesis is when I reduce the mass of my atoms to zero. That’s what turns me transparent, or invisible, ghostly, you could say.}

[GREEN GHOST CHUCKLES]

[GREEN GHOST]: {But, not only that, but I can, you know, faze through solid objects, walls, ceilings, boulders, mountains. And- and I can hold it for a very long time. I really don’t have much of a limit— it makes it much easier to protect my allies when they need it, sometimes citizens as well. I don’t like to use it outside of my work with the Guardians, I’m very, very strict with myself. I mean, unless I want to scare Theo, that’s the only exception..- And I don’t do it too often, I don’t want to piss him off or- or- make him upset, give him a heart attack. It’s just playful, and we like to scare and prank each other a lot. Sometimes my coworkers do as well, but- but you know, I’d never use my powers in front of them. I’m very careful in keeping my identity a secret. Very.}

[DONALD]: {And how does your husband feel about your hero life?}

[GREEN GHOST HUMS, DISTANT]

[GREEN GHOST]: {Oh… he- he doesn’t mind, I guess. He gets nervous, you know— his wife risks her life every day, I’d be surprised if he wasn’t worrying about my safety. But he knows I can handle myself- and he knows that I have allies that can do the same. He- well, my husband actually really likes The Immortal. Sometimes he comes over for dinner, and Theo will cook up something special. It’s very nice. He’s so sweet, and Immortal really appreciates it. You know- I don’t think he has any family of his own, and— and I don’t blame him, it must be hard. He’s been alive for so long, relationships have to be difficult. Not that I’m— trying to poke fun at Immortal, he’s very kind, cares for the rest of the team a lot. He’s a great leader, very level headed.}

[DONALD]: {And do you believe your bond with The Immortal is strong?}

[CHAIR CREAKS FROM MOVEMENT]

[GREEN GHOST SIGHS]

[GREEN GHOST]: {Of course. Very strong, I think I’m the only one on the team who tries to understand him. War Woman always tries to compete with him, and— and I’m like, not against that, she can do what she wants, but I think it’s a little disrespectful. no offense to her, no offense. I just… the point is that… Immortal has been through a lot, and has the experience to prove he deserves his leadership role. It’s admirable, really. I have no reason to compete with him, and he always makes the right calls, keeps everyone safe.}

[DONALD HUMS]

[DONALD]: {Do you think War Woman wouldn’t be able to handle that leadership role?}

[GREEN GHOST]: {Oh— no, I never said that… She can handle anything thrown her way, she’s strong. I don’t— I don’t think she can’t do it, I just think Immortal has more experience, you know? He knows how to lead. Maybe if Holly had some more time learn how to lead, she could take up the role. But uhm… not right now. I think The Immortal has it covered.}

[GREEN GHOST SIGHS]

[GREEN GHOST]: {I… I get along with War Woman, we have an easy time relating to each other, but I guess, she can act a little… impulsive sometimes. Theo doesn’t like her very much, and I can understand why, but I don’t agree with it. I mean— I totally respect his feelings on the matter, I don’t argue about it with him, but he also doesn’t hang around Holly enough to really see all of her. We’re like a family, all of us. We’re going to have our flaws, I do too, you know. But it only makes it easier to work together when we understand those flaws in each other. It’s very important… to me, at least.}

[END TAPE]

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[TAPE BEGINS]

[FILE NO. 6]

[DONALD]: {This is GDA file number six, recording Martian Man.}

[RUSTLING OF PAPER]

[DONALD]: {Due to the sound waves of the Martian Dialect, the audio recording of Martian Man is slightly damaged.}

[TAPE CUTS TO AUDIO RECORDING]

[MARTIAN MAN]: Nikki is… A very sweet human. She asked me not to speak of her, but she has helped me immensely. Nikki taught me to appreciate this vast difference in culture. On Mars, we live underground, where it is dark and—}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[MARTIAN MAN]: {-me that something as simple as the blades of grass beneath my feet are something to appreciate. How organisms work hand in hand with each other on this planet is something a simple Martian like me could not understand. But I try, for Nikki.}

[DONALD]: {How did you meet ‘Nikki?’}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[MARTIAN MAN]: {Upon my arrival, Earth was a new concept as a whole, and humans were not very welcoming. They were afraid, and I’ll admit that it stung my hearts. I just wanted—}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[MARTIAN MAN]: {But, I’d never—}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[MARTIAN MAN]: {—Nikki. Nikki was much, much different, and I owe all of my newfound knowledge to her. We were both outcasts who hadn’t yet learned the harsh reality of human nature. The poor girl had no home. I met her just a year ago, in an abandoned ‘apartment complex.’ I had intended to hide in the same place, but it seems the mighty Sun had plans to connect us.}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[MARTIAN MAN]: {I just hope that I can be that home for her. I already know she is something I’ve never had.}

[DONALD]: {What would that be?}

[MARTIAN MAN]: {Family.}

[DONALD]: {I see… did you not have family on Mars?}

[MARTIAN MAN]: {We are a colony, not a family. Humans are much more close-knit. As for I, My mother and Father are a mystery. Martian children were all raised together, lacking what you humans call ‘emotional support.’ We are trained and schooled, and we adapt to our circumstances.}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[MARTIAN MAN]: {-I can’t help—}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[MARTIAN MAN]: {—didn’t want to-}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[DONALD]: {Why did you leave?}

[MARTIAN MAN]: {Exile. I was shunned, though I pray I can become the bearer of hope. The Martians live in constant paranoia, and I prayed to the Sun that our neighboring planet had the devices to help.}

[MARTIAN MAN SIGHS, GARBLED]

[MARTIAN MAN]: {The Sequids are what you call ‘parasitic.’ For thousands of years, they’ve been under our control, but it is a fear that the tides could turn. We’ve isolated ourselves to quarantine the Sequids, but that is no way to live. Though, I soon came to realize Earth did not have the resources we needed, rather, it needed my help. I abandoned my crashed ship, and have remained since.}

[DONALD]: {Are your people expecting you to ever return..?}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[DONALD]: {The GDA is working vigilantly, I assure you. And we appreciate all your help.}

[MARTIAN MAN]: {I Thank you, Donald. You and Cecil have treated me with nothing but respect. I finally feel I have a place to belong. I believe the Sun has led me to my saviors.}

[DONALD]: {Well..— we’re trying our hardest…. Is the Sun an important celestial body to you and your people?}

[MARTIAN MAN]: {Just for me, I’m afraid. My people take the Sun for granted, just as much as the humans do. I’m—}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[MARTIAN MAN]: {But… I can’t help but believe that the Sun and the moon are beacons of light. Never have I seen something so beautiful in my life. I look up at the sky for the first time in a hundred years, and I think of the other Guardians, I think of Nikki… and I think of my people back home.}

[GARBLED AUDIO, INCOMPREHENSIBLE]

[END TAPE]

Chapter Text

[TAPE BEGINS]

[FILE NO. 7]

[DONALD]: {This is—}

[DONALD CLEARS HIS THROAT]

[DONALD]: {Sorry. This is GDA file number seven. Recording The Immortal.}

[TAPE CUTS TO AUDIO RECORDING]

[THE IMMORTAL]: {It was a tough time, the American Revolution. It was hard to believe it was even happening. At the time… I was weak, and most importantly, undercover. Supers were less acceptable during that time, blamed on witchcraft and satanists. I was hung three times in 1766. No one understood why I never died.}

[THE IMMORTAL SIGHS]

[CHAIR CREAKS FROM MOVEMENT]

[THE IMMORTAL]: {But regardless, back to the Revolution. The battles were long and tough. We’d sit in shrubbery while it snowed, rained, thundered. Food was a luxury on some days. It’s nothing like now. But… I’ll admit I miss some of my comrades. Trent, my good friend. He… was shot by a British soldier, when we failed a sneak attack… The attack was my idea. I can’t help but think of my shortcomings every once in a while.}

[DONALD]: {And how would you describe your memory? Is it sharp, even after all this time?}

[THE IMMORTAL]: {I remember all of it. All of it. Every death I’ve caused, every..— every war I’ve endured. I wish my memory were inefficient, but I look back at these thousand years, and it’s all there. Wishing for a bad memory is like wishing for world peace. It is simply not possible.}

[CHAIR CREAKS FROM MOVEMENT]

[THE IMMORTAL]: {But I indulge myself when I cannot occupy my own mind. The ‘if’ and the ‘should’ve.’ The thoughts plague me like a parasite when there’s nothing to fill the gap. It’s… immature and foolish to think that way. There is nothing I could possibly do to fix what I have done. And that is the weight I have to bear. And the fear that no matter what I do now, I cannot make it up.}

[DONALD]: {Do you believe your work with the Guardians is an obligation?}

[THE IMMORTAL]: {You would not like the answer, Donald. I’ve seen many like you in my lifetime. Your cool, calm exterior paints a different story than your reserved interior. You don’t care what Cecil says, you truly do believe that there can be good in the world. If I were… if I were to tell you my work for the GDA is merely obligation to my past failings, you would feel disappointment. Because… you believe that the Guardian’s are here because we care about who we are saving.}

[DONALD CLEARS HIS THROAT]

[DONALD]: {uhm…. this is- this is your interview, Immortal. Not mine.}

[THE IMMORTAL]: {I never said it wasn’t.}

[DONALD]: {Right… Why don’t you tell me about the rest of the team.}

[THE IMMORTAL]: {Ah, the Guardians. I’ve fought alongside many, faced life and death with plenty others in my past, but… well, I believe nothing is quite the same as the Guardians of the Globe. What an odd bunch. Yet… I’ve never had anyone closer than they are.}

[THE IMMORTAL CLICKS HIS TONGUE]

[THE IMMORTAL]: {I’ve nothing bad to say of them, if that’s what you’re asking of me. I, of course, push them along and correct behaviors, but these are skills that can be trained. War Woman may be impulsive and brash, but she’s a respectable warrior. Red Rush and Green Ghost know how to Evacuate an area. It’s good to think that I’ll never have to worry about civilians. We get the job done, and we save lives. That’s what’s supposed to matter. I…— I’ve never saved so many people without losing just as much.}

[CHAIR CREAKS FROM MOVEMENT]

[THE IMMORTAL]: {Life and death come hand in hand for everyone except myself. When a life is lost, another is saved. But… I always remain. The Guardians taught me that we could change that. The Earth has shown mercy.}

[DONALD]: {And how do you feel about Omni-Man? Do you consider him a part of the team?}

[THE IMMORTAL]: {Omni-man. Very… reliable, is the only way I can put it. When something needs to be done, he certainly knows how to do so. The man holds no reservations, no doubts. That is something to look out for. If one can take a life to save another with little to no hesitation…. I just… it’s concerning, is all. But, I know that he is a good friend I can count on. He almost reminds me of myself, when I was much, much younger.}

[THE IMMORTAL SIGHS]

[THE IMMORTAL]: {It’s that feeling. The feeling of immortality. Ironic enough, I no longer hold that sentiment. Omni-Man believes he is invincible. An unstoppable force that can never be taken down. I was the same way. My curse… it wasn’t always that. It was a gift. I was unstoppable, unable to die. Who— who wouldn’t want that? I’m unsure of Nolan’s own experiences, but I can tell he hasn’t felt the burden of time weigh heavy on him yet. He has a spark, and I can do nothing but respect it.}

[TABLE IS TAPPED NUMEROUS TIMES]

[THE IMMORTAL]: {I suppose resilience is the most valuable attribute to have. It proves strength among many things. My…. My old platoon during the revolution were filled with young men who were resilient, just like Nolan. I witnessed countless of them fall, sacrifice themselves, say goodbye to their families, but there was never an ounce of regret in their eyes. How I wish I could’ve been like them, but now I sit here, hundreds of years later, wondering how I could’ve done things differently. I see that look in Nolan’s eyes, feeling everything but regret or hopelessness. It… unmistakably reminds me of my comrades throughout history. That is why I could never hate him for it.}

[DONALD]: {Do you think your past experiences affect your performance with the guardians?}

[THE IMMORTAL]: {Of course. That is what makes me human. I will find myself hesitating, wondering if I’m making the wrong call. The Guardian’s lives depend on my ability to lead. I..— of course, I’ve grown. I know how to take charge, I can make the right calls, believe me. But it wasn’t always that way…}

[THE IMMORTAL SIGHS]

[THE IMMORTAL]: {So… it makes me wonder…. When will I mess up? Will I mess up? How many of my comrade’s deaths will be the fault of my own shortcomings as a leader? It keeps me up at night, knowing this new family of mine depends on me. And if they can’t? I would prefer not to think about it.}

[END TAPE]

Chapter Text

[TAPE BEGINS]

[FILE NO. 8]

[DONALD]: {This is file number eight. Recording Omni-Man.}

[AUDIO CUT]

[DONALD]: {The tape recording Omni-Man has been reported missing.}

[RUSTLING OF PAPER]

[DONALD]: {File number eight is suspected as stolen and possibly destroyed.}

[END TAPE]

Chapter Text

[TAPE BEGINS]

[FILE NO. -0]

[DONALD]: {This is file number sub zero. Recording Director Cecil Stedman.}

[RUSTLING OF PAPER]

[DONALD]: {File sub zero is a class A record. Only Director Cecil Stedman and Agent Donald Ferguson have access to this recording. Sharing this file will result in a federal arrest.}

[TAPE CUTS TO AUDIO RECORDING]

[CECIL]: {Is it rolling?}

[DONALD CLEARS HIS THROAT]

[DONALD]: {Yes, sir.}

[CHAIR CREAKS FROM MOVEMENT]

[CECIL]: {Okay… let’s get this started. Donald? What do you think?}

[DONALD]: {Oh— well, I believe the GDA needs to conduct thorough searches on four of the Guardians.}

[CECIL]: {Darkwing, Nightboy, War Woman, and Omni-Man, yeah? I was thinking the same thing.}

[DONALD]: {Yes sir. These four display a possible threat to the planet.}

[CECIL SIGHS]

[CECIL]: {Well isn’t that just peachy. Alright, run it back for the tape.}

[CHAIR CREAKS WITH MOVEMENT]

[RUSTLING OF PAPER]

[DONALD]: {Of course. Based on War Woman’s behavior during her interview, we believe she may grow restless with the GDA. Countermeasures are already in order.}

[CECIL]: {We have the lab creating armor that withstands the metals from her mace, yes.}

[CECIL SIGHS]

[CECIL]: {Darkwing knows we’re spying on him, said he could detect it. He believes this surveillance is unwanted, yes?}

[DONALD]: {Yes sir. The GDA believes Darkwing might feel… betrayed or untrusted.}

[CECIL]: {Well that’s fantastic. We’ve got two of our greatest heroes unhappy with us. That’s the last thing I want.}

[DONALD]: {I understand. We’re hoping we can regain their trust in us. For now, Darkwing’s countermeasure has already been built and tested.}

[CECIL]: {We’re blocking his electronic frequencies, right? Shouldn’t be too hard to stop him if his gadgets don’t work.}

[DONALD]: {Correct. As for his protege, Nightboy… We’re still working on that. The lab is trying to create a light source that will drain an area of all shadows, but it’s still pending.}

[CECIL]: {Well hurry up, dammit. That kid is a loose canon. He’ll murder some criminals, sure, but who’s to say he won’t do that to us?}

[CECIL SIGHS]

[CHAIR CREAKS WITH MOVEMENT]

[CECIL]: {I’m sure the Guardians can take him out, if they aren’t eaten by whatever the fuck is in the shadow world.}

[DONALD]: {We haven’t been able to find any information on it yet.}

[CECIL]: {Of course. Alright, give me the last of the bad news, since I know it’ll keep coming.}

[DONALD CLICKS HIS TONGUE]

[DONALD]: {…Omni-Man.}

[CECIL]: {Oh, my favorite. Well, spit it out.}

[DONALD]: {The GDA has reasons to believe Nolan Grayson is lying about his motivations on Earth. During the interview, we conducted another test based on his heart rate and dilation of his eyes, all without his knowledge. We are unsure of a Viltrumite’s typical vitals, but based on human vitals, it is clear that he isn’t telling the truth about why Viltrum sent him here.}

[CECIL, DISTANT]: {That lying piece of shit… knew that ‘betterment committee’ was too good to be true.}

[DONALD]: {We currently have no countermeasures to stop Omni-Man.}

[CECIL]: {Well figure something out, dammit!}

[DONALD CLEARS HIS THROAT]

[DONALD]: {Well, we believe he may have one weakness currently, based on his responses during the interview.}

[CECIL]: {And what would that be?}

[DONALD]: {His thirteen-year-old son, Mark Grayson. Nolan’s vital readings indicated he felt genuine care for him.}

[CECIL]: {And what am I supposed to do with that? Hold the kid hostage until Nolan backs down?}

[DONALD]: {We hope that maybe Omni-Man will show some mercy due to his love for Mark, if it ever comes to that.}

[CHAIR CREAKS WITH MOVEMENT]

[CECIL]: {Or we hope to God that this kid develops powers like his dad’s. Might be the only one in the world who could stand up to Nolan when the time comes.}

[END TAPE]