Book 1: David King & The Beast of Shepard

[Valhalla Erikson]

Summary: David King is a young boy with dreams of becoming a Paragon like his adoptive mother, Cody King. But when strange and terrifying things begin to happen in Shepard, David finds himself in the middle of a dangerous mystery. A beast is terrorizing the town, and it's up to David to uncover the truth and save Shepard before it's too late.

Along the way, David will meet a cast of colorful characters, including witches, vampires, and werewolves, each with their own secrets and motivations. With the help of his friends, and his own growing powers, David must navigate the treacherous world of the supernatural and find a way to defeat the beast.

Main Cast of Characters:

David King - A teenager adopted by a semi-retired superhero, who discovers his own super strength and navigates the supernatural secrets of his small town. He is a classic example of a Lawful Good character, with a strong moral compass, a desire to do what's right even if it's difficult, and a willingness to learn and grow as he discovers his powers and the supernatural world.

Cody King - David's adoptive mother and a former superhero, who struggles with balancing her own trauma and grief with the responsibilities of raising a child and running a Paragon agency. Her relationship with David and how she helps him navigate the challenges of being a hero is a key aspect of her character.

Sebastian Kain - The Town Magistrate and a potentially dangerous ally or enemy, who is mysterious and enigmatic with a hidden agenda. The motivations and extent of his power, as well as how he interacts with other characters in the series, are important aspects to explore.

Izumi "Izzy" Miyazaki - A witch and David's childhood friend, who brings a unique influence to their relationship with her magic and worldview. Her relationship with her spiritual companion and role within the witch community are also important aspects to develop.

Alex the Town Sheriff - The leader of Shepard's law enforcement, Alex plays a significant role in maintaining order in the town and ensuring that the supernatural and human communities coexist peacefully.

Wilhelm "Willow" Morningstar - A paladin and potential love interest for David, who offers a practical and experienced perspective on the supernatural world. Her relationship with her family, especially her mother the Sheriff, and how it affects her interactions with David and other characters are important to explore.

Ikanori Miyazaki - The older sister of Izumi Miyazaki, and a member of The Student Council. She is part of the public relations division and is a witch like her sister. David goes to her whenever there is a case that needs to be solved.

Anabelle Frost - As a wealthy businesswoman and leader of the town's vampire community, Anabelle could bring a complex and intriguing dynamic to the series, as she is interested in David's powers and may play a pivotal role in the series. Consider exploring her motivations, goals, and how she interacts with other characters, especially David and the other supernatural beings in the town.

Ava Rose - As a journalist and amateur sleuth, Ava could bring a fresh perspective and determination to the series, as she investigates the supernatural occurrences in the town and forms an alliance with David and Cody in their quest for truth. Consider developing her motivations, skills, and the challenges she faces in her pursuit of the truth.

Sally Bjornson - A Lycan who works at the famous Bifrost Diner. When not working, she runs with her pack of lycans, acting as guardians and protectors of the town. The dynamics of her relationships with David and other characters, as well as her role within the Lycan community, are important aspects to develop.

[Valhalla Erikson]

Prologue
"Dream A Little Dream"

Cody King

My eyes fluttered open. I let out a yawn, my body feeling groggy as I took a moment to center myself. I glanced at the clock, which read 4:30 AM. It was the usual time for my morning exercise and hour of quiet before preparing breakfast for my son David.

But something felt different. The air was tense, and a prickling sensation ran down my spine. I surveyed the room, but everything appeared as it always did.

Suddenly, a deep and familiar voice spoke, "Good morning, Paragon."

My body went rigid as a tall, imposing figure stepped out of the shadows between the foot of my bed and the door to my room. He wore an iron mask, a mixture of black and gold, and I knew immediately who it was.

"Equilibrium," I whispered in disbelief.

"Glad to see me, my child?" he cooed.

I couldn't believe my eyes. He was dead, and yet here he was. I instinctively reached for my powers to send him far, far away, but to my horror, I found I was unable to use them.

"You see, my child, I believe in coming prepared," Equilibrium said with a smirk. "Your little physics gift? Completely helpless."

He stalked around the bed and sat beside me, and I scooted away, pressing my back against the bed board.

"Now you'll come to realize what I could have taught you," he said. "All you had to do was beg."

He reached up with his black-gloved hand and cupped my face, his thumb tracing my jawline. To my horror, I felt that his hand was coated in blood.

My fear turned to rage as I lunged at Equilibrium, powers or not, I would do anything to save my son. But he caught my fist and shattered it with a sickening crunch. He grabbed me by the throat and pinned me against the bed board.

"The boy has potential, but you're only holding him back," he said.

"He will never join a monster like you," I choked out.

"He won't have a choice," Equilibrium replied with a sinister smile. "And you won't be there to save him. Farewell, my child."

My eyes snapped open again, and I sat up, panting. I frantically searched the room, thinking that Equilibrium was still there.

"It was just a dream," I panted. "No. A nightmare."

With a mother's instincts, I rushed to David's room, and to my relief, found him sleeping peacefully. I covered my mouth to keep from breaking down, and with shaking hands, I leaned over and gave him a kiss on the forehead before leaving the room and closing the door behind me.

---

I lie on my bed, clutching my Green Ranger plushy close to my chest. I take a few deep breaths and try to center myself. But it's no use, the Ghost From Our Past continues to haunt me.Suddenly, my phone rings and I see a call from my old friend, Izumi Quan Sun. She's always been there for me, even after all these years.

"I'm here, Partner," Izumi says in a soothing tone. "Center yourself. Talk to me."

I close my eyes and take a few more deep breaths. "That's it. Deep breaths, center yourself, remember where you are," she encourages me.

"Right, right," I nod.

"Are you on the floor of your bedroom in a fetal position clutching your Green Ranger plushy right now?" she asks.

I look around and realize I'm not on the floor this time. "I'm not on the floor this time," I reply.

"That's a good start," she comments.

"How do you know when to contact me?" I ask.

"I know you. I know when someone close to me needs help," she says simply.

I sigh and rest my chin on my knees. "After all these years I'd think I'd be over this by now," I say.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. The Ghost From Our Past will continue to haunt us. The question is will you let it control you?" Izumi asks.

I shake my head. "No way. He's dead, I'm alive, and I've raised an awesome son," I reply, straightening up and placing my plushy close to my pillows.

"You damn right you have. Anyone capable of taking down a Slasher at the age of twelve is going places," she says, making me smile.

"Thanks for the talk, Bird Girl. I owe you one," I say gratefully.

"Anytime," she replies.

"But really, it's important to remember that it's okay to not be okay. You don't have to put on a brave face all the time. It's okay to seek help and support, especially from people who care about you," she says, her voice filled with warmth and understanding.

I nod. "I know. It's just, sometimes it feels like I'm back there, you know? Like the past is just waiting for me to drop my guard and come back," I say.

"I understand. But it's not real, Cody. It's just a memory. And you have the power to overcome it. You're a survivor, Cody, a fighter. You've been through so much and come out stronger on the other side," she says.

I smile. "You always know the right thing to say, Bird Girl," I reply.

"That's what friends are for," she says. "Now go get some rest, and remember, I'm here for you, anytime you need me."

Izumi and I have been through a lot together. We used to be Paragons, going on adventures and saving the world. But now, I've retired from that life to focus on raising my son. Despite the years and distance between us, our friendship has only grown stronger. I'm grateful to have her in my life, always there to support me in my moments of need.

---

David King

I woke up with a jolt, my heart racing from the vivid dream I just had. Flying through the skies on the back of a dragon, it was a thrilling experience, one that I wished I could live out in reality.

As I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, I glanced around my room, taking in the fantastical posters and artwork that adorned my walls. They were a reflection of my love for magic and adventure, and a testament to my passion for all things mythical.

On my nightstand, I spotted the small trinket that reminded me of my mother's love and protection. It was a tiny dragon figurine, and she had told me that it was special, a talisman that would bring me good dreams and keep me safe. I held it tightly in my hand, feeling comforted by its presence.

I quickly tidied up my room, picking up the clothes strewn about and putting my books back on the shelves, before heading to the kitchen to start the day with a hearty breakfast. There, I was greeted by a spread fit for a king, prepared by my mother with a flick of her wrist, using her reality-warping powers to conjure up pancakes, eggs, bacon, and more.

As I sat at the kitchen table, savoring the sweet and buttery flavor of my pancakes, I caught up with my mother, Cody, on our plans for the day. She was attending a meeting with the town magistrates, discussing important business for the community, while I was meeting up with my friends at the Bifrost Diner for a catch-up session over a meal.

"I'm proud of you, Mom," I said, admiring her dedication to our town. "You're always working hard for everyone."

She smiled at me, "And I'm proud of you too, David. You're growing into such a responsible young man."

I couldn't help but take a risk, "Responsible enough to drive the truck?"

She playfully ruffled my hair, "Don't push your luck, my boy."

We finished our breakfast in comfortable silence, both lost in our thoughts. Then, as we cleared the dishes and tidied up, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment with my mother, for her love and support, and for the adventures that lay ahead of us.

Author's Note: This is a rewrite of my previous story. I wanted to experiment with the first-person perspective, and I want to expand on Cody's history with Izumi a little more.

[superkamiguy1]

Feb 11, 2023 15:46:39 GMT Valhalla Erikson said:

Prologue
"Dream A Little Dream"

Cody King

My eyes fluttered open. I let out a yawn, my body feeling groggy as I took a moment to center myself. I glanced at the clock, which read 4:30 AM. It was the usual time for my morning exercise and hour of quiet before preparing breakfast for my son David.

But something felt different. The air was tense, and a prickling sensation ran down my spine. I surveyed the room, but everything appeared as it always did.

Suddenly, a deep and familiar voice spoke, "Good morning, Paragon."

My body went rigid as a tall, imposing figure stepped out of the shadows between the foot of my bed and the door to my room. He wore an iron mask, a mixture of black and gold, and I knew immediately who it was.

"Equilibrium," I whispered in disbelief.

"Glad to see me, my child?" he cooed.

I couldn't believe my eyes. He was dead, and yet here he was. I instinctively reached for my powers to send him far, far away, but to my horror, I found I was unable to use them.

"You see, my child, I believe in coming prepared," Equilibrium said with a smirk. "Your little physics gift? Completely helpless."

He stalked around the bed and sat beside me, and I scooted away, pressing my back against the bed board.

"Now you'll come to realize what I could have taught you," he said. "All you had to do was beg."

He reached up with his black-gloved hand and cupped my face, his thumb tracing my jawline. To my horror, I felt that his hand was coated in blood.

My fear turned to rage as I lunged at Equilibrium, powers or not, I would do anything to save my son. But he caught my fist and shattered it with a sickening crunch. He grabbed me by the throat and pinned me against the bed board.

"The boy has potential, but you're only holding him back," he said.

"He will never join a monster like you," I choked out.

"He won't have a choice," Equilibrium replied with a sinister smile. "And you won't be there to save him. Farewell, my child."

My eyes snapped open again, and I sat up, panting. I frantically searched the room, thinking that Equilibrium was still there.

"It was just a dream," I panted. "No. A nightmare."

With a mother's instincts, I rushed to David's room, and to my relief, found him sleeping peacefully. I covered my mouth to keep from breaking down, and with shaking hands, I leaned over and gave him a kiss on the forehead before leaving the room and closing the door behind me.

---

I lie on my bed, clutching my Green Ranger plushy close to my chest. I take a few deep breaths and try to center myself. But it's no use, the Ghost From Our Past continues to haunt me. Suddenly, my phone rings and I see a call from my old friend, Izumi Quan Sun. She's always been there for me, even after all these years.

"I'm here, Partner," Izumi says in a soothing tone. "Center yourself. Talk to me."

I close my eyes and take a few more deep breaths. "That's it. Deep breaths, center yourself, remember where you are," she encourages me.

"Right, right," I nod.

"Are you on the floor of your bedroom in a fetal position clutching your Green Ranger plushy right now?" she asks.

I look around and realize I'm not on the floor this time. "I'm not on the floor this time," I reply.

"That's a good start," she comments.

"How do you know when to contact me?" I ask.

"I know you. I know when someone close to me needs help," she says simply.

I sigh and rest my chin on my knees. "After all these years I'd think I'd be over this by now," I say.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. The Ghost From Our Past will continue to haunt us. The question is will you let it control you?" Izumi asks.

I shake my head. "No way. He's dead, I'm alive, and I've raised an awesome son," I reply, straightening up and placing my plushy close to my pillows.

"You damn right you have. Anyone capable of taking down a Slasher at the age of twelve is going places," she says, making me smile.

"Thanks for the talk, Bird Girl. I owe you one," I say gratefully.

"Anytime," she replies.

"But really, it's important to remember that it's okay to not be okay. You don't have to put on a brave face all the time. It's okay to seek help and support, especially from people who care about you," she says, her voice filled with warmth and understanding.

I nod. "I know. It's just, sometimes it feels like I'm back there, you know? Like the past is just waiting for me to drop my guard and come back," I say.

"I understand. But it's not real, Cody. It's just a memory. And you have the power to overcome it. You're a survivor, Cody, a fighter. You've been through so much and come out stronger on the other side," she says.

I smile. "You always know the right thing to say, Bird Girl," I reply.

"That's what friends are for," she says. "Now go get some rest, and remember, I'm here for you, anytime you need me."

Izumi and I have been through a lot together. We used to be Paragons, going on adventures and saving the world. But now, I've retired from that life to focus on raising my son. Despite the years and distance between us, our friendship has only grown stronger. I'm grateful to have her in my life, always there to support me in my moments of need.

---

David King

I woke up with a jolt, my heart racing from the vivid dream I just had. Flying through the skies on the back of a dragon, it was a thrilling experience, one that I wished I could live out in reality.

As I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, I glanced around my room, taking in the fantastical posters and artwork that adorned my walls. They were a reflection of my love for magic and adventure, and a testament to my passion for all things mythical.

On my nightstand, I spotted the small trinket that reminded me of my mother's love and protection. It was a tiny dragon figurine, and she had told me that it was special, a talisman that would bring me good dreams and keep me safe. I held it tightly in my hand, feeling comforted by its presence.

I quickly tidied up my room, picking up the clothes strewn about and putting my books back on the shelves, before heading to the kitchen to start the day with a hearty breakfast. There, I was greeted by a spread fit for a king, prepared by my mother with a flick of her wrist, using her reality-warping powers to conjure up pancakes, eggs, bacon, and more.

As I sat at the kitchen table, savoring the sweet and buttery flavor of my pancakes, I caught up with my mother, Cody, on our plans for the day. She was attending a meeting with the town magistrates, discussing important business for the community, while I was meeting up with my friends at the Bifrost Diner for a catch-up session over a meal.

"I'm proud of you, Mom," I said, admiring her dedication to our town. "You're always working hard for everyone."

She smiled at me, "And I'm proud of you too, David. You're growing into such a responsible young man."

I couldn't help but take a risk, "Responsible enough to drive the truck?"

She playfully ruffled my hair, "Don't push your luck, my boy."

We finished our breakfast in comfortable silence, both lost in our thoughts. Then, as we cleared the dishes and tidied up, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment with my mother, for her love and support, and for the adventures that lay ahead of us.

Author's Note: This is a rewrite of my previous story. I wanted to experiment with the first-person perspective, and I want to expand on Cody's history with Izumi a little more.

Great start to the story! Gives previews into Cody's past, establishes some history with the other characters, gives expansion to Izumi's character for when she shows up in the story, AND we get to see how much she cares about and protects her space son David! It's a great introduction to the series, really solid, and sets the foundation from which you can start building up the setting! 

Izumi is an Observation Haki Master. She knows when she's needed. 

The best part about the dragon? She didn't even buy it. She made it! She found some materials and used her powers to meld them together into the dragon figurine as a present to her son. It just makes it mean that much more!