[ WP ] Story about a superhero whose powers come with a strange side effect or drawback

Everybody loves Kazaam. Or at least, now they do. 
 
 When Kazaam first appeared on the streets, he was known only as Chris Smalls, and he did n't have a very pristine reputation. The guy could teleport anywhere he wanted to at will, so of course he was teleporting into places where he did n't exactly belong. VIP clubs, secure areas, ladies locker rooms- you name it, and Chris at some point or another got into it. Eventually, the law caught up with him, and an arrest at all costs was put out through the system. Wanted `` Dead or Alive'' joked all the newspapers. It seemed like young Chris was heading nowhere, or rather, everywhere, in a hurry. 
 
 But one day, the cops came forward with a deal. They had a hostage situation, and they could use his help; get the innocent people out of there, and his crimes would be forgiven. Chris jumped on the offer, and sure enough was able to teleport into the bank and save those people. With Chris' helping hand, they were even able to catch the crook himself, who happened to be none other than a nefarious serial robber with a hefty bounty. Chris suddenly had a clean record, and a pocketful of cash. It was then that he realized that he could probably really help the people around him, while earning a comfortable living on the side. 
 
 It took some time for the public to change their opinion of him, but soon he became everyone's favorite local hero. His face became a common sight on the evening news, and his new name,'Kazaam', a frequent subject in the paper. And this time, it was for all of the good reasons. Ironically enough, he was now getting into all the sorts of places he wanted to before, except with open doors and arms. Kazaam had a good life going for him, and it seemed like there was nothing that could stop his zero to hero story. 
 
 You can imagine Hank's surprise when he looked up late one Wednesday night to see a disheveled and slightly drunk Kazaam stumble into his bar. 
 
 Kazaam shuffled over to the bar counter, eased himself onto one of the stools and laid his forehead against the cool wood. Hank could n't hear exactly what he started mumbling about, but he heard'scotch' and'rocks' somewhere in there so he poured out a glass and placed it next to Kazaam's head. 
 
 `` On the house. You earned it, Kazaam.'' 
 
 Kazaam raised his head, stared at the glass for a moment and then downed it. He smacked his lips, rubbed the back of his sleeve against his lips and then buried his face in his hands. 
 
 `` Thanks,'' muttered Kazaam. `` But tonight, I am Chris. And I'm paying for that drink.'' 
 
 Hank shrugged and took Chris' glass. `` Sure thing, Chris. Whatever you want. Anything else I can get you? Anything I can help with? You seem a little... down.'' 
 
 Chris lowered his hands and propped his elbows on the counter. He gave Hank a bewildered look, as if he did n't really understand what he just said. `` You mean... you actually care? I mean, you care if I'm, you know, feeling down?'' 
 
 `` Well, yeah, sure. I may not be able to help much, but I got a pretty good ear. Hell, you are probably a lot more interesting than the normal bozos I get around here.'' Hank chuckled to himself a little. `` C'mon, Chris. I'll hear anything you have to say. I can only imagine what can get one of you super heroes down.'' 
 
 Chris' face turned sour with the words'super hero'. `` I hate being a super hero,'' he whispered. `` People do n't understand the cost of a super power. They do n't understand what we have to give up. Give me another scotch and I'll tell you why.'' 
 
 Hank pulled out the scotch and poured out a generous amount for Chris. Chris picked his new glass, swirled it in his hands for a moment, seeming to be mulling over what he was going to say next, before taking a sip. He placed down the glass and began to speak. 
 
 `` When I teleport, it it not instantaneous to me; I still have to travel there.'' Chris raised his glass as if for another sip, but instead began to stare into the depths of his drink. `` When I teleport, I fade into what I can only describe as nonexistence. For all intents and purposes, I die. And let me tell you, is it painful.'' Chris finally took another sip and put the glass down. 
 
 `` When I teleport, I go into the beyond. It is cold, and painful, and scary. I would n't wish my worst enemy there. At first, I would only teleport into places that I could n't normally, but would be a lot of fun. I mean, it would have to be pretty damn awesome place to justify that sort of pain, right? But when I got into trouble, things were n't so fun anymore. My trips were no longer done for pleasure at that point, but were done as a distraction. I could n't just stop teleporting, because it will never leave me. The memory of the place is burned in my mind. It followed me in my sleep. It haunted me.'' 
 
 Chris fell silent again and took a drought from his drink. He started chewing his lip, trying to think of what to say next. Hank was bewildered. He had no idea how Chris was able to teleport, and he had never really thought of it. He felt sorry for the kid, now, whereas before he might have been a little jealous of the boy. 
 
 `` That sounds terrible. But you then started helping people. You saved lives. Did that help?'' 
 
 Chris smiled wryly. `` At first it did. The police deal was a dream come true. And then I certainly got some satisfaction from helping people. But soon, the novelty wore off and I could no longer escape my pain, again. For every life that I saved, I died. It was excruciating. And now, I am trapped. Helping people is the only reason I live, but for everyone I help I must die. I ca n't just abandon it anymore, too. It is too much of who I am. The cold and the pain follow me, regardless. Even when I am alive, it is almost like I am dead.'' 
 
 Hank was speechless. He did not except anything like this. Reeling, Hank said the only thing that he could think. `` What's it like, dying?'' 
 
 Chris smiled, looked Hank in the eyes, and responded, `` Why do you think I have n't gone for real, yet?''
