Greed horizon

It's a bright sunny day in a large bustling urban landscape, and as midday ticks by, people sprawl the streets below, going about their day-to-day. All is normal except for one young man sitting atop a tall building. Resting on the ledge, one leg swaying in the breeze and the other tucked up under him. He looks at the sky, lost in thought. This man appears to be in his early 20s, he is of average height and is wearing a pair of dark jeans, a black hooded shirt, and a dark gray leather jacket. After a moment passes, he looks down at the street and lets out a calm, drawn-out sigh.

The man thinks to himself. “It’s a bit strange, all of these people are just going about their day-to-day. Shopping, working, and socializing. They have no idea what could be lurking in the shadows. For every good samaritan, there could be a violent instigator waiting to strike. Although crime is at an all-time low around here, that doesn't mean we should get lax. However, if I'm gonna look over the city, I might as well be comfortable while doing it, right?” He leans back and looks back at the sky as the sun laps over him.

A few minutes pass, and the busy street’s usual sound breaks into something odd.

“Hey! Give me that back!” A man in the street screams.

The man on the rooftop leans forward and scans the area. He sees an older man in a bright orange shirt waving his hands and stumbling after somebody. Ten feet in front of him, another man is running, holding a large bag. The man on the rooftop shakes his head. “Common thief.” He climbs to his feet and stretches. “Don't need much for that,” he says. “Lightning magic. Spark Strider.”

The man tightens up a bit, and energy channels from his body. All of a sudden, sparks begin to form under his feet, and he springs to life. He leaps from the building to the building next to it. As he runs he continues to speed up and leaps from roof to roof, checking the ground. below. He tracks the robber as he closes in. The man leaps across the street, catches himself on a building, and quickly moves. He locks onto the robber and jets himself off the roof, flying towards the pavement. Before he hits the ground, he grabs the robber by the back of his shirt and gyrates his body quickly, sending the robber sailing into the bushes. He catches the falling bag and secures it. The robber struggles to climb out of the bush, and the man walks forward. He yanks him out and puts his arm behind his back, pinning him to the ground.

The robber struggles and yells, “Let me go; I didn't do anything.”

“Ok, tell that to the cops.” The man responded.

“You can’t do this to me, please, it's just a misunderstanding!” The robber pleads.

The man looks to speak, but he hears police sirens and looks over his shoulder. As he does, the robber attempts to turn over, and quickly, the man swats the back of his head, knocking the robber into a daze. He stands up and grabs the bag again, and prepares to run. Before he can, a boy yells at him from the sidewalk.

“Hey! It's Tozuki! Dad, look!” The boy jumps and points.

“Who?” The boy's father asks.

“Tozuki. He's a hero who's been all over the internet. Hey, can I get an autograph?” The man called Tozuki smiles and kneels down near the boy, leaning closer. "Hey, I would, but I have to get going, and I'm afraid I don't have a pen.” Tozuki laughs and scratches his head awkwardly. “Maybe next time?” He asks.

The boy looks wide-eyed and speaks. “I want to be a hero just like you, I've seen your videos online. You save people for free, and your powers are so awesome!”

"Well, I'm glad you feel that way. Many people don’t," says Tozuki as the sound of sirens grows loud. “Hey, you wanna help me out? You could be a hero too right now if you want,” he says.

The boy pounds his feet and smiles with joy. “Yes! How? I wanna help!” He cheers.

Tozuki hands him the bag and stands up. “Please give that to a man back there with a bright orange shirt with black lettering. It was taken from him by this guy. Tell the police who the robber is in case they can't figure it out.” Tozuki charges up and turns to run. “Oh, and next time, I got you on that autograph,” he says. He leaps back to the roof and takes off running.

The boy stares wide-eyed, and as he does, the cops show up. The boy's father explains what happened, and the cops take the robber into custody. The man officer looks to the roof, scanning for somebody, but sees nothing. He speaks under his breath. “Damn vigilantes.”

Tozuki thinks to himself as he runs. “Petty criminals still trying stuff like that in this day and age are laughable. It’s when magic falls into the hands of criminals that we run into real issues. Luckily, that's also on the decline. Pro-heroes exist. That’s not my style. Public image and government codes of conduct. I prefer to do it my own way. It’s a different world now. One where magic isn’t just in the hands of lords and ladies. It’s not uncommon for an office worker or even your mailman to know a little off hand. For better or worse, the once-well-kept secret is common knowledge. Some utilize it to help with your work, some to solve problems once thought solvable, or just to have some fun party tricks. On the other side, some use it to help elevate their ability to commit crimes or cause harm. And some think things should go back to the way they used to be, where magic wasn’t in anyone’s daily life. Then there's me. Remember those evil doers I mentioned before? Well, people like me stop people like them.” Mike lands and looks around. “I should head home, I promised Jerry I would be back earlier tonight.”

Tozuki runs off a rooftop and lands. He slows down as he hits a large empty parking lot on a less populated side of town. He walks up to the storefront of a computer parts store, the sign reads “Jerry’s PC Hardware.” He proceeds forward, opening the door, and the bell rings as the door opens. A man behind the counter sits unbothered, reading a newspaper, grunting under his breath. Mike leans against the counter casually.

“How’s it going, Jerry?” Mike asked. “Any luck on business today?”

The man behind the counter lowers his newspaper to reveal himself. His face was lined lightly with wrinkles from years of hard work. His light, faded gray mustache is the only hair to be seen on his head. He looks at Mike and raises an eyebrow.

"Sorry, Mikey, nothing. Say, when are you gonna pay your share of the building fee? Being a vigilante ain’t keeping the lights on, you know.”

Mike's face tenses as he waves his hands down. “Come on Jerry, don't say that out loud, I don't want people to hear I'm broke. You know rent has been killing me.”

“Nobody is here Mikey, nobody has been here for days.”

"Look, Jerry, I get it but I'm doing my best, alright? You know I’d pay you if I could, but we are doing good for the public. Isn't that enough?

"Yeah, kid, I’m sorry, it’s just been a tough time. I could use something to eat right about now. Could you keep an eye on the counter while I lock up?”

Jerry pushes off his chair and walks towards the door.

“I'll have a payment next Monday." Sorry, I'll try to be better about getting it to you on time, and I'll have Hina keep an eye on the cameras. Have a good night, Jerry.”

“Say one last thing, Mikey, have you asked Hinako about the proposal yet? Tell her the offer is on the table.”

“She seems weary, I'll mention it again.”

Mike walks toward the back room and enters. He eyes a mop and bucket and proceeds towards it. Moving it out of the way, he lifts up an old poster advertising a graphics card from 2005. Behind it is a hole in the wall with a small elevator seemingly hidden from the public. He enters the dimly lit elevator and presses the only button visible. As the elevator proceeds down, Mike paces back and forth impatiently. When the elevator arrives, it opens up to greet a small waiting area. Behind the counter is a large robot typing away at his computer. When he spots Mike, he looks up and chimes with excitement.

"Hello, sir, may I get you something to drink, perhaps a coffee? Maybe some coffee? Or I also have coffee,” the robot says.

"No, Deida, I’m good on the coffee, could you update me on the Jason Gage case?”

“I have filed the report you requested with Officer Winter’s but have yet to get a response. You see the computer beeps when I get a response. It’s very cool.”

"Well, let me know if she writes back, we need to get moving on this Gage case. Scum like him can't be allowed to roam the streets free.”

“Yes, sir, we must apprehend this fuckface fast. It will be very cool.”

Mike heads past the desk and into the back room. This room is bright and filled with computer monitors, vending machines, game tables, and PCs. The left wall has a sprawling map of the city with many markings on it. A few people are scattered about this room. In the break area sits a young man wearing a dark red and black jacket and baggy tactical pants, he is deep in thought, staring at a TV screen playing a loud superhero movie. To the right behind the mass of monitors is a young girl in casual clothing. Her skin is pale. Her eyes reflect many nights of lost sleep, yet her hair shines a silky purple as if it were well kept and tidy. Behind another PC is another boy, a man of average height. He has light-colored short hair and is dressed in dark pants and a button-up with a black vest. Mike walks further into the room and coughs to get their attention.

“Brody watching TV, Nathan sitting on his ass, Hinako half asleep, drenched and wreaking of coffee,” Mike laughs. “I can tell I'm home, that's for sure. Hinako, have you made any progress on finding Gage yet?”

She spins around in her chair. "No, sir, I got nothing, he covers his tracks well, that’s for sure. I, however, think we have to be close.”

“Why don’t you take a break? I’ll take over for awhile,” says Mike.

"No can do, won’t go home until I’ve finished my job, and no offense; you have me beat in combat, but this is my thing. I’ll get it done, trust me,” she says firmly.

“I know I can count on you, but don’t overwork yourself.”

“Before I forget Sergeant Winters called, she said she had to speak with you. I also uploaded that new software I was telling you about to your watch. It's a demo that can scan people to rate their power level in relation to yours. One being the base of the average human being. It’s more of a gimmick and won't work super well yet, but it is kinda fun.”

Mike looks down at his watch and does some swiping. “That could be useful, but I'll be honest that sounds a bit too good to be true. Let me try it on Nathan.” Mike turns and aims the watch at Nathan, pressing it. After a moment, it beeps, and the screen lights up. Mike's eyes widened. “Eighty five thousand, no way!” Mike taps the watch harshly and says, “This thing has to be broken.”

Nathan retorts quickly. "Hey, what is that supposed to mean? It's not all that shocking when you got moves like me; people are gonna notice what can i say.”

"Well, sir, you may want to scan yours as well.” Says Hinako.

Mike smirks and does it to himself. The device begins to beep the same as before. “One shy of over one hundred thousand? Why so specific?”

“I think that may be the max. I can’t seem to get it to go over that. It is still a prototype, you know. I am still working out the finer details.”

“Regardless, this is great. Hinako, thanks. I am gonna go put that call to Winters.” Mike walks into a small room, a sign on the door says “Mike's office." The ripped-up chair and weathered desk make it look more like an old storage room, though. He sits down at his desk. On it sits a picture of his old team. From left to right, there was a young girl with short brown hair and freckles and another young man who couldn't look more disinterested. Mike grabs the framed photo and looks it over as he dials a number on his phone. After a moment, somebody answers.

“Hello, this is Chief Winters speaking,” says the woman.

Mike shakes his head and laughs. “It’s me, Mike; you can cut the corporate talk.”

“Ah yes, the suburban cowboy. I have something for you that may prove useful in our issue.”

“Go on, I'm all ears.”

“Let's just say I would like to go on that date. How about we meet by the Ragazza apartments in the Chuo ward?”

“Ah yes. Should I bring my friends? A party of three should be fine, right?”

“Yes, that sounds great, I think that will be just fine.”

“That sounds good. I will be there to take care of him. Also, Jill, quick question: How about a real date sometime?”

She sighs loudly into the phone. “Sure thing, but one stipulation: get a haircut first.”

“That’s backhanded, no, isn’t it?” He Remarked. The phone hangs up without a response. Mike heads back out into the main area, where most of the group are already on their feet. “Nathan, Brody, suit up. We have a job. Grab Deida on your way up. We have found Gage, and we are moving in now. It’s now or never.”

“About time I got some action, I was starting to get bored all locked up down here,” says Nathan.

Brody yawns and stretches slowly. “Do we have to? I’m tired. Not to mention hungry.”

Mike looks at Brody seriously. “We catch Gage today. He’s too much of a hazard to leave out there running loose. This isn't a run of the mill robber, he kills everyone he steals from, and that's not even to mention the other acts he's committed.” Mike clenches his fist and grits his teeth. “Pack your gear and let’s go.” The three head up the stairs after equipping their headsets and head for the van. The large robot gets up from his desk and scurries along after his friends up the stairs and into a large, run-down-looking commuter van. They take off quickly down the street in pursuit.

***

1 hour later, they arrive outside of a run-down apartment building on the east side of the city, and they park. In the van, they lay low and waited in silence. Brody clicks open a large case and pulls out an advanced rifle, custom-made and designed by The Lab and Jerry. They slide out the side of the van and set up across the street, waiting for their target. Suddenly, a man walks out of the apartment wearing bright red clothing. The man is short but bulky, sporting a very muscular build. Clearly an athlete of some sort.

"Alright, Brody, lock your visor onto his leg. If he cuts to run or tries to get violent, take him out. We want him alive, but this guy is known to be highly dangerous and isn't afraid to kill, so be aware,” Mike whispers.

“Already on it, I got him locked,” said Brody.

"Nathan, take point, Deida, just follow our lead on three. One, two, three!”

They move up and stand at attention. Jason looks startled and begins to panic.

“Jason Gage Stand down and come with us. We have a specially trained rifleman aiming to take out your kneecap if you run. So don’t. This does not need to go any further if you just turn yourself in.”

Jason Gage smiles and looks down. “Awfully aggressive for a kid. Haven’t the cops told you? I’m not the one to play with. Have you seen my slant route?”

“I don’t care about your football ability, it won’t help you. Now come with us,” said Mike.

“Nice try, pretty boy, but,” Gage breaks into a sprint. “You’ll have to make me!”

“Enough playing around; let’s just grab him,” said Nathan. Nathan lunges for Gage with great speed, Gage reacts quickly and starts to run in a straight line, Nathan follows in stride, then, out of nowhere, Gage turns on a 90-degree angle, and a giant blazing burst of energy appears. Nathan ignores it and decides to push on but the ball of energy detonates violently and sends Nathan flying. He lands on his feet, but is visibly shaken.

“Lookout! It appears he has some powers of his own! That trail of energy he leaves behind is dangerous. Be aware of it,” Mike shouts.

“Time to die vagabond scum!” Deidabot screams as he readies his weapon. He opens fire on Gage, who sees this and takes off up the wall, running at a 90-degree angle. Mike looks back to Brody and gives the signal. Brody rears up and takes the shot. His visor activates and guides the bullet through the air. It hits, and Gage stumbles, screaming as he falls down the wall and hits the ground. Mike walks towards him and stands over him, giving him a look of disappointment. As Mike looks down, he channels for a second.

“Lightning Magic. Lightning Shiv.” A stream of lightning begins to emit from his hand. He rears his arm back as if ready to finish Gage off. Gage cries, pleading for his life.

"Please, man, I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, I am just down on my luck, I swear,” Gage begs.

“You have taken innocent lives and caused millions in property damage, you have taken pride in harming dozens of men, women, and even children. Now I'm going to take you into the station, and you are going away for a long ti–.”

“I'm afraid I can’t allow that; can't have you taking all the glory.” A voice beckoned from the shadows. ”

The group turns around to see who is speaking, and he walks out from the shadows. A middle-aged man with light blonde, well-kept hair, a sharp jawline, and well-dressed from head to toe steps out, bearing a pistol in one hand and a badge in the other. Mike thinks to himself.

“Leon Ashford. Ex-private bodyguard of the Prime Minister. Something tells me Jill must have called him, assuming we couldn’t handle it.”

“I'll take it from here,” Leon says as he approaches.

“Leon, not that I’m not happy to see you and all, but what are you doing here?” said Mike.

“I’m here because I got a tip that Jason Gage might be here. He’s been promoted to the FBI's table after that last bank robbery. We will take him from here. Thanks for all your help.”

“This guy deserves worse than prison, all things considered.” I hope you guys have a place for him,” Mike grunts.

“I know you and I both could come up with some great ideas for him, but we also know that’s not what’s best, revenge isn’t right, my friend. Rest assured, though, that he will be going away for life. I will see to it.”

Jason swings his leg and lunges to get away, “until I get out.”

A crack is heard, and Nathan comes down and pins his leg.

“Get sauced, loser; you can’t escape if you can’t walk,” Nathan says impatiently.

"Oh, fuck my other leg, it was just a prank,” Gage says.

“Get a handle on your men, this isn’t proper crime scene protocol,” says Leon.

“Letting a hero that isn't from your department help you apprehend a subject isn’t proper protocol either, Leon, but here we are.” Mike’s tone changes to sarcastic. “What do you think Commissioner Smith would do if he heard you were working with us right now?” Mike mused.

“I doubt he’d be thrilled, but I know you aren’t a snitch, right?” said Leon.

“Well, I guess not. Not this ti–” Mike is cut off by a loud explosion. A massive cloud of dust erupts from the ground, as if something massive just landed in front of them. Mike slides and regains his balance. “Brody! Report: What’s going on? I need a scan now!”

“I’m on it, thermal visor activated." Brody shouts. Brody scans back and forth with his heat-seeking visor but sees nothing. “I got nothing, sir, just the same as before!” All of a sudden, Brody sees a flash of red on his visor, and he is hit in the face. Smashing his visor. Brody goes flying into the wall behind him and falls unconscious. Footsteps are going off everywhere, but the dust cloud is making it near impossible to see. All of a sudden Nathan feels an impact against his face and goes flying. He lands on his feet but is bleeding badly from his nose and mouth.

“Show yourself, whoever is there! Leon, can you tell me what’s going on?” Mike speaks frantically.

“No idea, compadre, I’m on the wrong end of the food chain here too,” said Leon.

The dust begins to settle, and Mike notices a shadow of a figure standing over Gage. The figure is a large man wearing a black leather jacket and a mask. The man looks Gage over and begins twitching. Gage looks on in horror.

The man hovers over Gage and speaks over the groveling man. “Jason Gage, petty thief, failed athlete, garbage. You are of no use to me anymore. I told you not to run.”

"Please, man, I was gonna come back, I swear I wouldn't slight you,” Gage cries.

“No second chances, Jason. I’m not gonna beat around the bush; I’m gonna get right into it.” The man snarled. The masked man picks up Gage like a rag doll and digs his nails into his flesh. Gage screams in pain.

A light aura begins to radiate, and a horrid image begins. Jason begins to look shriveled, like the blood and life force are being sucked from his body. The masked man laughs and screams to the heavens. He’s consuming Gage's life force. As he is almost finished, Deidabot freaks out and screams.

“Engaging threat!” Deidabot screams and opens fire, but the bullets bounce right off the man. The man throws Gage aside and flies at the robot, and takes him by the neck, lifting the robot off the ground with one hand. Nathan spits blood from his mouth and reaches his hand outward.

“No, please leave him alone! He didn’t mean it!” Nathan begs.

“Please assist friends, the enemy is strong, it is not a good time,” said the robot. The masked man looks at Nathan and looks back at the helpless bot. He snaps his neck and slams him into the ground, leaving him in pieces. Nathan’s jaw drops along with the others, and he becomes enraged.

“You bastard, who do you think you are dealing with?” Nathan yells

He charges the man, but is slammed back into the wall with ease. The man laughs and brushes the dust off his gloves.

“I’ll be in touch. Thanks for helping me catch this traitor,” said the man as he flew away. Leaving the scene. Nathan rushes over to Deidabot. He is in very bad shape, and his light is beginning to flicker.

“You will always be my squad and my friends,” the bot says, his voice now glitching out.

Deida’s light flickers out, and he is gone. Nathan drops to one knee and punches the ground. Cursing.

“Damn it, who was that? He blocked my attack like it was nothing. I am going to make him pay for destroying Deida,” said Nathan.

“It looks like we have a new target. We have work to do. We need to apprehend the masked man,” said Mike.

“Count me in, if he was able to do that to Gage, he is a threat. Nobody will be safe until he's off the streets,” Leon said.

“He said traitor. He must have worked with Gage at some point. All I know is that this isn't optimal,” said Mizuki.

The gang and Leon tend to their wounds in the alley. Brody has come to and is back on his feet. They decide to head back to the main base and recollect after the encounter with the strange masked man.