Brody sits in the living room of the lake house watching loud anime and eating egg salad. As he sits Junpei comes down the stairs and approaches him.
"Hey kid, I got something for you. Come with me."
"Hopefully it's worth missing Wookisho Kaisen for whatever it is."
"No promises."
The two walk down to the elevator and get inside. When they arrive at the training floor Junpei walks into training room one and waves Brody in. Junpei grabs his rifle off the table and hands it to the boy.
"You're giving me your rifle?"
"Yep. Lobra built me an updated model so you can have this one. It's old but it beats what you got."
"Wow, thanks. It's heavy though, and what is this cable?"
"Toughen up, as for the cable that's gonna take some getting used too. I was waiting to advance our training to this. As a weapons user we have inherent disadvantages that many other types of combat styles don't. Most default to weapon use when they can't use magic. However most, if not all people have magic power in them even if they can't manifest it.
"Yeah, I've heard that before. What does that have to do with this cable?"
"Well your standard rifle fires bullets. Those work, but are borderline useless against enemies who can use magic to toughen their bodies. That's where this comes in." Junpei lifts up the boy's shirt and slaps a rectangular module into his skin. The module clamps into the boy's skin biting in hard." The boy winces and fights back a reaction. "This is what the cable is for." Junpei drags the cable from the rifle and clips it into an open port on the module, he twists locking it into place.``
"What did that do?" Asks Brody.
"This weapon will now siphon mana directly from your body, using it to supply the ammunition. You won't need to switch to new shells to use different attacks anymore either. You now have a use for all the potential in you. Train with it, get used to it. It will be hard but you'll come around to it. Anyway, enjoy the rifle."
Junpei walks to the elevator and leaves. As Brody sits and inspects the large blue and red rifle,. A large glow comes from within the magazine. Brody also heads upstairs and goes straight outside and wanders around with the rifle, aiming it at things and pretending he's god. When he turns the corner around the house he screams as a large goose comes running at him out of nowhere. He breathes a sigh of relief.
"Oh. It's 86H."
The massive bird tilts its head and looks at him and he sits down. The bird is calm.
Brody ponders for a moment and his eyes shift as he looks around. Brody leaps on the bird and sits on it. The bird freaks out and takes flight 50 feet into the air.
"Oh jeez, oh god, oh fuck. It was just a prank! Put me down!" As he says it the bird goes downward and lands. "Wait, that worked? Go up!" The bird takes off and flies upward. "Left!" The bird darts left. "This is sick! Land!" The bird lands, and Brody dismounts. The bird stares at him and screams violently. Brody makes a face and falls backwards. The scream of the bird is piercing and echoes over the hills seemingly for miles. It stops and as it does Brody stands up and looks at the bird.
"Dude, that was really not cool."
Brody walks back to the house and goes inside. He goes into the bathroom and when he looks in the mirror he notices a mark on his neck. He looks at it confused. It's almost as if he had gotten a drunk tattoo and forgot about it.
"Where the hell did this come from?"
Brody hears Leon yelling outside the door and walks out. "That angry asshole just kidnapped the mayor. I called Mike and Piers but no answer. We need to go."
Junpei shakes his head. "Bad idea, last time we didn't follow orders we got one of us captured. Just stay calm."
"Fine, but I won't like it."
****
Mike looks around, and it's pitch black. The entire building collapsed but it seems somehow he survived. He lights up a crackling lightning to light up the area and he looks around. Everyone is there shaken and dirty but not crushed, not dead. Then he sees Karina who is holding her hands up to create a large barrier which is holding up rubble and debris. "I don't mind saving you guys but could somebody do something? I cannot hold this forever."
"I got it." Says Kazuke. He conjures an arm of fire next to him and presses against the large structure above them. He shoves rocks out of the way until a small hole shines through. They begin climbing one by one outside until they are all out.
"We have to go to city hall now," said Reyna.
"Should we call the others?" Asks Karina.
"No time, I'm sure they already know what's going on. We will have to do this alone. Won't be easy."
"We have no choice." Says Nathan. "We just have to play this smart. Let's move out."
"Let's move out." Says Mizuki.
*****
The team arrives at the city hall. The square is surrounded by police cars and a crowd. They push past to the entrance. Piers shows his badge and a young officer grabs his vest in a panic.
"You have to help, nobody can get a hold of Chief Winters! The man has the mayor hostage and refuses to speak. The government has sent a Hikari but it won't be another 40 minutes."
"Calm down," said Piers. "You won't be hearing from Jill. I will take command. We will get through this, just calm yourself."
"I can't calm down! What do you mean we won't be hearing from her!"
"Hold the line here. Has anyone spoken with him?" Asked Piers.
Another older officer speaks instead of the young officer. "He said he would only speak to Michael Tozuki."
"Damn this guy and his shit," said Mike.
"Not happening," said Piers. "I can't let you go in alone."
The older officer grimaces. "He said if anyone else attempts to enter, the mayor is dead. He also has guards out front. 2 giant creatures, a dude with a large weapon and a young girl who has to be cold."
Piers thinks for a second.
"I'll go in." Says Mike.
Kazuke lunges forward and puts his hand on Mike. "Are you insane? You can't just play hero now, we have to handle this carefully."
"I know that Kazuke. I'm not being selfish here but I want to talk to him. Maybe I can get him to let this end with a bloodless surrender. Worth a try."
"Until they ambush you and we aren't there to help! This is foolish, I'm with Kazuke!" said Reyna.
"Let him do it. If he thinks he can reason with him I say we let him go. If things take a turn, He can signal and we enter the fray," said Nathan calmly.
Piers turns to Nathan and deliberates. "You are ok with this, why?"
"I'll explain it quickly but the reality is we have no reason to believe Vargas is lying. While he's dangerous he values theatrics like this. Kill Mike in a closed off building away from everyone? No way. Send Mike in to see what the man has to say. If he attacks, have him signal. We overpower the guards and take down Vargas. If he just wants to talk we find out his motive and weed out the rest of his plans when we capture him."
Piers thinks for a moment and nods. "Very well if that's what you think is best I won't stop you but don't engage in combat. If you are in trouble drop this." Piers holds out his hand placing concussion grenades in Mike's hand.
"Yeah you got it," said Mike.
He walks forward through the crowd. The people jeer and heckle.
"Who the heck is that kid?" said one man.
"He's not a pro, that's for sure. I've never even seen him before," said another.
"What are they thinking? The mayor has been kidnapped. We need a hikari! Not some amateur!"
Mike stops and turns to the crowd. He says nothing but smiles and places his arm forward balling his first. The crowd silences and looks confused.
"I will bring back the mayor unharmed. Trust in me. I will die before I let harm come to him. A Hikari is also on the way, we are just the openers!"
He turns to walk away and heads toward the group of thugs at the front of the steps. The crowd is still silent. Upon getting closer to the building he is able to make out the details of the soldiers standing. A large hulking amalgamation similar to the rat creature from before and the monster at the mall. One middle-aged man sitting knee over leg on the ledge, holding a large scythe. Wearing a velvet jacket and dark pants. His smug grin guarding his true intentions, and a young girl. Mid-20s at most. Leaning against the wall. Wearing virtually nothing but leather short shorts and a split top. Mike approaches and the man jumps down. He motions forward.
"You the one the masked bozo is looking for?"
"Yeah. Michael Tozuki."
"Well, if you are lying I suppose I can just gut you. Go on up. He's waiting."
"And how do you know it's not a trap?"
The girl laughs and shakes her head. "If the boss wanted you dead now he would give us the order. Don't be a moron."
"Fine. I'll go in now."
Mike walks up the steps and into the large hall. Vanishing from outside view.
Back by the line in front of the crowd. Piers and the others sit and wait. Reyna asks Nathan a question.
"How are you so calm right now?"
"He won't die. So why wouldn't I be."
"How can you be so sure?" She asked.
"Because he promised me he wouldn't. A long time ago. Considering he hasn't lied to me yet odds calculate to that being the truth."
"You do know not everything is a statistic?" said Karina.
"In a way, everything is. The odds that we win, the odds that we lose. These things are all calculated based on a set of properties already set in motion. We can work to change those things sure but at the end of the day the scenario only has a finite amount of ways it could go. The issue is we have no way of knowing all those calculations. So I choose to go with the odds I know."
"And that is?" asked Reyna.
"Always bet on the home team. I've been doing that and I haven't been wrong."
Inside the hall, Mike sees Vargas sitting on the main podium. Next to him. two goons.
He slides off the podium and stands holding his arms off as if to show off the room.
"Nice isn't it. I could get used to this! Want something to drink? They have radical coffee here!"
"What do you want, Vargas?"
"No formalities? I didn't even introduce my friends."
"I thought you liked getting right into it?"
"Now you are starting to get it. About time."
"You don't waste time do you? Pulling this stunt directly after the battle at your home field. I have to admit I'm impressed."
"Why would I allow you to regroup? It's one thing I've never understood about villains in movies. Always allowing the hero to recover to strike them down at a later date."
"Yeah. I know you aren't one to leave loose ends either. Jill found that out the hard way right?"
"Jill? The police chief? I have no idea what you mean."
"Don't play stupid. You killed her."
"Not me. No, not me. Her death is for the greater good though. Corrupt bitch covered up all the crooked police activity and always covered for big corpo. Good riddance."
"You can't just kill those you don't agree with."
"Well, that's funny. You say killing those you don't agree with is immoral? Unheroic even?"
"What are you getting at?"
"I'm simply pointing out the hypocrisy, here you are trying to take me down because I don't agree with you. You heroes love to highlight how you are in the right because of who you are killing and sending to a life of lockdown."
"Don't try to talk your way into some sort of moral high ground. You aren't in the right no matter what twisted way you spin it."
"That's where you are wrong. You assume I care if you see me on the moral high ground. In the world I will build I would be wiping out the true crime against humanity. Cliche as it may be, you and I aren't so different."
Mike's face tightens with anger. "And how do you figure? Why is it you want me to join your team so bad"
"You choose to be a vigilante? Why? You don't agree with the system we have. You want to make your own way. You want to change things. So join me. Together, we can take these fiends down from the top. Then, we can change things for the better. I chose you because you have a sense of justice, but you aren't corrupted by the government. You are still a blank slate i can mold."
"A noble cause, and a barbaric means to an end." Mike shakes his head. "In another life we'd be the same person maybe, but if this is how you feel I fear we won't ever agree. I'm sorry. The answer is no. Now turn yourself in."
"You know I can't do that."
"Then I have no choice."
Mike turns and launches the concussive grenade through the front door glass. It detonates harshly, shattering the rest of the glass. He charges his body with electricity and leaps back. Blasting through the door and landing in front of the 4 guards. The Scythe wielder notices and lunges for Mike coming down through the air. Before he can connect he is met with an attack sailing through the air. A fist connects and the scythe wielder slides to the ground. He hits the floor and looks up as Brian Dales stands in a fighting stance.
Nathan, Kazuke, Reyna, and Itami rush in front of Mike. Kazuke turns and helps him up. Piers in the distance motions the police backward and yells out commands. Vargas flies through the main door and collides with Kazuke. Who holds up his sword blocking it. Mike goes on the attack and tries to hit Vargas but he dodges.
Vargas calls out to his team. "Now! The plan!"
All of a sudden the scythe wielder sprints into the distance. The small girl who was leaning against the wall now readies herself and takes off in the opposite direction. Reyna chases the girl, and Nathan follows the scythe wielder.
"Nathan no don't go alone!" Yells Mike.
Nathan turns his head while running. "Don't worry about me, handle the man, I'll catch this guy."
A moment later the two men from inside run out and land at Vargas's side.
"You two. Watch my back." He says.
Vargas collides with Mike and Kazuke. Snodderly goes in to join but Itami gets in the way and takes him on. Mike and Kazuke continue to trade blows with Vargas, but he is stronger than before and they are no match. Vargas is faster, stronger, and handles them with ease. The two attack from two different sides but the man grabs them both by the arm and throws them, sending them sailing through the air. Mike lands and before he can ready himself the large beast leaps snarling at him. Before it can get him, Itami flies in, and blocks the attack. He guards his feet sliding.
"I'll handle the beast, focus on Vargas" he says.
Mike rises to his feet and takes notice. Vargas has Kazuke on the back foot and hammers him. Punching straight through his block.
Mike prepares to charge in. Lightning crackles as his body is imbued.
"Lightning Magic. Spark strider." He flies in as the 2 engage him. Brian now stays locked in on Snodderly and Itami wrestles the large beast.
***
Nathan chases the scythed man far. The man darts into a forest as Nathan keeps pace right behind him. Finally, the man turns around. He stops and looks him up and down.
"You followed me out here alone? Vargas said the plan would work but I didn't think this easily."
"What was the plan?"
"Split you clowns up. Take you out one by one."
Nathan thinks to himself. "So much for calculation. I can't believe I walked right into this guy's trap. This is what I get for trying to be a hero."
"Now." The man says, holding his arms up and letting his jacket slide off. "Let's play."
The man screams and flies in coming down with his scythe. Nathan leaps back and pushes off his hands landing on a tree branch. Before he can brace the man flies in and slashes viciously. Nathan continues to dodge playing defense. He attempts to go on the offensive but is met with a blow to the head. The man rears back and slams his fist hard into his skull. Nathan stumbles sliding back. The man leaps again coming down hard with his scythe getting it stuck into the ground. Nathan flies in and tries to sweep his leg but the man jumps pushing off his scythe. He comes down hard on Nathan's back slamming him into the ground. Nathan winces in pain but rolls and jumps to his feet breathing hard.
"Not gonna lie for a kid you are fast. Faster than me even, but you lack power. Against somebody like Poka you may have won, but I counter you too hard. What a bad matchup."
"Quit the talk. Let's just fight."
"Quick to die. I like it, to the point."
The man shakes off his scythe and rushes in again Nathan continuing to play defense.
He thinks to himself again. "If I just play defense and buy time I'll be able to formulate a plan." He lands and pivots on a rock tripping backwards. "Damn, I wasn't focusing on my footing!"
Nathan tries to steady himself but the man capitalizes. He lashes again, this time connecting. Nathan guards but the scythe rips through his arm and impales him in the side.
"Blood magic. Blood control." Says the man. The red scythe bubbles like liquid and sends out barbs flying in each direction, stabbing into Nathan.
Nathan fights back. He grunts and pushes off. He slides on the ground losing control. After hitting a tree he slides up and puts his guard up. His arm now bleeding down and blood welling under his ripped shirt.
"You know I don't love the idea of killing, taking a young life when you should have been allowed to have a shot, but orders are orders."
***
In a large field, the small girl stops and turns to Reyna. Reyna stops as well and looks at her.
"You fell for it too huh?" She said,
"Fell for what? Your plan to separate us? Yes it seemed ideal to obliterate you alone and thin out your numbers," said Reyna.
"You think it will be that easy? To be honest I'm glad it was you. You seem like the weakest of that lineup. More worried about your hair and outfit than training I bet." The girl said, She holds her hand up and a red ball beams in it glowing vibrantly. She holds her arm out and blasts towards Reyna.
"Fire magic. Fireball!"
Reyna holds her hand up. "Air magic. Simple missile." She fires out a concussive air blast sending the glowing beam off target.
The blonde girl looks annoyed. "Another projectile fighter?"
"Don't look so surprised; you should do your research," said Reyna.
The blonde woman fires multiple blasts and Reyna matches them. Reynas blasts slowly growing in size. The explosions slowly meet closer and closer to the blonde woman until she leaps back attempting to dodge. Now unable to fire. Reyna continues her assault, her eyes beginning to glow a bright blue. The girl looks on in fear.
"What the hell are you?"
Reyna holds both hands up now as her eyes beam. "My name is Reyna Hallowswift. Daughter of previous lead Hikari. Reyna Hallowswift."
"You. You are her daughter?"
"That's right. Like I said, do your research."
Reyna charges a large bright attack.
"Fire magic. Hell's vent." She fires off a raging inferno toward the girl who is hit flying back. She lay unable to move in the field. Reyna leans down and slips and straps around her wrists and ankles tying her down.
"Now, time to head back and help the others."
*****
Mike and Kazuke stand out of breath. Vargas stands ready to engage them. Towards the police line Itami trades blows with the large beast. It is unable to hit him but Itami is unable to take it down. Dales fights Shane Snodderly but is losing badly. He is bloodied and bruised on the defense barely able to stay on his feet. He jumps backwards and holds his hands up.
"Portal magic, stored artillery!" Dales yells as he blasts a large barrage of weapons from a flurry of portals. Snodderly covers his eyes as Dales flies in ready to attack. Snodderly is defenseless.
"warzone magic! Hot drop kick!" Shouts the other joe as he flies in.
Other Joe boots Dales and sends him backwards. He recovers but before he can bounce back Other Joe pulls his shirt off and flies at Dales pinning him to the ground. He begins salivating. He opens his mouth as if to bite Dale's throat. Dales looks on in horror. All of a sudden in the sky something appears. The outline of a large bird.
"Now, weapon conjuration magic. True spiral heat ray!" A voice booms.
Then out of nowhere a flare like missile comes flying in and hits the tanked top bandit right in the knee blowing his right leg off. He hops backwards and falls over clutching his now stump leg.
"What the fuck oh my god. Oh my god, warzone."
Just like that the bird lands and it's 86h, being ridden by Brody. "I got you Brian."
"Good save kid." Yells Brian giving the thumbs up.
Karina yells from the back. "Why are you riding my goose? And. why! Why do you have that symbol on your neck?"
"Yeah, what is this symbol anyway? The goose screamed and this appeared."
"We will talk later but you are in trouble!"
Near the gate Itami leaps back and holds his hands together. "I can't waste anymore time Shadow magic dark conjuring!" He says. He summons a large black mist. Suddenly a large conjugation, exactly like Kazukes appears. Holding a large dagger. It impales the large creature gutting it. He screams as if drags the blade upwards and rips the creature in half. He dissolves the summon as the beast stumbles and slams to the ground. Itami runs toward the fight blade drawn.
The group begins to move towards the remaining enemy. Vargas. Itami and Kazuke both engage in their conjuring at the same time. They charge the man and he goes on the run. It isn't long before the team is near the fight going on. Itami turns to see them and his eyes react.
"Lookout!" Itami screams.
Itami motions the summoning and runs as he sees Snodderly has risen and aims to attack Dales. Before Itami can get there Snodderly slammed Dales in the back of the head sending him downward. Itami hits Snodderly with the summing blade and dispatches him but it's too late. Dales is down for the count. Vargas, noticing Itami's absence, sees it as a shot to attack Kazuke.
"One on one? A big mistake and your last Kazuke! Yells Vargas.
Kazuke braces with the summoning but like nothing, Vargas shatters the defense structure and lands a massive hit on Kazuke. Joe grabs Kazuke and picks him up over his head. He soars towards the ground and slams Him down hard and the ground explodes under earth. Reyna returns just in time to see the brutal scene. She moves forward blasting curls of arcane magic at joe.
Mike takes on Vargas. Mostly blocking but chaining in lightning based attacks when he can. Varga's brute force is too much and Mike is overwhelmed. Reyna is casting fireballs at Vargas but he reflects them even when dealing with Mike. Mike goes for Vargas' throat with a charged lightning shiv and it is a massive mistake. Vargas swings down and sends Mike's head towards the concrete. Before it hits the ground Joe kicks Mike into the air sending him up and then back down. Vargas walks towards Mike's body to finish him. Itami charges in to stop this and Vargas turns. He charges up a large beam and blows a hole in Itami's conjuring. He proceeds forward. He gets in close combat and trades blows but Vargas overpowers him. Slamming him in the gut as he stumbles. Vargas boots him and sends him flying. Vargas eyes Reyna and charges. She fires at him but he's too fast. She tries to block but he nails her in the face slamming her back violently. All of a sudden the only frontline hero left standing is Brody. He looks on, shaking.
"What the hell. My whole team is down."
Brody sees him and Vargas flies at him. Brody aims his gun with resolve but Vargas is blazing forward. Karina attempts to use her bubble shield magic on Brody but it's no use. He connects, shattering the bubble and lays Brody out with one punch. He flashes forward slamming Karina down before she can even react. Things look hopeless. Vargas turns and walks towards the downed Mike. He stands over him and picks him up by the back of his jacket. Before he can do anything he feels a tug on his jacket. He turns and Brian dales clocks him in the face. He turns and drops Mike. Dales lands another punch and Vargas stares at him. He attempts to land another one and Vargas dodges right. Leaning forward and stepping into his punches, he punches hard and his arm connects. Not stopping when it hits Dales but going through him. Dales looks down in shock. Blood spurts from his mouth as Vargas pulls out his arm. He stumbles and falls over bleeding out all over the concrete.
Mike looks up and his face turns to anger. "No!" He yells. He shuffles to his feet. He thinks momentarily. "If I put all of the energy I have left into one attack. I can end this. I'll have to drop my defense completely meaning, if i get hit it's over. No! I won't miss it. I cant miss it. This is it.`` He thinks to himself a memory of Jerry. Jerry and Mike stand in a large field as Mike pants sweating. Jerry puts his hand on his shoulder and speaks firmly. "Do not fret young one. One day, you will get this power under control. When that day comes, You will be able to accomplish your goal. Tell me. What was that goal?"
"My dream is to be a pillar. That holds up those who cannot hold themselves up!" Mike holds his arm up. He charges quickly. Lightning flying off his right arm and his legs. All the power he has put into that final attack. He charges the ground imprinting beneath his feet. He closes the gap between him and Vargas instantly and rears his arm back. Almost as if time slows he thinks to himself before striking. "Now, end it. Now. Full power shiv!' He strikes, going for the villians head. Vargas turns and sees his hand as it's about to connect. Mike screams and forces his way forward. Vargas ducks under it and the attack misses. He rears back and throttles his fist into Mike. Blood sprays out of his mouth and he is sent flying quickly. He hits the concrete as it breaks from the impact. His body barrels through the ground and lodges. Mike lays stuck in the ground. His eyes closed and blood soaking his clothing pouring from the impact wound and his mouth. Unconscious he lies defeated and hopeless.
********
Nathan breathes heavily and leaps back pushing off the ground. Krat attacks again but stops in place.
"Jeez, kid, you are an annoying opponent. Maybe we just rest eh? This is miserable," said Krat.
"That sounds unlikely. Not like I can trust you." Nathan Replied.
"No you can't, you're not dumb enough to believe that you could. You know, i'm not one to compliment my opponents. Though i have to say for a kid you are impressive. I really don't want to kill you, so just give up. Make this easy."
"Why the change of heart? You were just trying to kill me a second ago."
"Yeah, the boss and I don't see eye to eye on everything. I'm not keen on killing. I do love to battle and I believe in the goals of this group. But killing random kids isn't helping. So just chill here and wait this out."
"I'm sorry. I can't do that. Not while my friends are back fighting. I'll take you down then capture you."
Nathan readies and charges Krat. The scythe wielder attempts to ready but as he does a flash flies from the treeline. It flies past him as blood flies off both of his arms. The flash returns and kicks Krat, sending him flying. Nathan looks confused as Krat hits the ground. A man in a red and green cloak stands over the villain and looks back. He sheathed his sword and spoke with harsh authority.
"Young man, are you hurt?"
Nathan looks the man over. His red hair is long and cut just enough to stay out of his eyes. A baggy traditional outfit with combat boots. On his right shoulder is a badge. The Hikari symbol.
"You. You are Hando Tachibana," said Nathan.
"I am. I was sent here by the head captain due to extreme criminal activity. However, I was informed you ran west of that location to take on a villain. So I stopped on the way. I don't have time to explain the need to head to the battle."
"Right, it's that way. Not far from here. What about Krat?" Asked Nathan.
"I cut the tendons on both his arms. He can't fight but he wont die. You however need medical attention because the wound looks deep."
"I'm fine. You go to the battle. I'll watch him until help arrives. Just hurry."
"Very well, here apply this and i will send help. Normally I wouldn't abandon youth in need but you seem competent. Do not make me regret this."
Hando throws a bag at Nathan and flies towards the battle at insane speed. Out of sight in an instant. Nathan walks over to Krat and looks down at him.
"Just sit there. Medical attention is on its way," said Nathan.
" Like I have a choice." Krat groveled. "A Hikari huh? Damn. I guess it's true what they said. I didn't even sense him coming."
"Yeah, normally we aren't so lucky. I'm surprised he's here," said Nathan.
"Better believe it's only because a government official is in trouble. If it was just another civilian, they wouldn't be here. The issue with this world is right in front of your eyes."
Nathan stays silent and sits against a tree. Thinking to himself.
*****
Back at the main hall Vargas wipes off his clothes. The heroes lie in various states of disrepair.
"This is far messier than it needed to be Mr. Tozuki. I didn't need to do all this. Now I'm gonna have to wash this jacket," said Vargas. He walks towards Mike slowly. As he does Kazuke leaps towards him swinging his sword. It flares up creating a roaring fire.
"Fire magic Lateral flame current!" He yells, aiming to strike Vargas who leaps and kicks Kazuke, sending him back hard. The flames die down as he stumbles. Vargas continues towards Mike quickly now. Everyone's down as the crowd looks on in horror. He stands over Mike and goes to reach down. Before he can he is hit with a rock in the back of the head. He turns around to see Brian Dales. Now laying on his stomach, he appeared to have dragged himself closer.
"Dont touch him, you fuck." He says.
Vargas looks at him with amazement. He walks over and grabs Brian off the ground. He rears back and throws him towards the town hall as Brian slams into the pillar.
"Reyna enough of this. Let's do it now!" Yells Karina in the distance.
Reyna nods and looks towards Vargas who is still looking at Brian. Karina forms a barrier around Reyna.
"Divine magic. Graceful transference." After a moment, it begins to soak into Reyna rapidly. In an instant Karina faints as if she had been drained and Reynas eyes begin to glow brighter than ever. Vargas notices their move and rushes Mike looking to finish it. Before he can reach him the sky turns bright red.
"By the power in my blood and by the heavens above! I cast down hellfire on you, you infection on this city! Combination magic, Cataclysm!" Reyna screams.
Vargas smirks but his confidence turns to fear when he looks up. The sky is bright red. Many large glyphs fill the air. Reyna is straining but she holds steady. Vargas attempts to dodge and before he can he feels a sharp feeling burrowing into his chest. He looks up and Hando Tachibana has arrived. His sword lodged into the villain's chest.
"You aren't going anywhere. Not on my watch." Says Hando.
Vargas looks on in anguish as he sees something coming down. A loud crash is heard as a large molten rock hits the ground near him. He attempts to run but the Hikari member holds him harshly in place. 100s of chunks of large molten rock begin to pummel the landmass Vargas is standing on. Hando moves almost in a flash, but it's too late for Vargas. A hellfire of explosions goes off as carnage rains down from the heavens.
Reyna screams. "Brody! Grab the others! Itami! Grab Mike!"
Itami flies forward, he grabs Mike and drags him to safety. Brody and 86h grab the others and pull them to safety. The barrage continues as Vargas is caught in the hellfire taking hit after hit. His flesh burning off along with his clothing. All of a sudden one large meteor hits the ground and in an instant Reyna falls over depleted. Kazuke crawls towards Reyna and eventually works up the strength to go into a slow walk. He goes to Reyna and helps her up. She is out cold but alive. He lays her down and walks to the crater and begins looking around for Vargas. After a few craters he sees something. Deep in a crater, Vargas lies. His skin charred, his hair burnt off, his clothes destroyed. He appears to be dead for a moment. Until he begins to move.
"You have got to be kidding," Kazuke says.
The man stands up and staggers. He can barely move and one of his arms is blown off to the elbow. He looks at Itami and slowly walks towards him. He backs up but falls in so much pain from the attack he sustained. Vargas gets closer but stops in his tracks and coughs up blood. He turns his eyes to Other Joe. He walks over to Other Joe, who has passed out from the loss of blood. He leans down and digs his hand into his flesh and begins absorbing him. Just as he did Gage and Akande. Kazuke walks and tries to stop him but falls again out of energy. He looks back at Kazuke. This time the cockiness is gone. The smirk is gone. He says nothing and begins to hover. Piers runs up.
"Don't let him go! Open fire!" Yells Piers.
The police open fire but Vargas holds an arm out and deflects the bullets. He coughs up more blood and looks around. He sees Snodderly downed and decides to leave him. He turns to fly away but before he can Hando flies in and goes to slash Joe across the back. Joe turns to block it but takes a harsh slash to the arm that he has left. Joe channels for a second and while Hando lunges for him he is gone in a blink. Hando slashes nothing but air.
"Damn it!" He yells.
Piers and the police run in and arrest Snodderly. Hando lands and looks around. He grabs Piers. "The boy who went west is okay. Go now and take the villain into custody. I already called an ambulance."
"Yes sir! I'll send men now." Piers yells. He turns to his men. "Go west and detain the villain. Make sure Tozuki is okay. You go east and detain the female villain. The rest of you help the doctors. Piers sees Mike and runs over. "Tozuki! Tozuki! Are you alright? Damn it. I knew this wasn't safe. How could this happen?
The medics roll in tending to everyone. Reyna tells them about Dales near the building. Piers and Hando look around at the destroyed battlefield. Other Joe is dead. Snodderly barely alive and in reinforced cuffs. Piers looks to the ground and clenches his first. Brody walks up.
"Sir. When Vargas left here, He was barely alive. I think we are safe to evacuate the others now."
"I won't be happy with justice until he's dead at my feet."
"Agreed, I'll help out the medics. Are you okay?"
"I don't need to be okay. Worry about the others. Thank you."
The medics are yelling as they cart Mike onto a stretcher.
"This one is really bad! We need to get him to the hospital quickly!" Yelled at one of the men.
"I don't think he will last much longer without attention. Quickly."
They roll him, loading him into the ambulance. Kazuke sits holding Reyna as he bites his lip. "Don't die Tozuki. Not now. Not yet."
The medics yell out again from a distance. "Wait this one is really bad too, we need to rush him as well. Double load the ambulance we don't have a choice!" The man yells rushing a stretcher with Brian Dales over to the bay. He loads him up. "This one isn't breathing! Hurry get him hooked up!" He yells. They slam the door. Kazuke sits angry fighting back sadness.
The ambulance speeds off as Reyna begins to awaken and looks at Kazuke squinting. "My head is pounding." She says.
"Not a surprise. That was an extremely impressive display of power. You single handedly won us that fight," said Kazuke.
Brody walks over and helps Karina up. "Did it work, Reyna?" She asks.
"Yeah it worked. And you actually called me by my name."
"Don't get used to it," said Karina.
"Hey, Kazuke. Wait, where is Mike, and is Brian okay?" Reyna Asked.
Kazuke stays silent for a second then speaks. "They looked bad. They took him to the hospital."
"They are going to be alright, right?"
"I'm not sure. Like I said it looked bad. We will head there as soon as we are able to move around."
The medical chief walks up to Piers and motions to him to come over. He is within earshot of Brody, Reyna, and Kazuke.
"I'm afraid I have some bad news." The chief said to Piers.
"Go on, I'm ready to hear the report."
"The young Tozuki in the forest has some serious injuries, but he will be alright. We picked him up a few minutes ago and he's stable. The older Tozuki we are still unsure of. Brian Dales. Well I won't say for certain but I don't think it's likely we will be able to do much. Of course, we will try but with how serious his injuries were, It's unlikely, barring a miracle he survives the ride.
"Damn it. Damn it all." says Piers.
Kazuke, Karina, Brody, and Reyna sit in shock.
"Brian may. Die?" said Brody.
"Hey, don't worry yet. Brian and Mike are tough," said Kazuke.
They all sit unsure of what to say. Brody thinks to himself. "Nathan. How could I let you run off and face that villain alone? Now Mr. Tozuki is hurt as well. Brian too. This is awful. This wasn't what I thought would happen here. Not at all. Damn it. I feel so damn powerless." He looks down at the ground smoldering.
Piers walks over somberly and speaks drearily.
"The JDG will take Snodderly in for questioning. Angry Joe isn't going to be in any shape to fight and he can't get far. As for you guys, you should all go to the hospital. Check on Mike, Brian, and Nathan. Then we head to the lake house until we know this has blown over.
A black car pulls up and Leon gets out of the passenger seat running to Karina.
"I saw on TV how well you guys did. Gotta say. That's making me. Grow. A little bit. Mike, Nathan, Brian. Are they okay? Where are they?" Asked Leon.
"Get me out of this crime scene and I'll tell you all the details. I don't think the others will want to explain it again," said Karina. She turns to Reyna. "I'll come visit the hospital after I give Leon the rundown. Take care of yourself. Go make sure Mike and the others are okay."
"Sounds like a plan." Reyna now stumbling to her feet.
Reyna and the others shamble off as Piers looks at the destroyed field. In the distance police and agents run down the steps escorting the mayor out of the office. He puts his hand up unharmed as the crowd cheers. Some time passes as the mayor approaches Piers.
"You did well Mr. Evans. You saved my life."
"I don't wanna take credit. The heroes should get the credit."
"Don't worry I haven't forgotten. Where is that boy who entered to save me? I want to meet him."
"He was carted off with serious injuries. He's at Fukuoka Central Hospital now," Piers said.
"I would also like to meet these kids. Such honor and bravery. It warms my heart," said Hando.
The group split and went their separate ways. The public space is still in ruin. The day soaked with a ruined victory coated in a soft defeat. Mixed feelings of pain and relief. The fight was over, but the lingering feeling that this was just the beginning was impossible to shake.