Walter gripped the harness of his seat firmly. He was terrified. Deployment had been something he had avoided for months. Now he was being deployed to capture or terminate two, possibly three, Aetherials. He cursed himself, wishing he had chosen differently in his life, that he was less remarkable in defense. A lower rank might have left him posted as a simple guard, maybe just on reserve. But here he was.

Seated in the helicopter with him were his three comrades. Li looked relaxed, as he usually did. Light looked like he had a fire in his eyes, ready for a fight. Jackson couldn’t be read. She was like a blank slate. A real worker that one. Walter knew his support team was extremely competent and his role was relatively minor. He would be fine. But could he keep his comrades safe in return? That remained to be seen.

The pilot said, “We drop here. This is close to the last known site. Travel northwest until you hear confirmation. Our scouts are watching the location now. Once the mission is complete, your extraction point will be communicated. Good luck and godspeed.”

The four were lowered to a grassy hill on the outskirts of District 3. To the northwest, a ragged looking group of slums crested the hill. Largely abandoned, all that could be seen were vagrants and a lot of refuse. Walter frowned, remembering his life here before enlisting. A battle here would be rough for the few still on these streets.

Light cracked his knuckles. “Let’s get to work. Jacobs, take point. I know you can maintain shields for a damn long time. Until we get confirmation, do not lower it. Li, stay prepared to enhance me. Stay at eight o’ clock, enhance me at the moment we engage. I know your judgement is good. Do not hesitate when you’re sure,” Li nodded solemnly. “Jackson, when we get the signal, try to move counter-clockwise to flank. If you can infiltrate, disable the motion of Ignition. He is a powerful rogue element that we don’t know about. If you can confirm your internal manifestations can be converted by him, immediately disengage. When an opening presents to engage with Recall, do so. Should no openings appear, do not hesitate to retreat. You are here to capture, but also to be a part of our exit strategy as needed.” Jackson nodded.

Walter swallowed. An exit strategy isn’t even something he wanted to consider. If we can’t win against Aetherials, in what world can we escape?

“Jacobs,” Light said, “If I give you the signal to get out, cover any of us you can. Rendezvous with Jackson. You two will work together, Jackson disrupting the enemy and you providing cover. Li, if we execute a retreat, you need to be prepared to heal. Again, I trust your judgement. All clear?” The three nodded together. “Good. Let’s move out.”

Walter focused. In his mind he saw a heavy, red blade descend upon him. Springing up from within, a large, disk-shaped field appeared at his palm, large enough to cover roughly three people if they stood close. Light, in turn, manifesting a large pillar of red energy, resembling a great pillar of fire, roughly two feet in diameter. The light was blinding.

“Forward march, team. Let’s move.” Light straightened up, ready to go, leading the march.

As the four hit a ruined street, formerly a row of restaurants in the old downtown, the comms lit up.

“You are in position. They have been spotted in the old diner at the end of 5th street. Three confirmed. Engage with caution,” reported the scout patrol in the area.

It was time. Jackson moved swiftly to 4th street to the north, covertly trying to approach the building from the back. Light waved to Li, signalling that is was time. Walter positioned himself between the two, taking vanguard, providing cover with his shield. Li’s right hand was placed upon Light’s shoulder, flaring to a bright yellow, which then permeated Light’s body. They were as ready as they could be.

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“They found us!” Anne said, her eyes glowing. “How did they spot us out like this?”

Nao shuddered. She didn’t want to fight. Especially if the enemy got the jump on them. They had one person really capable of combat amongst them.

Hector grinned. “It’s showtime. Let’s show them what I can do.”

“Hector, do you even know what you can do, yet?” Anne said, incredulously.

“Nope. But what better way to find out?” Hector sprang to his feet. “Where are they?”

“One is currently moving down 4th street. No visible powers manifested. Three are moving up 5th street, straight toward this location. Visible shield, weapon and support skills manifested. Unclear if Aetherial or Empath level skills. The shield and weapon are surprisingly large,” Anne reported.

“On it. Nao, stay back. This is something I can handle alone. Anne, keep me posted.” Hector dashed out the back door toward the alleyway nearby.

Jackson moved silently down the street, sticking to her infiltration skills. Never appear in the open. Keep movement quick and brief. And yet, she quickly found herself face to face with codename Ignition.

“I’ve engaged Ignition of 4th street! Move in on the diner!” Jackson shouted, ready to scope out her opponent. She took her stance, hands glowing a faint yellow. Ignition lumbered forward to slam a fist at her. The man fought like a brute, not having much form. Jackson ducked under his attack and performed a palm strike his right arm. A bright glow surrounded him, making his movements sluggish.

“I guess it’s time to see if this works,” Ignition said, grinning maniacally. He gripped her arm with his left hand. A bright red light glowed from his palm. The yellow light faded from his body, replaced by flame. He howled in pain. Then the flames converged on the spot where she had hands placed, becoming a massive blaze.

Jackson screamed in agony. The skin of her hand was seared off completely. She needed to retreat.

“Disregard last. I need backup now. Bring ES3-10 to my position.”

Ignition looked taken aback. His skin radiated with her where he focused the flame, but he did not seem to have any permanent damage there. “Doesn’t look like a fight you can win, friend. It may be time to go. How about I count to three? If you’re here, I’ll make sure you don’t walk away from this.” He cracked his neck, stretched his arms and raised up a finger.

“One.”

Walter approached the diner with his comrades in tow. As they were within ten feet of the place, the transmission came through. Jackson needed backup. From the sound of her voice, she needed it badly.

“Let’s move. We can’t lose Jackson in this if we need to have any means of retreat. Walter, keep on point. Li, be prepared to rendezvous. She sounded rough. I’m sure she needs you.” Nods all around, they moved down the alleyway nearby.

Walter saw it before the rest. A large man was holding up two fingers while Jackson stood back, her hand burned nearly beyond recognition.

“Li, move. I’ll cover,” Walter said, new confidence in his voice.

“I was going to count to three, but it seems my new friends did it for me!” The large man took long strides straight at Walter, his hand glowing a bright red. Li took advantage of the opening and dove to Jackson’s side. A bright green glow surrounded his hand. Jackson’s hand reconstructed, shaping back into its natural state.

Ignition jammed his fist straight through the shield. A fiery fist then approached Walter’s chest quickly. He dropped all focus on maintaining his shield, focusing on a strike. His hand became covered with a red gauntlet. In one swift move he struck Ignition on his right cheek, landing a square blow while largely evading the incoming strike. A diagonal swath of Walter’s uniform was gone, leaving a light burn along his skin in its wake. Could have been worse.

Noticing an opening, a large pillar slammed down on Ignition, crushing his right shoulder and leaving him prone. Light pressed the pillar down on his back, keeping him in place.

“Jackson, now! Reduce his movement as much as possible.”

Jackson’s hand shone with yellow light once again, ready to disable. She moved into position over Ignition.

A loud boom rang out. Gunfire. Jackson fell. A hole pierced between her eyes.

Jackson was dead.