A trader hands a woman an apple. She tosses it into her handwoven basket attached to her back and walks away, following the street. She’s surrounded by short, limestone buildings from a bygone age. The stone street is cracked and worn out. Around her, people of all ages, sharing the same, light brown are paused, staring at a teenage girl running down the street, a group of men pursuing her with a vengeance.

“Not good. Not good. Not good!” The teenage girl repeats, sprinting away. She quickly peeks over her shoulder. Behind her, a group of three thugs are chasing her, teeth clenched and faces red. She turns at the street corner, almost running into an old man just out of view. She barely sidesteps in time, avoiding a collision.

The old man hops to the side. “Hey watch it kid!” He barks, waving his cane angrily.

She apologizes with urgency; her eyes stay fixed on the sandy road ahead of her.

Behind her, the thugs turn the corner, pushing the old man out of the way. “Hey… slow down punk!” One of thugs, the shortest but also the largest, yells after the girl. His breath is ragged, and he’s sweating a storm, the heat of the late afternoon sun beating down on him. However, he continues to run, undeterred.

The tallest breathes heavily, lagging slightly behind. His limbs are like twigs; Apply a bit of pressure and he’ll snap. A lack of muscle meant his body was already starting to peter “Y-yeah, give it back!” He clutches his stomach, wincing in pain. His run becomes more like a jog as he struggles to continue running.

The third, and fastest pushes past his compatriots. His body is fitter, with a distinct lack of fat, weighing him down, but enough muscle that his body doesn’t give out so easily. “C’mon hurry up boys!” yells back at the other two, his knife dangling from his waste within it’s sheathe.

Electricity, blue as the sky, crackles in the girl’s fingers. She considers turning and fighting as the thugs gain on her, but she decides against it, and the static dissipates into the air around her. Moments later, she spots an alley way in the corner of her eye. “Perfect!” She grins, making a sharp turn and dipping into the dark area.

“She’s in here!” The fast thug yells to his companions. “Let’s get her!” The almond skinned girl grins, wiping sweat from her brow. She takes a deep breath, the warm summer air

“Alright you’re cornered!” The tall one pants, accompanied by the short one. “Give it back before we gotta hurt you… Trust me you don’t wanna fight with us!” He threatens, cracking his knuckles.

“Yeah! Give us our gold and we will just let you go! Nice and easy now!” The short one reasons.

“Oh, you think I’m the one trapped here?” The girl snickers and pulls the large pouch from her side. She shakes it. Metal coins rattle around inside, making metallic jingles. ”You guys are gonna make me laugh!” She pulls her arm back and chucks the pouch above the building, her eyes following her haul. The bag disappears out of sight along the rooftops of the city, and the girl looks back down towards the thugs.

“The hell are you doing?!” The tall one exclaims, his eyes fixated on the pouch. “Fine then!” his eyes drop to the girl, and he rushes forwards. The girl cracks a smug grin, holding her position. Electricity crackles, dancing across her hand. He winds his arm up before throwing his fist forward. The girl nimbly steps to the side, grabbing the lanky thug’s thin wrist.

The energy runs up his arm, his body seizing up as the electricity passes through the entirety of his body. “AUGHHHH!” The man cries out, wobbling in place. The girl takes the chance and delivers a round house kick to his chest, knocking him to the ground where he convulsed, twitching in rhythm with the aftershocks.

“Y-You bitch!” The shorter one yells, clenching his fists and charging at the girl. She matches him, running forward with left arm tensed at her side. She leaps at the larger, built man, and swings her arm at him. The thug catches her attack, gripping her hand like a vice. “Now you’re gonna be a good girl and give it back!” He threatens, bringing his arm in for a heavy strike.

“As if!” She smirks, releasing a burst of electricity from her captured arm, the energy spreading throughout the alleyway. The thug’s body tenses up as he twitches, his teeth clenched as he backs up.

The man falls to the ground, clutching his body. “Arghh! Gods damn you-AGHHH,” Burn marks trail down the arm he attempted to grab the girl with. Static flickers across his body in tandem with his convulsions.

She pinches her nose, waving her hand to waft the air away. “Man, it smells,” The bitter smell of burning rubber permeates the air. “Well, I’m done here anyway, so it’s not my…” The girl walks past the two thugs, who are still recovering from the shocks. “Wait…” She turns around, her eyes flickering between the two defeated thugs. “Weren’t there three of- “ She’s cut off as a shadow looms over her.

“Gotcha!” The leader yells, a knife raised in his right hand. He swings down on the girl. She barely backsteps out of the way, almost falling backwards while evading the attack. He swings wide, trying to catch the girl. His two compatriots get back to their feet, still clutching their wounds.

“There’s nowhere to run now!” The one with the knife laughs as the girl is backed up into the wall. “Don’t worry, we aren’t going to be too rough!” He ‘assures’. “After all! We’re gonna use that power of yours to live the good life!” He raises his knife.

The girl tenses up, and the two she shocked earlier pin her against the alley wall. She tries to struggle, but she is unable to break their grip. “C’mon work!” She panics, trying to activate her power to no avail.

“Say goodnight girly!” He brings the hilt of the knife down on her head.

Suddenly a voice calls out, “What’s going on down there?!” Everyone freezes, looking up towards the interloper. Standing on the roof, holding the pouch full of gold coins, is a well-built man in grey sweatpants with orange trimmings and a loose string tied around the waist, acting as a belt. Above that, he’s wearing a blue sleeveless shirt. His hair is spiker up and short, and short but scruffy beard giving him the impression of a homeless man. His arms are crossed, his expression stern.

However, despite his looks, an aura of power emanates from him, commanding a combination of fear and respect from the thugs. He jumps down, landing a two-story jump like he was walking down a flight of stairs, not evening needing to bend his knees or even uncross his arms to use them as support. “So, I’m going to skip the pleasantries. Leave her alone. Now!” The man commands, his eyes full of energy.

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“Trying to play hero?” The one with the knife grins smugly, turning away, his minions still holding the girl against the wall. “If you go now, I won’t hurt you!” He brandishes his knife, waving it wildly.

“Well then. I suppose I have my answer.” The ragged looking man answers nonchalantly. He shakes his head his with a sigh. He shifts into a forward stance, his left arm crooked forward. He takes a deep breath.

“Overdriver. First Form!”

His muscles fill with a strange energy that even the girl can feel multiple meters away. It felt similar to her own power yet completely different. “Been a while since I’ve fought with this power…” He grins, his eyes narrowing on his first target.

The ragged looking man dashes just past the knife wielding thug, pirouetting, and delivering a round house kick to the back of the thug’s neck, knocking him to the other side of the alleyway before he finally lands, eating a faceful of dirt.

“What the hell?!” The tall one exclaims. “Boss are you alrig-“ His cries of concern are cut short, the ragged man punching him right in gut, moving in faster than they could even blink.

The girl takes the chance to break free, and electricity charges within her hand. “Eat this asshole!” She exclaims, extending her hand and unleashing a discharge of energy. Blue light filled up the alleyway, before causing a small explosion which knocks her back into the alley wall.

“Ack!” She coughs, getting the dust out her lungs. “Damn jackasses…” the girl mutters, rubbing dust out of her eyes.

“Need a hand?” The ragged man asks, kneeling to check on her reaching his hand out. “That was quite a show you put on,“ He comments, looking towards the short thug she knocked out with the blast, and the area around them, the concrete stained by electrical burn marks.

“Tch” The girl stood up, refusing the man’s hand. “I’m fine, thank you very much!”

“That’s good to hear.” The man stands back up. “My name’s Taurise. Taurise Aniren.” He greets her with a grin. “How ‘bout yourself?”

“Amira Sanavyr” the girl answers quickly, pushing her dark brown bangs to the side, uncovering her dark, hazel eyes. “Thanks for your help, but I have things to do.” She adds, glaring at Taurise. “So, if you wouldn’t mind letting me-“

“I have some questions for you,” Taurise cuts her off, looking over his shoulder. “About your powers” He specifies. “But I’d rather we talk somewhere less…” He looks around at the unconscious thugs, rubbing his hand against the back of his head. “Thuggy.”

Amira crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow inquisitively. “And why should I trust you?” She asks, her brown eyes trying to read her new acquaintance.

He smiles, and strokes his beard for a quick moment, his eyes facing the late afternoon sky. Though only a moment, the silence makes it feel like an entire lifetime for the girl, who taps her foot impatiently. “Answer my questions and there’s a free meal from a diner down the road,” Taurise bargains, gesturing towards the exit of the alley with his thumb.

Wait, what? Amira very briefly considers his proposal. I am quite hungry… She thinks, biting her lip. But can I really trust him? She scans his face, narrowing her eyes, searching for any red flags. Though certainly a stranger, he had saved her just moments ago. But he knows about my power… What if he wants to use me for something? She shakes her head. “I don’t think I can-“

“Also, I’m quite suspicious of this bag of gold I found lying above in the rooftops…” Taurise ‘wonders’, examining the pouch closely, in an exaggerated manner. “If I don’t know where it came from, so I might just turn it in to the-“

Amira grits her teeth, her fists tightening. “Alright I get it!” She exclaims. “I’ll answer your questions if you give me back the bag!” She caves, her stomach growling. “Lets, just make it quick, ‘kay?” She pouts, her hands on her hips.

“Sounds good!” Taurise chuckles in sharp contrast to the temperamental girl. “Well, the place I mentioned isn’t far.” He adds. “Let’s get going before the dinner rush shows up!” He starts walking off, whistling a tune.

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A short while later, the two are sitting opposite in a small restaurant, both with large bowls of stew and bread on the side.

“Ahhhhh!” Taurise sits back, enjoying a stew. “Always so good!” He takes a quick bite of bread. He looks over at Alina, who is already a quarter done with her large bowl, no sign of slowing down as she devours the bowl. Why is she so casual about having a power…? She clearly isn’t a part of the order. But she doesn’t seem cursed. He observes her, stroking his beard. Even I couldn’t control it until my awakening. He takes a moment to breathe, before shifting forward in his seat. “Slow down kid” Taurise comments, noting how quickly Amira was scarfing down her food.

Amira pulls her head out of the bowl, her cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk during foraging season. She quickly swallows, choking on her food. “Ack!” She coughs, pounding her fist against her chest. “Damn that’s good!” She declares, before coughing one last time and taking a long sip of water.

“Glad to hear you like it,” Taurise smiles, stifling a laugh. “So down to business.” His face hardens and he leans forward, resting his forearm on the table. “Where exactly did you get your power?”

“I was born with it” Amira answers bluntly. “According to the caretakers, I’ve always had it. It caused quite a few injuries before I was able to gain some control over it.” She continues, her eyes soften. “I’m assuming you don’t believe me?” She raises an eyebrow inquisitively.

Taurise nods, holding a straight face as he listens. “It’s certainly unusual” He affirms. “But people with uncontrollable powers before being awakened or cursed is a well reported phenomenon,” He explains, his eyes drifting towards his bowl. He takes a moment before continuing. “Though having any semblance of control however… well, that’s what I find weird.” He pushes his right hand against his neck, stretching it. The waitress stops by their table, refilling the duos water.

Opposite Taurise, Amira is sitting back in her seat, finding the patrons around the restaurant more interesting than the explanation in front of her. “So, your point is…?” She motions for the Taurise to finish up, a slight hint of annoyance in her voice. “I have things to do!”

“Right!” He nods, taking a second to collect his thoughts. “My point is I think you should join up with the Order of Indara.” Taurise proposes. “I may not be a part of them, but if I give you a recommendation, I’m sure they’ll-“

“You aren’t part of the Order?” Amira cuts him off, her head tilted. “But you have a power?” She wonders aloud.

“I’m… not part of the Order anymore.” Taurise explains bitterly, his eyes downcast at his half-finished stew. “It’s a long story. But I can pull some strings to get you in. If you want that.” He refocuses the conversation.

“You want me to join the Order?” Amira balls her fists. “Those Asterian stooges?” She glared at Taurise. “Why would I-“

“I get why you would be against the idea!” Taurise stops her, raising his hands defensively. He looks around the restaurant, making sure to not attract too much attention. “I have my own misgivings about how the Order operates as well!” He continues, lowering his voice a tad. “But considering everything going on right now, it’s not safe for those with uninitiated powers. If the gods turn their eyes to this city, you would be the first person they corrupt.” He explains, giving a grave warning. He taps his finger on the table, his eyes narrowed. The table remains silent for a short period. Amira glares at Taurise, who simply meets her eyes, his lips tight. “You don’t have to answer now.” He pulls out some coins, counting out the bill before placing the payment in the center of the table.

“I can tell you now that I won’t be joining the Order!” The annoyed teenager snaps, standing up from her seat suddenly, sending her chair skidding back a few inches. Now the duo has the restaurants attention. “I can take care of myself.”

“Well, I suppose that’s your choice,” He smiles, raising his hands in defeat to signify he’s dropping the topic. “My second question is about this bag.” Taurise sets the pouch the thugs were after onto the table. "Why did were the thugs after it?"

Amira sits back down in her seat, narrowing her eyes. “How am I supposed to know what those inbred’s think?” She grumbles, looking out the window.

“Well,” Taurise Aniren drops his hand revealing his knowing smirk. “I have the sneaking suspicion you might be the infamous pickpocket I’ve been hearing all about.”

Amira’s eyes widen, and her heart starts beating loudly. She bites her lip.

“So?” He raises an eyebrow. “Would you happen to be the thief I’m after?”