The tranquil evening in Novaria's bustling town square shattered like glass as screams pierced the air. Panicked citizens scattered in all directions, their faces contorted with fear. Inside the quaint pizzeria, wide-eyed employees ushered customers towards the relative safety of the kitchen, their voices urgent and strained.

A young waitress, her uniform splattered with tomato sauce, approached Angelo and Bill. Her eyes were wide with panic, darting between them and the chaos outside. "For the love of all that's holy, you four need to get to safety!" she pleaded not noticing the bizarre scene in front of her, her voice cracking with fear. "The kitchen, now!"

Angelo's eyes narrowed, his posture shifting from relaxed to alert in an instant. He turned to Bill, his voice low and steady, but with an undercurrent of steel. "Bill, I need you to head to the kitchen. I'm going to assess the situation."

Bill's face hardened, a look of determination replacing his initial shock. He squared his shoulders, meeting Angelo's gaze unflinchingly. "With all due respect, sir, that's not happening," he said, his voice firm. "I didn't sign up for this program to cower while others are in danger. I'm coming with you, come hell or high water."

A ghost of a smile flickered across Angelo's face, pride and concern warring in his eyes. "Brave words, rookie," he said, his tone softening slightly. "But bravery without caution is just foolishness. You stay behind me, follow my lead, and don't so much as breathe without my say-so. Clear?"

Bill nodded sharply, his voice filled with resolve. "Crystal clear, sir. Lead the way."

They burst out of the pizzeria, the cool evening air carrying the acrid scent of destruction. The once-vibrant square had transformed into a scene of apocalyptic chaos. Three Aurons, their auras pulsing with malevolent energy, tore through the area like vengeful deities. Shops crumbled, stalls splintered, and the ground was littered with debris and, more horrifyingly, the broken bodies of innocent bystanders.

Angelo's aura exploded to life, a fierce orange inferno that matched the fury in his eyes. Beside him, Bill stood frozen, his face ashen as he took in the carnage.

Blue materialized next to them, his usual calm demeanor strained. "Bill," he said softly, placing his hand on the young officer's shoulder. "I know it's overwhelming, but we need you focused. Activate your aura. If we're ambushed, you'll need every ounce of protection you can muster."

Bill nodded mechanically, his light brown aura flickering to life. His eyes, once a warm brown, now glowed with an otherworldly light.

One of the Aurons, his voice dripping with hatred, shouted across the square. "Feast your eyes, Luminian scum!" he roared, his face twisted in a grotesque sneer. "This is but a taste of the reckoning that awaits you! Soon, Luminia will crumble, and Infernia will reclaim what was stolen!"

With a cruel laugh that echoed off the ruined buildings, he unleashed a bolt of lightning that struck a nearby shop. The explosion sent debris flying in all directions, the shockwave rattling windows for blocks.

Angelo and Bill crouched behind an overturned fruit cart, the smell of singed fruit mingling with the smoky scent of destruction. Angelo's eyes glowed as he used his energy vision to assess their foes. His face darkened as he processed what he saw.

"Infernian terrorists," he muttered, his voice tight with barely contained rage. "And they're no garden-variety thugs. These bastards mean business."

Suddenly, five officers from the Auron division arrived on the scene, their auras blazing. "In the name of Luminia, stand down!" one of them bellowed, his voice carrying across the square. "You're surrounded, outnumbered, and out of options!"

The Infernian Aurons, far from intimidated, gathered in a tight formation. Their eyes gleamed with malicious anticipation, like predators sizing up their prey.

Red materialized next to Angelo, his usual mischievous demeanor replaced by a cold fury. "Angelo, we can't just sit here with our thumbs up our asses," he hissed, his fists clenching and unclenching. "Let's show these Infernian dogs what happens when they bring their fight to our doorstep!"

Angelo bit his lip, conflict evident in his eyes. "Damn it, Red, you know we can't," he said, the words seeming to physically pain him. "We're still suspended, or did you conveniently forget that little detail?"

Bill's eyes widened in disbelief. "Hold up," he gasped, looking between Angelo and Red. "You're suspended? Since when? And why the hell are we out here if that's the case?"

Red rounded on Angelo, his face twisted with rage. "Are you fucking kidding me right now?" he snarled, gesticulating wildly at the chaos around them. "Open your eyes, Angelo! The city's burning, innocent people are dying, and you're worried about some bureaucratic bullshit? Where's your sense of justice now, 'Angel of Death'?!"

Angelo looked torn, his gaze shifting to Blue. The calmer entity shook his head slightly. "I can't make this choice for you, Angelo," he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness. "If you choose to fight, I'll be right there beside you. But if you decide to wait, I'll understand that too. Perhaps the officers can handle this. Whatever you decide, we're with you."

As Angelo grappled with his decision, the battle erupted in full force. The Infernian lightning Auron unleashed a barrage of crackling bolts, forcing the officers to dodge and weave. Those who leapt upwards found themselves buffeted by powerful gusts from the Infernian wind Auron, sending them crashing to the ground with bone-jarring force.

The third Infernian Auron, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes, charged at the downed officers like a rampaging bull. One managed to roll away at the last second, but another wasn't so lucky. The force of the punch sent him flying into the wall of a nearby shop, the brickwork crumbling around his limp form.

"Force aura," Angelo muttered, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed the brutish Auron's movements. "Reminds me of someone..."

Blue's voice was grim. "This is far from an ideal matchup. We're at a significant disadvantage here."

Red, however, wasn't deterred. His eyes gleamed with a mix of excitement and bloodlust. "Disadvantage, my ass! We can take these clowns if we play it smart. Come on, Angelo, where's that tactical genius of yours?"

Angelo hesitated for a moment longer before nodding sharply. "Alright, we're going in," he said, his voice filled with resolve. He turned to Bill, whose face was a mix of fear and determination. "Bill, what's your aura type? Bill? Bill! Don't tell me you're out already."

Bill, startled out of his daze, stammered, "N-no sir! It's wind. Like that one..." He gestured towards the Infernian wind Auron, who was currently sending an officer flying with a concentrated blast of air.

Angelo nodded, his mind already formulating a plan. "Good. That could be useful. Here's what you're going to do: stay back and provide support. If you see an opening to throw them off balance, take it. But your primary objective is keeping yourself in one piece, got it? No heroics."

Blue interjected, his tone urgent. "Angelo, I have a strategy that might tip the odds in our favor. But it's risky, and we'll need perfect coordination."

Angelo met Blue's gaze, his eyes hard. "I'm all ears, Blue. But let's get one thing straight: these bastards crossed a line. Whatever we do, they're not walking away from this."

Red's grin was feral, his teeth gleaming in the chaotic light of the battle. "Music to my ears! Let's make them regret ever setting foot in our city!"

Blue sighed, his expression pained. "I understand your anger, Angelo, but think for a moment. We need them alive. If you kill them, the consequences will be severe. They might have information that could prevent future attacks. We need to be smart about this."

Angelo paused, conflict evident on his face. Finally, he growled, "Fine. But I'm going to make sure they feel every ounce of pain they've inflicted today. What's your plan, Blue?"

Blue nodded, his expression serious. "Here's the plan: Red and I will initially draw the attention of the Force Auron. He seems to be their heaviest hitter. Red will provoke him and lead him away. Once they're at a safe distance, Red will turn to smoke form and rejoin you, Angelo."

Angelo's brow furrowed. "And then what?"

Blue continued, "I'll stay behind and keep the Force Auron occupied. While I'm distracting him, you, Red, and the remaining officers will focus on subduing the other two. Once they're dealt with, we'll regroup to take down the Force Auron together."

Red's eyes lit up with mischievous glee. "Oh, this is going to be fun. I get to play bait and then join the main fight? It's like two presents in one!"

Angelo looked skeptical. "Are you sure you can handle that brute on your own, Blue?"

Blue's lips curved into a small, confident smile. "I may not match him in raw power, but I believe I can evade him long enough for you to finish the others. Remember, I don't need to beat him, just keep him busy."

Angelo considered the plan, then nodded. "It's risky, but it might just work. How are you going to get his attention?"

Blue's smile widened slightly. "Leave that to Red. If there's one thing he excels at, it's being irritating."

"Hey!" Red protested, before grinning. "Actually, no, that's fair. I'll make that oversized grape so mad he won't be able to see straight."

As the remaining officers regrouped, forming a ragged defensive line against the relentless Infernian assault, Angelo rose to his feet. His aura blazed around him like a furious inferno, casting dancing shadows across the ruined square. With a powerful leap that cracked the pavement beneath him, he landed in front of the beleaguered officers, his eyes locked on the Infernian terrorists.

"Well, well," the force Auron sneered, his muscles rippling as he sized up Angelo. "Looks like we've got ourselves a wannabe hero. Come to join your friends in the grave, little man?"

The wind Auron's eyes roved over Angelo appreciatively, a predatory gleam in her gaze. "My, my, what a handsome face," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "It's almost a shame we'll have to rearrange it. Almost."

One of the officers behind Angelo let out a relieved sigh. "I can't believe I'm saying this but... Thank the cosmos you're here, Angelo," he said, his voice strained but grateful. "We were about to become Infernian target practice."

Without turning, Angelo acknowledged him, his voice low and determined. "Glad to see you're still breathing, Jack. Now let's make sure it stays that way." Then, his voice dropping to a deadly calm, he addressed the Infernian Aurons. "Listen closely, because I'm only going to say this once. You're staring into the face of your own demise. You have one chance – one – to surrender and atone for your crimes. Otherwise?" His lips curled into a grim smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Well, let's just say I'm hoping you choose the second option."

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

The Infernians burst into raucous laughter, their faces twisted with cruel mirth. "Oh, this is rich!" the lightning Auron chortled, wiping a mock tear from his eye. "The little Luminian lapdog thinks he can play with the big boys!"

The wind Auron's laughter subsided into a predatory grin that sent chills down Bill's spine. "He is rather adorable, isn't he?" she purred, her eyes never leaving Angelo. "I do so enjoy breaking the pretty ones."

The force Auron's massive frame shook with laughter, the ground trembling slightly beneath his feet. "Adorable indeed. Shorty here playing at being a hero. This'll be over before it even begins."

Suddenly, Bill's voice rang out from his hiding place, indignation overriding his caution. "You arrogant morons!" he shouted, his face flushed with anger and a hint of fear. "Do you have any idea who you're dealing with? That's the Angel of Death himself! You're not just screwed, you're already six feet under!"

Realizing his mistake, Bill clapped a hand over his mouth and ducked back into cover, muttering curses under his breath. Angelo closed his eyes for a moment, frustration etched on his face at the blown cover.

The lightning Auron's laughter redoubled, echoing off the ruined buildings. "Oh, this is too much!" he wheezed, clutching his sides. "The 'Angel of Death' comes with his own little cheerleader! How precious!"

Angelo's eyes snapped open, his gaze burning with an intensity that could melt steel. When he spoke, his voice was cold enough to freeze fire. "You've made your choice, then," he said, each word dripping with deadly promise. "Don't say I didn't warn you. Prepare to face judgment."

The lightning Auron's aura crackled dangerously, matching Angelo's ferocity. Arcs of electricity danced between his fingertips as his face twisted into a snarl. "Enough of this farce," he growled, his voice like rolling thunder. "Time to send you to meet whatever pitiful god you worship, Luminian dog."

In that instant, Red materialized behind the force Auron, delivering a swift kick to his rear that would have felled a lesser man. The massive Auron stumbled forward, more surprised than hurt, his face a comical mix of shock and outrage. Red leapt back with inhuman agility, landing beside Blue on a nearby rooftop.

"Hey there, big guy!" Red called out, his face split in a manic grin. "Nice muscles! Compensating for something, are we? Maybe a little shortcoming in the brain department?"

The force Auron's aura flared a deep purple, a vein throbbing dangerously in his forehead. "You miserable little insect," he growled, his voice dripping with venom. "What manner of freak show reject are you supposed to be?"

Red's laughter echoed across the square, high and mocking. "Aww, is the big bad Auron getting his feelings hurt? Don't strain yourself trying to come up with a comeback, buddy. We wouldn't want you to pull something important... if there's anything important left to pull, that is!"

He paused for a moment, his eyes gleaming with mischief, before adding, "You know, with that purple face and those bulging muscles, you're looking more and more like an angry bunch of grapes. What's the matter, Grape Ape? Feeling a little pressed?"

The force Auron's face contorted with rage, his muscles bulging even more prominently. "I'll crush you like the insignificant pest you are!" he roared, his voice shaking with fury.

Red's grin only widened. "Ooh, struck a nerve, did I? Don't get your stems in a twist now. Come on, you overgrown fruit basket, let's see if you can catch me!"

With a powerful leap that shattered the pavement beneath him, the force Auron launched himself at Red and Blue. The two entities used their energy tendrils with balletic grace, propelling themselves away in a dizzying display of aerial acrobatics. They leapt from building to building, always staying just out of reach, with the enraged Auron in hot pursuit.

"That's right, you overgrown turnip!" Red's voice echoed back, dripping with gleeful mockery. "Follow the bouncing smartass! Bet you can't catch me!"

"Red, perhaps antagonizing him further isn't the wisest-" Blue's admonition was cut short as they narrowly dodged a chunk of masonry hurled by the pursuing Auron.

"You insolent little shits!" the force Auron bellowed, his voice shaking windows. "When I get my hands on you, you'll be begging for death!"

As Red and Blue led the force Auron on a merry chase across the rooftops, the battle in the square reached a fever pitch.

"That hot-headed fool," the lightning Auron muttered, his eyes narrowing as he watched his comrade disappear into the maze of buildings. But before he could turn his attention back to Angelo, a orange blur was all he saw before a devastating blow connected with his stomach-area. The impact sent him flying backward, his body carving a deep furrow in the ground as he skidded to a stop.

Angelo pressed his advantage, leaping high into the air with his fist cocked back for another punishing blow. But a powerful gust of wind from the female Auron caught him mid-leap, sending him tumbling through the air like a leaf in a hurricane.

"Ah ah ah," she cooed, wagging a finger as if scolding a naughty child. "Didn't your mother ever teach you it's rude to ignore a lady? I'm not done playing with you yet, handsome."

Angelo righted himself mid-air with a burst of energy, landing in a three-point crouch that cracked the pavement beneath him. He fixed the wind Auron with a piercing glare, his orange eyes burning with intensity.

She merely smiled wider, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "Ooh, I just love those scary faces you make," she giggled, her voice a disconcerting mix of playful and menacing. "Come on, sugar, don't disappoint me now. Show me what the big, bad 'Angel of Death' can really do!"

Without warning, she unleashed a barrage of condensed air waves at him, each one capable of slicing through steel. Though invisible to the naked eye, Angelo's energy vision highlighted the rushing winds, allowing him to dance between the deadly currents with preternatural grace.

"Is that all you've got?" Angelo taunted, his voice steady despite the exertion. "I've felt stronger breezes from a desk fan!"

The wind Auron's playful demeanor cracked for a moment, revealing a flash of genuine anger. "Oh, honey," she purred, her voice dropping an octave, "I'm just getting warmed up!"

Meanwhile, the lightning Auron had struggled to his feet, his face contorted with rage and humiliation. Electricity arced across his body in violent, unpredictable patterns as he lunged at Angelo with a roar of fury.

"You uppity little pissant!" he snarled, his voice crackling with power. "I'll fry every last nerve in your body!"

But before he could connect, a wall of earth erupted between them. Jack, his arms encased in rocky gauntlets, stood defiantly beside his improvised barrier.

"Not on my watch, spark plug," Jack growled, his voice strained but determined.

The lightning Auron's fist connected with the earthen wall, sending cracks spider-webbing through its surface but failing to break through entirely. "You think this pebble can stop me?" he laughed, mad glee in his eyes. "I'll reduce it to sand, and you with it!"

As the lightning Auron focused his assault on Jack's barrier, Angelo seized the opportunity. He charged towards the wind Auron, zigzagging to avoid her attacks. Just as he was about to reach her, he feinted left, then dropped low, sweeping her legs out from under her with a low kick.

The wind Auron, caught off guard, began to fall. But even as she descended, she managed to unleash a powerful gust that sent both of them flying in opposite directions.

Angelo crashed through the remnants of a market stall, wood splintering around him. He rolled to his feet, shaking off the impact, only to find himself face-to-face with the lightning Auron, who had finally broken through Jack's defenses.

"No more games," the lightning Auron growled, his body crackling with barely contained power. "Time to end this!"

He thrust both hands forward, unleashing a devastating beam of pure lightning that illuminated the entire square with its blinding radiance. Angelo, caught flat-footed, had no time to dodge.

In that split second, as the lightning raced towards him, time seemed to slow to a crawl. Angelo could feel the hair on his arms standing on end, could smell the ozone in the air. This was it, he thought. This was how it ended.

But then, a blur of motion caught his eye. Bill, his face set with determination, had leapt from his hiding place. With a cry of effort, he thrust his hands forward, summoning a powerful gust of wind that slammed into Angelo from the side, pushing him out of the lightning's path at the last possible moment.

The lightning blast streaked past, missing Angelo by mere inches. It struck a nearby building, the resulting explosion sending debris raining down across the square.

Angelo hit the ground hard, rolling to absorb the impact. As he came to a stop, he looked up to see Bill standing there, his chest heaving with exertion, a mix of fear and pride on his face.

"Nice save, rookie," Angelo managed, a ghost of a smile on his lips.

Bill's answering grin was shaky but genuine. "Just returning the favor, sir."

Their moment of relief was short-lived, however. The lightning Auron let out a bellow of frustration, his aura flaring to new heights of intensity.

"Enough of this!" he roared, his voice barely human. Arcs of electricity began to dance wildly around his body, growing larger and more violent with each passing second. "I'll reduce this entire square to ashes, and you with it!"

Angelo's eyes widened as he used his energy vision to assess the situation. The amount of power the Auron was gathering was staggering, far beyond anything he'd encountered before.

"He's going all out," Angelo muttered, his mind racing for a solution.

As if in answer to his thoughts, Red's voice suddenly echoed in his mind, urgent and excited. "Angelo! I've got an idea, but we need to move fast. We need to hit him with everything we've got, right now!"

"Are you insane?" Angelo thought back, even as he began to gather his own energy. "You heard Albert. My power is always cut in half. We can't match a normal Auron in raw power, let alone this maniac!"

Red's response was tinged with desperation and a manic sort of glee. "Trust me on this one! This guy's tough, sure, but he's no elite. Together, we're at 75%, right? That should be enough to at least stall him. We don't have time to argue!"

Feeling the urgency in Red's thoughts and seeing no other option, Angelo made his decision. "Alright, let's do this. But if we die, I'm going to kill you."

"That's the spirit!" Red laughed in his mind.

They took up position, each extending a hand behind them. Two orbs of energy – one red, one orange – began to form, slowly merging into a swirling vortex of unstable power that grew larger with each passing second. The air around them began to warp and distort from the sheer energy they were gathering.

The lightning Auron, seeing their preparations, let out a laugh that bordered on hysteria. "You think you can challenge ME?" he roared, his voice barely audible over the crackling of his own power. "ENOUGH! DIE, YOU MISERABLE INSECTS!"

He thrust both hands forward, and all the electricity he had amassed converged at a single point before his palms. With a sound like booming thunder at point blank, a blinding beam of pure lightning erupted towards Angelo and Red, so bright it turned night to day.

They responded in kind, bringing their hands forward in perfect unison. "You want power?" they shouted as one, their voices melding into a single, powerful roar that shook the very foundations of the square. "THEN TAKE THIS! ENERGY WAVE!"

The unstable orb of mixed energy followed the path of their hands, erupting into a beam of swirling orange and red that met the lightning Auron's attack head-on. The two forces collided in a cataclysmic explosion of light and sound, sending arcs of energy and lightning dancing across the ruined square. Windows shattered for blocks around, and the very air seemed to vibrate with the intensity of the clash.

As the two attacks pushed against each other, Angelo felt himself being driven back, his feet carving furrows in the ground. "This isn't working!" he growled through gritted teeth, sweat beading on his brow from the effort. "What now, genius?"

Red's response was maddeningly calm. "Now, I'm going to let go, and you're going to hold him off on your own for a second."

Angelo's eyes widened in disbelief. "Have you lost your mind?" he shouted, both aloud and in his thoughts. "We're barely holding on together! How am I supposed to do this alone?"

"Just trust me!" Red insisted, his voice filled with an excitement that bordered on mania. "Push harder! Ready... Now!"

Before Angelo could protest further, Red's presence vanished, transforming into smoke and reintegrating with Angelo's body. The full force of the lightning Auron's attack slammed into Angelo, driving him back even further. His feet carved deep trenches in the ground as he struggled to hold his position, the edge of the lightning beam inching closer with each passing second.

"Is this it?" Angelo thought, his arms trembling with the effort of maintaining the energy wave. "Is this how it ends?"

But Red wasn't done. His smoky form erupted from Angelo's back, unnoticed by the distracted Infernians, and streaked towards the lightning Auron like a crimson comet. In an instant, Red materialized behind their opponent, wrapping his arms and legs around the surprised Auron in a full-body grapple.

The effect was immediate and dramatic. The pressure on Angelo's energy wave lessened significantly, allowing him to push back against the lightning beam. The Infernian Auron struggled violently, trying to shake off Red while maintaining his attack, but his concentration was shattered.

"Get off me, you son of a bitch!" he roared, electricity arcing wildly around his body in chaotic, destructive patterns.

Red's laughter was manic, filled with a joy that bordered on madness. "Oh? If I'm a son of a bitch, that makes me a dog, right?" Without warning, he sank his teeth into the Auron's ear, eliciting a howl of pain and rage that echoed across the devastated square.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" the lightning Auron screamed, his attack faltering as he tried to pry Red off his back.

Angelo, seeing his chance, knew he had to end this now. With a scream and a final, mighty push that sent pain lancing through every fiber of his being, he poured every last ounce of his will to draw more energy into the beam. The energy wave surged forward, growing in size and intensity as it overtook the lightning.

In the split second before impact, Angelo saw the lightning Auron's eyes widen in disbelief and fear. Then, the energy wave engulfed both Red and the Infernian Auron in a blinding explosion that sent vibrations throughout the ground.

As the dust began to settle, revealing the extent of the devastation, Angelo fell to one knee, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Through bleary eyes, he saw the lightning Auron lying unconscious amidst the rubble, his ear a mangled mess where Red had bitten it. Red's physical form had been destroyed in the blast, his essence retreating to Angelo in a wisp of crimson smoke.

Nearby, Jack stood victorious over the fallen wind Auron, his rocky fists stained with blood and a look of grim satisfaction on his face.