The next morning, the team sits back at base, and the downstairs area is cramped due to the unusually high number of people. Lena and Mike sit opposite Hinako at her computer station, talking over battle plans. The soldier and Brody are near the makeshift armory, comparing weapons. Leon and Nathan are drinking in the break room, talking over the situation. Last but not least, a janitor works casually, cleaning away a stain on the floor.
“I'm telling you, kid, you need to upgrade to one of these.” He taps his headpiece. “Never broke on me once,” said the soldier.
“I would be willing to bet I'd have it destroyed in a week. I am kind of a master of breaking equipment,” says Brody, scratching his head.
“How about this? If the enemies are getting close enough to break your visor, you're not shooting enough or you aren't accurate enough. The equipment is only as good as the user. In a world of element magic and superhumans, us weapon master guys have to work twice as hard,” said the soldier.
“Well, what if I have to reload?” Brody questioned.
“Shoot rockets, beams, or something else. Whatever alternate fire that thing has,” the man said.
Brody looks confused. “My gun doesn't shoot rockets.”
"Well, that's because you are an amateur, but we can fix that,” he said.
Hinako is typing away viscously, only stopping to take a drink of coffee, half of which she spills on the floor.
Mike walks up to Lena and leans on the table. “I really hate to say this, but we need help, and we need it badly. Lena, do you have any members left in your organization? Literally, anyone that can help here would be appreciated.”
“I hate to say it but it's just me and Junpei at this point in time. Nobody else remains on our end. Once we went official and got registered, many of our team members didn't want to stick around. I'm sure you can understand how that works. Don't think they would be keen on doing favors either,`` she said.
“That's not good to hear, but I suppose it can't be helped. While I'm sure Leon could supply us with some troops, I don't see them being much help against an opponent with that kind of power. Not to mention, many of them likely won’t work with us. The public's view of magic is poor, vigilante’s even worse,” Mike said.
Hinako spins around in her chair. “I could use the database to contact a few people we know, or at the very least know of. They may be willing to help if we sweeten the deal enough. I had in mind at least a few.”
“It's important we take this man out before he kills any more innocent people. I'm open to anything. Leon, would it be alright if we called in some help?” said Mike.
“I will deal with my side, do what you need to do, they will have to deal with it. The only thing I will say is don’t expect much help from my side. I will tell you that the government views this as a side quest. Not Tokyo, not a big enough event to send major reinforcements. To tell you the truth, the city guardian system is mostly to prevent them from having to step by my logic,” Leon said.
“Corruption at its finest. Ignorance at best,” said Mizuki.
"Ok, boss, I'll get on it. Let's see what we got,” said Hinako. She begins to work vigorously, scanning his database for names and faces. A few appear on the screen, and she turns to Mike. "Ok, I have some surefires, some maybe, and some I would like your approval on.”
“Shoot, show me what we got,” said Mike.
"Okay, starting up, I got Brian Dales, an old teammate of yours and Lena's.”
“Not who I had in mind, but he will be on board. I guess I will have to pull out some old favors here. Add him,” he said.
"Brian, huh, pure blood American. He's not keen on teamwork, but he's a good lad,” said Lena.
“Wait, is that Jerry Jeudy the wideout for the Denver Broncos? He's on here?”
"No, that's my American fantasy football team on the other monitor, ignore that. What about Kazuke Homura? He may not be on board, but you may be able to convince him. He would be invaluable.”
"Kazuke, huh? He's a formidable fighter, and I guess he's worth a try. I'll go get him myself because he is going to take some swaying. It’s been at least a year since I've seen Kazuke in the flesh.”
"Ok, and you said anyone, correct? Like anyone I can find that will help.”
“Yes, anyone, we need to put a stop to the masked man.”
“What about Reyna?”
Mike exhales sharply and pauses. “That's fine, get her if you can.”
"Ok, I'll make some calls, and I will let you know.”
“Good, keep me updated.”
All of a sudden, the elevator opens, and Jerry trots out with rage in his eyes. Yelling, "Mikey, what on earth are all these people doing here? You are gonna cause a fire hazard or something!”
Mike walks over, calming him. "Jerry, it's alright. We are working on saving the city here.”
“You said only the usual guys down here, and who the hell is that? Is that a janitor?” said Jerry, motioning at the cleaning man.
“That's Smitty, he's the cleaning guy, he's always down here,” said Mike.
“Mikey, that is the first time I've seen that guy. You are barking up the wrong tree here,” said Jerry.
"Jerry, come on, it's not that big of a deal, he's just a janitor, and these guys are all heroes, they are safe. Trust me,” said Mike.
“You guys are gonna put me in the grave, I'm going to have a cigar or two.”
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"Yeah, Jerry, go take your medicine and go to bed. I'll lock up, no worries! I promise it’s ok.”
“Eat a fashion magazine, I'm going upstairs,” Jerry says, waving his arm.
“You sure that guy isn't a spy?” Leon Says.
“Jerry is not a spy, he owns the store. I hate to be the generic team leader archetype, but we need to get on track here. Hinako, who is the closest to us currently?”
“They are all pretty split up. It may be best to go pick them up in groups. How about Leon and Junpei go grab Dales, you and Nathan go get Kazuke, Lena and I will stay here, and well, Reyna can fly, so she can just come on her own,” she said.
"Well, then it's time to roll. Kazuke’s place is far, and we need to make pace,” Mike said.
"Yeah, you are right, let's get moving,” said Nathan.
***
Around 3 hours pass, and the duo arrives at a large field with a small door on the side of a hill.
“So why is he hiding underground? I know he's a bit of a lone wolf, but this seems overboard.” Asks Nathan.
“Kazuke is a pretty isolated human being. To me, that isn't much of a concern, but be aware he is unpredictable, and taking him in a fight won't be an easy task,” said Mike.
“Yeah, I know. I hope he is willing to cooperate. I was never as close with Kazuke as you, but I remember you guys sparring. It was scary to watch. If it comes to it, I bet you can take him.”
“We will see, no promises.” The two proceed into the tunnel entrance of the underground base and walk down a large, dimly lit hall for what seems like forever. Until they walk into a large, open room that is lit by candles. The only sound is a water fountain in the corner of the room. It is gold and ornate, adorned with a large family crest and some foliage. The crest is an ornate, flaming bird with a withered tree behind it. Adorned with an orange gem in the middle. As they proceed into the room, they see a man sitting with his legs crossed. He appears to be meditating. The man is young, has black spiky hair, and is wearing a traditional clan training outfit adorned with red accents. He speaks but does not turn.
“What do you want from me?”
“I just want to talk, I need your help,” said Mike.
“I am not in a talking mood, leave. You are lucky I didn't kill you for walking in here uninvited,” said Kazuke.
“Kill me? Kazuke, come on. Look, I am not looking for a fight, I need your help. Please.”
“Barging into my home and demanding my help?” The man slowly climbs to his feet. “That's awfully brash of you, don't you think?”
“Mike, it says his power level is a lot lower than yours, you can take him if need be,” said Nathan.
“He isn't showing his full power, it will be obvious when he does,” said Mike.
“Obvious?”
Kazuke turns to look at them, and no more than a second later, he draws his sword and charges.
“Stand back, I have this,” said Mike.
Mike charges, and the two clash. Kazuke lunges with his sword, but Mike dodges and continues forward. Grabbing Kazuke's wrist and tossing him past, Kazuke spins through the air and lands against the wall on his feet. He springboards himself off the wall with great speed, preparing to go back after Mike. Kazuke throws three shuriken, and Mike leaps to the side to dodge them. As he does, Kazuke begins to charge, and flames begin to emit from his right hand, spreading to his sword, and he lunges at Mike. Mike barely dodges it and Kazuke ends up hitting the ground. The ability is so strong that it punches a hole in the concrete floor. Mike does a triple backflip and drops to one knee. He tightens the muscles in his left arm, and lightning begins to fly from it.
“Lightning magic. Twin lightning shiv.”
“You mastered that because of me. Do you really think it will work?” The man screams.
Mike stays silent and begins to run with the ball of electricity in his hand. Kazuke looks angry and charges his blade, flaming even larger. They charge and clash in the middle. When the abilities collide, they are both sent flying back, clearly evenly matched. They both drop to their knees and breathe heavily.
"Ok, I'll admit I'm impressed, even with my hidden abilities, you managed to make your attacks pretty unpredictable,” said Kazuke.
“The blazing edge technique was passed down through your family's generations. The Homura clan is something special.”
“You have done your homework, I see.”
“I just remember all the stuff you told me, you seem to have forgotten.”
“If I had forgotten about the past, I would have finished you off a moment ago. Our history is why I'm going to give you a chance to speak. I will hear you out. Talk, make it quick.”
“Long story short, somebody is going to destroy the city, or maybe worse. He is far too powerful for me to stop alone. I need you,” said Mike.
“I see, simple enough, but what's in it for me?
“You get to do the right thing? Help a lot of people.”
“I was hoping for something better, but very well. Keep in mind that this is only because of our past that I'm in, but I play by my own rules, and I can leave whenever I choose,” said Kazuke.
“Deal. Come with us, and we will show you the rest of the team.”
"Yeah, whatever, let's get this over with,” Kazuke said. He sheathed his sword and brushed off his robes, and began walking to the exit. The trio leaves and enters the car, heading back to base.
***
Upon arrival, Nathan and Mike enter the room, they are the last ones to return clearly. New faces line the room. A young, clean-shaven man with undercut yellow hair, a jean jacket, and black jeans sits in the break area, looking like he'd much rather be doing something else. A middle-aged, military-looking man sits next to Leon and appears to be looking over battle strategies, as does the janitor.
"Lena, it looks like the recruitment went well.” Mike said.
“Very, everyone was more than willing to come. Your friend Jill sent somebody else, and Leon brought in somebody of his own as well. I see you brought Kazuke. Easy enough?” She said.
"Yeah, he didn't even put up a fight; he went right along with it,” Mike said.
“I sense some sarcasm in your voice,” Lena said.
“A bit. Where is reyn-”
“Tozu. Been a while, hasn't it?” The man with the undercut says as he punches Mike in the chest, “Snuck in without saying hello. You haven't changed.”
“Dales, how are you?" Mike Asked
“Been good, I've been enjoying retirement. You should try it sometime. There is much more freedom on the outside than working this same old job, you know. You should give it a shot on youtube, acting maybe you got the face of my man seriously. Your powers make you a shoe in for an easy ride,” Dales said.
“I don't do this for the money, Brian. Just for the good of the people.” Mike spoke sternly.
“Ah, funny moral high ground. I did it for the money and still did about as much good as you. You might as well have both, right?” Dales said, chuckling. A hint of smugness brims from his somewhat fake laugh.
"Look, Brian, if you want me to mop you in front of this entire room, I will.”
“As much as I'd love to see you try to lay a scratch on me, Let's save the sparring for a better time. I'd rather you explain what's going on here.”
“We will explain in due time,” said Leon.
“I wasn't asking you to pop star,” Dales said.
“You are awfully cocky for a guy wearing slippers,” Kazuke interjected.
“These are designer shoes, get over it, and what are you, a ninja?” said Dales.
Kazuke is gone in a blink, and he grabs Dales, pinning him to the ground. He twists his arm as Brian wails loudly. The group stops and looks at the two fighting.
"God, what are you doing? Please stop. No. Please. What the hell? Stop!” Dales Begged.
"Enough, Kazuke, you've made your point,” Mike said.
“Whatever, somebody needed to get a reign on Gi Joe over here,” said Kazuke. He lets go of the man's arm as he stands, brushing his clothes off, looking mad.
All of a sudden, a large sound goes off in the waiting room outside the main lounge, and everyone turns to attention. The door swings open, and two women and a large goose walk in. The silver-haired woman looks around the room and spots Mike. “It really is you, it has been a while, hasn’t it?