Rain lashed the darkened slum streets as Virgil chased the tail lights of the fleeing sedan. He pounded down the alley, his boots splashing through the puddles, the sound drowned out by the thundering downpour and the distant hum of the vehicle's engine. He vaulted over a chain-link fence and raced towards the intersection ahead, his chest tightening with every stride.
As he approached the junction, he could see the sedan careening through the crossroads, its tires screeching on the wet tarmac. With a burst of effort, Virgil launched himself forward, leaping over the hood of a parked truck and landing on the roof of the sedan. He clung on grimly, his fingertips scrabbling for purchase as the driver swerved wildly, trying to throw him off.
But Virgil held firm, using his weight to steady himself as he aimed his revolver through the rear windshield. He squeezed off a shot, shattering the glass, and sending a bullet ricocheting around the inside of the car.
The sedan careened off the road, colliding with a lamppost, sending Virgil tumbling off the roof and onto the sidewalk.
He rose to his feet, his coat sodden, and his hat knocked askew. The sedan lay in a crumpled heap before him, steam rising from the smashed radiator. Through the shattered windshield, he saw the silhouettes of the passengers stirring inside.
Virgil holstered his gun and strode toward the wrecked vehicle, his steps measured, his expression obscured by the brim of his Stetson hat.
The driver's door flew open, and one of the occupants lurched out, clutching his shoulder, which bore the evidence of the ricochet Virgil had inflicted.
I knew it...those bodyguards looked familiar.
The harness that peeked out from under the man's coat was unmistakable, with its tubes and injectors wrapped around his body—Adrenomancers. Virgil had seen those types of harnesses before, and he knew exactly who built them.
"Salvatore," Virgil called out, his voice a low growl, cutting through the rain's rhythmic drumming. "We need to talk about your little partnership with the Neon Vipers."
After the other Adrenomancer bodyguard clambered out of the passenger seat, the 'dealer' who had been accompanying them emerged, his hood hanging low over his face.
"Backfire...it's been a while," the drug dealer called Salvatore rumbled, his voice gruff and metallic due to the modulator device within his cybernetic mask that concealed his visage. "Still trying to play hero in this forsaken place? I thought you'd given up and crawled into a hole by now."
Virgil chuckled mirthlessly. "Not when there's a piece of trash like you polluting it. The Shiver drug—why are you flooding the slums with it?"
Salvatore's laugh was a digital aberration. "You think too small, Maddox. Shiver is merely a stepping stone."
Virgil edged closer, his boots splashing in the puddles. The two Adrenomancers shifted, their drug harnesses thrumming as the tubes and injectors began pumping the chemicals through their bodies. "Spare me the theatrics and answer the question. A stepping stone to what? What's the end game here?"
"Ah, now that would be telling." Salvatore spread his hands, a theatrical gesture. "Let's just say, it's a necessary evil for a greater good. You should be more worried about yourself, Virgil. I've heard the stories. The once-great vigilante, now just a shadow in the slums."
"I'm still enough of a shadow to deal with scum like you." Virgil's hand tightened around the grip of his revolver. "There is no good in peddling death," he spat. "Now, you're going to tell me what this is all about, or I'll beat it out of you."
Salvatore threw back his hood, exposing his mechanized mask, which was fashioned into the semblance of a grinning skull. "That won't be happening, Maddox." The drug dealer tilted his head in the direction of his goons. "Kill him."
The Adrenomancers lunged at Virgil, their enhanced speed enabling them to cross the distance between them in an instant.
Virgil wasted no time. As the Adrenomancers charged him, he drew his revolver and opened fire, squeezing off three shots in quick succession. The first caught the lead guard in the shoulder, while the other two tore through his thigh and gut.
Despite his grievous injuries, the Adrenomancer continued to bear down on Virgil, as if undeterred by the bullets lodged in his body.
Virgil stood his ground, unflinching. When the Adrenomancer came within arm's reach, Virgil ducked low, shifting his weight and driving his elbow into the injured guard's side. The guard groaned but managed to retain his balance, continuing his assault.
The second Adrenomancer circled around and made his move, leaping into the air and delivering a powerful downward kick. The blow connected with Virgil's back, sending him sprawling. But Virgil rolled with the impact and sprang back to his feet, spinning around to shoot the attacker square in the chest.
The second one was also unfazed, aside from stumbling slightly.
Virgil frowned. These guys seemed more resilient than the ones he'd faced back in the day. Salvatore must have improved the formula for the drugs that fueled the harnesses.
He grit his teeth as the Adrenomancers renewed their offensive, unleashing a series of punches and kicks, which he dodged and blocked as best as he could.
As he leapt away to gain some distance, Virgil grabbed the speedloader from his pocket and swiftly refilled his revolver's empty chambers, cocking the hammer and lining up a shot. Before he could fire, one of the Adrenomancers moved in, his fists flying. Virgil twisted, avoiding most of the blows, but the last one connected with the side of his face, the impact sending him reeling.
Blood dripped from the corner of Virgil's mouth, but he shook it off, wiping his chin with the back of his sleeve. He locked eyes with Salvatore, who was still standing by the car, seemingly content to watch his henchmen dispatch Virgil.
The Adrenomancers closed in once more, their fists raised. Virgil feinted right, drawing one guard out, only to switch to the left and send a vicious haymaker into the man's face. His fist collided with a meaty thud, but the man barely flinched as he recovered and attacked Virgil again, sending a flurry of strikes that drove Virgil back, and eventually forced him to retreat.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the other Adrenomancer closing in. Virgil spun, catching the man off-guard.
Before the Adrenomancer could react, Virgil raised his gun and fanned the hammer, firing three shots in quick succession—all three shots aimed at the man's face.
In a blur, the Adrenomancer raised his arms in defense, blocking the volley. The bullets struck his forearms, stopping short of their intended target.
Damn meat-heads can take a lot more punishment than in the old days.
Already, he could see the bullet wounds from the other Adrenomancer starting to close up, the regeneration rate further accelerated by the drugs being pumped into the guard's system.
As the two Adrenomancers approached, Virgil broke into a sprint, sprinting past them to grab an iron bar laying on the ground nearby. He hefted the makeshift weapon and whirled on his heel, swinging the improvised club at the nearest Adrenomancer, striking him across the back of the head.
There was a dull clang as metal met reinforced skull, but the guard refused to yield, turning to glare at Virgil through a haze of bloodlust. With a roar, the man lunged, tackling Virgil to the ground. The iron bar slipped from Virgil's grasp, clattering against the wet pavement as the Adrenomancer slammed his fists into Virgil's face.
Virgil winced at the blows but ignored the pain as he grappled with his attacker. They rolled along the ground, trading punches until finally, Virgil found himself on top, his knee pressed down on the Adrenomancer's chest.
Without hesitation, Virgil drew his gun and shoved the barrel into the guard's mouth, pushing past the Adrenomancer's teeth and pulling the—
A blow to the side of his head caused him to see stars as he was tossed to the side, the shot missing its mark.
Fuck. These guys are tough.
Virgil grimaced, blinking to clear the spots from his vision. The second guard picked up the first, hauling him to his feet as both turned their attention back to him.
He staggered upright, clutching the side of his head, his Stetson having been dislodged during the brawl. Rain pelted against his bruised face, and the bitter taste of copper filled his mouth as he spat out a glob of blood.
Salvatore appeared nonchalant, his skeletal mask giving his voice a chilling, robotic quality. "What's the matter, Backfire? You used to be able to take on a whole gang all by yourself." Salvatore's words were dripping with sarcasm, the taunt echoing in the rain. "Looks like the slums have finally gotten to you. Why aren't you using the power that made you so famous and feared? Do you think so little of my creations that you thought ordinary bullets would be enough to bring them down?"
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Virgil glared, snatching his Stetson from the ground and plopping it back atop his head. "Figured I didn't need to. Guess I forgot how durable you make those things." He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, spitting another mouthful of blood onto the damp pavement.
"Alright, Salvatore. Fine. Have it your way. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Virgil glanced around, his eyes scanning the deserted street. There was nobody else around. No witnesses. Perfect.
It had been a while since he had the opportunity to go all out.
He discharged the remaining two bullets in the cylinder with a flick of his thumb, the brass casings bouncing away into the darkness.
Then, his eyes shimmered with a faint blue glow, and he exhaled deeply.
An ethereal mist swirled into his revolver's empty chambers, and the bullets took on a pale, glowing blue color. As they settled into the cylinder, he flicked it closed with his thumb and brought the hammer to full cock.
"Let's try this again, shall we?" he muttered, taking aim at the approaching Adrenomancers.
He pulled the trigger, and the gun barked twice. Twin bolts of crackling blue energy erupted from the barrel, streaking toward the guards, impacting against the closest one's chest, and arcing out to encompass the other, momentarily illuminating them in a flash of light.
The force of the ethereal blast sent the duo flying backward onto the ground, smoke rising from their burned clothing. Their harnesses hissed, spurting out jets of white vapor into the frigid night air, their tubing ruptured.
They struggled to stand, groaning and clutching their chests in agony, the chemical flow disrupted. But within seconds, their skin regenerated, knitting together the scorched tissue, and soon they were back on their feet, facing Virgil once more.
"Nice try, Backfire," Salvatore jeered as his minions regrouped. "Your ethereal abilities might be impressive, but they won't be enough to stop my men. Not anymore."
Virgil grinned, the corners of his mouth turning up in a humorless smile. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see about that."
----------------------------------------
Virgil's breath misted in the chill air as he squared off against the recovering Adrenomancers. Despite their setback, the two thugs still had plenty of fight in them, their bodies tense and ready to lunge.
The empty streets seemed to amplify the sounds of the pouring rain, the steady drumbeat of the downpour filling the silence between them. Then, without warning, the Adrenomancers surged forward, breaking into a dead sprint, their limbs a blur of motion.
Virgil sidestepped, anticipating their rush, and fired off two quick shots—one aimed at each approaching target. Both bolts of energy struck true, impacting against the advancing men, stopping them in their tracks. He fired twice more, but they managed to twist out of the way, allowing the bolts to streak harmlessly by.
They continued to advance, as if undeterred.
This time, they charged as a coordinated unit, fanning out to flank him. Virgil raised his weapon and squeezed off three rapid-fire shots, hitting both targets, but the ethereal rounds seemed to do little more than graze their skins as they weaved through the storm of projectiles. Each shot that hit was absorbed, the harness's chemicals working to rapidly heal any minor wound.
They're going to keep absorbing them and healing from the damage, unless I can get a clean hit.
In a burst of movement, the Adrenomancers reached him, flanking Virgil on either side. He danced to the right, avoiding the first's attempted grab, and fired point-blank, catching the target in the chest. The ethereal force flung the guard backward into the wall of a nearby building.
The second Adrenomancer struck while Virgil's back was turned. He kicked out at Virgil's leg, but Virgil jumped into the air, dodging the strike, and landed lightly on his feet. He whirled on the Adrenomancer and unleashed another shot, and the guard bent backward at an unnatural angle as the round skimmed him, its ethereal energy burning through his clothes, leaving a trail of blackened flesh in its wake.
The other Adrenomancer was quick to recover. He lunged at Virgil again, his fists flying. This time, Virgil was too slow. A quick jab caught him in the jaw, snapping his head back, followed by another hit to his torso. The Adrenomancer swept his legs out from under him, knocking him to the ground.
The air was driven from Virgil's lungs, but he managed to roll with the impact and get back to his feet. He squared his stance and raised his revolver, firing off a hasty shot in retaliation. The ethereal bolt struck the Adrenomancer in the shoulder, staggering him.
In a split-second, the other one was upon Virgil, raining down a flurry of punches and kicks that kept him on the defensive, even as the first guard rejoined the fray. The Adrenomancers pressed in on all sides, boxing him in, denying him any chance at escape as they corralled him into an alleyway. The surrounding buildings towered over them, trapping Virgil within the narrow confines.
Blows rained down on him relentlessly, and each time he managed to deflect a strike or avoid one, another took its place. His shoulders ached with the effort of fending off the relentless onslaught, and the sharp impacts rattled his bones as the two men kept up their barrage, seeming not to tire.
They crowded him against the wall, backing him into a corner. The brickwork scraped against his back, the jagged edges digging into his coat.
Annoying sonovabitches.
While it was true that these new batches of drug-powered vermin were faster, stronger, and more durable than he had ever dealt with before, it was still only a small leap forward. Nothing he couldn't handle.
Salvatore was out of sight now. Good.
Virgil smirked. He'd played with them long enough. Time to wrap this up.
As the two Adrenomancers resumed their attack, Virgil's eyes blazed as he invoked the other ammo types in his ethereal arsenal. In a fluid motion, he flicked the revolver's chamber, the glowing blue rounds changing to a pale white.
Bond.
He fanned the hammer, firing two in quick succession, hitting both targets in the chest. A pulse of energy emanated from each point of impact, coalescing into a line that connected them.
His ring finger grazed the hammer for the third shot just as the ethereal bullet in the chamber changed to a translucent gold.
Time.
He fired once more, the shot rocketing toward the guard on the left. The bullet struck the guard directly in the forehead. A shimmering golden aura rippled outward from the impact site, spreading through the spectral line that connected them, engulfing the other guard in its effects.
Both Adrenomancers' bodies slowed, becoming immobile, suspended in the temporal bubble, frozen in time. The raindrops that reached them stopped mid-fall, forming an expanding puddle of droplets around them.
Blaze.
Virgil flicked the revolver's chamber again, the glowing white rounds changing to a fiery orange.
As he strode past the nearest Adrenomancer, he aimed at the man's face and pulled the trigger three times in quick succession, the triple-tap punctuating each word as he spoke. "Burn...in...hell."
The fiery ethereal bullets halted their trajectory, hovering just a centimeter from the Adrenomancer's temple, suspended by the Temporal Round's effects.
Virgil twirled the revolver in his grip and holstered it.
As he exited the alley, the effect of the Temporal Round dissipated, and time for the two guards snapped back into its regular rhythm. The suspended Searing Brand bullets surged forward, slamming into the Adrenomancer's face. The Bullet Bond magnified the effect, ensuring that both targets shared the same fiery fate.
Behind him, the alleyway exploded in a blaze of fire and heat, the force of the explosion buffeting his back, causing his trenchcoat to flare out behind him. As his Stetson hat threatened to blow off his head, he placed his hand upon its brim and gripped it tighter to his crown. The air shimmered with the sudden surge in temperature, and the rain around him evaporated, turning into a billowing cloud of steam.
Several cries of agony cut through the sound of the inferno behind him, quickly silenced. Virgil didn't bother to turn around, instead striding calmly towards the parked sedan where Salvatore stood watching, waiting for him. His skeletal mask stared back at him, expressionless and uncaring.
"Oh my, Backfire...you're really something," Salvatore rumbled in an amused tone as Virgil approached. "To think you had planned to dispatch them without revealing more of your hand—"
Salvatore's remark was cut short when Virgil drew his revolver and shot the man's head in one smooth, almost casual, motion.
The metal cyber mask tumbled to the ground, skidding across the wet pavement before coming to rest in a puddle.
Virgil tucked his gun into the holster as Salvatore's body collapsed.
Blood poured from the hole in Salvatore's head, mixing with the water, creating crimson swirls on the ground.
Salvatore's lifeless gaze remained fixed on the night sky, his empty eyes reflecting the stars above.
"I'm getting too old for your nonsense, Salvatore. You didn't want to cooperate, so I shut you up for good." He kicked the metallic mask, sending it tumbling across the asphalt.
Just as Virgil turned to head back to the Kijiru Pharmaceuticals building, a sound broke the stillness—a peal of distorted, mocking laughter emanated from Salvatore's discarded mask.
Virgil spun around, drawing his revolver once more, training its barrel at the fallen metal visage.
"So that's what you call 'for good', is it?" came a disembodied, artificial voice from the cybernetic mask. "You think it was going to be that easy, Maddox? I'm not some two-bit thug you can just put down with a bullet."
Virgil glanced over at the corpse slumped on the ground beside the sedan, confirming that there wasn't anyone else around. He holstered his gun and retrieved the cyber mask, examining it carefully. A single, unblinking eye stared back at him from the visor, a red orb pulsating in the center. It seemed to be some kind of camera embedded within the metal.
Damn it. I forgot he used decoys...
"Should have known you wouldn't personally come to a meeting like this," Virgil muttered, glaring into the unblinking red eye. "Your M.O. of using proxies to do the dirty work hasn't changed one bit."
The distorted, mechanical laughter rang out once more, as if on cue. "You never were one to see the whole board, Maddox," Salvatore's voice continued to emanate from the mask. "Always so focused on the piece in front of you."
"Cut the bullshit," Virgil growled, "Where are you, Salvatore?"
"Still in the metropolis, enjoying its many luxuries, while you waste away in the slums." The cyber mask's voice cackled mockingly. "Speaking of which, I didn't know you've taken a new protege. Quite the young lady, she is. Curious...she's not registered in the database. Where did you find her?"
"I didn't find her. More importantly, you're not getting the cache of venom that you traded for. Shame." Virgil walked over to the sedan, opened the door, and grabbed the briefcase sitting on the back seat.
"That is...rather inconvenient, I must admit. I don't suppose we can cut a deal?"
"No. Looks like I'll be keeping your merchandise." Virgil said dismissively, as he returned to the center of the road. "You can stay where you are and play with your toys in the metropolis, but if I ever catch you doing business in the slums, you'll regret it."
"I do believe you mean to deliver on such a threat," the cyber mask quipped, the red eye flickering. "Although I highly doubt it. How much longer will you remain useful as an obstacle in my plans? Without someone to hold the leash, Backfire is no more than an old dog running amok."
Virgil took one last look at the cyber mask in his hands, then dropped it, smashing it underfoot with his boot. Sparks flew as the mechanism inside crunched, its components crumpling beneath the heel of his boot. Then, he headed off towards the Kijiru Pharmaceuticals building, briefcase in hand.