Another Side

As the legend goes, in ancient times, a powerful being named Kunshu ravaged the world, killing many innocent people. The world suffered under their tyranny until the Dracon, Shou Firemashi appeared, and after a long protracted battle, was able to finally defeat Kunshu at the cost of his own life.

This act allowed mankind to realise they have the means to protect themselves, by becoming “Powered”.

Mankind has since nurtured this trait within them, becoming a common occurrence among the populace, should one have the aptitude and will  to become so.

Both for good… and ill.

Prologue

Part 1

Suzanna 

3/1/2055

Trying to get to the warehouse as fast as I can, however this damn traffic is insane. Impatiently, I continually tap the steering wheel of the car. Looking at my watch then at the road again, I contemplate a decision. Should I continue to wait in traffic, or try running there? The abandoned warehouse district is on the city outskirts but given this traffic…

The contemplation doesn't last long, every minute I wait, the twins could be in trouble. I hastily pull the car over onto the curb, take the key out of the ignition and jump out of the car, locking it. I stop for a moment before my next step, then leap onto the hood of the car and begin to car hop my way through traffic. I’ll deal with punishment later. I apologise to the drivers as I land on each car flashing my badge as I go.

“I should probably radio this in.” I press the radio on my chest strap.

"Officer Mahoney here. Chief Divia, are you reading me?"

<Divia here.> The chief's voice reverberates in my earpiece as I run. 

"I've abandoned my squad car and am heading to the warehouse district on foot. I've also been jumping onto the hoods of cars in the process. Apologies in advance for the trouble."

<Mahoney… You can't do that shit.>

"Sorry sir. Going to back up Detectives Foster and Foster now. Please wait on punishment until I get back."

I hear Captain Divia sighing deeply over the radio. <Fine. Get there asap. I'll deal with your choice of transport later. Make sure your body cam is on.>

"It is, sir. Do they have theirs on?"

<Sadly, no. They were on the way home when we got the location, so no Police comms currently.>

“Affermitive. Over and out.”

I let go of the radio, and jump off of the last car of many, turning quickly and apologising to the driver before continuing down the road. After a few minutes, the traffic now thinned, I run down the road. Contemplating running on the pavement, I decide against this as I may injure pedestrians given how hard I'm running right now.

I’m about a third of the way there now. Sucks I have to essentially run out of town on foot but what can you do? 

The area around me progressively gets less and less populated as I reach the edge of town. I can feel myself starting to tire, which isn't surprising considering I've been running at full speed for close to 5 minutes straight. Probably doing like 50 mph right now. However, due to the circumstances, I'll just have deal with it.

Minutes later, I approach my destination. Coming to a corner, I sprint down a road which leads to a dead end. Gaining speed when going towards the wall, I jump, leaping over it, land and continue to run as I enter the outskirts of the abandoned warehouse district.

I grab my phone from my pocket and call Isabelle.

No answer. They might be clearing still.

Is what I want to believe, but they’d have cleared by now…

My heart begins to beat harder than it already was. 

Did something happen? Are they hurt?

Shit, shit. Gotta go faster.

I speed up, running as hard as I can. I can feel my lungs burning, but I don't care.

After running another 2 minutes, I can see Sara's car. As expected, they're not in there.

Taking a deep breath for a moment, and knowing anything can happen going forward, I place my hand forward and concentrate. I envision the specs for an assault rifle in my mind, and my ability manifests it into my hand. The weight makes me adjust my grip so as not to drop it. Grabbing it with two hands, I begin to go around the building in search of the twins.

KABOOM!

The building explodes, the force of which sends me hurtling back into the car, hitting it hard.

"Ack! *cough* *cough* What the hell!?!"

I look up in astonishment as a cloud is seen where the explosion emanated. I’m frozen for a moment, upon the realisation of what has just happened.

"No... nonono no!"

I pick up my firearm and run to the rear of the building. The area is decimated, the wall is gone, and there is an extreme surge of energy, oppressive in nature. It makes the hairs on my arms stand on end, but I have to go.

I jump over the remains of the wall and into the warehouse proper. Looking ahead, I see my worst fears have become true. Upset and furious, I point my weapon at what I see.

"GOD FUCKING DAMNIT!"

And angrily pull the trigger.