28th of Marsie, 0000 AC

Evening

Ravissant Trade Market

Falcon sat in his soon-to-be-towed shop, his head in his hands. His business had failed, unable to cope under the new tax rate. Most of the other businesses in the Market had also gone bankrupt.

As the sun set, and his shop turned dark, Falcon lit a candle, unable to pay for the electricity. In the candlelight, he saw a figure, clad in black, materialise in front of his store.

“We’re closed,” he called. “For good,” he added. The spectre entered the store, and advanced towards him. Getting up, Falcon went to confront the intruder.

“Stop,” the person commanded. Falcon felt his body go numb, and he fell to his knees. He could feel some kind of electricity pulsing through his veins, messing up his nerve impulses.

The spectre moved closer. “It seems that you’ve lost your means of living,” he noted. “Would you like to get back on your feet, literally and metaphorically?”

Falcon struggled to look up. “Of… course…” he stuttered.

The intruder pulled off his hood. He was a middle-aged man with long dark hair. The most startling feature about him were his eyes. They gave out a golden aura, even in the dimly-lit store.

“Enhance,” he stated, and Falcon regained his ability to move. No, he felt fitter than he ever had.

“I’ve given you the abilities required for your task,” the stranger said. “I’ll meet you tomorrow to discuss the details. He turned to leave.

“Wait!” Falcon called. The intruder stopped. “What’s your name?” The intruder smiled cordially, “Call me Lucifer.”

29th of Marsie, 0000 A.C.

Morning

Vice President Safe House, Barnes Road, Ravissant Brotherhood.

Jacques woke up to a loud knock on the door. Several officers entered and woke up Pierre.

“Sir,” one officer started. “We received intel that the Market citizens are planning on attacking the Brotherhood Bank tonight to gain access to its vaults, so I’ll have to remove some people from your security team. Pierre shrugged. “Yeah, sure,” he accepted. “It’s not like I have to go anywhere today.”

“Thanks for your understanding,” the officer bowed and left with three other Security officers.

Pierre shook his head as he left, “Selfish egomaniacs. When they need more personnel, instead of hiring more, they compromise our security.”

“Chill, dad,” Jacques grinned. “It’s not the end of the world.”

He was wrong.