Chapter 12 – A Fresh Start

Jackson: YOU DID WHAT?!

The nice and quiet atmosphere of Hillside House in the afternoon was abruptly disrupted by Jackson’s surprisingly loud voice. Fortunately, most of the children were already eating their lunch in the dining room away from Jackson’s office so they didn’t have to hear the full volume of his rage. While Zack, Liam and James had been called to his office, revealed to be the ones the owner is yelling at.

The bullies didn’t truly think through what they’d say to Jackson to explain Jason’s absence without telling him that they’ve been blackmailing him into stealing the Crimson Nightshade’s van. In the moment they were scared to get shot by the mercenaries that they didn’t think about bringing Jason back with them to avoid this situation. They should’ve known better. Jason is Jackson’s favourite.

Jackson: Sneaking out at night to steal a van in New London is one thing but leaving Jason on his own in a big city where anything could happen to him is outrageous! How could the three of you do that to him?! He could be dead!

The three bullies hang their heads in shame, putting up a façade of guilt and regret for their actions, hoping to get a less brutal punishment. But Jackson wasn’t buying any of it. If they were smart, they wouldn’t think it was a good idea in the first place. And nothing they say can excuse the fact that they were planning to steal somebody’s van.

Zack: We didn’t mean to leave him behind. We just got caught up in the moment, shit got crazy, and we ran without thinking. We thought he was right behind us.

Liam: Yeah, exactly.

James: It was an accident.

Jackson: You think that’s an excuse?! Whether it was intended or not, you still left him! He can’t survive on his own in the biggest city in the UK where anyone can harm and take advantage of him! You three will be severely punished for reckless endangerment.

Zack: Oh? So, we get punished for something so minor while Jason gets away with murder?!

He blurted out without thinking, shocking Jackson and his friends.

Jackson: What are you talking about?

Zack: Don’t play dumb! We heard your conversation with May Li before she left last night. She told you Jason killed her wife, the therapist, a while back and you didn’t believe her. That’s why she left.

Jackson: That’s enough!

Zack: You’re blind, old man! You know he did it, you just don’t wanna believe it because he’s always been your favourite!

Jackson quickly stands up from his chair, standing tall over the three bullies and asserting his authority as care worker over them.

Jackson: I said enough! Not another word out of any of you for the rest of the day! You better pray to God that nothing bad will happen to Jason, or else you three will be shipped off to Meadow’s Ridge. Understand?!

The three bullies say nothing in response and lower their heads, understanding the gravity of his threat. They know all about Meadow’s Ridge and how it was a boarding school for troubled youth, the rumours being that it was more like a prison. Even if some of them were a year away from turning 18, neither of them would want to spend even one day at a place like Meadow’s Ridge.

Before either of them could speak up, the sound of the doorbell rang, forcing Jackson to put aside his thoughts on what their punishment should be and walk over to the front door to greet whoever was there. He was hopeful that it would be Jason standing on the other side alive and well, but instead, he was greeted by two detectives. A middle-aged looking man with a bushy beard and glasses and a younger black man. They present their badges to Jackson, showing proof that they are real police.

Detective Vance: Mister Hills, I’m Detective Vance and this is my partner, Detective Andrews.

Jackson: Oh good, I was just about to call 999. One of my kids has gone missing. His name’s Jason Dark, he’s 17, has white hair and-

Detective Vance: We know who he is, sir. He’s actually the reason we stopped by. We’d like to ask you some questions regarding the death of one Doctor Andrea Leland.

Jackson: I- I’m sorry, what? What does that have to do with Jason? Her death was an accident. She succumbed to her peanut allergy.

Detective Andrews: That’s not what the wife of the victim, Miss May Li Chang, told us. She believes Jason purposely let his therapist die.

Jackson lets out a deep sigh. He remembered his last interaction with his former coworker before she quit, stating that she’ll find out what actually happened, and she’d shout it to the world. Guess she wasn’t bluffing after all. But he didn’t want to believe Jason was a killer. He was just a scared and mentally unstable child who’d known nothing but pain since the day he was born.

Jackson soon invited the two detectives inside and brings them to his office. He offers them a cup of english tea, locks the door and closes the blinds before continuing the important discussion.

The detectives knew he was in denial about Jason’s involvement and proceeded to show him video footage of Andrea’s last session with Jason before she died. Jason was there and he was standing over her, watching her die while holding the epipen in his hand before running out of the office scared and taking the door key on the way out. The look on Jackson’s face was a mix of distraught and a hint of relief that he didn’t purposefully kill her. He can tell from the way his body was shaking and the terrified expression on his face before he ran that he didn’t mean for that to happen.

Detective Andrews: Still think he’s had nothing to do with it?

Jackson: This only proves that he was the last one to see her. He didn’t kill her.

Detective Andrews: He didn’t try to save her either… He was holding the one thing that could save her life, but he didn’t use it. While he may not have directly committed murder, he stood by and watched as she died. As such, we’ve declared this a homicide.

Jackson: He’s just a scared boy! He didn’t know what to do! He was panicking! You can see it clear as day in the video! Jason’s a very troubled child who suffers greatly from PTSD!

Detective Vance raises his hand to calm the panicked care worker down and try a gentler approach instead of just deciding he was guilty like his partner did. He wanted to do a proper background check on Jason first before taking any drastic action.

Detective Vance: If you have a file on Jason Dark, we’d like to take a look at it

Without asking for the reason why he wanted to access his file, Jackson nods and opens the filing cabinet containing all the files of every child that lived at Hillside House, all organised alphabetically. He pulls out Jason’s file and hands it to the detectives who take their time combing over every part, studying it thoroughly. They learn everything about Jason’s past beginning with his abusive parents aside form their identities as it had never been revealed and ending with the present day.

They now understand Jason a little bit better than they initially thought when their investigation began. Though none of this would convince them that he’s completely innocent. They soon prepare to leave, but not without asking just a few more questions.

Detective Vance: Have you been in contact with Jason since last night when he went missing?

Jackson: If I had did you think I would’ve called in the first place? No. He left his phone here so I have no means of contacting him, nor any idea where he could possibly be.

Detective Andrews: What about the kids who took him out last night?

Jackson: They have no idea where he is either. All they told me was that they left him at the first bus stop in New London.

Detective Vance: …Thank you for the tea, and taking the time to answer our questions, Mister Hills. We’ll see ourselves out. If you hear from Jason anytime soon, call this number.

He hands him a small white card that had the detective’s personal phone number printed on it. Detectives Vance and Andrews stand up and leave Jackson’s office. But as they were heading out the front door, the concerned middle-aged man stops them with one last question of his own.

Jackson: What’s going to happen if you find Jason? Are you going to arrest him?

Detective Andrews: I’m not gonna lie, sir. It doesn’t look good for him. Like I said, he may not have killed Miss Leland, but he still did nothing to help save her life, tried to hide his involvement and presumably ran away. These are very serious charges.

Those were all that he felt needed to be said as he and his partner leave the orphanage and close the front door behind them. Jackson could feel a faint pain in his chest as he really started to worry about Jason and how he’s unintentionally making himself look more guilty by running. He needed to get him home before the police found him so that he could find a way to save him from possible imprisonment. The poor boy already spent most of his childhood locked up in a cage, being forced into another one might force him to do something very bad.

He was clueless on what to do. He has no way of contacting Jason or even the slightest idea of where he could possibly be. How can he even begin a search for him? Then suddenly, he had an idea. He has something the police don’t have access to. He personally knows Chaos Man. Jackson rushes back into his office, picks up his phone and dials Alex’s number.

Jackson: Come on, Alex. Pick up! Pick up! Pick up!

He murmured under his breath as he impatiently waited for a response. Though it didn’t take long for Alex to answer. For Jackson, it felt like he’d been waiting for an hour.

Alex: Hi, Jackson. How are-

Jackson: Alex, thank God! I need your help!

Alex: Whoa whoa, easy. What’s wrong?

Jackson: Jason’s missing!

Alex: What?! How long?!

Jackson: Since yesterday. I think he’s in danger…

Jackson gives Alex a quick rundown on what happened with Jason since he left with Omnius, starting with the death of Andrea and the possibility that Jason ran away out of fear of being caught by the police who now know of his involvement and may arrest him. He could tell from the small gasps escaping his lips Alex was just as worried for Jason as he was.

Alex: …This is all my fault. I should’ve been there for him more. They can’t seriously think he’s a murderer, do they?

Jackson: The evidence shows that Jason didn’t intentionally want his therapist dead, nor did he show any signs of pleasure when she died. He was scared. But the police won’t see it that way. That’s why I need you to find him and bring him home, so we can find a way to help Jason get a lighter sentence and hopefully avoid jail time.

Alex: Don’t worry, Jackson, I’ll find him. I can fly all over New London and beyond faster than any plane. It shouldn’t take me no less than an hour, maybe two, to find him.

Jackson: No! No. Don’t search for him as Chaos Man. Jason has expressed more times than I could count how much he despises him. If he sees Chaos Man, he’ll never want to come home. But if he sees his best friend, Alex Laytham, he’ll listen to him.

Alex: I don’t know, Jackson. The last time I saw Jason he was convinced I betrayed our friendship by leaving Hillside. I know he can hold onto a grudge longer than anyone else can, so I doubt he’ll listen to me.

Jackson: But you’re still his friend. The one person he grew to trust as much as me. You can appeal to his better nature, convince him to come home. Please, Alex. You’re the only one I can trust to do that without making things worse.

There was a long pause on the other end of the line as Alex was taking his time thinking through with a plan to find Jason.

Alex: …Okay, I’ll do it. But if I’m doing this as Alex I’m gonna need help. I would call Michael, but he’s a soldier of Aegis now. I doubt his dad’s going to give him any free time to help me find a missing person. Unless…

Jackson: Unless?

Alex: There’s someone else I know who I’m sure can help me. Someone who’s already met Jason. My girlfriend, Violet. I’ll give her a call as soon as I’m finished talking with you.

Jackson: Alright, do what you have to. Just please do everything in your power to find him. Good luck, Alex.

But what Alex didn’t realise was that Michael’s time in Aegis is now coming to an end as he is currently in his bedroom at Chase’s mansion, packing his stuff he initially brought with him from the orphanage back into his backpack. He made the decision to go the moment the helicopter returned to base. He didn’t stay to report what happened out there to his father. The sooner he was out of Aegis the better.

A worried Chase scrounges up as much free time out of his busy schedule as he can to leave Aegis HQ and take the elevator upstairs to his mansion. The house was as big and empty as it always was, but it seemed quieter than usual today. By now he’s grown used to hearing Michael going about his new daily routine since he moved in. Now he knows something is going on with his son and it was his civic duty as a father to figure out what was bothering him. Nothing could prepare him for the unexpected sight of Michael packing his backpack.

Chase: Michael, why are you packing?

Michael lets out a deep sigh. He suspected it wouldn’t be that easy to walk out without telling him. He just didn’t want to have an argument with him about leaving because he knew there’d be one. There was no point in hiding it now, might as well own up to it and tell him how he really felt.

Michael: …I’m sorry, Dad. But I can’t stay here anymore.

Chase: Hey, it’s okay, son. You’ve been through a lot lately. There’s no shame in wanting to take a break. You don’t have to take your stuff with you; it’ll still be here when you get back.

Michael: You don’t get it, Dad. This “break” is going to be a permanent one. I’m not only quitting Aegis, but I’m moving out.

Chase: What?! N-no, you can’t leave! I went through a lot to bring you here and reunite our family. I wanted another chance to be a father to you, and now you’re just leaving me.

Michael: I know, Dad, and I appreciate everything you did for me. But I need to do this.

Chase: Why? It’s because of Chaos Man, isn’t it? You’ve been against my order to capture him, and you didn’t like that I wasn’t grateful to him for helping kill that giant monster. You’re leaving because of how I feel about him, aren’t you?

Michael briefly stops packing and turns around to properly face his father.

Michael: This has nothing to do with him or the fact that you don’t trust him. It’s not something you did either… I’m doing this because I’ve come to realise that Alice was right.

Chase: Alice?

Michael: Before she died, she told me being a soldier of Aegis was never my purpose. I realise now that she was right. I just told myself it was because I wanted to be strong enough to fight back against the monsters, to avenge Mum. But the more I saw what being a soldier was like, and the all the good Chaos Man – a man who isn’t bound by a code – can do, I discovered that I am wasting my life.

Chase: Wasting your life? Is that what you call living with me? Learning to fight?

Michael: Don’t twist my words, Dad, please… I may have the blood of a Mercer in my veins, as you once said, but I don’t want that to be all that defines who I am. Aegis already has a Mercer guiding them, it doesn’t need two. My true purpose is out there somewhere, and I will find out what it is. But I can’t do that from here. I must forge my own path. Be my own man, and not just… the son of the great General Chase Mercer.

His words angered Chase a little and he raises his voice slightly at him, blinded by his wounded pride.

Chase: So, you’re just gonna walk out on everything I trained you for? Everything you did for me and Aegis?! Do you know how hard it was for me to give you a second chance after disobeying direct orders from me? Any soldier would be courtmartialed for that! But because you’re my son, some of my men think I’m going soft on you… Earlier when you all returned, I could tell by the side-eye some of them were giving me that they were starting to question my ability to run this military! There has always been a Mercer running Aegis long before either of us were born. I can’t let you do this to yourself, Michael. I forbid it!

Michael: You forbid me, huh? Is that the General of Aegis talking? Or my father?

Chase felt hurt by his words. An awkward silence filled the room as neither father and son didn’t know what to say to the other. This was exactly the kind of argument Michael wanted to avoid. He didn’t want to leave things on a sour note with his dad. They may have their differences on certain topics, but that didn’t mean he loved him any less. After a long pause, Michael finally spoke up after taking a deep breath.

Michael: Look, Dad. You once told me that I had a choice to grow up to be whatever I wanted to be. That’s why you sent me to the orphanage, so I could make that choice. But then you brought me to Aegis to make me into a soldier, with this mindset that I have to take up the mantle of General one day as you did with your father and his father before then. You never even asked me if that was even what I wanted. Yes, I thought it was what I wanted in the beginning, but I was wrong… As my father, I expect you to care more about what I want over what you think I need. If you really care for me, you will let me find out on my own what I really want. Let me be my own man.

Chase slowly looks down at the floor, sighng as he takes his time thinking over everything he’d just said to him. He was right. He’d been so obligated to continue the Mercer family tradition that he never stopped to consider what it was that Michael really wanted. It was a big hassle juggling being an inexperienced father and a responsible leader all at once. He was bound to mess up one of them trying to upkeep the other.

Chase: You’re right. I… I did force this on you. I was selfish… Heh, I guess I’m no different from my own father. Ever since I was your age, I was so obedient. Always did as I was told. Never questioned his orders when I was a young soldier… I ended up doing things I still regret to this day.

His fist clenched as he thought back on the dark chapters of his life story being a soldier of Aegis. He couldn’t even recall a time when he thought about what he wanted to do, not even once. He was always a soldier, and he’s been in that role so long he can never imagine himself being anything else. He faces his son once more and tried to express his true self to him as a father.

Chase: I was never given a choice to do what I wanted to do or be who I wanted to be. I regretted listening to my father ever since I became General. I vowed to myself and your mother that I would be different, and that promise is far more important than whatever consequences occur for my recent poor decisions… You deserve to go out and explore your options. To discover what you want to be and become the best version of yourself. I’m so sorry I didn’t realise that sooner. Can you forgive me?

A small smile forms on Michael’s face, and he practically lunges himself into his dad’s arms, embracing him. Chase, although initially surprised, happily accepted it and wraps his arms around his back, holding his son.

Michael: I already have.

He heard him whisper into his ear, causing Chase to tighten his hold on him a little. They held the hug for a good two minutes before finally breaking free and facing each other once again.

Michael: This isn’t goodbye, Dad. I will always be your son. But if I am to discover my true self, I need to start from the bottom and work my way up, starting with getting my own place to live. Doesn’t mean I won’t come by and visit you whenever I can though.

Chase: I appreciate the gesture. But before you go, there’s something I want to give you. Follow me.

Michael quickly zips up his backpack and puts it on before following Chase out of his now empty bedroom, devoid of everything Michael brought to spruce it up since his arrival.

Chase leads him down the hall and into his study. He was a little surprised to see him take the small key on his keychain and use it to unlock the glass case he saw the day he was first brought down to Aegis, containing two custom-made handguns, his mother’s dog tags and both their medals of honour. Chase reached into the open case and pulled out the modified handguns. On closer inspection Michael could see that one gun was black with red jagged patterns all over it. Engraved in the top was the word “Sacrifice.” And the other gun was white with blue vine-like patterns. This one read “Duty.” He also pulls out their respective holsters from the case, presenting them to Michael.

Chase: These two handguns have been passed down through generations of our family. They were built by your great ancestor, Elspeth Mercer. A soldier who fought in perhaps the greatest war Earth had been through before the Monster War, the War of the Seven Continents. She survived thanks to these weapons. And in time she would start Aegis. Each generation of Mercers would customise these guns to make them stronger with each passing of the torch. Your mother was their previous user, and now they are yours.

He says proudly as he gently hands them to Michael. He carefully examined the detail of each gun. He removes the magazines to see what kind of ammo they use. Even the bullets were custom made. They were larger but sleeker compared to standard handgun bullets and the pointed ends looked sharper than standard as well. Chase explained that those guns had been modified to fire high caliber armour piercing rounds that enabled the user to puncture even the toughest hides of some monsters. Now all Michael can think about his how useful these guns would’ve been in his fight with Chernabog.

Michael: Are you sure about this, Dad? Giving me such impressive and valued weapons away to someone who won’t use them in the name of Aegis?

Chase: If you’re serious about using everything you learned here to fight your own battles, you’ll need your own weapons that I know will serve you well. If your mother were still here, she’d want you to take them. They’ve been collecting dust in that case long enough. They should be wielded for the good of humanity again.

Michael: Th-thanks, Dad. This means a lot to me. But are you sure I’m even strong enough to handle guns like these?

Chase: You are. You are a true fighter at heart, just like your old man. I have been impressed with how much you’ve grown over the last few months. I know for certain you have earned the responsibility of safeguarding these valuable weapons, 100%. And I’m pretty sure you won't break your wrist!

Michael smiles warmly at his dad and straps the holsters to his waist before sliding Duty and Sacrifice into them. He sways his hips to the side to properly check out how they look on him. As cool as they were, he couldn’t help but get this nagging feeling that he looked conspicuous with them sitting out in the open for anyone to see.

Chase: Is there a problem, Son?

Michael: It’s nothing serious, but won’t I get into trouble for parading around two handguns out in public? I’m not a soldier anymore and the police robots will see me as a terrorist or something.

Chase: I did think of that, which is why I also wanted to give you this…

Michael turns around just in time to see Chase open his cupboard next to the case and pull out a long black coat, similar to the long coat he was wearing.

Chase: This coat I’m wearing isn’t just for show y’know. The material is made with a rarely constructed fabric that can scramble scanners. It is waterproof and semi-bulletproof. This was my old coat that I wore when I was your age that I’ve longed outgrown. It should fit you perfectly. Here, try it on.

He hands the coat to Michael who was actually excited to try it on. While checking himself out in the mirror, Michael spins around to see how he looks in it from all angles. Wearing it and the guns made him feel like that bounty hunter character, Pride Slayer from the Captain Cosmic animated series Alex loved.

Michael: I’ve always wanted a coat like this. I look badass!

Chase: Guess if you’re going to be your own monster hunter, you gotta look the part. My old coat looks great on you. And take this with you too.

Chase tosses him a gold badge with the Aegis symbol on it.

Chase: That’s an official Aegis Combat Pass. If you’re ever out in public and feel the need to take action against monsters or criminals, show this badge to the police robots and they won’t try to arrest you, it also acts as a concealed carry license too.

Michael: Great, that’ll come in handy for sure.

Chase: And I have one more surprise for you. I reckon you’re really going to love this one.

Chase and Michael soon leave the mansion and walk around the far-right side to get to the back of the house where the end of the driveway connected to a large, wide garage door. The garage was the only part of the mansion Chase wouldn’t let Michael explore for reasons he couldn’t figure out. He assumed that was where he kept the humvee, but why keep that a secret?

Michael questioned what they were doing out here, wondering if Chase was going to give him a ride back to New London. But he still had his duties down at Aegis to work through. He had to make a lot of setbacks just to buy himself as much free time as possible to spend with his son before letting him walk away. With a press of a button on the remote, the garage door slowly opened and revealed the underside of the humvee, no surprise there. But it soon started to set in once his bewildered eyes sat on shiny BMW motorcycle with a shiny black, silver and blue colour scheme. Written on the side of it was “Dark Lightning.” Either the name of the bike itself or its brand. Michael’s jaw dropped at the sight of it.

Michael: No way! You own a motorbike?

Chase: Originally. But now it’s yours.

Michael instantly turned to face his dad with complete amazement. His brain felt like it was having a hard time trying to process the weight of what he’d just heard. He was too stunned to even formulate a response. A new coat and the handguns were one thing, but giving away a whole motorbike as a gift? That’s something that doesn’t happen very often, especially after the Monster War.

Chase: I was originally going to give this to you on your birthday to make up for all the ones I’ve missed, but you can have it now. I’ve been keeping tabs on your progress in the vehicle simulators and noticed how quickly you were able to pick up handling one. Just make sure-

Michael once again leapt into his father’s arms, being the happiest and excited he’s been since he was first brought here, acting like a kid in a candy shop being spoilt rotten. But he didn’t complain, and neither did Chase.

Michael: Oh my god! You are the best dad ever!

Chase smiled warmly at those words as he held his son in another warm hug. That was all he’d ever wanted to hear from him. To be told he was a great father. Whatever doubts he had about whether he was one or not he could finally let go. The bond between him and Michael he feels may be stronger than ever now, not because of all the presents he gave him, but for allowing him to spread his wings and leave the nest.

Chase: Just promise me you’ll be careful with it. Drive sensibly, no speeding, drifting, or quick turns. And if you crash it, you’re paying for repairs.

Michael: Careful, Dad, I may take back what I just said.

Michael teased as he broke off the hug and looked up into his old man’s single eye.

Chase: You’re the one who wanted to be independent and do things your way. Part of that deal is that you can no longer rely on my money to bail you out of financial trouble.

Michael: Hehe, fair. Guess I’ll need to find a job once I get to New London.

Chase: …You were a good boy, Michael. Now you’ve grown into a great man. I want you to know that no matter what you choose to be, you’ll always be my son and I’m so, so proud of you.

Michael smiled again and has one last hug – keeping it brief this time – before walking over to his brand-new motorbike and climbing on top. But Chase stops him from starting the engine by clearing his throat and waving a helmet around in his hand.

Chase: No wonder you never got a perfect score in the simulator. You should know by now that a good driver always thinks about safety first.

He tosses the helmet over to Michael who gives him a sheepish smile and manages to catch it without struggle and puts it over his head, earning his dad’s seal of approval.

Chase: That’s better. Now let her rip!

“With pleasure!” Michael says proudly as he starts the engine. Both he and Chase relish in the satisfaction of the bike roaring to life before reverting to a vibrating purr. He gently pulls the bike out of the garage and brings it around front, pointing it towards the gate entrance. Chase remotely opens it, making the open world explorable for his proud protégé.

Michael: Bye, Dad. Thanks for everything. I love you.

Chase: I love you too, Son… Bye.

Their final bittersweet exchange of words before Micheal’s bike rears on its back wheel slightly before it catches traction and carries him down the driveway, through the gate and out onto the open road. Chase waved and watched him drive off until he was gone from sight and the roar of the motorbike can no longer be heard. Once again, he was alone, but he knows this isn’t goodbye forever. He thought of it more as the end of Michael’s Aegis chapter and the start of a new chapter in his life. As long as he’ll always be a part of it, that’s all that really matters.

Earlier that following day, Jason Dark was awakening from his comfortable new bed in Stratford. It may’ve been the best night’s sleep he’s had in forever. His single bed at the orphanage was fine and all, but it could never compare to a double bed with silk sheets that smelled of lavender. As he got up, he let out a yawn, stretched his arms out and opened the curtains of his new room to get a good view of the new town he’s settled down in. This was a fresh start for him. Things were finally going well. He’s got a better place to stay, a subtle job he can easily do to earn money, and the area was a lot nicer and quieter than the loud, bustling New London.

He wasn’t entirely sure if he could call it home just yet. He still had a lot of expectations that hadn’t been met. His view on people were still negative from what he’s used to seeing of them. But the people here seemed to really love the Crimson Nightshades despite them being criminals all because they gave them homes, something Magna Tech would never do without paying a high price. And there aren’t many mentions of Chaos Man here so that’s a plus.

He spent most of his first morning eating a bowl of cereal and watching TV. He was watching news highlights of the damage the monsters caused worldwide during the war. He found the footage of the monsters' tearing buildings and vehicles apart entertaining to the point he started chuckling.

But his nice and quiet morning was rudely interrupted by the new work phone Drake gave him ringing. He left his main phone at the orphanage out of fear the police would use if to track him here, a smart move on his part. He often wondered if everyone he left behind learned the truth now and assume that’s why he ran away. But for now, he picked up the phone and answered.

Jason: Hello?

Drake: Hey there, Jason. Do you know what time it is?

Jason checks the time on the clock hanging on the wall over the TV.

Jason: It’s 9:30.

Drake: Exactly. You were supposed to be in for work half an hour ago. You’re late!

Jason: Oh no! I- I’m sorry! I overslept and-

Drake: Chillax, Kid, I’m just messin’ with ya. It’s your first day so I can forgive you for the tardiness, as long as you remember to make it on time tomorrow.

Jason: I’ll try my best!

Drake: We’ll see about that. Now hurry up and get your scrawny ass up here! Oh, and wear the new clothes I put in your wardrobe. I don’t wanna see you in those dirty rags we found you in.

Once he’s hung up the phone, Jason quickly finishes off his breakfast and switches off the TV before rushing back into his bedroom to open his wardrobe. He was shocked to find the only clothes occupying it were a new, clean white shirt, a navy-blue jacket and jeans, and a pair of shiny black shoes and socks. Jason was liking the new drip, but he was skeptical about the shoes. He always preferred his crocs simply because they were comfortable to wear. He never understood the importance of fashion and always wore comfy clothes regardless of what people may think.

But if he wanted to keep all these luxuries the Crimson Nightshade’s gave him, he’ll have to learn to put up with their demands and do things their way. He reluctantly takes off his old clothes and puts on the new outfit picked out for him. As he suspected, the shoes felt tight around his feet, and he didn’t like it one bit. But it was a sacrifice he was willing to live with. He then tidied up his long white hair by tying it back into a ponytail with his fringe still covering his right eye.

He soon locks up his apartment and takes the lift to the top floor, the Crimson Nightshade’s headquarters. Drake, Scarlet and Lukas were all in the meeting room getting ready to go out somewhere. Drake was the first to spot him on approach and waves him over.

Drake: There’s our new errand boy, looking dapper in that new outfit. Glad to see it fits you perfectly… What? You don’t like it?

Jason: No no, it’s great. Apart from the shoes, I like them. I just don’t understand why I can’t just wear my normal clothes.

Drake: If you came out of our building dressed like a slob it would be hurtful to our image. We don’t want the people of Stratford thinking we’ll hire just anyone.

Scarlet: But he is just anyone, Drake.

Drake: Not anyone can attempt to break into our van and call my bluff on killing them. The kids got potential. We just need to see if he can hone it.

Jason: Um, where are you guys going?

Lukas: We’re delivering the Egyptian tablet to our buyer, the leader of the Miners Guild.

Jason: Who’s that?

Drake: His name is William Craftsman, but everyone calls him Will Craft for short. We’ve been working for him for over ten years now, yet we still don’t know anything about him.

Jason: Why’s that?

Scarlet: He wears a gas mask to hide his face. Nobody in the guild has seen what he looks like. He always says he was born with severely damaged lungs that make oxygen toxic to him, or so he says. We think there’s something more to it.

Drake: Another thing you need to know about Will is he’s not a very patient man. Speaking of which, let’s go, Guys. Unlike me, the boss won’t be so kind if we arrive late. Lukas, you got the tablet?

Lukas: It is secure in this box.

He presents a slim metal briefcase to his leader, assuring him that the tablet is safe and preserved inside.

Drake: Alright, let’s deliver it to the boss.

Jason: Wait! What am I supposed to do while you’re gone?

Drake: Simple. Clean the place, sort out those files in the corner, and check to make sure all is well until we get back.

Scarlet: You can tend to this room, the training room and our bedrooms, but you’re not allowed into my workshop or the vault. And if you’re thinking about snooping around, we’ll know it. We’ve got cameras everywhere. Understand?

Jason hesitantly nods, feeling a little intimidated by Scarlet’s sudden show of authority combined with Lukas’ emotionless glare.

Drake: We won’t be gone long. We expect all the tasks on that list to be completed by the time we get back. Do a good job and I might consider giving you a raise. See ya later, Jason.

The Crimson Nightshades leave their headquarters with only Jason keeping watch over the place. Scarlet and Lukas were still reluctant about it, but Drake brought up a live feed of all the cameras thoroughly placed all throughout their base. He can see Jason looking into the one hovering over the meeting room table before picking up the list of tasks to complete for today he left him.

Jason groaned at the large number of things he has to do while they’re out. Clean the floors, tidy up, sort files, report faults, and many more. He felt this would take him a while to finish all of it and he doubts they’ll be gone that long. Still, he rolled up his sleeves and mentally prepared himself for a what may be a long day’s work.

On their way to the Miner’s Guild base in the centre of Stratford, the Crimson Nightshades made a few stops along the way. Visiting the other apartment buildings they rented out to the homeless to collect the rent. Afterwards they dropped by the cemetery to pay their respects to their loved ones.

They soon arrived at the tallest skyscraper in the city that served as the main headquarters of the Miners Guild. Scarlet offers to park the van somewhere secluded while her teammates head inside to meet the boss and deliver the tablet he asked for. Upon stepping inside they are met with a pristine white marble floor that was so clean it reflected the lights of the overhanging lights back up. Hanging on the walls of the hallway they were walking down were all sorts of priceless paintings and artefacts. Most of them they acquired for the guild in the past. They’ve walked these halls many times, so it was nothing special to them. They just made their way to the elevator at the far end and took it up to the top floor.

When they reached the top, a butler expectedly greeted them as the elevator doors open. A man in his late sixties wearing a fancy suit.

Drake: Hey, Larry. We’ve brought the tablet the boss asked us for.

Lawrence: It is Lawrence, and I will bring you to Mister Craft once we verified the tablet.

Lukas: You go on ahead, Drake. I’ll take the tablet to the treasury for verification.

Drake nods and takes the forward path to Will’s office while Lawrence leads Lukas down the left corridor where the treasury is. Once he reached the dark oak doors to his boss’ office, Drake knocks four times and waits for permission to enter before doing so. They knew the drill by now. Go in, get the artefact verified, talk to the guild’s leader, collect their reward and keep an ear out for future jobs. Same as always since they were first hired by them.

On the other side of the doors was a very spacious and traditionally decorated office. The floors were black marble with specs of gold. There was a fireplace in the left side of the room with a bear skin rug laying in front of it. Above it was a portrait of the man himself. Next to it in the far-right corner was a bed and two bowls for his pet black cat, who was sleeping, curled up in the bed. The food bowl had the name “Luna” written on it. On the other side of the room was a large flatscreen television. Next to it on the far left was a huge stack of books on two shelves nailed to the wall. The rest of the empty spaces were decorated with more priceless artefacts. Paintings, statues, even pieces made of gold or studded with jewels. At the end of the room was a desk with a big window behind it. On the desk was a laptop, an office phone and a plague that said “William Craftsman” on it.

Drake: Hey, William, good to see ya again.

Sitting in the big leather chair was the leader of the Miners Guild, Will Craft. Like Scarlet mentioned previously, his face is covered by a gas mask, hiding his identity. He also wore a fancy black suit and tie, black leather gloves and a black top hat. He leans forward and rests his elbows on his desk as he addresses his personal treasure hunter. His voice was slightly muffled due to the gas mask, talking in a Swedish accent.

Will Craft: Drake, I thought I made it clear that you’d address me as “Will Craft” or “Sir.” We are not friends.

Drake: After all jobs we’ve done for you, all the treasures we stole, you still don’t want to be friends.

He says in a sarcastic tone, but Will Craft wasn’t amused and just blankly stared at him.

Drake: Ouch… Anyway, jokes aside, we brought you that stone tablet you asked for. Lukas has already delivered it to your boys in the Examination Room. By now you should trust us enough to know we’ll always bring you the real thing and not forge some fake. We always give each job our all.

Will Craft: When you’ve run this guild for as long as I have, you learn not to let your guard down for anyone, especially those you trust or call “friend”. It’s the only guarantee you’ll have to never get stabbed in the back.

Drake: Sounds lonely.

Will Craft: It’s a way of life, Drake. One that’ll ensure my guild continues to rule over this city even long after I’m gone.

As he spoke, Luna gets up from her bed, stretches and walks over to Will’s chair. She jumps up onto his lap and purrs as he strokes her back.

Will Craft: It’s also why I only put my full trust in Luna here. She doesn’t have the ability to talk back or betray me. Tropes that only humans are capable of.

The two of them engaged in small talk for a couple of minutes until Scarlet, Lukas and Lawrence entered the office with the Egyptian tablet in the metal case. Lawrence opens the case and places it on Will Craft’s desk.

Lawrence: The boys in the lab have confirmed that this is the real tablet stolen from New London Museum.

Drake: Heh, and you had a doubt.

Ignoring his comment, Will Craft gently traces his gloved fingers across the fragile stone surface, feeling the etches of the hieroglyphs. Nobody could tell what he was thinking behind that mask, but subtle hints of joy and satisfaction were lingering in his body movements. It’s as if, out of all the artefacts he’d asked for, this was the one he was looking forward the most to adding to his collection.

Will Craft: At last, it’s finally mine… My master will be so pleased.

Clearing his throat, Will Craft closes the case and hands it back to Lawrence.

Will Craft: Put this in the vault and have it under heavy lock and key. And when you’re done, bring us some single malt whisky.

Lawrence: Right away, sir.

Lawrence takes the case and exits the office, leaving the Crimson Nightshades alone to talk more with their boss.

Scarlet: Single malt, ey? We celebrating another job well done?

Will Craft: Not quite. I have some more business to discuss with you three now that concerns another relic I want you to obtain for me.

Drake: You have another job for us already? I thought you agreed to give us some time off to rest and rejuvenate before making us work again. On top of that, I think it’s time we got paid for the tablet. We risked a lot to get it, almost had a run in with Chaos Man along the way.

Will Craft: You will be paid in full as soon as the tablet is safe and secure in my vault. Until then, how’s about you tell me more about that child you abducted from New London.

Drake and Scarlet raised their eyebrows a little. They weren’t all too shocked to hear that he somehow managed to find out about Jason. The Miner’s Guild practically owns Stratford now that the British government practically left it in ruin after the war ended. The guild is the reason it’s standing tall again and how its people were able to live comfortably. They had cameras everywhere. One of them was bound to capture footage of Jason exiting their van before entering their building.

Scarlet: You know about Jason?

Will Craft: Is that his name? Hmph, I was always under the impression the Crimson Nightshades were always a trio, like the three musketeers. Since when did you need a fourth member? And especially one so young?

Lukas: Jason is not a Crimson Nightshade. He is a complication we had to deal with when he attempted to break into our van last night. We couldn’t risk him exposing our mission, and your involvement, so we took him with us.

Drake: But it’s all good now. Jason’s just a homeless kid who was desperate to survive. We took him in and offered him a job as our errand boy. That’s all he is to us, nothing more.

During the conversation, Will Craft received a text that told him that the table is secured in the vault along with a photograph to prove it. Satisfied, Will Craft uses his laptop to transfer the reward money to the Crimson Nightshades’ personal bank account. Drake gets a notification alert that confirms the exchange.

Will Craft: It’s done. The reward money of £200,000 has been transferred to your account. You’ve earned it.

Drake: Much appreciated, Boss. Now then, what’s this other special thing you want us to get for ya?

Will Craft opens up his laptop again and types away on it until he’s found what he’s looking for.

Will Craft: Your next and final job for the rest of this month and the next, is this…

He turns the laptop around, showing the Crimson Nightshades a bunch of pictures and articles of an ancient golden scepter with a red gem embedded in the top. The same scepter wielded by Oculus Abyssi during the Monster War. The article headlines read “Mysterious relic discovered in quarry.” “Archeologists suggests this scepter is not of human origin.” and “Police agreed to keep the scepter locked in the vault of the British Museum until further research can take place.”

Will Craft: …An ancient relic from the home-world of the invading monsters. It was recovered by Magna Tech the day after the Monster War ended. It is now under heaviest guard at the Natural History Museum. I wish to add that scepter to my collection. You’ve already broken in there once to retrieve the tablet; it shouldn’t be too hard for you to break in again and bring it to me. If you succeed the reward will be £500,000. Just over double the amount I just gave you.

Drake: Five hundred grand for a scepter that supposedly belonged to the queen of the monsters? That’s not enough for us to take another great risk breaking in there. That things probably got the best of the best guardin’ it, not to mention Chaos Man may try to get in our way. Sorry, Boss, but if you really want us to do this job, you’re gonna have to do better than that.

Will Craft: You are out of line, Drake. But you do make a good argument… Very well, I will raise the price to one million pounds, double my original offer, no more.

Drake, Scarlet and Lukas distance themselves from Will Craft and huddle up in the middle of the room to quietly discuss whether or not to agree to this mission. Drake was leaning more towards agreeing while Scarlet was against it, reminding them how difficult it was to break into the museum the first time and narrowly escaped with their prize. After that she expects they’ll be taking extra precautions and will be expecting another attempt at a break-in. Lukas was more neutral on the decision and offers that they do another full scope of the building before committing to the mission.

After much deliberation, the Crimson Nightshades return to Will Craft’s desk and give him their answer.

Drake: Boss, we’ve thought long and hard about it, and we’ve all agreed to do this last job for you. But under the condition that there’ll be no more jobs after for, let’s say, the rest of the year. I know it’s a big ask, but this is a very big task you ask of us. One with a 95% chance of us getting caught and arrested. 99% if Chaos Man gets involved.

Will Craft: Sounds reasonable. Consider it done. We have a deal then, Crimson Nightshades.

Drake: Deal.

Drake and Will Craft shake hands, making it official. Lawrence soon returned to the office while balancing a tray holding an unopened bottle of whisky and four glasses with ice cubes on one hand. Once he gently sets down the tray, he pours the whisky into each glass and carefully sets them on the desk before he was dismissed. Will and the mercenaries pick up their individual glasses and raise them.

Will Craft: To your final mission of the year.

Drake, Scarlet and Lukas: Cheers/Kanpai.

The Crimson Nightshades all take a sip of their drinks while Will Craft watches. He will wait until they left before removing his mask slightly to drink his.

With their business concluded, there was no more reason for the Crimson Nightshades to stay. Time was now 3:30 and they still had more errands to run before returning to home-base and checking in on Jason. After finishing off their whisky, they all turn their backs on their boss and take their leave. However, Drake stops and glances back at Will Craft, almost catching him in the act of removing his mask to take a sip of his drink.

Drake: Out of curiosity, why do you want that scepter so badly? Something tells me it’s more special than everything else we’ve collected for you. What do you plan to do with it?

Will Craft: Oh, Drake. You should know by now that I’m just a simple collector who takes interest in ancient, historical artefacts like this. I have researched a lot about history, and I’ve never seen anything like that scepter before. A relic from a world beyond our own holds a lot of mysteries. Mysteries I want to discover for myself… Just focus on getting it for me, I don’t care how long it takes. That is what I’m paying you for.

Drake: As you wish, Boss. Have a good day.

He leaves the room, closing the doors behind him. Will Craft lets out a contended sigh as he swings his chair around to face the window again, taking in the view of his city below as he lifts up his mask slightly, unveiling his mouth so he can take a sip of his whisky. Underneath is mask, his skin was grey, and his lips were blackened and cracked. He starts coughing a little the moment he started breathing in the air around him. Droplets of blood land on his hand where he coughed. He quickly covers his face again and puts the glass down on his desk. He grabs a tissue from the top drawer and wipes off the blood.

His cat, Luna, looks up at him and utters a quiet meow, seeming concerned, prompting him to gaze down at his lap and give her a couple of reassuring head-pats.

Will Craft: Shhhh, it’s okay, Luna. Your daddy’s fine. He just took in a little too much oxygen along with the whisky.

He puts a hand on his chest, feeling the burning pain in his lungs from breathing in the toxic air. Fortunately, it wasn’t too much to really damage them, and the pain was slowly fading.

Will Craft: If only I hadn’t been so reckless in my youth. I’d be breathing normally like everyone else… This is why I can’t show weakness. I built the Miner’s Guild as a show of strength. One slip up is all it takes to destroy it all… After the Akuma No Kohai, I have to preserve what little strength I have left, to honour my fellow comrades, and my master.

To Be Continued