The Attack

“We're going after Matthew and Esper Mortis,” Hawkins murmured, tossing his bag over his shoulder and ushering Pilate into an alleyway.

Hawkins knelt down, loading a clip into his gun. Shuffling through his duffel bag, he pulled out a bottle of clear liquid and a syringe. Pilate shifted his weight from foot to foot, frowning.

“What's that?”

“Just something to put him to sleep. I'm not taking my chances fighting that guy. Once he's out cold I'll take him to the location.”

Pilate tugged at his collar. “What do I need to do?”

“You're going to stand behind me and stay out of harm’s way. Arisha said Matthew’s dangerous,” he narrowed his eyes, “Too dangerous for some small-time cook.”

Pilate drew back his lips in a snarl, but he was hardly intimidating to him. “Hawkins, I'm not useless! I can help you!”

Hawkins cast his eyes down, sighing. He hated to even involve Pilate in the mission, but it was too much for him to handle alone. “Can you distract them long enough for me to bag Matthew?”

Pilate hands flew to his belt, drawing out a hunting knife. In one swoop, he cut a gash in his arm, blood immediately dripping down his cream-colored sweater.

“I can handle that, see, Hawkins?” Pilate said, his voice forced, “My master- uh, I mean, Asher- always had me do this when we had to capture someone! A bleeding kid is the perfect bait!”

The sight of Pilate’s wide grin and bloodstained arm made Hawkins nauseous. But it was the best chance they had to lure Matthew in.

----

Esper leaned against Matthew’s arm, his plush jacket offering warmth to his cheek despite the cold air.

The streets were vacant in this part of the city, the path to the mall leading them straight through the more shady end of Alcorith. Matthew’s hand rested on his hip, a firm but tender grip.

“Help me!” a voice croaked, making Esper flinch, “Please help me!”

“What was that?” Esper asked, skimming the vicinity for heat signatures.

Matthew paused, his glasses slipping down his face. “There's a child in the alley,” he said slowly, alarmed.

Two wide eyes watched them from the end of the alleyway, the child’s back pressed against a dumpster. A scarlet stain bit its way through his sleeve, the color in his cheeks lifeless.

“Mr. Matthew, come on! We have to help him!”

“This odd, Esper,” Matthew said, the muscles in his jaw growing taunt, “This part of town is almost completely empty. This isn't even a residential area. Where did he come from?”

“Please! It hurts!” the child bawled, fat tears running down his face.

“He’s injured!” Esper said desperately, a bead of sweat on his brow, “We can't just leave him! Please, it won't take too long!”

Matthew’s eyes darted around as he spoke, “Alright, but please, be quick. This doesn't feel right.”

Pulling out of Matthew’s grip, Esper sped across the street, sitting down in front of the child. Behind him, Matthew stood, tense as he watched Esper touch the boy’s arm.

Two shots rang out, and everything turned to chaos.

A bullet tore through Esper’s temple, knocking him to the floor in a misshapen heap. Blood splattered across Matthew’s face, his surprise interrupted by another bullet biting into his thigh.

“Esper!” Matthew screamed as he threw his hands over his head, flattening his stomach to the floor. Inches away, pink magic sparked across Esper’s fractured skull.

He didn't have time to celebrate. A thick arm wrapped around his neck, and Matthew gasped as he met the eyes of Hawkins. He struggled in the chokehold, fighting against Hawkins’ brute strength.

The very child Esper had tried to heal crawled across the floor, pulling out a syringe. Crying out, Matthew lurched his weight to the side, trying to slam Hawkins into wall.

There was a pinch as the needle penetrated the crook of his arm, and ice seemed to flood through Matthew’s veins. A wave of dizziness washed over him as the arm against his throat grew fuzzy. His knees gave out, and the last thing he saw was Hawkins lowering him to the ground.

----

“Mr. Matthew!” Esper screamed as soon as he regained the ability to, pulling his newly-regenerated head off the concrete.

“Healing powers, huh?” Hawkins asked, his voice a low rumble, “I guess we have no choice but to take you as well.”

He took a step forward, and Esper cowered, twisting his head to face Matthew’s unconscious form. He pulled a spare syringe from his coat, snatching Esper by the arm.

Esper wailed, pulling against his iron grip. The needle sank easily into his flesh, and Esper fell to the floor, his arm reaching out to touch Matthew.

Hawkins took a breath, the alley falling still. Pilate rested against the wall, watching him with wide eyes.

“You did good, Pilate.”

Author's Note- ah, so the story finally starts