The Orb Chronicles E-Book

Alex Robins

• Herausgeber: BookRix
• Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Beschreibung

It is the year 2033, and prosperity is scarce. Since their discovery ten years prior, mysterious objects known as "Orbs", which grant humans mystical powers, have created worldwide chaos and leadership instability. Newly formed rebel organizations have strove to eliminate the self-proclaimed "Leader of the World, but with no success. Now, three friends will join their city's local rebellion. Utilizing their Orbs, they hope to fare better than their predecessors.

Note: Fully uploaded, but it could use feedback and more edits. Constructive criticism is appreciated. Alternate title ideas, subtitle ideas, and Orb name ideas are also appeciated. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask. Thank you.

Leseprobe

Alex Robins

The Orb Chronicles

The Winds of Change

I dedicate this book to all the readers, as well as the people who helped me edit this. Thank you. BookRix GmbH & Co. KG81371 Munich

Prologue

Prologue

It is the year 2033. For ten years, a small, randomly-dispersed number of people have had access to mystical powers, granted to them by mysterious objects known as “Orbs”. It is unknown how they came to be, but their existence led to a conflict of beliefs, which in turn led to a world war. This ravaged the globe for two years, leaving millions dead, until an American man by the name of Charles Upton swiftly took control of the world through unknown means.

Although the world is now at peace, conditions are hardly better. Upton has ended the majority of government programs and projects in the civilized world. He has allowed for corruption, pollution, and crime to go more unchecked than ever before. And yet, despite his negligence, he has remained in power, much to the confusion of the vast majority of people.

Rebel organizations have sprouted up in copious numbers, fighting to restore the normalcy they once held dear. However, even though some have achieved minor victories in forcing out certain officials, Upton's hold seems as stable as ever. When push comes to shove, Upton has stronger weapons, and numerous powerful Orb users at his disposal.

In Phoenix, Arizona, a young man by the name of Derek Mathew lives with his two best friends, Zach Mathias and Bridget Gates, in a small apartment. Unbeknowst to them, they will soon become the catalysts that set events into motion. Events that will alter the course of human history. As for where that path will take humanity...only time will tell...

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

A Sinking World

August 14, 2033

Phoenix, Arizona

“...And that concludes the Morning Report. Today’s forecast is the following: Smog-filled skies all day; High of 108; Low of 88; it’s 8:10 A.M. local time; good luck out there.”

The TV then returned to its normal programming, per usual. Derek, who was lying on the nearby couch, yawned, turned off the TV, closed his eyes, and attempted to nod off back to sleep.

“Don't you have work in 30 minutes? You gotta get up.” Derek reopened his eyes to the tall man with dark brown hair standing before him.

“Ugh...why you gotta ruin my sleep, Zach?” Derek asked, slowly sitting up and scratching himself.

“Because we need to ALL be working to pay the bills, buddy,” Zach replied.

After a few seconds, Derek sighed and said, “Ugh...fine...” and stood up.

“And please...try to keep your job...” Zach said, somewhat exasperated.

“When have I not?” Derek asked casually.

“Oh, I don't know...maybe the other five jobs you've had this year?! And you still owe Bridget and I money.” Zach said, annoyed.

“Don't worry, bro. I'll get around to it,” Derek replied.

As Zach groaned, a hazel-eyed brunette walked into the room. “Is everything alright, guys?” Bridget asked in her usual, soft tone.

“Yep, everything's a-ok,” Derek said.

“Just dandy...” Zach said sarcastically, “Bridget, don't you care about him owing us money?”

“Umm...I'm sure he'll get around to it eventually...” she replied hesistantly.

“Do you really believe that?' Zach asked.

“Well...uh...look at the time! I gotta get to work, no time to talk!” Bridget replied quickly, and made her way to the door.

“See ya later, Bridget. I may stop by your work on my break,” Derek said, which caused Bridget to groan uncomfortably.

“Please don't...” she said.

“Why not though?” Derek asked.

She narrowed her eyes and said, “You...you know why.” Derek returned a confused look, and after a pause, Zach moved things along.

“Ok, have a good day,” he said.

“You guys as well,” Bridget said, waving and walking out the door.

“I don't understand the problem. If hundreds of strangers pass by her each day, I don't see why her childhood friend can't,” Derek said.

“You know she doesn't particularly enjoy her job, so why would she want either of us to see her at it?” Zach replied.

“Well...” Derek started, but had no good counterpoint.

“She really is too lenient with you, Derek,” Zach said.

“What is she, my mom?” Derek asked.

“She's not far off at this point...” Zach said half-seriously.

After some grumbling, Derek said, “Alright, whatever, I won't go...I'm gonna take a shower. See you later, man.”

“Later,” Zach said, and he also went out the door.

Derek stripped off his clothes and stepped into the shower. As he tried to to shampoo his hair, he noticed it was a little thick. “Goddamn expired shampoo,” he thought, “Can't the local store put out some newer product?” He already knew why they couldn't, though. Quality products, in the vast majority of fields, were of scarce supply. Thanks to Upton, business regulations, limitations, and in many ways, competition, had ceased to exist. Derek shrugged and used the shampoo anyways, rubbing it into his short, dirty blonde hair. After washing his body down with soap, he got out, got dressed, ate some bananas for breakfast, brushed his teeth, and headed out the door.

After a few steps, he looked to the sky, observing the smog above and around him. “It's certainly worse than when I was younger,” he thought, shaking his head. “Goddamn Upton letting this happen. What's the point of ruling the world if he's just going to let it die like this?” As was often the case, Upton's motives seemed unclear, or at least shallow.

“Derek! Hold up!” a deep voice shouted. Derek glanced over to see a bald, early-40's African-American man. He made his way over, and then Derek said hesistantly, “Good morning, Mr. Cox...what can I do for you?”

“Where's the rent?” Cox replied sternly.

“He's not beating around the bush today, is he?” Derek thought, sweating a little. Cox was well-built, and had over half a foot on Derek.

“Well...could you give us a couple more days? It's tough out here, you know?” Derek said.

“You kids are late every month,” Cox said. He waited a few seconds, then sighed and said, “Ok, you have a couple days.”

Derek perked up and said, “Thanks a bunch, Mr. Cox. It'll be ready by then!” and then started walking away quickly.

“Yea, it better be!” Cox shouted back.

“He still kind of scares me, but he doesn't seem like a bad guy overall,” Derek thought.

He eventually slowed down his walk and wiped the sweat away. “Couldn't Upton have found a solution to this climate, instead?” Derektook his time, eventually arriving at his job: trash collection. With global awareness at an all-time low, littering and negligence were at an all-time high.

“Hey, Mathew! You're late!” his grizzly supervisor barked.

“Oh, sorry,” Derek replied half-heartedly.

“For that, you're on sewer duty,” the supervisor said.

Derek groaned upon hearing this. “He always finds an excuse to put me on sewer duty...” he thought. After putting on a noseplug, Derek made his way down the ladder, into the untamed, uncomfortably hot sewers. He began picking trash out of the sewage and putting it into a waste bag. The rancid smell crept into his nostrils every few minutes, and after three hours with little surface time, it became overwhelming.

He weezily made his way up the ladder and back to the main area, where his supervisor was eating with some co-workers. “Hey! Don't bring the smell over here while we're eating!” one of the co-workers said, as the other ones coughed or tried to dismiss the smell.

“Derek, you haven't earned your break yet, why are you over here?” the supervisor asked.

“I feel...terrible...” Derek replied.

“Don't give me that crap; you're young. Stop being lazy,” the supervisor said.

Derek coughed, shook his head, and walked away, saying, “Screw this..I'm done.”

His supervisor quickly stood up and went over to him, saying, “What do you mean, you're 'done'? Those sewers need cleaning!”

“Nope, I quit. Goodbye.”

“Wait! If this is about the break, you can have one! I'm sorry!” but Derek kept walking. “Come on...nobody else is willing to clean that shit!” the supervisor yelled desparately to Derek, but he was already gone; both mentally and literally.

“Fuck that guy; he always took advantage of me...” Derek thought. After a few minutes though, it dawned on him. “How am I gonna explain this to Zach...and I really don't feel like job-hunting again...ugh.” Derek glanced at the numerous hobos on the sidewalk; most were dirty, and some were mumbling incoherently. “There's always been homeless people, but I don'tremember this many when I was younger,” he thought. He sighed again, reminiscing over happier days, when he, Zach, and Bridget lived carefree lives. “I know we were kids back then, but still...this kind of life went too far the other way...”

“Stop! Give me your wallet!” Derek snapped back to reality and noticed a shoddy-looking man staring fiercly at him, while holding a rusty, wooden sword to his neck.

“Umm...that's not a deadly weapon,” Derek said matter-of-factly.

“No shit; the government destroyed all the good stuff. But I've put some other scrubs in a world of hurt with this, and you'll be next, unless you hand it over!”

Derek chuckled at this, to the mugger's surprise, and then he said, “Normally, I'd just avoid a meaningless fight, but today's been pretty crappy...so bring it on.” The mugger attempted to cut Derek's neck, but he slid under the blow and a short distance away, as if he was ice-skating.

“Oh, so you're an Orb user, huh?” the mugger said, “You can...slide on solid ground?”

“Yea, pretty much,” Derek replied.

The mugger grinned and said, “That won't save you, though. See, I also have an Orb. As long as I'm holding a sword, I can move fast as hell, like this!” He then swiftly ran in front of Derek and took a swing, who couldn't dodge in time and took a heavy blow to the face, falling on his back. “Heh, you should have just given me your wallet, kid,” the mugger said smugly, but his face turned to shock when he noticed “Derek” dissolving. While he was dumbfounded, the real Derek appeared behind him and shot a green beam at his back, stunning the mugger briefly.

“I”ll take that,” Derek said, snatching the sword away, and then swiftly slamming it into the mugger's shins. The confused man cried out in pain and fell to the ground as Derek slid back a few feet.

While clutching at his heavily bruised shins, he said, “How...how is that possible? You used four different powers...including mine! Your speed went up when you stole my weapon.”

Derek grinned and said, “My Orb is more flexible than you assumed, huh? Either way, I feel better. Take this, and don't bother me again,” and he dropped the sword on the ground, walking home. “I guess things aren't all bad; I got these sweet powers,” Derek thought, in higher spirits due to his victory, “I'm sure Zach will be understanding about me quitting.” The mugger simply stared at him from the ground, dumbfounded at what had just occurred, until Derek was out of sight.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Treading Water

Zach stepped out the door and cautiously walked out of the apartment complex. Once he was in the clear, he breathed a sigh of relief. “I managed to avoid Mr. Cox...I'm getting my paycheck today so it should be fine if I see him later.” He then went on his way into the city. Many of the stores were poorly-maintained. Others were just looted and abandoned all-together; broken windows and old signs were all that remained. The homeless could be seen in clusters, even moreso than outside the inner city. “I feel for them, but I'm broke as a joke myself...” Zach thought, trying not to make eye contact. Minimum wage didn't leave much room for charity.

He then heard a loud thud and looked over to see a man and woman breathing heavily near a large refrigerator. “You really...couldn't get...a dolley?” the woman said between breaths.

“Yea, I should have... but how are we gonna get this thing into my truck bed?” the man replied. They both looked towards his truck and sighed.

Zach said, “Arms Master,” to himself and then walked over to the couple. “Mind if I help?” he asked. “Sure, young man...just give us a minute or so...” the man said, but Zach simply lifted the refridgerator up by himself and put it into the truck bed with ease, much to the surprise of the couple.

“How...how did you do that?” the woman asked.

“What do you mean?” Zach asked.

“That thing is around 240 pounds...you look like you work out, but still...” the man replied.

“Oh, uhh...I don't know,” Zach lied, “Anyways, I have to go to work,” and he quickly walked away, while the woman said, “Thank you!” “Oops, I should have just lifted it with them,” he thought, “I should be more careful about displaying my power.” He wasn't some undercover superhero, but he was trying to avoid drawing unecessary attention to himself.

Zach eventually got to work. Eight uneventful hours later, he left the building with a sigh. “I once thought $30 an hour would be decent; I never thought inflation would get this ridiculous,” he thought, feeling underpaid. As he went on his way home, he surveyed his shoddy surroundings again, and thought, “How did things end up like this? Everybody's struggling with money, the earth is being ruined, and worst of all, it feels like nothing will ever change.”

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Earlier that day

A sign at the front of the store read, “NO touching or obscene behavior towards the models.” It was one of few things Bridget could find solace in at her job. She was wearing racy lingerie, while remaining frozen in a seductive pose, on a circular pedestal. A mid 20's man stared at her as he walked by, much to his girlfriend's ire. “Hopefully she isn't mad at me; I'm just doing my job,” Bridget thought.

After enough time had passed, she switched to a different pose. “I still have to wonder if this is really more effective than mannequins modelling the merchandise,” she thought, “I shouldn't bring it up though; I wouldn't want to ruin a good paycheck...speaking of cash, why does Zach insist on covering so much of our bills? I make way more money; I should be covering most of it. He's too prideful...then again, at least he's consistently paying for stuff. Derek, on the other hand...” and she sighed. “He should be contributing more, but at the same time, I don't really mind paying off his share. I'm just happy we're all living together.”

She imagined Derek in front of her , which caused her to blush and fidget a bit. “Why is it only embarassing when HE's looking at me...” she thought. A short moment went by. “What is that guy doing?” she thought, noticing, out of the corner of her eye, a lone, older man staring at her for an extended period. Eventually, he moved towards Bridget, anxiously glancing around in doing so, until he was within touching distance.

“Hey, how much for a couple hours with me?” he asked quietly.

“Huh?” Bridget thought, sticking to her pose.

“You get what I'm saying, baby?” he continued.

“Does he...think I'm a prostitute?” Bridget thought, and then internally sighed and continuted to ignore him.

The man smirked and said, “Oh, so you can't reply? You're not a person, but a mannequin, then.” He started touching Bridget's arms and legs.

“This guy...isn't anyone watching this? I'm not supposed to move!” she thought, discomforted.

“Quite a realistic mannequin...” the man said, leering her whole body, but Bridget continued to stand still. “Still not going to acknowledge me, hmm?” he said, and then moved his hands up to her stomach. “You know...you remind me of my ex. Smooth skin, cute face, nice body...she didn't have a toned stomach like you, but hey, you also work here.” He slowly moved his hands upwards, towards her breasts.

“Anyone!?” Bridget thought, as the man let out a creepy laugh.“...Alright, then,” she then extended her arms forwards and faced her palms towards the man, saying, “Knockback Force!” A strong gust shot out, sending the man flying back and onto his butt, much to the surprise of customers in that area.

After a few seconds, the man sat up, flustered, and pointed at Bridget. “I-is this how you treat a customer?!” he exclaimed.

“On the contrary; you're the one mistreating employees,” a mid 40's woman said sternly, walking towards the man.

“What?” the man said.

“We have cameras, you know. I've seen you quite a few times, but you never buy anything,” the woman replied, “I would have let it slide, but at this point, you've broken store policy. I have to ask you to leave and never return.” Upon receiving judging looks from nearby customers, the man grumbled and quickly left the store.

Bridget sighed with relief and said, “Thank you, manager.”

“Of course! Anything for my models,” the manager said, with a smile, “If you need to take a short break after that, feel free.” Bridget nodded and went into the break room. A few minutes later, the manager entered and sat down next to Bridget. “How are you doing?” she asked.

“Um, I'll be ok,” Bridget replied, still a bit weirded out.

“That's good...I'm not trying to blame you for that asshole's behavior, but you need to be firm with those kinds of people,” the manager said.

“But...we're not supposed to move, and I don't want to displease our customers. I'm not good with verbal confrontation either...” Bridget replied sheepishly.

The manager sighed and said, “I appreciate your earnesty, Bridget. However, you ended up making a scene in the store. That hurts the store's image more than telling a misbehaving customer to back off. Next time, promise me you'll move or speak up. He was breaking the rules, after all. I value you much more than any one customer.”

Bridget paused, and then said, “Will do.”

The manager smiled and said, “I'm grateful for the dedication you and the other models have shown since I started this gimmick. Keep up the good work.” Bridget nodded, and then the manager left the room. Bridget sighed and glanced at a nearby clock for the time. “At least she's nice, but this line of work...ugh.”

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Destiny Arrives

Zach let out a fatigued sigh as he walked in the door.

“Welcome back,” Derek said, keeping his eyes on the TV.

“How was work?” Zach asked, which caused Derek to seize up a little, while Bridget peeked into the room from the kitchen.

“Uh...it was interesting,” he replied. Zach raised an eyebrow.

“Did something happen?”

“Yea...I may have...relieved myself of my duties.”

“You...did what?”

“Things became unbearable...so I left.”

“So, you quit?”

“Well...yea.”

The three remained still for a few seconds, and then Zach said, “Dude...we're supposed to be supporting each other here. And yet you can't keep a job for even half a year.”

Derek stood up, replying, “It can't be helped...you don't understand how bad they are.”

“What the hell are you talking about? We both work minimum wage jobs!” Zach said, becoming annoyed, “Even if the work sucks, you need to stick to it, for the money. You can't just live off Bridget and I.”

Derek turned away, towards Bridget, and then Zach did too and said, “Tell him, Bridget. Back me up here.”

Bridget appeared uncomfortable and said, “I think...we've all had a long day. You two should relax while I make dinner.”

“Don't avoid the topic!” Zach exclaimed, “How can you just accept Derek not contributing?” Bridget had no response. “You should be more upset than I am. You make most of our food, do our laundry, and cover most of Derek's share of the bills. We should be paying more than you do, and yet...” Zach let out another deep sigh and shook his head. “Forget it, I'm sorry. Things have just been getting to me lately. I'm gonna chill in my room for a while.”

“I'll let you know when dinner's ready, if you want it,” Bridget said. Zach nodded as he went into his room and closed the door.

Derek appeared remorseful, and Bridget stared at him for a few seconds before returning to her cooking. “I know I should be contributing more,” Derek thought, “I know that, but...these jobs are terrible...this life...sucks. What's even the point of trying? Where's the light at the end of the tunnel...what would that light even be? I just...don't know...”

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. “I'll get it!” Bridget said, and she took off her cooking gloves and opened the door. However, she became nervous upon seeing the one who knocked. He was an average height, middle-aged man with buzzed hair and had on a green, army general uniform. “He works for Upton...this can't be good,” she thought. “Hello, sir. What can I do for you?” she said.

“Good evening, Ms. Gates. Allow me to introduce myself: I am the Southwest Section Commander, Saguaro,” and he shook her hand.

“The Section Commander? Oh god...” she thought anxiously. “Pleased to meet you, Commander,” she replied politely.

“Can I sit down inside?” he asked.

“Oh, by all means, yes!” she said, motioning for him to sit down on a chair near the couch Derek was sitting on.

Once he sat down, he said, “I see Mr. Mathew is also here...where is Mr. Mathias?”

“Oh, silly me! Let me get him for you,” Bridget said in an uncharacteristically enthuiastic manner.

“Bridget's acting weird...and how does this guy know me?” Derek thought, looking at her and then back at him.

“I am Section Commander Saguaro. It's good to meet you,” the man said, also shaking Derek's hand. “This bastard...he's with Upton...” Derek thought, his face naturally soured.

Zach quickly exited his room upon hearing of Saguaro's appearance, and went up and shook his hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Section Commander,” he said in an overly-nice manner.

“Same to you, Mr. Mathias. Now, if you would all sit down, I'd like to discuss something,” Saguaro said, and the other two complied and sat on the couch next to Derek. “You're probably wondering why I'm here. The reason is this: We have reviewed video evidence and pedestrian testimony over recent years and concluded that not just one, but all three of you, possess Orbs.” The three did not reply. “To put it bluntly, we have 0 doubt that this is the case. Mr. Mathias has strength-enhancing powers, Ms. Gates has wind-related powers, and Mr. Mathew, well...we don't know exactly what his Orb is, but we know he has a grab bag of random abilities.”

“Way to make it sound lame...” Derek thought.

“It seems suspicious that the three of you started living together after you graduated. Perhaps you're planning rebellion activities?” Saguaro asked.

“Oh, god no, Commander,” Zach said, “We wouldn't dream of disrupting your operations. Derek groaned a little upon hearing Zach say this, to which Zach gave him an annoyed look.

“I”ll believe that after a house search,” Saguaro said.

“By all means, go ahead,” Zach replied.

As Saguaro inspected each room of the apartment, Derek said quietly to Zach, “Doesn't he need, like, a warrant or something?”

“Well, that is how it used to be...not anymore,” Zach replied.

After ten minutes or so, Saguaro returned to the chair. “You three are clean...still, perhaps you feel inclined to join a rebel group,” he said.

“But, there aren't any rebel groups in the state, right?” Bridget asked, to which Saguaro clearly tensed up a bit.

“That's...that's true, yes,” he said unconvincingly, which caused the three of them to raise an eyebrow.

“Look, it doesn't matter!” he continued, “The main reason I came here was not to discuss rebels. I ask that the three of you join my militia.”

The three looked at each other, and then Zach said, “No, you don't really want us...we're just lazy kids. We aren't a good fit for the military.”

“I don't think I'd make a good soldier,” Bridget said, trying to sound vulnerable. Derek remained silent.

Saguaro sighed and said more sternly, “When I say ask, I mean conscript. With such powers, you are required to help Upton. We can't risk having you three running around not under our wing.” This put the trio on high alert. “I'm giving you the choice: Work under myself and Mr. Upton, or remain under our supervision...in prison.”

Derek became furious, and said, “That's insane! What kind of choice is that?”

“Hey, you're lucky we're not arresting you three right now, for concealing your powers from the government!” Saguaro replied, “We're giving you a chance to redeem yourselves.” Derek shook his head in disbelief, and then looked at his good friends, who felt the same. “So...what'll it be?” Saguaro asked in a smug manner.

Zach took a deep breath, and then spoke. “I'm sorry, sir...but I can't work for Upton. I made a promise to someone, and I intend to keep it.” Saguaro narrowed his eyes, and then looked at Derek.

“I made the same promise...I refuse to work for him. Saguaro took a last glance at Bridget, who said, “I feel the same as them...we just can't do it.”

Saguaro shook his head and laughed, saying, “You kids have left me no choice then...” He quickly left the apartment and signaled for his nearby Militia members to storm in.

“Deep down, I thought this day might come,” Zach said, “I'm ready to fight,” and Bridget and Derek nodded in agreement. At that point, a soldier busted down the door, and around twelve more filed in with bats and dull swords. “Full Bulk!” Zach declared, and then charged into the mix, launching swift punches and kicks while shrugging off the weapon blows.

One soldier got behind him, and Derek shouted, “Look out, Zach!”

He swung his sword at Zach's neck, but he declared, “Stone Skin!” The sword broke in half upon landing. “What!?” the soldier exclaimed before he was knocked out. “Their equipment really is low grade...” Zach said. He noticed the wealth of unconscious soldiers in the living room.“Let's step outside for now...” The three did just that, as the second, smaller wave began charging towards them.

“I'll get this one,” Bridget said, “Knockback Force!”The intense wind caused the soldiers and their weapons to fly backwards into the air and land hard on the ground, temporarily disabling them.

“Well, that was easy,” Derek said.

“We're not done yet,” Zach replied, as the three turned to Saguaro.

“Those damn incompetent Militia...” he said, “Well, I guess if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. You three WILL submit to Upton's will!”

“It's one versus three; you can't defeat us,” Zach said.

“Believe what you want, kid,” Saguaro replied in a smug manner.

Zach gritted his teeth, said, “Full Bulk!” and lept at Saguaro. However, Saguaro sidestepped his punch and swiftly put the handcuffs he was holding onto Zach's wrists. “As if handcuffs could hol...huh...” Zach said, realizing he couldn't break free, “You...what did you do. I feel so...weak...”

“None of your concern!” Saguaro exclaimed, “Spine Fist!” and punched an empowered fist into Zach's midsection, knocking him down. Zach coughed and bled a bit.

“Cactus spines?” he said weakly, pulling some out of his stomach.

“My name isn't 'Saguaro' for nothing,” he said, “Now try to survive this!” He jumped far out of melee range and fired off a round of spines at the incapacitated Zach. However, Bridget stepped in front and blew them in another direction.

“I can't allow that,” she said.

“Psh, with the strong one out of the way, you two will be easy pickings,” Saguaro said. Bridget took a firm stance and blew forceful wind at him. However, in a series of swift, inhuman hops, Saguaro dodged the flow and sped behind Bridget. “Spine Claws!” he declared, and long spines grew out of his knuckles. He then slashed Bridget's back. As she cried out in pain, Saguaro went around to her frontside and tried to slash at her face. She dodged slightly, but her shoulder was still slashed. She fell to the ground in pain, also bleeding, while Saguaro retreated to his original position.

“Zach...Bridget...” Derek said nervously, but nonetheless took a fighting stance and faced the enemy. “Those jumps didn't look like cactus powers...how?”

“Wouldn't you like to know? Maybe I'll tell you later in prison!” Saguaro replied, and lept at Derek.

“I don't have the sheer force of Zach or Bridget's Orbs, but I have some tricks up my sleeve,” Derek thought, and used a mirage clone to dodge the spiny fist, reappearing behind Saguaro.

“Too slow!” Saguaro exclaimed, and turned around to fire a round of spines at Derek, hitting his stomach.

He winced in pain and backed off, before firing a barrage of oranged-colored energy fists while strafing. However, Saguaro was quicker, and easily dodged while returning spine fire, with Derek barely dodging. He switched powers and slowed down, waiting for Saguaro to be right in front of him. “Take this!” Derek said, and shot a thin bolt of electricity at Saguaro. It momentarily stunned him, so Derek reared back and launched a punch at Saguaro's face. However, right before it landed, Saguaro grinned, and spines emerged on his face. “Shit!” Derek said as he received a knuckle full of spines, and retreated back again.

Upon recovering his movement, Saguaro laughed in a cruel manner and yelled, “Give up, kid! You and your buddies never stood a chance!”

“I'm too low on energy to dodge...” Derek thought, as Saguaro lept at him. “Are our lives over so soon?

Out of nowhere, lightning struck between the two opponents. Saguaro was not hit, but was befuddled, and exclaimed, “Lightning with a clear sky!?” as the smoke began clearing. Coming into view was a black-skull masked, African-American man.

“W-what?” Derek managed to say.

“Who is that?” Zach said weakly. Bridget simply stared in awe.

“I-it can't be!” Saguaro said.

The mystery man turned to Saguaro, saying calmly, “It's not yet their time, Section Commander.”

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Death Lightning

Derek was too stunned to move, and thought, “Is he...a god?”

“Death Lightning?!” Saguaro said, in utter disbelief for a few seconds, but then smirked and said, “I guess it's my lucky day. Not only do I get to turn in three rebel sympathizers, but I also get to claim the bounty of Death Lightning. I'll be promoted for sure!”

“This isn't a fight you want, Saguaro. Give up now,” Lighting replied.

“Like hell I'd do that!” Saguaro shouted angrily, and fired spines towards Lightning. “Disintegrating Aura,” Lightning said, and electric energy surrounded him. Upon landing on his aura, the spines dissolved, with Lightning unfazed.

Saguaro gritted his teeth and lept at Lightning with Spine Fists. However, he stood his ground and stopped Saguaro's fists with his hand. Saguaro cried out in pain and backed off, shaking off his slightly-singed hand.

“You should have ran,” Lightning said. A look of fear then filled Saguaro's eyes, and he attempted to run, in vain. Lightning flew in front of him, going beyond the speed of sound, and electric energy engulfed his hand. “Zeus Fist!” Lightning boomed, and struck Saguaro in the face with his fist. He was launched back a large distance, rolling a couple times before stopping. Nose broken, bleeding, and burnt, Saguaro laid unconscious.