Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Awakening in Darkness
After following a group of shadowy figures into a secluded alley, James quickly grasped the gravity of the situation unfolding before him.
A chilling scene played out: two kidnappers were discussing their grim business, treating the abducted women as mere commodities, each valued at a heart-wrenching $1,000. The harsh reality of life's worth in the eyes of these criminals struck James like a punch to the gut. He couldn't fathom the suffering these women would endure once sold off like pieces of meat.
James's heart raced with anger. People who engaged in such heinous acts—callously abducting women and children for personal gain—deserved nothing short of condemnation and punishment.
From the moment he stepped into that alley, he had mentally prepared himself to confront these men. While killing them outright didn't sit well with him, ensuring their lives were made miserable seemed a fitting response. Even a short stint in prison wouldn't suffice to rehabilitate such twisted minds.
The sound of a loud snap echoed in the confined space as James struck the shorter kidnapper on the head with a nearby slab of concrete. He aimed with calculated force, determined to avoid a gruesome scene but ensuring the man wouldn't escape without serious consequences. James knew that the shorter thug would likely suffer cognitive issues for the rest of his life, but that was a small price to pay for his actions.
Flipping the unconscious man over, James felt a rush of unexpected satisfaction, a change in spirit fueled by his newfound understanding of justice.
As James took in the scene, he realized that punishing evil was becoming a source of fulfillment for him.
Suddenly, the taller kidnapper lunged at him brandishing a knife, his eyes filled with rage. Initially, James felt a surge of confidence. He had trained for moments like this, but as the fight unfolded, he quickly learned that taking control of the situation was more complex than he'd anticipated.
He could predict the man's attacks, but evading them and counterattacking required a level of strategy he hadn't quite mastered. The taller assailant pushed him back, igniting a mix of pride and frustration that reminded him of an old injury—a metaphorical arrow in his knee.
"Haha! Boy, whether you're Irish or Mexican, you dare to invade our territory?" the thug sneered, his accent thick. "I, Master Sergeyevsky, will teach you not to mess with the Russian Mafia!"
James recognized the name; the Russian Mafia was notorious in this area. They often clashed with Irish and Mexican gangs, but with the teachings of the Zodiac Knights driving him, he had no qualms about dismantling their operations.
As Sergeyevsky's attacks came in rapid succession, James began to adjust to his rhythm. Slowly, he overcame his initial panic, focusing on the fighting skills he had honed in training.
Despite his knowledge of various techniques, James struggled to apply them fluidly without a sparring partner. However, as he predicted Sergeyevsky's next move, he dodged deftly and landed a solid punch to the man's jaw.
The imposing thug fell with surprising ease, disbelief etched on his face. James marveled at the newfound strength coursing through him, a testament to the techniques he had learned.
"Wha—who are you?" Sergeyevsky spat, blood trickling from his mouth.
The question hung in the air, prompting reflection. James realized that fear would no longer dictate his actions on the path to justice.
The next challenge lay in choosing a name for his vigilante persona. Real names were out of the question; he needed something unique, a brand that would distinguish him from other heroes while embodying his mission to eradicate evil.
While "Zodiac Knight" felt fulfilling, it was a bit too long for a quick introduction. Then, an idea struck him: "Sentinel."
Pleased with the choice, he declared, "I am the radiant fire, guiding the souls of sinners to the underworld!"
As he approached the trembling Sergeyevsky, a sinister smile crept across James's face. "I am the fire that wanders at midnight. Whatever evil you harbor will be incinerated before me."
Frightened, the tall thug attempted to flee, but his legs betrayed him. Without hesitation, James raised his foot and stepped down hard on Sergeyevsky's knee, making his intentions clear.
"It's time to face the consequences," James said, ready to bring his brand of justice to a city that desperately needed it.