Chapter 15 – Calm Before the Storm
The city at night glowed beneath the haze of neon and moonlight. Aiden and Kael had just finished their small rescue assignments with AMCU clearance—nothing overly dangerous, just enough to show progress to the public.
For the most part, things were calm, but they both knew it wouldn't last.
With Kael mandated not to use his antimatter manipulation in the field until full control was achieved, he had been officially listed as a Combat Support Asset Only. That had frustrated him at first, but he understood. One single mistake could level a city block.
"So," Aiden asked as they walked down the dim street, "what are you gonna do while we wait for the next official task?"
"I got a job," Kael replied casually.
Aiden stopped. "You what?"
Kael grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah. Something to keep me grounded. Also… something to help with connections. Japanese-owned bar. Classy place. They liked how I handled myself and offered me the role of night security slash bartender."
"You… a bartender?" Aiden repeated, visibly trying not to laugh.
"Yeah, and I'm great with drinks," Kael shrugged. "Plus, apparently I look intimidating enough to keep trouble away."
"That's not wrong," Aiden smirked. "But… Japanese-owned, huh? Didn't they evacuate most top-tier business people after the Yakuza syndicate conflict got worse?"
"Most, yeah," Kael replied, eyes focused forward. "But this bar still operates, owned by a woman named Misaki. She's classy, strict, but kind. She doesn't seem involved with anything shady… at least not directly."
"And you're working there why exactly?"
Kael's expression subtly changed. "Because the whispers I've heard… say that Japanese syndicates are quiet only when preparing something big. If I want information, I need to be somewhere they feel comfortable."
Aiden's eyes narrowed. "That's risky."
"So is walking into burning buildings to pull kids out," Kael answered, glancing back.
"But we do it anyway."
Later That Night – "Kinsugi Bar"
The bar was serene—delicate paper lanterns, piano jazz playing softly, cherry blossom petals resting on the entrance mat. Patrons spoke in low tones over polished wooden tables. Kael stood behind the counter, hair tied back, wearing a black high-collared bartender's vest.
A man walked up and sat across from him, glancing at the menu.
Kael stepped forward. "Welcome. What'll you have?"
"Old fashioned," the man replied.
"Coming right up."
Misaki, the bar's owner, walked past him with grace. She was in her late thirties, elegant dark kimono, hair styled traditionally. She paused, examining Kael's form as he prepared the drink.
"You're precise," she commented.
"Gotta be," Kael replied. "Precision is the difference between control…"
He paused, shaking the mixer.
"And disaster."
She studied him quietly. "You're the one from the university incident. The meta who fights with raw power."
Kael stiffened, but stayed calm. "That's… complicated."
"Everything powerful is," Misaki said. "You may work here for now, but one day people will come—asking questions. Be ready."
She turned and walked away. Kael continued mixing.
"Trust me," he murmured.
"I'm already preparing."
Across the City –
Meanwhile, Aiden reviewed intel on his tablet. Reports of escalating violence by the Mexican Mafia streamed in. Drug flow increased. Territorial battles intensified.
Civilians caught in the middle.
One file opened.
Subject: Lara Morales
Status: AMCU Liaison / Field Support
Background: Ex-cartel info broker. Turned whistleblower. Family killed in retaliatory strike.
Metahuman Ability: Bio-Auric Regeneration & Sensory Overdrive.
Emotional risk level: High. Trauma indicators present. Status: Under observation.
Aiden exhaled slowly.
"She carries more than I thought."
He looked out the window at Kael walking along the street after his bar shift.
Aiden's thoughts:
"Kael is heading into the shadows to find answers.
I'm stepping into the light to be one.
Different paths… same purpose."
Kael walked down the nearly empty road. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves. His steps echoed.
He stopped when he heard it.
"Psst… hey, bartender."
A man leaned against an alley wall. Japanese tattoos barely visible beneath his open shirt. The light caught the glint of a hidden blade.
"You work at Kinsugi," he said. "So… that means you've heard things.
The Yakuza are about to make a move."
Kael stared.
"Tell your boss, if she's still loyal…"
The man grinned darkly.
"Stay out of the war. It's not her fight."
He walked off into the shadows.
Kael looked up at the moon.
"Looks like the storm's moving in faster than expected."
He clenched his fist.
"Time to get ready."