Chapter 20

Anthony had time to think about what he heard. He knew exactly what Helen meant that night. There wasn't much to think about but he did anyway. He went to the battlefield knowing what he was going to do and the consequences that would follow.

He didn't really hate anyone, at least not for personal reasons, but at that moment he was walking towards the first person he genuinely hated, bloodlust almost blinding him. His determination was absolute and no one could stop what he was about to do.

At the same time Gregory was watching a man walking towards him without even acknowledging his power. He didn't recognize who it was but his presence worsened his already shaky mental state.

He created a ball of fire in his hand and was about to throw it when his target disappeared. Then he felt someone squeezing his hand. He looked to his side and could finally recognize the man. But it was too late.

A flash of red could be seen followed by an ear piercing scream. Afterwards there was nothing, other than groans and a few weak cries of pain.

When people regained their senses, all they could see was the usual friendly face from their TV, standing above the most wanted man in the city with a severed arm in his hand.

Anthony stepped forward to finish what he started but an unwelcome guest was standing in his way.

"You're tempting fate, chief."

The man standing in front of him was none other the police chief Alexander Jern. His legs were shaking and everyone could clearly see that he was afraid, but he stood there anyway.

"I am sorry, but I cannot let you kill him. Too many people lost their lives already."

This statement made Anthony snap. He threw away his usual persona completely and started berating the shivering officer in front of him, without caring about his choice of words or who might hear him.

"So you think killing him is too much. Do you?! Look around you and see the corpses! My daughter was using one as a shield just a minute ago, my son is injured and could be crippled for his entire life. Everyone who is injured, everyone who has died today is dead because that man couldn't keep his temper in check!

And after all the suffering he caused, you still think he deserves mercy? No matter what, that man won't walk away from here."

Alexander was barely able to stand but something made him stand up to the monster in front of him, despite fearing for his life.

"I promise you he will not, but it is my duty to protect as many people as possible."

Anthony scoffed at this but eventually relented.

"Damned hypocrite. Fine, he can live, but if he does anything ever again then I'll be coming for your arm next."

And with that, he walked away. He picked up Sarah and Peter with Helen's help and drove them to the hospital.

There they were given emergency treatment and after a few hours of waiting a doctor came out with the results. Sarah was fortunate enough to not receive any serious injuries so she would recover in a couple of weeks.

Peter on the other hand was a different story. While his life wasn't in danger, the burn mark around his chest was severe enough to leave a permanent mark. Even more worryingly, his lungs received so much damage that even with treatment from the best doctors around, he would have trouble breathing for the rest of his life.

Later, James arrived to pick up Sarah and take her home while Anthony remained besides an unconscious Peter, waiting patiently for his son to wake up.

It took Peter two days to finally wake up. When he did so, he was greeted by a wide awake Anthony who ordered everyone out of the room so he could tell Peter what happened himself before leaving himself to let the kid process tings in peace.

Peter sat up in his bed which caused him incredible pain. He leant on the wall and let out a resigned chuckle.

"So much for my career. It was good while it lasted, shame it had to end so soon. I wonder how others are doing?"

He fell back on the bed with a sigh and started thinking about his future, that seemed to be out of his hands once again.

"Will I really never recover?"

Despite saying it out loud he didn't actually expect an answer, but he got one anyway.

[Heart of night is capable of healing otherwise permanent injuries at a reduced rate.]

[Estimated time until complete recovery: 57 days]

Suddenly Peter felt a surge of conflicting emotions, and he didn't know how to handle the information. He couldn't decide whether to cry, cheer or laugh.

Soon though, one of the emotions won out and all that left his mouth in the end was…

"Are you kidding me?!"