Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Date: January 8, 1999
Location: London, Night Streets
David stood atop a building, the city lights casting faint glimmers across his pitch-black costume. Two weeks had passed since he'd first stepped into the role of London's new vigilante, yet each night still carried an edge of excitement mixed with responsibility. Tonight, as he surveyed the streets below, he adjusted his mask, feeling the soft hum of the voice changer embedded within. He'd settled into a strategy that would keep his true abilities hidden: he frequently used his single free New Order to command himself, "I have pyrokinesis," allowing him to wield fire as his primary weapon.
Each flicker of flame gave him an advantage, and rumors were spreading rapidly through the city. Witnesses described him as a "fire-wielding specter," a presence that seemed to appear and vanish in an instant. He'd earned some attention, both positive and negative.
Location: Hyde Park, London
An alarm sounded in the distance. David leapt down from the rooftop, darting through alleyways until he arrived at a convenience store where two men with ski masks were forcing the store clerk to empty the register. As David approached, he whispered his command under his breath, summoning a small, controlled blaze in his palm.
He stepped into the store, his silhouette dark and foreboding, lit only by the flicker of flames dancing around his gloved fingers.
"[I suggest you leave the money and walk out of here,]" his voice reverberated, sounding distorted through the voice changer, calm yet intimidating.
The men froze, glancing at each other before one of them tried to grab a bat near the counter.
"[Bad idea,]" David warned, his fingers extending as he hurled a controlled flame toward the bat, catching it alight and forcing the man to drop it in panic.
They scrambled to flee, leaving the cash forgotten as they ran for the door. David let them go, extinguishing the flames before looking at the frightened store clerk.
"[You're safe now,]" he reassured, his voice still cold and mechanical. Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving the clerk wide-eyed and silent.
---
Location: Newspaper Stand, Central London, the Next Morning
As the morning sun rose, newspapers across the city bore headlines about London's enigmatic vigilante. One tabloid cover proclaimed, "LONDON'S MYSTERIOUS FIRE-WIELDER: HERO OR MENACE?" while others referred to him as a dangerous vigilante whose powers were a cause for concern. The public response was polarized, with many worrying that his existence might provoke other superpowered beings, while some saw him as a much-needed force against the crime wave.
Passersby debated his intentions.
"I heard he set some guy's car on fire last week!" one man said, his voice filled with apprehension.
A woman shook her head. "But he's saving people! The police haven't been able to keep up with the crime rate. Maybe he's what London needs."
A teenager standing nearby chimed in, "He's like a shadow—a shadow with fire! That's it, the Shadowflame!" Others nodded, approving the new name. It stuck, spreading across headlines and gossip alike, capturing the mystery surrounding David's persona.
---
Location: Joestar Residence, David's Room, Evening
After a full day, David returned home. As he set aside his gear and glanced out the window, he mulled over the city's response. He'd made his mark, but there were still countless challenges ahead. The mixed opinions didn't bother him—he knew the risks he'd chosen to accept. He could feel that London was changing, and so was he.
Tonight, the Shadowflame would return.
End of chap.