1 Prologue

//Kinda short but I think it's decent for an introduction chapter. My other chaps will be 2k+. Hope you enjoy though.

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BANG!! BANG!! BANG!!

The sounds of gunfire littered the air, bullets ricocheting off various surfaces such as brick, steel, and concrete. Screams rang out as those who happened to be nearby ran for cover, seeking shelter indoors and away from the unknown chaos that had only recently unfolded. More and more shots could be heard, echoing through the surrounding area, shouts following close behind them. After a few more minutes of gunfire and repeated shouting, a small figure emerged from the shadows of the intersecting alleys and into the street that had, up until that point, been packed with people. Without missing a beat, the cloaked individual darted through the recently deserted lane, making his way towards the entrance to another alley, cutting through carriages and other obstacles.

However, right before the figure could slip into the shadow of the building, the muzzle of a rifle was placed against the figures forehead, preventing him from progressing any further.

"Hold it right there you little rat," the gun wielder said. "I think you've gone far enough. Puts your hands in the air and kneel on the ground, lest you want to be riddled with bullets.

Michael Riddlon gave a victorious grin as the figure before him readily complied with his demands, the individual raising his hands well above his head whilst taking a knee. The sounds of running along with guns cocking surrounded them as one by one, similarly dressed individuals rushed forward, pistols and rifles aimed at the cloaked figures head. Though everyone was out of breath, the vast majority of the new arrivals held looks of satisfaction. And they had every right to be proud. The small squad of officers had just apprehended the city's most notorious thief, one who had been regarded as uncatchable.

"It's over. Your reign over this city has come to an end." Michael made his way forward, his gun lowering. "You've gone unchecked for far too long and have stolen far too many valuables from others. You'll be going to the slammer for the next few decades, and that's if you're lucky. The legend of the master thief will fade away after today and you'll just be another scumbag who couldn't keep his hands to himself."

Michael reached behind him and unhooked the restraints, a pair of black, metallic cuffs laced with intricate designs. The cool feeling of the metal against his skin sent a shiver of excitement through him as he made his way forward, holding up the handcuffs proudly while walking past his fellow officers.

This moment, this very moment was what had made the long two week period worth the wait.

Two, long, arduous weeks of gathering intel and mapping out routes and potential outcomes, two entire weeks of prep time and manpower. Two weeks devoted to taking down the biggest legend Horae, otherwise known as the City of Clockwork, had ever seen, taking down someone who had previously been labeled as the worlds best thief. The thief who was said to have even stolen from the gods themselves, the individual widely regarded as ViewPoint.

"Don't move a muscle," Michael said firmly, taking a wide circle around the cloaked individual. "If you so much as twitch, every officer present has been instructed to open fire. I don't want to kill you but you'll leave me no choice if you attempt any funny business.

"That's fine," the figure said calmly in a perfect imitation of Riddlon's voice. "I wasn't planning on doing anything anyways."

Michael stopped in his tracks ever so briefly before continuing towards the cloaked individual. It was so bizarre to have his own tone and dialect repeated back at him, especially when it was coming from someone so much smaller then he was. It was enough to cause some hesitation but it wasn't enough to stop him completely as he stopped a meter away from kneeling figure, unlocking the handcuffs. Though it wasn't exactly a normal occurrence amongst criminals, Michael had dealt with professional thieves who were able to mimic the voices of others. When considering that this man was regarded as the king of thieves, it wasn't hard to accept that he could do the same. In fact, it was almost to be expected considering the amount of experience ViewPoint was said to possess.

"To the criminal known as ViewPoint. You're under arrest for 1,254 counts of robbery, 2,573 counts of suspected robbery, 354 counts of assault and resisting arrest, and 1 count of assault with a metal fork." Michael stepped forward and knelt down, ready to cuff the infamous criminal. "You will be stripped of all of your rights as an Engria Kingdom citizen and will be given the status of slave until proven innocent by the court. Should you be found innocent, your status will be renewed. If you have any questions or objections, please speak them now or hold them unti-"

Clink!

Before Michael could finish explaining, a small cylindrical object hit the ground, bouncing two times before rolling towards the feet of the cloaked figure. Looking over the individuals shoulder, the young officer got a good look at the object before it finally clicked as to what he was staring at and what it meant.

"LIGHT GRENADE!!" Michael screamed out before instinctively using his arms to shield his eyes. He managed to shield himself just in time as a flash of light so bright he could even feel the heat lit up the vicinity followed by a boom that nearly ruptured his ear drums.

Click!

"You did good chief, but maybe next time you skip the chatter, yeah?" A voice said into his ringing ears. "You certainly talk quite a bit."

By the time Michael was able to open his eyes, the cloaked figure had all but vanished and the pitch black handcuffs were wrapped around his wrists and another pair were fastened on his ankles. Positioned next to him were two keys and a piece of paper with words scribbled over the top of it In big but neat words. It was almost as if he was being taunted.

MAYBE NEXT TIME

PS- I STOLE YOUR GOLD COINS.