Idealism

The discussions online on the matter, however, were split into two voices as usual. Some said they were disappointed by Gray Ninja, and once again reiterated how masked vigilantes were a bane of society.

Some people, on the other hand, observed that the injuries described on the three dead ability users were incongruous with Gray Ninja's speed based ability. Two of the three had various spike like perforations through their body, while the third's chest had been pierced through with bare hands, indicating at least the presence of two ability users who participated and weren't speed type.

Yet others were cursing Gray Ninja, lambasting him for being too weak, ending up having to retreat at any given moment.

Adrian went through the news with a face full of confusion. Reformation Division? The coincidence was too on the nose to dismiss. From the circumstantial evidence Adrian theorized that those three were probably the ones who brainwashed Cody, and perhaps found information about being able to use a second strengthening ability. He guessed that the three probably followed Cody and encountered the mysterious woman, entering a battle that ended up in the three of them dying.

The two were perhaps killed by the woman, and the third, whose heart was dragged out by bare hands... was done by Cody? The thought sent shivers down his spine.

He then remembered that he was the only one who saw Cody hanging out over there the previous night. Would Cody try to target him to silence him? Realizing the dangerous situation he was in, Adrian made some quick calculations.

He called his sister, and asked for an arrangement. Half an hour later, he had entered into a conference call with the principal of the high school, his sister as well as his father.

"Mr. Adrian, was there any particular reason for asking for such an urgent conference call?" The principal asked.

Adrian nodded. "Indeed. Have you read about the murders of the three government stars yesterday night?" He asked the other three, who quietly nodded, waiting for him to expand.

Adrian explained his events from the day, beginning from Cody's lackeys attacking him, ending up in him returning late, finding Cody on the street giving him a warning and asking him to follow him, which he rejected, followed by the terrifying psychic paralysis he faced while waiting dor the bus and running away in panic.

As the story progressed, Adrian saw that the faces of the principal and his father grew increasingly serious, and his sister having a shiny glint in her eye.

"Very well, Mr. Adrian. Thank you for your testimony. I will look into the matter and explain it to the relevant authorities." The principal announced before turning towards Adrian's father. "Mr. Miles, it was a pleasure making your acquaintance once again."

The principal then disconnected from the call. Adrian's father, who had been quiet until this moment, finally spoke. "Son, be careful with your actions. The waters you are interacting with are quite deep."

With that, the call ended. Adrian felt a wave of relief wash over him having spilled the beans. At least now, Cody wouldn't have an excuse to make more trouble for him.

Calming down, Adrian went to freshen himself up. When he returned to his room to dry his hair, he found that he had received a message on his phone. It was Gray Ninja.

"Do you have nucleus potions?" Was the simple message.

Adrian frowned and was about to grumble, but then remembered that this masked guy had been pitted because of Adrian this time. So he sighed.

"Yes." He replied grudgingly. Nucleus Potions weren't cheap.

A while later, someone knocked on Adrian's apartment door. Adrian cautiously opened the door to find a young man, who didn't look much older than himself, wearing a hooded t shirt, leather jacket and jeans. He didn't wear a mask.

"You are?" Adrian asked in confusion.

"I just messaged you a few minutes back." The man replied.

Adrian raised an eye. This was Gray Ninja? He opened his door and let the person in.

"I apologize for barging in and demanding nucleus potions." The young man spoke apologetically. "My name is Quill."

"Quill, so you are actually....?" Adrian asked without actually finishing his sentence.

Quill nodded. "Yes, I'm Gray Ninja, or rather that is who I used to be. I can't use that identity anymore given that the government has put a target on my back."

"And the nucleus potions?: Adrian asked.

"I've healed my external injuries, but I received serious internal injuries yesterday, that healing potions can't seem to heal. I don't have money to purchase Nucleus Potions." Quill replied.

Adrian rolled his eyes, but he gave Quill the nucleus potions anyway. "They aren't cheap for me either."

"I've looked you up. Your family is one of the richest in Twilight City." Quill replied unapologetically.

Adrian shrugged. "That may be. But as a cripple, do you think I have much chance of inheriting said riches?"

Quill shrugged. "Your situation is indeed quite unfortunate, but for an unawakened, you seem to enter messy situations quite often."

Adrian shook his head. "The messy situations keep finding me, no matter how low a profile I try to maintain."

Quill chuckled. "I agree. Your luck is indeed quite poor. But not as poor as mine."

Adrian paused then looked at Quill. "I apologize about yesterday. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be targetted by the government." He said apologetically.

Quill rejected the apology. "Don't beat yourself up. You were just doing what I told you to. If it wasn't this, the government would've found something else to blame me for. They don't like masked vigilantes."

"Why have you been running around in a mask anyway?" Adrian asked. "You should know the bad history of vigilantes when the age of ability users had just occurred."

"A mask is a symbol. Years of peace and stability have made the government inertial and bureaucratic. They don't care about protecting people. The security department is more interested in protecting its privileges than helping the poor. Crime has been rising and the governments haven't been doing much." Quill spoke as he looked out of the window. "Today many people are scared of masks, perhaps rightly so with the terrible history to back it. But I want to change it from a symbol of catastrophe to one of hope and change. This age needs heroes, may be I am.not the best at it, but may be it might catalyze a movement where ability users realize that they can't be shackled forever and ignore the plight of people."

Adrian shook his head. "I disagree with your point of view, but your idealism is laudable. Still, your track record or losing a battle and running is certainly impeccable." He chuckled.