Chapter 2: The Descent

Chapter 2: The City's Protector

Xander awoke in a cold sweat, his heart pounding in his chest. He was alive, but barely. He had been stabbed and left for dead in the alleyway, but somehow he had managed to survive. He lay there for a moment, taking in his surroundings. He was in a dimly lit room, the only light coming from a single candle on a table next to him. He tried to sit up, but a searing pain in his back forced him to lie back down. He groaned in pain, his hand reaching up to touch the bandages that were wrapped tightly around his chest.

He turned his head and saw a figure sitting in the shadows at the foot of his bed. "Who are you?" Xander croaked, his throat dry and scratchy.

The figure stood up and stepped forward, into the light. It was a man, tall and imposing, with a stern face and cold eyes. "My name is Marcus," he said, his voice deep and menacing. "I found you in the alleyway, and brought you here to heal your wounds."

Xander's mind was a jumbled mess, trying to make sense of what was happening. "Why?" he asked. "Why did you save me?"

Marcus gave him a cold smile. "Because you have a gift, Xander. A power that can be used for great things."

Xander's mind raced as he remembered the events of that fateful morning. His power is the ability to see the outcomes of choices, both accepting and rejecting them. He had never told anyone about it, but somehow this man, Marcus, knew.

"How do you know about my power?" Xander asked, suspicion creeping into his voice.

Marcus walked over to the table and poured a glass of water, bringing it over to Xander. "Drink this," he said, holding the glass to Xander's lips. Xander took a sip, the cool liquid soothing his dry throat. "I know about your power because I have a gift as well," Marcus continued. "I can see the future, just like you. And I have been watching you for some time, Xander. I have seen the potential that you possess, and I want to help you harness it."

Xander's mind was reeling, trying to make sense of what Marcus was saying. He had always felt alone with his power, but now there was someone else who understood, someone who could help him. "What do you want me to do?" he asked.

Marcus sat down on the edge of the bed, his cold eyes fixed on Xander's. "I want you to use your power to protect this city, to rid it of the filth that plagues it. The thugs, the criminals, the corrupt politicians. I have seen the future, Xander, and I know that you have the power to change it. But you can't do it alone. You need my help, my guidance, to truly unlock your potential."

Xander felt a sense of unease creeping over him. This man, Marcus, was offering him a chance to use his power for good, to make a difference in the world. But something about him seemed off, something that Xander couldn't quite put his finger on. He knew that he was weak and self-centered, he didn't want to be a hero. He just wanted to live his life without being stabbed.

"I don't know," Xander said hesitantly. "I'm not sure I'm the right person for this. I'm not a hero."

Marcus gave him a cold smile. "You don't have to be a hero.