Angel's Ascension: Requiem's Edge (Book Five)

Chapter 7: Manhunt

"Citizens of Cinder Horizons, I am the boss of SMTC, Sidus Mallick. As you know, our city is under lockdown and some are growing restless." Sidus stared directly at the camera. "There is a solution to stopping this. It involves you helping the SMTC capture a few outsiders."

The businesspeople grew quiet while Sin kept the camera focused on him.
Sidus pointed to a painting of the city and clenched his fist. His eyes fired up while he inhaled.

"Anyone with ties to the angel going by Lucy must be brought into SMTC's custody. Once they've been caught, then the lockdowns will end, and our city will evolve beyond the horizon!" Sidus shouted when he motioned to the camera and it shut off.

"Great words of encouragement, Sidus." Sin remarked. "This should be broadcasted within the hour so everyone will see it."

Sidus pulled his tie up. "Thank you, Sin. Now for the people within this building spread the message." He waved to the business people as they left the room.

A phone beeped while Sin checked his phone and typed on it. "Sir, I just got an update from the hideout. Kira agreed to watch our captive." He slid the phone into his shirt.

Sidus pulled a bag out from a drawer and tore it open while puzzle pieces fell out. He pushed the pieces into a line while Sin stepped out of the room.

The pieces will fall into place.

Sidus closed his eyes as memories rushed into his head.

***

A group of generals approached Sidus' father with hushed whispers. Images of a map with red zones emerged. Sidus glanced over to them when he held a military hat to his chest.

"Our chief, Yago Mallick has brought us closer to victory with each military strike! This world will soon be ours!" A general shouted.

The group erupted into shouts and yells when Sidus navigated his way through them. Yago faced away from him while reading a letter. Soon a general patted Sidus on the back.

"If it isn't our war hero! Come home to meet your dad huh?" Another general chimed in.

Sidus twisted his hat and slammed his foot on the hard floor which echoed. The generals froze in place when Yago folded the note into his pocket.

"Son, what brings you home? I thought you out on duty at the border." He said.

"Father, I've fought my fair share of battles for this country but I must implore you to stop." Sidus narrowed his eyes. "Our people can prosper without war. We don't have to bring death and destruction everywhere else!"

Yago struck him in the stomach. "Listen, son. You may have fought on the battlefield but you certainly don't act like it." He smirked. "Our nation only knows of death and destruction so we will bring that worldwide!"

Sidus fell to his knee. "You'll regret making wars with every nation, father. I promise you that!"

***

He opened his eyes. "Death and destruction." Sidus slowly sighed.

***

A door slammed shut as Troy, Kat, Kira, and Lord X entered the apartment. Percy stood at the kitchen table alone when he held a hand to them. Ace stumbled behind them as he coughed.

"Before you guys jump to a conclusion, I caught Cheyanne in the bathroom. She was hiding out from Kat but I already punished her." Percy said with a frown.

Kat let out a sigh. "Ugh! I can't believe I didn't check there first! Oh well, I should go greet her!" She rushed off into the hallway and stepped into her room.