(Twisted Fates) The Phantom

Chapter 2: Awaken

As the darkness closed in around him, Luke felt an odd detachment from his own demise. The alley's ambient sounds faded into a distant hum, and his surroundings blurred into an indistinct haze.

Suddenly, a surge of energy coursed through him, defying the finality of death. His eyes snapped open, revealing a world that seemed both familiar and strange. The gunshot wound was gone, replaced by an inexplicable vitality that pulsed within him.

Confused and disoriented, Luke tried to make sense of this surreal turn of events. He rose to his feet, discovering that the boundaries between life and death had shifted for him.

"What is this?"

Luke looked down at his hands and moved them, he looked around the alley, it's the same as it always was...

"Am I- alive or dead?"

As he navigates the city streets, Luke discovers an enhanced awareness and physical prowess. Small details stand out, and his senses seem sharper than before.

19 minutes later

Upon reaching his apartment, he sifts through remnants of his life-a family photo, his father's watch-seeking some connection to the past.

"I remember what you told me, it takes a hero to do something selfless and expect nothing in return."

Luke looked at himself in the mirror, he looked awful. Like he hasn't slept in forever. He figured the best way to get his mind off of it would be some television.

Luke sat down on his couch and flips through channels... eventually seeing the news. The headline being

Anarchist in Baltimore!

"Breaking news in Baltimore tonight! The city is surging with a new wave of chaos as the notorious criminal known as the Anarchist strikes again. Reports of explosions and widespread vandalism are pouring in. Authorities are urging citizens to stay indoors as they work to apprehend this dangerous individual."

Luke leans in to get a closer look.

"This report is close to Miller Enterprises- that son of a bitch is going to keep spreading his chaos until he reaches it. I'll have to make sure the militia is on extra look out."

Luke didn't bother going to his bed, he was extremely worn out. Eventually he subsumed to tiredness and closed his eyes, fading away into sleep.

The Next Morning...

"A day off of work, just what I like to hear. I know exactly where I should go. Been meaning to talk for a while after all."

Now in a car, Luke navigated through the morning traffic of Baltimore.

His destination: a small coffee shop nestled in a corner, a familiar refuge where he and a friend often met. The aroma of brewing coffee seeped through the air as he parked the car.

Pushing open the door, a jingle announced his entrance, and the warmth of the coffee shop embraced him. Brian sat at their usual spot, a steaming cup in hand, his eyes carrying a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Luke Miller, it's about time. I figured you were getting too good for us little people, with your new job and all."

Brian said jokingly.

"I didn't forget about you all- how's Alex doing? And better yet! Aren't you some big time player now?"

Luke replied to Brian with his own questions of Brian's success.