HORIZON 1.1

Part-18

The stadium building stood in the middle of Hope City, surrounded by towering structures. There was a gathering place for over 10,000 people at the top of this massive circular tower.

The mayor and other opposition leaders were debating their plans and the things they keep promising the public but never follow through on. It resembled a debate where the leaders were trying to entice the public by talking badly about one another and bragging about themselves.

Police were stationed everywhere to ensure public safety and the success of the event. Jack, stationed near the throng, was alert. The killer from the video could appear at any moment.

Jack was sure. Jack was prepared. This time, the killer couldn't get away.

"Hello, Mr." On Jack's wristband, a communication was received.

"Who? How do you manage to call me?" Over the line, Jack inquired.

"You can do better than this. Stop dressing like a criminal." Jack was told by the man on the other side.

Most likely, Jack had received a call from the killer. Jack became watchful and began searching around for him.

Jack waved his fingers twice. A code that was only known by the police.

"Killer is here." Maya, who was eagerly waiting with her team, stated. She was watching Jack all the time.

"Why are you doing this?" Jack asked, his eyes sweeping his surroundings for possible suspects.

"For justice that this system has failed to do." The caller answered back.

"How? through killing." Jack asked.

"They deserve to die. Could you please explain why you are donning a criminal's layer?"

Jack waved his fingers again.

"He is in the vicinity. All police, set the gun to stun and gather." Maya hurried over to Jack, giving orders to her officers.

All the officers started moving cautiously towards Jack.

"You arrived prepared, then." Over the line, the man asked Jack.

"You can see me," Jack replied as he began to look around.

"Yes, please stop looking for me. The stadium is packed to its capacity."

Jack saw a man talking to someone while sporting a black hood. Jack went straight to him and recognized that this was not the man he had come looking for.

"What is the purpose of this criminal's layer? Mr. Shiva," the caller questioned.

Squeezing his bracelet, Jack changed into Shiva.

"That's excellent. I find it hard to believe that you would dress like a criminal."

"Captain, I'm pinning everyone in this event who is using the communications channel this time. He's behind you." Through the police radio, Riya replied.

Maya turned and found a man on call close to the edge of the building. He had a cowl over his face and was dressed in all black.

"Don't move." Maya pulled out her revolver. "Riya?"

"Yes, this is the person we're trying to find." Riya answered back.

Soon, the man was surrounded by Shiva and the other police officers. He started laughing as he removed his cowl to show a mask made of metal covering his face.

"I must confess. You guys are amazing. It's your bad luck; it's me against you." The killer chuckled while he talked.

"This time, you're not going anywhere." Maya spoke as she stepped toward him. "You have been lured into a trap. It's a mistake that you fell into our trap."

"And I was thinking the same for you because I know you'll bring Jack to me."

Everyone felt quiet. Why the killer was expecting Jack was a mystery to them while Jack was housed at police headquarters in Zero Cell.

The killer made a sudden move, and a bullet struck a policeman across from him, completely disintegrating his lower body. The officer went limp to the ground. Shiva leaped to the killer quickly before the second fire had a chance to hit him.

Another shot was fired. A bullet struck the leg of another police officer. The ground is covered in tiny fragments of the officer's leg.

The political event had turned into chaos. All political figures disappeared from the scene using their teleportation bands, abandoning the people about whose welfare they were talking a moment ago.

Everyone in the event was running uncontrollably in fear.

"There is a sniper helping the killer. Get cover." Maya shouted as she tried to figure out where the gunshots were coming from. "He needs to be moved out of here. The sniper owns a Brazza. Riya. Have you found the snipper yet?"

"Jack. Captain, this is Jack using a sniper on the roof of a nearby building." Riya answered. Riya was onboard a chopper with the air patrol squad.

"How Jack manages to get out of Zero Cell." Maya looked shocked. She had Jack imprisoned, and the only one who could open Zero Cell was Maya.

"Thank you so much, Captain. I appreciate you bringing Jack to me." The killer spoke, then disappeared.

"Jack has some pretty good influence." Shiva said as he readied himself. "I'm still able to catch him. Captain, this is our last chance."

"How? He simply disappeared." Putting her gun back, Maya spoke.

"Riya can now locate the killer at every building's top, but I can't do this without abilities." Shiva answered.

"Okay, apprehend him and save Jack." After making a few minor adjustments, Maya gave Shiva her officer badge. "I need to know what's going on in my department."

Shiva caught the badge in mid-air and vanished.