The Last Crusader

3

Devlin had donned the title of Zenith because he wanted to be the best mask. That was a couple of years ago after the Guardian of Ether saved them all. Temporarily. The death of so many soldiers brought more death and martial law. When they began fighting against the invaders, they believed a fierce show of force would hold back The Regime.

There seemed to be an endless supply of weaponry, machines, and manpower from The East. Putting on a mask became a fight for his life. Especially his mask. The Zenith, the most ferocious fighter against the Regime and Mafia, doing any and everything possible to bring them down. Causing the reinforcements, harsh treatment, and screening masks in order to hunt down Zenith.

There was little else to turn.

It's hard to clear your name when you're guilty of your crimes. The crime of a young man fighting endlessly to defend his home from invaders. As if they all wanted to be invaded. As if the fighting was for null. He tried fighting so hard for others. Instead, they fought against him instead of acknowledging his talents.

Now, he fought for his friend. Tonight, was for Bren.

Devlin regained his energy resting unmasked in the park. He was a few blocks away from his target. Waiting for the days of researching their schedule to come to fruition. It became clear the enemy was greater than anyone originally feared.

For so long the belief was that The Regulators and The Mafia were at odds. Even kayfabe enemies at war. Yet only the citizens suffered. The Masks proved such a great threat, they aligned from the very onset boxing them all in to contain the Masks. If a war broke out with the Regulators then the Mafia would have every excuse to intensify their extortion. While the Regs propagandize how big a threat the Masks are to the common good.

Yes, the common good of drug dealers and murderers.

Devlin wanted to fight the world to save Nadia but it was a useless battle.

Even he knew that.

"Your friend isn't full of crap after all." Mariposa's heel clacked against the cobblestone pathways of the park marching up to Zenith.

"How'd you find me Mariposa?" Devlin sighed pulling his mask over his face.

"Badger."

"Hmm..." Devlin nodded unsurprised.

"I left the pack because I felt your energy level drop." Badger panted catching his breath.

"You can read my energy even when I'm cloaking?" Devlin groaned.

"I am far stronger than you think, Zenith." Badger stood tall finally regaining his air.

"Are you threatening me?" Zenith clenched his fists prepared to fight.

"I don't need to threaten you." Mariposa cracked her neck.

"I'm busy. Go play hero with your friends." Zenith turned his back to her.

"You're not a hero anymore?" Badger rubbed his neck.

"We've never saved anybody." Zenith stood up, stretching out, "All we do is make things worse."

"All you do is make things worse. I don't want to get lost in your psychobabble Zenith. I am not here to join your weird cult of followers or your crusade. I'm here to put you down for killing Summer Breeze." Mariposa declared.

"I would usually laugh at you challenging me to a fight. Don't ever talk about Bren again, Rose. Don't pretend as you knew her at all." Devlin warned from under the mask.

"I care about every person who is brave enough to wear a mask and run the rooftops. I even cared about you." Mariposa leered into Devlin's soul.

"What makes you think I of all people killed Bren?"

"Reports talk about you sacrificing her to Enshishi and then throwing her off the roof. Once The Regulators caught you, you ran. They were chasing you. But only you because Breeze was already dead." Badger applauded revealing himself from his cover.

Devlin stared at the two opponents. Perhaps one of them would have been easy but both at once wouldn't be fun.

Devlin's legs bounced with anticipation waiting for the first attack but neither moved.

"You're already gearing up to fight us? You won't even deny it?" Mariposa rolled her eyes unsurprised.

"There's no other response I can think of you accusing me of Bren's death but to knock you out." Devlin grits his teeth unable to contain his anger.

"If you attack Mariposa, I won't hold back on you. This is your only time to talk." Badger warns.

"You two can either come to help me. Or die right here but I won't let you stop me." Zenith raised his guard, clenching his fist and darting toward Badger.

Mariposa whirled her hands, instantly restraining him in all directions by his neck, arms, and legs using the rushing creek to hold Devlin down.

"Cheating!" Devlin shouts.

"I've been waiting to get my hands on you. You stupid idiot! Do you realize you are the only one making everything worse? You killed a soldier tonight! The entire city is under lockdown! Innocent people are being detained and arrested because they are looking for you. We are turning you in and ending this all right now!" Mariposa enforces freezing the water into solid ice shackles.

Badger opened his arms wide then slammed his hands shut sealing Devlin in a concrete shell.

Badger fell to a knee, "Man, I'm out of practice."

"Still, you did well." Mariposa pats his back, "I'll get the others. Stay here and hold him."

"Wait, wait! I need your help!" Badger shouted but Mariposa was already gone, "He can teleport..."

Badger released the cage, realizing Zenith had already escaped. His eyes darted in both directions unsure whether he should pursue Zenith in hopes the others find them. Or play it safe to rendezvous with Mariposa's squad.

He could feel Zenith's energy surging. It wasn't in the park but close by. Mariposa left melting pillars of ice in her wake as she searched for her unit. Badger tore at his hair taking a deep breath and following his heart.