A Taste For Chicken

Trick Fraud - Part 4

The Tech Expo was a sprawling, high-energy event housed in one of the city’s most advanced convention centers. It was a spectacle of innovation and futuristic technology, with towering displays of holographic screens, robots demonstrating artificial intelligence, and booths showcasing cutting-edge gadgets from all over the world. The air buzzed with excitement, the murmur of thousands of conversations blending with the hum of machines and the occasional burst of applause from onlookers impressed by some new tech marvel.

Hawks and Halcyon moved through the crowd, both on high alert but trying to blend in as much as possible. Hawks scanned the sea of faces and displays, his wings tucked tightly to his back to avoid drawing too much attention. Despite his concentration, Hawks' eyes couldn't help but drift to some of the gleaming objects. Halcyon, walking beside him, looked less impressed by the shiny gadgets and more focused on the task at hand.

“This place is a goldmine for Trick Fraud,” Hawks muttered under his breath as they passed a demonstration of an advanced drone system, “He could steal half this stuff and no one would even notice until it’s too late.”

“What an asshole,” Halcyon replied, her voice low but edged with determination. “He’s got to be planning something big. I'm sure he's hiding around here somewhere. We just need to find him before he makes his move and runs away.”

They didn’t have to wait long. As they approached a section of the expo showcasing experimental tech from a top robotics company, they spotted him—Trick Fraud, standing casually by one of the displays, his eyes scanning the room with a mischievous glint. Dressed in his usual flashy, almost eccentric attire, he looked every bit the thrill-seeking villain they had come to know. How no one seemed to notice him was surprising honestly, especially when he was dressed almost like a circus ringmaster.

Before they could even think to move, Trick Fraud smirked and gave them a mocking salute. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite duo! Just in time to see the show," he said with a playful lilt.

Hawks and Halcyon immediately tensed, knowing what was coming. Trick Fraud snapped his fingers, and suddenly, the room was filled with chaos. The lights flickered, and the holographic displays went haywire, creating a confusing maze of shifting images and shadows. Out of the corners of the room, minions hired by Dr. Hawthorne emerged, armed with advanced weaponry they had no doubt stolen from similar events. Immediately they began throwing anything in reach into bags and pockets.

Hawks’ wings flared out as he launched himself into the air, feathers shooting out to disable the nearest group of thugs. Halcyon transformed into Tiger, his speed and agility amplified as he darted through the shifting holograms, clawing and slashing at the attackers who tried to corner the civilians and tamper with the displays.

Tiger growled, taking down a thug with a heavy blow before turning to Hawks and shouting, "They're taking everything they can get!"

Trick Fraud, meanwhile, began weaving through the chaos with almost preternatural grace, dodging every attack they sent his way. He moved as if he knew exactly what was coming, avoiding Hawks’ feathers by mere inches and slipping past Halcyon’s claws with a smug grin.

“This guy’s starting to piss me off,” Halcyon growled as she narrowly missed grabbing Trick Fraud by the collar.

“Join the club,” Hawks muttered, his wings beating rapidly as he tried to keep up with the villain, “He’s using his quirk to stay a step ahead. We need to throw him off somehow.”

As they continued to chase Trick Fraud through the expo, it became clear that his precognitive powers were giving him a significant edge. He anticipated every move they made, dodging, ducking, and weaving through the chaotic battlefield with infuriating ease. All the while he made cheeky little remarks, his shit-eating grin absolutely infuriating.