Can We Be Heroes?

Chapter 13. Findings.

Monoma, on his usual early before daybreak patrols, moved fast as he pursued the infamous bomb witch across the city rooftops. She was equally fast and agile, her movements erratic as she launched sparkling blasts of energy in his direction. Each blast lit up the night sky in purple glitter explosion, forcing him to duck and weave, barely managing to avoid the impact.

“Tricks and glitter won’t save you from me, Glynda.” he muttered under his breath, still gazing fixed on her retreating figure.

He pushed himself harder, narrowing the gap between them but just as he reached out, fingertips brushing the edge of her flowing cape, she leapt from the rooftop, descending into the shadowy alleys below.

Monoma cursed, irritation showcasing across his face. But he didn’t waste a second as he made a sharp turn and dived down straight after her. He landed without a sound, the moonlight casting a silver glow on the darkened alleyway as he moved, silent and focused.

The witch was fast, but Monoma was faster as with a swift sprint he caught up to her, reaching out and grabbing her wrist before she could summon another burst of energy. She struggled, twisting and turning, but his grip was iron-clad.

“Give it up,” Monoma said coolly, tightening his hold. “Whatever game you were trying to play, it ends now.”

The witch shot him a glare, her face partially hidden beneath the shadows of her hood, but Monoma wasn’t fazed. He had dealt with quirks far more dangerous than hers, and this wasn’t his first encounter with someone who thought they could outsmart him.

“You think you can catch me that easily?” she hissed, trying to wrestle free.

Monoma smirked, his expression calm and unbothered. “You’ve already been caught. The real question is—do you want to make this harder on yourself?”

Realizing she was cornered, the witch sighed, her fight draining as Monoma maintained his firm grip. He wasted no time, swiftly cuffing her hands and securing her.

Now with Glynda's wrists bound tightly, Monoma took a small breath, steadying himself before delivering a swift blow to the back of her neck, knocking her out cold. Normally such acts were not his style but the lady really pissed him off plus she would not stop yapping.

She slumped to the ground, and he secured her in place, readying himself to call in the police. But just as he reached for his communicator, his nose twitched, catching a strange, acrid smell that prickled his senses.

Burnt flesh? The scent was unmistakable, searing and harsh, different from the usual smells of the city night.

Cautiously, Monoma walked further into the darkened alleyway, following the scent to a small corner where he spotted something smoldering. His eyes narrowed as he approached the scene, and his breath caught. There, amidst the ashes, was a pile of fresh remains, charred and twisted, as though the flames had only recently died down.

But what drew his attention most wasn’t the gruesome sight of ash and burnt flesh. It was the small object lying amidst the remains—an unscathed flash drive, gleaming under the faint moonlight.

Despite the flickering embers still dancing around it, the computer device appeared perfectly intact, untouched by the flames. How is that possible? Monoma thought, his brows furrowing in confusion. Technology didn’t survive that kind of heat—not without help.

Kneeling cautiously, he inspected the flash drive, feeling the tightness in his shoulders as he considered the possibilities. He doubted it was just a mere coincidence. He glanced back at the unconscious witch he had captured. Had she left this here? Or had she stumbled upon it, just as he had? No that assumption was not right. With the place and timing it clearly was not Glynda's.