Chapter 3, Simulation Part 3

"You and Dad seem to be getting along!" Tara said over the rushing winds as they sped down the road. Tara could tell Dwayne was rolling his eyes under his helmet.

"Yeah we're practically blood brothers." Dwayne turned down the road. "You know he's going to shoot me one of these days right? He's definitely planning my murder-" Dwayne grunted when he felt a punch being delivered to his side.

"That's Still my Dad you're talking about, asshole!" Tara pouted. "He's not gonna...kill you." her voice carried a bit of reluctance.

"I noticed how you paused for a second there, Anything you want to warn me about."

"Look, just try not to piss him off. He'll likely just pistol-whip you."

"How is that any better?!"

"Cause he's not shooting you."

The two friends shared a laugh, Tara and Dwayne were always an odd duo ever since Dwayne moved in with the Cadmans, believe it or not their fathers were the ones to introduce them, kicking off their relationship. To put it simply, Tara was a loner in her school who usually kept to herself. It wasn't that her Classmates dislike her, in fact some of them wanted to befriend her but she'd cast them away. Tara had nothing against them, they're good people but not her cup of tea. Then Dwayne came into her life and brought a new set of entertaining predicaments. He was far from being New York's roguish bad boy that he plays out to be, the guy was a total goofball and hard-headed, he's the type of guy who you know would make an impact anywhere he goes, either positive or negative. Tara knew he'd preferred the former, he claimed to got enough of that during his time on the streets. Bouncing from foster home to foster home must had been taxing on the mind. She imagines a younger Dwayne dropped back at the orphanage and being told his foster family didn't want him anymore. That left a pit in her stomach, how could anyone be the same after hearing that?

She was afraid to question him about it, mostly because it wasn't her business but that didn't mean she wasn't curious. If she'd ask him now how would he respond? Would he lash out and change the subject entirely. It would be better to ask him when they get to school, that way he won't make her walk if he gets pissed. As if sensing her thoughts Desmond turned his head slightly.

"You good, T?" Dwayne asked curiosity laced in his tone. "Silence is rare an occurrence when you're around, unless you had a heart attack when I wasn't looking."

"Idiot," Tara grinned jabbing him lightly in the ribs, it would've been harder if he wasn't the one driving. "Just thinking about the game today, that's all."

"Why the hell hadn't the coaches benched you with the Grades you have?" Dwayne snickered. "They were never good at making the right calls."

"Seriously are my coaches that bad?"

"Better question, Should they be called coaches?" Dwayne retorted earning a laugh from the bubbly girl.

Before Tara could open his mouth to respond, a sound that resembled a burst of lightning echoed across the area. Dwayne swiftly pressed on the brakes as the ground began to quake like an angry titan stomping the earth. Their attention shifted to where the thunderous sound originated from, only to look on gobsmacked at the bizarre sight before them. Where they once had a perfect view of the Brooklyn Bridge in all it's glory, Tara always loved to ride this route because it gave her a small sense of peace before her hectic day started. Now there was nothing left but a transparent pillar of light splitting the clouds far apart as it beamed down on the center of Brooklyn Bridge. From here Tara could see the massive hole within the great bridge, large fragments falling and hitting the ocean floor below creating a large splash.

"Shit..." Tara's hands covered her mouth holding in her panic. "Dwayne, are you fucking seeing this?!"

"I'm not even sure what I am seeing. What the hell is that?" The teenager gawked at the unnatural calamity, he wasn't a meteorologist but pillars of light falling from the sky was definitely unorthodox. Instincts honed by years on the streets screamed at him to escape, He immediately shifted the gear to drive. However a soft hand latched on to his wrist keeping him from obeying them. "Damn it, Let go Tara. This could be happening everywhere else, we need to find shelter or something."

"Dwayne...my Dad takes the Brooklyn Bridge," Tara argued her voice beginning to crack. "What if he-"

"And what are we going to do about it?!" He snapped. "We're not the capes Tara, we're just teenagers. Better to run and find help then to rush in there half-cocked." It wasn't being cruel or cowardice, he's simply being logical. Hell, if they did have superpowers or some shit like that he still wouldn't charge straight in.

"Drop me off then! I'm not going anywhere that's not there, go ahead and be a bastard somewhere else!" Tara snarled. She was clearly irrational, very fucking irrational. There was no snowball's chance in hell she'll survive whatever is going on.

Alone that is...

Dwayne could go with her and keep the idiot girl from killing herself. What was the likelihood of him dying too? Sure he didn't want Tara's death on his conscience but Dwayne learned at a young age that the world doesn't care about the selfless and the brave. There was no such thing as a hero's death because in reality who knows what happens to the people they save. Survival of the fittest is the only way to live in this cruel world, 'all that matters is 'you' , all that should be on your mind is 'you'. Then why can't he get the thought of Tara's grieving mother and possibly father if he was alive, mourning over a coffin with Tara's lifeless body inside it. Dwayne's heart felt dread at the image, he could hear her friends and family blaming him for her demise, deeming him a coward.

No..he can't let that happen, Dwayne cut his motorcycle to the left, going back where they came. Tara gasped at the sudden maneuver, wrapping her arms around his waist as the motorcycle sped up towards the Brooklyn Bridge.

"...thank you," Tara smiled brightly, the anger draining from her expression.

"Shut the hell up," He shot back. "This is for my conscience not for you!"

"Whatever you say, hero."

"Fuck you."

____________________________________________________________

Leonard Malik hated mornings in city hall especially during the re-election campaign, he stood in his Oval Office looking outside his window with a glass of the finest champagne, careful not to drip any on his black tailored suit and yellow tie. His piercing yellow eyes glared at the civilians below him...as it should be. The lower class should always be on the bottom of his heel. His brown shoulder length haired similar to a lion mane was tied back into a bun to keep it in place, his beard was well groomed and managed, he had to look tamed for his visitors that'll be arriving this morning. Mayor Leonard Malik is an intelligent politician in the eyes of the public, courageous and generous in their minds, a mayor that will fight for the low income citizens, a cooperative figure funding law enforcement to make the illusion of a better society.

That was a label, he's a simple businessman selling a product that appeared good to the public

That was a label, he's a simple businessman selling a product that appeared good to the public. His facade was only a label to hide his contents. When companies brand their goods, they emphasize the pros but never the cons. The pro with Mayor Malik is he's cater to the fools until they submit their votes before flashing them the con for helping him in his goal. He'll run this city with an iron fist like he always did, there was a reason why crime was dwindled in the big Apple, because Malik's influence was neck deep in it's rotten core. Leonard climbed his way through wannabe gangsters and ruthless mobsters to reach a seat that held power and authority. Strings were pulled, rats were trapped, and liabilities were removed. The public called him Leonard Malik but the underworld had granted him the title, Lion, a fitting name. Lions rule the animal kingdom and prey on the weak and ignorant.

Leonard believed that power was the currency in this world, he could have all the precious diamonds in the world, beautiful women that cater to his every desire as long as they were pampered, and have the largest penthouse in the city. In the end it didn't matter unless he had power. The power to conquer his lessers and destroy his enemies. Power is the main resource in the world, he planned to use it to it's full potential until the world kneeled to his commands.

"Mr. Malik," His secretary voice was the line, he already knew who it was. "The authorities are here to speak—"

"Send him in, " The lion said sternly. There was silence for a second before a familiar parasite walked through his door. Jacob Cadmann, a do-gooder who clings to a broken system. Here for an interrogation no doubt. Didn't his family go camping this weekend? Shame he found out too late, he could've set up the perfect camping accident. He still had a strong connection to New York's underworld, he can post bounties, anonymously of course, on any parasite he wanted. It may take time but the fools he usually hired aren't that incompetent. "Good morning Jacob, I'm assuming you had a nice weekend? You don't appear to be stressed as you were before."

"What can I say? The wilderness is pleasant this time of year." Jacob grinned taking a seat in a chair. "You should already know this isn't a social call, Malik."

"Is any visit from the New York's finest is?" Leonard sipped his champagne in delight.

"Two of the most wealthiest and influential families in NY, were murdered last Saturday. The Richardsons and the Cullens, they died Execution style."

Ah, that's what this is about? Leonard had sent death squads to their homes in the middle of the Night, he was astonished they were capable of finishing the job in time. Good, those families were obstacles impeding him in the election race, supporting his opponent Edward Williams. They needed to die in order for him to succeed, nothing personal just business. "Shame...they were good people and will be remembered. Is that the reason why you chose to visit me ?"

"I'm here to clear up an issue, the boys in the bureau think your a prime suspect. You wouldn't mind sharing where you were At that time."

"Of course, " He already crafted an alibi, he made sure his campaign team were working until midnight so they could vouch for him. They were useful pawns to an extent. "I was here at 11:00pm through 12:00am, the team can confirm my whereabouts-"

"That's strange, " Jacob dared to interrupt the Lion of New York, but the proud politician swallowed his pride and allowed it.

"What is Agent Cadman? As I said my time zone will check Out--"

"I never gave you a time of death." Jacob glared, "I merely said last Saturday and you filled in the blanks, that information wasn't sent to the news, so don't try making that claim."

Leonard's grip on his wine tightens fiercely, that was incredibly stupid on his end. He was too focused on his cover story that he failed to realize Jacob was reading him. Clever, he was so impressed that he almost didn't want to break his glass on the table and slit Jacob's jugular with the fragmented glass.

"Now how would you know--" Jacob never had the chance to finish as a beam of white light shot down through the roof, throwing both men to opposite sides of the room. Leonard's vision swam for a moment until adjusting to the sight of two humanoid figures, their bodies were the color of sliver matching their long razor-like claws, they had silver horns pointing backwards and one oval-like eye similar to a Cyclops that glowed a light purple, there was no iris, pupil or a sclera just a glowing eye. There were long silver talons protruding from their backs, sharp enough to pierce flesh and bones.

The two creatures scanned the room until their eyes zeroed in on Leonard, they floated towards them, feet never touching the ground as if earth's gravity didn't infect them

The two creatures scanned the room until their eyes zeroed in on Leonard, they floated towards them, feet never touching the ground as if earth's gravity didn't infect them. Although they were stopped when three of Leonard's bodyguard bursted in the room and fired on the creature without hesitation. Leonard trained them to take aggressive action when his life was endangered, they were good men just not smart ones. The aliens turned to them as the bullets struck a purple aura coating their bodies. The talons on their backs started twitching unnaturally, leveling towards the men before firing off. Jacob dove to the side missing the blade by an inch as the guards behind him were cut through like a hot knife through butter. Leonard cursed wishing that meddling agent would've gotten impaled first, though he did take pleasure in the fear within Jacob's eyes. The lion was so enamored in fact that he hardly noticed the aliens approaching him and grabbing each of his arms. In a flash of purple light the three of them vanished.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Dwayne seen many things at the young age of sixteen, he remembered witnessing the bigger orphans beat on the smaller ones for something simple as extra food. He neglected the brutality because it would solve nothing, they'll only stop momentarily to beat on him instead while the victim got away only for them to run into the same situation again next day. Did he try telling on the tormentors? No way in hell. What would the people in charge do anyways? They'll send them to timeout and hope they learn to behave on their own. Absolutely not, they'd find more subtler places to continue their shake downs away from the adult's eyes. Arkham Asylum was a similar case, society trusted the system to rehabilitate deranged criminals , not for them to come back better criminals. In Dwayne's honest opinion, give them the needle and be done with it, screw codes and one-sided honor.

However, Dwayne rather be back in that hellhole than here, seeing corpses littered on the road either crushed by cars or severely scorched to a crisp. The smell of burnt flesh disgusted him same with his companion who was on the verge of vomiting. Who or what did this to them, he initially assumed this was terrorism but that flew out the window after seeing pillars of light splitting the clouds. Looking ahead into the city now, he spotted smoke emerging in the skies. He was right this isn't the only place that was hit, New York is under attack. Tara's arms squeezed his waist , burying her face in his hoodie as he drove. Fear...he didn't need to be a dog to tell when someone was scared, he saw it in people before. Dwayne bottled his fear to avoid showing weakness. Better to show strength than to have people exploiting your fear, a common tactic used to play games with the weak minded.

"Stop!" Tara's voice intruded his thoughts making Dwayne press on the brakes. "I-I can see someone up ahead, h-he's wearing a—police uniform." The chestnut skinned athlete hopped off the motorcycle sprinting towards the man. However, Dwayne wasn't too eager to follow, the man is indeed a cop but why did he look so... wait, the cop's gun is drawn.

"Tara stay back!" Dwayne yelled abruptly causing Tara to pause in time, missing a bullet whizzing pass her cheek, grazing it slightly.

"DON'T MOVE!" A tall man in the black-blue short-sleeved shirt and black pants of a police officer stood in the doorway, gun drawn and pointed in their direction. Dwayne could tell it was Tara's first time being held at gunpoint since she whimpered, Dwayne did the same but he'd tell grandkids a different tale if he made it out this . Their hands inched upwards.

"Man, are you fucking serious?!" Tara broke the first rule in dealing with cops, don't become aggressive. "Hey, you realize there's people dying right!? Shouldn't you be helping them instead of shooting at kids!"

"I said don't move!" the obvious rookie repeated. One hand on his weapon, the other drew up a walkie talkie. He muttered something into it, then tried again. Only after silence greeted his third attempt did he let go.

"We don't have time for this!" Tara hollered.

"Tara calm down!" Dwayne grimaced, his eyes glancing at the rookie's grip on the trigger, his finger squeezed gently preparing to pull if the young girl made a sudden move. "He's not fucking around here!" The officer looked twitchy, and while New York didn't have all that many police shootings, the current situation was just stressful enough to warrant one

"Neither am I!" She chose the worst time to act fucking brave. "Officer, there's no time for this and you know it. What are you going to do, march us down to the station in the middle of a terrorist attack? You can't be thinking of driving in this. We'll never make it."

His eyes were wide, bloodshot. "I-I don't know what's going on, but I do know that I can't trust anyone right now! You could be hostile like t-that m-monster!"

"Monster?" Dwayne tilted his head in confusion. "What are you—"

What happened next can be described in a series of traumatic events that Dwayne will never forget for the rest of his mortal life. There was a sword that seemingly appeared from thin air, already painted in blood, sweeping downward in a clean and swift movement. The First to be bisected was the skull, the next level was the rookie's torso slowly being split in half until carving through the pelvis then touching the ground along with other organs that fell from the rookie's dissected body. The two halves of the rookie fell as blood sprayed like geyser, coating the mysterious creature's helmet.

Dwayne stared...he stared so more...then vomited. He noticed he was the first one also.

The creature of white shifted it's attention to Tara, who stood where still as a statue. Her eyes seemed so...he couldn't describe it. There was fear mixed with shock and then acceptance. Acceptance that she may die to this alien's snow-white sword, sharing the same or worse fate as the torn corpse in front her. The chalk-white alien approaches the girl, ready to reenact the previous display until the creature halted. It's glowing eyes darted alittle higher to meet Dwayne's frighten ones. His following move was a bad one, one he'll never repeat if he met this creature again...he blinked. The white alien had closed the distance so fast that Dwayne fell off his motorcycle and onto his back. The adopted teenager quickly crawled backwards, raising his arms instinctively to protect himself even though he knew the sword could render it easily.

The creature gazed for a while not making a single move, it was incredibly unnerving to be stared at, Dwayne would've been reading their expression if their intent was hostile but this creature's helmet was certainly preventing that. No words were exchanged but Dwayne doubted it could speak, he listened carefully and was unable to hear breathing or any sort of action that indicated life. The silence ended far too suddenly when the alien grabbed his throat, and hoisted him up, allowing his feet to dangle above ground. The alien's white aura surrounding creature's body intensified, becoming a blinding light. Dwayne's beat on the creature's arm feebly, his efforts to yell came out in gasps of air. He turned his head to the side, praying that Tara would renew her vigor to aid him, she had too! He was her friend! He would do the same for her. Tara a Finch did the same thing he tried to do earlier, she obeyed the rules of fight or flight, you can guess what she picked.

She chose flight...

Like Dwayne should had done...

'All that matters is you'...'All that should be on your mind is you'

Now he remembered why he didn't trust people.