Chapter 4: The First Failure

Michael stood atop a high-rise, his eyes scanning the city below. The night air was cool, a slight breeze ruffling his dark hair. He had been hunting alone for centuries, taking down glitches with ruthless efficiency. But tonight, something felt different. His power seemed diminished, a shadow of its former strength. 

He shook his head, dismissing the unsettling thought. He had a mission, and nothing would deter him from it. He leaped from the building, his form blurring as he moved swiftly through the streets, honing in on the presence of another glitch. 

In a rundown part of the city, a young man named Alex sat alone in his apartment, his hands trembling. Ever since he had discovered his ability to manipulate shadows, he had been living in fear. The power was uncontrollable, and he had already hurt several people unintentionally. 

Michael burst through the door, his eyes locked on Alex. "You are a glitch. Your powers disrupt the balance. I am here to neutralize you." 

Alex's eyes widened in fear, shadows beginning to writhe around him. "Stay away from me!" 

Michael raised his hand, summoning his power to absorb Alex's abilities. But something was wrong. The usual surge of energy was weak, faltering. The shadows around Alex grew more aggressive, lashing out at Michael. 

For the first time in centuries, Michael found himself struggling. The shadows ensnared him, their cold touch sapping his strength. He tried to break free, but his power wasn't enough. 

Alex's fear turned to desperation, and the shadows surged, filling the room with darkness. Michael could barely see, his movements sluggish. He needed Seraphina. The realization struck him hard—his strength was tied to his reaper. Without her, he was vulnerable. 

In a final, desperate effort, Michael managed to push Alex away, but the young man stumbled back, losing control of his power. The shadows exploded outward, shattering windows and collapsing part of the building. Michael was thrown back, crashing through a wall and landing in the street below. 

Michael lay there, dazed and weakened. He could hear sirens approaching, the wail of emergency vehicles cutting through the night. He struggled to his feet, his body aching from the Impact. He had failed. For the first time in his long existence, he had failed to complete his mission. 

As he limped away from the scene, he couldn't shake the thought of Seraphina. She was the key to his power, the missing piece he had ignored for too long. He needed her, and he had to find a way to convince her to join him fully. 

Determined, Michael made his way through the city, following the faint trace of Seraphina's presence. It led him to a familiar part of town, to the mansion where she lived. He saw her leave, moving with purpose. He followed at a distance, careful to remain unseen. 

She entered a police station, and Michael's heart sank. He crept closer, finding a spot where he could overhear her conversation. Her voice was clear, filled with determination. 

"I need to report someone. There's a man, dangerous and possibly delusional, who believes he has a divine mission. He's a threat to people with special abilities. Yes, his name is Michael." 

Michael felt a pang of betrayal. She was trying to turn him in, to expose him. But he couldn't blame her. He had given her every reason to fear him. He had to find a way to earn her trust, to show her the importance of their mission. 

As Seraphina left the station, Michael followed her, keeping to the shadows. He needed to talk to her, to make her understand. But how could he do that when she saw him as a monster? 

Seraphina entered her home, the weight of the night's events pressing down on her. She felt the familiar sensation of being watched, but when she turned, there was no one there. She closed the door, her heart heavy with uncertainty. 

Michael remained outside, watching her through the window. He had to find a way to reach her, to bridge the gap that had formed between them. His mission depended on it, and so did the balance of the world. 

He couldn't fail again. Not this time. 

"We need to talk. Tonight. The park. 8 PM. – M." 

End of Chapter 4