Crazy kid

The leader of the group struggled against the unseen force constricting him, his cybernetic limbs whirring as he tried to overpower the invisible binds. His crew was no better off—some had stopped struggling altogether, realizing the futility of it, while others twisted and thrashed, only to be met with more resistance from the unseen vines.

Sol took a slow step forward, his smirk never fading. "I'll ask one more time—who sent you?"

The leader gritted his teeth, his mechanical eye whirring as it focused on Sol. "You think this changes anything, kid? You're just making things worse for yourself. Let me go, and maybe our boss will go easy on you."

Sol sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "You guys really don't know how to negotiate, do you?" He stepped forward and reached out, placing a single finger against the forehead of the nearest thug. The moment his skin made contact, the man stiffened—then his entire body jerked violently.

A bloodcurdling scream tore through the alley as the thug fell to his knees, clutching at his head. His breathing turned ragged, eyes darting around as if he were seeing something no one else could. His crew stood frozen, watching in horror as their comrade convulsed, his screeches of pain so raw and primal they sent chills down their spines.

Then, as abruptly as it started, Sol snapped his fingers, and the illusion ceased. The thug collapsed onto the ground, his body drenched in sweat, his unfocused eyes rolling back before he passed out cold.

Sol hummed, rubbing his chin. "Maybe that was too much for him... oh well." He rolled his shoulders, then tilted his head with a smirk. "Alright, who's next?"

The once-intimidating gang no longer looked aggressive. Instead, they stared at Sol with pure terror. Their leader clenched his jaw, trying to regain some semblance of control, but even he couldn't hide the fear creeping into his cybernetic eye.

One of the thugs, a wiry-looking alien with slicked-back spines, panicked. "What the hell is this?! How's he doing this?!"

The leader let out a sharp breath, clearly trying to maintain his composure. "Enough!" His voice was gruff, but Sol could hear the strain behind it. "Fine. You want answers? You're asking the wrong guy. We don't know who exactly wants you. We just got orders from higher up that you're worth watching. That someone wanted to 'meet' you. That's all."

Sol narrowed his eyes. "And where were you supposed to take me?"

The leader hesitated before muttering, "Somewhere in the Outer Spire District. We don't ask questions when we get orders. We do the job, get paid."

"Charming," Sol muttered, rubbing his chin. "And if I had gone with you, what then?"

The leader exhaled through his nose. "Not my problem. We get you there, and our job's done. Whatever happens after isn't on us."

Sol clicked his tongue. "You know, you guys really suck at this whole 'kidnapping' thing."

The leader's jaw clenched, but he didn't argue. He had no leverage.

Before any of them could make another move, one of the thugs, clearly more impatient than the rest, growled, "Enough talking! Let's just—"

His words were cut off as the vines tightened around his throat. Sol tilted his head, his voice eerily calm. "I'd be careful with what you say next."

The thug went silent, eyes wide as he struggled to breathe.

Sol let the moment stretch before finally exhaling and loosening the vines just enough for the thug to gasp for air. "Now, I think I've heard enough. You guys are just errand boys, huh? Not even worth the effort."

The leader's expression darkened. "Watch your back, kid. You're making enemies you can't even begin to understand."

Sol considered it for a moment before exhaling through his nose. "You know what? I think this would be a lot easier if you all just took a little nap."

With a simple motion, he extended his fingers and let his illusion take hold. One by one, the thugs' eyes rolled back, their bodies going slack as they collapsed to the ground, unconscious. The only one left standing was the leader.

The cybernetic man's breath hitched, his confidence completely shattered. His hands trembled slightly as he stared at Sol, then at his unconscious crew. He swallowed hard, his voice finally losing all bravado. "W-what do you want?"

Sol smiled, his gaze sharp. "Nothing much. Just a guide."

The leader's brows furrowed in confusion. "Wait, you're actually going there?"

Sol merely looked at him, his unreadable expression sending a fresh wave of panic through the man. He clenched his fists, regret thick in his gut.

He had seriously messed with the wrong person.

Before they could argue, Sol twisted his fingers in the air, and the vines pulsed in response, tightening for a moment before suddenly retracting, vanishing back into the shadows as if they had never been there.

The leader pushed himself up, not even daring to look at Sol.

He knew when he was beaten.

Sol looked at the man and smirked. "Lead the way."

The leader lowered his head, his cybernetic limbs tense as he turned and began walking, clearly eager for this to be over. His steps were heavy, but there was no defiance left in him. Sol followed casually, hands in his pockets, Peach still perched on his shoulder like an oversized ornament.

As they moved through the dimly lit alleys, Sol's mind raced with possibilities. Who the hell was looking for him? And why?