The next day, Zack sits at his desk in the bustling classroom, surrounded by friends as they talk about last night's homework and plans for the weekend. He's feeling relaxed, the memory of his encounter with the Joker a fading adrenaline rush. Just as he's about to join in on a joke one of his friends told, he catches sight of the familiar figure of the muscular man from yesterday entering the classroom. The guy looks around, locks eyes with Zack, and strides over.
Muscular Man: Mind if I talk with you a bit, man?
Zack's expression tightens, and he lets out a small, annoyed sigh.
Zack: You again? … Tsk. Fine.
His friends exchange glances, clearly puzzled, but Zack waves them off as he follows the guy out of the classroom. They walk in silence, the air heavy with unspoken tension, until they reach the rooftop.
Once they're alone, the muscular man turns to Zack, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
Muscular Man: Look… I wanted to say I'm sorry about the other day. I shouldn't have bullied you like that. It was wrong.
Zack crosses his arms, his gaze skeptical.
Zack: And what about my powers? You saw them when I was in the bathroom…
The guy's eyes widen, and he immediately raises his hands in a defensive gesture.
Muscular Man: Don't worry, man! I swear, I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with me.
Zack studies him for a moment, then nods, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Zack: Alright, I'll hold you to that. …So, what's your name?
Muscular Man: It's Vasco.
Zack: Okay, Vasco… give me one good reason why you were bullying me yesterday. Why act like that in the first place?
Vasco sighs, his face clouding with a mix of frustration and regret as he looks out over the schoolyard below.
Vasco: It's… complicated. Growing up, I was always the weak kid, you know? I got picked on, pushed around, and one day I just snapped. I decided if I was the biggest, toughest guy around, no one would ever mess with me again. But I guess I… went overboard. Taking it out on you wasn't right.
Zack's expression softens a bit as he listens, understanding a part of the guy's struggle. He lets out a breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
Zack: I get it. But next time, try talking to people instead of pushing them around. It's easier than you think.
Vasco looks up, surprised at Zack's response, and a hint of a smile appears.
Vasco: Yeah… thanks, man. I'll work on that. And, hey, about your powers… they're pretty cool.
Zack chuckles, shaking his head.
Zack: Let's just keep that between us, alright?
-Meanwhile in the Sewer of New York-
In the dim, dripping tunnels of the city sewer, a man crouches in the shadows, his silhouette barely visible in the flickering light from a cracked overhead grate. His eyes gleam with a peculiar intensity as he reaches into his coat, pulling out a crumpled piece of bread. He tosses it to the ground, and within moments, the soft rustling of tiny feet echoes through the tunnel as a swarm of rats emerges from the darkness, drawn to the scent.
The man grins, watching as the rats gather around him, their beady eyes fixed on him expectantly.
Man: Ah, my little friends... You're all looking eager tonight, aren't you? Well, I've got a special job for you, and if you do it right, there'll be plenty more where that came from.
He pulls out a small blueprint, carefully unrolling it to reveal a detailed layout of a nearby bank. He points to a spot on the map, his finger tapping on a ventilation duct leading into the building.
Man: This, right here, is where you'll get in. The vault's on the other side of that wall. Once you're inside, look for anything shiny or green, anything that looks valuable. Bring it back here, and we'll make ourselves a nice little fortune.
The rats chitter in response, almost as if they understand his words. The man chuckles softly, his voice low and sinister.
Man: And don't worry. I know you'll do well. You're the best thieves in the whole city, aren't you?
He reaches into his coat again and pulls out another treat, tossing it to the rats, who swarm around it eagerly.
Man: Remember, be quick, be quiet. No one suspects a rat. Not yet, anyway.
With one final stroke of a particularly large rat's head, he stands up, his eyes glinting with anticipation as he watches his "little army" scurry off into the shadows, disappearing down a narrow tunnel that leads to the bank above.
-Back to Mc-
On the rooftop, Zack and Vasco lean against the railing, the midday sun casting shadows over their faces. Vasco, still processing what Zack had just told him, looks at him in disbelief.
Vasco: So, you're telling me you fought Megumi as a… devil?
Zack nods, his gaze distant as he recalls the hazy memories.
Zack: Yeah… well, kind of. I didn't even realize she was a devil until it was too late. I can barely remember how I even defeated her… it was all a blur. I was on the edge of losing, then somehow… I managed to kill her.
Vasco's jaw drops slightly as he tries to wrap his head around Zack's words.
Vasco: So… Megumi is a devil?
Zack shakes his head, snapping out of his thoughts.
Zack: No, not exactly. Turns out she's not even the real Megumi. She's a fake a devil named Meru. The real Megumi actually has a girlfriend, so, if I were you, I'd just leave her alone.
Vasco lets out a frustrated groan, slumping against the railing.
Vasco: Damn! Of course she's taken!
He stands up suddenly, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes.
Vasco: Alright, how about this. Let's make a deal. I'll help you track down criminals and villains around here.
Zack crosses his arms, skeptical.
Zack: And why would I trust you?
Vasco smirks, leaning in as he lowers his voice.
Vasco: Because I know how to hack the CCTV system. I can give you eyes everywhere in the city.
Zack raises an eyebrow, taken aback.
Zack: Seriously?
Vasco nods confidently.
Vasco: Serious. With my tech skills and your powers, we could clean up this city in no time. What do you say?
Zack hesitates, considering the offer. Finally, he nods, a small smile forming.
Zack: Alright, Vasco. Deal. Let's do this.
As they seal their agreement with a nod, Vasco suddenly feels his phone buzz in his pocket. He pulls it out, casually checking the screen as Zack looks on curiously. Vasco's eyes widen as he stares at the news notification.
Vasco: No way…
Zack: What? What's up?
Vasco turns the screen toward Zack, showing a headline with a grainy security photo of a rat scurrying across a bank counter, dragging a small wad of cash in its teeth.
Vasco: "Rat Robbery at Midtown Bank: Security Footage Shows Rats Stealing Cash."
Zack squints at the headline, baffled.
Zack: Are they serious? A rat robbed a bank?
Vasco shakes his head, scrolling through the article.
Vasco: Apparently. The news says a whole bunch of them got into the vault somehow and made off with a decent amount of money. Security's got no idea how it happened.
Zack chuckles in disbelief, scratching his head.
Zack: Rats, stealing cash… That's a new one.
To Be Continue...