The streets of the city were silent, wrapped in a blanket of darkness. Aarav moved through narrow alleyways, his makeshift disguise of dirty clothes clinging to his body. Anahata's protective layer hummed faintly, shielding him from the ever-watchful CCTV cameras.
Despite the eerie stillness, Aarav's senses were on high alert. The air was thick with the scent of concrete and distant exhaust fumes. His heart raced, replaying the mocking green eyes and smile of the mysterious figure he couldn't track.
A low groan snapped him out of his thoughts. Across the street, a drunk man stumbled, barely able to stand. Without hesitation, Aarav crossed over, placing a steady hand on the man's shoulder.
"Come on, let's get you home," Aarav said quietly.
The man slurred a thanks as Aarav guided him to his doorstep. After ensuring the man was safe inside, Aarav continued his patrol.
He spotted a pack of street dogs huddled near a garbage bin. One wagged its tail weakly, hunger evident in its eyes.
Aarav knelt down, pulling out a packet of biscuits from his pocket. "Here you go, guys," he said, tossing the biscuits to them. The dogs devoured the food, their tails wagging furiously.
A faint smile tugged at Aarav's lips. Even in chaos, some things stay pure.
Just as he stood to leave, a piercing bark shattered the peace. The bark turned into a yelp of pain, followed by snarling and heavy thuds. Aarav's blood ran cold.
"Anahata, track that sound," he commanded.
"Already on it. Twenty meters ahead," Anahata responded.
Aarav sprinted down the dark alley, his heart pounding. The scene before him made his stomach twist. A hulking figure clad entirely in black was engaged in a brutal fight with a street dog. The man wielded an iron pipe, his face hidden beneath a dark mask.
"Hey!" Aarav shouted, anger flaring in his chest. " Leave the dog alone!"
The man paused, turning slowly toward Aarav. Under the dim light, a bull tattoo on his forearm gleamed for a split second before he clenched his fist.
Aarav's breath hitched. Is he the same person? No... but something's not right.
"I'm here to help," Aarav offered cautiously.
The man didn't respond. Instead, he lunged forward, swinging the pipe with deadly precision. Aarav ducked, the pipe narrowly missing his head and slamming into the wall with a deafening clang. Adrenaline surged through Aarav as he retaliated with a punch to the man's ribs. Pain shot through his knuckles-the man was built like a tank.
The man drove his knee into Aarav's stomach, sending him staggering backward. Gasping for air, Aarav barely dodged another swing of the pipe.
"You think you can play hero?" the man growled.
Aarav's vision blurred with rage. He charged forward, tackling the man into the wall. They grappled, fists flying in a chaotic blur. Aarav landed a solid punch on the man's jaw, but it barely fazed him.
The pipe came down again, slamming into Aarav's ribs. He collapsed to the ground, pain radiating through his body. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
Is this it? Am I really going to lose like this?
Anahata's voice cut through the chaos.
"Don't give up. Deploying countermeasures."
A sudden jolt of electricity arced from Anahata's layer, shocking the man. He convulsed, dropping the pipe, and collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Aarav panted, his body trembling. "Is it over?"
The answer came in the form of a gunshot.
Bullets whizzed past him, ricocheting off the walls. Aarav's heart raced as he spotted the man's partner—a wiry figure holding a gun.
"Bull! Wake up!" the shooter yelled, his voice desperate.
"Barrier compromised. Retreat immediately!" Anahata commanded.
A shimmering energy field formed around Aarav, deflection the initial bullets. But the field flickered, showing signs of weakening.
Aarav clenched his teeth, ignoring the pain. He sprinted down the alley, vaulting over trash cans and dodging gunfire. The adrenaline dulled his injuries, but fear gnawed at his resolve.
The gunfire faded as Aarav rounded a corner and collapsed against a wall, gasping for breath. Blood stained his hoodie, but he was alive.
Anahata's voice was grim. "You were seconds away from death. This city won't hold back. You need to be ready next time."
Aarav's eyes flicker with determination. "Next time... I will be."