Chapter Text
The streets lay silent and abandoned, devoid of the usual hustle. Each whisper of the breeze echoed through the emptiness, creating a hushed symphony that seemed to provide ease amidst Scarlett City's usual clutter. This peaceful moment marked the city's traditional dead hour, providing a opportunity for Scar to keep watch atop the courthouse rooftop.
Stretching out on the cold cement, Scar gazed up at the starless sky with a mixture of boredom and vigilance. It was late, and Scar had been stationed here for nearly two hours patiently waiting for word about any ongoing activity, but there had been nothing but silence.
The courthouse roof provided little comfort, with its unforgiving surface lacking any amenities except a minimal guardrail. Scar tolerated the discomfort only because it provided him with a strategic vantage point in the city's heart, allowing him to keep a close eye on the streets.
Yet, despite the peace of the dead hour, Scar couldn't shake his weariness for this lull in activity. In his experience, dead hour could be a double-edged sword, sometimes living up to its name, but just as often becoming the stage for unexpected madness.
Over the years, Scar had learned to accept that he couldn't control when or where crime would strike, nor could he dictate its outcome. All he could do was remain vigilant, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice, and hope for the best possible outcome – to swiftly address the issue and aid the city he swore to protect. Despite its challenges, Scar knew that this was his duty, and he embraced it with determination and commitment.
"HotGuy," Scar's attention spiked at the sound of Cub's voice echoing through his earpiece. "Silent motion alarms activated in the confidential archives. You need to move fast before anything valuable disappears.. the press would have a field day with that one."
"On it," HotGuy replied briskly, grabbing his bow and swiftly locating a nearby building ledge to hook his grapple onto.
For the uninformed, the confidential archives housed vital government documents and records crucial for the city's operations. Therefore any breach would cause an issue.
In less than two minutes, HotGuy arrived at the scene. Silently, he slipped through a roof-mounted trapdoor and found himself in the confines of a janitor's closet. His familiarity with the building's layout from previous encounters lent him a confident edge as he prepared to confront whatever threat awaited within.
Stepping out of the closet, HotGuy moved with caution, his senses keen and his bow at his side. Each step was measured as he navigated the dimly lit halls, his eyes scanning for any signs of movement.
The building lay shrouded in darkness, the only illumination filtering in through the windows from the glow of streetlamps outside. HotGuy was on the verge of dismissing the call as a false alarm when he heard a faint shuffling sound that sent a jolt of adrenaline coursing through his veins.
"There it is." he thought to himself. Pausing in his tracks as he listened intently. With precision born of experience, he pinpointed the sound and made his way towards a distant backroom, where the faint glow of moonlight revealed a figure hunched over, rifling through drawers with purpose.
As HotGuy observed from the doorframe, he noted the intruder's smaller stature and the unmistakable presence of wings sprouting from his back. It was clear that this was no ordinary trespasser – this was someone from the underworld with a specific agenda.
Scar frowned, steadying his breath before addressing the trespasser. "Excuse me," he began softly, but even his gentle tone seemed to startle the hybrid lurking in the shadows. The man with wings jumped, spinning around in surprise, his feathers bristling defensively.
Observing the intruder's appearance, Scar took mental notes. Compared to most hybrids, this one appeared more human, dressed in solid black attire with dirty blonde hair, bright purple eyes, and wings adorning both his back and head. Heavy makeup obscured the upper half of his face, and he wore gloves, a clear attempt at stealth.
Despite Scar's presence, the man resumed his search as if HotGuy wasn't even there, a clear display of disregard. "Well, that was rude. You are aware you're not legally allowed to be here, let alone are you really legal at all.." HotGuy remarked, his tone measured but firm as he reminded the man of the law.
It had been over 14 years since the prohibition against individuals from the undercity entering the overworld was passed, strictly because hybrids were perceived as threats to human safety.
"Walk the other way," the unidentified man muttered bluntly, his voice tinged with a hint of accent, despite the slight distortion from a voice reflector.
"I'm afraid I can't do that," HotGuy replied sternly, his determination unwavering despite the growing annoyance in the winged man's conduct. The distraction was clearly interfering the intruder's search, much to his frustration.
"It wasn't an option," the avian retorted, his irritation palpable as he finally laid eyes on a document titled 'Undercity Feathers' – this was the files he had been searching for.
"Mine wasn't an option either," HotGuy opposed, edging closer as tension crackled between them. The winged man scoffed dismissively.
"Guess that'll be a problem then, huh?" he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Guess so," Scar shot back, relishing the opportunity for dialogue as a diversion and a chance to glean insight into his enemy's mindset.
"Undercity avian. Can't get an ID since he's masked, but based on my knowledge, half-bird, half-human. No immediate combat concerns, just a flight advantage. But if he's involved with the Watchers, then he might be a threat. Be cautious," Cub advised through HotGuy's visor, monitoring the situation closely.
Scar huffed at the mention of the Watchers, his distrust evident. He had heard the term before so he was aware of what this vigilante could be capable of.
"I'm not hurting anybody, nor am I destroying buildings or homes. I'm simply retrieving a few papers on a matter irrelevant to you and the overworld." he paused, "So tell me, why does it concern you to stop me?" the winged man inquired, his voice laced with a seductive echo that hinted at hidden depths.
"The name of this building has 'confidential' in its title, and its government-owned property. What else is there to explain? Whatever you want to take is undoubtedly important and necessary, just like any other document in this room," Scar reasoned, his tone still remain firm.
The man merely hummed in response. "Hm. How informative." he tilted his head slightly.
"Look, as much as I'd love to sit and chit-chat, you can't be in here. So I can either escort you out peacefully or forcefully. Your choice," Scar stated more seriously, his patience wearing thin. The other male only scoffed as he gathered the papers he needed.
"I don't want to chit-chat with you. I intended on leaving as soon as I got what I needed," the avian declared, waving the stack of articles at the hero before placing them on a nearby desk. With a sly smirk, he approached Scar, who visibly tensed at the proximity.
Scar backed up, a mixture of offense and nervousness clouding his body. Why was he nervous? He reminded himself that he could handle this situation easily if necessary. HotGuy gripped his bow, ready for any altercation.
As the avian continued to advance, HotGuy retreated further while loading his bow. "I see you were never taught manners?"
"Oh, I have manners. But I plan on leaving here without being apprehended, and you seem to be in my way. Therefore, my manners while speaking to you are irrelevant," the avian retorted, his smirk growing more pronounced.
"Well I hate to break it to you, but you broke into a government building willingly. That alone is reason enough to take you in, especially considering you're not even in the correct world," Scar asserted, his tone unwavering despite the tense standoff.
"Quit chit chatting Scar, the cops are in route." cubs voice was serious through his ears although scar dismissed his demand.
The man narrowed his purple eyes, standing boldly in front of HotGuy rather fearlessly. "You are full of yourself. But as I said before, I don't wanna chit-chat with you."
"Then let's go," Scar responded, his stance firm as he prepared to take the intruder into custody, his aim unwavering. They stood mere feet apart.
"No, only me," the avian declared before lunging forward at Scar, clapping his hands harshly over Scar's ears before HotGuy could react.
Suddenly, HotGuy's world spun into chaos, his senses overwhelmed by a deafening ringing in his ears. He stumbled back, disoriented and bewildered, as the winged man took advantage of this distraction to slip away into the night.
In the chaos of the moment, Scar didn't realize that this was watcher magic, a tactic taught for advantage. Panic surged through him as he dropped his bow and arrow, stumbling backward and clutching at his ears.
He remembers Cub calling for him, but it was faint due to the noise. While struggling to maintain focus, HotGuy fought to keep his eyes open, desperate to prevent this hybrid from escaping. But the ringing only grew louder, overwhelming his senses until he found himself on the ground, paralyzed by the sound.
After what felt like an eternity, the ringing began to subside, and Scar slowly regained his senses. But by the time he managed to gather himself, he realized the winged man was long gone, vanished without a trace.
Scar groaned, rubbing his forehead still processing what just transpired. "Scar? can you hear me? are you alright?" Cubs voice was worried but finally heard.
Hotguy stood to his feet entirely before noticing the blue glare coming from outside. he sighed loudly, "What just happened Cub...?"