(Nightshade POV)

"Look at this city." The mad scientist known as Vincent Vandercourt stared down at the bright city bathed in darkness. We were in one of the upper floors of a skyscraper, standing in front of a wall comprised fully of windows.

Vandercourt had his arms crossed behind him as he grinned down at the bright lights of the city below. The moon shone high above, along with the glittering stars as the only other source of illumination in this darkened night.

I've always loved the night sky.

It's unfortunate that I have to share the view with this prick.

"Are you looking?" He questioned, glancing back.

"Yes, I am looking." I sighed.

"Do you see what I'm seeing?" Vandercourt grinned, his eyes sparkling with some sort of malicious joy. "I see opportunity."

He chuckled to himself, as if he had told some sort of funny joke. I did not find this man amusing in the slightest.

"Killian thinks so small." He stated, pressing his hand against the cool glass. "But once we execute this plan, he'll see the genius that I hold. He'll see just how higher we can climb."

Vandercourt raised his hand up, holding it up to the moon in his vision. And then, he pretended to crush it within his grasp.

"I've made a breakthrough, Nightshade." He grinned maniacally to himself. "Finally, after so long. How are things on your end with our new business partner?"

"...little progress has been made." I slowly admitted, frowning under my mask. "The group assembled was wiped out by a vigilante."

"A vigilante?" Vandercourt questioned.

"The new one which has been leaving jars of ashes behind." Nightshade continued.

"How diabolical." Vandercourt chuckled. "Leaving the remains of their victims like that? How interesting. I assume they aren't too fond of the idea of working together?"

"No." I shook my head.

I never expected for the hero Foxfire to burn the whole place to the ground with them inside. Let alone to then continue on a killing spree of other corrupt individuals connected to Stromford.

"It's the same one who is eliminating the allies of Stromford." I stated.

"That's unfortunate." Vandercourt sighed. "I'll make sure to let our little heroic duo know to either capture or kill the vigilante. Their blood would be useful, but not necessary."

He turned back towards me. "Then I assume the objective that our business partner has given you hasn't been completed yet?"

"No, it has not." I shook my head. "Bloodwraith is a tricky one to find, let alone capture."

"You best hurry up." Vandercourt replied. "Killian values this deal greatly. I do as well, considering I'll get Bloodwraith's blood."

"I understand." I nodded.

How repulsing. What a vile excuse of a human.

"Things are looking up, Nightshade." Vandercourt laughed. "Be happy! The fun has only just begun!"

He spread his arms wide, cackling as he stared through the window. My current phone buzzed, an important alert on its screen. I quickly checked it, seeing an order from our new business partner.

"I have been summoned." I stated.

"Go along." Vandercourt replied. "I need to do some research on my own."

I didn't respond, simply slinking over to the shadows and allowing myself to melt into them. My world was enveloped into darkness as I entered what I named the "Shadow Plane".

It is nothing easy to describe, but the manipulation of it is how my powers are derived. Through this plane of pitch dark existence I can sense things I normally cannot.

Such as where I need to exit the shadows in order to meet with our new business partner. I emerged from the shadows, finding myself in an office room. Sitting at the desk was a lone man with slicked black hair, gray strands, and a black beard.

Straight from the frying pan into the fire. If there is one man I hate more than that accursed Vandercourt, then it would be this man in front of me.

I despise him.

And yet, here I am, working for the both of them. Hopefully this temporary arrangement will be quick. I plan to make my escape soon. Even if that means I must sell out my sister.

I have been under their influence for much too long. I have been dragged back into where I had wished to escape so long ago. No more.

What has my older sister done for me, except litter my body with scars? I will never forget each and every injury she has afflicted onto me.

I do not hate her nearly as much as these two, but I do not have enough compassion to spare her. I'd rather have nothing to do with her. However, if throwing her under can save my own skin, then I shall do it.

Why should I care?

"You're as quick as ever." The man noted.

"Of course, Mr. Waverson." I kneeled down, inwardly disgusted by the action.

"I have found a solution to your error." He stated. "I've discovered some suitable alternatives to the ones you lost. Be thankful."

"Yes, sir." I bowed. "I am very thankful."

I loathe you.

If only I could slit your throat right now.

Everything would be so much easier. So much simpler. I could finally be free from this accursed life.

But I know you're ready at any time for that.

I know you'll squash me if I even try.

"Good." He nodded. "You must obtain Bloodwraith as soon as possible, alive. She is much too valuable to lose."

He tapped his fingers on the desk in a rhythmic movement. "She has grown quite much. She'll no doubt be my most valuable asset once I reclaim her."

"I understand, sir." I said.

He lazily pulled out his phone, typing something on it. "I've sent you the information. You will meet with them at the appropriate date and set up a plan to capture Bloodwraith."

"Remember." He continued, placing his phone down. "She is the number one priority. All others come second. Anyone else can die, I do not care. Just bring me Bloodwraith."

Can't even be bothered to call her by name.

Exactly the same as me.

In a way, I'll pity my sister. But even then, that's not enough to change my course of action. I will do anything in order to escape this hellscape.

I will get far away from Champion City. It would be so much easier if I could just leave now, but damn Vandercourt and his tracker inside of me.

They told me that as long as I complete this task I will finally have repaid my debt. Finally he'll deactivate it and let me free.

Do I believe him? No.

But it's my best chance. And if he doesn't keep his deal, then I'll make him. Or I'll just have to run anyways.

It would be the last case scenario, however. Because I know these type of people. They will chase me to the ends of Earth.

Can you truly call yourself free if you are being endlessly tracked and traced?

I cannot.

That is why I must reach for any chance.

"Her power is priceless." He continued, analyzing the glittering rings across his hand. "With it, I will become one of the most powerful people in all of America."

"Countless riches. The strongest power. An alliance with my greatest rival." He continued. "I will be unstoppable. How things are looking up."

You both disgust me.

"Nothing will be able to stop me." He grinned a crooked smile, filled with malevolence.

One that has haunted me for years.