*SIX YEARS LATER*

Much has happened since Prometheus Echos' mission began, but not as much as he'd like. The construction of the Troika has been slow, as Pro said it would.

But, as weeks turned into months and months into years, Pro found himself becoming more impatient. More than half a decade has passed and not only have they not come up with a solid plan for taking control of the city, but they have yet to find their third 'leader.'

It was eventually evident to all in the rebellion that the so-called 'three leaders' weren't really leaders at all. Just high-ranking officers. Pro was obviously the one true leader.

Pro's recommendations were becoming strict and to-the-letter with each passing year. At first, almost everybody was thinking that Pro was becoming too anxious and would leave the still-growing rebellion in ruins with one mistake. But, nearly all thoughts of doubt have gone silent as members were being unceremoniously executed by Pro himself for treasonous thinking. Many of the current members keep forgetting that he is telepathic and were wise to caution newcomers of this fact.

However, many have noticed that since his escape and massacre six years ago, Pro has molded himself into a man with a dark sense of humor and smiles occasionally at a good joke. Compared to his former mentality since forming the rebellion, this personality was a big improvement for him.

Still, the slow build-up of progress for the Troika has not kept him in a good mood.

As Scinter gathered resources from the black market and Igrath began training men and women in military combat, Pro found himself straying to the surface and into the streets of Anduruna. Because of his Power, Pro has been able to keep himself invisible to the people going about their routines. While not physically hidden, his manipulation of their minds makes him seem invisible, concealed to the naked eye.

Knowing that the third 'leader' still needed to be found, Pro realized that he would have to go out and find that someone who will accept the role. Someone who could make more money and keep a close eye on that money. Someone who values the money he makes and works hard on keeping track of it.

Deciding to start in a less conspicuous location, Pro travels the sewers to the Margate district.

* * * * *

Lifting up a manhole cover in an alley, Pro snakes his way out and onto the surface. Placing the cover back, he straightened out his outfit, threw his hood over his head and walked through the alleys to reach a street.

As he turned the alley to walk to the street, he saw a pink-with-black-patterns female feline leaning against a wall, arms crossed and looking somewhat pissed off.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it...," she cursed.

Pro fully intended to sneak past her with his Power.

But, over the years, Pro has developed more than a wittier personality. His pledge to help all those from experiencing his pain has caused him to become more concerned for individuals suffering from unjust hardships.

Believing this person to be in a similar situation, Pro couldn't help but approach from the shadows, slowly.

The Dreamkeeper was in her late teens. She wore a stained gray tank top and green cut-offs.

Keeping his face hidden, Pro stepped out of the shadows.

"Hi there," he said politely. "Is there a problem?"

The girl spun her head to see him, spooked by his appearance. Then, she sneered.

"Go away! If it's drugs, I don't want any! I don't have the money, anyway."

"Nice to meet you, too. Drug dealing isn't my thing, so that wasn't my intention. I just couldn't help but notice that you seem a little... upset."

She glared at him. "Yeah? What's it to you?"

Pro shrugged. "Well... let's just say..."

He pulled his hood back. "When it comes to misery, I can relate."

The girl stepped away fast. "You... you're Prometheus Echo!"

Pro gave her a glare of his own. "Don't even think about running. I won't hurt you... if you don't."

"Are you kidding? Why would I run from you? I used to be one of your biggest fans! I was just a kid when I first heard your music. You're the first Quake singer I've ever heard in my life. I just loved your last few albums! Your last albums before, well..."

Pro held up a hand. "Say no more. Glad to see my reputation still stands in its former fashion."

The girl calmed down and leaned against the wall again. "Well, I guess I've got no choice but to tell you what my problem is, right?"

Pro smiled. "You don't really have to, but I could be of some help if you do."

The girl frowned. "I don't think so. Unless, you're generous enough to loan me some money."

Pro kept smiling. "I can already guess where this is going, but go ahead and spill it. Then, we can talk about money."

The girl sighed. "All right. My name is Viriathus, by the way. My friend's call me Vi, though."

"Viriathus. Has a nice ring to it. Well then, ready when you are."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well, this sort of thing happens to just about every girl. We get to a certain age and we expect our bodies to look like what we expect them to look like."

Pro raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

Vi sighed. "As you can plainly see, I'm... you know."

She grabbed the air in front of her chest. Pro looked and caught on instantly.

"Ah, I see now. A walking surfboard. It happens. But, I've got the feeling that's not the entire problem."

Vi nodded. "My flatness is just contributing to everything else. I've been trying to go steady with some guys at school, but they keep mocking me 'cause of my masculine looks. I've been raising money by doing repair work at the orphanage I live at to buy a suitable bra to get these things to grow, but things have been way too hectic over there.

"These two boys who live there are always making pranks to piss off our caretaker. Of course, it ends up with them getting beaten to a pulp and forced to do late night chores, but they always seem to have the will to make something even worse. Just lately, I had them sneak into town and practically steal a bra for me. They succeeded, giving me a bra for a man-beast of a woman! Since a bra was a part of their most recent prank, I just let them have it."

Vi looked over at Pro. He was rubbing his head.

It wasn't Vi's rambling that was getting to him. He has been suffering from a wave of headaches lately, mostly minor. The one he had contracted now seemed to be the worst of them all.

He looked up to see Vi watching. "I'm listening. Go on."

Vi looked away and continued. "See, the caretaker, Grunn, pays me to do repairs on the dock. I seem to have a knack for it. Don't know why. My real hobby is fashion design. I hope to make it to beauty college someday, but you need a hell of a lot of money for that! So, at the moment, my only source of income is through Grunn with the repairs following those kids' pranks. But, lately, their pranks have now gotten out of hand. Last night, they had to clean the bottom of our fishing boats with oars. When Grunn fell asleep from watching them, they snuck off. When he came to, the tides came in and the boats got dragged out. Grunn literally flung [almost] all of us out to sea to get them back. I'm still worn out from that fiasco. On top of that, in Grunn's rage, he stomped the stairs leading to our tents into pieces. I ended up sleeping on the storage dock.

"To make a long story short, I'm out to be a fashion designer, I need money to get the schooling for it, the dock repairs are wearing me out, and I'm just hoping to pick up a nice guy along the way, you know? But, how can I with THIS?"

Through his migraine, Pro smiled, "Do you really think you're that unattractive?"

Vi frowned. "Do I look unattractive to you?"

"I think you're attractive. To be fairly honest, I don't have a preference."

Vi scowled, looking away. "Well, that sucks, 'cause all the other guys do."

Pro walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Listen, I know where you're coming from. But, you don't have to have watermelons like "Little Miss Perfect" herself to look pretty."

Vi gave him a sidelong glance. "Is that right?"

"I may not be a woman, but I've heard enough stories and seen enough models to know that pretty really isn't all its cut out to be. Take it from a man who's been to the top and seen it all."

Vi smiled. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. But, still, I need some sort of improvement. I've got to get my hands on a bra, but I don't want to spend any of my money! I need it to get into college!"

Pro shrugged humorously. "Well, as you probably know, I've got a rebellion to maintain. I can't just go around, giving people loans. Low income citizens are least likely to pay you back."

"I can already see where this is going," Vi said sourly.

"I bet you do! We're not going to buy what you want, we're going to take it!"

Vi looked up, stunned. "You're joking."

"I've told a few jokes, sure, but this ain't one of them."

"How do you even plan on doing this?"

"First off, it's WE, not me. Secondly, I have my Power. Psychokinesis has allowed me to walk through crowds completely hidden. All we have to do is find a store, initiate my Power, sneak in unnoticed, grab your garment, and get the hell out! Can't get any simpler than that."

"I understand that. But, why do you need me if it's that simple?"

"Well, you're the one who wants this and I'm merely helping you," Pro said sternly. "You're gonna have to be the one who earns it while I act as support. Got it?"

"Okay, okay! Fine! Let's do it, then."

"All right. Give me a second while I turn my Power on. The less witnesses who see us in case of a foul-up, the better."

The moment Pro's Power reached full strength, his vision went red as an indescribable pain pierced his head.

He fell to one knee, struggling to hold back a scream.

"What's wrong?" Vi asked, running to him. "Are you okay?"

Gasping, Pro stood back up. "I think so. I... don't know what happened. I've got one hell of a migraine right now. It's like it's restricting my Power. This is bad. This has never happened before."

Pro went silent as he looked at the walls of the buildings. In his mere seconds of pain, he saw things. Figures, creatures dancing through his vision. Things that he had never seen before. In the midst of his reddened vision, he thought he could see a pair of glowing purple eyes for only a single second. As he recovered, the visions disappeared and his eyesight normalized.

'What the hell was all that?' Pro thought disturbed.

Vi looked at him worriedly. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Pro nodded hard. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I guess I can't really use my Power completely until this migraine subsides. Either that or we'll have to take more drastic approaches later on tonight, when the shops close. Got anything you need to do at your orphanage?"

"No, not really."

"Okay. Well, go find something to occupy your time. I need to get this headache to go away. Meet me back here at ten o'clock. A curfew will be in effect for this general area, so the streets shouldn't be too busy around that time. Clear?"

Vi nodded, smiling. "Crystal."

"Okay. See you, then."

Vi walked out onto the street while Pro stepped back into the shadows.

* * * * *

*10 P.M. THAT NIGHT*

Taking the same route like earlier, Pro walked down the alleys, with only a few back door lights illuminating the way.

He turned the corner and there she was.

Vi looked up, spotting him in the dimness of the cloudy night.

"Pro! Right on time! You ready to do this?"

Pro smiled. "Of course! Though, my migraine has weakened, I can only use my basic skills to get us into the store. I'll keep watch outside while you get what you need. But, ONLY what you need! No freeloading. Understood?"

"No problem," Vi agreed. "Let's go!"

"All right."

Together, they casually walked into the street.

"So, got a specific store in mind?"

"Might as well go to the one Mace and Whip went to," Vi replied. "They're the pranksters I told you about. I don't know what I was thinking when I asked them to get a bra for me!"

Pro chuckled. "You're desperate for a change! What did you expect yourself to do? Don't even worry about it. We'll get what you're looking for."

* * * * *

Pro and Vi stood in front of a fancy-looking clothing store in an empty street. The store was closed for the night.

"I've been on this street before," Pro commented. "Not the best place to put a flashy business like this here."

"Well, they're about to find out why," Vi said with a grin.

Pro frowned. "You're just stealing ONE bra, Vi. It's not like we're gonna take the entire store. Don't think I'm letting you walk out of here with more than you should have."

"I'm not!" Vi snapped. "Jeez, you're so bossy! I'll just take ONE, all right? Now, could you please unlock the door?"

Pro narrowed his gaze at her as he walked forward. "Right."

Concentrating, Pro pointed his arm at the lock. He curled his fingers around, as if fiddling with the parts. With a few satisfying clicks, the right door swung open.

"Nice work!" Vi said. "Good thing you're just one in a million or there'd be nothing left of this city."

"Yeah," Pro replied. "One in a million."

As Vi quietly entered the store, Pro turned to look out at the street.

His mind churned around that statement.

'One in a million. Heh. I guess I am. I seriously doubt there will ever be another one like me. It just doesn't seem likely. But, who am I to challenge fate?'

As Pro stood guard, his headache slightly intensified.

'Damn it! What is going on with me today? I've got to put a stop to this. Maybe, if I'm careful...'

Slowly, double-checking the street, Pro built up his Power.

As soon as he hit full power, the pain hit.

Pro fell to his knees holding his head. He opened his eyes and the red vision was there again. Suddenly, in the few short seconds, there they were. The purple eyes.

And, then, a voice called out.

'Soon, my son.'

Moments later, his head and vision was clear. This time, the migraine was gone completely.

Pro gawked as his eyes went distant.

'What?'

"Who said that?" Pro said out loud. "Who's there?"

At that moment, a scream from the clothing store.

"Let me go!" Vi shouted from inside. "I said let me go! I am NOT going to jail! Let GO!"

Nearly hypnotized by the voice he heard, Pro reluctantly got to his feet and raced into the store.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pro bolted in and instantly found Vi pinned to the floor by a security guard, in front of the checkout counter.

As Pro rushed forward to help, Vi folded her legs up and pushed into the guard. Pushing them over her head, she sent the guard crashing into the wall behind the counter.

Pro stopped next to her and helped her up. She looked around in surprise, then looked at Pro who had his own surprised look.

"Huh. Guess I don't know my own strength," Vi said with a shrug. She picked up a bra from the floor, the one she apparently picked out.

They looked at the counter and saw the guard attempting to rise. He slapped his left hand on the counter and pulled his head and shoulders up. Suddenly, Pro could hear a faint clicking sound under the counter.

'Silent alarm!'

Being careful not to exert himself, Pro grabbed the guard with his psychic grip. With a motion, the guard was flung across the store and into the opposite wall, falling into a rack of dresses.

"Was that necessary?" Vi asked.

"He hit the silent alarm. At the very least, he won't be so quick to use it whenever we break in next time, if ever."

Pro glanced out the doors. "Speaking of silent alarms, I suggest we get going."

"Right. Let's go!"

The duo raced out of the store, bolting down the street and into a nearby alley.

* * * * *

Casually, the pair found themselves walking through the sand dunes of the Margate beaches. According to Vi, they were heading for the orphanage she lives at.

"The fact that there was a guard must mean that they had cameras set up," Pro said. "Thanks to this hood, my face probably wasn't seen, but you...?"

"Yeah, you're probably right. But, wait. That means.... Shit! My face'll end up on the morning news! I'm toast!"

"Relax. I'll head back over there and destroy the footage before the ACG gets its hands on it. I would like them to know I was involved, but for your sake...."

"Yeah. Thanks. For a rebel leader by day, criminal by night, you're not so bad."

"I do what I must to give everybody a hand. It's a part of my fight."

After several more minutes of discussion, the orphanage came into view.

An anchored ship on a dock with multiple levels, tents, and a small office.

"This... is an orphanage?"

Vi frowned. "Home sweet home."

Pro folded his arms. "How the hell can any of you stand to live there?"

"Have we got a choice? Besides, I've been there for a long time. As crazy as it is, it's what I call home."

Pro smiled. "Whatever floats your boat, I guess. No pun intended."

Vi laughed.

"By the way, didn't you mention something about fishing boats earlier today? He let you guys fish for fun?"

Vi laughed again, but sarcastically. "You wish! He uses us like labor workers. He has his own bander fishing business right here at the orphanage. He sends us out to catch the things, process them, have them shipped to the markets, and then he waits for the money to rake in. It's because of THIS place that the bander business is in good shape right now. We catch the most bander and other creatures than any other business along the Margate district coastline."

Pro absorbed the information. He didn't like the sound of orphans being used as child labor and possibly being abused, but he just remembered that he's been looking for a financial advisor to act as the third 'leader.' This 'Grunn' character may not be reliable, but if what Vi says is true, then he must get a truckload of money from the sales at the local markets.

Though, if he was getting money, then he should afford a better orphanage than what sat before Pro.

Hoping he wasn't making a mistake, Pro said, "Hey, uh, how about I walk you onto the dock. You know, in case your caretaker wants an explanation for why you've been out."

"You can if you want," Vi said. "But, he really doesn't give a crap. As long as we're back and ready to work in the morning, he won't even think twice about sending a search request."

"I'll walk you up there, anyway."

Vi nodded and they proceeded across the wooden bridge between the beach and the orphanage.

They stopped at the rebuilt flight of stairs.

"Well... thanks again, Prometheus. I owe you one."

"I know how you can pay me back."

Vi froze. "Say what?"

Pro held out his hand.

Vi looked at it. "What?"

Pro tilted his gaze at her.

"What?!?"

Pro gave her a stern glare.

She sighed. "Fine."

Slinging her bra over her shoulders, she reached into the back of her top and pulled out another bra she had slipped on in the store.

"Nice try, freeloader," Pro said slyly.

"Whatever," Vi said with a smile. "Thanks again."

"Yep."

As Pro turned to find Grunn, he ran right into a short, but solid figure.

Pro backed up to face a maroon red shark with a portly belly, but muscular arms.

"Yuh got ten secunds tuh tell me why you wuz messin' around wit one of mah orphans," he growled.

Pro smiled. "Grunn, I assume. Just who I was about to go looking for. I hope I didn't wake you up."

Grunn spat something out and into the seawater. "Nope. Yuh got three secunds."

"I have a one-time deal for you. Something that will definitely be worth your while."

As Grunn prepared to assault him, he relaxed. "Oh, really?"

"Yes, really. How would you like to be a part of the Troika?"

Grunn stared at him. Then, he started cackling.

"WUHAHAHAHA HAAAAAAAAA! Who tuh hell are YOU supposed to be?"

Pro realized that his hood was still over his head, concealing his face. Reaching up, he pulled it back.

"Well, I guess I'm supposed to be the man who started it all."

Grunn stopped laughing and stood back up. "Awwww, shit. What tuh hell's goin' on?"

"Listen, buddy, you can turn this down right now if you want, but I'm giving you a chance to make something of yourself! Actually put your money into a worthy cause instead of into fermentae and pornography! Make the work that you put these kids through worth it! Just a small fraction of your earnings will be enough to help the Troika! The black market business is getting slower by the day. We need more sources of income! I've heard that you've got the most successful fishing business in the entire district! Even if you share your money with us, you'll still have plenty left over. This is for a better nation! A better way of life! A better future! Think about it."

Grunn gave him a half-dazed stare. Pro already knew that he was slightly drunk, but not enough where he can't understand.

"How tuh hell do you know that?"

"The booze and porn? It's all up here. I know everything there is to know about you from being in the womb until now ('which I kind of regret, after seeing your childhood flash before my eyes. Now I know why you're a slob').

Grunn smirked and turned around. "No thanks, dumbass. I don't need no troopahs knockin' on my office door with uh search warrant. You can go get yoself killed fer all I care, but I ain't gonna get involved in it."

"The City Guard won't even know you're one of us! You don't even have to join us! Just support us!"

Grunn trundled towards his office. "Fuck you, retawd."

Pro sneered at him. "All right, jackass. I gave you a yes or no choice. Now, you ain't got a choice! I'm demanding you to join us! Refuse and I'll send a tip to the City Guard referring to your numerous black market dealings and child abuse. I'm sure you wouldn't want that, now would you?"

Grunn stopped dead in his tracks. Balling his fists, he spun around and stomped towards Pro. "If you even think about snitchin' on me, I'll-"

Suddenly, he flew back and crashed into a support beam along the edge of the dock.

Holding his arm up, Pro walked up to Grunn and asked, "Or you'll... what?"

Clutching his thick neck, Grunn gasped. "Nuthin'! I won't do nuthin'!"

Lowering his arm, Grunn fell to his knees, gasping. Pro looked down at him.

Pulling out a business card. "Here's my bank account. Transfer one-fifth of your monthly pay to us as soon as you get the money. No later."

Pro walked away and stood in front of the bridge. "This is worth it, Grunn. I'll make sure the Guard never finds out that you work for us. Continue to work for us and they won't find out about your... other offenses."

Throwing his hood over his head, Pro walked onto the bridge.

* * * * *

On the next floor, outside the orphan's tent, two curious onlookers watched Pro go.

"What do you think that was about, Whip?"

"Mweh phee meh!"

"Yeah, you're right! Who cares? Whatever it was about, Grunn sounded like a scared baby! Least he got picked on, for once. 'Bout time he got a taste of what he gives us."

* * * * *

Walking back onto shore, all thoughts of what had transpired since the store break-in were gone. He still aimed to go back there and destroy any evidence, but that was not the main focus on his mind.

What was on his mind is what chewed at his subconscious since the last pain spike.

'Was the pain so great that I was just hallucinating? Recalling what someone else had said from my vast memory? No. No, that voice... and those eyes... they were meant for me, somehow. It called me 'son.' Could it have been... my father? From the afterlife? From the past? No, that's impossible! But, what else can explain it?"

Shaking his head, Pro's eyes went wide as he realized something else. 'Not only that, but my migraine subsided as soon as my vision cleared. That's just too unusual to be a coincidence. What does it all mean?"

Shaking his head again, Pro knew that he had a lot of soul searching to do after he gets back to base.

Remembering the security recording, Pro rushed back into the city limits.

Another eventful night for Prometheus Echo.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~