I didn't want to leave my house.
But the streets… they don't care about plans.
A scream broke through the quiet. One of those high-pitched, panicked ones. I froze for half a second, thinking it was just some kid crying.
Then I saw her.
A woman cornered by a raider. Not much stronger than last time, but faster. Meaner. Eyes wild.
I didn't think.
I moved.
Quick steps, clean strikes. Nothing fancy. Nothing flashy. Just… efficient. One twist of a wrist, one fall, one snap. Raider down. Silence again.
The woman stared at me like I was some kind of hero. I wanted to shrug. Pretend it didn't happen. Pretend I didn't care.
"Are… are you a hero?" she stammered.
I shook my head. "Someone passing by."
I walked away. Didn't look back. Didn't answer questions. Didn't matter.
But someone had seen.
Someone always sees.
Kira. Across the street. Calm as ever. Watching. Smiling just a little.
She had been right about me. She knew talent when she saw it.
I didn't care.
At least… I told myself I didn't.