While one must respect the shadows, and the power they hold, it would be prudent to not forget the power of the world in which we live. While the shadows hide and cower from the sun, the tangible forces at work create a more obvious effect. This reason explains why many are unaware of the shadows. Why worry, when the light shines so brightly?

Sergeant Bob Quill of the Altar City Police Department’s North District was as laid back as cops tend to come. He sat with his feet on his desk, calmly sipping his coffee as he read the day’s issue of the Altar City Gazette. He glanced at the headline, “‘Adamant’ City Crime Rate Hits All Time Low, Magi to Thank”

“Tch, Magi, huh? What’s that make us, huh?” He grumbled as he took a bite out of his donut, and continued to read quietly.

“You can’t deny he’s handy to have around, Serge. He scares a lot of the less ballsy idiots away from trying to pull anything off.” Bob glanced over his paper at the man speaking to him,

“Sure, so he can summon the power of nature and whatever other nonsense he does, but damn it Parker, he makes us look incompetent. Cops can’t do their own job, so they send some old guy with a book and a beard to do it. Tch.” Bob sighed, “I mean, they call this place ‘Adamant City’, because the Justice system here is so tight. WE earned the city that nick name. Not some old codger with a magic wand. I don’t see why we need him around.”

Parker, Officer Ralph Parker, responded apathetically, “Eh, if it means the wife and kids worry less, it’s fine by me.”

“Yea, but we didn’t all marry women with a temper like yours, Ralph.”

“At least I am married, Jack. You’re still a bachelor right? Then you don’t have room to talk!” Ralph snapped.

“Ha, you make it sound like I want to get married, buddy. I’m too young for the ol’ ball ‘n’ chain.” Jack chided. Bob glanced at Officer Jack Townsend. He was the rookie of their threesome, and had an ego to match his age.

“Jack, just because you’re working under Lieutenant Law Hammer, doesn’t mean you’ve earned the right to have that ego, why, when I was your age-” Bob was cut off mid sentence by the entrance of their superior officer, Lieutenant Lawrence “Law Hammer” Gavel. “What’s going on, Boss?”

The Lieutenant didn’t even glance at them as he put on his coat and continued toward the door, “Bank Robbery at the First Bank of Altar City. Get off your asses and get moving. We’ve got point.”

“Yes, sir!” the three men responded in unison, while scrambling to gather their coats, badges, and guns. They quickly followed the lieutenant to the squad cars and headed for the bank.

Bob sat quietly, watching his boss in the passenger seat of the car they shared. He and Lawrence had been in the same class at the academy, and had been in the same unit since they graduated. Lawrence’s abilities were what got him his position, but his personality was what kept him there. The man had a cold demeanor and no sense of humor, and every step he took made that clear. One step out of line in his district, and you were history. Of the city’s Lieutenants, he was by far the scariest, although even he was terrified of Captain Jameson, his own superior officer.

“You’d think they’d have all just given up by now, eh? Why keep trying between us and Magi?” Bob thought aloud, trying to start up a conversation with his old partner. The man said nothing, and continued to stare out the window silently. Bob shrugged. Lawrence had never been much of a talker. He grinned, remembering some of their stakeouts, where the man had remained silent for hours on end. Bob decided to try a different approach, “So how’s your brother doing, Boss?”

“He’s fine.” Bob waited for some kind of continuation, but to no avail. Unlike Lawrence, Max Gavel was a pretty lively fellow. He ran a pub that all of the city’s police loved. Bob decided to head there after his shift ended.

The Lieutenant was already mid step out of the car when they pulled up to the bank. Bob hated how he never waited for the car to stop, and had accidentally broken Lawrence’s ankles more than once because of that habit. The man has no patience, I swear, Bob thought to himself. He got out as well, and joined his Boss and the two younger officers as they were briefed on the situation. A crew of seven armed men had entered the bank half an hour earlier, and were now holding the people inside hostage, and making demands for immunity and freedom to leave.

“Nonsense. We don’t negotiate and they know that.” Lawrence commented, coldly. He took the megaphone from the man debriefing them and walked towards the doors of the bank. “Attention; this is Lieutenant Lawrence Gavel of the Altar City Police’s North District. You have five minutes to surrender yourselves peacefully, or I will be forced to call in…” he paused for a moment, and then continued with an icy tone, “…reinforcements.”

The air outside the bank fell still and heavy. Everyone knew exactly who he meant by “reinforcements,” and they weren’t sure how to feel about his reliance on the individual. They watched through the doors of the bank, as the seconds ticked by. The phone that the robbers were using to communicate rang. Bob managed to answer it before his boss could, knowing that hostage situations were not the man’s forte.

“Hello, this is Sergeant Bob Quill. Have you heard the Lieutenant’s message?”
“We have. We’re insulted that you find us so gullible. Tell the Lieutenant that if he has the nerve to open his big mouth again, we’re going to toss three hostages out to you guys in body bags.”

They hung up before Bob could respond. He gave the other men a concerned look, and then glanced towards Lawrence, who was silently staring at his watch. He had heard the call, and grinned at Bob. He tapped his watch, and made a “call” sign, without opening his mouth. Bob let out a heavy sigh and pulled out his phone.

“Hello, Alex? It’s Bob. We- Yea- You’re- then you- so you’ll- Alright then- Ok, thanks.” He grumbled quietly as he hung up the phone, “She’s always so curt, I swear, if I hadn’t seen her with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe she’s a librarian…” He sighed again and turned back to his boss, “He’s on his-”

CRACK

A flash of light filled their vision, as a lightning bolt struck the street near them. A thin figure calmly strolled out of the smoke. Bob knew it the second he saw the bald man, with his long white beard, spectacles, and white and red robe, slowly advancing with a tall walking stick.

“Magi…” someone behind him uttered. The old man approached Bob and extended a boney hand from under his robe. Bob shook it and explained the situation to him. “Thanks for coming, Magi. Your help is always appreciated.”

“’tis I who appreciate being allowed to help, young man. Now then, if you will excuse me for a few moments, I’ll try to finish this quickly so you folks can get on with your day.”

The old man walked towards the doors of the bank with an air of calm authority that only comes with great experience and age. With a flick of his fingers the doors flew open. Bob watched the frail figure slowly enter the bank, nervous, not worrying for Magi, but rather, for the criminals. The tension outside nearly doubled as the silent moments grew longer. Then the gunshots came. Bob wagered semi-automatics. The screams of agony, horror, and panic that followed those who opposed Magi filled their ears. A loud clap came next, and then the building fell silent.

Bob felt a cold shiver run down his spine. Regardless of his opinions, he was glad to have Magi on their side. He watched the old man calmly lead the hostages out of the bank with a warm smile on his face. Bob noted that Magi’s clothes were untouched. Lawrence approached Magi, and shook his hand, thanking him. Magi nodded and tottered off as one would expect someone of his apparent age to do. Bob motioned for Ralph to get statements, and then he and Jack followed the Lieutenant inside to assess the situation. It wasn’t a pretty scene. Bob approached one man, who was pinned to the ceiling by what he assumed was once a potted plant, though now it looked more like a giant Venus Flytrap.

“Christ…” Bob uttered, as he turned and saw the other bank robbers in similar situations. He counted the bodies, though calling them bodies wasn’t accurate. Magi never killed anyone. “Boss, there’s one missing.”

“I- I- I- I’m n- not m- missing…. I’m hiding….” came a stuttering voice. Jack had his weapon drawn and aimed at the man, who was curled in the fetal position behind a bench. Bob didn’t bother with his weapon as he approached the man. “J- j- just arrest m- me.” he stammered, holding out his hands for the cuffs. Bob obliged.

“What the hell happened in here…” Jack muttered.

“You don’t wanna know, kid. I stopped asking that after the first time I saw Magi work. It’s better for your sanity not to ask.” Bob commented, “Take this guy out and bring some chainsaws back with you.”

Jack paused for a moment, looking at the grizzly scene, then grabbed the man’s cuffs, “Yea... ok…”

Bob shook his head. I don’t like it, he thought, I don’t get why this guy is on our side.

“Don’t question it, Bob.” Lawrence said, jarring Bob from his thoughts, “Just be happy that he is on our side.”

“You’re probably right, Boss.”

September 20th, 2039

Dear Paper Entity,

So, here I am again, writing to some paper person. Useless waste of time, if you ask me, but I don’t seem to have a choice in the matter. Meh. At least this time I’m not writing in the negative…

Yea, I’ve actually had a good week. So far, my classes have been pretty easy. My English teacher Mr. Valence is awesome. I think he might secretly be insane though. He constantly bounces between a chipper, “Carpe Diem! Seize the Day!” attitude and a morose “Memento Mori” personality. That’s probably why I like him though. My other teachers are ok, except for my history teacher. I’m fairly sure the man is hellspawn. I’m also sure I saw his horns the other day… Aside from him though, I’ve had a pretty ok start… ignoring the first week.

Eh, I guess you’re not so bad, Paper Entity. I mean, if nothing else, you give me someone to bounce my thoughts off of, that won’t try to lecture me or give me advice. Ah well, I think I’m done for now.

Andy Ashling