Disclaimer: don't own any character or plot that you recognise.
Shadows. Always around, brewing... What was the world turning into? But that particular answer he knew, the world had turned upside down. He was treading strange grounds. Not really helpful when you have several charges depending on you. A certainly ironical twist of fate, he mused. Oh well, life was just not fair.
He took a deep breath and pressed his hand to the sleek surface of the crystal and glared at the swirling patterns coming to life, sealing the pact. Satisfied, he turned his back on the strange device and left the underground hideout, not once glancing back. That hero complex will be the death of you, the wind and the darkness and the moon outside seemed to say. Maybe, he answered, more to himself than anything. And with those last thoughts Rex Racer, now to become a nameless shadow, vanished into the night.
I did swear to protect them or die trying.
--
In the distance, an inhuman growl could be heard. The hunt now begins.