Most of the Purity First organization became absorbed by the Knight's Templar, along with the few augmented who had grown to despise such enhancements. When the Illuminati fell to Majestic 12 and Bob Page, only a few stragglers survived the assault by Manderley and his forces. They were leaderless and fought amongst themselves about what to do, but eventually were sought out for a mercenary job. The girl had escaped, but their employer had seemed oddly happy about that. Thus, they were torn as to whether they should finish the job, now that they again knew where she lived, or let it go—there were no more orders from the mysterious figure that had called on them months ago. Some wanted to start a new life, taking the economic recession as an opportunity to excel in their once outdated fields that may have become relevant again thanks to The Collapse.
"Can we just go out for a little bit? Please? It's been two months," the black-haired girl complained.
Frank sighed. On one hand, it was the first time she'd showed much interest in getting out: that meant she was feeling more secure. On the other, it still wasn't exactly safe. Things had calmed down a little, at least in their area, but the ex-hacker had seen signs that gangs were forming in some areas of the city. Maybe a few minutes on their street would be okay, though? Truth be told, he was getting cabin fever, himself. "Just for a little bit, and not far, okay?"
She brightened immediately. "Thank you thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Alex hugged Frank, then ran down the hall to her room to get her shoes and socks.
Adam looked over to his husband from the couch. He trusted Frank's judgement, but he'd still tail them and make sure nothing happened, for his own peace of mind.
The ex-cop stood across the street from them, lurking in the shadows as he watched the two play at the park.
"Hey, hanzer," someone growled as they walked toward him, their armor dull with use, "that your family? I'm going to kill them."
Adam didn't wait for the Paladin to make the first move, leaping on him with protective ferocity. His punches did little but make dents, and the attacker threw him off, laughing. "You're going to have to try better than that."
The cyborg pushed himself up again, his blades sliding out with the quickness of experience as he jumped, landing on the Templar and swinging his arms down, intending to kill. The Paladin rolled, only receiving a minor injury to his side, and before Adam could strike again, his head was grabbed from behind.
He screamed as two metal hands prepared to snap his neck.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Frank running toward him, but no Alex. His last thought was that she must have gone invisible, and for that, he was grateful.