Lincoln and Mikey stood in complete shock, their sights locked onto the unmoving forms of the Big Bosses. Turning around, they looked to Atlas, the last of the leaders, who remained conscious. He looked content as if he had just won a spectacular event.
"W-what… was that?" Lincoln breathed out. The Big Bosses, notably Dr. Barker, seemed unstoppable a second ago. It wasn't like he was oblivious either. He felt like a light gust of wind pushed past him, but at the same time, he didn't.
"I've heard of something like this before," Mikey said to him, his expression turning calm. "It's a special type of power. One that targets your mind, I think."
"Correct, Mikey."
Atlas rolled up to them, "As you've just witnessed, overloading someone's senses will cause them to collapse. This power is called 'Ambition.'"
Mikey put his hands in his pockets. "I remember reading about it. It's a rare ability that people used to use years ago. It's not unknown, but you'd never expect someone to use it nowadays."
"Most certainly." Atlas nodded. "But, this power wasn't mine originally. It was gifted by someone I once knew."
"Who?" Lincoln asked, furrowing his brows.
Atlas shrugged. "An old friend. I'm surprised Mikey caught on right away. As he said, it's a rarity in today's world."
Then, the man smiled. "But enough about that. You two have done such a splendid job! And now, our mission has finally been completed."
Lincoln thought to himself. He knew the mission was to disable the other buildings so Atlas could lead a charge in control. Even his technology building was disabled. Now that it was done, he wondered what Atlas's plan was next. Sure, the Big Bosses were knocked out, but the moment they woke up, they would try and stop Atlas again. How long would it take to have Atlas's influence spread throughout the giant city?
Interrupting his thoughts were two other kids stepping out of the building, Shade and Ray.
He first noticed Ray's bright purple hair, considerably more colorful than when he encountered him. He was slightly confused as to why that boy was with them. The last thing he knew about Ray was that he was staying put in Atlas's building and waiting to be treated. It looked as if he was also helping with the plan.
Looking at Shade, he noticed the girl typing on a small portable laptop.
"I've never seen this type of coding before," she said as she stood next to Atlas. Both of her hands and eyes glowed red with energy. "It doesn't even use a chip. I've never seen anything like it!"
"Can you get it to work?" Atlas asked.
Lincoln noticed something plugged into her laptop, a white card the size of a credit card, with a gold line going down the long way. It was hooked up to her computer by a single cord. One end was inserted into the generic laptop port, and the other was a case where the card resided in.
He walked up to them, Mikey doing the same shortly after.
"Yeah, it's no big deal," Shade answered, "The code is different and weird, but I can still read it with a translator. I nearly have it."
A few most seconds of typing later, and she finally said, "There! It's ready."
Taking the card out of case, she extended it to Atlas.
Lincoln noticed something by looking at Shade. It was momentarily, but she paused when gifting the card to the man in the wheelchair. She seemed uncertain. Hesitant to change the course this city raced upon.
"What is that?" Lincoln asked, pointing to the keycard.
With a grateful smile, Atlas took the card. "Our true goal. I apologize for not telling you both sooner, but I couldn't risk the real objective leaking out to the public."
"It's amazing!" Ray interrupted with a shout. "Well, that's what everyone's saying anyway."
At the sight of Ray acting so lifelike, Lincoln smiled. Atlas must have made a lot of progress with sustaining his energy.
In his right armrest, there was a slot that shared the same shape of Shade's cord. Atlas placed the keycard inside very gently.
Nearly instantaneously, all of the data stored on the keycard started to load into his wheelchair's device.
The keycard, sitting in its slot, started to glow bright golden as the screen on Atlas's wheelchair started to be bombarded with pop-ups.
With a proud smile, Atlas glanced at Shade and said, "Well done."
At that moment, two pairs arrived from two different directions. The energetic man, Kenner, and the frail, thin Tamesha, came from one street. Opposite from them, Melina and Sidney sprinted forth. The three First Assistants stood in front and narrowed their eyes at the five of them.
"Are we too late?" Sidney asked.
Two people, Kenner and Jackal, went to the fallen Big Bosses. They both checked on their bosses respectively, glad to see they were still alive.
By the front doors, a recovered Wom and Lenora walked out looking on in curiosity. The two were shocked to see Dr. Barker passed out on the sidewalk.
The sky began to brighten, signaling the beginning of a new day and possibly more.
Atlas turned his gaze upon his wheelchair's screen. Humming to himself, he fiddled with the smart device momentarily before chuckling. "I can even access all of the city's monitors. So simple. Shade, begin broadcasting."
The girl shuffled a bit away. On the lid of her laptop was a circle of a top-tier camera which she pointed at Atlas.
All around the city were dozens of giant monitors sitting at the side of skyscrapers, buildings, bus stops, schools, and even roads. They served as billboards; for advertisements or quick news. After a press of a command, the giant monitors changed. Even people's personal devices, televisions, and computers were all affected.
Instead of showing the latest news, an online video, a cartoon show, or a commercial for a meal, they now presented Atlas's face as he looked straight into Shade's camera.
The city's people, including the on-duty officers, stared up as Atlas littered the skies. Confusion spread like wildfire. They wondered if there was some sort of announcement or something as bad as an emergency.
With the people's attention earned, the man spoke seriously and professionally. "People of Fortune," he began, his voice echoing across the streets. "The age of the Big Bosses is no more."
Confused and concerned chatter instantly began.
"For too long have the ones at the bottom had to tolerate being trampled on. For that, I must sincerely apologize on behalf of the Big Bosses and the system this city has accustomed."
The people who related to this statement all widened their eyes. Hope began blooming in the crowds like pink petals in spring. Meanwhile, the ones who were doing just fine either responded with confusion, indifference, or a scoff.
"What do you think you're doing?" Tamesha asked, gritting her teeth as she glared at him.
Atlas ignored her and continued. "I will be replacing the Big Boss system as the sole Mayor of Fortune. But you have my promise, from here on out, big changes will begin to occur in this city. So all can thrive. No one will be left behind. If you're concerned or confused about this sudden change, I understand. Allow me to explain to you all then."
Small pictures appeared below Atlas on the screens, four in total. Shade, Ray, Lincoln, and Mikey.
"With the help of these four individuals, I have now gained complete control of the city," he stated. "I will be stripping the former Big Bosses of all their power to lead us to a new age. An age where every child can grow up with food and education. An age where adults don't have to make themselves slaves just to live. An age where everyone is happy to call themselves the people of Fortune."
The hopes in people's hearts grew, and their chests jumped in anticipation as Atlas's speech entered their senses.
"Wait!" another voice shouted.
This time, Atlas didn't ignore the voice. He turned to where it came from, looking directly at Melina, whose voice was toxicity-laced.
Shade also turned the camera's gaze. Most city people would undoubtedly recognize her as Evan Medy's First Assistant.
"You don't have the right to do such a thing!" she yelled. Like Atlas, her voice also boomed throughout the streets. "Do you think we're just going to stand here while you try to become some sort of dictator?!"
"I'm aware there are those who are going to protest," Atlas said in a confident tone, replying while still talking at large to everyone who listened intently. "But the way I see it. No one will have a choice in the matter. I can't trust others to make this city a paradise for all. So I'll take matters into my own hands. It's for the greater good."
Melina's glare didn't falter. "Stop joking around! 'No choice?'" She pulled out a card and held it up. It didn't matter to her that Lincoln and Mikey stood beside that man or that she was still exhausted from an earlier either.
The other two First Assistants had the same consensus. Tamesha raised her hands and Sidney procured a spatula in hand.
Atlas gave off a short bored hum before typing on his small keypad in his wheelchair.
Mere seconds passed, and he stated, "Melina Fresta. You have two parents living on block sector E-2."
Melina's glare faltered, her expression turning into shock at the mention of her last name.
Atlas spoke again. "Tamesha Suell. You have a mother in block sector J-4. More specifically, in a retirement home."
Tamesha furrowed her brows.
The man continued his sentence directed at the woman behind him, "Lenora Pawell. Two granddaughters living with your son in block sector A-1."
Lenora covered her mouth with the tips of her fingers.
"And lastly, Sidney Hegler. It seems there's no one of importance to you."
Sidney closed her eyes, looking a little ashamed.
Atlas turned his gaze to the first assistants, truly acknowledging them for the first time. "If you try and stop me from fixing this city, I'll have you and your family removed."
"You can't do such a thing!" Lenora shouted in shock.
"Those who threaten this new order will, in turn, be met with my threats," the man said in a severe tone. "But rest assured, if you work with me rather than against me, we will have no issues. I'll do my best to support your needs, and together, we can all live in harmony." He turned to the camera once again. "This applies to all people in Fortune. You have my promise."
The First Assistants all stood in their place, stumped. None of them wanted to abandon the Big Bosses, but now it seems they have no choice. Atlas intended for the other Big Bosses to step down, whether they liked it or not. That made the question of if he would kick them out or not. All four would unquestionably stand up to him and try to stop this takeover, and none of them were precisely pushovers. Atlas probably had no choice but to kick them to the curb due to their tenacity alone. He certainly wasn't afraid to hand out threats.
Someone stepped forward.
"Wait just a second," Lincoln said, his brows furrowing; he took a spot next to Atlas.
Shade looked on in shock at the display.
"You don't need to threaten them like that, Atlas. We got what we wanted. I understand if you need to deal with them, but targeting their families is low!"
Atlas exchanged sight with Lincoln for a moment. He was calm as ever in the face of someone who was a force to be reckoned with. "Lincoln, are you aware that both Ray and Shade were left on the streets by the public?"
Lincoln's mouth opened to respond, but no voice spoke out. His breathing stopped for a moment after hearing that.
Shade spoke up next, hugging Ray close to her side. "In a world where money is everything—if you don't have any wealth, you don't exist."
Atlas nodded. "I understand where you're coming from, Lincoln, but you're young and don't know how a large civilization can spiral out of control. I simply want to negotiate a deal; that's the simple fact. People would always find a way to take advantage if I were too lenient. That's one of many sad facts of life."
Lincoln went into deep thought, about to reply, but then a scoff interrupted him.
"This is boring. I'm going to grab the stuff I left at your place. Later."
He turned to Mikey, who had his hands in his pockets and began to walk off.
"Wait, Mikey, where are you going?" Lincoln asked.
"Leaving." With one word, Mikey's tone was sprinkled with monotony.
"What about your pay?" Shade asked with a shout.
Mikey raised a hand nonchalantly and replied, "I only worked to get a good fight. So keep it."
"How can you just leave like this?" Lincoln asked, not believing what he was seeing.
Atlas frowned at Lincoln's words. Was the boy still looking to oppose him? Nodding towards Ray silently, the purple-haired boy smiled and readied himself.
Mikey didn't care enough to reply, walking casually past everyone who stood by the sidewalk.
"You can be a part of this!" Lincoln continued. "Live a life happily ever after in paradise!"
At that, Mikey paused and turned to Lincoln with a raised brow.
Even down the street, Lincoln could make out the skepticism throughout his expression. He didn't believe a single word he just said.
Atlas's worries ceased, and he raised a hand so Ray wouldn't do anything abrupt.
Mikey stared at Lincoln briefly before smiling and thinking, "Interesting..."
Lincoln couldn't tell what Mikey was thinking. Nonetheless, the boy didn't come back, choosing to walk in the same direction. It was towards Atlas's building where he left his clothes. He stared at his shrinking form for a few seconds before Atlas spoke.
"I guess he got what he wanted," he said before turning to Lincoln. "You can stay as long as you'd like," he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "And the moment you wish to leave with your atomosinc, I'll have it ready. You've earned it."
"T-thanks…" Lincoln said, frowning and turning to Mikey again, his form small enough that he could barely make it out.
Atlas turned to the camera. "Now, everyone. I wish you a good day's rest. Tomorrow, I will hold a conference at the Community Stadium."
Shade ended the live feed.
Giving off a neutral expression, he turned to the First Assistants. "You are free to do what you please. However, I'd appreciate it if you could work for me. With your experience, it will make everything go much smoother."
Melina glared at him. "And what about Evan and the others?"
Atlas closed his eyes. "They are relieved of their positions. We both know they won't take that sitting down, but I'm sure they can be persuaded. Take them somewhere far and try to talk some sense into them. Because if they return with revenge in mind, I'm not above acting on threats."
They all kept their extreme looks aimed toward him, but their bodies relaxed after finding out he wouldn't do anything more to them. They all went over to their former Big Boss, and Tamesha took charge, using her telepathic ability to lift them in the air and walk off.
Lincoln, who stared at their withdrawal, had his thoughts interrupted by Atlas.
"Shade, we have some work to do," Atlas turned to Lincoln with a kind smile. "Lincoln, you have done plenty today. You may go back to your hotel and rest. Tomorrow, your paradise begins."
Lincoln momentarily stared at him, uncertain, before saying, "A-alright."
Turning away from the trio, Lincoln blew out a breath he didn't realize he was holding before taking his first steps back to Atlas's building. He traded a glance with Terry and his friends, who returned the same look he had: Uncertainty. Turning to Kenner, who didn't follow the fallen leaders of the city, the young man refused to look at him, only staring at the ground with his arms crossed. He didn't bother turning to Wom, so he didn't know what expression he held.
The walk was quiet and lonely, with only the scenery of the destroyed buildings to accompany him. Dr. Barker sure didn't hold back.
There wasn't a single car being driven or a pedestrian walking about. At least until he spotted a mixed crowd of citizens and police officers coming his way. It was a smaller crowd than it should have been, most likely due to the time. These people did sleep in the daytime, after all. They all gave him varying looks, from caution to disgust. It made a hole in his chest. Thankfully, no one tried to start a conversation or, dare say, throw a punch. Was it either fear of his strength or respect for his actions? Probably a mix of both.
The crowd of people passed him without any exchange of words, only simple murmurs between each other. Lincoln didn't bother worrying about them and continued. While the boy knew he could keep his body awake for multiple days or weeks, he felt so mentally drained that he just wanted to head to bed.
When he got back to Atlas's building, the employees welcomed him. He only replied with a slight wave, heading to the elevator.
He grabbed his blue hoodie at the top floor and changed into it. The boy didn't feel like riding the elevator again, so he took off in a burst of white energy out an open window.
Flying to his hotel, he entered through the front doors. People gave him looks but he ignored them. He wouldn't doubt previous people from below were also staring at him while he flew through the city skies.
He could ignore all of the people for as long as he wanted. However, deep in his chest, he couldn't ignore the feeling that he made the wrong decision. Atlas, Shade, and Ray seemed to do what they thought was best. Even so, what people thought was correct wasn't always the case. Lincoln considered threatening family members to be low and cruel. It left a bad taste in his mouth. Family is one of life's most essential and vital things, and he treasured that concept despite his past with his.
Atlas made a good point. He was just a kid who had no idea how adults shaped the world. That man was wiser than him, no doubt about it, but were adults always correct over children? Maybe it was the bias talking, but even he, as a child, always stood by his arguments.
His thoughts drifted to the reveal that Shade and Ray were left to be homeless by everyone. He sympathized with them one hundred percent, but maybe all of that past trauma was causing them to make drastic decisions. Either way, that situation was painfully familiar to the boy from planet Earth.
Dang it, there it was again: the thoughts of his past haunting him. Sometimes it was nice to think about his last life on Earth, but most of the time, it was a nightmare he couldn't wake up from. He could never escape it. This memory always caused him a painful sharp headache, and now was no different.
It wasn't the first and probably wouldn't be the last. He had been constantly getting these migraines whenever his mind drifted to that fateful day, as if it was a parasite leaching on his brain. Thankfully, it was improving over time. Nowadays he would get fewer migraines. They would last shorter and didn't hurt as much. He just needed some rest to take his mind off of things.
Entering his room, he headed straight for the bed, flopping on it without a care. Sighing, he covered himself with the blankets.
Unfortunately for him, it wouldn't be until after hours of thoughts dancing around in his head that he would finally fall asleep.
Rainwater hitting the window was the noise that dominated most.
Lincoln woke up.
Groaning, he rose out of bed. Out the window, the night was just beginning. When he first drifted off, it was turning to morning. He must have overslept.
He rubbed his head and flipped the covers off of him.
Heading for the bathroom, he took care of his teeth and then took a quick shower. His headache still lingered, but it wasn't as bad as last night.
Sighing as he stepped out of the steaming bathroom, in underwear and a bathrobe, he went over to his bed and sat on it. He picked up the phone that was on his nightstand and called the front desk to order breakfast.
The call lasted less than a minute, the woman on the other end stuttering with her words, apologizing constantly. With the food on its way, he went to his Inventory at the foot of his bed and reached inside.
He grazed over something and knew what it was. Nothing else felt laminated like this.
Pulling the poster out, the sight of familiar faces made his headache grow again. He audibly groaned, holding his head and shutting his eyes. If anyone were in the room with him, they would have spoken their concerns. It was stupid how pressure replaced pain for the most part, but minor things like headaches were still present.
Before, he always focused his thoughts on the incredible music and mostly hilarious comedy that sprouted from the people on the poster. However, in his current state, all he could think of were the blasting music that attacked the health of his ears and pranks that harmed his limbs.
Staring at it momentarily, he rolled it back up and carefully put it back inside. If he had something in his Inventory, all he had to do was think of it, and he could grab it. His mind was swirling so much he must've accidentally called for the poster.
Focusing on clothes, he pulled out an extra set: a plain purple t-shirt and brown shorts. The recognizable purple made his headache pulse momentarily, but luckily no more than that.
Not long after that, there was a knock at the door. That was oddly fast.
Opening the front, the lady had a cart filled with breakfast items that could feed two entire families. The rest was probably for his neighbors.
"For Lincoln?" the lady asked, her voice wavering.
"Uh, yeah."
The lady pushed the cart a little forward. "Sorry."
"Oh!" Lincoln stepped to the side to give her room. "Sorry!"
She brought the cart inside and left it in front of his bed.
When the boy noticed it was staying there, he said, "Wait, wait. I didn't order all of this!" He most likely wouldn't eat all of this and he didn't exactly enjoy wasting food.
"Oh my goodness!" the lady exclaimed quickly with widened eyes, "I'm so sorry! I'll take it all back!"
"N-no, I'll keep the flapjacks and toast…" he said, slightly confused. "And the milk too."
"Y-yes, of course, sir!" She bowed once. "I'll take the rest back right away!"
Lincoln placed the two plates and glass containing what he desired on his nightstand.
The woman, apologizing profusely, swiftly took the cart back and closed the door behind her.
"It's… fine?"
He had no idea why the lady was acting like that. Sitting on his bed, he took the plate of flapjacks and turned on his television.
He widened his eyes at the sight of the news, which had pictures of Atlas, Shade, Ray, Mikey, and himself on the big screen. The caption read: "BIG BOSS SYSTEM TAKEN DOWN."
Then it dawned on him. Between yesterday and now, the news must have spread to everyone with ears.
That lady knew who he was. The entirety of the hotel staff must have. Not only them, the entire city must have known by now who he was. He didn't know how to feel about it. Before, he was only known by the people involved or who watched the tournament he participated in. Now, he probably couldn't meet someone who couldn't recognize him.
This explained why the staff lady reacted to him declining the food. She was probably scared that he would kick her out of the city if he was unhappy with anything, but he would never do such a thing.
Starting breakfast, he watched as the news channel spoke about the most recent events. They spoke about Atlas and Shade mostly. He and Mikey were only brought up briefly and by name once, which he was glad about. It was better than being in the headlines, in his opinion. He also heard the same broadcast coming from outside. If he were to guess, the billboards were all probably showing the same news channel. This was probably the most impactful day in this city's history.
The news cut to somewhere inside a large stadium dubbed, The Community Stadium. The stands were flooded with people all discussing the man who stood in the middle, who was none other than Atlas himself.
Lincoln decided he would head there too. He was curious if anything, and there were questions he wanted to ask Atlas, even if he didn't know what questions those were.
Finishing his meal, he made his way out of the hotel room. Stepping outside it appeared to stop raining. The only proof of the recent weather was the damp smell in the air and wet ground.
Curiosity peaked within as he ventured to the Community Stadium where Atlas was supposed to answer himself to the public. Were people more upset or overjoyed by the recent events? He would have to ask the man himself.
The trek took half an hour. It was a nice walk. People and cars littered the streets like normal, with a happier tone overall. The city people must have welcomed the recent changes.
However, throughout the city, he saw a multitude of graffiti plastered on the walls. At least where he walked anyway.
They varied in the messages they told. Some praised the 'Atlas Revolution,' as they called it. Others demanded that they leave the city. A few targeted Atlas specifically, and another few even focused on Shade. It wasn't shocking, but he saw one even condemning him, screaming at him to get lost. Still, it hurt.
While the happier tone of the city was apparent, it was obvious that the graffiti served as a way to show disapproval anonymously. After all, everyone was frightened at the thought of being kicked out of the city for rebellion. This was their home.
Other than the graffiti, Lincoln also received an array of looks. There were hopeful ones, those who looked inspired and awed of him, and even some dirty expressions. Those last people looked away when they realized he had locked eyes with them. He hoped no one tried to jump him or anything of the sort. He wasn't necessarily worried about his safety, but he didn't want any complications.
Turning the corner of a building, he finally came across the large Community Stadium. A large crowd was outside the building, begging to be let in. The guards at the front, who once worked for Dr. Barker, refused to comply with anyone.
When he walked up and asked them to be let in, they did so without any issue. The boy received many dirty looks, but no one yelled about him; they were also scared of angering anyone close to Atlas.
Heading deep inside, he walked up some steps and entered the main area of the stadium. Like on the news, people squished together on the stands as they either listened or shouted questions or demands. The people closest to Atlas held microphones and shouted up to him.
Camera lights rapidly flickered as Atlas sat in front of a podium with a few more microphones. He tried to answer as many questions as he could, but the crowd was shouting at the same time, interrupting both him and each other constantly. It was chaos.
As Lincoln stepped closer, some people noticed him, which was an unexpected mistake.
They rushed at him suddenly, blasting the boy with questions left and right while shoving their microphones into his face.
"Lincoln, is it true that you fought against Chief Edward Barker?"
"Do you know Mikey's whereabouts?"
"By what means did you grow this powerful?"
"Was it through Atlas Technology?"
"Did you help Atlas for the money or the city?"
"Do you like fruits on your dough plates?"
His head started to pound again. In the heat of the moment, he wasn't sure how they got his name even though it was obvious. The questions swarmed him like insects. The shouts of the people and the flashing lights from the cameras didn't aid his headache either.
Atlas noticed the commotion up there. Before he did anything, however, he quickly realized there was no need to intervene.
A hand grabbed Lincoln, pulling him out of the crowd.
The boy was about to pull his wrist away but stopped when realizing who saved him from suffocating.
"All of your questions will be directed at Atlas!" Shade told the crowd before turning her back to them. They knew the message. If they ticked any of them off, there would be consequences.
She and Lincoln walked off, and the people who bombarded the kid turned their attention back to Atlas.
"Thanks for that," Lincoln said once it was quieter in an empty hallway away from the stadium.
"Don't mention it." Shade smiled. She glanced around, making sure no one was eavesdropping on them.
Lincoln had to ask. "So… how are things going so far?"
Even though it was only one full day of sleeping, such a significant change warranted such a question.
Shade sighed, leaning against the wall. "So far, things are going smoothly. Most people are fine with the change, but there are some still against it. That doesn't count all of the ones hiding because they're scared of being kicked out. It might take some time to change, but eventually, it'll be how it's supposed to be."
"And what's that?"
Shade shrugged. "Where no one has to struggle, I guess."
"Like you did." Lincoln gave her a sorrowful look.
Shade gave a short hum.
He stared at her momentarily before leaning against the wall beside her. "You're doing a great thing, Shade. A lot of people only want revenge, especially kids our age. But you're looking out for everyone. Even kids in the future that hopefully don't have to go through what you did."
She chuckled, smiling at him. "Thanks… I appreciate that."
Lincoln smiled back at her.
She looked Lincoln directly in the eyes, as if there was something else she wanted to say.
Lincoln stared back, raising a curious brow.
She sighed and leaned off the wall. "I… I'm going to see how Atlas is holding up. Talk to you later?"
Lincoln nodded. "Sure."
"Kay." She took her leave, heading over to her boss. "See you."
Lincoln kept watch for a time before heading off in a direction himself. He had to find something to do.