[@Crossfire] [@King Tai]

"In all due respect, I don't believe that's true," Agent replied.  "People can change their lives around, and when they don't, they don't.  That's why we're here- to keep them from hurting others until they take a hint or die doing what they choose.  It isn't our place to choose whether or not they die, it's our place to protect the innocents hurt by this."

Agent listened to herself talk and shook her head slightly, doubtedly.  Although she believed in her words, they didn't sound... [i]real.[/i]  Not that she wasn't speaking English or anything, but the words she spoke, well, they didn't seem to be true.  Sure, some criminals turned around, but she caught a majority later on, sometimes the very next day.  "Maybe you're right.  Maybe I am naive."  As she spoke these words, the sirens began to approach.  "I wish we didn't have to end this so early.  Maybe we'll meet up another time?" she offered.  The sirens drew closer and this was her definite cue to leave.  Even though the murdered thugs on the ground weren't her victims, she felt she was largely connected to their death.  If only she had been there sooner, everyone would have survived and none would succumb to the cold steel of the anti-hero's bullets.

Agent ran and hopped up onto the nearest garbage container, propelled off of it, and caught onto the windowsill of an apartment.  She quickly and almost effortlessly scaled the apartment onto the roof before the police arrived.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, as Ally Estrada prepared to go to work, a news report popped on the television.  She sat on her hardly-used couch, munching away on a bagel, as she watched the story.

"Three attempted rapists murdered last night along with four injured.  Police say this was the work of vigilante Reaper, and possibly an accomplice.  Reaper's trademark victims usually carry lethal bullet wounds, but the police has yet to reveal the identity of the accomplice.  The victim of these attackers, who made a public speech earlier this morning, had this to say:"

The footage cut from the news reporter to the woman from the previous night standing behind a podium with what seemed like a million microphones attached to it.  A line of officers were behind her, giving her silent support and protection.

"Last night was the scariest experience of my life," she began, clearing her throat a bit, "And it could have been the last night of my life had two heroes not saved me.  When I needed them, Reaper and Agent came to me and protected me.  I know some of the rapists were killed, but I was saved.  And I came here to thank them.  Whoever you two are, I am so grateful for you.  I owe my lives to you, and I want to get the opportunity to one day thank you in person, but for now, I thank you here.  You two will always be heroes in my eyes.  Thank you."  The crowd began to politely clap as she stepped down from the podium.

The news reel changed back to the studio and just as the news reporter began to speak again, Ally shut off the television.  This woman felt she owed her life to her and Reaper.  Ally wasn't quite sure how to feel about this.  Not many people she helped went with public thanks, at least not like this.  She was proud to receive the thanks, but wondered how things might have turned out if she never arrived.  Would Reaper be there in time?  Would all criminals be dead or would some get away?  She shook her head and finished her small breakfast before heading out to work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Agent had to see Reaper again, she just had to.  Something about the older man intrigued her.  His point of view on being a hero, on how to save people, was different.  Although she didn't agree with it, it seemed to work.

Through street intel, a few nights after the incident that allowed them to meet, Agent discovered there would be a large bank robbery by one of the rampant gangs, Los Chicos, in Reaper's part of the city.  There was no way she could be sure if Reaper knew of the robbery or not, so she had to take care of it personally, right?  In reality, she wouldn't admit that this was an excuse to meet up with Reaper again.  Perhaps she was too proud, or too ashamed, but she gave herself the excuse that she was here on strict hero business.

Agent sat atop the bank, watching the workers lock up and set the alarms before leaving the bank.  Unlike some other heroes, she didn't have much sophisticated technology.  Some of the wealthier heroes had heat sensors, x-ray goggles, and other gadgets of the likes.  Agent only carried a few laser pointers, some smoke bombs, and strobing lights.  She sat atop the building, wondering how she would find the criminals and stop them before they had the chance to get their hands on any of the money.