Hours Later After The Battle

  Havel City's skyline appeared on the horizon, its angular skyscrapers and neon-lit streets glimmering like far-off stars. As Lee, Taz, and Maya were transported by Luke's Skull Copter, the trio was burdened by the consequences of the war.

  At last, Taz said, his voice breaking the deafening calm, "You're awfully quiet."

  Lee carefully turned his head. "There's nothing more to say," he answered in an emotionless tone. "We've taken the necessary action."

  "Finished?" Maya's voice trembled and reverberated. "Lee, you destroyed a hole in the sky and burned a man." Are you even aware of what you've let loose?

  Lee didn't flinch when his eyes met hers. "Maya, I am fully aware of what I have done. I demonstrated to the world that justice is more than simply a platitude or a hollow pledge. Even if it's impossible to avoid, there are occasions when we might have done far worse.”

  In the centre of Havel City, the skull copter landed with a thump. A gathering of Havel Citizens assembled in the square was visible when the ramp hissed open.

  Lee went down first, taking his time. The audience murmured louder as he came to the bottom of the ramp.

  "Is he there?"

  "Lee Beckton is that..."

  The audience became hushed as Lee held up a hand.

  “You may recognise me as the vigilante skull mask, but my name is Lee Beckton. You have witnessed my accomplishments and my abilities. For the sake of this city and the people whom Amir Podolski and his army crushed underfoot, I took this action. But don't think that what I did was heroic.”

  "I'm not the kind of hero you might want to see in comic books or movies. I'm merely a man who wishes to assist others in navigating Havel City. I'll try my best to stop the world from burning because I'm a man who is sick of seeing it happen. Even if it means going the extra mile.”

  The mayor of Havel City reluctantly moved ahead, accompanied by security. His voice trembled as he said, "Lee Beckton." "The city is grateful to you, but what you did the devastation is just..."

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  "That was the fate of the world fighting me an outcome I didn't want I also want to point out Havel City’s safety isn’t guaranteed by politicians or speeches. It’s guaranteed by those willing to fight for it. From now on, I’ll fight as myself."

  After hesitating, the mayor willingly nodded.

  August 30th, 1998

  The city's ragged structures, weathered brick exteriors, and graffiti-covered walls conveyed a story of resiliency and healing. The city was startled but unquestionably altered by the fallout from Lee Beckton's fight with the IPC.

  Aaron’s Legacy Gym

  "This is what you're actually doing?" Taz grinned as he spoke.

  Lee smiled slightly. He would have preferred this. Aaron used to say that the war was among the people, not simply in the streets. Perhaps fewer will feel the need to take them out there if I can train them to fight their battles here. Additionally, provides them with all the enjoyment in the world for individuals who wish to temporarily escape unpleasant situations.

  Taz leaned against the ropes of an adjacent ring and nodded. "All right, count me in. While you are giving your pensive speeches, someone needs to keep the children occupied.”

  Lee laughed and replied, "Thank you."

  A few interested individuals peered in as the gym door cracked open. Teenagers, little children, and even a few elderly folks reluctantly made their way inside. With a rare compassion in his voice, Lee took one step forward.

  "Thank you for visiting Aaron's Legacy. You've arrived at the proper spot, regardless of why you're here to train, to battle, or simply to discover a place where you belong.

  Havel City Police Department

  Officers' conversations froze when Detective Luke Pierce stepped into the precinct, their gaze showing devotion.

  "Good Morning Everyone."

  "Good Morning Detective Luke Pierce!" The police officers said with reverence.

  Pierce, you've done an incredible thing in the last 12 months. However, I must know if you intend to stay or if I should begin creating your monument.

  Luke grinned. "I'll remain. You never know what disaster can befall us again, therefore someone needs to protect this department from collapsing.”

  "All right. You will require backup.

  Maya showed up in the doorway as if on cue, wearing a borrowed police jacket and seemed a little uneasy.

  Looking at her, Luke acknowledged, "She's raw." However, she has a promise. Do you want this city to remain intact? Trust me, Captain, she is incredibly helpful. Then, we need individuals like her who know what we are fighting for.

  "All right. However, you are accountable for her. Teach her well. The Captain gave permission.

  Maya straightened her stance beneath Luke's gaze as he looked at her.

  Then Maya paused as they left. "Do you believe I'm prepared for this?"

  Luke didn't veer off course. "You made it through the chaos." More than most, that is. The only thing left to do is the work."

  Midnight

  Long shadows were thrown through Havel City's forgotten streets and little alleyways by the full moon that hovered over the city. After the fight, the city had been peaceful, but this tranquilly was a thin veneer that had been layered on top of years of unrest and corruption.

  Standing in their skull mask personas with Taz, Maya and Luke on the roof of a low-rise structure was Lee Beckton.

  "Maya I finally got a name for us," Lee said

  "What is it?"

  "The Skull Force

  The story of Lee Beckton was no more as he can finally live his life without facing misery or grief. He continued to do what he did best.

  Helping Others

  “MY SKULL FORCE… WE HEAD OUT!

  The End