Ugh.
That was the the only terminology that Bureau mage Shamsel Nagisa could come up with to describe his current task. His eyes silently scan the area, only pausing a moment at the goal before him. It stood right in front of him as if to mock him as a single obstacle stood in his way. But this wasn't something that he could blast right through to get to the goal. No, he had self control unlike some people in the TSAB. It was a test of his willpower, not his strength. He was determined to make it through this ordeal no matter what.
"Next!"
The line shifted forward a few inches as Shamsel let out a soft sigh.
'With all the technology...hell will all this magic, why do I STILL have to wait in these damn lines at the bank?!'
In reality, he should have been expecting the long lines. Given that most of the closest banks closed by the time he got off duty, he had no choice but to take care of his errand during his lunch break...along with apparently the majority of the city. He glances up at the clock on a nearby wall and finds he's been standing in line for almost 20 minutes. The only silver lining was that he was fourth in line...make that third.
'Almost there...then I can head back and hopefully have some time to grab some food...'
CRASH
Acting on instincts, Shamsel dropped to the floor at the sound of the breaking glass.
"Put yer hands were I can see 'em!!"
He lifts his head off the floor and tries to peer through the sea of legs to see what was going on. A cry of pain catches his attention as one of the security guards crumples to the ground to his right.
'Oh just great...some idiots are robbing the bank.'
"Anyone else wanna try and be a 'ero?" The silence from the people was all the robbers needed to hear, "Alright then. Let's get all of ya to the back nice and tight...oh not you workers. YOU stay right there and start openin' those drawers of yours."
Shamsel cautiously rose to his feet and followed the flow of people to the back of the bank, making sure to stay on the outside edge of the group.
'Three of them with some old, mass-produced staff Devices. Simple body armor, too. They must've gotten it from the Black Market...'
His thoughts are interrupted as two of the robbers approached the group, Devices leveled at them.
"Keep your hands where we can see 'em. If any of you so as try to use any magic, we'll make you regret it."
The hostages next to him were a wide range of people, from some elderly to a mother with her young daughter. None of them looked like they were part of the TSAB or were combat mages at all which included himself. He mentally thanked whatever divine being decided to implant the idea of changing into something more comfortable before leaving base. The jeans and slightly faded shirt let him blend in with the other civilians and go unnoticed by the robbers. They probably had no idea a Bureau mage was even in their midst.
One of the two guarding them turned his head to the apparent head of the group, "Is the cash loaded yet?"
"Almost. These damn wimps are slow. Don't look at me! Keep loadin' the bags!"
He took notice that the two guarding them appeared nervous. Probably wanting to get out of there before the local law enforcement or TSAB showed up. Glancing to his side, he took notice of a mother clutching her sobbing daughter with a terrified look in her eyes. His mind was made up. If he was going to act, he needed to act now.
"It's the TSAB!!"
All three robbers took the bait and spun around to the doors, bringing their weapons with them. That was the break he needed as he dove to his side and behind a filing cabinet.
"What...CRAP! Get him!!"
He clenches his right hand into a fist as he stares down at the small, figner ring resting on his pinky.
"Let's go, Tuebor! Set up!"
Drive Ignition
"It's a Bureau mage! Waste him NOW!!"
Several magical shots flew at the cabinet, easily ripping through the flimsy metal towards the intended target. A monotone male voice comes from the other side as the shots penetrate through the other side.
Guard Impact
The shots harmlessly slam into the blue magical barrier. Within the protective field, Shamsel grips his naginta-style Device in his right hand, his casual clothes replaced by his silver Barrier Jacket. He rolls away from the cabinet and stands to stare down the three men.
"You are all under arrest! Drop your weapons and place your hands..."
Guard Impact
Several more shots dissipate against the barrier as Shamsel lets out a sigh.
"Why must they always make it so difficult..."
Seeing that they weren't going to cooperate, he grips Device with both hands and charges the nearest man. He swings his Device from his side at the man, the hardened blade impacting the staff's shaft. Shamsel grunts as he quickly brings the butt of Tuebor around and connects with the robber's head, sending him sprawling on the ground.
The second man lunges from the side with is staff raised above his head, hoping to catch Shamsel off guard, only to find his staff blocked by Tuebor's own silver shaft. He lets out a grunt of frustration, jumping backwards to prepare for a long-range attack.
"I don't think so!"
Shamsel charges towards him, his Device raised for another attack.
Pierce Impact
As he had hoped, the robber raised his staff up to block the oncoming attack. The magic and air enhanced blade connects with the staff's shaft. Unlike before, the swirling air around the blade quickly erode the impact point of the old Device and allow the blade to cleave it in half. The stunned look was all he needed as he followed up with a kick to the man's stomach, sending him slamming into a a nearby desk.
The sound of footsteps catches the mages attention as he turns to find the ringleader making a break for the door with a duffel probably full of money.
"Hold it right here!"
Before he can make chase, the man points his Device behind him and fires...right at the civilians. Realizing where the magic attack was aimed, many of the people tried to make a run for it. Others were too terrified and found that they couldn't move to get out of the way. The young girl's crying increased as her mother held her protectively.
Protect Impact
A blue barrier quickly materialized in front of the civilians, taking the blow of the attack. With them taken care of, Shamsel turned his attention to the bastard who had tried to attack innocent civilians.
"Tuebor!"
Yes, partner. Dividing Impact
Thrusting the blade forward, a wall of air surges outwards and straight towards the robber. The sound of the howling winds catches his attention as he turns and tries to dive out of the way of the rapidly approaching wall. He managed to avoid a direct hit, but not the wild winds around the wall. The powerful gust send him flying through the air before slamming into a wall and slumping on the ground with a groan.
Shamsel lets out a soft sigh. Dragging the unconscious bodies together, he places a simple binding on the robbers before hearing the familiar sirens approaching the bank.
'Took you long enough...'
His thoughts are quickly broken by cheering. Turning around he finds the civilians cheering and offering him their thanks, some going as far as to shake his hand or embrace him in a rather tight hug. Off in a corner, the mother looks over and smiles. Her daughter looks up from her arms and smiles brightly at him, waving her small arm.
The local law enforcement immediately took charge of the scene, leading the people out and taking statements from everyone. Shamsel quietly watched as the robbers were secured and taken away. As the area was being taped off from the public, a single thought ran through his mind.
'Oh CRAP! I never got to finish my banking! Argh...now I need to wait until tomorrow before I can get more coins to do my laundry...which means more lines. How can this day get any worse..?'
Once they had gotten his statement and contact information, Shamsel reluctantly returned to HQ. Upon arriving his desk, he found a pile of paper work in addition to incident report forms, explanation for Device discharge forms, and other sheets that needed to be filed out due to his little run in at the bank.