Preparing herself, Fiona began to glow as her wings appeared and she activated Wind Shield. Flapping them, she shot into the sky. Stopping fifteen feet above the patio, she cast a Wind Wall below her, stopping a volley of light arrows.
Hanna ceased her attack, staring up at her with pursed lips, but soon smiled. Banner was by the rail guard, kneeling beside Briana as he examined her Ice Spear. Okay, Banner’s free … my Ice Spear just immobilized him. What the crap! What kind of warrior am I?
Briana sighed, hands on her hips as she looked up at her. “Hanna, those arrows are…”
Fiona’s vision shifted to the hard shell domes surrounding the kids. They’re all safe for now, but they need air. She manipulated the shell bottom’s with Earth Displacement to create holes for them to breath. That should…
Her eyes shot open as a bright light exploded below her; she frantically beat her wings, feeling gravity slam against her body as she flew backward, barely missing a massive burst of light that pierced her Wind Wall. What the crap!
Hanna had her bow pulled back, white glowing arrow brightening by the second. A charged shot? Of course there’d be a charged shot!
Licking her lips, Fiona pulled the earth up, surrounding the three gangsters. They stiffened as the patio trembled, dirt rising toward them. That should buy me some time. As the shell rose, they all dodged; Hanna jumped off to the side, Briana camouflaged, and Banner turned into a liquid to melt through the floor. Seriously? These guys are so annoying!
Releasing the magic, the earth only partially formed into an Earth Shield. She darted down and manipulated the earth to open up, using Levitate to lift the children, she shot into the air but froze as Hanna hopped back on the railing, bow aimed at a girl no more than seven years old.
“Hey! Calm down, little Fairy!” She grinned, arrow brightening.
Fiona took a deep breath, biting her lower lip. They were fifteen feet above the covering, but she’d seen how accurate Hanna could be. They’re so fast at recovering! If I try to go, she can just pierce my Wind Wall and kill a kid...
Briana appeared on the patio cover, tail swishing back and forth as she grinned up at her. “You’re pretty fun! A lot funner than regular Beastkin and the like, there were quite a few that fought back, but they were easy prey.”
Fiona looked back at the kids, still in their placid state before glaring down at Hanna. I don’t get them! “Were you never a sister or mom? Why would you kill kids?”
Fiona’s vision darted to a puddle that rose up around one of the side pillars of the patio. “Oh, wrong words there, Fairy.”
“Teh, mom or sister?” Hanna scoffed. “I grew up on the streets after my parents abandoned me. My mom went on and on about how she should have had an abortion since it was illegal to kill a kid; she would have had no problem aborting a child. Eventually, she just dropped me off here. Proof right? I don’t even remember what state they lived in or what she looked like.”
“So, what, this is all a game to you?” Fiona seethed. “Your parents abandoned you, so now just kill or hurt anyone?” This is really like a warzone! They’re crazy!
Briana snickered. “Please, we know it’s wrong, but we don’t care. It’s fun, and who’s going to stop us? It feels so good just playing with people, like a cat playing with a mouse! Nature, right?” She licked her lips. “Nature … Fairies might taste good, who knows? I mean, it can’t be cannibalism now, right?” Her eyes widened in shock. “Humans aren’t cannibalism now!”
“Woah,” Hanna, chuckled, still aiming a charged arrow at the young girl. “Even I wouldn’t go that far, Bri. Don’t do a Banner!”
Fiona felt her skin prickle. Don’t do a Banner? This can’t be real. She glared at the partial liquid man, wrapped around the post. “You—ate someone?”
Banner’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh, mad?” He chuckled. “Oh, yeah, I definitely ate people; I’m an Aberationkin, a Slime—it felt so natural as they … dissolved inside me. You know, they can breathe, if I want them to, and then they just feel the acidic burn.” He grinned. “No one can hear their screams as they float, trapped in my digestive membrane…”
“Yo,” Briana sniffed. “TMI, man! That’s a bit too much for me.”
“Yeah, shut up, Banner! I might throw up. I mean, killing the kids, sure, but slowly melting them? Gave me the shivers last time I saw it.”
Fiona could feel her temper flaring; a storm she never experienced as a human. They … he … melted children alive? Inside him? A shiver ran down her spine as she felt Scarlet’s Fear Aura activate up north, but it was a drop of water in an inferno. That’s right … these aren’t people, they’re monsters, worse than monsters, filth! Murder by crushing, gassing, melting, experimenting … men, women, children … it doesn’t matter to them. Monsters? I’m a monster now, right? It takes monsters to deal with monsters!
Thirty percent of her remaining energy vanished; she lifted her hands above her head as she activated the next stage of Inferno, Conflagration. A tight ball of red energy grew to the size of the pool below them as most her aura flashed deep red.
“Woah!” Banner muttered.
“Hey, hey, I’ll shoot…”
Briana’s ears pulled back and she muttered a curse as she stared up at the ball above her, tail drooping limply. The sphere had multiple spherical hues inside as new layers continued to form, becoming lighter and lighter as it expanded.
Fiona threw her hands down; the ball shot toward Hanna. Briana kicked off the patio cover, racing to tackle Hanna as Fiona lost sight of the scene below her; activating Wind Wall at the maximum output, she felt three percent of her energy leave as they shot into the air.
The sound was as loud as the tank shell, fire roaring below them. The scalding steam was forced around the children as her wall combatted the rising heat. Breathing a deep sigh, she examined the devastation below. All of the plastic had turned to vapor, fumes following her wind’s current, and the metals were either partially melted or puddles of bubbling liquid.
The conflagration was so hot that it yellowed the concrete, causing it to crack from the rapid expansion, and the plant life was instantly disintegrated, leaving no fire. The back half of the patio lit with rising flames, the only live fire, everything else was either melted or evaporated.
Creating a few large balls of water the size of a couch, she dropped them on the parts that were getting out of control. Wow … that was crazy powerful, but it did cost a ton of my energy. After all the spells I’ve been using, I only have about thirty-eight percent of my energy left … that’s after eating enough sugar to give me that Addled debuff too. More than half my life is gone…
She snapped back to her senses as some of the steam around the pool blew away; three bodies laid at the bottom. A foot of boiling water was left, the atmosphere thick with humidity. Both Hanna and Briana were in some kind of gelatinous body, but they weren’t unscathed.
Hanna’s right arm, the front of her face, and part of her left breast were charcoal, flaking away in Banner’s body; teeth clenched in pain, she grasped at her blackened shoulder, clearly crying.
From her shins to her feet, Briana’s legs reflected the blast they received, face mirroring Hanna’s agony.
Fiona observed the three with contempt. They actually survived that? Slimes are pretty freaking resilient. She hovered toward them, the two girls completely oblivious to anything but their own pain. Serves them right!
Coldly, Fiona began to glow light blue as she raised a hand, Ice Spear forming; Banner’s upper body appeared from the gelatinous substance, forming to lie against the pool’s cracked and scalding bottom side.
“Wh—wait—please…”
Fiona glared at him. “It looks like my Conflagration did affect you. You’re barely holding it together.” She lowered her hand toward Briana, slowly moving the thin, long shard of ice toward her thigh inside the jelly. “Slow, that’s what makes it fun, right?”
Banner grit his teeth as the gelatin began to liquefy. “Ah, not so fast…” Fiona clicked her tongue, sending a burst of cold air at him from her other hand, hardening the liquid.
Teeth beginning to chatter, Banner’s upper half began to shiver. “Wha—wait … please—ack…” Her spear began to penetrate his chilled body, burrowing at a constant rate until it struck Briana’s leg, causing a silent scream.
“How odd—you really can’t hear her,” Fiona muttered as she formed another spear. “You know, I wonder how many children’s screams you heard today? How many cries for help—for you to stop?”
The rod entered his body, moving toward Hanna’s right shoulder. “You used that arm to kill kids, did you? Torture them?” Her icicle entered Hanna’s shoulder, severing the cartilage and grinding against bone.
“N—no,” Banner shivered. “Hanna didn’t—didn’t torture…”
“Is that right?” Fiona asked, cold blue and vivid green eyes rising to meet Banner’s upper half. “Well then, I guess she’s off the hook.” Creating another spear, she shot it like a bullet through Hanna’s chest. Her eyes widened, before deadening, trembling body going limp.
“Wha—what kin—kind of hero—are you?”
Fiona glared at him, fireball appearing in her hand as she activated Inferno, glow tinting red. “Who said I was a hero? I’m a monster—just like you. A mythical monster, really, not a legendary hero, and apparently they aren’t that great either.” She pushed the fireball forward, increasing the energy as it entered Banner’s body. His upper body tensed before liquifying, sliding back into the water as it began to bubble viciously.
Briana’s body dropped into the pool as Banner melded with the torrent, making her scream as she hit the boiling liquid. Thrashing about as the ice in her leg melted, Fiona watched her boil alive, safe behind her Wind Shield. “Cooked like a lobster. Is this fun?” After a few minutes, she stopped flailing, eyes dead.
She’d never felt this way before, rage, disgusted, powerful, willing to do anything to complete her goal. The thought touched her mind as she released Inferno. What am I getting from this? Why am I doing this? Oh, Warpath? It makes my spells consume more energy than normal … but makes me more powerful, fearless, and motivated. It’s an Enrage skill … crap … it won’t deactivate until I kill Terrell.
“Are you still alive, Banner?” She asked, glancing down at the rippling water. “You seem really really resilient … so, I should make sure. Do I have lightning?” She smiled. “Of course I do, Spark.” The more energy I infuse, the stronger it becomes, but the cost to power ratio increases the more energy I dump into it. Warpath will increase the power output a ton, but it’s going to cost me. That’s okay, I shouldn’t need that much.
Fiona examined her hand as her green fingernail color mixed with yellow hews, sparks dancing at her fingertips. “Well then, Banner, thanks for being my guinea pig.”
Pointing her hand down, she sent a bolt of electricity into the boiling water. She shifted her head to the left as liquid spikes shot out of the pool five feet from her, convulsing in thousands of spasms with the corpses in front of her. After several seconds, she released Spark, but the liquid stood stock still in the same shape.
Glaring at Banner, she huffed, “For good measure.” Her aura lit red as she scorched the spikes. They quickly turned to steam, rising into the air and around the children, following the Wind Wall’s current.
She didn’t waste a second after the last of Banner’s body evaporated; darting into the air, she cut all of her spells except Levitation and Wind Shield. The children followed her on currents of air as she dropped them off in a room, barring the door with a wall of dirt. The ventilation system should give them enough air.
Flying back to the ocean, she rose high into the sky, looking over the moonlit area. I felt Scarlet’s Fear Aura more to the left and north, on the beach. It’s gone now, so I don’t even know where she is. She must be fighting Relica, but for her to take this long … I don’t know.
Floating over the ocean, she searched, looking for any kind of boat. No, she can handle it! She might even be fighting Terrell … he needs to die for this to be over! How much energy do I have? Thirty-four percent; Warpath will kill me if I don’t kill him soon. For all this pain to be worth it … making me see all that … hear it. I’ll find him. I just want this all to be over, all of it…
Her vision caught something in the distance; a few Coast Guard boats were destroyed, turned upside down as they began to sink. That way! Beating her wings as hard as she could, she felt gravity press against her body, but the wind flowed around her shield. She shot toward the wreckage, reaching it within a minute. There were several life rafts with men frantically trying to reach them as the ships sank.
Using Levitate on everyone she could see, they shouted in shock as they were lifted out of the water and plopped onto the orange life rafts. Floating down to one, she hovered in front of three soldiers.
“Hey, where’d they go?”
The men recoiled, “What the...”
“Is that a glowing Fairy?”
Fiona pressed a hand against her forehead. “Focus, focus! The people that sank you, where did they go?”
The rest of the crew on the raft jumped with shock as the waves rose and fell around them, forcing Fiona to follow their motion. One of the men wiped water from his face. “Uhh, last I saw—they kept East.”
“Slightly North, going East,” another muttered. “What…”
Breaking away, Fiona flew high into the sky, scanning North East. They can’t have gotten that far … it’s only been like twenty minutes at most. Where…
She caught sight of a long ocean speedboat. Gritting her teeth, she shot toward it; the boat was speeding away, she was gaining on it, but it took ten minutes before she could finally see it clearly.
The boat was at least fifty feet long, painted a sleek yellow and black with AMG written on the hood and sides. It fit five people, and all the seats were taken. Daran was driving with his brother beside him, he didn’t look well; Terrell, the black man that made the drinks, and some brown-skinned woman sat in the back. Terrell was clutching at his right shoulder, where an arm used to be. That blood, I cut off Terrell’s arm with that Ice Spear! Did they bring his arm with them?
The woman looked back, eyes locking on her. She shoved Terrell, tilting her head back with a deep frown. He shouted something before doubling over, hand latching onto his shoulder. The man beside him reached over, hand glowing as he held it against Terrell’s wound, the pain on his face easing. He must be a healer … of course, Terrell would have a healer close by.
Raising her hand, Fiona created an Ice Spear and threw it at the boat; just before the spear struck, the woman whipped her hand up, sending out a bolt of electricity, shattering her ice. More ability users? You have to be kidding me! If she shatters the ice, then fire…
Activating Inferno, she raced along the side of the boat, but just before she could throw the blazing globe, a wave shot up. The wave swallowed her; Wind Shield striking the water, it was thrown around her as she dove into the ocean, energy plummeting.
“Sucking hobgoblin!” She shouted as the murky ocean flowed around her shield. “Where the crap…” She cut off as something slammed against her shield, shooting her back to the surface; she launched out of the water, a geyser pushing her fifty feet into the air. “Suck! Where did that come from?”
She frowned, looking around. She caught the boat racing away. That took down like ten percent of my energy … what the crap! I … is it another ability user in the water? That other chick has electricity powers, so … some kind of fish Beastkin? How do I fight that? Do I have anything to see in the water? Light Globe, sweet! Once I activate it, it’ll illuminate a space for a minute. Alright, can I get Water Prison to trap him? Perfect, let’s do this. Round two!
Darting back toward Terrell, it took her a few minutes to catch up again. How fast is this thing going? A hundred and fifty miles an hour or something?
The woman held out her hand again, shooting bolts of electricity at her. Fiona hovered back, realizing the arcing bolts never reached beyond fifty feet. I’ll get to you in a second!
She dove into the ocean; the water hit her shield, forced around it as she continued to fly through the liquid. Wow, my Wind Shield is eating my energy like a buffet under here! She activated Light Globe, a ball of white light appeared at her side; similar to her fireball, it kept an even distance with her body, unhindered by the water.
Flinging it forward, she activated its effect, wincing as a blast of light illuminated the dark sea. Her eyes quickly adjusted, and that’s when she saw him; a green-skinned man with a turtle shell on his back. He shielded his eyes as if the light bothered him. Is that a Kappa? If only chat could see this…
Darting toward him, she activated Water Prison as she neared; two spherical vortexes spun into existence around him, trapping the Kappa in the center of the swirling mixture. Using Levitate, she pulled him out of the water; the constant drain of Wind Shield dying down. She glared at the fish-man as he spun in circles in the Water Prison.
“You guys are so annoying!” She growled, aura mixing with light blue, she activated Freeze. The vortex began to crystallize from the outside in until only the block remained; she released Levitate, letting the chunk of ice fall into the ocean.
Following it, her aura tinted yellow. “Four down, five to go.” She sent a bolt of electricity at the ice, cracking it in several pieces; the Kappa split in half, frozen innards evident. Twenty percent...
Rising, she found Terrell’s boat and launched toward it. The woman was keeping a sharp eye on her bright green glow as she approached, sending balls of lighting at her. You seriously think you’re going to hit a Fairy three inches tall with those attacks? If I didn’t shine, you wouldn’t see me coming at all!
She activated Water Prison, but the boat was moving too fast for the vortex to catch. Teeth latched together, Fiona created a fireball with Inferno, throwing it at the boat. They curved left, causing the fireball to strike the ocean; a massive burst of steam whipped past her, shield forcing it around as her hair whipped at her back.
Marcus and Terrell were yelling at each other as Fiona curved around an arc of electricity, flying in closer to the boat, she readied another Inferno. However, a shell appeared around the top layer of the vehicle.
“Seriously?” Fiona yelled, flinging the fireball at the shield. The burst of flames just flowed around it, quickly dying off as the wind blew it back. The electric bolts continued to assault her, passing through the inside of the honeycomb shell without issue, a few striking her shield. So cheap!
“That’s it!” She growled. Diving into the water, she moaned at the hit her energy took as she raced under the boat. Try to dodge this! Forming an Ice Spear, she threw it up through the bottom; suddenly, the vehicle vanished.
“Huh?” Launching back up, she broke the surface. “Where the crap did it go? Wait … he can teleport the entire boat?” She rose further into the air, scanning the horizon, clicking her tongue as she spotted it at least a mile away. Freaking … they just don’t know when to die!
Back in pursuit, she raced toward them, insides boiling. I penetrated their hull, so it’s over! Reaching the boat, she found it dead in the water. Terrell and his sons were gone, only the woman and healer left. She shot a bolt of electricity at her, but Fiona activated a Wind Wall, which resisted the energy with ease. Maybe I should have used a wall in front of the boat from the start or shocked its engine…
The woman looked desperate, but the man seemed to know his fate. Activating Water Prison, she watched the woman scream as the vortex shot out to envelop her. Spinning in the liquid, Fiona watched her choke as she rose into the air with Levitate.
Turning her attention to the man as he stood, the boat began to sink. “Well,” he said matter-of-factly. “It seems we lost. I’ve been in this business long enough to know when to bow out, and when it’s your time, it’s your time. Being a surgeon for the criminals of Miami, I’ve seen a lot of things, but the ferocity and complete lack of hesitation you’ve shown? If you were just a normal girl before this, then I’m astonished.” That’s because of Warpath, and it won’t quit until I kill Terrell … if I don’t do it fast, I die of energy loss.
Fiona huffed. “Where did they teleport?”
“I couldn’t tell you if I wanted to,” the man smiled peacefully.
Teeth clenched, Fiona seethed a breath. These monsters … I seriously need to kill Terrell! I only have fourteen percent of my energy left.
“Are you sure you can’t help me?” Fiona asked, creating an Ice Spear, she threw it through the woman’s chest as she spun in the vortex. The water broke as she released the spell, the woman’s corpse collapsing against the back of the boat before sliding into the ocean wake.
He watched the woman’s body sink below the waves as the water reached his knees. “I’m afraid not, little monster.”
Growling, Fiona sent a rod of ice through his chest. “Monster? You’re the monsters.” She watched him follow the woman into his watery grave. Six down, three to go.
Floating above the scene, she scanned the dark night. How are they floating without the boat … well, that makes this easy. A smile lit her lips as she caught sight of a glowing honeycomb shell before it vanished, appearing two miles back toward Miami Beach. She followed them at top speed. Sitting ducks in the ocean; Terrell’s worse than a cockroach, he just doesn’t know when to quit.
Diving on top of them, they didn’t even see her coming. Her Ice Spear broke through the glowing shell, penetrating Daran’s chest; he didn’t have time to scream as blood bubbled up his throat. Marcus’ shield broke as he gurgled, blood gushing from his mouth, chest convulsing. Terrell was sweating profusely as he stared up at her in horror, uttering a curse.
Using Levitate, she picked them up, raising them to her level. “Your men were far less crude,” Fiona smiled wickedly as she dangled Daran’s corpse in front of him. “Your little escape pass is gone; say goodbye to your son.” She dropped him into the ocean, waves swallowing him.
“No…” Terrell began to quake as he followed his son’s descent, tears falling down his cheeks.
Fiona’s brow knitted together. “Huh? How many families did you kill, children, parents, grandparents? Are only your sons worth something?” She huffed, summoning another shard.
“Please…”
She didn’t hesitate, shooting it through Marcus’ chest, he fell limp, blood freezing before it had a chance to fall. “Huh? I didn’t hear you past all the screams I remember. Kids, screaming for their parents, women for their husbands, boyfriends, and children. The men’s screams of outrage and pain. You gave those to me. Well, I’m returning the favor.”
Activating Inferno, she held up her fist-sized flame. “Give your boys my regards when you see them.” She tossed the flame at him and watched his skin smolder as he caught fire, burning alive.
Fiona watched the man that had scarred her mind with sounds and visions of death burn until his cries ceased, Warpath ending. Well, it’s over. I’m sure Scarlet took care of things on her end.
Her eyes widened. “Crap! Rachel didn’t say where we’d meet up.” She sighed. “Well, I guess I’ll bring the body back for identification.” She looked around at the miles of ocean between her and land, releasing another sigh. “Guess I should start looking around for them and get some sugar…”
Chapter Twenty Seven: Relica
Scarlet glared at her pool of blood as the partially frozen couch dropped through it, carrying the three frozen women and two dead teens. She sucked on her lower lip for a moment. “They made me kill teenagers.”
Fiona kept silent, but Scarlet could sense she was worried about her and was frustrated with herself. How can this be normal for us? I hate that my blood killed them, but I can also disconnect from it. I know it’s wrong … I killed two teens. I let down my guard. I hate feeling this way … I hate being a vampire more than killing them … hate Scarlet. Disgusting…
“They made me kill teenagers.” Silence stretched for several seconds before she growled her frustration, “I hate this!” I want to make them pay, but with Fiona how she is...
Taking a deep breath, Scarlet sighed. “But, we should probably go back.”
“Eh, what?”
“You’re still addled…”
Fiona shook her head. “I don’t want to be the reason they get away!”
“Hmm,” Scarlet looked down as her blood returned to her.
“You sure? What if…”
“Yes!” Fiona huffed. “I may be addled, and who knows, maybe it’s because of that that I’m saying this … but there are people that need help.” She muttered, her frustration increasing as she glared at the floor.
Scarlet examined her with a troubled expression. She’s really angry about something … she wants to continue no matter what. I don’t want them to get away either... “Alright. I’m trusting you to have my back!
Fiona nodded, face filled with determination.
She looked through the walls at the neighboring hotel’s back pool; she glared at the small group gathered there, scene tinted red. They were partying, laughing, without a care as children hostages passively stood around them. I can’t protect the kids, but I know Fiona can. I just have to put my faith in her; I know she really wants to help these kids, she’s so sincere … I just hope this addled state ends soon so I can meet the real Fiona.
Shadows enveloped them on desire, and they appeared on the large concrete patio, Fiona quickly separating as the shadows left. Scarlet took a deep breath as she sensed the emotions around her.
Everyone was enjoying themselves, except Terrell and his sons. The black-skinned man making a cocktail at the portable bar seemed calm, but gave her a callous impression; he wasn’t afraid of death, it even felt like he welcomed it. The Elf-girl seemed to instantly tense and grow more cautious as they appeared.
She did a quick sweep of their opponents. The Cat Beastkin and Elf were fit. The Elf’s muscles tightened as they appeared, gray irises locking on them. Sharp eyes; she instantly caught the shift in shadows. I have to assume all of these people are ability users.
Relica definitely drew her attention; her Vampiric instincts told her that she was the strongest out of everyone present, but the man next to her also caught her interest. His body seemed solid on the outside; however, internally, he was liquid, not a single drop of blood. What kind of creature is he? Could he be a Mythickin?
The final thing that caught her notice were several deformed creatures huddled against the railing in the back right corner of the patio. They had grayish-brown leather-like skin and were hunched over, long, boney, jagged spikes lining their spines. Their legs were bowed like an animal and had bones protruding at their joints, feet cleft hooves. Three bony fingers split their hands with the middle finger extending further than the others. Their lopsided head was bald and marked with bulging blue veins, and their small red eyes were housed in hollowed sockets.
Their noses and jaws looked torn off, and jagged indented teeth were visible further in the cavity that shifted back and forth. Bulging arms, back, and leg muscles flexed with power, but their core seemed malnourished, showing ribs.
Scarlet’s vision instantly penetrated the skin, examining the muscles, veins, and organs. They have really condensed muscles … they’re strong. Skin seems different than any other creature I’ve seen too, but they do use blood. Large hearts … it must work hard.
She caught one of Relica’s hidden shadows shifting between the bar, Terrell, and the creatures. Only one shadow in the area. I can’t see the other one nearby; no sneak attacks then?
Completing her glance, Scarlet eyed Relica as she rose from her chair, groaning as she stretched. She was at least five-foot-eight, hazel-eyed, and her emotions sparked with anticipation. She held moderate curves that were shown off by her black one-shoulder top bikini and matching boyshort bottoms. Her body structure didn’t seem that different from a normal human. She was a bit more resilient, but not even in the same realm as the man that went to face Rachel.
Pressing her tongue against her left fang for a moment, Scarlet’s red-tinted vision darted between the kids. “Relica, are you planning on having these kids hurt themselves if we move against you?”
Relica hummed thoughtfully as most of the gang stiffened, just noticing them. “Perhaps,” she ran a hand through her long black hair, pulling her bangs back. “That sounds boring though.”
She sensed the Beastkin straightening to her left, rising to her feet; her blood was itching to strike out, but she held her emotions in check.
The Cat-girl’s tone held curiosity. “Relica, is this that Vampire and Fairy you mentioned?”
“Yes, Briana,” Relica placed her left hand against her hip, right hand gripping a young boy’s shoulder. C’mon Fiona … crap, her emotions are panicked again. I guess I should buy her time to calm down.
Terrell took a deep breath, glaring at them; his fear spiked at the sight of her. “When did they get here?”
“They came out of the shadows,” the Elf hummed with interest. “Kind of like Relica.”
Scarlet’s frown deepened as the liquid man sitting next to Relica lifted his eyebrows. “Well, what do you think, Relica? Think a Legendkin can stand against a Mythickin? Marcus was saying they can damage his shield.”
“Isn’t that why Conner went ahead?” Relica giggled. “He’s so impatient, but I admit I’m curious. Can I take on a mythical Vampire?” She pursed her lips to the side in question.
Scarlet hummed, frown deepening. “You’re a Legendkin?” Legend, not Myth … I didn’t expect this. Fiona’s still panicking, but she’s starting to calm down a bit. C’mon...
“That sounds made-up,” Fiona huffed. “Release the hostages and those … Scarlet, what are those again?” Why are you asking me? Wait … is she trying to buy time? Is she waiting for me to strike first?
Relica chuckled. “My, my, Scarlet was it? Your little Fairy friend seems to be quite jittery, and no more preposterous than a Mythickin, no?”
Scarlet took a long, soft breath before releasing it. I need to act before they get organized...
“What are you waiting for—Relica?” Terrell fidgeted in his chair with his two sons, fear palpable to Scarlet, but the other members seemed to have faith in their abilities. The Elf rose to stand next to the Cat-girl, stretching against the rail guard.
“Oh, patience, Terrell, good things come with time…”
Shadows swallowed Scarlet as she teleported behind Relica. Her blood shot out from her arms and shoulders, penetrating her skin to pierce Relica’s body; however, as her blood left, Relica’s body seemed to shift from solid to shadow, causing her to gasp. She sensed Relica appear five feet behind her; exactly where her shadow had been.. She played me!
The dark umbra that replaced Relica twisted its clawed hand to slash her; Scarlet’s blood reacted instantly, turning from sharp spikes to malleable liquid. It exploded from her body in a wave; surrounding the shade, her blood enveloped the darkness, crushing and shredding it inside the red cocoon before protectively encircling her body.
Lips pursed, Scarlet shifted her jaw to grind her left fang against her lower canine. As much as I hate it, at least my blood knows what to do. She looked down at the motionless boy next to her. And the boy’s safe … so, she can trade places with her shadows.
Fiona’s emotions reflected her tone. “Woah, Scarlet, what did she do?”
Scarlet breathed softly, turning as Relica clicked her tongue with amusement, accepting a cocktail from the man behind the bar. “Oh, how cheeky,” she purred with delight. “So, assassin-like, to move through shadow.” Why is this only beginning to make me mad? Their attitude? I’m not scared...
The liquid-man was studying her, completely calm. Scarlet glared at Relica as she attacked the man, a crystallized spear entering his head and spiking throughout his body, but she felt his soft innards slide past her blood. They’re making light of me … no, calm down.
The man’s entire body liquified, including his clothes as she caught his smile from the corner of her vision. Her skin prickled with annoyance as their emotions continued to tickle her mind; the liquid snaked across the ground, solidifying next to the Elf and Cat-girl, chuckling with mirth.
“You know, that blood actually hurts a lot,” he hummed, still smiling. “It struck my head and split, striking all over the place. If I didn’t have such high defensive abilities and regeneration that would have easily killed me.” So, some kind of slime or water elemental? Why am I suddenly so annoyed? Maybe it’s because their the first people to make light of me?
Fiona’s emotions suddenly alter dramatically; it was as if a light broke through, and her frustration, confusion, panic, and doubt turned to smoke. Clarity took its place. She’s no longer addled … finally, we can really attack.
She could sense Fiona’s worry, but her confidence was building; she took another glance around the area, searching for Relica’s second shadow. She found it quickly, further up the beach with a Hispanic woman and turtle-like man. They were preparing a long yellow and black speed boat. I just need to buy her a little more time.
“You just swapped places with your shadow, but you only have one more, and it’s across the beach to our left, three-hundred meters away. That won’t work twice, and I see your other men preparing a boat further up north...”
Daran cleared his throat, cutting her off. “You don’t care what happens to the kids?”
Scarlet suppressed a smile as Relica sighed, setting her glass down. “Daran, we don’t need to ruin the fun. The only threat is the Vampire; the Fairy has frozen several times already. We have everything under control.”
She licked her lips seductively as she turned back to Scarlet; a deep desire for something prodding Scarlet’s psyche. “My dear young Vampire, I have something to propose. Tell me something about yourself that I don’t know, and I’ll tell you what type of Legendkin I am—I am dying to tell you, but let’s make this fun.” They are really starting to piss me off … it’s turning out in our favor though. C’mon, hurry up, Fiona!
A pulse ran down her fangs, causing her to slide her tongue over them as they ached to sink into Relica’s neck. “You’re very chatty; you wouldn’t happen to be some legendary poet?”
Terrell growled lowly, annoyance almost surpassing his fear. Yes, I’d be pissed too if I knew someone dangerous was before me and the people protecting me were idiots.
The Elf giggled. “Relica, a poet?”
“No,” Relica said with a curious grin. “That was a decent first guess; I mean, they’ve been seeing all these people that seem brainwashed—were you perhaps thinking about the Pied Piper of Hamelin?” Scarlet didn’t answer, drawing out the silence.
Relica giggled, but a crack of annoyance bled through her emotions. “No, I am not a Pied Piper; you haven’t seen an instrument, have you?”
The man behind the bar began making another cocktail as if not interested in the conversation, but Scarlet’s instincts told her he wasn’t a threat.
“Come now,” Relica mused. “I could be a poet, Hanna. Don’t be penurious.” Her tone, emotions, posture, everything is pissing me off … hurry, Fiona.
Scarlet took a deep breath and let it out slowly, tone reflecting her desire. “I’ll tell you that I love to draw; I could take up painting though, your blood might look magical.”
“Oh, an artist,” Relica pursed her lips, studying Scarlet closely. “I wouldn’t have guessed; you put off that sociopathic vibe that makes me tingle with excitement! It’s only fair, you answered my question. I take my legends from Medea; so, you could call me a Witch, Enchantress, Sorcerous, or Demigod. Any would suffice.”
Her smile was charming, but Scarlet could sense the superiority she felt. She thinks she’s so much better than everyone else … better than me. Why is that so annoying though? Scarlet chuckled humorlessly, unable to restrain herself and enjoying Relica’s fading smile. If she took one look at Scarlet, she’d feel like an insect!
The man hummed. “I think she’s making fun of you.”
“Is that right?” Relica asked with an irritated frown. “I’ve been nothing but courteous, have I not?” Oh, your emotions give you away.
Scarlet’s tone was ice. “I’m a Mythickin Vampire Night Reaper, the host for Scarlet, The Reaper of Blood, a true god. How does a Demigod compare to the host of an actual deity?”
Every gangster’s brow furrowed at her answer, emotions reflecting their confusion, and Fiona was preparing to attack. Finally! You’ll run, won’t you, Relica! I’ll be right on your neck.
Color exploded around the area as Fiona activated her magic and Scarlet launched forward, watching everyone slow; she wasn’t nearly as fast as Rachel, but she far surpassed human reaction time.
However, Relica proved to be no normal human. The concrete fractured in several places as dirt exploded from below, wrapping around the kids. Relica’s vision never left her, but her emotions were clear, shock. You didn’t think Fiona could even remotely contribute, did you? How arrogant!
Scarlet’s blood shot toward Relica, spikes forming, but before they struck, she managed to grab the little girl beside Terrell. An infuriating grin lit her face as her shock passed, and both her and the girl seemed to convert into shadow, her umbra creature taking their place. What’s she planning? She left Terrell completely…
A massive ice lance shot past her. Marcus’ shield formed, but was instantly penetrated by the shard, biting into Terrell’s shoulder, severing his arm; the ice broke one of the rails behind him as it continued forward, leaving a trail of red liquid. Woah, Fiona took his arm clean off! She can totally handle this.
Her blood surrounded the Umbra in a cocoon, not giving it a chance to retreat, she crushed it. Turning her vision to the north, she found Relica several meters away from the boat and teleported.
She appeared behind the woman, blood spiking, but was instantly immobilized as a magical circle burst into light around her. Relica giggled as she danced away, dagger appearing in her hand as she dragged the little girl with her. What is this? How do I get out?
The dagger in Relica’s hand was thin, edged with a neon purple light that faded down to the ornately designed hilt. She drew back her arm, preparing to throw it.
The space around Scarlet seemed to slow as her body tingled and the sleepy voice of The Reaper of Blood echoed in her mind, bubbling up from below the imaginative ocean she’d buried her in. Foolish … pathetic immobilizing magic… The knowledge struck her like a blow. Reaper’s Scythe can rend magic.
Calling upon the weapon, the shadowy shape of a large scythe appeared by her hand; the black form passed through the magical circle, breaking it. She took hold of the scythe as shadows frothed off its semi-solid form, and flipped it around her hands and body with instinctual precision, deflecting the knife.
Relica’s eyes grew wider with excitement. “Marvelous!” She licked her lips nervously, but her emotions pulsed with gleeful anticipation.
Scarlet gripped the scythe tightly, holding the long, curved blade toward Relica as her blood circled her body protectively. Where did this come from … The Reaper’s Choice in the Reaper Tree? How many Trees do I have … two, Scarlet’s Tree, and the Reaper Tree. Scarlet has her own tree? Is that the vampire side?
“Darling, that looks absolutely wicked!” Relica cooed as she stared at the scythe. “It must stand eight feet tall, and if I’m not mistaken, it shortened its bottom shaft when needed and moves around your blood. Oh, I love the barbed end, it looks menacing!”
Relica flipped her hair back, neon-purple dagger forming from shadows in her hand. “I could feel it sever my magic as well. Most impressive! Can it only sever magically crafted physical constructs though? Oh, I wonder about you!”
Scarlet’s vision slid up her weapon for a moment, watching the shadows float like mist off its solid black body. The thin, curved blade was at least four feet long, and the butt of the shaft held a large barbed end that thinned out into a sharp point. She knew it had weight to it, but at the same time, it felt effortless to hold. I know how to use this … like I’ve trained with it all my life. Why … maxed Scythe Proficiency?
Her attention was diverted as Daran, Terrell, Marcus, and the man behind the bar appeared beside the large yellow and black speed boat. Both the Turtle-man and Hispanic woman jumped, pulling their attention away from Relica and her fight.
Terrell screamed curses, clutching at his bloodied stump; the man next to him reached out with a glowing hand and pressed it against his bleeding shoulder socket. With her Vampiric vision, she could see the skin rapidly grow around the fissure, veins closing off, and a portion of his blood replaced. A healer?
Marcus shouted a curse, “Dad?”
“What happened?” The Turtle-man asked, clearly concerned.
“Start the boat!” Daran shouted at him.
The woman and Turtle-man quickly jumped into action, but Scarlet’s attention returned to Relica. She sensed her throw her dagger again; tilting her scythe, she easily deflecting it.
“Eyes on me,” Relica grinned. She’s right, I first need to take care of her. Terrell and his goons will be cake as soon as I handle her.
She readied her scythe but paused as Relica clicked her tongue. “We don’t need to rush things.” Shifting her hips to the left, Relica twisted her hair with an innocent smile. “I may have set up a rather devious trap; so, be careful.” What’s she talking about? What trap? That immobilizing magic before?
Scarlet couldn’t see anything odd around her, so she looked through Relica to the patio where she’d left Fiona. Fiona seemed to be having a little trouble, but she was keeping the kids safe. Her vision moved to the front of the building; Rachel seemed to be in a rough state, but it looked like she’d somehow cut the man she was facing in half. Maria was further west, getting out of a van with kids in it; her body seemed strained, but she was managing.
Red halo irises returning to Relica, Scarlet huffed. “What trap? Oh, and by the way, your friend that went to attack Rachel, he’s dead.”
Relica’s cheer turned to shock as she put a hand to her lips, dagger appearing from shadow. “Oh—is that right? I’m a little stunned to hear that—huh.” She pursed her lips, studying Scarlet. “That changes things a little.” Wait, is she going to run?
She was about to dash forward as Relica’s cheery smile returned, dagger moving to the little girl’s neck. “Ah, let’s not get hasty. One nick is all it takes.”
Frustration ate at her again. Why am I holding back! I hate her, I should just accept the kid’s death! What, how can I think that? Although, I’m only showing her that hostages work … one life to end someone that could continue to kill hundreds.
A hum resonated in Relica’s throat as her tongue played with her lips. “Are you thinking one hostage for dozens of lives saved?” What … there’s no way she can read my mind.
“Oh, darling, I don’t need to read your mind. I can see glimpses of the potential future; a little perk of my Legend. Let me dash that hope of yours, I have mind controlled children, men, and women, that have returned to the Military’s Forward Base.”
“What? You’re lying!” Scarlet’s jaw tightened as she glared at the woman in front of her.
“Mh, a liar, I am not.” Relica shook her head, smile still cheerful and innocent. “I can sense those murderous vibes so clearly, but are you willing to take the chance of hundreds turning into mindless killing machines? Another Seattle incident that, oh, I don’t know, could be linked to a Vampire’s poor image?” Crap...
She pointed her dagger up at the girl’s neck. “I’m sure you’ve seen some of my handiwork; that was only practice.” Why can’t I think of a way to kill her? I’m a Vampire; I’m supposed to be the hunter!
“Scarlet, I have a proposition, though.”
“Huh? A proposition?”
“Indeed,” Relica pulled the knife away, rotating her wrist. “I don’t care about Terrell any longer; I’m much more interested in you.”
Relica’s sudden burning desires shook Scarlet’s mind; her creep meter skyrocketed at Relica’s tone and chills run up her spine. “What game are you playing at?” Scarlet’s fingers twitched. “Because, umm—yeah, I don’t swing that way, and the psychopathic murderer type, is umm … yeah...”
Relica giggled. “Oh, no, come now. I’m not interested in your body; I much prefer the muscle types that I can manipulate like clockwork, and have a,” she licked her lips seductively, “large endowment … stamina, mmh. Banner, now that was interesting.”
She seemed to mentally lose track for a moment before shaking her head. “No, silly girl, not your body, per se; what I’m interested in is your abilities, Vampire Night Reaper you, what makes you powerful, unique … this system.” Okay, she’s a lot more creepy than I thought … I’m more creeped out than angry now … she really has a gift manipulating emotion.
Skin crawling, Scarlet shifted her scythe. “I don’t get it. Weren’t you all buddy-buddy with Terrell? You don’t care about him now?”
“Well,” Relica pursed her lips as she looked at the retreating boat speeding off in the distance as a Coast Guard ship moved to give chase. “I used the opportunity Terrell gave me, but I’m not exactly friends with anyone.
“The moment I turned into a Legendkin, that first spell, it really changed me. Opened my mind, you could say. Ah,” she grinned at her mischievously. “Don’t think you can catch me off-guard either. That shadow teleport to scythe swing won’t work and will only get this little miss killed.”
Scarlet shot a frustrated breath through her lips. “What’s your deal? You’re not in it for Terrell or what he can offer?”
“I was most definitely in it for what he could offer. Will you listen patiently?”
She was silent for a moment as she thought, growing more annoyed as she connected the trap Relica had set. I can’t feel any alternative motive from her … she might have mind controlled people in wait all over the city. If they attacked people and it got out there was a Vampire in Miami … I’d definitely take the blame…
Left fang grinding against her bottom canine, Scarlet growled. “You didn’t set this up for me … did you?”
“That doesn’t seem likely, does it? However, it works out perfectly, wouldn’t you agree?”
“I can’t promise anything,” Scarlet sighed, flipping the scythe butt to the ground. “To be honest, you really creep me out.”
“Well, that’s a bit rude but understandable.” She giggled.
Scarlet stiffened as her hazel eyes began to glow purple. “No need to fret; I’m just doing a quick scan of the field. Ah, my little darlings are nearly here …your Fairy friend really caught me off guard. I can’t believe I didn’t see that coming; she’s quite the fireball … and your little rabbit friend seems to hold quite the power. Mythickin don’t disappoint.”
She clicked her tongue a few times before her vision returned to normal. “Yes, I’m growing fond of you Mythickin! Now, why don’t we begin? To answer your previous question, yes, I’ve known Terrell for some time. I’ve worked as a contractor since the age of fourteen; they teach you young in the Middle East. My parents were captured by a branch terrorist group, and I did what I had to to survive.
“When I turned nineteen, I was selected to bomb a political figure that was here in Miami, but I had other plans. My leash was finally coming free, and that’s when I met Terrell. I went through several heartbreaks, it’s so hard to find faithful men.
She giggled. “Of course, I have pretty high standards. If they aren’t with me, then they don’t deserve to live, simple, really. When this whole thing started, The Oscillation, my mind cleared. I needed a place to experiment, to push this power I had awakened, to understand it, and that’s why I need you.”
Scarlet’s tongue played with her right fang as she listened. “Okay, sad sob story with some twisted angles; you should have made a TV drama, I’d probably watch it. Real-life though … you’re a pretty sick lady.”
“You’re hilarious,” Relica’s emotional high didn’t falter. “I’ve explored a few different areas of my abilities. There are Trees that I assume lead to different types of skills and abilities; for me, there are the Hecate, Helios, Circe, and Medea base Trees. Each has its own weaknesses and strengths that add an interesting cocktail to the mix. Circe’s tree is quite fascinating with several tantalizing branches that I’ve discovered so far; one being Mental Charms.”
Humming, Scarlet looked left as the Coast Guard ships were beginning to sink. She’s fixated on abilities then; she’s looking for insights on it. Does she want to find out more about my skills? That seems dangerous for her … helping me discover something new.
“What about you, Scarlet?” Her halo-irises returned to Relica as she continued. “What types of Trees do you have? Question it, and The System will give you a response. It can be fickle with its information, but you just need to find the right question.”
Her fingers tightened on her scythe. I do have questions about my abilities. For one… She glanced at the weapon in her left hand. I’ve never used a scythe before, so why do I have max Scythe Proficiency … Scarlet’s Blessing. Scarlet’s face twisted with disgust. Of course, it would be Scarlet’s doing!
Relica’s anticipation spiked at her expression. “What? What did you discover?”
Scarlet took a deep breath as her glare slid to the woman in front of her. She loves this change while I hate it. If she had Scarlet in her head, she’d hate it too. So, what is Scarlet’s Blessing?
She puffed out a humorless chuckle, making Relica’s features break like a kid awaiting presents on Christmas day. Scarlet’s Blessing … you blessed me with maxed proficiency in every skill I obtain … there’s proficiency levels that become unlocked as I continue leveling up a skill. Leveling proficiency takes a long time, but every time I unlock a new proficiency grade, it will be instantly maxed because of you … at least you gave me something besides terror.
“Come now!” Relica motioned with her dagger. “Don’t keep me waiting.”
Scarlet’s hand slid up the shaft of her scythe, feeling the silky smooth texture that had unparalleled grip when desired. I don’t think I want to play her game. I’m giving her power by letting her dangle threats over my head. She’s scheming something. Her darlings are almost here … is she waiting for those monsters? Freak, she’s so manipulative! Well, she’ll eventually use those mind controlled people anyways, so I might as well do what I can.
She responded to Relica’s demand by releasing her Fear Aura, licking her fangs as they pulsed with anticipation. “I’m a Vampire, not a trained puppy, and I’m done being threatened. You want to kill humans, then do it.” She flipped her scythe around her body, before vanishing in shadows. Game on, Legend!
