-demo.png)
Her 'merry little crew', as she called Skins and Honch, had done an admirable job of setting up their makeshift hideout in a nondescript warehouse overlooking the waterfront of New Amsterdam and one of her favourite features was the lounge area complete with several (stolen) high-tech TVs. Trailene had happened to be channel-surfing when the screen displayed an exhausted-looking woman thrusting her arms outwards, sending a wave of energy, purple-pink in tone, in the form of a shield. A large behemoth struck the shield and rebounded forwards, instead of crashing through the building. The caption accompanying the report simply said, 'Untold damage to lives and property averted by the hero Macaia's Daughter'.
She beckoned Skins over. Skins, who had taken to the habit of bringing over unknown women from time-to-time, patted his newest friend on the head and sauntered over to join his boss. "So that's the gal you wanna crush? She's cute."
"If you like them goody two shoes like that, maybe," Trailene scoffed. "But check it out, Skins. Getting in the mix against the monsters, even."
She took a large swig of her drink. "That's actually very impressive for that flyweight. Gonna have to up my game for the next time I see her, to finish her off."
In a rare instance, Skins' face took a serious tone. His eyebrows furrowed as he said, "Keep you head in the game, boss. Don't get distracted."
Trailene turned on him. "YOU focus on not getting distracted by the twerking blondie waif you rotate in and out of here every week, Skins. I'm fully focused on our plans, so make sure you are as well."
Backing away, Skins said, "Absolutely, boss." He walked back to his previous spot, took the hand of his new friend, and walked to another room.
Trailene sighed inwardly. That skinny fool had a point. They were in a solid position - [i]it would be fun to crush her once and for all, but we're building up something nice here with this underground unit. Even Honch and Skins have recruited underlings of their own for various tasks. We have enough loot and deals in place to have us living comfortably for a decent amount of time and at the expense of the do-gooders[/i]. She briefly closed her eyes, trying to relax.
---
"Aw man, I wish I had powers too," whined Trailene.
Ereka, a pretty woman in her late teens, conjured a bolt of energy from her hand, and with a wave, pushed it up in the air. She snapped her fingers and the energy bolt disappeared instantly. "Well the next best thing, your best friend has some, right?"
Trailene punched Ereka in the shoulder. "Very small consolation. Are you going to fight the Legion?"
"I suppose I'd have to, Tra. If whatever this is, is a gift, then protecting my loved ones is the next step."
They walked arm in arm along the crowded sidewalk, not altering their path for anyone. Some people stared, their awe at seeing the auburn-haired youth casually firing energy into the air overwhelming. Others pulled out cellphones and took photos. Ereka and Trailene were oblivious to the added attention.
Their period of enjoyment was interrupted by a loud rumbling noise. The ground shook heavily, as Ereka and Trailene stumbled to keep their footing. A large crack appeared in the road just as a pair of large alien behemoths strode along the street. People screamed and dashed in all directions.
One of the monsters grabbed a truck and effortlessly hurled it along the road. It rolled and tumbled before smashing into a storefront. With a heavy laugh, the other beast picked up a van - its driver frantically honking the horn - before throwing it in the same direction.
"Run!" shouts Trailene, reaching out for her friend, only for her hand to clench at air. She whirled in a panic and nearly burst into tears. Ereka had tried to dash across the street after the truck was hurled, only to be caught in the path of the van. Ereka was pinned underneath the overturned van and screaming in utter pain. The driver of the van moaned as he fell into unconsciousness.
"Help!" cried out Trailene as she ran over. She pushed the van, to no avail. It didn't budge an inch, and Trailene dropped to her knees. Ereka's screams continued.
---
Her reminiscing was interrupted by a ring on the wallphone. Trailene bolted out of her seat - when they were setting up their hideout, the first thing she requested was a dedicated line, with no dial-out ability. It was for incoming calls, from one specific entity. She was not going to let it ring twice.
"Here," Trailene said emotionlessly.
A voice on the other end began to speak. Trailene nodded, as if taking instruction on a next course of action.
"Thank you," Trailene finally responded. "An unrelated question, if I may?"
Silence from the other end, then two words. "Go ahead."
"N? Is there any way for me to negate mentally-generated attacks directed at me?"
0 Comments