Chapter Ten

Rick looked at the map of the city he had spread out over his desk. All the destruction he caused a few nights ago at Black Pawn gave him a thrill he never knew existed, so he was deciding what to attack next, marking landmarks and other buildings here and there.

It was fun causing chaos. And finding this HeatWave... well, he'd deal with her if or when she decided to show up again.

But his next hit would be a place a little more crowded than Black Pawn. His anger with them was satisfied, while they attempted to rebuild and find a new best-selling writer to bring in their profits.

It was funny when Gina called, attempting to rectify everything between them. He told her wasn't interested in coming back, but he also knew in a few days, she would probably call back and offer him a better deal.

However, his life wasn't about writing stories anymore. Now, he was ready to do something more, something bigger. All the destruction he caused to Black Pawn opened something inside that made him lust for more. - And more destruction would follow.

Again, it was night, and Maelstrom flew toward Grand Central Station, keeping high in the air as he closed in. The city was beautiful from this view, all the lights, moving and not.

Then, there was a flicker of flame sparking from a street to his right, taking his attention. He changed course to see what was going on.

Much to his surprise, he could see HeatWave breaking up what appeared to be a brawl. This must be his lucky day - he wasn't even looking for her, and there she was. He started to continue on his way, but knew once the police arrived, she would be hot on his tail and he didn't want her sneaking up on him like last time.

He'd just have to take care of her first.

Maelstrom dove into the middle of the chaos, the wind billowing and pushing everyone aside. Except for HeatWave.

He smirked at the confusion she conveyed at his appearance. "Wh-what are you doing here?"

"Just clearing my way," he answered, then blew a streetlamp over in an attempt to knock her down.

HeatWave dodged, catching her shin on it as she moved. It seemed to slow her down, but not much. A series of fireballs hurled toward him, unaffected by his control of the wind they were moving against.

Four hit him on the chest, knocking the breath out of him and pushed him back several yards, but he didn't hit the ground this time.

He quickly pulled off his flaming jacket just as she sent some kind of glowing pulse at him, burning his skin. Maelstrom raised his hand and moved it as if to wave her off, and she was flung to the ground.

Curious, he thought, then reached toward her and lifted his arm up, watching as she floated limply from the ground.

- He didn't know he could do that. -

Suddenly, she was awake and he was covered in searing heat as he crashed hard into something, making his head spin.

HeatWave hovered over him and he could see the hint of a smile on her flaming features. "Clearing the way for what? You have no idea who you're dealing with."

He regained enough of his senses to jump forward. He grabbed her and they rolled. When they hit the ground, she was pinned beneath him.

"No, my dear, you have no idea."

Everything went white and stars of pain exploded behind his eyes.

"Don't call me 'dear.'" she said, as his sight began to return.

He could hear the sirens approaching and knew he should leave. "This isn't over, HeatWave!" he called as he jumped back into the sky.

But he would end it. Of that, he had no doubt.

And while she was distracted here, he could continue on his way to Grand Central. He called on the wind and blasted into the air, knowing she would not be far behind.