Part 39

"Can you repeat-" the guy at the end of the line started.

I cut him off. We didn't have time for this song and dance, and throwing off my breathing by talking would be bad.

"We're down at the docks. I called earlier about shots being fired. I just saw a guy in a mask use a spear made of purple plasma stuff to stab a man who turned into ash, while teleporting." I stressed each word, both to keep rhythm to my breathing as I ran, and to make sure each word came across clearly.

My eyes darted to Taylor.

"He was with a lady with long hair in a bug mask with gold eyes. They told us to get to safety. I think they were heroes."

Taylor looked at me. I nodded at her. Calling in the cops or protectorate was a good idea. Calling them in without letting them know we were friendlies was a stupid one. I wasn't making that mistake again, now that I had a chance to correct it.

"Can you tell me where you-"

"Thirty First Boardwalk!" I shouted as I hung up.

The gunfire was drying up. Only a few, comparatively quiet barks. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

The street got eerily quiet for a minute. The only sound being that of our feet against the ground and the painting of our breath.

Energy hummed in my veins, pulsing regularly like a second, off rhythm heartbeat. Stronger then it had ever been before.

Eldritch Spear... It had happened so fast I hadn't even really realized what I was doing until I did it. I had needed to do it to reach my target so I just... did.

Could I do it again?

I already knew the answer, yes. The new power had 'settled' into place beside the others.

Could I do more?

No... not... not yet.

But maybe as I fought more.

As I pushed harder.

As the blood in my veins sang and the blood in others spilled, I'd find what I needed.

As I killed.

My mind flashed back to my glaive stabbing through what I thought was Oni Lee, his clone jerking in surprise then immediately falling limb as the violet power punched through his body, it looked and felt like the thin strips of sheet metal I'd been practicing on earlier.

My throat was dry.

Could I dothatagain? My powers were meant to kill. Not just to fight but to maim and destroy. If I fought someone else could I put them down without...

My eyes shot to Taylor.

I just needed to keep them away from her. Intimidate them. Ward them off. Maybe... maybe hurt them if they gave me no choice.

But all Ineeded to do was guard Taylor and she'd know what to do. Bugs were a lot better for putting someone on the ground, rather then under it.

That wasn't a very well thought out or detailed plan, part of my mind chastised.

The faint sound of cursing hit my ears ahead. Cursing and the sound of running engines.

Power flickered through my hands, unshaped warning sparks, ready to form.

Well it would just have to be enough of a plan.