'What are you doing?'
'I challenge you.'
'What?'
Conrad began to circle Scott, keeping his arrow trained on his heart. Scott stepped in time with him, listening as the Quincy began to explain things that not even Kayo had.
'We share this world with other beings. There are humans. Lost souls. Souls that become Hollows and Reapers. Plus there are those who hate Reapers. There exists a turbulent 'other' world that people can't see.'
They stopped.
'If you are a Reaper then it's duty, my fate, to destroy you.'
'Conrad, wait!'
'Here is where I prove once and for all that the Quincies are superior to the Reapers.'
Conrad pulled his bow taut. Scott held his hands out in a futile effort to get him to stop.
'Stop pointing that thing at me!'
'Defend yourself.'
'Wait a minute!'
But Conrad didn't wait, and it was a miracle that Scott managed to dodge aside, landing in a crouch. The arrow passed by him, close enough that he could feel its power and the rush of air on his cheek.
'Well then, guess I'll have to force you to be a Reaper.'
Conrad held up a slate-grey tablet and crushed it between his thumb and forefinger then turned and hurled the debris over the town. For a second Scott just stayed crouched where he had fallen, watching to see what the hell Conrad was doing. His words had not been encouraging.
There was a boom in the distance.
Back on the island Kayo's Hollow-tracker began to beep rapidly. She looked at it and gasped. Time to move.
Scott stood up and looked out over the small town.
'What was that?'
But Conrad merely smirked…
'Scott! They're here! it's time to get to work.'
Kayo's voice appeared out of nowhere. Her voice distracted Scott long enough for Conrad to hide himself away – he didn't want to challenge this Reaper. But he kept Scott in sight. Imagine his surprise as Kayo came around the corner at a fast run. She didn't stop until she'd hit Scott in the chest and the Reaper Scott was freed from Scott's body.
Interesting.
'What's going on?'
'The Hollows are here!'
'What am I supposed to do?'
'You have to destroy them! It's the only way you'll increase your powers and help get me back.'
Scott was about to bite back – he still didn't really want to do this – when there was a child shouting for help.
'Someone help me! Please!'
'That voice!'
And Scott was off, Kayo hot on his heels.
Conrad waited a beat before moving. He ignored Scott's body on the rooftop and moved to a more advantageous point.
Kayo pulled out the tracker as they ran. What she saw made her blood run cold.
Scott could fight one Hollow easily. Might even manage two at a push.
But five Hollows all at once?
