SPD: In The Shadows

Chapter 2: His Hilarious Mistake.

"I'm bored here... You said we could have control over Earth by now!" In a dark room, a little girl sat with her dolls, fumed, and tossed one of her stuffed animals.

The mysterious, skeletal figure appeared too lost about recent events until he felt fluff harshly hit his back. Anger spiked when he whirled around to face the child, it was nearly a habit to raise a fist and his voice. "Maybe I would have control by now if I had someone other than a child to assist me. Look at this place!" To his side, a stuffed animal was lifted, rather aggressively, and shook violently from the baffling environment. "This is a Warship! Not a daycare!" It was irritable enough to have to deal with temper tantrums and screaming from the child, but to have his ship appear like a toy shop wasn't something he wanted. A staff, which he carried around, donned a bright orb of light when he whipped it toward the girl and charged it. "It's time you started earning your keep around here," His anger had been pushed enough, the amount of disrespect for his ship and other things was the trigger for his actions.

"No, no no! What if I find you a General? I know of a terrible, horrible, ugly one. Valco, from the Pretarian army," Clearly the child did her best to reason with him. Her hands were up in defense and walking around him was enough proof of her desperation.

"I heard he is a heartless warrior," This caught his attention, the mention of a powerful General who's just as heartless not only seemed to calm his anger a little but also raised his interest.

"Oh yes, he's almost as nasty as you," From cheek to cheek the girl smiled, even more so when his staff was pulled away and returned to his side. To say she was relieved would be an understatement.

"If he can prove himself worthy, he might get you off the hook," Back to her his weapon pointed and kept the charge he made to further intimidate. "But if not, your playtime- will be over!" At last, he gave her the final push, for he watched the girl run after mentioning she'd find another way. "Hahahahahaha!" To him, it was amusing, frightening others into submission and getting what he wanted.

Nonetheless, his laughter soon died when all that was left was silence. Quiet, it was just him in the pulsating room and the fluffs on the table. "Now... That she's out of the way. I'll hunt that woman down, while I still have time," Leaving the room and trekking the halls, passing other rooms, he soon came across a transporter.

Before her very eyes, the flickering sign of Clucker's Cafe' was as bright as neon signs at night. The cotton she felt inside her jacket pockets when her hands were shoved into them, was rather comforting to her. Her nervousness and calculative thoughts made her double-think her decision to steal food from there. The smell of sweet, savory chicken and fast food sandwiches that she saw from one of the few drive-through lanes kept her tempted.

Vehicles and people alike all left and entered, except her who simply stood before the two glass automated doors. She could feel the sweat beneath the large jacket build up on her skin and armpits, no thanks to the Summer's heat. Alright- I can do this. Reassuring herself, taking a deep breath, her eyes remaining on the double doors the entire time came to an end when she made her way inside.

That man though... I barely remember what I dreamed about during my nap, but I can't stop seeing that guy's face. Maybe he had a more impact on my emotions than I thought. After she entered, several people in two lines kept the Cafe' full.

The delicious aroma filled her nose even more when she moved to get in line, but just being near people made her heart race. She didn't like it, too many people, too many possible accidents, too many risks, it urged her to step out and move around everyone. I can't do it! I can't! What if I kill someone by accident?! Her quivering breaths gave away her unease and panic. Shaking her head, patting and rubbing her cheeks, her attention soon had to move elsewhere lest her anxiety worsen.

When she saw bagged chicken sandwiches atop a counter next to the drive-through window, her feet inched closer to the register and watched the employees maneuver. I have to wait for their backs to turn. Mumbling, and focusing, one hand was taken out of her pockets so she could be ready.

No one paid her any mind, for all they knew she could be there waiting for the manager or an employee or possibly a friend. However, when the backside of the employee in charge of passing out drive-through orders, came to view, her hand lifted and her head lowered. The edges of the large hood cut off most of her field of view but she didn't need to see to use her power much.

The very bags were hauled into the air and were swiftly grasped by her hand, both clamped by her fingers. To keep up her facade, her head gave them many thank-you nods as she left the spot and acted as casually as possible. Sweet! I'd clap right now if no one was looking! The woman couldn't keep herself from smiling from cheek to cheek, she was so set on devouring the meal she stole and didn't notice a strange silhouette in her peripherals.

The swish of the double, automated doors after she left, told her they closed behind her and that her heist was a success. From side to side, she checked for any dark spots or shadows that she could hide in and saw one in a dark alley.

Fast steps, almost a sprint, she jogged and hid around the wall of Clucker's Cafe'. I don't think anyone's around. Okay... Just this once. I'm already exhausted from hauling the mini fridge and running around this morning. When her eyes viewed the sky and its fluffy clouds, her feet soon inched away from the ground. I can't do this for long, though. I don't want to lose control... Thick saliva was gulped from the nervousness she felt, until, the clouds began to draw closer.

Fast, high above the structures, she flew through the fluffy whites and kept her eyes on the passing buildings below her. It was only a glimpse, but she gasped for a moment when she saw a similar shady figure watching her from the very alley she left. T- That's the guy! He saw me! No, no no no! Disbelief and devastation riddled her heart at the recognition, for she didn't want anyone to see her power. It's too late already, I'm far away now, so he won't be able to follow me right? Past high-rise buildings with windows that reflected the surroundings, her speed nearly shook and could have made fragments of glass if she had flown any faster.

I should eat at the park, at least then if someone's following me and finds me- they won't find my secret home. From a nod of her head and spotting the vast land covered in lush grass, she began to lower herself. I was planning on drinking some of my soda, but now I can't. Disappointment made her lips pout. The wonderful taste of carbonation from soda is addictive and tastes so good with fast food, but regardless, her home base was more important to protect than her cravings.

Slowly her speed declined and carefully her feet corrected so she could land safely. Into the soft grass, next to a community bench, she stood. From left to right, there were no signs of people other than a boy playing with his dog in the distance; so it appeared as safe as it looked.

No words, no thoughts at that moment occurred, for she sat down and opened one of the bags to see a delicious chicken sandwich and fries. Its aroma filled her senses like a dog who loves steak, as drool nearly left her lips at the sight. Pulling it out made the bag crinkle, she seemed tiny from the huge bite she took. The sandwich itself was bigger than her hand so it was difficult to even hold onto and when she lowered it, only a small chunk was gone. "I hate how small my mouth is... It makes it hard to stuff things in fast enough when you're in a hurry. Man, this is so good.~" Moaning at the taste, her eyes shut in bliss and kept focusing on the food whether than the potential stalker whom she had nearly forgotten about.

It felt like a good five minutes despite the sandwich only being half eaten now. So engrossed in the fast food that the faint thud and movement on the bench almost went unnoticed. Swallowing her bite, her mouth was opening to take another until something dark sat in her left peripherals. Very slowly her head turned, awkwardly with her mouth agape to take the next bite.

There next to her sat a stranger, the same man she saw when she took to the sky and his dark eyes bore directly into hers.

They stayed like that for a solid two minutes, before his lips parted to speak. "Woman... Who are you and what is it you know about me? Why did you suddenly run away from me when you shoved my device into my hands? Maybe I should vaporize-" Before he could say much else, the woman stood up, turned around, and awkwardly walked away.

Her sluggish speed soon began to pick up the moment she saw him stand and walk towards her. No no no no no, go to hell! Leave me alone! I've dealt with perverts before and I can do it again! What does he mean by that anyway?! I just heard his thoughts last time! For all anyone would know, when they saw us, people could've just thought that I was in a hurry or something! Panic filled her mind when she held onto the sandwich the best she could. Over her shoulder, she saw the very man sprinting and with the most piercing glare she'd ever seen anyone with.

Compared to him, she was much slower, for a harsh grip on her forearm had yanked her back. It was at that moment, that her anxiety spiked much higher than it had before and caused a telekinetic disperse from behind. Everything became dark when her eyes tightly shut, fear all over her body gave her the shakes and heavy breaths.

The sandwich fell from her mouth when recognition came. Her eyes jolted open to search for any witnesses and felt rather relieved that no one was around, so she quickly whipped around to see the shady man.

There in the grass, several feet away, disbelief made her mouth gape when she saw him blink up at the sky. Dumbfounded, taken aback, was what she could see on his face, nonetheless, that didn't stop her from racing to his side and kneeling. "Are you alright?! I'm so sorry- I didn't mean to hurt you! Please, don't tell anyone! Nothing is broken, right?!" Purely worried, her hands grasped his and tried to help him stand but noticed he hadn't moved or attempted to do so.

To her it felt as if time froze for a moment, their gazes locked, both astonished and at a loss for words. This time her feet moved then stood up and yanked hard to get him to do the same.

When he moved to sit in the grass, he pushed himself up and towered over her by an entire foot. Her head was up to his collarbones and chest, she had to step to gain some space and curled her hands against herself.

"J- Just stay away from me! I don't want to hurt you again!" Shaking her head, her feet turning to run away, she quickly took the second take-out bag was sat on the bench nearby.

Through the park she ran, ignoring the bystanders staring and some children laughing at her sudden sprint onto the sidewalks. Okay- I think I lost him. Sighing in relief, she could feel her heart ramming against her rib cage.

In and out, breaths to calm her nerves barely worked as she walked through the many citizens. Upon the reflective metal that she passed, there she saw the same man from before. Stay calm, Feige! Stay calm! Most people would've been killed by accident, or at least knocked out! It was surprising that he survived... What's he made of?! Her thoughts rambled on as panic continued to riddle her mind.

Once more her speed increased, she sprinted through the crowd and ignored the curious stares from people. Hopping onto a box, leaping over peoples' heads, she was trying to lose the man and get back home somehow. Tightly onto a metallic drop-down ladder, she gripped and allowed herself to dangle for a moment. Though her muscles burned immediately from the pressure, she pushed herself to climb and took a minute to get to the top of the apartment structure.

Over her shoulder, she peeked, looked down, and noticed that he was still there. Her eyes met a nasty glare that many would run from if they knew of the hostility behind them, to which she hurried and ran across the roof. Why did his eyes glow red?! Is he a demon or something?! Am I going insane?! Sheer devastation would've been obvious if anyone were around to see her clamped teeth and wide eyes. Her tight grip on the last, fast food take-out bag, luckily never ripped throughout the chase.

Around her, there was nothing, only the edge of the tall apartment building and a dead drop down into a large highway of several lanes. However, many pipes, an air conditioner, windows on a stairwell, and a lot of sharp objects were at the top with her. The faint sound of vehicles and the murmur of citizens below filled her ears, just to have the mysterious man's voice be included.

"Answer my question, woman!" There it was, behind her the familiar deep and rough voice rang through the air.

There was no control this time, much as before in the park, she whipped around and screamed. "Leave me alone!" Her scream was so full of fear that she hadn't even noticed the man's astonished eyes. No, he wasn't taken aback by her outburst, but more of what was around her.

All around her, shards of glass reflected the sun's rays and pointed toward him in the formation of an arrow. Pipes floated above her head, vertically aimed to fly after him, and the air conditioner nearby had been lifted just above the man's head in an attempt to flatten him.

They were frozen for a good while, she wasn't aware that her violet eyes glowed bright despite the reflection from the metal pipes. However, when she saw everything that was picked up by her power, she shook her head and allowed everything to fall.

The guy she watched was swift enough to perform a skillful roll out of the way when the air conditioner fell. Shaky breaths, hands, and legs, proved that she was at her limit. "I don't know you! I gave you the device because I saw you drop it and I didn't want you to lose it! So, why can't you leave me alone?! I almost killed you!" This time, tears began to brim her eyes and blur her vision. She didn't want to hurt anyone, she didn't want to be around anyone if she could help it, because all there was in store for her was death. Her voice cracked at the last part of her sentence since it was difficult to maintain her composure when she almost murdered someone.

The stranger clad in black just kept his stare straight, she couldn't tell what he was thinking unless she read his mind and she certainly didn't want to resort to that. Slow steps backward nearly sent her over the edge, that was until something from his pocket, which she saw, was chucked over to her and landed in front of her feet.

Looking down, it had a strange design, but the shape of a card nonetheless; metallic or cybernetic.

"I don't need it. It's useless to me and I don't keep useless things," It was as if on cue, when her head snapped up just to hear a strange sound and a flash of color where he once stood; gone, in a blink of an eye, it was unbelievable.

Very slowly when she reached down, her fingers picked up the card and gave it a close examination. "Is this... A shopping card? Some sort of gift card, I think. Or maybe an old credit card? Why, though? How is this useless?" She was still shaken up from the fear, but it began to dwindle now that she was alone again and her curiosity was piqued.

"Miss! What are you doing?! Don't you dare think about jumping!" Upon that voice she looked around, Feige did her best to not fall and saw a woman clad in a yellow SPD uniform. "Stay there- I'm coming up!" Her feet were swift when she ran around the building to reach for the side stairs.

No, no, no, as much as I'd love to thank her for this jacket- I can't risk anything! I just nearly killed someone! Just as fast as the woman in yellow, her feet trekked to the side of the apartment and took the sky. Swiftly through the clouds and high across the city, she paid the SPD member no mind.

Some time passed after she got back home. Her attention stayed on the card she was given, as her hand flipped it around. The makeshift bed she laid on was hardly comfy but she was used to it, an arm behind her head made for a decent pillow and the other held the card above her.

"How does this work? I don't see a bar code on it to be scanned. Unless the weird, red, blinking dot in the corner is what you put in front of the scanner... I wonder how much is on this. It'd probably be best not to use this right away. If it was useless to him, then there must not be anything on it. If this is some sort of intergalactic gift card, then that would explain the weird red light and the cybernetic lines all over it. But if it's from Earth... It just wouldn't make too much sense. If it's useless to him then it must be expired or has no money left on it... So it'd be pretty useless for me too. So- why would he give me this, if that were the case?" Rolling onto her stomach, both arms propping up her torso, she began to kick her feet and ponder the previous encounter.

"I read his mind this afternoon, I wonder why he kept asking if I knew him... It's almost dinner time too. I spent most of my time running away and I didn't realize how late it got. No wonder the chicken sandwich was cold when I got home... What time is it, anyway?" When the woman sat up, the card she had was placed onto the small crate and her head peeked through the makeshift shelter to see the sun. "Dang... The sun's setting. It looks like it's probably around five o'clock or almost six? I could be wrong," The jacket she wore was still on so she didn't have to fetch it from the box again.

From the mini fridge that she managed to snatch before, came out a soda that she saved for a moment like this and the hiss of the carbonation was like music to her ears from a twist of the cap. One gulp, two, three, with a satisfying sigh the cap was placed back, and the bottle was shoved into her large pocket. "I hate stealing... But it's the only thing I can do. I just wished that my anxieties didn't put other people at risk," Through the slit of her tent, she left, and wandered out into the street as before.

I nice stroll before it gets dark, wouldn't hurt. I think that guy finally decided to leave me alone, so there's no reason to be afraid right? Questioning her safety, wandering, and taking shortcuts through the slums, it was hard to ignore the pleading homeless. Some beggars sitting in boxes and hiding from the sun, and others gathered close to a strange cafe' someone had set up.

Weird. Whatever... Her head shook from side to side and a small tune began to hum from her lips. A kind of tune that some professional singer would have. She could see the tips of her shoes as she walked, for her head remained low and averted from everyone's gazes.

However, when her eyes landed on a ledge that she could climb, she did so and worked her way toward the roof away from everyone. The clank and thunk of her movements against the metal roofs would echo until she stood at the top. There it was, a beautiful scenery, the sunset kissed the horizon and welcomed the end of the hot day.

Man... This is so pretty. It makes me want to sing, almost. For a moment, when she smiled and closed her eyes to bask in the light of the sunset, she could hear the citizens going about their lives and the murmurs of people. I don't think anyone will be able to hear me from up here. So maybe... Trailing off and thinking, her lips soon parted to let loose a melody that could easily catch the ears of many if they heard her.

No lyrics, no instruments, just a lovely voice changing volumes and sounding like a siren from the sea. Dancing and twirling, enjoying herself while she was alone under the sunset's rays.

"Wow! What a voice!" The unfamiliar, masculine outburst behind her was enough to make her head whip around and see one of the aliens wave at her. Covered in grime, with a stench so unreal, his attention on her caused her feet to take several steps back.

I thought no one would hear me! Much as before, panic arose and she sprinted across the metal roof to get away.

"H- Hey! Wait! Don't you want... A job?" It was already too late, her frame had retreated as fast as possible when he asked but gained enough distance from him to not go back and answer him.

There's no point in answering him, he's already out of earshot. If crap like this keeps happening... I'm going to have to move. The outskirts of Newtech City, away from people, would be a better option- but I don't know. That's a lot to think about. Her hand fanned her face from the heat her jacket built up, nonetheless, it was her only coverage from prying eyes.

~~~~

Heavy steps echoed through the halls of a dark ship. Thoughts from earlier lingered in his skull as he wandered to one of his many rooms. How she screamed at him, nearly killed him, and the color of her eyes which he hadn't realized had taken his breath away.

Why was she so afraid of me when she saw me, then? If she didn't know me, then why? Such a lowly and pathetic human, actually thought she would've killed me?! Maybe... She has no control over her power. But f she didn't then she wouldn't have flown... Why should I care, anyway?! She is just a pathetic insect and I could crush her easily with my- During his conflicted thoughts, his head lifted to see the little girl from before in a chair, next to his much bigger one.

"Hello, Gruumm. There is someone I'd like you to meet! He should be arriving any minute," Crossing her arms with a triumphant smirk, the doll she had was tight against her chest.

"If this person is a waste of my time then I will burn your dolls and stuff their ashes into the vacuum of space!" Rather angry, the skeletal man sat in his seat, adjusted, and slumped a little. It was as she said, for it took less than a minute for the man she mentioned to arrive.

"My Emperor! I am not worthy," An alien with a spiked head and eyes that pierced through shadow, bowed with a single arm. The way he carried himself was that of a warrior, but that alone wouldn't be enough to impress.

"Undoubtedly. Who is this worm before me?" Not only angry but also annoyed. To be approached by some lowly creature who could easily be crushed under his gaze and with his power, certainly began to feel like it was a waste of his time. Curiosity piqued a little when he noticed the hairless doll in her arms, which he examined with a touch of his finger and lifted its head.

"He is your new General. Valco?" As if stating the obvious the child's head tilted and stared at the Emperor.

Her sass went ignored when his skull looked towards the General and heard him call him Master. "And what makes you think you're qualified to fight beside me?" Baffled, he recalled the rumors of how heartless he was and the tales Mora spoke of him. However, he had yet to see proof of such merciless strength.

"I have awoken Goradon to serve at your will," The General had high hopes of pleasing the skeletal lord before him, with the mention of something he had awakened; the position to fight by his side felt too good to pass up.

"Goradon," Pondering, Gruumm has heard of such a thing and to get his hands on it would mean more power under his control. If he had any lips or facial muscles, he would be smiling at the idea.

"But no one's ever been able to control that thing," Mora's impute brought some doubt, as she observed Valco and his unique alien attire.

"Goradon is part robot and therefore can be controlled. A series one processor, hyper-intelligent encryptor will enable me to do just that," Quickly, Valco had to stop speaking, for he watched the mighty lord wave his hand and grumpily overrun his words.

"I don't care what technological rubbish you need! Find it and bring Goradon back to me," He was so close to wringing his neck for the lengthy list of requirements, nonetheless, it was relieving when he saw Valco bow and exit the room.

"By the way- I have noticed you've been leaving a lot lately. It's not fair that you get to go out to places whenever you want!" Huffing, the child stood from her chair and gave Gruumm her deepest frown.

"I'm allowed- you're not! It's none of your business where I go, now go to your room!" His outburst was enough to send her screaming in fear, especially when his ruby eyes illuminated with rage and his hand reached out. "Kids," Shaking his head with a hand to his skull, clearly annoyed, he felt around for something on his person. Something particularly important, something that he knew he'd need, and pulled out a card; wanting to make sure it was still safe in his pockets.

"Wait a minute," Upon closer inspection, the card he had wasn't the one he searched for and was the one he meant to give to the strange lady on Earth. "Why... Why do I still have Mora's useless card?! This thing is what's letting her litter my ship with dolls! Why do I still-" It was at that moment, he knew, he screwed up.

The card he gave her, wasn't Mora's card, but something far more useful and important to his royalty. "Why did I give her my Intergalactic Bank Card?!" Sheer rage, pissed off beyond measure, he roared to the ceiling and crushed Mora's card in his hand.