—At The Speed of Light—
Classroom - Friedkin University - Midday
"In the beginning, there was nothing, and before there was nothing, there was magic."
An inconceivable cosmic explosion occurs—the 'Big Bang'—signifying the birth of a new universe. "At the dawn of every universe, it is said that the seeds of life emanated from one of many worlds between worlds... Legerdomain."
A pinkish rift opens in the vacuum of space at the dawn of time, releasing a mystical force into the newborn universe.
This scene is projected magically from an ancient book lying on a pedestal in an auditorium. "Mana is the life force energy that flows through all things—living and non-living. It's in you, me, the rock, the tree. It powers what many of you call 'magic'..."
The book slams shut, ending the colorful display that had covered the ceiling. Lights flicker on, revealing a classroom filled with hundreds of students—both aliens and humans alike. Their professor stands before them.
Gwen: "That 'magic' flows from Legerdomain into our universe." She picks up the book, smiling at her captivated students. Whispers echo through the crowd of newly admitted apprentices—she's earned their curiosity.
Dressed in mage-like robes, Gwen flicks her fingers, activating a spell to lift the chalk, writing the day's lesson on the board.
Gwen: "In our world, there are three types of people: those born with a natural connection to the cosmic mana, those who forge that connection through discipline, and those corrupted by its power..." She frowns slightly, glancing at a bag on a column across the room—Charmcaster's old bag.
"In this first week, you'll discover which of the first two you are." She sets the book back on the pedestal, where it releases a gust of wind that flows eerily through the class.
"I'm Professor Gwendolyn Tennyson. Welcome to the Introductory Course of The Mystic Arts." She pauses confidently. "Or ICTMA, for your future essay intros." She winks.
At the entrance to the auditorium, Gwen notices Professor Hex and Sir Friedkin watching the start of her class. Hex shares a knowing smile, which boosts her confidence as she returns the gesture.
Friedkin University - Eastern Wing Hallways - Midday
The first class concludes swiftly, with two more groups scheduled for later in the day. Gwendolyn, Hex, and Sir Friedkin walk through the busy hallways, discussing the course curriculum.
Sir Friedkin, an elderly man and the university's director, walks slowly with his cane while the two master sorcerers follow.
Sir Friedkin: "I must say, I haven't been this intrigued by an inauguration since we introduced the archeology branch. Congratulations, Miss Tennyson." He stops, turning to face her. "For such a young professor, your curriculum is impeccable—balanced between practice and theory. We'll follow your career closely!"
Gwen chuckles, slightly embarrassed by his praise. "Thank you, Sir Friedkin. I'm hoping the course will yield results faster than expected. There's a lot of potential in these students, I can feel it. The cosmic mana alludes to a wave of change in our world and—"
Hex interrupts before Gwen can finish, noticing Sir Friedkin's quizzical expression.
Hex: "From what we've seen, the course offers more practical applications than many fields. For instance, a doctor who uses healing magic alongside traditional methods would outperform one who doesn't." He smirks.
Friedkin nods but says nothing more.
Gwen, slightly confused by the interruption, falls silent.
Sir Friedkin: "As I said, I'm intrigued. Let's allow the curriculum to reveal its results. Now, I must depart—I have a meeting at our soon-to-open museum, and your cousin... wherever that boy is, he's expected to be at the opening. Gifted, but... not exactly punctual." He waves his cane in parting, leaving them behind.
As they walk toward the Mystic Arts branch, Gwen gives Hex a pointed look.
Hex: "Apprentice..." He says, sensing her thoughts.
Gwen: "Master..." She frowns, turning away.
Hex: "Speak your mind," he prompts with a smile.
Gwen: "Why did you interrupt me? I was explaining the students' potential."
Hex: "Gwendolyn, Friedkin is a businessman first, an educator second—and a very old-fashioned one. Magic... aliens... it's all surreal to him. He only needs academic progress reports, not cosmic insights."
Gwen pauses, eyes widening slightly, then laughs. "You're not wrong. He definitely looks 'antiquated.'"
Hex pats her back like a proud father. "Just hope the gods weren't listening to that," he chuckles.
Suddenly, Hex stops before the Mystic Arts' doors, a troubled look crossing his face.
Students pass by, but he remains lost in thought. His eyes scan a passing student, squinting in saddened disbelief, as he tries to look at her face, mistaking her for his late niece. Merely a lookalike.
Through momentary grief, he walks to the balcony, and leans in to calm himself.
Gwen notices. "Hex?" She walks back, gently touching his arm. "Are you okay?"
He turns and stares at her for a moment before speaking. "I miss her, Gwendolyn."
Gwen joins him. "I know," she says softly.
Hex: "I'm proud of you, Gwendolyn. Truly. This... this matters. But still, I feel her—like she's out there, somewhere..." He closes his fists. "I regret so much, even now."
Gwen lowers her gaze, the sun casting shadows across her face, as wind tugs at her hood.
A silence passes between them—foes turned family, sharing a quiet bond.
Hex finally breaks it. "Let's go... you have a class to teach." He walks back inside, closing the gate behind him.
Gwen lingers for a moment, looking out into the distance once more. She feels it too, that sense of loss.
The gates close.
—TITLE CARD—
Professor Gwendolyn Tennyson—a title she hadn't anticipated so soon in her life. It felt like just yesterday she was graduating at the top of her class, juggling the demands of unregulated galactic law enforcement with her academic triumphs. The past few years had been a rollercoaster ride, not for the faint of heart. How quickly time had flown: a husband, a son, a home, and now a career in academia. There had been many losses along the way, numerous loose ends, and people she longed to help but never could. Yet those experiences only served to strengthen her character.
And she needed every bit of that character to handle her new group of aspiring sorcerers. If the first day was any indication, these students were impressive, albeit challenging to teach—not due to a lack of ability, but because many of them struggled to believe in themselves. Helping someone regain that belief was a lesson she had failed to learn once but vowed to never repeat.
A loud car horn shattered the peaceful ambience of the campus plaza. Gwen, wrapping up a long day's work, was startled to find Kevin waiting for her, parked somewhat haphazardly within the campus grounds. She marched toward the driver's window, her irritation palpable as the glass slid down to reveal her husband's smug grin.
Gwen: "Kev, how many times do I have to tell you? You can't park here!" She shot him a stern look.
Kevin: "Sorry, babe. You know I've always had an issue with rules." He shrugged nonchalantly. "But you can be mad at me later—we've got a 'reservation' to get to." He emphasized 'reservation' with a teasing smirk.
Gwen walked around to the passenger side, anxiety creeping in at the thought of getting scolded by any nearby campus guards. She climbed into the car, and Kevin promptly drove off, clearly aware that this kind of stunt didn't sit well with her.
Gwen: "Reservation?" she asked, planting a quick kiss on his cheek.
Kevin: "Don't tell me you forgot! That's supposed to be my thing."
Gwen snapped her fingers in realization. "Oh! Wait! You actually got us a reservation at Mucho Sushi?" Her mood shifted dramatically as she grasped his hand tightly.
Kevin: "You know I always find a way." He passed her his phone, displaying the reservation on the restaurant's webpage.
Gwen's excitement quickly gave way to concern, her eyebrows knitting together. "Tonight? Kev, what about Owen? The house? And all the—"
Kevin interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "Shhh, Gwen! Calm down. I've got it all covered. I arranged for a sitter and prepped up the house in advance."
Gwen raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to elaborate.
Awkward silence hung in the air until Kevin finally spoke.
Kevin: "It's Lucy."
Gwen: "Lucy?! Seriously?" She chuckled, disbelief creeping into her voice. "You didn't even consult me about this…"
Kevin: "Come on, Gwen! She's basically the only person we know who can handle Owen. Plus, I filled her in on everything she needs to keep him in line for the night."
Gwen: "Are you sure...?" She crossed her arms, her worry evident.
Kevin: "Positive. Now stop stressing, alright? We haven't had a normal night out in ages. Let's just take this breather and enjoy the day. I could really use it, and I'm sure you could too, especially with all this magic stuff." He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Pulling rabbits out of hats must be just as exhausting as spying on mob bosses."
Gwen: "Very funny." She rolled her eyes, a smile creeping in.
Kevin: "Thanks," he replied, cluelessly.
Gwen: "I just hope Owen is safe with Lucy."
Kevin: "I'd rather hope she stays safe from him!" He chuckled, lightening the mood.
As Kevin's car sped onto the highway, day turned to night, and the Bellwood metropolitan skyline lit up in a dazzling display of neon lights and intriguing alien architecture. At last, the two heroes could enjoy some time without their usual labels—just a couple out for a meal. One could pretend to be normal, but deep down, they knew there was no such thing.
In the heart of Bellwood's Mid-town stood Mucho Sushi, a restaurant that appeared quite ordinary from the outside. However, inside, it mirrored the vibrant, utopian blend of humans and aliens alike, all dining and reveling in the joy of sharing an earthly meal infused with outer-world delicacies.
Bellwood Mid-town - Mucho Sushi - Nighttime
The power couple sat near the window, enjoying a stunning view of Mid-town Avenue's bustling roundabout park. Kevin took a bite of his Spicy Tuna Roll, playfully eyeing Gwen as she struggled with her chopsticks. Despite her best efforts, her Vegetable Tempura Roll tumbled to the table for the third time before she groaned in frustration and resorted to levitating the roll with her magic, popping it into her mouth with an exasperated huff.
Kevin chuckled. "Strongest sorceress on Earth, yet can't master chopsticks?"
Gwen raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You're eating with a fork."
Kevin dropped his fork in mock defeat. "Touché," he replied with a shrug.
Just then, their communicators rang in unison. Gwen glanced at hers, widening her expression.
Gwen: "Rook? Is he calling you too?"
Kevin pouted as he lifted his communicator. "Yeah, but…." He gently took her communicator and grouped it with his, hiding them beneath the seat. "We're on a date." He flashed her a playful smile.
"What if it's important?" Gwen asked, concern creeping into her tone.
"Then I'm sure Grand Magister Tol will send in his robo-cops to handle it," Kevin quipped.
Gwen sighed, still slightly annoyed by the distraction.
Kevin took her hand, caressing it softly. "Like I said, just a normal night for us, like you wanted. No rabbits outta hats, no spying, no shootouts… just you, me, and this raw fish wrapped in thin rice," he added with a romantic gaze.
Gwen couldn't help but smile at his cheesy attempt. "Such a way with words," she said sarcastically, her eyes glinting with warmth as they locked gazes.
Kevin: "Hey, you fell for me for a reason."
They both laughed, resuming their meal.
"I wonder how Lucy's doing with Owen…" Gwen mused, her expression shifting to worry. "Haven't heard from her yet, so she must be managing."
"Or maybe she died." Kevin said, taking a bite of his last roll.
"Kevin!" Gwen exclaimed, half-laughing, half-serious.
"Oh, right. Maybe just severely injured." he corrected with a smirk.
Gwen: "You did tell her everything she'd have to do if Owen went on a tantrum... Right..."
Kevin's eyes widened a bit, but composed himself. He coughed. "Well, obviously, Psh."
Gwen frowned but continued eating.
Kevin: "Speaking of who's doing well and who's not, have you heard anything from Ben lately?"
Gwen shook her head, swallowing the last of her rolls. "Ben's been off the radar, acting super vague and... avoidant. I've been way too busy to play the role of 'family therapist'. He's out there playing mercenaries in space, stonewalling everyone."
"Hey, cut him some slack. At least he's keeping busy. He found something to feel normal with again, something to vent in. Just give him time; he'll come around. That's how I used to be, anyway."
Gwen softened her worried gaze. "Maybe you're right. I might be swamped, but I still worry about him… Especially when I haven't heard from him in two days."
Kevin: "Psh, come on, Gwen. It's not like he could die." he said, opening a fortune cookie, reading it. "A pleasant surprise is in store for you tonight." He read. "Heh, neat right?" He looked towards her.
Gwen shot him a stern look.
Kevin: "What? Oh, right, Ben... Ok, in my defense, didn't he once brag about being invincible? Something about the Omnitrix keeping him safe? So what's the big worry?"
Gwen: "That doesn't mean he's immortal," she replied, but then her eyes widened, pausing as her mind wandered on the possibility of that idea.
Kevin stopped unwrapping the other cookie, sensing her change in mood. "Ah, I see that face. You're thinking about it."
Gwen: "Ugh, whatever. I'm not going to stress about Ben, Owen, or anyone else right now. Let's focus on us, and our totally normal conversation." She took a deep breath. "So…" She shifted her tone to a more loving one. "How's work?"
Kevin: "I blew up a warehouse the other day."
Gwen's expression went blank.
Kevin: "It was pretty cool," Kevin added nonchalantly.
Gwen: "Ugh, this isn't working out."
Kevin: "You're divorcing me already?" he asked in shock.
Gwen: "What?! No, you dork! I'm talking about us pretending to be 'normal'." She facepalmed, then looked up at him. "Let's start over."
Kevin: "You know I don't mind that at all, normal for us is, well, the normal that isn't normal... for normal people." He fidgeted.
Gwen: "I know... That's not the problem though, I just didn't want to end up talking about violence, or danger, stressful stuff and all that." She rubbed her forehead.
Kevin: "At this point, I'm not even phased by it."
But before they could regroup, their communicators buzzed again.
Both groaned in unison.
Kevin: "Still not answering that," Kevin declared.
Gwen: "Agreed."
Kevin: "Should I just-?"
Gwen: "Yeah, yeah, continue."
Kevin: "So anyway, I accidentally blew up Telakonzo's spice warehouse, but my investigation got cut short and transferred to the Cosmobots division…" he continued.
Gwen: "I still don't get this whole Cosmobot thing. Are they just a civil police force, or are they meant to replace agents? Because it looks like they're not letting you do your job lately."
Kevin: "I don't know. I stopped asking questions after the hundredth dead end. Can't get any answers coming from the... 'leadership'. Whether the orders make sense or not, I just try and do the right thing." He frowned at the end. "Or, at least I hope I am..." He looked at the reflection of himself on the tabletop.
Gwen caressed his hand gently. "Hey."
Kevin met her gaze, his expression softening.
Gwen: "You do way more than your best, Kev." she said sincerely.
He smiled at her reassurance when suddenly, a loud sonic boom erupted outside. The restaurant windows shattered, spraying shards of glass in all directions and injuring many patrons, plunging the atmosphere into chaos.
Amidst the chaos, Gwen swiftly summoned a glowing mystic shield, its pink light enveloping them and the nearby civilians at the surrounding tables. Shards of glass and debris ricocheted off the protective barrier, sparing those caught off guard by the sonic explosion. Kevin used the clarity provided by Gwen's shield to quickly survey the scene outside.
To the confusion of the patrons, the cause of the destruction wasn't an attack but a high-speed, clandestine street race. The vehicles involved were of various makes, some hovering, some on wheels, but one stood out—its hover speeder was modified with an illegal sub-light-speed twin engine. It was a death trap on wheels, emitting another ear-splitting sonic boom as it streaked ahead, leaving a brutal shockwave in its wake. People screamed and staggered as another round of shattered windows sprayed the area, the racer vanishing in a blur of speed.
"Great," Kevin muttered, rubbing his forehead, "Just what we needed."
Gwen lowered the shield cautiously, both of them springing into action as they ran outside to help the injured. Kevin pulled people to their feet while Gwen used her mana to gently lift those who were unconscious, carrying them to safety. The sounds of sirens in the distance were growing louder, but there was still no sign of the racers slowing down.
Kevin glanced up as their communicators buzzed again. He exchanged a look with Gwen—this time, they couldn't ignore it.
"So much for date night…" Kevin grumbled, fishing his communicator from his jacket pocket. "Rook, this better be good."
The hologram of Rook appeared on their devices, looking uncharacteristically urgent. He was in a private room aboard Plumber Headquarters, the sterile environment of the orbiting station visible behind him.
"I require the two of you on a secure line, now," Rook said, his usual calm replaced by a sharp edge of concern.
Kevin and Gwen both looked at each other, their curiosity piqued with concern.
Later - Bellwood Under-town - Nighttime
Kevin's car rumbled down the dimly lit streets, navigating the fringes of Under-town's few remaining populated areas. Rook's holographic projection hovered above the dashboard, his serious expression framed by the soft blue glow.
Rook: "I propose that the three of us form a special operations team, operating independently from the H.C.I.S. Plumber Corps' jurisdiction."
Kevin glanced down at the dashboard, raising an eyebrow. "That's... high treason," he remarked, half-intrigued.
Rook: "Your expertise." He smirked subtly.
Kevin couldn't help but return the grin.
Gwen: "I'm still not fully caught up here. What exactly is happening up there?"
Rook: "The transitional restructuring of the Plumber agency has significantly slowed our overall response efficiency. Meanwhile, the questionable implementation of the 'Cosmobots' is leaving gaping holes in our operations, allowing criminal activities to run rampant. There is a growing number of clandestine operations in the Mid-town Bellwood area, disrupting the peace, and I fear that the agency's current approach will not be able to handle the situation effectively."
Rook transmitted a brief visual display of the reported disturbances.
Kevin: "And that's where we come in." He pointed at the holo-map.
Rook: "Precisely. Not only have you already witnessed the chaos firsthand, but there is reason to believe you have a direct connection to this case." Rook's holographic eyes landed on Kevin.
Kevin's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Rook: "The intelligence we have gathered points to Telakonzo as the primary supplier of these illegal components being used by the street racers. If we are fortunate—"
Kevin (cutting in): "We can take down two birds with one stone." His lips curled into a grin. "Alright, so, do you have intel on any 'car meet' spots? Or at least a name?"
Rook: "The group is a coalition of several clandestine factions. They operate under the name 'At The Speed of Light,' which is the code they use to gather for races. I will transmit the coordinates of their last known meeting places to your commlinks."
Gwen shifted her gaze to Kevin, sensing a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "And what's your plan exactly, Kev?"
Kevin leaned back, hands resting on the wheel with newfound confidence. "Well, I've got the ride, I've got the girl, and I've got the look. We're gonna infiltrate their little race."
Gwen blinked. "You want to join the race? Seriously?"
Rook: "It could be a sound strategy. Infiltration would allow us to gather intel directly from within their operations." He nodded thoughtfully. "I wish you luck. Stay safe, and report back once you have more information."
With that, Rook's hologram fizzled out, leaving the couple alone in the car.
Kevin was grinning ear to ear now.
Gwen sighed, giving him a suspicious glance. "Oh no… I know that look. I really don't like that look."
Later - Bellwood Mid-town - Construction Site
Kevin's car rolled slowly through the abandoned construction site. The deep bass from the nearby meetup's party thudded through the air—getting closer by the second.
Gwen glanced at him skeptically. "Kevin, how exactly do you plan on infiltrating this race? You're one of the most recognizable people in Bellwood... Everyone knows you're a Plumber."
Kevin smirked, not missing a beat. "Babe, it's called street cred. I've got plenty saved up from the old days. Scum respect scum. It's just how the world works."
Gwen chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm not even going to question that logic."
Kevin grinned. "Trust me. These guys live by 'Once a crook, always a crook.' Plus, look at this ride—it's fire. It's a foolproof plan, you'll see. And hey, think of it as date night 2.0."
Gwen rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Alright, alright. Just... drive."
Kevin shot her a playful grin, clearly enjoying himself.
At The Speed of Light - Bellwood Mid-town
The construction site had transformed into a massive rave party, filled with a chaotic display of vehicles. Hover bikes, speeders, cars, and heavily modified monstrosities that defied classification lined the space, pulsating under the flashing lights. The air was thick with deafening music, and a host's voice boomed over the speakers, calling out the names of the racers and their rides. The crowd responded with wild cheers.
As Kevin drove in, his car immediately caught everyone's attention. The crowd parted, some moving closer to get a better look, others stepping back in awe, murmuring in amazement. The recognition was instantaneous. However, their path was blocked by three towering Appoplexians, bouncers of the meetup, who stepped in front of Kevin's car.
Kevin lowered his window, a smirk on his face.
Appoplexian Bouncer: "What the hell are you doing here... Plumber." He sneered, his voice dripping with disgust.
Kevin leaned back casually. "Hey, no disrespect, I might be a plumber by day, but that doesn't mean I play it by night. Can't a guy take his car and his gal out for a spin?" He flashed a grin.
Another Appoplexian narrowed his eyes, suspicious. He kneeled down to look at him. "Levin. Thought you cleaned up your act."
Kevin revved the engine, making it roar with power. "Only thing I keep clean is my ride."
The bouncer growled but then cracked a grin before bursting into laughter. He raised a massive claw into the air and shouted over the noise. "Kevin Ethan Levin, everybody!"
The crowd erupted into cheers. Kevin rolled up the window, grinning smugly as the cheers echoed around them. Gwen stared at him in disbelief.
Gwen: "I can't believe that worked..."
Kevin: "It's that easy. They love the car, but they love me more." He bragged.
Gwen rolled her eyes.
The host, spotting the new arrival, redirected the spotlights from the racers to Kevin's car as it rolled into the display area. "Alright folks! Looks like we've got a hot-wheeled veteran in the mix tonight!" The host's voice boomed across the rave. "Coming in with that slick, chromy steel blue, taydenite-plated muscle car! Modified with top-of-the-line Plumber tech—who knows what else this man's crammed into that universe-saving masterpiece! It's Kevin Ethan Levin!" The crowd roared as the host caught his breath. "Looks like this man doesn't know which side of the law to serve, but tonight, I bet he's here to make a statement with the newbies!"
The cheers and excitement surged, but Kevin's entry didn't sit well with the other racers. They glared at him and Gwen with palpable disdain. Among them, the group Kevin and Gwen were hunting eyed them with suspicion. Their whispers betrayed that they knew he wasn't just there for a race.
Gwen scanned the area, keeping her voice low. "Look—yellow rusty speed racer. That's our guy." She gestured subtly with her eyes.
Kevin glanced over. "Yeah, I see him. And he sees us. If we're lucky, he'll make a run for his safehouse the second he figures out we're not here just to race. When he does, you hit his chassis with a tracker."
Gwen nodded. "Got it."
The energy from the crowd was electric, buzzing with anticipation as the racers prepared for the impending showdown. Far above them, unnoticed by most, a shadowy figure—feminine and hooded—observed from the rafters. The unknown visitor kept a close eye on the scene, biding her time.
Later...
Host: "Alright, alright, alright you crazy rascals! Make way for the speed machines!"
The crowd parted, revealing the seventeen participants—including Kevin's muscle car—lining up at the starting point. Kevin tapped on his car's interface, linking into the group's communication channel so he could hear both the host and the other racers.
Host: "You devils know the rules! No invisibility modules! No flying higher than 30 feet for an overpass! And no whining! Ya dig?"
Engines revved all around, the noise deafening, amplifying the tension in the air.
Host: "Spare some noise for the city! Bellwood!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Gwen glanced over at Kevin with concern. "What do we do if our guy ends up using the twin engines?"
Kevin smirked. "Well, guess we'd have to drop the act. Bust them up if we need to."
The host's voice echoed over the din: "Alright ya goons! We ready?"
Suddenly, a new sound cut through the noise—a distinct and unfamiliar revving. All eyes turned as a black and purple speeder bike emerged from the crowd, rolling toward the start line.
Host: "Hey, hey, hey, no, no, no, if you're late, you're out! Come on! Hey, wizard lady ninja!" He pointed dramatically.
The newcomer—'The Mage'—drove in calmly, despite the boos from the crowd. She maneuvered her bike a few participants to where Kevin and Gwen were parked, paying no mind to the hostile reception.
Kevin's grin widened. "Oh, this is perfect... Maybe we'll knock out three birds with one stone after all."
Gwen stared at the newcomer with a bizarre feeling tingling in the back of her head. "Who's that?"
"The Mage," Kevin replied, watching the speeder closely. "Small-time Under-town 'hero' and thief. She's stolen a lot of magical artifacts from the Plumbers, and targets I've been tracking. Slippery as they come, hard to catch. This could be our shot."
As Kevin explained, Gwen's attention seemed to drift. It wasn't his words that had her mesmerized but rather the presence of the hooded woman. She felt something—almost like a sixth sense—drawing her toward the enigmatic figure. Time seemed to slow down as Gwen's focus zeroed in on The Mage, an unfamiliar connection sparking through her senses. The feeling grew stronger, until finally, as if sensing Gwen's gaze, The Mage abruptly turned her head and locked eyes with her.
Gwen jolted, snapping back to reality as the host's voice cut through the moment.
Host: "Hey, hey now! Cut the boos, people! Anything can happen at the Speed of Light! Give it up for The Mage!" he hollered, and the crowd, swayed by his energy, reluctantly cheered.
Host: "Alright, ladies, gentlemen, and everything in between! Are you ready?!"
Engines revved once more, vibrating the very ground beneath their feet.
"I said, are you ready?!" The host's voice grew even louder, demanding the crowd's full attention. The racers revved their engines harder, the noise becoming overwhelming.
Kevin smirked, his confidence growing, while Gwen covered her ears from the cacophony.
"I said... Are. You. Ready?!" the host screamed, dragging out each word with dramatic flair.
The ambient noise was a symphony of roaring engines and anticipation, until it suddenly cut to complete silence.
The host smiled, leaning into his mic. "1, 2, 3, Go!"
In an instant, the race erupted into chaos. All seventeen vehicles blasted forward at breakneck speeds, tearing out of the construction site. Some contestants had already collided, sending sparks flying as the chase headed into the heart of Bellwood Mid-town.
As Kevin's car roared out of the construction site, the bright lights of Mid-town welcomed them into a chaotic race. The street was alive with numerous contestants, each in their uniquely modified vehicles, jostling for position, avoiding what few civilian traffic there was.
Hover bikes zipped by, while souped-up speeders, cars, and trucks clashed, creating a symphony of revs and alien engines.
Kevin grinned as he flipped a switch on his dashboard—activating a hover mode that allowed him to drift and evade the incoming barrage of crashed vehicles, as the competition practically eliminated itself.
"Watch out!" Gwen yelled, as Kevin drifted, dodging debris from a damaged hover truck that flipped in their direction.
Gwendolyn focused, her eyes darting to a familiar sight: The Mage, weaving through the chaos like a shadow. The hooded figure was taking out contestants left and right with precise blasts of energy coming out of a staff, her bike glimmering in the lights.
"Looks like we are not the only ones here to shake things up," Kevin said, grinning at Gwen as they blasted forward, heading towards the elevated highways that stretched into Upper-town.
"Just keep your eyes on our guy, Kev!" Gwen urged, tightening her grip. She could see their target—a yellow rusty speeder with twin engines—up ahead, flanked by two friends. The trio was closing in fast on the highway ramp.
"Let's speed things up!" Kevin shouted as he activated his boosters, launching them forward, closing in. The highway glittered like a serpent of light, but the yellow speeder was still weaving dangerously ahead, still not using his twin engines.
"Take them out, they're after the tech!" the target shouted to his friends, who immediately veered toward Kevin and Gwen, attempting to ram them off course.
"Kevin!" Gwen yelled, her heart racing. The two assailants swerved, sending Kevin's car plummeting off the highway.
"Hang on!" Kevin gritted his teeth, bracing for impact.
Gwen composed herself as they fell, concentrating and conjuring a shimmering road of magic beneath them, solidifying as they descended. It formed a path that led them back up to the highway, allowing them to catch momentum just in time to land back on the elevated road.
"Nice save!" Kevin praised as they surged forward, finally catching up to the yellow speeder. But The Mage had also closed the gap, racing up beside them, her bike humming ominously.
As Kevin continued to evade their target's goons, Gwen got a call on her phone. She composed herself and answered. "Hello?!"
It was Lucy.
Gwen and Kevin's Residence - Bellwood - Night
Lucy: "Oh! Finally! Hi cuz! Uh, quick question! How do I calm Owen down?!" she asked in a calm panic, her voice strained as Owen could be heard screaming and throwing incredibly heavy things around.
Gwen: "What—what happened? What was that noise?"
Lucy: "Oh, nothing! Your son just threw the sofa at me—" Suddenly, a loud crash echoed, and Gwen heard Lucy get squashed. "I just got completely flattened by a stove!" She exclaimed cheerfully, quickly reforming her mud-like body, shifting back into shape. "Listen, I was making a midnight snack with Owen in my hands, and next thing I know, he grabbed the toaster and absorbed it! Now he looks like a toaster himself; I don't know what to do! I- I checked the list and it didn't say anything on how to handle him like this!"
On the other end, Gwen looked at Kevin with an angered expression.
Kevin: "What?"
Back in their residence, Owen could be seen crawling around in a chaotic, metallic form, destroying everything in his path.
Gwen: "Ok, Lucy, listen closely, just give him cookies from the jar above the fridge, then milk, and sing 'Happy Birthday' five times until he falls asleep! Anyway, we're busy—take care—bye!" She hung up.
Lucy: "Wait! Oh—oh no..." She looked at her phone. "That was oddly specific." She illustrated a confused expression.
Owen threw a recliner at Lucy, discombobulating her again, her form splattering briefly before she reformed.
Giggling being heard in the background.
Bellwood Mid-town - Night
With the chaos still buzzing around them and about nine contestants left in the race, they finally spotted their target just ahead. It was time to put their plan into action.
Swiftly returning to the bustling roads of Mid-town, hovering Plumber Cosmobot droids sprang into action, chasing after the remaining contestants and scattering the race.
Kevin: "They finally do something right for once." he murmured, glancing back.
They closed in on their target as he entered a tunnel, still thinking he led the race in first place. The thug had other plans for escape, revving up his sub light-speed twin engines.
Kevin: "Ahg!" He swerved to avoid the blast.
Sonic Boom!
The blast cracked the very structure of the tunnel, throwing off Kevin's traction. He quickly switched his tires to hover mode to regain control and catch up.
Gwen leaned in, urgency in her voice. "We can't let him do that again. Especially not outside."
"I know!" Kevin replied, eyes fixed on the yellow speeder ahead.
As they emerged from the tunnel, the target revved up the twin engines once more, pushing ahead.
Kevin grimaced. "I can't catch up, Gwen! Brace yourself!" They both squinted against the wind.
Suddenly, a flash of speed zipped past them: The Mage on her bike. She raised her hand, tendrils of energy crackling around her as she aimed for the engines of their target.
The sorceress groaned through her mask, launching the energy directly into the engines. The thug's vehicle sputtered and lost control, but The Mage's bike veered off, leaving her behind.
"It's our chance! Gwen, put the tracker on!" Kevin shouted.
Gwen nodded, quickly opening the window. They matched speed with the yellow speeder, and she launched the tracker, watching it stick to the side of the vehicle just as the thug rammed into them. Their car was knocked off the road and sent hurtling towards the docks.
They screamed as the car plummeted into the water.
The thug laughed, speeding away with his pride.
A few seconds later, Kevin's modifications kicked in. The car floated to the surface in submersible mode, revving its motor like a boat.
"See? I told you this mod would come in handy one day," Kevin grinned, glancing at Gwen.
Gwen, still in shock from the chaotic turn of events, fiddled with the interface to track their target's location. "If you go down by the lake, we can catch up."
Kevin nodded, determination setting in. "He doesn't know we put a tracker on him. He might lead us straight to the dealer."
"Sail away, car boy," Gwen replied, a hint of playful sarcasm in her tone.
With that, their car dove back underwater, propelling itself toward the thug's route.
Meanwhile, The Mage had caught up to the docks on her bike, watching the duo navigate through the water.
Abruptly, she trembled in place as purple spikes of pure mana involuntarily erupted from her back and sides, causing her to groan in pain.
Leaning heavily on her bike, she fought to shake off the overwhelming agony, standing still for a few moments.
The spiked tendrils slowly receded back into her body, prompting her to sigh.
After regaining her composure, she dusted off her coat, revved her engine, and sped away, intent on her own mission.
Later - Bellwood Outskirts - Telakonzo's Safehouse
A dimly lit warehouse buzzed with activity as workers hurried about, loading crates of illegal alien tech onto sleek, unmarked ships. Telakonzo's Safehouse was Bellwood's hub for smuggled extraterrestrial goods, a place where deals were made in the shadows. The air was thick with the hum of machinery and the low murmur of conversations, but tonight would be the end of their secrecy.
The yellow speeder limped into one of the larger hangars, its once-pristine twin engines now sputtering and sparking. The hangar doors slammed shut, Telakonzo's men were already on high alert, their eyes narrowing as the frantic driver stumbled out of the vehicle, clearly rattled.
Thug: "Where's Telakonzo? I need to talk to him, now!"
A nearby mercenary, towering and heavily armed, raised a hand to stop him. His face was unreadable beneath the tactical visor, but his posture was hostile.
Mercenary: "Back in the vehicle, now." He commanded, as numerous workers began to scan the vehicle as protocol.
Undeterred, the thug babbled on, his voice rising in desperation. "You don't understand! I need a new product. Those damn Plumbers—they wrecked the engines!"
The mercenary's gloved hand shot out, grabbing the thug by the collar and yanking him forward with brutal force. "I said, get back in the damn vehicle."
Just then, one of the workers scanning the speeder raised a small device in the air, his face pale. "We've got a problem here!" he called out, his voice tense. "Speeder's been tagged!"
The mercenary's grip tightened, fury flashing in his eyes as he slammed the thug into the side of the speeder. "You brought a tracker here? You stupid piece of—" He cut off his curse with a sigh, throwing the man to the ground with disgust. "You trying to get us all killed, Cerjei?"
The thug hit the floor hard, his breath coming in panicked gasps. "I didn't know! I swear, I thought I lost them!"
Around them, the once-calm atmosphere of the warehouse had shifted. Mercenaries barked orders, workers scrambled to secure cargo, and the hum of the ships now carried a note of urgency. The entire operation was unraveling in real time.
"Move everything to the backup site, now!" the mercenary growled into his comms. "Telakonzo needs to be warned!"
Another mercenary, his face shadowed beneath a hood, stepped forward. "Who's coming? Plumbers?"
The first mercenary shrugged, tension rippling through his massive frame. "Doesn't matter who, but this idiot's led them straight to us." He gave a sharp nod to his men. "Take him away. Make sure he doesn't open his mouth again."
The thug thrashed in their grip as they hauled him off, his pleas falling on deaf ears. "Please! I didn't mean to! I thought I shook them—"
The mercenaries ignored him, the sound of his cries drowned out by the sudden roar of engines and the frantic shuffle of workers rushing to move precious cargo. The air was charged with fear and suspicion, the anticipation of an inevitable storm.
But that storm arrived sooner than anyone expected. The chaotic activity ground to an eerie halt as the sound of distant blaster fire echoed from beyond the hangar doors. Screams—first of panic, then of pure agony—grew louder, sending a cold ripple of fear through the warehouse.
From somewhere in the distance, the thug's voice cracked with terror. "It's them! It's the Plumbers!"
The mercenaries stiffened, exchanging uneasy glances. Their hands instinctively moved to their weapons, but the uncertainty in their eyes told a different story. These were hardened criminals, accustomed to violence—but something about the sounds coming from outside put them on edge.
Suddenly, the blaster fire stopped. The screaming cut out. Silence fell over the hangar, thick and unnatural. For a brief moment, the criminals dared to hope that whatever was happening outside had ended.
Then came a bone-rattling crash against the hangar doors, like something massive had slammed into them. The steel creaked and groaned under the force. The mercenaries froze.
Another crash. The doors buckled, straining against their hinges.
A third impact followed, harder than before, and the once-sturdy doors bent inward, leaving a visible dent.
The lead mercenary's face twisted in confusion and dread. He took a slow step back, his pulse quickening. "That sure don't sound like Plumbers..." His voice barely held steady, betraying the unease spreading among his men.
An almost demonic screech could be heard on the other side, right before the last necessary hit would clash onto the doors.
Another bone-chilling, roar erupted from the other side, moments before the final, crushing blow slammed into the doors.
Later - Bellwood Outskirts - Telakonzo's Safehouse
Kevin and Gwen resurfaced, their car transitioning smoothly from submersible to hover mode as the 'At The Speed of Light' host spoke through the radio.
"Well folks, just like last week's race, we got busted by those pesky Plumbers! But hey, guess what? We got away again, and we'll do it next time too! See you all at the speed of light! Stay sharp, and on throttle!" The transmission cut out with a self-assured finish.
Gwen sighed, shaking her head. "Seriously? They're already planning another one?"
Kevin smirked. "They're used to getting away. Only a few drones and regular cops to dodge most of the time. They think they're untouchable."
Gwen frowned. "The world's just getting crazier by the day."
Kevin chuckled. "We'll just have to keep up with it."
The lighthearted exchange faded as they neared the shore. Their smiles quickly turned into expressions of shock.
Telakonzo's Safehouse and the surrounding area were in flames. A fire blazed in the distance, casting an orange glow across the water and sky.
As they rolled onto the dock, Kevin's car switched back to ground mode. The scene they drove into was grim. The once-bustling area was now silent. The ground was strewn with signs of chaos—vehicles overturned, equipment destroyed, and the aftermath of a violent confrontation. Workers, mercenaries, and other figures lay motionless across the area, a chilling indication of the intensity of what had unfolded.
Gwen's eyes widened in disbelief. "What… what happened here?"
Kevin stayed quiet, scanning the scene. He picked up his communicator, his voice steady as he sent out an alert.
"This is Agent Levin, Designation 1-1. I need immediate Plumber forces and emergency services at my coordinates. Reporting a major incident at Bellwood Outskirt Area, Bay Area Nine." He ended the message and turned to Gwen.
"We were supposed to stay undercover," Gwen said, her voice slightly shaken.
Kevin tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "That was before the slaughter..."
They parked the car and stepped out, cautiously approaching a hangar with its doors blown apart. Something had clearly forced its way inside. Weapons at the ready, Kevin and Gwen moved forward, the silence around them heavy with tension as they prepared for whatever—or whoever—was responsible for the devastation.
The couple walked inside cautiously. Gwen used her abilities to change her outfit into her usual sorceress attire, ready for conflict. Kevin pulled out a piece taydenite from his holster, absorbing it. They were ready for work.
Gwen's eyes darted around, her nerves creeping in. She'd dealt with horrors before, but something about the scene unsettled her. It wasn't just the violence—it was the sheer brutality. These weren't just casualties of a firefight; something far worse had taken place.
Kevin knelt beside a motionless mercenary, rifling through his pockets. He retrieved a keycard and examined it briefly before pocketing it. His commlink buzzed to life.
"Message received. Units en route to your coordinates. Over," the operator confirmed.
Gwen glanced at him, her voice laced with concern. "Shouldn't we have contacted Rook?"
Kevin shook his head. "No, it's too late for that. This is bigger than just a raid gone wrong." He continued scanning the area, his instincts driving him forward.
Gwen tried to steady herself. "What exactly are we looking for?"
Kevin crouched again, dragging the keycard along the floor. Suddenly, a low rumble reverberated through the ground as a hidden door slid open, revealing a set of stairs leading into a deeper tunnel.
"That," Kevin said, smirking.
They descended cautiously, the air growing colder and the tunnel darker. The silence was thick with anticipation, broken only by the occasional creak of metal beneath their feet. Gwen held his hand, seeking comfort amidst the eeriness.
Kevin glanced at her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Not the least romantic place we've held hands, right?"
Gwen chuckled softly, despite the tension. "Beats kissing underneath a DNAlien nest."
Kevin grinned. "Hey, the tension adds flare."
The moment of levity was short-lived. As they moved further into the tunnel, the horrific sights began again—more bodies, more signs of whatever had torn through the place. Any trace of the mood they'd tried to build was utterly obliterated by the grim reality around them.
Gwen shuddered, trying to focus. "Kev… what could've done this? This wasn't just deliberate... These—these men were—they were torn apart..."
Kevin's face grew serious as he knelt beside another fallen mercenary, his brow furrowing. "I don't know..." he said, his voice flat, inspecting the bodies. He searched for any sign of intention behind the attack, but he saw nothing but carnage.
Gwen looked away, the sight too much for her to process, unlike Kevin's hardened demeanor.
Noticing Gwen's state of distress, Kevin approached her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Let's keep moving," he said, masking his own unease.
They continued down the tunnel until they stumbled upon a set of stairs leading to what appeared to be a backup safehouse—a storage warehouse.
The atmosphere was heavy with a sense of foreboding. Bodies lay strewn about, total bloodshed. Suddenly, a faint sound caught their attention, emanating from a nearby vault room.
Gwen's eyes lit up as she scanned the area. "There's someone in there."
Without hesitation, Kevin pried the vault open, unsealing the safe room.
Inside was Telakonzo, an insect-like organism resembling a boat-fly.
"Telakonzo!" Kevin exclaimed, relief washing over him.
"Shh! Please, please—be quiet!" Telakonzo panicked, urgently motioning them to enter. They complied.
"Start talking, or I'll burn the rest of your stash," Kevin warned, crossing his arms.
"I don't care about the stash! Just get me out of here, please!" Telakonzo cried, visibly shaken.
Kevin and Gwen exchanged glances, confusion etched on their faces.
"Units have arrived on-site." Kevin's communicator lit up.
Kevin lifted it to reply. "Copy that."
"What happened here, Telakonzo?" Gwen pressed.
"Monster…" was all he managed to utter, trembling and struggling to articulate his fear. "It kept asking for the staff... It wanted the staff..."
Gwen's eyes widened. "What staff?"
"The Staff of Caesar…" A guttural voice reverberated from behind them, causing Telakonzo to freeze in place.
The duo slowly turned around, their hearts racing at the sight of a nightmarish figure. It was a undefined shape, barely human, emitting a dark aura filled with corrupted sparkles of mana, and flickering tendrils that writhed between life and death.
With a sudden surge of force, the creature extended its tendrils, pinning Gwen and Kevin against the walls. It lunged toward Telakonzo, who let out a terrified scream as the creature dragged him upward, disappearing into the rafters above.
Kevin and Gwen quickly regained their composure, instinct kicking in as they raced after the creature, determined to rescue Telakonzo.
The creature crawled at an alarming pace, its magical spikes scraping the floor. With a thunderous crack, it shattered a portion of the roof, escaping with Telakonzo in its grasp.
Gwendolyn quickly levitated herself and Kevin through the opening. They emerged to find the monster holding Telakonzo hostage.
"Cease your pursuit, or I shall end his life!" it gargled with a feminine voice hidden underneath.
Gwendolyn and Kevin froze. The creature's form shimmered, resembling a woman's silhouette. It convulsed with a spasm, gripping Telakonzo tighter.
"Tell me! Where is the Staff of Caesar? Now!"
"It's in the eighth vault! In the building next door!" Telakonzo pleaded. "It's all yours! See?! I'm plenty charitable! Just don't kill me!"
"I beg to differ..." With a roar, she hurled Telakonzo at the duo.
Kevin caught the mob boss but lost his balance. Both men tumbled back into the warehouse below.
Gwendolyn watched as the creature-woman sprinted towards the adjacent building.
"Go!" Kevin shouted from below. "I'll catch up!" His taydenite form protected him from the fall.
With a nod, Gwen launched into pursuit.
Inside the warehouse, Telakonzo groaned atop Kevin.
"Alright," Kevin muttered, shoving him aside, "get off me."
Bellwood Outskirt - Telakonzo's Second Warehouse
A sinister cloud of purple smoke, groaning in agony, phased through the warehouse walls. It frantically searched the space, its movements erratic and desperate.
Upon reaching Vault 8, the entity disregarded any security measures. With a bone-chilling screech, it tore the vault apart, revealing Telakonzo's hidden treasures. Among them gleamed the coveted Staff of Caesar.
The monster's smoky tendrils coiled around the staff. As it began absorbing the artifact's mana, its screams morphed—the demonic timbre gradually overpowered by a distinctly human voice.
Gwendolyn burst into the warehouse, vaulting over the gaping hole in the wall. She sprinted towards the source of the agonized cries, her heart pounding.
Before her eyes, the mystical cloud of purple energy contorted and condensed, taking on a woman's silhouette. The staff blazed with an intense light, momentarily blinding Gwen and illuminating the entire room.
Then, abruptly, silence fell. The staff's jewel, once radiant, faded to a dull, transparent crystal.
Where the monster had stood, a young woman now lay crumpled on the floor, her attire in tatters. She stirred, slowly rising and fumbling to replace her mask and the remnants of her hood. With a quick spell, she attempted to mend her outfit.
As the woman turned to leave, a soft pink glow suffused the room. Gwendolyn's fists crackled with energy, her face a mask of bewilderment as she tried to process the scene before her. The Mage—fearsome monster turned human—stood vulnerable yet wary.
Gwen's mind raced. A curse? A cry for help? She had to approach this delicately.
"Mage... Listen to me," Gwen called out, her voice steady despite her racing pulse.
The Mage tensed, taking a cautious step backward.
"Don't," Gwen warned, her tone a mixture of authority and concern.
Through her mask, the Mage fixed Gwen with an intense stare.
Gwen pressed on, "I saw what happened. I've seen this before I—You're clearly not well." She took a deep breath, to compose herself. "I'm a sorceress, I understand what you're going through. If you come with me, I could help you. I can fix you."
—I can fix you—
The words echoed.
The Mage's pupils dilated, Gwen's words striking a raw nerve.
"No!" The Mage's guttural cry echoed through the warehouse. "Ignis inspiratione!" She thrust her hands forward, unleashing a massive burst of fire.
"Saeptus effusio!" Gwen countered, absorbing the attack. The collision of magics resulted in a thunderous crash, and in that moment of chaos, The Mage bolted.
Gwen snapped out of it as she rushed outside, catching sight of her quarry sprinting towards the dense woods in the distance. Without hesitation, she gave chase.
From afar, Kevin and a squad of Plumber Agents witnessed the two figures disappearing into the treeline.
"Come on, come on!" Kevin urged, leading the team in pursuit, the fate of both Gwen and The Mage hanging in the balance.
The Mage darted through the woods, her feet barely touching the ground as her breath came in ragged gasps. She ducked behind a thick tree trunk, pressing her back against the rough bark, trying to steady her breath. Her heart raced—not just from the sprint, but from something deeper, a fear gnawing at her core.
Not far behind, Gwendolyn's voice echoed through the forest, calm but filled with an underlying urgency.
"Mage! Please! I know you've done good things. You can fight this! Whatever's corrupting you—it can be healed! You don't have to keep running."
The Mage squeezed her eyes shut, her body trembling as Gwen's words cut through her turmoil. Memories of past deeds—both noble and dark—swirled through her mind. Her hands clenched at her sides, magical energy flickering faintly around her wrists, unstable and volatile.
"You can break the cycle…" Gwen's voice softened, almost pleading now. "Please…"
The wind rustled through the trees, carrying away the silence. The Mage slowly stepped out from behind the tree, revealing herself. Her eyes met Gwen's, a mix of fear, anger, and regret.
Gwen's expression lit up with hope. She took a small step forward, extending her hand toward the Mage. "It's okay. I promise you, I'll help you. Just trust me."
The Mage's eyes flickered to Gwen's outstretched hand. Tears welled up, threatening to spill as her body language shifted, uncertainty gripping her like a vice.
For a moment, it seemed like peace was possible.
But then—voices in the distance. The sound of Kevin and the Plumber Agents moving through the woods, closing in.
"They must be this way! Move, move!"
Both women turned toward the noise, and in that brief pause, the Mage made her choice. Her hands ignited with a harsh glow, and she unleashed a barrage of mana blasts at Gwen, her face twisting into a mask of desperation.
Gwen's expression fell into disappointment as she conjured her shields, blocking the attacks. With a heavy heart, she began her pursuit.
The forest came alive with energy as the two women raced through the trees, the Mage hurling blast after blast, her magic crackling against Gwen's defenses. Gwen darted between the trees, deflecting attacks with shimmering shields, calling out to her opponent between breaths.
"This doesn't have to end like this!"
The Mage's only response was another wave of magic, more ferocious than the last.
As the chase led deeper into the woods, Gwen briefly lost sight of her near a fast-moving creek. The sound of rushing water filled the air.
"Mage!" Gwen called, scanning the treetops.
Suddenly, the Mage dropped down from above, her fist charged with magic. She landed hard on Gwen, knocking her to the ground. The two women immediately engaged in close combat, their hands blazing with mana as they exchanged blows. Energy sparked between them, each strike fueled by raw emotion.
Gwen, more skilled in hand-to-hand combat, twisted the Mage's arm in a swift motion, forcing her down before delivering a powerful uppercut. The Mage staggered back, dazed, but quickly recovered, her face twisting into a snarl.
They rolled down a steep hill, tangled in a flurry of limbs and magic, crashing through underbrush as they plunged deeper into the forest. When they finally stopped at the base of the hill, both scrambled to their feet, bruised but not broken.
The forest around them seemed to pulse with the intensity of their battle, leaves swirling in the air as their magic clashed. The Mage, growing more desperate with each strike, began to pull energy from the environment—tree roots cracked and rose, stones hovered, and the very air around them grew thick with mana.
Gwen, realizing the Mage's intent, matched her power with her own. She drew energy from the earth beneath her, her hands glowing as she manipulated the environment. Roots shot from the ground, entangling the Mage's feet. Branches snapped and coiled toward her like serpents, but the Mage blasted them away, her eyes wild with fury.
With each attack, Gwen pushed her back further, her strikes becoming more calculated. Magic bolts flew through the air, colliding with trees and sending debris flying. The Mage's attacks grew erratic, fueled by panic rather than strategy.
Finally, with one final surge of power, Gwen conjured a massive tendril of mana, slamming the Mage against a tree. The Mage cried out as she was hit again, and again, the force of the blows wearing her down.
Gwen, breathing heavily and limping, approached her fallen foe. "You… you're one hell of a sorcerer, I'll give you that..." she panted, her voice laced with exhaustion. "But I'm better."
She reached down and pulled off the Mage's mask, revealing a battered face with a bloodied nose. For a moment, Gwen froze, her eyes widening in shock as she stumbled backward.
The Mage, kneeling in front of her, slowly lifted her head, her white hair falling over her face. She brushed it aside, her expression tired and broken.
"Wh-what…?" Gwen stuttered, her mind racing as recognition flickered in her eyes.
The Mage groaned, struggling to her feet, using the tree for support. Gwen could only watch, her mind reeling from what she'd just seen.
The tension was palpable as the Mage stood over her, her eyes filled with unshed tears. She knelt close to Gwen's face, her breath uneven.
"There is no fixing me..." she whispered, her voice hollow and filled with despair.
Without another word, she turned and disappeared into the dark woods, leaving Gwen lying on the forest floor, her body limp, her mind a whirl of confusion and sorrow.
. . .
Moments passed, and Gwen stared up at the night sky, the stars blurred by her unfocused vision. Eventually, Kevin's face appeared above her, his voice muffled.
"Gwen. Gwendolyn."
She didn't respond, her mind still reeling from the encounter.
"Gwen," he said again, shaking her gently.
Finally, she blinked and snapped back to reality as Kevin and the agents lifted her to her feet.
"What happened?" Kevin asked, his voice laced with concern.
Gwen stared at him, her face pale.
"Gwen, what did you see?" Kevin asked, his eyes searching hers for answers.
She hesitated for a moment, her lips trembling before she finally whispered.
"Hope..."
—END CARD—