Fantasy City of Telkera: Behind the Masks

[TintedAmbition]

Tondc

The screams. They were everywhere.

They rose ever faintly at first as they all began to dwindle outside the shaken confines of the Telkera district pharmaceuticals, melding with the increasing sound of alarm from innocent passerbys or town officials as they all scrambled to either catch a glimpse or evade from the growing chaos. Vehicles screeched and hollered from just outside the main double doors, officers peeking out from behind their cars with guns aimed threateningly at whatever lurked inside with the idle demand of surrender heavy on their lips...yet none made a move to enforce such words. Not when the swirling particles of the last individual that had tried to leave still dappled within the entryway, reduced to nothing in a mere millisecond as onlookers could only gape in horror. It was all a pointless endeavor at best. There was no getting in or out...the heavily tatted and raven-masked male vigilante within made that point painfully clear, faint pinpoint shadows of fellow henchmen dotting the further recesses of the facility in armed patience of what was next to come.

It would appear even within the position of bait; The Carrion was eager to please his audience; his time reversing touch sparingly rendering those of his interest to ash...limited reserves be damned.

Words crackled faintly over the small speaker wedged within the confines of The Fury's ear, yet the man could hardly acknowledge their presence, the coded intel lost within the background noise that rose from his perch of a nearby apartment complex. The sun still lingered stubbornly in the midst of its descent over the horizon, a factor that would normally throw the gifted individual at a mild disadvantage given the dark militia-styled attire, but no eyes were on the sky this chilly fall evening.

It was beautiful, the disarray growing heavy still as vested vermin radioed in their backup, a handful of justice hungry souls threatening a few steps closer only to be drawn back by their own higher ups for fear towards the morale of the hostages held at gunpoint within. All beings were kept at a careful standstill, the gleam of Connor's subordinate's gaze flashing knowingly towards the male's position from the doorway forcing a careful chuckle of satisfaction from chapped lips.

"The stage is yours, sir. On your signal." a gruff voice crackled to life from the confines of the distasteful earpiece, a gloved hand moving upwards to itch subconsciously at the stubborn crawl towards base of man's neck, hazel eyes taking in the drops of crimson that lingered nonchalantly upon their withdrawal. Yet the idle captivation was lost as the surrounding wind began to swirl and give under the heavy thrum of a distant copter narrowing in on the crime scene, authoritative commands booming outwards towards the assumed head of the attack as if this was their act to own.

Disgusting.

The delicious symphony of before was now all but snuffed out over the turbulent wind, the initial terror giving way to stunned shock while a painful throb of the pharmacy's alarm bled out and bounced about angrily within the confines of the fiery masked blonde's skull. It was as if a switch had been flipped, body finally back in on the action as he took a flying leap to embrace the rushing wind of his descent. Palms and forearms tensing with the effort, the air was suddenly alive with heat as The Fury channeled his energy into a short burst that propelled his form towards the flying metal machine, flipping so that boot clad feet would take the brunt of the collision as hands slammed for purchase seconds after. The airborne vehicle wavered ever so slightly in response to the leftover velocity, shouts of alarm ringing about as Connor breathed deeply to churn at his fuel reserves before letting it all snap loose in a careful controlled burst.

The explosion that followed was immaculate, metal screeching in tune with the shouts of alarm from down below, people scattering like ants in an attempt to avoid the flying shards of metal as the vehicle began to descend back to earth in a fiery grave. Although a sum few stragglers managed to escape the range of the impending crash; a fair bulk of officers, reporters, and the like weren’t so lucky. The surrounding pavement rumbled its complaint as the helicopter concluded its devastating crash, more agonized shouts and fearful howls abruptly snuffed out within the remaining inferno... such a display all the signal the henchmen within needed to resume as planned.

Once the ringing had subsided within his skull, The Fury let loose a wheezed chuckle, the action putting his body through a fair beating even with protection from the protruding flames of the wreckage. Yet the man's eyes shone with the lingering thrill, wiping a forearm across his brow to stave a trickling trail of blood that began to ebb from his temple. His form emerged ashen black as the growing night itself, clothing and skin stained with a layer of soot, ash, and smoke as eyes narrowed towards the gates of hell ahead. There was a heavy stunned silence in the air that the male basked in momentarily before clicking the speaker back to life at his right ear, voice gruff and heavy from the exertion yet ever so determined.

“I want every last file and research paper to be destroyed and burned, leave nothing behind, no tablets, no computers, no chips nor flash drives. I still want a third of you focused on the hostages, however; they may still find themselves useful. And consider the controlled shelves part of your spoils for the evening.” He finished curtly, shutting the speaker back down before brushing his left hand over the holstered form of his shield plus and pulling it at the ready while leaving the latest prized 300 blackout secured at his back as Connor homed in to join the others while the crowd recovered, right hand remaining empty in the event more firepower would be necessary.

Then again…when was it ever not?

 

[Tondc]

TintedAmbition

Laughter and idle chatter filled the evening air of Telkera, a cool breeze brushing past those who sat at tables outside of the popular café, and other passerby. A typical night for citizens who resided in the higher end areas of the city. Music, originating down the Main Street, was faintly heard, adding to the relaxed ambiance. The duo in front of her bantered, for reasons only they knew, asking for her input every now and then. Laughter and some sort of answer always given in reply.

Most nights consisted of these same things, the trio rotating through various venues to offer their patronage to. All the while receiving mixed reactions when others succeeded in recognizing them. Her. Though, it was all mundane at this point – the gasps in awe or the slurs in disagreement. Most of those interactions brushed over her too, leaving little impressions.

Buzz. Buzz.

Adrienne’s phone lit up in front of her. The dusty blonde girl’s and similarly blue-eyed male’s doing the same across from her. In unison, their eyes gazed down at the message sent to them – a plea for their assistance. Or an order for their assistance, depending on who one asked. The Pharmaceutical district. A raid. A hostage situation. A stalled gun battled. The Carrion. Which meant… A sigh of disgust passed her lips. “They’re truly useless sometimes, aren’t they?” a blonde asked to no one in particular as they bolted from their table, hastily leaving enough to pay the bill and then some.

The cool breeze grew cooler as she melded into the growing shadows of evening, her body sinking into the ground, only to rise some distance away. The Pharmaceutical district wasn’t far from where they were, but would they make it? Arrive before there were any casualties? Though with this group involved… well Adrienne wasn’t fool enough to think they would arrive before an innocent civilian was killed. It was a risk running by foot to the scene, but too much time would be wasted by any sort of vehicle. Traffic. Pedestrians. Maybe some unexpected road closure. At least on foot they’d all be in control of their pace. She had reached for her own ear piece, cramming it into her right ear as she ran a few steps. “I’ll meet you there,” her voice rang clear to her companions, before falling into the next shadow, moves that granted her the title of the Shadow Dancer.

Crash.

It was distant, and yet, not. The crashing sound led to a cacophony of destruction and screams. Strained cries for help, and groans of death circulating the air. Adrienne almost stumbled out of the most recent pool of shadow as a hand grabbed for the corner of a nearby building. Eyes widened as a burst of light appeared in the sky before shrapnel of various sizes began their plumet to the earth. Her eyes narrowed at the recognition of the fire’s source: The Fury. A name as well recognized as her own, although for entirely different reasons. The crackle of electricity signaled the arrival of her blonde friend, followed by the cool presence of shadows for the male soon after, the Blazing Lioness and the Phantom respectively. Had it not been for the setting sun, the Blazing Lioness would have arrived before them both, her speed almost more impressive than anything else.

The Trio made their way to the Outskirts of the scene, where the cowering law enforcement sat encamped behind their vehicles. Whispers about who had arrived began to rise, floating on the wind. They likely didn’t have much time until those criminals realized they were here – though she imagined that’s exactly what they wanted. What the Fury wanted. That, was the only thing she couldn’t blame him for. Though, with none of the attackers in sight, she assumed they had just missed them, the gifted terrorists already inside the building. The Shadow Dancer sought out the leading officer before firing out orders. “The Phantom will help you locate and rescue survivors,” a pause as she glanced at the burning chunk of metal only mere feet away. Smelled the fires consuming everything within, “The dead will have to wait until everything dies down. When others come, send some inside after us. Keep enough to surround the area. Do not let anyone escape, or consider your jobs forfeit.” She wasn’t certain that was something she could actually control, but the sharpness of her voice seemed to get the message through.

“With me,” a hand waved towards the Blazing Lioness as they raced for the entrance, feet barely touching the ground. Adrienne’s eyes flashed once more, her eyes scanning for the perpetrators. Oncoming footsteps were heard first. She fell into the nearest shadow, leaving the Lioness seemingly alone. Her vision was tinted in shadows as she remained momentarily hidden in one, with the added swirling of shadows around her face. A half attempt at a mask, not that her identity wasn’t already widely known. The attacker opened his mouth to speak, or to call for help. Neither she or the Lioness would know as the Shadow Dancer rose to the side, driving a dagger into his side with lethal precision. Swiftly removing the dagger, a warm splash of blood was felt on skin, coating the black fabric of her clothes.

She pulled a second dagger out and into her left hand. She nodded towards her friend, an unspoken command for her to focus on finding the hostages. Adrienne would worry about salvaging the records. She quickly moved through the halls, muffling her steps as much as possible, making her way towards the main storage room, knowing that’s where they all were, and where the Fury likely would be heading now. An unmistakable figure strode at the opposite of the hallway, only the back of his blonde head visible, paired with a black military style outfit. “Nice display out there. Did you go overboard, or do you just take pleasure in murdering innocent bystanders?” her words hissed out, as she sent a pulse of shadows barreling towards him, the darkness taking an almost solid form, bracing itself for impact.

 

[TintedAmbition]

It was truly disgusting...all of it.

Even through the haze of smoke and ash, the smell of isoprenaline alcohol, chlorohexidine, and poviderm threatened Connor's stomach to churn and bile to rise up the back of his throat while his mind reeled in the annoying conflict of fight or flight. Syringes and tools lay scattered upon the floors amidst shattered beakers and glass windows as a result of his partner's recent handiwork, pupils constricting as The Fury bared his teeth and maintained his leisure pace of scoring the back halls. It would appear even now that the man was doomed to dabble in the past, remains of bleach white walls and coats that the majority of the hostages within the main lobby bore oh so painfully familiar it bordered on sickening. Free hand digging into the back of his neck subconsciously, the blonde male clenched his jaw from behind the fiery mask before swiping the 300 blackout from its resting point to let loose two rounds into the nearby O2 tanks at the back rooms, reveling in the explosive reaction it wrought before once more surveying the halls before one of the metal canisters could hit their mark.

As long as he was still alive, it would all burn. He was not their guinea pig any longer.

"Uh sir...got some company..." The Fury hissed at the sudden breach in his ear, swearing he had turned the device off before throwing himself in the crosshairs before frustratingly clicking the speaker.

"You resume everything as planned, finish lighting the place up and scatter. Kill the rest of the hostages if you must, but leave the head pharmacist to me-" any further response was reduced to gurgling on the other line, Connor letting a small 'tsk' escape his lips before removing the ear piece entirely and sending it flying amongst the rubble. Ever the early bird it would seem, not that the man anticipated any less.

“Nice display out there. Did you go overboard, or do you just take pleasure in murdering innocent bystanders?”

The Fury didn't even bother to fully turn around as he briefly acknowledged the newcomer, his reserves already fizzling within before channeling it all into a short burst at the bottom of his right foot, sending it backwards in a stump kick that also served to propel his body forwards the moment the two attacks collided in a powerful impact. He almost couldn't help the chuckled of enjoyment that followed, body twisting to flip himself forwards before he could be sent spiraling into something unpleasant while boots and his left hand made their mark to bring him skidding to a stop onto the ashen floor of the lobby. "Like a dog obeying its leash, here you are right on schedule." the male called out lightheartedly, AR still positioned at the ready in his hands as he rose to his full height once more to regard his opponent in mild consideration.

Seems she had already been busy, the lithe raven-haired woman's normally darkened attire marred in a beautiful patchwork of bloodstains that stung with the acrid stench of blood, mood already lifting at the prospect even when the whimpers of remaining hostages nearby threatened to twitch his trigger finger.

"Crimson suits you..." he murmured at last, mind still toiling with her previous introduction with a side glance at the whitecoats to his right, eyes almost flashing towards the singular familiar elderly face that lurked at its center. There you are old man...

"Though sorry to burst your bubble, sweets...these men and women are many things but innocent?" Connor clicked his tongue at that twisted notion, skin hissing beneath his attire as further agitated heat threatened to burst forth. Hungry and all the more eager to consume. "...I'm afraid not everything is so black and white..." With that a single shot to his right was fired in his signature 0.7 second draw, the rifle's aim as well as his eye holding true as a new stream of that gorgeous crimson liquid burst from the crowd of tied up individuals. The older pharmaceutical owner still bore an expression of shock and disbelief, body still not registering the gaping hole that now lay gushing atop his head, body twitching once before crumpling to the floor in a heap as a newfound chorus of screams erupted from the rest.

The surrounding fires had grown in intensity then, The Fury knowing full well that the chances of The Shadow Dancer embarking on this journey alone was slim at best, reveling in the thick smoke that clung to the air like a vice. He breathed it in almost drunkenly, keeping tabs on his surroundings with his firearm still held at the ready and left arm free to act should more decide to play. In that single act, it was as if a weight had finally fallen free of his shoulders. For now.

"Now that man in particular... soul as black as the shadows you hold dear indeed." Connor hissed out, eyes narrowed as if daring her to act out. "But fret not, I have what I came here for. Do us all a favor tonight, beloved dancer and focus your attention on the rest of the hostages, they are free to go; my men are through here. Unless you wish to watch what remains of this cursed establishment reduced to dust as we...play."

 

[Tondc]

The destruction to the interior was… horrific, though not entirely surprising. Her eyes had scanned the surroundings as she ran in search of the source of all of this. Glass littered the hallways, sharp edges threatening to slice through fabric and flesh should anyone be unfortunate enough to stumble to the floor. Sporadic splattering of blood painting the floor and walls. Fortunately, she had not come across any bodies on her path, though Adrienne wasn’t naïve enough to think there weren’t any lying about within this maze of halls. There always were in raids such as these, regardless of who led them. It almost didn’t matter how well the Shadow Dancer and her companions knew the layout of these buildings; death was inevitable. Sickening. But there hadn’t been time to dwell on those feelings. Those thoughts got shoved down as she weaved through the halls, shadows trailing behind her every step.

Fortunately, Adrienne’s close familiarity with this particular facility aided in locating the arrogant man only a few meters in front of her with relative ease. The overwhelming amount of chemicals were merely an afterthought, allowing her to focus solely on locating her target, sifting through the growing amount of smoke. Her eyes darted to his movements as she noticed his lower body tensing. The Fury reacted almost in time to her words and attack, his foot kicking back a negating blast. Surrounding shadows were momentarily eradicated from the area as fire met shadow. Adrienne adjusted her stance quickly, her left foot forward as the same arm rose to create a circular barrier of shadow to protect her from the impact, skidding back only a few feet. Rising, she brushed a loose strand of hair back with the back of her hand, a streak of ash and dust now visible on her forehead as the barrier dissipated.

Her eyes remained that intense, electric blue, surrounded by an ever-shifting mask of shadows of her own creation. They narrowed at the Fury’s insult, hands squeezing the worn leather hilts of her daggers once before relaxing once more. “An attempt at flattery to follow an insult? How unoriginal, especially from you considering you downed a whole helicopter. I could say the same about you though. Crimson. It also suits you,” her words wryly as she sheathed her right dagger, the blade still coated in blood, “Suits you enough to confirm your guilt.”

Then, it was as if time momentarily slowed, his words masking his arm rising, weapon pointed down the hallway. Her eyes widened, right arm shooting out, dark tendrils following the command, shooting towards his hand. Towards the gun. “No!” her exclamation echoing through the tiled halls. Then the symphony of screams began, each note harsher than the one before. Her arm slacked, the shadowy tendrils retreating with them at the realization it was too late to save the owner of the company. Though, the shadows still remained, waiting.

“Perhaps not everything is black and white as you claim. But this is. Laws exist for a reason, and consequences must be paid when they are broken. If he had done ill, then he should have been sent to trial. Not be executed by… by you.” Disgust coated each one of her words like venom.

Adrienne couldn’t see the remaining hostages that were at the end of the hall, her position not at the intersection as the Fury’s was. He looked so calm, collected. Perhaps not unlike herself. But she wasn’t the one who just executed a man on sight. The follower she downed was an active criminal at an active crime scene, forfeiting rights to a trial if the situation demanded. That was the difference that existed between the likes of the Dancer and the Fury and all of those who fell in rank behind them. But, was it the fact that he had just killed another man that bothered her, or that he hardly seemed to realize or care how wrong it was?

White static rang in her ears, the earpiece having not been turned off in case there had been news from the outside or her friends. At some point she had heard reinforcements were trickling to the scene. Most had been instructed to remain outside, sending only those best suited for evacuation inside. Her free, right, hand rose to the active device after his offer. “Prioritize the safety of the hostages.”

Her words paused, thoughts racing. Free to go? No. He just killed a man. There is no way he is feeling discriminate now about who he decides to spare. I need time. I need more time.

Adrienne made no attempt at concealing her next orders to her allies and the outside, glaring straight down at the male in front of her, meeting his challenge. It didn’t matter if he heard. Her orders were nothing new, and if they were, his device had already been discarded to the ground. “But my order still stands. No one is to escape. Capture and arrest them all. Eliminate if unavoidable.”

As if on cue, the crackle of electricity began as a multitude of sudden cries of surprise were heard. This was soon followed by the sounds of the few allies inside getting to work as hostages were raced to the outside, scuffling with other vigilantes for their safety. That was all she needed to hear. Her right hand curled into a fist; the lingering tendrils that had remained from before took shape into something reminiscent of a whip. As the surroundings were now, she would soon be at a disadvantage. The damage to the building was great, but not enough to kill the lights, the pre-existing shadows sparse. Her arm drew back, sending the shadow whip upwards to the recessed lighting, repeating the action to the few more lights within her reach in quick succession. The electricity sputtered before flickering out across their portion of the hall, more glass falling to the ground, along with paneling.

Was it foolish? Perhaps. She knew he was goading her, his look revealing as much. But the Shadow Dancer doubted his sincerity of the hostages’ safety. Her allies could handle the Fury’s followers, even the Carrion. But should the Fury decide to join the fray? No. Luckily, neither of them seemed willing to forgo this challenge. It just happened to suit her needs for rescue. “Unfortunately, my allies are not done here, so neither am I!” She spat as protective shadows wrapped themselves around her, only her eyes truly revealing where she was as she launched for him. Stepping through shadows to his range would be too difficult with is fire able to heat the floor and extinguish sources of darkness. But with the now added darkness, speed was on her side. Veering to the side, Adrienne leaped towards the wall, a foothold created for her to launch off of, the shadow whip simultaneously lashed out in the male’s direction for the AR in his left hand.

 

[TintedAmbition]

Connor struggled to stifle a laugh for a moment, one that was genuine and heartfelt while allowing his reserves to bask in the surrounding heat as The Shadow Dancer barked out her orders from a mic not too akin to his own, knowing all too well that the woman before him was never one capable to let herself free from the mission. Such was the nature of this never-ending game the two of them played.

Who was he to deny her such?

More shouting and footfalls echoed about the burning rubble, some from the hostages desperately fleeing the crime scene while the rest belonged of his own men as they and The Carrion worked to keep the gifted woman's entourage at bay. By the sound of things, a certain grumpy resource agent would have his hands full...given that there would be enough souls remaining to treat by the time the moon graced the ever-darkening sky with its presence. Though it would seem the haze of dusk wasn't quite enough for the shadowy mistress before him, The Fury letting out a small whistle as soon what little functioning lights within the room they currently resided were all but abruptly shattered, the room swiftly aglow with the shimmering lights and embers birthed from the man's flames alone. With it, shadows blossomed in their newfound breeding ground, dancing from every darkened corner and broken being. A battleground truly worthy of both of their specialties.

Beautiful.

A few stray shards from The Shadow Dancer's display had laced along his right cheek and exposed knuckles before coming to rest upon the ruined floor, yet Connor paid them little mind, the girl's declaration echoing about the broken halls before an unseen force slashed across his right forearm where his 300 blackout had come to rest. The wound was deep, the man having half a mind to shift slightly at the last second so that his rifle may take the brunt of the hit, metal and plastic groaning before shattering altogether from the impact as unused bullets clattered to the tile from the cracked magazine. Hazel eyes flashed bright amber with approval, grin tightening as the all too familiar pain settled in, dropping the now useless firearm in favor of scattering pinpoint sparks to the wind while never straying too far from the fires of his own carnage.

"Why don't you put on a show for me, shadow mistress..." The Fury purred, thumb and middle finger held at the ready as the dancing sparks billowed about across the recesses of the darkened room. "...Dance."

A single snap of Connor's finger was all it took to send those sparks erupting with all the fire and impact of an m-80, the resonating sounds like music that rang persistently in the male's ears; a playful laugh tugging at his chest as a nearby column shuddered before collapsing heavily onto its side and forcing the man to roll to a safer vantage point. The dust of dry wall, ash, and concrete was everywhere as the chaotic mini explosions served to only speed up the pharmaceutical's demise. And The Fury was here to drink in its every spectacle, greedily absorbing his attention in the Shadow Dancer's every reaction as the building slowly began to cave on them both. Time was running short, a familiar grunt echoing just beyond the rubble outskirts as The Carrion's familiar robe encased form stumbled with a hand to his jaw, raven mask cracked and ruined while blood gushed from a critical wound to his face. It would appear The Phantom and Blazing Lioness alongside the militia had done their fair share on burly individual while the earth at his boots law swirling with particles of his strain, the hostages and henchmen that overtook the majority of their attention clearly no longer of much concern.

"Freeze! You will stand down now!" a by standing officer had foolishly called out alongside a rattled cadet, rushing out from the outside breaking protocol to throw themselves into the crosshairs with Glocks trained on his companion's exposed face.

"Nuh uh..." Connor hissed almost silently, good hand whipping out his Smith and Wesson to send several rounds aimed directly towards the individuals' chests and neck. He didn't bother holding his attention long enough to see where the bullets had landed, the gurgling shouts and cries that followed all the confirmation the man needed before resuming the task at hand. The man's aching and bloodied arm raising briefly to signal a 'go forth' motion with his middle and index finger, The Fury trusted his injured companion would heed the order and make haste for the slums.

His part to play was over.

Urging the surrounding flames to 'come hither', Connor kept his form well immersed in light, narrowed eyes not at all taking away from the evident joy towards such an engagement...willing his opponent to make her next move like one would in a casual game of chess whilst reciting words distantly familiar with a playfully mocking exterior.

"Amazing how death wins hands down...amazing how much credence is given to idiot forms of life..."

 

[Tondc]

Everything was moving so quickly, and yet at the same time, they didn’t. Their world moved so quickly, and yet the keen awareness of her surroundings, his actions, her own, suggested time moved just a tad slower. She wasn’t controlling the newly formed shadows around them, and yet they had come alive, dancing as she so often did. A new found rush of power washed over her, just as the night air had done so perhaps only 30 minutes prior. While she did not technically feed on shadows, the comfort the darkness provided was.. emboldening.

Exhilaration filled her expression as she landed on the ground, expression growing as she felt her shadow whip meet resistance moments later. The side of her mouth curled upwards in a satisfied grin, hearing the gun clatter to the ground, a short, chuckle escaping her lips. Rising, Adrienne’s eyes glanced to see the full extent of the damage dealt, the deep laceration evident, even from her position. If capture was not possible, at least they would hurt for their actions.

The residual sounds that made it to their location were muffled at best. It was the familiarity of their comrades that allowed them to deduce what was going on out of sight. While the Phantom’s powers made no distinguishing sound, the crackle of Blazing Lioness’s lightning waffled through often enough to know her friends were still at work. Damage was being dealt. Likely a hostage or two of their own if they were lucky. While she glanced towards the general direction of her allies, Adrienne began to form another attack of shadows. Yet, her attention was brought back to the Fury too late, the sparks already igniting.

And dance she did. Her eyes widened, something almost like fear flashing in her eyes as the sparks erupted. A haphazardly created barrier of shadow went up around her as her left arm rose to her face. The clattering of her blade was drowned out by the explosions as she sunk into a shadow beneath her. A second explosion was created as the fires clashed once more with shadows, evaporating the barrier as flames were almost flung back at the resistance. When she rose moments later, advancing a few feet, the singed fabric of her clothing could be more clearly seen to those whose eyes were trained for the dark. The Dancer’s head turned back slightly, her peripheral noticing the crumbling column. The concrete pillar seemingly collapsed upon the woman. Yet, Adrienne continued to dance between shadows, avoiding the falling debris. It was only after a portion of the hallway behind her was truly collapsed did she feel the warmth of blood flowing from her forehead, stinging following suit. The column.

In a more stable area, she could see the full extent of the damage. Her attention was briefly distracted as the familiar figure of the Carrion strained towards an escape. An amused grin reappeared at the sight. If they were fleeing, then it stood to reason the hostages were either safely evacuated outside, or would later need to be excavated from the rubble as corpses. The Fury seemed to be thinking the same thing, motioning with his injured arm for his fellow companions to fall back.

“You murder more innocent civilians,” she motions to the downed militia men, blood still flowing from the wounds given moments before, “And force my hand to entertain you with dancing. I hope you enjoyed by the way,” she scoffed, a click of her tongue in distaste for his actions. “You now think you and your pawns can flee. Nuh uh,” mimicking his words to the militia.

The Shadow Dancer danced once more, rising in front of the fallen men who had pursued the Carrion. Allies, sure, but fools nonetheless. The remaining shadows left unsullied by the flames’ light began to take form around the Fury, and further down where the Carrion led the escape. The shadows snaked together, climbing and latching onto the walls, the ceiling, the cracks. The anticipation seemed to weigh on the Fury, or at least she assumed it did. Glancing back once, she saw her two allies appear, seeming to be giving chase. Nodding once in dismissal, they understood the subtle order, her intentions. Their chase immediately halted, waiting for their turn to flee as well.

Turning back to the Fury, “I’d command you to dance as well, but you unfortunately never did pick up that particular skill. I suppose you don’t pay enough attention to my demonstrations,” Her hands flicked outwards in a snapping movement, the shadows jutting into the infrastructure like spikes. Precarious cracks formed along the walls. In fluid movements, her hands rose, similar blasts of hardened shadow like her initial attack aimed towards the new weaknesses in the building’s structure. The shadow whip returned, sent flying in three successions, aimed generally at The Fury, though the walls were the true target.

The ceiling and walls started to crumble. If the building was fated to fall, at least she would have some control on how it collapsed. The foundation began to give, began to truly collapse on itself. Large pieces of concrete began to fall. Once the base fell, it was only a matter of time before the top followed suit. Adrienne’s shadow mask began to falter, revealing that the blood from her own injury continued to flow. Yet her rising body temperature due to creating new shadows to shield her from the debris, prevented her from noticing. “Rage suits you better, Fury. So rage.” She commanded, before making one more jump towards the protection of her allies. “We’ll meet once more, I’m sure,” not deluding herself that the Fury would actually perish, as much as it would make her life easier. The trio remained for a few moments later before the Shadow Dancer motioned her retreat.

 

[TintedAmbition]

The air was alive with noise the moment The Shadow Dancer's spawn of darkness had struck what little remained of the burning building's foundation, a dull sting to Connor's entire left side a quick reminder of the narrow evasive slide his running form had managed, skidding just under the whip-like structure before her attack had collided with a crumpled wall at his back. The hunk of cement and brick never stood a chance, the rest of the building now plummeting to an inevitable grave as more shadows grew to consume all in its path. It was almost amusing to watch something seemingly so far apart from his own flames behave so similarly, yet even in the midst of his own fascination the man was not so foolish as to forgo acknowledging his own compromised position in the process.

"Wishing to put an end to our little game so soon? That stings more than any wound your shadows could inflict on me..." the male chuckled lightheartedly in sharp contrast to the situation at hand. Though as much as the back of Connor's mind willed him to understand the threat of the final bearings of this crumbling structure finally snapping free, his muscles remained momentarily frozen in place while his gaze eagerly fought to take in the destruction of a setting so achingly familiar. Confusingly so.

The blonde male's left hand was quick to raise and claw at the scarred granuloma at the back of his neck with renewed fervor, skin crawling as his eyes snapped shut in an attempt to remain in the present even at the current state of the world around him. The newfound sting his nails has wrought did little to aid in the matter, the brand mark that stubbornly resided underneath feeling as if it was threatening to surface. His hand that pulled back was bloodied from its previous ministrations yet gone were the familiar callouses and aging that the man had grown accustomed to in his years of training and aggression, the digits far paler and younger than Connor could recall observing of himself. A flash of light obscured the shadows that once impeded his vision, his surroundings abruptly devoid of the burning rubble and shadowy fixtures the man was once encapsulated in. The earth was soaked with past precipitation, the male's internal flames hindered but not stoked entirely as the ruins of hell lay smothered to an ashen grave before him. A sign he knew well to read "Pharmaceuticals research laboratory: Unit C" lay beaten and partially buried in the mud at his feet, no sound to be observed save for his own pants of exertion.

For a moment, the long-forgotten grasp of fear churned his gut, the semi human's frame tensing with alarm as a compound before him even in the midst of its own destruction brought about a sense of unease. But all of that was forced to an end the moment a pained wheeze resounded just a few feet ahead, a partially charred being he nearly cashed out to be a carcass twitched before a hand weakly moved to grasp and pull at the ground. Whoever the man had once been, he was unrecognizable now; injuries far too severe to make out distinguishing features. Yet his gaze, an icy blue save for the colorless globe of the left eye that emerged from a large facial scar...one Connor himself had delivered...there was no mistaking its familiarity.

"Not again..." he groaned, hands covering his eyes and grasping at the skin and hair beneath his nails harshly in an attempt to bring back some sense of reality, feet that were now bare stumbling slightly in the sticky sludge as more droplets from the sky rained down on the stained hospital gown that now adorned his younger body.

"17..." a voice called out between the crackles of thunder, Connor jerking sharply with anger to heed its call before zeroing once more on the dying individual at his feet. His hand shot out to grasp the injured male by the back of his throat, practically chuckling in pleasure at the pained whine that followed before kneeling down to bring his lips to a bloodied ear. "Don't you ever call me that again." the blonde hissed, tightening his grip into the burned flesh while drinking in every reaction that followed as if his very existence depended on it. "Now I want to hear you say it. I am alive, not your plaything... say it. Scream my name."

Nothing else mattered now, dilated eyes that threated the steep decent of madness watching with calculated patience until the pain had finally reached a threshold in the man pinned in his grasp. His single functional eye wild with agony as bloodied lips finally parted to let out those final vocals Connor so painfully longed for.

"Connor!"

Something had dug harshly into the semi-human's shoulder as the scenery around him was abruptly altered, the familiar smell of smoke and burning alcohol once again breaching Connor's nostrils as hazel eyes flitted about in momentary confusion before snapping back to the struggling individual beneath his form.

"Connor...fuck...It's me man! Snap out of it! Shit!"

It took far longer to recognize the slightly scruffy and sleep deprived face of one of his following subordinates than Connor was willing to admit, finally rising to and drinking in the present situation as the smaller male sputtered and coughed before hauling to his own shoes. "You're going to...kill what's left of us if you don't calm down." the mouse haired young adult let out between wheezes. "We need to get the hell out of here...Its over man. We have what we came for and...jeeze...Carrion, er, Levi. He don't look too good."

"Don't you ever learn to SHUT UP?!" Connor snapped, teeth gritting from the pounding in his head, still recovering from the confusion of his episode while looking onwards into the carnage it brought. It was as if The Fury had channeled every last bit of his reserves at what was left of the collapsed building, dwindling flames and brick scattered far beyond their previous resting point while smoke choked the darkened sky. His body ached and throbbed while several lacerations laced along his chest, back, forehead, and left thigh...results of The Shadow Dancer's final attack in the middle of his mind battle no doubt. What was left of his fleet were darting back to the undergound, all save for a single body that lay hunched over a charred piece of rubble several paces to his left. There was no mistaking the tattered remains of his raven cloak, chest heaving with controlled breaths while seemingly unable to do much else.

The Fury tightened his jaw for a moment, gaze narrowing before wordlessly pacing over to where The Carrion lay, a wordless grunt of acknowledgement all that was received as the male neared. His burly form was burned, bruised, and beaten, yet what stood out the most was the gaping hole where the lower jaw once sat. Most likely delivered from a precise rifle shot, a few trendles of flesh was all that held what remained of the mandible in place, blood still dripping freely from the sliced vessels as if freshly delivered. Barely conscious amidst the pain, Levi's green gaze met Connor's own for a moment before attempting to rise and body slumping harshly into his chest with another choked grunt. Distantly Connor could hear his other companion vomiting harshly into the ground behind him, arms wrapping to catch the heavier male as their forms collided before he could fall back onto the ground and hissing as his bad leg strained to bear their combined weights.

"C-come on, lets go...we need to take him to Dan..." the voice behind him blurted out before resuming its dry heaving, The Fury unable to help his own eye roll that followed at the kid's lack of maturity in the middle of the rest of their death and destruction.

"You look like shit..." he forced out at last to his... friend... that had long since passed out as Connor forced a limp arm over his shoulder to drag him better by. His own pain was becoming increasingly evident as his body began to move, but the male would easily withstand as he led the way in the familiar direction of the slums. Despite their losses, they would recover, as the pair always had. And then? There was only space to move forward. There were more targets to be stoked out.

Nothing else in this world mattered.

 

[Tondc]

The world was in a daze as she rose from the shadows moments later near her two companions. The blood dripping from her forehead was now an afterthought as she felt the effects of her rising temperature. Their hands were immediately felt on either side of her, steadying her as she stumbled back a few steps. How was she this drained? Did she really overextend herself this much during the raid? Then again, collapsing buildings was not something she did on a regular basis either. A quiet chuckle could be heard from her, a slight grin at the thought of what she had just done. The peril they were still in as the foundation continued to collapse around them during their retreat. The Shadow Dancer raised a hand right before the Fury disappeared from sight, slowing her companions just momentarily.

Wishing to put an end to our little game so soon? That stings more than any wound your shadows could inflict on me…

The levity in his words should have disgusted her. His similar posture as the cement and brinks descended upon him, as if the world wasn’t falling apart around him. The audacity. And yet, neither of those things did disgust her. Perhaps because she understood their ‘game’, if one could call it that. They’ve been at each other for a handful of years now. Perhaps it really was a game. A never ending one in which neither seemed to pull a head in any significant way. The light grin stayed on her lips as she shook her head, loose strands of hair falling into her face. She wasn’t sure if the Fury saw her reaction to his words, his taunt. But, she was certain he knew without having to see.

The Blazing Lioness and the Phantom didn’t wait for her motion to continue once more as they pulled her quickly around the falling debris in the hallways. Not that they had stopped for very long, realizing the danger they were still in. She felt the Lioness’s crackling power extending to herself and the Phantom as she propelled them to safety as quickly as she could. The trio didn’t stop until they were outside of the facility, and well behind the lines marked by the authorities as “safe”. Adrienne pulled from their grasp, easing herself onto the hood of a nearby car, eyes watching as the building finally collapsed on itself. The sound was as if the sky itself was crashing down on them, perhaps due to the close proximity they were to the now pile of rubble. The visual spectacle was just as awe inspiring, if not equally terrifying. “Was it really wise to do that?” the Phantom, Leon, asked as he handed her a cool, wet cloth. Where he had gotten one so quickly was beyond her.

Adrienne took the cloth, dabbing it across her face before resting it on the laceration on the right side of her forehead, sucking in a quick breath as the wound sent a stinging sensation. Blood still flowed, but it had slowed considerably. Though, the headache that was forming was doing quite the opposite. “Probably not,” she admitted, “But I don’t regret it either. Besides, it was going to crumble regardless of what I did. The Fury made sure of that. I just simply helped it along, controlling it to some extent to mitigate the damage.”

“Sure, if that’s how you want to frame it,” Erika, the Lioness, jabbed back, joining her friend on the car’s hood. “Look, I trust your judgment. It’s always sound, even when it comes to that bastard, the Fury. And sure, some of the things we’ve done have been borderline reckless, in the name of keeping this city safe. But.. we’ve never collapsed a whole building before.”

The Shadow Dancer couldn’t argue with the Lioness’s words, only nodding slightly as she examined the now bloodied cloth before examining her friends. Leon seemed to have some minor cuts and burns, likely from the rescue efforts she had tasked him with. Erika remained relatively unscathed, her speed likely contributing to that. Though, the exhaustion was evident on her friend’s face, her power likely drained even more than her own. There was a sigh of relief as she waved off their concerns before her hand moved to run through her hair, her friends’ voices barely registering as they explained what had happened on their fronts. A failure. This mission had been a complete failure. The data was lost, hostages were killed, as were officers who came in as backup. The Fury and his band of vigilantes got away. The only consolation prize it seemed was that the Carrion seemed to sustain a serious injury.

Palms slammed against the metal of the car’s hood as Adrienne rose from her seat, eying the smoldering remains. “I’ll deal with the authorities. This whole ordeal was doomed from the start. If they had just called us earlier, maybe this would have ended in our favor,” frustration laced in all of her words. At the authorities. At the Fury. At herself. We need to be better than this. This can’t happen again. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Leon and Erika move to stop her as she took an unstable step towards the line of officers. The Shadow Dancer’s eyes flashed blue as she mustered enough shadows to don a mask. “I’m fine. If I can’t handle this, then the Fury deserves to win. And I refuse to let the likes of him win or get ahead. Let’s just get the questioning and media over with, then deal with the cleanup.”

---

It’s been almost a week since the raid on TelkeraTech, one of the city’s leading Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories. The number of casualties has increased to twenty-five between the crash outside the building, the fighting within, and one additional from the building’s collapse at the Shadow Dancer’s hands. That number is expected to increase. Aiden Harcort is on the scene now. Aiden, can you provide us with any more updates?

Thank you, Lara. I’m here at the scene of TelkeraTech. Behind me, you can see the workers still trying to clean up the rubble, and excavate any remains that might still lay beneath. As you will remember, The Fury led an attack on this facility, joined by the Carrion and a number other notorious vigilantes who continue to plague our city. The authorities were in a shootout with these vigilantes until The Shadow Dancer, Blazing Lioness, and Phantom were able to arrive on the scene. Though, reports say even by the time they arrived, the Fury had already gotten what they were after: the data stored in this facility’s network as well as other experimental equipment.

I’m here today with Elias Keller. Elias was present a few blocks away the night of the raid. Elias, what do you make of this situation?

I know exactly what to make of this. It’s those ability infested freaks that are to blame. The casualty number is what, twenty something now? And that’s not even counting the number perhaps still buried in that rubble. No way the numbers would be this high if people didn’t have these powers. A helicopter being crashed to the ground? That just isn’t possible for a normal human being.

So you’re saying it was the Fury and his band’s abilities that—

No, I’m saying it’s all of them. The Fury. The Carrion. That Shadow Dancer and her lackeys too. It was the Shadow Dancer who collapsed the building wasn’t it? That’s what you all keep sayin. Buildings shouldn’t be toppled by one person just as helicopters shouldn’t be shot out of the sky by one person either. They’re all a menace to our streets. The Shadow Dancer said in that interview she brought the building down due to damages by the Fury so she could control the damage. Bulls—

Adrienne’s head turned behind her as the television screen shut off. A jolt of pain rushed to her head, a heavy breath let out as a hand went to the stitching on her temple. “Where do they keep finding these people? Also why are you watching this garbage. If you’re gonna watch TV, at least put good garbage on,” Erika’s chipper voice cutting through the new silence.

There had been an uptick in news stations interviewing these types of people after the raid. Some were more put together than others. If anything, it was amusing: the antics that some of these people put on. Part of it had to be because they fell for the hype of being interviewed. Though, the number of interviews were a bit odd after this incident. “Perhaps they’re fishing for views. News stations always go for those sound bites that will pull in an audience. It’s probably nothing.”

Right?

 

[TintedAmbition]

Connor's chuckle of amusement could hardly be stifled from the lit cigar that hung lazily between his lips, the scene panning out to once more observe the severity of the damage where TelkeraTech once stood from within the small and admittedly outdated television set. Keen as the man was to relax and listen on as precious Elias continued to dig his grimy fingers into whatever other potential wounds could be made of the situation, the dark room suddenly erupt into harsh static as the signal once again faded out, the blonde squinting against the screen's sudden onslaught of light. Deep into the abyss of the forgotten mining ruins as they were, it came as no surprise even internet signal feared to stray too close to the weathered walls and weeping roofs of the county's biggest financial failure and environmental hazard. It was almost poetic the sort of haven it offered to Telkara's most broken, abandoned, and unwanted.

"God damn it! Not again...stupid piece of junk!" A wiry muscled and rather heavily tatted newer recruit spat while stomping forwards to kick at the pitiful device, muttering erratically as Connor merely shook his head and took another leisurely drag off his smoke. Such technical problems mattered little at this point; he had seen all that he needed to in the aftermath. Taking a moment to allow the fumes to warm pleasantly within his lungs, he finally granted them reprieve out of a gentle exhale and shifting within his worn ashen-stained leather chair...an act which granted him a grunt of annoyance from a sleep-deprived looking man to his left shoulder. "If you don't quit moving like that then you're gonna have to figure out the rest of this on your own...." the weary male snapped without lifting his eyes from his work, nimble fingers diligently suturing at the worst of Connor's lacerations he had obtained from their most recent field trip. "It itches..." the blonde muttered back in irritation yet forcing himself to calm his fidgeting all the same. "Cauterization seems like it would be much faster in my opinion, Trevor-"

"Don't be a fucking idiot." the grumpy individual shot back, finally pushed to the point of pausing in his work to shoot Connor a look that could kill before using an elbow to push a few strands of bothersome shoulder-length chocolate brown hair out of the way and resuming. He couldn't resist the genuine grin that flashed in response if he tried. His black-market supplier's regularly sour mood was often a heavy deterrent to others within the underground, but to The Fury it was merely an endearing quality to savor, finally relenting to sit in silence while the background noise of Dax fumbling with the glitching television echoed and persisted.

Of course, such things seem to never last long these days.

"Ah The Fury, just the man I was looking for." a sing song voice purred from the darkened southern hall at his back, Connor hardly given a chance to brew in the newfound annoyance before a rather thin and short statured fiery haired individual rounded his resting spot. Emerald eyes were ablaze with delight like a child eager to show his parent what he drew, a mood sharply contrast to the heavy stains of crimson that adorned the younger male's tan apron, gloves, and ruffed flannel. "The lovely canvas you supplied me has been completed to the best of my current ability, though another one of Dax's little supply runs are going to be in order to get him back into fighting shape-"

"What the hell do you mean we need more supplies?! Was our latest chaotic endeavor not fruitful enough for your greedy science projects?" said scruffy individual shot back to the bubbly red head, his sleep deprived demeanor further soured by the ever growing 'to do' list that no doubt weighed heavily on his shoulders. "Trev, please! Some rusted hand-me-down prosthetics and a few loose wires and bolts are not going to cut it if dear Carrion wishes to flap his gums properly again." Dan complained whilst flopping his smaller frame against the stitcher's lap, the action nearly tearing the current line of suture from the inflamed skin that was to be its new home, thus earning both men a hiss of irritation as Connor fought to sit still. Abruptly wishing he hadn't placed his cigar just out of reach atop the worn coffee table just ahead of his feet, the man was content to let the two bicker and debate over inventory, the background noise once again drowned out as the small Tv finally shot back to life whilst Dax stumbled back in satisfaction to continue watching the mind-numbing entertainment.

"Ah damn it all...missed the good shit..." the man quickly muttered as the commercial break commenced, rising again grumpily to saunter off as Connor began to impatiently glance over Trevor's work. "Almost finished..." the jack of many trades grumbled, Dan's pestering at no doubt lighting a short fuse as he finally snipped away the last of the suture before nodding over the finished work. "Are you finally off work? Listen, you hurry and get me those parts and I'll more than make it up to you later. Not that I wasn't going to do that anyways..." the keen-eyed surgeon persuaded, voice laced with enough suggestive undertone to promote an eye roll as the blonde couldn't rise from his seat fast enough, eager to stretch his sore limbs and leave the two love birds to sort their dispute on their own time. "Better fucking keep it down this time!" Connor shot over his shoulder, annoyed and knowing full well that his demand had almost certainly fallen on deaf ears before pacing steadily down the dark and dusty tunnels and caverns that the man by now knew better than the back of his hand.

It didn't take long before the appalling stench of surgical scrub wafted the damp air as his echoing footsteps finally neared the rusty locker corridor that served as Dan's workspace, the vast array of shelves, cabinets, and counter space that had overtime been acquired to fit their medic's needs surprisingly clean and well organized save for a soaking pile of blood-stained surgical equipment in a nearby sink. Trying not to stare too long and lose himself to the discomforting 'fight or flight' instincts they wrought, the fiery individual's attention was instead forcefully diverted to a familiar form that stirred faintly beneath a handful of tattered bleach white covers upon the noise of his arrival. The Fury was silent for a moment as The Carrion's pale face came into view, the look of exhaustion and drug-laced demeanor a moment of cruel reminiscence of so many moments that face would mirror his own through the heavy bars of the small window their two cells shared beside one another. He would be the first to show Connor that his fateful suffering was shared by many.

Desperate to not lose himself to the past twice in one day, the blonde forced his feet to stride forwards to his recovering companion's bedside, Levi in turn though unable to speak was at least kind enough to turn in his direction to signal his awareness. The shattered mandible that had once clung to the side of his face had been cleanly extracted, glimpses of surprisingly diligent handiwork of metal and rods holding what Connor could only assume was the beginnings of a makeshift functional lower jaw peeking out from the patchwork of bandages carefully wrapped around the Carrion's head. Crazed as Dan could be with the sort of mindset his anatomical vision, one that would put most of the latest MRI's to shame, spurred on; the young individual sure as hell knew what he was doing when it came to his craft.

"Looks as though someone found a way to finally shut you up after all these years." Connor spoke out despite himself, unable to help the rise in his mood as Levi fidgeted weakly enough to flash a middle finger out from the depth of the covers. It didn't last long, however; the man pulling up a nearby rusted metal chair to the bedside before throwing himself onto it with a sigh. "Another demon finally crossed off our list...though many still remain..." he conversed almost vulnerably despite the knowing lack of feedback, a calloused hand rubbing the newly scabbed scar at the back of his neck in thought. A sudden jolt to Connor's left shoulder revealed a steady reassuring hand, Levi's gaze seemingly seeking to convey what his mouth clearly could not before Connor shook his head and jumped back to his feet, expression hardened once more. "Dan said your procedure required more specific supplies, I will see to it that it happens. Take the time to rest where it allows, we will have to restock and prepare while we plan our next move." Not that Levi could do much as far as objecting on the matter. There was little time to breathe much less recover when it came to his long-term desires, The Fury was a man that was constantly in motion, those that stood by him were expected to follow suit.

Feet subconsciously carrying the tall semi human down the winding tunnels that panned out to a more surface level region of the mining compound, specs of early morning sunlight had begun to seep through the faint cracks and crevices in the stone roof above. Each year more and more plant life seemed determine to make its home within, bits of creep vine and algae surrounding the walls that opened up to a single room that Connor had been quick to claim as his own. It was not one to be overly admired, just another stone and weathered brick laced space that said vegetation further clung to due to the steady streams of natural lighting overhead. Rectangular indentations that looked to have once been locker space within the walls instead held a small collection of firearms and combat blades kept clean, polished, and at the ready for use; an old wooden bedframe and mattress overtaking the nearby corner. But its most identifying feature overtook the entire opposite wall and an old dusty work desk entirely. A hitlist, emboldened with worn photographs of a vast variety of individuals man and woman alike. Although there was an odd mix here and there, of the vast majority their medical or laboratory technical status was obvious. Surrounding the spaces in-between, enough research notes or just idle scribbles to make anyone question his state of mind. Not that Connor could ever bring himself to care; in his eyes it was the perfect layout to keep his mind on track.

Hands shuffling within his pockets to pull out a familiar silver name card, the blonde was eager to set it on display next to a handful of others alike in design. A red marker was then brought up to cross through the eyes within a small photograph of the very elderly gentlemen he had so hungrily brought to an end that night. Another down...so many more to go.

Admiring the small adjustment for only a moment, his body momentarily ached at the prospect of taking a few hours to finally catch some sleep, yet the man's mind would never allow it that easily. Instead of collapsing on the mattress as what was perhaps originally intended, hands instead reached to holster his Smith and Wesson to his left hip before chuckling in amusement at the vacant space where The Fury's prized 300 blackout had once sat. Dearest dancer, I'll have to make sure of it I collect my dues on what you owe for that one.

No doubt the weight of her slightly tarnished public eye would be keeping the girl busy, grasping a black leather coat to cover the simple black t-shirt and dark jeans that adorned his frame before heading down the underground trail that led towards the abandoned subway station to the surface of Telkera's slums. "Going somewhere?" a familiar feminine voice called out, hurried foot falls echoing near The Fury's current position as the male merely maintained his stride with little consideration to the dark-skinned weapons dealer that fought to match his pace. Cass, although a newer recruit, had more than shown her useful dedication in ensuring he and the rest of his followers had enough tools to go around. Having narrowly escaping the law and a few rather unhappy rival gang members for her specialty in illegal weapon distribution, it had only been effective for the woman to keep her head low amongst the city's lowest. "Out." Connor responded simply, eager for some clean air and the chance to see the populace's current comings and goings since the carnal events of the previous night had begun to settle further within the public. "And since when do you ever just take a meager stroll? Is it really all that safe to be out and about right now?" the thin girl shot back with a look of disbelief and a raised brow, running a few straying dreadlocks from her face and quickening her pace as if desiring to come with.

"In the meantime, report to Trevor. He could use your services on the next trade off." The blonde continued dismissively; tone strict to imply he was not in the mood to explain himself nor deal with an unwanted tag along. Not even pausing to watch for any reaction, he rounded the corner leading towards the surface with energy in his gaze and posture held high. The venom in this Elias's tone that was laced all throughout the previous news report replayed over and over within the man's mind till Connor couldn't help but flash a grin, eagerly heading through the graffitied network of subway tunnels and back out into the open with a certain pitstop in mind.

Well now, Shadow Dancer. Things are beginning to grow a lot more interesting now, aren't they?

 

[Tondc]

The news continued to play in the background, the mounted flat screen displaying the news coverage on the raid. Every news channel was covering it. Not a surprise. It was like clockwork whenever a raid happened. The city’s underground would rise, wreak havoc on the city that those who worked with the law cleaned up, only for the various news stations to cover the incidents as if it didn’t occur on a regular basis. There were always skirmishes between the Underground and the Law. But the Fury’s network and the Dancer’s were one of the better known groups in their respective factions. They were the ones who dictated what the news would talk about. Dictated what the people would see and learn. And, it would seem, they were the ones who decided the people’s public opinion.

Her thoughts spiraled as the memories of the raid started to replay in her mind. There were many things that went right that night. With what they had to work with, the Trio had made their way to the scene in mere minutes. Knowing the extreme lengths the Fury is willing to go, she very well may have saved the lives of many of the hostages. The authorities. Nearby civilians. And a devastating blow was still made to the vigilantes’ ranks: The Carrion the most notable. And yet, there was so much that they had failed to do too. Regardless of all of the tiny victories the Shadow Dancer achieved, the Fury had won. TelkeraTech was in ruins, literally. But, even if the building hadn’t been toppled, by her hands no less, the insides were already ransacked well before they arrived. Her friends, injured. The Director, killed, his horrifying last moments still embedded in her mind as she recalled the Fury pulling the trigger killing the man. The man’s single noise of surprise as the bullet had entered, before the gurgling of his life flowing from his body. Adrienne hadn’t seen it, but she only needed to hear to know.

Yet, of all the things that went wrong, it was the death of the one civilian, so far, confirmed to have been directly linked to the building collapsing. Accidents happened. Not that Adrienne had a habit of accidentally inflicting fatal wounds to civilians, but there had been situations where they had gotten injured. Never had her actions had a direct link to someone’s death outside of failing to stop the Fury or whoever else she was up against. But, why did it bother her? She had killed vigilantes with intent during raids, and yet she never felt haunted by their blood. Was it that it was a pure accident? Had she calculated wrong when attacking the structure’s weak points? That while she was the direct cause, it was still secondhand by debris? Adrienne unknowingly shook her head at the most recent thought. Sure, it was true she preferred blades so she could remind herself what she was doing if she had to eliminate someone. And the overall convenience for her abilities. But that couldn’t be the driving reason of why that civilian’s death haunted her. Still. How do you do it Fury? You almost exclusively use guns to kill. How can you stand it?

The clattering of plates and other kitchen utensils could be heard over Elias’s interview that still played in the background. The rustling of plastic and other food items as Erika fussed about, throwing food together. The noise only seemed to grow that it became enough of a commotion that Adrienne pulled herself out of her thoughts. She eyed the woman lost in her work, clearly having forgotten that she complained about what was on the screen moments before. “What are you doing? Destroying my kitchen?” her words loud enough for her friend to hear. It was only as she spoke did she feel the pressure on her palm, fingernails digging into her flesh beneath her clenched fists.

Her friend finally left the counter, miscellaneous bags still scattered across the marble as she brought two plates towards Adrienne’s perch on the couch. “More like rummaging for food like a thief in the night. You have nothing in the fridge, and nothing of interest in the cabinets. You should get on that.” A plate with a turkey sandwich was handed to her before the blonde plopped down beside her. “Isn’t it enough you’ve still got that nonsense still playing?” a hand motioning again to the television.

Adrienne let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking her head. “You live here too Erika, so it’s not just my fault there’s no food here. Or rather, food you want to eat. And here’s the remote if it bothers you that much,” a hand grabbed the remote before tossing it across the couch at her. There was a sense of ease that slowly worked its way back into her voice. She wouldn’t put it past her friend that her banter and noise were on purpose. Erika was debatably more perceptive than herself in some fields, and knowing when Adrienne was sinking into a bout of overthinking and analyzing being one of those fields. Though, perhaps it was from their lengthy history together, the lightning user having joined Adrienne’s inner circle of friends nearly a decade ago. She had always preferred more intimate friendships, running in a smaller crowd whenever possible. Erika’s abilities to set her friend at ease, and recognize she even needed it, a constant reminder of why that was the case.

Her friend absentmindedly grabbed for the remote, blindly flipping through channels as a bite was taken from the twin sandwich. “Okay fine. You fucking stickler for details. I’m particular about what I want to eat, so what?” a grumbled retort back, though the lightness in her voice still rang clear. How easy it was for them to return to normalcy after such events, especially after losses. Again, something else to credit towards her wild companion. “Where’s Leon? I’ve missed his constant fussing. I’m surprised he hasn’t been here given that head injury of yours,” a pause as a mischievous grin grew on her face, “Oh to have a brother who dotes so much.”

“That’s precisely why he isn’t here,” a small groan, genuine more than playful, “But, since his burns were more serious than I suspected at first glance on the scene, I was able to convince him to just stay at the family estate. Not too serious, but bordering perhaps more on second degree than first,” she explained simply. It had all been a whirl, she wasn’t sure if she had told her friend an update on Leon. Or if Erika even had the time to find out herself. There had been more cleanup than usual after this. There was, of course, more physical cleanup with the rubble to remove. But, there was also the damage control on their image, which included more interviews, more statements, more appearances in public. It didn’t matter that they were injured or exhausted. At least her own injuries weren't too severe. A minor concussion, though she was certain the constant dull throbbing was attributed to the damage control than the actual medical diagnosis. How the Fury must be delighting in her public runaround to assuage the media.

Yet, at least in that moment, their time wasn’t dedicated to any civic duty. The two had fallen into a comfortable state, finishing the sandwiches Erika had made. Then, a knock. Peace was always to be disrupted. Adrienne had begun to sit up before Erika motioned her back down. Sliding the plates back onto the counter, Erika waltzed towards their apartment door. There was a moment’s silence as the woman peered through the door before an audible groan was heard. “I heard that Erika. Just let me in,” a familiar, male voice at the door. A few more remarks were made before the door was reluctantly opened.

The newcomer walked in, though not too far into the apartment, waving towards Adrienne. “Glad to see you’re both doing well. Which is good. We need you down at the City Center. We were asked for a last minute interview, and the authorities want one more round of questioning from that night, so it will be a productive trip.” Adam, their self-titled manager announced. Though, he was more like their representative, both in the media and within Telkera’s government. Orders were passed down through Adam, and reports were sent back up through him. Though, executive decisions were made on all levels to varying degrees. “I am not concerned about the incident and the media’s obsession with covering it. But, we can never be too careful. People are easily swayed, sometimes incorrectly. We feel that it would be beneficial to just get our side back into the circulating news.”

‘We.’ So the government. The superiors. All Adrienne could do was shrug. It was what it was, and she couldn’t necessarily blame them. It probably was just a blip in time for the media, but left unchecked? It could lead to ruin. “Bearer of fun news as always, Adam.” She rose from her seat, grabbing her things before she motioned them all towards the door. “Let’s just get this over with, yeah?”

They were ushered into the car awaiting them outside of the apartment building, the driver swiftly making their way into the heart of the city. Adrienne leaned against the window, gazing out as the scenes passed by in a blur, only half listening to Erika go on about how ridiculous she thought the whole ordeal was. What else was there to say besides what was already said? Sure, perhaps she was taunted by the Fury to engage, but if she hadn’t collapsed the building on her own terms, what then? Erika seemed to be of the same mindset, from what Adrienne absorbed.

You really won this time Fury. Do you realize by how much? Do we even know yet? I’m not sure we do.