It was the floor where the local auctions were traditionally held. Currently, it was empty as the auction wasn't until two weeks from now. Only a few active workers walked to and fro. Sighing wistfully, I carefully cleaned the fancy vases and tables.
I heard a piteous moan. Turning I saw a woman stagger past me, holding a bleeding arm. I shook my head. I'm genuinely surprised these people won't quit their lousy jobs with a maniac on the loose. I was nearing the auction hall. It was dark, so I triggered my SENSE.
I sucked in my breath. Hanging over the elegant hall was an ominous atmosphere. I got chills down my spine when I entered. (Censor) There really was a ghost in the auction house.
I hesitated. Should I go back and tell Hwa Young that she was right all along? Nah. She doesn't have to know and I don't like apologising anyway. I secured the massive doors behind me and confronted the wicked spirit.
Initiating LEAP I jumped across to the stage. It felt exhilarating. Even though I was alone, it felt like there were thousands of people beholding nothing but me. I flicked my pony tail arrogantly. There was harsh laughter as I felt stabbing pain on my shoulders and back.
"Aargh!" I screamed in agony as I crouched down. I heard dripping as I clutched my bruised shoulders. Glancing down I saw blood falling from my fingertips. "You damn ghost! You're done for!" I shouted angrily.
My skin. My beautiful flawless skin. My eyes were brimming with tears as I triggered CLAW. I slashed in the direction of the ominous feeling. Initially, I detected only contempt, but eventually there was a hoarse cry. Got you.
I kept ruthlessly cutting in the air, hoping for more hits. Ultimately I heard a dull thump. Dreadfully tired, I stopped. Peering around the stage, I noted a black figure lying on the ground near the curtain.
"Hey, get up. I know you can't die," I delivered a tiny kick. It groaned agonisingly just as it levitated upward and glowered at me.
I carefully studied the being before me. It resembled a malnourished male. His fierce eyes were pitch black; his hair was long and mangy and his clothes baggy. He had the visible signs of becoming a Fallen.
"You have two choices," I said as I held up two fingers. It snarled. "First, I exorcise you, and you can pass onto the afterlife no problem. Secondly, I destroy you with my exceptional abilities, and your miserable soul will vanish for eternity. Which is it?"
It gaped at me. At least it can still understand what I was saying.
"Well?" I waited impatiently. He swayed unsteadily as he held up two crooked fingers. I grinned delightedly. "Excellent. You think you can thrash me? Come and get me." He howled horribly as he leaped. I twisted as he bypassed me.
I slammed my elbow into his back, causing him to yell. My claws turned red as I intended to end him, but he vanished. Dammit. I felt stabbing pain on my legs. I keeled over and fell onto my knees. Shitty ghost. I'll destroy him!
Panting, I heard his rasping from above. I shielded myself when he landed a punch. I forced him away as I struggled to my feet. It really hurts.
He sneered as I stumbled. Blood trickled down my face. I was never as angry as I was now. I wasn't supposed to use FULL FORM without Mars yet, but this guy deserves it!
Disabling my abilities caused the ghost to look at me with short-lived triumph. Don't look so happy. You're in for the shock of your death. Concentrating, I gathered as much strength as I could. Practically screaming in considerable pain, my body started to change.
Like I said, I was still practising. My body stretched with golden fur growing all over, and my hands turned to mighty paws with the bronze bands. I stared down at the terrified ghost as I spread my splendid wings. I grinned slyly, large white fangs glinting.
I couldn't utter anything, but I didn't have to. The ghost tried fleeing, but I hopped nimbly, capturing him with my gigantic paws. He scratched at the floor with a last desperate attempt to get away. Not caring, I bent down and chomped off his hideous head.
I expected to consume blood, but he didn't taste like anything. My mouth felt only cold for a few moments as I leered at the vanishing spirit. I earnestly warned him, but he wouldn't listen. Now he would pay the price.
It took me hours to transform back to the way I was. I hid backstage while floundering to return to my human body. After six hours I was back to normal. Relieved, I hurried to the men's locker room to change clothes. The building was empty except for a few dull lights.
I glanced anxiously at my watch to see it was eight pm. Nervously I dressed in my ordinary clothes. While pulling on my shirt, I froze. I stared incredulously at the mirror. I was full of blood, but there were no gashes. I kept twisting, but my skin was perfect. Huh?
I didn't have time to think regarding it as I dashed to the entrance. And what luck, there was a guy in a suit just about to leave as well. He probably worked overtime. I activated SHADOW and carefully slipped by him as he opened the door.
He looked bewildered for a moment before shaking his head. The human mind is wonderful at instantly dismissing the unexplained, I thought gleefully as I climbed onto my motorcycle, once again visible. The prolonged rain had stopped, and I happily drove back home.
"So, was there a ghost?" Mars inquired as I stamped my foot at the entryway. "Yeah. Don't worry, I took care of it."
"I can see that. I can smell the blood on you. Go take a bath before doing anything else. You stink," he wrinkled his nose in disgust. Tch. I was going bathing anyway.
"Mars, I want to ask you something later. About FULL FORM."
"Try in the summer. I'm too lazy to think right now," he replied spitefully. I'm gonna kick him. I really am.
For the next few days, I wrote about my venture in the auction house. I never mentioned to him about what happened at the auction house. Just a few details regarding the ghost.
"Keep up your practice," was all he said. Don't worry, I will. I love being so overpowered. The pleasant feeling of stomping that ghost beneath my feet was still fresh in my mind.
I can't wait to do it again. I decided to leave my question until we both got over the fight.