I sit in the van, my fingers drumming nervously on the steering wheel as I stare at the entrance to the nightclub. Kazuya and his goons are in there. I could eliminate them all right now, but the risk of one escaping is too high. And the moment a pro hero arrives, it will be more difficult to attack them and Talon would be exposed.
My goal is to eliminate them one by one, and the first will be my classmate Riku. He has been following Kazuya for a long time and is a Super. His power is enhanced agility and reflexes. He can bend his body in half, and his sharp senses make him able to see any movements with clear precision. It's not entirely a strong power, but it's still a useful one.
I need to hit him quickly and fast. Hopefully, I can get his legs to immobilize him. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.
"This is for Miyuki…"
An ad for Ember Nova caught my eye. It reminded me of the countless times Miyuki had gushed about wanting to be just like her. Miyuki was always so happy when she talked about heroes, even though I never shared that fascination. I couldn't relate to her enthusiasm for heroism and she would probably hate me for what I am about to do.
Just remembering Kazuya and his goons' faces makes my blood boil. I can't forgive what they did to you, Miyuki. You and I travel different paths, and I just hope we can still remain friends in the end.
I spot the nightclub's doors swinging open, and there's Kazuya and his goons staggering out. Liquor bottles in their hands—they're clearly drunk. I can't help but feel a pang of disgust watching them in their inebriated state.
I watch as Kazuya and his goons stumble out of the nightclub, liquor bottles in hand. Riku breaks away from the group, heading towards a convenience store. This is my chance. I need to act quickly before he rejoins the group.
I start setting up the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E., carefully checking each parameter and piece of equipment to ensure everything is running as it should. I take a few deep breaths, trying to steady my nerves. My gaze falls upon Talon, and I feel a renewed sense of determination wash over me.
"It's show time," I murmur, the anticipation palpable as I prepare to merge my consciousness with my creation.
I start the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E., and everything goes dark. For a moment, I feel a strange sensation, like my consciousness is being pulled away from my body. Then, I open my eyes, and the world around me looks different. I blink a few times, adjusting to the new perspective.
I'm looking through Talon's eyes now, my senses heightened, my body filled with raw power. The containment unit opens, and I step out, my footsteps heavy and deliberate. I take a moment to adjust to Talon's movements.
With a deep breath, I exit the van, ready to begin the hunt.
(Riku POV)
I stumble into the convenience store, my head pounding. The fluorescent lights are way too bright. Gotta get something for this hangover. I head to the medicine aisle and grab a bottle of aspirin. As I approach the counter, the cashier eyes me warily.
"Rough night?" he asks, ringing me up.
"You have no idea," I mutter, fishing out my wallet. I hand him a crumpled bill, snatching the change and the aspirin. "Thanks."
I exit the convenience store, the aspirin bottle gripped tightly in my hand. Popping the cap, I shake a couple of pills into my palm and toss them back, wincing at the bitter taste. Looks like Kazuya and the others have already moved on to another bar. Typical. I guess they didn't feel like waiting around for me. Not that I'm surprised - Kazuya's never been one for patience. I shove the aspirin into my pocket and start walking, hoping the medicine will kick in soon. The pounding in my head is making it hard to think straight.
I'm suddenly struck in the back of the head by something. Wincing, I whirl around, searching for the culprit.
"What the—?" There's no one in sight. Rubbing the sore spot, I glare at the empty street.
Just as I'm about to shrug it off, another can comes flying out of nowhere, smacking me in the shoulder.
"Alright, who's the wise guy?" I demand, scanning the area. My eyes land on a dark alleyway nearby.
"Show yourself, you coward!"
Another can comes hurtling towards me, and this time I duck just in time. That's it, I've had enough. Confidence surging, I stride into the alley, my enhanced agility and reflexes ready to teach this joker a lesson.
"Alright, punk, come out and face me!"
I scan the shadowy alley, but it seems empty. Still, I can't shake this uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something's not right. My heart races as I cautiously move deeper down the alley, on high alert.
"Alright, punk, come out and face me!" I demand, my voice echoing in the eerie silence of the alley.
The deafening quiet presses in, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I strain my ears, listening for any sound, but there's nothing - not even the faint hum of traffic from the street. The shadows seem to loom closer, as if the darkness itself is closing in around me.
A cold sweat trickles down my spine, and I can't shake the growing sense of dread that settles in the pit of my stomach. Something is very, very wrong here. My enhanced senses are on high alert, but I can't pinpoint the source of this overwhelming feeling of unease.
I start hearing a rumbling sound grow louder, like the distant roar of a wild beast. My body goes rigid, and a chill runs down my spine. At first, I think it was just the wind playing tricks on me. But then, without warning, my legs give out from under me.
I hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the breath from my lungs. Panicked, I try to push myself back up, but as I glance down, a scream of pure horror escapes my lips.
My legs... they're gone. Severed clean off, lying lifeless a few feet away. Blood gushes from the ragged stumps, soaking the ground beneath me. The pain is blinding, a white-hot agony that sears through every nerve ending.
I can't tear my eyes away from the gruesome sight, my mind reeling in disbelief. This can't be happening, it has to be some kind of twisted nightmare. But the searing pain radiating from my mutilated limbs is all too real.
Panic and terror consume me as I frantically try to stem the bleeding, my hands shaking uncontrollably. The world around me blurs, and all I can focus on is the agonizing, throbbing pain. I scream and scream, my cries echoing through the desolate alley, but no one comes to my aid.
A shadow covers me, and when I look up, I'm met with a sight that chills me to the core. Perched on the alley walls, its massive frame blotting out the meager light, is a towering, reptilian creature. Its glowing eyes bore into me, and a deep, rumbling growl escapes its jaws, sending shivers down my spine.
I'm paralyzed by sheer terror, my heart pounding in my ears as I stare up at this monstrous being. Its dark, armored skin glistens in the dim light, and its powerful limbs flex with barely contained strength. I've never seen anything like it before, and the realization that I'm completely at its mercy fills me with a bone-deep dread.
I scream in pure terror as I try to drag myself away, my severed legs leaving a trail of blood behind me. The pain is agonizing, but the sheer horror of this monstrous creature has me in its grip. My pants are soaked with urine, the acrid stench stinging my nostrils. Snot runs down my face in thick, glistening rivulets as I sob uncontrollably.
The beast descends, its massive clawed foot slamming down on my back, pinning me to the ground. I gasp for air, my ribs and back creaking under the immense pressure. "Please! Don't kill me!" I beg, my voice cracking with pure terror. "I don't want to die!"
The creature's jaws open wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. I try to scream, but the air is crushed from my lungs as its powerful arms wrap around me, squeezing the life from my body. I can feel my bones starting to crack as the monster pulls me closer to its gaping maw.
"No, no, no!" I cry, the words barely escaping my lips. Time slows to a crawl as I stare into the abyss of those cavernous jaws, my mind consumed by the realization that this is how I die.
The jaws slam shut, and everything goes dark.
I continue to eat Riku's lifeless body. The sensation of biting into his flesh and bones as it slid down my throat was almost satisfying, like quenching a deep thirst. I then rinsed away the spilled blood with water, leaving no trace of what had just occurred. The alley returned to its original state, as if nothing had ever happened there.
Riku's scream had been loud, but I doubt anyone heard it over the loud noises of the city. Still, I don't plan to stick around and find out. I quickly leave the scene, keeping to the shadows and scaling the buildings with ease.
I hurry to my van, and once I'm inside, I make my way to the containment unit. I quickly climb in and seal myself inside. The S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. sequence activates, and the familiar sensation of the neural interface envelops me. In an instant, I'm back in my own body, safe and sound.
I sit in the driver's seat, my hands gripping the steering wheel as I contemplate what just occurred. Killing Riku as Talon was a surreal experience. At first, I felt a sense of satisfaction and power, finally enacting my revenge against Kazuya's goon. The thrill of the hunt, of stalking my prey, was strangely fulfilling.
But now, as the adrenaline fades, I'm left with a twinge of unease. I didn't expect the act of taking a life to feel so...visceral. The sensation of Talon's jaws clamping down, the crunch of bones, the warmth of blood - it's all still so vivid in my mind.
I shake my head, trying to push those images away. Riku deserved what he got for his part in hurting Miyuki. I can't afford to feel guilt or remorse, not when I have more targets to eliminate. Kazuya and the rest of his gang will pay for their cruelty.
With a deep breath, I start the van's engine and pull out of the alley, determined to continue my mission. The power I felt as Talon was exhilarating, and I know I'll need to wield that strength again if I'm going to take down the rest of Kazuya's group. My grip tightens on the steering wheel as I drive, my mind racing with the next steps of my plan.
I head back to my lab through the underground tunnels, my mind still reeling from what I've just done. As I exit the van, Cliff greets me with his usual cheerful squawks.
"Eddie, Eddie! You're back!" Cliff chirps, fluttering over to me. "Cliff missed you! Did you have fun?"
I give Cliff a small smile, gently petting his head. "It was...an experience, Cliff. That's all I could say."
"Eddie, Eddie! Where's Cliff's snack?" Cliff asks, hopping around excitedly.
I wince, suddenly remembering my promise. "Oh, um, well..." I glance around the lab, my eyes landing on the partially consumed arm in the van. "Here, Cliff. I have something special for you."
I retrieve the severed limb and present it to Cliff, who examines it curiously. "Ooh, what is it?" he chirps, tilting his head.
"It's, uh, a new treat I wanted you to try," I say, trying to keep my voice even. "Go ahead, dig in."
Cliff lets out an excited squawk and begins tearing into the arm, ripping off chunks of flesh and bone with his sharp beak. I watch, a twinge of guilt rising in my chest, as he devours the remains of Riku with relish.
"Mmm, so good!" Cliff exclaims between bites. "Thank you, Eddie!"
I force a smile, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. "I'm glad you're enjoying it, Cliff."
As Cliff continues to eat, I can't help but wonder if I'm truly doing the right thing.
I return Talon to the main containment unit in my lab, securing the creature safely inside. Checking the diagnostic monitors, I'm relieved to see that Talon is functioning normally, its vital signs stable. The process of digesting Riku's remains appears to be progressing without any complications.
I can't shake the unease after the alley encounter. Taking Riku's life, even a despicable one, weighs on my conscience. But I also feel satisfaction, unsure if it's my desires or Talon's instincts.
I push those thoughts aside, reminding myself that Riku and the others deserved it for hurting Miyuki. My friend is still comatose, and I won't rest until I've made Kazuya's goons pay for their cruelty. With renewed determination, I focus on refining the S.Y.N.A.P.S.E. and strengthening my connection to Talon.
I step into Miyuki's hospital room, the sterile smell of disinfectant hitting my nose. My heart sinks as I see her lying there, so still and pale. I pull up a chair beside her bed, taking her hand in mine.
"Hey, Miyuki. It's me, Eddie." I give her hand a gentle squeeze, wishing she would open her eyes and flash me that bright smile of hers. "School was...well, you know, the usual. Kazuya and his goons were being jerks as always."
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "But you know what's exciting? Ember Nova just got a new action figure! I saw it at the store the other day. It has this cool flame effect and everything. I bet you'd love it."
I lean in closer, searching her face for any sign of recognition. "I really wish you could see it. You're always the one who gets so hyped about that kind of stuff."
I grab her hand. Miyuki, I killed one of Kazuya's friends yesterday. The one who attacked you. You might not forgive me, and that's understandable. You know, it's funny - I didn't feel much remorse about it. In fact, I liked it.
I don't know if it's because of Talon or if I've always been this way. The thought of being a crazy person is pretty scary. I don't want to say too much in case you overhear, but I can promise you one thing - Kazuya is going to get what's coming to him.
"I hope you wake up soon, Miyuki." I linger by her bedside, wishing she would open her eyes and flash me that bright smile of hers. Leaving the room, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. I won't stop until I make things right.
///
Advance chapter on my Patreon - Najicablitz
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