Downgrade

Energy Drained

The time was so fast that they didn’t know they’re behind of it, that the others are far ahead of them – already knew their motive. With an unbearable, faint smile, the Era had made themselves stood in front of someone they don’t want to get involved with. It was the brief poignant moment that they want to engage, but instead, they wanted to flee. All of them are glued on their feet, their eyes are locked at the man standing in front of them, crossing his arms. He was giving them a heavy and obscure feeling, making them uneasy just by recognizing his dark and enigmatic presence. He was smirking – toying with Era.

Guilbert gritted his teeth. He wasn’t expecting such a thing to happen as do the other members. There was too much pressure that they can take. Sweating, Quinten made a sneer enough to cool the tension. With much confidence, he moved himself towards the other party, clapping joyfully his hands. His team was looking at him with questionable faces.

“Oh, yes. We’re exactly here to greet you…uh…what’s your name?” He was bracing himself, but in fact, his knees are trembling.

The guy gave a soft, treacherous chuckle. He was absolutely getting fun. He has a broad complex tattooed body, sharp onyx eyes and a well-cleaned cut hair. He was wearing a black old trenchcoat, greyed gloves for his ruthless, sharp nails, with a V-neck indigo shirt and tight dark pants. His mouth was covered with a thin silk white cloth to hide his razor-sharp teeth. Kinzel was able to recognize a familiar symbol on the man’s neck. It was the same as the seal they gave on Loshiana. His troop, almost in twenty, the guards who’re in their shift stood still behind him.

“Jack Rush. But…I’m quite known being called as the Jack.” He said with a low voice. His eyes were seeking domination. A grieving, bloodcurdling scene had engulfed the place, together with the clouds which have just turned into a dreary grey ones. The man switched his stare to the two, Loshiana and Miguel who’re standing rigid behind Kinzel.

“I see you have brought your own company…especially those two.” He said and made some steps towards them. He was dead serious.

Guilbert was able to compose himself after a long pause. Clearing his badly sore throat, he uttered, “Yes. We have met at last, assassin.” Their eyes made contact and there was an ominous spark from them. Cody started to activate his resurrection power. Loshiana pulled up her deadly brazen spear. She still can’t use her true powers due to circumstances. Instead, she’ll be dealing with them with combat. After all, their boss who was quite enjoying the scene had trained them in outwardly, brutal combat. She rubbed the livid scar on her right cheek – the one that Kinzel gave her during the exercise. She made a sardonic laugh as she remembered it.

From her side, Vixen started to use her Clairvoyance. Her eyes spectrally glowed in the darkness. Jack was able to identify her and gave her a wink. She glared and thoroughly read the man in front first and never did she encounter a person like him who’s currently obtaining two powers; Night Vision and Regeneration. She twitched. She turned her focus on the guards who are armored with plates and shields. Their heads were covered with helmets together with their cunning sharp revolvers.

But they weren’t simple. The weapons were made by who was known as the Tinkerman. He was the best fit for the job as a tinker. Just like Cody, he engages himself with unusual things and uses most of his time in imagination. Perhaps, those he dwells with his mind will become an asset for his customers, just like the weapons. The revolvers don’t shoot bullets, instead, they are made to fire potions. It was their best weapon so far – a great shield for Penelope, herself.

Jack Rush sighed in a lackluster manner. “So, I’m going to ask a simple question. What are you looking for?” Now the mocking face was tainted into a life-threatening one. Danger, that what they thought.

But it seems that one of them still doesn’t waver from the weight Jack is handing them. He made another step, but it was heavy.

“Oh…that. Well, our friend here,” Quinten pointed to Guilbert. “Still wasn’t fond of adventures…So, he got the wrong direction. And now we’re here….Tada!” He made his arms wide open to make a grand introduction.

Little did Jack know, that he was stomping his right foot three times. It was their sign to know that he got all their attention and they’re free to fire or just run. But nevertheless, Quinten was up for something. In a split moment, Coby engaged in battle, throwing rocks and dust, aiming for Jack. But the man smirked in awe.

Instead, the guards moved in their direction, avoiding the rocks, and started to fire potions. It was a nullification potion. Vixen was able to identify the potion and was in doubt that it came from a person they know.

"Macky..." She tremblingly whispered. Clenching her fist, she yelled to Era, "Don't let them shoot you! That will nullify your powers." Cody directly turned his face to her and he understood the possibility that Macky was involved. Kinzel grabbed some pebbles which are coated with her dried blood, poison. She used her nicely tight vermilion slingshot. She was a sharpshooter. Taking an aim, she pulled it with the pebble and released it to one of the guards. She succeeded in hitting one on the forehead. Anyone who will get in touch with her deadly scarlet blood, will heave or reap dizziness. It was a curse but a gift also.

Loshiana was battling three. She swings her shaft and also uses hand-to-hand. Gilbert was using his power, transporting in different angles and appeared suddenly in front of his opponents to give them willfully, queer stabs and kicks.

Combining their powers and attacks, Kinzel continued to shoot pebbles on thin air, then came Cody has such concentration in controlling the pebbles. With a keen sense, he flung all of them towards the officers, hitting each one of them. Some were hit on their foreheads, faces, and even below their belts, making them curled on the ground.

The precarious night had dwelled. The tunnel had turned on its lights, making them see the long pathway inside it. It will be a hell journey for Era. Darkness will surely be a hindrance to them as they are still outside of it. But what it seems to be a deterrent for Era is an advantage to the enemy. Jack was able to move his way. His eyes gleamered in the uncanny appalling twilight. In a split moment, he dashed towards Guilbert who was about to appear in front of one officer.

Just before Guilbert can punch the man, he torridly clasped his face and pulled down Guilbert straight on the ground. Guilbert was tremored and couldn't think straight as his body hit the surface. Jack's endurance was hefty, that he wasn't able to dogde it. He felt a tingling pain at the back of his head and felt something wet. Blood.

Everyone was alarmed and hurriedly ran towards Guilbert who just spitted blood. Jack was about to s***h his throat with his hoarse, sharp nails, but a hand gripped his shoulder. He turned his gaze and see a madman, Quinten. His eyes glinted as he activated his power. Slowly, Jack released his grasp on Guilbert, who's now losing his consciousness due to the large impact. His head hit on the rock. Jack eventually lost his gravity.

Quinten's eyes showed death and the will to kill someone. He grittingly said, "No. One. Had ever laid a finger on Guilbert. How dare you do that to him?"