After cleaning and dressing, Ewan goes outside. He finds himself on the outskirts of the city, looking out over what can only be described as the rich neighborhood. He makes a mental note as he takes out his phone, currently going off with multiple notifications. Multiple heroes are sending out notifications of having found Echo, tailing her, continuously updating on her location. He starts towards the location. The next notifications that follow sends a chill up his spine.

She's going to escape.

Not waiting, going in.

There's 13 of us. We're taking her.

He starts sprinting, now quickly closing the distance. There's a sudden commotion ahead, followed by what he can only assume to be the heroes attacking her. Someone flies past him, crashing into the building next to him. The hero collapses to his knees, coughing blood. Further on, he finally sees her. She stands in the middle of the street, groceries laying sewn about. Twelve heroes stand of fly around her at various distances. One catches Echo in a whip made of pure energy, pinning her arms to her sides. She just stands there, looking at the various food items on the road.

"She's going to kill you all! Pull away!"

The heroes don't seem to hear Ewan's plea. Instead, those with ranged attacks throw it towards her at once, causing an explosion of dust and rubble to surround her. Ewan looks around, searching for a way to approach closer without being another trigger. Every angle seems to be covered by a moving hero. The ground as well as he sky. One hero creates a forcefield around Echo in an attempt to keep her pinned down. The dust settles, Echo's eyes trained to the one who cast the forcefield, following him as he moves.

Ewan now moves in, his back towards Echo, arms raised, "You're all making a mistake! She's going to kill you!"

One of the heroes shouts at him in response, "If you're not helping, fuck off!"

The caster appears inside his own forcefield, shocked as Echo grabs him by his throat.

Ewan puts his hands in his hair, "You're all going to die..."

The forcefield quivers as Echo squeezes. One of the women, a speedster, rushes closer.

"Let him go! Tony! Lower the field!"

Ewan turns and presses against the field with both hands, "Stop... I asked you not to do this."

Her eyes remain on the caster as he desperately grips at her hand, "I was just fucking getting breakfast!"

The caster gasps for breath, his eyes rolling back, unable to lower his own forcefield.

Ewan looks at the speedster across the field, "She'll kill him. You are all going to be killed."

Her eyes grow large, "Please stop her. Stop her! Tony! Tony! Hang in there, baby!"

The other heroes slowly approach, readying their attacks.

"Get them to pull away." Ewan's focus moves back to Echo, "Let him go. Please.'

She slams the caster into the ground, knocking his wind out, "I told you what I would do."

"And you remember what I asked."

The heroes around them all sink to the ground at once, gasping for air. Echo looks up at Ewan, gritting her teeth, a murderous expression on her face.

"Stop. Please. They are insignificant. Nothing compared to you."

She releases the caster and he gasps for air. She stands, but the other heroes still remain unable to breathe, "Why? Why should I allow them to live?"

"I'm getting them to stop." He looks to them, accusingly, "All of them."

"They didn't listen to you. Didn't heed my warnings. Three. Three times I askes to be left alone!"

Two of the heroes lose consciousness, slumping to the ground.

"Please..." Ewan hesitates, "I'll do whatever you ask."

The rest of the heroes gasp for air, quickly moving to help the two who lay passed out.

"What do you mean?"

"I'll do one thing you ask of me. In exchange for their safety."

She looks at the man on the ground beneath her as he still takes in gulps of air. She pushes him with a foot, "Why do you care so much about these assholes?"

"Most of them do good work."

"I just... wanted to get us some breakfast."

"Then we'll go get some."

The forcefield flickers and disappears. She stands back, giving the others space to attend to the man, watching.

"Let's go," Ewan motions with his head, then looks down at the heroes, "They won't do this again."

Echo walks past them, towards Ewan, then continues on.

He points down a street, "Breakfast place is that way."

She frowns, "That's in public?"

He sighs, "It's a place I frequent. They make a good waffle."

This immediately grabs her attention, "Haven't had a good waffle in a good while."

He leads the way, "You can choose your own toppings, too."

"Not many places still do that."

"I know."

Echo looks back at the retreating heroes before they move out of view.

"Come on. We can get there before the breakfast rush comes in."

She looks back at him, smiling, "Sounds good."

They arrive, the owners greeting them and showing them to a table. They order, a short while later, the food arrives. Echo is clearly enjoying the meal, yet something feels off.

"What's up?"

"Nothing."

"You're upset."

"And?"

"It's difficult to talk or even enjoy a meal together when you're all upset like that."

"Do you expect me to not be upset?"

"I don't. But I'm asking because... I guess I'm frustrated."

"Why? Because you can't kill me?"

"Among other things."

"What other things?"

"Personal opinion and reasons."

She now sighs, "Fair enough."

"So. What is it?"

"I'd prefer not to speak of it."

"Couldn't make things much worse between us."

"I'm... sorry. About last night. I forced it."

"t's ok."

"I'll stay out of your way. Just keep the heroes out of mine."

"Can't if I don't know where you are."

"Tell them in general to stay out of my way."

"They won't listen."

"Then what difference will it make if you know where I am?"

"I can at least try to mitigate things when I'm present."

"Thanks for the breakfast." Echo stands to leave.

"I haven't paid yet. Don't dine and dash."

"I'm leaving. You can pay and carry on with your own things. As will I."

"No offence, but you're a fucking nuclear bomb. And I'm trying to keep the peace. Please sit down."

"No offence taken. I might be worse than one. But I'm leaving. And you're not making me stay. I have shit to do."

"Sit down."

"I should simply because you say so?"

"It's the least you could do after last night."

She begrudgingly sits. He finishes his meal and pays. They walk down the street in silence for some time.

"You get to choose where we go next."

"I just want to be left alone right now."

"No."

"You're aware I could simply teleport away from you, right?"

"I am. But I'm trusting that you won't."

She laughs, "Trusting?"

"Yes. As I said, I'm trying diplomacy."

"You really seem set on finding that way to kill me. You know, poison could also work. I have a relatively normal constitution."

"Not the type for poison. That'd be too easy. But I also feel like just... talking may decrease the harm on others."

"I didn't peg you as the talking type."

"I'm not."

"Then I suppose this is a first for both of us."

"It would appear so."

"A movie."

"Sure," Ewan changes direction, "What kind do you wanna watch?"

She shrugs, "Something interesting. Or fun. Or with a captivating story."

"Let's see what's in, then."

She walks close to him, not touching him, but seeing him as a point of safety. They walk up to the posters. Ewan motions for her to choose. She looks them over, then points out one that appears to be a light fantasy.

"Sure, you want popcorn?"

She smiles, "And a slushy?"

"It would suck without a drink."

"Yes, please. And a blue one."

He takes some cash from his pocket and hands it to Echo, "Go nuts. I'll get tickets."

She gets snacks and drinks for them both, meeting him inside the theater.

"Seats?"

"Unreserved Go ahead and pick."

She looks about, choosing a center spot for the best view and comfort. She seems to enjoy the movie. They spend the rest of the day together, ending in a park, watching the sunset over the lake. She appears to be better, more relaxed, but not exactly her usual self.

"I'm willing to bet that this is the nicest someone has been to you, but you still seem a bit pissy."

"I'm not pissy, Ewan. Well, not exactly."

"What is it, then?"

"I'm feeling..." Echo now hesitates, "Sad."

"About?"

"Things. May I go now?"

"We can." He stands.

"I meant alone."

"No."

"How long do you plan on following me around?"

"A day or two."

"Fine." She stands, "I'll be good."

"Lead the way."

They walk the way back to her place, arriving well after dark.

She makes herself a cup of coffee and heads for her room, "Help yourself to whatever."

"Not hungry, but I'll be on the couch."

A few days pass of them spending near every moment together. Ewan watching her like a hawk. She keeps mostly to herself now. And regardless of her flirting and jokes, she makes no sexual advances, not even after watching him on a few jobs again. He keeps her from doing harsh and violent things, but don't stop her from joking around or messing with a thing or two. He notices as some heroes follow them around, working shifts to keep tabs on her. But they never approach. Ewan hears them speak of another meeting being held, not having received an invitation this time. He decides to attend anyway, walking past the same guards as before.

The conversation stops as his presence is noted, "You're not welcome here."

"She's going to kill all of you. You should stop with this farce."

"Do you expect me to just allow her to do as she pleases in my city? Think again. She has to go down."

"I've been able to keep her pacified. Just by talking with her. You don't fully understand what she's capable of. None of us do. She can just as easily take away the powers and abilities of anyone here, and smear you. Make you but a distant memory."

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Rhino hesitates, "You're fucking around with that bitch. Why haven't you killed her yet? I'm sure you knows where she sleeps."

"She's not killable. At least not by one of us."

"Then find a fucking way. She's a menace. She's dangerous. She cannot be allowed to live. I don't usually condone the killing you so indulge in, but this bitch has to die."

"If I could, I would."

"If you don't, I'll ensure to do it myself."

"You won't be able to."

"I don't care the means I have to go through. She dies."

"You'll go through a meat grinder and it will be your own fault."

"It's not like you're taking action. How long will your words keep her calm?"

"I don't know. But it's better than having her turn the city inside out."

He scoffs, "I suppose we'll see who can do it first, then."

"I suppose we will."

Rhino now waits for Ewan to leave before he resumes with the meeting between the heroes.

Ewan makes his way back to Echo's place, but does not find her there. He goes about searching the city. Still not a trace. Two weeks pass by without a single sighting of Echo. He checks into her place at least once a day, looking for her between his jobs. Once of the mornings, checking in at her place, the smell of coffee catches him at the door. He cautiously enters, looking about. He finds her in the kitchen, pouring herself a cup. From behind the island counter, he notices a tail of some sorts.

"You're back."

She looks at him, lifting the pot, "Coffee?"

"What's with the tail?"

She looks down, "Oh. That's Casper. Coffee?" She asks again.

"Casper? Sure."

She gets another cup from the cupboard, "Mmmhmm... She's my pet. I've had her since she was a baby."

Echo motions for him to come around, "And bring the milk, please."

He gets the milk, slowly walking around the counter. A giant red tiger raises its head as he comes into view. Wings folded against its back. Two horns protruding from its head, curling backwards and out.

"Interesting."

The creature lays her head on her paw again, giving a deep sigh.

"Someone once said she's a descendant of QiongQi. I'm not entirely sure, though."

She takes the milk and adds to their coffees, handing Ewan his cup.

"And you just... had this?"

"Her mother was killed by poachers four years back."

"You should hide her. The heroes won't see her as anything but a threat."

"That's why she's here for now. Recall that old fiend of mine?"

"Which one?"

"You know, the one I scored two points with."

"Yes?"

"He leaked her location."

"So you killed him for it?"

"He intended to hurt someone I care for. Of course I killed him for it."

"I suppose that is fair."

"As you can imagine, she has a high value on the black market."

"No shit."

"So I had to go make a few... underground stops. Apparently, people don't like my warnings."

"I can't imagine why."

"Right!" She smiles, "I was tempted to erase those underground traders."

"You didn't?"

She shrugs, "They haven't done anything yet, so I just gave them that warning. In person. Plus, there's some things I get from them on occasion."

"I see."

"Oh, speaking of, I have to go and see someone today."

"Can I expect issue from you?"

She sips her coffee, looking at him over the cup, "I won't start anything, if that matters."

"You know I've stuck my neck out for you, right? Well, for the heroes' sake again."

"What do you mean?"

"They keep planning to attack and kill you. I've told them you're not killable."

"Isn't that their choice to die, then? Considering I've warned them more than once and shown I easily can kill them."

"It's different when they die. The city needs them as well as me."

"And you want me to be fine with being attacked because people need heroes?"

"I never said that." Ewan places a hand in his hair, shaking his head, "But you've made me the voice of reason. I'm not known for being reasonable."

"You do seem more like the action type, yes."

"To some degree.'

"Your voice of reason sounds smooth, though."

"Ha ha."

She chuckles, "Maybe you should consider a career in snake charming."

"I'm sure."

"I'm curious about something."

"What?"

"Were you born with your abilities, or did they come later?"

"Does it matter?"

"Probably not. But as I said, I'm curious."

"I'll tell you some other time."

"That bad, hey?"

"Maybe."

"You know that makes me even more curious, right?"

"I guess so."

"It makes me want to go digging."

"You won't find much."

"Yeah? How so?"

"I made sure of it."

"Now I have to know. Maybe I should call up a few of my old contacts."

"And if I pried about you?"

"If you know where to look, you might find some... interesting things."

"You're not bothered about it?"

"It will, of course, depend on what exactly you manage to find. But the past made me who I am. I can't run from it any longer."

"Well, I am bothered by it."

"I didn't say I'm not bothered by it. That's exactly why I'm here."

"Someone know too much?"

"You heard it for yourself, previous colleagues of mine."

"Fair enough."

"Oh, one of those interesting facts for you; I used to have different abilities from what I have now."

"Why's that?"

"Sometimes shit happens."

"Interesting answer."

"What's so interesting about it?"

"Aloof, yet to the point."

"It's the short end of a long story." She says with a shrug, "I lost the power I grew up with when I got what I have now. I wouldn't call it a good time, exactly."

"Would you prefer what you had to what you have?"

She considers, "I helped a lot of people back then. So I know many who'd have preferred it that way. Including you."

"I'm asking if you do."

"I'm not sure, really."

"Easier to kill back then?"

"Well, I was. A lot easier. But that's not why 'm unsure. I mean, even now I'm not not killable."

"So you've said."

She smiles faintly, remembering her past, "I got what I have now because I almost died. Should've died."

"Seems a fair trade, then."

She looks down at Casper as she speaks again, "And if I gave you a way to kill me, how quickly would you use it?"

"I'm not sure."

An ornate dagger materializes on the counter as she bends over to scratch Casper on the head.

"That?"

"I'm creating a bit of possible future fun for myself. That may or may not be able to kill me."

"What do you mean?"

"Which part is confusing you?"

"The whole thing."

She looks at him again, Casper shaking her head after the scratch, "You started out swinging, now you're here carrying out conversations with me. You absolutely despise me, yet you can treat me in a civil way. I don't plan on hurting you, I find you interesting. So... I'm creating a situation for later that might turn out just as interesting. By giving you something that may or may not be able to kill me."

"So, you're testing me."

"No exactly testing, no. Ok, maybe a little." She moves closer to him, picking up the dagger, pressing the blade flat to the back of her arm.

"What are you doing?"

"Showing you that I can be hurt."

She slightly tilts it, piercing her skin and drawing blood. He almost flinches upon seeing it.

"Why?"

She wipes the blood off the tip with two fingers, keeping it pinched as she holds the handle-side out to him, "Possible interesting future situation."

"What if I try to kill you now?"

"Then you find out if it really can kill me now."

He takes the dagger, inspecting it. The hilt and handle has some strange and intricate designs, but the blade itself is dull. Like a decorative piece. He tosses it onto the counter.

"You have a fucked sense of humor."

"Sure you don't want to hold onto it just incase?"

"I feel like you're bullshitting me. So no."

"Worth the risk to not take it?"

"For all I know, yes."

She shrugs, sliding the dagger into a drawer, "Well, now you know where to find it."

"You're fucked in the head if you think I'm stupid enough."

"You know I am at least a little."

She drinks from her cup again, blood trickling down her arm.

He frowns, "You're bleeding."

She looks at her arm, putting the cup to the side, moving to the sink to rinse off the blood.

Ewan stands closer, "Let me see."

She opens the water, running it over the cut, wiping away the rest of the blood on her arm. He takes her arm, inspecting. It bleeds more as he tilts her arm.

"I've dealt with cuts before, you know."

"You've cut deeper than I thought."

"Deeper than I thought, too."

"I still don't trust the knife. Where are your bandages and gauze?"

She motions to the corner cupboard, "Probably a wise choice."

He tends her wound, cleaning and binding it.

"Thanks."

"It's nothing."

She stares at him a moment before eyes move to the clock on the wall, "Would you look at that. I have to get going."

"To where."

"I told you. I have to visit someone today."

"Lead the way."

"I can't bring you along on this one."

"Humor me."

"Humor you?" She laughs, "And show you where one of my contacts are so you can go back and kill them later?"

"What kind of contact?"

"A kind with information."

"What kind?"

"The kind that knows where bad people are."

"Then I'll have to go with you."

"Why?"

"I'd like to know where bad people are."

"Then I'm the one blamed for leading you to the informant? You know that will mean I will be hunted by heroes and villains, then. Right?"

"Can't hurt you if they're dead."

"They know what I am capable of. They'll come at me with everything they've got. Although they will die swift deaths, they will cause additional casualties."

He doesn't answer.

She sighs, "Who are you looking for?"

"Anyone still involved in the type of shit I kill people for."

"That's a long list. You can't have everyone."

"I'll not settle for less."

"Then you can't come with."

"You won't stir up problems?"

"I'm looking for people I have to kill. Long as I'm left alone, I only want information."

Echo whistles, Casper stretches out and stands.

"And here I thought I'd look after Casper while you were gone."

"If you want, I could have her watch you."

"I'm not an animal."

Casper chuffs, following Echo, "She's got manners. She's also well trained. Knows when to go for the throat and when to go for a leg or arm."

"I'd almost always go throat."

"Times come when you want to make someone suffer."

"I cannot argue with that."

Casper stretches her wings as they step outside.

"You sure I shouldn't come with you?"

"You talk like I need protection."

"Others do."

"Two names."

"Two names?"

"I get two, you get two. Sound good?"

"I don't wat just two. But that's better than nothing."

"Good. One more condition."

"Yes?"

"You'll not understand the conversation between me and the informant as we discuss my selected names."

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly that. I can't have you hear the information I need just yet. So I'm making sure you won't understand what's being said."

"You gonna speak in runes?"

"No. We'll speak English. You simply won't understand."

"How?"

"You know that long list of abilities I seem to have?"

"Yes?"

"That's how."