A simple day like any other. The weather forecast said that it would be sunny all week. But everything was turned upside down as a massive snowstorm struck the city. Everyone was caught off guard by the sudden shift in temperature. And no one knew why.
The skies were once clear, now layered with a blanket of dark clouds. Even then, none could see the sky as their vision was obscured by flurries of snow. Everything practically came to a halt as authorities tried their best to keep the populace from panicking.
And all this chaos was caused only by one woman.
It was so sudden. One moment, Nathan and his friends were investigating Hound's past, the next, they were attacked by Evie's minions. The inn was almost cold enough to freeze anyone into a statue, but somehow Nathan kept them warm thanks to the Gluttonous Maw. His weapon burned as it devoured the frozen particles in the air. In a constant motion of consuming and releasing the energy. Enough to keep the dangerous freeze at bay. But that wasn't enough, soon they'll have to face Jackie as they had no other choice.
Gerald cowered behind the safety of his counter, but he knew that the danger would soon catch up.
Then finally, the opportunity arose. It would seem that everyone has a limit. And Jackie couldn't continue her assault for long. Once she stopped, the trio bolted into action.
Nathan and Jonah flanked Jackie while Ivory simply ran straight to the target. Sadly Ivory had forgotten about that person she threw because they haven't forgotten her.
Just as the Sentinel was about to land the first blow, she was kicked off the ground and back to where they first started. This action caused Nathan and Jonah to falter in their attack.
"I had that handled," Jackie claimed.
"Did you?" Her masked associate doubted. "Listen, let a real woman deal with a real problem. You distract the other two."
Jackie scoffed as she watched them go after Ivory. Now left alone, Jackie prepared herself for combat.
Jonah was the first to strike as he took aim and shot at Jackie. But she simply summoned a wall of ice with a flick of a wrist and caught the bullet in the air. Soon after, Nathan covered the gap and made for a heavy swing. One issue, Jackie was human. The Gluttonous Maw went through Jackie as if she was a ghost. This gave her the chance for a quick attack. Though he believed at first that he got out unscathed, Nathan realized the cold feeling on his chest where a claw mark sported.
The two glared at Jackie as she brandished her frozen claws that were placed upon her fingertips. Stained red with frozen blood. This didn't deter them.
The thing they learned from this small interaction was that Jackie was human, despite her bluish hue.
With this in mind, Nathan conjured waves of energy one after the other. Jackie once again raised a wall of ice to absorb all the attacks, but she had forgotten about Jonah who had placed himself in a better position. Or so they thought. Once Jonah fired several shots, Jackie dodged the bullets before they could land. Soon it was known that the floor beneath her feet was covered in a layer of smooth ice, and Jackie was equipped with a pair of skates made from blades of ice. A recurring theme for someone who was an expert in her craft.
Offended by the attempt, Jackie covered herself in a shield of ice and went after Jonah next. Nathan could not catch up due to the slippery floor left in Jackie's wake, so he was left useless as he watched her zoom toward Jonah.
Shot after shot, his bullets couldn't penetrate Jackie's shield as they weren't the right caliber. His heart filled with a small hint of dread as the ice fiend was already upon him, the blade of her skate just a few inches away.
Luckily Jonah had an angel by his shoulder as something prevented Jackie from connecting her blade with his face. Her partner returned and crashed into her like a corpse. Ivory had saved Jonah from a fatal cut and hadn't stopped there. Ivory slammed into both Jackie and her partner and carried them straight outside.
"Nathan, go help Ivory!" Jonah ordered before he looked over to Gerald. "Which room has a good view of the streets!?"
Ivory tossed the two at a car, Jackie recovered just as she was about to hit it and landed gracefully on the snow. As for her partner, they crumpled like paper as she collided with the vehicle.
Compared to the inside, the cold was far worse outside. Everywhere Ivory looked, she noticed hundreds of strange ice formations. Though she could hardly see, they were small, and some varied in shape. But soon Ivory realized that these weren't a normal phenomenon. No, they were people. It was cold at first, but Ivory felt a burning flame within her chest as she recognized what Jackie had done. Fist clenched, and heart filled with hatred, Ivory launched off the ground and dashed toward Jackie.
She tried to defend herself from Ivory, but that proved useless as every wall of ice she conjured was constantly broken down with just a single punch each. Ivory was relentless, she made no sound as she quickened her attacks. But it came to a stop as Jackie caught Ivory by the wrist, which then covered her whole arm in ice. Before Ivory could even pull back, Jackie slammed her palm into the Sentinel which then encased her body in a prison of ice.
"Look up!" Nathan warned Jackie which didn't help as he slammed his shoe in her face. "Give me the word!"
"Path written!" Phantom said as he drew a plan for Nathan.
Jackie didn't see it coming. At first, it seemed that she had the advantage, but Nathan somehow got stronger, and faster. Perhaps even smarter. But that wasn't the truth. It was all thanks to Phantom.
She tried to block the attacks, but the Gluttonous Maw simply cut through her defenses, and when vulnerable, Nathan landed kicks and punches every time.
"Step back!"
He did as he was told, which saved him from Jackie's icy grasp.
"Duck!"
Just as Nathan did so, a bullet buried itself into Jackie's head. A lucky shot that could've spelt disaster if he had not listened to Phantom. Her body flipped over head first. A freezing wind pushed Nathan back as Jackie righted herself. Who now wore a protective layer of ice on her forehead which had a bullet lodged deep in it. Her frown now turned into a deadly scowl, Jackie retreated as she grew tired of the short fight.
"Zero, get up! I need to recover!"
The snowstorm grew even stronger, so they were caught off guard as this "Zero" person came out of nowhere. Nathan's vision was obscured, but he quickly raised his weapon to block Zero's fist.
Jonah's line of sight was limited as everything was just a blur to him. The sky was blocked out by the intense storm. So intense that ice formed around Jonah's position. The weather was a disadvantage for the marksman, and he needed a way to see so he could help better.
"Zero?" Nathan asked Phantom, just to be answered with the fact that Phantom had not met Zero before.
This was bad. They had a chance when they fought Jackie, but this was a stranger to them, a mysterious enigma that seemed to come back no matter how hard they pushed her down.
Ivory tossed Zero into a wall, at Jackie, and into a car, which was reduced to a broken mess to be in fact. Yet Zero still stood as if she was unharmed.
Worst of all, it would seem that Jackie covered herself in a block of ice which surely repelled all small-arms fire. That meant Jackie was recovering her energy in there while Zero kept them distracted.
"Miss your shot, aim to her right!" Nathan sent a wave of his range attack as Phantom had told him. Zero stared at him as the wave of energy simply passed her, but soon it was a mistake as she was shot at by Jonah.
The light advertised Zero's location for the marksman, but that only proved to be a one-time thing. When Nathan tried again, Zero simply avoided the light. The roaring snowstorm kept a curtain which covered their moves. With Ivory imprisoned in ice, and Jonah practically blinded, Nathan was left to fight alone.
Zero dashed about the area as she knew she'd be preyed upon by Jonah who had not missed a single shot yet.
Accompanied by the slight blindness, the wind was roaring into Nathan's ears which prevented him from pinpointing Zero's exact position.
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Then it happened, a blazing star blanketed the whole place with a red light. Somehow, Jonah was smart enough and brought a flare gun to their trip to Titus. And that's when Nathan saw it, Zero was upon him ready to strike. Before she could get wise, Nathan swung his blade right across the middle.
It was done, the Gluttonous Maw cleaved through flesh and cloth alike. And Zero was separated from her other pair of limbs. Victorious, Nathan switched his attention to Jackie. Only to realize the hand on his shoulder. Zero was still alive and unharmed. Was she actually human? He was about to find out. Courtesy of a heavy punch to the face.
Down on the ground, Nathan watched as Zero towered over him. She just stood there, as if she was examining him closely. Nathan did the same with her. There was a clear cut on her waist, which meant his blade did go through her skin. The question now was: Who in the world was Zero?
His perception of her being some kind of immortal grew as Jonah landed several rounds into her, yet Zero was unfazed.
"The Alpha wants you alive, but Frost and I have come to an understanding that you need to die. Nothing personal on my part, I just want that weapon of yours."
"You'll have to pry Gluttony from cold dead hands," He hissed. "Good luck, she's just as stubborn as I am."
"Thank you for your consent!"
With that, the two continued where they left off.
Nathan shot across the air and delivered a fatal blow. Yet Zero was left unscathed by the action. He dodged her punch in time and watched her fist sail over him. Jonah was reluctant with his shots as he feared he'd make a simple mistake. This Zero, shrouded in mystery, was another foe that they both knew they couldn't handle. Especially now that Nathan realized that his attacks were nothing to her. His blade severed her limbs, or in actuality, that is what should've happened.
He saw it for sure. The Gluttonous Maw sliced through her arm, but they reattached right after. An enemy that could recover from killing blows was an enemy beyond him.
Zero laughed with glee. "This is awesome!" She seemed to be detached from reality as she saw their battle differently from Nathan's.
This was a matter of life and death, but Zero simply treated it as a game.
"Hey, you're not gonna hurt this guy, right?" Zero asked as she hid behind a frozen person. If she thought Nathan would be reluctant, then she was dead wrong. And as for his answer? He continued to attack with nothing to hold him back. "Oh, that's good! Glad that you aren't as boring as I expected!"
Jonah couldn't help as much, all he could do was slow her down with every crippling shot. And when he finally gave Nathan the chance, a roaring light burst from the Gluttonous Maw. Zero couldn't dodge, and blocking was just as bad as her other options. She couldn't move away in time as waves of energy tore her apart.
Finally, the two felt accomplished as they defeated their foe.
Or so they thought.
From the aftermath, Zero leapt forward and slammed her fist into Nathan's abdomen. Everything nearly went dark as he fell onto his back with empty hands. She succeeded and had Gluttony in her grasp. The only cost was just portions of her uniform and her mask. Her short and messy black hair shifted in the cold wind as she stood triumphantly over Nathan.
"Finally! I have her!" Zero rejoiced as she held the Gluttonous Maw in her arms so that she wouldn't try and escape in her puppet form. Zero was a dark-skinned human underneath who wore the most deranged smile Nathan had ever seen. And though they were the same, it was quite obvious that she was something else than human. "We are gonna have so much fun, I tell you!"
"Put her down," Nathan groaned as he rose to his feet. Despite the pain that nearly knocked him out, Nathan was willing to save Gluttony no matter what.
She held the giant sickle tightly and gave Nathan a crazed look. "Oh? How about we slice up your friend before we enjoy ourselves!? Come on, I know you want to eat his flesh!"
"W-who do you think I am!?" Gluttony scoffed. "I'd never hurt my pal, and I'd never work with some broad who thinks she could just steal me away!" She tried to break free and transform but found that she couldn't do so.
Nathan pulled out his pocket knife and sneered. "Last chance, lady, or else Jonah and I will rip you apart!"
"You did that already," Zero teased. "Split me in two, but I'm still standing. Honestly, that's very disappointing."
They say that when you are on the edge of death, you'd see the Grim Reaper watching over you.
That's what Nathan noticed as he stared down at his enemy. A dark shadow loomed over them, still and silent. As if it was simply a statue. It seemed that this was a sign that attacking Zero now was a fool's decision. Certainly wasn't new to Nathan since he was familiar with man's folly. He wasn't smart, only determined. And right now he wanted to get Gluttony back no matter what. He cursed at Death silently as he knew he'd be listening.
"I am to assume that this whole thing was caused by one of you." A voice broke through the wind as the sound of crushed snow followed. "Good, it seems that these people are in some kind of deep sleep. Alive, but I do not know for how long. So I must hurry."
"Who the hell are you?" Zero demanded to know.
It was hard to tell since it was a tad bit blurry, but Nathan noticed a few interesting features.
This man was tall and had a pointy set of ears. And as he approached closer, Nathan slowly got a clear view of him. He was hairless with eyes simply a white canvas. His long red coat was designed with an oversized collar that went around his lower face and neck. Though at first, he seemed to be a regular Apex that somehow survived Jackie's first attack, there was something different about him. And it wasn't long before everyone realized that this stranger was someone not to be trifled with.
"You," The man pointed at Zero. "Your stench is strange. And I am led to believe that this was your doing. Or simply, that you are related to what caused this."
"You…" Zero hissed. "Kalasraast!"
Nathan flinched as soon as the man was named. A god was in their presence, and somehow he ended up caught in the situation. And strangely enough, it didn't sound like she was worried. No, it sounded as if she was eager to challenge the newcomer.
Before any of them could continue, Zero was at Kalasraast's throat. The Gluttonous Maw was deflected from its path by a single hand. Kalasraast knitted his brows together. "I see now that you are foolish." He tugged on his collar and pulled it down to reveal the rest of his face.
A skullish grin was shown to all. An Apex would have a few teeth on their lips that would help them catch their prey. But Kalasraast had a full set. And not just that, he opened his maw to reveal a second row of teeth behind the first.
Before Zero could step back, Kalasraast lunged forward.
She couldn't believe it, the god was faster than mortal men. In a blink of an eye, he was already a few steps behind her. Not only that, the feeling of her left arm was missing. When she turned, it was then that Zero realized why. He was devouring it. Kalasraast was like a beast as he tore through the limb as if it was his first meal after years of starvation.
This didn't deter her. If anything, it fueled Zero with newfound determination. She laughed as she dashed toward Kalasraast, her missing arm started to grow back in a matter of seconds. It seemed this battle gave Jonah enough time to regroup with Nathan. But they were powerless now as the Great Devourer entered the game. Blood and gore flew about as Zero continued her assault. The god simply tore her into pieces as he realized that she wouldn't go down so easily. This only served to irk him greatly. That's when he realized something he had missed.
When Zero swung the blade down, Kalasraast tore her arm right from the socket and stole the Gluttonous Maw from her.
"That's mine!"
"This is mine." He said. "Made from my soul, to be given to my champion. And you dare disgrace it with your bloodlust."
He held the weapon in one hand, and slowly, raised it into the air. Zero paused as she grew curious as to what he had planned. But her curiosity would be her demise. One single swing was all he needed.
Nathan and Jonah didn't see anything. One moment, Zero stood proudly before her enemy. The next? She was left with only half a head. They could tell Zero was still conscious as her eyes darted around as what was left of her fell to the snowless pavement. The only thing they noted was the distinct sound of a pop.
"I will finish you off later, first I need some answers and you shall gladly give them." He directed his attention to Jonah and Nathan after. "As for you, humans, I need the same from both of you. Explain exactly what has transpired in this city."
"No, we still have one more person to worry about!" Jonah warned.
Just as he pointed out their last concern, something sped past them. And not only that but Zero was missing.
"Damn it, she's getting away!" Jonah pulled up his rifle, but the snowstorm kept him partially blind. "This damn storm!"
"She's too fast," Kalasraast said. "I cannot strike her with my attack."
"Great," Jonah groaned loudly. "Live today, fight tomorrow! They're totally gonna bother us next time."
"Your concern is selfish," The god scolded Jonah and gave him a soft glare. "These people are frozen and require our aid. But seeing as we vanquished the culprits, I do believe the authorities could finally enter this area without a problem."
"Excuse me?" Kalasraast turned to Nathan. "Hey, yeah, can I have that back? I'm kinda currently using it."
"Oh?" Calmly, Kalasraast handed Gluttony back without question. "As long as you tell me everything. And do not run, you cannot escape."
"Thanks,"
They didn't notice it at first, but Ivory finally broke free from her ice prison as it weakened the moment Jackie was long gone. "Greetings, Great Devourer," She bowed to Kalasraast with great respect.
"Ivory!" The two were happy to see that their friend was safe after the whole encounter.
Though the thrill of combat was still burning within them, the three were glad that they managed out of that conflict with little injuries.
"So, will anyone please explain?"
Ivory being the responsible one of the group stepped up to the god and explained from the start. She left out the reason why they were in Titus and simply told them that they were unsure as to why Jackie and Zero attacked.
"I see," By the end of their short story, the sky started to clear out as the weather became stable. "Well, you lot were lucky that I was around. Don't think you could've handled that Zero person. She was harder to kill than the Wizard King."
"Yeah, I was glad that you got here in time," Nathan said.
"Pardon me, but…" Kalasraast focused his attention on the Gluttonous Maw in Nathan's hands. "How long has that weapon been in your possession?"
"Three years I think," Nathan answered.
"It was quite strange when I wielded it, as if there was something wrong and I couldn't tell why." He must've noticed Gluttony's presence. "It was heavier than I remembered, that I know."
"You sure it isn't because it's been too long since you had it?" Jonah thought.
"Perhaps," Kalasraast then turned away and started to walk down the street. "Still have things to do sadly, and I hope that we meet again in the near future."
"Hold on, could you tell me how you did that? That trick you used on Zero." Nathan asked.
Kalasraast shook his head. "Forgive me, but that wouldn't be possible. Your mortal soul would be consumed if you even try to use that power. Unless you were aligned with a god, that ability is beyond you."
The trio watched as the deity vanished around the corner. They finally relaxed once he was out of the picture.
It was one ludicrous morning and a lot happened over a few hours. Attacked by Evie's minions from out of nowhere, and their encounter with Kalasraast. By far this day was the most memorable one yet in their lives.
Once they had their bearings and the thrill of battle left them, the group checked on Gerald. They apologized profusely for the damage and paid for it. It was lucky as well that Gerald still offered them a room. He was a generous and kind man.
"Still can't believe that we got our butts kicked by some freak," Jonah painfully remembered how Zero almost won. "Was she even human?"
"No," Nathan answered. "The Gluttonous Maw doesn't hurt humans, and you saw me cutting through her. She healed quickly, even catching her severed limbs before they could be tossed aside."
"When I fought her, Zero was stronger than anyone I'd ever seen. We were lucky that Kalasraast was around to help out." Said Ivory.
"Speaking of the guy, what was he doing around here?"
Jonah shrugged his shoulders. "Heard the lemon soda is to die for, so I'd figure someone who is the embodiment of eating would enjoy the brand."
"I'm just glad we all got out of that in one piece, especially the people Jackie caught in her power." Ivory sighed. "But I wish we didn't have to be caught in this mess."
"MPD!" A voice boomed through the streets. "Drop your weapon or we will open fire!"
Jonah quickly discarded his rifle and raised his hands in the air. "I was forced, I'm innocent!"
"I'm just a hostage!" Gluttony screamed.
"You idiots!" Ivory shouted as she felt the urge to slap the two. This was a terrible move on her part as the police saw it as aggression.
"Rogue Sentinel, immobilize her!"
Before Ivory could even dodge, a heavy net caught her in a bind. This in turn caught Nathan as he was right behind Ivory.
Jonah and Gluttony both froze still with their hands in the air as the police force surrounded them. It wasn't long before they were apprehended for a crime they did not know. Or perhaps the four were suspected to be the cause of the sudden snowstorm.
It was a terrible day for our heroes as the police took them away.
"Guess I wasn't needed." Wicked said as she watched the whole thing from the highest point in the city. "Why did I even bother?"