"EEEYYAAAUUUGGRRRLLLLLBBBBBLLLLGGHHHHH!"
THE FUCK?! Somebody or something just fuckin' shocked me!
Okay, yeah. I'm awake now, for the third and hopefully final time. I don't know where I am, but my head is pounding like a HBCU band at a jamboree and I'm extremely groggy. I can hear voices, but they all sound garbled and also rather deafening. My Auditory Brilliance—the scientific name for my Eclipsed Faculty of enhanced hearing—is back in effect, and it couldn't have come at a worse time. I really need to get a handle on that, because every single sound has been turned up to thirty-three. I'm hearing frequencies I shouldn't even be hearing right now.
(Is there a fuckin' ant crawling around somewhere?)
The lights are brighter than usual, almost blinding, which makes keeping my eyes open torturous. It feels like they're all piercing my brain. Everybody around just looks like blurry fractals or something. To my right and left, I can make out rows of almost contiguous capsules, but only their outline, slotted into the wall like batteries. My vision is beginning to return to normal as I continue to survey my surroundings, revealing that there are people inside of them. Teenagers, to be precise. So, if my deduction is correct, this means that I'm finally at my destination: STRATUM 4.
If this is that floor, then Pygmeat didn't know what he was talking about, or he lied in order to discourage me. There are no guards from what I can tell, just a bunch of T'Karians in regular clothing walking all around. Some have given me a death stare as they passed by, but nobody's said anything. Guess seeing a human here isn't all that surprising, but still very unwanted.
With all the noise and casual attire, it feels like I'm in a mall or something. The chatter is still killing me though. Hopefully this Faculty of mine subsides soon. Aside from that, I'm excited that I'm closer to finding Zuri and getting the fuck up out of here. I really hope they haven't done anything bad to her.
It only recently occurred to me that she's the cousin whom Shantrice has been looking for these past few months. Like, I've heard her name before and everything, but it just didn't ring any bells during our conversation. Can't blame me for not remembering immediately though. Shan is a thorn in my side most of the time, and I generally aim to ignore all of her blogs and streams. Especially the streams, which I've only watched after the live broadcast has ended, and mainly when I'm told that she has made mention of Sinead and me. Can thank Kanesha Kellum and her big mouth for that though.
With that being said, Shan has opened every stream lately with a plea to all of her viewers, asking them to remain on the look-out for anybody suspicious, as well as to send her any info they can gather on possible sightings of Zuri. Sadly, only one person ever had any info, but Shan has never talked about that encounter. Not in full anyway, she just told Sinead and me that it was a dead-end.
Well, rescuing her cousin should keep that afro-puff wearing demon off my back for a while. That's my hope anyway. However, considering the ranting from Zuri earlier, I'm not sure she wants to be reunited. I imagine there's going to be a fight once they see each other again, and I'm gonna have a front row seat to it. The clash of the century: ‘All the Smoke in Cayenne Oaks’!
Speaking of fighting, I'm only now realizing that Stratum 4 (if that is indeed where I am) is a stadium and that I'm in a lobby. As I stated before, there are a lot of T'Karians walking about. Mostly chit-chatting, but there are those at what I perceive to be concession stands. Probably buying snacks to enjoy whatever's going on straight ahead in the arena. I see now that is where a majority of the chatter's coming from. Still fuckin' deafening.
And of course, there are those that are still eyeing me, as well as crowds of them now observing the people in the capsules. Feels like we're all in a zoo, I'm just the only one outside of a cage.
Why I woke up in the middle of this lobby in the first place, I don't know, but I'm afraid to move. Why would I though? I'm surrounded by a bunch prejudiced, alien pussycats that would tear me apart quicker than a baby bird that fell out of the nest. For the record, I've seen that happen before. Extremely horrifying.
Anyway, the wise thing to do would be to stay as still as I can, lest I draw more attention than I need.
KRRRZZZSHIIIK!
OW! A bunch of static just boomed inside my ear! Where the fuck is it coming from?
KRRRZZZSHIIIK! BEEDLEBLEEP!
There it goes again, followed by a quick, piercing, beeping sound. I could feel a vibration this time, all around my neck. So I touch it, literally putting my finger on why the static was so loud.
"They've put a collar on me?"
This must be what shocked me awake. It didn't register at the time, but I guess that's because I was so groggy. I have no time to dwell on that, as there is now another vibration coming from the collar, but no static or beeping. Only a voice.
"<
Shit, it's that doctor. "Yes, I am. As awake as I can be. I still feel a bit disoriented though."
"<
"And why is that?"
"<
"Ah, I see," I sigh, rubbing my chin. "Well, that would explain why everything is so gotdamned loud, but I still don't see why I should be thankful. It's not like you saved me from death."
"<
"Like what exactly? The only thing I can tell has gone haywire is my hearing."
"<
"Always with the tests and shit. Tch," I grouse, gritting my teeth. "Fine, I'll give it a shot. First, I need to know—on what floor am I?"
"<>"
"Death matches?! You dropped me here to fuckin' fight for my life?!"
"<
"But I'm not prepared for this!"
"<
The communication between us is ended with another burst of static, but it isn't as loud this time. I've managed to gain some kind of control over my hearing, but since the doctor told me this is temporary, I'm afraid of what lies ahead. I don't know how he expects me to be the victor in a fight to the death when I only have a brief window of Governance. For the record, that's what it's called when Eclipsed individuals have fully mastered their Faculties. It's also a part of naming the powers, like having the Faculty of Unbound Muscle Governance, which is an ability that allows the user to alter their strength and density, among other things. It just so happens to be one of mine, providing me with Absolute Strength.
A lot of Eclipsed beings share Faculties, which is the reason why I know the names my abilities are classified as. These Faculties are what researchers consider Common. The only Faculty I don't have a classification for is the ability which makes my hands go up in flames. The one I told you about that I decided to dub Fuego-Fists. Sounds cooler than whatever scientific name it may be given, but I'd still like to know if there's a thread somewhere linking it to a previously displayed power.
A countdown has begun. I can hear the collar beeping slowly, urging me to head into the arena. I'm shivering again, because I don't know who or what I'll be up against, but I have to do it. My back is against the wall right now, so I just have to come out swinging and pray that I pummel the fuck out of the challenger.
The dark corridor ahead looks a lot more foreboding as I make my way towards the battleground. This is it though, no turning back. Time to show these intergalactic pussies what Dexter Bartholomew James Seagrave is made of.
*🌙*
I'm finally in the arena, where over a thousand spectators are packed in the stands, riled up and impatient. On my way out onto this sandy, rock-covered terrain, I heard a lot of laughter and jeers, but that wasn't a surprise. I'm not tall, nor am I muscular, so being shitted on before the fight can even commence is expected. If I wasn't so frightened, I'd laugh too. I'm too worried to even crack a joke right now though.
The anticipation is killing me. I really hate that the doctor rushed me out, especially since my opponent isn't out here yet. Either they're holding them back to build up tension, or the muhfucka's lollygagging. Whichever it is, I just want to get this shit over with. Whoever you are, please bring your ass out expeditiously so I can see what these hands will do!
"Well, folks, here's the moment you've all been waiting for," the announcer starts, his voice booming through the crackling PA system. He sounds like Dick Clark, Dick van Dyke and Ryan Seacrest fighting for supremacy in one body. You can tell he's been doing this for a while though, and he loves it. His excited tone has permeated the entire atmosphere, but it's only served to make me more antsy. "Our returning champion, towering over his competitor at a height of seven-foot-seven and weighing 595 pounds, from the savage planet of Chelomantoa IV, Brakyr…STYRHAUSK!"
(Woah! Did he just say seven-foot-seven?! THE FUCK?! Why are there so many giants around here?!)
About twenty or twenty-five feet away from me, the ground begins to tremor as fissures travel along it, branching off in different directions. The way they've spread out reminds me of the long-ass fingers on Mr. O'Herlihy's hands. He's a former Music teacher and coach of the girl's track team at The Herm. More on him later though, because a hole has subsequently opened in the dirt and a blast of sand and rocks has shot up from it like a geyser, making way for a colossal being to emerge.
"Fuck…"
The creature does a backflip in midair, landing behind the massive hole he created. He raises his muscular, insectoid arms—which he has six of—to flex and give a couple salutes as the entire crowd goes wild, overflowing with satisfaction. Their anticipation, as well as mine, has been satiated. At least for the time being.
After the crowd settles down, the announcer's voice booms through the loudspeakers once more.
"And, on the other side of the battlefield at a height of five-foot-six and weighing 145 pounds, stands Brakyr's challenger! From Aves Bay, Tennessee, on that polluted and pathetic morsel of a planet known as Earth, Dexter…SEAGRAVE!"
(That was a very, very, very, very, VERY AWFUL introduction!)
Denigration of my home planet aside, it's finally time for the battle to begin.
"Who's going to win this one, you wonder? Weeeeeell, your guess is as good as mine! For what it's worth, my money's on the warrior they call Starhusk the Ruthless!"
Well, that certainly didn't boost my confidence any. Not to mention, I have no idea what kind of abilities this guy has, but he's obviously strong and formidable. He is the returning champion after all.
While I'm not knowledgeable about much, what I am aware of is that his species is a cross between a giant tortoise and a mantis, with a jagged shell that's just as big as he is. The shell appears to be composed entirely of green and black crystals shaped like stalagmites of varying lengths, which are most likely biological. The crystals extend from the shell's back and sides, pretty much surrounding it, save for the section where he'd retract his head. They look sharp too, so I best keep myself at a distance. Maybe my Fuego-Fists can help in that regard.
"Wait a minute—what's this, folks?! The challenger's hands just went up in flames!" begins the announcer, shocked by the activation of my E-Faculty. While the display is nothing to write home about, his astonishment just made me grin from ear to ear. "There are wisps of red smoke and flakes of ash floating around his arms and filling the atmosphere on his side of the arena! Is he going to make the first move?!"
Nah, I'm definitely not going to do that. However, if one of us doesn't move soon, this crowd is going to start booing again. Might throw things too. Don't need that kind of negativity in this fight.
"Lookout! He's coming for you, Dexter!" the announcer screams as Brakyr leaps over the chasm, ripping his way across the vast distance like a bullet.
"WOAH!" I am simply amazed by his level of agility and can't believe my eyes when it comes to how swift he is, especially for a being of his size. He closed the gap between us in no more than ten seconds! It was like he just phased through the air, he was moving so fast!
"It appears that Starhusk is sick of waiting!"
(I CAN SEE THAT!)
And just like that, the big guy is in front of me. He raises one of his arms and brings it towards me at lightning-speed, causing me to flinch and close my eyes, throwing my arms up in defense while also turning my head.
*🌙*
"Duuuude, that's so not cool!" Brakyr gripes in the most mellow way possible. He sounds like a disappointed surfer who was just told he had to leave the beach earlier than usual. At this point though, I am still in a defensive position, though it feels awkward that I haven't been struck yet. Brakyr clears his throat. "Bro, do they not teach you guys manners on Earth?"
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
"Wait, what?" I finally drop my arms, and open my eyes, turning my head around ever so slowly. What I see just makes me feel embarrassed. "You want to shake my hand?"
"Of course! It's customary on the planet I'm from to do so before a fight. Kinda like a 'No hard feelings' gesture, as well as another way of saying, 'Best of luck'. Haha," Brakyr flashes a huge grin, which simultaneously creeps me out and puts me at ease. I never thought I'd see someone who's half-turtle and half-mantis with teeth like a human. New nightmares queuing up as I speak!
As I don't want to seem like I'm rude and wasn't raised right, I shake his hand, but not before deactivating my Fuego-Fists.
"Jesus, that's quite the grip you have there," I note, pulling my hand back, but quicker than I meant to, shaking it in pain. "Feels like your hand has its own gravitational pull." (Ahhhhh-yeeeee!)
"Hahaha! Well, us Chelomantines are nothing if not strong. You have to be in order to survive in our planet's atmosphere," he smiles again, patting me on the head. "Don't worry though, little brown dude, I'll try to go easy on you. Haha!"
"Yeah, try being the operative word," I shake my head. I don't know why, but it feels like I'm being pitied and patronized. I could do without that, thank you very much! "Why would you do that anyway? The doctor told me this is a death match."
"Death match? Doctor?" Brakyr ponders aloud, folding his middle pair of arms, while stroking his chin with the right hand from the top pair and rubbing the back of his neck with the left. "Wait a minute, are you talking about Mordecai, little dude?"
"Mordecai?! THAT'S his name?!"
"Yeah. Doctor Mordecai Saamzef. He's, like, the lead scientist here, as well as one of the wardens. Anyway, he apparently tells that death match nonsense to all of the humans I've had the pleasure, and displeasure, of beating up on. I think he believes it'll make you all fight better, but it just results in people attacking in desperation. No zen whatsoever. Like, toooootal vibe killer, bro."
"Well I'll be…" This is something that I should've seen coming, but have to sadly admit I was too naive about. Doctor Mordecai has played me like a fool, forcing me to fight for my life when I don't really have to, all because he's interested in the power inside me. Fuck it, I've come too far to turn back now. Better give him what he wants. "You know, you're pretty laid-back for someone called 'Starhusk the Ruthless'."
"I thank you for noticing that, little dude!" Brakyr laughs, his large, insect eyes alight with mirth. "I am most definitely not laid-back in battle though. Quite the beast!"
"I can't wait to– hey! OW!" Somebody just threw a large container from somewhere in the stands behind me, striking me in the back of my head with one of the sharp corners on it. The force with which it was thrown was pretty strong, so I believe I may have a little cut back there. Feels like I'm bleeding. "Shit, I forgot that we're supposed to be fighting. We've just been standing here talking."
"Ah, don't worry abo–" Brakyr is immediately clocked by a large, plastic cup, the contents of which splatter onto his head and face. Judging by the smell and appearance, it looks like what's left of a strawberry milkshake. "HEY! STOP THROWING SHIT DOWN HERE BEFORE I COME UP THERE AND RIP YOUR FUCKIN' THROAT OUT!"
Okaaaay… woah. I didn't think he could get like that. He was so mellow a few minutes ago, now he's about to Hulk Smash this place. "Yo, Brakyr, you good, man?"
Before he can reply, the spectator who threw those things—an average-size male T'Karian—yells out, "Fuck you! Get on with the fight! We didn't come here for a talk-show!"
"So that's how it is, huh? Well, if it's a fight you want, then it's a fight you will get!" Brakyr springs into the air and zooms towards the stands, making a beeline for him.
As fast as I had blinked, he was up there, grabbing the unfortunate fool by the neck and dragging him down to the battlefield with the same rapidity. "I! HATE! RUDENESS!" Brakyr slams him into ground with enough force to make our immediate area shake. I'm surprised the dude isn't crying about a broken spine. T'Karians as a whole must be pretty resilient.
Possible injuries aside, Brakyr next raises one of his limbs and a scythe-like bone protrudes from the back of his forearm, which he places on the T'Karian's neck. Leaning closer, he softly says to him, "Look, dude, I have half a fuckin' mind to split you open and spill your little dirty blood everywhere, but I can't because every last one of your kind will wanna tear me apart. And, I mean, they're more than welcome to attempt, but they won't succeed. I'm not called Starhusk the Ruthless for nothing. So, are you going to act accordingly and let us take our time?"
The T'Karian doesn't speak, just nods his head extremely fast while nervously twitching. Unbeknownst to Brakyr though, the poor sap has heavily soiled himself, with a puddle of urine forming near Brakyr's giant, webbed feet. "Um, homie, you might want to step back a bit…"
"Ngh! Ygbris's Pain!" he swears, recoiling from the steadily forming profusion while swinging his bladed arm in the air. "I oughta break your nose for this BS, bro. Totally not cool!"
Without so much as a thought, Brakyr lifts the creature and tosses him back into the stands where he lands on top of his fellow T'Karians that he was sitting between, splashing them with urine as he does. Turning his attention back to me and wringing all six of his hands dry, Brakyr asks, "Are you ready to get this show on the road, little brown dude?"
I didn't get a chance to answer because no sooner had he asked that, than the bell rang, signaling the beginning of our fight.
With no delay, Brakyr advances towards me, jabbing at lightning speed.
"GAH!" I cry out as I sidestep, just barely avoiding the massive fist he sent my way. That jab came dangerously close to grazing my left eye, and would've been direct contact if I didn't move in time. The shock from almost getting my eyeball knocked out though causes me to harshly grind my teeth, giving me the feeling that I may have just chipped one, or a few. What a fuckin' pain. "How in the hell is your big-ass moving so fast?!"
"Firstly: calling me that is RUDE, little brown dude! Secondly: I told you earlier. Or, I at least implied it? Anyway, Chelomantoa IV has really intense gravity. Being born under it, along with developing this enormous shell during adolescence, makes Chelomantines work ten times as hard with everything we do. So, um, wait? What was I…?" Brakyr quickly pauses to recall what he was about to say, then immediately resumes while jabbing at a higher rate of speed. "Oh, yeah! The gravity on the planet also makes us move slow! I say all of that to say this though: being away from that atmosphere was like having a titanic weight lifted off of me, greatly increasing my strength and agility. It feels like I'm riding on wind sometimes!"
"Woah, that's pretty damn amazing, honestly," I note, trying not to sound too enthused, but also trying to maintain distance between us. I'm having a hard time keeping the dodging up though, as I can't seem to tap into my Near-Absolute Speed.
Admittedly, I am moving more nimble than I ever have before, but I don't feel any different. I know the feeling when my powers are activated, as my whole body seems to heat up and I can hear a slight humming. Almost like the sound you'd hear when a generator is running. I am experiencing none of that right now! Shit! I thought Doctor Mordecai said that shock earlier was going to help me focus and control my powers? The fuck is going on?!
"Doc, if you can hear me, I think that jolt from earlier has worn off!"
Nothing. No response at all. Not even a faint sound of static. Fuck it, gotta just wing it for now. Can't chicken out in front of so many watchers.
This is really shaping up to be more of an eventful day than I initially declared, but also extremely taxing.
*🌙*
As Brakyr closes in, I spy something which I didn't notice at first: a collar, just like the one I have on. This means that Doc is monitoring him as well. This also means that Brakyr is one of their prisoners. Gotta get us all out of here, expeditiously.
KRRRZZZSHIIIK! BEEDLEBLEEP!
Yes! Never have I ever been so happy to hear that sound!
"Doctor Mordecai?!" I curiously exclaim, still receiving no reply. Only more silence so far, save for a slight humming. Much different than what my body would produce though. Actually, it's more like a buzzing sound. "Doc?! Please tell me this is you!"
KRRRZZZSHIIIK! BEEDLEBLEEP!
There it goes again! Oh my god, man— SAY SOMETHING!
"<
The doctor sounds concerned, and rightfully so, but he's wrong about me not breaking a sweat. I'm pouring buckets over here, just off pure nervousness. Might as well retire this Polo shirt like LeBron's old jersey once I get home. Fuckin' breakdancing Geehosophat in rollerblades.
"Yeah, Doc, I'm not able to do a thing outside of dodging, and I'm honestly not sure how long I can keep that up. I'm flabbergasted by my movements, to say the least. I've never been this swift!"
"<
"Leave it alone? LEAVE IT ALONE?! I thought you wanted me to fight this guy?!"
"<
Fuck! One side of me wishes I could rewind and just skip the weekend detention, even though doing so would land me in water hot enough to boil crabs. Still, it would have been better than my current predicament. Yet, the other side of me is brimming with joy. I finally have something exciting going on in my life, but now I'm unsure if I'll live to see more situations that are just as enthralling.
"Tch! This is definitely not boding well for me, but I'll keep going. I'm going to be in so much trouble with my dad though over this shirt and these khakis!"
"<
"What about him?" I ask, my attention briefly breaking from the fight. I guess it's good that my body is doing all the work of dodging Brakyr, because at this point, not having control seems best. Though Brakyr doesn't look so hot, and appears pretty flustered over barely touching me. I also think he's listening closely to Doc and me. Not that I mind though.
"<>"
"YOU KIDNAPPED MY DAD TOO?! THE FUCK?!"
At that moment, I manage to gain a bit of control and reactivate my Fuego-Fists. I hold my arms up in a crossed position, and instead of dodging, let Brakyr's fists collide with them, unleashing a contained, but still pretty intense, explosion. This knocks him back about three feet, stunning him, but also pushes me back considerably. It's a risky move, but a good save when needed. It's something I learned when I fought that super-strong vagrant I told you all about. Now to return my attention to the doctor.
"Once this fight is over, I'm gonna find out where you're hiding, rescue my dad and everyone else, then beat the shit out of you!"
"<
"NO! I'm not calming down! You kidnapped my fuckin' dad! Do you guys think it's okay to just snatch people up and keep them for extended periods of time? Separating them from their friends and family? HUH?! In what plane of existence is that shit right?!"
"<
"Boo-fuckin'-hoo! Fuck you and fuck the science, old guy. That girl you had me in a cage next to? Her name's Zuri Renée Farrese, and she's the cousin of a young lady I attend school with. A pretty intelligent, albeit annoying at times, young woman named Shantrice Renée Peloquin," I begin, trying to stop from seething so much.
As my shirt is in a tattered state, I go ahead and tear it off, revealing my skinny chest, which is also bruised up. I'm guessing that explosion hit me pretty hard when it pushed me back. As far as the shirt goes, my father will understand. They've kidnapped us both and also put me through hell, so getting my clothes fucked up shouldn't be a issue. With that in mind, I make my way over to Brakyr, prepared to finish this while finishing my statement to the doctor.
"Now, Shan and I don't see eye-to-eye much often, but I'm not heartless either. I've watched her go damn near CRAZY looking for her cousin. Despite having zero leads outside of a torn piece of her shirt, Shan hasn't quit. She's determined to find her and reunite. That reunion remains tentative with what I've gleaned from chatting with Zuri, but it's what Shan wants. I'm not going to let you keep those two, or anyone else for that matter, SEPARATED!"
Suddenly, a bright light flashes behind me, almost urging me to halt. Three figures appear immediately afterward, their shadows cast on the ground and somewhat over Brakyr's resting body, shimmering. It feels like looking at the shadow cast on the bottom of a pool when the sun's shining bright on the water. I'm a bit captivated to be completely frank.
One of the figures is easily recognized as Doctor Mordecai, I don't have to turn around to see that. I'm not sure who the other two are, but one of them is huge, while the other is medium-sized. Around my height actually, if not a tad shorter.
"Mr. Seagrave, I've had enough of your insolence! If you want to ruin what we've been working towards, you're welcome to try, but you WILL NOT SUCCEED!"
The doctor snaps his fingers, and the two figures with him begin to advance.
Unlike other times where I was too frightened to turn around, I waste no time in shifting to see who's ass I'll have to kick this time. What I subsequently see before me, with one of them at least, completely throws me off.
"Zuri?!"
*🌙*
"Sweet mommy muscle!" I shudder, taking in the sight of the over eight-feet-tall, caramel-complected woman with rippling muscles and visible, glowing veins running wild throughout her neck, arms and legs. In my mind, I know it's Zuri, but I don't want to believe it. They've managed to fuse her with Terry Crews or some shit. "The fuck did you muthafuckas do to her?!"
"We gave her an upgrade, Mr. Seagrave! And it was all thanks to your blood!"
"Yeah, I can see that!"
Fuck! I hope she's still in there somewhere and hasn't been completely brainwashed. She's staring at me with the same menacing glare that Trixie had, it's almost like she doesn't recognize me. Maybe if I try and talk to her, I can reach her.
"Heeeey, Zuri. It's me, Dexter Bartholomew James Seagrave. You know, that guy you were in a cage next to a few hours ago. Please tell me you remember me!"
"GRRRRAAAAAAAAOOOOOOW!" she rages, steadily advancing in my direction and shaking the battleground with every step. Those veins of hers I mentioned previously are pulsating, seemingly breathing, almost like they have a life of their own. With each measured, lumbering stride she takes, she leaves behind giant footprints. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that she's still barefoot, but those feet are no longer pretty. I wanna ugly-cry right now.
"Ooooo-kay… you're apparently deep in there somewhere. You can't be too far gone though, so let's try this again: Heeeeey again, Zuri! This is Dexter! You know, that guy who goes to school with your cousin Shantrice?"
Zuri halts and begins breathing heavily, sort of hyperventilating, and simultaneously making noises like a worked up gorilla, complete with beating on her chest. Alright, she's in there still, but mentioning Shan was a HUGE mistake!
"Okay, okay! Calm down! Be a good girl! I'm not going to hurt you!" I plead, but it does me no favors, for Zuri commences jumping up and down, stomping the ground with mindless aggression. "Well, if this ain't a kick in the head. I have to not only fight Brakyr, but a roided up Zuri and whoever this little pink chick is. You're just really going all out on me, eh, Doc?"
"You won't have to fight all three of us, little brown dude," Brakyr interjects, wincing as he gets up. "I recognize the force within you, so I'd rather fight beside than against you. I also heard you and Doc Mordecai's convo. So not cool. We've gotta put an end to this, broski."
Well, that's a relief. The odds are literally even now. Brakyr is still wincing and holding his side though. I don't see any visible damage, but he was already pretty scarred and cracked up along the abdomen, so I wouldn't know if he gained a new mark or not. Still, I initially thought the big guy couldn't be harmed, but I apparently had enough power to make that happen.
To be honest though, that cross-armed technique works by reflecting an opponent's strength back onto them, but adding to it with a sufficient amount of my own and turning it into a concussive blast. So, he was hit by his own massive power just as much as he was mine. Maybe I can find a way to utilize that again, but make sure Zuri's in range. It's another risk, but better than doing nothing at all.
Moving closer to Brakyr, I bring myself into a huddle with him to relay my plan of attack. A plan that I can only hope is a great one.
"Yo, Brakyr, I have an idea, but we'll need to work closely together for it to work."
"Go ahead, little brown dude. I'm all ears."
"Alright, look: that move I used on you is a combination attack. I've only used it twice, once when my Fuego-Fists first manisfested, and the other time is, well, recently against you. Anyway, it works by combining the strength of the flames emitted from my hands with the force of whoever collides with them, doubling the power and sending it back."
"Woah. Awesome. That's why it feels like I got hit with a planet or something, huh?"
"Heh-heh, if that's what it felt like, then yeah. That's exactly why. You're pretty strong though. Stronger than I am, I'm sure, but I'm no slouch. I can hold my own when things get ugly. Still, I believe that attack will be a way to turn the tide."
"How do you figure that?"
"Well, I figured earlier that Zuri—that's the huge muscular chick—has been brainwashed by Doc Mordecai. With that being said, I assume that with enough force, I can literally knock some sense into her. There's only one thing you'll have to do in order for that to happen though."
"Lay it on me, bro!" Brakyr howls, more excited than I thought he'd be. At this moment, I can hear his heart beating quadruple time, along with his pulse and blood quickening. Since he's an extraterrestrial, I don't know if that's a bad thing or not. I'd hate for him to collapse from overexertion.
Again, I know I'm beating a dead horse by repeating this, but since I can't manage all of my E-Faculties, it's best to err on the side of caution and use everything at my current disposal.
"Alright, here it goes: I need you to throw me into her. If my prediction is correct, she'll go off instinct and punch or swat me away to prohibit my attack from connecting, but she won't be prepared for the knockback. However, we'll need to build up enough momentum for me to hit her and create a much bigger explosion. For this, we will need to go on the other side of that hole you created. Hopefully, our foes don't follow."
Without saying a word, Brakyr immediately grabs me (by one of my ribs, mind you!), runs in a circle at a speed I didn't know he could hit then jumps over the opening in the ground. He swiftly turns around and throws me like a javelin.
"OHHHHH SHIIIIIIIIT!"
>>> TO BE CONTINUED <<<
🌙🌙🌙