When she was just a small girl, around four years old, she accidentally ruined one of Raheems many paintings. He was such a gentle man and it was showed clearly through his paintings where the motifs were almost exclusively wildlife or nature. Dull to some, but Voidchild always loved the simple, smooth strokes of his brush that would inevitably mould into a living breathing animal or a beautiful visage of the land they lived on. But the one painting he was most proud of, was the portrait he drew of her
Mary, later Snowflake, lastly Voidchild. He told her how when she got older how he had to struggle to get her to sit still for the painting but also how it was easily worth it:
Its by far the most beautiful motif Ive had the pleasure of working with! he smiled at her while roughing up her hair.
She smiled back up at him with those large light-blue glowing eyes of hers, seemingly pleased herself. But in actuality, what she really wanted was to have as beautiful dark skin as Raheem and everyone else living in her village. She never liked the ice-cold, pale exterior she presented herself and which made her stick out like famine among health.
One evening, Raheem was out running errands in the village while she was left at home. She sat in the kitchen for almost two hours, just staring at the portrait of herself that he had proudly placed on the wall for everyone to see. After the second hour had passed, she climbed onto a chair and pulled it down, went out and got his brushes and paint and began struggling to colour the insides of the contours with a dark brown colour.
When Raheem got home later that evening, he immediately noticed the new painting hanging on his kitchen wall. His old portrait of Snowflake was now a big puddle of dark brownish colours, not blending together very professionally either. He sighed heavily
He always had a feeling the issue of her peculiar skin-colour was going to manifest sooner or later. He just didnt know how.
He went into her room to find her hiding underneath the sheets of her bed. She had never done anything like this before and was probably deathly afraid of seeing Raheem angry with her. He sat down on the side of the bed and pulled the sheets off of her while asking why she went and did something like that. But she was too ashamed, and probably too scared, to answer. Raheem took point instead.
Youre a beautiful and unique young girl Snowflake
he started off while removing the tiny hands she was shielding her face with. There is no use in aspiring to become what everyone else is because each and every living thing in this world is unique. And that is how it should be
She finally looked up at him again, her eyes seemed to glow more than usual and were blurry somehow. Raheem knew well that she was even more unique than he was letting on, but he had never seen her in this sort of emotional state and it caught him somewhat by surprise. He was just happy that she was this special though and continued on.
You do know that what you did was not the right thing to do? That the decision of what my paintings look like are mine alone to make? he stated with a more authoritive voice this time. She slowly nodded her head with a worried look on her face. But I forgive you! He suddenly smiled. And you know why? Because even though youve made a mistake, you can always make up for it. Its never too late. Now this doesnt mean that you can go around doing as you please without consideration for others. Making up for mistakes is only second to preventing them from happening in the first place
If! He held up his index-finger and pointed at her. If its within your power to do so...
She stared long and hard at Raheems finger pointing at her. The meaning of his words were crystal-clear to her and the majestic way in which he went about telling her about it only made them clearer. She looked up at him and gave him a grand smile in response and promised shed make it up to him.
Indeed you will
he smirked. Youre going to help me make an equally, no, an even better portrait right now. And neither you nor I will go to sleep until its finished, alright?
She nodded happily and followed him to help with the painting. The second painting became even better than the first. A more natural, happy, yet a bit frizzy-haired Snowflake got to decorate their kitchen-wall for the rest of the days they were both lucky enough to spend together.
Voidchild is brought back to face grim reality. The speech about mistakes that her departed adoptive father held for her so long ago has stuck to her mind like the sky to the ground for so long
Words to live by, and yet, she almost walked out on them.
She turns back to face the alien, she presses her feet to the ground and clenches her fist as he draws closer to her. He steps up his pace and starts sprinting towards her.
No more mistakes
Voidchild growls to herself as the glow in her eyes intensifies.
She throws her hands into the air and the alien is suddenly bereft of his foothold as the undeniable powers of the void hurls it high into the air, only to have it crash down face-first behind her on the asphalt. He is still far from beaten and swings his huge fist backwards and slams it into her back, sending her sliding across the alley. The void protects her body to some extent but those cracking noises were still the sounds of bones breaking.
She turns onto her back and sees the alien leaping down at her from the sky with his sword readied. Almost instinctively, and through sheer panic, she creates a huge field of negated gravitational force that slams him into the ground in front of her. Before it can get up, she hurls herself on top of it and begins bombarding the alien with everything the energies of the void can muster. She closes her eyes and never lets up, afraid, that if shell open her eyes, the first thing shell see is the aliens gigantic sword coming down on her.
Suddenly, someone grabs her shoulder. She flings around ready to lash out at any assailants:
Hey! a thin blonde man, wearing a grey trenchcoat, a purple shirt and brown pants raises his hands submissively, causing her to freeze halfway. No need to fret luv! Was just trying to tell you that this here gent has been knocked out cold. No need to kill him off eh?
She doesnt answer, but turns her head towards the alien again. Indeed, the Rikti is out cold and its battle-armor lies in pieces all over the alleyway. Had she kept going, she most likely would have killed it.
The man lights a cigarette. Thats some impressive foot-work luv. You nearly did that guy in didnt you?
Voidchild raises and eyebrow and turns towards the man. I wasnt trying to kill it
she replies, knowing that she wasnt fully in control of the situation.
Sure you werent
But you still nearly did so anyways no? he lets out some smoke. You look all bruised up though. Should go get yourself some of that free hero-help at Chiron medical facility no?
I
is all she gets to say before he interrupts her again.
He sniffs the air. Why you smell lovely
he comments with a wicked grin behind his bright goatee.
The odd comment coupled with the big black, almost serpent-like eyes of the stranger causes her great discomfort. She slowly hovers into the air, not letting him out of her sight until she picks up speed and starts heading for Chiron medical facility.
As soon as shes vanished in the distance, the stranger kicks the unconscious alien around for a bit. My, you really tore im apart didnt you Voidchild? He takes another puff from his cigarette. Well, I guess I best make some notes of that
Good idea no luv?
The young civilian she just sacrificed her ribs to keep away from harm comes out of hiding.
Who was that? he asks cautiously. She saved my life
I mean, she was weird, but she saved my life. Is she some new hero!
The odd gentleman turns his head towards the civilian who walks up to him and gazes into the distance for traces of his rescuer.
Think Voidchild was her name chap. he replies while putting out his cigarette. Quite the lady eh?
Yeah
Ill say! the young man replies distantly. You missed her mood-swing though. She gave me quite a telling off.
Oh? My, what I wouldnt give to see her all furious as such. he grins wickedly while glaring over at the young man beside him. She sure put her heart and soul into rescuing you didnt she lad?
Huh? the young man turns to face him and meets his wicked blackened stare.
Suddenly, the stranger gentleman snaps his neck and lets the dead body of the young man fall to the ground.
Imagine how angry shell be when I tell her that despite all her effort and heroic gallantness, I killed you just for the plain ol heck of it! he lights up another cigarette and his whole face lights up in an eerie fashion. My, that would be ever so delightful!
((This is the end of chapter "Snake Eyes"... More to come though..))
((Continuation, witty as I am, I've named it "Part 2" ;P. Enjoy
)
Voidchild Snake Eyes, part 2
The Portal Corporation in Paragon City is responsible for monitoring and supervising all trans-dimensional activity taking place in the vicinity. The facilities has recently been re-built, after being destroyed during the Rikti invasion many years ago, and are now up and running at full capacity again. Ever since the Rikti crossed over into our dimension, the infinite number of dimensions closely knitted to ours has been looked upon with fear, hostility and suspicion, and with just cause. The aliens known as the Rikti are far from the only dangers lurking on the other side of the dimensional barriers.
Two weeks ago, the monitoring crew burning the midnight oil bore witness to an unusual fluctuation in the energy fields connecting two of these dimensions. Seemingly, one of their very own portal gates within the building was activating, opening up a gateway to a nearby dimension going by the numbers of 127-383. Except for some insignificant differences in vegetation, this dimension was practically identical to our own.
A team of military personnel as well Portal Corp. researchers were quickly dispatched to the area but came up short. As they arrived, the fluctuations in their readings had ceased, the equipment was shut down again and there was no trace of anything having come through.
Some studies revealed a week later though, that something had come through but disappeared almost instantly when it got here. Assistance from Freedom Corps also revealed that the disturbance had been mystical in nature and that the portal gate in itself had not been used as a transport, but rather as a homing beacon. Someone or something had deliberately tried to find its way here.
But for the moment, it was impossible to determine whether or not whatever came through was just passing by, or was still here...
---
The city is recuperating nicely from the last weeks invasion attempt at the hands of the ever hated alien race known as the Rikti. Voidchild herself was part of that epic battle and although she hardly feels as though she made a big difference, shes still content.
At the moment, she has taken to a secluded rooftop on one of the many dilapidated buildings of Kings Row so that she can check up on her damaged ribs while having a little privacy. Her side is still tender after the beating she received, but shell live. Her body has been healing exceptionally fast. She gathers she has the essence of the spirit of the void residing inside her to thank for that. The bandages will have to stay on for a little while longer though.
She slowly sits down after adjusting her uniform so not to stress the wounds further while a nearby stray cat reacts to her presence with hissing. Its odd, she thinks to herself, that all this week shes been moving about with broken ribs mending, yet, shes hardly given it a second thought. Instead, shes more and more been noticing the way her skin has been crawling with discomfort and herself feeling at dismay over just about anything. Its true that ever since the spirit of the void awoke within her that shes felt more melancholic than before, she mostly attributed this to her causing the death of her adoptive father, Raheem, the most important person in the world to her. But she was almost certain she was past that
The stray cat keeps hissing and baring its teeth at her whilst she tries shooing it away. Thats why she began taking those mood suppressants that she always keeps with her nowadays, so she wouldnt get caught up in an emotional hurricane and accidentally hurt someone again. But thats also why she stopped taking the pills around a week ago, reminiscing back to the days with Raheem supposedly made her feel more secure about laying off the pills and instead try to deal with her emotions. Was this a mistake? Has she been keeping all those feelings pent up for too long to just go cold turkey on the pills?
The cat is now drowning her thoughts as well as all other noises in its hisses and just becomes more aggressive the more Voidchild tries to get rid off it.
Will you shut up you idiotic animal! She suddenly roars at the cat while she, without even noticing, tears the brick wall behind her into pieces.
The cat takes off at high velocity onto an adjacent roof, leaving a teeth-clenching, heavily breathing and very annoyed Voidchild with a shattered brick wall behind. She comes out of the fit just as suddenly as she got into it, and once again awes at her erratic behaviour
That does it, going off the pills so soon was definitely a mistake. She has to visit a pharmacy and get some new ones as soon as they open tomorrow morning. Until then shell just have to remain calm and try to keep a clear head. Its nerve-racking though, she never notices these mood-swings until shes in the middle of a fit. It just surprises her and seems to come out of nowhere, without her even being aware of it.
Now don that make you feel better luv? Says a familiar voice she cant quite place. You don suppose these building here could get more rundown eh?
Around the wall behind her, the odd man with the wicked grin and hypnotizing pitch black eyes she met while fighting the Rikti steps out. And now hes just standing there grinning and piercing her with his eyes.
You
Voidchild starts while slowly getting to her feet. Are you following me? She tries staring him directly into the eyes, but up close like this, she barely reaches up to his nose. If so
this is not a good time.
Course Im followin you luv! Someone has to watch your porcelain rear end while you still have those ribs all in bandage eh? He lights up a cigarette, not paying any heed to her disgust with the smoke. Consider me your knight in shining armour!
Look
Just, you know, dont
I dont need a civilian hanging around me distracting me while I try to do my job. She answers indifferently while waving off the smoke.
Your job? You mean gallivanting around ridding the world of jaywalkers and purse snatchers? Honestly, dont you think youre better than that luv? You know, considering what you are an all?
I dont have time this. She assumes hes referring to her being a meta-human and turns around to leave. Go talk with the 5th Column
It sounds to me like you have a lot more in common with them than you do with me...
Don walk away from me luv! The man suddenly grabs a hold of her wrist, and the instant their skin connects, a sudden sensation of pain slashes into her arm. The spirit of the void is screeching out and resonating with something. She senses its desire to escape her body and make contact. The chaotic energies of the void begin exuberating from her beneath her skin and takes the form of whirling tendrils surrounding her body. Her eyes open up and gleam with horror as she his arm enveloped in the very same energies. Theres no mistaking it, thats the energy of the void.
Now, from both of their bodies, the whirling energies begin to cling around each other, dancing about like snakes during a mating ritual. Her face conveys the confusion and shock she experiences as she realizes what this man really is. He on the other hand, only grins fiendishly while tightening his grip around her wrist to the point where he almost stops the flow of blood. She yanks her arm away from him and trips backwards while the identical essences they share revert back into the bodies in which they are kept.
Im just here to help luv
he shrugs with a smug face.
Who the hell are you? Voidchild asks with a low voice while massaging her wrist. I thought I
I thought there wasnt anyone but me!
Keep your mittens on, youre still as unique as they come luv. Then again, so am I eh? he slowly begins walking towards her with his hands relaxed behind his back while gazing deeply into her with those pitch black eyes of his. You an me, were so much larger an more significant than the rest of the insects of our respective planes eh? Hell, we were both chosen by the bloody void itself! Everything in the world and between is whatever you an me can make of it.
You didnt answer me! Who the hell are you? Voidchild begins to grow seemingly irritated, but this is merely a façade to mask the confusion and fear this man puts within her. Why dont you look like
You dont look like me at all! she keeps stumbling backwards towards the edge, hardly realizing it herself.
Calm down luv. My friends call me Serpent courtesy of these here big black pupils in my eyes. You can call me Amir though luv. Ill just be callin you Mary in return, looked it up in em city hall records. He brings his hands in front of himself and hold the back of them up for her while removing his glove, baring a paper-white skin-tone, like the one Voidchild has herself. An you obviously never eard of make-up and accessorising. But dont fret darling, I fancy the natural look youre going for. In fact, I fancy it quite a lot. Enough for me to cross the planes of existence to come ere and find you.
Voidchild is by the edge now, leaning up against it with no distance left to separate herself from Serpent. She cant get a clear grip of the situation, if he is indeed the same as her, then why does he bring so much discomfort with him? Her teeth clench together, if this keeps up, shell loose it completely. But why us? she stutters. And why come all this way for me? Ive got nothing to offer you
Why us? Hell if I know, don much care neither. Look ere luv
Youre the whole reason I came to this bloody place at all. Seein you from afar like that was more than I could bear. What we share, transcends both time an space.
He leans over her as she trembles and tilts further backwards. The closer he gets, the more panicked she becomes. Come on luv, you an me, were the only ones good enough for each other eh?
Get off of me! she suddenly cries out as the energies of the void smash into him at point-blank range, sending him crashing into the brick wall behind him. As soon as hes slammed through the wall she immediately takes to the skies and leaves with a swiftly beating heart.
It takes a minute or so, but after that, Serpent/Amir, slowly gets back onto his feet. Guess flowers and chocolate wont cut it with you eh? he dusts off his clothing. Honestly, youd think a lass would find a gesture like dimensional travel romantic.
He gazes into the distance. Ah hell, my old man always told me the only way to win a woman over was with perseverance! Nothin to do but get back in the ring eh?
---
Voidchild stays hidden that entire day. Once again shes unable to explain her erratic behaviour. Sure, Serpent scared her and surprised her. But he seemed more like a love-sick puppy, although a wicked one, than someone out to harm her. He is also imbued with the exact same essence that she is, perhaps he could have answered some of the thousands of questions she had about her shared essence and powers, even help her control it better. But no, she had to go and smash him through a brick wall like some cornered neanderthal and then go off to hide underneath some docks in Talos Island.
Very heroic indeed
she whispers to herself dissatisfied.
She hasnt eaten all day, and the hunger is slowly trying to convince her to emerge from her hideout. She is reluctant to do so though, still shaking like a scared prey hiding from a carnivore.
---
Serpent himself is quite giddy, but he cant sense Voidchild at the moment. Hes quietly biding his time in a fancier dive on the outskirts of Kings Row. As soon as she starts cutting loose again with those energies of her, hell be able to sense and find her again. Its just a matter of time, he thinks to himself while ordering another ale for himself.
Lovely coat
someone speaks from beside him. Custom-made perhaps?
He slowly turns his gaze towards the owner of the voice who is now seated down beside him by the counter. The stranger being no other than Nelson Movian, owner of Base Industries, upper class citizen, high ranking member of the Circle of Thorns and Voidchilds first real enemy.
Yours aint to shabby either mate
he replies with an apathetic stare. An to answer your question, yeah. Could say its none like it in the world.
Well
Movian smirks as he is brought a glass of cognac. One could wonder why a gentleman with such a well-made piece of clothing was doing rummaging about in dive in Kings Row. Seems there are far better establishments in other districts for a class-act such as yourself.
Well, I find these blue-collar pubs have more of an atmosphere and personality to em than those fancy-pants establishments. He drinks up from his bottle. I could ask you the same thing you know
Well, Im here on business friend. I much prefer Steel Canyon to this district. But I agree. More personality here and definitely more of an atmosphere. Movian hints at the thick layer of smoke in the air and the constant murmur of the residents. How about you friend, here on business as well? It appears you are not from around these parts, given your accent and all.
Me? Aw, jus killing some time while waiting for a lass o mine to come round. Can you believe she gave me this black eye ere? he proudly pulls down the darkened skin around his left eye.
I see
Movian takes a sip from his glass. She must have quite the temper then that little lady of yours? Hope shes worth the trouble.
Ah, she certainly is mate. Jus like this coat, only one of er in this world Id say. But like you said, shes got quite the temper an a punch to back it up. Very powerful lass she is, in more ways an one
Yes
I know the kind and often find myself drawn to the same kind of women. Although, probably for reasons different from your own
S at right mate? What reasons would those be then? Serpent asks, obviously intrigued.
Oh, they vary from woman to woman. I guess I could come up with a corny excuse such as the search for true love. Movian grins wickedly. But Im actually more a man seeking conquests than anything else. Got a project in the workings as we speak actually
Thats a good a reason as any mate. Serpent holds up his ale towards Movian. Heres hoping you catch your lass mate.
Movian holds up his glass and clinks it together with Serpents. And heres hoping you get yours friend
They drink up just as Movians cellular phone rings, he picks it out of his pocket and checks the number calling.
Well, seems business is calling. Fortunately, I do so enjoy my work. He rises from his chair. Hopefully, things go well for you too friend. He grins as he walks away. Serpent only raises his bottle in response without saying a word.
Mr. Leonard
Movian replies into his cell-phone as he walks outside. Can I assume youve made some progress to be calling me out like this? He pauses for a while.
That is indeed good news. So I can expect results by tomorrow perhaps? Wonderful! Just remember Mr. Leonard, I want the child of the void taken intact. A broken shell is of no use to me. Good, where can I meet with you then? Movian hangs up with a wicked grin. Soon, thanks to Voidchild, he alone will certainly possess the nigh-unlimited power of the void.
((That's it! Aw, who am I kidding.. I can't quit now.. ;P More to come.. ^^))
Voidchild Snake Eyes, part 3
Inevitably, the night turns into morning. The pleasant sanctuary that is ones slumber and dreams fades away and a no-doubt harsh reality will once again present itself.
Voidchild hadnt noticed how she drifted away to the land of the dreams as she fell asleep beneath the pier last night, and were it not for the sun in her eyes, she would hardly notice herself waking up again. For a moment, she feels at ease. A good nights sleep will put you at ease and most troubles will seem distant and not as close upon you. Unless of course, they are actually upon you.
Gmornin luv! She immediately recognizes the familiar and unwanted voice, the one that had her hiding here in the first place. She quickly turns around to find Serpent sitting on the outside of the pier in the sun, smoking his cigarette as always. Beauty of a day it is eh?
Why are you here? she asks with a shocked expression on her face. For that matter
How did you find me?
Come now luv, I tracked you through dimensions. Think I cant find you hiding in broad daylight? I told you, what we share transcends all else.
She rises to her feet and brushes the sand off her suit, and looks away, trying to avoid staring directly into those reptile-like eyes of his. How long have you been there then?
Most part of the night luv. Not a safe spot to be takin yourself a wee nap you know. Even f youre blessed by the big man in the void.
You were watching over me? she asks with a dumbfounded look on her face.
Course I was luv. Don want anything nasty to happen to you. Youre very dear to me you are.
That was kind of you. She replies and turns to look directly at him. Forgive my behaviour previously. I was having a bad day. She turns from him once again. I should actually be going. Thank you again.
He now notices her hands are trembling and she seems slightly out of balance supports herself against one of the wooden posts.
You know what your problem is luv
Serpent sighs loudly from behind her. The pointless struggle against our nature. Like its going to take away your humanity or something eh?
Voidchild turns her head slightly towards him and listens intently as he goes on.
S like your self-destructive. No wonder youre edgy like that if you persist on keeping the essence all bottled up all day long. All people got to let off some steam once in a while. Well, the same goes for the little bugger living inside you an me luv. Need to communicate with it like youd do with your mate.
Voidchilds eyes lights up, Its clear to her that Serpent is speaking the truth. No one has ever been able to so accurately put what shes experiencing into words. Serpent has probably spent many more years with his part of the spirit than she has.
I can help you luv
the seductive yet experienced voice promises to whisk away all the troubles of one who bears the void within. Probably the only one who can. An you can help me extinguish this yearning I have
She doesnt reply, but instead slowly steps out from under the bridge. Ill need some time to think about this, Amir.
Even though he rarely uses it himself, Serpent lights up when she addresses him by his actual name but he doesnt reply. Instead he just watches her take off into the skies, without trying to stop her from leaving.
She flies for a few minutes before setting down on a grassy knoll near a formation of large rocks on the middle of the great island. She sets down and slumps back against the large boulders. Despite having just woken up, shes feels as worn out as she would after a full days work. Not even a full nights rest seems to be enough to recuperate her strength nowadays, always worrying about that seed of the void infused within her.
She ponders what Serpent had told her. About working with it and appreciate it instead of dreading it. A possibility she had never thought open to her. Ever since the manifestation of her powers, the very concept has seemed flawed. But maybe thats the problem. Ever since loosing control and murdering the one person that meant the world to her, shes been afraid, afraid to use the powers granted to her in anything but minimal doses. Serpent seems very much in control of his essence, perhaps its time to undertake the task of taming the void instead of trying to subdue it?
She slouches back, for real this time, takes a deep breath, relaxes her muscles and lets her body go limp. She closes her eyes and lets her mind wander off until she finds tranquility.
There is only one word for the sensation overcoming her
Serenity
For the first time since manifesting within her, she feels as though shes really in touch with the spirit of the void, and its wondrous. The feeling of guilt, doubt and self-pity has faded and been replaced by a sense of certainty, power and confidence.
She opens up her eyes and for the first time since Raheem left her, allows herself an undersized, yet true, smile. There are possibilities now. She can be the legacy she always wanted him to have, she can unleash the potential of the void and there may just be someone to share all this with. There are indeed countless possibilities now.
The sudden shriek of a woman in peril reaches the re-born Voidchild, its coming from behind the formation of boulders. She confidently rises to her feet and hovers up above the scene of the evident crime. It would appear some lowlifes are trying to take advantage of a young girl, probably skipping school. Something that Voidchild herself feels very strongly about.
She hovers down behind them while their attention is focused on molesting the young girl. You may leave with or without your arms attached to your bodies scum. The choice is yours. Voidchild firmly conveys to the criminals.
These three thugs turns their heads around indifferently, seemingly not surprised by hero-intervention anymore, and quickly reaches for their weapons.
Pests
Voidchild taunts as she leads of her assault against the ruffians. She now works in union with the powers of the void and together, they batter the defenceless thugs with uncanny precision and frightful force. Without any effort whatsoever on her part, she smashes two of the ruffians down the hill and approaches the final one who is badly beaten and huddled up in a fetal-position in a last ditch attempt to protect himself from more harm.
He loudly whimpers and beg for her to desist. But Voidchild is not so inclined to let him off the hook. This man has gone against the ideals of which one should live by and is to be reprimanded.
The young woman mends the minor bruises she receieved from the three men while observing in dread when, what can be nothing other than an out of control vigilante, forces the body of the terrified man to float before her. Inferior vermin
Voidchild sneers at him. There is but one suitable penalty for your actions. And believe me when I say that it will make the death seem lenient. Voidchild holds her hand up while gathering the whirling energies of the void into the palm of her hand for whatever the final blow may be.
Suddenly though, the young woman whom these hoodlums had just recently attempted to molest, grabs a hold of her arm. She pleads for the frenzied Voidchild to spare his life, but instead only receives her wrath.
Away from me you waste of space! Voidchild tosses her aside onto the grass.
so that I may reprimand this feeble being.
The young woman seems determined still and gathers the full power of her lungs. Youre not above life! she cries out, almost choking on her own tears.
Something suddenly snaps and Voidchild hesitates to deliver the final blow. No, I really am not, am I? she lets the thug slip from her grasp and falls down on her knees. She desperately tries not to lose that train of thought while at the same time getting caught up in a repetitive cycle where she tries to convince herself that she has no right to do what she was about to do.
With the temporary respite given to him, the thug angrily reaches for a large rock and lifts it above his head, preparing to deliver a crushing blow to her head. The young woman screams out a warning but Voidchild cant hear her. For the moment, shes shut down all outside interference while trying to retain her sanity in this inwardly focused struggle.
A loud snap and that distinct squeal of pain is what bring her back to actuality. She looks up, and sees Serpent holding the lifeless body of the hoodlum in his arms. Whyd you stop luv? You were on a roll here. he tosses the now lifeless man aside like a ruined piece of clothing as the young victimized woman runs off screaming, scarred by the events transpired here today. I suppose to behold divinity is too much for some people eh luv?
She looks up at him, and then over at the lifeless thug, and then back at him. Her teeth clench together as she lunges at him in a fit of rage and grabs his neck with her hand. The unearthly energies of the void is channelled into her hands and tightens around his throat. You manipulative snake! she snarls at him. You tried to turn me into a killer!
Killer? he chokes. Luv, ours is the right divine to do what we please. His own energies slowly begin counteract the ones she pits against him and the grip around his throat loosens. Im jus helping you get in touch with the celestial presence that dwells inside us. He grabs a hold of her wrist and slowly but surely begin to force it away from his throat with unfathomable effort. Didnt you feel it luv? The intoxicating aroma that only a true scion of the void can taste?
I dont want that! Voidchild struggles regain the grip on his throat. I belong to a sacred vow I made long ago, not the void.
Thats where youre wrong luv. You belong to the void indeed, but the void also belongs to you. We receive this might through a bargain. A bargain with the spirit of the void that makes us part o everything and its in-betweens. In return, the few lucky ones are made gods among men. Serpent grins wickedly. See, deep down youve got this mindset as well. Deep down youre jus like me luv. He fixes his eyes on her and pushes her away. Men and women turned gods we are...
Voidchild meets his wicked stare. She now sees him for what he truly is. No
Im just a human bestowed with a curse
And you are just a pitiful man caught in a delusional fantasy. She looks away. I pity you, you poor lost soul.
As quickly as his namesake, Serpent slaps Voidchild across the face. If you can not understand the divine wonder that is the void, then I will make you!
Voidchild straightens out while covering her cheek with her hand. Is this the way you treat everyone you claim to treasure? she murmurs in reply. Did the void hollow out your already blackened heart as well?
Shut up wench! He howls as his energies begin to exuberate from his body. s you thats at fault here, not me!
No
Voidchild snarls back at him as the glow in her eyes intensify
Letting you infect me with your poison is the only mistake Ive made so far. She readies herself for the clash. But if you truly wish to see me unleash the void upon someone, then let it be on you!
The two forces lunge towards each other while tapping into the unbounded source of energy that is the void. Evenly matched, this contest merely comes down to whose body first breaks down from the strain. The mystical beings imbued within them, unwittingly to them, brings their respective hosts battle into the clear sky of Paragon City as the two combatants continue to relentlessly pummel one another with their nigh-invisible powers while slowly disappearing out of sight from below.
A high-intensity blast crashes straight into the chest of Serpent and sends him careening towards a small island with Voidchild quickly following after. She reaches him at the precise moment they crash into the ground and they both burst into the ground. As the smoke clears from the impact, they both pit themselves in a hand to hand struggle against each other. The intense output of the voids energies shielded them both from serious injury but at the same time drains quickly drains them both, drawing them closer and closer to their respective limit.
But none of them yields
One, because of the belief that they are not above all other thing, and the other because he believe that they are. Both of them so convinced of their respective view that they are prepared to obliterate their own flesh to prove it. Both of them utterly confident of the fact that the others vision is flawed and needs correcting.
Suddenly, the stalemate ends as a wrong step makes Voidchild loose her foothold. Serpent seizes the opportunity and a regular kick aimed at her shin sends her falling backwards with him tumbling on top of her. He pins her arms to the ground while meeting her infuriated stare head on. And for a moment, they pause and silence reigns.
Get off me
she warns him.
Im going to make you see things my way luv. he grins ominously I saw that look on your face, the smile you had.
Voidchild repeats herself. Get off me
Not until you see things my way luv. You avent smiled since back when you lived across the sea ave you?
She stares, straight into his eyes while pondering for how long Serpent has been watching her. He wouldnt dare bring Raheem into this and try to use him as some sick component for an argument.
Back when you was with your old man. Tell me luv, did you smile jus as brightly when you extinguished his life? a sadistic expressions comes across his face. You made your choice right there an then luv.
Get off me now! the loud reply is followed by a bolt of mystical energy that throws Serpent several feet back.
The two combatants bodies are close to breaking down from the colossal strain and damage their bodies has sustained by now. They clumsily and slowly rise to their feet, barely able to stand. Hit a sore spot did I luv? he moans. Afraid o the truth? See, Im the only one who understands you. Thats why we need each other luv.
Voidchild stares him down. Ive struggled for years to repent for the sins I committed, for the slaying of the one person that meant the world to me. My father, Raheem. she huffs in reply. You could never grasp the depth of my devotion to this task because you cant even see beyond your own delusions of grandeur. You let the void get to you, while I fight on to stay myself and live by the ideals I was taught.
Serpent slouches backwards against a large rock. I don believe you luv. I think youve not seen enough o it to know. he suddenly notices Voidchilds eyes fixated on something above him and with an indifferent expression turns his head.
A sturdy man, covered in what appears to be some form of scaly black and white skin which moves about and cover his entire body is silently staring down at them from a huge rock. When he notices that hes gotten the attention of the two, he moves down from the boulder in an insect-like fashion. Serpent and Voidchild both notice his face now, no eyes, no mouth, no nose. No facial features at all.
This little quarrel is over
he states with an ominous voice. Ive come for the child of the void. he points at Voidchild. On behalf of The Circle of Thorns.
What a bloody depressing development
Serpent sighs. Thought me and the lass were going to be in bed by now
Voidchild chooses not to respond to Serpents arrogant remark but instead focuses her attention on the newcomer. It would seem Nelson Movian finally found out about her connection to the void.
This situation has gone from bad to worse to impossible.
((More to come of course... ;P The storyline is almost completed but not everything is proof-read and I dare not undertake that particular task myself. So I patiently wait for my proof-reader to get to work. ^^))
((Oh noes! Part 4!))
Voidchild Snake Eyes, part 4
Whats got your skin crawling freak? Serpent grins, very content with his demeaning pun regarding the newly arrived ones strange, wriggling skin. The lass an me were having sort of an argument. Be so kind as to buzz off will you?
Voidchild looks over at Serpent. Hes either trying to make the hostile newcomer think he still poses a threat to him. If not, hes just being careless. Hes just a beat up as she is which means theyre both struggling to stand up straight. Also, none of them know what this person is capable of. But hes a meta-human, that much is obvious.
The stranger slowly, and confidently, begins moving towards Serpent. Now that hes coming closer, his facial features should become more prominent, if there was a face. Its just covered in the same black and white tone that the rest of his body is, wriggling about.
My name is Famine
he presents himself and directs his attention towards Serpent. Step aside.
Serpent chuckles while the air surrounding his fist starts swirling. But youre up against two scions of the void ere!
A high-intensity bolt of force smacks into Famine at point blank range and he staggers backwards while Serpent grins. But before Famine can straighten out, the bolt disappears, seemingly within his scaly skin. He exhales heavily and takes a last step towards Serpent.
Hey mate! Serpent protests, almost childishly. That knocks you down.
Not even
he replies condescendingly while striking down on Serpent with full force, driving him into a small crater in the ground.
Voidchilds eyes open up with dread as Famine now turns his attention towards her.
Your turn woman
He begins walking at her. Let us hope you taste better than your friend.
Voidchild steps backwards, not as eager to engage Famine as Serpent was. Theres something very disturbing about him. And in this weakened state, she would surely perish in any form of direct confrontation.
Suddenly, and before Famine can reach her, Voidchild is unwittingly swallowed up by a small wormhole and teleported away. The being within her is acting on its own and is spiriting her away from Famine, who is left standing on the smashed island, awaiting some sort of counter-attack.
Unexpected
he murmurs to himself. Shes gone
He looks over his shoulder to where the knocked out Serpent is lying within a small crater in the ground. Hopefully, this one will be enough for the wizard to satiate my hunger.
---
Voidchild, at the age of five, shes sitting by the radio, intently listening to the news of the capital while mending a black eye she received from one of the village children earlier the very same day. Raheem is off speaking with the parents of the child, trying to resolve whatever dispute it was. Voidchild didnt want to tell it herself, reluctant to cast blame.
The news on the radio isnt really cheering her up either. Murder, war, racism, hate and violence are all they seem to go on about, yet she cant seem to shut it out. Her eye hurts, and for some reason, she cant help wonder whos responsible. For her black eye as well as all the wrongs of the world.
Now little Snowflake
Raheem has stood there behind her for quite a while now. There are so many bad things happening in this world. It can certainly be depressing at times.
The young Voidchild turns around, with one eye closed and bruised the other one shining brightly at due to the return of her father.
You seem angry Snowflake. Ive been watching you sit there and building up steam for a little while now. He strokes his hand gently through her hair. And I can not say that I blame you. Little Mali was very unfair to hit you. But see, instead of being angry, you should ask yourself, why did she do what she did.
The young daughter of Raheem has no answer to give but a confused look. Her adoptive father turns off the radio.
I hear you are listening to all the bad news of the world as well. He pauses briefly. What you need to know right now little Snowflake, is that I do not believe in evil myself. And do you know why? Voidchild shakes her head at him. Because if you dig deep enough, there is always a reason for the things man does. People are all too human, and sometimes cant help themselves from doing bad, even terrible things. Sometimes the reasons are shallow and easy to see, and sometimes they run so deep that they seem invisible to the naked eye.
Voidchild is listening attentively, as she always does when her adoptive father speaks to her with that deep, soothing voice of his. The reason little Mali hit you earlier today was because she was scared of someone different from her, something new which she knew nothing about. She couldnt cope well with the situation because she is human. And just now, you became very upset with her because you are human as well.
The young Voidchild looks away, as though shes ashamed. But Raheem strokes her hair once more and leans down at her. But in exchange for being capable of bad things, we have the possibility of doing good as well. I do not believe that there is a single person out there not capable of both. And that is why I can not believe in evil either. Voidchild now looks back at him, the unhurt glowing light-blue eyes of hers light up at the optimistic prospect of his words. Little Mali was not evil for hitting you, she was scared. Just as the thief isnt evil for stealing, he is hungry.
He stands up above her. Find your own way of viewing the world little Snowflake. But remember this when you search for it
There is a reason for everything, and for everyone. Look for those first.
---
Serpent opens up his eyes. The first thing he sees is a faint green glow and the first thing he feels is suppression. He looks around and finds himself sealed within a green crystal cage of sorts. At the same time he notices his inability to make contact with his main source of energy, the void.
Well
bollox! he exclaims as he gets to his feet, looks up and sees the gentleman with whom he spoke with just the other night in a bar. Nelson Movian, representative of the Circle of Thorns. Needless to say theyre both somewhat surprised.
I gather I could say something clichéd such as welcome to my lair or we meet again. But I do try so hard to avoid the follies of the traditional brand of villains. he grins widely. Im actually both surprised and pleased, Serpent was it? My name is Nelson Movian. We were never properly introduced when we met.
Serpent straightens out, he still has his pack of cigarettes so he takes one out and lights it arrogantly as his own trademarked grin sweep across his face. Youre telling me Nelson? This is the smallest bloody world Ive been to yet.
Yes, planar travel. Tell me friend, how is it that you were able to find your way here? I was under the impression that not even the anchors were able to perform such tremendous feats.
Anchors eh? Someone's been doin their homework haven't they? Serpent smirks.
Indeed I have my friend
Youd be stumped at how grand an information network I possess courtesy of my allegiance to the Circle. I know when you got here, I know what youre doing here and I know that you are, seemingly, coveting the child of the void of this plane. What I dont know is why?
Serpent sighs heavily and leans backwards against the shimmering crystal wall, seemingly lost in his own small world. That you would know, had you seener earlier today mate. The magnificent graze only a perfect fusion between a mortal and immortal being could present. He inhales deeply from his cigarette and reaches out with his hand in front of his face with a mad grin. You know that feeling you get mate? When you see something, so small, so precious an sweet
an it gets to you so bad that all you can think bout is strangling it?
All to well
Movian smirks, seemingly familiar with the disturbing topic.
Well, this lass ere has got me just as emotional, jus in a different way see? I tried to get er off my mind an just go about my business but, nah, wasnt possible. So I took to homing in on this plane, could see it so clearly too, from the Portal Corporation of my own world. An the rest is history. he sighs yet again. Alas, Im a Montague and shes a Capulet. Not Julia, one of the stuck up ones. He exhales. Cant seem to get her to see straight though
She detests me jus as she detests what she really is an could make of herself. he looks down on Movian again. Strange now that I think of it
I never seen or heard of anyone acting this way. I tell you, Ive trouble getting my noggin around it.
I see
Movian waves his hand and the spell around the crystal chamber comes off as to invite his captive to the outside of it. Serpents reptile-like eyes open up and he grins.
Before Movian can blink, Serpent has gotten in touch with the void again, teleported outside of the chamber while in the very same movement gripping the mages throat and slamming him into a rocky wall. Now that was a really retarded move mate. You shouldve known I was going to kill you, if you ever flipped that switch to off so to speak.
Well
Movian smirks and chokes at the same time. This alone should display to you that my intentions are benign. I do believe we
Serpents tightens his grip around Movians throat, the energies of the void are savagely putting extra pressure on it.
Scuse me sir, couldnt hear you. See, Im strangling you an could care less what bloody proposition the Circle has to offer me.
Release him
Serpent can hear the familiar, deep voice of Famine behind him, who in turn has gripped his throat from behind. Even though you taste horribly, I wont think twice about making you my evening meal.
Serpent just grins though and tilts his head backwards towards the disfigured man. Get in line freak. I still ave a bone to pick with you and plan to tend to that in a second.
The child of the void is a fraud! Movian is finally able to shout out. Serpent drops him to the ground where he begins gasping for air. Famine releases his grips at the same time and backs away.
Whatd you say mage? Don try and play with my head because I can, an will, butcher you in an instant.
Ive dug through the old records of the Circle and found something very interesting regarding our mutual lady-friend. Movian pants. You see, the child of the void of this plane is not a true scion of the void. She is a fraud, just a facsimile of the original. he rises to his feet. Tell me friend
How did you receive your power from the one who is all where all is nothing?
There is a brief silence. I had em since birth. Serpent seems annoyed at being kept in the dark by Movian. Youve read up on this eh? You should know wizard!
Indeed I have and do friend
Movian rubs his throat. I have, and that is how I found out the truth. As you just mentioned, all children of the void are delivered by a human mother, impregnated by the spirit of the void itself whenever a previous anchor perishes. The anchor functions as a homing beacon, transmitter you might say, for the void to know wherever a physical plane exists. For as we all know, the spirit is all there is where all is nothing, and without any all there cant be nothing. A delicious paradox indeed and an honour for any and all humans to be part of.
Serpent clenches his teeth together in frustration. Where you going with this mage?
Ah, do forgive me. The subject of the void has me so excited. I tend to ramble whenever I am involved in a discussion on this topic. Movian turns his head towards Serpent and grins. You see, out mutual lady-friend was not born into this world together with her split essence. She received it later, through a ritual performed by my fellow kin, The Circle of Thorns! Serpent looks disheartened and appalled as Movian leans forward and whispers in his ear. Shes unclean, not a true child of the void, a bi-product of my megalomaniacal master.
Serpent once again grips his throat and slams him into the wall. Famine is about to intervene but Movian gestures for him to back off. Fancy lie mage, but I know the Circle very well from my own plane. Theyre far from bloody truth-tellers and also bound to their cause, in their own disturbing ways
True
Movian chokes again, now with a devilish grin and maddened satisfied stare. But if you examine me with those magnificent forces at your disposal. You shall notice that I am not initiated by the Circle yet, not bound by my soul. he coughs blood now and barely manages to say the words out loud. I have evidence of my case towards the child of the void. Mystical residue from the ceremony, records and other observations as well. he falls silent, as he notices Serpents grip slightly loosening. Not to mention my friend
Would any true scion be as reluctant as she is to embrace the divinity of the void?
Serpent drops Movian to the floor once again, clenches his teeth and narrows his eyes. Bloody wench
he snarls as the dark pupils in his eyes expand. Now I see
Only reason she could not feel for me what I felt for her is if she was incomplete. s the only explanation.
Movian once again rises from his feet while rubbing his throat. I have a proposition for you my friend. A proposition that both of us would be able to walk away from
Serpent looks at him with his black, reptile-like eyes. Youve got me all ears mate
Later that night, Voidchild comes to. Not sure where she currently is though. The roaring sound of a waterfall below indicates that it may be some sort of nature preserve. She lifts her head and looks about, shes on top of a small mountain. Far away from the island where she fought Serpent earlier today. How did she get here? And since when can she teleport?
Before she can begin pondering, a small tear falls off her cheek and disappears into the massive amounts of water below. She closes her eyes and moans. Shes been lamenting in her sleep again, as she always does when she dreams of her departed father. Even though shes always happy to see him when she falls asleep, its devastating to wake up and be torn away from him.
She distinctly remembers her dream though, being as vivid as it was. Raheems advice seems to always come right on cue. She knows what she has to do. Evil or no evil, Serpent, as well as Movian her responsibilities. She is going to have to bring them both in. Finding out the reasons behind their respective ways will have to take a backseat for now.
She takes off in the direction of the island upon which she fought Serpent. Its gotten dark outside, but she is able to navigate there without much effort. As soon as she sets down and begin investigating the island, she notices Serpent is gone and thinks that he probably teleported away afterwards just as she did. Or maybe, he was taken by that menacing man with the disfigured skin, Famine.
She suddenly hears a noise behind her and quickly turns around to find Serpent standing in front of her. He looks grim and the nightly breeze is gently tugging at his coat, somehow making him seem darker and larger. She stands up and faces him, trying to appear secure. Amir, I feel for you, I really do. But you are not leaving this island on your own accord. Youre a murderer and Im going to have to take you in.
Tell me luv
his tone is different, not as full of longing and playfulness as it was before. Tell it to me straight
he sighs heavily. Could you and me, ever, be together as one?
She is taken aback by the straightforwardness of his question, but does not falter. No
she answers confidently. Not from what I have seen of you so far.
Fair enough
he seems odd, not at all taken aback or troubled by her reply. Its more like he is seeking confirmation. Answer me this then. Howd your essence split? Howd you become a child of the void?
The way he is acting is more disturbing than usual, but she answers all the same. At infancy, through a ceremony performed by the same cult that sent the disfigured man earlier today. She falters slightly. Why are you asking me all of this?
He sighs, exhales some smoke and looks into the night-sky. Well what do you know
Bloody wizard was probably telling the truth
Before Voidchild can reply, a sudden shudder is sent through her body as a crusty hand grabs her neck from behind. In an instant, she feels cold, feverish, hungry, pained and depleted all at the same time. Her legs give in and her throat is swelling and thusly blocks off her air supply. In a matter of seconds, she is almost completely drained of any energy she had.
Shes pushed onto the ground, face first. Her head is spinning, her vision hazy and she cant hear clearly for the pounding in her head. Serpent is speaking to her but she cant make out what hes saying. She tries to crawl away but cant seem to support the weight of her body, and her head wont stop pounding. She looks up and the last thing she sees is the blurry image of Serpents boot coming down on her.
Oblivion claims the child of the void
((Will be spewing out the rest quicker than before. Grah, it just keeps getting longer and longer doesn't it? ;P))
((Well, it's been quite some time before I posted something new around here.. ^^ I still see some 6-month old threads that I recognized from when I spent more time in the RP-forum.. Funfun.. ^^
)
Anyhoo, I finally got around to writing another fic on my main, Voidchild. I said there'd be some continuation to my previous work and here it is. I wanted to do something a bit special for her re-introduction into the world of fanfics so I tied this in with the end-of-beta Rikti Invasion which she herself was a part of. Even though it didn't happen at all like it did in the fan-fic (was mostly a slaughter) =P.
Anyways... Here's the continuation to Voidchilds Origin and the first few days she spent in Paragon City. If none of this makes sense to you reading it or if you just liked it and hunger for more, you should check out the original works with story that may or may not be (I'm not im-partial here ;P) a prerequisite to understand what's going on.
You can find the previous Voidchild material here:
Voidchild's Origin
Voidchild - Filling the void
Hopefully, you'll enjoy the read
Voidchild Snake Eyes
Inconceivable The chaos and devastation she is witnessing before her can only be described with this one word inconceivable
Voidchild stands on the edging of one of the many skyscrapers in Atlas Park, the very heart of Paragon City. The enormous statue portraying one of the citys many deceased and mighty heroes is surrounded by the chaos of battle. And the sun is blocked out by the enormous battleship that belongs to the aliens known as The Rikti.
Down there, the many new heroes whom have come to Paragon City are fighting for their own lives as well as the lives of every other person inhabiting the city. She is not oblivious to the fact that this was not the first time the Rikti had launched an assault on the city. Not at all She turns her head and once again stares at the sign:
Earth for humans! it says Lets keep it that way!
Theres a reason that sign is there, a reason why the population of this city fears and hates these invaders as they do. The Rikti were here many years ago, and from what Voidchild can hear, it was much worse than today, however hard that is to believe. A huge explosion demands that she turns her attention back to the chaotic battle below. One of the next generations heroes of this city puts on a large show as he explodes in a burst of energy and sends literally dozens of the invaders careening through the air.
The heroes fighting down there are indeed brave men and women. It seems as thought they merely threw themselves into the fray without a moments hesitation. Not like herself who stands atop the building paralyzed by the chaos gripping the city. She wants to go down there and help, she really does and her instincts scream out to her that its what she should truly use her gifts for as well.
However, it may just be the violent nature of the spirit trying to convince her to join the battle. Its always trying to find reasons for her to use her powers. And every time she does so, she gets the feeling its struggling to stay outside of her and remain there. After spending almost her entire life with the being, its hard to understand what it wants, even though theyve been merged for so long.
What scares her now is as much the entity of the void within her as well as the battle raging on outside of her throughout the city. She is quite honestly, terrified of losing her life, either to the spirit of the void or to these invaders. As her panic grows, she reaches into one of the pockets in her suit and pulls out a small bottle of pills, mood-suppressants, and quickly swallows two of them. These suppressants give her a physical edge as it dampens the influence of the spirit. A temporary respite is given to her and the threat of losing control to the spirit seems, for a brief moment, less likely to happen. But the battle below seems to intensify for every second. Even though portals are appearing all over Atlas Park, spawning the alien invaders, she is unable to take action. She thinks to herself that the other, more experienced heroes have the situation under control and that shed merely get in their way. At that very moment of intense hesitation, she regrets ever signing up for this supposed job.
Her attention is suddenly drawn to the alleyway below her where a young man, probably only in his teens is assaulted by one of the invaders wielding a huge sword. Apparently, this citizen hasnt been evacuated yet and is now only moments from becoming a casualty of this conflict.
None of the other heroes have taken notice of the situation, they are far too busy fighting off the hordes of Rikti assaulting city hall. Without even assessing a strategy or thinking things through, she dives down to intercept the alien. The Rikti-soldier however, takes notice of her and swiftly jumps out of the way as she touches down in front of it.
The alien seems a lot larger than it did from the top of the building. Voidchild uses the brief respite provided by her sudden appearance to turn towards the teenager and shriek with all the power of her lungs:
Run!
She feels the cold metal graze her body and the sudden pain causes her to slam backwards and hit her head on a dumpster. She is way to careless, she should have brought forth the energies of the void before she leapt down here. The second sword-strike is met by those energies though as she utilizes the force of the void to raise a protective field around herself. An overwhelming sensation of joy comes over her as two forces clash. The spirit is very pleased. However, the strength of the alien is astounding, it doesnt let up for one second but instead only intensifies the pressure of its weapon against her energy fields. This isnt going to work for much longer.
She turns her head and notices the civilian hasnt escaped yet, hes cowering in fear, crying out for his mother and whelping. Voidchild grows more and more annoyed with his inability to take flight. The energies of the void respond to her mood and begin to violently exuberate from her body, cling around her like tendrils. There is a sudden spark in her eyes and suddenly the alien soldier is sent flying out onto the streets by a sudden shockwave of gravitational force and Voidchild grabs the teenager by his shirt and holds him to her face:
Just run away already you whimpering gnat! she hisses at him.
The fear in his eyes intensifies as though Voidchild was scaring him more than the aliens themselves. She suddenly drops him and the flowing tendrils that was clinging to her body disappears as suddenly as they appeared.
Im Im sorry she gasps while quickly backing away from the young boy, shocked and surprised by her own behaviour just now. At least she got the desired results, the boy is already stumbling over garbage cans trying to make his way out of there. Just in time too, Voidchild looks over her shoulder and spots the alien slowly moving towards her again, seemingly unscathed by the shockwave.
There is no time to ponder about her erratic behaviour right now. The civilian is out of the way and she has to get away quickly before this behemoth catches up with her. Shes just about to take off into the sky when it hits her why she even bothered to come to this city, seemingly abandoned by God. It hits her as sudden as it does hard: