Active Measures (Ares #4)

ENGAGE!

Corvus and Skylar collide in a powerful tackle with one another. "The power of Annihilation, Skylar. You know you want to take it from me, don't you?" Corvus explains with a smile on his face, as he raises a hand slowly to Skylar's torso, and blasts her back with a violent burst of energy, knocking her completely out of her God form. "That's some serious power.." Skylar whispers as she stumbles to her feet. Corvus raises his hand towards a nearby boulder, focusing his energy. "Watch and learn" Corvus says calmly. A large flash comes from the boulder, and it explodes in a flurry of energy. "This is the power of Annihilation, Skylar. It is no easy power to control, and it is not to be taken lightly" he explains. As he finishes his explanation, a demanding knock can be heard at the door, before a loud crash. "SKYLAR AND CORVUS, ON THE GROUND NOW!" An armed officer storms in and screams at the two. "How dare you, mortal being?!" Corvus shouts, "this is the true power of Annihilation energy. Watch closely Skylar!" He shouts, as his divine, purple aura begins to flare. He raises his hand, and whispers "Annihilate", and the officer begins to seemingly disintegrate in front of them. Skylar stands up, shocked, before running and grabbing Corvus. "You killed him!" She shouts. "I can not kill something that no longer exists. That's what this power is, Skylar. It is not just getting rid of something, it is completely wiping it from existence, and that's why it's so hard to control.  You're asking the wrong questions. Why has a police officer just come to your door, and called us out by name?" Corvus explains. Skylar takes her hands off Corvus. In the corner of their eyes, they both notice a peculiar caped figure, flaunting a silver aura. "You! You're the person that April told me about seeing! Who are you?!" Skylar shouts. The figure turns slightly towards them, and quick as a flash, lands right in front of them both. "That's quite some power, Lord Corvus" the figure mutters.

Meanwhile, Brad helps April to stumble back into the school hall, as they notice the eerie silence and lack of students. Suddenly, all the lights cut out, and all the pair can see are weapon lasers targeted at their chests and heads. "THEY'RE HERE, ENGAGE STRIKE TEAM! APRIL AND BRAD, ON THE GROUND NOW!" An unknown voice screams, before they are completely surrounded by armed soldiers. April stands stunned, but clenches her fist, prepared to fight if she needs to. "Everybody stand down! Sorry about my boys, they're a little rougher than they need be, but that's how they were trained!" The voice says as they make their way towards the Kaimen. "Who the hell are you? And what's with the dramatic entrance?" April asks, angrily. "Me? My name is General Roarke. I knew your father, good man, gone too soon though!" Roarke explains, trying to provoke April. "Calm down April, don't let him reel you in!" Brad says, as he sees a slight flash on a battle-ready aura going through April. She takes no notice, and lunges towards Roarke, who moves out of the way quickly, and injects April with a syringe. "What..did..you do?" She asks, as she begins to fall asleep. Roarke smiles, and slings April over his shoulder. "You want to give it a try as well, Brad? Or do you want to come quietly?" Roarke asks. Brad stays silent, and follows. The Kaimen are led to a heavily armoured transport van, and shoved in the back.

Back at home, Skylar and Corvus continue to question the caped figure. Corvus grunts, not even letting out a smile. "Don't worry Corvus, you're still the most powerful being here. But I'd at least give you a good fight now, and Skylar, standing up to Corvus? Things really have got serious, haven't they?" But before he can finish his sentence, Corvus holds his hand up to the figure, and begins to flash his divine aura once again. "Explain yourself, now, or I'll Annihilate you!" Corvus shouts. The figure stands back, and effortlessly raises their power. "As you wish." They mutter. In an instant, a powerful punch is landed in the side of Skylar's body, and she is knocked unconscious by a blast of energy let out by the figure. "Now that she's out of the loop.." the figure continues, as he lowers his hood, revealing a set of slick, silver eyes and and bright silver hair. "Ultimate instinct.." Corvus says quietly. "I need your help, Corvus. They've taken my daughter, and I'm going to make them pay for it!" The figure shouts. Corvus places a hand on the figures shoulder in compassion. "Don't worry. I never did properly thank you for saving our universe in the tournament. We will find her, Ares." Corvus explains. "Just like old times." Ares replies. The two divine beings shake hands, and turn towards Skylar.