On the Run

Attack Pt.2

Tires screeched outside of the bustling agency, sidekicks rushing in and out to varying places. You slammed the door of your car, sprinting through the lobby of your agency. You threw your keys to Emily.

 "Is she ready?!"

"Yes ma'am, right here," your receptionist nodded. Ghostrunner stood off to the side, body stiff and heart beating rapidly.

"Ma'am, Taylor has already assigned emergency heroes to the different cities of the attack. The emergency channel is already open, and all of the sidekicks are awaiting orders," Emily says, fingers poised to send an emergency message.

"Do whatever you can to lessen the damages. Defensive quirks should protect civilians, offensive quirks engage the villain. Stay alert. Do not die. Emphasis on do not."

Emily nodded, sending out the message.

You look to Ghostrunner, fingers pulling up your mask. "Are you ready kid? There won't be enough breaks to get your energy back, so I don't expect you to fight. Just get me there," you said, grabbing her hands.

You noticed her panicked expression, paler than her normal pale skin, hands sweaty and clammy.

"It's ok," you said as calmly as you could. "I'm going to be with you, you won't be fighting. You'll help with rescue and evacuation. All you have to do is get me there. Can you do that?" you repeated. Ghostrunner nervously nodded.

"Okay, We're going to LA first, okay? I'm going to paint the picture as best as I can."

You feel her inhale, watching as she closes her eyes.

"Imagine the coastline and the beach, the cool breeze, and the loud waves. Imagine the way the stars glitter in the reflection of the water, like little diamonds on earth. Imagine the city smell, the loud cars, the people, young and old, the warm air of the day and night," you murmured. 

Ghostrunner's shoulders relaxed, listening to your soft voice. You tightened your grip on her hands as your legs started to fade. You continued in the same tone, muttering words of encouragement and praise.

"Think about downtown LA. The people and sights you'll see. Imagine the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame. Imagine what they would look like at night," you continued as your body became transparent.

"Imagine how busy it is, the light and dark of it. The weird smells, the things you would touch there, and what you would hear. Music, city life...." you trailed off.

Now, almost your whole body has faded, and when you close your eyes for a few more seconds, you find yourself in the middle of downtown LA. Except it wasn't as beautiful as you described, especially because of the roaring Nomu smashing cars and buildings.

You notice Ghostrunner stumble, catching her. You carry her into a still-standing building.

"Here," you nudge, handing her painkillers. She nodded her thanks. 

"Gotta go. When you have the energy, start with rescue. Stay safe and alive," you commanded. Ghost Runner nodded again, and you sped off into the fray.

...

It was absolute chaos and discord. People were running from left to right, people running over other people, cars careening into different lanes, and terrified screams of the people.

America hadn't been like this in a long time.

You sprint, quickly finding the rogue wreaking havoc on LA. 

The Nomu was horrific, with gnarled wing-arms and sickly teal skin. Its eyes were crazed and unfocused, almost googly-like. Its humanoid teeth bared at everything, groans and growls coming from its mouth. Worst of all, a bright pink brain flexed after every roar. It was hunched over a woman and her baby in their car. She and the baby screamed as it reached for her car.