Ethereal Madness

Chapter 23- Partners

I plopped my butt on the ground, with the unconscious little boy I just saved lying across my lap. I took a deep breath.

You gotta be kidding me.

Peering behind me, the flames inside the building only grew taller and the walls were starting to fall.

Of all the crap to be hit with, a burning building? Really!?

I stared at the boy, his face slightly dirtied by the smoke and dirt. His breathing, although a little slower than it probably should be, sounded fine, which gave me much needed reassurance.

At least you're okay, I thought.

Sirens blurred throughout the air, and the next second, two fire trucks were stationed in front of me. Men and women in murky brown and lime green outfits burst out to the scene, most running past me.

A little late, but ayy, at least they're here.

I stood up, cradling the child in my arms as I went to talk to a lone fighter still near the truck. He stared at me, his face a mix of confusion and concern.

"Sir— He started.

I held the child out to him. "Please take care of him."

The man cautiously held his hands for the child, and once he had him in his arms, I turned to leave, but the man stopped me midway.

"Hey! You're hurt, aren't you? Ambulance is right around the corner. Just stay put." He touched my shoulder but I jerked my arm away without thinking.

"Umm, nah, I have somewhere I have to be. Can't wait." I've wasted too much time as is.

I heard him continue to call me, but I couldn't afford to stick around. I have to find Quese. I don't know what he's planning to do beyond the chaos he's already caused, and if I'm being thruthful, I don't want to know. I'm cool with saving peeps and beating up thugs, but this is exhausting. Honestly though, where do I find him? I don't even know where to look. It's not like this a small city.

Isn't Tuck-Tuck still hurt? Ami asked.

Nah. This ain't pain. This is hell.

Then, shouldn't you rest?

If I do that, Quese wins. And who knows what him being victorious means.

But if you fight him, won't you...? She trailed off.

Of course not. I just, umm, underestimated him last time is all. Didn't expect him to be freakin' invincible. But now I know. This time I'm prepared.

But Tuck-Tuck still doesn't know how to hurt him, right?

Well, ah, not exactly. But it'll be fine! I got this. I slapped my chest. The pain was excruciating but I did my best not to show it.

She's right though. Even though I've been helping people and beating up trash, I feel like I'm just stalling. Last time, I fought my heart out but I couldn't do anything. I felt so...useless. Even if I meet him now—I noticed my hands trembling and buried them in my pockets—what is wrong with me? Pull it together, you've got a job to do.

I turned the corner and something bumped into chest and bounced off.

"Ow." It was a girl with caramel skin and brown eyes.

"Oh my bad. You alright?" I held out my hand.

"Tsk, freakin' jerk. Watch where you're going punk!" She slapped my hand away and helped herself up.

I saw she left an object on the ground. "Oh, you dropped your...gun." My voice dissolved into a mumble.

"Hey, give me that!" She crouched down and snatched it while I was still processing my situation.