Running On Caffeine Not Adrenaline

Chapter 12

TW: Glitter bombs, action, bruising

I kick my legs back and forth on the roof top. I watch as Heroes go in and out of their tower. I toss up the glitter bomb and it lands in my hand with a satisfying thought. I stand up and look at the tower. I may be a Vigilante but it's fun pissing off people. I stand up and hop to another roof, it's closer to the tower. I keep going, hopping until I know I'll have the perfect shot. I noticed an open window. I smile wide, my gas mask shifts from it. I can't wait for the Heroes' reactions. I throw the glitter bomb in the window. I watch as the red and white glitter explode out the window, a couple shrieks. I shouldn't stick around for long but the voice in the back my head wants to fuck with them more. Then the smarter voice, which I swear sounds like Drista is telling me to get my ass out of here.

I'll be fine. I turn my head and see a couple Heroes looking at me. None that I have befriended. "I see you guys have a prankster." They can't see my smile. "Devil. We know it was you." They can't see my frown. It's not fun to get caught. "Oh, come on! You shouldn't have left the window open. I think that one is on you." I feel a breeze come behind me, which is strange. I turn around and see Hero Specter covered in glitter. Even in his translucent state the moon highlights all the glitter on him. He's like a glorified disco ball. "YOU!" He shouts, I glance around. "Yes?" I ask sweetly. "You! You are under arrest!" I look him in the eyes. My fingers grab at a smoke bomb on my belt. "I wish I could be arrested by you king, but I got to scat. Bye bitch boy!" I throw down the smoke bomb at his feet and book it. I might've forgotten about the other Heroes, but I can lose them. Still, I need to get back home before Nova burns down my apartment or something.

I turn my head back to see Baguette, Crow Father, and Totem after me. I jump down into an alley and dart to the street. I hop on top of a car. The driver has to notice but won't stop unless they want to cause an accident. When we reach a red light, I jump off and run my happy ass through the frozen traffic. I look behind me and see Totem on the roof I had jumped off. I reached the sidewalk, turning just in time to see Crow Father and Baguette trying to corner me. They jump at me, and I go right under them, literally. My face is unscathed from me sliding against the sidewalk. I scramble to my feet and sprint for my life.

I am getting tired quickly. I can't keep this up much longer. I get myself in an alley that has a fire escape. I climb up it as quickly as I can and continue to run. I have a plan; I'd be stupid if I didn't have one. The restaurant came in view. I let my legs speed up, my feet thumping against the ground. It felt like I was crossing a finish line, except I am aware of my own movements. I'm making them move. I don't feel adrenaline, just caffeine making me so jittery that I need to run off extra energy.

I open the doors and run right on in. People recognize me, I am a famous Vigilante after all. I like the popularity but it's weird seeing so many people share the same look and or excitement about seeing me. I hide in the bathroom. I needed to change quickly. Those Heroes will be waiting outside. I change quick into my regular clothes. I calm my heavy ass breathing. I toss my bag over my shoulder and walk out, and people are just around the bathroom asking about Devil. "Oh! That's who went through the vent?" The excuse went around. Eventually everyone got seated and settled down. Puffy was there, Puffy is here. I approach her from behind. "Hey Puff!" I swing myself around. "Tommy! You didn't get trampled, did you?" I shake my head. "Why?" "You have a big bruise on the side of your neck." She prodded at the area, but I didn't feel anything. "Are you sure? I don't feel anything." She took a picture of my neck and showed me. I must've gotten it earlier today. It doesn't look fresh. "Strange. Don't worry, I'll put some cream on it. Have a good day!" "You too Toms." I wave myself out.

When I get outside, I see a couple of Heroes. One I so happened to have befriended. I look at him silently, I can feel eyes on me. It's that damn bruise. Ichor and Dream come up to me. "Did Devil do that?" He points out the bruise. "Of course not. Why would a vigilante hurt a harmless civilian?" I felt as though I was staring into the man's soul. That stupid mask couldn't protect him. "To keep you quiet." "Dream, the kid isn't scared of either of us. You think he'd fear a powerless vigilante?" Ichor had that hint of annoyance in his monotoned voice. He thinks I'm powerless, like everyone else is. Except Ant, Drista, Nova. Everyone just assumes that if the power isn't recorded you don't have it, but I didn't want to become a lab rat. "Exactly! And he's coming with us, he must be lying." The Hero goes to grab my forearm. I smacked his hand away. "Don't touch me you bastard!" I shouted in his face. I gather attention of the other Heroes around. "Ugh. Do I have to knock you out?" The threat is familiar. Drista has said the same thing to me- that's a memory for later. "Fuck off! I don't want to be a part of this shit!" I attempt to run away but this neon green fucker pulls me back. "I'M A MINOR, I'M A MINOR, I DON'T CONSENT!" I've never seen someone let go of a child so fast. Not that I'm a child. I'm a teenager. Completely different but I am still a minor. I smirk. "Works like a charm." I mumble and I take off in a sprint. I wonder how the other Heroes feel about Dream now after I did that. Maybe I ruined his career a little bit, just maybe Teletubby will learn his place. If he treats people like trash, he better expect it back.v

...To Be Continued