Fish Fingers

Topple

Star was the first one there. Puffer and I arrived soon after. I had called them both to give the details about my fight with Clown and the location of the boss of Jaws. All of this started because a few gangsters wanted to extort a bakery which owed me money. A small dispute had turned into a siege on the boss of the whole gang because I owed Star an arm. Star had dedicated their life to taking down the gang responsible for their arm being taken from them. Puffer was tired of having their own life put on the line for petty disputes. Taking down Shark and the rest of Jaws with them was the only thing left for us to do.

River Hotel was a tall building with many balconies and around 10 floors. It was on the more expensive side of town and the presentation showed. We entered and used the elevator to go up to the 6th floor where room 64 was. On the ride, Puffer filled their revolver with bullets in preparation.

"We're really doing this..." Puffer said.

"Having second thoughts?" I asked.

"Just a bit."

"Don't worry. How bad could it be? There's 3 of us and 1 of them, assuming they don't have backup."

"There's still a chance that our lives end here. We're risking our lives for this."

"You tried so hard to get me to join you in this and now you're not even sure if you want to do it!"

"I know. I hate myself for it. I'm a coward."

"A coward wouldn't shoot their superior in the head and betray a major, powerful gang. You've come this far. Why stop now?"

"I... I'm just a bit scared."

"Trust me. There's nothing to fear. No ability could beat us."

"I hope so."

The elevator door opened and we made our way over to room 64. The door looked the same as the rest but I felt something was ominous about it. The doorway to the end of our troubles and debts seems too easy. I paused in front of the door, stopping short of the handle. The pressure was getting to me. In the moment of silence, I noticed how no noise was coming from inside the room. Complete quiet. Maybe Shark wasn't inside yet. I turned back to look at Puffer and Star and they were being quiet, trying to hear any noise from inside. There was no noise.

Star stepped forward and knocked on the door. Still listening closely, we could hear what sounded like a person getting up from a chair and approaching the door. After reaching the door, the person inside stopped moving for a couple seconds. Then, they spoke.

"Who is it?" They asked. They had a very clear voice and slightly posh accent.

"Police." Star replied. "Open up."

The stranger took a few steps away from the door, paused, then came back. At the time, I assumed they were getting the keys to the room. I thought wrong. A loud noise pierced my ears. I closed my eyes as I flinched and when they opened again, Star was on the floor. They had bullet holes in their side and one in the chest. Blood gushed into the clean carpet. Star's body was shaking. The wood in the door had smoking bullet holes. I froze over Star's body.

With Star's remaining energy, they managed to snap their fingers on their right hand. The bullet holes in their flesh filled with metal, sealing the wounds. The bullets were ejected from the body. Star was alive. I wasn't expecting guns to get involved in this. I only anticipated a strong ability from Shark. We had to be more careful. Any mistake could mean death.

An eye peered through one of the holes in the door. I stared at it.

"How many people are in there?" I asked, activating Truth.