When Heroes Fall

Chapter 8

Matt stared at Chaos—and it had to be Chaos. Despite the fact her usual costume was replaced by a pair of black jeans and a gray hoody; Matt recognized the shape of her face under the domino mask. Chaos stared back at him, bracing herself between sitting and standing, the same shock coloring her features.

"Where are you?" Gea screamed, floor trembling beneath them.

Chaos grimaced, crouching lower in an attempt to brace herself. Matt shook his head, reorientating himself.

"What are you doing here?" Matt asked hushly, leaning in so she could hear him.

Chaos raised a brow, unimpressed. "Me? What are you doing here? And how—do you—do you wear your suit under your civilian clothes? When did you even have time to put those on?"

For once, Matt appreciated the fact that his mask covered the majority of his face. He couldn't hold back the warmth creeping into his cheeks. "You aren't even a hero."

"Some things are a little more important," Chaos shrugged.

Again, the floor rumbled. They both flinched. Peering over their shoulders and between the seats, they watched as Gea threw a boulder at the two police officers still standing. Their guns had run out of bullets, and it did not appear back up had arrived, or would be arriving in time. Chaos cursed under her breath.

"She's going to tear down the whole building if this keeps up," Chaos stated.

"The students?" Matt asked, gaze darting to the exits. He couldn't see any students, but—

"Evacuation protocol," Chaos replied plainly. A few years back, when Axiomville started becoming a hot bed of meta-human activity, the school implemented an evacuation protocol. Running drills at least twice a semester and experiencing a few close calls, the school staff was well practiced in getting students out during an emergency. Principal Danvers liked to brag about their impressive evacuation record of fourteen minutes and thirty-seven seconds. "She tends to be single focused in her attacks. If we approach on two-fronts, we may be able to at least slow her down."

"Are you suggesting we work together?" Matt asked.

Chaos stuck out her hand. "It's not a permanent deal; I just want to get back to class."

Matt took Chaos' hand, clasping on. "Honestly, I am debating whether this is better than my first period class. I don't have my escrima sticks on me, do you have anything?"

"Just this," Chaos said, producing a small purple stun gun from the front pocket of the oversized sweatshirt and waving it in her hand.

They nodded to one another. Letting go of Matt's hand, Chaos turned her attention fully to Gea and her continued assault, which devolved to random destruction of auditorium seats. Matt observed the way the villainess threw her whole being into each crushing stone and considered their options. Chaos was right. Despite her raw power, Gea's focus remained on the object in front of her, finesse replaced by fury. The two of them lacked weaponry, but Gea's attacks were long range, so if they could get in close enough, they would have the advantage.

"You're left-handed, right?" Matt asked, keeping his eyes on Gea.

Chaos furrowed her brow, "Yes?"

"Good, you'll be at the advantage. Gea seems to favor her right—at least that's where she's leading from. If you're able to draw her attention, I can get in close enough to accomplish something," the words spilled from Matt, less conscious and more instinct.

Chaos huffed. "I'm the bait?" There is a beat, neither of them moving. Matt chewed on his inner lip. Without Chaos' help, Matt didn't know how much he could do on his own. Chaos waved her hand, as if she were brushing away his silent concerns. "Fine, I'll keep her attention on me while you get in close."