The Empire's Descent (First Draft)

Chapter 39: Bonnie e Clyde: All'Italiana

Bonnie and Clyde: Italian Style

Not based on the 1983 film, Bonnie e Clyde: All'Italiana.
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Luca and Marabella waited for an hour. At this time, the net had already repaired itself. A few minutes more passed before they smelled the mutt on the outskirts of the state. By their calculations, Adam would arrive in under three hours.

"Let's go," Luca signaled. They shot out of the reach of the protective net of the house and ran, continuing eastward, luring Adam to the battleground of their choice. An area that was easy to defend and difficult to attack. A place so familiar, they could trek it blindfolded.

"We had some good times here, yes"?, Bella plopped onto the rocking chair she carved for Luca back then.

"Mm-hmm,".

"We have to revisit some of those good times,".

"Indeed,".

"How do you wanna play this?".

"Like old times?".

"Like old times,".

"Perfect. I'll go hide,".

"Make sure to hide your scent,".

"Naturally,".
* * * *

"Where the fuck is she?!" Adam rushed into their playing field, small blue flames expelling with each heaving breath. His eyes were ablaze, tinged with azure as he smelled Luca's aggression and provocation from the signature emitted.

"You did some levelling up? Well, it's no matter. It'll be practice for my own power-up. Come and get it!" Adam growled before fully transforming.

Adam's body was engulfed in light blue flames before emerging as a monstrous sable wolf-like creature. His fur looked shiny and healthy, but a microscope-look at the strands would reveal each blade of fur was black metal and his undercoat was a hard, leathery covering. A majestic looking species, if it were not for their innate murderous nature. Adam shook out his body and swiped his four paws on the ground, expressing his confidence in winning the battle. He snarled provocatively at the observant Luca merely 12km away from him. From his snarling mouth, blue flames dripped as he widened it into a roar.

"Have you rested from your travels?", Luca questioned.

"Humph! I don't need any rest," Adam's voice echoed as if there were several people speaking chorally.

"Please, take the time to rest. I know you've travelled from afar. I'll wait right here until you've replenished your energy," Luca offered before taking a seat on the rocking chair.

Adam was a little unnerved, but laid down, his paws tucked right under him, muscles coiled at the ready to spring and his eyes stayed locked on target.

"So, Adam, how have you been?" Luca made small-talk.

"Don't try to distract me!" Adam growled quietly.

"Believe me: I will fight you squarely and be killing you fairly. You needn't worry about that, Adam," Luca assured.

Adam scoffed in disdain and kept growling softly to have an excuse to keep his mouth open. Who could blame him? He was in the state of Kye, two states over from this state, he was a little tired and overheated, to put it mildly.

"There's a brook, if you'd like to hydrate as well," Luca guided.

"You'll probably poison me, bastard!" Adam refused.

"As I said before, I want you in tip-top shape when I end your life. Even low-grade animals like you deserve a dignified death," Luca taunted. Adam roared fiercely before darting in the direction of the brook, where he stayed until he felt rested enough.