The Cloak Guard

Versus Swarm, Part 1

Sumin had been sitting in their room all night, troubled. They hadn't gotten even a second of sleep. They hadn't even tried to lay down, too concerned. They had returned home from the hospital and attempted to try and locate their friends but they didn't have their phone numbers or contact information except Gabriela's Instagram account. But their message to her had no response.

They weren't quite sure what they should do next. Someone had to warn them all that Swarm was finally back and making his move. Unless, of course, the worst had happened and Swarm was attacking them this instant. And Sumin could do nothing. They couldn't even wait til school as it was the weekend now.

Sumin cursed themself for never learning anyone else's phone numbers. They'd never really felt the need. They'd never had close friends before, just friendly acquaintances. They weren't sure why. They'd just been fine on their own with what they had. And now it seemed they were going to pay for that.

They could always check the phone book though they weren't even sure if those existed anymore.

Wait. Gabriela, she was the daughter of a rich businessman. Sumin quickly booted up their computer and checked the name. Almost instantly a link to the company website appeared alongside a picture of the main building. They nodded, recognizing it from the downtown area. They would have to head there tomorrow and hopefully run into someone willing to tell them about Gabriela. It was a long shot, and definitely edging on stalkery, but it was all they had and time was of the essence.

They looked over at their bed, wondering if perhaps they should get some sleep after all. Tomorrow wouldn't be easy and they would need all the rest they could get.

Before they could ponder on that any further, two bright lights appeared in the sky, shooting up from the city. Sumin frowned, wondering what on earth those could be. Searchlights of some kind? But why? They looked familiar somehow.

Just as quickly, they went off and the horizon was dark once more.

What were they? And why did they look familiar? Sumin thought on it, scrolling through their memories. Nothing really fit though. They were too slim to be searchlights it seemed. And for some reason they looked like...

Gabriela.

Their eyes shot over to where they'd seen the lights but it was still dark. Not that it mattered. The second they saw them, Sumin had memorized their details and position. And there was probably one good reason why Gabriela might send up lights like that.

"She's in trouble," they muttered hoarsely.

The right thing to do here would be to call the police, let the proper authorities handle it. But Sumin knew they would be no match for Swarm. He must be even more powerful than before by now. Sumin had to go.

They hesitated for a second, wondering if they really would end up in a hospital bed next to Althea's after this. Or worse, in a coffin. But they shook it off, remembering their promise. Swarm was back and was hurting someone they did consider a friend, or at least someone they didn't mind upgrading from friendly acquaintance to friend. Which meant it was time to kick his ass.

They threw open the window and stepped outside, using their power to create a large indigo manta ray which they stepped on and rode into the night sky.

"Do not worry, Gabriela," they said. "I am coming."

"Maybe blame it on raccoons?" Travis asked himself, yawning as he looked at the mess around him. He fortunately only needed a small nap before getting up. Most of the yard was now soaked with muddy water and the rest looked like a war zone. There were burn marks all around thanks to Travis's lightning and dirt everywhere. "Rocket always gets up to crazy shit so it makes sense his comrades would t-"