Paragon

⊰❉⊱ 61 ⊰❉⊱

Our eyesight cut through the darkness to the bend in the tunnel without assistance.

We felt the vibrations in the rock around us before we heard the rumble. Elias glanced up as a shower of dust coated our clothing. He made a disgusted sound before brushing it off. I paced steadily without taking my eyes off the curve in the tunnel and what lay ahead.

We walked quickly for many minutes, when I almost considered running just to speed it up–a shape appeared silhouetted in the darkness. This perked up the elder beside me who tilted his head in anticipation while I froze. 

I did not fail to miss the lack of a heartbeat. Neither did Elias.

His expression morphed into a vicious smile.

"A shame you only brought one of you." He drawled, not bothering to increase the volume in the twenty metres between us.

The figure seemed to nod at distance. Before wrapping its hand against the steel doors beyond. This time Elias did pause. As the silhouette walked backwards two rows of soldiers outfitted closer to myself strode forwards.

You had to god damn ask. I cursed the immortal internally, before checking the numerous distractions and weapons I had on my person...

Elias rolled his suited shoulders and glanced at me. "Go on then, immortal, prove why Cordius spoke so highly of you..." He stated, dripping irony.

What.

I glanced at his testing gaze. He wasn't interested in dealing with this at all? Or he wanted to see how much of a distraction I could be before finishing our objective himself. Three newly minted immortals was one thing. Twelve was an entirely different problem set–even if I used the close confines to my advantage–he wanted me engaged with them all. Unlikely if not impossible to walk away from.

"You knew this would happen." I noted calmly, as if we discussed what selection of cheeses we'd have after wine.

They walked steadily in their rows. No need to rush even if their slim slithers of gold told me their lack of experience. They were immortal. Therefore they were dangerous.

Elias took a step back, drawing his hand out to the approaching immortals in the tight tunnel space. "Tara Fletcher, is to engage the approaching immortal party while I secure the plutonium–a selfless act to the very end." He added, as I realised he spoke into the comm. To Vanilla himself.

There was no response.

So this was planned from the beginning. I had to wonder if all the other immortals were sent here to die as well. It made no sense to wipe so many out when they had dwindling numbers as it was–unless they did not...

I thought of this in less than a human blink. Because I did not have the luxury of longer. I also did not have the luxury of killing Elias myself. I would have to do this the old way. I took it all in very rapidly after that.

The first immortal leapt for me in the 10 metres remaining.

My hand seized a 9 round flash bang canister from my hip. I tossed it beneath the airborne immortal and twisted as he dropped. His hands slipped by my body while my own wrapped around the width of his head and snapped.

The first immortal hit the ground the moment I shut my eyes and piercing light and deafening shockwaves filled the tight space. Why did I use it?

In the first years of immortality every sense was dialled to 11. Light and sound could be overwhelming. Immobilising if in the right conditions. These were said conditions. Several dropped to their knees screeching and screaming against the sheer overwhelming volume and flash it cast.