Chapter 22: One-Sided Ambush
As we climbed to the top of the sewer access point, the air shifted, thick with anticipation. My heart pounded in my chest, an insistent reminder of what was at stake. I paused, gripping the edge of the manhole as I prepared myself for what lay ahead. Today was not just another mission; it was our moment to make a difference, to protect everything I cared about in Prime City.
"Okay, JLC," I muttered under my breath, psyching myself up. "You've trained for this. You've got your team. You can do this."
Just as I was about to jump in, my eyes caught a flicker on the small screen of my Bubble Cam, an invention I had crafted to help me scout ahead. I leaned closer, squinting at the image. A lean man floated effortlessly above the ground, surrounded by a swirling aura of electricity. His small afro bounced with each subtle movement, and a manic grin stretched across his face. Metal bunnies flanked him, their eyes gleaming ominously as they awaited his command.
"What the—?" I whispered, a chill crawling up my spine.
The man swung a stick around like a conductor, and to my horror, the buildings around him began to lift from their foundations, defying gravity as they floated like leaves in the wind.
"Ambush!" I shouted, adrenaline surging through me. "Everyone, get ready! We've got company!"
But before I could even finish my warning, I watched helplessly as Galaxy swooped down like a hawk, snatching up Michael and Kail. The two of them were whisked away in an instant, vanishing into the shadows, leaving me alone with this chaotic scene unfolding above.
"JLC!" Flippy's voice echoed nearby. I turned to see him appearing beside me, his features twisted in concentration. A strange device rested in his hands, a soundboard that seemed to pulsate with an unnatural energy.
"Flippy!" I called, hoping he could help. But he was already pressing buttons, manipulating the sounds pouring out into the air.
Suddenly, a wave of noise washed over the area, filling my ears with an overwhelming sound. The vibrations resonated deep within, a rhythmic pulse that seemed to beckon everyone nearby. I realized with growing dread that he was using his soundboard to brainwash anyone who couldn't control their magic. Villains and civilians alike were drawn to the noise, leaving the battlefield as if in a trance.
"Why do they care about the civilians?" I wondered aloud, frustration bubbling inside me. "They're not exactly heroes!"
But it didn't matter. While the others were caught in their battles, I stood alone, isolated and overwhelmed. I had promised myself I wouldn't fight without backup, yet here I was, faced with a formidable foe and no allies in sight.
Drawing a deep breath, I focused my energy on the Bubble Cam near the metal bunnies. "Alright, let's see if this works," I muttered, channeling my magic into it. The camera flickered for a moment before transforming into a small bomb. I initiated the detonation, the explosion echoing loudly as it detonated in their direction.
As the dust settled, I watched in shock as neither of the men showed any sign of damage. Instead, the man with the afro laughed maniacally, his eyes shining with an unsettling glee. "You'll have to do better than that!" he cackled, his voice dripping with insanity.
"Who even are you?" I demanded, keeping my guard up, ready to spring into action.
"Call me Dr. Mike!" he declared, his grin widening. "I'm a genius—a mad scientist! And you? Just another fly in my web."
I studied him carefully, noting the wild energy radiating from him. This wasn't just any villain; he was a force to be reckoned with. My mind raced as I considered my options.
