No Heroes Left Behind (Book 1)

Chapter Seven: Games

"Fine." I extinguish the flames surrounding my hands. "I'll play your little game." I put my hand on my hips and stare him straight in the eyes, showing him I'm not intimidated by his antics.

"Scarlett..." One of the heroes behind me calls out warningly, I put up my hand to silence them. I know what I'm doing and I need to show him he doesn't have the upper hand.

Rancor claps his hands. "Oh Scar, you're the best!" He says in a sarcastic tone, then he grabs my arm roughly, marching us over to the hole he created in the roof during his grand entrance, and shoots us up into the sky.

The nighttime air whips against my face as I am being pulled along by a supervillain to God knows where. Rancor doesn't say a word to me the whole time. He doesn't even laugh which, to be quite honest, is a big surprise. Normally he can't go five minutes without laughing.

Finally when the silence is too uncomfortable, I decide to speak up. "Where are we going?" I ask. He looks at me, and although I can't see his expression, I can tell I can tell it's not a happy, talkative one. After a moment, he readjusts his grip around my arm, holding onto me tighter.

"Shush, Scar." He says and then turns to look back at where we are flying to. I make my arm burst into flames and Rancor howls, letting go in pain. He grunts and holds his hand in his other one to help the pain subside. I watch him contentedly and fold my arms over my chest.

He shakes out his hand and laughs menacingly. "Oh, Scarlett..." He coos. I turn to fly the other direction but he grabs me by my foot and pulls me to him, caging me in his arms against his chest. I stare at his creepy mask which is uncomfortably close to my face. His arms tighten around me and I squirm anxiously, trying to break out. He removes one arm from around me and brushes his gloved fingers against my cheek.

"Cut it out." I say and turn my face away from him. I heat my whole body up and he lets go.

"You really need to stop doing that," he says angrily.

I glare at him from a distance. "No, I really don't," I hiss, "now, let me ask you again. Where are you taking me?" My tone is demanding and cold and I know he can sense my agitation.

"My headquarters." He finally says after a long moment of silence.

I narrow my eyes at him. "Why are you taking me there?"

He lets out an aggravated grunt which is followed by a laugh, "you ask so many questions!" He yells. I stare at him in confusion.

"Scarlett. Just FOLLOW ME!" He shouts.

I might regret this, but "fine, lets go." I say, flying up beside him. He looks at me in shock, probably because he was expecting me to be dragged there kicking and screaming.

"Really?" He asks, lifting up the bottom of his mask slightly and scratching his face. "Just like that?"

"Yeah, let's go, before I change my mind."

•••

He jumps through a hole in the ceiling of an abandoned apartment building and I follow him reluctantly. I find myself in a dark, musty room with water stained walls and creaky floorboards. He flops onto an old, tattered couch and a cloud of dust flies up around him. I crinkle my nose in disgust.

"Welcome to my headquarters." He says with mock pride. I give him a weird look and he cackles, standing up quickly. "You don't look impressed." He tilts his head to the side as he walks towards me. I look at him cautiously and cross my arms over my chest.