Spectra

Chapter 22

Emily

"Drill," Lucas demanded.

"Drill," I repeated, picked up the drill and placed it in his hand.

"Screw."

"Screw." Once again I repeated.

He drilled the screws into the device. Lucas held up the finalized project. Then, he turned to me.

"Let's test this." I nodded and he put it around my wrist like a bulky bracelet. He pressed a button and I immediately felt weaker. Almost like when I lost my powers but not as extreme. I tried to glow and I couldn't. I tried running, it was normal human speed. Taking a deep breath in, I nodded.

"It works."

"I made it so no matter what, the dampener can't be destroyed or taking off without me unlocking it. Or by amputating your arm." He leaned against the counter as he casually mentioned amputation. "It's designed to reverse light related powers in a twenty foot radius. Hopefully." Since we can't try this on anyone besides me, who knows if it'll work.

The clock read 4:41. Only about a half an hour until sunset. Why does winter have to have such short days? I was about to quickly put on my suit but realized the bracelet was on. Lucas pressed a button on his computer, it stopped glowing and I changed.

He stood in front of me, obviously scared. I took a deep breath and softly kissed his cheek. His ears turned red and he looked down.

"Just in case," I said softly. He pulled me in for a tight hug and I savored the clean lab smell mixed with cologne that I hoped I would smell again. "Stay safe."

Then, I ran off to the same fountain where this all began. I pressed the button on my earring. Skidding to a stop, I landed in front of the fountain, nobody to be seen. I had imagined that the CCPD would be everywhere by now. Maybe they had special orders against that. Maybe they were here but hiding.

Then, as if forming from a shadow behind the statue she appeared. She strutted up to face me. Her jet black braid bounced on her shoulder as she walked. My scowl softened as I realized she couldn't be much older than I. The mask might be able to disguise her but she had to be a teenager. My face hardened as her hands seemed to drip with pure darkness. I smirked.

"Lucas, now." The bracelet began glowing. Her hands went back to normal as she looked confused. It must've worked.

"Who's Lucas? Sorry never mind." My stomach dropped as her hands oozed darkness. Nyx pulled out a small box with a button on it. She pressed it and all the power lines sparked. All the power was off.

"Emily?! Did it work?"

"No! Turn it off!" My voice tried to stay strong but failed.

"I can't. The power's off, you have to come back."

"No. I'm not coming back until my City is saved." I said firmly.

"Woah, is that a power dampener I see? Oh I get it, you thought if both of our powers were gone we'd be equal. Nice try. If you'll excuse me, I've got to start working on this eternal darkness thing." She wasn't going to get away with this. I stepped forward and punched her in the face.