Paragon

Chapter 29:

They entered the Capitol, which was nearly unrecognizable from their last visit less than a week before. The rooms were trashed, windows shattered, bullet holes in the walls and furniture. Bodies of both Capricorns and humans scattered the floor, their blood staining the white marble. Gunfire echoed from somewhere in the distance.

They saw no one until they reached the doors of the council room. Outside was a group of both Skyfall and Prime Order agents led by Connor.

"We've got all of the civilians we can find in there." He said, gesturing towards the doors. "If you see any, send them this way."

"Have you seen the Commander?" Sasaki asked.

"Last thing I heard she was with the rest of the Paragons near the entrance to the impound. Watch the lights."

"Why?"

"When one of the Wilders gets close, they start to flicker."

"Good to know."

They continued through the eerily quiet Capitol until they reached the door to the impound room. Guarding it was a group of Suits.

"Have you seen the Commander?" Marcus asked, stepping around the corner.

One of the Suits fired at him and he ducked back.

"They're not with us." He said.

Weska cursed. "Let's go around then."

They made their way to an elevator, deciding the best thing to do was cross the basement and then go up to the impound. They got out at the bottom of a staircase leading to a catwalk. Around them the vast basement is filled with the machinery necessary to keep the many workers and officials comfortable in the huge building.

They started up the catwalk and were about halfway to the elevator on the other side when the lights began to flicker.

"What are the odds that the Capitol is just having electrical problems?" Weska asked.

"Knowing our luck?" Marcus paused. "About zero."

The lights went out completely and Camron created a small flame in his palm.

"Hello?" He called.

For a moment everything was silent. Then Marcus was knocked off the side of the catwalk. He grabbed the railing with one hand as the lights came back.

Falcom stood a few feet away, shoulders hunched and eyes glowing a dull red. His clothing was full of bullet holes, but he appeared uninjured.

Marcus pulled himself back onto the catwalk as Camron stepped forward.

"Falcom." He said. "Haven't seen you in a while. Congratulations on coming back from the dead. Your eyes are...uh...are you okay?"

Falcom made a very inhuman snarling sound, baring his teeth as he stepped forward.

"I mean, your eyes are very pretty." Camron said hastily. "Like, wow, absolutely stunning."

Weska pushed past him. "You stay away from us, monster. I don't want to hurt you, but I will if I have to."

He continued towards them and Weska ran forward. Falcom grabbed her shoulders and tossed her. She hit the edge of the catwalk hard, but before he could attack her again, Marcus ran forward. He tackled him and put his claws to his throat.

"Stay down, Wilder." He said. "Just stay down."

Falcom smashed the back of his head into Marcus' nose. He fell to the side, disoriented, and Falcom planted a knee on his chest. He put a hand on either side of his head, twisting his neck painfully.