Eye for an Eye (sequel to Protecting Spirits)

Chapter 4

Asha's lungs burned for air as she ran but she knew she couldn't stop. If she did, she would either get hit by a car, lose her balance and fall, or get caught by the panther. She knew that none of those would be good, so she pushed herself to run faster. Bucky was to her right, running just as fast.

Asha glanced at Bucky as they went passed a car. Actually, Asha went passed the car. Bucky just climbed over it and continued to run. If their lives weren't in danger, she probably would have laughed.

The two continued on until they saw a group of police cars heading against traffic. Asha gasped in shock, gently pushing one to the side with her powers before jumping over a row of plastic cans. She glanced over her shoulder to see Bucky do the same. Her eyes widened a little when she saw a car break through the row of cans too. Asha could faintly see Steve sitting in the driver's seat.

When Asha looked ahead of her, she noticed that they were running against traffic. She huffed slightly, knowing it would be harder to avoid cars now. Bucky slowed his pace a little, causing Asha to look at him in confusion.

"What are you doing?" she asked him.

Instead of replying, Bucky reached forward and grabbed the handle of an oncoming motorcycle. Asha wanted to look back at him but kept her eyes in front of her to make sure she didn't get hit. A motorcycle suddenly came up next to her. Bucky grabbed Asha's hand, slowing the bike enough so he could safely pull her on behind him. Asha wrapped her arms around his waist as Bucky sped off again, merging back into the other lanes of traffic. Asha tried to catch her breath, resting her head against Bucky's backpack as her chest heaved up and down.

The young woman glanced behind her to find Steve still following them in a police car. Her eyes widened when she saw the panther man hitchhiking on the back of the car. As they entered another section of tunnels, the panther climbed to the front of the car, leaping off its hood.

"Bucky!" Asha cried.

Bucky quickly turned his head to see the panther coming. He reached out with his right hand and grabbed him by the throat, holding him out towards the wall. The man swung his arms briefly before pushing himself off the wall, causing the motorcycle to tip to the side. Bucky quickly let go of him so he could use his left arm to keep them from collapsing. Asha looked over her shoulder at the panther to see him ready to strike again. Keeping one arm around Bucky, Asha used the other to release her powers at him, knocking him off the bike.

"Thanks," Bucky said as he straightened the motorcycle.

Asha simply nodded in return. She quickly dug through Bucky's backpack to pull out a small bomb. After zipping the bag back up, she threw the bomb onto an overhang. Shortly after they had passed under it, the bomb exploded, causing the overhang to fall. Asha was about to breathe out in relief when she felt the motorcycle jerk and heard the tire pop. The bike tipped to the side, throwing both Asha and Bucky off and sending them rolling.

Asha shook her head to get over her shock, quickly getting to her feet. She turned her head to try and find Bucky, only to see Steve tackle the panther to the ground. Asha hurried to Bucky's side, standing between him and Steve as the panther rose to his feet. Suddenly, police vehicles filled the area, surrounding the four of them.

Steve held out his hands to Bucky and Asha signalling them not to make any moves. Asha did as told even though the adrenaline was still rushing through her body, her hand ready to pull out her sword if needed. A moment later, a silver figure came flying in, landing before them. Asha tensed when she recognized Rhodey's War Machine suit.

"Stand down," he ordered, aiming his repulsor beams at the four people before him. "Now." Asha glanced around her to see dozens of policemen aiming guns at them, ready to fire at any moment. Steve placed his shield on his back and held up his hands. "Congratulations, Cap," Rhodey said. "You're a criminal."