Fallen Rose

Learn to Fly - Part 2

The remaining lights flickered, and the tension only grew. People ran for the exits, guards having no idea what to do in the wake of this destruction. In the stampede of people, Minh and Zumm Zumm were no exception. Zumm Zumm already found herself in a bit of worry as Minh tried to run back to Hiroshi, her arms grasped tight around Jasmine.

"DAD!"

"Minh, no! Your dad wants you safe and sound, we have to get out of here!" She tugged her back, holding her from escape as she let her calm down.

"But, he needs help!"

"You can only do so much, kiddo...." She picked her up, holding her tight as she dashed for an exit. "Listen, I like to think things happen for a reason... This is all coming down so Hiroshi can prove and learn for himself that he is strong enough."

"So... he'll be okay?" Minh looked up to her, doe-eyed.

"Yes, of course. Your papa's a strong one! He's been through a ton of stuff. There's nothing to worry about."

"But he's hurt...." Minh leaned over her shoulder as they finally made their way out.

"Listen..." Zumm Zumm looked down the street, "When your dad gets done, we'll meet up with him. I mean, he's already got rid of two of them.... We'll see him in a little bit, and you'll see he's okay."

"But he needs Jasmine..." She pet the cat in her arms gently.

"What for?" Zumm Zumm smiled at her childlike ways.

"Jasmine...He...When he licks you... Your scratches get all better!"

"A cat with a stand... is that so? I see... Listen," She leaned against a streetlight, placing the girl down, "What do you say me and you go down to the store down the block and buy your papa a little gift, hm? Then when we meet up with him, he'll have a little good luck charm from you while he's away! How does that sound?"

"I..." Minh nodded timidly, "Okay..."

"Fantastic! Maybe we can scout out some clothes while we're here..." Zumm Zumm grinned, seeking shelter in the warmly light store. Minh just bowed her head with concern for her father.

—

The extraordinarily tall man stared the small singer down, despite his empty face, leaving Hiroshi chilled. With a crack of knuckles, he crouched in a grappler position, placing his knees forward, all in the cover of the shadows that were made for him and his ability. Hiroshi stood directly under the lights, to center himself as far away as possible from all the shadowed areas, having some idea of how his ability worked. He was prepared for his plans.

Oscar charged forth into the edge of darkness, where the light poured down, but right in the dividing line between both, his body disappeared somewhere else. Hiroshi turned his head every which way to scout out the man, and where he might appear.

"You don't understand, do you?"

Hiroshi felt a chill down his spine as he heard the man whisper in his ear. He was then kicked from behind, the force coming from underneath his jacket. At the same speed it appeared, the leg that attacked had disappeared. Hiroshi swiftly wriggled out of his jacket, tossing it to the side as he huffed with prowess.

"I had you in the palm of my hand the whole time..." Another whisper startled him as he felt a gloved finger appearing in between his hair and scratching the back of his neck, disappearing instantly all the same.

"Give it a rest. At this point, you're being freaky for nothing..." Hiroshi veered his eyes around himself "...These fear tactics aren't
gonna work anymore," He shook his head with a scoff, "If what you're saying is true, then why am I not dead? You don't have to answer, I already know it. You can't really send your body parts this close to me without risk, can you? I bet that, once it hits the light, it will be damaged in some way. Like a Vampire, perhaps? You haven't teleported inside of me, either, despite how easy it would be to kill me like so, perhaps you can't teleport inside of mass?. You're just stalling. As long as I'm standing right here I'm s-" Hiroshi looked to his left seeing an oddly shaped, humanoid shadow.