Published at 28th of October 2025 4:23 pm

Chapter 12 Cowl Standoff

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Peaking my head through the gap, I dont see anybody. All I see are large wooden crates stacked high and metal shelving that reaches the ceiling. I use my helmet to finish breaking the window, and it might be unnecessary, but better safe than sorry. There isnt any easy way down, but a large, almost pyramid-shaped stack of boxes is nearby. All itll take is a short jump, but if I miss, I will fall over thirty feet onto concrete.

Ive lived my whole life on mute, unable to experience any emotions. Even basic instinctual ones like fear are out of grasp. I am cursed to live while only being able to feel bodily sensations like pain, pleasure, and exhaustion. I imagine this sensation is similar to what drugs do to you. I will chase this even if it leads me to hell. It isnt a hard decision; the excitement I have felt since entering the docks is undeniable. Im in the air, my body moving as my mind dallies. I stick the landing perfectly, but the crates are old and rotted. The box Im standing on falls apart under my weight. Tumbling down through the boxes, Im thankful for the helmet protecting my head and neck.

The rest of me isnt so lucky as I manage to hit every part of me on the way down. My left side crashes into the concrete, and I feel something give. Gingerly moving my hand, I press against my rib cage, sending a jolt of pain throughout my body. I let out a hiss, and the helmet makes it sound like a family of robotic snakes. The pain is terrible but manageable. Wait, where is the fucking gun? Shuffling around on my hands and knees, I search everywhere. I see a glimmer in my peripheral; the thing is stuck under one of the shelves. Crawling my way over to it on my stomach, I give it a once over, and it looks fine.

I need to find Aubrey and get both of us out of here. Watching those two titans duke it out has shown me that I was naive to the realities of Neuvohuman fights. There is no way to leverage either of our powers to allow me to take their abilities. Either one of them could kill Aubrey and me easily. I should have talked her out of this; we are not dealing with a deranged rookie like Davis. These people are gangbangers with powers. Once I am home I can take the time to create better than this.

Its arguably better to hurt my ribs and not a leg. At least the injury wont impact my mobility. I move as quickly as I can without making a sound. Do not let the past few weeks be wasted; I would prefer not to have to restart my plans with Jean-Luc. He isnt as malleable as her and is likelier to get cold feet. She can be influenced and molded into a perfect pawn. No one has come, and Aubrey is standing still. With my entrance and subsequent fall, I made so much noise, yet no one came running. I continue through the warehouse, careful of what might await me ahead. Raised voices break the silence, and I quicken my pace. I duck down behind some boxes as I get closer.

What awaits me is a three-way standoff between Aubrey, a jacked Korean man, and a middle-aged mafioso. The Korean man is a bald, bulging mass of veiny musculature, taller than me by a good bit, and his arms are the size of my torso. Hes wearing grey basketball shorts and a white V-neck. On his arms and legs are thick golden bands. The older man has slicked hair and a goatee. Why is everyone dressing like idiots?

"Give it up, criminal scum. Cause Queen Bee is here to stop you." Aubrey's voice has a slight buzz added to the overlapping voices, giving it a more bee-like quality.

The Korean man starts laughing. Gios scraping the bottom of the barrel now, huh? Sending bitches and cokeheads to do his dirty work.

I dont know who this Gio guy is, but I am here to stop you both. Surrender now and come along quietly. Aubrey said

Shut your mouth, whore. I could snap you in half. The Korean man said. His voice is hoarse, and his grin is wolflike.

The Italian chuckles and then says something so softly that Im unable to hear.

Quit mumbling, Froggy, and say it with your chest bitch, the Korean man said, thumping his chest with his hand.

I said we dont know the bug girl. And my extracurricular activities are none of your business, little Ji-Hoon.

DO NOT CALL ME THAT! I go by Dynax. Ill crack your skulls together and then finish off the rest of you for betraying us, said Dynax.

So the Italians Cowl name is Froggy? And the Korean Cowl is Dynax? Why are people so terrible at naming?

Froggy jumps across the room and lands on Dynaxs back. He climbs effortlessly around him, trying to plunge a knife into the mass of flesh. Dynaxs shirt is getting shredded, but the knife isnt making a mark. The blade repeatedly bounces off of him, unable to pierce his skin.

Haha. That tickles, Dynax laughed.

Dynax tries to swat Froggy away, but he cant reach him. The smaller man is sticking to him like a fly on excrement. Crawling all over him, hes making sure to stay just out of reach of his grasp. Dynax starts walking toward one of the giant metal shelves, turning around to try and scrape the smaller man off. Froggy jumps off his back and scurries up the shelf. Dynax charges, barrelling into it and sending it toppling over. Froggy leaps off, but instead of falling toward Dynax, he rights himself in midair, landing on the ceiling.

Youre nothing but a brute. Think, you mindless idiot. What would we have to gain by fucking over the Dragons? Froggy asks while standing upside down, defying gravity.

Definitely a Cowl. What kind of power would let him do that?

Italians and greed are tale old as time. Now get down here and fight me, you coked-up pussy.

Dynax stomps the ground, sending cracks through it. He picks up a piece of broken concrete the size of a garbage can and chucks it at his opponent. Froggy hops over it, still walking on the ceiling.

Why would I do that? You really are stupid. How do we know you people didnt bring her? Maybe you guys are the ones who got too greedy and wanted more. None of that matters now. Ill bring the head of Lee Daeshims enforcer to Gio and get a nice reward.

My assumption about Aubrey being the cause of the gang war was correct. The Italians and the Dragons were partners in some manner of drug trafficking until my friend showed up and blew up an already volatile situation. I watch as she yells at them to give up once again. Aubreys attempts at heroism are pitiful; the only thing people like this respect is might. Without a significant show of force, they will not listen. How long will it take until she explodes with rage? I could barely keep it in check, and I dont have an underlying anger issue.

I cant see her face due to the helmet, but I dont imagine shes looking too happy. The two of them dismissing her and making rude remarks are only going to fuel the flames inside her. Aubrey finally reaches her breaking point, and the antennas on her helmet light up before discharging electricity at Dynax. It erupts, arcing through the air and hitting him in the back. The sound is decidedly unique as it hits, almost like an egg frying crossed with TV static. Thick black smoke billows off his back as he falls to his knees. Well, that is a surprise. Aubreys helmet has, at minimum, two different features: electrical blasts and some type of highly potent paralytic. Despite the power of Aubreys attack, Dynax climbs to his feet and stares at her with rage contorting his face.

I was gonna leave you till I finished him off, but congrats, you get to die first bitch, Dynax said while cracking his knuckles.

Before Dynax can reach her, Froggy drops down and plants both feet into Dynaxs back, sending him onto the floor. He pulls anothe knife out and slashes at Dynaxs calf. It doesnt do anything. He keeps jumping around Dynax, striking out to no avail before he speaks.

The roid rage beast is chastising me for doing drugs? Jesus fucking Christ, youre a hypocrite and an idiot. You have super strength, and youre using muscle enhancements and steroids to look bigger? Me, I know what I am, and dont try to act otherwise.

BOTH OF YOU BASTARDS NEED TO LISTEN TO ME! Aubrey screamed at the two cowls.

She shoots a bolt of electricity at them. Dynax grabs Froggys leg, crushing it and using the man as a shield. The bolt races through the air, hitting him in the center of his chest. The mafioso flies through the air, landing right where I am hiding. His screams sound just like those Marcus made before I killed him. Froggys chest is a bright reddish pink and missing enough layers of skin that I see muscle. The attack annihilates his shirt and coat, and his pants are charred and blackened. Aubrey turns to the remaining Cowl and continues shocking him. Dynax is using his massive arms to shield his face.

Youve both been given extraordinary gifts that most could never dream of. And you WASTE IT. Instead of helping people or making a difference, you choose to participate in this petty crime power struggle in some backwater city. People like you dont deserve powers. People like you dont deserve anything.

Even through the voice changer, I can tell how furious she is. Froggys body keeps twitching violently, and hes stuttering uncontrollably. This is my chance. I rip my glove off, press my hand against Froggys neck, and begin to siphon his ability. Just survive for five minutes, Froggy. Five minutes, and I will help Aubrey. I hear them fighting but cant see anything. The five minutes end, and I put my glove back on. Oh, Froggy, your ability is quite unique. Just like with Davis, a part of him came with it. Instead of an emotion, its something different. Its weird to describe it, but I somehow stole his addictive nature from him. I cant worry about that now. I need to see how their battle is going. Aubrey is now on the back foot and being chased around by Dynax. Hes destroying boxes, shelving, and anything else in his way like an out-of-control bull.

"GET BACK HERE BITCH!" Dynax screamed.

She doesnt respond to his taunts, ducking under shelves and weaving around boxes. The warehouse lights up every time Aubrey blasts him with electric shocks. It doesnt look like its hurting him, only destroying his clothes. Why hasnt she used whatever she used on that random thug? Does she not have any more of it? My original plan was to wait until she was over her head and then either wait till they knocked her out or do it myself. Then, kill these two and steal their powers, but shes gone off the deep end and is acting like Davis. Shes prolonging this fight, and it catches up to her. Dynax backhands her, sending her flying into the wall. Ive made a mistake by waiting to do something. He might kill her. Im going to lose another friend. Well, at least this one isnt my fault.

Your little bee stings arent enough to put me down; Im built of stronger stuff than the fucking addict. I cant believe I thought you were with the Italians. This is why rookie Capes have such a high mortality rate. You idiots just dont have any sense in you. But dont worry. I wont kill you. Daeshimll want to pimp you out first and make some money. The Johnsll love fucking a Cape, Dynax says as he reaches for her helmet.

Fuck you, prick.

A green gas pours out of the wasps mouth, covering both of them in a dense smog. She wasnt being cocky; she waited, brilliant Aubrey. Now, take advantage of his hubris. Do enough damage so that I can act. Wait, why dont I hear Dynax coughing? Out of the green gas comes Aubreys body flying through the air, parallel to the ground. She lands on the concrete hard and rolls until she hits one of the shelves. Dynax emerges out of the gas immediately after.

As long as I dont inhale, your gas cant do anything to me. And I got lungs of steel, Dynax said, tapping a finger to his temple.

Dynax is calm and relaxed as he approaches her. Shes groaning and cradling her arm to her chest. I cannot wait much longer. Should I try and gun him down from here? Do I let Aubrey die and escape when he isnt looking? No, if they capture her, then my secret will be exposed. She is weak and will fold to torture. I may not be the most well-versed in the broader Neuvohuman world, but my power is one of a kind. Capes and Cowls would both literally kill to keep the status quo. No, either Dynax or Aubrey has to die.

I stand up with my gun hidden behind my shirt. Am I acting recklessly? Could Froggys addiction issues exacerbate my need for a thrill? Is it already compounding my problems with chasing excitement? Focus. None of those questions are relevant in the current. Dynax needs to die immediately.

Stop right there, Dynax.

And who the fuck are you? Where are you fuckers coming from? He asked me.

Its over for you. Give up, and I wont hurt you too badly. Bluff and lie; my most significant advantage is that Dynax doesnt know what I can do. If I can convince him Im too dangerous to fight, I can give myself time to think of a way out.

Oh yeah? Show me whatcha got, Dynaxs smile is nasty and promises violence.

He will beat me to death if I cant surprise him. I see Aubrey behind him; shes facing us and struggling to get up. There is exactly one possible way we succeed here. Get him talking long enough that Aubrey can gas him again. I can use my remaining bullets to make sure he doesnt just hold his breath. Think Eryk, how do I tell Aubrey the plan?

Its already begun. You havent even noticed yet, have you? Guess I shouldnt be surprised. Youre a Bruiser, not a Mentalist. And you look just stupid enough not to realize when someones vastly out of your league.

His smile turns to a snarl. Youre lying. If youre so strong, why didnt you get involved before?

Its working. I see Aubrey shakily stand.

Because I didnt need to. My protege singlehandedly busted a drug deal and thrashed you and Froggy. I figured I should let her get some on-the-job experience. Fall for it. Fall for it. Fall for it. Ive gotten under your skin, pretending to be a bigshot Cape. You have to be questioning why I appear so confident. I have already won. He signed his death warrant the moment he didnt immediately rush forward and attack.

Who are you, and why are you here in Crimton? The kickbacks we send are meant to stop you guys from showing up, Dynax said.

Thank you for that nugget of information. I can use that to my advantage. Im Nobody.

Nobody? Ive never even heard of you. Are you trying to fucking lie to me? Youre just like her, arent you? Some rookie bitch who thinks he can fuck with the Dragons, Dynax said.

I cant make a move as he comes closer because I run the risk of costing Aubrey her chance. Come on, Aubrey, do it now. Just use the gas and knock him out. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her helmets antennas light up as she fidgets with it. What are you doing? You idiot, your shocks did not affect him.

GET AWAY FROM HIM! Aubrey yells as electricity explodes out of both antennae at Dynax. Instead of multiple attacks, she fires a continuous stream across his body. Dynax laughs until the attack hits his face. He holds his hands up, but Aubrey doesnt relent. I must make do with what I have, so I pull the gun out from behind my back. While shes keeping him busy, I sneak up until Im right behind him. I cant miss this giant target before me, but I aim at his spine and fire three of the remaining bullets ino him. Froggy proved that knives were ineffective, and I doubt that bullets will do much more. But this might allow her to get off another blast of gas.

Haha, that tickles. Bullets wont work, idiot, Dynax said, turning toward me.

Now! Dont hold anything back! I yelled out.

Once again, Aubrey releases her paralytic miasma while Dynax focuses on me. The green mist floods out of her helmet in far greater quantity than before. My helmet filters the gas, but Dynax is holding his breath again. I need to get him to breathe, but Aubrey is on the ground, cradling an injury. The two of us are inside the cloud, but only one of us can see. I need to use this to my advantage. I crouch down, sneaking around Dynax, who seems content to wait for the gas to dissipate.

I drag my hand along the floor, searching for a projectile. There are broken pieces of concrete from the fight, and I chuck one of them right at Dynaxs face. It hits him square in the jaw, and he whips his head in my direction. I roll away as he sweeps his arm where I just was. There is an audible whoosh from how fast his arm moved. I start to pepper him with chunks, immediately moving after throwing each piece. Each second feels like minutes, and Im doing everything I can to stay alive. He continues trying to grab me, forcing me to start dodging as soon as the concrete leaves my hand. Each time I narrowly avoid Dynax is another roll of the dice. A change of strategy is required. I grab another rock and get closer to him. The next chunk I throw at his dick and quickly unload the remaining bullets into his face. The two-pronged assault surprises him, and I hear him breathe in. Now or never. Through the gas, I see him starting to sway from side to side. I spot Froggys knife on the ground and chuck my pistol away in favor of it.

Dynax falls to his knees, and I cautiously approach him, wary of any sudden traps. My heart is pumping harder than ever before. This is it. This is what I have been craving. The giant mans mouth is open and numb as his eyes bore into me. He falls into me, and I start stealing his power immediately. The gas is almost gone by the time my five minutes end, and I insert the knife into the depowered Cowls ear, plunging it into his brain. I hear Aubrey to my left, coming over to check on me. She looks at the dead body, then the knife, and then back to me.

Oh god. I, I, I had to. He was going to kill us. The emotion isnt really translating well through the helmet, but it should be enough for her.

Aubrey rushes to my side and removes her helmet, exposing her face. Her face is flustered, but she looks happy. She isnt appalled at his death or even upset by it. Aubrey is glad hes dead. I had thought she would try to stop the bleeding, but she isnt moving to do anything to help. Shouldnt you comfort me, your dear friend, who has just had to murder someone? Hello? Why isnt she talking or doing anything? Slowly the happiness transitions into concern, and she finally speaks to me.

You did what you had to do. Dont beat yourself up about it, Eryk.

Why the hell are you using my real name? Are you so sure Dynax is dead that you think secrecy doesnt matter? My clothes are soaked in his blood now. Im going to have to get rid of them. I can feel his power now within me. The other part of him I took is another weird one; its his fierce loyalty. Will this even affect me? Without emotions to form attachments, I have nothing to be loyal to. Regardless, I have to thank you, Dynax, for both gifts. His power isnt super strength; it is something much more complex. He and Froggy werent taking full advantage of their talents. Aubrey was right; they are wastrels. Im playing up the shock of killing Dynax, which gives me plenty of reasons for not talking.

Should we call the cops? Theres a chance they might be able to save both of them.

A flicker of anger crosses her face; it mightve slipped past another person, but I have a lifetime of recognizing facial expressions.

They wont make it in time, and honestly, maybe thats for the best, Aubrey said coldly.

God, the party really broke her. Before that night, the old Aubrey would never have said something like that. Thats no way for a Cape to talk; she sounds more like a vigilante Cowl. Can I swing her further in that direction until shes willing to kill? She has no problem letting them die, but intentionally taking a life is a bigger deal to regular people. If we keep getting involved with societys worst sides, she will eventually break, which will be a sight to see. I stealthily slide my glove back on and get up off the floor, facing my friend. It isnt intelligent, but I remove my helmet. This conversation needs to be face-to-face.

What are you saying? That we leave two men to die?

Theyre drug-dealing murderous animals, not men. People like them dont deserve sympathy or compassion. Would they be showing us either of those if the roles were reversed? No, they wouldnt. You heard them, Dynax was going to force me into prostitution, and Im sure the other guy is just as big a piece of shit. Her face is flustered again, and she looks like shell cry. Eryk is meant to be kind and he wouldnt want his friend to talk like this.

You dont mean that. Thats the adrenaline talking, not you. We need to check on the other guy and get an ambulance here. I just need to put up the barest form of argument long enough to guarantee both Dynax and Froggy die.

No, I mean exactly what Im saying. We should escape now. My arm might be broken, and I want to get it looked at. They made their bed, and now they have to lie in it. Also, do you even have your phone on you? I left mine in your truck, so I dont know how you expect to call for help.

Shes being so stubborn. I only have to argue for a bit more, and then I can graciously accept defeat.

Its not right. I may be new to all this, but this doesnt feel heroic, I said.

Thats because being a Cape doesnt mean playing the hero. Being a Cape is about making the hard choices. Im not going to waste my energy on people who are cancerous to society. You dont understand Eryk. People like Davis, Froggy, and Dynax dont care about collateral damage. They dont care who gets hurt by their meltdowns or the drugs they peddle. The world is better off without any of them. Id rather make a difference than be heroic, she spat.

Im too tired to fight on you this, but just know that I disagree. At least let me check on the other man before we leave. Ill meet you outside.

Fine, Ill check to see if the coast is clear. She puts her helmet back on before heading toward the exit.

Her opinionated attitude is going to be a problem at some point. I still have the final trump card of my ability; I can always take back what Ive given. Five minutes of physical contact to take and to give an ability, but I dont need anything other than intent to retrieve an ability. No matter the distance, Aubrey, I can take back what I gave you. I will get rid of her if she cant get in line. I have no use for a pawn that doesnt listen.

I walk over to where I left Froggytime to check on the other soon-to-be casualty. Hes right where I left him, only hes stopped twitching. His torso rises slowly, and his skin looks terrible. Branching pink lines like tree limbs are burned into his flesh. Theres barely any skin on his chest from Aubreys attack. I stare at his ruined body, still feebly holding on to life. He will take away my anonymity if he wakes up without his power. Questions I cannot have asked will shed light upon me. It is too early for me to be exposed to the global stage. He must die, and I cant use the gun without alerting Aubrey. I am going to have to do this the old-fashioned way.

I press my boot against his sternum, testing to see if he wakes up. I push harder and harder until I feel his ribs begin to give. The pain would be unbearable for anyone to continue pretending to be asleep. He groans faintly, the gurgling sound of a blood-filled throat. I remove my foot before stomping down again and again and again until his chest cavity caves in. Its been at least six minutes since we split, meaning I should find my friend now. My bloody boots squelch as I emerge from the warehouse to find her leaning against another building. Her jacket is off, and shes using it like a makeshift sling. The night is still young, and already we are both injured. No more surprises would be pleasant.

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