Chapter 24: Chapter 23
Author's Note:
Hello Author-san here, like I promised last chapter you'll have a reveal of Reggie as Riftshade. Keep in mind it will still go through improvements in the future, as for when and how well I'm keeping that as a surprise.
Anyway enjoy the story 😉 😁
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(3rd POV)
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The prisoner sat on the cold floor, the flickering light from the television casting eerie shadows on the walls. She ate slowly, her eyes never leaving Frenchie's face. Despite his gentle demeanor, years of torment had left her wary and distrustful.
Frenchie and Reggie exchanged glances, understanding that gaining her trust would not be easy. Reggie crouched down to her level, speaking softly as the translator on his phone converted his words to Japanese.
"Lady," Reggie began, "we want to help you. We have a safe place where you can recover and be with people who care about you. It's far from here, and no one will hurt you again."
The prisoner's eyes darted between Reggie and Frenchie, her expression a mix of fear and confusion. Her eyes, haunted by the scars of her captivity, were filled with doubt.
Charlotte stepped forward, her voice steady but gentle. "We know it's hard to trust us," she said, her words translated into Japanese by Reggie's phone. "But we promise, we're here to help. You're not alone anymore."
Frenchie reached out slowly, placing a hand on his heart and then extending it towards her. "Mon coeur," he said softly, the translator echoing his words. "We can protect you. Please, let us help."
The prisoner hesitated, her body tense with uncertainty. But something in Frenchie's eyes—his genuine concern and the softness of his smile—made her want to believe. Slowly, she nodded, a reluctant acceptance.
Reggie stood up, offering her his hand. "We have to move quickly," he said, the urgency clear in his voice. "There will be more coming soon."
She took his hand, standing on shaky legs. Frenchie moved to her other side, offering support as they began to make their way out of the room. Each step was a struggle against the fear that had deeply rooted itself within her.
Navigating the maze of corridors, the tension was palpable. Distant voices and footsteps echoed through the hallways, a constant reminder of the danger. Reggie led them, dropping timed explosives along the way, his senses on high alert. Charlotte covered their rear, her weapon ready.
Frenchie kept a steadying hand on her, whispering words of encouragement. "We're almost there," he assured her, the translator doing its best to convey his reassurance. "Just a little longer."
The prisoner's grip tightened on Frenchie's arm, her eyes wide with fear. But she pressed on, driven by a glimmer of hope. As they neared the exit, the sounds of pursuit grew louder, urgency mounting.
Reggie paused at the door, peering through the small window to ensure the coast was clear. Satisfied, he turned to the others. "Alright, this is it. Stay close, and be ready to move fast."
With a deep breath, they pushed through the door, emerging into the cool night air. The fresh air was a welcome relief from the stifling confines of the criminal hideout. They moved quickly, sticking to the shadows as they made their way to a nearby vehicle. Just as the low-key explosion rumbled the ground, causing people to scream in panic.
Amongst the chaos, Frenchie calmly picked the lock of the car, which was silent and uninsured. With the trio entering the vehicle, Reggie noticed Shockwave peeking with a backpack at the Chinese shop, seemingly in shock. With a predatory smile, Reggie vibrated in place, creating a time remnant. They exchanged a fist bump before Reggie took the car and disappeared in a trail of lightning.
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(Time Remnant POV)
I know that I'm here temporarily, but we both know it's about time to finally cut loose. No more waiting. This bastard's getting what's coming to him.
I thought, glancing at the ring we forged with Speedforce, containing our identity. Seeing Shockwave disappearing, I took off after him. My ring glowed with lightning, engulfing me in energy. As I appeared in my new outfit, I looked around, my white skeletal helmet with red rubies for eyes glowing menacingly, golden lightning-themed earmuffs and armor shining ominously.
"Ahhh, now where was I? Oh yes, time for my introduction!!" I said, my voice echoing with a demonic edge. Purple lightning crackled around me as I disappeared.
The Time Remnant, now fully embodied as Riftshade, pursued Shockwave through the city's labyrinthine streets. My new uniform shimmered with energy, the glowing eyes adding a menacing edge to my appearance.
Shockwave glanced over his shoulder as he ran, his eyes widening in terror upon seeing me giving chase. "What the hell is that thing?!" he muttered, pushing himself to run faster.
The city blurred past in a kaleidoscope of neon lights and dark alleyways, the air thick with the sounds of urban life—car horns, distant sirens, and the murmur of people unaware of the supernatural chase above them. Shockwave's heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears like a drumbeat of doom.
I sang in a low, demonic tone, my voice reverberating through the night. "One, two, Riftshade's hunting you.
Three, four, shadows seep through the door.
Five, six, feel the darkness mix.
Seven, eight, your soul's at the gate.
Nine, ten, NEVER SAFE AGAIN!!! HEHE HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH."
With a burst of speed, I closed the distance, in a blur of purple lightning. My steps were silent, each one propelling me forward with effortless grace, as if the very time itself bent to my will. The cityscape became a twisted playground, shadows stretching and warping as I moved through them.
Shockwave's breaths came in ragged gasps, his muscles burning with the effort to escape. "No, no, no..." he repeated like a mantra, the fear clawing at his sanity.
Grabbing Shockwave by the neck, I lifted him effortlessly, purple lightning streaking around and through me. "Will you walk into my parlour? Said the spider to the fly." I taunted, the words dripping with malice. The crowd began to record, their fear rising.
"Cough cough–What–what are you? What did I do to you? Why are you after me? Is it money?!" Shockwave gasped, choking. I tightened my grip, my eyes glowing even more sinisterly as I surveyed the gathering crowd.
"Hehehe, look at this thing. This is your so-called protector? You'd trust your life to him? Well, allow me to do you all a favor." I disappeared from the plaza in a streak of purple lightning, leaving the crowd in stunned silence.
Appearing in front of Vought, I tossed Shockwave's unconscious and broken form onto the floor. His arms, legs, jaw, and spine were shattered. "VOUGHT!!!! COME AND TAKE YOUR TRASH!! I'LL BE SEEING YOU SOON TOO, HOMELANDER! HEHE AHAHAHAHA!!" I roared before disappearing in a streak of lightning, leaving a trail of terror behind.
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Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone