A Hero's Song (Darkest Secrets Volume 1)

Chapter 22 - Insubordination

Mystery nodded, not surprised by the transformation. She looked to Gabriel - a question in her eyes. He scrambled through possible constructs before choosing one.

I agree, a good choice.

Gabriel raised his arms and activated his gauntlets. "Nobody touch the hands, please."

Black antimatter burst out to form two giant hands. He didn't want to surround anyone in antimatter; if they moved against it, they'd die.

Gabriel demonstrated by nimbly placing them to cover the three Supers huddled together with the left and libra leaning on the rail with the right.

Mystery said. "Creative, I like it. That stuff looks corrosive, though."

Gabriel let the constructs dissipate and nodded. "Wasn't kidding. Don't touch it. I designed this energy to destroy. It will erase anything it comes into contact with. I'll post them up and keep them there until you say so, captain."

Satisfied with the defenses, Mystery finished her plans. "Libra, I want you behind Gabe, alright? Protect him while he protects us. Sound good?"

Libra didn't turn to acknowledge Mystery. "I will support you with my rifle - from the ledge down there." She pointed down the side of the building. "I won't play guard dog; I'd support better with damage."

Mystery was about to rebuke Libra for insubordination when the silver-haired girl jumped over the rail and out of sight.

"Damn it! Whatever, I don't want to deal with her. She's somehow gotten worse since the Academy. Are you guys ready?"

"Yes." Both men said in unison.

Mystery raised her hand and spoke to the air, "Start the scenario."

Gabriel lifted the team with antigravity and floated them down to the ground silently. Once they landed, Mystery drew her wand and stalked toward the building.

"Follow me, quick!"

As the trio walked, the ground began to slope gently, then more dramatically. Gabriel was astounded to see Mystery's will bending the asphalt and dirt around them, forming a perfect tunnel wide enough to fit them comfortably when they reached the wall, even with Rey's increased height. They walked in silence for about a quarter-minute before Mystery said, "This should be the center of the warehouse. I'm going to tunnel straight up from here. Rey, where are they"

Rey responded, "They are right above us, in two groups of four. They're standing across from each other like they're talking. Most likely part of the scenario. One group is here, the other there." He pointed at the ceiling of the tunnel, falling silent and looking to Mystery.

"Perfect, I guess we divide them in half and hope we don't have to deal with plasma grenades, huh?" Mystery said, smiling. "Gabriel, Rey, are you ready?" She said, spreading her arm and reaching out to touch the earth beside her. At their nods, she continued. "Stand here to my left. Closer, don't be shy. Where's all your alpha now, Rey?"

The man reddened.

"Let's do this." Mystery said excitedly. "On three, Gabe is flying us out. One." Mystery's posture stiffened, and the earth above their heads began to roil. "Two." She fully extended her wand towards the spot between both groups. The ground hardened like steel and shook loudly. Then she pointed her wand above them. "Three!"

Gabriel grabbed hold of his companions in a gravity field, shooting upwards. The ground parted before them, and a second later they exploded out of the floor - shooting rocks and dirt in every direction.