Chapter 8: Demon Rising
The sound of a deep rumble woke me up, as well as the feeling of soft skin and arms wrapped tightly around me. I blinked a few times to clear the last vestiges of sleep from my eyes and mind before looking down at the frightened girl clutching onto me for dear life. I looked out of one of the windows to see a storm raging outside, and immediately realized why this had my angel so afraid.
I hugged her close and kissed her forehead. "What's the matter, love? It's just a storm."
She sent me a look that just screamed annoyance. "It's not just a storm, Koa."
"C'mon Dash, I didn't mean it like that and you know it." I explained softly.
She sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I know. You have to understand though, Koa…my mom died from a storm…and I thought you did too." She started to tear up a bit, and she hugged me tighter. "I thought I lost you, Koa."
I ran my fingers through her soft shoulder-length hair and breathed deeply. "I don't know what it is, Dashie, but the lightning didn't hurt me. I mean, I actually feel better than I ever have. Stronger..." I sat up quickly and hopped out of bed. "I need to go to the beach today. I need you to stay here, for your own safety."
"W-wait, what do you mean 'for your own safety'?" she asked, slightly panicking.
I smiled and rubbed her cheek softly with a hand. "Well I'm going to go see what these new abilities are. In case I spontaneously discharge all this electricity in my body, I don't want to hurt you." She looked unsure, so I leaned over and kissed her again. "I love you, Dashie. I'll be back in an hour or so, I Pinkie promise. Make yourself some breakfast and clean up and such. I'm taking you to the movies tonight after work. I just have one appointment, so we'll go at around 9:00." She finally nodded with a smile, so I put on some swim trunks and sandals before heading out into the torrential downpour.
Normally such a heavy storm would worry me a bit, but now that I knew I had nothing to worry about as far as lightning, I was unconcerned. It was still weird to no longer have one of the most basic human fears, but I guess this dog can learn new tricks after all. With the weather being as it was – as well as the fact I was heading to The Bird – I didn't have to worry about people seeing me…which was a good thing, because who in their right mind would head out into a storm like this holding a nine iron.
When I finally arrived at the beach, I was pleased to find that even with the storm raging, the tide was out, so I didn't have to worry about the waves washing me out. I stood in front of the rock face that dominated the beach so that no one could see me, and tentatively stuck the golf club up in the air. Every instinct in me was yelling at me to run and get to cover, but I was adamant and stood my ground. Soon, I began to feel the now-familiar feeling of tingling, and I looked up to see lightning flashing just overhead, loud booms of thunder making my chest vibrate. Finally, I got what I was waiting for as a bolt of lightning hit the golf club (Jesus…never ever thought I'd say that sentence). I could feel the electricity dancing around my body, but it oddly didn't hurt. Instead, it felt like every muscle on my body had gone "asleep", and I chuckled a bit at the feeling. Yet another thing I never thought would happen – I was just struck by lightning…again…and now I was laughing about it, not being dead and all.
I focused to see if I could change to that form Spike gave me, and I felt the tingle intensify for a moment as I closed my eyes. When I opened them, I noticed some big differences. First off, my skin was no longer the blood-red color it first was. My skin was still covered in scales, but it was now a drab gray. Large spikes were protruding from three points on my arms – two on each forearm, and one on my shoulder. There was electricity arcing between the three points, and even with how weird this was, I had to admit, it was pretty badass. There were also four small spines on each hand where my knuckles were, though they didn't seem to do anything at the moment. Just for the hell of it, I held a hand palm-out in front of me, and the electricity from my lower forearm spike jumped to the spines on my hand, and a bolt of lightning shot out of my palm. The deafening sound, kickback, and surprise almost caused me to scream like a little girl, but I kept from doing so. Not that it would have mattered with how loud the rain and lighting from the storm was, but still.
Five days ago, all this would have me freaking out, but with Rainbow Dash coming to my world in human form, I believed damn near anything was possible now. I dissipated my form after playing around for another half-hour or so and headed back to my house with a big smile on my face, holding a burned and partially melted golf club in my hand. When I arrived home, soaked to the bone, Dashie had luckily gotten a towel ready for me.
She handed the plush towel to me with a smile and kissed me. "Well, it's good to see you're okay. What did you find out?"
"Stand back and I'll show you." I said with a smirk. She did as I asked and I changed my form again. I heard her gasp and I also heard the familiar crackle of electricity going along my body.
She looked at me with a look of awe and excitement. "Koa, you look awesome! That's so cool!"
She stepped forward towards me but I backed up. "Don't get too close, babe. I don't know if I'm dangerous to you or not, so let me change back first." I focused on changing back to my normal form again and opened my eyes after a moment, relieved to see my own skin and hair again. "There we go. So, pretty cool, huh?"
She nodded. "Yeah, that was awesome! You're like some kinda electro-guy now!"
I couldn't help but laugh hard when I got a look at her shirt. She had decided to wear my shirt I had made a few years back that said "WARNING: Package contains large parts, keep away from small women," with an arrow pointing down.
…
…
…fuck you, I thought it was funny.
Anyway, she ran over and hugged me tight with a little grin before passing a sandwich to me. "Well, this is the first food I've made since I got here. Let me know what you think." I took the sandwich and took a bite, immediately enjoying the taste of it. Mmm…egg salad with celery.
"It's really good, Dashie. Thanks for breakfast." I said with a smile. I quickly finished the sandwich and washed it down with a swig of milk as I heard heavy footfalls coming down the stairs. It was Lil, and she had definitely looked better.
"Coffee…" she muttered. I poured a cup and added two spoonfuls of sugar and handed the hot brew over to her. She took it with a grumble and sipped the drink, muttering a thanks and sitting down at the dining table.
Apparently Diz was much more of a morning person than Lil was, as she sailed down the stairs with a bounce in her step and smile on her face. Upon seeing me, she smiled even wider. "Well good morning, Mr. Lightning Rod. How are you feeling this morning?"
I held a stoic stare at her for a moment before grinning. "Mr. Lightning Rod…that has a nice ring to it, ironically." Dash couldn't help but chuckle at my sick sense of humor, and I laughed as well.
I looked to Lil, but she still had a sour look on her face. She glared at me and frowned. "I'm still mad at you, Koa. You're not out of the doghouse yet."
"Aww come on, Lil. I said I was sorry." I finished with a pouty lip.
She glared at me still. "Number one, you can't pull off the pouty face. Second, if saying 'I'm sorry' fixed things like this, Hitler would have been considered a great guy."
"Hey, maybe Hitler was just misunderstood. The poor, poor man…" I finished with a mock sad face.
Dash looked at all of us confused. "Um…who's Hitler?"
"He was a dictator during World War II that attempted genocide of an entire race of people." I explained. She still looked confused, so I continued. "It would be like Celestia becoming evil and corrupt, and then imprisoning and trying to kill every pegasus in all of Equestria."
Dash gasped. "H-how could someone do that? I mean…how many?"
"Over six million." I answered flatly.
The color drained from her face and she looked down at her glass of orange juice in her hands. She was silent now, having learned exactly how fucked up humans could be. I couldn't blame her…most people have had the same reaction when they first learn about it in history. I mean it doesn't matter where you're from…six million is a hell of a lot of people to kill because of some misguided grudge against an entire race of people.
I stood up and walked over to Dash, placing an arm around her, to embrace her softly. "That's one of the reasons why we need to get you out of here soon, Dash. Please forgive the language, but humans are fucked up like that." I then turned to Lily and Diz, who were staring at me. "Celestia's working with Twilight Sparkle to get Dash back home…and I'm going with her."
They both gasped, but Diz was the first one to me. "Koa, what the hell do you mean?"
I shrugged. "I don't know how much clearer I can be. When she leaves, I'm going with her."
Lil then stood up and walked over to me, tears in her eyes. "Koa…please…don't do this."
"Girls I'm sorry, but I love Dash so much and I want to be with her. If at all possible, I'm not going to let her go back home alone." I answered with a stern look. "Besides," I started, "I'm pretty sure the princess has something planned for me."
They both looked confused before Lil spoke. "What do you mean by that."
"Well, stand back and I'll show you." I responded with a grin. They all stepped away from me, Dash now grinning, as she knew what I was going to do. As I focused on the change again, I heard our two guests gasp. I opened my eyes to see the two of them staring, so I quickly changed back and smiled. "Pretty rad, right?"
There was silence in the room for the longest time before Diz finally replied. "Umm...that's really cool and all - disturbing, but cool - but how would this prove that the princess of Equestria has something in store for you?"
"Dude, she made me into some sort of magic demony thingy. I'm pretty sure she wouldn't do that for no reason. I mean, I'm not the brightest guy in the world, but even I know that." I said with a smirk.
Diz seemed to accept this, but as expected, Lil wasn't so into it. "Koa, w-why do you want to leave though?"
I could tell she was taking this personally and was fishing for an answer. I put my plate in the sink and walked over to her, embracing her in a hug. "Lil, you're not the reason I'm leaving. Understand something: for the longest time after Kay's death, I had no direction, and in all honesty, no reason to live anymore. I mean do you even know how many times I've thought about downing a bottle of pills or slitting my wrists open?" She gasped, but I shook my head. "I mean I'd never do that Lil, and you know that...but that doesn't mean I've not wanted to. Lily, you're like a sister to me...but there's nothing left for me in this world once Dash leaves. It'll just go back to the same boring routine of working, coming home, and going to sleep...just to get up and do it all over again the next day." I stroked her hair softly and kissed her forehead. "With Dash, I've found my reason to live again. She's not my reason...but she did help me find it. I mean, I want you to be happy Lil, and you can be here on Earth...but don't you want me to be happy too?"
She looked down, a little ashamed now. I felt bad about leaving her...I really did, but for the past five years I had made sure she was happy and taken care of. Now that she was an adult that was perfectly capable of taking care of herself and finding a man, it was time to live for myself again. She looked at me again with her glassy eyes of tears, but nodded this time. "I-I know, Koa. You're right, I'm sorry."
I rubbed her back softly and smiled. "Look, by the time this thing is worked out, a year or more might have passed. I mean, it's not going to happen right now. I'll be around for awhile yet."
She sniffed a little, but nodded, standing up. "Okay Koa, I'll be alright." She smiled. "Well, with all that out of the way, I have to get to the shop, so I'm gonna head home to shower and get some clean clothes on, and then I'll see you there later, okay?"
I nodded. "I'll be there around six for my appointment. I'll see you there, Lil." I stood up and kissed her forehead again. "Love ya, Lil. I'll see you later."
She smiled and rubbed my shoulder. "Love ya too, Koa. Bye."
As Lil left, Diz looked at me and pouted. "I never got an 'I love you' from you."
I rolled my eyes. "You did, actually. The last time I said it, you called me a fag."
"I was plastered, don't judge me." she said with a huff.
I headed to the kitchen, ruffling her hair as I passed. "Well, I love ya too then, Diz."
She grinned and let out an oddly Fluttershy-sounding "yay" before heading out, leaving just Dash and I alone in the house again.
I headed upstairs and took a shower, letting the hot water run over my skin as I let it relax my cares away. I felt something strange as I stood under the shower head, and opened my eyes to see what. Nothing out of the ordinary, just the water running down my skin and to the drain. However, as I lifted my hand from my side to grab my shampoo, I noticed a stream of water rise up to meet it.
This makes the third time in the past few days I've screamed like a girl.
A few seconds later, the door burst open. "What happened, Koa? Are you okay?"
Any other time I'd be a little perturbed that she was in the washroom as I was showering, but at this point the shock was too much, so I pulled the shower curtain back to see her staring at me. With my hand at my chest, I pointed down. "Look at this, Dash." Of course, she looked straight at my crotch, and I just sighed. "Not that, Dash...look down at the water." She stepped closer and looked at the little bit of water that was running in the shower towards the drain. I raised a hand again, and this time the water shot up to meet my palm. A swirling orb of water sat in the palm of my hand, and she gasped.
"What the hay is going on, Koa? How are you doing that?" she asked, blushing a bit.
I realized finally that she was staring at my naked body, and I coughed. "Um...perhaps you should let me finish washing. I'll be out in a minute, Dashie." She nodded quickly and left, leaving me feeling really stupid for exposing myself to her like that.
I finished washing up and dried myself quickly before walking to my room and getting dressed. As soon as I walked down the stairs to the living room, Dash looked up at me and immediately started blushing...and I looked down in embarrassment.
"Umm...can we just pretend that didn't happen?" I asked pleadingly.
She sighed and focused on the glass of orange juice in her lap. "Koa...why do you have so many scars...and where did they all come from?"
I'd forgotten just how many scars I had on my legs, and just her mentioning them made the memories of how they got there come flooding back to me. I sat down on the couch beside Dash with a solemn look on my face, and began to explain my childhood to her. The beatings...the cruel torture brought about by my father...it all came out. To be honest, I didn't really want to talk about it, but she hadn't hidden anything from me, so I wasn't going to keep the truth from her. I told her of the carving knife that was used on me, and why they were only in my private area.
"The reason they're only there is because that way they'd be hidden. Around here, hardly any guy with a decent body is going to wear a shirt at the beach, and even as a kid, I was no different. So the only place he could do..." I cringed as I subconsciously ran my hand along my inner thigh, "this, was where my shorts or underwear would normally cover." I groaned a bit as I thought about the past and all the tears I'd shed in pain because of it. "I'm sorry Dash...I never wanted you to see any of this. This is something that only Lil knows about...no one else...and I had meant for it to stay that way for this very reason."
She sat silently, holding my left hand in both of hers tightly. She looked up at me with teary eyes, "How could anyone do that to their own child?" She took a breath before continuing. "It's...evil." she spat out.
I shrugged. "He wasn't always that way. I mean he was never a really loving father, but he never hurt me like this until after my mom died. I don't know what it was, but something changed in him when she left us. After Lil found out, she told the police and they put me in my grandfather's care. I was only nine when it happened, and I lived in Hawaii with my grandfather until I was nineteen...then I moved back here." She tried to say something, but I shushed her. "Dash, it's in the past now. I've gotten over it and in all honesty forgotten about it until now." I was surprised to feel a tear drop down my face, but I continued anyway. "I won't lie to you babe...it still affects me sometimes, but for the most part I just keep living as I always have. I think of it as a positive in the sense that since I know how damaging what he did was - both mentally and physically - I'll make sure that I never do that to another person."
"What ever happened to him?" she asked softly.
I raised an eyebrow at her. "My father?" She nodded. "I don't know. I mean he disappeared after I went to live with my grandfather...and I haven't heard from him since. Not that I really want to, but all the same it's weird of him to just disappear."
She nodded and sat up, a happier look on her face. "Okay, well I guess that'll do." She then looked at me confused. "Now...what the hay were you doing with the water?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, I'm not even sure how I was doing it, but if you'll follow me to the sink, I'll see if I can do it again."
We walked over to the kitchen sink, and I turned on the water. I tried to raise my hand again like I had in the shower, but nothing happened. After about five minutes of trying to recreate what I had done before, I turned off the water and let out a frustrated sigh.
"Maybe you have to be touching the water. Try that." the rainbow-haired girl suggested.
I shrugged and turned the water back on and placed my hand in the stream. Just like before, I felt a strange sensation in my hand, and I placed my palm up. The water stopped dripping over my hand, instead collecting in it in the shape of a ball. Once it was the size of a baseball, I turned off the faucet and held the clear drop of water in my hand. I shrugged again and dropped the water into the sink, where it immediately fell apart and went down the drain.
"Hmm..." I hummed to myself. "I wonder how varied this new ability of mine is. It seems that I can control an element so long as I'm touching it."
She eyed me curiously. "What about the lightning? You weren't touching it when you showed us this morning."
"Well the human body uses electricity to move muscles, transmit data with the nerves...even for brain function. Makes sense that I'd be able to store excess in my body. I just hope it doesn't have any side effects or anything." I mused.
Just then, I felt a strange pressure in my head. I recognized it as a "waiting message" from Equestria, so I copied the original gesture by placing my hand on my head, and a small scroll burst into existence with a flash of light.
"Oh, another letter! What does it say?" Dash asked curiously.
I opened the letter up and started to read.
***Dear Koamalu and Rainbow Dash,
We have completed our work on the spell sooner than anticipated and are prepared to bring Rainbow Dash back...along with yourself, Koamalu. We have been monitoring your progress with your new abilities and are quite pleased with what you have discovered. Know that your form will change greatly upon arrival, so please prepare for it.
As I have previously notified you, a personal sacrifice is required for the spell...a sacrifice from the one who we are bringing here. For Rainbow Dash it is different, as she belongs in Equestria...but because you are a human from Earth, payment is required. It was not our choice, it is simply how the spell works. There are two parts to your sacrifice. The first is rather self explanatory: you will not be able to return to Earth once you leave. I assume you have already come to terms with this, but the second sacrifice may be far more difficult to accept for you. Your mind will be wiped, erasing all of your memories not having to do with Equestria or Rainbow Dash. From what I understand, some of your experiences are quite valuable to you, so I apologize in advance for this.
Along with this letter is a golden medallion. When the two of you are ready, you are to press the medallion together with each of your hands - one from you, and one from Rainbow Dash. The transition will be...uncomfortable. Be sure that you perform this somewhere secluded from the public eye, yet somewhere outside and away from anything, as everything in your immediate vicinity will be brought with you. Once you arrive, we will explain to you as we can what the reason for your form is.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna
Monarchs of the territory of Equestria***
I set the scroll on the coffee table and looked over at Dash, noticing she had the same shocked expression that I had.
"Wow...Lil is not going to be happy." I said with a sigh. I then looked at Dash. "When do you want to do this?"
She looked pretty unsure, but after a moment responded with an uneasy smile. "I mean, I'm ready to go now, Koa...but I know you already have a life here and friends. It's up to you."
I was now at a crossroads of sorts. My mind had been made up: I was going with Rainbow Dash. What I hadn't prepared for was it being this soon. On the one hand I had the rainbow-haired girl by my side, along with her wants and needs. She hadn't been on Earth long, but I knew without asking that she wanted to go home. On the other hand though, I had Lil. I mean, what was she going to do when I left? The asshole part of my brain kept telling me that she wasn't my responsibility...that she was a grown woman that was perfectly capable of taking care of herself just fine without me. However, my big brother instinct was just as strong, telling me that she needed me and I shouldn't abandon her.
Goddammit...what do I do?
After an hour of silent thought in my room, I decided it was better to just do it quick, like ripping off a bandage. This was for two reasons: one, it wasn't fair to Rainbow Dash to make her wait for me. Two, I had already explained to Lil that I was leaving. Granted neither she nor I had expected it to be this soon, but for Dashie's sake, I had to do it. With that decided, I picked up the phone and dialed Lil's number.
"Hello?"
"Um...h-hey Lil, it's Koa."
"Oh hey Koa, what's up?"
"Well...I just got a letter from the princess..."
"...you mean Princess Celestia? That princess?"
"Yeah. Pick up Diz and head over here as soon as you can. We need to talk right away."
"Um...o-okay. We'll be over in about twenty minutes."
I set the phone down and sighed. This was going to suck on a previously unheard-of level.
Dizzy and Lily arrived about fifteen minutes later, both with very worried expressions on their faces...which I expected. I mean, they had just left my house, when I all the sudden called them back and told them I needed to talk to them immediately. Probably not a smart idea on my part when it comes to keeping everyone calm, but then again I wasn't thinking too clearly. Chalk that up to leaving for a previously unheard-of world soon.
Anyway, once they arrived I went about explaining what had happened since they left. They didn't believe me until I let them both read the scroll, which they believed because of the fact that you can't even buy scrolls like the one the letter was written on in California, and they both knew what my handwriting looked like. Lil reacted pretty much how I expected, but for some odd reason, Diz didn't say anything at all...she just walked outside. I asked Dash to keep an eye on Lil while I checked to see what Diz was up to.
I found her right outside, sitting in an old wooden chair I had on my front step. She had an unreadable expression, and I couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by that fact. I steeled myself quickly and sat myself down on the step a few feet away from her.
"So Diz, how are you taking this?" I asked politely. She stayed silent, just staring off towards my shop. I quickly became frustrated and got up, standing right in front of her. "Diz, talk to me."
She finally looked up, sorrow on her face. "Koa..." she whispered softly...just before lunging forward and knocking me off balance and onto the ground, with her landing on top of me. Even in the compromising position we were in, she didn't let go...and didn't really seem to care either.
"Umm...Diz?" I asked openly. She only responded by standing, and then pulling me up with her...where she continued to hug me. I returned it a little haphazardly, utterly surprised by such a display of affection from her, but eventually I closed my eyes and held her tightly, her head placed against my chest. As we stood there, I noticed two other pairs of arms joining the hug, and I opened my eyes to see Lily and my angel.
As much as it hurt, I wanted this...because I realized that this would be the last time I'd see them...or remember them, probably. The logical part of my mind told me that because I wouldn't remember, this was a pointless gesture...but my heart and soul told me to do this, not for me, but for them. As far as I would be concerned, my two best friends might very well cease to exist to me...but they would forever remember me.
After a few minutes we finally headed back inside and I popped open my last bottle of rum, and started sharing it with Lily and Desiree. I mean, it's not like I could take it with me, right? Dash sat in a chair across from me while Lily and Desiree sat next to me on the couch, leaning against me or holding an arm tightly, respectively. All this was just making it harder and harder to do this, but finally the raven-haired girl stood up with a sad smile.
"Well Koa, it's been a hell of a ride." She then took a more serious tone, placing a soft palm on my cheek and letting a tear fall. "I'm going to miss you, sea monster, but I have work to go to." She then leaned forward and kissed the top of my head, rubbing the spot as she walked away. "I love you Koa, and I'll never forget you." And then...she was gone.
Lily still kept her spot next to me, holding my left arm for all she was worth, so I grabbed an empty envelope on the coffee table and a nearby pen, writing eight numbers down on it and handing it to her.
"What is this?" she asked in confusion.
I smiled and placed the pen back down before looking into her eyes. "That's the combination to the safe in my studio. There's something in there for you, Lil."
She looked a little surprised, but nodded. "W-what is it?"
I smiled and kissed her cheek before standing. "You'll just have to find out for yourself, won't you?" I then looked to Dash and nodded before looking back at Lily as she stood up. "Your mom would be proud of you, Lil...I'm proud of you. Don't ever forget that." I hugged her once again before breaking away, leaving my phone, my keys, and my wallet on the table, only taking with me the scroll and strange medallion. As I neared the door, I turned around to look back at the bright turquoise eyes of Lily. "You're going to be okay, Lil...I promise you that. I love you, little sis."
She vaulted the couch and caught me in one last hug before I could walk out the door. She said nothing, simply crying silently against my bare chest as I stroked her messy head of dirty-blonde hair. After a few more minutes, she released me to go, but not before standing on her tip-toes to plant a soft kiss on my cheek. She finally smiled as I backed out the door, and although tears were in her eyes, I could tell she was actually happy. With that last goodbye, Rainbow Dash and I walked towards the empty beach on the outside of town.
As we walked the street towards The Bird, Dash immediately asked a question, one I knew was going to come up.
"What was in the safe?" she said with the utmost curiosity.
I smiled warmly and laced my fingers in hers as we walked. "My Last Will and Testament, as well as legal documents and property documents as well." She raised an eyebrow in confusion before I explained further. "I had no delusions about my own mortality...I haven't for a long time. I mean after losing both my mother and grandfather like I did, I've been planning for death for a long time now. I was always most worried about Lily, like I am now...but that's all taken care of." I looked over at the rainbow-haired girl beside me and smiled. "Lily will be completely taken care of. Not only is there a five-hundred thousand dollar life insurance set to be paid to her upon my death or disappearance, but everything I own - my house, my car...even my shop - goes to her."
Dashie's eyes widened at this, and she gasped. "You're leaving everything to her?"
I nodded. "My real sister and I are about as close as two worst enemies, and my father and I are no closer, obviously. Lily is my family here on Earth, so it's only right that she is the one everything goes to."
We walked for awhile longer before arriving at the beach...but something was off. There were people here, and I was pretty sure I'd never seen any of them before. I was a little paranoid and was about to walk away when I saw one of the people look at another after catching sight of me, and nodded at his friend.
By all that is holy, please let me be wrong about what's going on here.
I wasn't...
I heard the telltale sound of sirens along with black SUV's driving up, as well as thirty or so people forming a circle around us. They pointed guns at us, and I could feel Dash take a defensive stance next to me, although I could tell she was scared out of her mind. The crowd parted a bit to reveal an older woman with a smug look on her face.
"Well well, mister Kamkani, it's a pleasure to meet you." she said with a smirk.
I growled and stood my ground. "The pleasure's all yours...what do you want?"
The older female agent (I figure they must be FBI or something) continued grinning, then pointed a finger at Dash. "We want her."
"What? Why? What did I do?" Dash asked, quickly becoming panicked.
Apparently the agent had enough by now, as she dropped the smug façade and nearly snarled. "Look, cut the bullshit, little girl. We know you're not from here, and we want to ask you some questions about that." With that little outburst, the smug look returned. "So just come with me, and no one gets hurt."
"Over my dead fucking body, bi-" I was cut off by the familiar barbed hooks of a tazer embedding in my skin, running a huge amount of electricity through me. I hissed in pain, but still stood tall, unflinching. "Like I said, over my dead body. Is that all you got?"
The agent looked shocked for a moment before gritting her teeth and motioning to another of the men surrounding us. "Hit him again!"
Another pair of hooks shot into my body before releasing its normally deadly payload of electricity in me. I grinned as I felt the power start to flow through my body. "I'm still waiting for you to-" I was cut off again, but this time by a loud *BANG*...and I looked down at a now bleeding hole in my leg. Pain shot through me as I recognized I'd been shot, and I collapsed to the ground. I looked over at Dash, who now had tears in her eyes, and just smiled. "Dashie...you might want to get down low and cover your ears for this." She nodded and did as I asked. I stood up, wincing in pain as I did so, but standing all the way up still. I focused and let my other form come through, eliciting a cluster of gasps from everyone around me.
"W-what are you?" one of them asked in surprise.
I grinned maniacally. "Something you'd never have to deal with if you'd just left us alone." I could feel the massive amount of electricity in my body, and let it build up in my hands before releasing it in a potent burst on either side of me. The lightning arced to each of the people in the circle (standing close together was perhaps not too smart on their part), causing them all to drop to the ground in convulsions. Not pausing to see if they would get up, I grabbed Dash off of the ground and pulled her towards the water while limping, palming the medallion in my hand. She looked at me confused, but I just smiled. "Jump in, Dash. You'll be okay, I promise."
She followed my lead and jumped in the water, easily finding the current and getting swept out with me to sea. Once we'd gotten a fair distance away from shore, I grabbed her hand and pressed it against mine, which held the medallion. A bright glow covered the both of us as I felt my skin tingle. Then a bright flash...and nothing.