Masters of death

The scars of the Empire 88's recent invasion of ABB territory were still fresh. Burnt-out cars lined the streets, buildings were pockmarked with bullet holes, and the air carried the acrid tang of lingering smoke. Fear had settled over the territory like a fog, with civilians hiding behind locked doors while the gangs fought over the remnants.

The Fairy Court had claimed this area in the name of Glaistig Uaine. Her presence was felt everywhere—the whimsical yet foreboding touches of Rose's magic transforming Lung's former stronghold into a surreal, otherworldly palace that loomed over the ruined streets.

Whispers spread about a new player, a cape whose powers could silence others like a void consuming the very essence of what made them parahuman. Those whispers grew louder with every skirmish, every disrupted battle, and every unexpected turn of events.

---

It started with a Merchant raid. A disorganized, chaotic group of fighters charged into the Fairy Court's territory, eager to claim resources and undermine Glaistig Uaine's control. Oni Lee and Bakuda responded swiftly, with Oni Lee teleporting between the attackers like a specter of death, and Bakuda laughing as her explosives reduced their makeshift barricades to rubble.

Rose watched from a distance, standing atop the twisted remains of a building that served as her perch. Her hands tightened into fists as she observed the slaughter below. Bakuda's bombs tore through the Merchants with unrelenting brutality, and Oni Lee's teleportation left them no chance to regroup.

"Another lesson in power, little sorceress," Glaistig Uaine's voice drifted over from beside her. Rose hadn't even noticed her arrival. "Witness how the strong shape the world while the weak scatter like leaves in the wind."

Rose said nothing, her jaw clenched. She hated this—hated the needless destruction, the lives lost over territory and control.

---

The silence hit without warning.

One moment, Oni Lee was teleporting across the battlefield, blades flashing. The next, he stumbled and collapsed mid-teleport, his momentum carrying him into a pile of rubble. His head jerked up, his expression one of shock as he clutched his chest.

Bakuda's laughter ceased abruptly. She stared at her newest bomb as it fizzled out in her hand, the glow of its fuse extinguished. "What the hell?" she muttered, trying to activate another, only for the device to sputter and fail.

Rose felt the shift as a strange pressure settled over the battlefield, like the weight of an invisible storm bearing down on them.

From the shadows of a nearby building, a figure stepped into view.

Nullwave.

They were dressed in a sleek, dark-gray bodysuit adorned with glowing, circuit-like patterns that pulsed faintly with every step they took. Their face was hidden behind a featureless black helmet, giving them an aura of mystery and menace.

Glaistig Uaine's eyes narrowed as she observed the newcomer. She raised a hand, summoning her specters—a group of ethereal, glowing figures armed with weapons and powers drawn from her collection.

Nullwave tilted their head, raising their own hand in response. A pulse of energy radiated outward, the circuit patterns on their suit glowing brighter.

The specters flickered and dimmed, their forms growing unstable. One by one, they vanished, as if they had been wiped from existence.

Glaistig Uaine staggered slightly, her connection to her powers disrupted. Her lips curled into a snarl. "What... is this?"

Rose's breath caught in her throat. She had never seen Glaistig falter like this before.

---

Nullwave's disruption sent shockwaves through the battlefield. The Merchants, emboldened by the sudden turn of events, regrouped and launched a counterattack. Bakuda, frustrated and vulnerable without her devices, scrambled to retreat. Oni Lee struggled to rise, his body trembling as if something fundamental had been torn away from him.

"Rose!" Glaistig barked, her usual calm replaced by rare urgency. "Do something!"

Rose hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward. She conjured a shimmering dome of magical energy around herself and Glaistig, deflecting incoming gunfire and projectiles from the Merchants. Her heart raced as she poured more power into the shield, the strain already beginning to wear on her.

The chaos intensified as a new group entered the fray—Empire 88. Half of their capes charged onto the battlefield, using the distraction to ambush both sides.

It was pandemonium. Rose focused on keeping the civilians hidden in nearby buildings safe, weaving subtle spells to guide stray bullets and explosions away from them. Her hands trembled as she worked, the enormity of the situation weighing heavily on her.

Glaistig Uaine recovered quickly, her composure returning as she observed Nullwave retreating from the battlefield. A cold, predatory smile spread across her face. "They think they can escape?" she murmured. "Foolish."

She extended her hand, summoning the remnants of her power to pursue. But before she could act, Rose stepped in front of her.

"Enough!" Rose snapped. "Let them go!"

Glaistig's eyes widened slightly, amusement flickering across her features. "You dare to command me, little sorceress?"

Rose glared at her, the weight of her frustration and guilt boiling over. "You're just making this worse! Look around you! Look at the destruction you've caused!"

Glaistig tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "You misunderstand. This isn't destruction, little sorceress. This is creation."

---

When the battle finally ended, the Merchants were scattered, Empire 88 retreated, and the Fairy Court stood victorious—if only barely.

Nullwave's appearance left its mark on everyone present. Oni Lee and Bakuda were shaken, their confidence in Glaistig's power subtly undermined. Rose was haunted by the destruction she had witnessed and her inability to prevent it.

Back at the Fairy Court's stronghold, Glaistig Uaine reclined on her throne, her fingers drumming against the armrest as she mused aloud. "Nullwave. What a fascinating thread. I must have their specter."

Rose sat in silence, her thoughts racing. Nullwave was dangerous, but so was Glaistig. If even she could be weakened, could she be stopped? Was it even possible to stand against her?

She needed allies. People who could help her find a way to fix this before it spiraled out of control. But as she glanced at Glaistig, who wore an expression of calm confidence, Rose knew the road ahead would be treacherous.