Powers III
Part 1 Part 2 Part 4
Warnings: draining, death, betrayal, electroshock
Hero watched as Villain faced off against Other Apprentice. Other Apprentice had been picking on Villain for months, calling Villain weak, kicking them when Villain passed out after draining themself, and just making Villain's life a living hell.
Today, when Superhero said they would oversee the sparring, Other Apprentice offered to pair up with Villain for the exercise. Hero had tried to switch, but Superhero was hearing none of it. "They have to learn how to counter many different powers, Hero. You've gotten pretty good at setting off explosions. But they know your every move. They need to learn."
And so Hero watched, their stomach twisting in knots as Villain stood waiting for Other Apprentice to square up. Other Apprentice smirked as they walked up to Villain. "Ready to be squished like a bug, weakling?"
Villain didn't respond. They held their hands loosely at their sides. Hero knew that if Other Apprentice used their power, Villain would lose. Villain was no match against the electric current that Other Apprentice put out with their touch. But if Villain could get the first hit in, they had a chance. While Villain's powers were totally useless against an enemy, they were physically very strong and a good fighter.
"Begin," Superhero said as they settled into a chair in the corner.
At Superhero's words, Other Apprentice charged forward. "I'm going to shock you to death, Villain. And Superhero will rejoice that I got rid of such a weakling that tarnished their name."
"Big talk for not even Superhero's strongest apprentice," Villain said as they dodged Other Apprentice's attack.
"I don't need to be the strongest. I'm stronger than you and that's what matters," Other Apprentice said, failing to grab hold of Villain's shoulder.
"Not the strongest. Not the kindest. Not a very good student," Villain said as they swung at Other Apprentice, their fist connecting with Other Apprentice's jaw.
Other Apprentice howled with pain as they grabbed at Villain. "I'm going to make you regret hurting me," they snarled as they released their electric current.
Villain yelped with pain and tried to pull away. Hero's heart was in their throat as they watched Other Apprentice hold tight. "Why would I regret it?" Villain said through gritted teeth.
"Because I'm going to make sure your death is slow and painful." Other Apprentice grabbed Villain with their other hand. "And I'm going to enjoy it."
Villain cried out, their knees starting to buckle. Hero was ready to charge forward, but Superhero's glare stopped them. "If Villain can't stop Other Apprentice, then they deserve their fate."
"It's not fair. They can't fight off powers. They can't hurt Other Apprentice with their powers, you know that. You set this up!"
Superhero's frown deepened. "I may do many things, but I don't set up any of my apprentices to die."
Other Apprentice began shrieking. Hero whipped around to stare in horror at what was happening. Other Apprentice shrank back from Villain, their skin blackening to thick ash where they touched Villain. "I'm sorry. Please, st-st-stop," they begged as the ash continued to crawl up their arm.
Villain stared at their own hands in horror. "I don't....I'm sorry. I don't..."
Other Apprentice began screaming at the top of their lungs as the ash advanced, drowning out all other sound. All the apprentices watched, terror filling all their faces, as Other Apprentice's body dissolved into ash. Only then did the screaming stop.
Villain dropped to their knees, tears filling their eyes. "I'm sorry," they whispered.
Hero stared at Villain like they had never seen their friend before. What was that? How had Villain done this? Hero's thoughts were interrupted by Superhero's angry yell, "HOW DARE YOU!"
Villain flinched and turned to stare at Superhero. "Superhero, I'm sorry, I--"
"WHAT IS THE ONE LESSON I SAY TO NEVER FORGET?" Flames twined themself up Superhero's arms. "WHAT?"
"To.....never..."
"TO NEVER KILL! YOU KILLED OTHER APPRENTICE! BE GONE FROM HERE. IF I LAY EYES ON YOU AGAIN I WILL KILL YOU. IF ANY OF MY APPRENTICES LAY EYES ON YOU THEY WILL KILL YOU. YOU ARE NO APPRENTICE OF MINE."
Villain swallowed and stood up. They glanced over at Hero, but Hero wouldn't meet their gaze. Hero studied the ground in front of them. Superhero was angry. They would calm down and invite Villain back. Villain should have stopped before it went that far.
Villain nodded and turned and ran from the room. Ran from the room of powered individuals that were more than happy to see them dead, more than happy to exact revenge. Ran from the one person they called friend. Ran from all they had known. Ran because they had no one.
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