(XIX) The Witches Ploy.

"You did this?" Ruby raised an eyebrow as he glanced at Emerald.

He already guessed what this was.

"Yes, and you too can get this power if you join us."

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

From the way the woman utilized those strange flames, Ruby could tell she was special.

"I'm from the order of the witches, and I've found you worthy to become one of us," Emerald said as she strode closer to Ruby.

'She's a witch, huh? No wonder.'

Witches were like fairy tales, and they were treated like some sort of plaque, so it surprised him a bit.

"What kind of power will I get?"

Ruby would do anything to get power because that's what he would need if he wanted to keep his dick intact.

Emerald's eyes glinted with accomplishment when her plans seemed to be working.

"You will have dark magic!" She said it with a smug expression.

"Dark magic?" It would be a lie if Ruby said he wasn't interested. The image of burning Beaumont into crips flashed in his mind.

"I'll give you time to think. I see you have some doubts, but don't worry, you have enough time to think."

truth be told. Ruby had his doubts about this because the offer was too good, thus making him think it was another trap by the Supes.

'But I have never seen any supe with such powers.'

he glanced at Emerald, who for some reason was playing with the little girl with a tiny grin across her face.

'Dark magic? Jav, what do you think?'

The system was like his Google.

<<I think the host should take time to think about this before making any rash decision>>

'Yeah I thought as much, but dark magic wouldn't be bad.'

Ruby stared at Emerald in the eyes as he gave his answer. "I'll think about it."

"I understand." She exhibited a small smile as she stretched her hands for a handshake.

Ruby was a bit curious about her hand as he stared at it for some time before grasping it.

"You don't trust anyone, huh?" Emerald noticed his slight hesitation, prompting her to speak.

"I've gone through a lot, and I'm alive today because I don't trust anyone," Ruby replied as he freed his grasp and held the little girl's hands.

"About this girl, is she with you?"

Ruby glanced at the little girl who---for some reason---had made images of his sister appear.

"She is with me."

"Here." Emerald yanked out a green, clear crystal that radiated magical pressure.

"Take this." She placed it in his hands without his permission.

With a bewildered face, he gazed at the crystal and Emerald. "Why?"

"It would help me stay in touch with you; that's if you have made a decision."

"Alright, I'm off!" Her body seemed to flick a little as she burst into green mist, and the wind blew the particles away Into the sky.

'This magic stuff sure has some pecks. It would make my arsenal deadly.' A crazed smirk crept to his face as he imagined the super's reaction.

He glanced at the girl and squatted to her height. "Can you take me to those big guys you told me earlier?"

She bobbed her head and streams of tears surged out of her eyes.

'Why is she crying?'

"Why are you crying?" Ruby grasped her tiny shoulders in his large hands as he gave a slight shake.

The shake prompted her to speak. "You want to return me to them?"

"No! what makes you think I'll do that?"

The girl's gaze darted around as she stared at the shady people on the streets. "These folks here always did that."

"Well, I'm not them. Take me to them. I'll teach them a lesson."

"But they are rookie supes," the girl said in her tiny voice.

'Oh, they're even supes? I guess they've started to show their colors.'

A slight tap from the girl jolted Ruby out of his trance.

"Don't fear, little girl. I've got superpowers as well."

A hopeful glint started swirling in the girl's eyes as she heard those words.

The people with superpowers were pretty rare, so any normal folks who came across any of them would treat it as an honor.

The girl was not an exception.

"Thank you, Mr." The girl lost her gloomy expression as she grasped Ruby's large hands, prompting him to follow her.

In a dark, gloomy alley, two silhouettes glared at Ruby as he gradually mixed with the bustling crowds.

"Let's leave him for now. It seemed like those witch bitches have interest in him." One of the shadows said as his eyes shimmered red.

"Yes, I think we should let him be; remember, Lord hades have a soft spot for kids."

In a blink, they burst into multiple bats with predator-red eyes and drifted into the night sky.

"Hey Jonnie, you seeing all this weird shit?" An old man in torn clothes with a grey beard tapped another one who looked the same as him.

"Yeah, a sexy witch and a villain. A hot scoop for the meta Come on, less report to base."

_______

Ruby followed the little girl with a confused expression because it was the same direction he was coming.

"Eh? You know where you're going?"

"Yes, the big men are this way!"

Ruby could feel the zing of her excitement.

He was a bit eager to meet these rookie supes because he would have a punching bag, but overall he was more excited about the XP he'd gain.

Sometime later, the duo approached a rusty bungalow with brick walls.

"It can't be here." Ruby couldn't help but glance at the house and the girl.

"This is the place?"

"Yes," the girl said as her gloomy expression returned and she stepped behind Ruby while grasping his shirt.

'These supes I've really done it this time!' Ruby grimaced as he bolted to the door.

He smashed the door ajar with his feet as it snapped open and slammed into the house.

*****

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And sorry for the short chapter.