Chapter Twenty-Six
(Midtown - Gotham City Convention Centre: Time before Destruction - 0 hours 27 minutes remaining)
Lily, a bright-eyed eight-year-old, and Lola, dressed in her Gwen Stacy costume, cautiously ventured into the ancient tomb.
The flickering torches cast eerie shadows that danced across the weathered stone walls. The girls held hands, Lily's tiny fingers intertwined with Lola's.
Lily's voice quivered with fear. "Lola, this place is so spooky. But I think there's something amazing inside." Lily said, her eight-year-old mind couldn't help but wonder.
Lola smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Lily. We'll stick together and be brave. We're superheroes, after all." She said trying to keep Lily calm.
As they ventured deeper, Lily clutched her plushie, while Lola tightly held onto her bag containing Mace spray and a small utility knife.
The air grew colder, causing goosebumps to rise on their arms. They had no idea that they had captured the attention of Penguin and his henchmen, who had been lurking in the shadows, plotting their next move.
Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of footsteps echoing through the tomb. Lily's eyes widened, and she whispered to Lola, "Do you hear that, Lola? Someone's coming."
Lola nodded, her heart racing. She softly replied, "We need to be careful. Let's stay quiet and see who it is."
They hid behind a crumbling pillar, peeking out to observe Penguin and his menacing henchmen. The girls exchanged concerned glances, aware of the potential danger that lay before them.
Penguin's voice boomed through the chamber, laced with arrogance. "I've got eyes everywhere, my little friends. You've stumbled into my domain. Now, it's time to deal with intruders like you."
Lily's voice trembled as she clutched her Gwen Stacy figure even tighter. "Lola, what do we do? They look really mean."
Lola's eyes darted around, assessing their limited options. With a reassuring smile, she whispered, "Don't worry, Lily. We'll find a way to get through this."
As the henchmen closed in, Lily watched intently, her mind racing with ideas.
She carefully reached into Lola's bag and pulled out the pepper spray. She turned to Lola, her voice filled with determination. "Lola, I have an idea. If we use this spray, maybe we can create a diversion and run past them."
Lola's eyes widened with surprise, but she quickly realized the potential of Lily's plan. She nodded, admiration shining in her eyes. "That's brilliant, Lily. Okay, we'll do it together. On the count of three."
They took a deep breath, their hearts pounding in unison. "One, two, three!"
Lola pressed down on the pepper spray, and released a cloud of stinging mist before darting forward, leading Lily towards an opening in the tomb. The henchmen recoiled, temporarily blinded and disoriented.
As the girls made their escape, they felt a mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through their veins.
The ancient tomb seemed to come alive with the echoes of their laughter, as they realized they had outsmarted their adversaries.
However, just as they thought they were in the clear, a figure stepped out from a hidden alcove, blocking their path...
Lily's lost all her cheer while Lola stood in front of Lily...The person slowly stepped forward and Lola was prepared to fight and opened her eyes wide...
....
( Outside the Tomb)
As Penguin and his henchmen cautiously made their way through the tomb, the sound of their heavy footsteps reverberated in the dimly lit corridors.
The flickering torches cast eerie shadows, heightening the tension in the air. Their eyes darted around, searching for any sign of the two young girls they intended to capture.
Penguin's voice carried a tone of determination as he addressed his henchmen. "Keep your eyes peeled, men. We can't let those pesky witnesses escape."
They approached the room where Lily and Lola had taken refuge, unaware of the surprise awaiting them.
But as they neared the entrance, their eyes widened in astonishment at the unexpected sight.
In the middle of the room, standing with a wave of seething anger radiating from his very core, was Jayden.
His fists clenched tightly, his jaw set in determination. He was a force to be reckoned with right now and his presence demanded attention.
Blackmask's voice betrayed a mix of surprise and annoyance. "What's this? Another intruder? This is becoming quite the nuisance."
Jayden's voice dripped with venom as he confronted the villains. "You two are responsible for what happened to my friend. You nearly cost her life."
Penguin scoffed dismissively, attempting to regain his composure. "Ah, so the little boy wants revenge. How touching. But you're severely outnumbered, my dear boy. You'll regret crossing paths with us."
Jayden chuckled under the mask." It's funny you said that...because I think you're the one that's outnumbered."
" Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" Suddenly All the henchmen started to get dragged out of the room by a mysterious force which was just Jayden's clones using his illusion-based ability to turn invisible.
Black Mask and Penguin looked around in shock...one second there were 20 of their men...but now it was only the three of them.
Jayden took two steps forward before cracking his neck." Now who wants to get their shit kicked in first..." Jayden asked politely but his tone was anything but friendly.
Black Mask and Penguin exchanged wary glances, realizing they were facing a formidable opponent.
Black Mask, his voice dripping with arrogance, spoke up. "You think you stand a chance against the two of us? We've dealt with more powerful adversaries than you, kid."
Jayden smirked, a glint of determination shining in his eyes. "Maybe you have, but today, I'm the one standing in your way. And trust me, I won't be holding back."
With lightning speed, Jayden launched himself at Black Mask, his fists flying with precision and power.
Each blow landed with a resounding impact, sending shockwaves of pain through Black Mask's body. Despite his superior size and experience, the villain was no match for Jayden's unwavering resolve.
Meanwhile, Penguin, witnessing his comrade's humiliation, grew desperate.
He swung his sword umbrella, attempting to strike Jayden from behind.
But Jayden's reflexes were honed to perfection. He effortlessly dodged the attack, countering with a barrage of strikes that left Penguin reeling.
"You thought you could manipulate innocent lives for your own gain. You hurt my friend, now i want you to feel her pain." Jayden hissed, his voice filled with a mixture of anger and triumph. " I'll make sure you pay for your sins today."
The room became a battlefield, Jayden's fists dancing with precision and power.
His superhuman strength, coupled with years of training, enabled him to overpower his adversaries.
Blow after blow, he unleashed his pent-up frustration, never relenting in his assault.
With each punch and kick, Jayden felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing he was avenging Lola's pain.
His movements were fluid and calculated, leaving no room for his enemies to strike back.
As the battle raged on, the room echoed with the sounds of grunts, thuds, and the sharp crack of bones.
Jayden's resolve remained unshaken, his determination unwavering. Despite the odds being stacked against him at the beginning, he fought with the spirit.
Seeking retribution for the wrongs inflicted upon his friend.
Minutes turned into what felt like an eternity, the struggle intensifying with every passing moment.
Bruised and battered, Black Mask and Penguin were mere shadows of their former selves.
Their confidence shattered, their strength waning, and they realized the futility of their resistance.
Finally, Jayden delivered a final blow, sending Black Mask crashing to the ground, defeated, broken and panting heavily.
Jayden turned his attention to Penguin, who stood trembling with fear.
"Now, Penguin." Jayden growled." It's time for you to face the consequences of your actions. No more innocent lives will be harmed by your schemes today."
Penguin, realizing the battle was lost, stumbled backwards, his eyes filled with a mix of defeat and anger.
Jayden advanced slowly, his presence looming over the defeated villains like a dark cloud.
' Why, why, WHY...Why was this happening, why were their plans failing so miserably and why was it that when he looked at this boy, he was reminded of a certain bat...'
No, he wouldn't go down like this, who was he, he was the fucking Penguin...this fucking costumed freak was a nobody.
" Die you bloody bastard," Penguin shouted as he twisted the handle of his umbrella and turned it into a gun.
*Bang*
He shot right, aiming the barrel between Jayden's brows, but all Jayden did was tilt his head, dodging the bullet effortlessly.
*Bang Bang Bang*
The Penguin shot at him three more times. All towards one of Jayden's vital points, but the same outcome occurred every single time.
Jayden dodged all of them while continuing his approach. The penguin pressed the trigger in his umbrella, but no bullets came out.
" Wait, if your angry how about I pay you, two million no three million dollars and we forget this whole thing ever...." But the Penguin, no matter the amount he offered would never satisfy Jayden as he lifted his fist up high before using most of his strength to throw one final punch.
The Penguin stood there frozen before Jayden's fist made contact with the tip of his long nose.
And the Penguin's flesh being weaker than Jayden's punch broke right under his fist, destroying one of the things that made Penguin so iconic.
Jayden then proceeded to follow through with the punch, creating a minute booming sound almost like his fist had broken the sound barrier.
Penguin's body went flying before the wall of the tomb broke his landing.
He was completely unconscious but still alive.
Jayden took a deep breath...it was like something had been lifted from his shoulders.
He looked at the two villains that were barely recognisable anymore and grabbed both of their legs before dragging them back to the exit of the tomb-like trash that needed to be thrown away.
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I was going to write a few more chapters on this ark but decided they weren't needed so I should be wrapping this ark up next chapter or the chapter after that.