What must be done

Sean shivered weakly as he walked along the cold streets of New York. Breath coming out in small little, ghostlike clouds. Shivers racking his muscles as he looked over the cramped looking streets warily. Mentally cursing his bad luck as he walked along. Sean really hated even being out at a time this cold, though New York was known for its low tempatures. One of the only things he abhorred about the city. Though right now, the only thing on his mind was eating at the moment. Considering he was very low on money, infact almost broke. He hadn't shaved in about a day, or two. Meaning that little fine black hairs were beggining to form on his chin, as well as dark bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. Wasn't able to find any good place to get a wink of sleep. Luckily his body was tough enough to deal with all the stress that he was dealing with. Otherwise Sean would have had a panic attack a little while ago. Not a very pleasing thought as it was, considering he was homeless.

His hair he had decided to return to black with blonde highlights was growing scraggly, as well as unkempt. Much to his displeasure, as well as his nail were growing a little long. He had counted about a week since he had the money to stay in a hotel, now unable to keep up with a proper revenue. So he was forced to take refuge in the most uncomfortable of places for any sleep. Considering to just steal a little money to get him theough the week, yet that wasn't an option. He had to consider heroes, as well as him being one. Life sure enjoyed pissing on him, that was a given. So all he was reduced was too a bum, with a stray sense of being a hero. Shivering as he pulled his tan looking,plush jack as close to his skin as possible. Pants now sagging loosly as the knees were now nonexistent. Though he still kept his favorite peircings in, despite the cold. Whimpering lightly to himself, as he looked over the streets. Examining the stores that lined it. Tonight they would mostly be closed, which meant he could try a little robbery.

Sidelong glances were occasionally sent his way. Considering he looked around 15, or 16 due to his height. Most likely some were wanting to ask where his parents were. Yet Sean would have a smartass comment for them if they did ask something like that, just how he was. Yet he was considering also buying a new pair of shoes, since his current pair was falling apart to. Everything about him seemed to be falling apart, except for his mental state. Though that was not exactly all the way stable to begin with in his mind. Though other people would consider him pretty sane really. So Sean decided to wait it out in a dark secluded allyway. Though a stupid thug decided to get on his nerves while he waited. Ending up with a bloodied nose, and a lesson not to fuck with him ever again. A good lesson for all the little wannabe thugs out there. He wasn't Pain, so no mercy would be shown to any dumbass in his way.

Slowly the night descended upon the city , as the streetlights flickered on. Bringing a soft, light to the mostly empty street of this small little district. As Sean walked from the hiding spot slowly, as water crept fromt he air slowly. Slinking along the ground very carefully. Had to take care of pesky cameras before he went on to a nice little heist. Didn't need people to realize who he was, and do something stupid. Like trying to track him down. So Sean slowly figured out where each little camera was. As the water moved just out side of its range of vision. Silently perforating the cables that allowed the camera to record footage, as they cut off. As well as a few from across the street that might catch images of him. Quickly using his power to unlock the door with a small stream of water, which worked better than a lock pick.

Stepping with a degree of caution as he raised the tattered hood over his head slowly. Eyes now glowing icy blue as he looked over the dark, yet pristine looking store slowly. Seeing it was a small time clothing store, which meant he could find some clothes. Apparently it held some decent clothes. So Sean quickly picked out a pair of slightly loose fitting jeans, and a white t-shirt. Quickly changing in one of the changing rooms, walking out only somewhat annoyed by what he wore. Finger feeling over the katana that held loosly at his side, which he knew was a useful weapon to him. Now his bringing attention to the register, as he quickly opened it. Shoving fistfuls of bills into his jacket pocket, then quickly picking up any strand of hair, or drop of water he had left. Satisfied Sean left the quaint little store. Locking it behind him as he did, sure of himself that no one had caught him.

The air was wrinkling Wilder's nose. It was a lot thicker than he expected it to be and the cold wasn't really helping much either. Then again New York wasn't that impressive. The streets were, either full of people or cars while the parks were full of bums and homeless people. Not to mention all the pollution and noise that were making his senses go crazy. Night was just about the only time he could become free from all that. If there was one thing he liked about New York it was that things were always happening.

From his ledge Wilder sighs as he watches another boring person walk by. How do other heroes do this? Wilder thinks in frustration. He thought it'd be fun to play hero for once since there hasn't been much need for his services lately, but that just turned out to be another disappointment. Sure, it's easy to take out a thug or two but that type of stuff isn't even a challenge for him. Especially since most of the thugs he met hadn't even bothered in purchasing a real gun. “Stupid economy,” Wilder mutters to himself.

Wilder's ears perk up as they feel the needle prick sensation of a silent alarm going off. He knew it was a silent alarm since he himself had the misfortune of causing one to go off during a couple of his previous jobs. Lifting up his leathery wings and jumping off of the ledge Wilder quickly glides to the scene of the crime. The crime must have been quite recent since the cops hadn't bothered to shown up yet. Either that or they were somewhere else stuck in traffic.

Walking around to the door of a clothing store where the alarm was at it's loudest. Wilder notices that the crime hadn't been a force entry. In fact he began to consider that he may in fact be dealing with a pro. Besides an empty open register and cameras missing power the person left no other visible clues. This guy even had the time to lock up the door on his way out. If it wasn't for the fact that the motion sensor at the foot of the door set off the alarm Wilder knew that the police wouldn't even bother checking the scene of the crime. To Wilder's pleasure it meant that it was all up to him to get the job done.

The scent was still fresh and Wilder knew he had precious little time before whoever did this got away good and fast. That's how he would've done it. Not bothering to fly Wilder simply ran. The scent was too fresh to waste time surveying the area, whoever did the crime was still around. Tracking the scent to a kid possibly in his late teens wearing a few fresh new clothes with bulging pockets Wilder knew he had found his guy. Stopping he calls out “Kid you've got some skill, perhaps in a few years you might actually be good. Too bad for you it'll have to be in prison.”

Sean whistled happily to himself as he walked along the rather empty street. Pockets bulging with his latest plunder, fat with money of course. Considering he had stolen about maybe a little over two thousand dollars. one of his larger scores for sure, as well as a pleasure to steal. Most thiefs would have left some sort of incriminating proof of being there, but he was no parlour theif. In fact Sean had once made his name as a skilled crook of sorts. Though that was a story for another time of course. As he thought about the nice warm shower that would await him at the hotel. Something he truely craved at the moment. Though a voice had caught his attention rather quickly. Sean cursed silently as he considered just breaking off in a run. Yes a run would probably get him out of this pretty quick. So weighing out his options, Sean tensed up his leg muscles.

Quickly turning his greyish eyes at the odd man. Somewhat taken aback by his appearence, but not for long. After all he was the son of a famous witch, nothing suprised him for long. Not even the rocky visage that was Sul-Fury. Actually it was a rather interesting condition when you thought about it. Sean actually wanted to ask the man what his exact power was, but chose not to. Might only lead into painful memories for all he knew. Though now was time to either follow his fight reflex, or his flight reflex. Evidently the flight one took control of him hard. As his legs propelled him full force, and speed the opposite way of the guy. Going his full speed of 28 miles per hour. Dirty hair whipping about as he ran quickly.

No way was he getting caught by some hero who thought he could throw Sean in prison. He was too smart for that, way too smart. Well he was smart, but not scientist smart. So that was just a debatable staement altogether. Still he knew he didn't want to waste time killing a hero who thought he was doing good. Sean just neeeded food, not to deal with a hero. No that was never good for him. Always got him sweaty, and Sean ahted to sweat too much. After all he looked homeless as it was, if he looked sweaty. That would just send him overboard. If that happened, blood would be shed.

As the boy with the blonde highlights begins to run away Wilder is surprised to see him running faster than what most normal people could handle. Apparently this guy had a few tricks up his sleeve. Perhaps he may even prove a challenge, that was definitely something worth investigating. If anything it would mean that this day wasn't a total waste.

Stepping into a sprinter position Wilder readied himself to chase after the boy. Judging by the speed the boy was moving he was about as fast as a car going at about 30mph. That was no problem, if that was the fastest this guy could run then he can consider himself already caught. Wilder knew he could run faster than that and fly twice that speed. Yep, Wilder thought to himself, this was going to be a piece of cake.

Dashing forward Wilder begins sprinting with animal like fury. In about 5 seconds his speed was 18mph and in another 5 seconds it was 25mph. Running near a building he bounces off the wall and spreads out his wings. Now flying several feet above the ground Wilder begins to rapidly close in on the boy. With both hands reaching out he begins to make a grab for the guy's jacket.

It seemed he had this guy as good as outran, or he was hoping. yet that never seemed to be the case when dealing with odd people. Even at full sprint Sean felt it wouldn't be enough to just run away from this guy. No it seemed he would have a fight on his hands. Which was proven when eh heard the guy runnign close behind him, and catching up quick. Sean needed a way to throw him off his trail, and quick. Though a full on attack always did what it was supposed to do when used correctly. though he had enough experience, and raw power to deal with this guy. Well at least throw him off his trail for a bit.

Quickly Seans left hand shot to his katan, that hung loosly at the right hip. Grabbing the hilt tightly as he swung it full force around. As hi eyes made out what seeemd to be the guy reaching to grab him. Well eh had coutage, Sean gave him that. Though his running straight upto an enemy was just pure ignorance. Yet it had an artform to it in someway. Still Sean was hungry, and this guy stood in his way. Obsticles always would be brushed aside in the most efficient possible. Including murder, if he had to be dragged to such a low.

Though Sean was having a little fun with this winged guy. Yes a little fun would do some good, so part of him hoped the blade didn't make killing contact. Hoping that it only just did some minor damage so he could test the guy out. Maybe he could be a Tough Guy with a little more training. Though right now Sean was not even sure what the guy could fully do. Playing safe would have to do for now anyway. Until he knew more about the odd hero. In the back of hi mind he was having fun, most likely Pains genes amping him up.

When Wilder saw the glint of metal on instinct he flapped his wings and soared out of the blade's reach. Just in time as the blade sweeps by in a blur. As expected this guy was hiding something up his sleeve, and apparently he could fight too. Not many people knew how to use a sword but this boy seemed like he had a lot of experience. Wilder could tell at least that much from the speed of the blonde streaked boy's slash. Still, Wilder felt that the boy was still hiding something.

Wilder was an experienced fighter, he knew that when fighting that you shouldn't play all your cards at once. Having a hidden ace can sometimes decide the battle. The perfect time to play em is when you're sure of victory. Wilder wasn't at all sure what type of cards he was dealt with. Once he knew what type of game this kid was playing then he could decide how he would finish him off. First he would have to shove to see how hard the blonde streaked boy could push.

Landing on the ground Wilder begins to literally run around the guy. Opened clawed, Wilder tries to return with his own slashing attack with his right hand. Not knowing what to anticipate Wilder grins with excitement as he imagines how his opponent would react to his attack.

“Oh shit,” says Wilder as surprise washes all over his face. The tip of the blade slices about a centimeter too close to his chest. Blood spurts out as Wilder clutches his bleeding wound and collapses to the ground. With an agonized expression Wilder lays face down on the ground in pain. It took all his concentration and a whole lot of effort to control his face from exploding in laughter.

This was of course all an act to see what type of mindset this boy had. Wilder never employed this strategy before but he was feeling kind of giddy at the moment. He was pretty sure the guy didn't have what it took to finish him off. As if he could, this type of cut would usually heal within a few minutes and the pain was bearable with minimal effort.

At least now Wilder had some idea what the boy could do. Let's go over the facts; he can fight with a blade, has very dense skin and can manipulate water from thin air. That might be a good enough challenge for Wilder. He has survived worse handicaps in the past. At least now he could take in the fact that all the odds weren't stacked against him. He still had the speed advantage and if he could maneuver around that blade and water he may just be able to etch out a win.

((Fixed it. Not for you, I just hate seeing myself as a godmodder. *shivers))
It was either now or never, Wilder rolls out of the way before the bullets could hit him. His instincts saved his life as another second would've made him swiss. The guy had actually tried to kill him. So he was a fighter as well as a killer. Not a problem at all. That just made this fight a whole lot more easier to handle.

Now standing on both feet Wilder calls out, “The names Wilder, I do a bit of this and a bit of that, some good some bad. Today I'm playing hero and guess what? Now I'm going to kick your ass.” Wilder jumps backwards, with a hidden blade from his sleeve he aims his throwing knife at the guy's hand holding the weapon. Hoping to disarm his opponent he throws the knife.

Wilder was ready to win this fight. He now had a good profile at what his opponent was capable of . This meant he know longer had to hold back. He could fight full force without worrying about killing his opponent. Actually, killing him now wouldn't be half bad, screw being a hero. Wilder was going to have his fun whether this guy liked it or not.

This guy was really becoming a handful. Not only did he have a good offense with water manipulation but his defense was something else entirely. Wilder never knew anyone with skin hard enough to resist his knives before. Overall he was outmatched and outgunned, but far from being defeated. This just meant that he couldn't fight this guy head on. No, the only way to even put a serious dent in this fight will be through strategy and careful planning.

Before he could implement a plan two watery tentacles came lashing at him. With graceful agility Wilder barely manages to flip and dodge through the onslaught of whipping tentacles. They were shooting out too fast to come up with a serious attack. It took all his reflexes and agility to keep out of their reach. He immediately jumps behind a car in a ditch effort to escape. Suddenly an idea pops up.

There were cars all over the place, each were mostly filled with a good supply of gasoline. That was all Wilder needed if he wanted to level the playing field. Running up a wall of a tall building Wilder jumps off and glides through the air. Producing six more knives he targets the gas tanks of six surrounding vehicles. The plan was simple, surround ourselves with fire and reduce the moisture in the air. This would prevent blondy from using his abilities while giving Wilder a chance to fight back.

It took less than a second for the explosions to start and for the sparks to fly.

Sean watched the guy dodge his attacks with an amazing grace. One that he somewhat envied the boy for having. Still this was obviously a one sided fight. After all, even in a modern city, Sean had a huge advantage. Though the kid performed a little move that suprised him entirely. He had some how caused a few vehicles to combust into a wonderful blaze. Yet Sean knew what this would mena for a huge part of his power. The moisture would diminish greatly from this. Also attention would be drawn to them from the police. So there was only one real option left to him.

Sean called the water to rush from the manhole behind him quickly, as it formed a torrent around him swiftly. As he slowly, and confidently stood from his fighting position. Now he would give a show of raw power for the little bat boy. As he concentrated through the heat of the fires, drawing in all the water he could from at least four miles around. Which was not his full reach, but good enough. As the water rushed to him quickly in a large cloud above them.

Then with a slow downward motion of his ahnds, the water came down hard on the cars that were a light. As well as the massive flames they had caused. Even though Sean was stealing something, he didn't want to have the people suffer property damage. That would be a little tragic in his opinion. So he had to put the fires caused by the bat boy out now. Then head on with his next attack.

Part one of the plan was working perfectly, Wilder didn't expect anything less from the boy with the blonde highlights. He knew that the fires were only a temporary solution to an on going battle. Still, they did their job, as expected they forced the guy to use other means of obtaining his supply. Which to Wilder was real impressive since the boy accomplished the task fast and with much force. If Wilder wasn't too careful with his next plan then things could go from bad to worse.

As water came falling down Wilder hurries into a manhole to find shelter. He would have to wait until the downpour stopped before he could get a chance to implement plan 2. Since plan 2 was a bit of a long shot. It did have a possibility to do a lot of damage. So much so that he himself may not even survive it. That was a risk Wilder was willing to take. He'd rather die doing the most amount of damage than risk letting that rookie thief beat him in a fight.

The sewers were damp, slimy and smelly. Yet oddly enough it was warmer compared to the city above. No wonder the rats and mosquitoes used this place to nest. Not only that but there wasn't really much space to move. So if the blonde streaked boy came inside Wilder would be at a complete disadvantage. So much so that if not for his plan he doubted that he would even have a fighting chance.