New Boy In Town

Somebody did.

Womb's base of operations had been situated in LA for the moment. This metropolis seemed to attract the type of person that The Womb needed to raise his army. He could not combat the fruits of evil alone.

As he walked the streets pondering what his new found group would do next. He spotted a youngling in a park being approached by two older Humans. The boy seemed out of place, his attire more elaborate than those of normal folk. The Womb had noted that in the vast majority of instances this was a good indication of a super powered individual. Womb watched just in case, if the two predators gained an advantage in this seemingly unprovoked attack The Womb would step in and deal with them swiftly. However The Womb's suspicions had been correct. The boy dealt with his assailants with precision. His movements were swift and accurate. The boy obviously commanded some sort of power. Without hesitation Womb strode over, pushing one of the fleeing attackers to the ground as he passed them.

"Wonderful! Splendid! It was in this very park I too was accosted for my looks. At least this is what I presume? You do not bare resemblance to what is deemed a normal human being." The Womb paused a minuet. " Are you new to this area? I too am still coming to grips with its ethics. If you would like I can tell you what it is I have learned of this place."

"Gaaah!"

Albel gasped as he noticed the 'person' standing not far away from him. The way he, by the sounds of it, looked seemed like he just walked out of a horror movie.

Unsure of what he was actually seeing, Albel stayed on his guard and experience taught him to quickly glance around to see if there were anymore like... him. But it didn't seem like there were.

"Well, yeah, I'm new in town," replied Albel, a bit hesitant. "I am human but yeah, I do look a bit more unique than most people," Albel smiled somewhat at that.

"Are there many people like... you... around?" Albel wasn't sure he would be offending the stranger but hey, Albel knew he could defend himself.

The Womb paused at the question, a sadness filled him when he realized what he would have to say in answer to such an inquiry. "No. It seems there is none other like unto me. Though, I make it my duty to be vigilant in my search for another being who's existence is akin to my own."

The boy seemed hesitant. Obviously disturbed by The Womb's physical appearance. "Do not fear me boy, I mean you no harm. I am The Womb. I have detected in you a power. I am unsure as to what it is but I am keen to talk with you about you abilities. Would you care to oblige me? I wish to walk a ways into the Hub of this city and watch the people pass."

I have to say, I'm not someone who shies away from danger. It's a flaw for some people, but for me, I consider it as a really awesome quality to have. I mean, instead of cowering in fear and running off, I actually like to face dangers. Sometimes, I even purposely walk into dangerous situations.

So, here I am, in a park that is pretty much lifeless. After those thugs attacked me, I realised why nobody ventures in here. But now, this stranger, this Skull headed creature, is standing before me and asking me questions and even proposing some sort of lecture or something. I kind of tuned out.

But hey, what did I just say? I'm not someone who shies from danger. He looks dangerous. Maybe he's powerful even. I kind of want to test it. Something is telling me to be a bit smarter about this but... come on! I just got here, I'm not going to just play it safe and not live the LA style of life.

"You look funny for sure," I say. "You look kind of tough too. But just how tough are you exactly?" I grin at the stranger. "I know, I know, you seem to be this deep philosophical person. And I can be too... sometimes. But right now, there's only one question in my mind. Just how tough are you?"

I kick off my shoe and pull off my sock. No, no, I'm not going nuts. It just so happens that my kicks are way more violent when my feet are bare and free. It just feels better. I have powers, yes, but I'm also a great fighter. And kicks are kind of my specialty. I know this stranger hasn't challenged me or even threatened me... but I do love to have fun.

With a confident smirk, I throw my bare foot at his weird face.

The boy wished to test The Womb in physical combat? The Womb felt incredulous. He would dare to face the wrath of The Womb? After The Womb had entered into a peaceful proposition to converse with him? Either he wishes to test me in order to establish legitimacy as a leader, or he is insane and wishes to be throttled to death. As he pondered the boys actions he watched as the boy removed his shoe and sock. Now barefoot, the boy took a readied stance, lowering his center of gravity and balancing himself. Then suddenly in a violent and rapid flash he jumped and delivered brilliant spinning kick to the side of Womb's head. The Womb had obviously anticipated a form of attack but had been unprepared for such a wicked shot. However fast the boy may be, his strength was lacking, the blow itself doing little damage, if any at all. Using his anticipation as the foot struck The Womb's head, his hand snaked towards the boy's leg and caught it in his hand. He gripped tightly and held the boy aloft by the ankle. "I do not wish to kill you child, but if you persist in facing me in combat, I shall destroy you without hesitation."

There are a few things that can really surprise me. A genuine gesture to help. An actual thoughtful present at Christmas. Pigs flying. But my kick getting caught with such ease? That's one big freaking suprise. Here I am, standing on one foot while the other is caught in the Stranger's hands. He is showing patience towards me it seems.

The reasonable side of me is telling me to let go and talk to this Stranger first before doing any of this stuff. But the other side of me, the fun side, is actually quite thrilled by this turn of events. It's like a rush. And I don't really want to just end it here. I want to push a little bit more.

I actually do try to pull my foot away but his grip is firm. Seems to be he is not going to let me off the hook unless I apologise or something. I'm assuming anyway. That's cool. I actually have an idea.

"Destroy me?" I ask, my smirk still full of confidence. "I am quite resilient. And also, quite creative with my combat."

I push my bare foot more towards his face. I know it's childish but hey, I'm 16, so if I can intimidate my opponent by pushing my toes into their face, I will.

"What do you think of that, Skull face?" I grin slightly. "Are you tough enough to withstand having my foot that close to your face?" I do feel like a child saying that, but man, I am having a lot of fun.

The boy wishes to humiliate me with his taunts. He will not prevail.

The Womb did not answer the boy, he simply moved his head forward slightly and opened his mouth. Slowly, deliberately slowly so the boy could see just what was going to happen, Womb closed his jaws over the toes of the boys foot. gradually The Womb applies more pressure beginning to dig deep into the boys flesh.

As I stood there and watched the Stranger moving his head closer, I thought he was going to just pretend... but no... he is actually doing it. He doesn't seem to be phased by the smell or anything. He's biting on my toes like it's no big deal.

It is hurting like hell, I can assure you. My face is surely showing that. But like I said, I am quite resilient. I am not submitting to this Stranger this easily. I think outside of the box, you see. So, I manage to pull my toes out of his jaw with some difficulty but with his firm grip, I can't pull away completely. Instead though, I place the ball of my foot where his nose is supposed to be.

"Try breathing now, Skull face!" I say, my face warming up with sweat and effort. "That's the smell of your defeat!"

The Womb was beginning to become impatient with the boy. He expected a creature with no nasal cavity to be able to smell. To breathe. The Womb required neither thing to survive, he had traversed the annuls of space, had paced the rim of a black hole, witnessed the death of a dying star. A Human's foot bore no threat to him. However The Womb had never been notorious for his patience. Though his anger was not yet boiling over the brim, his attitude was becoming tetchy.

In a swift movement Womb pulled on the boy's leg, to bring him closer, as he did so he stepped forwards releasing his free hand towards the boy's face. Effectively pulling the boy into a solid punch.

"Not bad at all," I reply to him.

The punch stung me. It was a good punch. The Stranger had a bit of strength in him. It was a good move too, I got to admit. I have been into many fights and I've been blindsided here and there. The Stranger had moves.

But I am not going to go down and submit to him without at least trying one last thing. I use my free foot and throw it at his face. I wonder if he's quick enough to catch it too.

This time The Womb was not ready to receive an attack, he had banked on his strike to dishearten the boy, and give up his struggle. The Blow connected smoothly, knocking Womb a pace to the right, in doing so he let go of the boys leg and steadied himself. The force of the attack had done little more than move The Womb a step to the right, but had also caused his tactical limb impairment plan to be thwarted. He stood, towering over the boy now. "Give up boy, your attacks are worthless against me. And I have a need for you. You have proved your worth, let it lie. Or I shall be forced to relinquish my pugilistic wrath upon you, something I wish not to do this day."

I can't help but smile with a bit of pride as I see my attack working against the Stranger. Sure, he didn't scream in pain, but hey, still something! Now, I'm free and back to being awesome. Well, except for this Stranger clearly knowing nothing about personal space. His Skull face is not pretty to look at up close.

"Don't worry, whitey bones," I say to him with a wink. "I'm not in the mood for a full fledged fight just yet. I still have things to do first."

I take a step back and put my socks and shoes back on. That should give him the cue to chill since I don't like to fight with shoes and socks on. It just cramps my style.

"What's your name, boney?" I ask. "You got a taste of my toes, might as well, introduce yourself, eh?"

The boys quips were not humorous. however The Womb did admire the boys tenacity, it could serve him well as he got older and honed his abilities. Though upon reflection such tenacity often led to arrogance and arrogance often led to the sweet embrace of death. "Come then child, My name is The Womb. I have much to ask of you." He turned and began to walk away, taking it for granted the child would follow.

From his response, I can tell he's not the kind of guy (or thing?) that can be lighthearted. I do wonder if I'll be able to manipulate him if need be. Could be fun to try.

I smile to myself and catch up to him, walking by his side. I say to him, "Name's Albel. Thanks for asking."

I wonder where we're going...