A Lesson in Power
Fred’s Perspective
Fred couldn’t help but blush as the words tumbled out. “So, most powerful, bravest, and craziest all packed in one—oh, and smartest and most beautiful… What exactly do they mean by that? I mean… other than the most beautiful part.”
Her face flushed crimson as the others turned to look at her, amused smirks spreading across their faces. Why did I have to say it like that?
Spotty’s Perspective
Spotty tilted her head, her crystalline blue eyes sparkling with mischief. She leaned back slightly, crossing her arms as she considered her reply. Well, if she’s going to ask, I might as well show her.
“Alright,” Spotty said, her voice calm and almost playful. “Take one of those 300MT focused antimatter missile launchers. I’ll portal far enough away that it’s safe for you, and you’re going to shoot me cutie.” If Fred was going to flirt with her she might as well return the favor
The silence that followed was palpable.
Elizabeth’s Reaction
Elizabeth nearly dropped her launcher, her jaw hanging open. Shoot her? With a 300MT focused antimatter missile?
“Spotty,” Elizabeth said, her tone a mixture of disbelief and concern. “Are you serious right now?”
Spotty nodded, her expression serene. “Completely. It’s the easiest way to explain what they mean by most powerful, bravest, and craziest. Though,” she added with a smirk, “the smartest part might take a bit longer to demonstrate.”
Ila’s Perspective
Ila burst out laughing, shaking her head as she leaned against her own launcher. “Oh, this is going to be good. You’re about to learn exactly what we mean, Fred.”
She gave Fred a sidelong glance, her amber eyes gleaming with amusement. “And for the record, she’s not joking. I’ve seen her do crazier things.”
Spotty shot Ila a mock glare. “Red-haired, amber-eyed menace,” she muttered before turning her attention back to Fred.
Fred’s Thoughts
Fred stared at Spotty, her mind racing. She can’t be serious. Can she? She looked down at the weapon in her hands, then back at Spotty. “You… want me to shoot you? With this?”
Spotty nodded again, her calm demeanor unwavering. “Yes. Don’t worry—I’ll portal far enough away that there’s no risk to anyone else. Just aim and fire.”
Fred hesitated, gripping the launcher tightly. This is insane. But she seems so… sure. Can she really survive something like this?
The Setup
Spotty stepped a few paces away and opened a portal, the shimmering light reflecting off her golden hair. “I’ll be just beyond that ridge,” she said, gesturing toward the horizon. “Take your time aiming—I’d hate for you to miss.”
Fred swallowed hard, glancing at Elizabeth and Ila. “Are you both okay with this?”
Elizabeth sighed, shaking her head. “Fred, I’ve given up trying to stop her from doing stuff like this. Just… make sure you’re on target.”
Ila grinned, her tone teasing. “And don’t forget to watch closely. You don’t want to miss the show.”
Fred took a deep breath, adjusting her grip on the launcher. This is insane. But here goes nothing.
The Shot
Fred aimed the launcher, her hands steady despite her racing heart. Spotty’s form was just visible on the other side of the portal, standing calmly. “Okay,” Fred muttered, her finger tightening on the trigger. “Here goes.”
The missile shot out with a brilliant flare of light, streaking across the sky. A moment later, the explosion lit up the horizon, a massive column of fire and energy rising into the air. The shockwave rippled outward, but the protective shielding around the group absorbed the worst of it.
Spotty’s Return
Seconds later, another portal opened just a few feet away, and Spotty stepped through, asking for some new clothes. “See?” she said with a smirk. “Not even a scratch. Though I’ll admit, the heat was a bit annoying and my clothes aren't explosion proof”
Fred’s eyes were as wide as saucers. “You’re… you’re not even hurt? How is that possible?”
Spotty’s Explanation
Spotty shrugged, her tone casual. “I told you—most powerful, bravest, and craziest. My body can withstand a lot, Fred. That’s part of what makes me who I am.”
She glanced at Ila, who was grinning from ear to ear. “Though I’m sure Ila has something to add.”
Ila’s Perspective
Ila clapped her hands together, her grin widening. “That was fantastic. But you’re right, Spotty—it doesn’t cover the smartest part. I think we’ll need another demonstration for that.”
Spotty rolled her eyes, though her smile remained. “One thing at a time, red-haired menace.”
Fred’s Thoughts
Fred shook her head, still trying to process what she had just witnessed. She’s not human. She’s not even close to human. And yet… she’s standing right here, like nothing happened.
Elizabeth leaned closer, her voice low. “Told you she’s something else, didn’t I?”
Fred could only nod, her admiration for Spotty growing by the second. This is what true power looks like. And yet, she wields it with such calm confidence. Maybe… maybe we really can trust her.
Fred finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. “Okay. I think I understand now.”