Bug vs Bullet. Pain vs Precision.
Smoke curled off the ruins of the west corner.
Cracked asphalt, flickering emergency lights, and the acrid scent of spent energy rounds.
Elaine stood alone, her sleek black trench coat fluttering, revolver still warm in her hand.
Her expression was unreadable blank, calm, deadly. A cruel serenity.
Across the dust-filled street, Jade Williams Ladybug emerged, clutching her side.
Blood stained her hoodie. Her insects buzzed around her like sentient shadows.
"You're bleeding," Elaine said simply, cocking her pistol.
"So are you," Jade muttered back.
Elaine looked down. Sure enough three of Jade's psychic beetles had latched to her calf and neck, biting into her skin.
She didn't flinch. She smiled.
"Tch… Trash that bites back."
Jade squinted at her, heart pounding.
(Her aura... It's cold. No fear. No love. Just... emptiness.)
Elaine raised her weapon, silver glinting.
