In the field at the far side of the enclosed settlement. Josh stood just ecstatic about what he was able to do. He could now see how strong people were. But not just that. He could also feel it and even manipulate it to an extent.
He could just imagine what he would be able to do with it when he got stronger. Right now he could mostly just move it slightly. Possibly redirect a attack or steal an opponent's energy. However it wouldn't go that quickly. The future was limitless.
Honestly Josh didn't know how to feel. This is possibly one of the greatest powers. But Josh didn't know what to do with it. He wanted a peaceful life but now that seemed farther away than ever. Doesn't he have a responsibility to protect those that are like he used to be. Doesn't he have the responsibility to get rid of the people who wish to do harm. He couldn't get these thoughts out of his head.
He didn't want this responsibility. but he will take this chance to have a future with his daughter. He knows the road he must take.
Josh noticed his eyes drained energy quite quickly when the eye power is active. So he let it fade and restored his energy. He saw Joe walking towards him again. He went to meet him halfway. Surprisingly Josh made it a further distance. His powers weren't even active and he was faster and he felt stronger. His body was improving from using his power.
"Hey Josh the wall looks great" Joe said then continued." It's getting late. I think we should talk to this guy before he has to much time to think.
Josh agreed." You're right let's get this over with. Let's find out where this guy's from" he then followed Joe back towards the kennels. which we're at another corner of the settlement.
When they reached the area which had several dog kennels. one of which being severely reinforced just for this exact situation. They pulled two chairs to the side of the kennel. Joe offered the captive a bottle of water. The prisoner refused."you think I'll let you poison me"
Josh and Joe laughed. after a minute Josh said."if I wanted you gone you would be gone. There would be no need to poison you. This is a chance for you to live. We just want some information."
"I will not betray the Almighty" he spat." He will destroy all the non-believers. He's going to have a field day with you. You won't even see him coming. He is all knowing.
Josh frowned. " So this almighty he is your leader? Dose he possess the same power as you and your friends."
"He is the source of our great power. He is beyond all of you. " After speaking the the prisoner's eyes started glowing White. He started to smash into the cage trying to break out. At first Josh wasn't in the slightest worried. The prisoner was able to get his hands-free. He then started blasting and hitting the cage as hard as he could. It started to warp and slightly bend.
Josh thought this was the perfect time to try out his eyes. Concentrating with his eyes closed for a moment. he quickly opened them and it had worked. Josh could see all the energy around. a highly concentrated amount in the cage pulsating. Josh was trying to draw the energy out of the prisoner and dissipate it. It was working but was going too slowly.
The prisoner put his hand together and spoke loudly." Bright light technique number four. Destructive pulse." Following came a large pulse of light energy. The cage cracked all over it nearly shattered.
Josh knew he had to change plans. It was obvious the cage was about to break. He needed to be ready. Joe pulled his axe of his back. He then turned to Josh and said." What's the plan Josh the cage isn't going to hold. "Pausing for a moment then continuing ."Your eyes are purple and it's scaring me" At that moment before Josh could reply The prisoner slapped his hands together again repeating."bright light technique number four. destructive pulse."
As the pulse exploded out of the prisoner the cage shattered sending debris everywhere knocking Josh back causing him to fall. Joe however had his ability active and didn't budge an inch. As the prisoner stretched enjoying his newfound freedom. Joe threw his Axe. It soared threw the air and sliced clean through the prisoners arm.
As the prisoners arm dropped to the ground he screamed in rage. He then ran towards his arm. Josh figured with his power he could reattach it. so he wouldn't give him the chance. Activating the speed power. boosting it with everything he's sprang forward. He wasn't holding back. Not this close to the settlement.
Joe was behind him. Picking up his axe as they passed it. Josh passed right by the prisoner and made it to the arm. He then quickly threw it over the prisoner's head and Joe caught it. Josh then dropped his speed power. Activating his fire power to the max. He then started drawing fire energy to his hand. condensing it as small as he could.
The prisoner stopped as they arm flew over his head. Turning around activating his power. His body began to flash light energy throughout his body. He shot an energy ball at Joe and then ran at him. He was screaming. "Die die die"
Joe with one arm hit the energy ball away with his ax. Following that he threw the arm overhead back to Josh. But Josh didn't catch it. Instead he threw the condensed fireball that was the size of a baseball at the arm. The prisoner reaching up towards the are screamed "no no no. my arm please" but it was too late the fireball made contact with the arm. As they touch the fireball exploded. Engulfing over ten meters in every direction with fire energy. The prisoners was entirely covered.
Debri went flying along with large gusts of wind that knocked many things over. Screams were heard in the settlement. Josh could tell they were scared. Josh and Joe were both knocked to the ground. They stayed on the ground for a moment. when the dust settled they got up.
As they both looked around they could tell there wasn't much damage. But there was a huge mess. They shared a glance at each other. Joe spoke first." What the hell Josh. Did you have to use that much power? I thought we were messing with him to show him there was no hope. In the hopes that he would then give us more information."
Josh can no longer look joe in the eyes. As his eyes looked down he apologized." I'm sorry Joe I was experimenting. I had no idea it would explode like that. I was just trying to make sure his arm would completely disappear. I didn't mean to vaporize him in the process."
It was then that Joe noticed the prisoner was no longer there. The scary part about that is there wasn't even a hair. There was nothing left of him. That power it was terrifying. Joe was so happy that Josh was on his side. He knew Josh didn't mean to hurt anybody. He spoke" it's okay Josh your intentions were pure. But let's not tell the others. Let's tell them the prisoner exploded himself. That covers all the bases. Now let's go check on everybody.
Luckily the Walled in area was quite large. The encampment was a good hundred meters from where they were fighting. And it was surrounded by a fence with metal sheets bolted to it.
When they reach the encampment everybody was frantic stumbling around but nobody was hurt. And nothing was destroyed just a few things knocked over. "It's okay everyone settled down." Joe spoke loudly. There was a situation but we handled it everybody is safe. Continue as normal."
James ran up to Joe and Josh and Delilah wasn't far behind him. When James reached them he said."what happened are you guys okay. " Before anyone could reply Delilah jumped into Josh's arms. Tears were falling as she spoke. "I was so worried about you Josh. I can't lose my only friend"
James interjected"what am I chopped liver." Delilah completely ignored him. Josh snickered and said don't worry I'm strong now remember. He then activated his eyes to flash them purple. Delilah lit up and smiled.
Josh noticed something when he activated his eyes. There was something inside of Delilah. It was like a power core but it was not yet active. It looks like it was in the process of opening. from what he could tell it would be some time before opening. He did not want to interrupt the process so he left it alone. He decided to keep this a secret. He didn't want to get her hopes up that she might have a power.
Putting Delilah down he told her" go check on Sally for me. can you also get a snack and watter out of the storage for her. I'm sure she's been depriving herself again not wanting to be a burden." Delilah smiled and responded" of course I will Josh" she then ran off to do as he said.
Turning to James and joe he spoke ."james from what we can tell their group is some sort of cult. Their leader goes by the Almighty. I believe they're all tricked into believing he is the true all-powerful one. Somehow he shared his power with all of them. That's got me thinking that maybe people without powers can learn powers from people who have them. Also they seem to have very strong techniques."
James just looked shocked. He hesitated before saying." Imagine if that's true. We need to find out maybe we can teach more of the community powers. Then we would truly be safe.
Joe agreed." James you and I will start doing that however Josh will not be here. he has a top secret mission. He will check in on us. Besides he is already made us so much safer." James immediately hugged Josh and said I'm going to miss you man."
Josh laughed. " I'm not leaving just yet I have a few more things I want to take care of. But I will be leaving soon. Don't worry I will be safe. James I need you and Joe to take care of Delilah and Sally for me. I'm all they have." Josh was happy to have friends like these. He knew they would be safe at least for now.
James and Joe spoke at the same time. "of course I will"
They all shared a laugh together. Joe began to tell James that they needed to get more cages. And reinforce those cages. That's when another person walked up to them. It was Sally. After greeting the three of them she said."did something happen with your prisoner? do you know who they are? " Josh and Joe proceeded to tell her what had happened. Minus the part where Josh vaporized him. Exchanging it with him evaporized himself.
"Serves him right" she stated " thank you for avenging my family. Even though I know that was not your reasons. I'm so grateful." She didn't say any more she just walked away and joind Delilah and Sally.
After she was gone Joe spoke." I feel quite bad for her. She seems like a great person. Hopefully she stays she will be a nice addition." Josh agreed " yes and she's so very beautiful" Joe couldn't help but laugh he replied." It looks like somebody has a crush" Josh's smile faded before speaking" I don't have time to think about things like that. Besides I decided long ago I don't want another partner. How can I take care of somebody else when I can't even take care of myself. She deserves better any-" Joe interrupted "don't you dare. You deserve everything you want in this life. Now go take it. Anyway James and I will go get some new cages"
Josh didnt understand why Joe thought so highly of him. but he didn't dare disagree. he had too much respect for Joe. He just smiled at him and walked away he felt awkward. James and Joe then loaded up a box truck. Once they got Ron to create a door in the wall they left. Josh didn't know why they didn't just ask him