[hr][center][img]http://i.imgur.com/NOhC9Db.png[/img][/center][hr][center][b]New York City, United States[/b][/center]
[INDENT]Ever heard the story of the tortoise and the hare? Alright, now imagine the hare has a murderous [i]bloodlust[/i] and is out to kill the tortoise because he saw something he shouldn’t have. The tortoise is me.

[b][color=546998]“I’m going to [i]kill[/i] you, Mage!”[/color][/b]

See what I mean?

[b][color=6E94A7]“So does that mean you don’t want to come to my wedding?”[/color][/b]

He’s fast. Faster than my arcane connection can keep up with.

Honestly, I think that’s pretty much magical [i]hall of fame[/i] material right there considering I’ve never had a foe that my arcane connection didn’t give this sort of security blanket for me, and some of them haven’t exactly been as slow as New York City sludge. In fact, I’m pretty sure dodging bullets and magic should allow me to at least land a hit on this guy but for some reason he’s always a step ahead of me and beyond my reach. If this is what it’s like fighting [i]Thunderbolt[/i] or [i]Boom[/i] then it really sucks being the guys who want to hurt them. Out of all of my experiences, I can’t think of a fight that has been more frustrating than fighting a figurative speed demon. Even asking Roxy out on a date after all the years of being the most oblivious geek on the planet seemed far less stressful. How am I supposed to fight a guy I cannot hit with [i]magic[/i]? Especially considering the fact that he wants to [i]kill[/i] me?

I can barely see him moving thanks to my arcane connection, but he’s just too [i]fast[/i]. 

My connection blares from behind me and I try to move to dodge but I can’t react in time. The next thing I know is I’m no longer in the apartment complex I had interceded on in Queens— I’m in [i]The Bronx[/i] tumbling through the parking lot of a McBaron’s. You know, I really could go for a good lunch right now, after all it might be my [i]last one[/i]. Now that would be a hilarious story for the The Informant— Hooded Menace comes out of retirement to be killed by heroic speedster. But even if I’m unable to react in time, I have to [i]try[/i] to come up with some kind of feasible strategy… or I could pray that Merlin rescues me again. Wouldn’t that be [i]embarrassing[/i].

[b][color=6E94A7]“So, do I get any last requests? Last meal? Signed memorabilia?”[/color][/b]

[b][color=546998]“How about a [i]funeral[/i]?”[/color][/b] There’s a sinister chuckle leaving the guy as he stops in front of me for a few seconds. 

He knows he can dodge whatever I can throw at him and is basically beating the whole loveable homicidal maniac trope to death. I wonder if he understands how stereotypical he’s being right now? I suppose this is now officially more stupid than the fighting the interdimensional being thing. I can feel my muscles tense as I step backward as a light breath leaks out of my lips. If the guy could see me he would know I’m absolutely [i]terrified[/i] and not just smirking at him while I wait for him to make a nice wizard-shaped mess across the back of the dumpster that is right behind me. I could try to run, sure, but even if I kept my distance from him I’m pretty sure he could wait me out and with how absolutely livid this guy is I’m sure this is borderline fixation now. Well, at least if I go to sleep for the last time today I can rest knowing I distracted him long enough for his victim to be able to get away from his deranged sci-fi murder fantasy routine for one night.

I wonder if I screamed for Icon if he’d come to save me?
[color=00a651][h1][i]ZZZKRRRTTT![/i][/h1][/color]
A loud electric-like crack fills the air and as my little psychopathic friend gets sent into a Ford F150 I jump back, my feet landing flat on the dumpster that was going to become my sort of coffin. My eyes look at who is in front of me and a wide relieved smirk curls on my lips. Oh thank you whoever is in charge of prayers. 

[b][color=00a651]“Looks like you need a hand.”[/color][/b]

[i]My hero.[/i]

[color=6E94A7][b]“Well, I’m not going to say no.”[/b][/color]

I guess the big question is what is Rapid City’s premier speedster doing in New York City? I mean, I’m not going to complain about him saving my butt from being splatted underneath this psychopath’s foot. I rather like not being splatted, really. Kind of a health risk with my line of work.

[b][color=00a651]“Cool, so—”[/color][/b] He pauses. [b][color=00a651]“—give me a minute.”[/color][/b]

There’s a flash of green and blue— I can see echoes of it thanks to my arcane connection as Surge slams his knee into the psychopathic speedster’s gut. If I had to guess he’s been doing this way longer than the other guy, which is good considering the other guy almost killed me. I’ve never been much for spectating, but I can’t help but feel I’m not equipped to fight this one. I feel drained of my magical reserves, and I know that is not good. I’m going to need to talk to Merlin about better techniques to utilize my magic. It’s something to think about at least. 

There’s another zip as the shattering of glass draws my eyes up across the street as I can see the blue speedster tumble through a car dealership. Ouch. Surge zips back in front of me. Is it me or is he a little bit too cocky?

[b][color=00a651]“So, you ready to take this guy down?”[/color][/b]

Huh? Is he serious? I chuckle nervously. [color=6E94A7][b]“Oh yeah, sure, let me go grab my Sonic the Hedgehog sneakers and we’ll go right at ‘em.”[/b][/color]

He laughs and that is when another loud boom comes across my ears and I [i]see[/i] it. 
[color=546998][h1][i]ZZZKRRRTTT![/i][/h1][/color]
I try to scream for him to look out and even blast an arcane bolt or two in defense, but it just doesn't work. I guess I feel bad for the Starbucks he just got sent flying into. Actually, who am I kidding really? I [i]hate[/i] Starbucks; I hope Surge is okay, though.

I hold out my arm to channel my magic and jump back into danger. Why am I always doing these things?[/INDENT]