Masters of death

Brockton Bay hummed with tension. Rumors swirled through the streets—about the Fairy Queen's growing court, her subjugation of the ABB, and the Protectorate's imminent move against her. The Fairy Court's stronghold, once Lung's fortress, had become a hauntingly beautiful domain of ethereal magic and overwhelming power. To those within, it was a sanctuary. To everyone else, it was a threat that could no longer be ignored.

The Protectorate headquarters was a flurry of activity. Armsmaster's voice cut through the room as he and Miss Militia reviewed the plan.

"We hit them hard, fast, and coordinated," Armsmaster said, his tone clipped. "We neutralize the Sorceress and Glaistig Uaine before they can fully react. Dragon's suit will handle the specters."

Miss Militia frowned. "And if we fail? She's only grown stronger since taking Lung's powers."

"We don't have a choice," Armsmaster replied. "If we don't act now, she'll consolidate even more power, and Brockton Bay will fall entirely under her control."

Battery, Assault, Dauntless, Triumph, and Velocity stood nearby, each grimly focused. Dragon's latest combat suit, a towering mechanical marvel bristling with anti-parahuman tech, loomed over them all.

"This ends tonight," Armsmaster said, his eyes steely.

____

The assault began just after sunset. Dragon's combat suit led the way, its thrusters roaring as it descended upon the Fairy Court. Protectorate capes followed close behind, the night split by the sound of shouts and the flash of powers.

Inside the stronghold, Rose jolted awake at the first tremor of impact. She rushed to the main hall, where Glaistig Uaine stood at the center of the chaos, a faint smile on her lips. Her specters flitted around her, glowing phantoms ready to defend their queen.

"They've come for us, little sorceress," Glaistig said, her tone almost playful. "Let's show them why they fear the Fairy Court."

Rose hesitated, her stomach twisting. She didn't want to fight the Protectorate. But as Glaistig unleashed her specters, she realized she didn't have a choice.

____

Dragon's suit burst through the outer defenses, a beam of concentrated energy slicing through Glaistig's barrier. The specters surged forward, but the suit's specialized systems disrupted their cohesion, forcing them back.

Miss Militia and Armsmaster led the charge, flanking the court's defenders. Velocity darted around the battlefield, striking at Oni Lee and Bakuda with blinding speed. Battery and Assault worked in tandem, driving back the ABB remnants.

Rose conjured barriers of shimmering light to protect herself and others from stray attacks. The sight of Dauntless charging forward, his spear glowing brightly, made her falter. These were heroes—people who wanted to help. Yet Glaistig showed no mercy.

With a gesture, she directed her specters at Dauntless, Triumph, and Velocity. They screamed as their powers were ripped from them, their forms fading into glowing phantoms that joined Glaistig's court.

Rose's heart pounded. "Stop!" she shouted, her voice cracking.

Glaistig turned to her, her expression serene. "They'll serve me better this way, little sorceress."

The battle raged on, but the tide was shifting. The Protectorate was faltering under the weight of Glaistig's specters, and even Dragon's suit was beginning to show damage.

Then Nullwave arrived.

A pulse of energy rippled through the battlefield, and Glaistig staggered. Her specters flickered, their connection severed. Dragon's suit froze mid-motion, its systems scrambled. The remaining Protectorate capes hesitated, unsure whether to press the attack or retreat.

Nullwave stood at the edge of the chaos, their presence imposing. They raised a hand, and another pulse of energy emanated, disrupting Glaistig's powers further.

"Another pretender," Glaistig hissed, regaining her balance. She reached out, trying to claim Nullwave's specter, but their power rendered her unable to.

"Fall back!" Armsmaster shouted. The Protectorate began to retreat, dragging their wounded with them. Nullwave disappeared into the shadows, leaving Glaistig furious and Rose shaken.

____

Back in the safety of the court, Glaistig paced the main hall, her fury palpable. "That wretch dares to challenge me!" she spat.

Rose stood at the edge of the room, her hands clenched. "This is wrong," she said quietly. "You didn't have to kill them. You didn't have to take their powers."

Glaistig turned to her, her expression sharp. "Naïve as ever, my little sorceress. They came here to destroy us. I merely ensured they could never try again."

"They're people," Rose snapped. "Not pawns for your collection."

Glaistig's eyes narrowed, and she stepped closer, her presence overwhelming. "You forget your place," she said softly. "You exist because I allow it. Do not mistake my affection for weakness."

Rose flinched but didn't back down. "You're losing sight of what's important."

Glaistig's expression softened, but her tone remained firm. "What's important is power. Without it, you're nothing in this world. You'll learn that soon enough."

She reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Rose's face. "You're mine, little sorceress. Don't forget that."

Rose pulled away, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and fear. As she retreated to her quarters, she knew she had to act. Glaistig's grip was tightening, and if she didn't find a way to stop her, she'd lose herself completely.