The Plan In Motion!

"Michael, you have the power to steal the powers of others that trigger your hunger but to do so, you must cut open their skull to study their brain. It seems they must be alive for you to do this but I have never heard of such an ability existing. This is why I had to confirm how it worked but you have the perfect power for my plan to come to fruition. I intend on killing the heroes of this world but the one I want to kill most is Apex Protector. Apex Protector isn't who everyone thinks he is nor is Percepta. But if we can find a way to make Apex's power ours, then never again would villains have to hide in the shadows and the world would be restored to its natural order and that's chaos. I want you to steal Apex Protector's superpower but I know you are still a far cry from being competent enough for such a task but it is a good thing we're only in the first phase of my plan." James paused momentarily for Michael and Elizabeth to absorb this information, Elisabeth was lucky that she stuck with Michael or she might have very well not woken up like the rest seeing as James had no particular interest in her powers.

"Right now, I have to take care of a very dangerous man that poses a threat to my plans… He is bringing far too much attention in this area and has expanded his drug trade into the luxurious part of Ohio. It is only a matter of time before heroes are swarming around us and I can't have that… Not yet at least," James said, getting on his feet.

"What is the name of this man?" Michael asked.

"He goes by the name Razor Riddler…" James replied to Michael.

"I heard that name… He is the one after Tee?" Michael asked and James nodded.

Every single experience Michael went through was projected on a screen for James to watch so James knew exactly what he was talking about.

"If he was truly after Tee, Tee would be dead without exception. That was a lie he told so you would associate that name with danger, think of it as a little psychological trick," James said before walking towards the door.

"You lot should probably get cleaned, it stinks in here," James said before leaving the room.

"Lizzy…" Michael muttered under his breath, he realised that he tried to kill Elizabeth and while he didn't feel remorse for his actions and wouldn't care much if he did kill her but this made for an awkward atmosphere.

"I'm sorry Lizzy…" Michael apologised, but all Elizabeth did was get up and walk out of the room.

She didn't even pay him any attention and Michael couldn't blame her.

"I guess I overdid it this time," Michael said with a sigh, he wasn't too worried as he knew forgiveness could be earned, it would just take a bit of time.

He soon saw the boy that he tried to kill approaching his bed yet Michael wasn't worried.

"I-I'm Dave," The boy stuttered as he introduced himself. Michael stared him dead in the eyes for a few seconds before getting up from his bed.

"You have an interesting power that I will make mine one day but until then, stay alive…" Michael warned as he walked out of the room.

-

An hour had passed since the conclusion of the battle, and Edward was severely injured with a few broken ribs and a heavy concussion.

He was coming to it, eyes opening as he did not see Astro and the fact that he was still in place meant that Astro didn't get the opportunity to cart him away.

This was a relief, it was no surprise that no one called for help as they were either too drugged up or thought he was already dead.

Edward rested his back against the wall, his breathing was heavy but he calmed his breathing by taking long, deep breaths.

He was glad that the battle didn't damage his lungs or he might be in trouble for real.

"T-That was close," Edward said, he knew whoever saved him didn't do so intentionally or he would be in the hospital.

Edward regretted leaving his new phone but what could he have done even if he brought it with him?

Edward knew he needed help; soon or he just might die, he could feel himself bleeding internally.

But to his surprise, he saw a familiar face and this was the face of Damon.

"What happened here?" Damon asked Edward, the investigation clearly went wayward judging by Edward's condition. This wasn't just a random attack either and the fact that they had lost track of Fred told Damon everything he needed to know.

Alessia used her powers to track Fred after he didn't meet them at the designated location to brief and this told Damon that something was up.

Fred was never late for starters and Damon was certain that he had no intentions of starting now.

"I-I was ambushed by a man, he knew about the investigation and wanted to find out what I knew…" Edward muttered, Damon was glad he had Alessia or he would have never found Edward.

"Damn it!" Damon muttered under his breath.

He knew the priority right now was making sure that Edward was alright.

"Hang in there!" Damon urged, placing a hand on his shoulder as both men disappeared.

-

Fred awoke but he was bound and gagged, the room was pitch black so he couldn't see anything either.

He knew why he was alive and also knew he could manipulate the information he mixes in.

He had no intentions of telling them anything that might jeopardize the investigation but the question was, did he have a choice?

Fred was far too weak to do anything, he couldn't even break free from these binds not because they were all-powerful.

Fred heard approaching footsteps and he could tell who it was judging from the fear that crept up on me.

It was no other than Thanatos.

"You will tell me everything you know." These were the only words that Thanatos said before a shrieking cry echoed from the dark room.