Sapphyra [Adult Superhero Progression]

Sapphyra

“Wyatt, you’re bleeding.” I whispered, reaching across the table to wipe some of the blood away. 

In another life, I’d be appalled at how he just ‌forced his mind into someone else’s. But in that same life, I wouldn’t have closure. The truth about Barnaby, about how it was all my fault, will never leave me. In some ways, I think I always knew that it was my fault, but confirmation is good. No more sleepless nights wondering where I went wrong; now I know for sure.

I know I’m the worst piece of shit in the solar system. And if I’m this bad, it's no wonder I stick to Wyatt like glue.

“That’s a side effect of my…excitement, earlier.” He murmured, cradling my hand in his. He sighed as my fingers sunk into his skin but something wasn’t quite right. His eyes bolted open and he pressed my hand even further.

“Wyatt, stop. I’ll phase right through you if you keep that up.” 

“No. You won’t. Look, just trust me. Slap me again.” I looked at him like he had two heads.

“Don’t look at me like that, just do it. Please, princess.” I sighed. He knew how to melt me even when I was at my angriest. No words, I just reared my hand back and smacked him. Unlike the first time when we met again back in headquarters, his glasses didn’t go flying…but his body did. He groaned on the impact, sinking into a Wyatt shaped hole in the wall.

Guy gasped and clutched his pearls. “You okay, bruh?”

“A few broken ribs but other than that? I’m peachy-keen.” Wyatt wheezed out, struggling to stand. He held his side as I slowly walked over to him. I should be happier than I am. His body is solid-ish, ten times better than before.

“How the hell did that happen? Not the slap—how did your body get like this? No glitches, no nothing.” Guy asked, taking Wyatt's arm over his thick neck to help him walk.

Wyatt’s gaze landed on Rhea. She sat on the floor in the fetal position, rocking back and forth while sucking her thumb.

“My best guess, when my memories invaded her mind some of her power must have seeped into me. Hey!” He called her. Rhea flinched and looked at his shoes, unable to meet his gaze.

“I’m sorry!” She repeated over and over. Whatever Wyatt had done to her must have broken her completely. 

“Stop it. Be useful for once in your life. Your power, the one you used to make Barnaby, what was it? Hard light? Mental projections?Fine-tuned illusion control?” He stroked his chin, wincing as his body sank into a seat next to me.

I couldn’t get up anymore. I lay my head down in his lap, letting him take control. Just like last time.

“It…I don’t have a scientific name for it but I can make living puppets.” Rhea mumbled in between sucking her thumb.

“What materials do you use, if any?” Wyatt inquired.

“Dirt. Ash, minerals.”

A soft hum escaped him. “From ashes to ashes and dust to dust.” Rubbing his fingers together, I could tell he was getting in that experimental mode again. Knowing Wyatt, he’d want to run experiments on his own body.

“Ask her what she knows about your real body.” I whispered, gripping his coat. I could at least contribute that much. Besides, all the titans had answers to something we were asking—it was just the luck of the draw what answers we’d get.

“Right. My physical body, do you know where it is? Rupert knows but did he tell you?”

I doubt it.

“Your body? I don’t…” Rhea paused and shook her head, “he’s talked about it, I think. Any details about your body I wouldn’t know though. I’m sorry.”

“What do you know then? Anything about the wolf he’s got?” I asked, sitting up. My backbone wasn’t completely gone.

Rhea flinched like she’d been slapped. “Please don’t bring that mutt up. He hates all of us, Rupert especially so. He keeps him locked up in his office, somewhere the others can’t see. I heard him talk about where he found it: wandering around outside in the marshlands, somewhere uptown. It kept circling a block, like it was protecting its territory.”

Wyatt and I glanced at each other, mirroring the same worried look.

“Which block?” We asked in unison.

“He never said. I’m sorry.” Rhea began to cry. I wish I could have said they were crocodile tears but they weren’t. Now that I see her up close without the shades and the bravado, she looks younger than I thought.

“How old are you Rhea?” I whispered.

“51…I just use my powers to make myself look young, if that's what you’re wondering.” 

Well damn. With her powers that definitely tracks.

“What will you do now? I’m not comfortable giving you a job here or housing you…but I don’t want you to die either.” I’m hollow. And I’m angry with her at the same time but death is still against my code, intentional or not—not when I can help it.

She sniffled. “I don’t know. I could try going out into the wilds from here.”

Guys eyes nearly popped out of his head but then he locked eyes with me. Whatever protest he had, died on his lips.

“If that’s the case. We’ll give you whatever stuff you need to survive…wait, what’s the wilds? Is that just the forest outside the city?” Hell of a name for a mountainous forest but I guess it fits.

“A forest? No.” Guy started, floating over to me. “The wilds are jungles so thick and so dangerous you can’t move without hitting something trying to kill you.”

I wrinkled my nose and pursed my lips. “I’m assuming someone will explain when or how that popped up later. Regardless, no one is forcing you out Rhea. You don’t have to go there, I just don’t want you living near me…at least for right now.”

Wyatt and Guy squeezed my hands in theirs, giving me strength. I wouldn’t hate Rhea forever, I’m not built that way but I absolutely can draw a line.

Rhea stood up on shaky legs. She nodded at Wyatt but couldn’t meet his gaze.

“I’ll leave, don’t worry. And I’m not sure how long my power will last on you…or how it happened at all but if those memories are anything to go by—” Rhea’s eyes landed on my belly. Heat coiled in me like a spring of anger ready to cut loose. “I wouldn’t waste anymore time if I were you.”

“Get the fuck out!” I yelled at her, sending her scurrying out of the bar. The moment she left and the three of us were truly alone, I broke into a sobbing fit and just let them hold me.

I don’t know how to come back from this.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!