[hr][h1][i][color=E3DAC9]Anna[/color], [color=d42626]Meifeng[/color], [color=7EA7D8]Jake[/color], [color=FFC0CB]Lin[/color], & [color=B39ECE]Mika[/color][/i][/h1][hr]

[color=gray]
The biting punches and brutal thrashing was hard to watch. Her confidence in her friend's fighting ability was without question. Every blow the girls exchanged made Anna's tense up as she imagined getting hit herself. Empathy was a curse, if ever she knew of one. The uncomfortable sound of fists grinding into to flesh struck a nerve. She knew better than to put herself in the middle of them, but wanted to stop it all the same. She secretly wished she had the power to stop time, and every passing second during the fight made her want it more. What Anna didn't realize was the soft ephemeral glow reeling across her skin and spectral wisps emanating from her body. The effects were silent and faint, but the shimmering air around her created little mirages like steaming asphalt heated by the Summer sun. After a point it was too much. Unable to watch any longer, Anna buried her face in Jake's sleeve, clinging hard. Feeling helpless, she winced every time she heard the flat sound of someone taking a hit.

It was hard talking when two girls were going at it right in front of you. 
[color=7EA7D8]"Well, that was... well, wow."[/color] Jake didn't know what to even say. He's seen plenty of fights - mostly started by his siblings - yet, this one seemed different: senseless and with reckless abandon. He didn't like violence, and he liked this particular fight even less. It's a last resort fools use as their first resort - as evident here. He wished that bottle of vodka was still in hand - because he'd [i]sure as hell[/i] be drinking it right now. Anything to take the edge off. 
[color=7EA7D8]"... You have some really crazy friends, Anna."[/color] He looked down to see Anna clutching his arm, her face hidden. 
[color=7EA7D8]"A... Anna?"[/color] He turned. His eyes widened when he saw the eddies of shimmering air peel away from her body as if carried away by a river current. He... was rather caught off guard by the display. Dimly lit whisps floating around her - she [i]had[/i] to be a Metahuman. Though, despite the massive amounts of Metahumans here, he wasn't going to bring it up overtly. Always have to use a bit of subtlety. 
[color=7EA7D8]"Anna... your..."[/color] He balled his fist for a moment, and tapped his foot against the ground. He didn't know what to say... but he did know what to [i]whisper[/i]. He arched his head downwards towards her ear, and he whispered, [color=7EA7D8]"Your power... it's spazzing out and you might want to... you know."[/color] He spoke casually, like this is something he has experience in. Something that stopped bothering him ages ago.

After the words sunk in through the creeping headache and anxiety, she raised her head. Her expression was one of bewilderment, like a small child who simply didn't understand the meaning of the words. 
[color=E3DAC9]"Power....Wha-"[/color] She paused, trying to process what Jake meant, but still failed to realize anything. [color=E3DAC9]"What are you talking about?"[/color] 
In this sobering moment, the faint light grew even dimmer and the shimmering settled down. If it was discrete earlier, it was almost imperceptible now. What took Anna by surprise, however, were the patches of skin on Jake's exposed neck and face that were shining with an incandescent white glow. 
[color=E3DAC9]"Uh... Jake...You're um-you're glowing."[/color] She blinked hard, confused.

The rich boy was momentarily confused as he [i]shouldn't[/i] be glowing right now. No, no... he has far too much control over his power to slip. At least that's what he told himself, he looked at his neck, and saw the simple glow of light. That, didn't make sense. This [i]never[/i] happened before. With a simple thought, he absorbed the light he was giving off back into his body, and would have thought nothing of it. Yet, there was an obvious oddity here. The lights that Anna was giving off. Wait... Jake raised an eyebrow, as he finally figured everything out. [color=7EA7D8]"Anna,"[/color] Jake started off, [color=7EA7D8]"I think your power has... manifested."[/color] He quietly whispered, trying not to arouse suspicion. [color=7EA7D8]"[i]Something[/i] that has to do with light - yeah, definitely light. This kind of stuff never happens."[/color] He took a step back, gingerly took Anna's hand, and held it up for her to see. [color=7EA7D8]"Look at this."[/color]

Her eyes were fixed on the strange pearl-like gleam that appeared to be pouring out of her own skin. It formed a gloss of silvery light which constantly evaporated into thin ghostly wisps. The more she focused on it, the more she became mesmerized by it, the more the light receded. Within only a few moments it was all gone. Anna felt like she was in some bizarre wonderland. Being a metahuman: the thought had never crossed her mind. Somewhere deep down she felt is was true, but on instinct she rejected it. It wasn't true. [i]Couldn't[/i] be true. She looked at Jake with a disappointed grimace. [color=E3DAC9]"You think it's funny? You like playing tricks?"[/color] Her tone was obviously a little hostile, more so than she meant to sound. The only explanation in her mind was Jake or someone else playing her for a fool.

Anna seemed a bit scathing towards Jake. And that's an understatement. She thought that he was playing a [i]trick[/i] on her. What did she think he was, twelve? What does he gain out of playing a little prank, in a time like this? So, he simply took a step back, with his hands up. [color=7EA7D8]"Hey, hey, I'm not playing any tricks."[/color] He said, trying his best not to set the situation off. [color=7EA7D8]"C'mon, I'm not some jock, or kid - why would I do this at a time like this?"[/color]  He... didn't know where to go from here. He didn't know if he was being too defensive, or not. That could be putting more suspicion on him.

Anna knew he was right, even if she hated it. She could hardly expect him to do something so childish, when he'd been nothing but honest up til now. She instantly regretted what she said and it showed. The mixe of emotions wet her eyes and she looked to be on the verge of tears. [color=E3DAC9]"Don't tell anyone...."[/color] Her voice was so soft, she barely manage to squeak out the words. Her pleading expression and trembling body made her seem like a lost child.

A sigh came out of Jake's mouth as he put a hand on her shoulder. [color=7EA7D8]"Look, I won't."[/color] He started, [color=7EA7D8]"I won't say a word - in fact, this never happened."[/color] He took a step back. [color=7EA7D8]"Our secret."[/color]

[hr]

The furious clamor of the girls fighting distracted Anna from making a reply. She caught a glimpse of the last moments. With a sharp kick, Meifeng scored her victory, but it cost her a few inches of dignity. After a few brief moments of flashing everyone with her bouncing goodies, she collapsed. Anna didn't think anyone expected that kind of finale, especially not Meifeng. She looked at Jake, uncertain of what to do, but quickly found a solution. [color=E3DAC9]"I need your vest."[/color] She said emphatically. With a fluid motion, she tore his vest open and, still holding one side, circled around him, peeling the vest off. She whirled around him quickly, making short work of it. Without even waiting for a response, she took it, rushed over to Meifeng's side and draped the fabric around her.  [color=E3DAC9]"It's alright now."[/color] She insisted. [color=E3DAC9]"The fight's over."[/color] Anna wove her arm around Meifeng's back and began to help her onto her feet.

[color=d42626]"Thank you for that... ha-ha-ha-haaaa...."[/color] Meifeng laughed very awkwardly as Anna - being a good friend - took a piece of this richboy's vest and used it to assist her with her "wardrobe malfunction". What a great friend! Though... everyone here definitely saw a titty - and there was no changing that. Hell, she was more concerned about that than any assault charges that'd pop up from this. [color=d42626]"Of course the fight's over. I kicked that girl's as-"[/color]

[color=B39ECE]"Well... well, well... this is surprising,"[/color] A very familar voice to Meifeng broke through the crowds. Which, instinctively, made her look over, to see the woman's chubby frame, clear yellow skin, modest attire (black dress shirt, and black diamond patterned skirt), and black hair styled into a ponytail. That was a clear sign as any as to who it was.

[color=d42626]"... [i]Mika.[/i]"[/color]

As Mika walked through the crowds and approached Meifeng and Anna, her expression stern as a nun's. [color=B39ECE]"Not only are you here, but the first thing you do is beat a redneck's nose in like you have an extra chromosome."[/color] Mika shook her head.

Meifeng crossed her arms, and looked down at the girl, trying not to show. [color=d42626]"Didn't expect to see your chubby ass here, cousin"[/color] Meifeng intentionally said "cousin" to announce that they were, unfortunately, related. [color=d42626]"I see you're still a tryhard."[/color] Meifeng followed up, shrugging. She quickly ran some fingers over the scratches under her eyes. Because, [i]christ[/i] it hurts.

[color=B39ECE]"Don't talk to me like that, you make it sound like I'm on [i]your[/i] level..."[/color] Mika replied.

[color=FFC0CB]"Hey, hey, hey!"[/color] Another girl, familar to both Meifeng and Mika, ran into the room, wearing a white cocktail dress, and had features somewhat similar to Mika (In the facial department, that is). She was trying to run in as fast as her legs could take her in [i]heels[/i]. [color=FFC0CB]"I heard there was a fight, is everyone okay?"[/color] She asked, as she took a good look around to see her cousin. [color=FFC0CB]"Meifeng?"[/color] She said with her eyes wide - it quickly turned into a smile as she walked over to embrace her cousin with a smile. [color=FFC0CB]"Meifeng, it's good to see you!"[/color] She said.

[color=d42626]"Great to see you two, my uber rich cousin!"[/color] Meifeng loudly, and uncaringly, said, as she hugged the girl. After it was over, Meifeng took a step back, and put a hand on her hip - tilting her head to the side slightly (and reminding her of the PAIN). [color=d42626]"Lin, what brings you and Mika to Verthaven, city of tomorrow? Is the rest of your sisters here, or...?"[/color]

Mika rolled her eyes as she took a few steps back and sat down in the nearest chair.

[color=7EA7D8] "Whoa, hey..."[/color] Jake said, as he walked over, and stood at Lin's side. They affectionately gave each other a peck on the lips before they resumed standing. [color=7EA7D8] "You two... uh, know each other?"[/color] He was honestly hoping that Lin would say no (because this crazy chick just beat two girls down), but that wasn't the case.

[color=d42626]"Yeeeeah, she's my cousin."[/color] Meifeng answered.

[color=7EA7D8] "Oh, that's, uh, good."[/color] Jake forced the biggest smile of his life.

[color=FFC0CB]"It's okay, Jake."[/color] Lin turned her head over to Jake, and nodded.

He coughed - putting a hand to his mouth. He looked over to Anna, and asked, [color=7EA7D8]"So, Anna, have you met my girlfriend, Lin?"[/color]

[i]Girlfriend[/i]? Meifeng's cousin was Jake's [i]GIRLFRIEND[/i]?! With the most pleasant smile she could muster, Anna nodded politely. [color=E3DAC9]"It's a pleasure to meet you."[/color] Her heart sank into a twisted ball when she said those words. She had no idea what to do. Her chest ached so badly, and she desperately wanted to run away. She tried to compose herself before speaking again. [color=E3DAC9]"Jake speaks very highly of you, y'know"[/color] She lied, and it was absolute torture. 

Lin kept that smile on her face, as she put her hand out to shake her hand. [color=FFC0CB]"It is great to meet you too. I am [i]Lin Baozai[/i]."[/color]

[color=E3DAC9]"Anna Aikau~".[/color] She grasped her hand briefly and courtsied ever so slightly. She repressed the tension in her fingers with all her might, hoping not to appear nervous.

[color=d42626]"Hm?"[/color] Meifeng turned towards Anna following the awkward display. She could tell something's wrong. She got that sixth sense. Though, she felt it had something to do with Lin, or Jake, or whatever. [color=d42626]"Anna, is everything okay? Looks like you're burning with [i]white hot jealousy[/i]."[/color] Meifeng snickered as she awaited Anna's reaction.

Her expression instantly loosened. [color=E3DAC9]"No! Nothing like that. It's probably just the adrenaline from watching you fight."[/color] She managed to play it off more casually this time, quickly regaining her confident tone and posture.

Meifeng giggled. [color=d42626]"Sure, sure... bet you're really impressed with me."[/color] She started laughing.

[color=E3DAC9]"Yes, yes. You're spectacular as always."[/color] She rolled her eyes and let a small, sarcastic scoff; her typical smirk finally returned. [color=E3DAC9]"And we need to get you to a dressing room. I'm not gonna let you keep running around with your dress like that."[/color] Anna and Meifeng pushed past the crowd and wander off to find a more private room.

Jake and Lin waved goodbye.
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