Chapter 25: Preventative Acts

Romaine's POV

We didn't really get anywhere yesterday with trying to figure out a way to stop TK- I mean 'Torque'. And Donte waking up had too low of a chance to happen in time to help stop them, so we couldn't factor him into anything. We eventually just ended up deciding to have faith that eliminating Crimson and Kronos would be more than enough to thwart Project Sunrise, just in case we couldn't think of anything.

I didn't get any sleep last night; I kept dreaming about that vision I had when Shante punched me. Constantly, I relived being held by Black Zero, and having his fingers in my neck, piercing my skin. That was only one night, I can only imagine the absolute hell Donte must be going through.

**Flashback**

"We've seen what he can do to buildings, imagine humans." Kyle said

"He's got a point." I stated

"So any ideas how to counter this destructive maniac?" Dondre questioned

"Not that I can think of." I responded

"I don't really see a way around it. But I know I'll think of something." said Cas

"Well then, worrying won't get us anywhere." said Dondre, "I say we take the day off and go for some coffee or something. We can think of a plan tomorrow."

"Dondre, I swear, this is not the time for that." I told him

"We're trying to prevent what's possibly the apocalypse and you're thinking about getting coffee? Get your priorities straight." Kyle ridiculed

I sighed.

"Maybe he's right." I said softly, "We're at a dead end anyway. I say we rest up for tomorrow and bring whatever ideas we think of then."

"Well I won't be available tomorrow" Kyle said, "I gotta be with the Rising Sun as early as possible. So if that's what you're gonna do, then just remember that the fate of the city, and maybe even the world, is in your hands."

"We're doomed." Cas mumbled

"Well then the world is in capable hands." I stated, "Because it's not just me; it's also the smartest girl I know, along with the most loyal bestfriend a person could ask for."

"Guess I'll be off then." Kyle said, "I'm counting on you. All of us are."

**End of Flashback**

"So," I started, "Any ingenious plans thought of last night?"

"Nope." Dondre said

"With your limited move-sets and limited information, there wasn't much I could think of." Cas responded

"You say there wasn't "much", does that mean you thought of something?" I asked

"Yes, but~""

"Well what is it?"

"Hmph. It wouldn't be very foolish to assume that when he's using his ability on a specific point, that he'd be locked into that point. And if he wanted to change focus points he would have to retract his ability and recast it."

"So?.." Dondre questioned

"So, since there are two of you~"

"Then as long as we stay a good distance from each other one of us would be able to hit him." I finished

"Well- yes." She said

"Great. Now we have a plan." Dondre said

"Not really a plan." She pointed out

"We better get going." I prompted, "We're already a bit off schedule; it's nearly daybreak."

"You're right." Dondre agreed

"You guys should hurry" She advised, "Crime alerts are off the charts."

The two of us swiftly changed into our suits and were now speedwalking to the elevator.

"Romaine wait." Cas stopped me, pulling back my arm.

"Yeah? What is it?" I prompted her

She pulled out what seemed to be an epipen from her coat.

"I made this last night. It should restore her core memories of you, but the nonessential ones are as good as gone."

"You made a reverse-inhibitor?" I said in disbelief, "Oh my god, Cas, thank you so much."

I was so overwhelmed with joy that I just wanted to kiss her. But I knew she wouldn't take that very well, so I hugged her instead.

"Come on man." Dondre hurried me, from inside the elevator, "We got a city to save."

"Here." I said to Cas, "You keep it for me until later."

She nodded her head.

I rushed to meet Dondre in the elevator before the doors closed on me.

"Imagine us." He said, "Saving the world."

"Seems too good to be true." I commented

The doors of the elevator opened, giving us access to the ground floor.

"Let's show these guys what happens when you mess with this duo." he said, "I'll take Crimson at the Cruise Port. You go for Kronos."

"Now remember Dondre," I stopped him, "I'm counting on you. We need to take them out."

"Oh please. Have I ever let you down?" He questioned

"Not that I can remember."

"Exactly. And I don't plan to start now."

"Let's hope not."

I sped out of the house, and all all the way to the airport.

On my way there, tensions had grown high. I'd suddenly realized how important defeating Kronos would be. But no problem honestly; I've already beat him what, 2 maybe 3 times? A fourth time won't be any problem.

Looks like he was a bit behind on his own share of destruction, which is good.

"Kronos!" I called him

"Ahh," He said, "The Young Hero."

"You ready for your fourth butt whoopin'?"

"On the contrary," he opposed, "this was factored into the plan. Project Sunrise will happen, with, or without me."

"What are you talking about? Even if that's true, my team's got both you and Crimson."

"We'll see. Just know; I won't go down easy."

"Yeah? We'll see about that."

I quickly ran closer to him, then begun to orbit him clockwise; creating a vacuum. I had intended to just end this quickly and knock him unconscious, but he wasn't showing any sign of flinching.

Kronos grew a smirk on his face. He coated his arm in Iron and stuck it out into the perimeter of my vacuum, causing me to run into it. Let me just say, I don't think I'd wish that kind of pain on anyone, maybe Black Zero, but no one else. I fell to the ground, with my neck now in great pain.

-"Romaine!"- Cas called, -"Are you ok?"-

"I'm fine I'm fine." I said, sitting up and rubbing my neck "I'll walk it off."

"Things are a bit different from last time, Velocity." Said Kronos, standing over me, "I've waited for this moment for a long time."