Jin's War

The black widow stopped just short of Aramas. It swung its hind legs, pointed like screws. Aramas jumped as two swooped under his feet. He caught the next two that threatened to drill his torso. The black widow adjusted until its butt was free of the ground. It swung, spewing web in a stream of white grey. Paige's shield spread, covering Aramas. The web splashed against nothing and splattered to the floor with a loud frooosh that bubbled air and blew dust in all directions. Spider legs swooped through the haze sweeping Aramas onto his back. Paige barely made it before he slammed into the ground.

She dusted herself off as though in flames, marching her way up his shoulder, green eyes flashing bright.

"[I warned ya!]" She shouted, finger aimed, back arched, legs parted. Her whole body pointing, "[You had ya' chance!]"

Aramas doubled in size. Concrete and rubble broke under his enormous knuckles. The model clapped, pressing hard. Her hands shone, matching the pale yellow of her eyes, her black widow doubled.

The woman grinned. Both animals moved in on each other, their masters face to face.

"[Not so tough, are you? 'Paige'.]" The model almost purred, it wasn't easy to be smug and loud at the same time. "[I promise you'll die screaming.]"

"[Really? Me? Die screaming?]" Paige gave her cocked eyed look. "[Ayt]"

Mist strings rose around Paige like vines and she eased into them, arms extended, reattaching to his head.

Both women had hundreds of them, creating a layer of armour glowing off their bodies, light pouring out their hands.

"[Before you die. Who are ya'? Please.]"

"[Vanessa Kingsley. My brother was Cole Kingsley]" Vanessa said overrun with sadness and pride.

There was a moment where Paige stared wide eyed, before she burst out laughing.

"[That evil bastard was a monsta'. And now ya' gonna to die for him? Right. This makes things much easier! Thank you, Vanessa Kingsley.]"

Fuuuck… another Kingsley…]

It was one thing to think it, another to know.

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The battle should be over—but Paige can feel it: something's off. The victory feels too easy, too quiet. Then a smile breaks through the blood, and the real game begins. Pride cracks. Control slips. And one wrong move threatens to turn triumph into trauma.

Next episode: When ego bleeds, only one woman walks.

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