A Battle of Champions by C.G. Coppola

Author:C.G. Coppola
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C.G. Coppola
Published: 2024-12-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: THE STORM

June aka Quick Claw

I recognize that voice.

It sends a chill up my spine, but it also hardens me. Readies me. Because I know that false sincerity all too well.

Jack Napier.

The right-hand man of Nik’s old boss. I haven’t seen Jack since the last battle, when the High Priest and Mykola almost destroyed part of the city. Jack scuttled away with the magical madman and their mutant creations. But not before reminding us they’d be back in three months for the Battle of Champions—a fight to the death between their Champion and ours.

Nik.

And it’s been three months. We knew they’d return soon, but I didn’t expect it to be tonight. But with the majority of cops in one place and very few patrolling the streets...of course they’d pick tonight. It makes perfect sense.

Before I can search for Jack, I spot him approaching the stage in a red dress shirt and black slacks, his focus on Commissioner Sanchez. The commissioner looks surprised, but not worried. Probably because he has no idea what’s about to happen.

I turn to Nik.

But he’s glaring ahead, his hand rolling into a fist on the table.

“I see Napier.” Michael’s voice comes through my ear, typing in the background. “But it looks like we’ve got more movement.”

“Where?” I ask.

He types faster.

Jack continues strolling toward the commissioner. He finally stops, that same sinister smirk in place. “It almost sounded genuine.”

“Excuse me,” Commissioner Sanchez starts, fire in his tone. “Who are—”

“You’re excused.” Jack faces the room with palpable confidence. “Good evening, folks. I’m Jack Napier, the real man of the hour. Actually, I take that back.” He shakes his head as his grin widens. “I’m here to officially introduce you to the man of the hour—someone you’ll get to know very well over the next few days.”

“Uh...” Michael starts. “Doesn’t look good, guys. I’m looking at—what appears to be—a fleet of Pharaohs approaching the building.”

“Yes, by all means. Do what you think you can,” Jack continues, unbothered by the cops sweeping past us to reach the stage. Unlike the other officers in fancy dress clothes, these are in full uniform and armed. “I know you think I’m crashing your Policeman’s Ball, but this is the perfect opportunity to tell you what’s about to happen to Perish.”

“How many Pharaohs?” Nik asks Michael.

More typing. “I’ll get you a number in a minute.”

“There’s been a plague in your city...” Jack paces across the stage, slipping his hands in his pockets. “Some are disillusioned enough to call him a hero when he is, quite obviously, a menace.”

This can’t be good.

Well, none of it’s good. But I know where he’s going with this. What he’s doing.

“You’ve hunted him for years without success, and all he brings is death and destruction. And what a ridiculous name—Black Coyote?” Jack laughs, shaking his head. “As if that’s supposed to strike fear into the hearts of his enemy. And yet, you have yet to apprehend him. To catch him. To make him pay for his crimes.”

“Michael?” Nik asks.

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