Dim sunlight barely breaks through the cracks in our dusty windows, only just managing to pierce the smog of the back alleys. And I sit on a stool, twisting dibbles of blue fire between my fingertips, smirking as it mesmerises a few creatures around me. I don't know where they came from. I don't even know what they are.

But my quirk is fascinating to them. They sit there and watch me whenever I use it. And, whenever I stop, they don't leave. They stay by my side, and even follow me if I switch to another room. Testing the limits of their loyalty has been quite fun, actually. A couple of them have already fought for me, acting on nothing else but a single command. They've helped me get information out of lesser heroes through sheer intimidation alone. These things can be terrifying when they want to be, and yet-

Well they're like a pack of puppies, mindlessly trailing after me. And any time I flash my cyan sparks, it's like tossing them a treat. I don't understand why they're so obsessed with me. I can't say it really matters. They're weapons, and any upper hand I can gain I'll squeeze tight until it stops breathing. But it'd be nice information to have nonetheless. As far as I can tell, they definitely understand human speech. But I've never asked for a reply.

"Why do you obey me?" I murmur, glancing at them between my fingers. The fires flutter around my palm, lapping at the staples piercing my knuckles. The creatures stay silent. I suppose they can't talk- a month, and I haven't heard so much as a whisper out of any of them. So I try something else. "Do you want to obey me?"

After a moment, one of them nods. Then another, and another, until all six of them are bobbing their weirdly-shaped heads.

"Do you fear me?"

They nod again. Interesting.

"Are you scared of this?" 

For the fist time since they appeared, I waft my hand towards them. The embers of my quirk spit at them, and each one of them scatter away from where the glowing flutters fall.

"Are you controlled by this?"

Another nod, hesitant after what must've been a threat to them. So, whatever these things are, my quirk is what controls them. I practically knew that from the beginning, but it does raise a question. One more interesting and pressing than all the others.

"Can anyone else control you?"

Another nod.

"Who?"

They can't answer. They can't speak.

"Do they use fire like me?"

One final nod. So, there're more out there. Possibly one, possibly more. Others who can manipulate these little creatures, and use them to do their bidding. This could be an asset if we go about it right. Find everyone capable of bending these... these demons to our every whim. The League of Villains accompanied by an army of monsters. 

Let's see how the heroes of today handle that, shall we?

~

to be continued in 'hellbent' , the sequel to 'hellbound'

coming early 2020

thanks for reading, i look forward to seeing you soon

- xeno