"What... the... literal... fuck." He gets out between breaths. He wipes his mouth and looks back. "Did that really just happen? Did a Victoria's Secret model just kill a bunch of people? She shot some of the people that were on their knees. Why? None of this makes sense."
"We need to keep moving. I think we need to leave the city." Ava says, gripping the sword so hard her knuckles are white.
"Wait. What?" John says in confusion.
"There are over eight million people in New York City. There is no power, and there are killer angels. This place is about to go to hell in a handbasket. We need to go. Now." Ava says with finality.
"We just go? On foot? That is crazy." He says with a pale face and throw-up on his chin.
"John, did you just see what happened back there? I'm leaving, and you are welcome to come with me, or go back to your apartment." Ava says and then turns around and starts walking away.
"Dammit. Ava, wait up." John chases after her.
"Do you have any cash on you?" Ava asks.
"Yeah, you know I don't trust banks. I have about one-hundred and fifty dollars. Why?" John asks her.
"We need supplies. Water, food, medicine. I have a feeling this city will run out of these things very quickly. The water will only run for so long before it stops. There is a Target about a thirty-minute walk from here." Ava starts to jog, which is a little awkward to do with a sharp sword in her hand.
<You may place me back in Limbo until you need me again.> The sword says as if reading her thoughts.
Ava jerks at the sudden voice in her head. "I'm not crazy am I?" She asks out loud.
"What?" John asks.
"Shh. I'm not talking to you." She knows John is getting worried at her odd behavior, but she doesn't care.
<You are not crazy.> Dolor Animae says.
"Okay. Either I'm having a psychotic break, or I really hear you. Since other people have seen the shit I just saw, I'm going to say I'm not crazy. Okay, Animae, how do I place you in Limbo, and how do I get you back?" Ava says to the sword.
<It may be difficult the first few times. Hold me as straight as you can in front of you. Then draw the rune that is on me. This will open a rift to Limbo. But, first, you must decide. Absorb, Retain, or Divide the beast soul.>
"Ava?" John asks worriedly.
She ignores him. "I don't know what that means. What am I suppose to do?" She addresses the sword.
"I thought you said you wanted to go to Target?" John asks her.
Ava glares at John.
"Okay. Fine, just do it." Ava says, feeling exposed just standing there.
The sword glows, and then the light flows up into Ava's arm. If Ava had ever taken a hit of heroin, which she never has, the feeling that she is having right now is how she would imagine it. She is filled with intense joy, pleasure, and a sense of power. Then the same rune on the sword appears on her arm. It looks like a glowing white tattoo.
"Holy shit," Ava mumbles, coming down from the euphoric feeling. Her panties are slightly damp, and her nipples are hard. Ava blushes at being so aroused right there on the sidewalk, with John standing next to her.
<Our power has grown. It is a minimal gain, but you now have access to magic. To retrieve me from Limbo you need to draw the rune on your arm with your finger in the air. We will not be able to speak while I am in Limbo. Nor will you be able to claim any more souls without my help.>
Ava studies the rune on her arm and then holds the sword in front of her. She proceeds to try and draw the rune in the air with the sword tip. Nothing happens.
"Seriously. What are you doing? You are starting to freak me out." John says from her side.
Ava sighs audibly, "John if you say one more thing I'm going to leave you here and continue on my own. Just be quiet. I'll try to explain later."
Holding the sword out again she draws the rune. This time, just for a moment, Ava thought she felt a little resistance in the air.
<Again. You must draw the rune accurately.>
Ava tries ten more times and then lowers the sword. Her arm tired. She starts walking again.
<You will get it, magic is not easy, especially runes.>
"Come on, John. Let's go to Target." She says, not responding to the talking sword.
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