It was clear the woman had the power of fire and knew how to use it well. Why Mick would challenge her was inconceivable. June looked back up at the woman undeterred by his manner as she turned and faced him calmly. Mick had a problem with Specials, many people did. Which was why June never told anyone she possessed a power? Even her insignificant power of calling water was useless, therefore more reason to say nothing. June watched Mick clench his fists. His temper often got the better off him and June hoped this time he would be smart enough to keep it in check.

When no reply came from the woman as to her identity, Mick’s confidence grew and June wished he’d kept his mouth shut.

“I’m not scared of you. I’m going to tell everyone what’s happened here.”

He pointed at June, and told her, “I’ll make sure you never work in this suburb again, once I’ve finished telling everyone about what you are.”

June’s fear grew. Tired of being made less than what she was, in her heart she was a woman and once she raised the money, she would pay for the operation to be one. As June went to reply, the woman stepped towards Mick, and said, “You’ll want to reconsider your statement. For I am known as Inferno, and I will see you dead before you talk about this to anyone.”

June immediately flinched and Mick took a step back. The atmosphere with in the alley immediately changed. Inferno’s reputation notorious and dangerous put their situation in one neither would come out of unharmed. Her ability to control fire matched no other, and those who came up against her never won. An unstoppable force no one could contain her and no law could control her. Thus she became known as the most evil of super villains.

“I’m not looking for any trouble from you,” Mick told her.

He stepped back again, ignoring June, as he looked over his shoulder to stare at the back door of the bar.

“Then I would suggest you treat women with more care. If you don’t, those scars will remind you to do so,” Inferno told him.

Mick looked at the thin burns of his body. Then a moment later, turned and fled towards the door.

“Let him go,” June immediately called out.

Mick yanked open the metal door and did not spare a look back as he slammed it shut behind him with such a force it rattled against the metal frame echoing through the alley. The sound of the locks slid into position before the alley became quiet again.

“Does he really think that can stop me?” Inferno questioned.

“Please,” June said before the ordeal overcame her and her legs gave way.

Inferno ignored June, as she made to the back door, and taking hold of the handle the entire door melted away until it fell from its hinges.

In no position to stop Inferno, June understood any attempt she made would be impossible against a super villain? Collapsed on the cold paved ground, she needed help, as her body began to tremble. Movement from the rear of the building drew June’s attention, and she noticed her handbag and jacket over Inferno’s arm as she came towards her. June forgot they were still inside and became momentarily grateful Inferno retrieved them.

“Come on. Let’s get you out of here before that baboon comes back.”

Inferno hoisted June up from the dirty ground and June had no choice but to wrap her arm around Inferno’s waist for support. With her other hand, June clung tight to her torn shirt, as blood slowly seeped into the fabric.

Out in the street, the sun once again graced the sidewalks and people moved around unaware of the events within the alley only moments before.

“Thank you for helping me?” June said.

There was no response from Inferno and June dropped head head, avoiding the gazes from those around them.

“Your welcome.” Inferno finally replied, taking June by surprise.

June looked up at Inferno’s hardened features, as she stared ahead. For a fleeting moment June wondered if she was heading into a more dangerous situation? Dizziness overwhelmed June and her grip on Inferno tightened as the pain began to take hold. Inferno’s embrace tightened and all thoughts of additional danger vanished. A super villain such as Inferno could kill without hesitation, yet the manner in which Inferno held her didn’t give any indication of harm. This allowed June to focus on her attention on herself without fear more danger awaited her.

Pain spread to June’s head as her vision blurred and she stumbled. Inferno used her other hand to hold June up and June hoped she intended her no harm.