Just Cause

I failed. The first thought of consciousness was the same as the last. Adam. How was I going to face his family? What could I say to them?
 
One thing at a time. I could feel some strength returning, but I hurt everywhere. Breathing hurt.
 
“SOCRATES,” I managed to whisper.
 
“Yes, Faust. How may I be of assistance?” The soft and polite voice answered on my communicator.
 
“Those ‘birds’ must be transmitting a signal back to someone. Try to trace it,” I said.
 
“I’ll do my best, sir. I’m on it,” it replied and the comms went silent again.
 
The fight was still raging. I could hear it and feel the ground vibrate under me from the force of the attacks.
 
Adam! I used his death to fuel my anger, to give me the strength to work through the pain to get up to put down the dog that killed him!
 
I stood up. Barely. I felt the energy of my powers returning and I forced myself to fly directly at Adam’s murderer. He was now on the ground—pinned on his face by Nemesis. She’s pushed him down and seemed to be trying to pull his arms out of their sockets.
 
I thought to pummel this beast into a pulp, but just as easily as that thought entered my mind, another took hold. This guy was just a mindless animal. No matter what or who he was, he was a victim too. He may have killed Adam, but he wasn’t responsible. They were. They made him the monster he was. They made him just like the bastards that made me and if it wasn’t for a twist of fate, this monster could have been me!
 
As I reached him, instead of crushing his skull as I intended to do, I pressed my fingers on his shoulder and instantly felt the surge of power as my DNA cloned his powers and made them mine. I felt his mind reel from the contact, but he couldn’t stop it.
 
I held my connection. I held it longer than I’ve ever done against anyone since acquiring my abilities. I have better control over them; much better than I’ve ever had. I’m able to clone every one of this poor animal’s abilities.
 
I smiled. Whoever did this. Whomever or whatever you are and wherever you’re hiding, know this: I’m coming for you. I’m coming after you, and I will use this poor bastards’s powers to bring you down. I will tear you down with the same powers you sought to use against me and mine! I’ll avenge him, and Adam, and all the others you may have turned into monsters like this.
 
Adam. I’ll make this right. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you, but I’ll stop them from ever hurting anyone again. I promise.