Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author Note: Thanks for the reviews! :) Enjoy! –TL16
September 11...10 years ago...
It was a normal day at work for everyone in Police Plaza. There were a few minor disturbances, mostly due to the morning traffic, but nothing major. Then Commander Root's voice came over the intercom. He sounded like he was in a bad mood, but then again he was always in a bad mood.
"Attention! I need Major Short, Captain Vein, Captain Kelp, and Captain Short in my office. IMMEDIATELY!"
At that was it. No reason why, just for them to get there as fast as they can. So, that's what they did. No reason to make Beetroot even angrier than he already was.
"I wonder what the Commander wants? He sounded urgent. And just the fact that he called in Major Short proves that it's something potentially dangerous."
Ash Vein shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know Trouble. But were about to find out."
They entered the office to find that Major Rudy Short was already there. He was talking to Commander Root, who's face was just as red as always, hence the name "Beetroot". The centaur Foaly was also there, staring intently at a computer screen. Captain Short was nowhere to be found.
Commander Root looked at the two captains' when they walked in. Then he realized he was missing a captain and his face got even redder.
"Where is Captain Short!"
"Right here, sir!" Captain Holly Short quickly ran into the office, nettle smoothie in one hand and helmet in the other. She had obviously just arrived to work.
"SHORT! You're late again! What I am going to do with you?"
Holly grinned apologetically. "Sorry, sir. It won't happen again."
But in the years to come, she would arrive late to work quite often.
The Commander grunted. "I'll take your word for it. Now, to business."
At this, Foaly looked up nervously. Yeah he was always paranoid, but today he was more so than usual. "Okay, well, this morning some of my sensors picked up some strange readings. Several planes are speeding towards New York and Washington D.C. I know that we usually don't have anything to do with the humans, but this was just plain unusual."
Trouble looked confused. "What's so unusual about American planes heading towards two of the nation's major cities?"
Foaly frowned. "Nothing, it's what they were sent to do."
Upon saying this, Foaly pulled up a live video straight from New York. The fairies assembled gasped at the sight they saw. It was unbelievable.
The World Trade Center in New York was burning. The twin towers had been hit and they both had huge holes in them. People were panicking. They couldn't believe what was happening.
The officer's eyes widened and Commander Root just sat there silently. Finally he spoke.
"I want you four to head there and record what's happening. It's just so unbelievable. I know it doesn't involve us, but just go and watch. Stay out of the way, don't get seen, and do not, I repeat DO NOT!," Commander Root stops to stare at the two Short's, he knew their nature, "Do not get involved. We can't interfere with the humans."
The four officers saluted their commander. There was a chorus of "Yes, sir's" and they were on their way.
They were silent the whole way there, until they reached New York. They were approaching the towers and could see the black smoke when Major Short spoke.
"Alright guys. You heard the commander. Stay back, just watch." They nodded to their superior, but he knew they understood. He was mostly talking to his younger cousin.
"Got it Holly?"
Holly nodded. "Yes, Rudy. I got it."
"You better, because could never forgive myself if something happened to you. You're my responsibility. I don't want you to get hurt."
Rudy wasn't joking. He was absolutely serious. He knew Holly could take care of herself, but he still felt slightly responsible for her. Their father's were brothers and they were very close. When they were growing up, they always talked about joining the LEP like their dads. For Rudy it was easy, but for Holly it was more difficult because she was a girl. But, she did it.
Even through all of the hard times, Holly and Rudy, stuck together no matter what. Even when their father's disappeared on a mission and were declared dead they still were as close as ever; especially since Rudy moved in with Holly and her mom. Rudy never knew his mother, seeing as she died when he was born, and Coral and Holly were the only family he had left.
Then several years later, tragedy struck again. Coral Short was killed in a submarine accident. Rudy had already been moved out for a few years and was a captain in the LEP. Holly had just graduated from the Academy. They were the only family each other had. Rudy, being twenty-two years older than Holly, decided that he would take care of Holly. He felt that he owed that to her parents.
Holly detested it at times, saying that she was old enough to take care of herself, but she actually didn't mind. She was glad that she had someone to rely on.
Now he was a major and Holly had been promoted to captain a few weeks before. This was their first mission together...and it was to be their last...
The group finally reached the towers and stopped. Nothing seemed to be changing. The towers continued to burn. People continued to run.
Ash sighed. "This is terrible. Who would do such a thing?"
Trouble agreed. "I know. Why would someone even THINK about doing this?"
Holly was just about to speak, when the situation got even worse. The South Tower collapsed and people started running for their lives. There was a huge cloud of dust that rose up from the collapse.
Holly gasped and moved higher, the others following behind her. "Oh my gods..."
Trouble and Ash moved closer to Holly, while Rudy started furiously talking to Commander Root.
Trouble noticed that Holly was slightly upset. He was too, but he could really tell it with Holly. "Holly? Are you alright?"
She nodded. "Yes..It's just so..." Her voice trailed off.
Ash nodded. "Yeah, I know how you feel..."
Just then, Rudy rejoined the group. He was solemn. "Commander Root says stay put for the moment. Do not interfere. Stay out of the way."
The others nodded and he continued. His voice was filled with grim determination.
"I'm going to help. I can't stand to hear those screams. I need to go over there. You three stay here."
Holly was incredulous. 'What! No, you can't!"
Rudy was intent on his decision. Yes it was disobeying direct orders, but the Short family wasn't known for obeying orders. "I'm sorry Holly, but I have made my mind."
Holly then made her own decision. It was crazy, but her mind was made.
"I'm going with you."
Trouble and Ash started at her in disbelief. "WHAT?"
Rudy shook his head. "No you're not. It's too dangerous. Trouble, Ash, make sure she stays here. I'll be right back."
And with those words, he flew off, leaving the others standing there shocked.
A few minutes later, the remainder of the group was standing around waiting for Rudy to return.
Trouble was starting to get worried. Rudy had been gone for almost 30 minutes.
"Should we go after him? What do you think Holly?"
No answer. "Holly?...Holly!"
Trouble and Ash looked around. Holly was no where to be found...
And that's when the North Tower collapsed...
I enjoy cliffies...so much fun to write...
Review please! One more chapter after this! :D
~Troublelover16~
