Before I start with chapter four. A special announcement to share for all of you. You know of a little place that's called ComicCon NY. The special event that takes place every year and show case the latest movies, anime, gaming and other trinkets. Well, every year I always go that on one day since all those passes cost large amounts of money. I even do my YouTube tours of the place for those that would never get the chance in getting there. Though I don't have the 2015 video yet. I still have it; I never got around to post it. Maybe next time. Anyways, I did pay for the ticket for Thursday, but a few weeks ago, I got a delivery from YAI, a New York Institute that help people with disabilities, like myself, and it has a three day pass of ComicCon after all my contributions on my first year. So that means that I will be there the whole weekend. That is something awesome! I don't know if anyone reading this story is going to ComicCon. But if any of you do, I hope I'll meet up with some of you.
Back to the last chapter, really good so far. I got four reviews and, unexpectedly, 333 hits. This is pretty rare… Regardless, it is still another successful chapter if you ask me. Course I have to continuously delete the guest reviews that keep demanding me on updating this story on a weekly basis. I swear, whoever is sending this junk has to stop! Still, another successful chapter and hopes that this next one is better.
On this next chapter of the fourth episode of my version of TFP Season 3. Starscream begins the search for answers on how the human companions turned into Cybertonians. Meanwhile, John and Elsa are on the plane and heading to Detroit. But Elsa has a memory on a mission that started with her new type of abilities. What abilities are they? You have to see for yourself.
Chapter Notes
This chapter is mostly a flashback, as it would show off when Elsa's new abilities manifested. This said flashback would take place in the Gunslinger Girl episode, 'Simbiosi (Symbiosis)' but with a different take, be that it ended with Angelica causing problems. I would like to mix it up for a bit and make it all about Elsa and the start of her new abilities. Trust me, you'll see it when I write it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime or Gunslinger Girls.
Chapter Four: Elsa's New Abilities
In the skies above the states, it was quiet with a few of clouds in the sky. Just then, the Nemesis went through a huge cloud and hovered straight forward to reach Tennessee. Inside the ship, Starscream looked on at a distance as he was contemplating on the situation he has. Megatron's strict orders are that he wanted to investigate the location of the newly created energon signatures and come back with evidence. If he didn't come back with any evidence, he won't come back at all. Would that include Knockout or Soundwave too? Knockout is a medical professional and Soundwave is Megatron's highest intelligent officer by his side. Surely, he's not thinking of kicking them out as well. Surely, he's not thinking about that. After all, it was Starscream that didn't tell Megatron about the energon signatures before the Cybertronian teens came into Darkmout and caused all sorts of problems. But he knows damn well that he doesn't want to be exile like last time. That same won't happen to them, right? As he was thinking about that, he heard Knockout approach and told him something.
Knockout: "Commander Starscream. We are approaching the state of Tennessee. Estimated time of arrival, twenty Earth minutes."
Scream heard that and gave a deep sigh.
Starscream: "Good… The sooner we get there, the sooner we find the evidence necessary on how those human pests turned into us."
Knockout could hear his worry and asked about it.
Knockout: "Is something wrong, Starscream. You seem a little uptight already."
The commander sighed and explained what he's going through right now.
Starscream: "Sorry about that, it's just that what Megatron said to me. That I won't be able to come back if I don't bring in the evidence. Don't want to be exile like what happened last time."
The doctor heard this and reminded him on why he was exiled in the first place.
Knockout: "With all due respect, commander. But the reason why you were exiled is because Airachnid left you for scrap and you had no choice but to side with the Autobots to save your own aft. Not to mention that you gave the Autobots Intel of the spacebridge we were constructing, let alone lure the Autobots into that fight between Megatron and that Insecticon, hoping to kill off everyone. Then there was the time you cloned yourself and tried to use them in killing Megatron the cowardly way. Then there was the time that you took the Apex Armor during our scavenger hunt for Iacon relics."
Scream sighed and knew that he was right over all of this.
Starscream: "Yes, well you do make some very valid points. However, despite all that you said, I was hoping that I would try to get back into the Decepticon fold, which was why I presented our gracious leader with the Omega Keys. Though the interrogation was an… uncomforting experience, I was giving a second chance within the armada. Now though, giving what transpired at Darkmount weeks ago, it seems that Megatron is questioning my role as second in command. But then, I also fear that maybe the same thing will happen to us, along with Soundwave."
The doctor looked on with blinking optics and didn't expect that coming.
Knockout: "Oh please… You really think that our lord and master would throw us out as well with you. Soundwave have been the most loyal and trustworthy soldier for the Decepticon cause since day one. And I personally have the skills and speed necessary to help aid those in need."
Starscream groaned and turned to him and let him remember of what transpired a while ago.
Starscream: "Need I remind you of what happened during my interrogation? That he saw you and me form a cue while Megatron was still in intensive care. Where we state to Soundwave that we had to pull the plug on his life support, even though his mind is still active. He was upset over the fact that we plot that and you nearly got a tongue lashing."
Knockout was silent and vent out that incident pretty well.
Knockout: "Aw yes… How could I forget that? I swear that Megatron gave me that look every time he passed by. I swore, that stare give me the creeps."
Starscream approached him and explained of what was bound to happen.
Starscream: "Don't you see the situation that we are all in. Megatron is questioning my position since those neutral kids made their appearance. Now here I am, looking for any answers as to why they have become us in the first place. If I don't come back with any evidence of how they came to be, then my second resurgence wouldn't last as long as before. Not to mention that he will kick you out too due to our little cue not to long ago.
Knockout gulped a little and knew that part is true.
Knockout: "Well then… I suppose that we should really start the search as soon as we get to the first location. Though I don't know if we can find anything there."
Starscream looked on ahead and worried about this as well.
Starscream: "You and me both… We have to find some sort of evidence if we are to comfort Megatron's worry. Even if we don't find some, there will be more within our next location. And if we can't find anything, then Primus help us all."
Soon enough, the Nemesis flew away and went into another cloud, nearing their destination.
In another part of the sky, a United Airlines plane was flying over the clouds and was halfway to its destination as well. Inside the plane, the passengers were doing their thing, whether it be reading, watching an in-flight movie, or taking a rest while the stewardesses were handing out drinks and snack to those you need it. On the speakers, the captain was giving out an announcement.
"Attention all passengers. This is your captain speaking. We are cursing over an altitude of 39,000 feet and are on schedule in arriving at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Detroit Michigan. Our arrival will be three hours in, so sit back and relax until announcements are made to make out descent."
Down at the left side of the plane, two individuals were sitting by as one was sleeping while the other was looking out at the window. The person sleeping is John, as he needed to rest up before the reaching Detroit. The other looking out the window is Elsa as she looked down at the states and couldn't believe that this is her second time reaching the states. Giving that the first time was a rocky start; she can now get a chance to see Jack and Arcee again, if they could. Though getting to the airport was a bit of a tassel, giving that security checked their languages for weapons and John had to present his ID to them to let them know that he's on an 'assignment'. Yet despite the hiccup, they managed to get into the plane and are on their way to Detroit.
Though giving that she would see the Autobots again, she does wanted to speak to them about something that's bothering her. Ever since she came back from Jasper, there have been some changes in her body. Bizarre changes… And it keeps manifesting in herself as the days progressed. Looking to her hand, she flexed it open and closes a couple of times, as she knew that that's when the changes start. It happened after she came back, when she was on a mission with the other girls that is of vast importance.
Flashback…
The sun was slowly setting within the Italian mountains as a small group of choppers flew overhead. In those choppers, members of the SWA Section 2 flew in a formation as they were approaching their target. Inside one of the choppers, Hillshire, Marco, and John were in the middle seat while Triella, Angelica, and Elsa were sitting in the back with their weapons armed and ready. From what this mission was about, a small group of Republican Faction terrorists had kidnapped the daughter of Senator Viste and hold her hostage. But the daughter was in fact Claes posing as the decoy. The plan is storm their hideout and take out the cell within the Faction. The problem is that they couldn't get a lock in her tracer as it is blocked off by poor reception. Fortunately, they got tip from a woman that Claes is located in a villa within the mountains, including the sketch of the area. Knowing this is their one shot; they took off and headed straight to Claes's location. As they were nearing the halfway point, Hillshire started to give out the orders while Marco checked the report.
Hillshire: "Okay, we're going to approach the target location from the mountains on the southeast side. We'll move out in teams- Jose and Henrietta, Jean and Rico. You two teams will engage the front entrance and draw as much fire from the terrorists as you can that direction. My team will enter from the terrace. We'll take the rest of them in the villa by surprise.
The rest of the trip was quiet as they were heading straight towards this villa. Elsa looked to her rifle and loaded it up to begin with the mission. But when she looked to Angelica, it didn't feel like she was focused on the mission. And why would she? Ever since she botched up on training, there were concerns on taking her on missions, including one as vital as this one. Still, she seemed determined to prove something and would do anything to achieve it. Elsa however couldn't sit this one down as she spoke to her of this.
Elsa de Sica: "Angelica, is everything okay."
Angelica turned to Elsa and could see the worry on her face. So she cover it up as much as possible.
Angelica: "I'm fine, Elsa. There's nothing to worry about."
The girl though didn't take it likely as she kept bashing her.
Elsa de Sica: "Nothing to worry about? Angelica, you left the medical wing of the agency and you already screwed up on your training. Now you're here on a mission to not only wipe out a cell of the RF, but also to rescue Claes? I fear that this is too soon for you to get back in the field. Maybe if you sit this out while Triella and I handle this-"
Angelica still didn't want that as she said that she'd do it.
Angelica: "But I have to help out. I might be a little rusty, but I have to succeed within the agency. And… I have to prove to Marco I am a reliable soldier."
She looked up to see Marco still looking into the report. She could see he's busy and lowered her head in shame. Elsa saw this and could tell that she wanted to make her handler proud.
Elsa de Sica: "So, that's what it's all about. You wanted to impress Marco. I could imagine what you've been going through with the two of you. What with the strict training, the mental abuse, it was as if he's regarding you as ball and chain to his leg. And to think you two had a thing long time back.
Angelica sighed and knew that she had a point. Once the two had a connection at the start of Section 2. Now it's as if he's distancing himself with her. She even fears that she would useless to him. Elsa though wanted to be kind to her as she placed her hand on her shoulder and eased her up.
Elsa de Sica: "Don't worry, I'm sure that you will do a good job. You already got me and Triela by your side and we'll always watch your back if you ever need help."
Angelica looked to her and have a small, yet warm smile. As that conversation was over, Hillshire told everyone that they're landing.
Hillshire: "We're approaching the LZ behind the villa. Prepare to disembark."
The choppers then split into two groups as the one with Jose/Henrietta and Jean/Rico team are in. Meanwhile, the rest of the choppers flew on ahead and reached the area close to the villa.
Five minutes later, the other half of the choppers made it to the high point of a flat mountain that's over a modern house with two floors, an attic, and an outside balcony that hangs on the side of the mountain. The choppers made a stop in the air, as Section 2 soldiers dropped their cables and slide down them to the ground. One of the choppers had the girls and their handlers as they went down the cables as well. As soon as they all made landfall, the group ran down the wooded area to reach the edge. During the run, John gave out the orders to the soldiers.
John Darby: "All right, the three of us will head straight to the villa and come down on the roof for a surprise attack. You boys will be on standby incase things go South. I'll contact you incase that will happen.
The two soldiers nodded as they slowed themselves to a stop a few feet from the edge of the cliff. When the three-fratello teams reach the edge, they set up their rock climbing gear and made their descent down the mountains and over the villa. Elsa, Triella, and Angelica came down first followed by John, Hillshire, and Marco. The girls managed to land gently on the roof as they carefully walked on the roof. But giving that there is still wet snow on it, it could get a little slippery. Angelica learned that the hard way as she slipped on the snow and was falling down the roof. She thought she was done for as Triela and Elsa saw this and quickly grabbed her by her wrists. The girl took a bit of a breather as she looked up to see the two holding on to her tightly.
Triela: "Angelica – It's okay. Just remain calm. We got you."
They slowly lifted her up as she climbed back up to the top of the roof. She took a quick breather and was lucky that she was saved in a matter of moments. Looking up to the two, she smiled and thanked them for the save.
Angelica: "Thank you for saving me. I thought I was a goner."
The two nodded as Elsa told her what she said before.
Elsa de Sica: "I told you, if you need help, we'll be watching your back."
Angelica smiled wide and was pleased with the save. But then it all changed when she hear the voice of her handler from behind.
Marco: "Angelica!"
She soon turned to him and asked in the most respectable way.
Angelica: "Yes, sir?"
Marco gave her a sternful look and told her to be careful."
Marco: "Watch your footing. One slip up and this mission fail if one of the terrorists saw you. Understand?"
Angelica could see him getting angry as she tries not to get on his bad side.
Angelica: "Yes sir."
Elsa saw this and could tell that Marco has mistreated his poor girl from some time. During her recovery, Marco was being too strict to her and treats her like she was nothing. She knew that the two were the first fratello team within Section 2. They had the experience. But lately, it's as though Marco doesn't want to be with her. John could see it too as he knew something was up between the two. As they were witnessing it, Hillshire got contact from Jean as he asked where they were.
Jean: "We're in position- what's your status?"
He contacted him and told him they are set.
Hillshire: "We're on the roof now, moving into position."
Jean: "We'll move in three minutes. Synchronize your watch."
Hillshire: "Understood. Stand by."
He soon started to set his watch to three minutes and told everyone to do the same.
Hillshire: "The Jean/Rico and Jose/Henrietta teams are in place. We have three minutes to prepare the attack. Triela, Angelica, Elsa, get the gear set up at the other end to descend into the main floor. We'll take them by surprise while the other half of the team keeps the terrorists outside busy. Move, we already wasted time."
The girls heard the order and hurried to the other end to set up the rock climbing gear strapped to their backpacks while Hillshire kept watching. Meanwhile, Marco and John looked on as Elsa's handler started to speak about it.
John Darby: "So… Mind telling me what's gotten into you?"
Marco looked to him and was confused.
Marco: "What are you talking about?"
John gave a sighed and explained about it.
John Darby: "You and Angelica. You have been really distant with her as of late and you never gave her any respect. I never seen you act this way before with her and it's bother me. What's the deal?"
Marco was very silent over this and new he's getting really suspicious. He never thought that someone like him would get involved in personal issue. Looking on ahead to see Angelica setting the equipment, he decided to turn back and walked away from the set up. John could see him leaving and tried to stop him.
John Darby: "Marco! Don't walk away from me. I want answers and I want it now!"
As soon as he was at a far away distance, he decided to let him in on something his own girl doesn't know about.
Marco: "It's her conditioning…"
John stopped where he was and was silent after what he heard. Marco then continued with explanation without Angelica hearing in.
Marco: "It's getting worse… Dr. Bianchi had told me that her mind is starting to loose itself as she couldn't remember much within the agency. She couldn't even remember the story I gave her when we met. It has become a difficult few weeks for me."
John heard this and knew what he was talking about. He knew as much as the other handlers that every girl goes through a brainwashing technique known as conditioning where all memories of their past lives were removed. But it also shortens the girl's lifespan, as they might not live past their teens, if not less.
John Darby: "I see… So she's forgetting the early life through the agency. That's quite an unexpected event. But it seems that she's working hard. Even if she screwed up in practice, she could still work through it no matter what."
Marco though didn't finish with what he said and turned to the Darby for more information.
Marco: "You don't understand. The conditioning is shortening her lifespan. If she's starting to forget of early life in the SWA, then it could be a matter of time before her services are deemed obsolete and she would spend her final time in a hospital bed with very little memory. I can't… I can't take that."
He turned his head away and he could be holding back tears at this moment. John could see his anguish and got why he's upset over all of this.
John Darby: "I get it. You are closely tied to her. You and Angelica were the first fratelo team when Section 2 started out. I understand that what she's going through right now is eating you alive. But you can't just do what you are doing, giving her the cold shoulder and treat her like she's useless."
Marco heard him and turned to ask him about that.
Marco: "And what do you want me to do? What can I do if Angelica can't perform at her best?"
John gave it some thought until he asked him what he could do.
John Darby: "Just treat her as something special. Give her gifts. Anything that will make her happy! Even if you think that her lifespan is short, at least she knows that you care for her."
Marco heard this and gave it some thought. Sure he sort of treated Angelica like nothing but a tool, instead of a sweet girl he treated her from the beginning. Maybe John does have a point over this, as he can't treat her very badly. Maybe a gift should work, but what? Perhaps a dog that was similar to the one she used to have pre Agency days?
As that conversation was going on, the girls and finishing in setting up the equipment to dive down and deliver a surprise attack. Elsa was nearly finished with her gear and was getting herself ready to attack. Just as she was finishing up, something was bothering her eyes and rubbed it off. She had been getting that recently ever since she got back from Jasper with her handler. Her first thought was the after effect from the Dark Energon blast Megatron tried to give from John, until she saved him and pay the price herself. If it wasn't for the Autobots in administering normal energon to counter the spread, then she wouldn't of survived it. Still, this after effect is bothering her so much that she wouldn't speak to anyone, not even her own handler. Of course, that didn't effect her performance is it usually happens on a few occasions. But when she opened her eyes, she saw something that caught her off guard. For what she was looking at wasn't much of the world around her, but now covered in a blue hue with the skeletons of the handlers and the exo skeletons of the girls. She looked on and was completely confused with what is going on. In fact, she didn't even notice her eyes glowing a blue hue on the irises.
Elsa de Sica: "What the…"
She soon looked down and noticed what appears to be the inside of the actual villa and saw multiple men in there on constant watch. But when she looked at the second floor, she could see a young girl reading, but she had an exoskeleton within her body. She could tell that was Claes as she does enjoy reading. Blinking she wondered how she managed to obtain that type of ability. But as she was wondering about it…
John Darby: "Elsa…? Elsa!"
She soon snapped out of it as her eyes returned to normal and she can see everything normal again. Looking up, she saw John standing there with a bit of worry.
John Darby: "Is everything all right. You spaced out for a moment there."
She could tell that John was getting suspicious over what's happening to her. Clearing her throat she decided to keep it a secret while explaining what she saw.
Elsa de Sica: "Sorry, sir. I was just trying to focus as of late. In fact, I do believe that Claes is located in the second floor of the villa."
There was a bit of quiet as everyone heard her on that one.
Marco: "Hold on… Claes is at the second floor of this building? How do you know of that?"
Elsa could tell that they were starting to ask questions and had to keep it to herself.
Else de Sica: "I just know is all. There is no way that she would be in the main floor with all the guards on watch."
The three handlers looked to each other and could tell that Claes is still in there, but finds it to be a bit of a risk.
Marco: "This could be risky to send out girls to rescue her."
John rubbed his chin and thought it was a good enough opportunity.
John Darby: "Hmm… Maybe… But if Claes is in the second floor, then we should stage a rescue if we can."
He turned to Hillshire and asked him of that.
Hillshire: "What do you say, Hillshire. Should we go an save Claes?"
Hillshire gave that a bit of thought and decided to stick to the plan.
Hillshire: "Our goal is to secure the first floor before proceeding to the second. We need to remove the terrorist cell before proceeding with the rescue."
John heard this and wasn't pleased with the news.
John Darby: "You're sure this is a good idea. Claes could be in grave danger and could need our help."
Hillshire then reminded him of what Claes was like before.
Hillshire: "Claes had military training before. Even if she doesn't have her handler, she still knows how to handle herself. She'll be all right."
John gave a sigh and knows that the agency wants to focus on the task at hand. However, what they didn't know is that someone was listening in on conversation. That person is Angelica as she heard what is going on. When she heard that Claes is in the second floor, maybe there is a chance to save her. After all, if she saved her, maybe Marco can respect her as a partner. It could be perfect for her. As the conversation was finished, they soon heard sniper fire in the distance. That means that the attack has started as the team of Jose/Henrietta and Jean/Rico began the first shots. The other three turned to see the attack happen and knew that it was time.
John Darby: "Sounds like the three minutes are up. All right girls, let's crash the party! Prepare to drop on my mark!"
All three girls heard this and nodded as they started to get on their cables and made the decent to the edge of the top windowsill. Once their feet touch the border, they waited for John to give out the attack. John turned to see Jose and Henrietta approaching the entrance to the Villa and knew that more guards will come and overrun them. With that, he called it out.
John Darby: "Mark!"
Just like that, the three jumped off the edge like flew backwards, coming back down like an actual swing. Holding their rifles with their other hands, they fired away at the glass and cracked it enough to smash right through it, catching the RF terrorists off guard. They soon immediately land in a kneeling position and emptied the rest of the clips, laying waste to the terrorists in the room. Once the room was cleared, John, Marco, and Hillshire came down and landed behind the girls, looking at the destruction they have done.
John Darby: "Now that's what I call crashing a party."
Suddenly, the lights flickered until the entire place went dark. But that didn't stop them as Hillshire gave out the orders.
Hillshire: "All right, let's split up. John and Elsa, you secure the western end. Marco and Angelica, you are with me and Triella in the east. Let's clear out the first floor."
Everyone nodded as they headed to two directions. John and Elsa headed to the left and entered the hallway. When they got there, a bunch of doors opened up and a bunch of terrorists came out with some covering fire with pistols and rifles. Both John and Elsa got to cover on both sides and decided to blind them. Taking his flash bang out, John armed it and tossed it to the middle of the hall. That soon ignited and blinded the group as the stagger out of cover and tired to get their sights back. Once they were blinded, the two got out of cover and ran on ahead, shooting and anything that is out. They even check each room the terrorists were in and make sure that they're clear. Once the hallway is checked out, the approached the double doors that lead to a lounge/bar area. Elsa kicked down the door as the two sprinted in. But then, more terrorists came out of the bar counter on the inside and fired away while a few more rushed in and brought down a bunch of tables for additional cover along with behind the pool table. The two saw this and ran for cover as well as bullets flew all around them. They immediately took cover from behind the sofa as bullets sprayed over their heads. Elsa checked on the opposition and could see how many there are. She soon got back in cover as more bullets whizzed by and told John of the situation.
Elsa de Sica: "There are twelve targets on the other side. Armed with MP40 rifles. This could be a difficult group to beat."
John turned to her and gave her a quick smirk.
John Darby: "Nothing's too difficult with us involved."
He soon took a smoke grenade out and told Elsa what to do.
John Darby: "Okay, I'm going to toss the grenade to the middle of the room. Once it engulfs the room, we split up and take them down. You take the six of the right. I'll handle the left side."
Elsa nodded and reloaded her rifle to fire back. She soon turned to him and wished him luck.
Elsa de Sica: "Be careful out there."
John gave a quick nod and did the same.
John Darby: "You too."
Arming the grenade, he tossed it over the sofa as is landed and rolled to the middle of the lounge. It soon exploded and spewed out smoke that engulfed the room. The terrorists saw this and were completely blinded by all the smoke.
"Hey! What's the deal?! I can't see a thing!"
The terrorists were all too distracted, letting themselves out in the open. Big mistake as John and Elsa were ready to take them out.
John Darby: "Ready…? Let's go!"
They all immediately got out of cover and ran in two separate directions to get to their targets. Elsa went to the right side and took down six terrorists with ease with her rifle. John took the left side and used his pistol to take a couple of headshots on the remaining terrorists. So far, he already took out four of them and moved on to the next two. But before he could really fire on them, his right knee buckled as he stumbled on the ground. Getting into a kneeling position, he checked his brace and noticed that his knee was down. This is because when he lost Kevin in Baghdad, the explosion pierced his knee with sharp metal and left an infection in the muscles. The doctor managed to remove the infection, but his knee had very little of that muscle as there almost nothing but bone on it. He knew that if he kept pushing his limits in battle, that knee of his would buckle from the strain. He knew that the brace is the only thing that keeps his knee in check. How foolish he was in thinking he could pull this off. He struggled to get up to get back into the fight. That was into two rifles were pointed at him and he looked to see the two terrorists starring them coldly in the eyes.
"Huh… Smart move you pull there, pal. But next time you try and pull that off, make sure you don't trip."
The two pulled the triggers and were about to fire. Just then…"
Elsa de Sica: "And you should make sure that he's not the only one in the room."
The two heard that and turned to see who said it. That is when Elsa rushed in and fired her remaining clip to the two remaining terrorists. One of them got the most damage as was wiped out easily as the other using the person in front of them as a human shield. By the time to person fell, he took his pistol out and was going to fire on Elsa. Elsa used the rifle to finish him off. But by the time she pulled the trigger, she was shooting nothing but blanks and the clip was completely empty. Knowing this, she lifted her arm up to deflect the shots that were heading to her face. A few of them hit the arm and penetrated the skin. Once she was close enough, she used her rifle as a bat and whack the pistol off his hand. The guard got back and took his switchblade out and strike at the girl. Elsa quickly ducked down and avoided the hit as she used her arms to block off that attack and arm drag him. The moment he was on the floor, she took her own pistol and shot him right in the face, killing him instantly. Once the battle was over, Elsa turned to her handler and checked on him.
Elsa de Sica: "Sir, are you okay?"
John got up and checks on his leg. Once he got the feeling back, he told her that it was all right.
John Darby: "I'm fine… My knee was a little sore and I have to get the feeling back."
Elsa looked to him and knew he's playing around.
Elsa de Sica: "John, I know that your knee is starting to act up because the lack of muscle in the knee bone. You have to relax on this a little otherwise you would wound up in a wheel chair."
John gave a bit of a sigh and could tell that she was telling the honest truth.
John Darby: "Sigh… Guess I can't keep everything from you, my girl. I suppose my knee injury does tend to keep me out of the battlefield. I don't feel like keeping myself in the sidelines. I really need to help out much, otherwise I don't like to be on standby."
Elsa was starting to sigh and could tell he really needs to help.
Elsa de Sica: "Listen, I know that you really need to be a big help. But you can't push yourself too much. Just let me be your legs and I'll aid you no matter what I can."
John just smiled and was pleased with what she said. Sure John wants to assist Elsa, but it would be rather difficult knowing that his damaged knee would give way, it would be really complicate his own performance. So he nodded and listened to her well.
John Darby: "Okay Elsa, whatever you say… I'll let you be my legs for a little while. Still, don't like to be stuck in a crutch. Come on, this area of the house is secured. Let's go meet up with the others. We don't want to keep them waiting."
Elsa nodded as they left the lounge/bar to rejoin with the others.
At the same time, two other handler teams were on the east and were handling the rest of the terrorists in the main floor. A few of them were hiding behind the doors to get into cover while firing their pistols at them. Triela and Angelica were behind cover while the handlers were next to them. Hillshire looked down to his girl and nodded as a gesture to engage. Triela turned and knew what he was referring to, turning to Angelica and gestured her to attack. She saw that gesture and made a nod of approval. Waiting for the terrorists to stop firing, they got out of cover and shoot away. Though the terrorists were hiding behind the opened doors, that didn't stop them as they shoot away at the doors themselves. Multiple bullet holes penetrated through the door and screams were heard from behind. In a matter of moments, bodies of men fell and blood was spilled. But as that was over, one of the guard got out of the door, who was hiding behind one of the men and pointed his pistol at them. But just as he was about to pull the trigger, he was immediately shot in the head and was down in mere seconds. Standing there is Marco as he had his pistol up and had a cold look to his face. Once that was over with, Hillshire checked on the hall and proclaimed that it was taken care of.
Hillshire: "Clear. Let's regroup with John and Elsa."
The two groups walked down the hall and have now reached the main entryway with a staircase that goes to the second floor. Both girls ran up ahead to wait for the others as Angelica saw the steps and knew that Claes is up there and needs to be rescued. Seeing this, she turned to the steps and ran right up it. Triela saw her coming up and told her to stop.
Triela: "Angelica! Where are you going?!"
She, though, didn't listen as she reached up the second floor to save one of their own. Triella looked on with worry while Hillshire and Marco joined her and noticed that the other girl isn't with her.
Hillshire: "Triela, what's up?"
Triela heard her handler and turned to explain the situation.
Triela: "Angelica took off upstairs!"
The two heard that and was shocked by that news. Marco especially as he was completely disgusted by what his girl was doing. Soon enough, John and Elsa has reached the main entrance and saw the others in there waiting for them, not realizing what really happened.
John Darby: "Sorry we took long. We got caught with a complication in one of the rooms. What's going on?"
He soon looked around and noticed one person isn't around and turned to Hillshire to ask him about that.
John Darby: "And where's Angelica?"
The group was extremely quiet as Hillshire answered his question.
Hillshire: "She went on ahead upstairs without getting any orders."
John heard that and was surprised that she would do that.
John Darby: "What? She went up one her own without us? What is she thinking?!"
Marco then turned to John and was just as upset as John.
Marco: "I could agree with you, John. Angelica has become reckless as of late during training, so reckless that she almost damaged her leg. Why is she jumping the gun without my approval?"
The three thought this through and wonder why she could take such a risk. Elsa though was curious as well and wanted to know how she's disobeying the agency's orders. But after a few short seconds, she soon remembered what she said before the mission. That whatever happened to her eyes, she could see Claes in the second floor. That's when she told her handler about it, Angelica must of heard her say that. Realizing it, her eyes grew wide and knew the mistake she made.
Elsa de Sica: "Oh no…"
John heard her and turned to ask what she meant.
John Darby: "What is it Elsa."
She turned to the Darby and explained about why Angelica heading upstairs.
Elsa de Sica: "I said that Claes is on the second floor. My guess is that Angelica must've heard me and went upstairs to save her."
They all heard her and knew this was bad.
Marco: "That idiot! What is she thinking going up there on her own to save one of our own? There's no telling how many RF terrorists are up there."
John thought of that too and knew this was very bad. Giving Angelica's behavior, she could get herself killed in the battlefield. She is in need of an assist and fast. Turning to Elsa, he asked for a quick favor.
John Darby: "Elsa!"
Elsa heard him and knew what he wanted.
Elsa de Sica: "On it!"
She then ran up ahead and had her rifle steady for a battle. By the time she was upstairs, he took a breather and hope she can save Angelica.
John Darby: "Please don't get killed…"
Meanwhile, Angelica was up on the second floor and is in search for Claes. She checked each room with her rifle and didn't see her yet. She also didn't see any terrorists yet either, so it's safe to say that all of them were killed. Still, she has to be alert at all times. The safety of Claes depends on it. Running down the hall, she noticed a door that was completely opened. She was very curious about it and decided to check and see if Claes was in there. She quickly got behind the wall near the doorframe and waited for the right moment to strike. Taking her flash bang out, she armed it and threw it into the open doorway. When the bang ignited, she got into the open pointed her rifle at whatever there is. When the smoke cleared, she could see that it was empty, with the exception of the one guard that looked knocked out. Could it be Claes that made an escape? She couldn't get her answer as she heard a voice from behind.
"Don't move!"
Angelica froze in fear as she soon realized that she had made a foolish mistake.
"You brought this all on yourself."
She closed her eyes and believes that she has gratefully failed her fratello. Soon enough, she heard the sound of rifle fire from behind. But for some strange reasons, she didn't feel any bullets hitting her back. Opening her eyes, she quickly turned around and noticed that the person that was going to shoot her was dead with a pool of blood around him. She was curious and wondered how he got killed quickly. That's when she heard a familiar voice from close by.
Elsa de Sica: "Funny… I was going to say the same thing to you."
Angelica soon turned to the direction of the voice and saw Elsa de Sica standing there with her rifle pointed to where the shooter was and the nozzle smoking. She blinked her eyes for a little bit and was surprised that she was there.
Angelica: "Elsa…?"
She soon turned to Angelica and was a little irate about it all.
Elsa de Sica: "What the hell were you thinking, Angelica?! Running on ahead without waiting for the others. Not realizing what other potential threats are out there. Are you really trying to get yourself killed after returning from recovery?"
Angelica stood there a little sheepish and explained her reason.
Angelica: "Sorry, Elsa, but I heard you say that Claes is in this floor. I had to go up there and save her… And… I only wanted to make Marco proud of me."
Elsa sighed and knew why she was really doing it. To keep her fratello happy. So she decided to give her a bit of advice.
Elsa: "Look, I know you have to prove to Marco that you are not the weak link you think you are. But you can't just jump on ahead into danger without knowing any consequences. You have to follow orders and stay with your team. That's how Marco would be proud of you."
Angelica listened in and could understand now that she should at least listen to him and not barge into battle. So she gave a quick nod and decided to let it all slide.
Elsa de Sica: "Come on, we have to find Claes since we're already at the second floor."
As soon as she said it, she could hear a voice from not far from her.
Claes: "Don't bother. I'm already here."
The two looked to the other end of the hall and saw a girl around their age with long blue hair and was holding a staff for the fireplace. They knew it was Claes, but she didn't have her glasses on, preferably because she took them off to fight. The two were relieved that she was safe as Angelica had a warm smile to her face.
Angelica: "Claes, you're all right."
Claes remained silent as she walked right past her to get back to the room she was in.
Claes: "Of course I'm fine. Just because I'm no longer in active duty, doesn't mean I can't defend myself."
By the time she entered the room, she picked up her glasses and put them on. As she was doing that, Elsa spoke to her of the situation.
Elsa de Sica: "Sorry that we took so long in retrieving you. You're tracer had gone offline when you reached the mountains and we couldn't find you from there. I hope you didn't get bored of all of this."
Claes turned to her friend and told her that it's nothing to worry about while picking up her book.
Claes: "It's all right, I've been reading the whole time anyways. Nothing else to do when you are held hostage. Besides, this book of agriculture has given me new ideas on what to do with my garden."
Elsa smirked and figured that she was thinking of more gardening tips. When she left the room, the three then returned to the others that were waiting for them downstairs. As they were walking, Claes asked if the others were around.
Claes: "Where are the others? Are you two the only ones?"
Elsa shook her head and explained what really happened.
Elsa de Sica: "No, fortunately, John and Marco are down stairs with Hillshire and Triella while the teams of Jose/Henrietta and Jean/Rico handle the opposition outside. We were suppose to regroup and await further order in rescuing you, but a certain girl just couldn't wait and decided to rush in and save you to make her fratelo happy."
Angelica turned to her and was still being sympathetic over the whole deal.
Angelica: "I'm sorry for that, but I had my reason."
Elsa turned to her and explained that it was still a stupid decision on her behalf.
Elsa de Sica: "That doesn't mean you have to rush on in without getting orders. You're lucky you didn't get shot, otherwise we would've had our first casualty within Section 2."
Claes heard the argument and decided to break it up.
Claes: "Okay… I get it. There was a little mess up within the team and it nearly cost us one of our own. I get the confusion. But everything is all right now and no one was hurt. Let's just get downstairs to meet up with the others."
The three kept walking down the hall as Elsa asked Claes something.
Elsa de Sica: "Hey Claes? I was wondering, were there any more terrorists on the second floor then those two? This place seems a little quiet then normal."
Claes shook her head and didn't know any.
Claes: "Hmm… Unfortunately, no. They had me blindfolded on the way here and placed me in that room. One the person kept watch on me and other one bringing people in were all I know. Though they did say that the boss is up here somewhere. Though I don't know if he was there for a visit or he's here to begin with."
Elsa heard this and gave it some thought. There was a leader in the villa? That seems highly unlikely. After all, they cleared the entire house and it didn't look like that they had a leader. Unless one of the people they took out was the leader and got caught in the crossfire. But unless he's somewhere upstairs… They were walking past the door, something wasn't feeling right. Suddenly, she felt a presence that is bad. Realizing the trouble, she got behind the two and pushed the two girls out of the way.
Elsa de Sica: "Watch out!"
She managed to save the two, only to have the door busted open and something big pushed her through. The two landed on the floor and were a little dazed by the push. Turning their backs around, they saw Elsa getting pinned on the wall by a huge beefy guy with suit and vest with parting hair and fiery brown eyes filled with anger. Elsa was struggling to get out and was trying her best in escaping. The two were surprised by this as Claes got up and decided to help out.
Claes: "Hang on, Elsa!"
Angelica get up too and was ready to help out as well.
Angelica: "We'll help!"
But Elsa denied their help to told them to get going.
Elsa de Sica: "No! Don't worry about me! I'll take care of him! Just get Claes to safety! Now!"
The two were hesitant, as they don't know what to do. But Angelica understood the situation as she grabbed Claes's arm and told her to keep going.
Angelica: "Come on! Let's get out of here!"
Claes looked to her and argued about it.
Claes: "We can't leave her behind. We have to help her!"
Angelica told her that she got it.
Angelica: "Elsa can handle him. Now come on!"
Claes was quiet and decided to leave her be and handle it herself. So the two ran away as they headed on downstairs to safety. Meanwhile, Elsa struggled and tried all that she could to escape this situation. Thinking of no other option, she got behind her back and took our her trusted pistol from her holster, pointing it down and shooting the guy in the leg. He screamed out in pain as he let go of Elsa. Just as she free herself, she soon rushed in and pushed him back, getting back into the room he was in, which was an office, and brought him down. She soon got back up and got into a quick stance as the guy got back up and looked to the girl. Seeing her, he knows who it is.
"Ah… So the rumors are true. You are one of those SWA bitches that are killing my comrades. Got to admit, you girls caught us all off guard. But this time, you want get the drop on me!"
Elsa looked to him and smirked.
Elsa de Sica: "Oh, we'll see about that…"
The boss of this group charged in and began the attack. Winding up, he threw a straightforward punch to knock her out. Elsa quickly ducked down and rolled to the other end, right behind the terrorist boss. Getting back up, she jumped and performed an ariel back kick, knocking his forward. The enemy looked back and was annoyed by her antics and charged in for the next attack. He soon performs a football tackle and spear her down. She positioned her legs and jumped up high in the air. She went upside down and was over the guy. Placing her hands on his shoulder, she jumped off it and flung herself to the other end, landing on the desk and getting to a stance. He looked back at the girl and was extremely upset about this, charging in again to fight her off. He used a barrage of punches in any direction just to hit her as much as he could. Yet no matter how hard he tries, she attempts to block and dodge each and every move. Though she was having fun, she soon knew that it was time to finish this off once and for all. Avoiding the last swing by bending back, she placed her hands on the desk and did a handstand while kicking the leader in the chin. He was caught off guard by that and backed away in a daze. This gave Elsa the opportunity as she got her rifle out and fired right at his chest. The bullets did penetrate through his vest, but no blood came out of it. What's worse is that the person was still standing as he looked up and smirked to her very wickedly. Elsa blinked and was shocked by this unexpected moment.
Elsa de Sica: "What? How the…?"
The terrorist leader pounded his chest as he hit something hard in accomplishment.
"Heh, heh… Bullet proof vest. Capable of withstanding a small barrage of bullets. Tough luck for you sweetheart."
Elsa heard this and finds that surprising that he would have a vest and not anyone else. But he is the leader; so it's obvious that he would need some serious protection form anything. But she shook that off and decided to strike back.
Elsa de Sica: "Temporary setback…"
Putting her rifle away, she jumped off the desk and delivered a torpedo kick to the head. The leader quickly sidestepped out the way as Elsa missed him by a few inches. He then grabbed a hold of her leg and left her dangling for a few short seconds. Elsa was planning to recover from this blunder, but the terrorist wouldn't have it as he decided to strike back.
"My turn…"
He then quickly swung her around as she smashed through a table and then crashed into a cabinet. Elsa was caught off guard by this, as she didn't know that he was that strong. So much so, that he flung her to a wall and it created an indent in the middle of it. She soon fell to the floor and struggled to get up. But as she did, the terrorist leader rushed in and was ready to spear her a second time. This time, Elsa had little time to avoid as he pushed her through the wall and the two were in another room.
Back downstairs, the other teams waited until Elsa came back with Angelica and Claes. Though none of them didn't know that Elsa was in a whole lot of trouble. John looked upstairs and was getting a little worried about her.
John Darby: "C'mon Elsa… What's taking you so long? Shouldn't be that hard in finding two of your teammates, right?"
Hillshire looked to him and could tell that he's getting a little unease about this.
Hillshire: "Getting nervous for your girl, John?"
The Darby looked to him and told him that he's all right over this.
John Darby: "Me? Getting nervous? You know my girl can handle herself. Won't be hard for her to look after two girls. It's Marco though I have worries about. He should be concerned about Angelica, yet instead, he's just acting like it's nothing. It's like he doesn't care about her at all."
He turned to him as he crossed his arms and had his head down for a while. Hillshire saw this too and could tell that things haven't been working out well.
Hillshire: "Indeed, Marco's relation with Angelica is rough, but he still cares for her. Just give him some time. He needs to understand."
John sighed and knew that won't be easy for Marco. Even after their little chat, it still feels like he isn't interested. Maybe with some time, perhaps they can get back to normal, especially the shortened conditioning. As they were waiting, they could hear a familiar voice from not far away.
Jose: "Gentlemen…"
The three and Elsa turned to see the Jose/Henrietta and Jean/Rico teams approaching them as Hillshire greeted them.
Hillshire: "Jose… Jean… Took you two long enough to get to us."
Jean approached him and explained what took them too long.
Jean: "The outside force was a bit much, but we managed to handle them. What's the situation inside?"
John then approached him and told them what they were going through.
John Darby: "The first floor is secured. There were a few complications within mission, but we took care of the terrorist cell."
Jean then looked around and noticed that someone was missing.
Jean: "Where is Elsa and Angelica? I don't see them with you or Marco."
John was very silent, as he knew that the two are in need of an answer. Taking a deep breath, he explained as much as he could.
John Darby: "Angelica went on ahead upstairs without our orders. I do believe she's going to save Claes."
Jean looked to him and didn't like the sound of any of it. But he kept his composure and asked of the other girl.
Jean: "And Elsa? What about her?"
John remained quiet again and decided to speak to him about that as well.
John Darby: "She headed upstairs to save Angelica. I gave her the order myself."
Jean groaned as he rubbed the temples of his head.
Jean: "This is bad…"
John heard him and was a bit confused.
John Darby: "What's the problem? Elsa is going to get Angelica back downstairs. Who knows, maybe they can bring Claes back together."
Jean though turned to him and told him the reason why they need to regroup in this living area.
Jean: "You don't get it, John. There are reports of this cell's ringleader living in the second floor of this house. The idea is to regroup and head upstairs to take him out. What made you think three girls, one that hasn't been in the field mind you, to take their ringleader down was a good idea?"
John blinked and didn't think of that sooner.
John Darby: "Oh… I didn't realize that until you said it."
Just as Jean was going to scold him of this mistake, they could hear a familiar voice from close by.
Angelica: "Over here!"
The group turned to see Angelica and Claes coming down the stairs. John saw them and was pleased that they are safe.
John Darby: "See, Jean. What I tell ya? The girls are safe and Claes is all right."
Jean looked to him and was a little quiet over the whole thing. John then approaches the girl and thanked her on a job well done.
John Darby: "Excellent work on getting Claes, Angelica. You're not as bad as we all thought."
Angelica smiled and was pleased at how he responded to that. She then turned to Marco and could tell that he wasn't pleased with her not following orders. But at least he knew that she was safe. John though looked around and noticed that someone was missing from the group. Looking down to Angelica, he asked where his fratello was located.
John Darby: "Where's Elsa? I told her to come get you."
Angelica looked down and knew that he would be asking her that question. Looking up, she explained the situation to him.
Angelica: "We were on the way back until we were ambushed by one of the RF leaders. Elsa is keeping him busy while we make an escape."
That was the worse thing to say as John went from happy, to shock, to being plain mad as he demanded why they left here there.
John Darby: "What? Elsa taking on a dangerous terrorist on her own?! Why didn't you assist her in the fight?"
Angelica backed away a little bit, knowing he didn't like what she said. Before she could even explain everything, Claes came in and told him that it wasn't their fault.
Claes: "She said that she'd hold him back while we get away. It was her that gave the order and not anyone else."
John heard that and knew that he must do something. Cocking his pistol, he decided to take matters in his own hands. The others saw this and asked him of it.
Jean: "What do you think you're doing?"
John Darby: "I'm going to get her out the mess she got herself into. She is my girl after all. Someone has to go and save her."
He started to head on upstairs to save her, but the others were telling him to wait.
Jose: "John! Wait! You can't go up there alone. Let us formulate a plan and then we'll get up there as soon as possible."
John turned to him and told him that he can't do that.
John Darby: "If we wait, Elsa will die. I can't just do that. I have to go!"
He hurried upstairs and hoped that Elsa is all right. Course what he doesn't know is that things aren't going well for her.
In another room close by, it was completely quiet as no one was present. But then, a wall came crashing down as two individuals came through it. Those two were Elsa and the terrorist leader as he pushed her through a bunch of walls. Once he ran out of momentum, he stopped and let Elsa fly to the other end, smashing a table in the process. Elsa groaned as she was slowly getting up, feeling completely soar from the pain. Looking up to him, the terrorist smirked and wasn't impressed.
"Hmph… This is all that this agency got? I thought you girls can take one of the toughest of opponents. But now, I could only see that you don't have the balls to get rid of me. Why don't you go back in playing with your dollies?"
Elsa was seething from those statements as she stood her ground and spat out a bit of blood out of her mouth.
Elsa de Sica: "Just keep talking… All the more reason to shut your mouth!"
She charged in and started to attack the terrorist leader. She charged in and began the attack with a couple of punches, but it was all fruitless as the body armor protected the leader. With a smirk, he delivered his own punches to knock down the little girl. Elsa though backed up and swayed back and forth in a boxing move to avoid each shot. She soon found an opening and jumped kicked him to the side. He stumbled back and was caught off by that last attack. But he won't get caught again. Charging onward, he was going to take down the girl with another spear. Elsa though was ready for this and jumped up high in the air and over the boss that was running right towards her. Landing on the ground, she turned and took her rifle out to fire a few more shots in the back, hoping that he was exposed in the back. But she was wrong as the back was well protected as well. The boss looked back and was a little pissed about this.
"Really? Did you really think shooting me from behind was going to be a good idea? Have you already forgotten that I have bulletproof armor? You can't harm me!"
Elsa grunted and hated when things don't get her way. Getting up, she tightens her fists and was ready to make another strike.
Elsa de Sica: "We'll see about that."
Looking down, she could see a coffee table next to her and decided to move to the next plan. With a quick pivot, she lifted her leg up and brought it down, letting the heel end to hit the edge of the table. This caused the table to tilt up and flew high in the air. She soon planted her foot in succession and made a quick turn to kick roundhouse kick the table and threw it towards the terrorist leader. He could only snicker as he did a brace maneuver to let the table hit him and broke it in half, but all the while, he remained firm as he laughed it off.
"Is that the best you got? Ha! You got to do better then…"
Looking upwards, he wasn't expecting what's to come next. Suddenly, Elsa was rocketing towards him with a smirk of her own and her knee in position. He looked on in surprise as he finished what he was going to say.
"…that…?"
Almost immediately, the girl jabbed his chin with her knee and caused a serious deep impact. The leader was in a daze as he landed on the floor with a huge thud and was laid there for a moment. Elsa soon pinned him and took her pistol out to aim it right at his face. The leader slowly got out of the daze and looked to see Elsa on top of him with the gun pointed directly at his face. Elsa looked to him with success on her face and was happy about the whole thing.
Elsa de Sica: "Word to the wise, never cross paths with Section 2."
The terrorist had little fear in his eyes, but shows compassion with his words.
"Stubborn little bitch… You don't have the guts to pull that trigger."
Elsa heard that remark and slowly got the trigger back, ready to dish out some serious punishment.
Elsa de Sica: "Try me…"
She was going to shoot a bullet to his forehead and be done with it. That is until he heard a familiar voice.
John Darby: "Elsa! Where are you?!"
She soon heard that and turned to where the voice came from, knowing whom it is.
Elsa de Sica: "John?"
That was the mistake she made as the leader took advantage and grabbed her by the leg. She felt that and tried to get out of it. But that was until he flung her off of him and tossed her to the sidewall, smashing through a dresser in the process. She groaned and coughed up some blood, not prepared for the last assault. Looking up, she could see the leader getting up and approaching her. He then spotted the pistol she dropped and picked it up, taking aim at her instead. He had a wicked smirk, as he knew that he got her where he wants her, repeating what she said differently.
"Word to the wise, don't leave yourself off guard."
Elsa looked on and could tell she made a terrible mistake in keeping her eyes off the prize. The leader was going to do what Elsa was supposed to do and pulled the trigger. But just as he was about to fire, he felt a couple of shots in the back of his bullet proof vest and turned to see John standing at the opened doorway with his pistol pointing at him and a mean expression to his face.
John Darby: "Put the gun down, now…"
The terrorist leader saw him and gave a small grunt.
"What's this? You're the father of this brat? ` Didn't you teach her not to play with guns? It'll poke her eyes out."
John heard this and grunted to himself.
John Darby: "Well, you're one to talk. Didn't anyone tell you to not join a terrorist cult?"
The terrorist groaned and knew that he was mocking him. Elsa saw this argument and warned her handler of the situation.
Elsa de Sica: "Sir! Be careful! This ringleader is tough!"
The enemy turned back to the girl and told her to shut up.
"Quiet, you no good brat! The adults are talking."
John heard him say it and didn't like his attitude.
John Darby: "Don't you dare talk to my girl like that, pal!"
He turned to Darby and was threatening him.
"I'll talk to whomever I please!"
He then charged in and began his attack against John with a barrage of punches. John got into a defending stance and used his arms to block off the attack. He was looking for an opening to take the leader down and noticed that he was getting tired when he's wearing that heavy bulletproof vest. Seeing this, he took the opportunity and head butt him in the head. With the leader in a daze, John immediately grab him by the shoulders and delivered multiple knees strikes to the stomach with his good knee. After a couple of strikes, he finished it off with an elbow to the side of the head, knocking him down completely. Then he topped it off with a kick to the side, pushing him to the end of the wall. With that out of the way, he approached him and was pleased with how easy it was.
John Darby: "For a leader, you're not that tough. Got something else to say?"
The leader grunted as he looked around to see that he was near the fireplace and has some remains of burning wood. Seeing this, he slowly grabbed the stick to move the fire around and was ready to strike back.
"Yeah… I got something to say. But I prefer to let my hands do the talking!"
With that, he used his newly acquired weapon at the John as ashes and burned wood hit John's face. Darby turned away from the last attack and was temporarily blinded by the ash and wood. This gave the terrorist leader an advantage as he got up and struck back. He used his the stick to swing to his stomach, causing John to cringe from the pain. Bowing down, the leader had used the elbow to hit him at the back of the head. John staggered back and tried to make a quick recovery. Yet the leader never gave him the time as he delivered a few more punches to the face. John though managed to block the last attack and swung to him as much as he could. The leader swayed back and forth to avoid each strike as he found the opening and grabbed the Darby in a bear hug, before delivering a suplex right through a table in the middle of the room. John groaned and could imagine that pain he was in just now. The leader though stood there and waiting for him to get up.
"Get up…"
John tried to, as he wanted to keep on fighting. But as he was getting up, he bad knee gave way and he buckled down, groaning in pain. The terrorist leader saw him down again and was curious on what's going on. So he demanded again, with force.
"I said, get up!"
He lifted his leg up and pounded John by the knee, the bad knee. John screamed in pain, as he knew where that last hit was. The terrorist saw this and knew what's causing him not to get back up.
"Oh… I see what's going on. You are a handicap, are you? Ha! That's just rich! You think that someone with a bummed leg can stop me? Don't make me laugh!"
He then started to kick John in the leg over and over again to make sure he doesn't get up. John was screaming in pain and didn't think that the leader would be this aggressive. Elsa though looked to this beat down and was seething over it. She didn't even notice that her eyes were starting to glow blue. The leader finished it off with a kick to the stomach and the push of it kick dragged him to the end of the wall, near the window. Slowly approaching the down Darby, he cocked the pistol Elsa dropped and took aim at his prey.
"Normally, I was planning on shooting this little brat for destroying my plans. But since you are here, I think killing you. And the best part is that I'm going to let her watch."
John looked on and could tell this was getting extremely bad. But then, he noticed that Elsa was slowly getting up, and her eyes were glowing blue. He looked on and was confused on that one. But the only thing that caught him guard would be something he would expect.
"See you around, bud…"
He slowly pulled the trigger and was going to fire at John. But Elsa managed to stand up and had pure rage in her glowing blue eyes, letting her say the one word that could drive anyone crazy.
Elsa de Sica: "NO!"
She lifted her arm up and pointed it to the leader, but she didn't have a rifle on her. Instead there were the sounds of something opening up and a charged shot right towards her target. The terrorist leader turned to hear her and the shot and turned a second too soon to see a blue projectile hit him in the chest. That caused him to get pushed through the window and had glass shards flying outside along with him. He was soon falling to his death as a screamed right down the bottom of the mountain cliffs. John remained there and was speechless with not what Elsa did, but what happened to her.
John Darby: "Elsa…? How…?"
Elsa blinked as her eyes went normal, confused by what she just did. But when she looked to her arm, she saw something that shocked her for the first time. For she didn't have a hand, but a blaster with parts of her human skin opened and her sleeve was ripped partly. The blaster is similar to Arcee's, but it was much more smaller and sleeker as blue lines were glowing. She was completely transfixed with this new development and thought her hand should be there. But then, her blaster was retracted back inside and her hand came out with the parts of the skin closing off and sealed the gears and metal on the inside. Seeing her hand again, she flexed it in and out and was still quiet of the whole thing. John managed to stagger back up and tried to get his knee to work properly. Once he got it working, he started to limp a little and approached the fearful girl.
John Darby: "Elsa? Are you okay? How did you…?"
Elsa looked to her hand and didn't have a clue how that had happened.
Elsa de Sica: "I… I don't know… All I remember is you getting hurt and I got angry. Then I yelled and… and… My mind went blank after that…"
John could see her fearing what she did, and that's a first. She never showed any fear in her life since she joined the agency. But now…? Now things have changed. How could it be that her hand turned into a blaster just like that? It was almost like what the Autobots do when they fight. That's when it hit him. Somehow, that blaster was similar to the Autobots. But how did that happen? What would cause such a thing? Could it be the energon transfusion that was the case? Either way, he needs to calm his girl down before things could get complicated. Bending to his one good knee, he told her that it would be all right.
John Darby: "There now… Everything is going to be okay, Elsa. We'll work this out together. I promise you that."
Elsa looked up to him and had that worried stare on her face.
Elsa de Sica: "But what about the others? What are we going to say to them? Are we going to tell them about this?"
John heard her and was worried about that as well. This is a rare moment there and a blaster coming out of Elsa's arm isn't normal. Well…that and girls turning into cyber soldiers. He can't just let the others find out about it. If they do, they might put her in the lab for experimentation. Something that Claes has been doing for a long time. So thinking this through, he came up with the only good answer.
John Darby: "No… We don't tell them."
Elsa blinked and was shocked by that type of news.
Elsa de Sica: "What?! Sir, are you sure that it's wise? If we don't tell them…"
John stopped her and explained why he wouldn't do that.
John Darby: "Listen to me, Elsa. We can't let Section 2 know of this. If they do, then they'll have you experimented on. Worse, they might dissect you! I cannot let that happen. We'll keep this a secret from Section 2, just between the two of us. Still, we need to check how your hand changed. Privately of course… Until then, we'll keep it between us. You trust me?"
Elsa was still a little hesitant as she felt like she should tell someone. Still, after what Claes had to go through and the fact that were using her as a guinea pig to whatever tests and tryouts the scientists has for her, it's best to be out of the field instead of indoors. So she looked to him with a little fear in her eyes and gave a silent nod. John smiled and was pleased with that response.
John Darby: "Good… Now let's get back downstairs. The others are waiting and could be concern with what's taking us too long."
Elsa nodded again as she slowly walked and was a little rattled by what transpired moments ago. The two soon left the room and was a little slow in getting to where they needed to go due to the injuries and shock they had to go through.
As they were headed back, the teams were waiting for them and could tell that it was taking longer then expected. Jean looked to his watch and could tell that they've been up there for a while.
Jean: "Hmm… John is taking longer then expected."
He then looked to the others and told them to move up.
Jean: "That's it! We're moving in! Arm up and prepare to head on upstairs! Check every room and keep your guard up. We don't know what we're up against."
The girls and handlers heard that and set up their weapons to come upstairs. But before they had to go up, they heard John's voice upstairs.
John Darby: "Don't bother…"
They all soon looked up to see John and Elsa coming down the stairs, but they seem a little out of it. For one, John was limping a little as the terrorist boss injured his bad knee. Elsa though was in worse of shape as she was looking a little spaced out, almost like something very serious happened. Jose saw them coming down and didn't expect them to be in the worse of shape. He soon approached the two as they were reaching downstairs.
Jose: "John? Elsa? What happened? You look hurt."
John could tell that everyone wants answers, but he can't explain what really happened or they would get serious. So he explained about it with a few little lies.
John Darby: "Well, Elsa did encounter the terrorist ringleader and was having difficulty with him. I did get involved and tried to hold him back, but he was too much for me as well and took me out by the bad knee. If it hadn't been for Elsa taking him out and pushing him out of the window…well, I would've been a goner, that's for sure."
Everyone heard that and was surprised with that sudden turn of events. Though they did not know what really happened upstairs. Jean heard it all and was a bit surprised by what John was saying.
Jean: "You mean to tell me that your girl, John, single handedly took down the terrorist leader? How? Taking on this person it a dangerous risk, even for one fratelo team."
Now John was sweating, as Jean needed a straight answer. So he lied as much as he could.
John Darby: "Yes, well it wasn't an easy feat, mind you. With the bulletproof armor and sheer strength of our target, it would be really difficult to take him down, even with all the fratelo teams. But Elsa managed to take him down by…kicking him through the window. I'm certain that he's already at the bottom of the cliffs and went splat. You got to hand it to my girl. Though small, there is…more to her then meets the eyes."
Jean was quiet by the whole thing and finds it to be very suspicious. But giving that there's no proof of all of that, then he would brush that aside.
Jean: "Very well… At least you two did a good job in taking the leader out. Still, you need to get that knee looked at by Bianchi. Whatever happened to you upstairs could be severe."
John nodded and was relieved that Jean did continue with the questions and answers. Jean then turned to the others and decided to that this mission was over.
Jean: "Anyways, we should contact Lorenzo to let him know that the mission was a success and we managed to retrieve Claes. Let's start cleaning up and return to Section 2."
Everyone nodded as they started to leave out of the house. Meanwhile, John was limping a bit after the attack and Elsa walked next to him and looked completely spaced out. The girls saw her act this way and wanted to help her out. But giving that she needs some time for herself, they'll just let her get through with what she's going through. Course, they didn't really know what happened upstairs. Elsa, meanwhile, was simply processing what just happened. Looking to her hand that opened up to reveal the blaster, she was starting to question how that came about.
John Darby: "Elsa… Elsa? Elsa!"
End Flashback…
Elsa blinked as she snapped out of her mental state. When she heard John's voice from beside her, she looked up to respond.
Elsa: "Yes, John?"
John looked down to his girl and was up when it was time for the plane to make its decent. He could tell that she was starring at the same hand and arm where the blaster came out of. He sighed and asked if things are all right.
John Darby: "You seem very quiet for a while, much more then normally."
He then noticed her arm reached out, realizing why she was looking right at it.
John Darby: "Did that hand turned into a blaster again?"
Elsa heard that and immediately shook her head, explaining that it wasn't the case.
Elsa de Sica: "No! Of course not! I was just thinking of what happened that night when that event occurred. When you were hurt and I got angry… I can't figure out why that happened to me. Let alone when it will happen again, for if it will get worse."
John listened to her and could tell that she was scared if it would get worse if this condition she has worsened. He knew what caused the arm and hand turning into a blaster. That something in her body is changing and it has something to do with the energon used to save her. He just doesn't know on how long it will last until the effects worsen. Despite the more strength, speed, and agility, nothing else has shown physically. But he knew that something bad would happen, he knows it. Looking to Elsa, he told her that everything would be all right.
John Darby: "Look, I know this is something we can't possibly explain, but we need to keep these abilities discrete. Giving that you haven't gotten angry yet is a lucky thing, but I do not know what will happen if this escalates. I'll tell you what, when we find my family and the Autobots, we'll have Ratchet look into you. Bianchi does not know what is wrong with you on that check up, but I'm certain Ratchet will have a clue giving his medical expertise. We'll speak to him about it, okay?"
Elsa listened to his advice and gave a quick nod.
Elsa de Sica: "Got it."
John Darby: "Good. Now get that seat belt fasten that that tray table up. We're about to land in Detroit shortly."
Elsa heard him and got herself ready for a descent. The plane gently made its landing to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. John looked out at the window to see the city in the distance and was one step close to reach his family.
John Darby: "Just wait a little longer, Jack, June. We'll be together again. I promise…"
That's then end of chapter four of Family. This was a complicated one to work with as I keep coming up with last minute changes on a few occasions. But regardless, I did a good job in putting it all together. On the next chapter, John and Elsa are preparing to find his family as another memory of what happened after the Villa took place. Stay tuned to see where this chapter is going. Hope to see you in ComicCon New York this week! Please Review. #WherearetheGoodCartoons?