CHAPTER 4: Here We Go Again….
Sash woke early the next morning, doing a round of stretches to loosen her cramped muscles, before taking a look around the small cabin-like house. Alethea was still sleeping, curled up on the floor, clutching something close to her chest. Silently Sash stepped over the other girl's sleeping form and decided to take time to explore the cabin. It was a simple design. There was the main foyer which was also the living room space, complete with a couple of small cots and a fireplace. Connected to that was the kitchen space, where there was a sink, several cabinets with canned and dried food inside, and even a mini fridge with bottled waters stacked up inside. Last but not least down a narrow hallway from the living room there was a bathroom with a toilet and shower and yes, it had running water.
After her brief exploration of the cabin, Sash slowly pulled open the screen door which led to a back porch with a stone patio a few steps below it. Sash sighed as she closed the door behind her, stepping out into the chilly mountain air of the morning. It had been a fairly restless night for her, primarily because she had failed at extracting McCullen's whereabouts from Storm Shadow. She was certain that, had Alethea not intervened that she could've defeated the ninja. She had been armed with her concealed Kunai after all and though it would have been a cheap shot to use it, she would have done it if there had been no other options. She didn't blame Alethea of course. The gentle healing girl obviously had some backbone under those frilly gowns she wears. But it was that whole reason that Sash liked to work at things her own angle and on her own. It meant less to worry about if all you had to watch was your own back. Sash sat down in criss-cross position and did so slow meditating breathing techniques. Oh well, Sash thought to herself, at least now McCullen will get the message from his little ninja lackey. I'm out for his blood. And it will take a lot more than some chauvinist ninja to stop me from getting it.
Slowly, Alethea opened her eyes and found herself lying on her side on the ground, her arms still holding the box that she was to protect with her life. Stiffly she sat up, placing the box beside her form before she raised her arms up above her head, arched her back and stretched out her limbs from the uncomfortable night. Her blues eyes then trailed around the room to find that Sash was no longer there; her brows furrowed softly before she pulled herself to her feet.
"Now where did she go?" Alethea asked out loud as she started to search the house for the young woman. After ten minuets of searching, Alethea came over to a screen door that would lead out onto what she assumed would be a porch or deck of some kind. As she carefully, silently slid the door open, she discovered that she was correct and sitting peacefully just a few feet from the door was Sash. She looked to be in some sort of meditating state, one that Alethea didn't want to disturb so she quickly backed into the house once more and closed the door again, giving her friend some privacy. Alethea's hunger then kicked in and she found herself craving some fresh fruit for breakfast. On her way to the kitchen, she scooped up the box she had left on the floor and carried it with her before she set it down gently on the kitchen counter. She rummaged around through a few cupboards trying to find something that would satisfy her morning hunger; after what seemed like an eternity for her, she found a large bowl of fresh fruit. Using both hands to support it, she carried it out and placed it on a small wooden, dining table before she kneeled down before it and took a seat. Then, reaching a hand into the bowl, Alethea pulled out a ripe looking pear; it was the color of golden yellow but was tinted with a soft, blushing red towards its center. She opened her mouth and brought the fruit to her lips before softly biting down; the pear's sweet juice and taste flooded her mouth causing a smile of pleasure to appear on her face as she sat and enjoyed her simple breakfast.
Letting out one final breath Sash opened her eyes to the rising orange sun, casting brilliant shades of pink and yellow across the clouds and the ridges of the shadowy snow-topped mountains. Feeling much more rested, she stood up and re-entered the cabin, where Alethea was happily munching on a pear. Sash smiled feeling her stomach gurgle greedily at the thought of food and she was more than happy to satisfy its plea. Moving over to the small dining table she took a seat on the opposite side and took for herself, a peach in its prime for eating. "Sleep well?" she asked Alethea after swallowing the first bite.
Alethea gave a soft smile before shrugging her shoulders,
"Eh," she began, "….I've slept better." She answered before taking the last few bites to finish off the delicious fruit she had in her now sticky hands. Now that her breakfast was completed, she rose off her knees and walked over to a sink where she washed the pear's juice from her hands, "What about you? Were you comfortable?" she asked over her shoulder.
"Comfortable probably isn't the word I'd use, but I slept if that's what you're wondering." Sash replied with a mild smile. She continued decimating the peach in her hand until the pit was all the remained.
Alethea quickly dried her hands on a dishrag before she walked back over to where Sash sat.
"So…." Alethea began, "Why….and I don't mean to pry, but why are you tracking Storm Shadow?" she asked curiously while cocking her head to side.
Sash's head snapped up at the question. "Um…" she started uncertainly. She wasn't sure what to say. If she told Alethea the truth, she would most likely alienate her. But to lie to her would be unfair and pointless. Odds were that she would find out eventually anyways. It might as well be from Sash. Sash let out a long sigh before looking away from Alethea. "Well I don't know how much you know about Storm Shadow's current career but he's under the employment of a man whose name is James McCullen." She started off. Now was the hard part. "McCullen murdered my mother when I was five years old……...I'm tracking him down…..so that I can kill him for it." She confessed grimly, not yet meeting Alethea's eyes.
Alethea's eyes softened, her face showing great sympathy for the young woman before her. She walked over to Sash and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder,
"I'm so sorry, Sash." Her voice was gentle, her tone understanding. She sighed, "I know how it feels to lose a loved one…." She paused for a quick second before adding, "…..I've lost two." She confessed.
Sash looked up at Alethea. "The Hard Master?" she asked knowingly.
Alethea nodded her head, "Yes….he was the closest thing I had to a father, found me when I was just an infant and took me in to the Temple…and then there was Snake Eyes…."
Sash looked at her closely, noticing the way she said the name but now wanting to bring up any sad memories for Alethea she didn't pry further into the details of the relationship. "What happened?" she asked referring to Snake Eyes.
"He was my best friend and I his…….well," Alethea gave a soft nervous laugh, "….I guess you could say we were a little more than friends actually. But he was training to be a Ninja and I a Healer so eventually our paths had to be separated. I left the Temple when I was 13 after accepting apprenticeship to a Master Healer who lived high up in the mountains; Snake Eyes had to stay behind." Alethea paused for a second or so, "I left the Temple with a promise that he made me on the day I was to depart; he told me he would wait for me to return to him. So when I was made Master just a few months away from my 18th birthday and at last returned to the Temple…." Alethea paused again, "I discovered that the Hard Master had been killed and Snake Eyes had disappeared. I haven't seen or heard from him for almost ten years….." Alethea took in a shaky breath before giving a weak smile, "….its silly you know? When I came back and found his room empty I searched the place desperately thinking that he would've left me behind some sort of note or sign, just for me, telling me he still cared or where he had gone and how I could find him again……but the only thing he left me with was a shattered promise, a broken heart and this." Alethea reached around her neck where the two chains hung and pulled out the necklace with the blue crystal heart.
Sash saw the shine of tears in Alethea's blue eyes and sighed sympathizing with her new friend. She only wished she was better at giving words of comfort. Then she thought of something she had heard when the two monks had been walking past the courtyard. Storm Shadow had killed the Hard Master……perhaps Snake Eyes had known that as well. "Uh look Alethea," she started gently. "After my mother was killed…well my dad…it kind of broke him. He was a marine and he had been deployed overseas at the time but for whatever reason he blamed himself…like he knew he could have stopped it if he had been there." She said praying that she wasn't worsening the situation. "Anyways after that, all he ever did was work….he even took a second term of duty overseas, leaving me to live with my grandmother for a time." She continued. "My dad then was eventually killed when his convoy triggered a road-mine in the desert but um point is…..he felt guilty. He couldn't stand the thought that my mother's death occurred and he wasn't there to stop it, so he left. Maybe, and I'm just assuming here, Snake Eyes felt the same way." She finished shrugging a little as a gesture of her uncertainty.
Alethea raised a hand up to brush the tears away from her eyes before she gave a soft sniff, "Yeah well….if that's the case he wasn't the only one." She sighed, "Well whatever…..It's been years since he left, I should be over this by now." She murmured softly before straitening up," Anyway I think you and I need to start discussing a plan of action." She suggested.
Sash nodded. "Sounds good." She began. "So did your master friend happen to mention when the Joes were going to be arriving?" she inquired.
Alethea shook her head. "No…only that he was going to contact them and ask for help. I'm sure by now the Joes have been informed of our….situation and are on their way. Well let's at least hope so…I'm not so sure if we'll be able to make it through another encounter with Storm Shadow at this moment." She murmured softly.
Sash scoffed. "Huh, what I would give to put that shrimpy white ninja in his place…." She grumbled tossing her hair irritably. "What's he after anyways? Alethea?" Sash asked. Something told her that Alethea had an idea of just exactly what Storm Shadow had come for.
Alethea averted for eyes for a quick second before she looked back at Sash, "Uh…..good question!" she answered uncertainly, "……I'm still trying to figure that out myself. All I know," she said as she walked back over to the kitchen counter where her box sat before placing a protective hand on top of it, "….is that he must never get a hold of whatever lies inside. I must protect this with my life."
Sash looked at the box curiously before sighing, blowing a stream of air upward into her dark bangs. "Well, alright then great. Another thing added to my list of things to do: 1. Last it out here in this secluded cabin till the Joes get their patriotic butts out here. 2. Keep ninja-boy at bay. And 3. Protect you and that little mystery monk box. Yeah that sounds about right." She listed off bluntly.
Alethea's brows furrowed softly in distaste before she gave a slight frown, "Yes…..for the most part. But who said that I need protection?" she asked.
Sash snorted before eying Alethea skeptically. "Do you know how to fight?" she asked her tone almost sounding amused.
"I grew up in a Ninja Temple!" Alethea answered defensively.
"Well that's great. I grew up in Arkansas. Do you know how to fight?" Sash repeated with a heavy emphasis on the question.
Alethea glanced away before she crossed her arms over her chest and gave a soft pout before muttering a quiet "……no…"
Sash nodded smirking slightly. "Well o.k. then. Now that that is settled, I'm going to start running through some exercises." She said moving over to her pack, pulling out her numerous weapons.
Alethea huffed to herself before she grabbed the box next to her and marched out of the kitchen to the living room. She then took a seat in one of the chairs in the room and placed the box in her lap.
"Alright…." She murmured to herself as she eyed the box, "….let's see exactly what we're dealing with." She finished as she then reached up to her neck and pulled the necklace that held the key for the box over her head and took hold of the key; it was an oriental key, crafted with care and a strange, erotic beauty just like the box. She inserted the key within its hole in the box and gave a quick turn; she heard a distinctive clicking sound come from the inside, signaling that the lock was now open. With both hands, she lifted the lid off the box and peered inside. A small bundle was wrapped in its center and was cushioned by black velvet; next to it was a strange looking piece of flashing equipment. Alethea raised an eyebrow up in curiosity before she reached inside and pulled out the flashing object; it was a round metal item covered with flashing buttons that fit right into her palm. "Uh……..Sash?" she called uncertainly, "……Sash, I think you better come and have a look at this!" When Alethea received no response, she looked over her shoulder and loudly yelled, "SASH??!!"
Sash rushed into the room, Nodachi raised and ready for an attack. When her eyes quickly scanned around the room and saw that there was no danger she turned glaring at Alethea. "Thanks for the heart attack Alethea. You know I don't like to be disturbed when I'm practicing." She addressed Alethea irritably. Then she looked down at Alethea's hands now seeing for the first time the small flashing box she carried. "Where'd you get that?" she asked in confusion.
Alethea glanced down at her hands before back up at Sash, "It was in the box….." she answered. "Any idea of what it is?" she asked while she extended the object out in her hand for Sash to take.
Sash looked at the object for a moment before her eyes lit up. "Actually I think I do know what this is. I've never seen one up close before…." She said taking it in her hands. Suddenly she started punching in a sequence of beeping buttons on the small contraption. At the last button she hit, the machine starting humming in her hands and a small panel on top of it started glowing a blue-white light. Suddenly the light streamed up out from its source and the figure of a man formed from it, causing Sash to throw it away from her, it hit the ground roughly. Alethea pushed the box safely out of her lap before she too jumped to her feet in shock.
"Hey watch how you handle that, you only get one of those and their expensive little things, trust me." The man said casually standing before them. He was dressed in the attire of an army veteran and appeared to be middle-aged, his sandy blonde hair showing traces of grey within it, under his side-ways cap he wore on his head.
"Sash……" Alethea whispered uncertainly as she stared wide eyed at the man, while pointing a finger at him, "……that…..he just came out of the box…..and he's talking to us!" she innocently exclaimed.
Sash stared a little more closely at the man. "Don't panic Alethea. It's just a hologram. See?" she said quickly swishing her blade through the man's midsection. It passed harmlessly through though it did make the projection a little more shuddery.
Alethea cocked her head to side in wonder before she reached a hand out herself to touch the hologram of the man and just like Sash's blade, her hand passed right through it causing Alethea to jump back while staring at her hand, "This is not normal…." She murmured while looking back up at the man who seemed to be watching them with amusement.
"Never could understand how you temple folk live. Why if I didn't have cable I don't know how I would survive." He mused good-naturedly.
"Just who exactly are you?" Sash asked suspiciously.
"I can see you like to get straight to the point. Well that's good because these little calls are very pricey so let's get down to business. I'm General Hawk. Your friend Master Win Shan contacted us here at the G.I. Joe headquarters." He explained.
Alethea cast her blue eyes downwards before she raised a hand up to tuck a strand of brown hair behind her ear nervously, "……it's Wan Shin…." She quietly corrected.
General Hawk turned to her. "Sorry, what'd you say?" he asked inclining his head.
Alethea glanced back up at the general, "……..Wan Shin?" she repeated timidly.
Hawk nodded now catching Alethea's words. "Oh yeah, knew it was something like that." He said unabashed.
Alethea couldn't help the tiny smile that was now pulling at the corners of her mouth. Not wanting to insult him, Alethea raised a hand up to cover her mouth.
Sash perked up though at the General's introduction. "You're with the Joes?" she asked obviously relieved.
Hawk chuckled. "Sweetheart I practically am the Joes. When I said 'General' I meant Commanding General. You're on line with the top Alpha." He said a small smile playing on his lips.
Alethea quickly sized the General up; he was a well built man, attractive for an older guy and he seemed the friendly type, "Ah so uh…….what was this…er business that you had stated before?" she asked curiously.
"The business having to do with the box you have in your possession. Now what that specifically is, is classified information until the contents of the box are secured here at H.Q. We are sending a transport as we speak to retrieve you. Until we arrive you need to remain where you are." He instructed commandingly.
Sash narrowed her eyes. "Look with all due respect General I think we have the right to know exactly what we are protecting with our lives. In case Master Wan Shin didn't tell you, we've already had a brush with Storm Shadow, and this cabin isn't exactly ninja proof." She told him.
General Hawk smiled mildly before answering. "I've already been informed of that yes. But this cabin is secluded enough to buy us more than enough time to pick you two up." Hawk suddenly turned away from the two girls, as though listening to someone else speak to him. "This is where I leave you two. Remember: It is of the utmost significance that we keep that box out of Cobras hands. Good luck ladies, Hawk out." And with a bleep, the projection was gone.
Sash stared for a moment before speaking. "What a deush!" she exclaimed. "This is the exact reason why I dropped out from the military academy." She fumed.
Alethea raised an eyebrow at her friend's reaction before she softly shook her head, "Well….that….was….odd…." she stated nodding to where General Hawk once stood.
Sash huffed. "Yeah." She said stiffly. Picking the projector off the ground she handed it back to Alethea, who put it back in the open box. "Keep that thing locked up." She told her as she closed it. "In fact, give it to me. You hold onto the the key and I'll go hide this." She said taking the locked box from Alethea.
Alethea then clasped the key necklace around her neck before hiding the key itself within the bodice of her gown, "Fine by me." She answered calmly before she turned on her heel and left the living room to explore more of the house.
Sash followed her out of the room, but she returned to the living room, where she slipped the box into a large vase resting on the ground. "Why would anyone need a vase that huge?" she murmured to herself. Then shrugging she took a seat on the couch, taking advantage of the free time to meditate.
Alethea traveled to the other side of the house where she discovered a bedroom. She walked inside the room and found it quaint and strangely relaxing, like her room back at the temple. She approached the soft looking cot that was laid out against the wall in front of an open window before she kneeled to the floor and took a seat on it. Enjoying the welcoming bed, since the night before had been rough, Alethea found herself suddenly exhausted before she laid down on the cot. "A quick rest would be helpful." She thought before she closed her eyes and let herself fall asleep.
(10 hours later)
Storm Shadow, standing right outside the small cabin, swiftly made his way around the cabin's perimeter searching for an easy way in. His dark eyes quickly spotted an open window in the back of the house; a smirk then pulled at his lips which were being hidden by his white mask. He silently approached the window, checking to make sure that he would go in undetected. But right as he was at the windowsill, he noticed a sleeping form lying on a cot right underneath the window. His head inclined slightly as he studied the form of the sleeping young woman; her long dark hair looked like wavy silk against the pillow as it ran down all the way to her back, her breathing was slow and even, and though he couldn't see her face since her back was what faced him, he could picture a peaceful look across her features. There was no doubt in his mind who this young woman was; Storm Shadow smirked again and shook his head,
"Little Alethea." He stated in his mind before he silently and skillfully climbed through the window and jumped over Alethea's sleeping form without making a sound. Even when his feet touched the ground just inches away from where the young woman slept, she was left undisturbed. Storm Shadow took one glance at Alethea peaceful state and was captivated by her innocent beauty. He found himself squatting right next to her before he reach a hand out to pull a dark brown strand of fallen hair away from her face before he tucked it behind her ear. Alethea stirred softly, but did not wake. His dark eyes traced over her face before they traveled down her neck and stopped when they landed on something that made his blood run hot with jealousy; he reached a finger out to touch the cool, crystal heart that she wore around her neck.
"Even after all these years, you still carry around that silly, little trinket of affection." He spoke inside his mind as he drew his hand away back to his side, it then curled into a fist, "You should've been mine!" he angrily growled as he rose to his feet and stepped back from Alethea. Just as he was about to turn and start searching around for the box he was looking for, he heard Alethea take in a deep breath before she started coming around. Storm Shadow quickly hid himself from view as he watched her stir and open her blue eyes.
Alethea slowly sat up on the cot before she stated looking around the now dark room, "Geeze," she softly swore as she pulled herself to her feet, "…how long have I been asleep?" she asked out loud as she glanced out the window next to her to see it dark outside. She let out a loud sigh before she raised a hand up and ran it through her dark chocolate colored tresses. Walking over to where a small vanity table sat against the wall, she kneeled in front of it and started rummaging through its contents; on top she found a few candles and a box of matches. With little difficulty, she struck a match and lit the few candles which gave off a soft glow to the room; it was still pretty dark, but now she could see more clearly. Alethea's blue eyes then found a small hand held mirror lying on the corner of the table; she picked the mirror up with one hand and quickly checked her appearance. She scowled softly at how her hair looked before she used her other hand to comb through it with her fingers. As she did this she tilted the mirror to the side to get a more rounded looked through it and froze. Storm Shadow's white form stood in the corner on the far side of the room, his dark eyes were looking straight into Alethea's,
"Shit…." She swore inside her mind as she slowly started to put the mirror down. "Ok Alethea….make for the door…." She told herself, "……now!" Alethea jumped to her feet and bolted for the door. Storm Shadow, who was expecting a quick escape, sprung into action; Alethea managed to get about three feet from the table before he easily caught her in his arms.
"Sas….mmmm!!!" she screamed before one of his hands quickly closed over her mouth, muffling her cries. Naturally, Alethea started to thrash about and struggle in the ninja's arms but he swiftly stopped that too by bringing her so close to his body that he restricted any movement.
"Now, now Alethea," Storm Shadow spoke through his mask, "….is that anyway to treat an old friend?" he teased.
Sash came in through the screen door from the back porch where she had been doing some yoga stretches. As soon as she stepped inside though she could sense something was wrong. "Sas….mmmm!!!" she heard a yell from down the hall. Snatching up her Nodachi she burst through the bedroom to see Storm Shadow holding Alethea hostage in his arms. "Let her go!" She told him in a low voice.
Storm Shadow smirked beneath his mask, "Ah….we meet again." He mockingly stated before he glanced down on Alethea in his arms, "Please…..don't let this hostility deceive you, Alethea and I go way back. Don't we little Alethea?" he asked while looking down at the woman he held in his arms. Alethea rolled her eyes; Storm Shadow then looked back up at Sash, "I'm just here on business….give me what I come for and I'll leave you two alone. It's that simple. Now…..where is that key and box?" he demanded. Sash remained silent. "You're making this a lot more difficult than it has to be you know." He stated. Alethea started to mumble words against his hand; with an amused light in his dark eyes he pulled his hand away from Alethea's mouth, "Sorry, care to repeat what you said?" he asked.
"I said it might help if you were interrogating the right person." She exclaimed softly. Storm Shadow raised a dark eyebrow up at Alethea,
"You know where it is?" he asked lightly.
"Of course I know where it is. I was the one placed in charge of protecting it." She boldly answered.
"Ah……." He started, "….so then that makes your little friend the body guard." He said while nodding over to Sash.
"Something like that…." Alethea grumbled under her breath.
Storm Shadow chuckled, "How cute." He scorned. "Now then back to business, where is the box Alethea?" he demanded once more.
Alethea shook her head, "Nope! I'm not going to answer anything unless you, literally, face me like a man!" She stubbornly threw back while turning her chin up in defiance.
Before she could blink, Storm Shadow spun her about in his arms so that they faced each other, Alethea's eyes narrowed softly as she realized how close Storm Shadow was holding her to him, their chests were practically touching, "You're a very persistent man, did you know that?" she muttered softly. Storm Shadow chuckled again,
"Only when it comes to getting what I want." He answered casually.
"Uh-huh." Alethea threw back. Storm Shadow smirked behind his mask once more,
"You know I don't know what I find more amusing, fighting your….insolent little friend, or holding you hostage." he confessed.
Alethea frowned softly, "You know Storm Shadow, being a Healer doesn't make me fully incompetent." She muttered challengingly. Storm Shadow cocked his head to the side slightly as he studied Alethea's face with great interest,
"Oh really?" he said while raising an eyebrow at her, Alethea nodded
"Oh yes. I have a few tricks up my sleeves." She fearlessly replied, "Ancient ones that go way back into the books."
"Such as?" he inquired.
"This!" Alethea lifted her knee up and nailed Storm Shadow right in his groin. Storm Shadow let out a cry of intense pain before he released Alethea from his arms to hunch over. Alethea fled from the white ninja and ran over to Sash. "Time to go!!" She exclaimed.
Sash and Alethea took off down the hallway. "Go out the back! I'll grab the box!" She called already making her way over to the massive vase.
"Right!" Alethea replied as she dashed for the back door before flinging it wide open; the cool night air quickly rushed in and greeted Alethea as she ran out of the house before she stopped to wait for Sash. It was in that moment that Alethea spotted that their horses were gone, "He let them go…." She angrily muttered to herself as she started cursing the white ninja within her mind,
Sash rushed out behind Alethea box clutched to her chest as she ran. "Where are the horses!?" she yelled skidding to a stop.
Alethea glanced over her shoulder before she crossed her arms over her chest, "Where do you think?" she returned coldly.
"Crap…" Looking down the path leading down the mountain. "You've caught to be kidding me………Come on!!" she yelled grabbing Alethea's hand. "I hope they at least taught you how to flee for your life at that temple of yours." She called over her shoulders as she sprinted.
Alethea was jerked for a quick second until she swiftly fell into step behind Sash, then the two ran easily side by side, "And where exactly are we going?" she asked.
"Down." Sash replied smartly. "I don't know this is your mountain! I'm just leading us away from your creepy ninja stalker who as we speak is tailing us!" she yelled in agitation.
Alethea turned around and sure enough a flash of white was starting to make his way off the back porch. She gasped, "Run faster!"
The two girls increased their speed to the max but soon they were brought to a stop when they found themselves standing on the edge of a rocky cliff,
"Whoa!!" Alethea cried before she took a step back, "Oh this is not good!"
Sash looked over the edge, unable to believe their bad luck. "Alright enough running, I'll take care of Storm Shadow. Alethea you just stay back and guard the box….even if you have to throw it off the cliff. Just don't let him get his grimy hands on it." She instructed handing the box to the other girl, and unsheathing her blade.
Alethea was about to respond when she turned and saw a small light in the starless sky. Her brows furrowed together in deep thought, "…..the heck is that?" she asked out loud. It certainly wasn't the North Star, or any star for that matter. To her surprise, the light got bigger, closer. "Uh….Sash?" Alethea called out, as she realized what the light was, "We've got company!" she said as looked at the fast approaching ship.
Sash spun around and saw what Alethea was referring to. "Oh great, ninja-boy brought back up!" She exclaimed in frustration.
Alethea took a step further back from the cliff as the ship was maneuvered to hover ten feet from where the two woman stood. Then a ramp was lowered and standing in the doorway of the ship was General Hawk and a blonde haired woman.
"Come on jump, ladies!" he ordered.
Sash looked at him in slight amazement before skillfully and gracefully leaping up onto the platform. "Come on Alethea!" She called gesturing for Alethea to copy her. Alethea walked right to the edge,
"Sash catch!" she called as threw the box up to Sash standing on the platform who caught it easily.
"Now jump!" Sash repeated.
Alethea looked at the distance with uncertainty; "Sash, where in our short history together have I ever given you the impression that I can pull a stunt like this?" Alethea demanded while putting a hand on her hip,
"Alethea," Sash called again in a warning tone,
"I can't cover that distance!" Alethea shrieked back.
"HE'S CATCHING UP!!" Sash screamed at her.
Alethea glanced behind her to see Storm Shadow's fast approaching form; he was less than 20 feet away now. She yelped quickly before turning back around, "COMING!!" she yelled as she flung herself off the cliff and soared through the air until her feet hit the solid platform hard before stumbling into Sash. She then took the box back into her arms.
"Let's take it out of here!" Hawk called to the two pilots.
"Hold it General," Sash said stepping further to the edge of the ramp. "I never took this out of my boot." She grinned at Alethea. "Hey Storm Shadow? Here's a little parting gift from me!" She winked before expertly flinging the single Kunai straight into his shoulder. She heard with satisfaction as he growled in pain and stumbled back in clutching at the knife in his shoulder. "That's what happens when little boys step out of their proper place." She added stepping back inside. "As you were." She told the General, a contented smile on her face.
General Hawk gave a laugh and repeated the order. "You know you two are made of some pretty tough stuff." He praised.
Sash took the compliment before narrowing her eyes. "And is this what you call punctuality? 'It'll give us more than enough time and blah blah blah.'" She quoted irritably.
"Sorry ladies. Turned out the cabin was a lot more secluded than we had previously thought. We went to the wrong mountain." He explained shrugging.
Alethea smiled softly before she let out a soft laugh; when the General glanced over at her, she blushed before stifling her laughter, "Sorry…." She murmured quietly before clutching the box closer to her chest.
General Hawk merely grinned, then looked down at the box "Mission accomplished ladies. Now to H.Q.." He said a ring of victory in his voice.
Sash raised her hand. "Is H.Q. far away?" she asked him.
"It's in Egypt." He replied.
"Oh good." Sash said slumping down against the wall lying out on the floor comfortably to start a much-needed nap.
"Well actually we have…..o.k. then." He said realizing that she was already quite content where she was. Then he looked over at Alethea, "Would you like me to show you to the ship's lounge?" he politely.
Alethea smiled, "That would be nice, thank you General." She answered. General hawk smiled,
"Well then, right this way, Miss….?" He paused to inquire her name,
"Alethea." She answered.
"Ah. Miss Alethea," the General repeated as the two of them started walking further into the ship, "Yes. I have been told much about you, a master in the Healing arts right?" he asked curiously,
"That is correct." She answered shyly with a soft smile,
"Very impressive." He complimented before the two disappeared, leaving behind a sleeping Sash.
