Stockholm Syndrome
By: Aubrie1234
K-Unit had been on leave until they could get a new member after Fox had left. They had been for quite a while, actually. About... almost 3 years. And, much to their surprise, Fox returned a few days ago, where they were immediately sent out on a mission: find a man named Alex Rider, who had been kidnapped by a supposed dead man, Yassen Gregorovich. They were all rightfully suspicious and shocked, Wolf and Fox especially (as they had actually encountered Alex before), but they had no choice except to obey orders and hope they could figure out what else was going on. That led up to now.
"Glad I managed to get you alone, Fox."
"Same." Snake and Eagle were in another room, taking a closer look at the footage and evidence they had been given to help track down the man.
"So," they both took a seat in opposite chairs, Wolf speaking, "we're going after Cub."
"Seems like it."
"MI6 gave us this job."
"Definitely."
"You come back just in time for the mission."
"Which you think is very suspicious."
"Yep." Fox sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"Look, I can't tell you much. I didn't quit the team, I was recruited into MI6 and I met Cub. I've was out of commission for a while after getting shot and got back into spying."
"On that mission to the French Alps, I met Cub. He was a little different, but I'm guessing he was something from another world when you saw him again."
"Yeah, his eyes were almost like ours, they were so dark and dull. And I'm guessing we both think he was and has been working for MI6, ever since the first time he came."
"You've got that right, but how could they be insane enough to recruit him?"
"That was when Blunt was in power. Jones is a lot more compassionate and, from what I've heard, has a soft spot for Cub."
"So you think that she was spying on Cub to keep him safe?"
"Yep. But if he's practically a man now, why are they sending us after him?"
"Well, even though I'm not in MI6, I bet it's because he's one of their best and they can risk losing him."
"I know," Fox agreed, "but it still doesn't make me feel any better. Do you think we could ask him about all of this before we have to bring him back to America?"
"Maybe, except we're the only ones who could understand, since we both had to sign the Official Secrets Act."
"Eagle and Snake won't like that."
"No," Wolf leaned back, "which is why we're not going to cover anything up. We're not just a unit, we're family. And they'll keep the secret, I think."
"I hope so."
Even though Butler was one of the best, K-Unit (with their secret MI6 contacts) managed to catch up first. After checking cameras of the apartment to make sure Yassen wasn't in there, they used an extra key to enter. As they had found from following the trail, Yassen had also kidnapped Artemis Fowl, who was comforting a sleeping Alex. As they couldn't be sure that Artemis wasn't a threat, they put him at gunpoint, hoping he didn't get the bright idea to use Alex as a shield.
"Who are you and what are you doing with Alex Rider?" Wolf growled. At seeing Alex, Eagle and Snake shared a look, resolving to ask about it later. Artemis, seeing that they were an SAS unit, only narrowed his eyes. He knew he wasn't in any danger.
"Artemis Fowl II. And if you don't be quiet, Alex could wake up. I just calmed him down." Slowly, Wolf lowered the gun. It had been obvious to all of them that Artemis was no threat, even if they had only seen a picture of him and didn't know who he was. He didn't even look strong enough to throw a grenade, let alone lift a gun.
"Then come with us; we need to get you out of here before Yassen comes back." Fox said, reaching for Alex. Artemis' glare stopped him in his tracks.
"What's to say Alex and I didn't come with him willingly? Did you not consider that he and I could make our own decisions, especially if we wanted to leave things behind?"
"He's an assassin, a killer. Are you crazy?!" Eagle said.
"I am perfectly sane, thank you. I realize that he is, but I believe he has changed. Alex has as well." Wolf grew irritated. They didn't have time for this.
"Snake, you grab Alex. Eagle, Artemis. Then let's get-" They turned around to find the door blocked off by a group of short people, each of them with some sort of strange gun.
"Not so fast, Mud Men." said the foremost one, "Just give us Fowl and we'll let the rest of you go." K-Unit shared a look. Whoever these guys were, it looked like they hated Fowl. But since the man was involved with Yassen and Alex, they couldn't hand him over.
"Don't even think about it!" growled out another, "Try to get past us, we'll blast you to bits!"
Artemis stiffened when he heard the voices. The Shadow Birds had found them. These men and Alex were caught in the crossfire, there was no need for them to get hurt because of him.
"Wait." he said, standing (he hadn't been picked up yet, but Alex had), "It's fine. I can sort this out, there's no need for anyone to be hurt."
"Anyone except you." hissed another short person.
"Don't be a hero, kid." Snake said.
"I'm not trying to be. I just don't want this to end in bloodshed."
"And if you try to reason with us, you'll get blasted!" said the second one. The first one jabbed at them.
"Don't be so trigger-happy!"
"Oh, like how we let you be the leader?!" The two dissolved into fighting, leaving the third alone. As Artemis had been alone and they were going up against Mud Men, there were only three of them. There were more members of the Shadow Birds, of course, they just weren't there.
"...Um, you wouldn't tie up a lady, would you?" the third took a step back, the weapon shaking. Without the other two backing her up, they were done for. The men shared a look before advancing.
Artemis had grabbed some rope and rags for them to tie and gag the fairies with while the other men subdued them. It didn't take long, but by the time they finished, Yassen had returned. He was tempted to facepalm, but kept his cool, quickly hiding outside the doorway.
"Again, kid, we need to get you and Cub out of here." Wolf insisted. Artemis crossed his arms, his glare keeping them from moving towards him or leaving with Alex.
"I understand that, but you cannot seem to understand that nor Alex or I are in danger from Yassen. The man has changed, just like I have." Artemis glanced over to where Snake was checking on Alex, "I believe he is fine, there's no need to check."
"Doesn't hurt. But it surprises me how out of it Cub has been this whole time. Did you do anything to him?"
"No. We only talked and he fell asleep with me." Could it be...? Well, they are fairies, they could have easily stolen it. But why not knock everyone out before using the Sleeper Deeper? The men exchanged another look, this time one Artemis couldn't identify. He frowned in response.
"Is there something you would like to tell me?" he said icily.
"Well, it sounded sort of gay and all-" Eagle said. Artemis grew red and interrupted him.
"I am not gay in the slightest! Now, Alex and I are fine being here, so please leave us be."
"Back to Plan B." Wolf said. The other members of the unit nodded, Snake and Eagle picking up Alex and Artemis, as they had done before. As they left (Artemis protesting only a little), Fox glanced to their captives.
"Should we leave them here? They could get rescued."
"Let's bring them with us." Fox nodded and picked them up, finding they were surprisingly light, even with their combined weight. They left to catch up with the rest of the unit. Out in the hall, Yassen was no where to be found.
So... short... *cries* I try to make my chapters at least 2,000 words each, but since I don't have a writing program that counts them, I estimate by length. And, before, it was working. That is, until I started this story, which has not been cooperating! Anyway, K-Unit has finally appeared! What do you think happened to Yassen? And don't worry, we'll get back to Butler and Holly soon enough.
*sighs* Also, please read & review!
