Greetings my beautiful mortals? So you know, I just realized something (be nice, I'm stupid) Almost all of my reviews come from people from different countries. Not that I don't love that, because I do, I really do. But I see my traffic graph, and like 40% of all my reads are in the US... How does that work? Can an AMERICAN please leave me a review and tell me what state you're in? I'm just curious ya know. If you don't want to, that's fine I suppose... Imma PA girl ;)
I own nothing. It sucks but its true, but I say this so now you can't sue!
Rising up, Aubrey could see the top of a fighter plane coming up clutching onto Camp, Aubrey watched in horror as the fighter pulled up into the opening. The fighter was so close right now that Aubrey could see inside the cockpit. In slow motion, Aubrey watched as the pilot flicked up the controls for the guns and then pushed the red button. Closing her eyes, Aubrey whispered her last prayer to her Grandfather. Holding Camp in Aubrey held on to this one last memory of life.
So this was how it was all going to end. Sitting in a seat, helpless to do anything else but watch as her life and those under her charge would be taken away with a flick of a button. Opening her eyes, Aubrey stared the pilot dead in the eye. If she was going to die, she would die facing her killer. She would face her death bravely as her Grandfather did.
Bracing herself, Aubrey relaxed. Death was the end of her journey, and she was going to embrace it as a dear friend. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl. In slow motion, Aubrey watched as the safety switch was disengaged. As the pilots thumb pressed down on the trigger Aubrey smiled. She was going to go home, go see her Grandfather again. Her fight was over now. Breathing deeply, Aubrey held Camp closer and waited for the hit.
However, the hit never came. Just as the rocket was about to be fired, the fighter was literally rammed out of the way. Shocked, Aubrey stared in open mouthed shock as a, unmarked hovercraft streaked by. Stunned, Aubrey couldn't do anything more then just gape at the now empty hole of the ship. The fighter was just there. JUST there. She was about to die, had embraced that fact, but by some miracle, by some unseen force from the powers above, they were saved. She was supposed to die, everyone was but they were alive.
The pilot speaking over the intercom finally shook Aubrey out of her reverie.
"Attention passengers, we are now under the control of the District Two Civil Air Defense Force Under their orders I need to land within the main base in the District. Ms. Snow, once there, they have demanded that you exit the ship first, unarmed and alone. If you do not do so, they will blow the rest of our ships up, no exceptions, and no excuses. I'm so sorry."
Snapping her head up, Aubrey raised her hand to signal silence before Camp had a chance to protest. So that was how this was going to be? So be it. There was precious little Aubrey wouldn't do to protect her men. She would gladly lay down her own life to protect those around her. If that was what this obviously superior force demanded of her, then she saw no choice in the matter.
"Aubrey..." Camp whispered, no in her own seat. "Please, don't do this. Let me come with you, PLEASE! They might shoot you on sight, and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if that happened. You cannot do-"
"Alexis." Aubrey said firmly but gently. "I need to do this. Hopefully the people in District Two will be open for negotiation. If not, I'm leaving you in charge. My friend, I know you will guide my men well, and I trust you to lead Panem out of these dark days. True I may not come out of this alive, but that's alright. I am ready. However, I need you to promise me that no matter what, you will live to make sure the fight doesn't die with me. Can you promise me this Camp? This is extremely important to me, and it would give me a great sense of peace if you could do this for me."
"God dammit Aubrey!" Camp cried. "Don't you fucking give up on me! You're not supposed to die before me! Fucking hell, you're going to be fine, and I'm not going to have to lead this rebellion! PLEASE Aubrey! I can't fail you too! I can't-"
"Camp you've done a wonderful job, and I'm sure you're father would be proud." Aubrey smiled. "You have not failed in the slightest. Had it not been for you, I would never have made it this far. I would never have even made it out of the Capitol. You have not failed me but rather, I have failed you. I am so sorry Camp. I should have listened to you-"
"DON'T you fucking do this Aubrey!" Camp growled, for once not caring about the tears streaming down her face. "I know what you're doing, and I will have none of it! Let's just drop this and agree too meet up for lunch in the District Two District hall, alright?"
"Alright." Aubrey smiled. "I'll see you-"
The jolt of the airship beginning it's descent threw Aubrey forwards in her seat, effectively cutting off whatever she was about to say next. Immediately, concern and panic flashed in Camps eyes. Looking around, Aubrey saw that similar emotion was being expressed by her fellow soldiers in the ship with her. Though she was terrified right now, she had to try and be brave. Swallowing, Aubrey gathered all her courage and raised her voice above the roar of the engines.
"Men I do not know what the next few minutes shall bring for us, but I want you all to know that it has been an honor serving with you all. I am forever in your debt for the sacrifices you have made and for the loyalty you have all shown me." Aubrey said, doing her best to hold her tears back. Unbuckling her seat belts, Aubrey stood up and turned so she could face everyone. "I will do everything in my power to ensure your freedom and protection, but should I fail, I know that you will all make me proud. Do not try and fight unless it is the only option. Remember, we are warriors of peace, not death. If I should fall, Alexis Camp will be you're new leader. She will lead you well, and I hope you will all show her the same level of dedication and loyalty you have shown me. When I walk out of this airship, know that I will always be with all of you, and it is my sincerest regret that I could not do more for you all."
Taking a second, Aubrey closed her eyes and forced the tears away that threatened to fall at any moment. She would not cry. She would leave, remembered as a brave leader, as a pillar of strength to her men. If this really was it, then it was very important that this be her final parting image.
"Remember our fight though! We are fighting for a better Panem, for a better life for ourselves, and for a better life for our children." Aubrey said strongly, her voice unwavering. "Fight on, not for me but for yourselves and for your families! I can leave this ship at peace with life if I can know that none of you will ever give up, that you will all believe in the cause. So tell me. Are you all still committed to the case, to Panem? I've known some of you for more then four years. Tell me, has your resolve crumbled or weakened, or is it still as strong as it was when I first met you? Will you stand and fight? Or will you kneel for the rest of your life to some unworthy bastards? I hope that no matter what happens next, our fight will live on!"
Holding her head high, Aubrey refused to let a single tear fall as her men applauded and pledged their undying loyalty to her, to Camp, to the cause. Smiling, Aubrey let out a relieved sigh. No matter what happened next, she knew that her If this was going to be her farewell to life, she could think of worse ways to go. She was surrounded by friends, and she would die to protect her friends, her men and the future of Panem.
As the airship shuddered to the ground, Aubrey clenched her jaw and forced herself to stare ahead. Looking over to Camp, her resolve almost broke then and there. The look that Camp had on her face was heartbreaking. Aubrey was like a daughter to Camp, and for Camp, it was like watching her only daughter walk to her death. Though she did not say anything, the look of hopelessness, despair and just pure pain, hit Aubrey hard. Swallowing, Aubrey tore her gaze away and instead focused on the launch pad.
With a resounding thud, the airship finally touched down. Looking out, Aubrey saw the other airship land beside the one she was one. As the engines cut off and the loading bay door slowly rattled down. Aubrey took a deep breath. She could do this. She had to. Finally, thudding own, the bay door was completely open, letting the bright sunlight stream in.
Taking a step forwards, Aubrey refused to look back, because she knew that if she did, her resolve would crumble and she would break down. That was not an option, not now. Taking another step forwards, Aubrey mustered all of the courage she possessed and held her head high. Walking out of the air ship, the bright sunlight of District Two momentarily blinding her, leaving her unable to see who or what was around her.
"Hands in the air!" A deep magnified voice yelled.
Raising her hands and crossing them behind her head, Aubrey squinted against the harsh sunlight, still unable to make anything out. Walking down the ramp, Aubrey slowly
Groaning, Chloe struggled to open eyes. Aw fuck. What the hell happened? Her whole body hurt and she felt like she'd been run over by a fucking train. Suddenly, flashes of level nine, of Marcus' betrayal, of the words 'be brave' ripped through her mind. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck! Where was she, what was she doing, ad why couldn't she move. Finally prying an eye open, Chloe finally managed get a look at her surroundings. She was still in the same room of level nine, and the reason she couldn't move? Yeah, the massive straps across her body holding her down would probably be the reason for that.
Shaking her head, Chloe stopped trying to move as a sharp pain slashed through Chloe's head. Gasping, Chloe bit down hard on her lower lip, trying not to show any sort of weakness. She didn't know where Marcus was, but she'd bet almost anything that he was watching right now. Closing her eyes, Chloe tried to compose herself and take stock of the situation. So right now, she was in severe pain, with no knowledge if anything was broken or if any injuries were life threatening. She was strapped to a large reclining chair in level nine, and the last thing she heard before she was knocked out was be brave. Lovely. Just fucking lovely.
Suddenly, one of the walls parted and in walked the one and only Marcus Everton.
"Well, well, well. You've finally woken up." Marcus smirked. "That only took two days."
Chloe's blood ran cold. Two whole days? Holy shit, was that how long she was out for? Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck! What was going on now? Was she too late? Was Aubrey dead, what the hell happened? It seemed as though Marcus was able to read her mind, because his smirk deepened and his eyes glinted cruelly. Sauntering over to Chloe he stopped right in front of her. Running a finger through her hair, Chloe resisted the urge to gag. Suddenly stopping, Marcus left go of Chloe's hair.
"You were too late." Marcus smirked. "Our ships caught Aubrey Snow about a hundred mile outside of District Two. After five minutes, my air force reduced all five ships to fiery hunks of metal and left no survivors. Aubrey Snow is dead and so is her pathetic little rebellion. Soon my troops will move into District Eleven and sweep the District, killing all who oppose them."
"No..." Chloe whispered. "You can't..."
"But you see ... I already have." Marcus laughed, sending chills down Chloe's spine. "Now, the only loose end is you. So the question is; what to do with a traitorous rat like you, hmm?"
"Fuck you Marcus." Chloe spat, trying her best to hide her growing panic.
"Unfortunately for you, I don't dirty myself with whores like you." Marcus sneered.
Walking over to a wall, Marcus waved his ID card and out of no where, a small shelf suddenly appeared out of the wall. On top, there was a single syringe, filled with a dark amber liquid. Immediately, Chloe paled. Oh shit. Marcus really wasn't THAT evil was he? Picking the syringe up, Marcus turned around and chuckled when he saw Chloe's expression.
"Oh good, so it looks like you know what this is." Marcus smiled evilly. "You know, I think this is my favorite thing we took out of the Capitol. Tracker Jacker venom alone is extremely nasty, but with the added neurotransmitters we've put in, this shit is in a class of its own. You know. I debated for a long time what I was going to do with you. At first I was just going to kill you, but then I decided you would be more useful alive then dead. So now, I'm going to just make you my perfect little puppet Chloe."
"No, please don't!" Chloe begged, fear now overruling her control. "Please don't! I-"
"Shut up!" Marcus snapped. "Samuel! Get your ass in here!"
Immediately the door opened once more and Samuel stepped inside. Squaring each corner, he stopped directly in front of Marcus, hand raised in a salute.
"Sir, you called." Samuel said.
"Yes, I did." Marcus sighed, handing Samuel the syringe. "Administer this ad make sure she doesn't die. Alright?"
"Yes sir. Will that be all sir?" Samuel said, monotonously.
"For now." Marcus sighed. Turning back to Chloe, he smirked. "I have a country to take back now. I'll see you when you're more open to suggestion and aren't so irksome. Hopefully that will be soon."
With that said, Marcus turned away and walked out of the room, not even bothering to look back. Now Chloe was alone with Samuel. He was the one who told her to be brave. Perhaps he could help her now!
"Samuel, please!" Chloe begged. "Don't do this. PLEASE! Let me go, and we can get out of here, go to District Two or anywhere else but here. Please, don't do this! Marcus is evil and will ruin this country and kill hundreds if not thousands of innocent people."
"I'm sorry Ms. Coin." Samuel sighed, the first sign of emotion she'd seen from him. "I have my orders. Try to be brave though. Don't fight it, but don't let it overcome you."
Before Chloe had a chance to say anything else, she felt the needle pierce her skin and the vile liquid pushed into her system. The effects were immediate. Chloe's body convulsed in pain and a scream of pure agony tore though her. Beside her, Samuel took a seat and watched impassively as she writhed against her bonds. Arching up, Chloe screamed again as a new wave of pain tore though her.
She could feel the poison working its way to her brain. The room was beginning to spin and her vision was getting hazy. A fresh wave of pain tore through her and Chloe screamed again, eyes shut and tears streaming down her face. Suddenly, images of her childhood flashed through her mind. Images of running through the halls, and laughing with her friends. The image warped as an even more intense wave of pain ripped through her. This time, behind her, there was a hideous monster and people were screaming. The image looked strangely shiny, but this did nothing to make it any less terrifying, rather, it made everything even more frightening.
Letting the pain overtake her, Chloe let herself to fall into unconsciousness, unable to fight anymore.
And that was that :) I know, shortish chapter, but deal with it. I'll write an extra long chapter next time. I'm tired and i have a long day ahead of me tomorrow XD On to my aca-mortals now!
: Why yes, yes it was. Caught that did ya? I don't do marriage, but hey, if you're stateside, give me a call babe ;) I'll show you just how perfect I am.
Rizzlesmylies: Well Roxy is a sexy name. She's obvi an awesome character then :) And baby, those are the only jackets I wear. I have two bomber jackets (both authentic military) and a nice, slightly sexier leather jacket. But I can make anything sexy ;) And lol, suuuuuure you're not. No, I don't drink because I'm underage. And oh, I'm sure I'll think of SOME way for you to make it up to me babe ;) I'm looking forwards to it my dear. I'll be coming for you now babe ;) and that's good to know. So I'll have a sexy nurse to fix me up when I get to the UK?
Sweedledome: And yes, yes it is. lol, no. I have big plans for the two of them. I'm not going to intentionally try and make everyone cry. Read Shattered if you want to see me TRYING to make you cry... better yet, just read the last chapter. I think that was the saddest shit I've ever written. Ask cxcxcx or Rizzlesmylies. They're reading my shit, so they could tell you :) and merger fliberty nugerfarts. Skiperty roomverdee lopderkoop... and oh dears... should I get a lawyer then? Just remember, you offered the names! lol, that's cool! Perks of being a smart ass, eh? Mate, I haven't actually cried in over ten years. I didn't even shed a single tear when the horse fucking kicked that gate into me. I cursed like a fucking sailor, but otherwise, no tears. I laugh at 'sad movies' and i fine other people's pain hilarious. I've had every taunt, every insult thrown my way, and even when I was dealing with my own shit, I didn't cry. I get no crying XD So yerp... I guess the last chapter of Shattered is the saddest shit I'll ever write. I'll leave it up to you if you wanna read it or not :)
To everyone else: Well I'm very happy right now! 1500 views! Woot woot! So, can I say let's go for 2000? Reviews are nice too :)
