California 2019
Battery City
Emma paced down the hall, her sneakers squeaking when she turned.
"Could you stop the squeaking? Please?" Ashton moaned from the couch. Emma turned to face him, her shoes giving one last little squeak. She smiled.
"Fine. But what am I supposed to do? I'm nervous – it's not like I can just sit down or something."
Ash rolled his eyes. "Yes, you can sit down. You're gonna be tired later, so relax." Emma checked her watch. 9:20.
"Nope – we gotta go get her now. We'll bring her through the stairwell – they never worry about security there – and we'll be fine for a while."
Ashton stood up and stretched. "Alright then." He took Emma's hand and they headed out the door and down the hall, towards the unused stairwell. They climbed down silently until they had reached the fifth floor, where they proceeded to head to unit 5-2. When they reached the door, Ashton knocked gently. A woman, around 40 years old, opened the door a crack, and smiled when she saw them standing there.
"Oh, it's just you. Come in, quick." She stepped aside, and Emma and Ash walked into the small apartment.
"Is she ready?" Emma asked. The woman nodded.
"Just – just let me say goodbye." A tear welled up in her eye, but she wiped it away. She brushed her dark hair behind her ear, when they all heard a small voice.
"Mommy? Is it time now?" A small girl with hazel eyes and light brown hair had walked in the room. She was wearing plain white clothing, and carrying a small backpack that looked like it was completely full.
The woman nodded, and sniffled. "Yes, honey, it's time now. You're gonna go with Emma and Ash, and they're going to take care of you." The girl walked over and took her mother's hand.
"It's okay, momma. You're going to come meet us one day, right?" She looked up innocently, and her mother's voice cracked when she spoke.
"I hope I can, sweetie. But I don't know. I need you to remember something though, okay? I love you more than anything. And so does your father. He's not with us, but if he could be, he would. Trust me. But remember – listen to Emma, be careful, and stay strong. I love you so, so much." She brushed a lock of hair out of the girl's eyes, and hugged her. "I love you so much, Jackie. You know that." She squeezed the small girl softly, and let her go. Tears welled up in Jackie's eyes.
"I love you mommy. I know I'll see you again. And daddy." She said fiercely, despite the tears coming from her eyes. Emma stepped forward.
"Jackie, we need to leave now." She turned to the girl's mother. "Thank you, Alicia." Ashton took Jackie's hand, but Alicia stopped Emma and whispered.
"Take care of her. And if you find Mikey...tell him I love him." She looked pleadingly at Emma.
"I will." The women hugged quickly, and Emma and Ashton walked out of the apartment and back to the stairwell. They climbed to the tenth floor, and walked into their apartment. Jackie sniffled.
"Jackie, it's going to be fine. Your mom is safe, and you will be too." Emma patted her arm. "Come on, we'll have a snack before we leave."
"I'm not hungry." Jackie said quietly, and she turned and headed to the couch. Ashton looked at Emma, and Emma shrugged. She checked the kitchen clock. 9:56 pm. She sighed.
"It's gonna be a long night." Emma leaned against the countertop and closed her eyes.
California 2019
Zone 1 – Border of Battery City
Val looked towards the outline of lights in the distance. Battery City. She looked over at Static, who was curled up in a ball on the driver's seat, napping. She smiled.
How can someone with so much energy possibly sleep before entering the enemy city and rescuing a kid? She wondered. She watched the sun set and the lights in the city come on slowly. She smiled, remembering her home in Toronto. She thought of her 'wall'. It was a collection of posters, magazine articles, and her own personal art. Suddenly there was a knock at the window. Val calmly looked over – she wasn't scared by much anymore. She opened the door and stepped out.
"What's up, sis?" Val asked. Poison looked around nervously.
"I just wanted to say... no matter what happens, I love you. You're awesome." She looked awkwardly at a nearby cactus. Val smiled.
"Love you too. And don't worry, we'll be fine." Just then, Static walked over.
"You sure?" She yawned. "Cause there are no Dracs around, so what if they're planning something?"
"Wow. You're paranoid, aren't ya?" Val laughed, and she hugged her sisters. "You guys are my best friends. I love you, and I couldn't have better sisters." They climbed back into the car, and Poison headed for her bike.
"See you in the city, girls!" Val cried, and they took off towards the lights of Battery City.
