Wings in the Workshop Chapter 11
"Lightning come on. We're gonna miss them." Aerith waved around her gun, making Lightning flinch a little. She breathed out and relaxed when Aerith put her gun away and hurried as she tightened the straps on her bulletproof vest and checked over her gear. Gun, check. Armour, check. Gunblade, check. Crazy somewhat mentally questionable partner all excited to catch some bad guys, unfortunately and actually quite surprisingly still alive. Like damn that woman took a shotgun to the face and still kept going. Aerith the terminator was more fitting.
"Aerith the bank robbers aren't going anywhere. Plus where are the damn pretty boys?" She walked over to the elevator with Aerith and pressed the button for the parking level.
"Oh you mean Noctis and the guys? They were sent out to help train some soldiers in one of the outlying towns. Apparently there's been an increase in wildlife attacks recently. But..." Aerith wore a smile from to ear to ear that in any other conversation would be rather pleasant, maybe it was, Lightning however wasn't the best at emotions even after working with Aerith for the past few years. "We're going after the masked tuxedos you know." Lightning tensed up and audibly gulped. "I know right, imagine if we catch them. We'd get photos maybe even a little trophy for my desk." She cackled and cocked her gun.
"Why didn't you damn say so... Jeez." Lightning checked her pocket for keys. As she pulled them out, Aerith shot over and shook her head. "I'll drive."
"Aerith... I spent more time vomiting than I did actually arresting people the last time you drove." Lightning looked away, a little ashamed that she had actually vomited, quite a bit too.
"You'll be fine Lightning. I'll be gentler this time okay."
Lightning nodded and followed the woman to her car, she'd just have to try her best and not puke inside this time. Aerith looked over as she climbed into the silver and black trans am, painted to try to make the large armour plates on the side look less ridiculous. "Lightning I promise I won't drive as wild as last time."
"Alright." She sucked her teeth and climbed in the passenger seat.
Aerith chuckled and closed her door, securing the five point harness, which Lightning scowled at as it had significantly lessened the time she had to get out before she upped her breakfast.
The engine started with a low roar and Lightning's hand crept to the handles in the door. Much to Lightning's surprise Aerith took it slow, flashing Lightning a proud grin as they exited the garage. That's when the grin faded and Aerith took on a serious look. One Lightning had only seen twice. Once when Lightning had taken a bullet to the chest, even though she had a vest on and the other when she was driving seriously.
Automatic gunfire pinned the two dozen officers behind their cars and shields while a group of masked robbers all wearing tuxedos over bulletproof vests cleared out the bank.
"You'd think that these coppers would put up more of a challenge." Red mask pulled back the bolt of his rifle and took aim at the exposed leg of a police officer. With a flash and a spray of blood the officer fell to the ground, wincing as he looked at the mess that was his ankle just seconds ago. Biting back the urge to gag he pulled himself back towards his partner who looked around for a paramedic.
"See that Blue! The bacon fell." Red gave his partner a thumbs up, quite literally.
Lightning exhaled, having fired back at the sniper and she thought she got him too.
"Get in! We're busting the bank! " Aerith pushed the steel plate over the door window and Lightning scrambled to get back in and do the same.
"Aerith that's a building... Aerith... A building!" Lightning looked to her partner who flicked up a gear and pushed the accelerator to the floor. "AERITH A BUILDING! CARS AND BUILDINGS DON'T MIX!" Lightning fastened the harness as quickly as she could and held on for dear life, maybe even prayed to Etro a little. The brunette smiled and gripped the wheel aiming for the windows.
Silver and Green opened fire with their assault rifles. "Umm boss, they're coming in." Silver moved out of the way and looked in the direction of the tuxedo's leader.
"SHOOT THEM DAMMIT!"
"We are. They're driving in I mean. It's some kinda car."
A much more built man wearing a mask that sat above his thick beard and a tuxedo that threatened to explode at any second burst out with an LMG in one hand, a cigar in the other, gritting his teeth as he spotted the familiar officers in the front. "Kill them, NOW!" He added to the barrage of gunfire.
Lightning and Aerith both ducked as the bullets ripped through the car. The wall exploded as they hit it and rolled across the lobby several times before sliding into the wall on the other side.
"Aerith, are we still alive?" Lightning huffed and pulled herself up, looking around through the dust and debris. She looked over what was a windshield at the silhouettes amassing in the room. "Reverse!"
Aerith kicked the car into gear and floored it as more gunfire and smoke filled the room.
"It's hard to reverse in here dammit." She looked over her seat and watched as they smashed through the walls inside. "Shoot someone!"
"I am." Lighting opened the door and leaned out, returning fire on the masks.
"Get to cover." Silver dived to the floor as bullets sent a bell flying with a loud 'ding'.
The Boss stood out in the opened and fired on the duo until the car disappeared from view. "Everyone keep the front secure. Silver, Purple and Orange find them and kill them."
"Roger." Silver moved towards the doorway where the two had disappeared through with her rifle at eye level. "Damn they're gone. Orange get me info from the others. Purple go check on the vault team." Silver sat her rifle down on a counter and took a mouthful of water. The boss came over and smiled as he took in her similar tanned features and dark hair that fell down from the dull silver mask that covered her face and hence her name. "You okay Silver?" He took off his mask and smiled, a scar running across his nose.
"Mm... It wasn't supposed to go like this. If we don't succeed then mum will..."
The boss leaned over and ran his hand through her hair. "It'll be fine, hun." He leaned closer and kissed the forehead of her mask. "We'll get through this."
"Okay." She nodded to herself and frowned. "Put your mask back on. I'm gonna go find those two." She picked up her gun and hurried off towards down the corridor where Lightning and Aerith disappeared through.
"So what's the plan now that we've got ourselves in?" Lightning looked to Aerith who shrugged and gave her best 'I dunno look.'
"I thought we'd just shoot everyone." Aerith huffed at the look Lightning was giving her. "I got us in. The car's still working."
Lightning nodded in agreement. She did have to give it to the woman, this wasn't the first time a crazy plan of hers had worked out somehow. "Alright we'll sweep the building room by room and try to secure the vault."
Silver turned her head to the echoes of the gunfire, towards the south side of the building. She crouched down and grabbed the radio from her belt.
"Red how's it going out the front?"
"Good, they're trying to move up but we're keeping them in check. Need some backup Silver?"
"Nah just keep the front under control, thanks."
Silver put the radio back into place and looked around, the lack of gunfire was rather unsettling, if these two got the boss all worked up then it was obvious who was dead. She inhaled for a moment, calming her nerves. In a hushed whisper she spoke as she started to move again.
"Alright Silver you've done this a million times. Remember the job in Vegas, that was a cinch. So what if they're lady cops, you're a lady robber Silver." She let out a heavy breath and looked around before moving still somewhat hunched over. From the looks of it, she was nearing the vault which meant they were going for the money, dammit. She broke into a light jog, her eyes darting from corner to corner.
Gunfire broke out and from what she could hear it was maybe a room or two away. She hurried over to Bronze mask who was leaning against a wall, a dozen or so red spots across his chest where bullets had gone through his vest, feeling a lack of a pulse, she cursed and moved up to the doorway. Leaning over just peer into the room she was the two, behind a good piece of cover and laying an onslaught on some of the masks in the vault. She narrowed her eyes and shouldered her gun as she pointed the business end unsuspectingly at the two. With a burst of noise bullets tore through the room, sending papers and other supplies scattering about.
"Dammit. Lightning, there's so freaking many of these guys." Aerith complained as she took a shoot at another one of the masks, catching them in the arm and sending them cowering behind a steel table.
Lightning turned around fired back at Silver, where they were, it'd be a problem if someone got the flank on them right now.
"Aerith cover me." Lightning sprinted across the room and slid behind the overturned table the masks were using for cover and unloading her gun into them. giving them some breathing room. Aerith turned and focused her shotgun to the door, ignoring her partner's expression as she moved up beside her. "Silver... gonna get shot again?"
"No... Dammit Lightning. You actually going to catch us this time either." Silver cackled maniacally as inched towards the door. She edged around the door and emptied her magazine into the room. Darting back as a slug of buckshot sent wood shards towards her face. She threw her hand up to covered her eyes and threw herself back behind the wall. Silver winced as she picked some shards out of her hand and positioned her gun between her legs, reaching down for another magazine with her remaining hand.
"So Silver still sure you're not gonna get shot." Aerith pumped her gun and grinned.
It fell to the ground with a thud and she drew her pistol and aimed towards the door.
"Wanna use a grenade?" Lightning picked up a rock that was roughly the same size as the real thing and held it in her hand.
"Don't see why not, better than being shot by that damned rifle." Aerith sat her shotgun down on the counter they'd been using as cover and drew her handgun, taking aim. The rock rolled with a thud as it came to a stop beside the wall Silver was hiding behind.
"Aww Crap." Silver darted for the entrance. Aerith's gun went off and the bullet going through her leg, she collapsed and looked back. Lightning chuckled and tossed a rock beside Silver.
She kicked the rifle away and yanked the handgun from her before she could use it. "Careful for the grenades Silver." She pushed Silver down and cuffed her.
"You're making an arrest? Like here? I guess it's better than shooting her." Aerith shook her head and moved to the end of the hallway, keeping a lookout around the next room in case anyone else decided to join them. "It looks pretty clear."
Lightning tightened the cuffs and gave Silver a quick pat down for any hidden weapons. She gave Aerith a thumbs up and hurried over.
"So where are we headed now? Main lobby?"
Lightning nodded and checked her gear now that it was quiet again. "If we can clear the main lobby we might be able to get troops in, or then again the roof might be a good bet too."
"Hmm.." Aerith paused for a moment. "We could get to the roof without going through the main lobby, means less bad guys for us but also means reinforcements. A lot safer then going in alone."
"Yeah shame this isn't some action movie or something." Lighting and Aerith looked around one last time before nodding to each other and making their behind some of the large pillars that populated the side room, looked like a documents area or something considering the dozen or so desks neatly filled around the room. The next room was a smaller corridor with bathrooms down one end and the other leading out to the main hall.
"Oh. Lightning we might have to go through the main hall."
With a sigh she rubbed her temples and looked to her partner. "One moment." She hurried back and grabbed Silver's rifle, a FAMAS F1.
"Wait." Silver squirmed and looked up at Lightning. "Give that back, please."
Lightning looked at Silver for a moment, she wasn't yelling at her which was surprising considering that well Aerith did just shoot her in the leg. Yet her eyes caught onto something, an etching 'To my sweet Maria. Love M.' Lightning knelt down and looked at the woman's ankle. "I should probably bandage that huh."
Aerith hurried back to the sight of Lightning wrapping Silver's ankle in a bandage. "Oh. Can't have her bleed out."
Lightning nodded. "Wouldn't be too good. I'll be there in a sec."
"Okie dokie." She hurried back to the hallway, not wanting to take her attention away from what could potentially be the nest of the masks.
"So Silver, or should I call you Maria?" She tightened the bandage and turned back to face the emotionless mask that hid the girls expression.
"Silver, my mask is on. M stands for mum, if you were going to ask."
Lightning nodded. "Ah, explains why. This gun is super old right? Super umm defunct..." She checked the magazine and nodded to herself, still a little unsure of how the thing actually fired, it was in god like condition though.
"Why don't you just shoot me already." Silver snarled, somewhat less intimidating considering that her mask was still on. Her eyes widened however as Lightning pursed her lips and pressed the barrel against the mask.
"You want me to?"
Silver winced and shook her head. "No... Just go... Stop annoying me already."
"Hold it rookie."
"I'm no rookie, I'm a ten-year vet."
Lightning smiled a little and stood up. "I'll bring your gun back to you Maria. Just don't do anything stupid or Aerith won't aim for your ankle." She grabbed the remaining two magazines and shoved them in her pocket before running back out to Aerith.
"How are we looking?"
Aerith looked over for a split second before focusing her attention back into the room. "Good. I think we have guys coming though, guess they're looking for their friends.' Aerith moved back and steadied her right arm with her left.
The two masks who ran in stood no chance. Aerith unloaded a bullet in the first masks skull and then the other was caught with his arm and the door as Lightning kicked it shut and shot through the door.
"Well that's two down." Aerith holstered her gun and slowly proceeded out into the next room. Lightning followed behind her as quietly as she could. "Just a dozen to go. Think they heard the..." Aerith moved just in time as a bullet ripped past her, the buckshot from her shotgun sending the Orange masked villain into the wall and smearing a blood trail to the floor. "Well that scared the crap out of me. You all good?" She looked to Lightning who was huffed and nodded.
Lightning's radio buzzed and she grabbed it and responded. "Officer Farron here."
"Officer Farron, Sargent Douherty is requesting information on the situation."
"Yes sir. We encountered the criminals and have eliminated six so far. Total enemy count still remains unknown sir."
"Roger. New orders are to eliminate sniper support so reinforcements can enter the building and finish this crap. Also gimme a minute to do my speech and all that shit, know what I'm saying?"
"Yes sir." She looked to Aerith and groaned. "We better get a damn raise for this. Douherty's doing another speech."
Aerith nodded and shook her head.
Douherty took off his cap and ran one hand through his afro, the other extending out to an older officer holding a megaphone. "Gimme that microphone if you would brother." The cop nodded and handed it over, having worked with Douherty for several years he just shrugged and rested a cigarette in his mouth, this fight was long other for him.
"Alright, testing testing. You ballerina's in there hearing me alright? Lemme know alright." A bullet whizzed past and punched a hole through one of the cop cars. "Aight." He chuckled as he shook his head and grinned. "You know you guys better check that, he's prolly bleeding all over the place. Anyways we got a dozen guys surrounding the building and you know we got a bunch of peeps in there about to shoot your dumbass. So here's the deal baby, come out with your hands up and we won't shoot you all." He turned off the megaphone off and handed back to the other officer. "Aight let's send in the shields and end this crap." The other man rubbed his thick moustache and nodded. "It's Sophie's birthday today right?"
"Yeah. I was gonna listen to her stories today."
A group of officers bearing shields moved up to the front line of cars and began approaching slowly, looking out for shooters as the masks inside opened fire.
Aerith looked to Lightning once more and nodded. She reached out and opened the door. . From what she could see there were two groups in the lobby. One group near the entrance, keeping the police at bay while the other were up on the second floor, including the sniper Lightning took shot at earlier.
"Ready partner..?" Aerith checked her magazine and slid back into her pistol before shooting Lightning an excited glance. "Just don't get shot again."
Lightning rolled her eyes and nodded.
In a flash Aerith pushed the door open and moved over to a decorative stone wall which would have been beautiful if not for the taking notice of the two policemen moving into cover.
The boss hurried into cover and began screaming orders at the others, trying to keep them in formation.
"Lightning. What a pleasure." The boss leant out and fired, ripping apart the wall a little more.
Lightning huffed and looked over to Aerith who made her way down to the other end. "It's all yours." Lightning counted to three in her mind. As the number ran off her tongue Aerith opened fire and drew their attention for a split of a second, and that was all she needed. In a fashion true to her name she cleared the wall and threw her knife at the tuxedo who aimed at her, catching him in the chest. Her hangun went off and cleared another that was in her road. Her target was of course the snake charmer who commanded the damned serpents.
Aerith moved behind her covering her, catching the odd tuxedo that was missed as she left a trail of bodies behind her. She rolled and grabbed her knife, leaping high into the air. With a smirk she plunged down and jabbed her knife just inches from the boss's face. He pressed his rifle against her and used the advantage of his size to throw her away from him. She rolled and darted out of the path of the gunfire and charged again, this time she threw her gun at close range and directed her knife towards his fingers, it caught it in the guard and pushed between the bone. With a snarl he drew his gun only and aimed at Lightning who was trapped, only to stop as Aerith slid across the table and pressed her pistol against the back of his mask.
"Gotcha!" Aerith grinned and gently tugged on the trigger, the hammer drawing back. "Drop it buddy."
The boss closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. With a loud thunk his gun fell to the floor. "Where's Silver?"
Lightning sighed and gave him as much of a reassuring smile. "She's safe. I shot her through the leg and bandaged it."
With a nod the boss took off his mask, his tanned and scared face fell into a somewhat happy expression. "We had a reason you know." Lightning tightened the handcuffs around his wrists and patted him down for anything hidden. "Left side around the back." He turned his waist towards Lightning who drew out the gun, the really big gun and tossed it to the ground.
"You know the size of a gun isn't important when shooting people you know."
The boss chuckled as he walked beside her. "I know. It's a guy thing."
Aerith walked a few steps behind them, keeping an eye on the gargantuan mass that was the boss.
"So hows Lucy?" Lightning looked over with the hints of a smile tugging at her lips.
The boss's face fell a little and he looked down at her. "She's... We robbed a bank Lightning."
"Ah so that's why?"
"Yeah. The operation would have cost a lot. Which we couldn't afford with our income so Silver and I decided to... Anyway how are you going?"
Lightning shook her head and scowled at him. "Idiot. What are you going to do now. You and Silver are both going to Jail you know. You're just running away from Lucy."
"No Lightning, you still haven't changed. We're just the distraction by the way." He chuckled and followed an officer into the truck.
Lightning stood somewhat puzzled. 'A distraction for what?' Lost in thought she failed to notice Aerith hurry up beside her. "Hey wanna go..."
"Silver." Lightning mumbled to herself and glared over to the boss who was grinning from ear to ear. He gave her a wink before being led into a truck by several police officers.
Lightning paused for a moment, her mind racing over everything. She glared over to the vault and tightened her grip on her pistol. "Crap." Lightning pushed Aerith out of the way and darted towards the vault. "Out of the way." She hurried across the room with Aerith hot on her heels.
"What's going on?" Aerith hurried beside her and looked around the room, it was empty except for a few officers who were securing the area. Lightning holstered her gu and hurried over to one of the officers in the vault. "Hey did you see a girl, silver mask."
"No ma'am. Just the ones over there." He pointed to the body bags with the tuxedo's vault team.
Lightning frowned and looked around, where the hell was she. With her leg it would be nearly impossible to slip out passed all the officers surrounding the building. "Silver... She's somewhere."
"Jeez should have shot her in both legs I guess.." Aerith shrugged and looked around. "Hey Lightning did you do history?"
The pinkette looked at her partner and shook her head. "Nope I was a chemistry kid."
Aerith grinned, it wasn't often she got to outsmart Lightning. "Well back during the war they built massive air raid bunkers under the city. They had entrances all over the city all though most are closed off, this one however..." She crouched down and grunted as she shifted the tile covering a tunnel.
"Nice. You ain't getting away this time kid." Aerith grinned and looked to Lightning who nodded and looked down the tunnel. She let out a whistle as she stared down. "You first."
Lightning nodded and stopped as her phone went off, a text from Fang.
'Urgh work sucks today.'
Lightning smirked and quickly replied to the brunette's message. 'Ah... What happened?'
Fang looked at the car before her and furrowed her brows somewhat vexed, something like this should have been a piece of cake yet it still wouldn't start, she tried everything except for... "Draining the tank huh... God dammit if this works..." She pushed the pump over beside it and slotted the siphon into the tank. Her face deteriorated when she was what came out. "... Why?.. Why!" Fang groaned and filled the contained with diesel before sealing it and glaring at everything around her. She mumbled as she went to grab the right fuel for it. "Diesel in an unleaded car..."
A/N - Hey guys sorry for the super long wait for this chapter and that has something to do with this weeks author note. So my time has now been sold to working all day everyday to pay bills and sustain myself until I become Old snake and crawl through a microwave... But yeah unfortunately this takes nearly all time leaving me with barely any to write so updates will be a lot more scarce and for that I am sorry.
Onto something more positive. This chapter was a pain to write, I just don't do action very well however it was good once all was done to compare a bad day for Lightning and Fang. I might do some more shorter chapters though just so they can get out in a reasonable time frame. Well I dunno, anyway thanks for reading and hope to see you next chapter
