Hey all, I did say I would be back once exams ended, and here I am, continuing the story! Thanks for all your patience and kind words, and hope you enjoy what's to come! Summer is hear, so more writing time, I'll be at it with vengeance, at least I hope…
Apart from work, and parents nagging I'm on the comp too long, nothing can stop me writing! I'll be getting a laptop for my B-day, which may solve the parent issue as well, so I can write in my room without them pestering. It'll also mean I get more peace and quiet, as my brother is in the house as well, and the extension where we keep the computer is also the place he keeps his game consoles. Hence, it's a bit noisy and hard to concentrate on writing when all I hear is the smashing and crashing of him playing Excite Truck in the background.
So you all know, the long italic part of this chapter is a flashback. And again, sorry if it sucks, I still feel I'm not fully back in the swing of my writing style yet.
Oh, and please do request to read my one-shot song fics, "Love Games" (Ray/Mariah) "ColourBlind" (Kai/Macha Maresia Eternas OC)"Hallelujah" (Tala/Coral) or my Christmas one "Santa Can you Hear me?" (Lee/Daisy) which I'll send via email!
You know what I own and what I don't by now, so on with the fic!
Tormented Souls
Chapter 12: Foundations of Alliance
As the sun rose again over the barbed wired fence, the groups had been split again into daily chores, but this was not quite the same as the previous had been. A plan was in motion."I don't like this, I don't like it one little bit." the young woman muttered, scrapping into the frozen ground with ferocity.
"You've been saying that all morning, look we went over this again and again, it'll work Hilary." another worker replied, patting her friend on the shoulder, even though it only made the others features darken.
"Unless a certain someone double crosses us…" she mumbled, her usually softer eyes turning sharp and aggressive, which left Mariam to sigh, unable to budge the other girl on her opinion of their new 'friend'.
Even though she had been out on patrols along with Max, Mariah and Ray when the arguments had occurred, it was easy to assume things wouldn't go well. Kai had managed to get Ray, one of the most peaceful and level-headed of their group into such a state he would have killed the officer if he hadn't been held back. To think what had happened when he had the pleasure of meeting some of the more hot headed of the prisoners, well, she was sure it had taken a long time to get any sort of agreement in place.
"Stop being so sceptical, we already talked about this." the young woman reasoned, trying to smile while he long blue hair fell into her eyes, the wind sweeping around them as they toiled in the vegetable section of the field. Seeing no change or response from the other, the green eyed blader thought best to change topics, to the real reason Hilary was so concerned about what could go wrong in their plan. "I know you're worried about him…"
"I am not! I couldn't care less about him! Why would I be worried if anything were to happen to him?!" the brunette suddenly flushed, the words falling out her mouth so quickly she didn't even breathe before finishing. Turning her head away with a look of indifference, her gaze flicked back to her friend, who recognised the need for an answer to an unasked question.
"He'll be fine. He's not that bright, but he's got a lot of guts. Living in here, he wouldn't have survived this long if he couldn't handle things, none of us would have." Mariam dismissed happily, only seeing a tiny flicker of a smile on Hilarys lips before she turned back to the work at hand, a little less worried, and a bit more at ease.
Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for the ones acting out the ploy.
"Someone please tell me again why we have to co-operate with this ass?" growled the dark haired boy as he tugged the cap on his head, glaring at the crimson eyes of their new 'ally'."Because this ass can get you the supplies and equipment you so desperately need, so shut up and come on." Kai retorted, tugging the heavy chains so the other male stumbled slightly. Before he could complain however, he received a sharp elbow in the back from the one chained behind him.
"Knock it off Tyson, if you make a scene, and you'll ruin our cover for the biggest and most important plan to date, so zip it!" Johnny growled, though managed to keep his voice hushed. However, the Scottish redhead still cast a stony look at the Biovolt soldier, an action mimicked but the other two behind him. Needless to say, none of them were protesting Tysons behaviour because they liked Kai Hiwatari in the slightest.
If the crimson eyes of the disliked teen actually saw the way the prisoners were looking at him, he never showed any sign of response. He merely continued to lead the shabby youth through the gates of their barracks, moving through the front compound towards the large mansion home; the base of army activity. Soldiers passed them by in frantic hurry, mainly due to the news of a breach in the border patrols. Of course Voltaire was unwilling to give up any tureen he had taken, so any spare men were loading themselves into trucks to drive out to the front line to push BBA forces.
All the better of the inside revolutionaries in their bid.
"Some luck we heard about the break through, no better time to get in when there are less guards about." Ozuma whispered as the passed some of the sentries, the male in front of him grinning a little, his small fangs showing clearly.
"Lucky that Kenny had patched up that worn radio for us to find out any news of Mr D's progress." Ray replied, stumbling a little as they suddenly halted, nearly knocking into each other.
"What's the big idea, why we stopping…" Tyson began to complain again, before being silenced by a snarl from the two-tone haired blader in front of him.
"I told you to shut it!" Kai hissed, peering around the corner of the building before turning back to the group. "Your decoy hasn't gone off yet remember? Unless she's successful, I can't get you past the patrol and into the base."
Suddenly understanding the four young men quietened. They had gone through everything so precisely (through grudgingly where their new friend was concerned) that it would be nothing short of waste to lose their chance now.
"But you're Voltaires grandson! No one's gonna stop you unless they want to end up in front a firing squad right?" Tyson protested vigorously, only receiving a raised eyebrow from Kai. The other three prisoners only stared, unsure what was more worrying; the fact their slow-minded friend was making sense, or the fact that he actually sounded sorry for the person he had done nothing but insult for the past few days.
"Just because he favours me to follow in his footsteps doesn't mean he wouldn't shoot me for betrayal. We're not exactly a loving family." the young officer shrugged, long white scarf billowing slightly in the breeze.
"Guess it's too much to ask for that old asshole to show mercy to anyone, not even his own flesh and blood." muttered the Chinese male, rolling his eyes, but not getting the chance to finish his comments before a large crash echoed from the other side of the building cries for help reached their ears, and the two guards posted at the door dashed off towards the commotion.
Smirking, the group waited patiently until the outcries became louder, and a few seconds later, watched as Skyla was being dragged off towards the cellar like dungeons, kicking and screaming the whole way. Drawing all that attention, she still managed to catch the crimson eyes of their inside man, wink a dark sapphire orb, and jolt her head towards the door of the building before she disappeared out of sight, the two men who were protecting the entrance way gone with her. This was a daily occurrence in camp anyone, so once would tweak that this time there had been a bigger motive behind the females rage.
In an instant, Kai tugged the chains and the four freedom fighters followed his lead towards the entry point. Once they had slipped inside, they all stilled instantly. None of the teenagers apart from the officer had seen inside great vast mansion, and they were quite awe-struck to say the least. While these were meant to be times of great strife for all involved, it appeared the Biovolt leader had spared little expense in the décor of his base. Great mahogany furnishings and floors shone in polished superiority, highlighted by the gleam from the small chandelier that hung above, reflecting on the long winding staircase. If they hadn't known better, Ray, Tyson, Johnny and Ozuma would have thought they had just stepped into a five star hotel.
"Well, safe to say you guys don't have to rough it." Tyson moaned sarcastically, which once again was ignored by Kai.
"Come on then, you want to get the supply room don't you?" the Hiwatari questioned, tugging the group along once again, only to stop when the chains rattling gained his attention. Looking back, he saw the dark haired blader was still not pleased, eyes glaring over the rim of his cap.
"Then let us out of the chains will you? We're inside now!" he shouted, silenced by Johnny kicking him in the leg from behind.
"We could still run into somebody, like Boris or Tala, and they're not stupid enough to ignore four prisoners running around their base like, God forbid, free men." the redhead retorted, somewhat amused at the others displeasure. "Even if we are with Voltaire's grandson."
"See, another reason why we shouldn't trust him-" the Japanese BBA supporter argued.
"Oh shut up, none of us trust him Tyson!" Ozuma interrupted, green eyes blazing. There would have been a further retort, if not for another voice barging into the conversation.
"And before you open your mouth to ask 'then why are we doing this?' it's because our trust lies in Skyla, remember?" Ray said, golden eyes firm and unyielding. Needless to say, no other complaint was voiced, as the friend fell silent.
It was in remembering the chaos that ensued on the night this allegiance had been declared that the same argument had been raised; and the same conclusion met…
"No, no, and again NO!"
"Look will you just let me explain…"
"What's there to explain? You've brought in the enemy!"
Sighing wearily, the worn out girl massaged her temples, groaning in desperation. These arguments had been going on the second everyone realised who she had brought in with her, or more to the point, took more interest in the Biovolt uniform he was wearing. Half an hour later, and there was still loud outcries from everyone apart from herself, and the young enemy officer, who chose to lean against the wall and cross his arms, silent while all the arguments continued.
'He could at least help me out!' she cursed inwardly, noticing now his eyes were not even open to look at her. Still, she was the one who had made this decision, so it was only fair she take the consequences, and try and convince the others it was a good idea, if she could get a word in.
And right now she was in the middle of a fight with the tall and rather intimidating Rioko, so chances of getting an opportunity to speak was unlikely.
"I just can't believe you would do this to us! Not only to do you agree to partnership with this, this…one of them," the turquoise haired girl bellowed. "But you show him into our hideaway! And tell him about the escape plans!"
"Now he'll go off and tell the other higher ranking asses, and by tomorrow we'll all be lined up at the wrong end of at sniper rifle!" Johnny added. Despite circumstances, Skyla felt it was like a breakthrough that the two fighters actually agreed on something for once, even if it was against her.
Meanwhile, everyone one else who had been screaming and shouting were now silent, nodding on occasion in agreement with whatever was said, or casting killing looks at their newest ally, even though he either unaware of them or just not bothered.
This attitude was reflected in most expressions around the room. Only Daisy, Jessie, Kenny and Zeo differed, looking more surprised and somewhat anxious of the arguments ensuing that actually feeling angry themselves.
"Ok, you're angry at me, I understand," Skyla finally said, only hearing unpleasant snorts in return. "But please, you have to believe me, I wouldn't do this if I thought it was a threat to our survival."
"Letting one of Biovolt's lackeys into our hideout doesn't seem like something that's good for our health!" Robert interjected bitterly, while Bonnie stood next to him in solid disdain.
"You do remember these are the guys who want to blow us, and all that we stand for, into smithereens?" she asked as sarcasm dripped from every word.
It was with those stubborn and harsh words that the usually confident leader of the group saw she wasn't getting anywhere with the negotiations. It was a little late now, since Kai now knew what they were doing, but she saw from almost all expressions in the faces of her friends, that letting him be a part of their rebellion was not optional.
The rabble just seemed to get louder and louder, until the young woman felt someone pull her backwards into a tight grip. Craning her neck to see what was going on, she was stunned to see Kai holding her in a strange, almost crushing embrace, blood like eyes blazing like fire, aimed straight at the now silent group.
"Why don't you all stop whining and actually listen what she has to say before you jump all over her?" he bellowed, his gaze stoic but fierce. "And you lot are calling my Grandfathers men unfair? You don't seem to care about giving her the chance to speak."
Unsure of what to do, it was of course Tyson who retorted first without thinking.
"This doesn't concern you, so mind your own business!" he snapped hastily, though still didn't comment on why and how this intruder was holding on to their friend in such a way. He couldn't linger on thoughts though, being distracted when he saw the smirk on the others face.
"Doesn't concern me? Funny, from what I hear I'm the whole reason your upset and angry in the first place." the officer fired back, finally loosening his hold on the girl in his arms. She pulled away gently, giving him a quick smile that went unnoticed by everyone else, before turning back to her comrades, confidence restored.
"All right, I can't force you to do anything you don't want to. However, I really find it hard to believe you think I would do anything that would put you all at risk. This is our chance! We have an inside source on Biovolt at last! There's a danger in it I know, but…" she hesitated, voice becoming soft, almost as if a whisper, a plea. "Isn't the chance to be free… worth it?"
Silence settled once more, a gap stretched out line the no mans land in the battlefield separating the two youths from the rest of the group. Amidst the tension, there was the question of if anyone dared cross the abyss, and agree to chance their lives with one whom they never would have thought they could seek help from. Everyone shifted slightly, unsure of what to say or do, until a soft sound reached all of their ears. Glancing over, the teenagers expressions changed to shock and surprise, when a lone figure walked out from the larger group towards Skyla and Kai, gold and amber curls bouncing as she moved.
"Daisy, what are you doing?" Lee suddenly protested, though the girl waited until she was standing right beside her sapphire eyed friend before finally turning around to look back.
"I'm doing what I think is right." she answered, almost in a whisper, cringing as the Chinese male angrily yelled back at her.
"You CAN NOT be telling us you trust him?!" he growled in protest, but began to regret his actions on seeing young woman shuddering at him tone, moisture gathering at the corners of her eyes. Nevertheless, she continued to speak.
"I don't know if I do, but…" she hesitated, biting her lip nervously, but forcing the words out of her mouth, holding back her tears. "That's not what matters. I trust Skyla, and the friendship we have. It's that bond I believe in. It's one we all share in this mess. So, if you, any of you, believe in that well…you should be over here as well."
No one seemed able to retort the speech, but the violet eyed girl did receive a warm hug from Skyla, thanking her for the effort she made. The embrace was short lived, as the rebellious leader let go of Daisy, grinning something that was behind her friend. Turning her head, the other girl blinked at seeing Lee looking at her in guilt and shame.
"I'm sorry," he apologised, gripping her hand suddenly and making her turn somewhat pink. "I'll help…but only because I don't like the idea of you not being protected."
With a knowing glance, Skyla chuckled to herself, her gaze flickering back to the others, noticing another three figures walking towards her.
"Hey, you'll need your tech team right?" Kenny said, while Jessie and Zeo smiled softly.
"Of course, I'd be lost without you." she replied happily, again looking back and seeing the rest of the revolutionary prisoners looking rather unsure of themselves. It was when a sudden voice in the background broke through the silence, that all previous tension melted away.
"What the Hell, we tried everything else." Michael shrugged, causing the rest of the group nod along with him. They still didn't feel comfortable at the idea of working with a Biovolt agent, they were weary of the consequences. Still, what else could they attempt to do with limited resources? This was the best shot they had!
When they had all finally clustered around Skyla, she beamed at each one of them in gratitude, before speaking again.
"Here's what we're going to do…"
No more was said on the topic, as the group quietly went through the empty corridors, finding most guards had already been sent up to the front. Now there was no one around protecting any of the supplies in the storage room.
Kai lead them ahead, through the rooms to the back of the building, where a small trapdoor was concealed in the floor. Carefully slipping underground the proceeded, with only a small torch to light the dark and ancient passageways underneath the manor. Lucky indeed the prisoners realised that the Biovolt officer was with them, though of course they would never admit it. Without someone who knew exactly where they were going, they could have been lost forever in the vast labyrinth of tunnels.
"Come on, it's here." the soldier whispered, unlocking the prop chains from the other four males wrists, before unlocking the door in front of them. As it swung open, the prisoners felt like they were looking at a cave of lost treasures. Everything they needed was here!
"Okay, I've got Sky's list, we'll pick up what we require only, we take too much at once they'll get suspicious." Ray said, ushering his friends into the room to look through the shelves to find the items they needed.
However, just as Ozuma was about to pick up a few blankets from the shelf, a loud crash echoed throughout the tunnel.
"Show yourself!" shouted Kai, spinning around and flashing the torch in the direction of the ruckus. No one else should have been down in the catacombs this time of day! He had checked the duty roster himself, so who in the world could be there hiding in the shadows?
There was a sudden blur of movement, a thud and a string of muttered curses. Adjusting his gaze, the crimson eyes of the Biovolt soldier scanned the darkness, listening carefully to try and pinpoint where the noise was coming from. It wasn't until a short scream was heard and a loud thump ricocheted off the walls that Kai managed to point the beam of light directly on two figures sprawled on the stone floor.
A blank look came from glazed rosebud orbs, while another pair of sharp icy blue ones widened in surprise and fear.