A/N: Yay, this was a little faster than the last one. I think I'm finding my rhythm just as we enter the home straight. The story is winding down now, I'm thinking, one maybe two (depending on how much i manage to write) left. Sorry if there are any mistakes, I've tried proofing it, but I'm impatient and just want to post it. Let me know what you think. Love x
Disclaimer: I own nothing Glee, everything else in this is mine. -insert evil laugh-
I walked into the tech room a few hours later and spotted Mike and Tina murmuring quietly against the far wall. I slowed my steps and waited for them to notice me. Mike was the first to look up, meeting my stare warmly. His dark orbs flicked to the side for a second then ticked back to my face, observing something in my expression.
"Thank you for coming with me." I knew, somehow, that I couldn't have asked for someone better to come with me, and I probably wouldn't have accepted anyone else's help. His gaze held far more than he would ever verbalise when he replied.
"Always." I nodded, not trusting my voice to hold up to the pure emotion I felt rushing through me and moved away; allowing the siblings to carry on their almost silent conversation. I sat in front of Derek; still in the same position as I left him, and waited for him to acknowledge me. After a minute or so he glanced up from the file he was ready through and genuinely looked surprised to see me.
"Have you always been that quiet?" He asked with an edge of mirth. I understood that this was his attempt at smoothing over our words earlier without bringing it up and rehashing the argument.
"I'm never quiet. You must just be going deaf in your old age," I replied with a soft smirk. He scoffed sceptically and turned his eyes back to the paper. "You're right." The words came out mumbled and low, my pride stinging slightly at having to admit it; for having to admit I was wrong. At least in part. A dusty blond eyebrow rose sharply but he didn't as much as break from the line his grey orbs were skimming across. I rolled my eyes but pushed on. "We won't have a better opportunity at getting rid of them." He remained silent I grew frustrated at his lack of response. "I'm still right about the kids. I don't want to add to the body count."
"So don't." I levelled my best glare at his retort and shifted my foot to knock into the tower acting as a support of his leg. He pitched forward and hissed a breath through clenched teeth. "That was unnecessary." I smirked and gently patted his toes.
"Totally worth it though." I stood up and grabbed all three lists from the pad on the table and left the room in search of the names. I rounded up each list and went over each of their tasks, saving the team that would be hitting the base with me for last. I grimaced at the look in their eyes; it was the same look Mike had given me earlier, the one that told me he would follow me into any situation I asked of him. What had I done to deserve this kind of respect from them? I swallowed back a sudden bout of nausea and got down to the business at hand. I gave them the chance to back out, nodding tersely when no one stepped forward and told them to meet in the atrium the following morning before dawn.
I wearily made my way back to the triage area and found a very perky Sally sat with Rachel as she read a book aloud. Rachel chipped in every now and then to correct her but mostly just sat back and smiled at the sweet girl. I leant against the wall in a position reminiscent of the first day in the cafeteria; listening to Sally explain how she was liberated from the camp all those years ago. I shifted slightly and the movement drew Rachel's warm gaze to me. I held it for a few seconds, enjoying the moment while I could. All too soon, Sally realised Rachel attention was diverted and looked around to find the cause of her distraction. When her piercing tawny orbs connected with me, a wide grin stretched her lips and she snapped the book shut.
"I'll go see if Claire needs me," she stage whispered and hopped from the bed before rushing off to the other end of the room.
"Cutie isn't she?" I echoed my words from that first day. A soft smirk settled over Rachel's mouth as she nodded and patted the bed next to her hip. I eagerly accepted the invitation and curled into her side, mindful of any injuries she was carrying. She threaded her fingers through my hair and I nuzzled into her shoulder a little more.
"Noah told me about Derek's plan."
"Not getting out of that conversation, then?" I asked wryly. I felt her shake her head, her chin brushing my forehead gently. "Everyone is ready to go tomorrow morning," I told her.
"It's a good idea. Just do me a favour please?" I hummed my agreement to whatever it was she was going to ask of me. "Don't die?" A chuckle vibrated in my chest.
"I'll do my best." I promised with a smile. Her fingers traced the hard line of my jaw then arched under my chin to pull my face up.
"I mean it! I'll kick your ass if you die," she reiterated with a stern expression. I looked a little harder and saw the twitch of her lips; giving her away.
"It's unseemly to beat up a dead body, not to mention disrespectful," I admonished lightly.
"I'll make an exception for you." She deepened the frown and pursed her lips. I leant up to peck the side of mouth then settled back against her chest.
"Yes dear."
-x-
"Okay guys. You know what we need to do and how to do it. Same as last time. I'll lead Team One to the front of the building. Noah has Team Two to the rear. Tina will set up a triage area for the casualties outside once we're in, with Team Three. Unit Two, you are down on the docks. No one in or out. Unit Three, you have the gate. Same thing, it's sealed. Anyone have any questions?" I swept my gaze over the five groups in front of me. When no one stepped forward I shot them all a clipped smile and stepped back. "Good, let's go."
We separated, Unit One accompanying me to the front entrance, Units Two and Three heading to the rear of the building. I knew from there they would spilt, Two exiting on the West side of the old hall and Three to the South. We carefully made our way onto the street, the team scurrying into the alleyways opposite while Noah and I kept a vigilant eye on the roads and rooftops. Once everyone was out of the sanctuary and into the safe shadows cast by the buildings, we joined them. Noah stayed to the rear, playing idly with the thick metal wrapped around his knuckles for added potency as his gaze swept each crack and crevice we passed, while I lead them through the winding paths through the heart of the city.
As we neared our destination I skidded to a halt, narrowly avoiding a shin-high trip wire set halfway down the passage. I caught the eye of the boy behind me, a 14 year old by the name of Terry, and motioned to him to be wary of any further traps set ahead of us as he progressed. He nodded his understanding then carefully tiptoed over the cable before creeping the remaining length of the alley, turning at the end with a thumb up. I nodded and helped the rest of the team over, gesturing to Noah for him to take the lead while I stayed at the back. He squeezed my bicep as he brushed by me and I turned my attention to the final member of my team to cross the metal line. I stared into the glittering jade eyes of Chloe and held out my hand. She gripped it hard and stepped over with the left foot. As she lifted her right off the ground, her supporting ankle bent and threw her off balance. I glanced down to see a stone beneath her heel and made to grab her arms to bear her weight. With a jerking action, the toe of her right boot caught the wire and snapped it with a gentle metallic clink. I stopped for a second and heard the tell-tale click of an armed trap.
Without thinking I grabbed Chloe and spun her into the wall, protecting her with my body, and shouted for the rest of the team to take cover. I snuck a peek at Chloe's face and realised that while she was terrified, a steely determination shone in her emerald eyes. I was about to ask her what she was doing when one hand gripped my hip, the other my shoulder and a gentle current flowed through me, electrifying my nerve endings. A split second later a deafening explosion rocked the buildings either side of us and small but deadly pieces of metal flew from a space concealed by the tiny hooks holding the tripwire in place. I watched with astonishment as each shard of shrapnel headed for me, passed through my body and embedded in the wall behind Chloe.
When the debris had settled Chloe moved forward, forcing me to step back slightly, and let go of her hold on me. As soon as her hands were removed from my skin, the charge dissipated and I felt a little drained. She brushed a few specks of dust from my shoulder and offered me a shy smile.
"What was that?" I asked, my voice breaking slightly.
"I've been working on manipulating myself and other things and getting faster at it," she replied quietly. I pulled her into a brief hug, ending with a delicate kiss to her forehead.
"You did good Chloe. You saved us." She blushed under the statement but rolled her shoulders back, confidence slowly trickling into her expression. I tugged her along with me as I started for the end of the passageway, having momentarily forgotten about the rest of the team. I felt the burn of more than a dozen stares as we rounded the corner. "Well, what are we waiting for?" I questioned briskly, a gentle smile softening my tone.
"You heard her, let's go," Noah reiterated, clapping his hands quickly. He turned on his heel and began leading the team through the warren of alleys. A few blocks from the base we encountered a road block, set across the mouth of the side street and the main road. I counted twelve guards at the blockade while Noah reported a further five patrolling the area from his position on the roof. I crouched at the entrance and snuck a quick look at the twelve operatives bunched around the metal barrier. They seemed to be looking everywhere but at the passage we were occupying. A copper haired sentry with a slight belly and ugly sideburns cleared his throat and lifted his wrist to his mouth, speaking a few words into the device I guessed was there before lowering his arm with a smirk. I gasped as it clicked in my mind; they knew we were here.
"Up. On the roof now," I whispered back to the team and set to work boosting them towards a waiting Noah. I'd just swung the last remaining kid up when two guards barrelled into the alley; guns raised in front of them, eyes already focusing on me. I knew I wouldn't be able to get onto the roof in time and turned my attention to a different plan. Without thinking about it too much, I set off at a run and dived over the barrier, rolling into a crouch on the other side. Bullets pinged off the metal but thankfully didn't penetrate the barricade. The commotion drew the attention of the group of ops in the road and they all raised their guns in my direction. "Shit."
From a sprinters start, I ran flat out south along the road and ducked into an open doorway. I brushed past a disgruntled older man and bewildered woman; not pausing to apologise, instead I forced my legs to pump harder and crashed through the back door of the two story house. I heard the clatter of the guards following me and hoped this was enough of a diversion for the rest of the team to get around the blockade. I found myself in a small garden with a tiny greenhouse and chicken coop against the rear wall. Using the wooden hutch, I sprang over the brick wall and into another garden. I glanced either side of me and noted low wooden fences separating the properties. I took off to the left and vaulted over one hurdle after the other until I reached the end of the terrace.
In the street once again, I found myself vulnerable. Ahead of me was a restaurant, selling highly spiced food at a premium. I spotted the fire escape; the ladder hanging a good seven feet from the ground. I raced towards it, jumping enough to catch the bottom rung and pulled, using my forward momentum to swing past the ladder and keep going. With a metallic crunch the ladder fully extended and clicked into place as I rounded a corner and skidded into an alleyway lined with food bins. I prayed the ladder would be enough of a clue for them to think I was now on the roof and picked a path through the overflowing garbage to the end of the passage. At the T-junction I stopped to listen and heard three sets of heavy footsteps heading towards me, one from behind and two from either side. I spied a metal grate half a metre to my left.
"Double shit."
I heaved in a weary breath and launched myself at the sewer cover, wrenching it from the frame in my haste. A shout drew my attention and I glanced up to see guards on all sides. I managed to duck as a shot narrowly missed my shoulder and without waiting for him to try again, I slid into the hole; grabbing the iron pipe protruding from the wall before I could hit the shallow water. A chunk of concrete exploded next to me as another op fired at me and it was all I could do to swing hand-over-hand out of their line of sight. I heard a mumbled argument above me.
"Should we follow her?"
"Are you volunteering to go down there after her?"
"No, but-"
"Right then, shut up."
"But we can't leave her alive."
"Give her ten minutes with whatever is down there and she won't make it out alive. Job done."
I glared through the concrete and tarmac, hoping at least one of them could feel the fire in my eyes. I twisted to look up and down the tunnel, trying to decide the best direction to go in to be able to meet up with the rest of the Unit. Choosing a direction, I began swinging along the pipe again. After twenty metres I realised there was a steady splashing sound coming from below me and against my better judgement I glanced down to inspect the source of the noise. My stomach rolled as a lumbering, squat figure dragged itself through the squalid water; snout in the air as if reaching for me with the pointed appendage. With renewed vigour, I resumed swinging along the rusted tubing until I reached a cross junction in the line.
The rat like creature announced its presence with an almighty screech that had me pressing one hand to my ear as I sandwiched my other ear into my shoulder. After a few seconds it began shuffling around; sniffing in one direction then turning and repeating the movement. I heard the distant whispers of its comrades and decided I had to act quickly. I curled my legs up, planting them against the smooth, curved ceiling and pulled on the metal tube. With a deafening crack, the joints shattered and I was sent hurling towards the shallow water, and the creature.
I twisted in the air, landing on my hands and knees a foot from the dog-like rat and scrambled back to avoid its mouth as it snapped long, rotten teeth above my head. A stream of dirty water began pouring from the fracture pipe and distracted the beast long enough for me to jump forward and plant the corroded rod between its eyes. It jerked away from me and threw itself against the wall with a final squeal before crumpling in a heap. To my left the chirps and whistles of more creatures caught my attention and I glanced around, trying to figure out where I was. I mentally pictured the streets above my head and took off in the direction I was originally headed in. The water slowed me down slightly and I was aware of each splash as it echoed around me.
At the next intersection, I raced up the ladder and carefully lifted the manhole cover. When I was sure the coast was clear I jumped out the hole and slammed the heavy metal lid back down, obscuring the view of the animals as they tried furiously to continue pursuing their prey. I sprinted through the back alleys, trying to get back on track, and pulled up just short of our target. The building was still and calm, set back off the road and partially obscured by a low wall running around the perimeter. I spotted an alcove next to an emergency exit and squeezed into it just as someone rounded the corner, skidding to a halt a few metres from me. I heard several curses, whispered heatedly and recognised the voice immediately. I slipped out of the hiding spot quietly.
"Looking for me?" Noah spun round, surprise written plainly on his handsome face.
"Quinn? Don't do that dude. It's not cool!" I chuckled at his thinly veiled concern and stepped into his arms, accepting the quick hug. He tightened his grip briefly before coughing and letting me go. A low whistle captured my attention and Noah returned it with his own version. The rest of the unit snuck through alley and joined us, smiles lighting up their faces when they caught a glimpse of me.
"While I appreciated the scenic tour, let's just get this over with." They responded with a round of nods and scattered to take up their positions. I lead my team across the road and ducked behind the short brick wall, waiting a few minutes for Noah and his team to reach their point of entry. I gave a nod to Tina, still waiting with her team in the alley, indicating that we were ready to move. I caught Chloe's gaze and flashed her a quick smile before signalling for the team to move. We made it to the steel double doors untroubled and the lack of movement in and around the base set my nerves on edge.
"Go," I whispered and we burst through the doors. The atrium of the complex was silent until the shrill ringing of the alarm pierced the quiet and I knew Noah had accessed the rear of the building. I lead the team to the main corridor and ducked down to peek around the wall. I pulled back just as a spray of bullets tore into the metal and concrete of the wall and floor. Chloe shuffled up next to me and squeezed my arm before standing and marching around the corner. I shouted for her get back but it wasn't heard over the sound of guns being fired. I closed my eyes, expecting to hear the thud of her body hitting the ground but when silence filled the space I glanced up.
Chloe was stood with a mischievous grin on her face, her arms outstretched and not a scratch on her. My mind clicked back to the bomb in the alley and I smile despite myself. She took a cautious step forward and was rewarded with another round of bullets that passed straight through her and slammed into the floor, turning the patch of concrete into dust. I glanced around and recalled the schematics of the building. A plan in place in my head, I indicated for a pair of boys to follow me and for the rest of the team to stay put. We took a different hallway and I quickly explained my plan as we moved. The boys, thirteen with sky blue eyes and blond hair and fourteen with sandy brown hair and warm green eyes respectively, nodded along until we stopped. I peeped around the wall and smirked at the sight of ten guards looking at each in confusion, not understanding how they can shoot at the girl but not hit her. I gestured for the boys to go.
They crouched and edged forward quietly, moving until they were just behind the uniformed ops. I stood at the top of the corridor and waved Chloe forward. She gave no indication that she'd seen me but took a step forward all the same. She carried on walking through the hail of ammunition until she was a few feet from them. In that time I was able to slither behind the distracted guards and pull a knife from its sheath on the hip of an overweight, balding op. Another round of pops and bangs sounded as they opened fire on Chloe once more and, using the noise for cover, the two boys and I took out the back five guards; slitting their throats or snapping their necks. Quick and quiet. We slide back behind the wall, leaving the bodies on the floor. I watched as Chloe strode forward purposefully and passed straight through the guards, ducking back before they could turn and see me.
I grabbed the boys and we raced back around the atrium to find the rest of the team, briefing them in as few words as possible. In sync, we turned the corner and descended on the remaining ops while their backs were turned; fussing over their dead comrades. Before the last had even hit the floor we were off, taking any guns and ammo we could find and moving rapidly to meet with Noah and split to search the interior of the building. The unease I had felt earlier returned with each silent room we passed. I asked Chloe to snatch a look into as many as possible and she reported them all empty.
We found Noah and his team a few turns later. The relief on all our faces that we hadn't lost anyone was evident. Noah handed out the orders and we split up. My team took the left side of the building and we methodically searched each room and corridor we came across until we hit a wall of tangy scent. I indicated for the kids to step back and I approached the door in front of us. The smell grew more pronounced the closer I moved and I struggled to identify the familiar odour. It was metallic and almost spicy but somehow repulsive. I pulled one of the ops guns from the waist band of my cargos and checked the amount of bullets in the clip. Satisfied, I reached for the handle and twisted, pushing the solid steel door open. The stench hit me in the stomach and I swallowed down the bile forcing its way up my throat as I recognised the scent; blood.
The room was dimly lit by a few scattered lanterns; the only illuminated area was a rectangle of floor where the light from the hallway was spilling in. Even in the hazy light I could make out the shimmer of deep scarlet liquid pooling in the middle of the room and running into a few drains built into the tiles. As I stepped fully into the room the florescent tubes flickered to life overheard, bathing the space in bright white light and allowing me to see the horror scene laid out. Hundreds of bodies were piled up, from the back of the room, following the curve round, to fill about half the room. I stumbled as my knee gave way and winced as I felt the blood seeping through my thin trousers.
"Hello Lucy Quinn. It's been a while." A shiver crawled up my spine, trailing a tingle of ice across my skin. The voice was so familiar, even though I hadn't heard it for many years. I slowly swivelled my gaze to the right to see The Minister, perched on a plastic chair, indifferent to the death surrounding him. "I was wondering how long it would take you to get here. That was the only question. How long. I never questioned that it would be you." I planted my hands on the floor, ignoring the slick blood coating them and pushed back, forcing my knees to lock and take my weight.
"You murdered them?" My voice was hard, cold; so different to the emotions raging through my trembling body. "Why?"
"You think I'd allow you to add to the little army? You have already stolen enough of my flock. You shall have no more." My hand clamped over my mouth thoughtlessly, smearing crimson over my lips and chin. I flinched away and tried to spit out the copper taste on my tongue.
"So you killed them? Slaughtered them like animals? Their lives really meant that little to you?" Bitter anger trickled into my tone. He chuckled quietly and spread his hands out, palm facing the grey ceiling.
"How little you truly know. Their lives mean everything to me. To die by the hands of God, pure and untainted. Their souls have been saved." Another shiver tore through me at the fanatical gleam in his watery blue eyes. He actually believed that his despicable act had been justified.
"You're insane," I whispered incredulously. He raised a greying, bushy eyebrow and shook his head.
"No, child. I am not." He stood and, without looking down, skirted the glimmering pool of blood; stopping inches from me. I could smell the fetid stench of his foul breath and turned my head away. "There is no need to be scared, my child. Repent and God will welcome you with open arms." He spread his arms again and I understood. He believed he was God. Resolve settled in my chest and I let him embrace me, disregarding the scratchy material of his black tunic and the feeling of worms beneath my skin. Instead, I angled the weapon in my hand and gently squeezed the trigger. The crack seemed to echo in the small room but it couldn't conceal the ragged breath the aging man blew through clenched teeth. He stepped back, eyes boring into mine with barely concealed surprise.
"I hope God sends you to hell where you belong," I hissed angrily. A small smile tugged at his thin lips briefly before he grimaced and fell to his knees.
"I shall see your abhorrent little army there. You should have known better than to leave them unattended and unguarded. Poor misguided children, may you find a home in the kingdom of God." A quiet chuckle escaped his throat before quickly dissolving into a flurry of crackling coughs. Pink spittle flew from his mouth and landed near my feet as I let his words sink in. A surge of panic rushed through me at the implications and I left the man in his chamber of death to die.
"Noah?" I screamed as I raced from the room and into the corridor. He appeared a second later, alarm plain on his face. "We need to get back to the shelter. They're going after the kids."
A/N2: Apparently I really like cliff hangers. Sorry about that. :D