Episode 86: Savage Dog

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"…This is a bad time for a joke" spoke a ghostly voice, "Epically a bad one" spoke another, with those echoing words Dallas shot forward covered from head to toe in sweat despite the room being chilled, he breathed heavily as he grabbed his head, "You okay" asked Tony as she turned over and face him, Dallas didn't even look at her as he stood up walking towards the bathroom, Tony was confused as she touched where he'd been laying and found it drenched, Dallas triggered the motion sensor light and looked at himself in the mirror, Tony stood up, Despite Hardy gifting her, Dallas hadn't done anything to her and refused to sleep in the same room if she wasn't wearing anything and she was dressed in fluffy pyjamas, she stepped towards him as he turned on the tap and began splashing cold water in his face, "Dallas" she asked but Dallas didn't respond, "there not watching us you don't need to act like a prick all the time" said Tony as she started changing the bed, "Act normal" she added as she threw the soaked sheet "Whats normal" said Dallas as he watched the cold water drip off his face, "This face is a stranger to me" he added as he splashed more water in his face, Tony started to get scared as she moved towards him again, "You need to rest, if you lose today Hardy will…" she started but remembering the abuse she'd suffered from him time and again she stopped talking "I won't" said Dallas as he wiped his face and walking towards her, he stopped next to her and looked down at her, "You're scared" he asked, Tony looked away saying "Of course I'm scared, its like you don't fucking realise the danger we're both in", Dallas didn't know why he was there, Tony assumed that he was just in fear of Hardy but she was beginning to doubt that, "I don't care about the danger" said Dallas as he walked back to the bed, Tony shook her head "You're un believable, how can you not care if he kills you or worse" she said turning around to face him adding "I mean this is serious shit" Dallas looked up at her as he growled "Because I don't care about what happens to me", Tony couldn't believe who was in front of him, Dallas laid back on the bed looking at the bright white ceiling, he began staring into space, when suddenly he felt something on his chest, but before he could look down he saw Tony laying over him, "Shhhh" she said placing her finger over his mouth "do you like me" she asked, Dallas looked at her blankly almost like he was annoyed by what she was doing "Does it matter" he responded, Tony just rested her head on his chest "God you're weird" she said but affectionately, "I mean thinking the day repeated itself, seriously you act like an idiot sometimes" she added with a small laugh, Dallas just kept staring into space as Tony grabbed the remote for the light turning it off and grabbing Dallas's arm to place over her.

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Adam sat in front of the Toyota a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and welding goggles over his eyes, he was focusing on welding a thick metal to the frame, when he heard the door open, he turned off the blow torch and grabbed his anaconda and pulled back the hammer,
"No need to be trigger happy" said Evelyn, Adam rolled his eyes and tucked the revolver back into his trousers, "you seem pissed" she added as Adam threw down his goggles, "Yeah no shit" he replied as he walked over to a mini fridge, "Latest attack was a shit show" he said grabbing a bottle of beer, "I mean what the hell were you doing" asked Adam getting suspicious, Evelyn merely folded her arms and answered "I got defeated they always seem to have some trick up their sleeves", Adam looked at her like he didn't buy it but he chucked a bottle to her, "When you next going to check on the project" asked Adam as he returned to the Toyota and opened the door pressing in the cigarette lighter, "Tonight, need to check progress don't we" she said with a laugh before rubbing her chin "Why not join me" she said, Adam rolled his eyes and scoffed, "Because I'm busy working on the counter measure" he responded patting the steering wheel, Evelyn moved towards him slowly, she noticed how Adam was becoming a powder keg of anger, almost like not having his nemesis was stopping him from venting his anger, "You sure you're okay" she said teasing him, but he just turned his eyes towards her, "I will burn you with this if you ask me again" he added holding up the lighter before putting it back into the car, "We best head back, don't want Delmas thinking more students are doing a runner" said Adam grinning.

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Saturday morning and with the new changes there were no classes, however some students were still up early ready to enjoy their free time to the maximum, but whilst it was cheerful outside despite the cold inside Delmas's office the mood was less than cheerful, Delmas was looking outside with his jacket over his chair, he was joined by Father Mulcahy, Claudius, Jim and Kidd,
"I'm getting tired of having to call these meetings about student behaviour" said Delmas as he returned to his chair, Mulcahy spoke up, "Well I've found them for the most part to be kind and civil" he said in his soft spoken way, "Yeah in the church, you should see some of them in class" said Jim folding his arms, Claudius looked bored out of his mind, "I've found discipline seems to command their attention" he said rubbing his chin, before he noticed Jim staring at his scar whom as soon as he was spotted started casually whistling "it's barely been 2 weeks and attendance has already reached a new low" said Delmas grabbing the attendance records, Kidd stepped forward "Its mostly from the college students, they see it as optional given most live off campus, we talk to them not their parents" he said but Delmas shook his head unable to comprehend what he was hearing "Not just that but once again one particular trouble has managed to flare up again" said Delmas sitting down, Claudius huffed and said "Alcoholism, wouldn't blame you with how half the students are" with a grin and chuckle, Delmas shot daggers towards him but chose to not respond, "Dallas Marshal" said Delmas, this caused Jim and Kidd to sigh having already dealt with his notable absences the previous year, "I have noticed his absence from my class since the start of the year" said Claudius leaning forward suddenly taking attention, "Did he even apply maybe he transferred to another school" said the priest always the optimist, Delmas shook his head and held it in his hands, "He's no family that can legally do that, nor a guardian Father" said Delmas as he sulked back in his chair, "I say we go to the authorities" suggested Jim, Kidd nodded in agreement adding "He may be in trouble", Delmas looked at the two sports teachers, before reaching for his phone, "May I make an alternative suggestion" said Mulcahy, Delmas stopped what he was doing, "I may have another way than the police to find him, and if it fails we can still go to the police" he answered looking at his fellow staff, "Father I'm not sure…" started Delmas but he was cut off as Claudius said "What did you have in mind father", Mulchay smiled at the support from the usually grumpy and non-friendly teacher "I know a… well a Private Investigator, he might be able to help, and it'll stop it affecting young Dallas's life if it is nothing" explained the Priest, Delmas looked at him confused and with a face of 'I can't be humouring this idea' but then Claudius smiled saying "Sounds like a better plan the police" Delmas looked towards the teacher, Jim and Kidd were a little scared to say anything "at least for now" he added, Delmas sunk back into his chair, "Okay give it a shot" he said practically defeated Mulchay smiled and said "bless you" before reaching for the phone.

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With Aelita spending most of her nights helping Jeremie with the new Virtualization code to get them into sector 5, Ulrich and Yumi finally had the chance to spend the night together, Yumi woke up first and because of the small bed she had to sleep cuddled up to her boyfriend which she wasn't going to complain about, she purred as she listened to his chest,
"I could get used to this" she said, then she heard a chuckle saying "so could I", she smacked Ulrich's arm causing him to yelp "How long have been awake" she said looking up at him, "Long enough to get comfortable" he said causing Yumi to both laugh and slap his arm again "Oww" he said jokingly, before smiling and kissing the top of her head, "We should get up" he added looking at his watch, but Yumi rolled onto his chest and held him down kissing his neck, "Well Odd and William are in the Gym, and Mr and Mrs Einstein are probably still working, so I'd say we've got time to ourselves" Said Yumi as she pulled away from the kiss, Ulrich kissed her lips as his hands started to wander down to Yumi's rear and squeezed it, "Cheeky" she added beginning to rub herself over him, Ulrich smiled and began kissing her neck, "we should stop before things go to far" said Ulrich removing his hands thinking about the last time the two had, had sex, "Ulrich" said Yumi sitting up a little disappointed, Ulrich shot forward looking at her "is this going to be an issue for us going forward" she added folding her arms, Ulrich looked away "I dunno look what happened the last time" he responded, Yumi reached and held his shoulder but she felt how upset he was, they both knew that things were complicated beyond fixing but she didn't want to lose him because of it, "Come here" she said laying him down on her legs "Smile" she said, Ulrich still frowned slightly prompting Yumi to tickle him causing him to laugh "Stop" he laughed trying to stop her, "Stop okay I'll smile" he said but Yumi started teasing him "I can't hear you" she added causing Ulrich to laugh even more, "I'LL SMILE" he said practically shouting, Yumi grinned and poked his nose "I knew you would" she said chuckling before kissing him and tickling him again causing both of them to laugh.

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William threw a right hook into the punching bag and Odd did his best to absorb the blow, it was training for both of them as Odd being the scrawny was learning to hold his ground despite heavy blows, William had been in the Gym every day for since school started again,
"Are you trying to hurt me" said Odd half chuckling half winded, William smiled and said "Maybe" causing his friend to roll his eyes, Odd looked around making sure they weren't being over heard as they moved towards the bench, "Do you Think Evelyn was telling the truth" asked Odd as he grabbed his bottle of water and tossing the other to William who shook his head, "Like XANA would hand us something so simple and easy" he said as he took a massive gulp of water, Odd slumped his shoulders as he put the lid back on, "it'd be nice if we could catch a break" he added before he grabbed Williams boxing gloves and bagging them, before grabbing his weight lifting gloves "I'm still surprised you're helping" said William as he gloved himself up, Odd laughed and rolled his eyes "It's either be bored by Mr and Mrs Einstein" he started as they moved towards some weights "Or the sexual tension between Ulrich and Yumi" added William causing his friend to both feel ill and wanna laugh, then they heard an annoying voice "Well, well, well" said Sissi as she walked in with Nicholas and Hector in tow, "Damn no Ulrich" she added as she stood dressed in tight sweet pants and an even tighter sports bra, "I dressed up for nothing" she said before moving towards the Boxing ring with Nicholas looking scared "I'm shocked she hasn't got Adam doing this, or even you Hector" said Odd, but the Latina teen shook his head "Oh no, I'm not the physical type" he said as he held his hands back behind him, Odd and William laughed as Sissi threw one gloved punch at Nicholas who despite having padding on still managed to get hurt with a bloody nose, "Pathetic" said another voice, the three standing watching turned around to see a red haired girl of average build with pale skin looking at events in the ring, "I could do better" she said before moving towards the ring and grabbing the gear off Nicholas "Go wipe off period face" she added causing Hector to laugh as Nicholas walked out of the ring holding his nose, "Theirs some tissues and an ice pack in my bag" said Odd feeling slightly sorry for the skinny idiot, Sissi threw another punching expecting the same outcome but she felt more pressure from the red haired girls arm almost like it was met by a punch, "Come on I'm the one throwing the punches" Said Sissi, but the girl responded "Call that a punch" mockingly before throwing her arms with the padding causing Sissi to scream and duck, with anyone who was watching holding their signs laughing, except for Nicholas who when he laughed hurt his bleeding nose even more.

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Jeremie had once again been toiling away through the night with as per the usual result barely any progress, every test run he conducted had failed with varying levels of results, he was close to pulling out his hair after numerous failures,
"I swear this is going to be the death of me" he said slamming his head into the desk, Aelita stood up bringing him a cup of coffee "Don't say that" she said leaning forward and looking at his work "Well you've made some progress" she said, Jeremie sunk back into his chair when he accidently got a small peak of her legs causing him to turn bright red, "oh boy" he said under his breath before looking away, "Anything wrong" asked Aelita moving away from the computer, "nothing don't worry just tired" said Jeremie lying through his teeth, Aelita despite now knowing how to be human again wasn't developmentally old enough to understand romance and crushes, despite being 15 years older than she actually was, "If you're sure" she said smiling at him, which despite all good intentions for Jeremie didn't help him looking like a tomato.

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Hector was holding an ice pack to his friends nose as Adam and Evelyn had joined Sissi's group in the cafeteria Adam had been unable to stop laughing at Nicholas's swollen nose and even more at the fact Sissi had caused it,
"It's not funny you know" said Nicholas in severe pain, Adam hunched over holding his sides "then why am I laughing" he said, whilst across the room the warriors had regrouped whilst eating breakfast, Ulrich and Yumi were leaning away from him because of how much he stunk having thus far been able to shower from his gym session, "Deodorant was invented that wasn't something I dreamt" said Ulrich jokingly waving in front of his nose, William laughed and flipped him off "I'd like to see you up at the crack of dawn" he said with a laugh, Yumi shook her head as she took a gulp of water, Jeremie looked aside with the others noticing his obvious attempt to not have one of his many looks they'd all come to recognise over the past 2 years, "What're you thinking" asked Odd digging into his 2nd breakfast of the day, "No…nothing" said Jeremie trying to unsuccessfully hide what he was thinking about, "Jeremie we know when you're lying" said Aelita, Jeremie sunk into his chair, "I don't think I'm making any progress towards the sector 5 program" he said, Aelita grabbed his shoulder, "I'm sure you'll get it in no time Einstein" said Yumi as she passed her left overs to Odd, suddenly they were interrupted as a large gentlemen approached them, no one knew who he was, standing at an impressive 6'2 with a bolding head surrounded with sandy red hair, and a body built with a mixture of muscle and fat he was dressed in a nice suit sans tie and the top button undone "Can we help you" asked Ulrich politely slightly scared by the stature of the man, "You may" he replied revealing his Bostonian accent, he pulled up a chair and sat down in front of the warriors who immediately started to get a little worried, "Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Charles Emerson Winchester" he said without the formality of extending his hand for anyone to take, "The 4th" he added impressing no one at the table, the warriors remained silent out of confusion more than anything else, "I'll start us off shall I" he said before pulling out some spectacles that look almost too small for his head and lacked a top frame, "I'm a PI, that means Private Investigator, here looking into the disappearance of one Marshal, Dallas" he said, suddenly the mood at the table shifted considerably "the facts are that he's not been since the end of the last school year" he added looking at the others, Jeremie spoke up "We haven't seen him since then" he said hoping to dissuade Charles, "well I've been told on good authority you'd have been the last to see him" he replied before pulling out a small package with Dallas's boots, trousers and jumper inside, the jumper and trousers looked in a worse state than which they'd last seen them, the trousers had gotten off lightly with a large tear along the left knee and a small one on the same knee but on the inside of the leg, the jumper though was covered in dirt and had numerous cuts and looked like it was on its last legs, "after a brief bit of investigation I found this in a ditch, damn near ruined my trousers acquiring them" said Charles placing the bag on the table, Yumi somewhat instinctively grabbed the bag, "help yourself" said Charles sarcastically as he returned to his notes, "From what I can gather from the staff he's been missing for roughly 4 months, have any of you seen him since then" he asked looking around specifically eyeing up Jeremie, but they all remained silent until Jeremie spoke up, "I didn't see him leave he didn't even leave a note" he said, Charles looked at him and after a couple of seconds noted down what the young boy had said "No note" said Charles punctuating his notes, he then stood up "that's all I needed for now" he said before looking at Yumi, "You may keep the bag, Gentleme-e-en" he said as he departed snobbishly, the warriors and half the canteen watched as he walked out, "what was that about" asked Yumi confused as she clutched to the bag.

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"I can't sodding believe this" said Ulrich as he paced back and forth in Jeremie's room; Jeremie sat at his desk facing the others with his arms folded, "What do you expect, he goes missing they were bound to injure" said Jeremie trying to remain calm although it was clear everyone was like a powder keg, "Ulrich you need to…" started Yumi but Ulrich shook his head "We need to find him Yumi, we need to bring him home" he said getting Angry, "Calm down we don't know where to start" said Aelita as she stood up to help Yumi who was clearly on the verge of tears, William rubbed the back of his head "We have one idea though" he said, Odd looked towards him "You can't be serious, its probably a trap, set by XANA" he said, Ulrich's closed his hand like a fist almost like he was gonna punch the wall, "I'm going, with or without you guys" said Ulrich as he looked at his wrists and Dallas's blades, "Ulrich that's Suicide" said Jeremie standing up and grabbing his friends arm, but Ulrich didn't care as he started moving towards the door, "you're not going alone" said Yumi as she grabbed Ulrich's hand, she expected to feel his anger but instead she could feel it wasn't anger but sadness that had mutated into aggression towards himself, it was one that had been building for months and it was finally at boiling point, "If you're going" said Odd standing up, "We're all going" finished Aelita, Ulrich wanted to thank them but he couldn't help but stare into space, "we better be prepared" said Jeremie as he grabbed Ulrich's wrist blade and strapped it one to his arm, "I can't ask you to risk yourselves for a family matter" said Ulrich without looking at them in a near growl like his son, Jeremie smiled and said "When it comes to Dallas we're all his family".

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With his knuckles getting more and more bloodied with each punch Dallas felt close to nothing as he stained his boxing bag, he spun kicked it and then repeatedly punched it before he felt something grab his arm,
"That's enough you idiot" said the female voice, Dallas looked at Tony before looking at his blood soaked hands, "I doubt that's the first time they've been like that" she said as she pulled him away to begin cleaning them, "not the first it's my own either" he said as she washed away the blood, Tony shook her head she had assumed they were just scuffs and broken skin but she was shocked as they were pretty deep cuts from the repeated rough punches, "You need to be careful" she said before beginning to bandage his hand but he moved his hands away, "are you crazy you…" started Tony but then she froze up as she heard a distinctive clap that made her scared to her core, "the Savage dog likes to be rough" said Hardy as he stumbled towards the sofa sitting down, he was shattered from his trip, he looked at Tony who for the first time in a while was moderately dressed, he was almost disgusted at the sight of her covered up, "How was the girl, I hope you enjoyed your gift this time" said Hardy trying to provoke a reaction from either, Dallas looked at him and growled "Does it matter", Hardy laughed and slapped his knee saying "you don't play kiss and tell then", Dallas found himself un-amused as he noticed how scared she was, Hardy found himself entertained as he stood up, "Your fight is tonight best not disappoint me" he said before grabbing Tony's chin "Or she'll suffer for it" he added but yelped as Dallas grabbed his wrist and pulled it away, "She's mine" he said letting go, Hardy first looked angry but he suddenly broke into laughter, "You're full of surprises aren't you" he said before walking away.

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John and Oleg were sitting out of fear they spent their day off in the club, Oleg looked at the ring and gulped his coffee,
"How much you betting tonight" he asked with a laugh, "Next week's wage on the Boss's boy" said John as he drank his water, "Mainly if I bet against the Boss he'll probably take my eye out" he added which got him a look from Oleg as he tapped the side of his face, "Sorry" he said, then they heard a laugh "Gentlemen" said Hardy as he walked over and signalled for one of the waitresses, "Boss we didn't…" started Oleg, but Hardy waved his hand and chuckled "You two are off duty" he added as the waitress came over, "Coffee strong" he said before looking at his lieutenants "I'm assuming you two know about my little trip" he asked, Oleg laughed and said "Bring us anything nice", Hardy smiled as he was handed his coffee, "Yeah my moody arse" he replied causing John to awkwardly chuckle, "The Yakuza want him" said Hardy as he took a long sip of his pick me up, "der'mo ty shutish'" said Oleg as he leant forward shocked with John sitting opened mouth "You're not serious boss" he asked, Hardy looked at both of them, "I want heightened security as soon as possible, they make an attempt against him or us" he said as she stood up patting them both on the back, "Enjoy your day off and enjoy the fight" he added before walking off.

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Adam sat in the canteen by himself; whilst XANA could reconstruct any damage that he suffered long nights were a physiological issue which wasn't something that XANA could fix and as such he had a large cup of coffee with him as a pick me up, he sank back onto the chair
"Fuckin XANA" he said as he yawned before grabbing his now empty cup, "Son of a…" he started but another cup was placed in front of him, he looked up to see the red haired girl who'd been in the ring with Sissi earlier, "Do I know you" he asked looking up at her close to falling asleep, "I know you" she said as she sat down next to him, "You had your arse kicked last year didn't you during the tournament" she said, Adam was ready to get angry but then he noticed she was saying it in a flirting tone, "Yeah, I gave it my all" he responded grabbing his new cup of coffee, "Whats your name" he asked looking at her, she was dressed in a very causal suit styled outfit with a faded brown colour, "Maybe you want an autograph" he added jokingly taking a sip of his coffee, "Yeah maybe you could scratch it into my back" she said teasingly causing Adam to spit out his drink, "Its Hannah by the way" she said with a chuckle, Adam shook his head as he wiped his mouth.

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"Gentleme-e-en" said Winchester as he walked into Delmas office passing Carter as he exited leaving just Delmas, Jim, Kidd and Mulcahy in the room, "You really do look like your father" said the elderly priest with a smile, Winchester gave a small smile seeing him, Delmas looked at the father, "You two know each other" he asked confused at the causal talk, "Well I…" started Mulcahy but he was cut off as Winchester sat down "The Father here christened me and served a year in Korea with my father the late Charles Emerson Winchester the third" he said crossing his legs, Mulcahy suddenly felt sad "Right then" said Delmas as he looked at the PI, "Any progress" he asked, Winchester smiled with joy of his work as he pulled out his notes, "As requested I interviewed the closest people to the missing person so far I've been able to ascertain that he's gone missing and from initial reactions I can rule out one person in the case" said Winchester as he looked at the others, "The Japanese girl, Ishiyama was it" he added asking, Delmas nodded "I don't wish to believe they have anything to do with it" he said looking away, he knew that when Dallas was admitted to Kadic he was alone and Jeremie took him in, "How long can you keep on this case" he asked looking at Winchester, the PI returned to his notes, "I'm due to return to Boston from my vacation in a few days, I've cut it short as a personal favour to a family friend" said Winchester as he stood up, "Korea that was a long time ago" said Kidd as he folded his arms, Jim looked at him and asked "You were there", Kidd gave him a confused look before mouthing "What" before Jim looked away embarrassed, "I'll keep on this until my departure" Said Winchester standing up before turning away departing the same way he arrived "Gentleme-e-n" he said.

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Tony wrapped Dallas's hands with the white bandages making sure they were covered, almost to the point he would be unable to move his fingers, she looked at him as he starred into space, she looked at him like he was an empty shell, like something was missing from him, she knelt down and finished on his feet, making sure his ankles were wrapped up the same,
"You ready" she asked but Dallas didn't respond, the two had moved down to the club floor ready for the fight, with a knock at the Door Dallas stood up and walked towards it, "The Boss said you need to be ready" said one of the many security men as he walked away, outside the club the warriors looked at the exterior, it was busy and packed with many people dressed smartly almost like attending an award ceremony "This the place" said William as he looked confused, they'd not expected anything of his sort, "I mean if this is a trap, it's pretty elaborate" said Jeremie as he rubbed his chin, Yumi grabbed Ulrich's arm scared, "What do you think" she asked but Ulrich remained silent, "I can only imagine the fancy food they have in there" said Odd as he licked his lips causing the others to look at him, Aelita rolled her eyes then she noticed something, "Maybe it is a trap" she said pointing as Evelyn walked into the building holding the chin of one the security guards in a flirting manor, "Okay we need to think of a plan before we…" started Jeremie but Ulrich started moving forward, "Ulrich what're…" started Yumi as she moved after him, "Shit" muttered Jeremie as they followed after him, inside Hardy was sitting in his private booth he was joined by another crime boss, the woman was dressed in a suit with onside of her head shaved and hair down to her shoulder, "You made it" said Hardy in a joking tone as he clapped and offered a glass of scotch, "Of course, with most of your fighters in the hospital I wanted to see the miracle that you had" she said accepting the glass, "I didn't expect a child though Hardy" she added taking a large gulp, "Jessica, you should know I've always got an ace up my sleeve" he replied with a small laugh, before looking at the empty ring, "Besides the Savage dog is something I've never seen before, a true raging feral" he added before pouring himself another cup.

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Avalanche as he was known walked towards the ring, he was 6'5 and was covered in muscles, clearly twice the weight of Dallas, with a bold head and a large beard he was lacking any tattoos he stepped into the ring with a roar from the audience, the Warriors stood at one of the desks watching the crowd,
"I have a bad feeling about this" said Jeremie as he looked about seeing if his fears weren't confirmed, "Oh shit, is that" he added, then the others except Ulrich spotted Carter, "What the fuck is he doing here" said William as he held his head down, "He can't know about Dallas, I mean they've never met have they" asked Aelita, but then the announcer walked into the ring, "Now for the new defending champion, Please welcome THE SAVAGE DOG" he announced, suddenly the applause became deafening, to the point that Ulrich couldn't hear the ringing in his ear, "Jeremie" said Aelita as she grabbed his arm in fear, "don't tell me" said William then the doors next to where the warriors were opened and with the sound of clanging church bells the crowd roared again, "D…" started Yumi as she was close to tears, Ulrich's face turned from rage to shock as Dallas walked past them, Ulrich was about to reach out to his son, but Dallas didn't even react as he passed them, not even like he was ignoring them, but like they didn't exist, Tony followed after Dallas "Whose that" asked Odd but William shrugged his shoulders they were all in shock at what they were seeing, Dallas stepped into the ring and looked at the challenger, Avalanche looked around confused "This is a kid" he asked looking at Jessica and Hardy, but they didn't respond, leaving him more confused.

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"FIGHT" shouted the announcer as he got out of the way as fast as he could, the two moved forward "Listen I don't want to hurt a…" started Avalanche but Dallas swung his arm and smacked the large fighter in the face "That's it you little shit" he said, Avalanche grabbed Dallas and lifted him off the ground throwing him onto the ring floor back first but Dallas rolled and was back on his feet and jumping at Avalanche planting both his feet one after the other into his chest and knocking him backwards into the ropes, the large fighter threw his arm outwards smacking Dallas in the head with a break neck pace knocking him backwards onto the floor with enough power to flip him over, Dallas started to get up before Avalanche stomped violently onto Dallas's back causing his mouth to erupt with blood staining the ring floor, "YEAH" shouted Avalanche as he raised both his arms into the air, Dallas shook his head spitting out the last of the blood before standing up, the warriors looked around as the crowd cheered, Dallas began to move forward when suddenly Avalanche round house kicked him, no one predicted a man of his stature was as nimble Dallas fell down again suddenly with a shake of his head Jeremie began to panic, "Oh shit" he said, Aelita looked at him and was barely able to ask "What" before Dallas was already on his feet and with a small charge Dallas grabbed Avalanche by his legs and in a rugby tackle lifted him up for a few seconds before the two fell to the ground, Avalanche was taken off guard before Dallas suddenly began to punch his face both rapidly and repeatedly, savage groans emanated from Dallas as his fists began to cut open his opponents face before Avalanche managed to bring his legs up and shove Dallas off again with enough force sending him into the corner with a loud thud, the giant fighter stood up his face bleeding from the cuts but he was undeterred, "Come on then" said Avalanche moving forward but Dallas threw a left hook connecting with the opposite side of his opponents face before throwing a right hook into his stomach, Avalanche groaned as Dallas threw another blow, he quickly blocked before grabbing Dallas by the torso and pulling him down and throwing his knees up, landing two successive blows into his face before Dallas jumped curling his legs and kicking outwards knocking him away, the smaller of the two stood up and they faced each other bloody and beaten before they began to circle the ring ready for the other to make the next move, Dallas then looked down and noticed the tell what he'd been waiting for, Avalanche charged and Dallas took his opportunity and ran forward using his opponent's knee as a platform he planted his foot before raising his knee into Avalanches jaw, with a bloody Grin and his opponent stunned Dallas jumped with a superman punch and connected his fist with the already injured Jaw, Avalanche would have screamed if his jaw wasn't broken, regardless he charged forward, Dallas jumped and spun kicked him in the head before dropping and doing another spin kick taking his opponent's legs out, and like a building he fell smacking into the floor, Dallas looked at him as he began to get back up, with his face covered in blood he growled before spinning and guyver kicking Avalanche hard enough to both knock him out and visibly dislocate the already broken jaw, Dallas looked up at the light's in the ceiling before he flipped onto his feet and walked towards the edge of the ring, ignoring all the cheer from the crowd and Hardy from his latest payday, Tony grabbed a bottle of water and squirted it onto Dallas's face, "Hold still" she said but Dallas ignored her as he moved towards the bar and sat down, Tony then sprayed more water grabbing the towel to wipe his face down.

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Evelyn sat down having been bought another drink from the latest of several eager gentlemen when she noticed the warriors standing and deliberating about what they needed to do, Jeremie held his head in his hand as he shook it,
"He's too aggressive, he's entered the anger stage, I'm not sure…" he started but Ulrich turned around and looked at him, "he's coming home, I dunno what he's doing here, but it needs to end" he responded, Odd looked up from his food, "shouldn't we go talk to him, maybe he's missed us" he said with his mouth full of nachos, "You think he'd have returned to Kadic" said William as he wiped down his shirt, "what do you think Ulrich" said Yumi as she looked at her boyfriend but he remained silent "Ulrich" she said tugging his arm, he turned and looked at her, "Lets go over" he said in a growl like tone, the others started to follow, "No just us" said Yumi looking back at them, Jeremie rolled his eyes in frustration but Aelita grabbed his shoulder "It's a family matter now Jeremie" she said, Dallas sat at the bar drinking more J&B scotch as he seemed unfazed by all the pain he was in
"Does it not hurt" asked Tony as she sat next to him, but he didn't respond, "That was a good fight" said a voice he didn't recognise, Tony turned around to see Yumi and Ulrich standing there, "I wouldn't he doesn't do autographs, and his people skills are a bit… they leave to be desired" she said, but Yumi didn't listen she looked at his back scars, she was confused as to how they'd formed, Ulrich just starred at his son somewhat angrily "Dallas come on" she said, Dallas looked up and turned around facing them, "Haven't you been having this temper tantrum long enough" said Ulrich putting his foot down, Dallas looked at him and muttered words that killed both his parents "Who're you" he asked, Yumi felt like her heart stopped, "Dallas come on don't act like that we get you're angry at us but…" started Yumi but Dallas cut her off as he looked at her saying "I dunno who you are" he stood up about to walk away, "Dallas will you listen to us" said Ulrich grabbing his arm, Dallas turned back and suddenly there were a load of flashes in his head before he smacked the back of his hand onto his forehead and practically froze up, "WHATS GOING ON" said John as he and Oleg moved over, Dallas looked at his parents confused but still not recognising them, Hardy moved over for once not his usual jovial self "Anything wrong" he said passively causing Tony to move behind Dallas, no one answered him, "whats on here" asked Hardy, Dallas looked at Ulrich and Yumi making sure to note them, "These people are bothering you're fighter" said Oleg as he was about to escort the two out, "No" said Dallas, Yumi looked at her son with hope, "Do as he says" said Hardy, Oleg reluctantly backed away looking at the two, "You" said Dallas pointing at Ulrich, "In the ring" he added, Hardy laughed and said "you're joking, you've already had one…" but then he realised Dallas was dead serious and he didn't want to get on his bad side, "okay this will be fun" he said instead as he moved away, "I win he's coming with us" said Ulrich, Yumi grabbed her partners arm scared "Ulrich you…" she started But Ulrich shook her off as he kicked off his shoes and pulled his shirts off and moved towards the ring.

(=======================================================================)

The desert sector was empty, both agents were on earth, and the warriors were preoccupied, sitting in the north east area of the sector a tower became activated with XANA's growl consuming the area, the blue hue faded away replaced by the red one, and in the factory all 5 scanners closed before shortly opening letting fog exit into the factory room, followed by a buzzing noise that the warriors had grown to hate.

(=======================================================================)

Yumi nervously moved back towards the other warriors as Ulrich stood in the corner of the ring, Aelita noticed how scared the older girl was and moved to hug her,
"Yumi whats going on" asked Jeremie as he watched Dallas step onto the top rope and front flip into the ring, "Dallas, he's…" she started but couldn't even think of the words, "He still upset" asked Odd as he passed Yumi some napkins, but she shook her head, "what then" asked William then they heard a voice that they didn't want to hear but more than expected to, "Worked it out yet" said Evelyn as she put down a tray of water bottles and a single cup of whiskey, "What do you want" asked Aelita as she stood in front of Yumi trying to be protective, Evelyn chuckled at the sight, "Believe it or not I'm on your side here" she said grabbing her cup, "We won't" said Jeremie as he examined the bottles before opening one of them, "He doesn't remember you" said Evelyn as she looked at the ring "or me to that matter which I find insulting" she added taking a gulp of her drink, Jeremie put his arm behind his back and extended the blade being careful not to catch his own hand, "Why should we trust you" he asked, Evelyn put down her glass and turned to face him leaving the nerd with a face full of cleavage which made Aelita both frustrated and jealous "Because Adam spent his entire break trying to find Dallas, but couldn't locate him" she said with a grin, Jeremie looked away as red as a tomato "XANA didn't plan for him or any of you to find out" said Evelyn as she looked in Carters direction as he watched Ulrich standing in the corner, the remaining audience were getting ready for the 2nd fight, "Well be bloody found out didn't we and then he pisses off for 3 months" said William getting angry, Evelyn looked towards him and sarcastically said "Well it's your fault for telling him, XANA didn't plan for him to flip out" she started moving away having gotten fed up with them, "If you didn't spend two years putting him through hell, killing him practically every day it wouldn't have fucking happened" said Yumi breaking silence and getting angry, Evelyn smiled and said "I guess it runs in the family" as she walked away.

(=======================================================================)

Carter looked at the ring he was shocked as he saw Ulrich standing in it, he rubbed his chin as he noted that he wasn't dressed for any fighting,
"Does he know I'm here, and to that matter whats he doing here" said Carter as he began to make a note of Ulrich's presence, the announcer walked into the ring holding the microphone, "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THANK YOU FOR YOU PATIENCE, IN THIS CORNER OUR DEFENDING CHAMPION, SAVAGE DOG" causing the crowd to cheer, the announcer moved towards Ulrich and covered the microphone "What do you wanna be called" he asked, but Ulrich remained silent and the announcer shrugged, "IN THIS CORNER THE CHALLENGER, HARD TARGET" said the announcer with a cheer from the audience although it left the warriors confused "hard target, where did he come up with that" asked Odd, The announcer smiled as he moved out of the ring.

(=======================================================================)

"FIGHT" said the announcer, Dallas and Ulrich moved towards each other, both were on the defensive, Ulrich didn't want to be fighting his son but he knew it was the only way he was gonna grab his attention, "Dallas I don't want to hurt…" he started but Dallas caught him off guard with a sudden left hook into Ulrichs face and blood erupted from a gash in his eye, Ulrich grabbed his face in pain as Dallas raised his leg and Kicked Ulrich away into the corner of the ring, "fuck…" said Ulrich as he moved his hand, he could barely see out of his right eye, "Stand down" said Dallas showing a slight hint of mercy, Ulrich turned and raised his leg connecting with Dallas's Jaw knocking him backwards, Dallas suddenly got angry as Ulrich moved forward but Dallas was now enraged and he began to kick Ulrich, the first blow from his left foot landed in Ulrich's thigh with the second blow coming from the right foot landing in his side and the third again from his left foot connecting with Ulrich's head knocking him away, "Dallas listen to me" said Ulrich but he was ignored as Dallas jumped and spun his leg knocking Ulrich down to the ground, he coughed up blood as his son walked towards him, "ULRICH" screamed Yumi as she moved towards him, but William grabbed her, Ulrich crawled to the ropes trying to get up, "stay down" said Dallas but Ulrich stood up unfortunately this act was met but a swift and sudden kick from Dallas into his chest knocking him back first into the corner, Dallas turned away thinking the fight was finished, but Ulrich became as enraged as his son was and charged at Dallas, he jumped and curled up before landing a two footed lunge into his sons back knocking him forward into the ropes, Dallas practically roared as he turned around, Ulrich raised his knee ready to strike but Dallas used his elbow to block before throwing two quick punches into his father's face knocking him backwards, Ulrich raised his leg kicking Dallas away, Hardy began to cheer as the fight became more and more bloody and violent, Dallas dropped and swung out his leg, but Ulrich jumped and extended his leg kicking Dallas in the side of the head before landing on his side, Dallas retaliated as he twisted his body into the air before turning his body landing both of his knees into Ulrich's side, his mouth exploded with blood as he laid looking up at the lights, Dallas stood up looking forward towards Tony staring into space, he breathed heavily before he sensed Ulrich standing up behind him, he had little energy and was holding his side as his face was covered in blood, "Dallas, please we…" he started but without even looking first Dallas jumped and turned Guyver kicking his dad in the head, Ulrich felt like time slowed down as he fell backwards onto the ring floor, "ULRCIH" screamed Yumi as she rushed into the ring, Dallas stood looking at her as she grabbed her partner, he felt confused as she held his bloodied head, before looking up at Dallas scared at what he had become, "Who is he" he asked, Yumi wanted to tell him but before she could Hardy grabbed Dallas's shoulder, "My boy another excellent performance" he said laughing handing him another bottle of scotch, "For that I should get you a second girl" he added with a laugh but Dallas ignored him as he moved towards Tony, "Take care of him… or else" said Hardy as she felt scared, the two moved towards the elevator, "You know them" asked Tony but Dallas remained silent this time out of confusion, whilst in the ring the other warriors had moved to help Ulrich, his face stained with blood, his knuckles skinned and his chest starting to bruise, "We need to get him to Kadic, William, I'm sorry but…" started Jeremie but William waved his hand as he replied "Let's just get him back".

(=======================================================================)

Hector sat in the Canteen alone, since it was a Saturday night Nicholas was off trying to sneak into an R rated movie, Sissi was having dinner with her father to her annoyance, he had no idea what Adam or Evelyn were up to, and given he felt uncomfortable around the siblings it was rather lucky they weren't around, he looked down doodling in his scrap book, he'd asked for a model to try and do something different but when Sissi showed up naked he decided to shut that idea down,
"Jesus Christ just short of the building" said Yumi as she, William and the banged up Ulrich suddenly appeared, Hector grabbed his book and rushed outside to see the three, "What happened to him" he asked looking at Ulrich, "Stomach bug" said William as he threw up onto the ground dodging the question, Hector looked around confused "Where did you come…" he started but as he turned back the three had vanished, "From" he finished looking around the empty campus yard, William fell to his knees grabbing and throwing up into a bin, "son of a" he said before throwing up again, "William thank you" said Yumi as she laid Ulrich down in his bed, the bleeding had stopped but his face was still covered in the dried blood, his right eye was now swollen shut and his torso looked like a black and blue pumpkin, "Ulrich" she said running her hand through his hair, then there was a puff of black smoke before William returned with Aelita and collapsing again "I'm gonna be" he started before grabbing the half full bin, "Come on, one more trip" said Aelita as she patted his back, which caused more vomit to exit his mouth and onto the floor, "I'll get a mop" said Aelita as William disappeared again in a cloud of smoke causing her to cough a little, "Could you grab a bowl as well" asked Yumi as she looked away from Ulrich, Aelita nodded as she exited the room making sure the coast was clear, Yumi rubbed her hand through Ulrich's hair, he was barely conscious, the pain was keeping him awake, "Ulrich" she said sad looking at him, she gently felt his chest to make sure nothing was severely fractured or broken, she started to shed a couple of tears seeing what damage their son had caused just because they wanted to bring him home, suddenly there was another flash of smoke, "Oh what the…" started Jeremie as he appeared with his foot in the puddle of sick, "Yeah sorry" said William as he collapsed on Odd's bed grabbing the bin, "Yu…" started Ulrich but he coughed grabbing his side barely able to speak, "I'm here Ulrich" she said but Jeremie grabbed her, "Careful he's a delirious" he said as Ulrich looked around barely able to make anything out, Aelita walked back in with the mop and bucket handing Yumi the bowl, "Is he conscious" she asked as she started to mop the floor, but Odd grabbed it nodding as he began to clean up the mess, "Barely" said Jeremie as he knelt down, and began to feel over Ulrich's body "nothing feels broken, no idea about how he feels though" he added standing up, Yumi grabbed the towel in the bowl and began to wipe the blood from Ulrich's face, the cuts and bruises became more obvious, "Ulrich" she said starting to cry, Aelita grabbed the towel and carried on cleaning him up, "This is going to more tricky than we thought" said Jeremie as he helped Yumi to the chair.

(=======================================================================)

Evelyn returned to her room having taken the long way home, her purse was full of numbers of different gentlemen and two women who had found Evelyn attractive, Sissi turned on her light as she saw her walk in dressed fancily,
"Where have you been" she said applying her face mask looking at her through the mirror, "Ive been using my free time well unlike you" said Evelyn putting down her purse and sitting on Sissi's bed to annoy her, "I have been using my time productively" she said stroppily, Evelyn chuckled as she kicked off her heels "Then where have you been" asked Sissi turning around folding her arms, suddenly there was a sudden buzzing noise outside her window, Evelyn suddenly panicked a little as Sissi moved to her window "Was that a bee" she asked unsure of what she heard, "Your brain being annoying" said Evelyn with a laugh as she began to undo her dress, "Very funny" said Sissi as she turned around to see her roommate topless grabbing a large shirt to pull on, "You go out not wearing a bra" asked Sissi disgusted and jealous, Evelyn winked and said "only if I wanna save money on drinks" as she buttoned up her shirt.

(=======================================================================)

Although looking into a mirror, it was almost like a complete stranger was looking back, Dallas stood with his hands on the sink that was stained with his blood, his vision seemed too clear for the injury's he'd suffered, Dallas looked down at his hand almost like something was missing despite all the scraped knuckles from the night's two fights he kept looking like there was a wound missing,
"Why not" he heard a female voice that he recognised as Yumi's, "What about you" he heard recognising it as Ulrich's, he didn't know their names and he looked around thinking they were behind him, but the bathroom was empty, not even Tony who was in the bed room, Dallas looked back at the mirror seeing himself with the two, after a brief second of confusion he growled and suddenly tore the sink from the wall and smashed it violently into the mirror, "JESUS CHRIST" shouted Tony as she came into see what had happened, Dallas stood their breathing heavily as he ignored the destruction he had just caused, "Da… Dallas" she asked but he ignored her, he saw his diluted eye in the last shard of the mirror, "Dallas" asked Tony again concerned more than frightened, but Dallas just punched what remained of the mirror, Tony grabbed his arm pulling it away showing it sticking out of his fist, she slapped his face not caring if he hit her back, he looked at her as she screamed "YOU'RE A FUCKING IDIOT, HARDY IS GONNA KILL YOU", Dallas looked at his hand "Does it hurt" she asked more calmly, "it always does" he said as she grabbed the shard and pulled it out grabbing a towel to stop the bleeding, "Those people do you know them" she asked as she pulled him back into the bedroom, Dallas looked around hearing whispers he couldn't make out, "No" he said responding, Tony grabbed a first aid box, "They knew you" she said as she began to sew up his hand, "You're just the weirdest person I've ever met" she added as she started disinfecting the wound, Dallas's winced, it was like the pain he expected was amplified, "This is gonna sting" she added as she began to stitch up the gash, Dallas looked out the window at the city skyline wincing slightly, "That should do it" she said putting away the needle and stitching, "That's gonna be another scar for the collection" she said trying to lighten the mood, Dallas didn't react, "Is there anything else you do other than fight" she asked as she ran her hand over his face.

(=======================================================================)

Winchester whistled as he walked under the arches, it slowly switched to humming which annoyed any one who passed him, as he was horribly out of tune even with himself, he nodded as he passed Claudius who was walking towards a vacant classroom he seemed as emotionless as always,
"It brings on many changes" sung Winchester as he moved towards the Canteen, "and I can take or leave it if I please" he added before stopping as he saw what he initially thought was a car crash victim, "Ulrich" said Yumi as she helped him move, his face looked worse than the night before the side of his mouth was swollen and his eye still shut and he could barely see out of his left eye, whats more he was limping thanks to the several bruised ribs, looking like the victim of a violent gang attack, no one would have believed they were all inflicted by a single person, "I'm fine" he said somewhat angrily, although it was more at himself than anyone else, "She's right though Ulrich, you need…" started Aelita but then Winchester spoke up "Good lord what happened to you" he said in a snobbish Bostonian way, Ulrich looked towards him without moving his head, "I tripped" he said half sarcastically, Winchester raised an eyebrow and retorted "What off a building" before laughing in an annoying way to his own amusement, he then strolled off towards the canteen looking up at the sky, "forecast said sunny all day, what a way to end a holiday" he said before walking into the canteen, "Posh cu…" started Ulrich but Yumi cut him off before he could finish "Not in front of Aelita" she said, Ulrich looked at her as he tried walking forward but was heavily limping, "Stop" said Yumi as she held her arm out grabbing Aelita and stopping her "He doesn't want our help" she added starting to cry.

(=======================================================================)

Odd moved over from the numerous containers full of hot drinks, given the cold day outside it was needed, on his tray there were two coffees and a hot chocolate for himself, Jeremie and William sat at his laptop looking at the screen,
"So these guys aren't exactly on the right side of the law" said William as he grabbed his cup from the tray, "Far from it, it's all suspected though" said Jeremie as Odd sat down on the other side from him, William took a sip of his drink, "Whats the plan of action, we know he's got Dallas hostage" he said making sure no one heard him, luckily they were drowned out by the numerous conversations happening from people who were too cold to be outside in the snow and fog, "We need to find out what we can first, recon" said Odd as he handed Jeremie his cup, "Thanks Odd" he said putting it down, "Usually we'd have Dallas do what is needed" he added as he looked at William before returning his attention to the screen, "You make him sound like he was a god" said William sarcastically leaning forward, "had no fear or was crazy, either way it meant he could do what we couldn't" said Jeremie as he loaded a police profile "Or wouldn't" he added scared of his own words, the profile was Hardy's, whilst he was usually a pristine looking gentleman his profile photo was a near opposite mess, his hair rough and undignified, face covered in patchy stubble, "Can't be the same guy running the place can it" asked William before looking at the name, "Caesar Hardy, sounds almost stupidly pretentious" said Odd as he chuckled, Jeremie shook his head "Not like his record, Top man for the bushwhackers" said Jeremie, William started laughing at the name, "some gardeners club with an adult film name" he said, Jeremie rolled his eyes, and carried on reading "Escaped prosecution for football hooliganism in 2005 via emigration, Warrant for him in England although it was deemed non-essential for extradition" said Jeremie as he looked at his friends, "So we're dealing with a soccer nut" said Odd as he finished his drink.

(=======================================================================)

Adam sat watching the three from afar, he looked at his watch, he'd do so periodically almost like time was going extremely slow for him, Sissi looked at the window as Ulrich walked in, it was noticeable that he was in a considerable amount of pain no one wanted to say anything, she was caught between thoughts of sympathy and how she could use the situation to her advantage,
"Careful Sissi, think any harder your brain will combust" said Hannah as she sat with Adam, unbeknownst to them she was grabbing his private region beneath the table, "And plastic fumes kill" added Adam with a chuckle, Sissi sulked as she stared Daggers at Nicholas who was trying his best to not laugh, then she noticed what Hector was drawing, "Whats that" she asked, the drawing was Ulrich as he had been seen the previous night, bloody and beaten with a shadow that barely resembled him "The demon that hurt him" said Hector, Adam grinned knowing that demon, "What a weird drawing" said Sissi as she looked away although angered by Hannah's presence she was happy Evelyn wasn't present, Yumi and Aelita rushed to Ulrich and helped him sit down, "Jesus you look terrible" said Odd as he tried to smile but Ulrich wasn't in such a mood, "what about this guy" asked William as he pointed at the screen, Jeremie opened the file, "What're you doing" asked Aelita as she moved around to look at the screen, "Tryna find out what we can about that place" said Odd as he stood up, "What you guys want" he added, Jeremie looked at Oleg's police sheet, his photo was identical in physical appearance to how he was normally seen, but his clothing choice was different, and whilst his suit usually obscured his neck the profile photo showed what had once been a Hammer and Sickle inside of a star, but had been ruined by a massive scar, "Obviously someone didn't like the tattoo" said Aelita trying to make a joke before Jeremie read out his sheet, "Oleg Raikov, Ex Russian Special forces, dishonourably discharged after accidentally killing a fellow solider stemming from the lose of his eye from a stray bullet, medical report suggests numerous fragments still in skull" said Jeremie before he sank in his seat, the mood changed as they heard the words, "This guy is helping keep Dallas hostage" said Jeremie as he rubbed the back of his head nervously, "Dallas has no intention of leaving there" said Ulrich as he curled his fist ready to slam it down, suddenly there came a cry, one that silence the entire canteen, everyone looked outside as they heard "HELP".

(=======================================================================)

The antisocial outcast James ran through the fog and snow, both had gotten so thick that James couldn't see past his own hands, and was scared that he was gonna run headfirst into something, he looked around panicking as a buzzing noise kept getting distant and closer almost like it was toying with him,
"HELP" he screamed out again, he turned noticing the light from the canteen barely piercing through the fog, "HELP" he cried out again but suddenly with a dim red flash James was knocked to the ground with a tiny amount of smoke emanating from his ankle, "God Lord whats going on" said Winchester as he looked out the window barely able to see anything, "Kidd we better take a look" said Jim as he stood up, Kidd nodded as he walked towards the door, "You two cannot be serious" said Winchester as he began to panic a little but managed to keep himself composed, "Someone's got to, you volunteering" asked Jim, but Winchester backed away as despite Jim's less than healthy appearance and lighter weight he was at least somewhat competent in a physical altercation, "Need to be careful, can't see anything" said Kidd as he stepped outside, the cold air struck him and he shivered, "You go that way" he said as Jim nodded zipping up his tracksuit, "JAMES, WHERE ARE YOU" shouted Jim as he stepped forward making sure to count his steps, "JAMES" he shouted again, William and Odd looked out the window neither could see anything, "Whats going on" asked Jeremie as he launched the super scan, Odd shook his head "We can't see anything Einstein" he said as he moved away, then he caught Adam smiling and sarcastically waving as he moved out of the rear exit, "KIDD SEE ANYTHING" shouted Jim as loudly as he could through the fog, "JAMES" he shouted trying to find the student, suddenly he noticed the buzzing, "Kidd is that you" he asked looking around unable to see anything, suddenly he noticed a dim red light "Kidd?" he questioned as the light got bigger without getting Closer, "Kidd" he said again more concerned suddenly the light got brighter, "GET DOWN" said William as he dived and pulled Jim to the ground as a laser struck the snow behind them the heat difference melted the snow on the ground, "YUMI I GOT JIM" shouted William as he looked around unable to see a single thing, Yumi wasn't having any luck "Kidd" she said looking around, before she bumped into a tree "Damn it" she said rubbing her head, then she felt something grab her leg, "Help me please" said James as he shivered heavily, "WILIAM HEAD BACK INSIDE" she shouted in any direction, hoping that William was that way, "Come on" she said grabbing James, but as he got onto his feet, he could barely stand and was limping on his ankle, "Always knew that women couldn't keep their hands off me" he said with ill-deserved pride, "I could just leave you here" said Yumi as she tried finding the canteen, Ulrich looked around before saying to the crowd "Has anyone got a torch" he said, the crowd muttered among themselves, Sissi grinned as she held up her phone, "This has a powerful torch" she said smugly, Ulrich limped over to her, Odd moved after him to make sure he didn't stumble and fall, "I'll give it to you for a small ki.." she started but Ulrich grabbed the phone as he practically growled "I don't have time for your shit" he turned away and turned on the torch shinning it outside, the light didn't appear to do anything from the inside but outside it was enough, William spotted it as he dragged Jim to the door, "Someone help" he said shivering from the cold, Jim had knocked his head in the fall, and whilst there was no wound he was clearly out of it, Cameron, Nicholas and Hector moved to help, "Where's Yumi" asked Ulrich looking at him close to grabbing his collar, "I dunno" he responded scared slightly, Ulrich forcefully handed him the phone as he darted out as quickly as he could to find her.

(=======================================================================)

Winchester was tending to Jim, the latter had banged his head and was now barely conscious, and Winchester looked around trying to see a first aid kit,
"Is this place not kept up to standard" he said annoyed as he removed his blazer and folding it up to use under Jim's head, Jeremie put away his laptop, "We need to head to the factory, looking at James ankle" said Jeremie knowing he need not finish his sentence, "We need to wait for Ulrich and Yumi though we can't leave them out there" said Aelita grabbing his arm tugging on his sleeve slightly, "She's right" said Odd as he looked out the window, "See anything William" he added but the older teen shook his head, "Nothing at all, but Wasps are out there" he said with a little fear in his voice, "we have to wait, we may be able to skim by without a return to the past" said Jeremie as he tried to look outside, whilst outside Ulrich was hobbling and was dragging his leg and grabbing his side "YUMI" he shouted in pain growling a little, "Ulrich" said Yumi quietly to herself before repeating it louder to attract him over "ULRICH, OVER HERE" she shouted, Ulrich stopped and turned moving towards the direction her voice came from, then he heard the buzzing and with the sound of a shot he dived to the ground, the laser missed and he groaned in pain "YUMI, I'M COMING" he shouted as he stumbled back onto his feet, Yumi and James moved towards where she'd heard Ulrich, then she spotted him "Come on" she said to James practically dragging him, "Don't leave me" he said beginning to panic and showing his true cowardly nature, Ulrich dropped on his knees in front of the two, "Yumi" he said looking up at her, "Come on" she said grabbing him, "Can you walk" she asked as she now found herself carrying both of them, Ulrich nodded but this caused a minor bit of discomfort, they suddenly noticed the light from the Canteen, "There" said Ulrich smiling through his pain and bruised face, "YUMI, ULRICH" shouted Aelita trying to attract them, Yumi smiled as he moved over, suddenly she screamed as she felt something grab her "Sorry, I didn't…" started Kidd as he grabbed James, Yumi sighed in relief, the adult moved with James in his arms towards the Canteen, "Come on" said Yumi, but as the two moved towards the door there was a suddenly laser shot coming close to the two singeing Ulrich's hair "Shit" he said, Jeremie looked at them barely able to see them, "GO" shouted Yumi as she turned around with Ulrich and the two disappeared in the fog, there was panicking and screaming coming from the students from the unknown threat that was menacing them, "ULRICH, YUMI" shouted Odd but there was no response, Jeremie looked down before looking up "That settles it, we've gotta go, Now" he said, the other nodded in agreement as they moved to the back door.

(=======================================================================)

Ulrich and Yumi moved away from the Canteen as fast as they could, now that they were away from the building full of students or witnesses the Hornets were opening fire at the two having given up the stealth tactic, the only upside was that the flashes of the lasers was illuminating the area, although it wasn't enough,
"Yumi Leave me" said Ulrich as he coughed heavily causing the two to stop, "I'm dead weight" he said looking at her, "I'm not leaving you" she said before looking up, "Come on we're nearly at the forest" she said grabbing and practically pulling him, Ulrich groaned as they entered the woods, the canopy of the leaves limited the attack capability of the Hornets, but XANA had planned for this and visibility was even more pour "I can't see shit" said Ulrich as the two moved around, "This way" said Yumi as the two moved to their left, "if we find the hatch we should be fine" she said although she knew luck was far from being on their side, suddenly the two fell and with a short tumble the two were clear of the fog but they found themselves in a small cave, Yumi sat up looking around "I think we lost them" she said with a chuckle feeling around making sure nothing was broken, then it hit her "Ulrich" she said moving and grabbing him, but she found him laughing despite being in more pain than he had been, "I guess I'm not the only blind one" he said with a chuckle which caused him a lot of pain, "You idiot" she said smiling and kissing his forehead.

(=======================================================================)

Back in the Cafeteria, everyone was chatting among themselves trying to work out what was going on, neither Jim nor Kidd had seen a single Hornet thanks to the thick enough fog, Winchester had removed his blazer jacket and was tending to James leg, his medical experience was limited but he'd come from a medical family so he was able to help with what was ultimately a superficial wound,
"Well I have no idea how you did this to yourself" said Winchester as he nodded and Rosa reluctantly wiped his forehead, "Whats the damage" asked Kidd folding his arms and moving over to him, "Hurts like a fucking bitch" said James, Winchester looked at him "Language" he said before grabbing a small sponge and wiping away the burn mark, "How does it feel" he asked beginning to get sceptical, "Like a stinging sensation or like something I dunno I'm no shitting doctor" said James in his usual cursing tone, "It's just a burn mark, there's no wound" said Winchester as he wiped away the scorch mark, "You calling me a liar" said James cursing through the pain, "I'm saying you're after attention" said Kidd before realising what he said and looking at Jim who shook his head.

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Before the elevator door even had a chance to fully open Jeremie rushed through and jumped in the chair and held his hand out and the chair moved towards the screen as he put his ear piece in,
"Okay guys I need to locate the tower, Adam and Evelyn are likely already there defending it" said Jeremie, Aelita looked up as she sarcastically asked "Anything else", however Einstein didn't register the sarcasm and he said "We're also missing half the team", Odd rolled his eyes and said "You had to ask" under his breath, the doors opened again and they moved towards the scanners, "Get ready guys" said Jeremie as he began typing, the three stepped into a scanner, "Scanner William, Scanner Aelita, Scanner Odd" said Jeremie as the metal pods closed around them, "Transfer William, Transfer Aelita, Transfer Odd" he added as they began to spin and rise, "Virtualization" said Jeremie as he hit enter, the three felt a blast of air before their Virtual forms spawned and dropped to the ground, "Okay guys towers due north" he added as he hit enter allowing the Over-Bike and the Over-Board to spawn, "Lets rock it" said Odd as he back flipped onto the board, "Show off" said Aelita as she stepped on behind him, "Ulrich is gonna get pissed if I keep using this" said William as he mounted the cycle, Jeremie smiled and began to rub his chin "I think we can fix that" he said as they shot off towards the tower, he closely monitored the map and radar, "Seems empty so far" said William as he looked around seeing nothing on the Horizon "I don't like it" said Odd, Aelita looked around the silence was almost as scary as actually seeing a monster, meanwhile looking towards them at the edge of the sector Adam was holding a telescope, "That thing does not work with your style" said Evelyn trying not to laugh, Adam was annoyed but didn't show it "doesn't need to" he said starting to grin as he lowered the telescope folding it and placing it back into his coat, "XANA is out of resources, we're the only line of defence" said Adam as he reached into his pocket and revealed a small gun metal coloured ball with a red button atop, "You wait here, guard it for as long as you can" said Adam as he pressed the button before holding it outwards with his Bike spawning, "What're you gonna do" she asked drawing her rapier, Adam grinned as he sat down in his bike "I'm gonna give them a shit show" he said as he rocketed forward away from the tower.

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Yumi looked at the cave entrance, the mist was thick enough that she couldn't see anything but this worked in their favour, she turned back to look at Ulrich as he sat against a rock, he was gripping his ribs which he'd smacked between the floor and Yumi as they tumbled inside,
"How're you feeling" she asked as she moved towards him, "Like I was in an elevator with mike Tyson" he replied with a groan as she moved down next to him taking off Dallas's jacket to cover him up, "Ironic I know" she said sitting down next to him, she slowly and carefully placed her head on his shoulder which he appreciated despite the pain, "What're we gonna do" asked Yumi, Ulrich sank back towards the rock, "We're his family, he lost something like that once, no idea how he's taking it" said Ulrich with a cough from his rib cage, Yumi smiled a bit "It's gonna be awkward from now on, knowing that we're actually family not just like one" she said with a bit of a chuckle, Ulrich smiled as he groaned through the pain, "What're you doing" she asked but he simply smiled as he reached into his pocket, "I was hoping for a better time, and a better décor than a cave" he responded as he managed to pull his hand out "What do you…" started Yumi but it felt as if time froze as she looked in Ulrich's hand a small box sat open inside a metal ring with a tiny Diamond sitting atop, she started to cry as she covered her mouth, "Yumi Ishiyama" said Ulrich as he too began to cry "Will you marry me" he asked, Yumi couldn't help but hug him which put him in a lot of pain but he simply didn't care as he hugged her back, "I couldn't love anyone else as much as I love you" she said crying tears of joy, Ulrich's tears however we're because of the crushing sensation in his ribs.

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William moved the Over-Bike to be in front of the Over-Board, he swivelled for a second and regained balance, he threw his head to the side and said
"Shit", Jeremie panicked and sat up in his chair "Anything wrong, I can't see anything on the radar" he said, Aelita and Odd chuckled despite the serious and tense situation "Just struggling to maintain balance on this bloody thing" replied William, then they noticed some dust being kicked up and moving towards them "Heads up" said Jeremie as he noticed it, he quickly typed trying to identify it "IT'S ADAM" he screamed, William accelerated forward as Odd swerved away, "Get to the tower" said William as he began to stand up, the Over-Bike began to wobble, Adam grinned as he accelerated towards him, the two were locked in on each other, William drew his sword which he struggled to hold with the wind resistance, Adam had daggers in his eyes as he darted forward again, William suddenly jumped and holding his sword forward spinning forward, Adam slammed on his breaks in a moment of panic, but this allowed the Over-Bike to smack into the front of his vehicle, whilst Williams Sword missed him Adam was thrown from the crash and landed on the ground skidding to a halt, Adam started to get up hearing Williams sword dragging across the ground "If it isn't the best" he said turning around grabbing his tricorn hat "That they could get" he added mockingly standing up and drawing his musket, William tried not to take his comments to heart, "trying to be strong and silent, you're nothing compared to him" said Adam as he pulled the trigger, William held his swords and blocked the Bullet saying "Super smoke" he suddenly dropped into the cloud and darted towards Adam jumping up behind him about to swing his sword into him, but Adam turned and dropped raising his leg kicking William away before he drew his own sword and charging at him.

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"Do you think that there are no monsters for a reason" asked Aelita, Odd looked back at her confused "What do you mean" he asked before focusing on what was in front of him or lack thereof, "Maybe XANA can't spawn any new monsters because they're on earth" she asked, Jeremie rubbed his chin thinking it over, "You mean he's used all his resources" he pondered, before focusing on the screen, "No time to think about it I've picked up the bitches signal" said Jeremie as he spotted Evelyn, "On it" said Odd as the Over-Board shot forward towards the tower, "Ready Princess" said Odd looking over his shoulder, Aelita nodded as they approached Evelyn, "Like rats in a trap" said Evelyn as she drew her musket and aimed at Odd, she pulled the trigger, Odd managed to swerve in time but the bullet entered his shoulder and he was knocked backwards into Aelita and both were thrown from the board as it lost control and shot forward towards Evelyn before she stepped aside and avoided it as it smashed into the tower and exploded, "ODD, ODD" said Aelita as she tried Nudging him, "I'm… I'm fine" said Odd lying as his shoulder was stinging, a second shot roared as the bullet came short and hit the ground in front of them, "Shit" said Odd as he grabbed Aelita and ducked behind a rock, "Jeremie Where's William" asked Aelita as she looked up, Jeremie quickly typed "He's got his own issues" he said dismally a third shot rang out as a bullet struck the rock, "Come on you two only one way this is gonna end" said Evelyn as she moved forward pulling the trigger again the shot rang out with a bullet striking a rock, "Energy sphere" said Aelita as she quickly stood up and launched the projectile at Evelyn who swung and sliced the sphere in half "Bollocks" said Odd as he peaked around the rock but quickly retreated back behind as Evelyn fired another bullet at them.

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William blocked with his sword but Adam's swing had too much force behind it and as a result knocked it from his hands landing near them, Adam laughed as he swung his sword with William diving to the side,
"Oh come on this is almost too easy" said Adam as William stood up and raised his fists in a boxing stance, "This how you wanna play" asked Adam before he sheathed his sword "okay I'll bite" he added with a chuckle William grinned as he said "Good" before he threw a left hook Adam side stepped but William quickly threw his right hand catching Adam in the head "Son of a…" he started before he turned and kicked William in the stomach, Adam turned as William was hunched over, he quickly kicked outwards but the latter grinned as he grabbed his leg and firmly planting his feet he turned and swung Adam to the ground causing him to skid across the floor, William smiled as he ran and jumped shouting "SUPER SMOKE" disappearing into a puff before reappearing in front of Adam kicking him in the head knocking him away, Adam chuckled as he grabbed his musket and was about to aim but William dived and grabbed it and the two began wrestling for it Adam was starting to win the struggle as he pushed it towards William, "Come on" said William but he found himself losing the bout of Physical strength, Adam grinned as his victory was assured suddenly William head butted Adam and forced the musket down towards them in reflex Adam pulled the trigger and the weapon went off into his jaw, and he began to devirtulize "Take that you so of a…" started William but suddenly he felt a sharp pain, Adam with his last bought of strength extended his blade into William and the two devirtulized, the bout ended in a draw.

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Claudius looked out the window he couldn't see anything past the fog, and whilst he'd usually not be distracted by such a simple thing and would continue to teach he found his students were more easily to distract as they looked outside and thanks to James's screams they were starting to worry and we're too scared to go outside,
"Carter keep them in check" he said as he moved towards the door, "You can't go out there sir" said Tamiya as she and Millie were hugging under a table scared for their lives despite not knowing what was going on, he stopped and registered what they said but ignored them, "I'm just looking out the door" he said as he opened it and peaked his head out looking around, he couldn't see anything beyond the pillars of the dorm building, "Do you see anything" asked Carter as he tried looking out the window again, "Surprisingly it's more clear here" he said sarcastically but still fearfully enough to keep everyone somewhat scared of him, "EVERYONE CALM DOWN" he said smacking his cane onto the ground, "How can you not be even the slightest bit worried" asked Carter as he moved back to a chair, the teacher sat down back at his desk as he said "Next person who panics unnecessarily will have a real reason to be upset" he said as he grabbed his book.

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Meanwhile back in the cave Yumi had placed the ring on her finger and Ulrich had finally passed out from the severe pain he was in but he had a smile on his face regardless because of Yumi, she was moving to the cave mouth to try and look outside, although the fog was too thick,
"I wonder why they haven't followed us in here" she said rubbing her chin before excitedly looking at the ring again, she blushed before moving back down to Ulrich she rubbed her hand over his face being careful to avoid his swollen spots, she quickly kissed his cheek before moving back to the entrance looking around scared she may see any of the Wasps moving trying to find them, she reached into her pocket and grabbed her phone dialling Jeremie's number who in the computer room slammed his hands down into the armrest of the chair
"Damnit" he said as William exited the elevator and walking towards him, "Odd, Aelita, William is out of the game" he added before William sat down exhausted saying "Adam is gone as well" he said falling onto his back and taking in the cold floor, then the phone window opened "Jeremie" said Yumi, the aforementioned sank in his chair in relief, "Yumi where are you, is Ulrich still with you" he asked, Yumi looked at her hand again and gave a little chuckle, "Yeah he's unconscious, I dunno where we are though, we're somewhat stuck in a cave" she said moving away from the entrance, "Any update on Lyoko" asked Yumi, Jeremie gulped as he looked at the screen "They're near the tower but they're pinned down" he replied, Yumi sat down next to the unconscious Ulrich "Okay keep me posted" she said hanging up, Whilst on Lyoko Evelyn was getting closer to the rock each new shot was getting closer to either of the warriors, "I've got an idea" said Odd as he peaked looking at the tower, but Evelyn nearly hit him with a bullet "Careful Dummy" said Aelita as she nodded, "Come on out you two" said Evelyn Laughing but suddenly to her surprise Odd jumped out on all fours and pinned her down "RUN" said Odd, Aelita quickly jumped out and started running towards the tower, Evelyn pointed her musket at Odd who quickly swiped her arm knocking it from her, "Cat always lands on its feet" said Odd, Evelyn quickly extended her own wrist blade but Odd grabbed her arm as it came close to his face, "AELITA HURRY" he shouted, Evelyn was starting to win the struggled, Odd quickly brought his back legs forward and kicked off flipping into the air "Laser Arrow" he said raising his arm and firing a barrage of arrows towards Evelyn although each of them missed her, She looked back and saw Aelita, "Oh shit" said Odd as Evelyn stood up and charged towards the younger girl, Aelita was near the tower but Evelyn was gaining on her being more athletic, "Odd" screamed Aelita, and by command Odd broke into a run on all fours before leaping forward at Evelyn and with his air time he dug his claws into her back and twisting his body he pulled her from her feet and throwing her across the ground, "You bastard" said Evelyn as she drew her Rapier and charged at Odd as Aelita entered the tower, she suddenly stopped in her tracks, "No point in wasting the effort on you" said Evelyn as she sheathed it, but Odd wasn't prepared to risk it as he raised his arm and said "Laser Arrow" again and proceeded to fire enough arrows to devirtulize her.

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The Fog had cleared and the monsters had self-destructed given they no longer had communication with a tower, and despite the fears and worries of the Lyoko warriors, everyone carried on like nothing had happened, and now that he was in a better mood Ulrich finally went to the nurses' station about his injuries
"So how did you say you did this" asked Dorothy as she placed a cold press over Ulrich's chest which caused him to flinch and the others to laugh "I tripped and fell down the stairs" said Ulrich, Dorothy thankfully bought the excuse, "I'd say stay off your feet for a few days I'll write you a note excusing you from classes" she said standing up and moving away, Ulrich smiled as he laid back on his bed, "Lucky you" said Odd sarcastically, Ulrich chuckled but regretted it as he said "Even like this I could still kick your backside" causing the others to laugh, Yumi sat down next to Ulrich grabbing his hand, then Aelita noticed the ring "Yumi whats that" she asked oblivious to what it was, Jeremie noticed and his widened "You didn't did you" he asked happy for them Yumi couldn't help but smile from ear to ear "He did" she replied close to crying tears of joy again, the two were met by a round of Congratulations from their friends, "Wondered how long it'd take you two" said Odd slightly mockingly but the happy couple didn't care, "Ulrich and Yumi Stern, that's gonna take some getting used to" said William who was slightly heartbroken still having a small crush on Yumi but he wasn't going to lurk hoping for the worst "We don't know what we're doing about names yet, we've barely planned" said Ulrich with another painful chuckle, Aelita hugged Yumi in a congratulatory way "We know that we both want you all to be there" said Yumi with a smile suddenly they were silenced as they heard something from the hallway "That's not fair I…" started James but he was cut off by Delmas saying "For causing a school wide panic consider yourself lucky I've neither expelled you nor called the authority's", James was ready to cause up a storm "Come on don't be a…" he started but Delmas again cut him off saying "My word is final" before he walked away leaving Jim to escort him to his room.

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Halfway across the world in a remote Jungle a small team of commandos we're moving out of an abandoned factory with them were a small group of freed hostages, most of the soldiers were wearing masks although one stood out, wearing black combat gear and sunglasses with blonde hair that was slicked back and a mullet, he was carrying a unique weapon, what initially appeared to be a regular side arm it was a lot large, it could have been mistaken for a desert eagle, the slide was longer and larger than normal with a barrel to match, atop of the slide was a scope and in front of the trigger was a laser sight, his face was adorned with a scar above his right eye,
"Come on, come on" he said to one of the other soldiers with him, he spoke with an American accent, "Sir, evac is still 2 minutes away" he responded before raising his M4A1 and opening fire towards the entrance of the factory, he wasn't specifically aiming at anyone, just giving supressing fire, "Sir, come on" said a female soldier as the others moved away, "I'm coming" he said as he followed after them, moving through the shrubbery was slowing the party down, "We're nearly at the clearing" he said moving branches out of his way, when suddenly with a single gunshot the female soldier fell to the ground screaming "MARIA" shouted one of the soldiers before he dived to cover, "WE GOT A SNIPER" shouted the leader as he looked around, "One minute away sir" said the solider as he peaked his head over, "Behind the birch tree" he said pointing towards tree where the sniper rifle could be seen, the Militia solider peaked out and fired again nearly striking the leader, "Damn it, we're pinned down" he yelled out before he grabbed his pistol, "He's in cover sir, we can't hit him" shouted the soldier as he tried moving towards Maria, "Yeah cover this" said the leader as he quickly aimed and pulled the trigger with a gunshot louder than would be expected for a hand gun the tree suddenly exploded where the bullet struck and the sniper fell forward whilst the bullet hadn't killed the sniper it had managed to puncture them and they were now wounded, "Okay lets go" he said grinning with morbid joy before he helped the solider with Maria, "Get to the clearing" he said as the former hostages waited with the remaining soldiers, suddenly they noticed three helicopters moving down, "I've never been happier to see one of those" said Maria as she winced in pain from the bullet in her leg, "Who called in three choppers" asked the leader as they landed two of the vehicles had soldiers exit ready to provide any needed cover, but the third helicopter was different and clearly not a troop transport, the side door opened and Winter stepped out with Lucas sitting slightly nervous as he hadn't flown in a long time, "Lieutenant Mark Campbell" said Winter moving towards the leader who handed Maria to one of the evac soldiers, "Yeah, who the hell are you" asked Campbell as he looked around ducking beneath the blades, "The Name is winter, you're being reassigned effective immediately you're to come with me" said Winter practically yelling over the engines of the helicopters, "I'd rather stay with my unit…" started Campbell but then he noticed the two evac choppers taking off "Hey shit heads what're you doing" he said throwing his arms up as they left him behind "I'm afraid you have little choice in the matter" said Winter.

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Authors Notes:

Okay so I'm sorry this one took a while to get out the Christmas period was rougher than normal for me so I took some time off and I've finally finished this chapter which took a little longer than I would have liked.