I have seen the self-image they've forced you to reduce to
shattered glass,
with the only remaining value lying in its jagged edges.
But the few who warrant waking for await their recognition.
No fear of death but with fear of life, your weakness kills everyone.
So live. Angels for everyone. For no lack of searching I can't seem to find
one.
Angels in everyone. What of all their promises? Can't seem to find much more
than lies.
Angels in anyone. A permanent solution to a temporary problem.
Before I'd lay me down to rest, I'd throw away everything to live.
A Fire Inside (A.F.I) –'Narrative Of Soul Against Soul'
The car came to a screeching halt in Guile's driveway. Cammy was out of the car and into the house before anyone inside had even realized she was home. She tossed Nikita onto the ground, knowing she would land on her feet like all cats did, and quickly locked the door behind her. Then she began her frantic shuffle around the house, locking all the windows and shutting the blinds. If Vega had been in her home he was perfectly capable of getting into here. She was not going to become his victim again. Wagner came up behind her and grabbed her shoulders causing her to jump.
"Hey, what's wrong Cammy?"
She pushed his hands away and continued Vega-proofing the home. She knew she must have looked horrified but right now she had a mission. Wagner pressed on as she headed upstairs.
"What's going on? Calm down and tell me what's wrong with you."
Cammy turned to him yelling into his astonished face.
"Vega broke into my apartment!"
Wagner was stunned as Cammy continued frantically securing the home. He spoke.
"Did he hurt you? Did you see him?"
"No and no. But I know he was there. He made sure of that."
"But he didn't attack you?"
"No."
"Then we're cool then."
"They know where we all are and are probably ready to strike at anytime."
Wagner grabbed her shoulders again, giving her a little shake.
"I understand, but you have to calm down."
"Who says so? What reason in hell do I have to be calm? He was in my home!"
Cammy could feel tears building in her eyes but instead of letting them fall she pushed Wagner roughly away as she screamed.
"He's going to fucking pay. I should have killed him when I had the chance five years ago."
Wagner picked himself up from the floor as Ken and another man she didn't know entered the room. Ken spoke.
"What's going on?"
Cammy screamed back.
"Nothing, just go back to whatever you were doing."
Wagner jumped in.
"It's not nothing Cammy, you're freaking out."
"I have the right to fucking freak out!"
"No. You may have the right but not the luxury. We have other things to handle."
She looked at him then with hatred in her eyes. Cammy could see her gaze sting him but he didn't budge as he continued to speak.
"Shadowlaw has hurt us all and if we don't stick together and get this plan rolling or we won't be able to pull this off."
Cammy whined.
"He always makes it personal. It makes it so much harder."
She grabbed her head and let her body slide to the ground. Her body betrayed her as tears started to roll from her eyes. She was speaking softly to herself mumbling words she knew no one would understand. Wagner spoke with concern in his voice.
"Cammy, hold it together. You've got to. I'll call Dr. Clark. He'll help you."
She continued rocking back and forth, considering what Wagner had said. Dr. Clark, or Jay as he liked being called, had helped her with the problems she had with getting used to life after Shadowlaw. But then she had gone on her vendetta, inspired by Jay's words, and now she was paying for it.
"No, Jay can't help me with this."
She stood up and wiped the tears from her face. She could tell by the look on Wagner's face that he was truly concerned.
"I'll be okay. I was just a little freaked."
Ken spoke.
"A little?"
Cammy turned her head towards him, a little upset with herself for letting this hysterics go on with him here. She spoke pointing towards the man she didn't know.
"Who's this?"
"This is my friend Ryu.
He's going to help on the mission."
She nodded as she reached her hand out to shake Ryu's.
"Ken told me about you before. I see you've made up."
Ryu scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah, you can't be angry forever you know."
Cammy laughed to herself before replying.
"We'll see if you still think that after some time in my world."
Wagner quickly jumped in, changing the subject.
"Where are the maps Cammy? Show me how this is going to have to work."
The four headed into the kitchen. Cammy then pulled out the maps and showed them where they would have to get in at.
"Julian said that this was the escape route. So we'll be going through it backwards. After that we're on our own to find Eliza and Melissa."
Wagner spoke.
"That's the septic system."
"Yup."
Ken made a disgusted face and Ryu's expression never changed. Cammy spoke again.
"It's the only unguarded way in."
Wagner stood and walked to the window.
"Then there it is. We got what we need. We can leave in the morning. While you were gone we got the supplies together. We're going to have to fly to an island near this one and go the rest of the way by boat."
Cammy jumped in.
"Where the hell are we going to get a plane?"
Ken spoke.
"My father has a privet jet that stays here in L.A. We can use it. But a pilot…"
Wagner interrupted Ken.
"I can fly it."
Ryu stood.
"So we're all set then."
Cammy replied.
"Yeah."
He nodded.
"Well I'm going to go and get some rest. Ken?"
Ken hadn't moved from the table. Ryu repeated himself.
"Ken?"
"Yeah?"
"You need to rest too. You can't be of any help to Eliza if you aren't at your best."
"I know. I'm going to try and get some sleep in a little bit."
Ryu nodded again and left the room. Wagner put his hand on Cammy's shoulder.
"He's right. I'm going to sleep. You get something to eat."
She placed her hand on his and squeezed before he left. She was alone with Ken now. It had been five years since she saw him. Neither of them spoke as she silently ate the cold leftover pizza. Cammy finally spoke before leaving to room to go to sleep.
"We're getting them back."
Ken didn't reply.
As Cammy lay next to Wagner she tried her hardest to sleep but it was useless. She was too worried. She rolled over for the millionth time and was surprised when Wagner spoke.
"Can't sleep either?"
"No. I know I need to. But I'm so worried."
"Me too. But if we don't rest up there will really be something to worry about."
"I know."
Cammy sat up and slipped on a pair of shoes as she spoke.
"I'm going for a drive."
"You sure about that?"
"Yeah, I'll be okay. Vega knows he got his message across."
"Okay. Just be careful."
Cammy patted his head before leaving the room and the house. She got into the car and headed towards the hospital. She knew what was bothering her. She needed to see Guile before she left.
--
Rolling to her side Eliza tried unsuccessfully to get comfortable. She and Melissa had been in this cell forever it seemed. She was trying to get some sleep but it was impossible. Looking over she saw Melissa beside her curled into a ball, sleeping soundlessly. If only she could do that. She was way too worried. The man had come in with the phone with Melissa's father on it, but hadn't contacted Ken, at least that she was aware of. What did that mean for her? Why was she taken?
Trying to push her worry aside, Eliza rubbed the base of her spine with her fingers. She was so sore. Sitting on the floor was not a good place for a pregnant woman to be. Suddenly the door flew open and Eliza was blinded by the unexpected rush of light. She held her arm up to cover her eyes but that arm was grabbed by the hand of the man who had entered. He pulled her to her to her feet and rushed her out of the room. Before the door to the cell slammed behind her she head Melissa scream.
"Eliza!"
Once Eliza's eyes were adjusted she saw the man who had her by the arm. He was very tall, at least 6'7, with an eye patch. His face wasn't like the other man's. It was more indifferent than cold. He looked Tai, and had no hair on his head. She dared to speak.
"W-what's going on?"
He didn't answer her as he continued pulling her down the hall. He led her into a room where she saw the man from earlier sitting at a large table. He smiled at her maliciously, as she frowned.
"Now, now Mrs. Masters, don't look so upset. We'll be getting you home soon."
"Who are you people?"
"That doesn't matter."
She was led to a chair beside the man and urged to sit. She did.
"Why am I here?"
"Your husband doesn't have good standing with us in the past. But we can fix that with one simple phone call."
Eliza let her eyes get wide.
"You're going to kill me."
"No, no. A business like mine is in constant need of funding."
She realized what he meant; a ransom, but what about Melissa?
"What about the girl?"
"She is another matter all together."
Before Eliza could protest the man picked up a satellite phone and dialed a number. After a few moments he spoke.
"Ah, Mr. Masters. Sorry to rouse you from your sleep. I believe you know who this is? Yes...she's right here."
He handed the phone to Eliza and she took it.
"Ken?"
"Eliza baby! Are you okay?"
"I-I am. I'm just scared."
"I love you babe, I'm bringing you home."
"I love you too—"
The man grabbed the phone back from her. He spoke into it.
"Ten million dollars Mr. Masters; you've got two days to get it together then I'll contact you with the drop off instructions."
He hung up the phone and smiled.
"I'm sure you and your child are worth it to him."
She was stunned, then the tall man from before grabbed her arm again and led her back into a cell. Not the same one as Melissa. She was alone now. The door slammed and she let her body slide to the floor. Then the pain came again. Eliza put her hand onto her back to rub again except the pain just got stronger until it became an intense pressure that reached all the way across her expanded belly. She grabbed her stomach and held herself tightly. After a few moments the pain was gone. She spoke out loud.
"Oh God, that was a contraction."