*O's A/N: This fic is my version and exploration of what may have happened between Scarlett and Snake Eyes before GI Joe. I'm a cartoon girl so I didn't know the history of S/SE until later. Since ARAH was the first cartoon and there was a very small band of Joes in the opening sequence and show, I took ARAH as the beginning of the Joes, not realizing that the show was based on a comic book. The cartoon portrayed a potential pairing with Duke and Scarlett. Therefore, to satisfy my recreation of how S/SE were a couple at one time, an idea popped into my head, and I wrote it down.
A HUGE thank you to DesertFox for her beta reading services.
*O's Disclaimer: General disclaimers apply. I do not own GI Joe or the characters. Hasbro/Sunbow/Marvel/Devil's Due comics and anyone I missed created GI Joe. I used bits and pieces from the cartoon and comic to create my fic. I make no money from this fic.
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Title: An Old FlameAuthor: Scarlett Storm O
Rating: R
Summary: Scarlett must face an old adversary who is back to avenge Snake Eyes and her past comes back to haunt her.
Feedback: Yes please, very much appreciated.
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Chapter 1 – Out of the Frying Pan...
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"Okay people, listen up," Flint's voice boomed over the noise of the chopper engines. "Duke and Snake Eyes are being held prisoner by Cobra. The location of their hideout is in this vicinity according to the sporadic homing signals that we have traced. We need to go down, free our comrades, and get us some snakes. Scarlett, you and Stalker head up the rescue mission. The rest of you, follow me."
"YO JOE" was exclaimed by all onboard.
Scarlett and Stalker exited the Tomahawk and headed for the tunnels. Except for trudging through the bug-infested swamp, they easily made their way inside the Cobra base, eliminating Cobra soldiers along the way. The boys in blue were not the brightest light bulbs that Cobra Commander could have picked for guard duty. The first set of guards was sleeping on the job, and the second set was too busy betting on the upcoming game. Stalker waited until Scarlett was in place behind the guards then he revealed himself from the shadows and suggested that they confer with Ace before they placed their bets. The two confused and surprised Cobras were not too sure what to do about the presence of the Joe but were promptly knocked unconscious by Scarlett, who swiftly dealt out a few precisely placed karate chops to the back of their necks.
They continued into the belly of the Cobra lair and came across a fork in the tunnels. From what they could see, both halls contained cell doors lining the walls.
"Now what? Do you want to split up to take a peek at what is around each bend?" Stalker asked.
"That would make it quicker," Scarlett replied. "Keep in radio contact if anything comes up."
They split off, each going down a different hall. Scarlett was not keen on splitting from Stalker, but since time was running out and it was only the two of them, they had to move fast. Flint had an incoming air strike on its way.
"Duke? Snake Eyes?" She whispered through the cell doors as she made her way cautiously down the hall. She felt ridiculous whispering Snakes' name. It's not like he would be able to answer her verbally, but he could rattle some chains, knock on the wall, or make some kind of a noise to alert her to his presence.
She proceeded down the dark, dank hallway. Why must the snakes always have their hideout in these despicable locations? She continued checking doors for prisoners. Finally, a chain rattle was heard, followed by a voice.
"Down here, Red." It was Duke's voice.
Elated that she had found them, she blasted open the door and entered the cell. "I'm glad that I finally found you guys..." Her voice trailed off as her eyes did a full sweep of the room, only to find Duke chained to the wall and no sign of Snake Eyes. "Where is Snake Eyes?" She asked as she released his chains and studied his swollen, bruised face. The slimy snakes had beaten him for information.
"I don't really know. Some guy dressed in white took him as soon as we landed here while the Commander and Destro tried to get information from me," Duke explained in between grimaces of pain. There was blood soaking through the back of his shirt, and he gingerly put pressure on his left leg. His breathing was labored from either badly bruised or possibly fractured ribs.
Scarlett's expression changed from concern to dismay. Her blood drained completely from her face, and she turned ghostly white. No, this could not be happening. Why does my life suck so much this year? First, she had joined the newly formed anti-terrorist military force known as GI Joe, acquired her ex-fiancé as a new teammate, and now another blast from the past.
Duke could tell she instantly went into overdrive. "Are you alright? You look like you've just seen a ghost." He knew that the sight of his injuries and blood would not cause her current expression. She had seen much worse on herself and her teammates.
"Duke, do you know where this guy took Snakes?" She asked through a dry, cracked voice as she managed to help him stand on his own.
Duke shook his head and told her that Snake Eyes had been escorted away by the stranger when they departed the aircraft that had brought them here.
"Who is this guy dressed in white, and why do you fear him?" He was quite concerned. The fear in her eyes had a haunted and wild look.
Maybe she was jumping to conclusions. A lot of guys could be dressed in white, but to be sure she asked Duke if he remembered an exact appearance of this man.
"He was dressed in white, wore a facemask, and had two swords sheathed on his back," Duke revealed as he made his way slowly out of the holding cell, eyeing his teammate warily.
At this unveiling of information, Duke knew she knew him, and the look of fear on her face did not change; this expression etched on her face was what worried him the most. "Who is he? What does he want with Snake Eyes?"
"His name is Storm Shadow. He is a very lethal ninja and has a bone to pick with Snake Eyes. Come on, we have to find them before it is too late." Remembering radio contact with Stalker, she spoke into her wrist communicator. "Stalker? Copy."
"Loud and clear Red, where are you? I haven't found anyone yet."
"I found Duke, but we have big trouble," she said, with emphasis on the word 'big'. "Tommy is working for Cobra and has Snake Eyes. Keep your eyes open for them but don't try to fight Tommy. He'll kill you. Hopefully, he hasn't killed Snakes yet."
"Good luck, lady. I'll let you know if I find them. You be careful too." Stalker warned her. Stalker knew Tommy, aka Storm Shadow, and thought that Scarlett would only be able to run interference for Snake Eyes if necessary. Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes formed a strong partnership when the ninja forces were just setting up shop in a new district of Japan. Stalker had the fortunate opportunity to befriend them for a short period of time until he was shipped out to a different Army base. Stalker knew that Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow had had an ugly falling out but didn't know any specifics. Apparently, Scarlett knew why or at least that the disagreement existed. "Heaven help her." He prayed.
"Do you mind telling me who Tommy is, and what this is all about?" Duke demanded, grabbing her arm. He was surprised at her continuous elusiveness.
She wrestled out of his grasp and kept on moving, searching for the two ninjas. "I can't explain now. Every second counts, but if I'm right, and I hope I'm not, Tommy, uh Storm Shadow, wants to kill Snake Eyes for a wrong that happened years ago that Snake Eyes had no control over," she explained. The entire story would take too long, and she didn't have time for that tale. Lives were at stake.
Duke started to ask again but heard the noise coming from the room directly to the right of them.
"Oh my God, he is going to kill Snakes!" Scarlett exclaimed as she observed the unfolding scene through the doorway. She handed Duke her wrist communicator and told him to get a hold of Stalker to let him know their position and to try and radio Flint or Ace to buy them some time before the air strike.
"And what do you think you are going to do?" Duke demanded. He was past the point of being annoyed at her vagueness about the apparent situation, and he wanted answers.
"I'm going to try and stop him," she smugly assured the first sergeant. "Unless you are going to try and stop me," she challenged him with a defiant look in her eyes. Knowing that he had no choice, Duke slowly shook his head and wished her luck.
Satisfied that she had his support, she gathered her courage and strength. She knew that she would be on her own in this battle. Snake Eyes was down, Duke had no stamina to even begin to tackle Storm Shadow, and time was precious. Storm Shadow had his weaknesses, but even she doubted her skills against him. He was a master, and yet she had been training with Snakes quite frequently lately, honing her skills. Just maybe, there was a possibility to defeat him.
*TBC – Chapter 2 - …And Into the Fire