Chapter 4
"We need to help the other mutants, Michael!" Darren exclaimed, early the next morning.
"But as Chloe said she thinks she's the only one who survived. We don't even have a full team: we're short a molecular, and our resident feral's not in any condition to fight," Michael sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"I can do it," Chloe exclaimed, hobbling in.
"I know ferals don't like to be cooped up very long, but you need to rest," Michael insisted, pushing her gently towards the chair he had just vacated.
"I want to find Ashley," Chloe said stubbornly, as she struggled to stand up.
"Chloe, be rational! You friend is probably dead," Michael shouted at her.
Chloe growled at him, and her round pupils shrunk into diamonds, changing to an orange-yellow. "Don't say that! Ashley is alive!"
Michael shook his head, turning his back to her.
"Hey Michael, a molecular just ran into the alley and went through the brick into the Safe Haven," Angie popped her head in.
Chloe, Darren, and Michael all looked at each other before rushing after Angie.
"No fair, you guys!" Chloe protested. "I'm not as fast as you with crutches!"
The group quickly reached the wall the molecular had penetrated. A young girl lay sprawled out on the floor. Her arms and legs were covered in purple welts, and her clothes were filthy and soaking wet. Streaks of her blood intruded into her bright blonde hair.
"That's Ashley," Chloe smirked at Michael, before leaning down to help her friend. "Ash, can you hear me?"
"Hey Chlo," Ashley smiled weakly. "I knew I'd find you."
Chloe took her friend's hand and beamed at her. Darren and Angie grinned with excitement as Michael looked at Ashley in disbelief.
"How is she?" Chloe asked Darren later as she walked up to the medical lab. She peered inside only to see Michael talking with Ashley.
"She will be fine," Darren answered. "But she'll be crippled like you for awhile."
Chloe grinned suddenly, an idea forming in her head. "We can help the other mutants now. We have a full team."
"First you have to convince the only non-mutant among us."
Chloe sneered at the thought but held her tongue.
"Chloe, Darren, can you come in here?" Michael called from the lab.
Chloe and Darren walked in, and were greeted by Ashley, Angie, and Michael. Michael looked at each of their faces. Chloe, strong and determined, Darren, brave and trusting, and Ashley, proud and resilient. And Angie, who was peering at him curiously through her deep blue eyes, reading his feelings like a book.
"I know what you guys want to do. I know you want to fight for the mutants, to save them from Eckhart. I have thought about this a lot, and I want you to know that even though I don't like the idea of five against hundreds, I will help you."
A slow grin spread across Chloe's face as Michael's words sunk in. "Really?"
Michael nodded, "This is going to be a tough war. Our lives will be in jeopardy every step of the way. Are you willing to accept that?"
Each of the mutants nodded. "It's worth it Michael," Angie told him.
There was an awkward silence as each member contemplated the trials to come.
"Well," Darren grinned, breaking the silence. "I guess that means we've finally found ourselves a team."
Thanks so much to all my loyal reviewers! melodie568, gelf, deathraveness, and anto
anto: lexa, as well as adam will be coming into the story soon. Notice this is Part 1 of 3 parts. The different stages of MX so to speak.