Chapter 5
Some of the people-turned-animals were let out by Ange to attend the meeting while others prefer to stay in their cells and listen. Percy was very upset with Larz for pushing him. Yeah, he managed to glide halfway... except he landed face down! Ange was also furious at Larz as well, but he said that Percy needs to conquer his fears in order to survive as a bat. Ange knew that as well, but says that Percy needs to take it slowly... but already knows that was impossible due the circumstances and limited time they have. Percy realizes that he needs to conquer his phobias as well... and he REALLY hated the idea. He's still having a hard time adjusting to his bat body and is keeping his distance from Larz, Ken, and Rei due to being bats well... not far since he knew they're originally human. But when comes to meeting an actual bat... he hopes that it doesn't happen. And it didn't help either when Larz pushed him, forcing the teenager to experience his two other phobias.
During the meeting, they've argued what seemed like two hours about what plan to use.
"OH THIS IS HOPELESS!" Said a man-turned-turtle named Franklin (no seriously that's his given name). "IF WE CAN'T AGREE HOW TO ESCAPE, WE MIGHT AS WELL GIVE UP!"
"BUT WE GOT TO AGREE ON SOMETHING!" Charles argued.
"Did you guys got even close to agreeing with any of the plans?" Percy asked.
"We almost did with one." The orange tabby replied. "It involved with Larz being the only bat to fly. After every sunset exactly, either Nigel or Mack opens the small sliding door panel behind them to check on us."
"You mean the 'Jasper' and 'Horace' look alikes?" Ken asked.
"From the 101 Dalmations movie?" Rei added.
"Indeed." Charles replied.
Percy learned the the ones are driving the truck is Nigel (the skinny one) and Mack (the fat one). They're apparently the lowest ranked workers of the organization... ever. It was Ange who gave them the nicknames since, to her, look similar to the henchmen from the Disney film. Percy thought that was funny.
"When they open the panel, Larz can fly in and distract them in order for the truck to crash!"
"THAT SOUNDS LIKE A HORRIBLE PLAN!" Percy said.
"The cages have built in airbags and other protective systems to make their their "cargo" is undamaged... and somewhat with their drivers also." Charles added.
"But the problem is that there is only one of me!" Larz said. "Either one of those idiots can grab me and but me back!"
"Except now there is another bat capable of flying that'll help you out."
Percy had no idea what they're talking about at first until he realized that Charles was talking about him. The teenager's eyes went wide.
"ME?!" Percy exclaimed as he pointed himself with right clawed index finger. He then looked startled that he could bend and move his finger like that even though it's connected to his wing. The teenager then also found out that he make a fist with his bat-like hand as well. This is soooo weird.
Then everyone heard someone laughing rudely and contagiously. They looked up and saw the man-turn-ablino rat named Delvin "Devy" Blythe laughing in a insulting manner. He was the one that made fun of Percy when he heard his freak-out and his fear of bats. Devy later learns that the teenager is also afraid of both heights and flying... which is why he's laughing in the first place. Devy wasn't an albino as a human, but the serum was designed to turn him into one. From what Percy learned about him, Devy is a successful drug dealer with deep connections to the criminal underworld... but apparently he was sold out and ended up with the others in the truck. And no, he has know idea who the people that kidnapped them are either, except by learning from others kidnapped and turned like him.
"Not much help he's going to give!" Devy laughed. "With his phobias, he's much help as a guppy in the desert!"
Everyone really didn't like him... like at all.
"He's right." Percy admitted.
"Really?" Devy said with surprised tone.
"Shut up Dev'!" Percy shouted.
Devy shrugged as he slumped back into the farther parts of his cell. Percy then faced Charles and continued "The only heights I'm comfortable with is skateboarding up in six to seven feet in the air and two floors up when looking at the bat exhibit of the bat conservatory."
Ange already filled in about Percy and his family before he even arrived... which he has mixed feelings, angry and glad, about."
"And that's because I was behind the glass frame!? There's no way I can help!"
"We have no other choice young Perseus." Charles said.
"Percy is just fine thank you." The teenager insisted with annoyance.
"You need to help Larz to achieve this." Charles continued while ignoring what he said. "We have little time. From what I've heard, we'll be separated into different vehicles early tomorrow morning."
"And then you, me, and Ken will be taken to the organizations hideout." Ange added. "I've never been there, but what I've heard of it I don't want too."
"Please Percy." Rei begged as she grabbed his hand. He slightly flinched, due to her being a bat, she continued as tears streamed down from her eyes. "Me and Ken have separated from our family for a while. And if he gets taken away, I'll be all alone. I DON'T WANT THAT! I don't mind when I'm away from him with my relatives for visits but this different!
"Yeah. I agree with her." Ken pitched in while trying to sound brave. "I don't want to think what those people will do to us if we get there!"
Percy couldn't help but feel the same way. He has no idea what the organization will do them if they arrive at their hideout. And he doesn't plan on finding out!
The teenager then let out a long, nervous, and uncomfortable sigh as he finally says "Fine... I'll do it."
Both the Yamada twins gasped with joy while Ange smiled at for trying to step out of his comfort zone. Larz on the other hand was impressed while Charles looked proud by his decision.
"But I'm not liking the fact that I have to experiencing my phobias." Percy added. "I'm already having a hard time being a bat as it is."
"Don't worry kid, I'll teach you while making sure you're comfortable." Larz said. "Also just to let you know, I have learned to do this 'echolocation thing' yet. But I'll show how to climb, glide and fly as bat."
"How long did it took you to learn?"
"A week full of trial and error."
"A WEEK?! AND YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME!?"
"We have a very small window kid. Now, lets waste no time."
An hour later, everyone except Percy and Larz was back in their cells as both of the former humans clung onto the highest cell door closest to panel. Percy barely mastered how to fly, glide, and climb just in time. But he's still hasn't gotten over his phobias as he looked all nervous.
"Relax kid." Larz calmly spoke to the frightened teenage. "You got wings remember. You can't drop like a rock back when you're human."
"That doesn't help still!" Percy barked as he tried to avoid to look at the ground below.
"SHHH!"
Percy immediately went quiet as they both heard the drivers.
"Alright Mack, it's that time again."
"Why don't you do it Nigel."
"That's because I'm driving genius!"
"But you always drive!"
"Just do it!"
"Ready..." Larz began.
The sound of the latch unlocked.
"Set..."
Percy's heart began to race as the panel began to slowly open.
"GO!"
Then both Percy and Larz entered through the panel startling the men.
"WHAT THE HELL!?" Nigel explained.
"THEIR FACES PERCY!" Larz yelled. "GET INTO THEIR FACES! AND AVOID THEIR GRASP!"
Teenager was closest to Nigel and proceeded to block the driver's view.
"A BAT IS IN MY FACE NIGEL!" Mack cried in fear.
"THEY'RE HUMANS TURNED INTO BATS MACK!" Nigel corrected while trying get Percy out of his view. "I BET IT'S THE TINY GIRL'S FAULT! I KNEW WE SHOULD'VE CHECKED HER BELONGINGS AND DRUGED HER TO SLEEP! BUT NOOOOO, YOU JUST HAVE TO ACT ALL GENTLEMEN-LIKE AND LEAVE HER ALONE!"
Mack didn't reply, or even listen, since he was too focused trying to get Larz out of his face while crying softly like a man-child.
The truck began swerving left to right as it felt like it's about to tip over.
"SHIT!" Nigel cursed. He then managed to hit Percy's feet... but unfortunately that caused the teenager to flip, in mid-air, into the driver's face. Covering his sight entirely.
Nigel screamed as let go of the steering wheel to pry Percy. Big mistake. The truck then flipped onto its side causing sparks on the road as it slid into the woods to the left. As it stopped sliding, the truck was only a feet away from the pavement as both Nigel and Mack were knocked out... by landing into each other because both of the men didn't wear their seatbelts. Larz clung to the right door handle while in slight shock as he then let out a thrilled exclamation.
"MAN WHAT A RUSH!"
Larz then turned towards his left and saw Percy clinging to the steering wheel. He flew down to check up on and saw that the teenager was extremely scared of what happened as he shook with fright.
"Perc'?"
Larz then poked the teenage as Percy then let out a startled gasp as he let go of the wheel. He quickly grabbed him before he fell as they both clung back to wheel.
"You alright there kid?"
"Uh... uh-huh." Percy said as he nodded while still getting over the fact that they survived the intentional accident.
"You did great kid." Larz congratulated him. "Couldn't have done it better myself."
That sort of lifted Percy's spirits as the let out a weak grin.
"Now we just have to get open the rear door of the truck and open everyone's cells."
"Why can't just push those buttons to do it?" Percy asked pointing at the buttons near the air condition. The buttons have pictures of the cells and the rear door.
"Huh. How convenient."
Then the two pushed the buttons as hard as they could until both heard both the rear door and the cell doors open.
"Go check with the the others kid." Larz said. "I saw that there was a map on Mack's lap before the crash. If I find it, I'll find out exactly where we are."
"Alright."
Percy then flew back into the cargo area of the truck. Everyone began to help each other out as they then exited out of the truck with twenty minutes.
The teenager stood next to Ange and the Yamada twins (he's comfortable around them now since they're not really bats despite their appearance) as the animals stared at the woods in front of them.
"Where are we?" Ange asked.
"In Canada."
Larz landed in front of everyone dropping a map in front of everyone, showing country they're. And it's the actual form of directions the goons used by the look of the food and drink stains on it.
"CANADA?!" Percy said in disbelief. "WE'RE IN CANADA?!"
"The home of moose and people with funny accents?" Ken asked.
Everyone began to talk to each other with worry as Charles then stepped and said "Everyone calm down. Since we know exactly where we are, we'll use the map here to locate the nearest town, dial any form of phone, and have Ange call for help."
The people-turned-animals relaxed a bit as Charles continued "Now. Let's study the map so we can find o—"
Then out of nowhere, a small sized tranquilizer dart struck the tomcat's rear as everyone gasped in horror as Charles instantly passed out asleep. Behind them is both Nigel and Mack wielding the same guns used BY the men that took Percy back at the alley.
"Lets get 'em Nigel."
Everyone screamed in absolute terror except for Percy, Ange, Larz, the Yamada twins, and Devy. They still look terrified though.
"SCREW THIS!" Devy yelled. "EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF!" Then the albino rat ran off as he disappeared into the bushes.
"DON'T—"
But Larz was too late as everyone began to scatter in terror as the goons to shoot them down. Larz quickly scooped up the twins as the clung around his neck like last time as he yelled at Percy "Grab Ange and FLY! FLY!"
The teenager didn't hesitate as he then hovered above Ange as the boy grabbed he hand with his feet, which was feels totally weird, as he began to fly to catch up with Larz, Ken, and Rei... but only twelve feet, in bat size, in the air. While having a hard time carrying her.
"Jeez Ange, what did these people feed you."
"Oh don't you dare go there!" Ange said with slight anger, "And why aren't you flying higher?!"
"This is the highest I'm comfortable with right now!"
"But they'll catch us for sure!"
"Well I'm not going any higher!"
After three minutes of flying, they finally managed to catch up with Larz and the twins as they landed on the ground with them.
"Did we lose them." Percy asked.
"I think so kid." Larz replied.
But they spoked to soon as they heard both Nigel and Mack approaching with the flashlight attachments on their guns turned on.
"OH NO!" Rei cried.
"What are we going to do?" Ken asked while trying to hide the fear in his voice.
"We can try to out fly them." Percy suggested.
"But you won't fly higher than twelve feet!" Ange argued.
"Did you forget I still have my fear of heights and flying!" Percy argued back. "I barely managed to fly because of it."
Percy then turned to Larz and saw him with an expression as if he has already made up his mind about something.
"Larz?"
"I'll distract them long enough so you can get Ange and the twins away from here."
They couldn't believe what he just said.
"You can't be serious! Larz, I had a hard time carrying Ange! And with the addition of the twins, I don't think I can take off the ground. And if I can, I can't fly any higher due to my fears of heights and flying! Plus I don't think I can fly as long with the combined weight! I've never—"
Larz immediately grabbed Percy's shoulders and said "You got to try Percy! If you can't do it for yourself, then do it for them!"
The teenager then looked at both Ange and the Yamada twins as they wore worried expressions on their faces. He could see a hint of fear in Ange while mostly on poor Rei. Ken on the other is trying to mask his fear with straight bravery but to no avail.
Percy then turned back to Larz with a unconfident and worried expression. "But—"
Both Nigel and Mack drew near filling the others with dread.
"GO! YOU'RE THE MAN OF THE GROUP NOW PERC'! LOOK AFTER THEM!" Larz shouted.
"BUT—"
"GO!"
With that, Larz flew away from them as he charged towards the goons.
"What the—" Nigel said with startled tone.
"It's the bat that was in my face!" Mack said. "This one's mine!"
Then shots were heard as Percy stood there frozen with fear. Ange grasped his hand pulling while yelling "Come one Percy we gotta go! Don't let Larz's sacrifice go in vain!"
After a few brief moments, Percy then turned around to the opposite direction of the goons as he got the twins to cling onto him. Rei was on his back while Ken jumped onto the front forming a necklace by holding each other's hands. Percy then began to hover as he called to Ange "Grab my feet."
Thus the teenage girl complied as Percy began to fly... except the total weight of the three was too much as the girl's toes were dragging the ground.
"GAH! I knew this wouldn't work!"
Then they noticed the light was on them as Nigel said "I found the important cargo!"
Percy heard that Mack was still trying to get Larz as the Ange screamed, Rei cried, and Ken whimpered in terror.
"PERCY!" Ange exclaimed.
There's nothing I can do! Percy thought hopelessly. I can't go any higher due to seeing the heights—!? Then a idea popped into his head. If I close my eyes, I won't have to see how high I am! I just hope this 'echolocation' thing comes in naturally!
The teenager then closed his eyes as he began to flap harder to get high into the air. But he only managed a three inches, bat sized, off the ground due the weight. He then heard a tranquilizer being shot at them... but missing by five inches. The both Ange and the children screamed in terror as Percy yelled at himself desperately in frustration "COME ON! GET HIGHER YOU WEAK BAT BODY!"
Then all of the sudden, his right wrist began to tingle... and felt a cooling warmth as he began to fly higher... and faster until he was out of view and range of Nigel's aim.
"Damn it!" he exclaimed in anger.
Larz then turned and saw Percy carrying the others away. He smiled as the barrel, not the needle, of the tranquilizer skimmed hard and rough against his right shoulder as he let out a surprised and painful shout. His right wing began to limp, meaning he can't catch up with Percy... but he can get away from both Nigel and Mack. Except he'll have to land somewhere until his shoulder heals up. And due to the pain... it might take a long while.
"Good luck kids."
Then he began to fly until he reached to the other side of the road and out of sight.
"You did it Percy! You've conquered your fear of heights and flying." Ange said happily.
"Uhhh... I don't think so." Ken said otherwise.
"What make you say that?" Rei asked.
"Because his eyes are closed."
"WHAT?!" Ange exclaimed in disbelief. "WHY ARE YOU FLYING LIKE THAT?!"
"That's the only way so I don't have to look how high I am!" Percy replied fiercely. "Plus I was hoping to echolocate instinctively."
"Have you?"
Percy went awkwardly silently.
Ange already guess as she went "You can't, can you! Well this is just GREAT!"
"Give me break! I apparently it doesn't happen by instinct! Right now I need you guys to be my eyes for now until we can find a place to rest before my body gets tired!"
"You can't be serious!"
"JUST DO IT DANG IT!" Percy didn't want to swear in front of the twins. He was lucky that they didn't heard him curse when he freaked out back in the truck. "OR DO YOU WANT TO ME TO FLY WITH MY EYES OPEN, PANIC, AND THEN CRASH!"
"Fine! We're only doing this until we find a place to rest! Tomorrow, you're going to have to practice to adjust flying in higher heights!"
"Tch."
"What was that?!"
"Nothing!" Percy quickly said as he flew amongst the trees with his passengers as his eyes.
Author's Notes
Devy Blythe's albino rat form is inspired by Angel Dust from "Hazbin Hotel"... if he was a normal albino rat with pink feet, tail, inner part of his ears, nose, and eyes.