Chapter 14 - The Hunters are Hunted
Ostend, Belgium
(Continued)

The sudden change from dark to the bright lights of the machines blaring at him seemed to burn Sherlock's eyes. Nyctalope, however, seemed to be more affected, but he didn't allow it to become a weakness. He tightened his grip on his arm, at which the detective winced again. That was his scarred arm.

"Ah, now this is a surprise," Zenith remarked, with a stony face, still swinging his leg back and forth as he sat on the crate. Holmes almost couldn't believe how content he was.
"Sherlock Holmes," Lupin announced, walking towards his rival. He looked closely at the detective who had meddled in so many of his plans and schemes. The detective was the reason that Lupin was in this group to start with. He was the one adversary of Lupin whom Victoire would lose sleep over, due to her fear that he would catch her son. They were behind schedule as it was and they had to get ahead.
"Arsène Lupin," he replied with the same tenseness in his voice as the thief.

"How is your arm?" Lupin asked soberly. Zenith couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and lean forward. He could see the tension rising like smoke.
"The hole you shot into it has healed if that's what you mean," Holmes answered, keeping himself dignified.
Lupin stayed close to the car. "If you have any sense about you, Monsieur, you will leave this well alone. Though we all know that you will not heed my warning."
"If I was to walk away whenever I was faced with any danger, I'd never have a case- and this is the most intriguing case which I'd rather not miss out on. I confess I did not expect to find you tied to the Landmark Flags mystery."

Lupin shrugged "Bah, an old story. I fail to see its relevance to now. How did you find us based on all that?"
Nyctalope spoke up "He's at it again, Monsieur. Twice now since you've been away."
A degree of aggravation made its way into Lupin's frame, but he breathed it out. Now wasn't the time to discuss this.
Lupin chuckled to himself. "I see. An intriguing case indeed but I'm afraid this is a game you cannot play. Whether you believe it or not, we're stood on the right side of the law," he said.

Holmes stepped forward but Nyctalope stopped him from going any further. "I'm already playing and will continue to do so. You made it my game when you tried to deface England seven years ago."
This counter was sent to the French thief with a vengeance, so much so, Lupin's grin faltered for a moment but it soon returned and widened in fact. But before he could speak, Holmes continued "And I fail to see how the man who you have taken captive," Holmes gestured to Nemo, "one of ours if I'm not mistaken, is considered legal."

"You have been busy," Lupin commented, neglecting to answer.

It took a lot to shake that English detective. Even being in front of some of the most infamous and dangerous people in all France - if not the world, did not throw him. Though Holmes would not allow it to show, the five men around him filled him with frightful awe. The overbearing darkness with the cutting lights of the car created a supernatural glow around the criminals. Holmes' eyes met Fantômas's and there was a moment of tense silence, like animals assessing one another preparing to fight.

"Shoot him. Kill him and let's leave before the police get on our trail. They follow him around like little lost pups so they won't be far behind," Fantômas growled.
Holmes could not help but notice the way his eyes seemed to glow like coals. The assassin's hand wandered to the handle of his gun that stuck out of his pocket, stroking it with twitching fingers.

"No," Lupin objected. "He-"

"Wait," Zenith suddenly beckoned, peering over towards the water. "Look." Nyctalope kept his eyes on Sherlock, but the others looked into the sea that was only mere feet away. It was frothing and bubbling as though it was boiling. Lupin looked straight to Holmes but dismissed whatever idea he had. "Then, what-" Before Lupin could say another word a great eruption occurred in the water beside them. Out of the enormous plume of white water, the Nautilus emerged. Within seconds it was lining up alongside the pier.

"Nyctalope, leave him here. Into the cars, now!" Lupin ordered. A gunshot caused the group of criminals to take cover. Zenith ended up rolling off the crate like tumbleweed and hiding behind it. Nyctalope threw Holmes onto the ground and retreated behind some crates for cover. But he was at the opposite side of the pier to what the cars were.

About a dozen men exited The Swallow once the shot was fired. They were all of Fantômas' workers. The English Detective scrambled to his feet and fled out of the line of fire. He did not know which side he should consider the greater threat. Robert could only hide behind the open door of the car, which served him as a very useful shield. He also made sure to guard their unconscious prisoner.

The shot had come from the direction of the warehouse. Lupin crawled back towards the cars, keeping an eye out for the mystery gunman. He silently cursed as the saw the bullet had hit the tyre of the car carrying Nemo. They would have to leave that one behind and move Nemo into the other. That meant he needed to buy some time.

Lupin continued. "Champeau, go to the other car and get inside the back, quickly! Zenith, I need you here." Robert Champeau did as instructed, being careful to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. He opened the back door to the other black car and climbed inside. He then kept low and remained unscathed. Zenith had to jump over the top of the crate and dive towards their transportation to avoid injury.

"Cover our escape!" Fantômas ordered his men. He then drew his own gun and disappeared behind the crates, completely out of view.
"Where are you going?!" Zenith called, but he was already gone.

Fantômas' men took positions around the port and began to open fire at the Nautilus as the doors opened. It did not take long for her crew to begin to retaliate and for the League to appear.

With shots hailing down from almost every angle, Lupin and Zenith opened the car door from the other side and lifted him out with utmost care. Nemo was still in a deep sleep and so stayed oblivious to his abrupt rescue attempt. Lupin kept a close eye on him to make sure he didn't stir. "Keep low," he said to Zenith.
"I plan to. How has the League found us?!"
"I don't know, and I don't want to wait around to ask."

Meanwhile, the League had safely managed to make their way out of the Nautilus. Skinner had discarded his coat on the ramp and was weaving his way through the area, sabotaging enemy guns in any way possible. Sometimes there would be something nearby he could use to swing at the men's heads from behind. From any gunman that carried one, he stole and discarded one thing: the stake slotted in his belt. That left them open to attack from Mina but it was a slow process.

Lupin could see what the invisible man was doing and set about what he was doing with much more vigour. They needed to hurry. However, he could not help but worry at how zealous Zenith seemed to be about the situation. The man truly was obsessed with action and danger. Despite his excitement, the thief was at least able to not get himself shot as he and Lupin carried Nemo over to the other black car.

Robert helped them to lift Nemo inside the car. Zenith climbed in the back with Nemo and Robert, trapping their prisoner in the middle. Lupin sat in the driver's seat and waited for Nyctalope to arrive.

By simple math, Lupin could see that they had one extra person. Fantômas or Nyctalope would not fit in the car along with everyone else unless one squeezed in somewhere. But the assassin was nowhere in sight. If he didn't emerge before his men were defeated then Lupin would have to leave him. It was not Fantômas he was concerned for. It was their youngest member- Nyctalope.
A few more moments, Lupin thought to himself. Just a few more moments…

"Come on, Nyctalope!" Lupin shouted, all too aware that time was pressing.

Thanks to Skinner, Mina was overwhelming her enemies. Despite there being so few of them, they were good. They put up a much greater fight against her whenever she went in for the kill. It was fortunate that she was immortal, otherwise, she would have been killed with their struggles.

Hyde was yet to appear. Jekyll was furiously trying to help those wounded by Fantômas's talented marksmen. He pulled them from the line of fire, have someone else to help him quell the blood loss in a bid to save them before getting to the next crew member.

Jekyll kept an eye out for Sawyer, but he could see no sign of the young spy. Where was he now of all times? They needed their marksman back. A gunshot soon fired from beside him answered his question. Sawyer had gone to get his guns. The League did not expect to find their enemies here. Neither party was prepared for this conflict.

"Nyctalope!" several fearful voices exclaimed, whilst another cried out "Chief!" Jekyll looked up to see what had happened. Sawyer's aim had been true. It had hit the young man in the chest as he made a dash for the car on the other side of the pier. Once the shot had slammed into him, he crumpled to the ground. One of the young men tried to get out of the automobile to go and help him, but the albino kept him back.

Much to Jekyll's surprise, the young man struggled to get on all fours. He crawled behind some crates, leaving a trail of blood behind him. He disappeared from sight. Jekyll couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for the young man and the doctor in him hated to witness the waste of life.

It doesn't matter. He's not one of ours. Let me out so I can fight, Hyde insisted. Jekyll pushed him aside in his mind. He had to help the crew first, even if Nemo was in view. He was a doctor first and foremost.

Lupin watched in horror as Nyctalope crumpled to the ground. He froze, watching as he crawled along the floor, paining himself with the movement as he made it into some shelter. Robert tried to get out of the car, but Zenith would not allow it. A sudden bullet whizzing past Lupin's head brought him back into the game.

He had the engine on and drove off in an instant. He had no choice, for otherwise, Champeau would have made his way out of the car to find his friend. Lupin could not risk it and there was hope for Nyctalope yet.

Seeing that they were leaving, Sawyer rushed back inside the Nautilus to get their own automobile. He had no intention of losing Nemo. "Jekyll, with me!"
More crewmen with medical knowledge had arrived, so, deciding his latest patient was stable enough for someone else to take over, Jekyll hurried to his feet and got into the automobile. It was the first time in action in an automobile.

As quickly and carefully as he could, Sawyer unloaded the automobile and rushed after Nemo.

After driving behind some crates and consequently of the range of fire, Lupin stopped near the water's edge, a little distance away from the shooting.
"Lupin, what are you doing? The League will on our tail in a few seconds. Come on!" Zenith exclaimed.
"What about Nyctalope?! We can't leave him!" Monsieur Chameau demanded furiously.
"If we wait for him we'll be caught!"
Lupin did not reply, but kept looking around and then glancing back at the white automobile approaching them. It was still a good distance away.

Nemo was sat between the two men with his head drooping to the side. His breathing was a little hastened but not enough for him to wake up and see the chaos around him. Part of Lupin wanted to wait where they were and return the captain. Seeing him in his weakened state only made this feeling escalate. But he couldn't. Not with so much at stake.

Lupin began to smile as he heard the sound of shuffling. He climbed over to the passenger seat, leaving the driver's seat unoccupied.
"Have you gone mad?!" Zenith hollered, preparing to move to the front.
"Wait!" a stray voice managed.
"Chief?" Robert exclaimed.

At what Zenith felt was the very last moment, Nyctalope staggered into view and sluggishly climbed into the car. Immediately, Nyctalope took up the wheel and was flying along the pier, heading along the shore. Sawyer was close on their heels. The slight delay was worthwhile but Lupin had risked a great deal for his safety. Zenith only hoped that it would pay off. The bullet had lodged itself Nyctalope's chest, near his heart. Though the wound was shallow, Zenith didn't know if he could last at the wheel.

The two great machines tore away at the ground, disappearing from sight in an instant. One thing was clear though. The League would not be letting them get away this time…

(*A Few Minutes Earlier*)

Quatermain's heart rose at the sight of the Nautilus rising out of the water. Ayesha had been right, but now Quatermain had a job to do. He had to stall and help rescue Nemo. The League needed their chance.
"Keep close and keep down," he said to Poirot before taking his rifle and firing it at the automobile carrying Nemo. The Belgian detective only just had time to cover his ears.

The wheel hissed as the air escaped out of bullet hole. The hunter quickly moved and changed positions amongst the crates with Poirot following. The other automobile was parked out of his range. The angle would mean standing wide in the open.
"We must find Monsieur Holmes, he is unarmed," Poirot said.
"Take this and go and get him. Keep your head low and get back here as soon as you can." Quatermain handed him a small gun and a nod of reassurance.
Poirot hesitatingly took the gun and crept away to find his companion.

Quatermain watched as Fantômas disappeared behind the crates. He was headed in the direction that Poirot had gone only moments before. Quatermain thought back to what he had said. Shoot him, kill him before anyone else appears. The idea struck the old hunter as hard and sharp as a bullet: Fantômas was going after Sherlock.

Quatermain looked at the two men who were moving Nemo's unconscious form. Then he looked in the direction of Sherlock and Poirot. He had a choice to make. Nemo was his priority, but he couldn't let Fantômas sneak up on the others. Sherlock was unarmed and Poirot was by no means the shooting type. Buy the League time or warn the others?

"Bugger." Quatermain hurried after the two enforcers of the law to help them. It was up to the League to get Nemo for now.

(*Meanwhile*)

Sherlock had managed to take cover amongst a cluster of wooden crates. He didn't dare look over one with the volume of lead in the air. He was already covered in splinters of wood. The sound of rushed footsteps caught the English detective's attention. Searching for a makeshift weapon, Sherlock had to settle for a stray plank of wood.

It was lucky that Poirot wasn't injured when Sherlock swung for him. At the last moment, he managed to weaken the force he put into his strike upon recognising who it was. Poirot, fortunately, did not have his finger on the trigger of the gun he carried when the wood struck his arm.

Poirot stumbled back with his gun at the ready. He lowered it when he saw that it was Sherlock.
"Poirot?! What are you doing here?" Sherlock shouted amongst the hail of gunfire.
"I came to find you, monsieur. Follow me. We have an ally amongst us who can help."

A stray bullet hit the wooden crate they were sheltered behind, covering them in more fragments of wood. Sherlock had to put his arm up to protect himself as best he could. Poirot handed him the gun. "Then let's get a move on. You lead, Poirot."

Quatermain could see the two making their way over to him. He could also see the shadowy figure of Fantômas in close pursuit. Quatermain aimed for him, but he hid behind the crates. Gun in his hand, he tried to get a good shot at the two men.
"Poirot, look out!" Quatermain shouted.

The Belgian detective turned and saw Fantômas cocking his gun. With a jump of alarm, he grabbed Sherlock by the wrist and dragged him out of the line of fire. Sherlock fired at Fantômas but missed due to Poirot pulling him away.

Quatermain whipped his head around at hearing several fearful shouts. He was relieved to see the League was still fine, it had been Nyctalope. Fantômas began to fire his weapon at Quatermain, who shot back in retaliation.

The gunfire began to focus on the Nautilus and the Automobile that was coming out of it. Sawyer and Jekyll were inside, going after Nemo. That gave the old hunter ample opportunity to move to a better spot with less risk. He made it over to Poirot and Sherlock and continued to shoot at any opposition.

As Sawyer drove off, the hunter could only hope that they would remain unharmed. He hoped with all his might that they got Nemo back. But a rigid feeling of doubt niggled away at his mind. Ayesha wouldn't revive him just to shoot a tyre and save Poirot and Sherlock, would she? That thought filled him with dread as he fought. No, he had to trust Sawyer's abilities, besides, he had Jekyll and therefore Hyde with him.

They'd be alright. They had to be.