Chapter 15 - A Shot in the Dark
North West Belgium
(Continued)

If by any chance there had been a civilian passing by as these two mighty machines roared down the road, Jekyll could only imagine their terror. Jekyll didn't even feel as though the wheels of the automobile were touching the ground. The roads were dangerous in the first place as they were only meant for horses and carts. Sawyer was in deep concentration, but the fact they could barely see the automobile in front added to the incredible risk. The doctor couldn't help but cling to the sides of the machine for all he was worth.

"Jekyll, can you shoot?" Sawyer called above the noise as he drove.
"No, not well enough," he replied. The wind was rattling in his ears, as was the new sound of enemy gunfire.
Sawyer ducked out of instinct. "Then you'll have to take the wheel when I shoot and then load my guns for me. Can you do that?"

For a moment, Jekyll didn't reply. It was not fear that stopped him, but rather the fact that he didn't know. He had never driven Nemo's invention before. But he had seen Sawyer driving and it didn't look so hard. Jekyll guessed he only needed to keep the wheel still more than anything.
"Jekyll?" Sawyer called again, louder this time.
"Yes, I -"

A bullet that bounced off the front of the car interrupted the doctor. Sawyer released the wheel, drew his guns and began to shoot back with a scowl. Jekyll had to dive for the wheel. After an unsteady wiggle of the automobile, she found her rhythm again and continued to fly along the roads.

Once both guns were empty, Sawyer gave Jekyll a handful of bullets out of his pocket and took the wheel again. Jekyll then had to reload the guns. "I can't get a good shot! It keeps moving too much. I can't pip it!" Sawyer explained in frustration.
"I'd try for the wheels. But be careful- don't forget that Nemo is in there," Jekyll advised, giving Sawyer his guns back and taking the wheel.

You should have let me out at the port, we would have caught them there and then, Hyde muttered in the back of Jekyll's head.
You would have gotten us killed, there were too many guns and all of them would have been focused on you, Jekyll argued back without a word. He tried to concentrate on the road instead of Hyde's untimely remarks.
You're just trying to play the hero, you don't want me getting involved. I'm not stupid, Henry.
No! This will work, it has to. Now shut up so I can concentrate! Jekyll demanded, hoping Hyde would be quiet. Edward did so, though with reluctance.

Taking the empty guns back from Sawyer and swapping places once more, the realisation hit him. What if this didn't work?

(*Meanwhile*)

"Not so sound rude, but how are you even still alive, Nyctalope?" Zenith asked. He casually dodged the bullet sent from Sawyer after sending one himself.
"The metal in your chest- it must have slowed the bullet," Robert Champeau assumed.
"It's still bleeding badly though. Champeau, you'll need to check this when we get back to the Albatross. The metal may have split," Lupin grimaced. He took a handkerchief and pressed it onto Nyctalope's chest whilst he was driving. It was far from perfect but it was better than nothing.

Nyctalope winced through gritted teeth as he drove. "I'll be fine for now. Zenith, I need you to get them off our tail. Even if it didn't get my heart, I can feel the bullet is still in me."
"Keep your breathing steady," Champeau advised. He leant forwards in the back seat behind Lupin to try to see how bad the injury was.

The wound was paining him but he focused on the road ahead. Nyctalope was the best option to drive. The headlights enabled him to only see a few feet in front. Yet his enhanced eyesight meant he could see in what felt like pure daylight. The darkness no longer bothered him, he thrived in it, giving him advantages that no one else possessed. It was the loss of blood that was beginning to affect him, his vision was starting to swim. He had to keep blinking hard to clear his vision.

Zenith fired four more shots. None hit their mark, the lights of the Automobile blinded him and the moving target made it even harder. As if in retaliation, the white machine began to get closer, causing the strength of the light to intensify.

The light and the noise of the gunshots encouraged Nemo to begin to wake up from his deep sleep. He found himself between two men. One was Monsieur Zenith, and he did not know the second, nor the driver for that matter. Nemo's mind felt clouded, the result of drugs. His brain took its time in registering what was happening. He turned to see what Zenith was shooting at. An Automobile, the League- his friends!

Filled with hope, Nemo dived at Zenith, reaching for the gun. Even with Nemo's hands tied, Zenith was taken by surprise. The gun fell out of his hands and onto the floor by his feet. "Champeau, grab him!" Lupin exclaimed in the front passenger seat. Champeau was already taking Nemo by the arms and yanking him backwards, away from Zenith.

As soon as he fell backwards, Champeau wrapped one arm around his neck and the other was on his chest. Champeau's strength was startling, but he was trying to be careful to not hurt his ribs. Those were not Nemo's priority. He tried his best but could not overpower the man who held him down. He didn't have the strength to sit up and it was much harder with bound hands. Champeau was just too strong. "Let...go!" Nemo snarled, struggling against him. Champeau held on tight to his wrists with one hand. Elbows did little. He could only kick, and he used that liberty well.

"Don't let go, Robert. Zenith, get them off our backs, now!" Nyctalope instructed, though more harshly. He was becoming more desperate as blood escaped his body. Lupin was trying his best to stop the bleeding, but it was still slipping through his fingers.

The car behind them rapidly began to pick up the pace whilst they had been distracted by Nemo. Jekyll was beginning to transform into his darker counterpart. It looked like they had thought of a new plan whilst the roads were turning into a larger width. Hyde was going to jump onto their car.

"Lupin, shoot the tyres. You've got one bullet, a better chance and a better aim," Zenith ordered, picking the revolver up from the floor and holding it out to him, out of Nemo's reach. He grunted as Nemo kept kicking him.
"I can't do it- I'm busy," he exclaimed. There was something wrong in his voice. Zenith didn't know what, but it was as if a child had spoken for a moment, a hitch in his voice. But what was it? Why would he not shoot?

Whatever it was would have to wait. "You've got two hands, Arsène, now take the shot before they catch us!" Zenith demanded, glancing to the side to see Hyde almost fully transformed. He could hear Jekyll's yells of pain turning into Hyde's voice, the deeper tone like thunder as they raced along the roads.
"I can't! I- Nyctalope!"

Nyctalope had almost fallen asleep at the wheel and bumped into the automobile next to them. The sudden jolt seemed to cause Lupin to snap out of his reluctance. He snatched the gun and used it to knock out the window beside him. He then fired it cleanly into a back tyre as Hyde was standing up to jump.

"No!" Nemo roared. Nemo continued to struggle. His efforts doubled so much that Zenith had to help pin him down. The Automobile slowed down as Sawyer stomped on the brake. They lost all control and slipped off the path, rolling over and crashing with a gut-wrenching clatter.

Nemo froze in Champeau's grip. His chest was rising and falling like a blacksmith's bellows. His broken rib burned, and he knew he'd set himself back in recovery. He focused on the anger instead of the grief that tried to get into his mind.
"What have you done?" His voice solidified as he barked "Why?!"
Lupin couldn't look at him. "I did what I had to."

The bombardment of noise suddenly stopped, leaving them in dead silence, save for the crunching of the gravel beneath the wheels. Champeau did not let go of Nemo, who was trying to reach up to see Sawyer and Hyde. He only released the captain when the car drew to a halt a few seconds later. Nemo stared out the window, desperate for a sign of life.

"I... I can't keep... going," Nyctalope murmured, going limp in his seat.

Lupin rushed to catch him. "Hai! Easy, Leo, easy. It's alright, you've done well..." Lupin soothed as the young man fell to the side. He pushed Nyctalope against the chair as he fell forwards. Champeau leaned forward to support Nyctalope's head as he slipped into deep unconsciousness. Lupin continued in a quieter tone "Zenith, help me get Nyctalope into the back so Champeau can see to this wound. Champeau, you'll have to tie Nemo's hands to the back of my chair. Zenith can drive."

The instructions were carried out as quickly as possible. Lupin and Zenith carried Nyctalope over to the back. Nemo remained silent. As Champeau bound him to the headrest, he tried to see if anyone was coming towards them… nothing… Nemo prayed with all his might that his friends were not harmed in a bid to save him.

At least with any luck, Jekyll would be there eventually to help. Hyde was a bit more durable, and Nemo felt a little less worried for him at first. But then he stopped himself mid-thought. When Hyde had been fighting in Mongolia against Dante and even with the two copies of Hyde on the Nautilus, he had struggled. Could Edward Hyde really survive such a crash? Could Sawyer?

He feared he'd never find out.

(*A Few Minutes Earlier*)

Struggling to maintain his balance, Hyde watched as the man in the front took the gun in one hand and fired. He kept the other hand on the driver's chest. Hyde could see the blood flowing through his fingers and liked the sight. Nemo was in the back, pinned although unscathed.

The bullet hit the tyre. Hyde hardly had time to grab onto the automobile. It began to fling itself side to side. Hyde could see the fear etched on Sawyer's face as he struggled to gain control of the vehicle. There was no grip on the gravel.

In that split second, time slowed. He found himself with two choices. Hyde could dive for the enemy car and save Nemo, which would mean Sawyer's likely demise. Or he could use himself as a shield to try to save Sawyer and waste their chance to save Nemo and exact revenge.

It wasn't as hard as he thought to decide.

As the automobile shuddered it flipped, catching on something on the road. Hyde didn't see. He had already pulled Sawyer from his seat and covered him with his body. Sawyer was too stunned to even react. They hit the ground hard but were safe from the metal. It flipped and rolled over several times, tangling in a field of wheat. The machine was sturdy and did not break too much as it came to a rest on its side.

When Hyde came to a stop after rolling a good few feet, he let go of Sawyer who fell off his chest. He didn't get up. Hyde grunted as he tried to get to his feet but failed. The skin on his back was scraped and bloodied. It stung, especially on his shoulders, but he blocked it out. He had more important things to tend to and he had always had a high pain tolerance. He knew Jekyll would be sore in the morning though.

Hyde looked up at the fleeing car. He could see Nemo in the back of the car, straining to look at him, appearing furious… and frightened. Edward, you must see to Sawyer. Put him in the car and push it back to the port. It's not far and we may need this automobile later.
"Shut up, Jekyll-" Hyde began.
No, Sawyer needs your help more than Nemo right now. At least we know Nemo is alive. Sawyer may not be so fortunate. We've lost our chance, I'm sorry.

With a growl of annoyance, Hyde looked over to Sawyer, leaning in close.
He's unconscious, but I can't tell if anything is broken, Jekyll said. Hyde could not help but feel somewhat relieved.

With slow movements, Hyde got back up to his feet and approached the now broken Automobile. It was intact, save for the dents and broken glass. Hyde could still push it along the road, even with the broken tyre. Hyde had to be quick, the formula would only last so long and Jekyll wouldn't be able to push this. He was too feeble and pathetic to do it alone anyway.

Using brute strength he managed to turn the car back onto its wheels and push it towards Sawyer, who still hadn't moved from where he had been left. Hyde then very carefully picked Sawyer up and put him into the automobile, so he was lying down on the back seats. Much to their surprise, no bones seemed broken. There was a little blood flowing down his forehead, but Jekyll was not too concerned yet.

Come, time is ticking. Jekyll cautioned.
"What about Nemo?" Hyde snapped back. He could almost feel Jekyll flinch inside of him.
We'll get him back, Edward, I promise. The sooner we get back to the port, the faster we can get back to finding Nemo.

Jekyll's answer seemed to satisfy Hyde enough into pushing the back of the broken white automobile along the road with all haste. They were fortunate that this automobile was not designed with a roof. It meant Hyde could push whilst Jekyll could still see his upcoming patient.

Jekyll could see the blood escaping the broken skin on his head. There was a bit of a lump beginning to form where the injury had swelled. The doctor felt hopeful for Sawyer as he tried to wake up.

At first, he was mumbling inaudible words. But the more he continued, the easier it was for them to make it out. He was calling out for Nemo… and for Hyde.
"Sawyer," Hyde said with surprising softness. "Wake up."

Wincing, Sawyer dragged himself up so that he was in a sitting position. Hyde offered to help, but Sawyer gently brushed him aside. "I'm alright… I'll be fine. Where's Nemo? What happened? Are you alright? You're bleeding."
"It's fine," Hyde ground out. "They shot at us and we crashed."
Sawyer winced, letting his memories return to him. "Thank you, for saving me back there. I'd have been a goner without you." Sawyer was sure he saw Hyde show a flicker of a smile.

Tell him we saw Nemo Jekyll said.
"I saw Nemo. He looks healed."
"Well, I guess that is better than nothing," Sawyer sighed. Hyde could see Sawyer's spirits were far from lifted by the results.

Hyde was furious and it wasn't really in his nature to stop himself from lashing out. But, taking the pain in his back into account, he decided to just push the automobile, putting a lot of energy into it.
Sawyer took hold of the sides. "You want me to help push?"
"Stay," Hyde said flatly. "Rest."

Hyde made it most of the way back before he could feel himself slipping away as if being dragged back down the drain. He could feel the scales tipping as Jekyll almost reluctantly began to rise back to the top. The pain began to make itself known as the physical transformation began. He felt as though he was being crushed like a metal can as his body twisted back into its original form. Hyde roared and bellowed throughout until finally the pain died down and he felt as though he had settled under the water. He always hated transforming.

Left in Hyde's place was Dr Jekyll once again. Sawyer reached up to steady him and guided him towards the automobile. Jekyll leaned against the automobile as he struggled to catch his breath. The entire process took less than a minute.
"You good?" Sawyer asked.
Jekyll nodded as he panted. He ripped the useless tatters of his shirt from his body and threw them into the automobile. His back was burning from his time as Hyde. He carried the same injuries Hyde had possessed. It was a lot of pain to have to work with. He hissed. Gravel rash was bad enough, but this was almost enough to make him cry.

Their new plan had not worked as hoped. Sawyer knew he would struggle to hit the tyres of the opposing automobile without being hit themselves or hurting Nemo. Hyde had made the suggestion of giving him a chance once again; all they had to do was get close enough.

"Good try, Edward. You did well. I had faith in your plan but we knew that it was supported by chance. But, at least we could see Nemo again and know he's alive. He is looking a lot better than the last time we saw him. That will give the others some hope at least," Jekyll said out loud.
When I get my hands on those responsible, they will not be in such a pleasing condition as Nemo now is. I want blood, Henry. Blood! I will not allow them to get away with this.
"I know, and I'm almost tempted to let you have your way."

Hyde remained silent in what was hopefully agreement.

Jekyll noticed Sawyer winced and rubbed his head. He was making his leg bounce as a way of dealing with the pain.
"Let me check on that." Gritting his teeth, Jekyll climbed over the side door so he was sitting beside Sawyer. He moved over and looked at the injury on the agent's head. All things considered, it wasn't that bad but it was enough to be a concern.
"Take it easy," Jekyll said. "Tell me if your vision is blurring or anything like that. I think you know what's good and what's not."

"I. I'm a little dizzy. Let's get back to the others. How far away are we from the port?"
"It's not far now, I don't think. If we leave the automobile for now, Nemo's men can help us to get it back. We can't do it alone and you aren't in any shape to be straining yourself so soon," the doctor replied.
"Neither are you," Sawyer remarked soberly.

Sawyer's head was pounding and he doubted he could walk in a straight line. He picked his way out of the automobile and leaned against the side.
"We'll have to get going. It'd be better if no one saw us or we'll end up with a crowd," Sawyer explained. Jekyll nodded and also exited the automobile.

They were a sorry sight, for both had to help each other. Sawyer felt like he was helping Jekyll more, but he wasn't sure about how much support Jekyll was giving him. His head was swimming. Step by uneven step, they began the small trek back to the port.

(*A Short While Later*)

The gunfight had continued for only a short time after Jekyll and Sawyer had left. The number of enemies reduced quickly. Mina had dealt with the majority of them, but she was sure there had someone else shooting at the enemy. She wasn't sure who. When the conflict was finished, she cleaned herself up discreetly, though she remained on high alert.

The heavy sound of shuffling feet and strained breathing attracted the group's attention. Mina was ready to attack, but she froze upon seeing who it was. Jekyll and Sawyer were supporting one another though Jekyll needed more help, with a bloody and ragged back. Sawyer looked off balance and had blood in his hair. There was no automobile in sight… and no Nemo.

Sawyer kept his head down to the ground. As though he was not yet ready to look up to the League and admit his failure.

"Jesus, Joseph, and Mary! What happened?" Skinner exclaimed as he finished the last button on his coat.
"We were so close… but it was no good. We crashed," Sawyer muttered, looking at Jekyll wincing. His injuries were paining him more as the cool air got to them.

Out of the corner of her eye, Mina noticed an injured figure near a crate was raising his gun.
"Skinner, look-"
A shot rang out along the port.

Skinner stood in shock, patting himself down for an injury. There was none; instead, the gunman was dead. Mina whipped her head around in alarm to see a small dispersing cloud of smoke that had come from the gun.

"You missed one of the buggers," a gruff and yet all too familiar voice said, stepping forward.

There he stood. The great white hunter - revived from the dead. As though he had never been killed by James Moriarty. As though they had never had to bury him. As though the League had never grieved…

"Quatermain..." Sawyer breathed.
"Hello again, lad."