Hey everyone! Sorry for such a long wait. I've been super, super busy what with travelling and all, which by the way, has been awesome so far! I'm still debating whether this is the first Super Bomb or not (read the Super Bomb update if you don't know), because I'm not sure how long the periods between updates will be. Hopefully I get all the Q/A's done quickly and can update half of my stories in this lot. The other half will be updated in the next super bomb. :D
Anyways, this and the next chapter were originally one, but it was faaaar too long, so I split it into two. I know that kind of sucks, but I didn't want you guys to be bored with a huge splurge of writing. I know sometimes when I read a book and it has a SUPER long chapter I feel unmotivated to read it. And, it just gives you guys more time to speculate on what will happen next! ;D But, that's all I have to say right now, so I hope you enjoy this chapter guys. I've worked really hard on it, so hopefully, you enjoy it as much as I did writing it! :D Enjoy!
Q/A's and Reactions:
EmilyBridger- Ooo! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! :D
Spectre 13- Who knows? Oh wait, that's right, me. XD
Guest- Yes, he finally got his just deserts. ;D
Guest- *Checks when last updated then laughs nervously*
Starlight Moon Midnight- Not at all. I took pleasure from it too. XD
Guest- The best part was definitely when he hit his jewels though. XD
Bloodsucking Demon- Ha, don't tempt me. ;D
Ezrafan61- I'm so glad to hear that! :D
Septimus714- Aw, thanks! I hope you enjoy this chapter too then! ;D
Coral Iturbe-Estoy tan contenta de que te haya gustado ! Esperemos que la espera no era demasiado largo . XD
Kayla103849- You're welcome and sorry for such a huge wait! I've been extremely busy and out of internet range for AGES so I hope you understand. :D
Jedi Jelsa777- It seemed like the right thing to do to give Ezra something good in his life of misfortune. :D
Mana- I'm so glad to hear you've been enjoying it, and yes, I absolutely loved that episode! And I'm so excited for the season finale it's insane! :D
Blueberry wubber- Yeah. I won't get to update often. :( But I'll try to make the updates worth it! :D
Rebels lover- That's okay bro. I won't get to write long replies either but, that's okay, one day I'll be able to make longer replies again! :D (And I haven't revealed Ahsoka yet. She'll come in eventually. ;D)
Miko Jasmine- I know right. XD
Paint the Fangirling Uniwolf- Yes. Got to be fancy-eth… bro-ceff. XD
Schyrsivochter- Aw, thank you so much for your support! :D
Rebekahtpe- XD That's flattering, but I'm pretty excited just to be hitting 300 at all! :D
Legoryan4579- They'll be coming in eventually, but I will warn you, I have other things planned for until they come up.
Alex Jarrus- Oh geez, that's embarrassing. *Goes hides in a hole* Pretend I never said that. XD
Akami- I try. I try. :)
Spottedmask12- Woo! Friendship!
Chiibe the Rebel- I know what you mean (with the school thing). And a few weeks ago I got two major nose bleeds. Would have been fine if one wasn't in the middle of the night and the other wasn't in a public shower. XD
Midnight Luna- Bro, you used to cut yourself? I'm so sorry to hear that. Just know that I'm always here if you need me! :D You're my friend, and I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you. And sure! *Cracks knuckles* Just give me a time and place. XD
Guest- Wow really? That's insane! :O
Fantasie Adventura Dreamwriter- XD Yeah, I see where you're coming from. Well I'm glad you're so happy that they're in! And trust me, they're not just a cameo. ;D
DevilSPR- Yes! Progress is progress! :D
CT-7567- I'm so glad to hear you've been enjoying it! There's still so much more to come! :D
Spector 0- I promise I'll try and get it uploaded. I've actually got the chapter ready, but getting enough internet to upload it is a different subject.
SOSI-M4AGIC- Aw, thank you so much! :D
Weirdness7- Don't worry, I totally underst- wait how are you reading during the middle of class?! XD
Xenocrusher- XD Yeah. I just imagine the other students who saw it go like "Aw, DAMN SON!" XD
Guest- Probably not. Some people are just… really big jerks.
EJean- Yus. So much more emotional when we do that. XD
Lilyflower101- Well I'm glad to hear that. :)
Nes- I try.
Superodd1713- Yay! I'm glad to know you like it! :D
Guest- Don't worry. In time. ;)
Guest- Rex always knows what's up. ;D
Spectre14- XD Hopefully I'm not too late this time! :D
Max's POV
My muscles were tense, my legs like a bow string just waiting to be released. With my gaze focused and sharp, dark shapes began shifting in different alleys and side corners. In the distance, a cloaked figure raised their hand with two fingers pointing to the sky. 'In position,' the sign meant.
I took silent, steady breaths as I remained crouched behind the window of the abandoned building. A Spectre beside me shuffled closer to get a better view, but I quickly pressed a finger to my lips and shook my head disapprovingly. Now wasn't the time to be curious. It was time to be cautious, aware. Even one slip up in this plan would cost everyone greatly. Lives were at stake now. There was no time to waste.
I stared out of the foggy, jagged glass at the grocery truck on its usual rounds. It had parked to the side as the two drivers had a cigarette break, casually chatting with each other while blissfully unaware of the events about to occur.
The perfect opportunity was closing in, and I raised my hand with my palm open so the Spectre in the distance could see. He nodded sharply, releasing a low tone whistle that mimicked a bird. And slowly, the shadows began to shift, moving closer and closer. Two cloaked figures waited in the alley as the two adults began making their way back to their truck.
I patted the knife in my boot for reassurance, the Spectres behind me tensing and ready to begin when ordered. And I waited. Waited for when the men made it to the alley. Waited for when the street was completely empty. Waited for the perfect moment.
And suddenly, I closed my hand into a fist, and the shadows leapt from the alleys and scrambled into action. The two men, taken by surprise, were attacked from behind by the awaiting Spectres, swiftly knocked out in a few punches. And as they collapsed onto the concrete pathway, the squad of 15 to 20 Spectres raced to break open the back of the truck. "Fox crew incoming!" I shouted as a trio of skinny, bony figures raced up. The Fox crew weren't the strongest of our Spectre factions, but they sure knew how to pick a lock. They were, what you could say, the brains of the operation.
The leader stepped forward and hastily began fiddling with the lock. Everyone was tense, but holding little concern. There were no witnesses, and the coast was clear.
Or so we thought.
Three long, loud whistles broke the silence, and everyone glanced up with complete terror. 'Abort! Abort!' was what it meant.
There were no sirens, just the roar of engines erupting from all around. My eyes widened in realisation, and I snapped "Tales! Anytime now!"
"I'm working on it!" the leader snarled as she twisted the last combination of the lock. Everyone released an audible sigh of relief when there was a small click, and the lock came undone. Tales stuffed the lock into her pocket and stepped back, allowing the other Spectres to jump in and lift the large metal doors. "Quickly!" I called while leaping onto the edge of the platform. "Vulture Squad on light-weight boxes while Wolf Pack takes the crates!"
Now the police made their presence known, their sirens activating as more emergency Spirit calls sung through the air. I could feel the sweat forming on my brow as I furiously handed Spectres things to carry, and the police were only about a street away. "Take what we can get and go!" I ordered as we hurriedly tried to empty the truck. And all too soon, the police cars rounded the corner, their red and blue lights flashing on the grey palate of walls. I gasped, realising that there was still a third of the cargo left to go. Forced to make an on the spot decision, I called "Leave the rest! Time to split up Spectres!"
Nobody argued as many scrambled for the alley ways, carrying their precious cargo with them. Only the Wolf Pack leader, Byte, and the Vulture Squad commander, Hawk, remained by my side as I jumped down from the truck. The cars screeched to a halt not too far from us as the three of us bolted for the closest alleyway. "Freeze!" a gruff voice roared, but we paid it no mind. We just kept running.
And like always, they began chasing after us. But they were surely faster than I remembered. I could hear their loud footsteps clambering behind us, yells of fury and frustration calling out and echoing off the alley walls. At one point, even a gunshot could be heard. We tried to lose them countless times, bending in and out of narrow side streets and abandoned buildings, but they were gaining with each passing second.
When we made it to an intersection, the three of us took a moment to catch our breath. "What's the… plan Ghoul?" Byte wheezed, panting.
"They won't… be far behind," Hawk stated drearily.
I breathed heavily, glancing around and taking in our options, before commanding "Byte, take the left. Hawk, take the right. Do not return back to Safe Haven until you are absolutely sure you've lost the police, understood?!"
"Yes Sir!" they both nodded just as the police rounded the last corner.
Immediately, the three of us split up, and I scurried down the middle street, my legs wavering slightly from exhaustion. But I kept pushing myself, aware of the police sirens and calls that seemed to be erupting from all around me. I stumbled over some garbage, before catching myself at the last moment and continuing to flee. Slowly, the noise began to fade, and my pursuers were no-where in sight. I continued to run for another minute or so, before finally receding to a jog, and lastly, a slow walk. The end of this alley was up ahead, and I took my time, knowing that at this time of day, the streets would usually be deserted. I sighed in relief, leaning against the brick building beside me and closing my eyes. I could finally take a moment to relax.
And then I heard it. Footsteps. Getting closer, and close-
A thick skinned hard suddenly clamped over my mouth, and I instinctively squirmed and kicked in the stranger's grasp. A muscly arm wrapped around my arms and chest to restrain me as a triumphant voice exclaimed "I told you he came this way Jarrus! All the scum go to this area of town when they need to run."
I tried to call out, tried to at least send a warning whistle to any nearby Spectres, but the stranger had me completely pinned and unable to move. I struggled a little longer, when a new voice spoke "Whatever Kallus. Let's just get this one to the station before his friends show up."
My eyes widened, and I kicked furiously at my attacker. Finally, I managed to slip from his grasp and jump away, until there was a tug on my cloak and I was jerked backwards. Knowing I couldn't escape, I instead whipped out my pocket knife and swung randomly at the officer. The blade made contact with jaw as the officer stumbled backwards with a cry of pain. "Why you little!" he barked, pouncing forward. I ducked just in time, and charge tackled the second officer without hesitation. I growled, raising my fist to strike him too when I realised something.
The man I had pinned underneath me had dark brown hair pulled into a tight pony tail, and a set of aquamarine eyes. His tan skin just so happened to fit Ezra's description of the 'Foster parent' he had, who also happened to be a police officer.
I hesitated to throw a punch now, not willing to knock out someone Ezra knew. And the officer obviously realised my frozen posture, for he made no move to attack, but instead just stared back at me with a steady gaze.
But then suddenly, I was grasped by the collar and heaved up forcefully. Before I knew it, I was thrown against the wall, my right arm twisted behind me and my face pressed against the chalky brick. I grunted as the first officer pulled my arm in an abnormal position, his other elbow keeping me pinned to the wall. "You Spirit filth," he spat as he turned my arm further.
I started to cry out in pain, my shoulder feeling like it would pop out of its socket if he twisted it any further. My weakened state wasn't helping much either, and spots began speckling my vision. "Kallus stop!" a voice protested, but it seemed distant and drowned out.
But the officer didn't stop, and the pressure on my arm increased. I squirmed desperately to get out of his firm grip, until the monster of a man suddenly did one, final push.
And then I screamed.
I screamed so loud it made my insides churn.
The pain shot up through my arm and all along my neck as I hollered and howled in agonising pain, trying to kick away but only causing my shoulder to hurt ten times more. "Kallus! You're hurting him!" a voice snapped as the grip on my arm released. My legs wavered, and I collapsed onto my knees with a shudder. Blood was pounding in my ears, and the world was spinning and swirling. It felt like I was about to puke.
I tried to lift my right arm, only to be met with the intense pain from before and a sharp yelp. Quickly, I clutched my arm and tried to keep it still while my muscles twitched and burned. I grunted and glanced around, pushing the fog from my mind and raising my fingers to my lips. The two officers seemed to have forgotten me as they argued back and forth, but their attention was soon back in my direction when I released one long, high pitched whistle.
The call echoed against the walls, before everything fell completely silent and tense. It seemed these days, this call was getting used more and more frequently, its simple meaning being 'Need immediate back up!'
And then, another whistle broke through the air, and another, and another. The police officers glanced around nervously as the whistle relayed and I pushed myself onto my feet. "Great work Jarrus!" the first officer barked while pulling out his gun. "Now the runt's called for backup!"
The other man growled in frustration, before pulling out his walkie talkie and stating "Requesting back up in Sector 5, repeat, back up in Sect-"
He never finished his sentence, because a sleek figure jumped forward and kicked the device from his hand, sending it tumbling across the concrete. Their worn cloak and wind symbol on their left shoulder signified their scouting rank as they attempted to attack the two police. While the Spectre distracted the police with an onslaught of punches and wild kicks, another scout Spectre ran to my side. "Ghoul! Are you okay?!" he asked as he attempted to lift me up.
I hissed when he touched my shoulder and twisted away, replying "Not that arm."
He nodded in understanding, slinging my left arm over his shoulders and allowing me to lean on him for stability. I glanced back at the first Spectre to see them scurrying away as the police with his gun out aimed for their head. But by the time he fired, the Spectre had already slipped into the nearest alley. I sighed in relief, and realised that the second scout was trying to usher me away. "Sir, we need to go!" he urged.
I was about to turn and run with the Spectre when I saw the second officer, the one I could only assume was Ezra's foster parent, staring straight at us. His eyes seemed vacant, but his gaze was soft and gentle. It was almost as if he wanted us to run, for he didn't alert his partner who was still cursing and facing the other direction. "Ghoul?" the Spectre spoke with concern.
I shook my head and started running, the scout by my side and allowing me to share some of my weight as we bolted into the closest alley. As we did, he released a soothing tune into the sky, saying 'Situation clear', which silenced any of the previous calls.
All Spectres were required to know these streets like the back of their hand, but the scouts were the true experts. They knew every turn, every path, every building, as if they controlled the map instead of followed it. And this Spectre was no exception. He wound me through narrow paths and helped me under a barbed wire fence, and when the sounds of patrolling police cars finally died down, he gave me a moment to recover at a cross road. "The others," I huffed in exhaustion. "Did they, make it?"
His features were still covered, but he replied "The scouts will be watching the police until they leave, and if they captured any one of us, we'll try to step in as swiftly as possible Sir."
I nodded. "Thank you, for saving me," I sighed as we continued on in a gentle walk. "What is your name Spectre?"
"Tim," he answered. "And the one that fought the officers was my sister, Dina."
"Well tell her I said thanks," I smiled.
He nodded in acknowledgement, before asking "What happened to your shoulder?"
I glanced down at my arm and winced at the strange angle it was twisted in and the bony lump protruding from my shoulder. "I'll explain once we get back to Safe Haven," I replied in a murmur. Obviously realising I didn't want to touch on the subject, he didn't bring it up again, and we silently travelled through the streets to get back to home base. When we got to one of the entrances, he guided me patiently and offered whatever help he could so not to injure my arm.
Once we made it through, I glanced up and saw that the Spectres had set up some crates and opened them in a row. A hoard of Spirits were forming around them, children and adults, everyone was trying to get some of the new food supplies. "Hey!" a gruff voice barked over the commotion. I saw Byte standing atop a box, calling out "Form a line everyone! Form a line!"
The Wolf Pack Spectres ushered the hoard into two lines, and as each person passed by a station, a Spectre would give them one item from the crate. It was mostly various fruits and some slices of bread, but there was one person who handed out biscuits to the young children. All the Spirits seemed relieved, the three days of famine denting everyone's hope and confidence. But as they sat in groups and snacked on their rations, a lively energy began surging back into Safe Haven.
I marvelled over how much we had expanded. From a rag tag group of 8 that lived in the alleys, to a structured organisation with factions, an almost functional base, and a wide variety of people all with different stories and skills.
I smiled at the thought. And just seeing everyone eating again made a tense weight on my shoulders lift.
Suddenly, a new voice spoke with a smooth tone "Quite an event you have here, Ghoul."
I twisted around and pushed down the urge to growl as the tall, dark skinned male strode forward. He wore a confident smirk, and he held his head high. "Lando," I spat. "The rent's not till this Friday."
"Oh Ghoul," he replied smugly. "Haven't you heard? Their price is rising, and so is mine."
My eyes widened, before I snapped "You're changing it again?! That wasn't part of the deal!"
"Things change boy," he stated drearily. "The police are almost desperate to catch you and your friend, and if they found out I was involved, I'd be done for."
I narrowed my eyes at the male, hissing with an icy tone "How. Much."
A smile grew on his lips, causing my stomach to churn uncomfortably. "200," he finally answered.
"WHAT?!" I exclaimed. My voice seemed to echo through the Safe Haven, and everyone turned their attention towards us. I flinched, waving Tim off and whispering "You heard nothing."
He nodded. "Of course."
"Alright, back to your own business!" Byte's assertive voice called out. Murmurs and chatter began rising again as everyone turned back to their conversations and food.
I sighed in relief, turning back to Lando and snarling quietly "Where exactly do you expect us to get that kind of money?!"
"That's not my problem," he smirked. He step forward and spoke with a sharp edge "You have 24 hours."
I stared at him blankly, returning his vacant gaze, until he twisted on his heel and strode off, his cloak swirling and winding like a snake. I blinked rapidly a few times, my mind completely overwhelmed with the sudden change of event. As if I didn't have enough to worry about already. And I had the feeling Ezra wouldn't take the news too well either.
My brows furrowed as I thought about my 'un-official' brother.
He had gone through so much. All the pain, all the sacrifice. It just wasn't fair. Even while keeping himself composed in front of everyone that looked up to him, he was silently crumbling on the inside. The last thing he needed right now was to hear that in our most difficult time of year, our little 'friend' had raised the price tag once again. What with feeding everyone, not getting caught by police, not dying by any natural causes, and trying to pay the rent, our money situation was practically strangling us.
Ezra technically had the right to know about Lando's new negotiation, but if I couldn't reach him, how was he supposed to help? I hadn't seen him since he introduced me to Sir Hot Shot the other night…
Wait… Hot Shot… That's it!
"Ghoul," A stern voice spoke, snapping me from my distant thoughts.
"W-What?' I stuttered as I spun around.
Byte stood there, amber eyes staring deep into my soul. His muscles flexed and his back straightened, only making the sky-scrapper of a 19 year old look that much taller. "The scout told me you're injured," he stated.
I nodded regretfully, instead saying "We can sort that out in a sec. First, how many crates did we get?"
"37," he replied drearily. "We didn't have time to snag the other 23."
I sighed, dragging a hand down my face with a groan. "Okay, so not exactly what we were hoping for…" I muttered. "How many are we using now?"
"9," Byte answered.
"Good," I stated as I quickly did the math in my head. "Get the scouts to hand out 14 crates worth to the homeless and other dwellers on the street, and put whatever's left into storage."
"Okay boss," he said, about to walk off when I added "And Byte."
"Hm?"
Cradling my injured arm against my chest, I hesitantly spoke "I need you and a few of your men to see me in the meeting room, m'kay?"
He nodded and walked off as I made my way into the large building. Stumbling over to the kitchen door, I fumbled for my key and swiped it along the lock. The door slid open with a worn out squeak, before I paced into the musty, dim room. A few candles were placed along the benches and gave the room a very claustrophobic feel as the flames glistened near the rusted metal work. I groaned, the exhaustion hitting me in a wave and my head beginning to spin again. That all too familiar flu feeling was returning, and in much more force then before.
Not a few moments later, Byte arrived with a few of his Spectres behind him. He shut the door and asked with a warm tone "What do you need Ghoul?"
I grunted as I supported myself against the table. With my good arm, I pushed all the papers off the top and onto the floor, lifting myself to sit on the edge. "Byte," I groaned, waving him over.
The young male was at my side in a flash. "Yes?"
"No matter how much I scream and holler. No matter how much I beg you not to, promise me, you will not hesitate with my next orders," I hissed in a quiet whisper.
Byte seemed uncomfortable, his expression sceptical. "What do you need?" he asked, his eyes full of concern.
"My arm," I explained. "I think it's dislocated. I need you to push it back into place while your team holds me down."
"You're joking right?" he replied in pure disbelief. "I-I don't know how to relocate a shoulder!"
"It'll be fine," I assured through gritted teeth as I lay myself down onto the table. "Just make sure you do it quickly Byte. Like ripping off a Band-Aid."
Byte rolled his eyes, before waving his Spectres over with great reluctance. "Okay boys. Hold him down, and don't release him until I say," he ordered as he took his place by my right. As the others pinned down my legs and other arm, Byte glanced down at me with a nervous expression. "Now remember, you asked me to do this. You can't hold me against it afterwards, got it?" he chuckled, though there was a tone of fear in his voice.
I smiled lightly, my head throbbing and my shoulder aching. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just get this over with," I mumbled.
"Okay," he sighed, placing his hands on my arm.
I hissed at the contact, causing Byte to hesitate ever so slightly. Clenching my eyes shut, I growled "Don't. Hesitate. Byte."
I heard him inhale sharply, before saying "Okay boys. One. Two. Three!"
"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"